A Feast For Crows

A Bantam Spectra Book / November 2005

Copyright 2005 by George R. R. Martin
Map by !ame Sinc"air
#era"$ic cret by %irginia Norey
e&SBN' 0(55)(*00)2()
George R. R. Martin
A DANCE WITH DRAGONS
Book +ive o,
A Song of Ice and Fire

Dedication
A Feast for Crows
For Stephen Boucher, wizard of Windows, dragon of DOS, without whom this book would
hae been written in cra!on
A Dance with Dragons
this one is for m! fans

for "ode!, #rebla, Stego, $od,
%aress, &ags, '()a! and *r+ ',
,ate, %hata!a, *ormont, *ich,
-amie, .anessa, )o,
for Stubb!, "ouise, Agraaine,
Wert, *alt, -o,
*ouse, #elisiane, Blackf!re,
Bronn Stone, %o!ote/s Daughter,
and the rest of the madmen and wild women of
the Brotherhood Without Banners

for m! website wizards
0lio and "inda, lords of Westeros,
Winter and Fabio of WI%,
and 1ibbs of Dragonstone, who started it all

for men and women of Asshai in Spain
who sang to us of a bear and a maiden fair
and the fabulous fans of Ital!
who gae me so much wine
for m! readers in Finland, 1erman!,
Brazil, $ortugal, France, and the 2etherlands
and all the other distant lands
where !ou/e been waiting for this dance

and for all the friends and fans
I hae !et to meet

thanks for !our patience
Meanwhile !ac" On The Wall# $ A CA%I& ON CHRONO&OG'
Hey- .ait a min/te01 ome o, yo/ may be aying abo/t no.. 23ait a min/te- .ait a min/te0
3here4 5any an$ the $ragon6 3here4 7yrion6 3e har$"y a. !on Sno.. 7hat can4t be a"" o,
it8.1
3e""- no. 7here4 more to come. Another book a big a thi one.
& $i$ not ,orget to .rite abo/t the other character. +ar ,rom it. & .rote "ot abo/t them. 9age
an$ page an$ page. Chapter an$ more chapter. & .a ti"" .riting .hen it $a.ne$ on me that
the book ha$ become too big to p/b"ih in a ing"e vo"/me8 an$ & .an4t c"oe to ,inihe$ yet.
7o te"" a"" o, the tory that & .ante$ to te""- & .a going to have to c/t the book in t.o.
7he imp"et .ay to $o that .o/"$ have been to take .hat & ha$- chop it in ha", aro/n$ the
mi$$"e- an$ en$ .ith 27o Be Contin/e$.1 7he more & tho/ght abo/t that- ho.ever- the more &
,e"t that the rea$er .o/"$ be better erve$ by a book that to"$ a"" the tory ,or ha", the character-
rather than ha", the tory ,or a"" the character. So that4 the ro/te & choe to take.
7yrion- !on- 5any- Stanni an$ Me"ian$re- 5avo Sea.orth- an$ a"" the ret o, the character
yo/ "ove or "ove to hate .i"" be a"ong ne:t year ;& $evo/t"y hope< in A Dance with Dragons-
.hich .i"" ,oc/ on event a"ong the 3a"" an$ acro the ea- =/t a the preent book ,oc/e$ on
>ing4 ?an$ing.
@George R. R. Martin
!/ne 2005
&t ha been a .hi"e bet.een book- & kno.. So a remin$er may be in or$er.
7he book yo/ ho"$ in yo/r han$ i the ,i,th vo"/me o, A Song of Ice and Fire. 7he ,o/rth
vo"/me .a A Feast for %rows+ #o.ever- thi vo"/me $oe not ,o""o. that one in the tra$itiona"
ene- o m/ch a r/n in tan$em .ith it.
Both Dance an$ Feast take /p the tory imme$iate"y a,ter the event o, the thir$ vo"/me in
the erie- A Storm of Swords+ 3herea Feast ,oc/e$ on event in an$ aro/n$ >ing4 ?an$ing-
on the &ron &"an$- an$ $o.n in 5orne- Dance take / north to Cat"e B"ack an$ the 3a"" ;an$
beyon$<- an$ acro the narro. ea to 9ento an$ S"aver4 Bay- to pick /p the ta"e o, 7yrion
?anniter- !on Sno.- 5aenery 7argaryen- an$ a"" the other character yo/ $i$ not ee in the
prece$ing vo"/me. Rather than being eA/entia"- the t.o book are para""e"8 $ivi$e$
geographica""y- rather than chrono"ogica""y.
B/t on"y /p to a point.
A Dance with Dragons i a "onger book than A Feast for %rows, an$ cover a "onger time
perio$. &n the "atter ha", o, thi vo"/me- yo/ .i"" notice certain o, the vie.point character ,rom
A Feast for %rows popping /p again. An$ that mean =/t .hat yo/ think it mean' the narrative
ha move$ pat the time ,rame o, Feast, an$ the t.o tream have once again re=oine$ each
other.
Ne:t /p- #he Winds of Winter+ 3herein- & hope- everybo$y .i"" be hivering together once
again8
@George R. R. Martin
Apri" 20BB


+rolog,e -
Dragon-1 ai$ Mo""an$er. #e natche$ a .ithere$ app"e o,, the gro/n$ an$ toe$ it han$ to
han$.
27hro. the app"e-1 /rge$ A""era the Sphin:. #e "ippe$ an arro. ,rom hi A/iver an$ nocke$
it to hi bo.tring.
2& ho/"$ "ike to ee a $ragon.1 Roone .a the yo/nget o, them- a ch/nky boy ti"" t.o year
hy o, manhoo$. 2& ho/"$ "ike that very m/ch.1
And I should like to sleep with )ose!/s arms around me, 9ate tho/ght. #e hi,te$ ret"e"y on
the bench. By the morro. the gir" co/"$ .e"" be hi. I will take her far from Oldtown, across the
narrow sea to one of the Free %ities+ 7here .ere no maeter there- no one to acc/e him.
#e co/"$ hear Cmma4 "a/ghter coming thro/gh a h/ttere$ .in$o. overhea$- ming"e$ .ith
the $eeper voice o, the man he .a entertaining. She .a the o"$et o, the erving .enche at
the D/i"" an$ 7ankar$- ,orty i, he .a a $ay- b/t ti"" pretty in a ,"ehy ort o, .ay. Roey .a
her $a/ghter- ,i,teen an$ ,reh"y ,"o.ere$. Cmma ha$ $ecree$ that Roey4 mai$enhea$ .o/"$
cot a go"$en $ragon. 9ate ha$ ave$ nine i"ver tag an$ a pot o, copper tar an$ pennie- ,or
a"" the goo$ that .o/"$ $o him. #e .o/"$ have too$ a better chance o, hatching a rea" $ragon
than aving /p eno/gh coin to make a go"$en one.
2Eo/ .ere born too "ate ,or $ragon- "a$-1 Armen the Aco"yte to"$ Roone. Armen .ore a
"eather thong abo/t hi neck- tr/ng .ith "ink o, pe.ter- tin- "ea$- an$ copper- an$ "ike mot
aco"yte he eeme$ to be"ieve that novice ha$ t/rnip gro.ing ,rom their ho/"$er in p"ace o,
hea$. 27he "at one perihe$ $/ring the reign o, >ing Aegon the 7hir$.1
27he "at $ragon in Westeros,1 inite$ Mo""an$er.
27hro. the app"e-1 A""era /rge$ again. #e .a a come"y yo/th- their Sphin:. A"" the erving
.enche $ote$ on him. Cven Roey .o/"$ ometime to/ch him on the arm .hen he bro/ght
him .ine- an$ 9ate ha$ to gnah hi teeth an$ preten$ not to ee.
27he "at $ragon in 3etero was the "at $ragon-1 ai$ Armen $ogge$"y. 27hat i .e""
kno.n.1
27he apple,1 A""era ai$. 2Fn"e yo/ mean to eat it.1
2#ere.1 5ragging hi c"/b,oot- Mo""an$er took a hort hop- .hir"e$- an$ .hippe$ the app"e
i$earm into the mit that h/ng above the #oney.ine. &, not ,or hi ,oot- he .o/"$ have been a
knight "ike hi ,ather. #e ha$ the trength ,or it in thoe thick arm an$ broa$ ho/"$er. +ar an$
,at the app"e ,"e.8
8b/t not a ,at a the arro. that .hit"e$ a,ter it- a yar$("ong ha,t o, go"$en .oo$ ,"etche$
.ith car"et ,eather. 9ate $i$ not ee the arro. catch the app"e- b/t he hear$ it. A o,t chunk
echoe$ back acro the river- ,o""o.e$ by a p"ah.
Mo""an$er .hit"e$. 2Eo/ core$ it. S.eet.1
2ot half as sweet as )ose!+ 9ate "ove$ her haGe" eye an$ b/$$ing breat- an$ the .ay he
mi"e$ every time he a. him. #e "ove$ the $imp"e in her cheek. Sometime he .ent
bare,oot a he erve$- to ,ee" the gra beneath her ,eet. #e "ove$ that too. #e "ove$ the c"ean
,reh me"" o, her- the .ay her hair c/r"e$ behin$ her ear. #e even "ove$ her toe. Hne night
he4$ "et him r/b her ,eet an$ p"ay .ith them- an$ he4$ ma$e /p a ,/nny ta"e ,or every toe to
keep her gigg"ing.
9erhap he .o/"$ $o better to remain on thi i$e o, the narro. ea. #e co/"$ b/y a $onkey
.ith the coin he4$ ave$- an$ he an$ Roey co/"$ take t/rn ri$ing it a they .an$ere$ 3etero.
Cbroe might not think him .orthy o, the i"ver- b/t 9ate kne. ho. to et a bone an$ "eech a
,ever. 7he ma"",o"k .o/"$ be grate,/" ,or hi he"p. &, he co/"$ "earn to c/t hair an$ have bear$-
he might even be a barber. #hat would be enough, he to"$ hime",- so long as I had )ose!+ Roey
.a a"" that he .ante$ in the .or"$.
7hat ha$ not a".ay been o. Hnce he ha$ $reame$ o, being a maeter in a cat"e- in ervice to
ome open(han$e$ "or$ .ho .o/"$ honor him ,or hi .i$om an$ beto. a ,ine .hite hore on
him to thank him ,or hi ervice. #o. high he4$ ri$e- ho. nob"y- mi"ing $o.n at the ma"",o"k
.hen he pae$ them on the roa$8
Hne night in the D/i"" an$ 7ankar$4 common room- a,ter hi econ$ tankar$ o, ,earome"y
trong ci$er- 9ate ha$ boate$ that he .o/"$ not a".ay be a novice. 27oo tr/e-1 ?aGy ?eo ha$
ca""e$ o/t. 2Eo/4"" be a ,ormer novice- her$ing .ine.1
#e $raine$ the $reg o, hi tankar$. 7he torch"it terrace o, the D/i"" an$ 7ankar$ .a an
i"an$ o, "ight in a ea o, mit thi morning. 5o.nriver- the $itant beacon o, the #ighto.er
,"oate$ in the $amp o, night "ike a haGy orange moon- b/t the "ight $i$ "itt"e to "i,t hi pirit.
#he alchemist should hae come b! now+ #a$ it a"" been ome cr/e" =ape- or ha$ omething
happene$ to the man6 &t .o/"$ not have been the ,irt time that goo$ ,ort/ne ha$ t/rne$ o/r on
9ate. #e ha$ once co/nte$ hime", "/cky to be choen to he"p o"$ Archmaeter 3a"grave .ith
the raven- never $reaming that be,ore "ong he .o/"$ a"o be ,etching the man4 mea"- .eeping
o/t hi chamber- an$ $reing him every morning. Cveryone ai$ that 3a"grave ha$ ,orgotten
more o, ravencra,t than mot maeter ever kne.- o 9ate a/me$ a b"ack iron "ink .a the "eat
that he co/"$ hope ,or- on"y to ,in$ that 3a"grave co/"$ not grant him one. 7he o"$ man
remaine$ an archmaeter on"y by co/rtey. A great a maeter a once he4$ been- no. hi robe
concea"e$ oi"e$ ma""c"othe o,t a not- an$ ha", a year ago ome aco"yte ,o/n$ him .eeping in
the ?ibrary- /nab"e to ,in$ hi .ay back to hi chamber. Maeter Gormon at be"o. the iron
mak in 3a"grave4 p"ace- the ame Gormon .ho ha$ once acc/e$ 9ate o, the,t.
&n the app"e tree bei$e the .ater- a nightinga"e began to ing. &t .a a .eet o/n$- a
.e"come repite ,rom the harh cream an$ en$"e 3uorking o, the raven he ha$ ten$e$ a"" $ay
"ong. 7he .hite raven kne. hi name- an$ .o/"$ m/tter it to each other .henever they ca/ght
ight o, him- 4$ate, $ate, $ate,5 /nti" he .ante$ to cream. 7he big .hite bir$ .ere
Archmaeter 3a"grave4 pri$e. #e .ante$ them to eat him .hen he $ie$- b/t 9ate ha", /pecte$
that they meant to eat him too.
9erhap it .a the ,earome"y trong ci$er@he ha$ not come here to $rink- b/t A""era ha$
been b/ying to ce"ebrate hi copper "ink- an$ g/i"t ha$ ma$e him thirty@b/t it a"mot o/n$e$
a i, the nightinga"e .ere tri""ing gold for iron, gold for iron, gold for iron+ 3hich .a paing
trange- beca/e that .a .hat the tranger ha$ ai$ the night Roey bro/ght the t.o o, them
together. 23ho are yo/61 9ate ha$ $eman$e$ o, him- an$ the man ha$ rep"ie$- 2An a"chemit. &
can change iron into go"$.1 An$ then the coin .a in hi han$- $ancing acro hi kn/ck"e- the
o,t ye""o. go"$ hining in the can$"e"ight. Hn one i$e .a a three(hea$e$ $ragon- on the other
the hea$ o, ome $ea$ king. 1old for iron, 9ate remembere$- !ou won/t do better+ Do !ou want
her6 Do !ou loe her6 2& am no thie,-1 he ha$ to"$ the man .ho ca""e$ hime", the a"chemit- 2&
am a novice o, the Cita$e".1 7he a"chemit ha$ bo.e$ hi hea$- an$ ai$- 2&, yo/ ho/"$
reconi$er- & ha"" ret/rn here three $ay hence- .ith my $ragon.1
7hree $ay ha$ pae$. 9ate ha$ ret/rne$ to the D/i"" an$ 7ankar$- ti"" /ncertain .hat he
.a- b/t intea$ o, the a"chemit he4$ ,o/n$ Mo""an$er an$ Armen an$ the Sphin:- .ith Roone
in to.. &t .o/"$ have raie$ /picion not to =oin them.
7he D/i"" an$ 7ankar$ never c"oe$. +or i: h/n$re$ year it ha$ been tan$ing on it i"an$
in the #oney.ine- an$ never once ha$ it $oor been h/t to tra$e. 7ho/gh the ta""- timbere$
b/i"$ing "eane$ to.ar$ the o/th the .ay novice ometime "eane$ a,ter a tankar$- 9ate
e:pecte$ that the inn .o/"$ go on tan$ing ,or another i: h/n$re$ year- e""ing .ine an$ a"e
an$ ,earome"y trong ci$er to rivermen an$ eamen- mith an$ inger- priet an$ prince- an$
the novice an$ aco"yte o, the Cita$e".
2H"$to.n i not the .or"$-1 $ec"are$ Mo""an$er- too "o/$"y. #e .a a knight4 on- an$ $r/nk
a $r/nk co/"$ be. Since they bro/ght him .or$ o, hi ,ather4 $eath /pon the B"ack.ater- he got
$r/nk mot every night. Cven in H"$to.n- ,ar ,rom the ,ighting an$ a,e behin$ it .a""- the
3ar o, the +ive >ing ha$ to/che$ them a""8 a"tho/gh Archmaeter Bene$ict inite$ that there
ha$ never been a .ar o, ,ive king- ince Ren"y Baratheon ha$ been "ain be,ore Ba"on Grey=oy
ha$ cro.ne$ hime",.
2My ,ather a".ay ai$ the .or"$ .a bigger than any "or$4 cat"e-1 Mo""an$er .ent on.
25ragon m/t be the "eat o, the thing a man might ,in$ in Darth an$ Ahai an$ Ei 7i. 7hee
ai"or4 torie81
28are torie to"$ by ai"or-1 Armen interr/pte$. 2Sailors, my $ear Mo""an$er. Go back
$o.n to the $ock- an$ & .ager yo/4"" ,in$ ai"or .ho4"" te"" yo/ o, the mermai$ that they
be$$e$- or ho. they pent a year in the be""y o, a ,ih.1
2#o. $o yo/ kno. they $i$n4t61 Mo""an$er th/mpe$ thro/gh the gra- "ooking ,or more
app"e. 2Eo/4$ nee$ to be $o.n the be""y yo/re", to .ear they .eren4t. Hne ai"or .ith a tory-
aye- a man might "a/gh at that- b/t .hen oarmen o,, ,o/r $i,,erent hip te"" the ame ta"e in
,o/r $i,,erent tong/e81
27he ta"e are not the ame-1 inite$ Armen. 25ragon in Ahai- $ragon in Darth- $ragon
in Meereen- 5othraki $ragon- $ragon ,reeing "ave8 each te""ing $i,,er ,rom the "at.1
2Hn"y in $etai".1 Mo""an$er gre. more t/bborn .hen he $rank- an$ even .hen ober he .a
b/""hea$e$. 2A"" peak o, dragons, an$ a bea/ti,/" yo/ng A/een.1
7he on"y $ragon 9ate care$ abo/t .a ma$e o, ye""o. go"$. #e .on$ere$ .hat ha$ happene$
to the a"chemit. #he third da!+ 7e said he/d be here+
27here4 another app"e near yo/r ,oot-1 A""era ca""e$ to Mo""an$er- 2an$ & ti"" have t.o
arro. in my A/iver.1
2+/ck yo/r A/iver.1 Mo""an$er coope$ /p the .in$,a"". 27hi one4 .ormy-1 he comp"aine$-
b/t he thre. it any.ay. 7he arro. ca/ght the app"e a it began to ,a"" an$ "ice$ it c"ean in t.o.
Hne ha", "an$e$ on a t/rret roo,- t/mb"e$ to a "o.er roo,- bo/nce$- an$ mie$ Armen by a ,oot.
2&, yo/ c/t a .orm in t.o- yo/ make t.o .orm-1 the aco"yte in,orme$ them.
2&, on"y it .orke$ that .ay .ith app"e- no one .o/"$ ever nee$ go h/ngry-1 ai$ A""era .ith
one o, hi o,t mi"e. 7he Sphin: .a a".ay mi"ing- a i, he kne. ome ecret =ape. &t gave
him a .icke$ "ook that .ent .e"" .ith hi pointe$ chin- .i$o.4 peak- an$ $ene mat o, c"oe(
croppe$ =et(b"ack c/r".
A""era .o/"$ make a maeter. #e ha$ on"y been at the Cita$e" ,or a year- yet a"rea$y he ha$
,orge$ three "ink o, hi maeter4 chain. Armen might have more- b/t each o, hi ha$ taken him
a year to earn. Sti""- he .o/"$ make a maeter too. Roone an$ Mo""an$er remaine$ pink(necke$
novice- b/t Roone .a very yo/ng an$ Mo""an$er pre,erre$ $rinking to rea$ing.
9ate- tho/gh8
#e ha$ been ,ive year at the Cita$e"- arriving .hen he .a no more than three(an$(ten- yet
hi neck remaine$ a pink a it ha$ been on the $ay he ,irt arrive$ ,rom the .eter"an$. 7.ice
ha$ he be"ieve$ hime", rea$y. 7he ,irt time he ha$ gone be,ore Archmaeter %ae""yn to
$emontrate hi kno."e$ge o, the heaven. &ntea$ he "earne$ ho. %inegar %ae""yn ha$ earne$
that name. &t took 9ate t.o year to /mmon /p the co/rage to try again. 7hi time he /bmitte$
hime", to kin$"y o"$ Archmaeter Cbroe- reno.ne$ ,or hi o,t voice an$ gent"e han$- b/t
Cbroe4 igh ha$ omeho. prove$ =/t a pain,/" a %ae""yn4 barb.
2Hne "at app"e-1 promie$ A""era- 2an$ & .i"" te"" yo/ .hat & /pect abo/t thee $ragon.1
23hat co/"$ yo/ kno. that & $on4t61 gr/mb"e$ Mo""an$er. #e pie$ an app"e on a branch-
=/mpe$ /p- p/""e$ it $o.n- an$ thre.. A""era $re. hi bo.tring back to hi ear- t/rning
grace,/""y to ,o""o. the target in ,"ight. #e "ooe$ hi ha,t =/t a the app"e began to ,a"".
2Eo/ a".ay mi yo/r "at hot-1 ai$ Roone.
7he app"e p"ahe$ $o.n into the river- /nto/che$.
2See61 ai$ Roone.
27he $ay yo/ make them a"" i the $ay yo/ top improving.1 A""era /ntr/ng hi "ongbo.
an$ eae$ it into it "eather cae. 7he bo. .a carve$ ,rom go"$enheart- a rare an$ ,ab"e$ .oo$
,rom the S/mmer &"e. 9ate ha$ trie$ to ben$ it once- an$ ,ai"e$. #he Sphin8 looks slight, but
there/s strength in those slim arms, he re,"ecte$- a A""era thre. a "eg acro the bench an$
reache$ ,or hi .ine c/p. 27he $ragon ha three hea$-1 he anno/nce$ in hi o,t 5ornih $ra.".
2& thi a ri$$"e61 Roone .ante$ to kno.. 2Sphin:e a".ay peak in ri$$"e in the ta"e.1
2No ri$$"e.1 A""era ippe$ hi .ine. 7he ret o, them .ere A/a,,ing tankar$ o, the
,earome"y trong ci$er that the D/i"" an$ 7ankar$ .a reno.ne$ ,or- b/t he pre,erre$ the
trange- .eet .ine o, hi mother4 co/ntry. Cven in H"$to.n /ch .ine $i$ not come cheap.
&t ha$ been ?aGy ?eo .ho $/bbe$ A""era 2the Sphin:.1 A phin: i a bit o, thi- a bit o, that'
a h/man ,ace- the bo$y o, a "ion- the .ing o, a ha.k. A""era .a the ame' hi ,ather .a a
5ornihman- hi mother a b"ack(kinne$ S/mmer &"an$er. #i o.n kin .a $ark a teak. An$
"ike the green marb"e phin:e that ,"anke$ the Cita$e"4 main gate- A""era ha$ eye o, ony:.
2No $ragon ha ever ha$ three hea$ e:cept on hie"$ an$ banner-1 Armen the Aco"yte ai$
,irm"y. 27hat .a a hera"$ic charge- no more. +/rthermore- the 7argaryen are a"" $ea$.1
2Not a""-1 ai$ A""era. 27he Beggar >ing ha$ a iter.1
2& tho/ght her hea$ .a mahe$ againt a .a""-1 ai$ Roone.
2No-1 ai$ A""era. 2&t .a 9rince Rhaegar4 yo/ng on Aegon .hoe hea$ .a $ahe$
againt the .a"" by the ?ion o, ?anniter4 brave men. 3e peak o, Rhaegar4 iter- born on
5ragontone be,ore it ,a"". 7he one they ca""e$ 5aenery.1
27he Stormborn+ & reca"" her no..1 Mo""an$er "i,te$ hi tankar$ high- "ohing the ci$er that
remaine$. 2#ere4 to her01 #e g/"pe$- "amme$ hi empty tankar$ $o.n- be"che$- an$ .ipe$ hi
mo/th .ith the back o, hi han$. 23here4 Roey6 H/r right,/" A/een $eerve another ro/n$ o,
ci$er- .o/"$n4t yo/ ay61
Armen the Aco"yte "ooke$ a"arme$. 2?o.er yo/r voice- ,oo". Eo/ ho/"$ not even =ape abo/t
/ch thing. Eo/ never kno. .ho co/"$ be "itening. 7he Spi$er ha ear every.here.1
2Ah- $on4t pi yo/r breeche- Armen. & .a propoing a $rink- not a rebe""ion.1
9ate hear$ a ch/ck"e. A o,t- "y voice ca""e$ o/t ,rom behin$ him. 2& a".ay kne. yo/ .ere a
traitor- #op,rog.1 ?aGy ?eo .a "o/ching by the ,oot o, the o"$ p"ank bri$ge- $rape$ in atin
tripe$ in green an$ go"$- .ith a b"ack i"k ha", cape pinne$ to hi ho/"$er by a roe o, =a$e. 7he
.ine he4$ $ribb"e$ $o.n hi ,ront ha$ been a rob/t re$- =/$ging ,rom the co"or o, the pot. A
"ock o, hi ah(b"on$ hair ,e"" $o.n acro one eye.
Mo""an$er brit"e$ at the ight o, him. 2B/gger that. Go a.ay. Eo/ are not .e"come here.1
A""era "ai$ a han$ /pon hi arm to ca"m him- .hi"t Armen ,ro.ne$. 2?eo. My "or$. & ha$
/n$ertoo$ that yo/ .ere ti"" con,ine$ to the Cita$e" ,or81
28three more $ay.1 ?aGy ?eo hr/gge$. 29eretan ay the .or"$ i ,orty tho/an$ year
o"$. Mo""o ay ,ive h/n$re$ tho/an$. 3hat are three $ay- & ak yo/61 7ho/gh there .ere a
$oGen empty tab"e on the terrace- ?eo at hime", at their. 2B/y me a c/p o, Arbor go"$-
#op,rog- an$ perhap & .on4t in,orm my ,ather o, yo/r toat. 7he ti"e t/rne$ againt me at the
Checkere$ #aGar$- an$ & .ate$ my "at tag on /pper. S/ck"ing pig in p"/m a/ce- t/,,e$ .ith
chetn/t an$ .hite tr/,,"e. A man m/t eat. 3hat $i$ yo/ "a$ have61
2M/tton-1 m/ttere$ Mo""an$er. #e o/n$e$ none too p"eae$ abo/t it. 23e hare$ a ha/nch
o, boi"e$ m/tton.1
2&4m certain it .a ,i""ing.1 ?eo t/rne$ to A""era. 2A "or$4 on ho/"$ be open(han$e$-
Sphin:. & /n$ertan$ yo/ .on yo/r copper "ink. &4"" $rink to that.1
A""era mi"e$ back at him. 2& on"y b/y ,or ,rien$. An$ & am no "or$4 on- &4ve to"$ yo/ that.
My mother .a a tra$er.1
?eo4 eye .ere haGe"- bright .ith .ine an$ ma"ice. 2Eo/r mother .a a monkey ,rom the
S/mmer &"e. 7he 5ornih .i"" ,/ck anything .ith a ho"e bet.een it "eg. Meaning no o,,ene.
Eo/ may be bro.n a a n/t- b/t at "eat yo/ bathe. Fn"ike o/r potte$ pig boy.1 #e .ave$ a
han$ to.ar$ 9ate.
If I hit him in the mouth with m! tankard, I could knock out half his teeth, 9ate tho/ght.
Spotte$ 9ate the pig boy .a the hero o, a tho/an$ riba"$ torie' a goo$(hearte$- empty(hea$e$
"o/t .ho a".ay manage$ to bet the ,at "or$"ing- ha/ghty knight- an$ pompo/ epton .ho
beet him. Someho. hi t/pi$ity .o/"$ t/rn o/t to have been a ort o, /nco/th c/nningI the
ta"e a".ay en$e$ .ith Spotte$ 9ate itting on a "or$4 high eat or be$$ing ome knight4
$a/ghter. B/t thoe .ere torie. &n the rea" .or"$ pig boy never ,are$ o .e"". 9ate ometime
tho/ght hi mother m/t have hate$ him to have name$ him a he $i$.
A""era .a no "onger mi"ing. 2Eo/ .i"" apo"ogiGe.1
23i"" &61 ai$ ?eo. 2#o. can &- .ith my throat o $ry81
2Eo/ hame yo/r #o/e .ith every .or$ yo/ ay-1 A""era to"$ him. 2Eo/ hame the Cita$e"
by being one o, /.1
2& kno.. So b/y me ome .ine- that & might $ro.n my hame.1
Mo""an$er ai$- 2& .o/"$ tear yo/r tong/e o/t by the root.1
27r/"y6 7hen ho. .o/"$ & te"" yo/ abo/t the $ragon61 ?eo hr/gge$ again. 27he mongre"
ha the right o, it. 7he Ma$ >ing4 $a/ghter i a"ive- an$ he4 hatche$ here", three $ragon.1
27hree61 ai$ Roone- atonihe$.
?eo patte$ hi han$. 2More than t.o an$ "e than ,o/r. & .o/"$ not try ,or my go"$en "ink
=/t yet i, & .ere yo/.1
2Eo/ "eave him be-1 .arne$ Mo""an$er.
2S/ch a chiva"ro/ #op,rog. A yo/ .ih. Cvery man o,, every hip that4 ai"e$ .ithin a
h/n$re$ "eag/e o, Darth i peaking o, thee $ragon. A ,e. .i"" even te"" yo/ that they4ve een
them. 7he Mage i inc"ine$ to be"ieve them.1
Armen p/re$ hi "ip in $iapprova". 2Mar.yn i /no/n$. Archmaeter 9eretan .o/"$ be
the ,irt to te"" yo/ that.1
2Archmaeter Ryam ay o too-1 ai$ Roone.
?eo ya.ne$. 27he ea i .et- the /n i .arm- an$ the menagerie hate the mati,,.1
7e has a mocking name for eer!one, tho/ght 9ate- b/t he co/"$ not $eny that Mar.yn
"ooke$ more a mati,, than a maeter. As if he wants to bite !ou+ 7he Mage .a not "ike other
maeter. 9eop"e ai$ that he kept company .ith .hore an$ he$ge .iGar$- ta"ke$ .ith hairy
&bbenee an$ pitch(b"ack S/mmer &"an$er in their o.n tong/e- an$ acri,ice$ to A/eer go$ at
the "itt"e ai"or4 temp"e $o.n by the .harve. Men poke o, eeing him $o.n in the /n$ercity-
in rat pit an$ b"ack brothe"- conorting .ith m/mmer- inger- e"".or$- even beggar. Some
even .hipere$ that once he ha$ ki""e$ a man .ith hi ,it.
3hen Mar.yn ha$ ret/rne$ to H"$to.n- a,ter pen$ing eight year in the eat mapping
$itant "an$- earching ,or "ot book- an$ t/$ying .ith .ar"ock an$ ha$o.bin$er- %inegar
%ae""yn ha$ $/bbe$ him 2Mar.yn the Mage.1 7he name .a oon a"" over H"$to.n- to
%ae""yn4 vat annoyance. 2?eave pe"" an$ prayer to priet an$ epton an$ ben$ yo/r .it to
"earning tr/th a man can tr/t in-1 Archmaeter Ryam ha$ once co/ne"e$ 9ate- b/t Ryam4 ring
an$ ro$ an$ mak .ere ye""o. go"$- an$ hi maeter4 chain ha$ no "ink o, %a"yrian tee".
Armen "ooke$ $o.n hi noe at ?aGy ?eo. #e ha$ the per,ect noe ,or it- "ong an$ thin an$
pointe$. 2Archmaeter Mar.yn be"ieve in many c/rio/ thing-1 he ai$- 2b/t he ha no more
proo, o, $ragon than Mo""an$er. !/t more ai"or4 torie.1
2Eo/4re .rong-1 ai$ ?eo. 27here i a g"a can$"e b/rning in the Mage4 chamber.1
A h/h ,e"" over the torch"it terrace. Armen ighe$ an$ hook hi hea$. Mo""an$er began to
"a/gh. 7he Sphin: t/$ie$ ?eo .ith hi big b"ack eye. Roone "ooke$ "ot.
9ate kne. abo/t the g"a can$"e- tho/gh he ha$ never een one b/rn. 7hey .ere the .ort(
kept ecret o, the Cita$e". &t .a ai$ that they ha$ been bro/ght to H"$to.n ,rom %a"yria a
tho/an$ year be,ore the 5oom. #e ha$ hear$ there .ere ,o/rI one .a green an$ three .ere
b"ack- an$ a"" .ere ta"" an$ t.ite$.
23hat are thee g"a can$"e61 ake$ Roone.
Armen the Aco"yte c"eare$ hi throat. 27he night be,ore an aco"yte ay hi vo.- he m/t
tan$ a vigi" in the va/"t. No "antern i permitte$ him- no torch- no "amp- no taper8 on"y a
can$"e o, obi$ian. #e m/t pen$ the night in $arkne- /n"e he can "ight that can$"e. Some
.i"" try. 7he ,oo"ih an$ the t/bborn- thoe .ho have ma$e a t/$y o, thee o(ca""e$ higher
myterie. H,ten they c/t their ,inger- ,or the ri$ge on the can$"e are ai$ to be a harp a
raGor. 7hen- .ith b"oo$y han$- they m/t .ait /pon the $a.n- broo$ing on their ,ai"/re. 3ier
men imp"y go to "eep- or pen$ their night in prayer- b/t every year there are a".ay a ,e. .ho
m/t try.1
2Ee.1 9ate ha$ hear$ the ame torie. 2B/t .hat4 the use o, a can$"e that cat no "ight61
2&t i a "eon-1 Armen ai$- 2the "at "eon .e m/t "earn be,ore .e $on o/r maeter4
chain. 7he g"a can$"e i meant to repreent tr/th an$ "earning- rare an$ bea/ti,/" an$ ,ragi"e
thing. &t i ma$e in the hape o, a can$"e to remin$ / that a maeter m/t cat "ight .herever he
erve- an$ it i harp to remin$ / that kno."e$ge can be $angero/. 3ie men may gro.
arrogant in their .i$om- b/t a maeter m/t a".ay remain h/mb"e. 7he g"a can$"e remin$ /
o, that a .e"". Cven a,ter he ha ai$ hi vo. an$ $onne$ hi chain an$ gone ,orth to erve- a
maeter .i"" think back on the $arkne o, hi vigi" an$ remember ho. nothing that he $i$ co/"$
make the can$"e b/rn8 ,or even .ith kno."e$ge- ome thing are not poib"e.1
?aGy ?eo b/rt o/t "a/ghing. 2Not poib"e ,or yo/- yo/ mean. & a. the can$"e b/rning .ith
my o.n eye.1
2Eo/ a. some can$"e b/rning- & $on4t $o/bt-1 ai$ Armen. 2A can$"e o, b"ack .a:-
perhap.1
2& kno. .hat & a.. 7he "ight .a A/eer an$ bright- m/ch brighter than any bee.a: or
ta""o. can$"e. &t cat trange ha$o. an$ the ,"ame never ,"ickere$- not even .hen a $ra,t b"e.
thro/gh the open $oor behin$ me.1
Armen croe$ hi arm. 2Hbi$ian $oe not b/rn.1
4Dragonglass,5 9ate ai$. 27he ma"",o"k ca"" it $ragong"a.1 Someho. that eeme$
important.
27hey $o-1 m/e$ A""era- the Sphin:- 2an$ i, there are $ragon in the .or"$ again81
25ragon an$ $arker thing-1 ai$ ?eo. 27he grey heep have c"oe$ their eye- b/t the
mati,, ee the tr/th. H"$ po.er .aken. Sha$o. tir. An age o, .on$er an$ terror .i"" oon be
/pon /- an age ,or go$ an$ heroe.1 #e tretche$- mi"ing hi "aGy mi"e. 27hat4 .orth a
ro/n$- &4$ ay.1
23e4ve $r/nk eno/gh-1 ai$ Armen. 2Morn .i"" be /pon / ooner than .e4$ "ike- an$
Archmaeter Cbroe .i"" be peaking on the propertie o, /rine. 7hoe .ho mean to ,orge a
i"ver "ink .o/"$ $o .e"" not to mi hi ta"k.1
2+ar be it ,rom me to keep yo/ ,rom the pi tating-1 ai$ ?eo. 2Mye",- & pre,er the tate o,
Arbor go"$.1
2&, the choice i pi or yo/- &4"" $rink pi.1 Mo""an$er p/he$ back ,rom the tab"e. 2Come-
Roone.1
7he Sphin: reache$ ,or hi bo.cae. 2&t4 be$ ,or me a .e"". & e:pect &4"" $ream o, $ragon
an$ g"a can$"e.1
2A"" o, yo/61 ?eo hr/gge$. 23e""- Roey .i"" remain. 9erhap &4"" .ake o/r "itt"e .eetmeat
an$ make a .oman o, her.1
A""era a. the "ook on 9ate4 ,ace. 2&, he $oe not have a copper ,or a c/p o, .ine- he cannot
have a $ragon ,or the gir".1
2Aye-1 ai$ Mo""an$er. 2Bei$e- it take a man to make a .oman. Come .ith /- 9ate. H"$
3a"grave .i"" .ake .hen the /n come /p. #e4"" be nee$ing yo/ to he"p him to the privy.1
If he remembers who I am toda!+ Archmaeter 3a"grave ha$ no tro/b"e te""ing one raven
,rom another- b/t he .a not o goo$ .ith peop"e. Some $ay he eeme$ to think 9ate .a
omeone name$ Creen. 2Not =/t yet-1 he to"$ hi ,rien$. 2&4m going to tay a.hi"e.1 5a.n
ha$ not broken- not A/ite. 7he a"chemit might ti"" be coming- an$ 9ate meant to be here i, he
$i$.
2A yo/ .ih-1 ai$ Armen. A""era gave 9ate a "ingering "ook- then "/ng hi bo. over one
"im ho/"$er an$ ,o""o.e$ the other to.ar$ the bri$ge. Mo""an$er .a o $r/nk he ha$ to .a"k
.ith a han$ on Roone4 ho/"$er to keep ,rom ,a""ing. 7he Cita$e" .a no great $itance a the
raven ,"ie- b/t none o, them .ere raven an$ H"$to.n .a a veritab"e "abyrinth o, a city- a""
.yn$ an$ cricroing a""ey an$ narro. crookback treet. 2Care,/"-1 9ate hear$ Armen ay
a the river mit .a""o.e$ /p the ,o/r o, them- 2the night i $amp- an$ the cobb"e .i"" be
"ippery.1
3hen they .ere gone- ?aGy ?eo coni$ere$ 9ate o/r"y acro the tab"e. 2#o. a$. 7he
Sphin: ha to"en o,, .ith a"" hi i"ver- aban$oning me to Spotte$ 9ate the pig boy.1 #e
tretche$- ya.ning. 2#o. i o/r "ove"y "itt"e Roey- pray61
2She4 "eeping-1 9ate ai$ c/rt"y.
2Nake$- & $on4t $o/bt.1 ?eo grinne$. 25o yo/ think he4 tr/"y .orth a $ragon6 Hne $ay &
/ppoe & m/t ,in$ o/t.1
9ate kne. better than to rep"y to that.
?eo nee$e$ no rep"y. 2& e:pect that once &4ve broken in the .ench- her price .i"" ,a"" to .here
even pig boy .i"" be ab"e to a,,or$ her. Eo/ o/ght to thank me.1
I ought to kill !ou, 9ate tho/ght- b/t he .a not near $r/nk eno/gh to thro. a.ay hi "i,e. ?eo
ha$ been traine$ to arm- an$ .a kno.n to be $ea$"y .ith bravo4 b"a$e an$ $agger. An$ i,
9ate ho/"$ omeho. ki"" him- it .o/"$ mean hi o.n hea$ too. ?eo ha$ t.o name .here 9ate
ha$ on"y one- an$ hi econ$ .a #!rell+ Ser Moryn 7yre""- comman$er o, the City 3atch o,
H"$to.n- .a ?eo4 ,ather. Mace 7yre""- ?or$ o, #ighgar$en an$ 3ar$en o, the So/th- .a
?eo4 co/in. An$ H"$to.n4 H"$ Man- ?or$ ?eyton o, the #ighto.er- .ho n/mbere$
29rotector o, the Cita$e"1 amongt hi many tit"e- .a a .orn bannerman o, #o/e 7yre"". "et
it go, 9ate to"$ hime",. 7e sa!s these things 9ust to wound me+
7he mit .ere "ightening to the eat. Dawn, 9ate rea"iGe$. Dawn has come, and the alchemist
has not+ #e $i$ not kno. .hether he ho/"$ "a/gh or cry. Am I still a thief if I put it all back and
no one eer knows6 &t .a another A/etion that he ha$ no an.er ,or- "ike thoe that Cbroe an$
%ae""yn ha$ once ake$ him.
3hen he p/he$ back ,rom the bench an$ got to hi ,eet- the ,earome"y trong ci$er a"" .ent
to hi hea$ at once. #e ha$ to p/t a han$ on the tab"e to tea$y hime",. 2?eave Roey be-1 he
ai$- by .ay o, parting. 2!/t "eave her be- or & may ki"" yo/.1
?eo 7yre"" ,"icke$ the hair back ,rom hi eye. 2& $o not ,ight $/e" .ith pig boy. Go a.ay.1
9ate t/rne$ an$ croe$ the terrace. #i hee" rang againt the .eathere$ p"ank o, the o"$
bri$ge. By the time he reache$ the other i$e- the eatern ky .a t/rning pink. #he world is
wide, he to"$ hime",. If I bought that donke!, I could still wander the roads and b!wa!s of the
Seen ,ingdoms, leeching the smallfolk and picking nits out of their hair+ I could sign on to
some ship, pull an oar, and sail to :arth b! the -ade 1ates to see these blood! dragons for
m!self+ I do not need to go back to old Walgrae and the raens+
Eet omeho. hi ,eet t/rne$ back to.ar$ the Cita$e".
3hen the ,irt ha,t o, /n"ight broke thro/gh the c"o/$ to the eat- morning be"" began to
pea" ,rom the Sai"or4 Sept $o.n by the harbor. 7he ?or$4 Sept =oine$ in a moment "ater- then
the Seven Shrine ,rom their gar$en acro the #oney.ine- an$ ,ina""y the Starry Sept that ha$
been the eat o, the #igh Septon ,or a tho/an$ year be,ore Aegon "an$e$ at >ing4 ?an$ing.
7hey ma$e a mighty m/ic. #hough not so sweet as one small nightingale+
#e co/"$ hear inging too- beneath the pea"ing o, the be"". Cach morning at ,irt "ight the re$
priet gathere$ to .e"come the /n o/ti$e their mo$et .har,i$e temp"e. For the night is dark
and full of terrors+ 9ate ha$ hear$ them cry thoe .or$ a h/n$re$ time- aking their go$
R4h""or to ave them ,rom the $arkne. 7he Seven .ere go$ eno/gh ,or him- b/t he ha$ hear$
that Stanni Baratheon .orhipe$ at the night,ire no.. #e ha$ even p/t the ,iery heart o,
R4h""or on hi banner in p"ace o, the cro.ne$ tag. If he should win the Iron #hrone, we/ll all
need to learn the words of the red priests/ song, 9ate tho/ght- b/t that .a not "ike"y. 7y.in
?anniter ha$ mahe$ Stanni an$ R4h""or /pon the B"ack.ater- an$ oon eno/gh he .o/"$
,inih them an$ mo/nt the hea$ o, the Baratheon preten$er on a pike above the gate o, >ing4
?an$ing.
A the night4 mit b/rne$ a.ay- H"$to.n took ,orm aro/n$ him- emerging ghot"ike ,rom
the pre$a.n g"oom. 9ate ha$ never een >ing4 ?an$ing- b/t he kne. it .a a $a/b(an$(.att"e
city- a pra." o, m/$ treet- thatche$ roo,- an$ .oo$en hove". H"$to.n .a b/i"t in tone- an$
a"" it treet .ere cobb"e$- $o.n to the meanet a""ey. 7he city .a never more bea/ti,/" than at
break o, $ay. 3et o, the #oney.ine- the G/i"$ha"" "ine$ the bank "ike a ro. o, pa"ace.
Fpriver- the $ome an$ to.er o, the Cita$e" roe on both i$e o, the river- connecte$ by tone
bri$ge cro.$e$ .ith ha"" an$ ho/e. 5o.ntream- be"o. the b"ack marb"e .a"" an$ arche$
.in$o. o, the Starry Sept- the mane o, the pio/ c"/tere$ "ike chi"$ren gathere$ ro/n$ the
,eet o, an o"$ $o.ager.
An$ beyon$- .here the #oney.ine .i$ene$ into 3hipering So/n$- roe the #ighto.er- it
beacon ,ire bright againt the $a.n. +rom .here it too$ atop the b"/,, o, Batt"e&"an$- it
ha$o. c/t the city "ike a .or$. 7hoe born an$ raie$ in H"$to.n co/"$ te"" the time o, $ay by
.here that ha$o. ,e"". Some c"aime$ a man co/"$ ee a"" the .ay to the 3a"" ,rom the top.
9erhap that .a .hy ?or$ ?eyton ha$ not ma$e the $ecent in more than a $eca$e- pre,erring to
r/"e hi city ,rom the c"o/$.
A b/tcher4 cart r/mb"e$ pat 9ate $o.n the river roa$- ,ive pig"et in the back A/ea"ing in
$itre. 5o$ging ,rom it path- he =/t avoi$e$ being pattere$ a a to.n.oman emptie$ a pai"
o, night oi" ,rom a .in$o. overhea$. When I am a maester in a castle I will hae a horse to
ride, he tho/ght. 7hen he trippe$ /pon a cobb"e an$ .on$ere$ .ho he .a ,oo"ing. 7here .o/"$
be no chain ,or him- no eat at a "or$4 high tab"e- no ta"" .hite hore to ri$e. #i $ay .o/"$ be
pent "itening to raven 3uork an$ cr/bbing hit tain o,, Archmaeter 3a"grave4
ma""c"othe.
#e .a on one knee- trying to .ipe the m/$ o,, hi robe- .hen a voice ai$- 2Goo$ morro.-
9ate.1
7he a"chemit .a tan$ing over him.
9ate roe. 27he thir$ $ay8 yo/ ai$ yo/ .o/"$ be at the D/i"" an$ 7ankar$.1
2Eo/ .ere .ith yo/r ,rien$. &t .a not my .ih to intr/$e /pon yo/r ,e""o.hip.1 7he
a"chemit .ore a hoo$e$ trave"er4 c"oak- bro.n an$ non$ecript. 7he riing /n .a peeking
over the roo,top behin$ hi ho/"$er- o it .a har$ to make o/t the ,ace beneath hi hoo$.
2#ave yo/ $eci$e$ .hat yo/ are61
*ust he make me sa! it6 2& /ppoe & am a thie,.1
2& tho/ght yo/ might be.1
7he har$et part ha$ been getting $o.n on hi han$ an$ knee to p/"" the trongbo: ,rom
/n$erneath Archmaeter 3a"grave4 be$. 7ho/gh the bo: .a to/t"y ma$e an$ bo/n$ .ith iron-
it "ock .a broken. Maeter Gormon ha$ /pecte$ 9ate o, breaking it- b/t that .an4t tr/e.
3a"grave ha$ broken the "ock hime",- a,ter "oing the key that opene$ it.
&ni$e- 9ate ha$ ,o/n$ a bag o, i"ver tag- a "ock o, ye""o. hair tie$ /p in a ribbon- a painte$
miniat/re o, a .oman .ho reemb"e$ 3a"grave ;even to her m/tache<- an$ a knight4 ga/nt"et
ma$e o, "obtere$ tee". 7he ga/nt"et ha$ be"onge$ to a prince- 3a"grave c"aime$- tho/gh he
co/"$ no "onger eem to reca"" .hich one. 3hen 9ate hook it- the key ,e"" o/t onto the ,"oor.
If I pick that up, I am a thief, he remembere$ thinking. 7he key .a o"$ an$ heavy- ma$e o,
b"ack ironI /ppoe$"y it opene$ every $oor at the Cita$e". Hn"y the archmaeter ha$ /ch key.
7he other carrie$ their /pon their peron or hi$ them a.ay in ome a,e p"ace- b/t i, 3a"grave
ha$ hi$$en hi- no one .o/"$ ever have een it again. 9ate natche$ /p the key an$ ha$ been
ha",.ay to the $oor be,ore t/rning back to take the i"ver too. A thie, .a a thie,- .hether he
to"e a "itt"e or a "ot. 4$ate,5 one o, the .hite raven ha$ ca""e$ a,ter him- 4$ate, $ate, $ate+5
25o yo/ have my $ragon61 he ake$ the a"chemit.
2&, yo/ have .hat & reA/ire.1
2Give it here. & .ant to ee.1 9ate $i$ not inten$ to "et hime", be cheate$.
27he river roa$ i not the p"ace. Come.1
#e ha$ no time to think abo/t it- to .eigh hi choice. 7he a"chemit .a .a"king a.ay. 9ate
ha$ to ,o""o. or "oe Roey an$ the $ragon both- ,orever. #e ,o""o.e$. A they .a"ke$- he
"ippe$ hi han$ /p into hi "eeve. #e co/"$ ,ee" the key- a,e ini$e the hi$$en pocket he ha$
e.n there. Maeter4 robe .ere ,/"" o, pocket. #e ha$ kno.n that ince he .a a boy.
#e ha$ to h/rry to keep pace .ith the a"chemit4 "onger tri$e. 7hey .ent $o.n an a""ey-
aro/n$ a corner- thro/gh the o"$ 7hieve Market- a"ong Ragpicker4 3yn$. +ina""y- the man
t/rne$ into another a""ey- narro.er than the ,irt. 27hi i ,ar eno/gh-1 ai$ 9ate. 27here4 no one
abo/t. 3e4"" $o it here.1
2A yo/ .ih.1
2& .ant my $ragon.1
27o be /re.1 7he coin appeare$. 7he a"chemit ma$e it .a"k acro hi kn/ck"e- the .ay he
ha$ .hen Roey bro/ght the t.o o, them together. &n the morning "ight the $ragon g"ittere$ a it
move$- an$ gave the a"chemit4 ,inger a go"$en g"o..
9ate grabbe$ it ,rom hi han$. 7he go"$ ,e"t .arm againt hi pa"m. #e bro/ght it to hi
mo/th an$ bit $o.n on it the .ay he4$ een men $o. &, tr/th be to"$- he .an4t /re .hat go"$
ho/"$ tate "ike- b/t he $i$ not .ant to "ook a ,oo".
27he key61 the a"chemit inA/ire$ po"ite"y.
Something ma$e 9ate heitate. 2& it ome book yo/ .ant61 Some o, the o"$ %a"yrian cro""
$o.n in the "ocke$ va/"t .ere ai$ to be the on"y /rviving copie in the .or"$.
23hat & .ant i none o, yo/r concern.1
2No.1 It/s done, 9ate to"$ hime",. 1o+ )un back to the :uill and #ankard, wake )ose! with a
kiss, and tell her she belongs to !ou+ Eet ti"" he "ingere$. 2Sho. me yo/r ,ace.1
2A yo/ .ih.1 7he a"chemit p/""e$ hi hoo$ $o.n.
#e .a =/t a man- an$ hi ,ace .a =/t a ,ace. A yo/ng man4 ,ace- or$inary- .ith ,/""
cheek an$ the ha$o. o, a bear$. A car ho.e$ ,aint"y on hi right cheek. #e ha$ a hooke$
noe- an$ a mat o, $ene b"ack hair that c/r"e$ tight"y aro/n$ hi ear. &t .a not a ,ace 9ate
recogniGe$. 2& $o not kno. yo/.1
2Nor & yo/.1
23ho are yo/61
2A tranger. No one. 7r/"y.1
2Hh.1 9ate ha$ r/n o/t o, .or$. #e $re. o/t the key an$ p/t it in the tranger4 han$- ,ee"ing
"ight(hea$e$- a"mot gi$$y. )ose!, he remin$e$ hime",. 23e4re $one- then.1
#e .a ha",.ay $o.n the a""ey .hen the cobb"etone began to move beneath hi ,eet. #he
stones are slick and wet, he tho/ght- b/t that .a not it. #e co/"$ ,ee" hi heart hammering in hi
chet. 23hat4 happening61 he ai$. #i "eg ha$ t/rne$ to .ater. 2& $on4t /n$ertan$.1
2An$ never .i""-1 a voice ai$ a$"y.
7he cobb"etone r/he$ /p to ki him. 9ate trie$ to cry ,or he"p- b/t hi voice .a ,ai"ing
too.
#i "at tho/ght .a o, Roey.
+RO&OG.E /
7he night .a rank .ith the me"" o, man.
7he .arg toppe$ beneath a tree an$ ni,,e$- hi grey(bro.n ,/r $app"e$ by ha$o.. A igh
o, piney .in$ bro/ght the man(cent to him- over ,ainter me"" that poke o, ,o: an$ hare- ea"
an$ tag- even .o",. 7hoe .ere man(me"" too- the .arg kne.I the tink o, o"$ kin- $ea$ an$
o/r- near $ro.ne$ beneath the tronger cent o, moke an$ b"oo$ an$ rot. Hn"y man trippe$
the kin ,rom other beat an$ .ore their hi$e an$ hair.
3arg have no ,ear o, man- a .o"ve $o. #ate an$ h/nger coi"e$ in hi be""y- an$ he gave a
"o. gro."- ca""ing to hi one(eye$ brother- to hi ma"" "y iter. A he race$ thro/gh the tree-
hi packmate ,o""o.e$ har$ on hi hee". 7hey ha$ ca/ght the cent a .e"". A he ran- he a.
thro/gh their eye too an$ g"impe$ hime", ahea$. 7he breath o, the pack p/,,e$ .arm an$
.hite ,rom "ong grey =a.. &ce ha$ ,roGen bet.een their pa.- har$ a tone- b/t the h/nt .a on
no.- the prey ahea$. Flesh, the .arg tho/ght- meat+
A man a"one .a a ,eeb"e thing. Big an$ trong- .ith goo$ harp eye- b/t $/"" o, ear an$ $ea,
to me"". 5eer an$ e"k an$ even hare .ere ,ater- bear an$ boar ,iercer in a ,ight. B/t men in
pack .ere $angero/. A the .o"ve c"oe$ on the prey- the .arg hear$ the .ai"ing o, a p/p- the
cr/t o, "at night4 no. breaking /n$er c"/my man(pa.- the ratt"e o, har$kin an$ the "ong
grey c"a. men carrie$.
Swords, a voice ini$e him .hipere$- spears+
7he tree ha$ gro.n icy teeth- nar"ing $o.n ,rom the bare bro.n branche. Hne Cye rippe$
thro/gh the /n$ergro.th- praying no.. #i packmate ,o""o.e$. Fp a hi"" an$ $o.n the "ope
beyon$- /nti" the .oo$ opene$ be,ore them an$ the men .ere there. Hne .a ,ema"e. 7he ,/r(
.rappe$ b/n$"e he c"/tche$ .a her p/p. "eae her for last, the voice .hipere$- the males are
the danger+ 7hey .ere roaring at each other a men $i$- b/t the .arg co/"$ me"" their terror.
Hne ha$ a .oo$en tooth a ta"" a he .a. #e ,"/ng it- b/t hi han$ .a haking an$ the tooth
ai"e$ high.
7hen the pack .a on them.
#i one(eye$ brother knocke$ the tooth(thro.er back into a no.$ri,t an$ tore hi throat o/t
a he tr/gg"e$. #i iter "ippe$ behin$ the other ma"e an$ took him ,rom the rear. 7hat "e,t the
,ema"e an$ her p/p ,or him.
She ha$ a tooth too- a "itt"e one ma$e o, bone- b/t he $roppe$ it .hen the .arg4 =a. c"oe$
aro/n$ her "eg. A he ,e""- he .rappe$ both arm aro/n$ her noiy p/p. Fn$erneath her ,/r the
,ema"e .a =/t kin an$ bone- b/t her $/g .ere ,/"" o, mi"k. 7he .eetet meat .a on the
p/p. 7he .o", ave$ the choicet part ,or hi brother. A"" aro/n$ the carcae- the ,roGen no.
t/rne$ pink an$ re$ a the pack ,i""e$ it be""ie.
?eag/e a.ay- in a one(room h/t o, m/$ an$ tra. .ith a thatche$ roo, an$ a moke ho"e an$
a ,"oor o, har$(packe$ earth- %aramyr hivere$ an$ co/ghe$ an$ "icke$ hi "ip. #i eye .ere
re$- hi "ip cracke$- hi throat $ry an$ parche$- b/t the tate o, b"oo$ an$ ,at ,i""e$ hi mo/th-
even a hi .o""en be""y crie$ ,or no/rihment. A child/s flesh, he tho/ght- remembering B/mp.
7uman meat+ #a$ he /nk o "o. a to h/nger a,ter h/man meat6 #e co/"$ a"mot hear #aggon
gro."ing at him. 2Men may eat the ,"eh o, beat an$ beat the ,"eh o, men- b/t the man .ho
eat the ,"eh o, man i an abomination.1
Abomination+ 7hat ha$ a".ay been #aggon4 ,avorite .or$. Abomination, abomination,
abomination+ 7o eat o, h/man meat .a abomination- to mate a .o", .ith .o", .a
abomination- an$ to eiGe the bo$y o, another man .a the .ort abomination o, a"". 7aggon
was weak, afraid of his own power+ 7e died weeping and alone when I ripped his second life
from him+ %aramyr ha$ $evo/re$ hi heart hime",. 7e taught me much and more, and the last
thing I learned from him was the taste of human flesh+
7hat .a a a .o",- tho/gh. #e ha$ never eaten the meat o, men .ith h/man teeth. #e .o/"$
not gr/$ge hi pack their ,eat- ho.ever. 7he .o"ve .ere a ,amihe$ a he .a- ga/nt an$ co"$
an$ h/ngry- an$ the prey8 two men and a woman, a babe in arms, fleeing from defeat to death+
#he! would hae perished soon in an! case, from e8posure or staration+ #his wa! was better,
3uicker+ A merc!+
2A mercy-1 he ai$ a"o/$. #i throat .a ra.- b/t it ,e"t goo$ to hear a h/man voice- even hi
o.n. 7he air me""e$ o, mo"$ an$ $amp- the gro/n$ .a co"$ an$ har$- an$ hi ,ire .a giving
o,, more moke than heat. #e move$ a c"oe to the ,"ame a he $are$- co/ghing an$ hivering
by t/rn- hi i$e throbbing .here hi .o/n$ ha$ opene$. B"oo$ ha$ oake$ hi breeche to the
knee an$ $rie$ into a har$ bro.n cr/t.
7hit"e ha$ .arne$ him that might happen. 2& e.e$ it /p the bet & co/"$-1 he4$ ai$- 2b/t
yo/ nee$ to ret an$ "et it men$- or the ,"eh .i"" tear open again.1
7hit"e ha$ been the "at o, hi companion- a pear.i,e to/gh a an o"$ root- .arty-
.in$b/rnt- an$ .rink"e$. 7he other ha$ $eerte$ them a"ong the .ay. Hne by one they ,e""
behin$ or ,orge$ ahea$- making ,or their o"$ vi""age- or the Mi"k.ater- or #ar$home- or a "one"y
$eath in the .oo$. %aramyr $i$ not kno.- an$ co/"$ not care. I should hae taken one of them
when I had the chance+ One of the twins, or the big man with the scarred face, or the !outh with
the red hair+ #e ha$ been a,rai$- tho/gh. Hne o, the other might have rea"iGe$ .hat .a
happening. 7hen they .o/"$ have t/rne$ on him an$ ki""e$ him. An$ #aggon4 .or$ ha$
ha/nte$ him- an$ o the chance ha$ pae$.
A,ter the batt"e there ha$ been tho/an$ o, them tr/gg"ing thro/gh the ,oret- h/ngry-
,rightene$- ,"eeing the carnage that ha$ $ecen$e$ on them at the 3a"". Some ha$ ta"ke$ o,
ret/rning to the home that they4$ aban$one$- other o, mo/nting a econ$ aa/"t /pon the gate-
b/t mot .ere "ot- .ith no notion o, .here to go or .hat to $o. 7hey ha$ ecape$ the b"ack(
c"oake$ cro. an$ the knight in their grey tee"- b/t more re"ent"e enemie ta"ke$ them no..
Cvery $ay "e,t more corpe by the trai". Some $ie$ o, h/nger- ome o, co"$- ome o, ickne.
Hther .ere "ain by thoe .ho ha$ been their brother(in(arm .hen they marche$ o/th .ith
Mance Ray$er- the >ing(Beyon$(the(3a"".
*ance is fallen, the /rvivor to"$ each other in $epairing voice- *ance is taken, *ance is
dead+ 2#arma4 $ea$ an$ Mance i capt/re$- the ret r/n o,, an$ "e,t /-1 7hit"e ha$ c"aime$- a
he .a e.ing /p hi .o/n$. 27orm/n$- the 3eeper- Si:kin- a"" them brave rai$er. 3here
are they no.61
She does not know me, %aramyr rea"iGe$ then- and wh! should she6 3itho/t hi beat he $i$
not "ook "ike a great man. I was .aram!r Si8(skins, who broke bread with *ance )a!der+ #e ha$
name$ hime", %aramyr .hen he .a ten. A name fit for a lord, a name for songs, a might!
name, and fearsome+ Eet he ha$ r/n ,rom the cro. "ike a ,rightene$ rabbit. 7he terrib"e ?or$
%aramyr ha$ gone craven- b/t he co/"$ not bear that he ho/"$ kno. that- o he to"$ the
pear.i,e that hi name .a #aggon. A,ter.ar$ he .on$ere$ .hy that name ha$ come to hi
"ip- o, a"" thoe he might have choen. I ate his heart and drank his blood, and still he haunts
me+
Hne $ay- a they ,"e$- a ri$er came ga""oping thro/gh the .oo$ on a ga/nt .hite hore-
ho/ting that they a"" ho/"$ make ,or the Mi"k.ater- that the 3eeper .a gathering .arrior to
cro the Bri$ge o, Sk/"" an$ take the Sha$o. 7o.er. Many ,o""o.e$ himI more $i$ not. ?ater-
a $o/r .arrior in ,/r an$ amber .ent ,rom cook,ire to cook,ire- /rging a"" the /rvivor to hea$
north an$ take re,/ge in the va""ey o, the 7henn. 3hy he tho/ght they .o/"$ be a,e there .hen
the 7henn theme"ve ha$ ,"e$ the p"ace %aramyr never "earne$- b/t h/n$re$ ,o""o.e$ him.
#/n$re$ more .ent o,, .ith the .oo$ .itch .ho4$ ha$ a viion o, a ,"eet o, hip coming to
carry the ,ree ,o"k o/th. 23e m/t eek the ea-1 crie$ Mother Mo"e- an$ her ,o""o.er t/rne$
eat.
%aramyr might have been amongt them i, on"y he4$ been tronger. 7he ea .a grey an$
co"$ an$ ,ar a.ay- tho/gh- an$ he kne. that he .o/"$ never "ive to ee it. #e .a nine time
$ea$ an$ $ying- an$ thi .o/"$ be hi tr/e $eath. A s3uirrel(skin cloak, he remembere$- he
knifed me for a s3uirrel(skin cloak+
&t o.ner ha$ been $ea$- the back o, her hea$ mahe$ into re$ p/"p ,"ecke$ .ith bit o,
bone- b/t her c"oak "ooke$ .arm an$ thick. &t .a no.ing- an$ %aramyr ha$ "ot hi o.n c"oak
at the 3a"". #i "eeping pe"t an$ .oo"en ma""c"othe- hi heepkin boot an$ ,/r("ine$ g"ove-
hi tore o, mea$ an$ hoar$e$ ,oo$- the hank o, hair he took ,rom the .omen he be$$e$- even
the go"$en arm ring Mance ha$ given him- a"" "ot an$ "e,t behin$. I burned and I died and then
I ran, half(mad with pain and terror+ 7he memory ti"" hame$ him- b/t he ha$ not been a"one.
Hther ha$ r/n a .e""- h/n$re$ o, them- tho/an$. #he battle was lost+ #he knights had come,
inincible in their steel, killing eer!one who sta!ed to fight+ It was run or die+
5eath .a not o eai"y o/tr/n- ho.ever. So .hen %aramyr came /pon the $ea$ .oman in
the .oo$- he kne"t to trip the c"oak ,rom her- an$ never a. the boy /nti" he b/rt ,rom hi$ing
to $rive the "ong bone kni,e into hi i$e an$ rip the c"oak o/t o, hi c"/tching ,inger. 2#i
mother-1 7hit"e to"$ him "ater- a,ter the boy ha$ r/n o,,. 2&t .ere hi mother4 c"oak- an$ .hen
he a. yo/ robbing her81
2She .a $ea$-1 %aramyr ai$- .incing a her bone nee$"e pierce$ hi ,"eh. 2Someone
mahe$ her hea$. Some cro..1
2No cro.. #orn,oot men. & a. it.1 #er nee$"e p/""e$ the gah in hi i$e c"oe$. 2Savage-
an$ .ho4 "e,t to tame them61 2o one+ If *ance is dead, the free folk are doomed+ 7he 7henn-
giant- an$ the #orn,oot men- the cave($.e""er .ith their ,i"e$ teeth- an$ the men o, the .etern
hore .ith their chariot o, bone8 a"" o, them .ere $oome$ a .e"". Cven the cro.. 7hey
might not kno. it yet- b/t thoe b"ack(c"oake$ batar$ .o/"$ perih .ith the ret. 7he enemy
.a coming.
#aggon4 ro/gh voice echoe$ in hi hea$. 2Eo/ .i"" $ie a $oGen $eath- boy- an$ every one
.i"" h/rt8 b/t .hen yo/r tr/e $eath come- yo/ .i"" "ive again. 7he econ$ "i,e i imp"er an$
.eeter- they ay.1
%aramyr Si:kin .o/"$ kno. the tr/th o, that oon eno/gh. #e co/"$ tate hi tr/e $eath in
the moke that h/ng acri$ in the air- ,ee" it in the heat beneath hi ,inger .hen he "ippe$ a han$
/n$er hi c"othe to to/ch hi .o/n$. 7he chi"" .a in him too- tho/gh- $eep $o.n in hi bone.
7hi time it .o/"$ be co"$ that ki""e$ him.
#i "at $eath ha$ been by ,ire. I burned+ At ,irt- in hi con,/ion- he tho/ght ome archer on
the 3a"" ha$ pierce$ him .ith a ,"aming arro.8 b/t the ,ire ha$ been inside him- con/ming
him. An$ the pain8
%aramyr ha$ $ie$ nine time be,ore. #e ha$ $ie$ once ,rom a pear thr/t- once .ith a bear4
teeth in hi throat- an$ once in a .ah o, b"oo$ a he bro/ght ,orth a ti""born c/b. #e $ie$ hi
,irt $eath .hen he .a on"y i:- a hi ,ather4 a:e crahe$ thro/gh hi k/"". Cven that ha$ not
been o agoniGing a the ,ire in hi g/t- crack"ing a"ong hi .ing- deouring him. 3hen he
trie$ to ,"y ,rom it- hi terror ,anne$ the ,"ame an$ ma$e them b/rn hotter. Hne moment he ha$
been oaring above the 3a""- hi eag"e4 eye marking the movement o, the men be"o.. 7hen
the ,"ame ha$ t/rne$ hi heart into a b"ackene$ cin$er an$ ent hi pirit creaming back into hi
o.n kin- an$ ,or a "itt"e .hi"e he4$ gone ma$. Cven the memory .a eno/gh to make him
h/$$er.
7hat .a .hen he notice$ that hi ,ire ha$ gone o/t.
Hn"y a grey(an$(b"ack tang"e o, charre$ .oo$ remaine$- .ith a ,e. ember g"o.ing in the
ahe. #here/s still smoke, it 9ust needs wood+ Gritting hi teeth againt the pain- %aramyr crept
to the pi"e o, broken branche 7hit"e ha$ gathere$ be,ore he .ent o,, h/nting- an$ toe$ a ,e.
tick onto the ahe. 2Catch-1 he croake$. 2Burn+1 #e b"e. /pon the ember an$ ai$ a .or$"e
prayer to the name"e go$ o, .oo$ an$ hi"" an$ ,ie"$.
7he go$ gave no an.er. A,ter a .hi"e- the moke ceae$ to rie a .e"". A"rea$y the "itt"e
h/t .a gro.ing co"$er. %aramyr ha$ no ,"int- no tin$er- no $ry kin$"ing. #e .o/"$ never get the
,ire b/rning again- not by hime",. 27hit"e-1 he ca""e$ o/t- hi voice hoare an$ e$ge$ .ith pain.
2#histle;1
#er chin .a pointe$ an$ her noe ,"at- an$ he ha$ a mo"e on one cheek .ith ,o/r $ark hair
gro.ing ,rom it. An /g"y ,ace- an$ har$- yet he .o/"$ have given m/ch to g"impe it in the $oor
o, the h/t. I should hae taken her before she left+ #o. "ong ha$ he been gone6 7.o $ay6
7hree6 %aramyr .a /ncertain. &t .a $ark ini$e the h/t- an$ he ha$ been $ri,ting in an$ o/t o,
"eep- never A/ite /re i, it .a $ay or night o/ti$e. 23ait-1 he4$ ai$. 2& .i"" be back .ith
,oo$.1 So "ike a ,oo" he4$ .aite$- $reaming o, #aggon an$ B/mp an$ a"" the .rong he ha$ $one
in hi "ong "i,e- b/t $ay an$ night ha$ pae$ an$ 7hit"e ha$ not ret/rne$. She won/t be
coming back+ %aramyr .on$ere$ i, he ha$ given hime", a.ay. Co/"$ he te"" .hat he .a
thinking =/t ,rom "ooking at him- or ha$ he m/ttere$ in hi ,ever $ream6
Abomination, he hear$ #aggon aying. &t .a a"mot a i, he .ere here- in thi very room.
2She i =/t ome /g"y pear.i,e-1 %aramyr to"$ him. 2& am a great man. & am %aramyr- the
.arg- the kinchanger- it i not right that he ho/"$ "ive an$ & ho/"$ $ie.1 No one an.ere$.
7here .a no one there. 7hit"e .a gone. She ha$ aban$one$ him- the ame a a"" the ret.
#i o.n mother ha$ aban$one$ him a .e"". She cried for Bump, but she neer cried for me+
7he morning hi ,ather p/""e$ him o/t o, be$ to $e"iver him to #aggon- he .o/"$ not even "ook
at him. #e ha$ hrieke$ an$ kicke$ a he .a $ragge$ into the .oo$- /nti" hi ,ather "appe$
him an$ to"$ him to be A/iet. 2Eo/ be"ong .ith yo/r o.n kin$-1 .a a"" he ai$ .hen he ,"/ng
him $o.n at #aggon4 ,eet.
7e was not wrong, %aramyr tho/ght- hivering. 7aggon taught me much and more+ 7e
taught me how to hunt and fish, how to butcher a carcass and bone a fish, how to find m! wa!
through the woods+ And he taught me the wa! of the warg and the secrets of the skinchanger,
though m! gift was stronger than his own+
Eear "ater he ha$ trie$ to ,in$ hi parent- to te"" them that their ?/mp ha$ become the great
%aramyr Si:kin- b/t both o, them .ere $ea$ an$ b/rne$. 1one into the trees and streams,
gone into the rocks and earth+ 1one to dirt and ashes+ 7hat .a .hat the .oo$ .itch to"$ hi
mother- the $ay B/mp $ie$. ?/mp $i$ not .ant to be a c"o$ o, earth. 7he boy ha$ $reame$ o, a
$ay .hen bar$ .o/"$ ing o, hi $ee$ an$ pretty gir" .o/"$ ki him. When I am grown I will
be the ,ing(Be!ond(the(Wall, ?/mp ha$ promie$ hime",. #e never ha$- b/t he ha$ come c"oe.
%aramyr Si:kin .a a name men ,eare$. #e ro$e to batt"e on the back o, a no. bear thirteen
,eet ta""- kept three .o"ve an$ a ha$o.cat in thra""- an$ at at the right han$ o, Mance Ray$er.
It was *ance who brought me to this place+ I should not hae listened+ I should hae slipped
inside m! bear and torn him to pieces+
Be,ore Mance- %aramyr Si:kin ha$ been a "or$ o, ort. #e "ive$ a"one in a ha"" o, mo
an$ m/$ an$ he.n "og that ha$ once been #aggon4- atten$e$ by hi beat. A $oGen vi""age
$i$ him homage in brea$ an$ a"t an$ ci$er- o,,ering him ,r/it ,rom their orchar$ an$ vegetab"e
,rom their gar$en. #i meat he got hime",. 3henever he $eire$ a .oman he ent hi
ha$o.cat to ta"k her- an$ .hatever gir" he4$ cat hi eye /pon .o/"$ ,o""o. meek"y to hi be$.
Some came .eeping- aye- b/t ti"" they came. %aramyr gave them hi ee$- took a hank o, their
hair to remember them by- an$ ent them back. +rom time to time- ome vi""age hero .o/"$
come .ith pear in han$ to "ay the beat"ing an$ ave a iter or a "over or a $a/ghter. 7hoe he
ki""e$- b/t he never harme$ the .omen. Some he even b"ee$ .ith chi"$ren. )unts+ Small, pun!
things, like "ump, and not one with the gift+
+ear $rove him to hi ,eet- ree"ing. #o"$ing hi i$e to ta/nch the eep o, b"oo$ ,rom hi
.o/n$- %aramyr "/rche$ to the $oor an$ .ept ai$e the ragge$ kin that covere$ it to ,ace a
.a"" o, .hite. Snow+ No .on$er it ha$ gro.n o $ark an$ moky ini$e. 7he ,a""ing no. ha$
b/rie$ the h/t.
3hen %aramyr p/he$ at it- the no. cr/mb"e$ an$ gave .ay- ti"" o,t an$ .et. H/ti$e- the
night .a .hite a $eathI pa"e thin c"o/$ $ance$ atten$ance on a i"ver moon- .hi"e a tho/an$
tar .atche$ co"$"y. #e co/"$ ee the h/mpe$ hape o, other h/t b/rie$ beneath $ri,t o,
no.- an$ beyon$ them the pa"e ha$o. o, a .eir.oo$ armore$ in ice. 7o the o/th an$ .et the
hi"" .ere a vat .hite .i"$erne .here nothing move$ e:cept the b"o.ing no.. 27hit"e-1
%aramyr ca""e$ ,eeb"y- .on$ering ho. ,ar he co/"$ have gone. 2#histle+ Woman+ Where are
!ou61
+ar a.ay- a .o", gave ho.".
A hiver .ent thro/gh %aramyr. #e kne. that ho." a .e"" a ?/mp ha$ once kno.n hi
mother4 voice. One 0!e+ #e .a the o"$et o, hi three- the bigget- the ,iercet. Sta"ker .a
"eaner- A/icker- yo/nger- S"y more c/nning- b/t both .ent in ,ear o, Hne Cye. 7he o"$ .o", .a
,ear"e- re"ent"e- avage.
%aramyr ha$ "ot contro" o, hi other beat in the agony o, the eag"e4 $eath. #i ha$o.cat
ha$ race$ into the .oo$- .hi"t hi no. bear t/rne$ her c"a. on thoe aro/n$ her- ripping
apart ,o/r men be,ore ,a""ing to a pear. She .o/"$ have "ain %aramyr ha$ he come .ithin her
reach. 7he bear hate$ him- ha$ rage$ each time he .ore her kin or c"imbe$ /pon her back.
#i .o"ve- tho/gh8
*! brothers+ *! pack+ Many a co"$ night he ha$ "ept .ith hi .o"ve- their haggy bo$ie
pi"e$ /p aro/n$ him to he"p keep him .arm. When I die the! will feast upon m! flesh and leae
onl! bones to greet the thaw come spring+ 7he tho/ght .a A/eer"y com,orting. #i .o"ve ha$
o,ten ,orage$ ,or him a they roame$I it eeme$ on"y ,itting that he ho/"$ ,ee$ them in the en$.
#e might .e"" begin hi econ$ "i,e tearing at the .arm $ea$ ,"eh o, hi o.n corpe.
5og .ere the eaiet beat to bon$ .ithI they "ive$ o c"oe to men that they .ere a"mot
h/man. S"ipping into a $og4 kin .a "ike p/tting on an o"$ boot- it "eather o,tene$ by .ear.
A a boot .a hape$ to accept a ,oot- a $og .a hape$ to accept a co""ar- even a co""ar no
h/man eye co/"$ ee. 3o"ve .ere har$er. A man might be,rien$ a .o",- even break a .o",- b/t
no man co/"$ tr/"y tame a .o",. 23o"ve an$ .omen .e$ ,or "i,e-1 #aggon o,ten ai$. 2Eo/
take one- that4 a marriage. 7he .o", i part o, yo/ ,rom that $ay on- an$ yo/4re part o, him.
Both o, yo/ .i"" change.1
Hther beat .ere bet "e,t a"one- the h/nter ha$ $ec"are$. Cat .ere vain an$ cr/e"- a".ay
rea$y to t/rn on yo/. C"k an$ $eer .ere preyI .ear their kin too "ong- an$ even the bravet man
became a co.ar$. Bear- boar- ba$ger- .eae"8 #aggon $i$ not ho"$ .ith /ch. 2Some kin
yo/ never .ant to .ear- boy. Eo/ .on4t "ike .hat yo/4$ become.1 Bir$ .ere the .ort- to hear
him te"" it. 2Men .ere not meant to "eave the earth. Spen$ too m/ch time in the c"o/$ an$ yo/
never .ant to come back $o.n again. & kno. kinchanger .ho4ve trie$ ha.k- o."- raven.
Cven in their o.n kin- they it moony- taring /p at the b"oo$y b"/e.1
Not a"" kinchanger ,e"t the ame- ho.ever. Hnce- .hen ?/mp .a ten- #aggon ha$ taken
him to a gathering o, /ch. 7he .arg .ere the mot n/mero/ in that company- the .o",(
brother- b/t the boy ha$ ,o/n$ the other tranger an$ more ,acinating. BorroA "ooke$ o m/ch
"ike hi boar that a"" he "acke$ .a t/k- Hre"" ha$ hi eag"e- Briar her ha$o.cat ;the moment
he a. them- ?/mp .ante$ a ha$o.cat o, hi o.n<- the goat .oman Grie""a8
None o, them ha$ been a trong a %aramyr Si:kin- tho/gh- not even #aggon- ta"" an$
grim .ith hi han$ a har$ a tone. 7he h/nter $ie$ .eeping a,ter %aramyr took Greykin ,rom
him- $riving him o/t to c"aim the beat ,or hi o.n. 2o second life for !ou, old man+ %aramyr
7hreekin- he4$ ca""e$ hime", back then. Greykin ma$e ,o/r- tho/gh the o"$ .o", .a ,rai" an$
a"mot tooth"e an$ oon ,o""o.e$ #aggon into $eath.
%aramyr co/"$ take any beat he .ante$- ben$ them to hi .i""- make their ,"eh hi o.n. 5og
or .o",- bear or ba$ger8
#histle, he tho/ght.
#aggon .o/"$ ca"" it an abomination- the b"acket in o, a""- b/t #aggon .a $ea$- $evo/re$-
an$ b/rne$. Mance .o/"$ have c/re$ him a .e""- b/t Mance .a "ain or capt/re$. 2o one will
eer know+ I will be #histle the spearwife, and .aram!r Si8skins will be dead+ #i gi,t .o/"$
perih .ith hi bo$y- he e:pecte$. #e .o/"$ "oe hi .o"ve- an$ "ive o/t the ret o, hi $ay a
ome cra.ny- .arty .oman8 b/t he .o/"$ "ive. If she comes back+ If I am still strong enough
to take her+
A .ave o, $iGGine .ahe$ over %aramyr. #e ,o/n$ hime", /pon hi knee- hi han$
b/rie$ in a no.$ri,t. #e coope$ /p a ,it,/" o, no. an$ ,i""e$ hi mo/th .ith it- r/bbing it
thro/gh hi bear$ an$ againt hi cracke$ "ip- /cking $o.n the moit/re. 7he .ater .a o co"$
that he co/"$ bare"y bring hime", to .a""o.- an$ he rea"iGe$ once again ho. hot he .a.
7he no.me"t on"y ma$e him h/ngrier. &t .a ,oo$ hi be""y crave$- not .ater. 7he no. ha$
toppe$ ,a""ing- b/t the .in$ .a riing- ,i""ing the air .ith cryta"- "ahing at hi ,ace a he
tr/gg"e$ thro/gh the $ri,t- the .o/n$ in hi i$e opening an$ c"oing again. #i breath ma$e a
ragge$ .hite c"o/$. 3hen he reache$ the .eir.oo$ tree- he ,o/n$ a ,a""en branch =/t "ong
eno/gh to /e a a cr/tch. ?eaning heavi"y /pon it- he taggere$ to.ar$ the nearet h/t. 9erhap
the vi""ager ha$ ,orgotten omething .hen they ,"e$8 a ack o, app"e- ome $rie$ meat-
anything to keep him a"ive /nti" 7hit"e ret/rne$.
#e .a a"mot there .hen hi cr/tch nappe$ beneath hi .eight- an$ hi "eg .ent o/t ,rom
/n$er him.
#o. "ong he pra."e$ there .ith hi b"oo$ re$$ening the no. %aramyr co/"$ not have ai$.
#he snow will bur! me+ &t .o/"$ be a peace,/" $eath. #he! sa! !ou feel warm near the end, warm
and sleep!+ &t .o/"$ be goo$ to ,ee" .arm again- tho/gh it ma$e him a$ to think that he .o/"$
never ee the green "an$- the .arm "an$ beyon$ the 3a"" that Mance /e$ to ing abo/t. 27he
.or"$ beyon$ the 3a"" i not ,or o/r kin$-1 #aggon /e$ to ay. 27he ,ree ,o"k ,ear
kinchanger- b/t they honor / a .e"". So/th o, the 3a""- the knee"er h/nt / $o.n an$
b/tcher / "ike pig.1
&ou warned me, %aramyr tho/ght- but it was !ou who showed me 0astwatch too+ #e co/"$
not have been more than ten. #aggon tra$e$ a $oGen tring o, amber an$ a "e$ pi"e$ high .ith
pe"t ,or i: kin o, .ine- a b"ock o, a"t- an$ a copper kett"e. Cat.atch .a a better p"ace to
tra$e than Cat"e B"ackI that .a .here the hip came- "a$en .ith goo$ ,rom the ,ab"e$ "an$
beyon$ the ea. 7he cro. kne. #aggon a a h/nter an$ a ,rien$ to the Night4 3atch- an$
.e"come$ the ne. he bro/ght o, "i,e beyon$ their 3a"". Some kne. him ,or a kinchanger too-
b/t no one poke o, that. &t .a there at Cat.atch(by(the(Sea that the boy he4$ been ,irt began
to $ream o, the .arm o/th.
%aramyr co/"$ ,ee" the no.,"ake me"ting on hi bro.. #his is not so bad as burning+ "et me
sleep and neer wake, let me begin m! second life+ #i .o"ve .ere c"oe no.. #e co/"$ ,ee"
them. #e .o/"$ "eave thi ,eeb"e ,"eh behin$- become one .ith them- h/nting the night an$
ho."ing at the moon. 7he .arg .o/"$ become a tr/e .o",. Which, though6
Not S"y. #aggon .o/"$ have ca""e$ it abomination- b/t %aramyr ha$ o,ten "ippe$ ini$e her
kin a he .a being mo/nte$ by Hne Cye. #e $i$ not .ant to pen$ hi ne. "i,e a a bitch-
tho/gh- not /n"e he ha$ no other choice. Sta"ker might /it him better- the yo/nger ma"e8
tho/gh Hne Cye .a "arger an$ ,iercer- an$ it .a Hne Cye .ho took S"y .henever he .ent
into heat.
27hey ay yo/ ,orget-1 #aggon ha$ to"$ him- a ,e. .eek be,ore hi o.n $eath. 23hen the
man4 ,"eh $ie- hi pirit "ive on ini$e the beat- b/t every $ay hi memory ,a$e- an$ the
beat become a "itt"e "e a .arg- a "itt"e more a .o",- /nti" nothing o, the man i "e,t an$ on"y
the beat remain.1
%aramyr kne. the tr/th o, that. 3hen he c"aime$ the eag"e that ha$ been Hre""4- he co/"$
,ee" the other kinchanger raging at hi preence. Hre"" ha$ been "ain by the t/rnc"oak cro. !on
Sno.- an$ hi hate ,or hi ki""er ha$ been o trong that %aramyr ,o/n$ hime", hating the
beat"ing boy a .e"". #e ha$ kno.n .hat Sno. .a the moment he a. that great .hite
$ire.o", ta"king i"ent at hi i$e. Hne kinchanger can a".ay ene another. *ance should
hae let me take the direwolf+ #here would be a second life worth! of a king+ #e co/"$ have $one
it- he $i$ not $o/bt. 7he gi,t .a trong in Sno.- b/t the yo/th .a /nta/ght- ti"" ,ighting hi
nat/re .hen he ho/"$ have g"orie$ in it.
%aramyr co/"$ ee the .eir.oo$4 re$ eye taring $o.n at him ,rom the .hite tr/nk. #he
gods are weighing me+ A hiver .ent thro/gh him. #e ha$ $one ba$ thing- terrib"e thing. #e
ha$ to"en- ki""e$- rape$. #e ha$ gorge$ on h/man ,"eh an$ "appe$ the b"oo$ o, $ying men a it
g/he$ re$ an$ hot ,rom their torn throat. #e ha$ ta"ke$ ,oe thro/gh the .oo$- ,a""en on
them a they "ept- c"a.e$ their entrai" ,rom their be""ie an$ cattere$ them acro the m/$$y
earth. 7ow sweet their meat had tasted+ 27hat .a the beat- not me-1 he ai$ in a hoare
.hiper. 27hat .a the gi,t yo/ gave me.1
7he go$ ma$e no rep"y. #i breath h/ng pa"e an$ mity in the air. #e co/"$ ,ee" ice ,orming
in hi bear$. %aramyr Si:kin c"oe$ hi eye.
#e $reamt an o"$ $ream o, a hove" by the ea- three $og .himpering- a .oman4 tear.
Bump+ She weeps for Bump, but she neer wept for me+
?/mp ha$ been born a month be,ore hi proper time- an$ he .a ick o o,ten that no one
e:pecte$ him to "ive. #i mother .aite$ /nti" he .a a"mot ,o/r to give him a proper name- an$
by then it .a too "ate. 7he .ho"e vi""age ha$ taken to ca""ing him ?/mp- the name hi iter
Meha ha$ given him .hen he .a ti"" in their mother4 be""y. Meha ha$ given B/mp hi name
a .e""- b/t ?/mp4 "itt"e brother ha$ been born in hi proper time- big an$ re$ an$ rob/t-
/cking gree$i"y at Mother4 teat. She .a going to name him a,ter +ather. Bump died, though+
7e died when he was two and I was si8, three da!s before his nameda!+
2Eo/r "itt"e one i .ith the go$ no.-1 the .oo$ .itch to"$ hi mother- a he .ept. 2#e4""
never h/rt again- never h/nger- never cry. 7he go$ have taken him $o.n into the earth- into the
tree. 7he go$ are a"" aro/n$ /- in the rock an$ tream- in the bir$ an$ beat. Eo/r B/mp
ha gone to =oin them. #e4"" be the .or"$ an$ a"" that4 in it.1
7he o"$ .oman4 .or$ ha$ gone thro/gh ?/mp "ike a kni,e. Bump sees+ 7e is watching me+
7e knows+ ?/mp co/"$ not hi$e ,rom him- co/"$ not "ip behin$ hi mother4 kirt or r/n o,,
.ith the $og to ecape hi ,ather4 ,/ry. #he dogs+ ?optai"- Sni,,- the Gro."er. #he! were good
dogs+ #he! were m! friends+
3hen hi ,ather ,o/n$ the $og ni,,ing ro/n$ B/mp4 bo$y- he ha$ no .ay o, kno.ing
.hich ha$ $one it- o he took hi a:e to a"" three. #i han$ hook o ba$"y that it took t.o
b"o. to i"ence Sni,, an$ ,o/r to p/t the Gro."er $o.n. 7he me"" o, b"oo$ h/ng heavy in the
air- an$ the o/n$ the $ying $og ha$ ma$e .ere terrib"e to hear- yet ?optai" ti"" came .hen
,ather ca""e$ him. #e .a the o"$et $og- an$ hi training overcame hi terror. By the time ?/mp
"ippe$ ini$e hi kin it .a too "ate.
2o, Father, please, he trie$ to ay- b/t $og cannot peak the tong/e o, men- o a"" that
emerge$ .a a piteo/ .hine. 7he a:e crahe$ into the mi$$"e o, the o"$ $og4 k/""- an$ ini$e
the hove" the boy "et o/t a cream. #hat was how the! knew+ 7.o $ay "ater- hi ,ather $ragge$
him into the .oo$. #e bro/ght hi a:e- o ?/mp tho/ght he meant to p/t him $o.n the ame
.ay he ha$ $one the $og. &ntea$ he4$ given him to #aggon.
%aramyr .oke /$$en"y- vio"ent"y- hi .ho"e bo$y haking. 2Get /p-1 a voice .a creaming-
2get /p- .e have to go. 7here are h/n$re$ o, them.1 7he no. ha$ covere$ him .ith a ti,,
.hite b"anket. So cold+ 3hen he trie$ to move- he ,o/n$ that hi han$ .a ,roGen to the gro/n$.
#e "e,t ome kin behin$ .hen he tore it "ooe. 2Get /p-1 he creame$ again- 2they4re coming+1
7hit"e ha$ ret/rne$ to him. She ha$ him by the ho/"$er an$ .a haking him- ho/ting in
hi ,ace. %aramyr co/"$ me"" her breath an$ ,ee" the .armth o, it /pon cheek gone n/mb .ith
co"$. 2ow, he tho/ght- do it now, or die+
#e /mmone$ a"" the trength ti"" in him- "eapt o/t o, hi o.n kin- an$ ,orce$ hime", ini$e
her.
7hit"e arche$ her back an$ creame$.
Abomination+ 3a that her- or him- or #aggon6 #e never kne.. #i o"$ ,"eh ,e"" back into
the no.$ri,t a her ,inger "ooene$. 7he pear(.i,e t.ite$ vio"ent"y- hrieking. #i ha$o.cat
/e$ to ,ight him .i"$"y- an$ the no. bear ha$ gone ha",(ma$ ,or a time- napping at tree an$
rock an$ empty air- b/t thi .a .ore. 2Get o/t- get out01 he hear$ her o.n mo/th ho/ting.
#er bo$y taggere$- ,e""- an$ roe again- her han$ ,"ai"e$- her "eg =erke$ thi .ay an$ that in
ome groteA/e $ance a hi pirit an$ her o.n ,o/ght ,or the ,"eh. She /cke$ $o.n a mo/th,/"
o, the ,rigi$ air- an$ %aramyr ha$ ha", a heartbeat to g"ory in the tate o, it an$ the trength o,
thi yo/ng bo$y be,ore her teeth nappe$ together an$ ,i""e$ hi mo/th .ith b"oo$. She raie$
her han$ to hi ,ace. #e trie$ to p/h them $o.n again- b/t the han$ .o/"$ not obey- an$ he
.a c"a.ing at hi eye. Abomination, he remembere$- $ro.ning in b"oo$ an$ pain an$ ma$ne.
3hen he trie$ to cream- he pat their tong/e o/t.
7he .hite .or"$ t/rne$ an$ ,e"" a.ay. +or a moment it .a a i, he .ere ini$e the .eir.oo$-
gaGing o/t thro/gh carve$ re$ eye a a $ying man t.itche$ ,eeb"y on the gro/n$ an$ a
ma$.oman $ance$ b"in$ an$ b"oo$y /n$erneath the moon- .eeping re$ tear an$ ripping at her
c"othe. 7hen both .ere gone an$ he .a riing- me"ting- hi pirit borne on ome co"$ .in$. #e
.a in the no. an$ in the c"o/$- he .a a parro.- a A/irre"- an oak. A horne$ o." ,"e.
i"ent"y bet.een hi tree- h/nting a hareI %aramyr .a ini$e the o."- ini$e the hare- ini$e the
tree. 5eep be"o. the ,roGen gro/n$- earth.orm b/rro.e$ b"in$"y in the $ark- an$ he .a them
a .e"". I am the wood, and eer!thing that/s in it, he tho/ght- e:/"ting. A h/n$re$ raven took
to the air- ca.ing a they ,e"t him pa. A great e"k tr/mpete$- /nett"ing the chi"$ren c"inging to
hi back. A "eeping $ire.o", raie$ hi hea$ to nar" at empty air. Be,ore their heart co/"$ beat
again he ha$ pae$ on- earching ,or hi o.n- ,or Hne Cye- S"y- an$ Sta"ker- ,or hi pack. #i
.o"ve .o/"$ ave him- he to"$ hime",.
7hat .a hi "at tho/ght a a man.
7r/e $eath came /$$en"yI he ,e"t a hock o, co"$- a i, he ha$ been p"/nge$ into the icy
.ater o, a ,roGen "ake. 7hen he ,o/n$ hime", r/hing over moon"it no. .ith hi packmate
c"oe behin$ him. #a", the .or"$ .a $ark. One 0!e, he kne.. #e baye$- an$ S"y an$ Sta"ker
gave echo.
3hen they reache$ the cret the .o"ve pa/e$. #histle, he remembere$- an$ a part o, him
grieve$ ,or .hat he ha$ "ot an$ another part ,or .hat he4$ $one. Be"o.- the .or"$ ha$ t/rne$ to
ice. +inger o, ,rot crept "o."y /p the .eir.oo$- reaching o/t ,or each other. 7he empty
vi""age .a no "onger empty. B"/e(eye$ ha$o. .a"ke$ amongt the mo/n$ o, no.. Some
.ore bro.n an$ ome .ore b"ack an$ ome .ere nake$- their ,"eh gone .hite a no.. A .in$
.a ighing thro/gh the hi""- heavy .ith their cent' $ea$ ,"eh- $ry b"oo$- kin that tank o,
mo"$ an$ rot an$ /rine. S"y gave a gro." an$ bare$ her teeth- her r/,, brit"ing. 2ot men+ 2ot
pre!+ 2ot these+
7he thing be"o. move$- b/t $i$ not "ive. Hne by one- they raie$ their hea$ to.ar$ the
three .o"ve on the hi"". 7he "at to "ook .a the thing that ha$ been 7hit"e. She .ore .oo" an$
,/r an$ "eather- an$ over that he .ore a coat o, hoar,rot that crack"e$ .hen he move$ an$
g"itene$ in the moon"ight. 9a"e pink icic"e h/ng ,rom her ,ingertip- ten "ong knive o, ,roGen
b"oo$. An$ in the pit .here her eye ha$ been- a pa"e b"/e "ight .a ,"ickering- "en$ing her
coare ,eat/re an eerie bea/ty they ha$ never kno.n in "i,e.
She sees me+
The +ro(het
The prophet .a $ro.ning men on Great 3yk .hen they came to te"" him that the king .a
$ea$.
&t .a a b"eak- co"$ morning- an$ the ea .a a "ea$en a the ky. 7he ,irt three men ha$
o,,ere$ their "ive to the 5ro.ne$ Go$ ,ear"e"y- b/t the ,o/rth .a .eak in ,aith an$ began to
tr/gg"e a hi "/ng crie$ o/t ,or air. Stan$ing .ait($eep in the /r,- Aeron eiGe$ the nake$
boy by the ho/"$er an$ p/he$ hi hea$ back $o.n a he trie$ to natch a breath. 2#ave
co/rage-1 he ai$. 23e came ,rom the ea- an$ to the ea .e m/t ret/rn. Hpen yo/r mo/th an$
$rink $eep o, go$4 b"eing. +i"" yo/r "/ng .ith .ater- that yo/ may $ie an$ be reborn. &t $oe
no goo$ to ,ight.1
Cither the boy co/"$ not hear him .ith hi hea$ beneath the .ave- or e"e hi ,aith ha$ /tter"y
$eerte$ him. #e began to kick an$ thrah o .i"$"y that Aeron ha$ to ca"" ,or he"p. +o/r o, hi
$ro.ne$ men .a$e$ o/t to eiGe the .retch an$ ho"$ him /n$er.ater. 2?or$ Go$ .ho $ro.ne$
,or /-1 the priet praye$- in a voice a $eep a the ea- 2"et Cmmon$ yo/r ervant be reborn ,rom
the ea- a yo/ .ere. B"e him .ith a"t- b"e him .ith tone- b"e him .ith tee".1
+ina""y- it .a $one. No more air .a b/bb"ing ,rom hi mo/th- an$ a"" the trength ha$ gone
o/t o, hi "imb. +ace$o.n in the ha""o. ea ,"oate$ Cmmon$- pa"e an$ co"$ an$ peace,/".
7hat .a .hen the 5amphair rea"iGe$ that three horemen ha$ =oine$ hi $ro.ne$ men on the
pebb"e$ hore. Aeron kne. the Sparr- a hatchet(,ace$ o"$ man .ith .atery eye .hoe A/avery
voice .a "a. on thi part o, Great 3yk. #i on Ste,,arion accompanie$ him- .ith another
yo/th .hoe $ark re$ ,/r("ine$ c"oak .a pinne$ at the ho/"$er .ith an ornate brooch that
ho.e$ the b"ack(an$(go"$ .arhorn o, the Goo$brother. One of 1orold/s sons, the priet
$eci$e$ at a g"ance. 7hree ta"" on ha$ been born to Goo$brother4 .i,e "ate in "i,e- a,ter a
$oGen $a/ghter- an$ it .a ai$ that no man co/"$ te"" one on ,rom the other. Aeron 5amphair
$i$ not $eign to try. 3hether thi be Grey$on or Gormon$ or Gran- the priet ha$ no time ,or
him.
#e gro."e$ a br/A/e comman$- an$ hi $ro.ne$ men eiGe$ the $ea$ boy by hi arm an$
"eg to carry him above the ti$e"ine. 7he priet ,o""o.e$- nake$ b/t ,or a ea"kin c"o/t that
covere$ hi private part. Gooe,"ehe$ an$ $ripping- he p"ahe$ back onto "an$- acro co"$
.et an$ an$ ea(co/re$ pebb"e. Hne o, hi $ro.ne$ men han$e$ him a robe o, heavy
ro/ghp/n $ye$ in mott"e$ green an$ b"/e an$ grey- the co"or o, the ea an$ the 5ro.ne$
Go$. Aeron $onne$ the robe an$ p/""e$ hi hair ,ree. B"ack an$ .et- that hairI no b"a$e ha$
to/che$ it ince the ea ha$ raie$ him /p. &t $rape$ hi ho/"$er "ike a ragge$- ropy c"oak- an$
,e"" $o.n pat hi .ait. Aeron .ove tran$ o, ea.ee$ thro/gh it- an$ thro/gh hi tang"e$-
/nc/t bear$.
#i $ro.ne$ men ,orme$ a circ"e aro/n$ the $ea$ boy- praying. Nor=en .orke$ hi arm
.hi"t R/ kne"t atri$e him- p/mping on hi chet- b/t a"" move$ ai$e ,or Aeron. #e prie$ apart
the boy4 co"$ "ip .ith hi ,inger an$ gave Cmmon$ the ki o, "i,e- an$ again- an$ again- /nti"
the ea came g/hing ,rom hi mo/th. 7he boy began to co/gh an$ pit- an$ hi eye b"inke$
open- ,/"" o, ,ear.
Another one returned+ &t .a a ign o, the 5ro.ne$ Go$4 ,avor- men ai$. Cvery other priet
"ot a man ,rom time to time- even 7ar"e the 7hrice(5ro.ne$- .ho ha$ once been tho/ght o
ho"y that he .a picke$ to cro.n a king. B/t never Aeron Grey=oy. #e .a the 5amphair- .ho
ha$ een the go$4 o.n .atery ha"" an$ ret/rne$ to te"" o, it. 2Rie-1 he to"$ the p/ttering boy
a he "appe$ him on hi nake$ back. 2Eo/ have $ro.ne$ an$ been ret/rne$ to /. 3hat i $ea$
can never $ie.1
2B/t rie.1 7he boy co/ghe$ vio"ent"y- bringing /p more .ater. 2Rie again.1 Cvery .or$
.a bo/ght .ith pain- b/t that .a the .ay o, the .or"$I a man m/t ,ight to "ive. 2Rie again.1
Cmmon$ taggere$ to hi ,eet. 2#ar$er. An$ tronger.1
2Eo/ be"ong to the go$ no.-1 Aeron to"$ him. 7he other $ro.ne$ men gathere$ ro/n$ an$
each gave him a p/nch an$ a ki to .e"come him to the brotherhoo$. Hne he"pe$ him $on a
ro/ghp/n robe o, mott"e$ b"/e an$ green an$ grey. Another preente$ him .ith a $ri,t.oo$
c/$ge". 2Eo/ be"ong to the ea no.- o the ea ha arme$ yo/-1 Aeron ai$. 23e pray that yo/
ha"" .ie"$ yo/r c/$ge" ,ierce"y- againt a"" the enemie o, o/r go$.1
Hn"y then $i$ the priet t/rn to the three ri$er- .atching ,rom their a$$"e. 2#ave yo/ come
to be $ro.ne$- my "or$61
7he Sparr co/ghe$. 2& .a $ro.ne$ a a boy-1 he ai$- 2an$ my on /pon hi name $ay.1
Aeron norte$. 7hat Ste,,arion Sparr ha$ been given to the 5ro.ne$ Go$ oon a,ter birth he
ha$ no $o/bt. #e kne. the manner o, it too- a A/ick $ip into a t/b o, ea.ater that carce .et the
in,ant4 hea$. Sma"" .on$er the ironborn ha$ been conA/ere$- they .ho once he"$ .ay
every.here the o/n$ o, .ave .a hear$. 27hat i no tr/e $ro.ning-1 he to"$ the ri$er. 2#e
that $oe not $ie in tr/th cannot hope to rie ,rom $eath. 3hy have yo/ come- i, not to prove
yo/r ,aith61
2?or$ Goro"$4 on came eeking yo/- .ith ne..1 7he Sparr in$icate$ the yo/th in the re$
c"oak.
7he boy "ooke$ to be no more than i:(an$(ten. 2Aye- an$ .hich are yo/61 Aeron $eman$e$.
2Gormon$. Gormon$ Goo$brother- i, it p"eae my "or$.1
2&t i the 5ro.ne$ Go$ .e m/t p"eae. #ave yo/ been $ro.ne$- Gormon$ Goo$brother61
2Hn my name $ay- 5amphair. My ,ather ent me to ,in$ yo/ an$ bring yo/ to him. #e nee$
to ee yo/.1
2#ere & tan$. ?et ?or$ Goro"$ come an$ ,eat hi eye.1 Aeron took a "eather kin ,rom R/-
,reh"y ,i""e$ .ith .ater ,rom the ea. 7he priet p/""e$ o/t the cork an$ took a .a""o..
2& am to bring yo/ to the keep-1 inite$ yo/ng Gormon$- ,rom atop hi hore.
7e is afraid to dismount, lest he get his boots wet+ 2& have the go$4 .ork to $o.1 Aeron
Grey=oy .a a prophet. #e $i$ not /,,er petty "or$ or$ering him abo/t "ike ome thra"".
2Goro"$4 ha$ a bir$-1 ai$ the Sparr.
2A maeter4 bir$- ,rom 9yke-1 Gormon$ con,irme$.
Dark wings, dark words+ 27he raven ,"y o4er a"t an$ tone. &, there are ti$ing that concern
me- peak them no..1
2S/ch ti$ing a .e bear are ,or yo/r ear a"one- 5amphair-1 the Sparr ai$. 27hee are not
matter & .o/"$ peak o, here be,ore thee other.1
2#hese others are my $ro.ne$ men- go$4 ervant- =/t a & am. & have no ecret ,rom them-
nor ,rom o/r go$- bei$e .hoe ho"y ea & tan$.1
7he horemen e:change$ a "ook. 27e"" him-1 ai$ the Sparr- an$ the yo/th in the re$ c"oak
/mmone$ /p hi co/rage. 27he king i $ea$-1 he ai$- a p"ain a that. +o/r ma"" .or$- yet the
ea ite", tremb"e$ .hen he /ttere$ them.
+o/r king there .ere in 3etero- yet Aeron $i$ not nee$ to ak .hich one .a meant. Ba"on
Grey=oy r/"e$ the &ron &"an$- an$ no other. #he king is dead+ 7ow can that be6 Aeron ha$ een
hi e"$et brother not a moon4 t/rn pat- .hen he ha$ ret/rne$ to the &ron &"an$ ,rom harrying
the Stony Shore. Ba"on4 grey hair ha$ gone ha",(.hite .hi"t the priet ha$ been a.ay- an$ the
toop in hi ho/"$er .a more prono/nce$ than .hen the "onghip ai"e$. Eet a"" in a"" the
king ha$ not eeme$ i"".
Aeron Grey=oy ha$ b/i"t hi "i,e /pon t.o mighty pi""ar. 7hoe ,o/r ma"" .or$ ha$
knocke$ one $o.n. Onl! the Drowned 1od remains to me+ *a! he make me as strong and
tireless as the sea+ 27e"" me the manner o, my brother4 $eath.1
2#i Grace .a croing a bri$ge at 9yke .hen he ,e"" an$ .a $ahe$ /pon the rock
be"o..1
7he Grey=oy trongho"$ too$ /pon a broken hea$"an$- it keep an$ to.er b/i"t atop
maive tone tack that thr/t /p ,rom the ea. Bri$ge knotte$ 9yke togetherI arche$ bri$ge
o, carve$ tone an$ .aying pan o, hempen rope an$ .oo$en p"ank. 23a the torm raging
.hen he ,e""61 Aeron $eman$e$ o, them.
2Aye-1 the yo/th ai$- 2it .a.1
27he Storm Go$ cat him $o.n-1 the priet anno/nce$. +or a tho/an$ tho/an$ year ea
an$ ky ha$ been at .ar. +rom the ea ha$ come the ironborn- an$ the ,ih that /taine$ them
even in the $epth o, .inter- b/t torm bro/ght on"y .oe an$ grie,. 2My brother Ba"on ma$e /
great again- .hich earne$ the Storm Go$4 .rath. #e ,eat no. in the 5ro.ne$ Go$4 .atery
ha""- .ith mermai$ to atten$ hi every .ant. &t ha"" be ,or / .ho remain behin$ in thi $ry
an$ $ima" va"e to ,inih hi great .ork.1 #e p/he$ the cork back into hi .aterkin. 2& ha""
peak .ith yo/r "or$ ,ather. #o. ,ar ,rom here to #ammerhorn61
2Si: "eag/e. Eo/ may ri$e pi""ion .ith me.1
2Hne can ri$e ,ater than t.o. Give me yo/r hore- an$ the 5ro.ne$ Go$ .i"" b"e yo/.1
27ake my hore- 5amphair-1 o,,ere$ Ste,,arion Sparr.
2No. #i mo/nt i tronger. Eo/r hore- boy.1
7he yo/th heitate$ ha", a heartbeat- then $imo/nte$ an$ he"$ the rein ,or the 5amphair.
Aeron hove$ a bare b"ack ,oot into a tirr/p an$ ./ng hime", onto the a$$"e. #e .a not
,on$ o, hore@they .ere creat/re ,rom the green "an$ an$ he"pe$ to make men .eak@b/t
neceity reA/ire$ that he ri$e. Dark wings, dark words+ A torm .a bre.ing- he co/"$ hear it in
the .ave- an$ torm bro/ght na/ght b/t evi". 2Meet .ith me at 9ebb"eton beneath ?or$
Mer"yn4 to.er-1 he to"$ hi $ro.ne$ men- a he t/rne$ the hore4 hea$.
7he .ay .a ro/gh- /p hi"" an$ .oo$ an$ tony $e,i"e- a"ong a narro. track that o,t
eeme$ to $iappear beneath the hore4 hoove. Great 3yk .a the "arget o, the &ron &"an$-
o vat that ome o, it "or$ ha$ ho"$ing that $i$ not ,ront /pon the ho"y ea. Goro"$
Goo$brother .a one /ch. #i keep .a in the #ar$tone #i""- a ,ar ,rom the 5ro.ne$ Go$4
rea"m a any p"ace in the i"e. Goro"$4 ,o"k toi"e$ $o.n in Goro"$4 mine- in the tony $ark
beneath the earth. Some "ive$ an$ $ie$ .itho/t etting eye /pon a"t .ater. Small wonder that
such folk are crabbed and 3ueer+
A Aeron ro$e- hi tho/ght t/rne$ to hi brother.
Nine on ha$ been born ,rom the "oin o, D/e""on Grey=oy- the ?or$ o, the &ron &"an$.
#ar"on- D/enton- an$ 5one" ha$ been born o, ?or$ D/e""on4 ,irt .i,e- a .oman o, the
Stonetree. Ba"on- C/ron- %ictarion- Frrigon- an$ Aeron .ere the on o, hi econ$- a S/n$er"y
o, Sa"tc"i,,e. +or a thir$ .i,e D/e""on took a gir" ,rom the green "an$- .ho gave him a ick"y
i$iot boy name$ Robin- the brother bet ,orgotten. 7he priet ha$ no memory o, D/enton or
5one"- .ho ha$ $ie$ a in,ant. #ar"on he reca""e$ b/t $im"y- itting grey(,ace$ an$ ti"" in a
.in$o."e to.er room an$ peaking in .hiper that gre. ,ainter every $ay a the greyca"e
t/rne$ hi tong/e an$ "ip to tone. One da! we shall feast on fish together in the Drowned
1od/s water! halls, the four of us and <rri too+
Nine on ha$ been born ,rom the "oin o, D/e""on Grey=oy- b/t on"y ,o/r ha$ "ive$ to
manhoo$. 7hat .a the .ay o, thi co"$ .or"$- .here men ,ihe$ the ea an$ $/g in the gro/n$
an$ $ie$- .hi"t .omen bro/ght ,orth hort("ive$ chi"$ren ,rom be$ o, b"oo$ an$ pain. Aeron
ha$ been the "at an$ "eat o, the ,o/r kraken- Ba"on the e"$et an$ bo"$et- a ,ierce an$ ,ear"e
boy .ho "ive$ on"y to retore the ironborn to their ancient g"ory. At ten he ca"e$ the +"int C"i,,
to the B"in$ ?or$4 ha/nte$ to.er. At thirteen he co/"$ r/n a "onghip4 oar an$ $ance the
,inger $ance a .e"" a any man in the i"e. At ,i,teen he ha$ ai"e$ .ith 5agmer C"e,t=a. to the
Steptone an$ pent a /mmer reaving. #e "e. hi ,irt man there an$ took hi ,irt t.o a"t
.ive. At eventeen Ba"on captaine$ hi o.n hip. #e .a a"" that an e"$er brother o/ght to be-
tho/gh he ha$ never ho.n Aeron a/ght b/t corn. I was weak and full of sin, and scorn was
more than I desered+ Better to be scorned b! Balon the Brae than beloed of 0uron %row/s
0!e+ An$ i, age an$ grie, ha$ t/rne$ Ba"on bitter .ith the year- they ha$ a"o ma$e him more
$etermine$ than any man a"ive. 7e was born a lord/s son and died a king, murdered b! a 9ealous
god, Aeron tho/ght- and now the storm is coming, a storm such as these isles hae neer known+
&t .a "ong a,ter $ark by the time the priet epie$ the piky iron batt"ement o, the
#ammerhorn c"a.ing at the crecent moon. Goro"$4 keep .a h/"king an$ b"ocky- it great
tone A/arrie$ ,rom the c"i,, that "oome$ behin$ it. Be"o. it .a""- the entrance o, cave an$
ancient mine ya.ne$ "ike tooth"e b"ack mo/th. 7he #ammerhorn4 iron gate ha$ been
c"oe$ an$ barre$ ,or the night. Aeron beat on them .ith a rock /nti" the c"anging .oke a g/ar$.
7he yo/th .ho a$mitte$ him .a the image o, Gormon$- .hoe hore he4$ taken. 23hich
one are yo/61 Aeron $eman$e$.
2Gran. My ,ather a.ait yo/ .ithin.1
7he ha"" .a $ank an$ $ra,ty- ,/"" o, ha$o.. Hne o, Goro"$4 $a/ghter o,,ere$ the priet a
horn o, a"e. Another poke$ at a /""en ,ire that .a giving o,, more moke than heat. Goro"$
Goo$brother hime", .a ta"king A/iet"y .ith a "im man in ,ine grey robe- .ho .ore abo/t hi
neck a chain o, many meta" that marke$ him ,or a maeter o, the Cita$e".
23here i Gormon$61 Goro"$ ake$ .hen he a. Aeron.
2#e ret/rn a,oot. Sen$ yo/r .omen a.ay- my "or$. An$ the maeter a .e"".1 #e ha$ no
"ove o, maeter. 7heir raven .ere creat/re o, the Storm Go$- an$ he $i$ not tr/t their
hea"ing- not ince Frri. 2o proper man would choose a life of thralldom, nor forge a chain of
seritude to wear about his throat+
2Gye""a- G.in- "eave /-1 Goo$brother ai$ c/rt"y. 2Eo/ a .e""- Gran. Maeter M/renm/re
.i"" tay.1
2#e .i"" go-1 inite$ Aeron.
27hi i my ha""- 5amphair. &t i not ,or yo/ to ay .ho m/t go an$ .ho remain. 7he
maeter tay.1
#he man lies too far from the sea, Aeron to"$ hime",. 27hen & ha"" go-1 he to"$
Goo$brother. 5ry r/he r/t"e$ /n$erneath the cracke$ o"e o, hi bare b"ack ,eet a he t/rne$
an$ ta"ke$ a.ay. &t eeme$ he ha$ ri$$en a "ong .ay ,or na/ght.
Aeron .a a"mot at the $oor .hen the maeter c"eare$ hi throat- an$ ai$- 2C/ron Cro.4
Cye it the Seatone Chair.1
7he 5amphair t/rne$. 7he ha"" ha$ /$$en"y gro.n co"$er. #he %row/s 0!e is half a world
awa!+ Balon sent him off two !ears ago, and swore that it would be his life if he returned+ 27e""
me-1 he ai$ hoare"y.
2#e ai"e$ into ?or$port the $ay a,ter the king4 $eath- an$ c"aime$ the cat"e an$ the cro.n
a Ba"on4 e"$et brother-1 ai$ Goro"$ Goo$brother. 2No. he en$ ,orth raven- /mmoning
the captain an$ the king ,rom every i"e to 9yke- to ben$ their knee an$ $o him homage a
their king.1
2No.1 Aeron 5amphair $i$ not .eigh hi .or$. 2Hn"y a go$"y man may it the Seatone
Chair. 7he Cro.4 Cye .orhip na/ght b/t hi o.n pri$e.1
2Eo/ .ere on 9yke not "ong ago- an$ a. the king-1 ai$ Goo$brother. 25i$ Ba"on ay a/ght
to yo/ o, the /cceion61
A!e+ 7hey ha$ poken in the Sea 7o.er- a the .in$ ho."e$ o/ti$e the .in$o. an$ the
.ave crahe$ ret"e"y be"o.. Ba"on ha$ haken hi hea$ in $epair .hen he hear$ .hat Aeron
ha$ to te"" him o, hi "at remaining on. 27he .o"ve have ma$e a .eak"ing o, him- a & ,eare$-1
the king ha$ ai$. 2& pray go$ that they ki""e$ him- o he cannot tan$ in Aha4 .ay.1 7hat .a
Ba"on4 b"in$neI he a. hime", in hi .i"$- hea$trong $a/ghter- an$ be"ieve$ he co/"$
/ccee$ him. #e .a .rong in that- an$ Aeron trie$ to te"" him o. 2No .oman .i"" ever r/"e the
ironborn- not even a .oman /ch a Aha-1 he inite$- b/t Ba"on co/"$ be $ea, to thing he $i$
not .ih to hear.
Be,ore the priet co/"$ an.er Goro"$ Goo$brother- the maeter4 mo/th ,"appe$ open once
again. 2By right the Seatone Chair be"ong to 7heon- or Aha i, the prince i $ea$. 7hat i the
"a..1
2Green "an$ "a.-1 ai$ Aeron .ith contempt. 23hat i that to /6 3e are ironborn- the on
o, the ea- choen o, the 5ro.ne$ Go$. No .oman may r/"e over /- nor any go$"e man.1
2An$ %ictarion61 ake$ Goro"$ Goo$brother. 2#e ha the &ron +"eet. 3i"" %ictarion make a
c"aim- 5amphair61
2C/ron i the e"$er brother81 began the maeter.
Aeron i"ence$ him .ith a "ook. &n "itt"e ,ihing to.n an$ great tone keep a"ike /ch a "ook
,rom 5amphair .o/"$ make mai$ ,ee" ,aint an$ en$ chi"$ren hrieking to their mother- an$ it
.a more than /,,icient to A/e"" the chain(neck thra"". 2C/ron i e"$er-1 the priet ai$- 2b/t
%ictarion i more go$"y.1
23i"" it come to .ar bet.een them61 ake$ the maeter.
2&ronborn m/t not pi"" the b"oo$ o, ironborn.1
2A pio/ entiment- 5amphair-1 ai$ Goo$brother- 2b/t not one that yo/r brother hare. #e
ha$ Sa.ane Bot"ey $ro.ne$ ,or aying that the Seatone Chair by right be"onge$ to 7heon.1
2&, he .a $ro.ne$- no b"oo$ .a he$-1 ai$ Aeron.
7he maeter an$ the "or$ e:change$ a "ook. 2& m/t en$ .or$ to 9yke- an$ oon-1 ai$
Goro"$ Goo$brother. 25amphair- & .o/"$ have yo/r co/ne". 3hat ha"" it be- homage or
$e,iance61
Aeron t/gge$ hi bear$- an$ tho/ght. I hae seen the storm, and its name is 0uron %row/s
0!e+ 2+or no.- en$ on"y i"ence-1 he to"$ the "or$. 2& m/t pray on thi.1
29ray a"" yo/ .ih-1 the maeter ai$. 2&t $oe not change the "a.. 7heon i the right,/" heir-
an$ Aha ne:t.1
4Silence;5 Aeron roare$. 27oo "ong have the ironborn "itene$ to yo/ chain(neck maeter
prating o, the green "an$ an$ their "a.. &t i time .e "itene$ to the ea again. &t i time .e
"itene$ to the voice o, go$.1 #i o.n voice rang in that moky ha""- o ,/"" o, po.er that neither
Goro"$ Goo$brother nor hi maeter $are$ a rep"y. #he Drowned 1od is with me, Aeron tho/ght.
7e has shown me the wa!+
Goo$brother o,,ere$ him the com,ort o, the cat"e ,or the night- b/t the priet $ec"ine$. #e
e"$om "ept beneath a cat"e roo,- an$ never o ,ar ,rom the ea. 2Com,ort & ha"" kno. in the
5ro.ne$ Go$4 .atery ha"" beneath the .ave. 3e are born to /,,er- that o/r /,,ering might
make / trong. A"" that & reA/ire i a ,reh hore to carry me to 9ebb"eton.1
7hat Goo$brother .a p"eae$ to provi$e. #e ent hi on Grey$on a .e""- to ho. the priet
the hortet .ay thro/gh the hi"" $o.n to the ea. 5a.n .a ti"" an ho/r o,, .hen they et
,orth- b/t their mo/nt .ere har$y an$ /re,oote$- an$ they ma$e goo$ time $epite the
$arkne. Aeron c"oe$ hi eye an$ ai$ a i"ent prayer- an$ a,ter a .hi"e began to $ro.e in the
a$$"e.
7he o/n$ came o,t"y- the cream o, a r/te$ hinge. 2Frri-1 he m/ttere$- an$ .oke- ,ear,/".
#here is no hinge here, no door, no <rri+ A ,"ying a:e took o,, ha", o, Frri4 han$ .hen he .a
ten(an$(,o/r- p"aying at the ,inger $ance .hi"t hi ,ather an$ hi e"$er brother .ere a.ay at
.ar. ?or$ D/e""on4 thir$ .i,e ha$ been a 9iper o, 9inkmai$en Cat"e- a gir" .ith big o,t breat
an$ bro.n $oe4 eye. &ntea$ o, hea"ing Frri4 han$ the H"$ 3ay- .ith ,ire an$ ea.ater- he
gave him to her green "an$ maeter- .ho .ore that he co/"$ e. back the miing ,inger. #e
$i$ that- an$ "ater he /e$ potion an$ po"tice an$ herb- b/t the han$ morti,ie$ an$ Frri took a
,ever. By the time the maeter a.e$ hi arm o,,- it .a too "ate.
?or$ D/e""on never ret/rne$ ,rom hi "at voyageI the 5ro.ne$ Go$ in hi goo$ne grante$
him a $eath at ea. &t .a ?or$ Ba"on .ho came back- .ith hi brother C/ron an$ %ictarion.
3hen Ba"on hear$ .hat ha$ be,a""en Frri- he remove$ three o, the maeter4 ,inger .ith a
cook4 c"eaver an$ ent hi ,ather4 9iper .i,e to e. them back on. 9o"tice an$ potion .orke$
a .e"" ,or the maeter a they ha$ ,or Frrigon. #e $ie$ raving- an$ ?or$ D/e""on4 thir$ .i,e
,o""o.e$ oon therea,ter- a the mi$.i,e $re. a ti""born $a/ghter ,rom her .omb. Aeron ha$
been g"a$. &t ha$ been hi a:e that heare$ o,, Frri4 han$- .hi"t they $ance$ the ,inger $ance
together- a ,rien$ an$ brother .i"".
&t hame$ him ti"" to reca"" the year that ,o""o.e$ Frri4 $eath. At i:(an$(ten he ca""e$
hime", a man- b/t in tr/th he ha$ been a ack o, .ine .ith "eg. #e .o/"$ ing- he .o/"$ $ance
;b/t not the ,inger $ance- never again<- he .o/"$ =ape an$ =abber an$ make mock. #e p"aye$ the
pipe- he =/gg"e$- he ro$e hore- an$ co/"$ $rink more than a"" the 3ynche an$ the Bot"ey-
an$ ha", the #ar"a. too. 7he 5ro.ne$ Go$ give every man a gi,t- even himI no man co/"$ pi
"onger or ,arther than Aeron Grey=oy- a he prove$ at every ,eat. Hnce he bet hi ne. "onghip
againt a her$ o, goat that he co/"$ A/ench a hearth,ire .ith no more than hi cock. Aeron
,eate$ on goat ,or a year- an$ name$ the "onghip 1olden Storm, tho/gh Ba"on threatene$ to
hang him ,rom her mat .hen he hear$ .hat ort o, ram hi brother propoe$ to mo/nt /pon her
pro..
&n the en$ the 1olden Storm .ent $o.n o,, +air &"e $/ring Ba"on4 ,irt rebe""ion- c/t in ha",
by a to.ering .ar ga""ey ca""e$ Fur! .hen Stanni Baratheon ca/ght %ictarion in hi trap an$
mahe$ the &ron +"eet. Eet the go$ .a not $one .ith Aeron- an$ carrie$ him to hore. Some
,ihermen took him captive an$ marche$ him $o.n to ?anniport in chain- an$ he pent the ret
o, the .ar in the bo.e" o, Cater"y Rock- proving that kraken can pi ,arther an$ "onger than
"ion- boar- or chicken.
#hat man is dead+ Aeron ha$ $ro.ne$ an$ been reborn ,rom the ea- the go$4 o.n prophet.
No morta" man co/"$ ,righten him- no more than the $arkne co/"$8 nor memorie- the bone
o, the o/". #he sound of a door opening, the scream of a rusted iron hinge+ 0uron has come
again+ &t $i$ not matter. #e .a the 5amphair priet- be"ove$ o, the go$.
23i"" it come to .ar61 ake$ Grey$on Goo$brother a the /n .a "ightening the hi"". 2A
.ar o, brother againt brother61
2&, the 5ro.ne$ Go$ .i"" it. No go$"e man may it the Seatone Chair.1 #he %row/s 0!e
will fight, that is certain+ No .oman co/"$ $e,eat him- not even AhaI .omen .ere ma$e to ,ight
their batt"e in the birthing be$. An$ 7heon- i, he "ive$- .a =/t a hope"e- a boy o, /"k an$
mi"e. At 3inter,e"" he prove$ hi .orth- /ch that it .a- b/t the Cro.4 Cye .a no cripp"e$
boy. 7he $eck o, C/ron4 hip .ere painte$ re$- to better hi$e the b"oo$ that oake$ them.
.ictarion+ #he king must be .ictarion, or the storm will sla! us all+
Grey$on "e,t him .hen the /n .a /p- to take the ne. o, Ba"on4 $eath to hi co/in in
their to.er at 5o.n$e"ving- Cro. Spike >eep- an$ Corpe ?ake. Aeron contin/e$ on a"one- /p
hi"" an$ $o.n va"e a"ong a tony track that $re. .i$er an$ more trave"e$ a he neare$ the ea.
&n every vi""age he pa/e$ to preach- an$ in the yar$ o, petty "or$ a .e"". 23e .ere born ,rom
the ea- an$ to the ea .e a"" ret/rn-1 he to"$ them. #i voice .a a $eep a the ocean- an$
th/n$ere$ "ike the .ave. 27he Storm Go$ in hi .rath p"/cke$ Ba"on ,rom hi cat"e an$ cat
him $o.n- an$ no. he ,eat beneath the .ave in the 5ro.ne$ Go$4 .atery ha"".1 #e raie$
hi han$. 2Balon is dead; #he king is dead; Eet a king .i"" come again0 +or .hat i $ea$ may
never $ie- b/t rie again- har$er an$ tronger0 A king will rise;1
Some o, thoe .ho hear$ him thre. $o.n their hoe an$ pick to ,o""o.- o by the time he
hear$ the crah o, .ave a $oGen men .a"ke$ behin$ hi hore- to/che$ by go$ an$ $eiro/ o,
$ro.ning.
9ebb"eton .a home to evera" tho/an$ ,iher,o"k- .hoe hove" h/$$"e$ ro/n$ the bae o, a
A/are to.erho/e .ith a t/rret at each corner. 7.ocore o, Aeron4 $ro.ne$ men there a.aite$
him- campe$ a"ong a grey an$ beach in ea"kin tent an$ he"ter b/i"t o, $ri,t.oo$. 7heir
han$ .ere ro/ghene$ by brine- carre$ by net an$ "ine- ca""/e$ ,rom oar an$ pick an$ a:e-
b/t no. thoe han$ grippe$ $ri,t.oo$ c/$ge" har$ a iron- ,or the go$ ha$ arme$ them ,rom
hi arena" beneath the ea.
7hey ha$ b/i"t a he"ter ,or the priet =/t above the ti$e"ine. G"a$"y he cra."e$ into it- a,ter
he ha$ $ro.ne$ hi ne.et ,o""o.er. *! god, he praye$- speak to me in the rumble of the
waes, and tell me what to do+ #he captains and the kings await !our word+ Who shall be our
king in Balon/s place6 Sing to me in the language of leiathan, that I ma! know his name+ #ell
me, O "ord beneath the waes, who has the strength to fight the storm on $!ke6
7ho/gh hi ri$e to #ammerhorn ha$ "e,t him .eary- Aeron 5amphair .a ret"e in hi
$ri,t.oo$ he"ter- roo,e$ over .ith b"ack .ee$ ,rom the ea. 7he c"o/$ ro""e$ in to c"oak the
moon an$ tar- an$ the $arkne "ay a thick /pon the ea a it $i$ /pon hi o/". Balon faored
Asha, the child of his bod!, but a woman cannot rule the ironborn+ It must be .ictarion+ Nine
on ha$ been born ,rom the "oin o, D/e""on Grey=oy- an$ %ictarion .a the tronget o, them-
a b/"" o, a man- ,ear"e an$ $/ti,/". And therein lies our danger+ A yo/nger brother o.e
obe$ience to an e"$er- an$ %ictarion .a not a man to ai" againt tra$ition. 7e has no loe for
0uron, though+ 2ot since the woman died+
H/ti$e- beneath the noring o, hi $ro.ne$ men an$ the keening o, the .in$- he co/"$ hear
the po/n$ing o, the .ave- the hammer o, hi go$ ca""ing him to batt"e. Aeron crept ,rom hi
"itt"e he"ter into the chi"" o, the night. Nake$ he too$- pa"e an$ ga/nt an$ ta""- an$ nake$ he
.a"ke$ into the b"ack a"t ea. 7he .ater .a icy co"$- yet he $i$ not ,"inch ,rom hi go$4
care. A .ave mahe$ againt hi chet- taggering him. 7he ne:t broke over hi hea$. #e
co/"$ tate the a"t on hi "ip an$ ,ee" the go$ aro/n$ him- an$ hi ear rang .ith the g"ory o, hi
ong. 2ine sons were born from the loins of :uellon 1re!9o!, and I was the least of them, as
weak and frightened as a girl+ But no longer+ #hat man is drowned, and the god has made me
strong+ 7he co"$ a"t ea /rro/n$e$ him- embrace$ him- reache$ $o.n thro/gh hi .eak man4
,"eh an$ to/che$ hi bone. Bones, he tho/ght. #he bones of the soul+ Balon/s bones, and
<rri/s+ #he truth is in our bones, for flesh deca!s and bone endures+ And on the hill of 2agga,
the bones of the 1re! ,ing/s 7all=
An$ ga/nt an$ pa"e an$ hivering- Aeron 5amphair tr/gg"e$ back to the hore- a .ier man
than he ha$ been .hen he teppe$ into the ea. +or he ha$ ,o/n$ the an.er in hi bone- an$ the
.ay .a p"ain be,ore him. 7he night .a o co"$ that hi bo$y eeme$ to team a he ta"ke$
back to.ar$ hi he"ter- b/t there .a a ,ire b/rning in hi heart- an$ "eep came eai"y ,or once-
/nbroken by the cream o, iron hinge.
3hen he .oke the $ay .a bright an$ .in$y. Aeron broke hi ,at on a broth o, c"am an$
ea.ee$ cooke$ above a $ri,t.oo$ ,ire. No ooner ha$ he ,inihe$ than the Mer"yn $ecen$e$
,rom hi to.erho/e .ith ha", a $oGen g/ar$ to eek him o/t. 27he king i $ea$-1 the 5amphair
to"$ him.
2Aye. & ha$ a bir$. An$ no. another.1 7he Mer"yn .a a ba"$ ro/n$ ,"ehy man .ho ty"e$
hime", 2?or$1 in the manner o, the green "an$- an$ $ree$ in ,/r an$ ve"vet. 2Hne raven
/mmon me to 9yke- another to 7en 7o.er. Eo/ kraken have too many arm- yo/ p/"" a man
to piece. 3hat ay yo/- priet6 3here ho/"$ & en$ my "onghip61
Aeron co."e$. 27en 7o.er- $o yo/ ay6 3hat kraken ca"" yo/ there61 7en 7o.er .a the
eat o, the ?or$ o, #ar"a..
27he 9rince Aha. She ha et her ai" ,or home. 7he Rea$er en$ o/t raven- /mmoning
a"" her ,rien$ to #ar"a.. #e ay that Ba"on meant ,or her to it the Seatone Chair.1
27he 5ro.ne$ Go$ ha"" $eci$e .ho it the Seatone Chair-1 the priet ai$. 2>nee"- that &
might b"e yo/.1 ?or$ Mer"yn ank to hi knee- an$ Aeron /ncorke$ hi kin an$ po/re$ a
tream o, ea.ater on hi ba"$ pate. 2?or$ Go$ .ho $ro.ne$ ,or /- "et Me"$re$ yo/r ervant be
born again ,rom the ea. B"e him .ith a"t- b"e him .ith tone- b"e him .ith tee".1 3ater
ran $o.n Mer"yn4 ,at cheek to oak hi bear$ an$ ,o:(,/r mant"e. 23hat i $ea$ may never
$ie-1 Aeron ,inihe$- 2b/t rie again- har$er an$ tronger.1 B/t .hen Mer"yn roe- he to"$ him-
2Stay an$ "iten- that yo/ may prea$ go$4 .or$.1
7hree ,eet ,rom the .ater4 e$ge the .ave broke aro/n$ a ro/n$e$ granite bo/"$er. &t .a
there that Aeron 5amphair too$- o a"" hi choo" might ee him- an$ hear the .or$ he ha$ to
ay.
23e .ere born ,rom the ea- an$ to the ea .e a"" ret/rn-1 he began- a he ha$ a h/n$re$
time be,ore. 27he Storm Go$ in hi .rath p"/cke$ Ba"on ,rom hi cat"e an$ cat him $o.n-
an$ no. he ,eat beneath the .ave.1 #e raie$ hi han$. 2#he iron king is dead; Eet a king
.i"" come again0 +or .hat i $ea$ may never $ie- b/t rie again- har$er an$ tronger01
4A king shall rise;5 the $ro.ne$ men crie$.
2#e ha"". #e m/t. B/t .ho61 7he 5amphair "itene$ a moment- b/t on"y the .ave gave
an.er. 4Who shall be our king65
7he $ro.ne$ men began to "am their $ri,t.oo$ c/$ge" one againt the other. 4Damphair;5
they crie$. 4Damphair ,ing; Aeron ,ing; 1ie us Damphair;5
Aeron hook hi hea$. 2&, a ,ather ha t.o on an$ give to one an a:e an$ to the other a net-
.hich $oe he inten$ ho/"$ be the .arrior61
27he a:e i ,or the .arrior-1 R/ ho/te$ back- 2the net ,or a ,iher o, the ea.1
2Aye-1 ai$ Aeron. 27he go$ took me $eep beneath the .ave an$ $ro.ne$ the .orth"e
thing & .a. 3hen he cat me ,orth again he gave me eye to ee- ear to hear- an$ a voice to
prea$ hi .or$- that & might be hi prophet an$ teach hi tr/th to thoe .ho have ,orgotten. &
.a not ma$e to it /pon the Seatone Chair8 no more than C/ron Cro.4 Cye. +or & have
hear$ the go$- .ho ay- 2o godless man ma! sit m! Seastone %hair;1
7he Mer"yn croe$ hi arm againt hi chet. 2& it Aha- then6 Hr %ictarion6 7e"" /-
priet01
27he 5ro.ne$ Go$ .i"" te"" yo/- b/t not here.1 Aeron pointe$ at the Mer"yn4 ,at .hite ,ace.
2?ook not to me- nor to the "a. o, men- b/t to the ea. Raie yo/r ai" an$ /nhip yo/r oar-
my "or$- an$ take yo/re", to H"$ 3yk. Eo/- an$ a"" the captain an$ the king. Go not to 9yke-
to bo. be,ore the go$"e- nor to #ar"a.- to conort .ith cheming .omen. 9oint yo/r pro.
to.ar$ H"$ 3yk- .here too$ the Grey >ing4 #a"". &n the name o, the 5ro.ne$ Go$ & /mmon
yo/. I summon all of !ou; ?eave yo/r ha"" an$ hove"- yo/r cat"e an$ yo/r keep- an$ ret/rn to
Nagga4 hi"" to make a kingmoot01
7he Mer"yn gape$ at him. 2A kingmoot6 7here ha not been a tr/e kingmoot in81
4=too long a time;5 Aeron crie$ in ang/ih. 2Eet in the $a.n o, $ay the ironborn choe
their o.n king- raiing /p the .orthiet amongt them. &t i time .e ret/rne$ to the H"$ 3ay-
,or on"y that ha"" make / great again. &t .a a kingmoot that choe Frra &ron,oot ,or #igh
>ing- an$ p"ace$ a $ri,t.oo$ cro.n /pon hi bro.. Sy"a +"atnoe- #arrag #oare- the H"$
>raken- the kingmoot raie$ them a"". An$ ,rom this kingmoot ha"" emerge a man to ,inih the
.ork >ing Ba"on ha beg/n an$ .in / back o/r ,ree$om. Go not to 9yke- nor to the 7en
7o.er o, #ar"a.- b/t to H"$ 3yk- & ay again. Seek the hi"" o, Nagga an$ the bone o, the Grey
>ing4 #a""- ,or in that ho"y p"ace .hen the moon ha $ro.ne$ an$ come again .e ha"" make
o/re"ve a .orthy king- a godl! king.1 #e raie$ hi bony han$ on high again. 2"isten; ?iten
to the .ave0 ?iten to the go$0 #e i peaking to /- an$ he ay- We shall hae no king but
from the kingsmoot;1
A roar .ent /p at that- an$ the $ro.ne$ men beat their c/$ge" one againt the other. 2A
kingsmoot;1 they ho/te$. 2A kingsmoot, a kingsmoot+ 2o king but from the kingsmoot;5 An$
the c"amor that they ma$e .a o th/n$ero/ that /re"y the Cro.4 Cye hear$ the ho/t on
9yke- an$ the vi"e Storm Go$ in hi c"o/$y ha"". An$ Aeron 5amphair kne. he ha$ $one .e"".
The Ca(tain Of G,ards
The b"oo$ orange are .e"" pat ripe-1 the prince oberve$ in a .eary voice- .hen the captain
ro""e$ him onto the terrace.
A,ter that he $i$ not peak again ,or ho/r.
&t .a tr/e abo/t the orange. A ,e. ha$ ,a""en to b/rt open on the pa"e pink marb"e. 7he
harp .eet me"" o, them ,i""e$ #otah4 notri" each time he took a breath. No $o/bt the prince
co/"$ me"" them too- a he at beneath the tree in the ro""ing chair Maeter Ca"eotte ha$ ma$e
,or him- .ith it gooe($o.n c/hion an$ r/mb"ing .hee" o, ebony an$ iron.
+or a "ong .hi"e the on"y o/n$ .ere the chi"$ren p"ahing in the poo" an$ ,o/ntain- an$
once a o,t plop a another orange $roppe$ onto the terrace to b/rt. 7hen- ,rom the ,ar i$e o,
the pa"ace- the captain hear$ the ,aint $r/mbeat o, boot on marb"e.
Obara+ #e kne. her tri$eI "ong("egge$- haty- angry. &n the tab"e by the gate- her hore
.o/"$ be "athere$- an$ b"oo$y ,rom her p/r. She a".ay ro$e ta""ion- an$ ha$ been hear$ to
boat that he co/"$ mater any hore in 5orne8 an$ any man a .e"". 7he captain co/"$ hear
other ,oottep a .e""- the A/ick o,t c/,,ing o, Maeter Ca"eotte h/rrying to keep /p.
Hbara San$ a".ay .a"ke$ too ,at. She is chasing after something she can neer catch, the
prince ha$ to"$ hi $a/ghter once- in the captain4 hearing.
3hen he appeare$ beneath the trip"e arch- Areo #otah ./ng hi "onga:e i$e.ay to b"ock
the .ay. 7he hea$ .a on a ha,t o, mo/ntain ah i: ,eet "ong- o he co/"$ not go aro/n$. 2My
"a$y- no ,arther.1 #i voice .a a ba gr/mb"e thick .ith the accent o, Norvo. 27he prince
$oe not .ih to be $it/rbe$.1
#er ,ace ha$ been tone be,ore he pokeI then it har$ene$. 2Eo/ are in my .ay- #otah.1
Hbara .a the e"$et San$ Snake- a big(bone$ .oman near to thirty- .ith the c"oe(et eye an$
rat(bro.n hair o, the H"$to.n .hore .ho4$ birthe$ her. Beneath a mott"e$ an$i"k c"oak o, $/n
an$ go"$- her ri$ing c"othe .ere o"$ bro.n "eather- .orn an$ /pp"e. 7hey .ere the o,tet
thing abo/t her. Hn one hip he .ore a coi"e$ .hip- acro her back a ro/n$ hie"$ o, tee" an$
copper. She ha$ "e,t her pear o/ti$e. +or that- Areo #otah gave thank. D/ick an$ trong a he
.a- the .oman .a no match ,or him- he kne.8 b/t she $i$ not- an$ he ha$ no .ih to ee her
b"oo$ /pon the pa"e pink marb"e.
Maeter Ca"eotte hi,te$ hi .eight ,rom ,oot to ,oot. 2?a$y Hbara- & trie$ to te"" yo/81
25oe he kno. that my ,ather i $ea$61 Hbara ake$ the captain- paying the maeter no more
min$ than he .o/"$ a ,"y- i, any ,"y ha$ been ,oo"ih eno/gh to b/GG abo/t her hea$.
2#e $oe-1 the captain ai$. 2#e ha$ a bir$.1
5eath ha$ come to 5orne on raven .ing- .rit ma"" an$ ea"e$ .ith a b"ob o, har$ re$ .a:.
Ca"eotte m/t have ene$ .hat .a in that "etter- ,or he4$ given it #otah to $e"iver. 7he prince
thanke$ him- b/t ,or the "onget time he .o/"$ not break the ea". A"" a,ternoon he4$ at .ith the
parchment in hi "ap- .atching the chi"$ren at their p"ay. #e .atche$ /nti" the /n .ent $o.n
an$ the evening air gre. coo" eno/gh to $rive them ini$eI then he .atche$ the tar"ight on the
.ater. &t .a moonrie be,ore he ent #otah to ,etch a can$"e- o he might rea$ hi "etter beneath
the orange tree in the $ark o, night.
Hbara to/che$ her .hip. 27ho/an$ are croing the an$ a,oot to c"imb the Bone.ay- o
they may he"p C""aria bring my ,ather home. 7he ept are packe$ to b/rting- an$ the re$ priet
have "it their temp"e ,ire. &n the pi""o. ho/e .omen are co/p"ing .ith every man .ho come
to them- an$ re,/ing any coin. &n S/npear- on the Broken Arm- a"ong the Greenb"oo$- in the
mo/ntain- o/t in the $eep an$- every.here- eer!where, .omen tear their hair an$ men cry o/t
in rage. 7he ame A/etion i hear$ on every tong/e@.hat .i"" 5oran $o6 What will his brother
do to aenge our murdered prince61 She move$ c"oer to the captain. 2An$ yo/ ay- he does not
wish to be disturbed;1
2#e $oe not .ih to be $it/rbe$-1 Areo #otah ai$ again.
7he captain o, g/ar$ kne. the prince he g/ar$e$. Hnce- "ong ago- a ca""o. yo/th ha$ come
,rom Norvo- a big broa$(ho/"$ere$ boy .ith a mop o, $ark hair. 7hat hair .a .hite no.- an$
hi bo$y bore the car o, many batt"e8 b/t hi trength remaine$- an$ he kept hi "onga:e
harp- a the bear$e$ priet ha$ ta/ght him. She shall not pass, he to"$ hime",- an$ ai$- 27he
prince i .atching the chi"$ren at their p"ay. #e i neer to be $it/rbe$ .hen he i .atching the
chi"$ren at their p"ay.1
2#otah-1 ai$ Hbara San$- 2yo/ .i"" remove yo/re", ,rom my path- e"e & ha"" take that
"onga:e an$@1
2Captain-1 came the comman$- ,rom behin$. 2?et her pa. & .i"" peak .ith her.1 7he
prince4 voice .a hoare.
Areo #otah =erke$ hi "onga:e /pright an$ teppe$ to one i$e. Hbara gave him a "ingering
"at "ook an$ tro$e pat- the maeter h/rrying at her hee". Ca"eotte .a no more than ,ive ,eet
ta"" an$ ba"$ a an egg. #i ,ace .a o mooth an$ ,at that it .a har$ to te"" hi age- b/t he ha$
been here be,ore the captain- ha$ even erve$ the prince4 mother. 5epite hi age an$ girth- he
.a ti"" nimb"e eno/gh- an$ c"ever a they came- b/t meek. 7e is no match for an! Sand Snake,
the captain tho/ght.
&n the ha$e o, the orange tree- the prince at in hi chair .ith hi go/ty "eg proppe$ /p
be,ore him- an$ heavy bag beneath hi eye8 tho/gh .hether it .a grie, or go/t that kept him
"eep"e- #otah co/"$ not ay. Be"o.- in the ,o/ntain an$ the poo"- the chi"$ren .ere ti"" at
their p"ay. 7he yo/nget .ere no more than ,ive- the o"$et nine an$ ten. #a", .ere gir" an$ ha",
.ere boy. #otah co/"$ hear them p"ahing an$ ho/ting at each other in high- hri"" voice. 2&t
.a not o "ong ago that yo/ .ere one o, the chi"$ren in thoe poo"- Hbara-1 the prince ai$-
.hen he took one knee be,ore hi ro""ing chair.
She norte$. 2&t ha been t.enty year- or near eno/gh to make no matter. An$ & .a not here
"ong. & am the .hore4 .he"p- or ha$ yo/ ,orgotten61 3hen he $i$ not an.er- he roe again
an$ p/t her han$ /pon her hip. 2My ,ather ha been m/r$ere$.1
2#e .a "ain in ing"e combat $/ring a tria" by batt"e-1 9rince 5oran ai$. 2By "a.- that i no
m/r$er.1
2#e .a yo/r brother+1
2#e .a.1
23hat $o yo/ mean to $o abo/t hi $eath61
7he prince t/rne$ hi chair "aborio/"y to ,ace her. 7ho/gh he .a b/t t.o(an$(,i,ty- 5oran
Marte"" eeme$ m/ch o"$er. #i bo$y .a o,t an$ hape"e beneath hi "inen robe- an$ hi
"eg .ere har$ to "ook /pon. 7he go/t ha$ .o""en an$ re$$ene$ hi =oint groteA/e"yI hi "e,t
knee .a an app"e- hi right a me"on- an$ hi toe ha$ t/rne$ to $ark re$ grape- o ripe it eeme$
a tho/gh a to/ch .o/"$ b/rt them. Cven the .eight o, a cover"et co/"$ make him h/$$er-
tho/gh he bore the pain .itho/t comp"aint. Silence is a prince/s friend, the captain ha$ hear$
him te"" hi $a/ghter once. Words are like arrows, Arianne+ Once loosed, !ou cannot call them
back+ 2& have .ritten to ?or$ 7y.in@1
2Written6 &, yo/ .ere ha", the man my ,ather .a@1
2& am not yo/r ,ather.1
27hat & kne..1 Hbara4 voice .a thick .ith contempt.
2Eo/ .o/"$ have me go to .ar.1
2& kno. better. Eo/ nee$ not even "eave yo/r chair. ?et me avenge my ,ather. Eo/ have a
hot in the 9rince4 9a. ?or$ Eron.oo$ ha another in the Bone.ay. Grant me the one an$
Nym the other. ?et her ri$e the kingroa$- .hi"t & t/rn the marcher "or$ o/t o, their cat"e an$
hook ro/n$ to march on H"$to.n.1
2An$ ho. co/"$ yo/ hope to ho"$ H"$to.n61
2&t .i"" be eno/gh to ack it. 7he .ea"th o, #ighto.er@1
2& it go"$ yo/ .ant61
2&t i b"oo$ & .ant.1
2?or$ 7y.in ha"" $e"iver / the Mo/ntain4 hea$.1
2An$ .ho .i"" $e"iver / ?or$ 7y.in4 hea$6 7he Mo/ntain ha a".ay been hi pet.1
7he prince get/re$ to.ar$ the poo". 2Hbara- "ook at the chi"$ren- i, it p"eae yo/.1
2&t $oe not p"eae me. &4$ get more p"ea/re ,rom $riving my pear into ?or$ 7y.in4 be""y.
&4"" make him ing J7he Rain o, Catamere4 a & p/"" hi bo.e" o/t an$ "ook ,or go"$.1
4"ook,5 the prince repeate$. 2& comman$ yo/.1
A ,e. o, the o"$er chi"$ren "ay ,ace$o.n /pon the mooth pink marb"e- bro.ning in the /n.
Hther pa$$"e$ in the ea beyon$. 7hree .ere b/i"$ing a an$ cat"e .ith a great pike that
reemb"e$ the Spear 7o.er o, the H"$ 9a"ace. A core or more ha$ gathere$ in the big poo"- to
.atch the batt"e a ma""er chi"$ren ro$e thro/gh the .ait($eep ha""o. on the ho/"$er o,
the "arger an$ trie$ to hove each other into the .ater. Cvery time a pair .ent $o.n- the p"ah
.a ,o""o.e$ by a roar o, "a/ghter. 7hey .atche$ a n/t(bro.n gir" yank a to.hea$e$ boy o,, hi
brother4 ho/"$er to t/mb"e him hea$,irt into the poo".
2Eo/r ,ather p"aye$ that ame game once- a & $i$ be,ore him-1 ai$ the prince. 23e ha$ ten
year bet.een /- o & ha$ "e,t the poo" by the time he .a o"$ eno/gh to p"ay- b/t & .o/"$
.atch him .hen & came to viit Mother. #e .a o ,ierce- even a a boy. D/ick a a .ater nake.
& o,t a. him topp"e boy m/ch bigger than hime",. #e remin$e$ me o, that the $ay he "e,t ,or
>ing4 ?an$ing. #e .ore that he .o/"$ $o it one more time- e"e & .o/"$ never have "et him
go.1
2"et him go61 Hbara "a/ghe$. 2A i, yo/ co/"$ have toppe$ him. 7he Re$ %iper o, 5orne
.ent .here he .o/"$.1
2#e $i$. & .ih & ha$ ome .or$ o, com,ort to@1
2& $i$ not come to yo/ ,or comfort+1 #er voice .a ,/"" o, corn. 27he $ay my ,ather came to
c"aim me- my mother $i$ not .ih ,or me to go. JShe i a gir"-4 he ai$- Jan$ & $o not think that
he i yo/r. & ha$ a tho/an$ other men.4 #e toe$ hi pear at my ,eet an$ gave my mother the
back o, hi han$ acro the ,ace- o he began to .eep. JGir" or boy- .e ,ight o/r batt"e-4 he
ai$- Jb/t the go$ "et / chooe o/r .eapon.4 #e pointe$ to the pear- then to my mother4
tear- an$ & picke$ /p the pear. J& to"$ yo/ he .a mine-4 my ,ather ai$- an$ took me. My
mother $rank here", to $eath .ithin the year. 7hey ay that he .a .eeping a he $ie$.1 Hbara
e$ge$ c"oer to the prince in hi chair. 2?et me /e the pearI & ak no more.1
2&t i a $ea" to ak- Hbara. & ha"" "eep on it.1
2Eo/ have "ept too "ong a"rea$y.1
2Eo/ may be right. & .i"" en$ .or$ to yo/ at S/npear.1
2So "ong a the .or$ i .ar.1 Hbara t/rne$ /pon her hee" an$ tro$e o,, a angri"y a he ha$
come- back to the tab"e ,or a ,reh hore an$ another hea$"ong ga""op $o.n the roa$.
Maeter Ca"eotte remaine$ behin$. 2My prince61 the "itt"e ro/n$ man ake$. 25o yo/r "eg
h/rt61
7he prince mi"e$ ,aint"y. 2& the /n hot61
2Sha"" & ,etch a $ra/ght ,or the pain61
2No. & nee$ my .it abo/t me.1
7he maeter heitate$. 2My prince- i it8 i it pr/$ent to a""o. ?a$y Hbara to ret/rn to
S/npear6 She i certain to in,"ame the common peop"e. 7hey "ove$ yo/r brother .e"".1
2So $i$ .e a"".1 #e pree$ hi ,inger to hi temp"e. 2No. Eo/ are right. & m/t ret/rn to
S/npear a .e"".1
7he "itt"e ro/n$ man heitate$. 2& that .ie61
2Not .ie- b/t neceary. Bet en$ a ri$er to Ricao- an$ have him open my apartment in
the 7o.er o, the S/n. &n,orm my $a/ghter Arianne that & .i"" be there on the morro..1
*! little princess+ 7he captain ha$ mie$ her ore"y.
2Eo/ .i"" be een-1 the maeter .arne$.
7he captain /n$ertoo$. 7.o year ago- .hen they ha$ "e,t S/npear ,or the peace an$
io"ation o, the 3ater Gar$en- 9rince 5oran4 go/t ha$ not been ha", o ba$. &n thoe $ay he
ha$ ti"" .a"ke$- a"beit "o."y- "eaning on a tick an$ grimacing .ith every tep. 7he prince $i$
not .ih hi enemie to kno. ho. ,eeb"e he ha$ gro.n- an$ the H"$ 9a"ace an$ it ha$o. city
.ere ,/"" o, eye. 0!es, the captain tho/ght- and steps he cannot climb+ 7e would need to fl! to
sit atop the #ower of the Sun+
2& must be een. Someone m/t po/r oi" on the .ater. 5orne m/t be remin$e$ that it ti""
ha a prince.1 #e mi"e$ .an"y. 2H"$ an$ go/ty tho/gh he i.1
2&, yo/ ret/rn to S/npear- yo/ .i"" nee$ to give a/$ience to 9rince Myrce""a-1 Ca"eotte
ai$. 2#er .hite knight .i"" be .ith her8 an$ yo/ know he en$ "etter to hi A/een.1
2& /ppoe he $oe.1
#he white knight+ 7he captain ,ro.ne$. Ser Ary ha$ come to 5orne to atten$ hi o.n
prince- a Areo #otah ha$ once come .ith hi. Cven their name o/n$e$ o$$"y a"ike' Areo
an$ Ary. Eet there the "ikene en$e$. 7he captain ha$ "e,t Norvo an$ it bear$e$ priet- b/t
Ser Ary Hakheart ti"" erve$ the &ron 7hrone. #otah ha$ ,e"t a certain a$ne .henever he a.
the man in the "ong no.y c"oak- the time the prince ha$ ent him $o.n to S/npear. Hne $ay-
he ene$- the t.o o, them .o/"$ ,ightI on that $ay Hakheart .o/"$ $ie- .ith the captain4
"onga:e crahing thro/gh hi k/"". #e "i$ hi han$ a"ong the mooth ahen ha,t o, hi a:e an$
.on$ere$ i, that $ay .a $ra.ing nigh.
27he a,ternoon i a"mot $one-1 the prince .a aying. 23e .i"" .ait ,or morn. See that my
"itter i rea$y by ,irt "ight.1
2A yo/ comman$.1 Ca"eotte bobbe$ a bo.. 7he captain too$ ai$e to "et him pa- an$
"itene$ to hi ,oottep $.in$"e.
2Captain61 7he prince4 voice .a o,t.
#otah tro$e ,or.ar$- one han$ .rappe$ abo/t hi "onga:e. 7he ah ,e"t a mooth a a
.oman4 kin againt hi pa"m. 3hen he reache$ the ro""ing chair he th/mpe$ it b/tt $o.n har$
to anno/nce hi preence- b/t the prince ha$ eye on"y ,or the chi"$ren. 25i$ yo/ have brother-
captain61 he ake$. 2Back in Norvo- .hen yo/ .ere yo/ng6 Siter61
2Both-1 #otah ai$. 27.o brother- three iter. & .a the yo/nget.1 #he !oungest, and
unwanted+ Another mouth to feed, a big bo! who ate too much and soon outgrew his clothes+
Sma"" .on$er they ha$ o"$ him to the bear$e$ priet.
2& .a the o"$et-1 the prince ai$- 2an$ yet & am the "at. A,ter Mor an$ H"yvar $ie$ in their
cra$"e- & gave /p hope o, brother. & .a nine .hen C"ia came- a A/ire in ervice at Sa"t Shore.
3hen the raven arrive$ .ith .or$ that my mother ha$ been bro/ght to be$ a month too oon- &
.a o"$ eno/gh to /n$ertan$ that meant the chi"$ .o/"$ not "ive. Cven .hen ?or$ Garga"en
to"$ me that & ha$ a iter- & a/re$ him that he m/t hort"y $ie. Eet he "ive$- by the Mother4
mercy. An$ a year "ater Hberyn arrive$- A/a""ing an$ kicking. & .a a man gro.n .hen they
.ere p"aying in thee poo". Eet here & it- an$ they are gone.1
Areo #otah $i$ not kno. .hat to ay to that. #e .a on"y a captain o, g/ar$- an$ ti"" a
tranger to thi "an$ an$ it even(,ace$ go$- even a,ter a"" thee year. Sere+ Obe!+ $rotect+ #e
ha$ .orn thoe vo. at i:(an$(ten- the $ay he .e$ hi a:e. Simple ows for simple men, the
bear$e$ priet ha$ ai$. #e ha$ not been traine$ to co/ne" grieving prince.
#e .a ti"" groping ,or ome .or$ to ay .hen another orange ,e"" .ith a heavy p"at- no
more than a ,oot ,rom .here the prince .a eate$. 5oran .ince$ at the o/n$- a i, omeho. it
ha$ h/rt him. 2Cno/gh-1 he ighe$- 2it i eno/gh. ?eave me- Areo. ?et me .atch the chi"$ren ,or
a ,e. more ho/r.1
3hen the /n et the air gre. coo" an$ the chi"$ren .ent ini$e in earch o, /pper- ti"" the
prince remaine$ beneath hi orange tree- "ooking o/t over the ti"" poo" an$ the ea beyon$. A
erving man bro/ght him a bo." o, p/rp"e o"ive- .ith ,"atbrea$- cheee- an$ chickpea pate. #e
ate a bit o, it- an$ $rank a c/p o, the .eet- heavy trong.ine that he "ove$. 3hen it .a empty-
he ,i""e$ it once again. Sometime in the $eep b"ack ho/r o, the morning "eep ,o/n$ him in hi
chair. Hn"y then $i$ the captain ro"" him $o.n the moon"it ga""ery- pat a ro. o, ,"/te$ pi""ar
an$ thro/gh a grace,/" arch.ay- to a great be$ .ith crip coo" "inen heet in a chamber by the
ea. 5oran groane$ a the captain move$ him- b/t the go$ .ere goo$ an$ he $i$ not .ake.
7he captain4 "eeping ce"" a$=oine$ hi prince4. #e at /pon the narro. be$ an$ ,o/n$ hi
.hettone an$ oi"c"oth in their niche- an$ et to .ork. ,eep !our longa8e sharp, the bear$e$
priet ha$ to"$ him- the $ay they bran$e$ him. #e a".ay $i$.
A he hone$ the a:e- #otah tho/ght o, Norvo- the high city on the hi"" an$ the "o. bei$e the
river. #e co/"$ ti"" reca"" the o/n$ o, the three be""- the .ay that Noom4 $eep pea" et hi
very bone to h/$$ering- the pro/$ trong voice o, Narrah- .eet Nye"4 i"very "a/ghter. 7he
tate o, .intercake ,i""e$ hi mo/th again- rich .ith ginger an$ pine n/t an$ bit o, cherry- .ith
nahsa to .ah it $o.n- ,ermente$ goat4 mi"k erve$ in an iron c/p an$ "ace$ .ith honey. #e
a. hi mother in her $re .ith the A/irre" co""ar- the one he .ore b/t once each year- .hen
they .ent to ee the bear $ance $o.n the Sinner4 Step. An$ he me""e$ the tench o, b/rning
hair a the bear$e$ priet to/che$ the bran$ to the center o, hi chet. 7he pain ha$ been o ,ierce
that he tho/ght hi heart might top- yet Areo #otah ha$ not ,"inche$. 7he hair ha$ never gro.n
back over the a:e.
Hn"y .hen both e$ge .ere harp eno/gh to have .ith $i$ the captain "ay hi ah(an$(iron
.i,e $o.n on the be$. Ea.ning- he p/""e$ o,, hi oi"e$ c"othe- toe$ them on the ,"oor- an$
tretche$ o/t on hi tra.(t/,,e$ mattre. 7hinking o, the bran$ ha$ ma$e it itch- o he ha$ to
cratch hime", be,ore he c"oe$ hi eye. I should hae gathered up the oranges that fell, he
tho/ght- an$ .ent to "eep $reaming o, the tart .eet tate o, them- an$ the ticky ,ee" o, the re$
=/ice on hi ,inger.
5a.n came too oon. H/ti$e the tab"e the ma""et o, the three hore "itter too$ rea$y-
the ce$ar.oo$ "itter .ith the re$ i"k $raperie. 7he captain choe t.enty pear to accompany it-
o/t o, the thirty .ho .ere pote$ at the 3ater Gar$enI the ret .o/"$ tay to g/ar$ the gro/n$
an$ chi"$ren- ome o, .hom .ere the on an$ $a/ghter o, great "or$ an$ .ea"thy merchant.
A"tho/gh the prince ha$ poken o, $eparting at ,irt "ight- Areo #otah kne. that he .o/"$
$a.$"e. 3hi"t the maeter he"pe$ 5oran Marte"" to bathe an$ ban$age$ /p hi .o""en =oint in
"inen .rap oake$ .ith oothing "otion- the captain $onne$ a hirt o, copper ca"e a be,it hi
rank- an$ a bi""o.ing c"oak o, $/n(an$(ye""o. an$i"k to keep the /n o,, the copper. 7he $ay
promie$ to be hot- an$ the captain ha$ "ong ago $icar$e$ the heavy horehair cape an$ t/$$e$
"eather t/nic he ha$ .orn in Norvo- .hich .ere "ike to cook a man in 5orne. #e ha$ kept hi
iron ha",he"m- .ith it cret o, harpene$ pike- b/t no. he .ore it .rappe$ in orange i"k-
.eaving the c"oth in an$ aro/n$ the pike. C"e.ie the /n beating $o.n on the meta" .o/"$
have hi hea$ po/n$ing be,ore they a. the pa"ace.
7he prince .a ti"" not rea$y to $epart. #e ha$ $eci$e$ to break hi ,at be,ore he .ent- .ith
a b"oo$ orange an$ a p"ate o, g/""4 egg $ice$ .ith bit o, ham an$ ,iery pepper. 7hen no/ght
.o/"$ $o b/t he m/t ay ,are.e"" to evera" o, the chi"$ren .ho ha$ become epecia" ,avorite'
the 5a"t boy an$ ?a$y B"ackmont4 broo$ an$ the ro/n$(,ace$ orphan gir" .hoe ,ather ha$ o"$
c"oth an$ pice /p an$ $o.n the Greenb"oo$. 5oran kept a p"en$i$ Myrih b"anket over hi
"eg a he poke .ith them- to pare the yo/ng one the ight o, hi .o""en- ban$age$ =oint.
&t .a mi$$ay be,ore they got /n$er .ayI the prince in hi "itter- Maeter Ca"eotte ri$ing on a
$onkey- the ret a,oot. +ive pearmen .a"ke$ ahea$ an$ ,ive behin$- .ith ,ive more ,"anking the
"itter to either i$e. Areo #otah hime", took hi ,ami"iar p"ace at the "e,t han$ o, the prince-
reting hi "onga:e on a ho/"$er a he .a"ke$. 7he roa$ ,rom S/npear to the 3ater Gar$en
ran bei$e the ea- o they ha$ a coo" ,reh breeGe to oothe them a they ma$e their .ay acro a
pare re$(bro.n "an$ o, tone an$ an$ an$ t.ite$ t/nte$ tree.
#a",.ay there- the econ$ San$ Snake ca/ght them.
She appeare$ /$$en"y /pon a $/ne- mo/nte$ on a go"$en an$ tee$ .ith a mane "ike ,ine
.hite i"k. Cven ahore- the ?a$y Nym "ooke$ grace,/"- $ree$ a"" in himmering "i"ac robe an$
a great i"k cape o, cream an$ copper that "i,te$ at every g/t o, .in$- an$ ma$e her "ook a i,
he might take ,"ight. Nymeria San$ .a ,ive(an$(t.enty- an$ "en$er a a .i""o.. #er traight
b"ack hair- .orn in a "ong brai$ bo/n$ /p .ith re$(go"$ .ire- ma$e a .i$o.4 peak above her
$ark eye- =/t a her ,ather4 ha$. 3ith her high cheekbone- ,/"" "ip- an$ mi"k(pa"e kin- he
ha$ a"" the bea/ty that her e"$er iter "acke$8 b/t Hbara4 mother ha$ been an H"$to.n .hore-
.hi"t Nym .a born ,rom the nob"et b"oo$ o, o"$ %o"anti. A $oGen mo/nte$ pearmen tai"e$
her- their ro/n$ hie"$ g"eaming in the /n. 7hey ,o""o.e$ her $o.n the $/ne.
7he prince ha$ tie$ back the c/rtain on hi "itter- the better to en=oy the breeGe b"o.ing o,,
the ea. ?a$y Nym ,e"" in bei$e him- "o.ing her pretty go"$en mare to match the "itter4 pace.
23e"" met- Fnc"e-1 he ang o/t- a i, it ha$ been chance that bro/ght her here. 2May & ri$e .ith
yo/ to S/npear61 7he captain .a on the oppoite i$e o, the "itter ,rom ?a$y Nym- yet he
co/"$ hear every .or$ he ai$.
2& .o/"$ be g"a$ o, it-1 9rince 5oran rep"ie$- tho/gh he $i$ not sound g"a$ to the captain4
ear. 2Go/t an$ grie, make poor companion on the roa$.1 By .hich the captain kne. him to
mean that every pebb"e $rove a pike thro/gh hi .o""en =oint.
27he go/t & cannot he"p-1 he ai$- 2b/t my ,ather ha$ no /e ,or grie,. %engeance .a more
to hi tate. & it tr/e that Gregor C"egane a$mitte$ "aying C"ia an$ her chi"$ren61
2#e roare$ o/t hi g/i"t ,or a"" the co/rt to hear-1 the prince a$mitte$. 2?or$ 7y.in ha
promie$ / hi hea$.1
2An$ a ?anniter a".ay pay hi $ebt-1 ai$ ?a$y Nym- 2yet it eem to me that ?or$
7y.in mean to pay / .ith o/r o.n coin. & ha$ a bir$ ,rom o/r .eet Ser 5aemon- .ho .ear
my ,ather tick"e$ that monter more than once a they ,o/ght. &, o- Ser Gregor i a goo$ a
$ea$- an$ no thank to 7y.in ?anniter.1
7he prince grimace$. 3hether it .a ,rom the pain o, go/t or hi niece4 .or$- the captain
co/"$ not ay. 2&t may be o.1
2May be6 & ay 4ti.1
2Hbara .o/"$ have me go to .ar.1
Nym "a/ghe$. 2Ee- he .ant to et the torch to H"$to.n. She hate that city a m/ch a o/r
"itt"e iter "ove it.1
2An$ yo/61
Nym g"ance$ over a ho/"$er- to .here her companion ro$e a $oGen "ength behin$. 2& .a
abe$ .ith the +o."er t.in .hen the .or$ reache$ me-1 the captain hear$ her ay. 2Eo/ kno.
the +o."er .or$6 "et *e Soar; 7hat i a"" & ak o, yo/. ?et me oar- Fnc"e. & nee$ no mighty
hot- on"y one .eet iter.1
2Hbara61
27yene. Hbara i too "o/$. 7yene i o .eet an$ gent"e that no man .i"" /pect her. Hbara
.o/"$ make H"$to.n o/r ,ather4 ,/nera" pyre- b/t & am not o gree$y. +o/r "ive .i"" /,,ice ,or
me. ?or$ 7y.in4 go"$en t.in- a payment ,or C"ia4 chi"$ren. 7he o"$ "ion- ,or C"ia here",.
An$ "at o, a"" the "itt"e king- ,or my ,ather.1
27he boy ha never .ronge$ /.1
27he boy i a batar$ born o, treaon- incet- an$ a$/"tery- i, ?or$ Stanni can be be"ieve$.1
7he p"ay,/" tone ha$ vanihe$ ,rom her voice- an$ the captain ,o/n$ hime", .atching her
thro/gh narro.e$ eye. #er iter Hbara .ore her .hip /pon her hip an$ carrie$ a pear .here
any man co/"$ ee it. ?a$y Nym .a no "e $ea$"y- tho/gh he kept her knive .e"" hi$$en.
2Hn"y roya" b"oo$ can .ah o/t my ,ather4 m/r$er.1
2Hberyn $ie$ $/ring ing"e combat- ,ighting in a matter that .a none o, hi concern. & $o not
ca"" that m/r$er.1
2Ca"" it .hat yo/ .i"". 3e ent them the ,inet man in 5orne- an$ they are en$ing back a bag
o, bone.1
2#e .ent beyon$ anything & ake$ o, him. J7ake the mea/re o, thi boy king an$ hi co/nci"-
an$ make note o, their trength an$ .eaknee-4 & to"$ him- on the terrace. 3e .ere eating
orange. J+in$ / ,rien$- i, there are any to be ,o/n$. ?earn .hat yo/ can o, C"ia4 en$- b/t ee
that yo/ $o not provoke ?or$ 7y.in /n$/"y-4 thoe .ere my .or$ to him. Hberyn "a/ghe$- an$
ai$- J3hen have & provoke$ any man8 undul!6 Eo/ .o/"$ $o better to .arn the ?anniter
againt provoking me.4 #e .ante$ =/tice ,or C"ia- b/t he .o/"$ not .ait@1
2#e .aite$ ten(an$(even year-1 the ?a$y Nym broke in. 23ere it yo/ they4$ ki""e$- my
,ather .o/"$ have "e$ hi banner north be,ore yo/r corpe .a co"$. 3ere it yo/- the pear
.o/"$ be ,a""ing thick a rain /pon the marche no..1
2& $o not $o/bt it.1
2No more ho/"$ yo/ $o/bt thi- my prince@my iter an$ & ha"" not .ait ten(an$(even
year ,or our vengeance.1 She p/t her p/r into the mare an$ he .a o,,- ga""oping to.ar$
S/npear .ith her tai" in hot p/r/it.
7he prince "eane$ back againt hi pi""o. an$ c"oe$ hi eye- b/t #otah kne. he $i$ not
"eep. 7e is in pain+ +or a moment he coni$ere$ ca""ing Maeter Ca"eotte /p to the "itter- b/t i,
9rince 5oran ha$ .ante$ him- he .o/"$ have ca""e$ hime",.
7he ha$o. o, the a,ternoon .ere "ong an$ $ark an$ the /n .a a re$ an$ .o""en a the
prince4 =oint be,ore they g"impe$ the to.er o, S/npear to the eat. +irt the "en$er Spear
7o.er- a h/n$re$(an$(a(ha", ,eet ta"" an$ cro.ne$ .ith a pear o, gi"$e$ tee" that a$$e$ another
thirty ,eet to it heightI then the mighty 7o.er o, the S/n- .ith it $ome o, go"$ an$ "ea$e$
g"aI "at the $/n(co"ore$ San$hip- "ooking "ike ome montro/ $romon$ that ha$ .ahe$
ahore an$ t/rne$ to tone.
Hn"y three "eag/e o, coat roa$ $ivi$e$ S/npear ,rom the 3ater Gar$en- yet they .ere t.o
$i,,erent .or"$. 7here chi"$ren ,ro"icke$ nake$ in the /n- m/ic p"aye$ in ti"e$ co/rtyar$- an$
the air .a harp .ith the me"" o, "emon an$ b"oo$ orange. #ere the air me""e$ o, $/t-
.eat- an$ moke- an$ the night .ere a"ive .ith the babb"e o, voice. &n p"ace o, the pink
marb"e o, the 3ater Gar$en- S/npear .a b/i"t ,rom m/$ an$ tra.- an$ co"ore$ bro.n an$
$/n. 7he ancient trongho"$ o, #o/e Marte"" too$ at the eaternmot en$ o, a "itt"e =/t o, tone
an$ an$- /rro/n$e$ on three i$e by the ea. 7o the .et- in the ha$o. o, S/npear4
maive .a""- m/$(brick hop an$ .in$o."e hove" c"/ng to the cat"e "ike barnac"e to a
ga""ey4 h/"". Stab"e an$ inn an$ .ineink an$ pi""o. ho/e ha$ gro.n /p .et o, thoe-
many enc"oe$ by .a"" o, their o.n- an$ yet more hove" ha$ rien beneath those .a"". And so
and so and so, as the bearded priests would sa!+ Compare$ to 7yroh or Myr or Great Norvo-
the ha$o. city .a no more than a to.n- yet it .a the nearet thing to a tr/e city that thee
5ornih ha$.
?a$y Nym4 arriva" ha$ prece$e$ their by ome ho/r- an$ no $o/bt he ha$ .arne$ the
g/ar$ o, their coming- ,or the 7hree,o"$ Gate .a open .hen they reache$ it. Hn"y here .ere
the gate "ine$ /p one behin$ the other to a""o. viitor to pa beneath a"" three o, the 3in$ing
3a"" $irect"y to the H"$ 9a"ace- .itho/t ,irt making their .ay thro/gh mi"e o, narro. a""ey-
hi$$en co/rt- an$ noiy baGaar.
9rince 5oran ha$ c"oe$ the $raperie o, hi "itter a oon a the Spear 7o.er came in ight-
yet ti"" the ma"",o"k ho/te$ o/t to him a the "itter pae$. #he Sand Snakes hae stirred them
to a boil, the captain tho/ght /neai"y. 7hey croe$ the A/a"or o, the o/ter crecent an$ .ent
thro/gh the econ$ gate. Beyon$- the .in$ tank o, tar an$ a"t .ater an$ rotting ea.ee$- an$
the cro.$ gre. thicker .ith every tep. 4*ake wa! for $rince Doran;5 Areo #otah boome$
o/t- th/mping the b/tt o, hi "onga:e on the brick. 4*ake wa! for the $rince of Dorne;5
27he prince i $ea$01 a .oman hri""e$ behin$ him.
27o pear01 a man be""o.e$ ,rom a ba"cony.
4Doran;5 ca""e$ ome highborn voice. 27o the pear01
#otah gave /p "ooking ,or the peakerI the pre .a too thick- an$ a thir$ o, them .ere
ho/ting. 4#o spears; .engeance for the .iper;5 By the time they reache$ the thir$ gate- the
g/ar$ .ere hoving peop"e ai$e to c"ear a path ,or the prince4 "itter- an$ the cro.$ .a
thro.ing thing. Hne ragge$ boy $arte$ pat the pearmen .ith a ha",(rotten pomegranate in one
han$- b/t .hen he a. Areo #otah in hi path- .ith "onga:e at the rea$y- he "et the ,r/it ,a""
/nthro.n an$ beat a A/ick retreat. Hther ,arther back "et ,"y .ith "emon- "ime- an$ orange-
crying 4War; War; #o the spears;5 Hne o, the g/ar$ .a hit in the eye .ith a "emon- an$ the
captain hime", ha$ an orange p"atter o,, hi ,oot.
No an.er came ,rom .ithin the "itter. 5oran Marte"" taye$ c"oake$ .ithin hi i"ken .a""
/nti" the thicker .a"" o, the cat"e .a""o.e$ a"" o, them- an$ the portc/""i came $o.n behin$
them .ith a ratt"ing cr/nch. 7he o/n$ o, ho/ting $.in$"e$ a.ay "o."y. 9rince Arianne
.a .aiting in the o/ter .ar$ to greet her ,ather- .ith ha", the co/rt abo/t her' the o"$ b"in$
enecha" Ricao- Ser Man,rey Marte"" the cate""an- yo/ng Maeter My"e .ith hi grey robe
an$ i"ky per,/me$ bear$- t.ocore o, 5ornih knight in ,"o.ing "inen o, ha", a h/n$re$ h/e.
?itt"e Myrce""a Baratheon too$ .ith her epta an$ Ser Ary o, the >ingg/ar$- .e"tering in hi
.hite(ename"e$ ca"e.
9rince Arianne tro$e to the "itter on nakekin an$a" "ace$ /p to her thigh. #er hair .a
a mane o, =et(b"ack ring"et that ,e"" to the ma"" o, her back- an$ aro/n$ her bro. .a a ban$ o,
copper /n. She is still a little thing, the captain tho/ght. 3here the San$ Snake .ere ta""-
Arianne took a,ter her mother- .ho too$ b/t ,ive ,oot t.o. Eet beneath her =e.e"e$ gir$"e an$
"ooe "ayer o, ,"o.ing p/rp"e i"k an$ ye""o. amite he ha$ a .oman4 bo$y- "/h an$ ro/n$"y
c/rve$. 2+ather-1 he anno/nce$ a the c/rtain opene$- 2S/npear re=oice at yo/r ret/rn.1
2Ee- & hear$ the =oy.1 7he prince mi"e$ .an"y an$ c/ppe$ hi $a/ghter4 cheek .ith a
re$$ene$- .o""en han$. 2Eo/ "ook .e"". Captain- be o goo$ a to he"p me $o.n ,rom here.1
#otah "i$ hi "onga:e into it "ing acro hi back an$ gathere$ the prince into hi arm-
ten$er"y o a not to =ar hi .o""en =oint. Cven o- 5oran Marte"" bit back a gap o, pain.
2& have comman$e$ the cook to prepare a ,eat ,or thi evening-1 Arianne ai$- 2.ith a""
yo/r ,avorite $ihe.1
2& ,ear & co/"$ not $o them =/tice.1 7he prince g"ance$ "o."y aro/n$ the yar$. 2& $o not ee
7yene.1
2She beg a private .or$. & ent her to the throne room to a.ait yo/r coming.1
7he prince ighe$. 2%ery .e"". Captain6 7he ooner & am $one .ith thi- the ooner & may
ret.1
#otah bore him /p the "ong tone tep o, the 7o.er o, the S/n- to the great ro/n$ chamber
beneath the $ome- .here the "at "ight o, the a,ternoon .a "anting $o.n thro/gh thick .in$o.
o, many(co"ore$ g"a to $app"e the pa"e marb"e .ith $iamon$ o, ha", a h/n$re$ co"or. 7here
the thir$ San$ Snake a.aite$ them.
She .a itting cro("egge$ on a pi""o. beneath the raie$ $ai .here the high eat too$-
b/t he roe a they entere$- $ree$ in a c"inging go.n o, pa"e b"/e amite .ith "eeve o,
Myrih "ace that ma$e her "ook a innocent a the Mai$ here",. &n one han$ .a a piece o,
embroi$ery he ha$ been .orking on- in the other a pair o, go"$en nee$"e. #er hair .a go"$ a
.e""- an$ her eye .ere $eep b"/e poo"8 an$ yet omeho. they remin$e$ the captain o, her
,ather4 eye- tho/gh Hberyn4 ha$ been a b"ack a night. All of $rince Ober!n/s daughters
hae his iper e!es, #otah rea"iGe$ /$$en"y. #he color does not matter+
2Fnc"e-1 ai$ 7yene San$- 2& have been .aiting ,or yo/.1
2Captain- he"p me to the high eat.1
7here .ere t.o eat on the $ai- near t.in to one another- ave that one ha$ the Marte"" pear
in"ai$ in go"$ /pon it back- .hi"t the other bore the b"aGing Rhoynih /n that ha$ ,"o.n ,rom
the mat o, Nymeria4 hip .hen ,irt they came to 5orne. 7he captain p"ace$ the prince
beneath the pear an$ teppe$ a.ay.
25oe it h/rt o m/ch61 ?a$y 7yene4 voice .a gent"e- an$ he "ooke$ a .eet a /mmer
tra.berrie. #er mother ha$ been a epta- an$ 7yene ha$ an air o, a"mot other.or"$y
innocence abo/t her. 2& there a/ght that & might $o to eae yo/r pain61
2Say .hat yo/ .o/"$ an$ "et me ret. & am .eary- 7yene.1
2& ma$e thi ,or yo/- Fnc"e.1 7yene /n,o"$e$ the piece he4$ been embroi$ering. &t ho.e$
her ,ather- 9rince Hberyn- mo/nte$ on a an$ tee$ an$ armore$ a"" in re$- mi"ing. 23hen &
,inih- it i yo/r- to he"p yo/ remember him.1
2& am not "ike to ,orget yo/r ,ather.1
27hat i goo$ to kno.. Many have .on$ere$.1
2?or$ 7y.in ha promie$ / the Mo/ntain4 hea$.1
2#e i so kin$8 b/t a hea$man4 .or$ i no ,it en$ ,or brave Ser Gregor. 3e have praye$
o "ong ,or hi $eath- it i on"y ,air that he pray ,or it a .e"". & kno. the poion that my ,ather
/e$- an$ there i none "o.er or more agoniGing. Soon .e may hear the Mo/ntain creaming-
even here in S/npear.1
9rince 5oran ighe$. 2Hbara crie to me ,or .ar. Nym .i"" be content .ith m/r$er. An$
yo/61
23ar-1 ai$ 7yene- 2tho/gh not my iter4 .ar. 5ornihmen ,ight bet at home- o & ay "et
/ hone o/r pear an$ .ait. 3hen the ?anniter an$ the 7yre"" come $o.n on /- .e ha""
b"ee$ them in the pae an$ b/ry them beneath the b"o.ing an$- a .e have a h/n$re$ time
be,ore.1
2If they ho/"$ come $o.n on /.1
2Hh- b/t they m/t- or ee the rea"m riven once more- a it .a be,ore .e .e$ the $ragon.
+ather to"$ me o. #e ai$ .e ha$ the &mp to thank- ,or en$ing / 9rince Myrce""a. She i o
pretty- $on4t yo/ think6 & .ih that & ha$ c/r" "ike her. She .a ma$e to be a A/een- =/t "ike
her mother.1 5imp"e b"oome$ in 7yene4 cheek. 2& .o/"$ be honore$ to arrange the .e$$ing-
an$ to ee to the making o, the cro.n a .e"". 7rytane an$ Myrce""a are o innocent- & tho/ght
perhap .hite go"$8 .ith emera"$- to match Myrce""a4 eye. Hh- $iamon$ an$ pear" .o/"$
erve a .e""- o "ong a the chi"$ren are .e$ an$ cro.ne$. 7hen .e nee$ on"y hai" Myrce""a a
the +irt o, #er Name- D/een o, the An$a"- the Rhoynar- an$ the +irt Men- an$ "a.,/" heir to
the Seven >ing$om o, 3etero- an$ .ait ,or the "ion to come.1
27he lawful heir61 7he prince norte$.
2She i o"$er than her brother-1 e:p"aine$ 7yene- a i, he .ere ome ,oo". 2By "a. the &ron
7hrone ho/"$ pa to her.1
2By Dornish "a..1
23hen goo$ >ing 5aeron .e$ 9rince Myriah an$ bro/ght / into hi king$om- it .a
agree$ that 5ornih "a. .o/"$ a".ay r/"e in 5orne. An$ *!rcella i in 5orne- a it happen.1
2So he i.1 #i tone .a gr/$ging. 2?et me think on it.1
7yene gre. cro. 2Eo/ think too m/ch- Fnc"e.1
25o &61
2+ather ai$ o.1
2Hberyn tho/ght too "itt"e.1
2Some men think beca/e they are a,rai$ to do+1
27here i a $i,,erence bet.een ,ear an$ ca/tion.1
2Hh- & m/t pray that & never ee yo/ frightened, Fnc"e. Eo/ might ,orget to breathe.1 She
raie$ a han$8
7he captain bro/ght the b/tt o, hi "onga:e $o.n /pon the marb"e .ith a th/mp. 2My "a$y-
yo/ pre/me. Step ,rom the $ai- i, it p"eae yo/.1
2& meant no harm- Captain. & "ove my /nc"e- a & kno. he "ove$ my ,ather.1 7yene .ent to
one knee be,ore the prince. 2& have ai$ a"" & came to ay- Fnc"e. +orgive me i, & gave o,,eneI
my heart i broken a"" to piece. 5o & ti"" have yo/r "ove61
2A".ay.1
2Give me yo/r b"eing- then- an$ & ha"" go.1
5oran heitate$ ha", a heartbeat be,ore p"acing hi han$ on hi niece4 hea$. 2Be brave-
chi"$.1
2Hh- ho. not6 & am his $a/ghter.1
No ooner ha$ he taken her "eave than Maeter Ca"eotte h/rrie$ to the $ai. 2My prince- he
$i$ not8 here- "et me ee yo/r han$.1 #e e:amine$ the pa"m ,irt- then gent"y t/rne$ it /pi$e
$o.n to ni,, at the back o, the prince4 ,inger. 2No- goo$. 7hat i goo$. 7here are no cratche-
o81
7he prince .ith$re. hi han$. 2Maeter- co/"$ & tro/b"e yo/ ,or ome mi"k o, the poppy6 A
thimb"e c/p .i"" /,,ice.1
27he poppy. Ee- to be /re.1
2No.- & think-1 5oran Marte"" /rge$ gent"y- an$ Ca"eotte c/rrie$ to the tair.
H/ti$e the /n ha$ et. 7he "ight .ithin the $ome .a the b"/e o, $/k- an$ a"" the $iamon$
on the ,"oor .ere $ying. 7he prince at in hi high eat beneath the Marte"" pear- hi ,ace pa"e
.ith pain. A,ter a "ong i"ence he t/rne$ to Areo #otah. 2Captain-1 he ai$- 2ho. "oya" are my
g/ar$61
2?oya".1 7he captain $i$ not kno. .hat e"e to ay.
2A"" o, them6 Hr ome61
27hey are goo$ men. Goo$ Dornishmen+ 7hey .i"" $o a & comman$.1 #e th/mpe$ hi
"onga:e on the ,"oor. 2& .i"" bring the hea$ o, any man .ho .o/"$ betray yo/.1
2& .ant no hea$. & .ant obe$ience.1
2Eo/ have it.1 Sere+ Obe!+ $rotect+ Simple ows for a simple man+ 2#o. many men are
nee$e$61
2& .i"" "eave that ,or yo/ to $eci$e. &t may be that a ,e. goo$ men .i"" erve / better than a
core. & .ant thi $one a A/ick"y an$ a A/iet"y a poib"e- .ith no b"oo$ pi""e$.1
2D/ick an$ A/iet an$ b"oo$"e- aye. 3hat i yo/r comman$61
2Eo/ .i"" ,in$ my brother4 $a/ghter- take them into c/to$y- an$ con,ine them in the ce""
atop the Spear 7o.er.1
27he San$ Snake61 7he captain4 throat .a $ry. 2A""8 a"" eight- my prince6 7he "itt"e one-
a"o61
7he prince coni$ere$. 2C""aria4 gir" are too yo/ng to be a $anger- b/t there are thoe .ho
might eek to /e them againt me. &t .o/"$ be bet to keep them a,e in han$. Ee- the "itt"e
one a .e""8 b/t ,irt ec/re 7yene- Nymeria- an$ Hbara.1
2A my prince comman$.1 #i heart .a tro/b"e$. *! little princess will mislike this+ 23hat
o, Sare""a6 She i a .oman gro.n- a"mot t.enty.1
2Fn"e he ret/rn to 5orne- there4 na/ght & can $o abo/t Sare""a ave pray that he ho.
more ene than her iter. ?eave her to her8 game. Gather /p the other. & ha"" not "eep /nti"
& kno. that they are a,e an$ /n$er g/ar$.1
2&t .i"" be $one.1 7he captain heitate$. 23hen thi i kno.n in the treet- the common ,o"k
.i"" ho.".1
2A"" 5orne .i"" ho."-1 ai$ 5oran Marte"" in a tire$ voice. 2& on"y pray ?or$ 7y.in hear
them in >ing4 ?an$ing- o he might kno. .hat a "oya" ,rien$ he ha in S/npear.1
Cersei
She $reamt he at the &ron 7hrone- high above them a"".
7he co/rtier .ere bright"y co"ore$ mice be"o.. Great "or$ an$ pro/$ "a$ie kne"t be,ore her.
Bo"$ yo/ng knight "ai$ their .or$ at her ,eet an$ p"ea$e$ ,or her ,avor- an$ the A/een mi"e$
$o.n at them. Fnti" the $.ar, appeare$ a i, ,rom no.here- pointing at her an$ ho."ing .ith
"a/ghter. 7he "or$ an$ "a$ie began to ch/ck"e too- hi$ing their mi"e behin$ their han$. Hn"y
then $i$ the A/een rea"iGe he .a nake$.
#orri,ie$- he trie$ to cover here", .ith her han$. 7he barb an$ b"a$e o, the &ron 7hrone
bit into her ,"eh a he cro/che$ to hi$e her hame. B"oo$ ran re$ $o.n her "eg- a tee" teeth
gna.e$ at her b/ttock. 3hen he trie$ to tan$- her ,oot "ippe$ thro/gh a gap in the t.ite$
meta". 7he more he tr/gg"e$ the more the throne eng/",e$ her- tearing ch/nk o, ,"eh ,rom her
breat an$ be""y- "icing at her arm an$ "eg /nti" they .ere "ick an$ re$- g"itening.
An$ a"" the .hi"e her brother capere$ be"o.- "a/ghing.
#i merriment ti"" echoe$ in her ear .hen he ,e"t a "ight to/ch on her ho/"$er- an$ .oke
/$$en"y. +or ha", a heartbeat the han$ eeme$ part o, the nightmare- an$ Cerei crie$ o/t- b/t it
.a on"y Sene""e. 7he mai$4 ,ace .a .hite an$ ,rightene$.
We are not alone, the A/een rea"iGe$. Sha$o. "oome$ aro/n$ her be$- ta"" hape .ith
chainmai" g"immering beneath their c"oak. Arme$ men ha$ no b/ine here. Where are m!
guards6 #er be$chamber .a $ark- b/t ,or the "antern one o, the intr/$er he"$ on high. I must
show no fear+ Cerei p/he$ back "eep(to/"e$ hair- an$ ai$- 23hat $o yo/ .ant o, me61 A
man teppe$ into the "antern "ight- an$ he a. hi c"oak .a .hite. 2!aime61 I dreamt of one
brother, but the other has come to wake me+
2Eo/r Grace.1 7he voice .a not her brother4. 27he ?or$ Comman$er ai$ come get yo/.1
#i hair c/r"e$- a !aime4 $i$- b/t her brother4 hair .a beaten go"$- "ike her- .here thi
man4 .a b"ack an$ oi"y. She tare$ at him- con,/e$- a he m/ttere$ abo/t a privy an$ a
crobo.- an$ ai$ her ,ather4 name. I am dreaming still, Cerei tho/ght. I hae not woken, nor
has m! nightmare ended+ #!rion will creep out from under the bed soon and begin to laugh at
me+
B/t that .a ,o""y. #er $.ar, brother .a $o.n in the b"ack ce""- con$emne$ to $ie thi very
$ay. She "ooke$ $o.n at her han$- t/rning them over to make certain a"" her ,inger .ere ti""
there. 3hen he ran a han$ $o.n her arm the kin .a covere$ .ith gooeprick"e- b/t
/nbroken. 7here .ere no c/t on her "eg- no gahe on the o"e o, her ,eet. A dream, that/s all
it was, a dream+ I drank too much last night, these fears are onl! humors born of wine+ I will be
the one laughing, come dusk+ *! children will be safe, #ommen/s throne will be secure, and m!
twisted little va"onAar will be short a head and rotting+
!oce"yn S.y,t .a at her e"bo.- preing a c/p on her. Cerei took a ip' .ater- mi:e$ .ith
"emon A/eeGing- o tart he pit it o/t. She co/"$ hear the night .in$ ratt"ing the h/tter- an$
he a. .ith a trange harp c"arity. !oce"yn .a tremb"ing "ike a "ea,- a ,rightene$ a Sene""e.
Ser Hm/n$ >ett"eb"ack "oome$ over her. Behin$ him too$ Ser Boro B"o/nt- .ith a "antern. At
the $oor .ere ?anniter g/ar$men .ith gi"$e$ "ion hining on the cret o, their he"met. 7hey
"ooke$ a,rai$ a .e"". %an it be6 the A/een .on$ere$. %an it be true6
She roe- an$ "et Sene""e "ip a be$robe over her ho/"$er to hi$e her nake$ne. Cerei
be"te$ it here",- her ,inger ti,, an$ c"/my. 2My "or$ ,ather keep g/ar$ abo/t him- night an$
$ay-1 he ai$. #er tong/e ,e"t thick. She took another .a""o. o, "emon .ater an$ "ohe$ it
ro/n$ her mo/th to ,rehen her breath. A moth ha$ gotten into the "antern Ser Boro .a
ho"$ingI he co/"$ hear it b/GGing an$ ee the ha$o. o, it .ing a it beat againt the g"a.
27he g/ar$ .ere at their pot- Eo/r Grace-1 ai$ Hm/n$ >ett"eb"ack. 23e ,o/n$ a hi$$en
$oor behin$ the hearth. A ecret paage. 7he ?or$ Comman$er4 gone $o.n to ee .here it
goe.1
2!aime61 7error eiGe$ her- /$$en a a torm. 2!aime ho/"$ be .ith the king81
27he "a$4 not been harme$. Ser !aime ent a $oGen men to "ook in on him. #i Grace i
"eeping peace,/".1
"et him hae a sweeter dream than mine, and a kinder waking+ 23ho i .ith the king61
2Ser ?ora ha that honor- i, it p"eae yo/.1
&t $i$ not p"eae her. 7he 7yre"" .ere on"y te.ar$ that the $ragon(king ha$ /p=/mpe$ ,ar
above their tation. 7heir vanity .a e:cee$e$ on"y by their ambition. Ser ?ora might be a
pretty a a mai$en4 $ream- b/t /n$erneath hi .hite c"oak he .a 7yre"" to the bone. +or a"" he
kne.- thi night4 ,o/" ,r/it ha$ been p"ante$ an$ n/rt/re$ in #ighgar$en.
B/t that .a a /picion he $are not peak a"o/$. 2A""o. me a moment to $re. Ser
Hm/n$- yo/ ha"" accompany me to the 7o.er o, the #an$. Ser Boro- ro/t the gao"er an$
make certain the $.ar, i ti"" in hi ce"".1 She .o/"$ not ay hi name. 7e would neer hae
found the courage to lift a hand against Father, he to"$ here",- b/t he ha$ to be certain.
2A Eo/r Grace comman$.1 B"o/nt /rren$ere$ the "antern to Ser Hm/n$. Cerei .a not
$ip"eae$ to ee the back o, him. Father should neer hae restored him to the white+ 7he man
ha$ prove$ hime", a craven.
By the time they "e,t Maegor4 #o"$,at- the ky ha$ t/rne$ a $eep coba"t b"/e- tho/gh the
tar ti"" hone. All but one, Cerei tho/ght. #he bright star of the west has fallen, and the nights
will be darker now+ She pa/e$ /pon the $ra.bri$ge that panne$ the $ry moat- gaGing $o.n at
the pike be"o.. #he! would not dare lie to me about such a thing+ 23ho ,o/n$ him61
2Hne o, hi g/ar$-1 ai$ Ser Hm/n$. 2?/m. #e ,e"t a ca"" o, nat/re- an$ ,o/n$ hi "or$hip
in the privy.1
2o, that cannot be+ #hat is not the wa! a lion dies+ 7he A/een ,e"t trange"y ca"m. She
remembere$ the ,irt time he ha$ "ot a tooth- .hen he .a =/t a "itt"e gir". &t ha$n4t h/rt- b/t
the ho"e in her mo/th ,e"t o o$$ he co/"$ not top to/ching it .ith her tong/e. 2ow there is a
hole in the world where Father stood, and holes want filling+
&, 7y.in ?anniter .a tr/"y $ea$- no one .a a,e8 "eat o, a"" her on /pon hi throne.
3hen the "ion ,a"" the "eer beat move in' the =acka" an$ the v/"t/re an$ the ,era" $og.
7hey .o/"$ try to p/h her ai$e- a they a".ay ha$. She .o/"$ nee$ to move A/ick"y- a he
ha$ .hen Robert $ie$. 7hi might be the .ork o, Stanni Baratheon- thro/gh ome catpa.. &t
co/"$ .e"" be the pre"/$e to another attack /pon the city. She hope$ it .a. "et him come+ I will
smash him, 9ust as Father did, and this time he will die+ Stanni $i$ not ,righten her- no more
than Mace 7yre"" $i$. No one ,rightene$ her. She .a a $a/ghter o, the Rock- a "ion. #here will
be no more talk of forcing me to wed again+ Cater"y Rock .a her no.- an$ a"" the po.er o,
#o/e ?anniter. No one .o/"$ ever $iregar$ her again. Cven .hen 7ommen ha$ no ,/rther
nee$ o, a regent- the ?a$y o, Cater"y Rock .o/"$ remain a po.er in the "an$.
7he riing /n ha$ painte$ the to.er top a vivi$ re$- b/t beneath the .a"" the night ti""
h/$$"e$. 7he o/ter cat"e .a o h/he$ that he co/"$ have be"ieve$ a"" it peop"e $ea$. #he!
should be+ It is not fitting for #!win "annister to die alone+ Such a man deseres a retinue to
attend his needs in hell+
+o/r pearmen in re$ c"oak an$ "ion(crete$ he"m .ere pote$ at the $oor o, the 7o.er o,
the #an$. 2No one i to enter or "eave .itho/t my permiion-1 he to"$ them. 7he comman$
came eai"y to her. *! father had steel in his oice as well+
3ithin the to.er- the moke ,rom the torche irritate$ her eye- b/t Cerei $i$ not .eep- no
more than her ,ather .o/"$ have. I am the onl! true son he eer had+ #er hee" crape$ againt
the tone a he c"imbe$- an$ he co/"$ ti"" hear the moth ,"/ttering .i"$"y ini$e Ser Hm/n$4
"antern. Die, the A/een tho/ght at it- in irritation- fl! into the flame and be done with it+
7.o more re$(c"oake$ g/ar$men too$ atop the tep. Re$ ?eter m/ttere$ a con$o"ence a
he pae$. 7he A/een4 breath .a coming ,at an$ hort- an$ he co/"$ ,ee" her heart ,"/ttering
in her chet. #he steps, he to"$ here",- this cursed tower has too man! steps+ She ha$ ha", a
min$ to tear it $o.n.
7he ha"" .a ,/"" o, ,oo" peaking in .hiper- a i, ?or$ 7y.in .ere a"eep an$ they .ere
a,rai$ to .ake him. G/ar$ an$ ervant a"ike hrank back be,ore her- mo/th ,"apping. She a.
their pink g/m an$ .agg"ing tong/e- b/t their .or$ ma$e no more ene than the b/GGing o,
the moth. What are the! doing here6 7ow did the! know6 By right they ho/"$ have ca""e$ her
,irt. She .a the D/een Regent- ha$ they ,orgotten that6
Be,ore the #an$4 be$chamber too$ Ser Meryn 7rant in hi .hite armor an$ c"oak. 7he vior
o, hi he"m .a open- an$ the bag beneath hi eye ma$e him "ook ti"" ha",(a"eep. 2C"ear thee
peop"e a.ay-1 Cerei to"$ him. 2& my ,ather in the privy61
27hey carrie$ him back to hi be$- m4"a$y.1 Ser Meryn p/he$ the $oor open ,or her to enter.
Morning "ight "ahe$ thro/gh the h/tter to paint go"$en bar /pon the r/he tre.n acro
the ,"oor o, the be$chamber. #er /nc"e >evan .a on hi knee bei$e the be$- trying to pray-
b/t he co/"$ carce"y get the .or$ o/t. G/ar$men c"/tere$ near the hearth. 7he ecret $oor
that Ser Hm/n$ ha$ poken o, gape$ open behin$ the ahe- no bigger than an oven. A man
.o/"$ nee$ to cra.". But #!rion is onl! half a man+ 7he tho/ght ma$e her angry. 2o, the dwarf
is locked in a black cell+ 7hi co/"$ not be hi .ork. Stannis, he to"$ here",- Stannis was behind
it+ 7e still has adherents in the cit!+ 7im, or the #!rells=
7here ha$ a".ay been ta"k o, ecret paage .ithin the Re$ >eep. Maegor the Cr/e" .a
/ppoe$ to have ki""e$ the men .ho b/i"t the cat"e to keep the kno."e$ge o, them ecret. 7ow
man! other bedchambers hae hidden doors6 Cerei ha$ a /$$en viion o, the $.ar, cra."ing
o/t ,rom behin$ a tapetry in 7ommen4 be$chamber .ith b"a$e in han$. #ommen is well
guarded, he to"$ here",. B/t ?or$ 7y.in ha$ been .e"" g/ar$e$ too.
+or a moment he $i$ not recogniGe the $ea$ man. #e ha$ hair "ike her ,ather- ye- b/t thi
.a ome other man- /re"y- a ma""er man- an$ m/ch o"$er. #i be$robe .a hike$ /p aro/n$
hi chet- "eaving him nake$ be"o. the .ait. 7he A/arre" ha$ taken him in hi groin bet.een hi
nave" an$ hi manhoo$- an$ .a /nk o $eep that on"y the ,"etching ho.e$. #i p/bic hair .a
ti,, .ith $rie$ b"oo$. More .a congea"ing in hi nave".
7he me"" o, him ma$e her .rink"e her noe. 27ake the A/arre" o/t o, him-1 he comman$e$.
27hi i the >ing4 #an$01 And m! father+ *! lord father+ Should I scream and tear m! hair6
7hey ai$ Cate"yn Stark ha$ c"a.e$ her o.n ,ace to b"oo$y ribbon .hen the +rey "e. her
precio/ Robb. Would !ou like that, Father6 he .ante$ to ak him. Or would !ou want me to be
strong6 Did !ou weep for !our own father6 #er gran$,ather ha$ $ie$ .hen he .a on"y a year
o"$- b/t he kne. the tory. ?or$ 7yto ha$ gro.n very ,at- an$ hi heart b/rt one $ay .hen he
.a c"imbing the tep to hi mitre. #er ,ather .a o,, in >ing4 ?an$ing .hen it happene$-
erving a the Ma$ >ing4 #an$. ?or$ 7y.in .a o,ten a.ay in >ing4 ?an$ing .hen he an$
!aime .ere yo/ng. &, he .ept .hen they bro/ght him .or$ o, hi ,ather4 $eath- he $i$ it .here
no one co/"$ ee the tear.
7he A/een co/"$ ,ee" her nai" $igging into her pa"m. 2#o. co/"$ yo/ "eave him "ike thi6
My ,ather .a #an$ to three king- a great a man a ever tro$e the Seven >ing$om. 7he be""
m/t ring ,or him- a they rang ,or Robert. #e m/t be bathe$ an$ $ree$ a be,it hi tat/re- in
ermine an$ c"oth(o,(go"$ an$ crimon i"k. 3here i 9yce""e6 Where is $!celle61 She t/rne$ to
the g/ar$men. 29/cken- bring Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e. #e m/t ee to ?or$ 7y.in.1
2#e4 een him- Eo/r Grace-1 ai$ 9/cken. 2#e came an$ a. an$ .ent- to /mmon the
i"ent iter.1
#he! sent for me last+ 7he rea"iGation ma$e her a"mot too angry ,or .or$. And $!celle runs
off to send a message rather than soil his soft, wrinkled hands+ #he man is useless+ 2+in$ Maeter
Ba""abar-1 he comman$e$. 2+in$ Maeter +renken. Any o, them.1 9/cken an$ Shortear ran to
obey. 23here i my brother61
25o.n the t/nne". 7here4 a ha,t- .ith iron r/ng et in the tone. Ser !aime .ent to ee ho.
$eep it goe.1
7e has onl! one hand, he .ante$ to ho/t at them. One of !ou should hae gone+ 7e has no
business climbing ladders+ #he men who murdered Father might be down there, waiting for him+
#er t.in ha$ a".ay been too rah- an$ it .o/"$ eem that even "oing a han$ ha$ not ta/ght him
ca/tion. She .a abo/t to comman$ the g/ar$ to go $o.n a,ter him an$ bring him back .hen
9/cken an$ Shortear ret/rne$ .ith a grey(haire$ man bet.een them. 2Eo/r Grace-1 ai$
Shortear- 2thi here c"aim he .a a maeter.1
7he man bo.e$ "o.. 2#o. may & erve Eo/r Grace61
#i ,ace .a vag/e"y ,ami"iar- tho/gh Cerei co/"$ not p"ace him. Old, but not so old as
$!celle+ #his one has some strength in him still+ #e .a ta""- tho/gh "ight"y toope$- .ith
crink"e aro/n$ hi bo"$ b"/e eye. 7is throat is naked+ 2Eo/ .ear no maeter4 chain.1
2&t .a taken ,rom me. My name i Dyb/rn- i, it p"eae Eo/r Grace. & treate$ yo/r brother4
han$.1
2#i t/mp- yo/ mean.1 She remembere$ him no.. #e ha$ come .ith !aime ,rom #arrenha".
2& co/"$ not ave Ser !aime4 han$- it i tr/e. My art ave$ hi arm- ho.ever- mayhap hi
very "i,e. 7he Cita$e" took my chain- b/t they co/"$ not take my kno."e$ge.1
2Eo/ may /,,ice-1 he $eci$e$. 2&, yo/ ,ai" me yo/ .i"" "oe more than a chain- & promie
yo/. Remove the A/arre" ,rom my ,ather4 be""y an$ make him rea$y ,or the i"ent iter.1
2A my A/een comman$.1 Dyb/rn .ent to the be$i$e- pa/e$- "ooke$ back. 2An$ ho. ha""
& $ea" .ith the gir"- Eo/r Grace61
2Gir"61 Cerei ha$ over"ooke$ the econ$ bo$y. She tro$e to the be$- ,"/ng ai$e the heap o,
b"oo$y cover"et- an$ there he .a- nake$- co"$- an$ pink8 ave ,or her ,ace- .hich ha$ t/rne$
a b"ack a !o,,4 ha$ at hi .e$$ing ,eat. A chain o, "inke$ go"$en han$ .a ha",(b/rie$ in the
,"eh o, her throat- t.ite$ o tight that it ha$ broken the kin. Cerei hie$ "ike an angry cat.
23hat i she $oing here61
23e ,o/n$ her there- Eo/r Grace-1 ai$ Shortear. 2&t4 the &mp4 .hore.1 A i, that e:p"aine$
.hy he .a here.
*! lord father had no use for whores, he tho/ght. After our mother died he neer touched a
woman+ She gave the g/ar$man a chi""y "ook. 27hi i not8 .hen ?or$ 7y.in4 ,ather $ie$ he
ret/rne$ to Cater"y Rock to ,in$ a8 a .oman o, thi ort8 be$ecke$ in hi "a$y mother4
=e.e"- .earing one o, her go.n. #e trippe$ them o,, her- an$ a"" e"e a .e"". +or a ,ortnight
he .a para$e$ nake$ thro/gh the treet o, ?anniport- to con,e to every man he met that
he .a a thie, an$ a har"ot. 7hat .a ho. ?or$ 7y.in ?anniter $ea"t .ith .hore. #e never8
thi .oman .a here ,or ome other p/rpoe- not ,or81
29erhap hi "or$hip .a A/etioning the gir" abo/t her mitre-1 Dyb/rn /ggete$. 2Sana
Stark vanihe$ the night the king .a m/r$ere$- & have hear$.1
27hat4 o.1 Cerei eiGe$ on the /ggetion eager"y. 2#e .a A/etioning her- to be /re.
7here can be no $o/bt.1 She co/"$ ee 7yrion "eering- hi mo/th t.ite$ into a monkey4 grin
beneath the r/in o, hi noe. And what better wa! to 3uestion her than naked, with her legs well
spread6 the $.ar, .hipere$. #hat/s how I like to 3uestion her too+
7he A/een t/rne$ a.ay. I will not look at her+ S/$$en"y it .a too m/ch even to be in the
ame room a the $ea$ .oman. She p/he$ pat Dyb/rn- o/t into the ha"".
Ser Hm/n$ ha$ been =oine$ by hi brother Hney an$ H,ry$. 27here i a $ea$ .oman in
the #an$4 be$chamber-1 Cerei to"$ the three >ett"eb"ack. 2No one i ever to kno. that he
.a here.1
2Aye- m4"a$y.1 Ser Hney ha$ ,aint cratche on hi cheek .here another o, 7yrion4 .hore
ha$ c"a.e$ him. 2An$ .hat ha"" .e $o .ith her61
2+ee$ her to yo/r $og. >eep her ,or a be$mate. 3hat $o & care6 She was neer here+ &4"" have
the tong/e o, any man .ho $are to ay he .a. 5o yo/ /n$ertan$ me61
Hney an$ H,ry$ e:change$ a "ook. 2Aye- Eo/r Grace.1
She ,o""o.e$ them back ini$e an$ .atche$ a they b/n$"e$ the gir" /p in her ,ather4 b"oo$y
b"anket. Shae, her name was Shae+ 7hey ha$ "at poken the night be,ore the $.ar,4 tria" by
combat- a,ter that mi"ing 5ornih nake o,,ere$ to champion him. Shae ha$ been aking abo/t
ome =e.e" 7yrion ha$ given her- an$ certain promie Cerei might have ma$e- a mane in the
city an$ a knight to marry her. 7he A/een ma$e it p"ain that the .hore .o/"$ have nothing o, her
/nti" he to"$ them .here Sana Stark ha$ gone. 2Eo/ .ere her mai$. 5o yo/ e:pect me to
be"ieve that yo/ kne. nothing o, her p"an61 he ha$ ai$. Shae "e,t in tear.
Ser H,ry$ "/ng the b/n$"e$ corpe /p over hi ho/"$er. 2& .ant that chain-1 Cerei ai$.
2See that yo/ $o not cratch the go"$.1 H,ry$ no$$e$ an$ tarte$ to.ar$ the $oor. 2No- not
thro/gh the yar$.1 She get/re$ to.ar$ the ecret paage. 27here4 a ha,t $o.n to the
$/ngeon. 7hat .ay.1
A Ser H,ry$ .ent $o.n on one knee be,ore the hearth- the "ight brightene$ .ithin- an$ the
A/een hear$ noie. !aime emerge$ bent over "ike an o"$ .oman- hi boot kicking /p p/,, o,
oot ,rom ?or$ 7y.in4 "at ,ire. 2Get o/t o, my .ay-1 he to"$ the >ett"eb"ack.
Cerei r/he$ to.ar$ him. 25i$ yo/ ,in$ them6 5i$ yo/ ,in$ the ki""er6 #o. many .ere
there61 S/re"y there ha$ been more than one. Hne man a"one co/"$ not have ki""e$ her ,ather.
#er t.in4 ,ace ha$ a haggar$ "ook. 27he ha,t goe $o.n to a chamber .here ha", a $oGen
t/nne" meet. 7hey4re c"oe$ o,, by iron gate- chaine$ an$ "ocke$. & nee$ to ,in$ key.1 #e
g"ance$ aro/n$ the be$chamber. 23hoever $i$ thi might ti"" be "/rking in the .a"". &t4 a maGe
back there- an$ $ark.1
She imagine$ 7yrion creeping bet.een the .a"" "ike ome montro/ rat. 2o+ &ou are being
sill!+ #he dwarf is in his cell+ 27ake hammer to the .a"". >nock thi to.er $o.n- i, yo/ m/t. &
.ant them ,o/n$. 3hoever $i$ thi. & .ant them ki""e$.1
!aime h/gge$ her- hi goo$ han$ preing againt the ma"" o, her back. #e me""e$ o, ah-
b/t the morning /n .a in hi hair- giving it a go"$en g"o.. She .ante$ to $ra. hi ,ace to her
,or a ki. "ater, he to"$ here",- later he will come to me, for comfort+ 23e are hi heir-
!aime-1 he .hipere$. 2&t .i"" be /p to / to ,inih hi .ork. Eo/ m/t take +ather4 p"ace a
#an$. Eo/ ee that no.- /re"y. 7ommen .i"" nee$ yo/81
#e p/he$ a.ay ,rom her an$ raie$ hi arm- ,orcing hi t/mp into her ,ace. 2A #an$
.itho/t a han$6 A ba$ =ape- iter. 5on4t ak me to r/"e.1
7heir /nc"e hear$ the reb/,,. Dyb/rn a .e""- an$ the >ett"eb"ack- .ret"ing their b/n$"e
thro/gh the ahe. Cven the g/ar$men hear$- 9/cken an$ #oke the #ore"eg an$ Shortear. It
will be all oer the castle b! nightfall+ Cerei ,e"t the heat riing /p her cheek. 2R/"e6 & ai$
na/ght o, r/"ing. & ha"" r/"e /nti" my on come o, age.1
2& $on4t kno. .ho & pity more-1 her brother ai$. 27ommen- or the Seven >ing$om.1
She "appe$ him. !aime4 arm roe to catch the b"o.- cat(A/ick8 b/t thi cat ha$ a cripp"e4
t/mp in p"ace o, a right han$. #er ,inger "e,t re$ mark on hi cheek.
7he o/n$ bro/ght their /nc"e to hi ,eet. 2Eo/r ,ather "ie here dead+ #ave the $ecency to
take yo/r A/arre" o/ti$e.1
!aime inc"ine$ hi hea$ in apo"ogy. 2+orgive /- Fnc"e. My iter i ick .ith grie,. She
,orget here",.1
She .ante$ to "ap him again ,or that. I must hae been mad to think he could be 7and+ She
.o/"$ ooner abo"ih the o,,ice. 3hen ha$ a #an$ ever bro/ght her anything b/t grie,6 !on
Arryn p/t Robert Baratheon in her be$- an$ be,ore he $ie$ he4$ beg/n ni,,ing abo/t her an$
!aime a .e"". C$$ar$ Stark took /p right .here Arryn ha$ "e,t o,,I hi me$$"ing ha$ ,orce$ her
to ri$ here", o, Robert ooner than he .o/"$ have "ike$- be,ore he co/"$ $ea" .ith hi
peti"entia" brother. 7yrion o"$ Myrce""a to the 5ornihmen- ma$e one o, her on hi hotage-
an$ m/r$ere$ the other. An$ .hen ?or$ 7y.in ret/rne$ to >ing4 ?an$ing8
#he ne8t 7and will know his place, he promie$ here",. &t .o/"$ have to be Ser >evan. #er
/nc"e .a tire"e- pr/$ent- /n,ai"ing"y obe$ient. She co/"$ re"y on him- a her ,ather ha$. #he
hand does not argue with the head+ She ha$ a rea"m to r/"e- b/t he .o/"$ nee$ ne. men to he"p
her r/"e it. 9yce""e .a a $o$$ering "ickpitt"e- !aime ha$ "ot hi co/rage .ith hi .or$ han$-
an$ Mace 7yre"" an$ hi cronie Re$.yne an$ Ro.an co/"$ not be tr/te$. +or a"" he kne. they
might have ha$ a part in thi. ?or$ 7yre"" ha$ to kno. that he .o/"$ never r/"e the Seven
>ing$om o "ong a 7y.in ?anniter "ive$.
I will need to moe carefull! with that one+ 7he city .a ,/"" o, hi men- an$ he4$ even
manage$ to p"ant one o, hi on in the >ingg/ar$- an$ meant to p"ant hi $a/ghter in
7ommen4 be$. &t ti"" ma$e her ,/rio/ to think that +ather ha$ agree$ to betroth 7ommen to
Margaery 7yre"". #he girl is twice his age and twice widowed+ Mace 7yre"" c"aime$ hi $a/ghter
.a ti"" virgin- b/t Cerei ha$ her $o/bt. !o,,rey ha$ been m/r$ere$ be,ore he co/"$ be$ the
gir"- b/t he ha$ been .e$ to Ren"y ,irt8 A man ma! prefer the taste of hippocras, !et if !ou set
a tankard of ale before him, he will 3uaff it 3uick enough+ She m/t comman$ ?or$ %ary to ,in$
o/t .hat he co/"$.
7hat toppe$ her .here he too$. She ha$ ,orgotten abo/t %ary. 7e should be here+ 7e is
alwa!s here+ 3henever anything o, import happene$ in the Re$ >eep- the e/n/ch appeare$ a i,
,rom no.here. -aime is here, and <ncle ,ean, and $!celle has come and gone, but not .ar!s+
A co"$ ,inger to/che$ her pine. 7e was part of this+ 7e must hae feared that Father meant to
hae his head, so he struck first+ ?or$ 7y.in ha$ never ha$ any "ove ,or the impering mater o,
.hiperer. An$ i, any man kne. the Re$ >eep4 ecret- it .a /re"y the mater o, .hiperer.
7e must hae made common cause with "ord Stannis+ #he! sered together on )obert/s council,
after all=
Cerei tro$e to the $oor o, the be$chamber- to Ser Meryn 7rant. 27rant- bring me ?or$
%ary. SA/ea"ing an$ A/irming i, nee$ be- b/t /nharme$.1
2A Eo/r Grace comman$.1
B/t no ooner ha$ one >ingg/ar$ $eparte$ than another one ret/rne$. Ser Boro B"o/nt .a
re$(,ace$ an$ p/,,ing ,rom hi hea$"ong r/h /p the tep. 2Gone-1 he pante$- .hen he a. the
A/een. #e ank to one knee. 27he &mp8 hi ce""4 open- Eo/r Grace8 no ign o, him
any.here81
#he dream was true+ 2& gave or$er-1 he ai$. 2#e .a to be kept /n$er g/ar$- night an$
$ay81
B"o/nt4 chet .a heaving. 2Hne o, the gao"er ha gone miing too. R/gen- hi name .a.
7.o other men .e ,o/n$ a"eep.1
&t .a a"" he co/"$ $o not to cream. 2& hope yo/ $i$ not .ake them- Ser Boro. ?et them
"eep.1
2S"eep61 #e "ooke$ /p- =o."y an$ con,/e$. 2Aye- Eo/r Grace. #o. "ong ha""@1
2+orever. See that they "eep ,orever- er. & .i"" not /,,er g/ar$ to "eep on .atch.1 7e is in
the walls+ 7e killed Father as he killed *other, as he killed -off+ 7he $.ar, .o/"$ come ,or her
a .e""- the A/een kne.- =/t a the o"$ .oman ha$ promie$ her in the $imne o, that tent. I
laughed in her face, but she had powers+ I saw m! future in a drop of blood+ *! doom+ #er "eg
.ere .eak a .ater. Ser Boro trie$ to take her by the arm- b/t the A/een recoi"e$ ,rom hi
to/ch. +or a"" he kne. he might be one o, 7yrion4 creat/re. 2Get a.ay ,rom me-1 he ai$.
41et awa!;5 She taggere$ to a ett"e.
2Eo/r Grace61 ai$ B"o/nt. 2Sha"" & ,etch a c/p o, .ater61
It is blood I need, not water+ #!rion/s blood, the blood of the va"onAar+ 7he torche p/n
aro/n$ her. Cerei c"oe$ her eye- an$ a. the $.ar, grinning at her. 2o- he tho/ght- no, I was
almost rid of !ou+ B/t hi ,inger ha$ c"oe$ aro/n$ her neck- an$ he co/"$ ,ee" them beginning
to tighten.
T'RION
#e $rank hi .ay acro the narro. ea.
7he hip .a ma""- hi cabin ma""er- b/t the captain .o/"$ not a""o. him above$eck. 7he
rocking o, the $eck beneath hi ,eet ma$e hi tomach heave- an$ the .retche$ ,oo$ tate$ even
.ore .hen retche$ back /p. B/t .hy $i$ he nee$ a"t bee,- har$ cheee- an$ brea$ cra."ing
.ith .orm .hen he ha$ .ine to no/rih him6 &t .a re$ an$ o/r- very trong. Sometime he
heave$ the .ine /p too- b/t there .a a".ay more.
27he .or"$ i ,/"" o, .ine-1 he m/ttere$ in the $ankne o, hi cabin. #i ,ather never ha$ any
/e ,or $r/nkar$- b/t .hat $i$ that matter6 #i ,ather .a $ea$. #e4$ ki""e$ him. A bolt in the
bell!, m! lord, and all for !ou+ If onl! I was better with a crossbow, I would hae put it through
that cock !ou made me with, !ou blood! bastard+
Be"o.$eck- there .a neither night nor $ay. 7yrion marke$ time by the coming an$ going
o, the cabin boy .ho bro/ght the mea" he $i$ not eat. 7he boy a".ay bro/ght a br/h an$
b/cket too- to c"ean /p. 2& thi 5ornih .ine61 7yrion ake$ him once- a he p/""e$ a topper
,rom a kin. 2&t remin$ me o, a certain nake & kne.. A $ro"" ,e""o.- ti"" a mo/ntain ,e"" on
him.1
7he cabin boy $i$ not an.er. #e .a an /g"y boy- tho/gh a$mitte$"y more come"y than a
certain $.ar, .ith ha", a noe an$ a car ,rom eye to chin. 2#ave & o,,en$e$ yo/61 7yrion ake$-
a the boy .a cr/bbing. 23ere yo/ comman$e$ not to ta"k to me6 Hr $i$ ome $.ar, $i$$"e
yo/r mother61 7hat .ent /nan.ere$ too. 23here are .e ai"ing6 7e"" me that.1 !aime ha$ ma$e
mention o, the +ree Citie- b/t ha$ never ai$ .hich one. 2& it Braavo6 7yroh6 Myr61 7yrion
.o/"$ ooner have gone to 5orne. *!rcella is older than #ommen, b! Dornish law the Iron
#hrone is hers+ I will help her claim her rights, as $rince Ober!n suggested+
Hberyn .a $ea$- tho/gh- hi hea$ mahe$ to b"oo$y r/in by the armore$ ,it o, Ser Gregor
C"egane. An$ .itho/t the Re$ %iper to /rge him on- .o/"$ 5oran Marte"" even coni$er /ch a
chancy cheme6 7e might clap me in chains instead and hand me back to m! sweet sister+ 7he
3a"" might be a,er. H"$ Bear Mormont ai$ the Night4 3atch ha$ nee$ o, men "ike 7yrion.
*ormont might be dead, though+ B! now Sl!nt ma! be the lord commander+ 7hat b/tcher4 on
.a not "ike to have ,orgotten .ho ent him to the 3a"". Do I reall! want to spend the rest of m!
life eating salt beef and porridge with murderers and thiees6 Not that the ret o, hi "i,e .o/"$
"at very "ong. !ano S"ynt .o/"$ ee to that.
7he cabin boy .et hi br/h an$ cr/bbe$ on man,/""y. 2#ave yo/ ever viite$ the p"ea/re
ho/e o, ?y61 the $.ar, inA/ire$. 2Might that be .here .hore go61 7yrion co/"$ not eem to
reca"" the %a"yrian .or$ ,or .hore- an$ in any cae it .a too "ate. 7he boy toe$ hi br/h back
in hi b/cket an$ took hi "eave.
#he wine has blurred m! wits+ #e ha$ "earne$ to rea$ #igh %a"yrian at hi maeter4 knee-
tho/gh .hat they poke in the Nine +ree Citie8 .e""- it .a not o m/ch a $ia"ect a nine
$ia"ect on the .ay to becoming eparate tong/e. 7yrion ha$ ome Braavoi an$ a mattering o,
Myrih. &n 7yroh he ho/"$ be ab"e to c/re the go$- ca"" a man a cheat- an$ or$er /p an a"e-
thank to a e"".or$ he ha$ once kno.n at the Rock. At least in Dorne the! speak the %ommon
#ongue+ ?ike 5ornih ,oo$ an$ 5ornih "a.- 5ornih peech .a pice$ .ith the ,"avor o, the
Rhoyne- b/t a man co/"$ comprehen$ it. Dorne, !es, Dorne for me+ #e cra."e$ into hi b/nk-
c"/tching that tho/ght "ike a chi"$ .ith a $o"".
S"eep ha$ never come eai"y to 7yrion ?anniter. Aboar$ that hip it e"$om came at a""-
tho/gh ,rom time to time he manage$ to $rink /,,icient .ine to pa o/t ,or a .hi"e. At "eat he
$i$ not $ream. #e ha$ $reame$ eno/gh ,or one ma"" "i,e. And of such follies> loe, 9ustice,
friendship, glor!+ As well dream of being tall+ &t .a a"" beyon$ hi reach- 7yrion kne. no.. B/t
he $i$ not kno. .here .hore go.
23herever .hore go-1 hi ,ather ha$ ai$. 7is last words, and what words the! were+ 7he
crobo. thrumme$- ?or$ 7y.in at back $o.n- an$ 7yrion ?anniter ,o/n$ hime", .a$$"ing
thro/gh the $arkne .ith %ary at hi i$e. #e m/t have c"ambere$ back $o.n the ha,t- t.o
h/n$re$ an$ thirty r/ng to .here orange ember g"o.e$ in the mo/th o, an iron $ragon. #e
remembere$ none o, it. Hn"y the o/n$ the crobo. ma$e- an$ the tink o, hi ,ather4 bo.e"
opening. 0en in his d!ing, he found a wa! to shit on me+
%ary ha$ ecorte$ him thro/gh the t/nne"- b/t they never poke /nti" they emerge$ bei$e
the B"ack.ater- .here 7yrion ha$ .on a ,amo/ victory an$ "ot a noe. 7hat .a .hen the
$.ar, t/rne$ to the e/n/ch an$ ai$- 2&4ve ki""e$ my ,ather-1 in the ame tone a man might /e to
ay- 2&4ve t/bbe$ my toe.1
7he mater o, .hiperer ha$ been $ree$ a a begging brother- in a moth(eaten robe o,
bro.n ro/ghp/n .ith a co." that ha$o.e$ hi mooth ,at cheek an$ ba"$ ro/n$ hea$. 2Eo/
ho/"$ not have c"imbe$ that "a$$er-1 he ai$ reproach,/""y.
23herever .hore go.1 7yrion ha$ .arne$ hi ,ather not to ay that .or$. If I had not loosed,
he would hae seen m! threats were empt!+ 7e would hae taken the crossbow from m! hands,
as once he took #!sha from m! arms+ 7e was rising when I killed him+
2& ki""e$ Shae too-1 he con,ee$ to %ary.
2Eo/ kne. .hat he .a.1
2& $i$. B/t & never kne. .hat he .a.1
%ary tittere$. 2An$ no. yo/ $o.1
I should hae killed the eunuch as well+ A "itt"e more b"oo$ on hi han$- .hat .o/"$ it
matter6 #e co/"$ not ay .hat ha$ taye$ hi $agger. Not gratit/$e. %ary ha$ ave$ him ,rom a
hea$man4 .or$- b/t on"y beca/e !aime ha$ compe""e$ him. -aime= no, better not to think of
-aime+
#e ,o/n$ a ,reh kin o, .ine intea$ an$ /cke$ at it a i, it .ere a .oman4 breat. 7he o/r
re$ ran $o.n hi chin an$ oake$ thro/gh hi oi"e$ t/nic- the ame one he ha$ been .earing in
hi ce"". 7he $eck .a .aying beneath hi ,eet- an$ .hen he trie$ to rie it "i,te$ i$e.ay an$
mahe$ him har$ againt a b/"khea$. A storm, he rea"iGe$- or else I am een drunker than I
knew+ #e retche$ the .ine /p an$ "ay in it a .hi"e- .on$ering i, the hip .o/"$ ink. Is this !our
engeance, Father6 7as the Father Aboe made !ou his 7and6 2S/ch are the .age o, the
kin"ayer-1 he ai$ a the .in$ ho."e$ o/ti$e. &t $i$ not eem ,air to $ro.n the cabin boy an$
the captain an$ a"" the ret ,or omething he ha$ $one- b/t .hen ha$ the go$ ever been ,air6
An$ aro/n$ abo/t then- the $arkne g/"pe$ him $o.n.
3hen he tirre$ again- hi hea$ ,e"t "ike to b/rt an$ the hip .a pinning ro/n$ in $iGGy
circ"e- tho/gh the captain .a initing that they4$ come to port. 7yrion to"$ him to be A/iet an$
kicke$ ,eeb"y a a h/ge ba"$ ai"or t/cke$ him /n$er one arm an$ carrie$ him A/irming to the
ho"$- .here an empty .ine cak a.aite$ him. &t .a a A/at "itt"e cak- an$ a tight ,it even ,or a
$.ar,. 7yrion pie$ hime", in hi tr/gg"e- ,or a"" the goo$ it $i$. #e .a cramme$ ,ace(,irt
into the cak .ith hi knee p/he$ /p againt hi ear. 7he t/b o, hi noe itche$ horrib"y- b/t
hi arm .ere pinne$ o tight"y that he co/"$ not reach to cratch it. A palan3uin fit for a man of
m! stature, he tho/ght a they hammere$ h/t the "i$. #e co/"$ hear voice ho/ting a he .a
hoite$ /p. Cvery bo/nce cracke$ hi hea$ againt the bottom o, the cak. 7he .or"$ .ent ro/n$
an$ ro/n$ a the cak ro""e$ $o.n.ar$- then toppe$ .ith a crah that ma$e him .ant to cream.
Another cak "amme$ into hi- an$ 7yrion bit hi tong/e.
7hat .a the "onget =o/rney he ha$ ever taken- tho/gh it co/"$ not have "ate$ more than ha",
an ho/r. #e .a "i,te$ an$ "o.ere$- ro""e$ an$ tacke$- /pen$e$ an$ righte$ an$ ro""e$ again.
7hro/gh the .oo$en tave he hear$ men ho/ting- an$ once a hore .hickere$ nearby. #i
t/nte$ "eg began to cramp- an$ oon h/rt o ba$"y that he ,orgot the hammering in hi hea$.
&t en$e$ a it ha$ beg/n- .ith another ro"" that "e,t him $iGGy an$ more =o/ncing. H/ti$e-
trange voice .ere peaking in a tong/e he $i$ not kno.. Someone tarte$ po/n$ing on the top
o, the cak an$ the "i$ cracke$ open /$$en"y. ?ight came ,"oo$ing in- an$ coo" air a .e"".
7yrion gape$ gree$i"y an$ trie$ to tan$- b/t on"y manage$ to knock the cak over i$e.ay an$
pi"" hime", o/t onto a har$(packe$ earthen ,"oor.
Above him "oome$ a groteA/e ,at man .ith a ,orke$ ye""o. bear$- ho"$ing a .oo$en ma""et
an$ an iron chie". #i be$robe .a "arge eno/gh to erve a a to/rney pavi"ion- b/t it "ooe"y
knotte$ be"t ha$ come /n$one- e:poing a h/ge .hite be""y an$ a pair o, heavy breat that
agge$ "ike ack o, /et covere$ .ith coare ye""o. hair. #e remin$e$ 7yrion o, a $ea$ ea co.
that ha$ once .ahe$ /p in the cavern /n$er Cater"y Rock.
7he ,at man "ooke$ $o.n an$ mi"e$. 2A $r/nken $.ar,-1 he ai$- in the Common 7ong/e o,
3etero.
2A rotting ea co..1 7yrion4 mo/th .a ,/"" o, b"oo$. #e pat it at the ,at man4 ,eet. 7hey
.ere in a "ong- $im ce""ar .ith barre"(va/"te$ cei"ing- it tone .a"" potte$ .ith nitre. Cak o,
.ine an$ a"e /rro/n$e$ them- more than eno/gh $rink to ee a thirty $.ar, a,e"y thro/gh the
night. Or through a life+
2Eo/ are ino"ent. & "ike that in a $.ar,.1 3hen the ,at man "a/ghe$- hi ,"eh bo/nce$ o
vigoro/"y that 7yrion .a a,rai$ he might ,a"" an$ cr/h him. 2Are yo/ h/ngry- my "itt"e ,rien$6
3eary61
27hirty.1 7yrion tr/gg"e$ to hi knee. 2An$ ,i"thy.1
7he ,at man ni,,e$. 2A bath ,irt- =/t o. 7hen ,oo$ an$ a o,t be$- ye6 My ervant ha""
ee to it.1 #i hot p/t the ma""et an$ chie" ai$e. 2My ho/e i yo/r. Any ,rien$ o, my ,rien$
acro the .ater i a ,rien$ to &""yrio Mopati- ye.1
And an! friend of .ar!s the Spider is someone I will trust 9ust as far as I can throw him+
7he ,at man ma$e goo$ on the promie$ bath- tho/gh. No ooner $i$ 7yrion "o.er hime",
into the hot .ater an$ c"oe hi eye than he .a ,at a"eep. #e .oke nake$ on a gooe($o.n
,eather be$ o o,t it ,e"t a i, he ha$ been .a""o.e$ by a c"o/$. #i tong/e .a gro.ing hair
an$ hi throat .a ra.- b/t hi cock .a a har$ a an iron bar. #e ro""e$ ,rom the be$- ,o/n$ a
chamber pot- an$ commence$ to ,i""ing it- .ith a groan o, p"ea/re.
7he room .a $im- b/t there .ere bar o, ye""o. /n"ight ho.ing bet.een the "at o, the
h/tter. 7yrion hook the "at $rop o,, an$ .a$$"e$ over patterne$ Myrih carpet a o,t a
ne. pring gra. A.k.ar$"y he c"imbe$ the .in$o. eat an$ ,"/ng the h/tter open to ee
.here %ary an$ the go$ ha$ ent him.
Beneath hi .in$o. i: cherry tree too$ entine" aro/n$ a marb"e poo"- their "en$er
branche bare an$ bro.n. A nake$ boy too$ on the .ater- poie$ to $/e" .ith a bravo4 b"a$e in
han$. #e .a "ithe an$ han$ome- no o"$er than i:teen- .ith traight b"on$ hair that br/he$ hi
ho/"$er. So "i,e"ike $i$ he eem that it took the $.ar, a "ong moment to rea"iGe he .a ma$e o,
painte$ marb"e- tho/gh hi .or$ himmere$ "ike tr/e tee".
Acro the poo" too$ a brick .a"" t.e"ve ,eet high- .ith iron pike a"ong it top. Beyon$ that
.a the city. A ea o, ti"e$ roo,top cro.$e$ c"oe aro/n$ a bay. #e a. A/are brick to.er- a
great re$ temp"e- a $itant mane /pon a hi"". &n the ,ar $itance- /n"ight himmere$ o,, $eep
.ater. +ihing boat .ere moving acro the bay- their ai" ripp"ing in the .in$- an$ he co/"$
ee the mat o, "arger hip poking /p a"ong the hore. Surel! one is bound for Dorne, or for
0astwatch(b!(the(Sea+ #e ha$ no mean to pay ,or paage- tho/gh- nor .a he ma$e to p/"" an
oar. I suppose I could sign on as a cabin bo! and earn m! wa! b! letting the crew bugger me up
and down the narrow sea+
#e .on$ere$ .here he .a. 0en the air smells different here+ Strange pice cente$ the
chi""y a/t/mn .in$- an$ he co/"$ hear ,aint crie $ri,ting over the .a"" ,rom the treet beyon$.
&t o/n$e$ omething "ike %a"yrian- b/t he $i$ not recogniGe more than one .or$ in ,ive. 2ot
Braaos, he conc"/$e$- nor #!rosh+ 7hoe bare branche an$ the chi"" in the air arg/e$ againt
?y an$ Myr an$ %o"anti a .e"".
3hen he hear$ the $oor opening behin$ him- 7yrion t/rne$ to con,ront hi ,at hot. 27hi i
9ento- ye61
2!/t o. 3here e"e61
$entos+ 3e""- it .a not >ing4 ?an$ing- that m/ch co/"$ be ai$ ,or it. 23here $o .hore
go61 he hear$ hime", ak.
23hore are ,o/n$ in brothe" here- a in 3etero. Eo/ .i"" have no nee$ o, /ch- my "itt"e
,rien$. Chooe ,rom amongt my erving.omen. None .i"" $are re,/e yo/.1
2S"ave61 the $.ar, ake$ pointe$"y.
7he ,at man troke$ one o, the prong o, hi oi"e$ ye""o. bear$- a get/re 7yrion ,o/n$
remarkab"y obcene. 2S"avery i ,orbi$$en in 9ento- by the term o, the treaty the Braavoi
impoe$ on / a h/n$re$ year ago. Sti""- they .i"" not re,/e yo/.1 &""yrio gave a pon$ero/ ha",
bo.. 2B/t no. my "itt"e ,rien$ m/t e:c/e me. & have the honor to be a magiter o, thi great
city- an$ the prince ha /mmone$ / to eion.1 #e mi"e$- ho.ing a mo/th ,/"" o, crooke$
ye""o. teeth. 2C:p"ore the mane an$ gro/n$ a yo/ "ike- b/t on no acco/nt tray beyon$ the
.a"". &t i bet that no man kno. that yo/ .ere here.1
2Were6 #ave & gone ome.here61
27ime eno/gh to peak o, that thi evening. My "itt"e ,rien$ an$ & ha"" eat an$ $rink an$
make great p"an- ye61
2Ee- my ,at ,rien$-1 7yrion rep"ie$. 7e thinks to use me for his profit+ &t .a a"" pro,it .ith
the merchant prince o, the +ree Citie. 2Spice o"$ier an$ cheee "or$-1 hi "or$ ,ather ca""e$
them- .ith contempt. Sho/"$ a $ay ever $a.n .hen &""yrio Mopati a. more pro,it in a $ea$
$.ar, than a "ive one- 7yrion .o/"$ ,in$ hime", packe$ into another .ine cak by $/k. It
would be well if I was gone before that da! arries+ 7hat it .o/"$ arrive he $i$ not $o/btI Cerei
.a not "ike to ,orget him- an$ even !aime might be ve:e$ to ,in$ a A/arre" in +ather4 be""y.
A "ight .in$ .a ri,,"ing the .ater o, the poo" be"o.- a"" aro/n$ the nake$ .or$man. &t
remin$e$ him o, ho. 7yha .o/"$ ri,,"e hi hair $/ring the ,a"e pring o, their marriage- be,ore
he he"pe$ hi ,ather4 g/ar$men rape her. #e ha$ been thinking o, thoe g/ar$men $/ring hi
,"ight- trying to reca"" ho. many there ha$ been. Eo/ .o/"$ think he might remember that- b/t
no. A $oGen6 A core6 A h/n$re$6 #e co/"$ not ay. 7hey ha$ a"" been gro.n men- ta"" an$
trong8 tho/gh a"" men .ere ta"" to a $.ar, o, thirteen year. #!sha knew their number+ Cach o,
them ha$ given her a i"ver tag- o he .o/"$ on"y nee$ to co/nt the coin. A siler for each and
a gold for me+ #i ,ather ha$ inite$ that he pay her too. A "annister alwa!s pa!s his debts+
23herever .hore go-1 he hear$ ?or$ 7y.in ay once more- an$ once more the bo.tring
thrumme$.
7he magiter ha$ invite$ him to e:p"ore the mane. #e ,o/n$ c"ean c"othe in a ce$ar chet
in"ai$ .ith "api an$ mother(o,(pear". 7he c"othe ha$ been ma$e ,or a ma"" boy- he rea"iGe$ a
he tr/gg"e$ into them. 7he ,abric .ere rich eno/gh- i, a "itt"e m/ty- b/t the c/t .a too "ong in
the "eg an$ too hort in the arm- .ith a co""ar that .o/"$ have t/rne$ hi ,ace a b"ack a
!o,,rey4 ha$ he omeho. contrive$ to get it ,atene$. Moth ha$ been at them too. At least the!
do not stink of omit+
7yrion began hi e:p"oration .ith the kitchen- .here t.o ,at .omen an$ a potboy .atche$
him .ari"y a he he"pe$ hime", to cheee- brea$- an$ ,ig. 2Goo$ morro. to yo/- ,air "a$ie-1 he
ai$ .ith a bo.. 25o yo/ kno. .here .hore go61 3hen they $i$ not repon$- he repeate$ the
A/etion in #igh %a"yrian- tho/gh he ha$ to ay courtesan in p"ace o, whore+ 7he yo/nger- ,atter
cook gave him a hr/g that time.
#e .on$ere$ .hat they .o/"$ $o i, he took them by the han$ an$ $ragge$ them to hi
be$chamber. 2one will dare refuse !ou, &""yrio c"aime$- b/t omeho. 7yrion $i$ not think he
meant thee t.o. 7he yo/nger .oman .a o"$ eno/gh to be hi mother- an$ the o"$er .a "ike"y
her mother. Both .ere near a ,at a &""yrio- .ith teat that .ere "arger than hi hea$. I could
smother m!self in flesh+ 7here .ere .ore .ay to $ie. 7he .ay hi "or$ ,ather ha$ $ie$- ,or one.
I should hae made him shit a little gold before e8piring+ ?or$ 7y.in might have been niggar$"y
.ith hi approva" an$ a,,ection- b/t he ha$ a".ay been open(han$e$ .hen it came to coin. #he
onl! thing more pitiful than a dwarf without a nose is a dwarf without a nose who has no gold+
7yrion "e,t the ,at .omen to their "oave an$ kett"e an$ .ent in earch o, the ce""ar .here
&""yrio ha$ $ecante$ him the night be,ore. &t .a not har$ to ,in$. 7here .a eno/gh .ine there
to keep him $r/nk ,or a h/n$re$ yearI .eet re$ ,rom the Reach an$ o/r re$ ,rom 5orne-
pa"e 9entohi amber- the green nectar o, Myr- three core cak o, Arbor go"$- even .ine ,rom
the ,ab"e$ eat- ,rom Darth an$ Ei 7i an$ Ahai by the Sha$o.. &n the en$- 7yrion choe a cak
o, trong.ine marke$ a the private tock o, ?or$ R/nce,or$ Re$.yne- the gran$,ather o, the
preent ?or$ o, the Arbor. 7he tate o, it .a "ang/oro/ an$ hea$y on the tong/e- the co"or a
p/rp"e o $ark that it "ooke$ a"mot b"ack in the $im("it ce""ar. 7yrion ,i""e$ a c/p- an$ a ,"agon
,or goo$ mea/re- an$ carrie$ them /p to the gar$en to $rink beneath thoe cherry tree he4$
een.
A it happene$- he "e,t by the .rong $oor an$ never ,o/n$ the poo" he ha$ pie$ ,rom hi
.in$o.- b/t it ma$e no matter. 7he gar$en behin$ the mane .ere =/t a p"eaant- an$ ,ar
more e:tenive. #e .an$ere$ thro/gh them ,or a time- $rinking. 7he .a"" .o/"$ have hame$
any proper cat"e- an$ the ornamenta" iron pike a"ong the top "ooke$ trange"y nake$ .itho/t
hea$ to a$orn them. 7yrion pict/re$ ho. hi iter4 hea$ might "ook /p there- .ith tar in her
go"$en hair an$ ,"ie b/GGing in an$ o/t o, her mo/th. &es, and -aime must hae the spike beside
her, he $eci$e$. 2o one must eer come between m! brother and m! sister+
3ith a rope an$ a grapne" he might be ab"e to get over that .a"". #e ha$ trong arm an$ he
$i$ not .eigh m/ch. #e ho/"$ be ab"e to c"amber over- i, he $i$ not impa"e hime", on a pike.
I will search for a rope on the morrow, he reo"ve$.
#e a. three gate $/ring hi .an$ering@the main entrance .ith it gateho/e- a potern by
the kenne"- an$ a gar$en gate hi$$en behin$ a tang"e o, pa"e ivy. 7he "at .a chaine$- the
other g/ar$e$. 7he g/ar$ .ere p"/mp- their ,ace a mooth a babie4 bottom- an$ every man
o, them .ore a pike$ bronGe cap. 7yrion kne. e/n/ch .hen he a. them. #e kne. their ort
by rep/tation. 7hey ,eare$ nothing an$ ,e"t no pain- it .a ai$- an$ .ere "oya" to their mater
/nto $eath. I could make good use of a few hundred of mine own, he re,"ecte$. A pit! I did not
think of that before I became a beggar+
#e .a"ke$ a"ong a pi""are$ ga""ery an$ thro/gh a pointe$ arch- an$ ,o/n$ hime", in a ti"e$
co/rtyar$ .here a .oman .a .ahing c"othe at a .e"". She "ooke$ to be hi o.n age- .ith $/""
re$ hair an$ a broa$ ,ace $otte$ by ,reck"e. 23o/"$ yo/ "ike ome .ine61 he ake$ her. She
"ooke$ at him /ncertain"y. 2& have no c/p ,or yo/- .e4"" have to hare.1 7he .aher.oman .ent
back to .ringing o/t t/nic an$ hanging them to $ry. 7yrion ett"e$ on a tone bench .ith hi
,"agon. 27e"" me- ho. ,ar ho/"$ & tr/t Magiter &""yrio61 7he name ma$e her "ook /p. 27hat
,ar61 Ch/ck"ing- he croe$ hi t/nte$ "eg an$ took a $rink. 2& am "oath to p"ay .hatever part
the cheeemonger ha in min$ ,or me- yet ho. can & re,/e him6 7he gate are g/ar$e$. 9erhap
yo/ might m/gg"e me o/t /n$er yo/r kirt6 &4$ be o grate,/"I .hy- &4"" even .e$ yo/. & have
t.o .ive a"rea$y- .hy not three6 Ah- b/t .here .o/"$ .e "ive61 #e gave her a p"eaant a
mi"e a a man .ith ha", a noe co/"$ manage. 2& have a niece in S/npear- $i$ & te"" yo/6 & co/"$
make rather a "ot o, michie, in 5orne .ith Myrce""a. & co/"$ et my niece an$ nephe. at .ar-
.o/"$n4t that be $ro""61 7he .aher.oman pinne$ /p one o, &""yrio4 t/nic- "arge eno/gh to
$o/b"e a a ai". 2& ho/"$ be ahame$ to think /ch evi" tho/ght- yo/4re A/ite right. Better i, &
o/ght the 3a"" intea$. A"" crime are .ipe$ c"ean .hen a man =oin the Night4 3atch- they
ay. 7ho/gh & ,ear they .o/"$ not "et me keep yo/- .eet"ing. No .omen in the 3atch- no .eet
,reck"y .ive to .arm yo/r be$ at night- on"y co"$ .in$- a"te$ co$- an$ ma"" beer. 5o yo/
think & might tan$ ta""er in b"ack- my "a$y61 #e ,i""e$ hi c/p again. 23hat $o yo/ ay6 North
or o/th6 Sha"" & atone ,or o"$ in or make ome ne. one61
7he .aher.oman gave him one "at g"ance- picke$ /p her baket- an$ .a"ke$ a.ay. I cannot
seem to hold a wife for er! long, 7yrion re,"ecte$. Someho. hi ,"agon ha$ gone $ry. $erhaps I
should stumble back down to the cellars+ 7he trong.ine .a making hi hea$ pin- tho/gh- an$
the ce""ar tep .ere very teep. 23here $o .hore go61 he ake$ the .ah ,"apping on the "ine.
9erhap he ho/"$ have ake$ the .aher.oman. 2ot to impl! that !ou/re a whore, m! dear, but
perhaps !ou know where the! go+ Hr better yet- he ho/"$ have ake$ hi ,ather. 23herever
.hore go-1 ?or$ 7y.in ai$. She loed me+ She was a crofter/s daughter, she loed me and she
wed me, she put her trust in me+
7he empty ,"agon "ippe$ ,rom hi han$ an$ ro""e$ acro the yar$. 7yrion p/he$ hime", o,,
the bench an$ .ent to ,etch it. A he $i$- he a. ome m/hroom gro.ing /p ,rom a cracke$
paving ti"e. 9a"e .hite they .ere- .ith peck"e- an$ re$(ribbe$ /n$eri$e $ark a b"oo$. 7he
$.ar, nappe$ one o,, an$ ni,,e$ it. Delicious, he tho/ght- and deadl!+
7here .ere even o, the m/hroom. 9erhap the Seven .ere trying to te"" him omething. #e
picke$ them a""- natche$ a g"ove $o.n ,rom the "ine- .rappe$ them care,/""y- an$ t/,,e$ them
$o.n hi pocket. 7he e,,ort ma$e him $iGGy- o a,ter.ar$ he cra."e$ back onto the bench-
c/r"e$ /p- an$ h/t hi eye.
3hen he .oke again- he .a back in hi be$chamber- $ro.ning in the gooe($o.n ,eather
be$ once more .hi"e a b"on$ gir" hook hi ho/"$er. 2My "or$-1 he ai$- 2yo/r bath a.ait.
Magiter &""yrio e:pect yo/ at tab"e .ithin the ho/r.1
7yrion proppe$ hime", againt the pi""o.- hi hea$ in hi han$. 25o & $ream- or $o yo/
peak the Common 7ong/e61
2Ee- my "or$. & .a bo/ght to p"eae the king.1 She .a b"/e(eye$ an$ ,air- yo/ng an$
.i""o.y.
2& am /re yo/ $i$. & nee$ a c/p o, .ine.1
She po/re$ ,or him. 2Magiter &""yrio ai$ that & am to cr/b yo/r back an$ .arm yo/r be$.
My name@1
2@i o, no interet to me. 5o yo/ kno. .here .hore go61
She ,"/he$. 23hore e"" theme"ve ,or coin.1
2Hr =e.e"- or go.n- or cat"e. B/t .here $o they go61
7he gir" co/"$ not grap the A/etion. 2& it a ri$$"e- m4"or$6 &4m no goo$ at ri$$"e. 3i"" yo/
te"" me the an.er61
2o, he tho/ght. I despise riddles, m!self+ 2& .i"" te"" yo/ nothing. 5o me the ame ,avor.1 #he
onl! part of !ou that interests me is the part between !our legs, he a"mot ai$. 7he .or$ .ere
on hi tong/e- b/t omeho. never pae$ hi "ip. She is not Shae, the $.ar, to"$ hime",- onl!
some little fool who thinks I pla! at riddles+ &, tr/th be to"$- even her c/nt $i$ not interet him
m/ch. I must be sick, or dead+ 2Eo/ mentione$ a bath6 3e m/t not keep the great
cheeemonger .aiting.1
A he bathe$- the gir" .ahe$ hi ,eet- cr/bbe$ hi back- an$ br/he$ hi hair. A,ter.ar$ he
r/bbe$ .eet(me""ing ointment into hi ca"ve to eae the ache- an$ $ree$ him once again in
boy4 c"othing- a m/ty pair o, b/rg/n$y breeche an$ a b"/e ve"vet $o/b"et "ine$ .ith c"oth(o,(
go"$. 23i"" my "or$ .ant me a,ter he ha eaten61 he ake$ a he .a "acing /p hi boot.
2No. & am $one .ith .omen.1 Whores+
7he gir" took that $iappointment too .e"" ,or hi "iking. 2&, m4"or$ .o/"$ pre,er a boy- & can
have one .aiting in hi be$.1
*/lord would prefer his wife+ */lord would prefer a girl named #!sha+ 2Hn"y i, he kno.
.here .hore go.1
7he gir"4 mo/th tightene$. She despises me, he rea"iGe$- but no more than I despise m!self+
7hat he ha$ ,/cke$ many a .oman .ho "oathe$ the very ight o, him- 7yrion ?anniter ha$ no
$o/bt- b/t the other ha$ at "eat the grace to ,eign a,,ection. A little honest loathing might be
refreshing, like a tart wine after too much sweet+
2& be"ieve & have change$ my min$-1 he to"$ her. 23ait ,or me abe$. Nake$- i, yo/ p"eae- &4""
be a $ea" too $r/nk to ,/mb"e at yo/r c"othing. >eep yo/r mo/th h/t an$ yo/r thigh open an$
the t.o o, / ho/"$ get on p"en$i$"y.1 #e gave her a "eer- hoping ,or a tate o, ,ear- b/t a"" he
gave him .a rev/"ion. 2o one fears a dwarf+ Cven ?or$ 7y.in ha$ not been a,rai$- tho/gh
7yrion ha$ he"$ a crobo. in hi han$. 25o yo/ moan .hen yo/ are being ,/cke$61 he ake$
the be$.armer.
2&, it p"eae m4"or$.1
2&t might p"eae m4"or$ to trang"e yo/. 7hat4 ho. & erve$ my "at .hore. 5o yo/ think yo/r
mater .o/"$ ob=ect6 S/re"y not. #e ha a h/n$re$ more "ike yo/- b/t no one e"e "ike me.1 7hi
time- .hen he grinne$- he got the ,ear he .ante$.
&""yrio .a rec"ining on a pa$$e$ co/ch- gobb"ing hot pepper an$ pear" onion ,rom a
.oo$en bo.". #i bro. .a $otte$ .ith bea$ o, .eat- hi pig4 eye hining above hi ,at
cheek. !e.e" $ance$ .hen he move$ hi han$I ony: an$ opa"- tiger4 eye an$ to/rma"ine-
r/by- amethyt- apphire- emera"$- =et an$ =a$e- a b"ack $iamon$- an$ a green pear". I could lie
for !ears on his rings, 7yrion m/e$- though I/d need a cleaer to claim them+
2Come it- my "itt"e ,rien$.1 &""yrio .ave$ him c"oer.
7he $.ar, c"ambere$ /p onto a chair. &t .a m/ch too big ,or him- a c/hione$ throne
inten$e$ to accommo$ate the magiter4 maive b/ttock- .ith thick t/r$y "eg to bear hi
.eight. 7yrion ?anniter ha$ "ive$ a"" hi "i,e in a .or"$ that .a too big ,or him- b/t in the
mane o, &""yrio Mopati the ene o, $iproportion a/me$ groteA/e $imenion. I am a
mouse in a mammoth/s lair, he m/e$- though at least the mammoth keeps a good cellar+ 7he
tho/ght ma$e him thirty. #e ca""e$ ,or .ine.
25i$ yo/ en=oy the gir" & ent yo/61 &""yrio ake$.
2&, & ha$ .ante$ a gir" & .o/"$ have ake$ ,or one.1
2&, he ,ai"e$ to p"eae81
2She $i$ a"" that .a reA/ire$ o, her.1
2& .o/"$ hope o. She .a traine$ in ?y- .here they make an art o, "ove. 7he king en=oye$
her great"y.1
2& ki"" king- ha$n4t yo/ hear$61 7yrion mi"e$ evi""y over hi .ine c/p. 2& .ant no roya"
"eaving.1
2A yo/ .ih. ?et / eat.1 &""yrio c"appe$ hi han$ together- an$ erving men came r/nning.
7hey began .ith a broth o, crab an$ monk,ih- an$ co"$ egg "ime o/p a .e"". 7hen came
A/ai" in honey- a a$$"e o, "amb- gooe "iver $ro.ne$ in .ine- b/ttere$ parnip- an$ /ck"ing
pig. 7he ight o, it a"" ma$e 7yrion ,ee" A/eay- b/t he ,orce$ hime", to try a poon o, o/p ,or
the ake o, po"itene- an$ once he ha$ tate$ it he .a "ot. 7he cook might be o"$ an$ ,at- b/t
they kne. their b/ine. #e ha$ never eaten o .e""- even at co/rt.
A he .a /cking the meat o,, the bone o, hi A/ai"- he ake$ &""yrio abo/t the morning4
/mmon. 7he ,at man hr/gge$. 27here are tro/b"e in the eat. Atapor ha ,a""en- an$
Meereen. Ghicari "ave citie that .ere o"$ .hen the .or"$ .a yo/ng.1 7he /ck"ing pig .a
carve$. &""yrio reache$ ,or a piece o, the crack"ing- $ippe$ it in a p"/m a/ce- an$ ate it .ith hi
,inger.
2S"aver4 Bay i a "ong .ay ,rom 9ento.1 7yrion peare$ a gooe "iver on the point o, hi
kni,e. 2o man is as cursed as the kinsla!er, he m/e$- but I could learn to like this hell+
27hi i o-1 &""yrio agree$- 2b/t the .or"$ i one great .eb- an$ a man $are not to/ch a ing"e
tran$ "et a"" the other tremb"e. More .ine61 &""yrio poppe$ a pepper into hi mo/th. 2No-
omething better.1 #e c"appe$ hi han$ together.
At the o/n$ a erving man entere$ .ith a covere$ $ih. #e p"ace$ it in ,ront o, 7yrion- an$
&""yrio "eane$ acro the tab"e to remove the "i$. 2M/hroom-1 the magiter anno/nce$- a the
me"" .a,te$ /p. 2>ie$ .ith gar"ic an$ bathe$ in b/tter. & am to"$ the tate i e:A/iite. #ave
one- my ,rien$. #ave t.o.1
7yrion ha$ a ,at b"ack m/hroom ha",.ay to hi mo/th- b/t omething in &""yrio4 voice ma$e
him top abr/pt"y. 2A,ter yo/- my "or$.1 #e p/he$ the $ih to.ar$ hi hot.
2No- no.1 Magiter &""yrio p/he$ the m/hroom back. +or a heartbeat it eeme$ a i, a
michievo/ boy .a peering o/t ,rom ini$e the cheee(monger4 b"oate$ ,"eh. 2A,ter yo/. &
init. Cook ma$e them pecia""y ,or yo/.1
25i$ he in$ee$61 #e remembere$ the cook- the ,"o/r on her han$- heavy breat hot
thro/gh .ith $ark b"/e vein. 27hat .a kin$ o, her- b/t8 no.1 7yrion eae$ the m/hroom
back into the "ake o, b/tter ,rom .hich it ha$ emerge$.
2Eo/ are too /picio/.1 &""yrio mi"e$ thro/gh hi ,orke$ ye""o. bear$. Hi"e$ every
morning to make it g"eam "ike go"$- 7yrion /pecte$. 2Are yo/ craven6 & ha$ not hear$ that o,
yo/.1
2&n the Seven >ing$om it i coni$ere$ a grave breach o, hopita"ity to poion yo/r g/et at
/pper.1
2#ere a .e"".1 &""yrio Mopati reache$ ,or hi .ine c/p. 2Eet .hen a g/et p"ain"y .ihe to
en$ hi o.n "i,e- .hy- hi hot m/t ob"ige him- no61 #e took a g/"p. 2Magiter Hr$e""o .a
poione$ by a m/hroom not ha", a year ago. 7he pain i not o m/ch- & am to"$. Some cramping
in the g/t- a /$$en ache behin$ the eye- an$ it i $one. Better a m/hroom than a .or$
thro/gh yo/r neck- i it not o6 3hy $ie .ith the tate o, b"oo$ in yo/r mo/th .hen it co/"$ be
b/tter an$ gar"ic61
7he $.ar, t/$ie$ the $ih be,ore him. 7he me"" o, gar"ic an$ b/tter ha$ hi mo/th .atering.
Some part o, him .ante$ thoe m/hroom- even kno.ing .hat they .ere. #e .a not brave
eno/gh to take co"$ tee" to hi o.n be""y- b/t a bite o, m/hroom .o/"$ not be o har$. 7hat
,rightene$ him more than he co/"$ ay. 2Eo/ mitake me-1 he hear$ hime", ay.
2& it o6 & .on$er. &, yo/ .o/"$ ooner $ro.n in .ine- ay the .or$ an$ it ha"" be $one- an$
A/ick"y. 5ro.ning c/p by c/p .ate time an$ .ine both.1
2Eo/ mitake me-1 7yrion ai$ again- more "o/$"y. 7he b/ttere$ m/hroom g"itene$ in the
"amp"ight- $ark an$ inviting. 2& have no .ih to $ie- & promie yo/. & have81 #i voice trai"e$
o,, into /ncertainty. What do I hae6 A life to lie6 Work to do6 %hildren to raise, lands to rule,
a woman to loe6
2Eo/ have nothing-1 ,inihe$ Magiter &""yrio- 2b/t .e can change that.1 #e p"/cke$ a
m/hroom ,rom the b/tter- an$ che.e$ it "/ti"y. 25e"icio/.1
27he m/hroom are not poione$.1 7yrion .a irritate$.
2No. 3hy ho/"$ & .ih yo/ i""61 Magiter &""yrio ate another. 23e m/t ho. a "itt"e tr/t-
yo/ an$ &. Come- eat.1 #e c"appe$ hi han$ again. 23e have .ork to $o. My "itt"e ,rien$ m/t
keep hi trength /p.1
7he erving men bro/ght o/t a heron t/,,e$ .ith ,ig- vea" c/t"et b"anche$ .ith a"mon$
mi"k- creame$ herring- can$ie$ onion- ,o/"(me""ing cheee- p"ate o, nai" an$ .eetbrea$-
an$ a b"ack .an in her p"/mage. 7yrion re,/e$ the .an- .hich remin$e$ him o, a /pper .ith
hi iter. #e he"pe$ hime", to heron an$ herring- tho/gh- an$ a ,e. o, the .eet onion. An$
the erving men ,i""e$ hi .ine c/p ane. each time he emptie$ it.
2Eo/ $rink a $ea" o, .ine ,or /ch a "itt"e man.1
2>in"aying i $ry .ork. &t give a man a thirt.1
7he ,at man4 eye g"ittere$ "ike the gemtone on hi ,inger. 27here are thoe in 3etero
.ho .o/"$ ay that ki""ing ?or$ ?anniter .a mere"y a goo$ beginning.1
27hey ha$ bet not ay it in my iter4 hearing- or they .i"" ,in$ theme"ve hort a tong/e.1
7he $.ar, tore a "oa, o, brea$ in ha",. 2An$ yo/ ha$ bet be care,/" .hat yo/ ay o, my ,ami"y-
magiter. >in"ayer or no- & am a "ion ti"".1
7hat eeme$ to am/e the "or$ o, cheee no en$. #e "appe$ a meaty thigh an$ ai$- 2Eo/
3eteroi are a"" the ame. Eo/ e. ome beat /pon a crap o, i"k- an$ /$$en"y yo/ are a""
"ion or $ragon or eag"e. & can take yo/ to a rea" "ion- my "itt"e ,rien$. 7he prince keep a pri$e
in hi menagerie. 3o/"$ yo/ "ike to hare a cage .ith them61
7he "or$ o, the Seven >ing$om $i$ make rather m/ch o, their igi"- 7yrion ha$ to a$mit.
2%ery .e""-1 he conce$e$. 2A ?anniter i not a "ion. Eet & am ti"" my ,ather4 on- an$ !aime
an$ Cerei are mine to ki"".1
2#o. o$$ that yo/ ho/"$ mention yo/r ,air iter-1 ai$ &""yrio- bet.een nai". 27he A/een
ha o,,ere$ a "or$hip to the man .ho bring her yo/r hea$- no matter ho. h/mb"e hi birth.1
&t .a no more than 7yrion ha$ e:pecte$. 2&, yo/ mean to take her /p on it- make her prea$
her "eg ,or yo/ a .e"". 7he bet part o, me ,or the bet part o, her- that4 a ,air tra$e.1
2& .o/"$ ooner have mine o.n .eight in go"$.1 7he cheeemonger "a/ghe$ o har$ that
7yrion ,eare$ he .a abo/t to r/pt/re. 2A"" the go"$ in Cater"y Rock- .hy not61
27he go"$ & grant yo/-1 the $.ar, ai$- re"ieve$ that he .a not abo/t to $ro.n in a go/t o,
ha",($igete$ ee" an$ .eetmeat- 2b/t the Rock i mine.1
2!/t o.1 7he magiter covere$ hi mo/th an$ be"che$ a mighty be"ch. 25o yo/ think >ing
Stanni .i"" give it to yo/6 & am to"$ he i a great one ,or the "a.. Eo/r brother .ear the .hite
c"oak- o yo/ are heir by a"" the "a. o, 3etero.1
2Stanni might .e"" grant me Cater"y Rock-1 ai$ 7yrion- 2b/t ,or the ma"" matter o,
regici$e an$ kin"aying. +or thoe he .o/"$ horten me by a hea$- an$ & am hort eno/gh a &
tan$. B/t .hy .o/"$ yo/ think & mean to =oin ?or$ Stanni61
23hy e"e .o/"$ yo/ go the 3a""61
2Stanni i at the 3a""61 7yrion r/bbe$ at hi noe. 23hat in even b"oo$y he"" i Stanni
$oing at the 3a""61
2Shivering- & .o/"$ think. &t i .armer $o.n in 5orne. 9erhap he ho/"$ have ai"e$ that
.ay.1
7yrion .a beginning to /pect that a certain ,reck"e$ .aher.oman kne. more o, the
Common Speech than he preten$e$. 2My niece Myrce""a i in 5orne- a it happen. An$ & have
ha", a min$ to make her a A/een.1
&""yrio mi"e$ a hi erving men poone$ o/t bo." o, b"ack cherrie in .eet cream ,or them
both. 23hat ha thi poor chi"$ $one to yo/ that yo/ .o/"$ .ih her $ea$61
2Cven a kin"ayer i not reA/ire$ to "ay all hi kin-1 ai$ 7yrion- .o/n$e$. 2D/een her- &
ai$. Not ki"" her.1
7he cheeemonger poone$ /p cherrie. 2&n %o"anti they /e a coin .ith a cro.n on one ,ace
an$ a $eath4(hea$ on the other. Eet it i the ame coin. 7o A/een her i to ki"" her. 5orne might
rie ,or Myrce""a- b/t 5orne a"one i not eno/gh. &, yo/ are a c"ever a o/r ,rien$ init- yo/
kno. thi.1
7yrion "ooke$ at the ,at man .ith ne. interet. 7e is right on both counts+ #o 3ueen her is to
kill her+ And I knew that+ 2+/ti"e get/re are a"" that remain to me. 7hi one .o/"$ make my
iter .eep bitter tear- at "eat.1
Magiter &""yrio .ipe$ .eet cream ,rom hi mo/th .ith the back o, a ,at han$. 27he roa$ to
Cater"y Rock $oe not go thro/gh 5orne- my "itt"e ,rien$. Nor $oe it r/n beneath the 3a"". Eet
there i /ch a roa$- & te"" yo/.1
2& am an attainte$ traitor- a regici$e- an$ kin"ayer.1 7hi ta"k o, roa$ annoye$ him. Does he
think this is a game6
23hat one king $oe- another may /n$o. &n 9ento .e have a prince- my ,rien$. #e prei$e
at ba"" an$ ,eat an$ ri$e abo/t the city in a pa"anA/in o, ivory an$ go"$. 7hree hera"$ go be,ore
him .ith the go"$en ca"e o, tra$e- the iron .or$ o, .ar- an$ the i"ver co/rge o, =/tice. Hn
the ,irt $ay o, each ne. year he m/t $e,"o.er the mai$ o, the ,ie"$ an$ the mai$ o, the ea.1
&""yrio "eane$ ,or.ar$- e"bo. on the tab"e. 2Eet ho/"$ a crop ,ai" or a .ar be "ot- .e c/t hi
throat to appeae the go$ an$ chooe a ne. prince ,rom amongt the ,orty ,ami"ie.1
2Remin$ me never to become the 9rince o, 9ento.1
2Are yo/r Seven >ing$om o $i,,erent6 7here i no peace in 3etero- no =/tice- no ,aith8
an$ oon eno/gh- no ,oo$. 3hen men are tarving an$ ick o, ,ear- they "ook ,or a avior.1
27hey may "ook- b/t i, a"" they ,in$ i Stanni@1
2Not Stanni. Nor Myrce""a.1 7he ye""o. mi"e .i$ene$. 2Another+ Stronger than 7ommen-
gent"er than Stanni- .ith a better c"aim than the gir" Myrce""a. A avior come ,rom acro the
ea to bin$ /p the .o/n$ o, b"ee$ing 3etero.1
2+ine .or$.1 7yrion .a /nimpree$. 23or$ are .in$. 3ho i thi b"oo$y avior61
2A $ragon.1 7he cheeemonger a. the "ook on hi ,ace at that- an$ "a/ghe$. 2A $ragon .ith
three hea$.1
DAENER'S
She co/"$ hear the $ea$ man coming /p the tep. 7he "o.- mea/re$ o/n$ o, ,oottep
.ent be,ore him- echoing amongt the p/rp"e pi""ar o, her ha"". 5aenery 7argaryen a.aite$
him /pon the ebon bench that he ha$ ma$e her throne. #er eye .ere o,t .ith "eep- her i"ver(
go"$ hair a"" to/"e$.
2Eo/r Grace-1 ai$ Ser Barritan Se"my- the "or$ comman$er o, her D/eeng/ar$- 2there i no
nee$ ,or yo/ to ee thi.1
2#e $ie$ ,or me.1 5any c"/tche$ her "ion pe"t to her chet. Fn$erneath- a heer .hite "inen
t/nic covere$ her to mi$thigh. She ha$ been $reaming o, a ho/e .ith a re$ $oor .hen
Mian$ei .oke her. 7here ha$ been no time to $re.
2,haleesi,1 .hipere$ &rri- 2yo/ m/t not to/ch the $ea$ man. &t i ba$ "/ck to to/ch the
$ea$.1
2Fn"e yo/ ki""e$ them yo/re",.1 !hiA/i .a bigger(bone$ than &rri- .ith .i$e hip an$
heavy breat. 27hat i kno.n.1
2&t i kno.n-1 &rri agree$.
5othraki .ere .ie .here hore .ere concerne$- b/t co/"$ be /tter ,oo" abo/t m/ch e"e.
#he! are onl! girls, besides+ #er han$mai$ .ere o, an age .ith her@.omen gro.n to "ook at
them- .ith their b"ack hair- copper kin- an$ a"mon$(hape$ eye- b/t gir" a"" the ame. 7hey
ha$ been given to her .hen he .e$ >ha" 5rogo. &t .a 5rogo .ho ha$ given her the pe"t he
.ore- the hea$ an$ hi$e o, a hrakkar, the .hite "ion o, the 5othraki ea. &t .a too big ,or her
an$ ha$ a m/ty me""- b/t it ma$e her ,ee" a i, her /n(an$(tar .a ti"" near her.
Grey 3orm appeare$ atop the tep ,irt- a torch in han$. #i bronGe cap .a crete$ .ith
three pike. Behin$ him ,o""o.e$ ,o/r o, hi Fn/""ie$- bearing the $ea$ man on their
ho/"$er. 7heir cap ha$ on"y one pike each- an$ their ,ace ho.e$ o "itt"e they might have
been cat o, bronGe a .e"". 7hey "ai$ the corpe $o.n at her ,eet. Ser Barritan p/""e$ back the
b"oo$taine$ hro/$. Grey 3orm "o.ere$ the torch- o he might ee.
7he $ea$ man4 ,ace .a mooth an$ hair"e- tho/gh hi cheek ha$ been "ahe$ open ear to
ear. #e ha$ been a ta"" man- b"/e(eye$ an$ ,air o, ,ace. Some child of "!s or Old .olantis,
snatched off a ship b! corsairs and sold into bondage in red Astapor+ 7ho/gh hi eye .ere
open- it .a hi .o/n$ that .ept. 7here .ere more .o/n$ than he co/"$ co/nt.
2Eo/r Grace-1 Ser Barritan ai$- 2there .a a harpy $ra.n on the brick in the a""ey .here
he .a ,o/n$81
28$ra.n in b"oo$.1 5aenery kne. the .ay o, it by no.. 7he Son o, the #arpy $i$ their
b/tchery by night- an$ over each ki"" they "e,t their mark. 2Grey 3orm- .hy .a thi man a"one6
#a$ he no partner61 By her comman$- .hen the Fn/""ie$ .a"ke$ the treet o, Meereen by
night they a".ay .a"ke$ in pair.
2My A/een-1 rep"ie$ the captain- 2yo/r ervant Sta".art Shie"$ ha$ no $/ty "at night. #e ha$
gone to a8 a certain p"ace8 to $rink- an$ have companionhip.1
2A certain p"ace6 3hat $o yo/ mean61
2A ho/e o, p"ea/re- Eo/r Grace.1
A brothel+ #a", o, her ,ree$men .ere ,rom E/nkai- .here the 3ie Mater ha$ been ,ame$
,or training be$"ave. #he wa! of the seen sighs+ Brothe" ha$ pro/te$ /p "ike m/hroom a""
over Meereen. It is all the! know+ #he! need to surie+ +oo$ .a more cot"y every $ay- .hi"t
the price o, ,"eh gre. cheaper. &n the poorer $itrict bet.een the teppe$ pyrami$ o,
Meereen4 "aver nobi"ity- there .ere brothe" catering to every conceivab"e erotic tate- he
kne.. 0en so= 23hat co/"$ a e/n/ch hope to ,in$ in a brothe"61
2Cven thoe .ho "ack a man4 part may ti"" have a man4 heart- Eo/r Grace-1 ai$ Grey
3orm. 27hi one ha been to"$ that yo/r ervant Sta".art Shie"$ ometime gave coin to the
.omen o, the brothe" to "ie .ith him an$ ho"$ him.1
#he blood of the dragon does not weep+ 2Sta".art Shie"$-1 he ai$- $ry(eye$. 27hat .a hi
name61
2&, it p"eae Eo/r Grace.1
2&t i a ,ine name.1 7he Goo$ Mater o, Atapor ha$ not a""o.e$ their "ave o"$ier even
name. Some o, her Fn/""ie$ rec"aime$ their birth name a,ter he ha$ ,ree$ themI other choe
ne. name ,or theme"ve. 2& it kno.n ho. many attacker ,e"" /pon Sta".art Shie"$61
27hi one $oe not kno.. Many.1
2Si: or more-1 ai$ Ser Barritan. 2+rom the "ook o, hi .o/n$- they .arme$ him ,rom a""
i$e. #e .a ,o/n$ .ith an empty cabbar$. &t may be that he .o/n$e$ ome o, hi attacker.1
5any ai$ a i"ent prayer that ome.here one o, the #arpy4 Son .a $ying even no.-
c"/tching at hi be""y an$ .rithing in pain. 23hy $i$ they c/t open hi cheek "ike that61
2Gracio/ A/een-1 ai$ Grey 3orm- 2hi ki""er ha$ ,orce$ the genita" o, a goat $o.n the
throat o, yo/r ervant Sta".art Shie"$. 7hi one remove$ them be,ore bringing him here.1
#he! could not feed him his own genitals+ #he Astapori left him neither root nor stem+ 27he
Son gro. bo"$er-1 5any oberve$. Fnti" no.- they ha$ "imite$ their attack to /narme$
,ree$men- c/tting them $o.n in the treet or breaking into their home /n$er the cover o,
$arkne to m/r$er them in their be$. 27hi i the ,irt o, my o"$ier they have "ain.1
27he ,irt-1 Ser Barritan .arne$- 2b/t not the "at.1
I am still at war, 5any rea"iGe$- onl! now I am fighting shadows+ She ha$ hope$ ,or a repite
,rom the ki""ing- ,or ome time to b/i"$ an$ hea".
Shr/gging o,, the "ion pe"t- he kne"t bei$e the corpe an$ c"oe$ the $ea$ man4 eye-
ignoring !hiA/i4 gap. 2Sta".art Shie"$ ha"" not be ,orgotten. #ave him .ahe$ an$ $ree$ ,or
batt"e an$ b/ry him .ith cap an$ hie"$ an$ pear.1
2&t ha"" be a Eo/r Grace comman$-1 ai$ Grey 3orm.
2Sen$ men to the 7emp"e o, the Grace an$ ak i, any man ha come to the B"/e Grace .ith
a .or$ .o/n$. An$ prea$ the .or$ that .e .i"" pay goo$ go"$ ,or the hort .or$ o, Sta".art
Shie"$. &nA/ire o, the b/tcher an$ the her$men- an$ "earn .ho ha been ge"$ing goat o, "ate.1
9erhap ome goather$ .o/"$ con,e. 2#ence,orth- no man o, mine .a"k a"one a,ter $ark.1
27hee one ha"" obey.1
5aenery p/he$ her hair back. 2+in$ thee co.ar$ ,or me. +in$ them- o that & might teach
the #arpy4 Son .hat it mean to .ake the $ragon.1
Grey 3orm a"/te$ her. #i Fn/""ie$ c"oe$ the hro/$ once more- "i,te$ the $ea$ man onto
their ho/"$er- an$ bore him ,rom the ha"". Ser Barritan Se"my remaine$ behin$. #i hair .a
.hite- an$ there .ere cro.4(,eet at the corner o, hi pa"e b"/e eye. Eet hi back .a ti"" /n(
bent- an$ the year ha$ not yet robbe$ him o, hi ki"" at arm. 2Eo/r Grace-1 he ai$- 2& ,ear
yo/r e/n/ch are i"" /ite$ ,or the tak yo/ et them.1
5any ett"e$ on her bench an$ .rappe$ her pe"t abo/t her ho/"$er once again. 27he
Fn/""ie$ are my ,inet .arrior.1
2So"$ier- not .arrior- i, it p"eae Eo/r Grace. 7hey .ere ma$e ,or the batt"e,ie"$- to tan$
ho/"$er to ho/"$er behin$ their hie"$ .ith their pear thr/t o/t be,ore them. 7heir training
teache them to obey- ,ear"e"y- per,ect"y- .itho/t tho/ght or heitation8 not to /nrave" ecret
or ak A/etion.1
23o/"$ knight erve me any better61 Se"my .a training knight ,or her- teaching the on
o, "ave to ,ight .ith "ance an$ "ong.or$ in the 3eteroi ,ahion8 b/t .hat goo$ .o/"$
"ance $o againt co.ar$ .ho ki""e$ ,rom the ha$o.6
2Not in thi-1 the o"$ man a$mitte$. 2An$ Eo/r Grace ha no knight- ave me. &t .i"" be
year be,ore the boy are rea$y.1
27hen .ho- i, not Fn/""ie$6 5othraki .o/"$ be even .ore.1 5othraki ,o/ght ,rom
horeback. Mo/nte$ men .ere o, more /e in open ,ie"$ an$ hi"" than in the narro. treet an$
a""ey o, the city. Beyon$ Meereen4 .a"" o, many(co"ore$ brick- 5any4 r/"e .a ten/o/ at
bet. 7ho/an$ o, "ave ti"" toi"e$ on vat etate in the hi""- gro.ing .heat an$ o"ive-
her$ing heep an$ goat- an$ mining a"t an$ copper. Meereen4 toreho/e he"$ amp"e /pp"ie
o, grain- oi"- o"ive- $rie$ ,r/it- an$ a"te$ meat- b/t the tore .ere $.in$"ing. So 5any ha$
$ipatche$ her tiny khalasar to /b$/e the hinter"an$- /n$er the comman$ o, her three
b"oo$ri$er- .hi"t Bro.n Ben 9"/mm took hi Secon$ Son o/th to g/ar$ againt E/nkih
inc/rion.
7he mot cr/cia" tak o, a"" he ha$ entr/te$ to 5aario Nahari- g"ib(tong/e$ 5aario .ith hi
go"$ tooth an$ tri$ent bear$- mi"ing hi .icke$ mi"e thro/gh p/rp"e .hiker. Beyon$ the
eatern hi"" .a a range o, ro/n$e$ an$tone mo/ntain- the >hyGai 9a- an$ ?haGar. &, 5aario
co/"$ convince the ?haGarene to reopen the over"an$ tra$e ro/te- grain co/"$ be bro/ght $o.n
the river or over the hi"" at nee$8 b/t the ?amb Men ha$ no reaon to "ove Meereen. 23hen
the Stormcro. ret/rn ,rom ?haGar- perhap & can /e them in the treet-1 he to"$ Ser Barritan-
2b/t /nti" then & have on"y the Fn/""ie$.1 5any roe. 2Eo/ m/t e:c/e me- er. 7he petitioner
.i"" oon be at my gate. & m/t $on my ,"oppy ear an$ become their A/een again. S/mmon
ReGnak an$ the Shavepate- &4"" ee them .hen &4m $ree$.1
2A Eo/r Grace comman$.1 Se"my bo.e$.
7he Great 9yrami$ ho/"$ere$ eight h/n$re$ ,eet into the ky- ,rom it h/ge A/are bae to
the "o,ty ape: .here the A/een kept her private chamber- /rro/n$e$ by greenery an$ ,ragrant
poo". A a coo" b"/e $a.n broke over the city- 5any .a"ke$ o/t onto the terrace. 7o the .et
/n"ight b"aGe$ o,, the go"$en $ome o, the 7emp"e o, the Grace- an$ etche$ $eep ha$o.
behin$ the teppe$ pyrami$ o, the mighty. In some of those p!ramids, the Sons of the 7arp! are
plotting new murders een now, and I am powerless to stop them+
%ierion ene$ her $iA/iet. 7he .hite $ragon "ay coi"e$ aro/n$ a pear tree- hi hea$ reting
on hi tai". 3hen 5any pae$ hi eye came open- t.o poo" o, mo"ten go"$. #i horn .ere
go"$ a .e""- an$ the ca"e that ran $o.n hi back ,rom hea$ to tai". 2Eo/4re "aGy-1 he to"$ him-
cratching /n$er hi =a.. #i ca"e .ere hot to the to/ch- "ike armor "e,t too "ong in the /n.
Dragons are fire made flesh+ She ha$ rea$ that in one o, the book Ser !orah ha$ given her a a
.e$$ing gi,t. 2Eo/ ho/"$ be h/nting .ith yo/r brother. #ave yo/ an$ 5rogon been ,ighting
again61 #er $ragon .ere gro.ing .i"$ o, "ate. Rhaega" ha$ nappe$ at &rri- an$ %ierion ha$ et
ReGnak4 tokar ab"aGe the "at time the enecha" ha$ ca""e$. I hae left them too much to
themseles, but where am I to find the time for them6
%ierion4 tai" "ahe$ i$e.ay- th/mping the tr/nk o, the tree o har$ that a pear came
t/mb"ing $o.n to "an$ at 5any4 ,eet. #i .ing /n,o"$e$- an$ he ha", ,"e.- ha", hoppe$ onto the
parapet. 7e grows, he tho/ght a he "a/nche$ hime", into the ky. #he! are all three growing+
Soon the! will be large enough to bear m! weight+ 7hen he .o/"$ ,"y a Aegon the ConA/eror
ha$ ,"o.n- /p an$ /p- /nti" Meereen .a o ma"" that he co/"$ b"ot it o/t .ith her th/mb.
She .atche$ %ierion c"imb in .i$ening circ"e /nti" he .a "ot to ight beyon$ the m/$$y
.ater o, the SkahaGa$han. Hn"y then $i$ 5any go back ini$e the pyrami$- .here &rri an$
!hiA/i .ere .aiting to br/h the tang"e ,rom her hair an$ garb her a be,it the D/een o,
Meereen- in a Ghicari tokar+
7he garment .a a c"/my thing- a "ong "ooe hape"e heet that ha$ to be .o/n$ aro/n$
her hip an$ /n$er an arm an$ over a ho/"$er- it $ang"ing ,ringe care,/""y "ayere$ an$
$ip"aye$. 3o/n$ too "ooe- it .a "ike to ,a"" o,,I .o/n$ too tight- it .o/"$ tang"e- trip- an$
bin$. Cven .o/n$ proper"y- the tokar reA/ire$ it .earer to ho"$ it in p"ace .ith the "e,t han$.
3a"king in a tokar $eman$e$ ma""- mincing tep an$ e:A/iite ba"ance- "et one trea$ /pon
thoe heavy trai"ing ,ringe. &t .a not a garment meant ,or any man .ho ha$ to .ork. 7he tokar
.a a master/s garment- a ign o, .ea"th an$ po.er.
5any ha$ .ante$ to ban the tokar .hen he took Meereen- b/t her a$vior ha$ convince$ her
other.ie. 27he Mother o, 5ragon m/t $on the tokar or be ,orever hate$-1 .arne$ the Green
Grace- Ga"aGGa Ga"are. 2&n the .oo" o, 3etero or a go.n o, Myrih "ace- Eo/r Ra$iance ha""
,orever remain a tranger amongt /- a groteA/e o/t"an$er- a barbarian conA/eror. Meereen4
A/een m/t be a "a$y o, H"$ Ghi.1 Bro.n Ben 9"/mm- the captain o, the Secon$ Son- ha$ p/t
it more /ccinct"y. 2Man .ant to be the king o4 the rabbit- he bet .ear a pair o4 ,"oppy ear.1
7he ,"oppy ear he choe to$ay .ere ma$e o, heer .hite "inen- .ith a ,ringe o, go"$en
tae". 3ith !hiA/i4 he"p- he .o/n$ the tokar abo/t here", correct"y on her thir$ attempt. &rri
,etche$ her cro.n- .ro/ght in the hape o, the three(hea$e$ $ragon o, her #o/e. &t coi" .ere
go"$- it .ing i"ver- it three hea$ ivory- ony:- an$ =a$e. 5any4 neck an$ ho/"$er .o/"$ be
ti,, an$ ore ,rom the .eight o, it be,ore the $ay .a $one. A crown should not sit eas! on the
head+ Hne o, her roya" ,orebear ha$ ai$ that- once. Some Aegon, but which one6 +ive Aegon
ha$ r/"e$ the Seven >ing$om o, 3etero. 7here .o/"$ have been a i:th- b/t the F/rper4
$og ha$ m/r$ere$ her brother4 on .hen he .a ti"" a babe at the breat. If he had lied, I
might hae married him+ Aegon would hae been closer to m! age than .iser!s+ 5any ha$ on"y
been conceive$ .hen Aegon an$ hi iter .ere m/r$ere$. 7heir ,ather- her brother Rhaegar-
perihe$ even ear"ier- "ain by the F/rper on the 7ri$ent. #er brother %iery ha$ $ie$
creaming in %ae 5othrak .ith a cro.n o, mo"ten go"$ /pon hi hea$. #he! will kill me too if I
allow it+ #he knies that slew m! Stalwart Shield were meant for me+
She ha$ not ,orgotten the "ave chi"$ren the Great Mater ha$ nai"e$ /p a"ong the roa$ ,rom
E/nkai. 7hey ha$ n/mbere$ one h/n$re$ i:ty(three- a chi"$ every mi"e- nai"e$ to mi"epot .ith
one arm o/ttretche$ to point her .ay. A,ter Meereen ha$ ,a""en- 5any ha$ nai"e$ /p a "ike
n/mber o, Great Mater. S.arm o, ,"ie ha$ atten$e$ their "o. $ying- an$ the tench ha$
"ingere$ "ong in the p"aGa. Eet ome $ay he ,eare$ that he ha$ not gone ,ar eno/gh. 7hee
Meereenee .ere a "y an$ t/bborn peop"e .ho reite$ her at every t/rn. 7hey ha$ ,ree$ their
"ave- ye8 on"y to hire them back a ervant at .age o meagre that mot co/"$ carce
a,,or$ to eat. 7hoe too o"$ or yo/ng to be o, /e ha$ been cat into the treet- a"ong .ith the
in,irm an$ the cripp"e$. An$ ti"" the Great Mater gathere$ atop their "o,ty pyrami$ to
comp"ain o, ho. the $ragon A/een ha$ ,i""e$ their nob"e city .ith hor$e o, /n.ahe$ beggar-
thieve- an$ .hore.
#o rule *eereen I must win the *eereenese, howeer much I ma! despise them+ 2& am rea$y-1
he to"$ &rri.
ReGnak an$ SkahaG .aite$ atop the marb"e tep. 2Great A/een-1 $ec"are$ ReGnak mo
ReGnak- 2yo/ are o ra$iant to$ay & ,ear to "ook on yo/.1 7he enecha" .ore a tokar o, maroon
i"k .ith a go"$en ,ringe. A ma""- $amp man- he me""e$ a i, he ha$ bathe$ in per,/me an$
poke a batar$ ,orm o, #igh %a"yrian- m/ch corr/pte$ an$ ,"avore$ .ith a thick Ghicari gro.".
2Eo/ are kin$ to ay o-1 5any an.ere$- in the ame tong/e.
2My A/een-1 gro."e$ SkahaG mo >an$aA- o, the haven hea$. Ghicari hair .a $ene an$
.iryI it ha$ "ong been the ,ahion ,or the men o, the S"aver Citie to teae it into horn an$
pike an$ .ing. By having- SkahaG ha$ p/t o"$ Meereen behin$ him to accept the ne.- an$
hi kin ha$ $one the ame a,ter hi e:amp"e. Hther ,o""o.e$- tho/gh .hether ,rom ,ear- ,ahion-
or ambition- 5any co/"$ not ayI havepate- they .ere ca""e$. SkahaG .a the Shavepate8 an$
the vi"et o, traitor to the Son o, the #arpy an$ their i"k. 23e .ere to"$ abo/t the e/n/ch.1
2#i name .a Sta".art Shie"$.1
2More .i"" $ie /n"e the m/r$erer are p/nihe$.1 Cven .ith hi haven ca"p- SkahaG ha$ an
o$io/ ,ace@a beet"e$ bro.- ma"" eye .ith heavy bag beneath them- a big noe $ark .ith
b"ackhea$- oi"y kin that "ooke$ more ye""o. than the //a" amber o, Ghicari. &t .a a b"/nt-
br/ta"- angry ,ace. She co/"$ on"y pray it .a an honet one a .e"".
2#o. can & p/nih them .hen & $o not kno. .ho they are61 5any $eman$e$ o, him. 27e""
me that- bo"$ SkahaG.1
2Eo/ have no "ack o, enemie- Eo/r Grace. Eo/ can ee their pyrami$ ,rom yo/r terrace.
Khak- #aGkar- GhaGeen- MerreA- ?oraA- a"" the o"$ "aving ,ami"ie. 9ah". 9ah"- mot o, a"". A
ho/e o, .omen no.. Bitter o"$ .omen .ith a tate ,or b"oo$. 3omen $o not ,orget. 3omen $o
not ,orgive.1
2o, 5any tho/ght- and the <surper/s dogs will learn that, when I return to Westeros+ &t .a
tr/e that there .a b"oo$ bet.een her an$ the #o/e o, 9ah". HGnak Go 9ah" ha$ been c/t $o.n
by Strong Be".a in ing"e combat. #i ,ather- comman$er o, Meereen4 city .atch- ha$ $ie$
$e,en$ing the gate .hen !oo4 Cock mahe$ them into p"inter. 7hree /nc"e ha$ been
among the h/n$re$ i:ty(three on the p"aGa. 2#o. m/ch go"$ have .e o,,ere$ ,or in,ormation
concerning the Son o, the #arpy61 5any ake$.
2Hne h/n$re$ honor- i, it p"eae Eo/r Ra$iance.1
2Hne tho/an$ honor .o/"$ p"eae / more. Make it o.1
2Eo/r Grace ha not ake$ ,or my co/ne"-1 ai$ SkahaG Shavepate- 2b/t & ay that b"oo$
m/t pay ,or b"oo$. 7ake one man ,rom each o, the ,ami"ie & have name$ an$ ki"" him. 7he ne:t
time one o, yo/r i "ain- take t.o ,rom each great #o/e an$ ki"" them both. 7here .i"" not be a
thir$ m/r$er.1
ReGnak A/ea"e$ in $itre. 2Noooo8 gent"e A/een- /ch avagery .o/"$ bring $o.n the ire
o, the go$. 3e .i"" ,in$ the m/r$erer- & promie yo/- an$ .hen .e $o they .i"" prove to be
baeborn ,i"th- yo/ ha"" ee.1
7he enecha" .a a ba"$ a SkahaG- tho/gh in hi cae the go$ .ere reponib"e. 2Sho/"$
any hair be o ino"ent a to appear- my barber tan$ .ith raGor rea$y-1 he ha$ a/re$ her .hen
he raie$ him /p. 7here .ere time .hen 5any .on$ere$ i, that raGor might not be better ave$
,or ReGnak4 throat. #e .a a /e,/" man- b/t he "ike$ him "itt"e an$ tr/te$ him "e. 7he
Fn$ying o, Darth ha$ to"$ her he .o/"$ be thrice betraye$. Mirri MaG 5//r ha$ been the ,irt-
Ser !orah the econ$. 3o/"$ ReGnak be the thir$6 7he Shavepate6 5aario6 Or will it be someone
I would neer suspect, Ser Barristan or 1re! Worm or *issandei6
2SkahaG-1 he to"$ the Shavepate- 2& thank yo/ ,or yo/r co/ne". ReGnak- ee .hat one
tho/an$ honor may accomp"ih.1 C"/tching her tokar, 5aenery .ept pat them $o.n the
broa$ marb"e tair. She took one tep at a time- "et he trip over her ,ringe an$ go t/mb"ing
hea$,irt into co/rt.
Mian$ei anno/nce$ her. 7he "itt"e cribe ha$ a .eet- trong voice. 2All kneel for Daener!s
Stormborn, the <nburnt, :ueen of *eereen, :ueen of the Andals and the )ho!nar and the First
*en, >ha"eei of 1reat 1rass Sea, Breaker of Shackles, and *other of Dragons+1
7he ha"" ha$ ,i""e$. Fn/""ie$ too$ .ith their back to the pi""ar- ho"$ing hie"$ an$ pear-
the pike on their cap =/tting /p.ar$ "ike a ro. o, knive. 7he Meereenee ha$ gathere$
beneath the eatern .in$o.. #er ,ree$men too$ .e"" apart ,rom their ,ormer mater. <ntil
the! stand together, *eereen will know no peace+ 2Arie.1 5any ett"e$ onto her bench. 7he ha""
roe. #hat at least the! do as one+
ReGnak mo ReGnak ha$ a "it. C/tom $eman$e$ that the A/een begin .ith the Atapori
envoy- a ,ormer "ave .ho ca""e$ hime", ?or$ Ghae"- tho/gh no one eeme$ to kno. .hat he
.a "or$ o,.
?or$ Ghae" ha$ a mo/th o, bro.n an$ rotten teeth an$ the pointe$ ye""o. ,ace o, a .eae".
#e a"o ha$ a gi,t. 2C"eon the Great en$ thee "ipper a a token o, hi "ove ,or 5aenery
Stormborn- the Mother o, 5ragon.1
&rri "i$ the "ipper onto 5any4 ,eet. 7hey .ere gi"$e$ "eather- $ecorate$ .ith green
,reh.ater pear". Does the butcher king beliee a pair of prett! slippers will win m! hand6
2>ing C"eon i mot genero/. Eo/ may thank him ,or hi "ove"y gi,t.1 "oel!, but made for a
child+ 5any ha$ ma"" ,eet- yet the pointe$ "ipper mahe$ her toe together.
2Great C"eon .i"" be p"eae$ to kno. they p"eae$ yo/-1 ai$ ?or$ Ghae". 2#i Magni,icence
bi$ me ay that he tan$ rea$y to $e,en$ the Mother o, 5ragon ,rom a"" her ,oe.1
If he proposes again that I wed ,ing %leon, I/ll throw a slipper at his head, 5any tho/ght- b/t
,or once the Atapori envoy ma$e no mention o, a roya" marriage. &ntea$ he ai$- 27he time ha
come ,or Atapor an$ Meereen to en$ the avage reign o, the 3ie Mater o, E/nkai- .ho are
.orn ,oe to a"" thoe .ho "ive in ,ree$om. Great C"eon bi$ me te"" yo/ that he an$ hi ne.
Fn/""ie$ .i"" oon march.1
7is new <nsullied are an obscene 9ape+ 2>ing C"eon .o/"$ be .ie to ten$ hi o.n gar$en
an$ "et the E/nkai4i ten$ their.1 &t .a not that 5any harbore$ any "ove ,or E/nkai. She .a
coming to regret "eaving the Ee""o. City /ntaken a,ter $e,eating it army in the ,ie"$. 7he 3ie
Mater ha$ ret/rne$ to "aving a oon a he move$ on- an$ .ere b/y raiing "evie- hiring
e"".or$- an$ making a""iance againt her.
C"eon the e",(ty"e$ Great .a no better- ho.ever. 7he B/tcher >ing ha$ retore$ "avery to
Atapor- the on"y change being that the ,ormer "ave .ere no. the mater an$ the ,ormer
mater .ere no. the "ave.
2& am on"y a yo/ng gir" an$ kno. "itt"e o, the .ay o, .ar-1 he to"$ ?or$ Ghae"- 2b/t .e
have hear$ that Atapor i tarving. ?et >ing C"eon ,ee$ hi peop"e be,ore he "ea$ them o/t to
batt"e.1 She ma$e a get/re o, $imia". Ghae" .ith$re..
2Magni,icence-1 prompte$ ReGnak mo ReGnak- 2.i"" yo/ hear the nob"e #iG$ahr Go ?oraA61
Again6 5any no$$e$- an$ #iG$ahr tro$e ,orthI a ta"" man- very "en$er- .ith ,"a."e amber
kin. #e bo.e$ on the ame pot .here Sta".art Shie"$ ha$ "ain in $eath not "ong be,ore. I need
this man, 5any remin$e$ here",. #iG$ahr .a a .ea"thy merchant .ith many ,rien$ in
Meereen- an$ more acro the ea. #e ha$ viite$ %o"anti- ?y- an$ Darth- ha$ kin in 7o"o an$
C"yria- an$ .a even ai$ to .ie"$ ome in,"/ence in Ne. Ghi- .here the E/nkai4i .ere trying
to tir /p enmity againt 5any an$ her r/"e.
An$ he .a rich. +amo/"y an$ ,ab/"o/"y rich8
And like to grow richer, if I grant his petition+ 3hen 5any ha$ c"oe$ the city4 ,ighting pit-
the va"/e o, pit hare ha$ p"/mmete$. #iG$ahr Go ?oraA ha$ grabbe$ them /p .ith both han$-
an$ no. o.ne$ mot o, the ,ighting pit in Meereen.
7he nob"eman ha$ .ing o, .iry re$(b"ack hair pro/ting ,rom hi temp"e. 7hey ma$e him
"ook a i, hi hea$ .ere abo/t to take ,"ight. #i "ong ,ace .a ma$e even "onger by a bear$
bo/n$ .ith ring o, go"$. #i p/rp"e tokar .a ,ringe$ .ith amethyt an$ pear". 2Eo/r
Ra$iance .i"" kno. the reaon & am here.1
23hy- it m/t be beca/e yo/ have no other p/rpoe b/t to p"ag/e me. #o. many time have
& re,/e$ yo/61
2+ive time- Eo/r Magni,icence.1
2Si: no.. & .i"" not have the ,ighting pit reopene$.1
2&, Eo/r Ma=ety .i"" hear my arg/ment81
2& have. +ive time. #ave yo/ bro/ght ne. arg/ment61
2H"$ arg/ment-1 #iG$ahr a$mitte$- 2ne. .or$. ?ove"y .or$- an$ co/rteo/- more apt to
move a A/een.1
2&t i yo/r ca/e & ,in$ .anting- not yo/r co/rteie. & have hear$ yo/r arg/ment o o,ten &
co/"$ p"ea$ yo/r cae mye",. Sha"" &61 5any "eane$ ,or.ar$. 27he ,ighting pit have been a part
o, Meereen ince the city .a ,o/n$e$. 7he combat are pro,o/n$"y re"igio/ in nat/re- a b"oo$
acri,ice to the go$ o, Ghi. 7he mortal art o, Ghi i not mere b/tchery b/t a $ip"ay o,
co/rage- ki""- an$ trength mot p"eaing to yo/r go$. %ictorio/ ,ighter are pampere$ an$
acc"aime$- an$ the "ain are honore$ an$ remembere$. By reopening the pit & .o/"$ ho. the
peop"e o, Meereen that & repect their .ay an$ c/tom. 7he pit are ,ar(,ame$ acro the .or"$.
7hey $ra. tra$e to Meereen- an$ ,i"" the city4 co,,er .ith coin ,rom the en$ o, the earth. A""
men hare a tate ,or b"oo$- a tate the pit he"p "ake. &n that .ay they make Meereen more
tranA/i". +or crimina" con$emne$ to $ie /pon the an$- the pit repreent a =/$gment by batt"e-
a "at chance ,or a man to prove hi innocence.1 She "eane$ back again- .ith a to o, her hea$.
27here. #o. have & $one61
2Eo/r Ra$iance ha tate$ the cae m/ch better than & co/"$ have hope$ to $o mye",. & ee
that yo/ are e"oA/ent a .e"" a bea/ti,/". & am A/ite per/a$e$.1
She ha$ to "a/gh. 2Ah- b/t & am not.1
2Eo/r Magni,icence-1 .hipere$ ReGnak mo ReGnak in her ear- 2it i c/tomary ,or the city
to c"aim one(tenth o, a"" the pro,it ,rom the ,ighting pit- a,ter e:pene- a a ta:. 7hat coin
might be p/t to many nob"e /e.1
2&t might8 tho/gh i, .e were to reopen the pit- .e ho/"$ take o/r tenth before e:pene. &
am on"y a yo/ng gir" an$ kno. "itt"e o, /ch matter- b/t & $.e"t .ith Laro Lhoan 5a:o "ong
eno/gh to "earn that m/ch.
#iG$ahr- i, yo/ co/"$ marha" armie a yo/ marha" arg/ment- yo/ co/"$ conA/er the
.or"$8 b/t my an.er i ti"" no+ +or the i:th time.1
27he A/een ha poken.1 #e bo.e$ again- a $eep"y a be,ore. #i pear" an$ amethyt
c"attere$ o,t"y againt the marb"e ,"oor. A very "imber man .a #iG$ahr Go ?oraA.
7e might be handsome, but for that sill! hair+ ReGnak an$ the Green Grace ha$ been /rging
5any to take a Meereenee nob"e ,or her h/ban$- to reconci"e the city to her r/"e. #iG$ahr Go
?oraA might be .orth a care,/" "ook. Sooner him than Skahaz+ 7he Shavepate ha$ o,,ere$ to et
ai$e hi .i,e ,or her- b/t the notion ma$e her h/$$er. #iG$ahr at "eat kne. ho. to mi"e.
2Magni,icence-1 ai$ ReGnak- con/"ting hi "it- 2the nob"e GraG$an Go Ga"are .o/"$ a$$re
yo/. 3i"" yo/ hear him61
2&t .o/"$ be my p"ea/re-1 ai$ 5any- a$miring the g"immer o, the go"$ an$ the heen o, the
green pear" on C"eon4 "ipper .hi"e $oing her bet to ignore the pinching in her toe. GraG$an-
he ha$ been ,ore.arne$- .a a co/in o, the Green Grace- .hoe /pport he ha$ ,o/n$
inva"/ab"e. 7he priete .a a voice ,or peace- acceptance- an$ obe$ience to "a.,/" a/thority. I
can gie her cousin a respectful hearing, whateer he desires+
3hat he $eire$ t/rne$ o/t to be go"$. 5any ha$ re,/e$ to compenate any o, the Great
Mater ,or the va"/e o, their "ave- b/t the Meereenee kept $eviing other .ay to A/eeGe
coin ,rom her. 7he nob"e GraG$an ha$ once o.ne$ a "ave .oman .ho .a a very ,ine .eaver-
it eeme$I the ,r/it o, her "oom .ere great"y va"/e$- not on"y in Meereen- b/t in Ne. Ghi an$
Atapor an$ Darth. 3hen thi .oman ha$ gro.n o"$- GraG$an ha$ p/rchae$ ha", a $oGen yo/ng
gir" an$ comman$e$ the crone to intr/ct them in the ecret o, her cra,t. 7he o"$ .oman .a
$ea$ no.. 7he yo/ng one- ,ree$- ha$ opene$ a hop by the harbor .a"" to e"" their .eaving.
GraG$an Go Ga"are ake$ that he be grante$ a portion o, their earning. 27hey o.e their ki"" to
me-1 he inite$. 2& p"/cke$ them ,rom the a/ction b"oc an$ gave them to the "oom.1
5any "itene$ A/iet"y- her ,ace ti"". 3hen he .a $one- he ai$- 23hat .a the name o, the
o"$ .eaver61
27he "ave61 GraG$an hi,te$ hi .eight- ,ro.ning. 2She .a8 C"Ga- it might have been. Hr
C""a. &t .a i: year ago he $ie$. & have o.ne$ o many "ave- Eo/r Grace.1
2?et / ay C"Ga. #ere i o/r r/"ing. +rom the gir"- yo/ ha"" have nothing. &t .a C"Ga .ho
ta/ght them .eaving- not yo/. +rom yo/- the gir" ha"" have a ne. "oom- the ,inet coin can
b/y. 7hat i ,or ,orgetting the name o, the o"$ .oman.1
ReGnak .o/"$ have /mmone$ another tokar ne:t- b/t 5any inite$ that he ca"" /pon a
,ree$man. 7herea,ter he a"ternate$ bet.een the ,ormer mater an$ the ,ormer "ave. Many an$
more o, the matter bro/ght be,ore her invo"ve$ re$re. Meereen ha$ been acke$ avage"y a,ter
it ,a"". 7he teppe$ pyrami$ o, the mighty ha$ been pare$ the .ort o, the ravage- b/t the
h/mb"er part o, the city ha$ been given over to an orgy o, "ooting an$ ki""ing a the city4 "ave
roe /p an$ the tarving hor$e .ho ha$ ,o""o.e$ her ,rom E/nkai an$ Atapor po/re$ thro/gh
the broken gate. #er Fn/""ie$ ha$ ,ina""y retore$ or$er- b/t the ack "e,t a p"ag/e o, prob"em
in it .ake. An$ o they came to ee the A/een.
A rich .oman came- .hoe h/ban$ an$ on ha$ $ie$ $e,en$ing the city .a"". 5/ring the
ack he ha$ ,"e$ to her brother in ,ear. 3hen he ret/rne$- he ,o/n$ her ho/e ha$ been t/rne$
into a brothe". 7he .hore ha$ be$ecke$ theme"ve in her =e.e" an$ c"othe. She .ante$ her
ho/e back- an$ her =e.e". 27hey can keep the c"othe-1 he a""o.e$. 5any grante$ her the
=e.e" b/t r/"e$ the ho/e .a "ot .hen he aban$one$ it.
A ,ormer "ave came- to acc/e a certain nob"e o, the Khak. 7he man ha$ recent"y taken to
.i,e a ,ree$.oman .ho ha$ been the nob"e4 be$(.armer be,ore the city ,e"". 7he nob"e ha$
taken her mai$enhoo$- /e$ her ,or hi p"ea/re- an$ gotten her .ith chi"$. #er ne. h/ban$
.ante$ the nob"e ge"$e$ ,or the crime o, rape- an$ he .ante$ a p/re o, go"$ a .e""- to pay him
,or raiing the nob"e4 batar$ a hi o.n. 5any grante$ him the go"$- b/t not the ge"$ing. 23hen
he "ay .ith her- yo/r .i,e .a hi property- to $o .ith a he .o/"$. By "a.- there .a no rape.1
#er $eciion $i$ not p"eae him- he co/"$ ee- b/t i, he ge"$e$ every man .ho ever ,orce$ a
be$"ave- he .o/"$ oon r/"e a city o, e/n/ch.
A boy came- yo/nger than 5any- "ight an$ carre$- $ree$ /p in a ,raye$ grey tokar trai"ing
i"ver ,ringe. #i voice broke .hen he to"$ o, ho. t.o o, hi ,ather4 ho/eho"$ "ave ha$ rien
/p the night the gate broke. Hne ha$ "ain hi ,ather- the other hi e"$er brother. Both ha$ rape$
hi mother be,ore ki""ing her a .e"". 7he boy ha$ ecape$ .ith no more than the car /pon hi
,ace- b/t one o, the m/r$erer .a ti"" "iving in hi ,ather4 ho/e- an$ the other ha$ =oine$ the
A/een4 o"$ier a one o, the Mother4 Men. #e .ante$ them both hange$.
I am 3ueen oer a cit! built on dust and death+ 5any ha$ no choice b/t to $eny him. She ha$
$ec"are$ a b"anket par$on ,or a"" crime committe$ $/ring the ack. Nor .o/"$ he p/nih "ave
,or riing /p againt their mater.
3hen he to"$ him- the boy r/he$ at her- b/t hi ,eet tang"e$ in hi tokar an$ he .ent
pra."ing hea$"ong on the p/rp"e marb"e. Strong Be".a .a on him at once. 7he h/ge bro.n
e/n/ch yanke$ him /p one(han$e$ an$ hook him "ike a mati,, .ith a rat. 2Cno/gh- Be".a-1
5any ca""e$. 2Re"eae him.1 7o the boy he ai$- 27rea/re that tokar, ,or it ave$ yo/r "i,e. Eo/
are on"y a boy- o .e .i"" ,orget .hat happene$ here. Eo/ ho/"$ $o the ame.1 B/t a he "e,t
the boy "ooke$ back over hi ho/"$er- an$ .hen he a. hi eye 5any tho/ght- #he 7arp! has
another Son+
By mi$$ay 5aenery .a ,ee"ing the .eight o, the cro.n /pon her hea$- an$ the har$ne o,
the bench beneath her. 3ith o many ti"" .aiting on her p"ea/re- he $i$ not top to eat. &ntea$
he $ipatche$ !hiA/i to the kitchen ,or a p"atter o, ,"atbrea$- o"ive- ,ig- an$ cheee. She
nibb"e$ .hi"t he "itene$- an$ ippe$ ,rom a c/p o, .atere$ .ine. 7he ,ig .ere ,ine- the o"ive
even ,iner- b/t the .ine "e,t a tart meta""ic a,tertate in her mo/th. 7he ma"" pa"e ye""o. grape
native to thee region pro$/ce$ a notab"y in,erior vintage. We shall hae no trade in wine+
Bei$e- the Great Mater ha$ b/rne$ the bet arbor a"ong .ith the o"ive tree.
&n the a,ternoon a c/"ptor came- propoing to rep"ace the hea$ o, the great bronGe harpy in
the 9"aGa o, 9/ri,ication .ith one cat in 5any4 image. She $enie$ him .ith a m/ch co/rtey
a he co/"$ m/ter. A pike o, /nprece$ente$ iGe ha$ been ca/ght in the SkahaGa$han- an$ the
,iherman .ihe$ to give it to the A/een. She a$mire$ the ,ih e:travagant"y- re.ar$e$ the
,iherman .ith a p/re o, i"ver- an$ ent the pike to her kitchen. A coppermith ha$ ,ahione$
her a /it o, b/rnihe$ ring to .ear to .ar. She accepte$ it .ith ,/"ome thankI it .a "ove"y to
beho"$- an$ a"" that b/rnihe$ copper .o/"$ ,"ah pretti"y in the /n- tho/gh i, act/a" batt"e
threatene$- he .o/"$ ooner be c"a$ in tee". Cven a yo/ng gir" .ho kne. nothing o, the .ay
o, .ar kne. that+
7he "ipper the B/tcher >ing ha$ ent her ha$ gro.n too /ncom,ortab"e. 5any kicke$ them
o,, an$ at .ith one ,oot t/cke$ beneath her an$ the other .inging back an$ ,orth. &t .a not a
very rega" poe- b/t he .a tire$ o, being rega". 7he cro.n ha$ given her a hea$ache- an$ her
b/ttock ha$ gone to "eep. 2Ser Barritan-1 he ca""e$- 2& kno. .hat A/a"ity a king nee$ mot.1
2Co/rage- Eo/r Grace61
2Cheek "ike iron-1 he teae$. 2A"" & $o i it.1
2Eo/r Grace take too m/ch on here",. Eo/ ho/"$ a""o. yo/r co/nci""or to ho/"$er more
o, yo/r b/r$en.1
2& have too many co/nci""or an$ too ,e. c/hion.1 5any t/rne$ to ReGnak. 2#o. many
more61
2 7hree(an$(t.enty- i, it p"eae Eo/r Magni,icence. 3ith a many c"aim.1 7he enecha"
con/"te$ ome paper. 2Hne ca", an$ three goat. 7he ret .i"" be heep or "amb- no $o/bt.1
2 7hree(an$(t.enty.1 5any ighe$. 2My $ragon have $eve"ope$ a pro$igio/ tate ,or
m/tton ince .e began to pay the hepher$ ,or their ki"". #ave thee c"aim been proven61
2Some men have bro/ght b/rnt bone.1
2Men make ,ire. Men cook m/tton. B/rnt bone prove nothing. Bro.n Ben ay there are
re$ .o"ve in the hi"" o/ti$e the city- an$ =ack(a" an$ .i"$ $og. M/t .e pay goo$ i"ver ,or
every "amb that goe atray bet.een E/nkai an$ the SkahaGa$han61
2No- Magni,icence.1 ReGnak bo.e$. 2Sha"" & en$ thee raca" a.ay- or .i"" yo/ .ant them
co/rge$61
5aenery hi,te$ on the bench. 2No man ho/"$ ever ,ear to come to me.1 Some c"aim .ere
,a"e- he $i$ not $o/bt- b/t more .ere gen/ine. #er $ragon ha$ gro.n too "arge to be content
.ith rat an$ cat an$ $og. #he more the! eat, the larger the! will grow, Ser Barritan ha$
.arne$ her- and the larger the! grow, the more the!/ll eat+ 5rogon epecia""y range$ ,ar a,ie"$
an$ co/"$ eai"y $evo/r a heep a $ay. 29ay them ,or the va"/e o, their anima"-1 he to"$
ReGnak- 2b/t hence,orth c"aimant m/t preent theme"ve at the 7emp"e o, the Grace an$
.ear a ho"y oath be,ore the go$ o, Ghi.1
2&t ha"" be $one.1 ReGnak t/rne$ to the petitioner. 2#er Magni,icence the D/een ha
conente$ to compenate each o, yo/ ,or the anima" yo/ have "ot-1 he to"$ them in the Ghicari
tong/e. 29reent yo/re"ve to my ,actor on the morro.- an$ yo/ ha"" be pai$ in coin or kin$-
a yo/ pre,er.1
7he prono/ncement .a receive$ in /""en i"ence. &ou would think the! might be happier,
5any tho/ght. #he! hae what the! came for+ Is there no wa! to please these people6
Hne man "ingere$ behin$ a the ret .ere ,i"ing o/t@a A/at man .ith a .in$b/rnt ,ace-
habbi"y $ree$. #i hair .a a cap o, coare re$(b"ack .ire croppe$ abo/t hi ear- an$ in one
han$ he he"$ a a$ c"oth ack. #e too$ .ith hi hea$ $o.n- gaGing at the marb"e ,"oor a i, he
ha$ A/ite ,orgotten .here he .a. And what does this one want6 5any .on$ere$.
2All kneel for Daener!s Stormborn, the <nburnt, :ueen of *eereen, :ueen of the Andals and
the )ho!nar and the First *en, >ha"eei of 1reat 1rass Sea, Breaker of Shackles, and *other
of Dragons,1 crie$ Mian$ei in her high- .eet voice.
A 5any too$- her tokar began to "ip. She ca/ght it an$ t/gge$ it back in p"ace. 2Eo/ .ith
the ack-1 he ca""e$- 2$i$ yo/ .ih to peak .ith /6 Eo/ may approach.1
3hen he raie$ hi hea$- hi eye .ere re$ an$ ra. a open ore. 5any g"impe$ Ser
Barritan "i$ing c"oer- a .hite ha$o. at her i$e. 7he man approache$ in a t/mb"ing h/,,"e-
one tep an$ then another- c"/tching hi ack. Is he drunk, or ill6 he .on$ere$. 7here .a $irt
beneath hi cracke$ ye""o. ,ingernai".
23hat i it61 5any ake$. 25o yo/ have ome grievance to "ay be,ore /- ome petition6
3hat .o/"$ yo/ have o, /61
#i tong/e ,"icke$ nervo/"y over chappe$- cracke$ "ip. 2&8 & bro/ght81
2Bone61 he ai$- impatient"y. 2B/rnt bone61
#e "i,te$ the ack- an$ pi""e$ it content on the marb"e.
Bone they .ere- broken bone an$ b"ackene$. 7he "onger one ha$ been cracke$ open ,or
their marro..
2&t .ere the b"ack one-1 the man ai$- in a Ghicari gro."- 2the .inge$ ha$o.. #e come
$o.n ,rom the ky an$8 an$81
2o+ 5any hivere$. 2o, no, oh no+
2Are yo/ $ea,- ,oo"61 ReGnak mo ReGnak $eman$e$ o, the man. 25i$ yo/ not hear my
prono/ncement6 See my ,actor on the morro.- an$ yo/ ha"" be pai$ ,or yo/r heep.1
2ReGnak-1 Ser Barritan ai$ A/iet"y- 2ho"$ yo/r tong/e an$ open yo/r eye. 7hoe are no
heep bone.1
2o, 5any tho/ght- those are the bones of a child+
0ON
7he .hite .o", race$ thro/gh a b"ack .oo$- beneath a pa"e c"i,, a ta"" a the ky. 7he moon
ran .ith him- "ipping thro/gh a tang"e o, bare branche overhea$- acro the tarry ky.
2Sno.-1 the moon m/rm/re$. 7he .o", ma$e no an.er. Sno. cr/nche$ beneath hi pa..
7he .in$ ighe$ thro/gh the tree.
+ar o,,- he co/"$ hear hi packmate ca""ing to him- "ike to "ike. 7hey .ere h/nting too. A
.i"$ rain "ahe$ $o.n /pon hi b"ack brother a he tore at the ,"eh o, an enormo/ goat-
.ahing the b"oo$ ,rom hi i$e .here the goat4 "ong horn ha$ rake$ him. &n another p"ace- hi
"itt"e iter "i,te$ her hea$ to ing to the moon- an$ a h/n$re$ ma"" grey co/in broke o,, their
h/nt to ing .ith her. 7he hi"" .ere .armer .here they .ere- an$ ,/"" o, ,oo$. Many a night hi
iter4 pack gorge$ on the ,"eh o, heep an$ co. an$ hore- the prey o, men- an$ ometime
even on the ,"eh o, man hime",.
2Sno.-1 the moon ca""e$ $o.n again- cack"ing. 7he .hite .o", pa$$e$ a"ong the man trai"
beneath the icy c"i,,. 7he tate o, b"oo$ .a on hi tong/e- an$ hi ear rang to the ong o, the
h/n$re$ co/in. Hnce they ha$ been i:- ,ive .himpering b"in$ in the no. bei$e their $ea$
mother- /cking coo" mi"k ,rom her har$ $ea$ nipp"e .hi"t he cra."e$ o,, a"one. +o/r
remaine$8 an$ one the .hite .o", co/"$ no "onger ene.
2Sno.-1 the moon inite$.
7he .hite .o", ran ,rom it- racing to.ar$ the cave o, night .here the /n ha$ hi$$en- hi
breath ,roting in the air. Hn tar"e night the great c"i,, .a a b"ack a tone- a $arkne
to.ering high above the .i$e .or"$- b/t .hen the moon came o/t it himmere$ pa"e an$ icy a a
,roGen tream. 7he .o",4 pe"t .a thick an$ haggy- b/t .hen the .in$ b"e. a"ong the ice no
,/r co/"$ keep the chi"" o/t. Hn the other i$e the .in$ .a co"$er ti""- the .o", ene$. 7hat
.a .here hi brother .a- the grey brother .ho me""e$ o, /mmer.
2Sno..1 An icic"e t/mb"e$ ,rom a branch. 7he .hite .o", t/rne$ an$ bare$ hi teeth. 2Snow;1
#i ,/r roe brit"ing- a the .oo$ $io"ve$ aro/n$ him. 2Snow, snow, snow;1 #e hear$ the
beat o, .ing. 7hro/gh the g"oom a raven ,"e..
&t "an$e$ on !on Sno.4 chet .ith a thump an$ a crabb"ing o, c"a.. 2S2OW;1 it creame$
into hi ,ace.
2& hear yo/.1 7he room .a $im- hi pa""et har$. Grey "ight "eake$ thro/gh the h/tter-
promiing another b"eak co"$ $ay. 2& thi ho. yo/ .oke Mormont6 Get yo/r ,eather o/t o, my
,ace.1 !on .rigg"e$ an arm o/t ,rom /n$er hi b"anket to hoo the raven o,,. &t .a a big bir$-
o"$ an$ bo"$ an$ cr/,,y- /tter"y .itho/t ,ear. 2Snow,1 it crie$- ,"apping to hi be$pot. 2Snow,
snow+1 !on ,i""e$ hi ,it .ith a pi""o. an$ "et ,"y- b/t the bir$ took to the air. 7he pi""o. tr/ck
the .a"" an$ b/rt- cattering t/,,ing every.here =/t a 5o"oro/ C$$ 7o""ett poke$ hi hea$
thro/gh the $oor. 2Beg par$on-1 he ai$- ignoring the ,"/rry o, ,eather- 2ha"" & ,etch m4"or$
ome break,at61
2%orn,1 crie$ the raven. 2%orn, corn+1
2Roat raven-1 !on /ggete$. 2An$ ha", a pint o, a"e.1 #aving a te.ar$ ,etch an$ erve ,or
him ti"" ,e"t trangeI not "ong ago- it .o/"$ have been him ,etching break,at ,or ?or$
Comman$er Mormont.
27hree corn an$ one roat raven-1 ai$ 5o"oro/ C$$. 2%ery goo$- m4"or$- on"y #obb4
ma$e boi"e$ egg- b"ack a/age- an$ app"e te.e$ .ith pr/ne. 7he app"e te.e$ .ith pr/ne
are e:ce""ent- e:cept ,or the pr/ne. & .on4t eat pr/ne mye",. 3e""- there .a one time .hen
#obb choppe$ them /p .ith chetn/t an$ carrot an$ hi$ them in a hen. Never tr/t a cook- my
"or$. 7hey4"" pr/ne yo/ .hen yo/ "eat e:pect it.1
2?ater.1 Break,at co/"$ .aitI Stanni co/"$ not. 2Any tro/b"e ,rom the tocka$e "at night61
2Not ince yo/ p/t g/ar$ on the g/ar$- m4"or$.1
2Goo$.1 A tho/an$ .i"$"ing ha$ been penne$ /p beyon$ the 3a""- the captive Stanni
Baratheon ha$ taken .hen hi knight ha$ mahe$ Mance Ray$er4 patch.ork hot. Many o,
the prioner .ere .omen- an$ ome o, the g/ar$ ha$ been neaking them o/t to .arm their
be$. >ing4 men- A/een4 men- it $i$ not eem to matterI a ,e. b"ack brother ha$ trie$ the
ame thing. Men .ere men- an$ thee .ere the on"y .omen ,or a tho/an$ "eag/e.
27.o more .i"$"ing t/rne$ /p to /rren$er-1 C$$ .ent on. 2A mother .ith a gir" c"inging to
her kirt. She ha$ a boy babe too- a"" .a$$"e$ /p in ,/r- b/t he .a $ea$.1
2Dead,1 ai$ the raven. &t .a one o, the bir$4 ,avorite .or$. 2Dead, dead, dead+1
7hey ha$ ,ree ,o"k $ri,ting in mot every night- tarve$ ha",(,roGen creat/re .ho ha$ r/n
,rom the batt"e beneath the 3a"" on"y to cra." back .hen they rea"iGe$ there .a no a,e p"ace to
r/n to. 23a the mother A/etione$61 !on ake$. Stanni Baratheon ha$ mahe$ Mance
Ray$er4 hot an$ ma$e the >ing(Beyon$(the(3a"" hi captive8 b/t the .i"$"ing .ere ti"" o/t
there- the 3eeper an$ 7orm/n$ Giantbane an$ tho/an$ more.
2Aye- m4"or$-1 ai$ C$$- 2b/t a"" he kno. i that he ran o,, $/ring the batt"e an$ hi$ in the
.oo$ a,ter. 3e ,i""e$ her ,/"" o, porri$ge- ent her to the pen- an$ b/rne$ the babe.1
B/rning $ea$ chi"$ren ha$ ceae$ to tro/b"e !on Sno.I "ive one .ere another matter. #wo
kings to wake the dragon+ #he father first and then the son, so both die kings+ 7he .or$ ha$
been m/rm/re$ by one o, the A/een4 men a Maeter Aemon ha$ c"eane$ hi .o/n$. !on ha$
trie$ to $imi them a hi ,ever ta"king. Aemon ha$ $em/rre$. 27here i po.er in a king4
b"oo$-1 the o"$ maeter ha$ .arne$- 2an$ better men than Stanni have $one .ore thing than
thi.1 #he king can be harsh and unforgiing, a!e, but a babe still on the breast6 Onl! a monster
would gie a liing child to the flames+
!on pie$ in $arkne- ,i""ing hi chamber pot a the H"$ Bear4 raven m/ttere$ comp"aint.
7he .o", $ream ha$ been gro.ing tronger- an$ he ,o/n$ hime", remembering them even
.hen a.ake. 1host knows that 1re! Wind is dead+ Robb ha$ $ie$ at the 7.in- betraye$ by men
he4$ be"ieve$ hi ,rien$- an$ hi .o", ha$ perihe$ .ith him. Bran an$ Rickon ha$ been
m/r$ere$ too- behea$e$ at the behet o, 7heon Grey=oy- .ho ha$ once been their "or$ ,ather4
.ar$8 b/t i, $ream $i$ not "ie- their $ire.o"ve ha$ ecape$. At D/eencro.n- one ha$ come
o/t o, the $arkne to ave !on4 "i,e. Summer, it had to be+ 7is fur was gre!, and Shagg!dog is
black+ #e .on$ere$ i, ome part o, hi $ea$ brother "ive$ on ini$e their .o"ve.
#e ,i""e$ hi bain ,rom the ,"agon o, .ater bei$e hi be$- .ahe$ hi ,ace an$ han$- $onne$
a c"ean et o, b"ack .oo"en- "ace$ /p a b"ack "eather =erkin- an$ p/""e$ on a pair o, .e""(.orn
boot. Mormont4 raven .atche$ .ith hre.$ b"ack eye- then ,"/ttere$ to the .in$o.. 25o yo/
take me ,or yo/r thra""61 3hen !on ,o"$e$ back the .in$o. .ith it thick $iamon$(hape$ pane
o, ye""o. g"a- the chi"" o, the morning hit him in the ,ace. #e took a breath to c"ear a.ay the
cob.eb o, the night a the raven ,"appe$ a.ay. #hat bird is too cleer b! half+ &t ha$ been the
H"$ Bear4 companion ,or "ong year- b/t that ha$ not toppe$ it ,rom eating Mormont4 ,ace
once he $ie$.
H/ti$e hi be$chamber a ,"ight o, tep $ecen$e$ to a "arger room ,/rnihe$ .ith a carre$
pine.oo$ tab"e an$ a $oGen oak(an$("eather chair. 3ith Stanni in the >ing4 7o.er an$ the
?or$ Comman$er4 7o.er b/rne$ to a he""- !on ha$ etab"ihe$ hime", in 5ona" Noye4
mo$et room behin$ the armory. &n time- no $o/bt- he .o/"$ nee$ "arger A/arter- b/t ,or the
moment thee .o/"$ erve .hi"t he acc/tome$ hime", to comman$.
7he grant that the king ha$ preente$ him ,or ignat/re .a on the tab"e beneath a i"ver
$rinking c/p that ha$ once been 5ona" Noye4. 7he one(arme$ mith ha$ "e,t ,e. perona"
e,,ect' the c/p- i: pennie an$ a copper tar- a nie""o brooch .ith a broken c"ap- a m/ty
broca$e $o/b"et that bore the tag o, Storm4 Cn$. 7is treasures were his tools, and the swords
and knies he made+ 7is life was at the forge+ !on move$ the c/p ai$e an$ rea$ the parchment
once again. If I put m! seal to this, I will foreer be remembered as the lord commander who
gae awa! the Wall, he tho/ght- but if I should refuse =
Stanni Baratheon .a proving to be a prick"y g/et- an$ a ret"e one. #e ha$ ri$$en $o.n
the kingroa$ a"mot a ,ar a D/eencro.n- pro."e$ thro/gh the empty hove" o, Mo"e4 7o.n-
inpecte$ the r/ine$ ,ort at D/eengate an$ Hakenhie"$. Cach night he .a"ke$ atop the 3a""
.ith ?a$y Me"ian$re- an$ $/ring the $ay he viite$ the tocka$e- picking captive o/t ,or the
re$ .oman to A/etion. 7e does not like to be balked+ 7hi .o/"$ not be a p"eaant morning- !on
,eare$.
+rom the armory came a c"atter o, hie"$ an$ .or$- a the "atet "ot o, boy an$ ra.
recr/it arme$ theme"ve. #e co/"$ hear the voice o, &ron Cmmett te""ing them to be A/ick
abo/t it. Cotter 9yke ha$ not been p"eae$ to "oe him- b/t the yo/ng ranger ha$ a gi,t ,or
training men. 7e loes to fight, and he/ll teach his bo!s to loe it too+ Hr o he hope$.
!on4 c"oak h/ng on a peg by the $oor- hi .or$ be"t on another. #e $onne$ them both an$
ma$e hi .ay to the armory. 7he r/g .here Ghot "ept .a empty- he a.. 7.o g/ar$men
too$ ini$e the $oor- c"a$ in b"ack c"oak an$ iron ha",he"m- pear in their han$. 23i""
m4"or$ be .anting a tai"61 ake$ Gare.
2& think & can ,in$ the >ing4 7o.er by mye",.1 !on hate$ having g/ar$ trai"ing a,ter him
every.here he .ent. &t ma$e him ,ee" "ike a mother $/ck "ea$ing a proceion o, $/ck"ing.
&ron Cmmett4 "a$ .ere .e"" at it in the yar$- b"/nte$ .or$ "amming into hie"$ an$
ringing againt one another. !on toppe$ to .atch a moment a #ore pree$ #op(Robin back
to.ar$ the .e"". #ore ha$ the making o, a goo$ ,ighter- he $eci$e$. #e .a trong an$ getting
tronger- an$ hi intinct .ere o/n$. #op(Robin .a another ta"e. #i c"/b,oot .a ba$
eno/gh- b/t he .a a,rai$ o, getting hit a .e"". $erhaps we can make a steward of him+ 7he
,ight en$e$ abr/pt"y- .ith #op(Robin on the gro/n$.
23e"" ,o/ght-1 !on ai$ to #ore- 2b/t yo/ $rop yo/r hie"$ too "o. .hen preing an attack.
Eo/ .i"" .ant to correct that- or it i "ike to get yo/ ki""e$.1
2Ee- m4"or$. &4"" keep it higher ne:t time.1 #ore p/""e$ #op(Robin to hi ,eet- an$ the
ma""er boy ma$e a c"/my bo..
A ,e. o, Stanni4 knight .ere parring on the ,ar i$e o, the yar$. ,ing/s men in one corner
and 3ueen/s men in another, !on $i$ not ,ai" to note- but onl! a few+ It/s too cold for most of
them+ A he tro$e pat them- a booming voice ca""e$ a,ter him. 2BHE0 EHF 7#CRC0 BO&;1
Bo! .a not the .ort o, the thing that !on Sno. ha$ been ca""e$ ince being choen "or$
comman$er. #e ignore$ it.
2Snow,1 the voice inite$- 2"ord %ommander+1
7hi time he toppe$. 2Ser61
7he knight overtoppe$ him by i: inche. 2A man .ho bear %a"yrian tee" ho/"$ /e it ,or
more than cratching hi are.1
!on ha$ een thi one abo/t the cat"e@a knight o, great reno.n- to hear him te"" it. 5/ring
the batt"e beneath the 3a""- Ser Go$ry +arring ha$ "ain a ,"eeing giant- po/n$ing a,ter him on
horeback an$ $riving a "ance thro/gh hi back- then $imo/nting to hack o,, the creat/re4
piti,/" ma"" hea$. 7he A/een4 men ha$ taken to ca""ing him Go$ry the Giant"ayer.
!on remembere$ Egritte- crying. I am the last of the giants+ 2& /e ?ongc"a. .hen & m/t-
er.1
2#o. .e""- tho/gh61 Ser Go$ry $re. hi o.n b"a$e. 2Sho. /. & promie not to h/rt yo/-
"a$.1
7ow kind of !ou+ 2Some other time- er. & ,ear that & have other $/tie =/t no..1
2Eo/ ,ear. & ee that.1 Ser Go$ry grinne$ at hi ,rien$. 2#e ,ear-1 he repeate$- ,or the "o.
one.
2Eo/ .i"" e:c/e me.1 !on ho.e$ them hi back.
Cat"e B"ack eeme$ a b"eak an$ ,or"orn p"ace in the pa"e $a.n "ight. *! command, !on Sno.
re,"ecte$ r/e,/""y- as much a ruin as it is a strong(hold+ 7he ?or$ Comman$er4 7o.er .a a
he""- the Common #a"" a pi"e o, b"ackene$ timber- an$ #ar$in4 7o.er "ooke$ a i, the ne:t
g/t o, .in$ .o/"$ knock it over8 tho/gh it ha$ "ooke$ that .ay ,or year. Behin$ them roe
the 3a""' immene- ,orbi$$ing- ,rigi$- acra." .ith b/i"$er p/hing /p a ne. .itchback tair to
=oin the remnant o, the o"$. 7hey .orke$ ,rom $a.n to $/k. 3itho/t the tair- there .a no
.ay to reach the top o, the 3a"" ave by .inch. 7hat .o/"$ not erve i, the .i"$"ing ho/"$
attack again.
Above the >ing4 7o.er the great go"$en batt"e tan$ar$ o, #o/e Baratheon cracke$ "ike a
.hip ,rom the roo, .here !on Sno. ha$ pro."e$ .ith bo. in han$ not "ong ago- "aying 7henn
an$ ,ree ,o"k bei$e Satin an$ 5ea, 5ick +o""ar$. 7.o A/een4 men too$ hivering on the tep-
their han$ t/cke$ /p into their armpit an$ their pear "eaning againt the $oor. 27hoe c"oth
g"ove .i"" never erve-1 !on to"$ them. 2See Bo.en Marh on the morro.- an$ he4"" give yo/
each a pair o, "eather g"ove "ine$ .ith ,/r.1
23e .i""- m4"or$- an$ thank yo/-1 ai$ the o"$er g/ar$.
27hat4 i, o/r b"oo$y han$ aren4t ,roGe o,,-1 the yo/nger a$$e$- hi breath a pa"e mit. 2&
/e$ to think that it got co"$ /p in the 5ornih Marche. 3hat $i$ & kno.61
2othing, tho/ght !on Sno.- the same as me+
#a",.ay /p the .in$ing tep- he came /pon Sam.e"" 7ar"y- hea$e$ $o.n. 2Are yo/ coming
,rom the king61 !on ake$ him.
2Maeter Aemon ent me .ith a "etter.1
2& ee.1 Some "or$ tr/te$ their maeter to rea$ their "etter an$ convey the content- b/t
Stanni inite$ on breaking the ea" hime",. 2#o. $i$ Stanni take it61
2Not happi"y- by hi ,ace.1 Sam $roppe$ hi voice to a .hiper. 2& am not /ppoe$ to peak
o, it.1
27hen $on4t.1 !on .on$ere$ .hich o, hi ,ather4 bannermen ha$ re,/e$ >ing Stanni
homage thi time. 7e was 3uick enough to spread the word when ,arhold declared for him+
2#o. are yo/ an$ yo/r "ongbo. getting on61
2& ,o/n$ a goo$ book abo/t archery.1 Sam ,ro.ne$. 25oing it i har$er than rea$ing abo/t it-
tho/gh. & get b"iter.1
2>eep at it. 3e may nee$ yo/r bo. on the 3a"" i, the Hther t/rn /p ome $ark night.1
2Hh- & hope not.1
More g/ar$ too$ o/ti$e the king4 o"ar. 2No arm are a""o.e$ in #i Grace4 preence-
my "or$-1 their er=eant ai$. 2&4"" nee$ that .or$. Eo/r knive a .e"".1 &t .o/"$ $o no goo$ to
protet- !on kne.. #e han$e$ them hi .eaponry.
3ithin the o"ar the air .a .arm. ?a$y Me"ian$re .a eate$ near the ,ire- her r/by
g"immering againt the pa"e kin o, her throat. Egritte ha$ been kie$ by ,ireI the re$ priete
was ,ire- an$ her hair .a b"oo$ an$ ,"ame. Stanni too$ behin$ the ro/gh(he.n tab"e .here the
H"$ Bear ha$ once been .ont to it an$ take hi mea". Covering the tab"e .a a "arge map o, the
north- painte$ on a ragge$ piece o, hi$e. A ta""o. can$"e .eighe$ $o.n one en$ o, it- a tee"
ga/nt"et the other.
7he king .ore "amb.oo" breeche an$ a A/i"te$ $o/b"et- yet omeho. he "ooke$ a ti,, an$
/ncom,ortab"e a i, he ha$ been c"a$ in p"ate an$ mai". #i kin .a pa"e "eather- hi bear$
croppe$ o hort that it might have been painte$ on. A ,ringe abo/t hi temp"e .a a"" that
remaine$ o, hi b"ack hair. &n hi han$ .a a parchment .ith a broken ea" o, $ark green .a:.
!on took a knee. 7he king ,ro.ne$ at him- an$ ratt"e$ the parchment angri"y. 2Rie. 7e"" me-
.ho i "!anna *ormont61
2Hne o, ?a$y Maege4 $a/ghter- Sire. 7he yo/nget. She .a name$ ,or my "or$ ,ather4
iter.1
27o c/rry yo/r "or$ ,ather4 ,avor- & $on4t $o/bt. & kno. ho. that game i p"aye$. #o. o"$ i
thi .retche$ gir" chi"$61
!on ha$ to think a moment. 27en. Hr near eno/gh to make no matter. Might & kno. ho. he
ha o,,en$e$ Eo/r Grace61
Stanni rea$ ,rom the "etter. 2Bear Island knows no king but the ,ing in the 2orth, whose
name is S#A),+ A gir" o, ten- yo/ ay- an$ he pre/me to co"$ her "a.,/" king.1 #i c"oe(
croppe$ bear$ "ay "ike a ha$o. over hi ho""o. cheek. 2See that yo/ keep thee ti$ing to
yo/re",- ?or$ Sno.. >arho"$ i .ith me- that i a"" the men nee$ kno.. & .i"" not have yo/r
brother tra$ing ta"e o, ho. thi chi"$ pat on me.1
2A yo/ comman$- Sire.1 Maege Mormont ha$ ri$$en o/th .ith Robb- !on kne.. #er e"$et
$a/ghter ha$ =oine$ the Eo/ng 3o",4 hot a .e"". Cven i, both o, them ha$ $ie$- ho.ever-
?a$y Maege ha$ other $a/ghter- ome .ith chi"$ren o, their o.n. #a$ they gone .ith Robb a
.e""6 S/re"y ?a$y Maege .o/"$ have "e,t at "eat one o, the o"$er gir" behin$ a cate""an. #e
$i$ not /n$ertan$ .hy ?yanna ho/"$ be .riting Stanni- an$ co/"$ not he"p b/t .on$er i, the
gir"4 an.er might have been $i,,erent i, the "etter ha$ been ea"e$ .ith a $ire.o", intea$ o, a
cro.ne$ tag- an$ igne$ by !on Stark- ?or$ o, 3inter,e"". It is too late for such misgiings+ &ou
made !our choice+
27.o core raven .ere ent o/t-1 the king comp"aine$- 2yet .e get no repone b/t i"ence
an$ $e,iance. #omage i the $/ty every "ea" /b=ect o.e hi king. Eet yo/r ,ather4 bannermen
a"" t/rn their back on me- ave the >artark. & Arno", >artark the on"y man o, honor in the
north61
Arno", >artark .a the "ate ?or$ Rickar$4 /nc"e. #e ha$ been ma$e the cate""an o,
>arho"$ .hen hi nephe. an$ hi on .ent o/th .ith Robb- an$ he ha$ been the ,irt to
repon$ to >ing Stanni4 ca"" ,or homage- .ith a raven $ec"aring hi a""egiance. #he ,arstarks
hae no other choice, !on might have ai$. Rickar$ >artark ha$ betraye$ the $ire.o", an$
pi""e$ the b"oo$ o, "ion. 7he tag .a >arho"$4 on"y hope. 2&n time a con,/e$ a thee-
even men o, honor m/t .on$er .here their $/ty "ie. Eo/r Grace i not the on"y king in the
rea"m $eman$ing homage.1
?a$y Me"ian$re tirre$. 27e"" me- ?or$ Sno.8 .here .ere thee other king .hen the .i"$
peop"e torme$ yo/r 3a""61
2A tho/an$ "eag/e a.ay an$ $ea, to o/r nee$-1 !on rep"ie$. 2& have not ,orgotten that- my
"a$y. Nor .i"" &. B/t my ,ather4 bannermen have .ive an$ chi"$ren to protect- an$ ma"",o"k
.ho .i"" $ie ho/"$ they chooe .rong"y. #i Grace ak m/ch o, them. Give them time- an$
yo/ .i"" have yo/r an.er.1
2An.er /ch a thi61 Stanni cr/he$ ?yanna4 "etter in hi ,it.
2Cven in the north men ,ear the .roth o, 7y.in ?anniter. Bo"ton make ba$ enemie a .e"".
&t i not happentance that p/t a ,"aye$ man on their banner. 7he north ro$e .ith Robb- b"e$
.ith him- $ie$ ,or him. 7hey have /ppe$ on grie, an$ $eath- an$ no. yo/ come to o,,er them
another erving. 5o yo/ b"ame them i, they hang back6 +orgive me- Eo/r Grace- b/t ome .i""
"ook at yo/ an$ ee on"y another $oome$ preten$er.1
2&, #i Grace i $oome$- yo/r rea"m i $oome$ a .e""-1 ai$ ?a$y Me"ian$re. 2Remember
that- ?or$ Sno.. &t i the one tr/e king o, 3etero .ho tan$ be,ore yo/.1
!on kept hi ,ace a mak. 2A yo/ ay- my "a$y.1
Stanni norte$. 2Eo/ pen$ yo/r .or$ a i, every one .ere a go"$en $ragon. & .on$er- ho.
m/ch go"$ $o yo/ have "ai$ by61
2Go"$61 Are those the dragons the red woman means to wake6 Dragons made of gold6 2S/ch
ta:e a .e co""ect are pai$ in kin$- Eo/r Grace. 7he 3atch i rich in t/rnip b/t poor in coin.1
27/rnip are not "ike to appeae Sa""a$hor Saan. & reA/ire go"$ or i"ver.1
2+or that- yo/ nee$ 3hite #arbor. 7he city cannot compare to H"$(to.n or >ing4 ?an$ing-
b/t it i ti"" a thriving port. ?or$ Man$er"y i the richet o, my "or$ ,ather4 bannermen.1
2?or$ 7oo(+at(to(Sit(a(#ore.1 7he "etter that ?or$ 3yman Man$er"y ha$ ent back ,rom
3hite #arbor ha$ poken o, hi age an$ in,irmity- an$ "itt"e more. Stanni ha$ comman$e$ !on
not to peak o, that one either.
29erhap hi "or$hip .o/"$ ,ancy a .i"$"ing .i,e-1 ai$ ?a$y Me"ian$re. 2& thi ,at man
marrie$- ?or$ Sno.61
2#i "a$y .i,e i "ong $ea$. ?or$ 3yman ha t.o gro.n on- an$ gran$chi"$ren by the
e"$er. An$ he is too ,at to it a hore- thirty tone at "eat. %a" .o/"$ never have him.1
2!/t once yo/ might try to give me an an.er that .o/"$ p"eae me- ?or$ Sno.-1 the king
gr/mb"e$.
2& .o/"$ hope the tr/th .o/"$ p"eae yo/- Sire. Eo/r men ca"" %a" a prince- b/t to the ,ree
,o"k he i on"y the iter o, their king4 $ea$ .i,e. &, yo/ ,orce her to marry a man he $oe not
.ant- he i "ike to "it hi throat on their .e$$ing night. Cven i, he accept her h/ban$- that
$oe not mean the .i"$"ing .i"" ,o""o. him- or yo/. 7he on"y man .ho can bin$ them to yo/r
ca/e i Mance Ray$er.1
2& kno. that-1 Stanni ai$- /nhappi"y. 2& have pent ho/r peaking .ith the man. #e kno.
m/ch an$ more o, o/r tr/e enemy- an$ there i c/nning in him- &4"" grant yo/. Cven i, he .ere to
reno/nce hi kinghip- tho/gh- the man remain an oathbreaker. S/,,er one $eerter to "ive- an$
yo/ enco/rage other to $eert. No. ?a. ho/"$ be ma$e o, iron- not o, p/$$ing. Mance
Ray$er4 "i,e i ,or,eit by every "a. o, the Seven >ing$om.1
27he "a. en$ at the 3a""- Eo/r Grace. Eo/ co/"$ make goo$ /e o, Mance.1
2& mean to. &4"" burn him- an$ the north .i"" ee ho. & $ea" .ith t/rnc"oak an$ traitor. & have
other men to "ea$ the .i"$"ing. An$ & have Ray$er4 on- $o not ,orget. Hnce the ,ather $ie- hi
.he"p .i"" be the >ing(Beyon$(the(3a"".1
2Eo/r Grace i mitaken.1 &ou know nothing, -on Snow, Egritte /e$ to ay- b/t he ha$
"earne$. 27he babe i no more a prince than %a" i a prince. Eo/ $o not become >ing(Beyon$(
the(3a"" beca/e yo/r ,ather .a.1
2Goo$-1 ai$ Stanni- 2,or & .i"" /,,er no other king in 3etero. #ave yo/ igne$ the
grant61
2No- Eo/r Grace.1 And now it comes+ !on c"oe$ hi b/rne$ ,inger an$ opene$ them again.
2Eo/ ak too m/ch.1
2Ask6 & asked yo/ to be ?or$ o, 3inter,e"" an$ 3ar$en o, the North. & re3uire thee cat"e.1
23e have ce$e$ yo/ the Night,ort.1
2Rat an$ r/in. &t i a niggar$4 gi,t that cot the giver nothing. Eo/r o.n man Ear.yck
ay it .i"" be ha", a year be,ore the cat"e can be ma$e ,it ,or habitation.1
27he other ,ort are no better.1
2& kno. that. &t make no matter. 7hey are a"" .e have. 7here are nineteen ,ort a"ong the
3a""- an$ yo/ have men in on"y three o, them. & mean to have every one o, them garrione$
again be,ore the year i o/t.1
2& have no A/arre" .ith that- Sire- b/t it i being ai$ that yo/ a"o mean to grant thee cat"e
to yo/r knight an$ "or$- to ho"$ a their o.n eat a vaa" to Eo/r Grace.1
2>ing are e:pecte$ to be open(han$e$ to their ,o""o.er. 5i$ ?or$ C$$ar$ teach hi batar$
nothing6 Many o, my knight an$ "or$ aban$one$ rich "an$ an$ to/t cat"e in the o/th.
Sho/"$ their "oya"ty go /nre.ar$e$61
2&, Eo/r Grace .ihe to "oe a"" o, my "or$ ,ather4 bannermen- there i no more certain .ay
than by giving northern ha"" to o/thron "or$.1
2#o. can & "oe men & $o not have6 & ha$ hope$ to beto. 3inter,e"" on a northman- yo/
may reca"". A on o, C$$ar$ Stark. #e thre. my o,,er in my ,ace.1 Stanni Baratheon .ith a
grievance .a "ike a mati,, .ith a boneI he gna.e$ it $o.n to p"inter.
2By right 3inter,e"" ho/"$ go to my iter Sana.1
2?a$y ?anniter- yo/ mean6 Are yo/ o eager to ee the &mp perche$ on yo/r ,ather4 eat6 &
promie yo/- that .i"" not happen .hi"t & "ive- ?or$ Sno..1
!on kne. better than to pre the point. 2Sire- ome c"aim that yo/ mean to grant "an$ an$
cat"e to Ratt"ehirt an$ the Magnar o, 7henn.1
23ho to"$ yo/ that61
7he ta"k .a a"" over Cat"e B"ack. 2&, yo/ m/t kno.- & ha$ the ta"e ,rom Gi""y.1
23ho i 1ill!61
27he .et n/re-1 ai$ ?a$y Me"ian$re. 2Eo/r Grace gave her ,ree$om o, the cat"e.1
2Not ,or r/nning ta"e. She4 .ante$ ,or her teat- not ,or her tong/e. &4"" have more mi"k
,rom her- an$ ,e.er messages+1
2Cat"e B"ack nee$ no /e"e mo/th-1 !on agree$. 2& am en$ing Gi""y o/th on the ne:t
hip o/t o, Cat.atch.1
Me"ian$re to/che$ the r/by at her neck. 2Gi""y i giving /ck to 5a""a4 on a .e"" a her
o.n. &t eem cr/e" o, yo/ to part o/r "itt"e prince ,rom hi mi"k brother- my "or$.1
%areful now, careful+ 2Mother4 mi"k i a"" they hare. Gi""y4 on i "arger an$ more rob/t.
#e kick the prince an$ pinche him- an$ hove him ,rom the breat. Crater .a hi ,ather- a
cr/e" man an$ gree$y- an$ b"oo$ te"".1
7he king .a con,/e$. 2& tho/ght the .et n/re .a thi man Crater4 daughter61
23i,e an$ $a/ghter both- Eo/r Grace. Crater marrie$ a"" hi $a/ghter. Gi""y4 boy .a the
,r/it o, their /nion.1
2#er o.n father got thi chi"$ on her61 Stanni o/n$e$ hocke$. 23e are .e"" ri$ o, her-
then. & .i"" not /,,er /ch abomination here. 7hi i not >ing4 ?an$ing.1
2& can ,in$ another .et n/re. &, there4 none amongt the .i"$"ing- & .i"" en$ to the
mo/ntain c"an. Fnti" /ch time- goat4 mi"k ho/"$ /,,ice ,or the boy- i, it p"eae Eo/r Grace.1
29oor ,are ,or a prince8 b/t better than .hore4 mi"k- aye.1 Stanni $r/mme$ hi ,inger on
the map. 2&, .e may ret/rn to the matter o, thee ,ort81
2Eo/r Grace-1 ai$ !on- .ith chi""y co/rtey- 2& have ho/e$ yo/r men an$ ,e$ them- at $ire
cot to o/r .inter tore. & have c"othe$ them o they .o/"$ not ,reeGe.1
Stanni .a not appeae$. 2Aye- yo/4ve hare$ yo/r a"t pork an$ porri$ge- an$ yo/4ve
thro.n / ome b"ack rag to keep / .arm. Rag the .i"$"ing .o/"$ have taken o,, yo/r
corpe i, & ha$ not come north.1
!on ignore$ that. 2& have given yo/ ,o$$er ,or yo/r hore- an$ once the tair i $one & .i""
"en$ yo/ b/i"$er to retore the Night,ort. & have even agree$ to a""o. yo/ to ett"e .i"$"ing on
the Gi,t- .hich .a given to the Night4 3atch in perpet/ity.1
2Eo/ o,,er me empty "an$ an$ $eo"ation- yet $eny me the cat"e & reA/ire to re.ar$ my
"or$ an$ bannermen.1
27he Night4 3atch b/i"t thoe cat"e81
2An$ the Night4 3atch aban$one$ them.1
28to $e,en$ the 3a""-1 !on ,inihe$ t/bborn"y- 2not a eat ,or o/thron "or$. 7he tone
o, thoe ,ort are mortare$ .ith the b"oo$ an$ bone o, my brother- "ong $ea$. & cannot give
them to yo/.1
2Cannot or .i"" not61 7he cor$ in the king4 neck too$ o/t harp a .or$. 2& o,,ere$ yo/ a
name.1
2& have a name- Eo/r Grace.1
2Sno.. 3a ever a name more i""(omene$61 Stanni to/che$ hi .or$ hi"t. 2!/t .ho $o yo/
imagine that yo/ are61
27he .atcher on the .a"". 7he .or$ in the $arkne.1
25on4t prate yo/r .or$ at me.1 Stanni $re. the b"a$e he ca""e$ ?ightbringer. 27ere i yo/r
.or$ in the $arkne.1 ?ight ripp"e$ /p an$ $o.n the b"a$e- no. re$- no. ye""o.- no. orange-
painting the king4 ,ace in harh- bright h/e. 2Cven a green boy ho/"$ be ab"e to ee that. Are
yo/ b"in$61
2No- Sire. & agree thee cat"e m/t be garrione$@1
27he boy comman$er agree. #o. ,ort/nate.1
2@by the Night4 3atch.1
2&ou do not hae the men+1
27hen give me men- Sire. & .i"" provi$e o,,icer ,or each o, the aban$one$ ,ort- eaone$
comman$er .ho kno. the 3a"" an$ the "an$ beyon$- an$ ho. bet to /rvive the coming
.inter. &n ret/rn ,or a"" .e4ve given yo/- grant me the men to ,i"" o/t the garrion. Men(at(arm-
cro(bo.men- ra. boy. & .i"" even take yo/r .o/n$e$ an$ in,irm.1
Stanni tare$ at him incre$/"o/"y- then gave a bark o, "a/ghter. 2Eo/ are bo"$ eno/gh-
Sno.- & grant yo/ that- b/t yo/4re ma$ i, yo/ think my men .i"" take the b"ack.1
27hey can .ear any co"or c"oak they chooe- o "ong a they obey my o,,icer a they .o/"$
yo/r o.n.1
7he king .a /nmove$. 2& have knight an$ "or$ in my ervice- cion o, nob"e #o/e o"$
in honor. 7hey cannot be e:pecte$ to erve /n$er poacher- peaant- an$ m/r$erer.1
Or bastards, Sire6 2Eo/r o.n #an$ i a m/gg"er.1
2Was a m/gg"er. & hortene$ hi ,inger ,or that. 7hey te"" me that yo/ are the nine(h/n$re$(
ninety(eighth man to comman$ the Night4 3atch- ?or$ Sno.. 3hat $o yo/ think the nine(
h/n$re$(ninety(ninth might ay abo/t thee cat"e6 7he ight o, yo/r hea$ on a pike might
inpire him to be more he"p,/".1 7he king "ai$ hi bright b"a$e $o.n on the map- a"ong the 3a""-
it tee" himmering "ike /n"ight on .ater. 2Eo/ are on"y "or$ comman$er by my /,,erance.
Eo/ .o/"$ $o .e"" to remember that.1
2& am "or$ comman$er beca/e my brother choe me.1 7here .ere morning .hen !on Sno.
$i$ not A/ite be"ieve it hime",- .hen he .oke /p thinking /re"y thi .a ome ma$ $ream. It/s
like putting on new clothes, Sam ha$ to"$ him. #he fit feels strange at first, but once !ou/e worn
them for a while !ou get to feeling comfortable+
2A""ier 7horne comp"ain abo/t the manner o, yo/r chooing- an$ & cannot ay he $oe not
have a grievance.1 7he map "ay bet.een them "ike a batt"egro/n$- $renche$ by the co"or o, the
g"o.ing .or$. 27he co/nt .a $one by a blind man .ith yo/r ,at ,rien$ by hi e"bo.. An$
S"ynt name yo/ a t/rnc"oak.1
And who would know one better than Sl!nt6 2A t/rnc"oak .o/"$ te"" yo/ .hat yo/ .ihe$ to
hear an$ betray yo/ "ater. Eo/r Grace kno. that & .a ,air"y choen. My ,ather a".ay ai$ yo/
.ere a =/t man.1 -ust but harsh ha$ been ?or$ C$$ar$4 e:act .or$- b/t !on $i$ not think it
.o/"$ be .ie to hare that.
2?or$ C$$ar$ .a no ,rien$ to me- b/t he .a not .itho/t ome ene. #e .o/"$ have given
me thee cat"e.1
2eer+ 2& cannot peak to .hat my ,ather might have $one. & took an oath- Eo/r Grace. 7he
3a"" i mine.1
2+or no.. 3e .i"" ee ho. .e"" yo/ ho"$ it.1 Stanni pointe$ at him. 2>eep yo/r r/in- a
they mean o m/ch to yo/. & promie yo/- tho/gh- i, any remain empty .hen the year i o/t- &
.i"" take them .ith yo/r "eave or .itho/t it. An$ i, even one ho/"$ ,a"" to the ,oe- yo/r hea$
.i"" oon ,o""o.. No. get o/t.1
?a$y Me"ian$re roe ,rom her p"ace near the hearth. 23ith yo/r "eave- Sire- & .i"" ho. ?or$
Sno. back to hi chamber.1
23hy6 #e kno. the .ay.1 Stanni .ave$ them both a.ay. 25o .hat yo/ .i"". 5evan- ,oo$.
Boi"e$ egg an$ "emon .ater.1
A,ter the .armth o, the king4 o"ar- the t/rnpike tair ,e"t bone(chi""ing"y co"$. 23in$4
riing- m4"a$y-1 the er=eant .arne$ Me"ian$re a he han$e$ !on back hi .eapon. 2Eo/ might
.ant a .armer c"oak.1
2& have my ,aith to .arm me.1 7he re$ .oman .a"ke$ bei$e !on $o.n the tep. 2#i Grace
i gro.ing ,on$ o, yo/.1
2& can te"". #e on"y threatene$ to behea$ me t.ice.1
Me"ian$re "a/ghe$. 2&t i hi i"ence yo/ ho/"$ ,ear- not hi .or$.1 A they teppe$ o/t
into the yar$- the .in$ ,i""e$ !on4 c"oak an$ ent it ,"apping againt her. 7he re$ priete
br/he$ the b"ack .oo" ai$e an$ "ippe$ her arm thro/gh hi. 2&t may be that yo/ are not .rong
abo/t the .i"$"ing king. & ha"" pray ,or the ?or$ o, ?ight to en$ me g/i$ance. 3hen & gaGe into
the ,"ame- & can ee thro/gh tone an$ earth- an$ ,in$ the tr/th .ithin men4 o/". & can peak
to king "ong $ea$ an$ chi"$ren not yet born- an$ .atch the year an$ eaon ,"icker pat- /nti"
the en$ o, $ay.1
2Are yo/r ,ire never .rong61
2Never8 tho/gh .e priet are morta" an$ ometime err- mitaking this must come ,or this
ma! come+1
!on co/"$ ,ee" her heat- even thro/gh hi .oo" an$ boi"e$ "eather. 7he ight o, them arm in
arm .a $ra.ing c/rio/ "ook. #he! will be whispering in the barracks tonight+ 2&, yo/ can
tr/"y ee the morro. in yo/r ,"ame- te"" me .hen an$ .here the ne:t .i"$"ing attack .i"" come.1
#e "ippe$ hi arm ,ree.
2R4h""or en$ / .hat viion he .i""- b/t & ha"" eek ,or thi man 7orm/n$ in the ,"ame.1
Me"ian$re4 re$ "ip c/r"e$ into a mi"e. 2& have een yo/ in my ,ire- !on Sno..1
2& that a threat- my "a$y6 5o yo/ mean to b/rn me too61
2Eo/ mitake my meaning.1 She gave him a earching "ook. 2& ,ear that & make yo/ /neay-
?or$ Sno..1
!on $i$ not $eny it. 27he 3a"" i no p"ace ,or a .oman.1
2Eo/ are .rong. & have $reame$ o, yo/r 3a""- !on Sno.. Great .a the "ore that raie$ it-
an$ great the pe"" "ocke$ beneath it ice. 3e .a"k beneath one o, the hinge o, the .or"$.1
Me"ian$re gaGe$ /p at it- her breath a .arm moit c"o/$ in the air. 27hi i my p"ace a it i
yo/r- an$ oon eno/gh yo/ may have grave nee$ o, me. 5o not re,/e my ,rien$hip- !on. &
have een yo/ in the torm- har$(pree$- .ith enemie on every i$e. Eo/ have o many
enemie. Sha"" & te"" yo/ their name61
2& kno. their name.1
25o not be o certain.1 7he r/by at Me"ian$re4 throat g"eame$ re$. 2&t i not the ,oe .ho
c/re yo/ to yo/r ,ace that yo/ m/t ,ear- b/t thoe .ho mi"e .hen yo/ are "ooking an$ harpen
their knive .hen yo/ t/rn yo/r back. Eo/ .o/"$ $o .e"" to keep yo/r .o", c"oe bei$e yo/.
&ce- & ee- an$ $agger in the $ark. B"oo$ ,roGen re$ an$ har$- an$ nake$ tee". &t .a very co"$.1
2&t i a".ay co"$ on the 3a"".1
2Eo/ think o61
2& know o- my "a$y.1
27hen yo/ kno. nothing- !on Sno.-1 he .hipere$.
!rienne
I am "ooking ,or a mai$ o, three(an$(ten-1 he to"$ the grey(haire$ goo$.i,e bei$e the
vi""age .e"". 2A highborn mai$ an$ very bea/ti,/"- .ith b"/e eye an$ a/b/rn hair. She may have
been trave"ing .ith a port"y knight o, ,orty year- or perhap .ith a ,oo". #ave yo/ een her61
2Not a & reca""- er-1 the goo$.i,e ai$- kn/ck"ing her ,orehea$. 2B/t &4"" keep my eye o/t-
that & .i"".1
7he b"ackmith ha$ not een her either- nor the epton in the vi""age ept- the .ineher$ .ith
hi pig- the gir" p/""ing /p onion ,rom her gar$en- nor any o, the other imp"e ,o"k that the
Mai$ o, 7arth ,o/n$ amongt the $a/b(an$(.att"e h/t o, Roby. Sti""- he perite$. #his is the
shortest road to Duskendale, Brienne to"$ here",. If Sansa came this wa!, someone must hae
seen her+ At the cat"e gate he poe$ her A/etion to t.o pearmen .hoe ba$ge ho.e$ three
re$ chevrone" on ermine- the arm o, #o/e Roby. 2&, he4 on the roa$ thee $ay he .on4t
be no mai$ ,or "ong-1 ai$ the o"$er man. 7he yo/nger .ante$ to kno. i, the gir" ha$ that a/b/rn
hair bet.een her "eg a .e"".
I will find no help here+ A Brienne mo/nte$ /p again- he g"impe$ a kinny boy atop a
pieba"$ hore at the ,ar en$ o, the vi""age. I hae not talked with that one, he tho/ght- b/t he
vanihe$ behin$ the ept be,ore he co/"$ eek him o/t. She $i$ not tro/b"e to chae a,ter him.
Mot "ike he kne. no more than the other ha$. Roby .a carce more than a .i$e p"ace in the
roa$I Sana .o/"$ have ha$ no reaon to "inger here. Ret/rning to the roa$- Brienne hea$e$
north an$ eat pat app"e orchar$ an$ ,ie"$ o, bar"ey- an$ oon "e,t the vi""age an$ it cat"e
.e"" behin$. &t .a at 5/ken$a"e that he .o/"$ ,in$ her A/arry- he to"$ here",. If she came
this wa! at all+
2& .i"" ,in$ the gir" an$ keep her a,e-1 Brienne ha$ promie$ Ser !aime- back at >ing4
?an$ing. 2+or her "a$y mother4 ake. An$ ,or yo/r.1 Nob"e .or$- b/t .or$ .ere eay. 5ee$
.ere har$. She ha$ "ingere$ too "ong an$ "earne$ too "itt"e in the city. I should hae set out
earlier= but to where6 Sana Stark ha$ vanihe$ on the night >ing !o,,rey $ie$- an$ i, anyone
ha$ een her ince- or ha$ any ink"ing .here he might have gone- they .ere not ta"king. 2ot to
me, at least+
Brienne be"ieve$ the gir" ha$ "e,t the city. &, he .ere ti"" in >ing4 ?an$ing- the go"$ c"oak
.o/"$ have t/rne$ her /p. She ha$ to have gone e"e.here8 b/t e"e.here i a big p"ace. If I
were a maiden newl! flowered, alone and afraid, in desperate danger, what would I do6 he ha$
ake$ here",. Where would I go6 +or her- the an.er came eay. She .o/"$ make her .ay back
to 7arth- to her ,ather. Sana4 ,ather ha$ been behea$e$ .hi"t he .atche$- ho.ever. #er "a$y
mother .a $ea$ too- m/r$ere$ at the 7.in- an$ 3inter,e""- the great Stark trongho"$- ha$
been acke$ an$ b/rne$- it peop"e p/t to the .or$. She has no home to run to, no father, no
mother, no brothers+ She might be in the ne:t to.n- or on a hip to AhaiI one eeme$ a "ike"y
a the other.
Cven i, Sana Stark ha$ .ante$ to go home- ho. .o/"$ he get there6 7he kingroa$ .a not
a,eI even a chi"$ .o/"$ kno. that. 7he ironborn he"$ Moat Cai"in ath.art the Neck- an$ at the
7.in at the +rey- .ho ha$ m/r$ere$ Sana4 brother an$ "a$y mother. 7he gir" co/"$ go by
ea i, he ha$ the coin- b/t the harbor at >ing4 ?an$ing .a ti"" in r/in- the river a =/mb"e o,
broken A/ay an$ b/rne$ an$ /nken ga""ey. Brienne ha$ ake$ a"ong the $ock- b/t no one
co/"$ remember a hip "eaving on the night >ing !o,,rey $ie$. A ,e. tra$ing hip .ere
anchoring in the bay an$ o,,("oa$ing by boat- one man to"$ her- b/t more .ere contin/ing /p the
coat to 5/ken$a"e- .here the port .a b/ier than ever.
Brienne4 mare .a .eet to "ook /pon an$ kept a pretty pace. 7here .ere more trave"er than
he .o/"$ have tho/ght. Begging brother tr/n$"e$ by .ith their bo." $ang"ing on thong abo/t
their neck. A yo/ng epton ga""ope$ pat /pon a pa",rey a ,ine a any "or$4- an$ "ater he met
a ban$ o, i"ent iter .ho hook their hea$ .hen Brienne p/t her A/etion to them. A train o,
o:cart "/mbere$ o/th .ith grain an$ ack o, .oo"- an$ "ater he pae$ a .ineher$ $riving
pig- an$ an o"$ .oman in a hore "itter .ith an ecort o, mo/nte$ g/ar$. She ake$ a"" o, them
i, they ha$ een a highborn gir" o, three(an$(ten year .ith b"/e eye an$ a/b/rn hair. None ha$.
She ake$ abo/t the roa$ ahea$ a .e"". 247.i:t here an$ 5/ken$a"e i a,e eno/gh-1 one man
to"$ her- 2b/t pat 5/ken$a"e there4 o/t"a.- an$ broken men in the .oo$.1
Hn"y the o"$ier pine an$ entine" ti"" ho.e$ greenI the broa$"ea, tree ha$ $onne$
mant"e o, r/et an$ go"$- or e"e /nc"oake$ theme"ve to cratch againt the ky .ith branche
bro.n an$ bare. Cvery g/t o, .in$ $rove .ir"ing c"o/$ o, $ea$ "eave acro the r/tte$ roa$.
7hey ma$e a r/t"ing o/n$ a they c/tt"e$ pat the hoove o, the big bay mare that !aime
?anniter ha$ beto.e$ on her. As eas! to find one leaf in the wind as one girl lost in Westeros+
She ,o/n$ here", .on$ering .hether !aime ha$ given her thi tak a ome cr/e" =ape. 9erhap
Sana Stark .a $ea$- behea$e$ ,or her part in >ing !o,,rey4 $eath- b/rie$ in ome /nmarke$
grave. #o. better to concea" her m/r$er than by en$ing ome big t/pi$ .ench ,rom 7arth to
,in$ her6
-aime would not do that+ 7e was sincere+ 7e gae me the sword, and called it Oathkeeper+
Any.ay- it ma$e no matter. She ha$ promie$ ?a$y Cate"yn that he .o/"$ bring back her
$a/ghter- an$ no promie .a a o"emn a one .orn to the $ea$. 7he yo/nger gir" .a "ong
$ea$- !aime c"aime$I the Arya the ?anniter ent north to marry Rooe Bo"ton4 batar$ .a a
,ra/$. 7hat "e,t on"y Sana. Brienne ha$ to ,in$ her.
Near $/k he a. a camp,ire b/rning by a brook. 7.o men at bei$e it gri""ing tro/t- their
arm an$ armor tacke$ beneath a tree. Hne .a o"$ an$ one .a ome.hat yo/nger- tho/gh ,ar
,rom yo/ng. 7he yo/nger roe to greet her. #e ha$ a big be""y training at the "ace o, hi potte$
$oekin =erkin. A haggy /ntrimme$ bear$ covere$ hi cheek an$ chin- the co"or o, o"$ go"$.
23e have tro/t eno/gh ,or three- er-1 he ca""e$ o/t.
&t .a not the ,irt time Brienne ha$ been mitaken ,or a man. She p/""e$ o,, her greathe"m-
"etting her hair pi"" ,ree. &t .a ye""o.- the co"or o, $irty tra.- an$ near a britt"e. ?ong an$
thin- it b"e. abo/t her ho/"$er. 2& thank yo/- er.1
7he he$ge knight A/inte$ at her o earnet"y that he rea"iGe$ he m/t be nearighte$. 2A
"a$y- i it6 Arme$ an$ armore$6 &""y- go$ be goo$- the size o, her.1
2& took her ,or a knight a .e""-1 the o"$er knight ai$- t/rning the tro/t.
#a$ Brienne been a man- he .o/"$ have been ca""e$ bigI ,or a .oman- he .a h/ge.
Freakish .a the .or$ he ha$ hear$ a"" her "i,e. She .a broa$ in the ho/"$er an$ broa$er in
the hip. #er "eg .ere "ong- her arm thick. #er chet .a more m/c"e than boom. #er han$
.ere big- her ,eet enormo/. An$ he .a /g"y bei$e- .ith a ,reck"e$- horey ,ace an$ teeth
that eeme$ a"mot too big ,or her mo/th. She $i$ not nee$ to be remin$e$ o, any o, that. 2Ser-1
he ai$- 2have yo/ een a mai$ o, three(an$(ten /pon the roa$6 She ha b"/e eye an$ a/b/rn
hair- an$ may have been in company .ith a port"y re$(,ace$ man o, ,orty year.1
7he nearighte$ he$ge knight cratche$ hi hea$. 2& reca"" no /ch mai$. 3hat ort o, hair i
a/b/rn61
2Bro.ny re$-1 ai$ the o"$er man. 2No- .e a. her not.1
23e a. her not- m4"a$y-1 the yo/nger to"$ her. 2Come- $imo/nt- the ,ih i a"mot $one.
Are yo/ h/ngry61
She .a- a it happene$- b/t he .a .ary a .e"". #e$ge knight ha$ an /navory rep/tation.
2A he$ge knight an$ a robber knight are t.o i$e o, the ame .or$-1 it .a ai$. #hese two do
not look too dangerous+ 2Might & kno. yo/r name- er61
2& have the honor to be Ser Creighton ?ongbo/gh- o, .hom the inger ing-1 ai$ the big(
be""ie$ one. 2Eo/ .i"" have hear$ o, my $ee$ on the B"ack.ater- mayhap. My companion i
Ser &""i,er the 9enni"e.1
&, there .a a ong abo/t Creighton ?ongbo/gh- it .a not one Brienne ha$ hear$. 7heir
name meant no more to her than $i$ their arm. Ser Creighton4 green hie"$ ho.e$ on"y a
bro.n chie,- an$ a $eep go/ge ma$e by ome batt"e(a:e. Ser &""i,er bore go"$ an$ ermine
gyronny- tho/gh everything abo/t him /ggete$ that painte$ go"$ an$ painte$ ermine .ere the
on"y ort he4$ ever kno.n. #e .a i:ty i, he .a a $ay- hi ,ace pinche$ an$ narro. beneath
the hoo$ o, a patche$ ro/ghp/n mant"e. Mai"(c"a$ he .ent- b/t ,"eck o, r/t potte$ the iron
"ike ,reck"e. Brienne too$ a hea$ ta""er than either o, them- an$ .a better mo/nte$ an$ better
arme$ in the bargain. If I fear the likes of these, I had as well swap m! longsword for a pair of
knitting needles+
2& thank yo/- goo$ er-1 he ai$. 2& .i"" g"a$"y hare yo/r tro/t.1 S.inging $o.n- Brienne
/na$$"e$ her mare an$ .atere$ her be,ore hobb"ing her to graGe. She tacke$ her arm an$
hie"$ an$ a$$"ebag beneath an e"m. By then the tro/t .a crip"y $one. Ser Creighton bro/ght
her a ,ih- an$ he at cro("egge$ on the gro/n$ to eat it.
23e are bo/n$ ,or 5/ken$a"e- m4"a$y-1 ?ongbo/gh to"$ her- a he p/""e$ apart hi o.n tro/t
.ith hi ,inger. 2Eo/ .o/"$ $o .e"" to ri$e .ith /. 7he roa$ are peri"o/.1
Brienne co/"$ have to"$ him more abo/t the peri" o, the roa$ than he might have care$ to
kno.. 2& thank yo/- er- b/t & have no nee$ o, yo/r protection.1
2& init. A tr/e knight m/t $e,en$ the gent"er e:.1
She to/che$ her .or$ hi"t. 27hi .i"" $e,en$ me- er.1
2A .or$ i on"y a goo$ a the man .ho .ie"$ it.1
2& .ie"$ it .e"" eno/gh.1
2A yo/ .i"". &t .o/"$ not be co/rteo/ to arg/e .ith a "a$y. 3e .i"" ee yo/ a,e to
5/ken$a"e. 7hree together may ri$e more a,e"y than one a"one.1
We were three when we set out from )ierrun, !et -aime lost his hand and %leos Fre! his life+
2Eo/r mo/nt co/"$ not keep /p .ith mine.1 Ser Creighton4 bro.n ge"$ing .a an o"$
.aybacke$ creat/re .ith rhe/my eye- an$ Ser &""i,er4 hore "ooke$ .ee$y an$ ha",(tarve$.
2My tee$ erve$ me .e"" eno/gh on the B"ack.ater-1 Ser Creighton inite$. 23hy- & $i$
great carnage there an$ .on a $oGen ranom. 3a m4"a$y ,ami"iar .ith Ser #erbert Bo""ing6
Eo/ ha"" never meet him no.. & "e. him .here he too$. 3hen .or$ c"ah- yo/ ha"" ne4er
,in$ Ser Creighton ?ongbo/gh to the rear.1
#i companion gave a $ry ch/ck"e. 2Creigh- "eave o,,. 7he "ike o4 her ha no nee$ ,or the
"ike o4 /.1
27he "ike o, me61 Brienne .a /ncertain .hat he meant.
Ser &""i,er crooke$ a bony ,inger at her hie"$. 7ho/gh it paint .a cracke$ an$ pee"ing- the
$evice it bore ho.e$ p"ain' a b"ack bat on a ,ie"$ $ivi$e$ ben$.ie- i"ver an$ go"$. 2Eo/ bear a
"iar4 hie"$- to .hich yo/ have no right. My gran$,ather4 gran$,ather he"pe$ ki"" the "at o4
?othton. None ince ha $are$ to ho. that bat- b"ack a the $ee$ o, them that bore it.1
7he hie"$ .a the one Ser !aime ha$ taken ,rom the armory at #arrenha". Brienne ha$ ,o/n$
it in the tab"e .ith her mare- a"ong .ith m/ch e"eI a$$"e an$ bri$"e- chainmai" ha/berk an$
viore$ greathe"m- p/re o, go"$ an$ i"ver an$ a parchment more va"/ab"e than either. 2& "ot
mine o.n hie"$-1 he e:p"aine$.
2A tr/e knight i the on"y hie"$ a mai$en nee$-1 $ec"are$ Ser Creighton to/t"y.
Ser &""i,er pai$ him no min$. 2A bare,oot man "ook ,or a boot- a chi""y man a c"oak. B/t .ho
.o/"$ c"oak theme"ve in hame6 ?or$ ?/ca bore that bat- the 9an$er- an$ Man,ry$ o4 the
B"ack #oo$- hi on. 3hy .ear /ch arm- & ak mye",- /n"e yo/r o.n in i ,o/"er ti""8 an$
fresher+1 #e /nheathe$ hi $agger- an /g"y piece o, cheap iron. 2A .oman ,reakih big an$
,reakih trong .ho hi$e her o.n tr/e co"or. Creigh- beho"$ the Mai$ o4 7arth- .ho opene$
Ren"y4 roya" throat ,or him.1
27hat i a "ie.1 Ren"y Baratheon ha$ been more than a king to her. She ha$ "ove$ him ince
,irt he came to 7arth on hi "ei/re"y "or$4 progre- to mark hi coming o, age. #er ,ather
.e"come$ him .ith a ,eat an$ comman$e$ her to atten$I e"e.ie he .o/"$ have hi$$en in her
room "ike ome .o/n$e$ beat. She ha$ been no o"$er than Sana- more a,rai$ o, nigger than
o, .or$. #he! will know about the rose, he to"$ ?or$ Se".yn- the! will laugh at me+ B/t the
Cventar .o/"$ not re"ent.
An$ Ren"y Baratheon ha$ ho.n her every co/rtey- a i, he .ere a proper mai$- an$ pretty.
#e even $ance$ .ith her- an$ in hi arm he4$ ,e"t grace,/"- an$ her ,eet ha$ ,"oate$ acro the
,"oor. ?ater other begge$ a $ance o, her- beca/e o, hi e:amp"e. +rom that $ay ,orth- he
.ante$ on"y to be c"oe to ?or$ Ren"y- to erve him an$ protect him. B/t in the en$ he ,ai"e$
him. )enl! died in m! arms, but I did not kill him, he tho/ght- b/t thee he$ge knight .o/"$
never /n$ertan$. 2& .o/"$ have given my "i,e ,or >ing Ren"y- an$ $ie$ happy-1 he ai$. 2& $i$
no harm to him. & .ear it by my .or$.1
2A knight .ear by hi .or$-1 Ser Creighton ai$.
2S.ear it by the Seven-1 /rge$ Ser &""i,er the 9enni"e.
2By the Seven- then. & $i$ no harm to >ing Ren"y. & .ear it by the Mother. May & never
kno. her mercy i, & "ie. & .ear it by the +ather- an$ ak that he might =/$ge me =/t"y. & .ear it
by the Mai$en an$ Crone- by the Smith an$ the 3arrior. An$ & .ear it by the Stranger- may he
take me no. i, & am ,a"e.1
2She .ear .e""- ,or a mai$-1 Ser Creighton a""o.e$.
2Aye.1 Ser &""i,er the 9enni"e gave a hr/g. 23e""- i, he4 "ie$- the go$ .i"" ort her o/t.1
#e "ippe$ hi $agger back a.ay. 27he ,irt .atch i yo/r.1
A the he$ge knight "ept- Brienne pace$ ret"e"y aro/n$ the "itt"e camp- "itening to the
crack"e o, the ,ire. I should ride on whilst I can+ She $i$ not kno. thee men- yet he co/"$ not
bring here", to "eave them /n$e,en$e$. Cven in the b"ack o, night- there .ere ri$er on the roa$-
an$ noie in the .oo$ that might or might not have been o." an$ pro."ing ,o:e. So Brienne
pace$- an$ kept her b"a$e "ooe in it cabbar$.
#er .atch .a eay- a"" in a"". &t .a after that .a har$- .hen Ser &""i,er .oke an$ ai$ he
.o/"$ re"ieve her. Brienne prea$ a b"anket on the gro/n$- an$ c/r"e$ /p to c"oe her eye. I will
not sleep, he to"$ here",- bone .eary tho/gh he .a. She ha$ never "ept eai"y in the preence
o, men. Cven in ?or$ Ren"y4 camp- the rik o, rape .a a".ay there. &t .a a "eon he ha$
"earne$ beneath the .a"" o, #ighgar$en- an$ again .hen he an$ !aime ha$ ,a""en into the han$
o, the Brave Companion.
7he co"$ in the earth eepe$ thro/gh Brienne4 b"anket to oak into her bone. Be,ore "ong
every m/c"e ,e"t c"enche$ an$ crampe$- ,rom her =a. $o.n to her toe. She .on$ere$ .hether
Sana Stark .a co"$ a .e""- .herever he might be. ?a$y Cate"yn ha$ ai$ that Sana .a a
gent"e o/" .ho "ove$ "emon cake- i"ken go.n- an$ ong o, chiva"ry- yet the gir" ha$ een her
,ather4 hea$ "oppe$ o,, an$ been ,orce$ to marry one o, hi ki""er a,ter.ar$. &, ha", the ta"e
.ere tr/e- the $.ar, .a the cr/e"et ?anniter o, a"". If she did poison ,ing -offre!, the Imp
surel! forced her hand+ She was alone and friendless at that court+ &n >ing4 ?an$ing- Brienne
ha$ h/nte$ $o.n a certain Bre""a- .ho ha$ been one o, Sana4 mai$. 7he .oman to"$ her that
there .a "itt"e .armth bet.een Sana an$ the $.ar,. 9erhap he ha$ been ,"eeing him a .e""
a !o,,rey4 m/r$er.
3hatever $ream Brienne $reame$ .ere gone .hen $a.n a.oke her. #er "eg .ere ti,, a
.oo$ ,rom the co"$ gro/n$- b/t no one ha$ mo"ete$ her- an$ her goo$ remaine$ /nto/che$.
7he he$ge knight .ere /p an$ abo/t. Ser &""i,er .a c/tting /p a A/irre" ,or break,at- .hi"e
Ser Creighton too$ ,acing a tree- having hime", a goo$ "ong pi. 7edge knights, he tho/ght-
old and ain and plump and nearsighted, !et decent men for all that+ &t cheere$ her to kno. that
there .ere ti"" $ecent men in the .or"$.
7hey broke their ,at on roat A/irre"- acorn pate- an$ pick"e- .hi"t Ser Creighton rega"e$
her .ith hi e:p"oit on the B"ack.ater- .here he ha$ "ain a $oGen ,earome knight that he
ha$ never hear$ o,. 2Hh- it .a a rare ,ight- m4"a$y-1 he ai$- 2a rare an$ b"oo$y ,ray.1 #e
a""o.e$ that Ser &""i,er ha$ ,o/ght nob"y in the batt"e a .e"". &""i,er hime", ai$ "itt"e.
3hen time came to re/me their =o/rney- the knight ,e"" in on either i$e o, her- "ike g/ar$
protecting ome great "a$y8 tho/gh thi "a$y $.ar,e$ both o, her protector an$ .a better
arme$ an$ armore$ in the nonce. 25i$ anyone pa by $/ring yo/r .atche61 Brienne ake$
them.
2S/ch a a mai$ o, three(an$(ten- .ith a/b/rn hair61 ai$ Ser &""i,er the 9enni"e. 2No- my
"a$y. No one.1
2& ha$ a ,e.-1 Ser Creighton p/t in. 2Some ,arm boy on a pieba"$ hore .ent by- an$ an ho/r
"ater ha", a $oGen men a,oot .ith tave an$ cythe. 7hey ca/ght ight o, o/r ,ire- an$ toppe$
,or a "ong "ook at o/r hore- b/t & ho.e$ them a g"impe o, my tee" an$ to"$ them to be a"ong
their .ay. Ro/gh ,e""o.- by the "ook o4 them- an$ $eperate too- b/t ne4er o $eperate a to
tri,"e .ith Ser Creighton ?ongbo/gh.1
2o, Brienne tho/ght- not so desperate as that+ She t/rne$ a.ay to hi$e her mi"e. 7hank,/""y-
Ser Creighton .a too intent on the ta"e o, hi epic batt"e .ith the >night o, the Re$ Chicken to
make note o, the mai$en4 mirth. &t ,e"t goo$ to have companion on the roa$- even /ch
companion a thee t.o.
&t .a mi$$ay .hen Brienne hear$ chanting $ri,ting thro/gh the bare bro.n tree. 23hat i
that o/n$61 Ser Creighton ake$.
2%oice- raie$ in prayer.1 Brienne kne. the chant. #he! are beseeching the Warrior for
protection, asking the %rone to light their wa!+
Ser &""i,er the 9enni"e bare$ hi battere$ b"a$e an$ reine$ in hi hore to .ait their coming.
27hey are c"oe no..1
7he chanting ,i""e$ the .oo$ "ike pio/ th/n$er. An$ /$$en"y the o/rce o, the o/n$
appeare$ in the roa$ ahea$. A gro/p o, begging brother "e$ the .ay- cr/,,y bear$e$ men in
ro/ghp/n robe- ome bare,oot an$ ome in an$a". Behin$ them marche$ threecore ragge$
men- .omen- an$ chi"$ren- a potte$ o.- an$ evera" heep. Severa" o, the men ha$ a:e- an$
more ha$ cr/$e .oo$en c"/b an$ c/$ge". &n their mi$t there ro""e$ a t.o(.hee"e$ .ayn o,
grey an$ p"intere$ .oo$- pi"e$ high .ith k/"" an$ broken bit o, bone. 3hen they a. the
he$ge knight- the begging brother ha"te$- an$ the chanting $ie$ a.ay. 2Goo$ knight-1 one
ai$- 2the Mother "ove yo/.1
2An$ yo/- brother-1 ai$ Ser &""i,er. 23ho are yo/61
29oor ,e""o.-1 ai$ a big man .ith an a:e. 5epite the chi"" o, the a/t/mna" .oo$- he .a
hirt"e- an$ on hi breat .a carve$ a even(pointe$ tar. An$a" .arrior ha$ carve$ /ch tar
in their ,"eh .hen ,irt they croe$ the narro. ea to over.he"m the king$om o, the +irt
Men.
23e are marching to the city-1 ai$ a ta"" .oman in the trace o, the .ayn- 2to bring thee
ho"y bone to B"ee$ Bae"or- an$ eek /ccor an$ protection ,rom the king.1
2!oin /- ,rien$-1 /rge$ a pare ma"" man in a threa$bare epton4 robe- .ho .ore a cryta"
on a thong abo/t hi neck. 23etero ha nee$ o, every .or$.1
23e .ere bo/n$ ,or 5/ken$a"e-1 $ec"are$ Ser Creighton- 2b/t mayhap .e co/"$ ee yo/
a,e"y to >ing4 ?an$ing.1
2&, yo/ have the coin to pay / ,or thi ecort-1 a$$e$ Ser &""i,er- .ho eeme$ practica" a .e""
a penni"e.
2Sparro. nee$ no go"$-1 the epton ai$.
Ser Creighton .a "ot. 2Sparro.61
27he parro. i the h/mb"et an$ mot common o, bir$- a .e are the h/mb"et an$ mot
common o, men.1 7he epton ha$ a "ean harp ,ace an$ a hort bear$- griGG"e$ grey an$ bro.n.
#i thin hair .a p/""e$ back an$ knotte$ behin$ hi hea$- an$ hi ,eet .ere bare an$ b"ack-
gnar"e$ an$ har$ a tree root. 27hee are the bone o, ho"y men- m/r$ere$ ,or their ,aith. 7hey
erve$ the Seven even /nto $eath. Some tarve$- ome .ere tort/re$. Sept have been $epoi"e$-
mai$en an$ mother rape$ by go$"e men an$ $emon .orhiper. Cven i"ent iter have been
mo"ete$. H/r Mother Above crie o/t in her ang/ih. &t i time ,or a"" anointe$ knight to
,orake their .or"$"y mater an$ $e,en$ o/r #o"y +aith. Come .ith / to the city- i, yo/ "ove
the Seven.1
2& "ove them .e"" eno/gh-1 ai$ &""i,er- 2yet & m/t eat.1
2So m/t a"" the Mother4 chi"$ren.1
23e are bo/n$ ,or 5/ken$a"e-1 Ser &""i,er ai$ ,"at"y.
Hne o, the begging brother pat- an$ a .oman gave a moan. 2Eo/ are ,a"e knight-1 ai$ the
big man .ith the tar carve$ on hi chet. Severa" other bran$ihe$ their c/$ge".
7he bare,oot epton ca"me$ them .ith a .or$. 2!/$ge not- ,or =/$gment i the +ather4. ?et
them pa in peace. 7hey are poor ,e""o. too- "ot /pon the earth.1
Brienne e$ge$ her mare ,or.ar$. 2My iter i "ot a .e"". A gir" o, three(an$(ten .ith
a/b/rn hair- ,air to "ook /pon.1
2A"" the Mother4 chi"$ren are ,air to "ook /pon. May the Mai$en .atch over thi poor gir"8
an$ yo/ a .e""- & think.1 7he epton "i,te$ one o, the trace o, the .ayn /pon hi ho/"$er- an$
began to p/"". 7he begging brother took /p the chant once more. Brienne an$ the he$ge knight
at /pon their hore a the proceion move$ "o."y pat- ,o""o.ing the r/tte$ roa$ to.ar$
Roby. 7he o/n$ o, their chanting "o."y $.in$"e$ a.ay an$ $ie$.
Ser Creighton "i,te$ one cheek o,, the a$$"e to cratch hi are. 23hat ort o, man .o/"$
"ay a ho"y epton61
Brienne kne. .hat ort. Near Mai$enpoo"- he reca""e$- the Brave Companion ha$ tr/ng a
epton /p by hi hee" ,rom the "imb o, a tree an$ /e$ hi corpe ,or archery practice. She
.on$ere$ i, hi bone .ere pi"e$ in that .ayn .ith a"" the ret.
2A man .o/"$ nee$ to be a ,oo" to rape a i"ent iter-1 Ser Creighton .a aying. 2Cven to
"ay han$ /pon one8 it4 ai$ they are the Stranger4 .ive- an$ their ,ema"e part are co"$ an$
.et a ice.1 #e g"ance$ at Brienne. 2Fh8 beg par$on.1
Brienne p/rre$ her mare to.ar$ 5/ken$a"e. A,ter a moment- Ser &""i,er ,o""o.e$- an$ Ser
Creighton came bringing /p the rear.
7hree ho/r "ater they came /p /pon another party tr/gg"ing to.ar$ 5/ken$a"eI a merchant
an$ hi erving men- accompanie$ by yet another he$ge knight. 7he merchant ro$e a $app"e$
grey mare- .hi"t hi ervant took t/rn p/""ing hi .agon. +o/r "abore$ in the trace a the
other t.o .a"ke$ bei$e the .hee"- b/t .hen they hear$ the o/n$ o, hore they ,orme$ /p
aro/n$ the .agon .ith A/arterta,, o, ah at the rea$y. 7he merchant pro$/ce$ a crobo.- the
knight a b"a$e. 2Eo/ .i"" ,orgive me i, & am /picio/-1 ca""e$ the merchant- 2b/t the time are
tro/b"e$- an$ & have on"y goo$ Ser Sha$rich to $e,en$ me. 3ho are yo/61
23hy-1 Ser Creighton ai$- a,,ronte$- 2& am the ,amo/ Ser Creighton ?ongbo/gh- ,reh ,rom
batt"e on the B"ack.ater- an$ thi i my companion- Ser &""i,er the 9enni"e.1
23e mean yo/ no harm-1 ai$ Brienne.
7he merchant coni$ere$ her $o/bt,/""y. 2My "a$y- yo/ ho/"$ be a,e at home. 3hy $o yo/
.ear /ch /nnat/ra" garb61
2& am earching ,or my iter.1 She $are$ not mention Sana4 name- .ith her acc/e$ o,
regici$e. 2She i a highborn mai$ an$ bea/ti,/"- .ith b"/e eye an$ a/b/rn hair. 9erhap yo/ a.
her .ith a port"y knight o, ,orty year- or a $r/nken ,oo".1
27he roa$ are ,/"" o, $r/nken ,oo" an$ $epoi"e$ mai$en. A to port"y knight- it i har$ ,or
any honet man to keep hi be""y ro/n$ .hen o many "ack ,or ,oo$8 tho/gh yo/r Ser
Creighton ha not h/ngere$- it .o/"$ eem.1
2& have big bone-1 Ser Creighton inite$. 2Sha"" .e ri$e together ,or a time6 & $o not $o/bt
Ser Sha$rich4 va"or- b/t he eem ma""- an$ three b"a$e are better than one.1
Four blades, tho/ght Brienne- b/t he he"$ her tong/e.
7he merchant "ooke$ to hi ecort. 23hat ay yo/- er61
2Hh- thee three are no/ght to ,ear.1 Ser Sha$rich .a a .iry- ,o:(,ace$ man .ith a harp
noe an$ a hock o, orange hair- mo/nte$ on a rangy chetn/t co/rer. 7ho/gh he co/"$ not have
been more than ,ive ,oot t.o- he ha$ a cock/re manner. 27he one i o"$- t4other ,at- an$ the big
one i a .oman. ?et them come.1
2A yo/ ay.1 7he merchant "o.ere$ hi crobo..
A they re/me$ their =o/rney- the hire$ knight $roppe$ back an$ "ooke$ her /p an$ $o.n a
i, he .ere a i$e o, goo$ a"t pork. 2Eo/4re a trapping hea"thy .ench- &4$ ay.1
Ser !aime4 mockery ha$ c/t her $eepI the "itt"e man4 .or$ har$"y to/che$ her. 2A giant-
compare$ to ome.1
#e "a/ghe$. 2& am big eno/gh .here it co/nt- .ench.1
27he merchant ca""e$ yo/ Sha$rich.1
2Ser Sha$rich o, the Sha$y G"en. Some ca"" me the Ma$ Mo/e.1 #e t/rne$ hi hie"$ to
ho. her hi igi"- a "arge .hite mo/e .ith ,ierce re$ eye- on ben$y bro.n an$ b"/e. 27he
bro.n i ,or the "an$ &4ve roame$- the b"/e ,or the river that &4ve croe$. 7he mo/e i me.1
2An$ are yo/ ma$61
2Hh- A/ite. Eo/r common mo/e .i"" r/n ,rom b"oo$ an$ batt"e. 7he ma$ mo/e eek them
o/t.1
2&t .o/"$ eem he e"$om ,in$ them.1
2& ,in$ eno/gh. 47i tr/e- & am no to/rney knight. & ave my va"or ,or the batt"e,ie"$- .oman.1
Woman .a margina""y better than wench, he /ppoe$. 2Eo/ an$ goo$ Ser Creighton have
m/ch in common- then.1
Ser Sha$rich "a/ghe$. 2Hh- & $o/bt that- b/t it may be that yo/ an$ & hare a A/et. A "itt"e "ot
iter- i it6 3ith b"/e eye an$ a/b/rn hair61 #e "a/ghe$ again. 2Eo/ are not the on"y h/nter in
the .oo$. & eek ,or Sana Stark a .e"".1
Brienne kept her ,ace a mak- to hi$e her $imay. 23ho i thi Sana Stark- an$ .hy $o yo/
eek her61
2+or "ove- .hy e"e61
She ,/rro.e$ her bro.. 2?ove61
2Aye- "ove o, go"$. Fn"ike yo/r goo$ Ser Creighton- & $i$ ,ight /pon the B"ack.ater- b/t on
the "oing i$e. My ranom r/ine$ me. Eo/ kno. .ho %ary i- & tr/t6 7he e/n/ch ha o,,ere$
a p"/mp bag o, go"$ ,or thi gir" yo/4ve never hear$ o,. & am not a gree$y man. &, ome overiGe$
.ench .o/"$ he"p me ,in$ thi na/ghty chi"$- & .o/"$ p"it the Spi$er4 coin .ith her.1
2& tho/ght yo/ .ere in thi merchant4 hire.1
2Hn"y o ,ar a 5/ken$a"e. #iba"$ i a niggar$"y a he i ,ear,/". An$ he i er! ,ear,/".
3hat ay yo/- .ench61
2& kno. no Sana Stark-1 he inite$. 2& am earching ,or my iter- a highborn gir"81
28.ith b"/e eye an$ a/b/rn hair- aye. 9ray- .ho i thi knight .ho trave" .ith yo/r iter6
Hr $i$ yo/ name him ,oo"61 Ser Sha$rich $i$ not .ait ,or her an.er- .hich .a goo$- ince he
ha$ none. 2A certain ,oo" vanihe$ ,rom >ing4 ?an$ing the night >ing !o,,rey $ie$- a to/t
,e""o. .ith a noe ,/"" o, broken vein- one Ser 5onto the Re$- ,ormer"y o, 5/ken$a"e. & pray
yo/r iter an$ her $r/nken ,oo" are not mitaken ,or the Stark gir" an$ Ser 5onto. 7hat co/"$
be mot /n,ort/nate.1 #e p/t hi hee" into hi co/rer an$ trotte$ on ahea$.
Cven !aime ?anniter ha$ e"$om ma$e Brienne ,ee" /ch a ,oo". &ou are not the onl! hunter
in the woods+ 7he .oman Bre""a ha$ to"$ her ho. !o,,rey ha$ trippe$ Ser 5onto o, hi p/r-
ho. ?a$y Sana begge$ !o,,rey ,or hi "i,e. 7e helped her flee, Brienne ha$ $eci$e$- .hen he
hear$ the ta"e. Find Ser Dontos, and I will find Sansa+ She ho/"$ have kno.n there .o/"$ be
other .ho .o/"$ ee it too. Some ma! een be less saor! than Ser Shadrich+ She co/"$ on"y
hope that Ser 5onto ha$ hi$$en Sana .e"". But if so, how will I eer find her6
She h/nche$ her ho/"$er $o.n an$ ro$e on- ,ro.ning.
Night .a gathering by the time their party came /pon the inn- a ta""- timbere$ b/i"$ing that
too$ bei$e a river =/nction- atri$e an o"$ tone bri$ge. 7hat .a the inn4 name- Ser Creighton
to"$ them' the H"$StoneBri$ge. 7he innkeep .a a ,rien$ o, hi. 2Not a ba$ cook- an$ the room
have no more ,"ea than mot-1 he vo/che$. 23ho4 ,or a .arm be$ tonight61
2Not /- /n"e yo/r ,rien$ i giving them a.ay-1 ai$ Ser &""i,er the 9enni"e. 23e have no
coin ,or room.1
2& can pay ,or the three o, /.1 Brienne $i$ not "ack ,or coinI !aime ha$ een to that. &n her
a$$"ebag he4$ ,o/n$ a p/re ,at .ith i"ver tag an$ copper tar- a ma""er one t/,,e$ .ith
go"$en $ragon- an$ a parchment comman$ing a"" "oya" /b=ect o, the king to ait the bearer-
Brienne o, #o/e 7arth- .ho .a abo/t #i Grace4 b/ine. &t .a igne$ in a chi"$ih han$ by
7ommen- the +irt o, #i Name- >ing o, the An$a"- the Rhoynar- an$ the +irt Men- an$ ?or$
o, the Seven >ing$om.
#iba"$ .a ,or topping too- an$ bi$ hi men to "eave the .agon near the tab"e. 3arm
ye""o. "ight hone thro/gh the $iamon$(hape$ pane o, the inn4 .in$o.- an$ Brienne hear$ a
ta""ion tr/mpet at the cent o, her mare. She .a "ooening the a$$"e .hen a boy came o/t the
tab"e $oor- an$ ai$- 2?et me $o that- er.1
2& am no ser,1 he to"$ him- 2b/t yo/ may take the hore. See that he i ,e$ an$ br/he$ an$
.atere$.1
7he boy re$$ene$. 2Beg par$on- m4"a$y. & tho/ght81
2&t i a common mitake.1 Brienne gave him the rein an$ ,o""o.e$ the other into the inn-
.ith her a$$"ebag acro a ho/"$er an$ her be$ro"" t/cke$ /p beneath one arm.
Sa.$/t covere$ the p"ank ,"oor o, the common room- an$ the air me""e$ o, hop an$ moke
an$ meat. A roat .a pitting an$ crack"ing over the ,ire- /natten$e$ ,or the moment. Si: "oca"
at abo/t a tab"e- ta"king- b/t they broke o,, .hen the tranger entere$. Brienne co/"$ ,ee" their
eye. 5epite chainmai"- c"oak- an$ =erkin- he ,e"t nake$. 3hen one man ai$- 2#ave a "ook at
that-1 he kne. he .a not peaking o, Ser Sha$rich.
7he innkeep appeare$- c"/tching three tankar$ in each han$ an$ "opping a"e at every tep.
25o yo/ have room- goo$ man61 the merchant ake$ him.
2& might-1 the innkeep ai$- 2,or them a ha coin.1
Ser Creighton ?ongbo/gh "ooke$ o,,en$e$. 2Nagg"e- i that ho. yo/ .o/"$ greet an o"$
,rien$6 47i me- ?ongbo/gh.1
247i yo/ in$ee$. Eo/ o.e me even tag. Sho. me ome i"ver an$ &4"" ho. yo/ a be$.1
7he innkeep et the tankar$ $o.n one by one- "opping more a"e on the tab"e in the proce.
2& .i"" pay ,or one room ,or mye",- an$ a econ$ ,or my t.o companion.1 Brienne in$icate$
Ser Creighton an$ Ser &""i,er.
2& ha"" take a room a .e""-1 ai$ the merchant- 2,or mye", an$ goo$ Ser Sha$rich. My
erving men .i"" be$ $o.n in yo/r tab"e- i, it p"eae yo/.1
7he innkeep "ooke$ them over. 2&t $on4t p"eae me- b/t might be &4"" a""o. it. 3i"" yo/ be
.anting /pper6 7hat4 goo$ goat on the pit- that i.1
2& ha"" =/$ge it goo$ne ,or mye",-1 #iba"$ anno/nce$. 2My men .i"" content theme"ve
.ith brea$ an$ $ripping.1
An$ o they /ppe$. Brienne trie$ the goat here",- a,ter ,o""o.ing the innkeep /p the tep-
preing ome coin into hi han$- an$ tahing her goo$ in the econ$ room he ho.e$ her.
She or$ere$ goat ,or Ser Creighton an$ Ser &""i,er a .e""- ince they ha$ hare$ their tro/t .ith
her. 7he he$ge knight an$ the epton .ahe$ $o.n the meat .ith a"e- b/t Brienne $rank a c/p
o, goat4 mi"k. She "itene$ to the tab"e ta"k- hoping againt hope that he might hear omething
that .o/"$ he"p her ,in$ Sana.
2Eo/ come ,rom >ing4 ?an$ing-1 one o, the "oca" ai$ to #iba"$. 2& it tr/e that the
>ing"ayer4 been cripp"e$61
27r/e eno/gh-1 #iba"$ ai$. 2#e4 "ot hi .or$ han$.1
2Aye-1 Ser Creighton ai$- 2che.e$ o,, by a $ire.o",- & hear- one o, them monter come
$o.n ,rom the north. No/ght that4 goo$ ever come ,rom the north. Cven their go$ are A/eer.1
2&t .a not a .o",-1 Brienne hear$ here", ay. 2Ser !aime "ot hi han$ to a Dohorik
e"".or$.1
2&t i no eay thing to ,ight .ith yo/r o,, han$-1 oberve$ the Ma$ Mo/e.
2Bah-1 ai$ Ser Creighton ?ongbo/gh. 2A it happen- & ,ight a .e"" .ith either han$.1
2Hh- & have no $o/bt o, that.1 Ser Sha$rich "i,te$ hi tankar$ in a"/te.
Brienne remembere$ her ,ight .ith !aime ?anniter in the .oo$. &t ha$ been a"" that he
co/"$ $o to keep hi b"a$e at bay. 7e was weak from his imprisonment, and chained at the
wrists+ 2o knight in the Seen ,ingdoms could hae stood against him at his full strength, with
no chains to hamper him+ !aime ha$ $one many .icke$ thing- b/t the man co/"$ ,ight0 #i
maiming ha$ been montro/"y cr/e". &t .a one thing to "ay a "ion- another to hack hi pa. o,,
an$ "eave him broken an$ be.i"$ere$.
S/$$en"y the common room .a too "o/$ to en$/re a moment "onger. She m/ttere$ her goo$(
night an$ took here", /p to be$. 7he cei"ing in her room .a "o.I entering .ith a taper in her
han$- Brienne ha$ to $/ck or crack her hea$. 7he on"y ,/rnihing .ere a be$ .i$e eno/gh to
"eep i:- an$ the t/b o, a ta""o. can$"e on the i"". She "it it .ith the taper- barre$ the $oor- an$
h/ng her .or$ be"t ,rom a be$pot. #er cabbar$ .a a p"ain thing- .oo$ .rappe$ in cracke$
bro.n "eather- an$ her .or$ .a p"ainer ti"". She ha$ bo/ght it in >ing4 ?an$ing- to rep"ace
the b"a$e the Brave Companion ha$ to"en. )enl!/s sword+ &t ti"" h/rt- kno.ing he ha$ "ot it.
B/t he ha$ another "ong.or$ hi$$en in her be$ro"". She at on the be$ an$ took it o/t. Go"$
g"immere$ ye""o. in the can$"e"ight an$ r/bie mo"$ere$ re$. 3hen he "i$ Hathkeeper ,rom
the ornate cabbar$- Brienne4 breath ca/ght in her throat. B"ack an$ re$ the ripp"e ran- $eep
.ithin the tee". .al!rian steel, spell(forged+ &t .a a .or$ ,it ,or a hero. 3hen he .a ma""-
her n/re ha$ ,i""e$ her ear .ith ta"e o, va"or- rega"ing her .ith the nob"e e:p"oit o, Ser
Ga""a$on o, Morne- +"orian the +oo"- 9rince Aemon the 5ragonknight- an$ other champion.
Cach man bore a ,amo/ .or$- an$ /re"y Hathkeeper be"onge$ in their company- even i, he
here", $i$ not. 2Eo/4"" be $e,en$ing Ne$ Stark4 $a/ghter .ith Ne$ Stark4 o.n tee"-1 !aime
ha$ promie$.
>nee"ing bet.een the be$ an$ .a""- he he"$ the b"a$e an$ ai$ a i"ent prayer to the Crone-
.hoe go"$en "amp ho.e$ men the .ay thro/gh "i,e. "ead me, he praye$- light the wa! before
me, show me the path that leads to Sansa+ She ha$ ,ai"e$ Ren"y- ha$ ,ai"e$ ?a$y Cate"yn. She
m/t not ,ai" !aime. 7e trusted me with his sword+ 7e trusted me with his honor+
A,ter.ar$ he tretche$ o/t on the be$ a bet he co/"$. +or a"" it .i$th it .a not "ong
eno/gh- o Brienne "ay acro it i$e.ay. She co/"$ hear the c"atter o, tankar$ ,rom be"o.- an$
voice $ri,ting /p the tep. 7he ,"ea that ?ongbo/gh ha$ poken o, p/t in their appearance.
Scratching he"pe$ keep her a.ake.
She hear$ #iba"$ mo/nt the tair- an$ ometime "ater the knight a .e"". 28& never kne.
hi name-1 Ser Creighton .a aying a he .ent by- 2b/t /pon hi hie"$ he bore a b"oo$(re$
chicken- an$ hi b"a$e .a $ripping gore81 #i voice ,a$e$- an$ ome.here /p above- a $oor
opene$ an$ c"oe$.
#er can$"e b/rne$ o/t. 5arkne ett"e$ over the H"$ Stone Bri$ge- an$ the inn gre. o ti""
that he co/"$ hear the m/rm/r o, the river. Hn"y then $i$ Brienne rie to gather /p her thing.
She eae$ the $oor open- "itene$- ma$e her .ay bare,oot $o.n the tep. H/ti$e he $onne$
her boot an$ h/rrie$ to the tab"e to a$$"e her bay mare- aking a i"ent par$on o, Ser
Creighton an$ Ser &""i,er a he mo/nte$. Hne o, #iba"$4 erving men .oke .hen he ro$e pat
him- b/t ma$e no move to top her. #er mare4 hoove rang /pon the o"$ tone bri$ge. 7hen the
tree c"oe$ in aro/n$ her- b"ack a pitch an$ ,/"" o, ghot an$ memorie. I am coming for !ou,
"ad! Sansa, he tho/ght a he ro$e into the $arkne. Be not afraid+ I shall not rest until I/e
found !ou+
!RAN
Are we there !et6
Bran never ai$ the .or$ a"o/$- b/t they .ere o,ten on hi "ip a their ragge$ company
tr/$ge$ thro/gh grove o, ancient oak an$ to.ering grey(green entine"- pat g"oomy o"$ier
pine an$ bare bro.n chetn/t tree. Are we near6 the boy .o/"$ .on$er- a #o$or c"ambere$
/p a tony "ope- or $ecen$e$ into ome $ark crevice .here $ri,t o, $irty no. cracke$ beneath
hi ,eet. 7ow much farther6 he .o/"$ think- a the great e"k p"ahe$ acro a ha",(,roGen
tream. 7ow much longer6 It/s so cold+ Where is the three(e!ed crow6
S.aying in hi .icker baket on #o$or4 back- the boy h/nche$ $o.n- $/cking hi hea$ a
the big tab"eboy pae$ beneath the "imb o, an oak. 7he no. .a ,a""ing again- .et an$ heavy.
#o$or .a"ke$ .ith one eye ,roGen h/t- hi thick bro.n bear$ a tang"e o, hoar,rot- icic"e
$rooping ,rom the en$ o, hi b/hy m/tache. Hne g"ove$ han$ ti"" c"/tche$ the r/ty iron
"ong.or$ he ha$ taken ,rom the crypt be"o. 3inter,e""- an$ ,rom time to time he .o/"$ "ah
o/t at a branch- knocking "ooe a pray o, no.. 2#o$($($($or-1 he .o/"$ m/tter- hi teeth
chattering.
7he o/n$ .a trange"y rea/ring. Hn their =o/rney ,rom 3inter,e"" to the 3a""- Bran an$
hi companion ha$ ma$e the mi"e horter by ta"king an$ te""ing ta"e- b/t it .a $i,,erent here.
Cven #o$or ,e"t it. #i hodor came "e o,ten than they ha$ o/th o, the 3a"". 7here .a a
ti""ne to thi .oo$ "ike nothing Bran ha$ ever kno.n be,ore. Be,ore the no. began- the
north .in$ .o/"$ .ir" aro/n$ them an$ c"o/$ o, $ea$ bro.n "eave .o/"$ kick /p ,rom the
gro/n$ .ith a ,aint ma"" r/t"ing o/n$ that remin$e$ him o, roache c/rrying in a c/pboar$-
b/t no. a"" the "eave .ere b/rie$ /n$er a b"anket o, .hite. +rom time to time a raven .o/"$ ,"y
overhea$- big b"ack .ing "apping againt the co"$ air. C"e.ie the .or"$ .a i"ent.
!/t ahea$- the e"k .ove bet.een the no.$ri,t .ith hi hea$ $o.n- hi h/ge rack o, ant"er
cr/te$ .ith ice. 7he ranger at atri$e hi broa$ back- grim an$ i"ent. %oldhands .a the name
that the ,at boy Sam ha$ given him- ,or tho/gh the ranger4 ,ace .a pa"e- hi han$ .ere b"ack
an$ har$ a iron- an$ co"$ a iron too. 7he ret o, him .a .rappe$ in "ayer o, .oo" an$ boi"e$
"eather an$ ringmai"- hi ,eat/re ha$o.e$ by hi hoo$e$ c"oak an$ a b"ack .oo"en car, abo/t
the "o.er ha", o, hi ,ace.
Behin$ the ranger- Meera Ree$ .rappe$ her arm aro/n$ her brother- to he"ter him ,rom the
.in$ an$ co"$ .ith the .armth o, her o.n bo$y. A cr/t o, ,roGen not ha$ ,orme$ be"o.
!o=en4 noe- an$ ,rom time to time he hivere$ vio"ent"y. 7e looks so small, Bran tho/ght- a he
.atche$ him .ay. 7e looks smaller than me now, and weaker too, and I/m the cripple+
S/mmer bro/ght /p the rear o, their "itt"e ban$. 7he $ire.o",4 breath ,rote$ the ,oret air a
he pa$$e$ a,ter them- ti"" "imping on the hin$ "eg that ha$ taken the arro. back at
D/eencro.n. Bran ,e"t the pain o, the o"$ .o/n$ .henever he "ippe$ ini$e the big .o",4
kin. H, "ate Bran .ore S/mmer4 bo$y more o,ten than hi o.nI the .o", ,e"t the bite o, the
co"$- $epite the thickne o, hi ,/r- b/t he co/"$ ee ,arther an$ hear better an$ me"" more than
the boy in the baket- b/n$"e$ /p "ike a babe in .a$$"ing c"othe.
Hther time- .hen he .a tire$ o, being a .o",- Bran "ippe$ into #o$or4 kin intea$. 7he
gent"e giant .o/"$ .himper .hen he ,e"t him- an$ thrah hi haggy hea$ ,rom i$e to i$e- b/t
not a vio"ent"y a he ha$ the ,irt time- back at D/eencro.n. 7e knows it/s me, the boy "ike$ to
te"" hime",. 7e/s used to me b! now+ Cven o- he never ,e"t com,ortab"e ini$e #o$or4 kin. 7he
big tab"eboy never /n$ertoo$ .hat .a happening- an$ Bran co/"$ tate the ,ear at the back o,
hi mo/th. &t .a better ini$e S/mmer. I am him, and he is me+ 7e feels what I feel+
Sometime Bran co/"$ ene the $ire.o", ni,,ing a,ter the e"k- .on$ering i, he co/"$ bring
the great beat $o.n. S/mmer ha$ gro.n acc/tome$ to hore at 3inter,e""- b/t thi .a an e"k
an$ e"k .ere prey. 7he $ire.o", co/"$ ene the .arm b"oo$ co/ring beneath the e"k4 haggy
hi$e. !/t the me"" .a eno/gh to make the "aver r/n ,rom bet.een hi =a.- an$ .hen it $i$
Bran4 mo/th .o/"$ .ater at the tho/ght o, rich- $ark meat.
+rom a nearby oak a raven 3uorke$- an$ Bran hear$ the o/n$ o, .ing a another o, the big
b"ack bir$ ,"appe$ $o.n to "an$ bei$e it. By $ay on"y ha", a $oGen raven taye$ .ith them-
,"itting ,rom tree to tree or ri$ing on the ant"er o, the e"k. 7he ret o, the m/r$er ,"e. ahea$ or
"ingere$ behin$. B/t .hen the /n ank "o. they .o/"$ ret/rn- $ecen$ing ,rom the ky on
night(b"ack .ing /nti" every branch o, every tree .a thick .ith them ,or yar$ aro/n$. Some
.o/"$ ,"y to the ranger an$ m/tter at him- an$ it eeme$ to Bran that he /n$ertoo$ their 3uork
an$ s3uawk. #he! are his e!es and ears+ #he! scout for him, and whisper to him of dangers
ahead and behind+
A no.. 7he e"k toppe$ /$$en"y- an$ the ranger va/"te$ "ight"y ,rom hi back to "an$ in
knee($eep no.. S/mmer gro."e$ at him- hi ,/r brit"ing. 7he $ire.o", $i$ not "ike the .ay that
Co"$han$ me""e$. Dead meat, dr! blood, a faint whiff of rot+ And cold+ %old oer all+
23hat i it61 Meera .ante$ to kno..
2Behin$ /-1 Co"$han$ anno/nce$- hi voice m/,,"e$ by the b"ack .oo" car, acro hi noe
an$ mo/th.
23o"ve61 Bran ake$. 7hey ha$ kno.n ,or $ay that they .ere being ,o""o.e$. Cvery night
they hear$ the mo/rn,/" ho."ing o, the pack- an$ every night the .o"ve eeme$ a "itt"e c"oer.
7unters, and hungr!+ #he! can smell how weak we are+ H,ten Bran .oke hivering ho/r be,ore
the $a.n- "itening to the o/n$ o, them ca""ing to one another in the $itance a he .aite$ ,or
the /n to rie. If there are woles, there must be pre!, he /e$ to think- /nti" it came to him that
the! .ere the prey.
7he ranger hook hi hea$. 2Men. 7he .o"ve ti"" keep their $itance. 7hee men are not o
hy.1
Meera Ree$ p/he$ back her hoo$. 7he .et no. that ha$ covere$ it t/mb"e$ to the gro/n$
.ith a o,t thump+ 2#o. many men6 3ho are they61
2+oe. &4"" $ea" .ith them.1
2&4"" come .ith yo/.1
2Eo/4"" tay. 7he boy m/t be protecte$. 7here i a "ake ahea$- har$ ,roGen. 3hen yo/ come
on it- t/rn north an$ ,o""o. the hore"ine. Eo/4"" come to a ,ihing vi""age. 7ake re,/ge there
/nti" & can catch /p .ith yo/.1
Bran tho/ght that Meera meant to arg/e /nti" her brother ai$- 25o a he ay. #e kno. thi
"an$.1 !o=en4 eye .ere a $ark green- the co"or o, mo- b/t heavy .ith a .earine that Bran
ha$ never een in them be,ore. #he little grandfather+ So/th o, the 3a""- the boy ,rom the
crannog ha$ eeme$ to be .ie beyon$ hi year- b/t /p here he .a a "ot an$ ,rightene$ a
the ret o, them. Cven o- Meera a".ay "itene$ to him.
7hat .a ti"" tr/e. Co"$han$ "ippe$ bet.een the tree- back the .ay they4$ come- .ith ,o/r
raven ,"apping a,ter him. Meera .atche$ him go- her cheek re$ .ith co"$- breath p/,,ing ,rom
her notri". She p/""e$ her hoo$ back /p an$ gave the e"k a n/$ge- an$ their trek re/me$.
Be,ore they ha$ gone t.enty yar$- tho/gh- he t/rne$ to g"ance behin$ them an$ ai$- 2*en, he
ay. 3hat men6 5oe he mean .i"$"ing6 3hy .on4t he ay61
2#e ai$ he4$ go an$ $ea" .ith them-1 ai$ Bran.
2#e said, aye. #e ai$ he .o/"$ take / to thi three(eye$ cro. too. 7hat river .e croe$ thi
morning i the ame one .e croe$ ,o/r $ay ago- & .ear. 3e4re going in circ"e.1
2River t/rn an$ t.it-1 Bran ai$ /ncertain"y- 2an$ .here there4 "ake an$ hi""- yo/ nee$ to
go aro/n$.1
27here4 been too m/ch going around,1 Meera inite$- 2an$ too many ecret. & $on4t "ike it.
& $on4t "ike him+ An$ & $on4t tr/t him. 7hoe han$ o, hi are ba$ eno/gh. #e hi$e hi ,ace- an$
.i"" not peak a name. 3ho i he6 What i he6 Anyone can p/t on a b"ack c"oak. Anyone- or any
thing+ #e $oe not eat- he never $rink- he $oe not eem to ,ee" the co"$.1
It/s true+ Bran ha$ been a,rai$ to peak o, it- b/t he ha$ notice$. 3henever they took he"ter
,or the night- .hi"e he an$ #o$or an$ the Ree$ h/$$"e$ together ,or .armth- the ranger kept
apart. Sometime Co"$(han$ c"oe$ hi eye- b/t Bran $i$ not think he "ept. An$ there .a
omething e"e8
27he car,.1 Bran g"ance$ abo/t /neai"y- b/t there .a not a raven to be een. A"" the big
b"ack bir$ ha$ "e,t them .hen the ranger $i$. No one .a "itening. Cven o- he kept hi voice
"o.. 27he car, over hi mo/th- it never get a"" har$ .ith ice- "ike #o$or4 bear$. Not even
.hen he ta"k.1
Meera gave him a harp "ook. 2Eo/4re right. 3e4ve never een hi breath- have .e61
2No.1 A p/,, o, .hite hera"$e$ each o, #o$or4 hodor. 3hen !o=en or hi iter poke- their
.or$ co/"$ be een too. Cven the e"k "e,t a .arm ,og /pon the air .hen he e:ha"e$.
2&, he $oe not breathe81
Bran ,o/n$ hime", remembering the ta"e H"$ Nan ha$ to"$ him .hen he .a a babe. Be!ond
the Wall the monsters lie, the giants and the ghouls, the stalking shadows and the dead that
walk, he .o/"$ ay- t/cking him in beneath hi cratchy .oo"en b"anket- but the! cannot pass
so long as the Wall stands strong and the men of the 2ight/s Watch are true+ So go to sleep, m!
little Brandon, m! bab! bo!, and dream sweet dreams+ #here are no monsters here+ 7he ranger
.ore the b"ack o, the Night4 3atch- b/t .hat i, he .a not a man at a""6 3hat i, he .a ome
monter- taking them to the other monter to be $evo/re$6
27he ranger ave$ Sam an$ the gir" ,rom the .ight-1 Bran ai$- heitant"y- 2an$ he4 taking
me to the three(eye$ cro..1
23hy .on4t thi three(eye$ cro. come to /6 3hy co/"$n4t he meet / at the 3a""6 Cro.
have .ing. My brother gro. .eaker every $ay. #o. "ong can .e go on61
!o=en co/ghe$. 2Fnti" .e get there.1
7hey came /pon the promie$ "ake not "ong a,ter- an$ t/rne$ north a the ranger ha$ bi$
them. 7hat .a the eay part.
7he .ater .a ,roGen- an$ the no. ha$ been ,a""ing ,or o "ong that Bran ha$ "ot co/nt o,
the $ay- t/rning the "ake into a vat .hite .i"$erne. 3here the ice .a ,"at an$ the gro/n$ .a
b/mpy- the going .a eay- b/t .here the .in$ ha$ p/he$ the no. /p into ri$ge- ometime it
.a har$ to te"" .here the "ake en$e$ an$ the hore began. Cven the tree .ere not a in,a""ib"e a
g/i$e a they might have hope$- ,or there .ere .oo$e$ i"an$ in the "ake- an$ .i$e area ahore
.here no tree gre..
7he e"k .ent .here he .o/"$- regar$"e o, the .ihe o, Meera an$ !o=en on hi back.
Mot"y he taye$ beneath the tree- b/t .here the hore c/rve$ a.ay .et.ar$ he .o/"$ take the
more $irect path acro the ,roGen "ake- ho/"$ering thro/gh no.$ri,t ta""er than Bran a the ice
crack"e$ /n$erneath hi hoove. H/t there the .in$ .a tronger- a co"$ north .in$ that ho."e$
acro the "ake- kni,e$ thro/gh their "ayer o, .oo" an$ "eather- an$ et them a"" to hivering.
3hen it b"e. into their ,ace- it .o/"$ $rive the no. into their eye an$ "eave them a goo$ a
b"in$.
#o/r pae$ in i"ence. Ahea$- ha$o. began to tea" bet.een the tree- the "ong ,inger o,
the $/k. 5ark came ear"y thi ,ar north. Bran ha$ come to $rea$ that. Cach $ay eeme$ horter
than the "at- an$ .here the $ay .ere co"$- the night .ere bitter cr/e".
Meera ha"te$ them again. 23e ho/"$ have come on the vi""age by no..1 #er voice o/n$e$
h/he$ an$ trange.
2Co/"$ .e have pae$ it61 Bran ake$. 2& hope not. 3e nee$ to ,in$ he"ter be,ore night,a"".1
She .a not .rong. !o=en4 "ip .ere b"/e- Meera4 cheek $ark re$. Bran4 o.n ,ace ha$
gone n/mb. #o$or4 bear$ .a o"i$ ice. Sno. cake$ hi "eg a"mot to the knee- an$ Bran ha$
,e"t him tagger more than once. No one .a a trong a #o$or- no one. &, even hi great
trength .a ,ai"ing8
2S/mmer can ,in$ the vi""age-1 Bran ai$ /$$en"y- hi .or$ miting in the air. #e $i$ not
.ait to hear .hat Meera might ay- b/t c"oe$ hi eye an$ "et hime", ,"o. ,rom hi broken
bo$y.
A he "ippe$ ini$e S/mmer4 kin- the $ea$ .oo$ came to /$$en "i,e. 3here be,ore there
ha$ been i"ence- no. he hear$' .in$ in the tree- #o$or4 breathing- the e"k pa.ing at the
gro/n$ in earch o, ,o$$er. +ami"iar cent ,i""e$ hi notri"' .et "eave an$ $ea$ gra- the
rotte$ carca o, a A/irre" $ecaying in the br/h- the o/r tink o, man(.eat- the m/ky o$or o,
the e"k. Food+ *eat+ 7he e"k ene$ hi interet. #e t/rne$ hi hea$ to.ar$ the $ire.o",- .ary-
an$ "o.ere$ hi great ant"er.
7e is not pre!, the boy .hipere$ to the beat .ho hare$ hi kin. "eae him+ )un+
S/mmer ran. Acro the "ake he race$- hi pa. kicking /p pray o, no. behin$ him. 7he
tree too$ ho/"$er to ho/"$er- "ike men in a batt"e "ine- a"" c"oake$ in .hite. Hver root an$
rock the $ire.o", pe$- thro/gh a $ri,t o, o"$ no.- the cr/t crack"ing beneath hi .eight. #i
pa. gre. .et an$ co"$. 7he ne:t hi"" .a covere$ .ith pine- an$ the harp cent o, their
nee$"e ,i""e$ the air. 3hen he reache$ the top- he t/rne$ in a circ"e- ni,,ing at the air- then
raie$ hi hea$ an$ ho."e$.
7he me"" .ere there. Manme"".
Ashes, Bran tho/ght- old and faint, but ashes+ &t .a the me"" o, b/rnt .oo$- oot- an$
charcoa". A $ea$ ,ire.
#e hook the no. o,, hi m/GG"e. 7he .in$ .a g/ting- o the me"" .ere har$ to ,o""o..
7he .o", t/rne$ thi .ay an$ that- ni,,ing. A"" aro/n$ .ere heap o, no. an$ ta"" tree garbe$
in .hite. 7he .o", "et hi tong/e "o"" o/t bet.een hi teeth- tating the ,rigi$ air- hi breath
miting a no.(,"ake me"te$ on hi tong/e. 3hen he trotte$ to.ar$ the cent- #o$or "/mbere$
a,ter him at once. 7he e"k took "onger to $eci$e- o Bran ret/rne$ re"/ctant"y to hi o.n bo$y
an$ ai$- 27hat .ay. +o""o. S/mmer. & me""e$ it.1
A the ,irt "iver o, a crecent moon came peeking thro/gh the c"o/$- they ,ina""y t/mb"e$
into the vi""age by the "ake. 7hey ha$ a"mot .a"ke$ traight thro/gh it. +rom the ice- the vi""age
"ooke$ no $i,,erent than a $oGen other pot a"ong the "akehore. B/rie$ /n$er $ri,t o, no.- the
ro/n$ tone ho/e co/"$ =/t a eai"y have been bo/"$er or hi""ock or ,a""en "og- "ike the
$ea$,a"" that !o=en ha$ mitaken ,or a b/i"$ing the $ay be,ore- /nti" they $/g $o.n into it an$
,o/n$ on"y broken branche an$ rotting "og.
7he vi""age .a empty- aban$one$ by the .i"$"ing .ho ha$ once "ive$ there- "ike a"" the
other vi""age they ha$ pae$. Some ha$ been b/rne$- a i, the inhabitant ha$ .ante$ to make
certain they co/"$ not come creeping back- b/t thi one ha$ been pare$ the torch. Beneath the
no. they ,o/n$ a $oGen h/t an$ a "ongha""- .ith it o$ roo, an$ thick .a"" o, ro/gh(he.n
"og.
2At "eat .e .i"" be o/t o, the .in$-1 Bran ai$.
2#odor,1 ai$ #o$or.
Meera "i$ $o.n ,rom the e"k4 back. She an$ her brother he"pe$ "i,t Bran o/t o, the .icker
baket. 2Might be the .i"$"ing "e,t ome ,oo$ behin$-1 he ai$.
7hat prove$ a ,or"orn hope. &ni$e the "ongha"" they ,o/n$ the ahe o, a ,ire- ,"oor o, har$(
packe$ $irt- a chi"" that .ent bone $eep. B/t at "eat they ha$ a roo, above their hea$ an$ "og
.a"" to keep the .in$ o,,. A tream ran nearby- covere$ .ith a ,i"m o, ice. 7he e"k ha$ to crack
it .ith hi hoo, to $rink. Hnce Bran an$ !o=en an$ #o$or .ere a,e"y ett"e$- Meera ,etche$ back
ome ch/nk o, broken ice ,or them to /ck on. 7he me"ting .ater .a o co"$ it ma$e Bran
h/$$er.
S/mmer $i$ not ,o""o. them into the "ongha"". Bran co/"$ ,ee" the big .o",4 h/nger- a
ha$o. o, hi o.n. 2Go h/nt-1 he to"$ him- 2b/t yo/ "eave the e"k a"one.1 9art o, him .a
.ihing he co/"$ go h/nting too. 9erhap he .o/"$- "ater.
S/pper .a a ,it,/" o, acorn- cr/he$ an$ po/n$e$ into pate- o bitter that Bran gagge$ a
he trie$ to keep it $o.n. !o=en Ree$ $i$ not even make the attempt. Eo/nger an$ ,rai"er than hi
iter- he .a gro.ing .eaker by the $ay.
2!o=en- yo/ have to eat-1 Meera to"$ him. 2?ater. & =/t .ant to ret.1 !o=en mi"e$ a .an
mi"e. 27hi i not the $ay & $ie- iter. & promie yo/.1
2Eo/ a"mot ,e"" o,, the e"k.1
2A"mot. & am co"$ an$ h/ngry- that4 a"".1
27hen eat.1
2Cr/he$ acorn6 My be""y h/rt- b/t that .i"" on"y make it .ore. ?eave me be- iter. &4m
$reaming o, roat chicken.1
25ream .i"" not /tain yo/. Not even green$ream.1
25ream are .hat .e have.1
All we hae+ 7he "at o, the ,oo$ that they ha$ bro/ght ,rom the o/th .a ten $ay gone.
Since then h/nger .a"ke$ bei$e them $ay an$ night. Cven S/mmer co/"$ ,in$ no game in thee
.oo$. 7hey "ive$ on cr/he$ acorn an$ ra. ,ih. 7he .oo$ .ere ,/"" o, ,roGen tream an$
co"$ b"ack "ake- an$ Meera .a a goo$ a ,iher .ith her three(pronge$ ,rog pear a mot men
.ere .ith hook an$ "ine. Some $ay her "ip .ere b"/e .ith co"$ by the time he .a$e$ back to
them .ith her catch .rigg"ing on her tine. &t ha$ been three $ay ince Meera ca/ght a ,ih-
ho.ever. Bran4 be""y ,e"t o ho""o. it might have been three year.
A,ter they choke$ $o.n their meagre /pper- Meera at .ith her back againt a .a""-
harpening her $agger on a .hettone. #o$or A/atte$ $o.n bei$e the $oor- rocking back an$
,orth on hi ha/nche an$ m/ttering- 2#o$or- ho$or- ho$or.1
Bran c"oe$ hi eye. &t .a too co"$ to ta"k- an$ they $are not "ight a ,ire. Co"$han$ ha$
.arne$ them againt that. #hese woods are not as empt! as !ou think, he ha$ ai$. &ou cannot
know what the light might summon from the darkness+ 7he memory ma$e him hiver- $epite the
.armth o, #o$or bei$e him.
S"eep .o/"$ not come- co/"$ not come. &ntea$ there .a .in$- the biting co"$- moon"ight on
no.- an$ ,ire. #e .a back ini$e S/mmer- "ong "eag/e a.ay- an$ the night .a rank .ith the
me"" o, b"oo$. 7he cent .a trong. A kill, not far+ 7he ,"eh .o/"$ ti"" be .arm. S"aver ran
bet.een hi teeth a the h/nger .oke ini$e him. 2ot elk+ 2ot deer+ 2ot this+
7he $ire.o", move$ to.ar$ the meat- a ga/nt grey ha$o. "i$ing ,rom tree to tree- thro/gh
poo" o, moon"ight an$ over mo/n$ o, no.. 7he .in$ g/te$ aro/n$ him- hi,ting. #e "ot the
cent- ,o/n$ it- then "ot it again. A he earche$ ,or it once more- a $itant o/n$ ma$e hi ear
prick /p.
Wolf, he kne. at once. S/mmer ta"ke$ to.ar$ the o/n$- .ary no.. Soon eno/gh the cent
o, b"oo$ .a back- b/t no. there .ere other me""' pi an$ $ea$ kin- bir$ hit- ,eather- an$
.o",- .o",- .o",. A pack+ #e .o/"$ nee$ to ,ight ,or hi meat.
7hey me""e$ him too. A he move$ o/t ,rom amongt the $arkne o, the tree into the
b"oo$y g"a$e- they .ere .atching him. 7he ,ema"e .a che.ing on a "eather boot that ti"" ha$
ha", a "eg in it- b/t he "et it ,a"" at hi approach. 7he "ea$er o, the pack- an o"$ ma"e .ith a
griGG"e$ .hite m/GG"e an$ a b"in$ eye- move$ o/t to meet him- nar"ing- hi teeth bare$. Behin$
him- a yo/nger ma"e ho.e$ hi ,ang a .e"".
7he $ire.o",4 pa"e ye""o. eye $rank in the ight aro/n$ them. A net o, entrai" coi"e$
thro/gh a b/h- entang"e$ .ith the branche. Steam riing ,rom an open be""y- rich .ith the
me"" o, b"oo$ an$ meat. A hea$ taring ight"e"y /p at a horne$ moon- cheek rippe$ an$ torn
$o.n to b"oo$y bone- pit ,or eye- neck en$ing in a ragge$ t/mp. A poo" o, ,roGen b"oo$-
g"itening re$ an$ b"ack.
*en+ 7he tink o, them ,i""e$ the .or"$. A"ive- they ha$ been a many a the ,inger on a
man4 pa.- b/t no. they .ere none. Dead+ Done+ *eat+ C"oake$ an$ hoo$e$- once- b/t the
.o"ve ha$ torn their c"othing into piece in their ,renGy to get at the ,"eh. 7hoe .ho ti"" ha$
,ace .ore thick bear$ cr/te$ .ith ice an$ ,roGen not. 7he ,a""ing no. ha$ beg/n to b/ry
.hat remaine$ o, them- o pa"e againt the b"ack o, ragge$ c"oak an$ breeche. Black+
?ong "eag/e a.ay- the boy tirre$ /neai"y.
Black+ 2ight/s Watch+ #he! were 2ight/s Watch+
7he $ire.o", $i$ not care. 7hey .ere meat. #e .a h/ngry.
7he eye o, the three .o"ve g"o.e$ ye""o.. 7he $ire.o", ./ng hi hea$ ,rom i$e to i$e-
notri" ,"aring- then bare$ hi ,ang in a nar". 7he yo/nger ma"e backe$ a.ay. 7he $ire.o",
co/"$ me"" the ,ear in him. #ail, he kne.. B/t the one(eye$ .o", an.ere$ .ith a gro." an$
move$ to b"ock hi a$vance. 7ead+ And he does not fear me though I am twice his size+
7heir eye met.
Warg;
7hen the t.o r/he$ together- .o", an$ $ire.o",- an$ there .a no more time ,or tho/ght. 7he
.or"$ hrank $o.n to tooth an$ c"a.- no. ,"ying a they ro""e$ an$ p/n an$ tore at one
another- the other .o"ve nar"ing an$ napping aro/n$ them. #i =a. c"oe$ on matte$ ,/r "ick
.ith hoar,rot- on a "imb thin a a $ry tick- b/t the one(eye$ .o", c"a.e$ at hi be""y an$ tore
hime", ,ree- ro""e$- "/nge$ ,or him. Ee""o. ,ang nappe$ c"oe$ on hi throat- b/t he hook o,,
hi o"$ grey co/in a he .o/"$ a rat- then charge$ a,ter him- knocke$ him $o.n. Ro""ing-
ripping- kicking- they ,o/ght /nti" the both o, them .ere ragge$ an$ ,reh b"oo$ $app"e$ the
no. aro/n$ them. B/t ,ina""y the o"$ one(eye$ .o", "ay $o.n an$ ho.e$ hi be""y. 7he
$ire.o", nappe$ at him t.ice more- ni,,e$ at hi b/tt- then "i,te$ a "eg over him.
A ,e. nap an$ a .arning gro."- an$ the ,ema"e an$ the tai" /bmitte$ too. 7he pack .a
hi.
7he prey a .e"". #e .ent ,rom man to man- ni,,ing- be,ore ett"ing on the bigget- a ,ace"e
thing .ho c"/tche$ b"ack iron in one han$. #i other han$ .a miing- evere$ at the .rit- the
t/mp bo/n$ /p in "eather. B"oo$ ,"o.e$ thick an$ "/ggih ,rom the "ah acro hi throat. 7he
.o", "appe$ at it .ith hi tong/e- "icke$ the ragge$ eye"e r/in o, hi noe an$ cheek- then
b/rie$ hi m/GG"e in hi neck an$ tore it open- g/"ping $o.n a gobbet o, .eet meat. No ,"eh
ha$ ever tate$ ha", a goo$.
3hen he .a $one .ith that one- he move$ to the ne:t- an$ $evo/re$ the choicet bit o, that
man too. Raven .atche$ him ,rom the tree- A/atting $ark(eye$ an$ i"ent on the branche a
no. $ri,te$ $o.n aro/n$ them. 7he other .o"ve ma$e $o .ith hi "eavingI the o"$ ma"e ,e$
,irt- then the ,ema"e- then the tai". 7hey .ere hi no.. 7hey .ere pack.
2o, the boy .hipere$- we hae another pack+ "ad!/s dead and ma!be 1re! Wind too, but
somewhere there/s still Shagg!dog and 2!meria and 1host+ )emember 1host6
+a""ing no. an$ ,eating .o"ve began to $im. 3armth beat againt hi ,ace- com,orting a a
mother4 kie. Fire, he tho/ght- smoke+ #i noe t.itche$ to the me"" o, roating meat. An$
then the ,oret ,e"" a.ay- an$ he .a back in the "ongha"" again- back in hi broken bo$y- taring
at a ,ire. Meera Ree$ .a t/rning a ch/nk o, ra. re$ ,"eh above the ,"ame- "etting it char an$
pit. 2!/t in time-1 he ai$. Bran r/bbe$ hi eye .ith the hee" o, hi han$ an$ .rigg"e$
back.ar$ againt the .a"" to it. 2Eo/ a"mot "ept thro/gh /pper. 7he ranger ,o/n$ a o..1
Behin$ her- #o$or .a tearing eager"y at a ch/nk o, hot charre$ ,"eh a b"oo$ an$ greae ran
$o.n into hi bear$. 3ip o, moke roe ,rom bet.een hi ,inger. 2#o$or-1 he m/ttere$
bet.een bite- 2ho$or- ho$or.1 #i .or$ "ay on the earthen ,"oor bei$e him. !o=en Ree$ nippe$
at hi o.n =oint .ith ma"" bite- che.ing each ch/nk o, meat a $oGen time be,ore .a""o.ing.
#he ranger killed a pig+ Co"$han$ too$ bei$e the $oor- a raven on hi arm- both taring at
the ,ire. Re,"ection ,rom the ,"ame g"ittere$ o,, ,o/r b"ack eye. 7e does not eat, Bran
remembere$- and he fears the flames+
2Eo/ ai$ no ,ire-1 he remin$e$ the ranger. 27he .a"" aro/n$ / hi$e the "ight- an$ $a.n i
c"oe. 3e .i"" be on o/r .ay oon.1
23hat happene$ to the men6 7he ,oe behin$ /61
27hey .i"" not tro/b"e yo/.1
23ho .ere they6 3i"$"ing61
Meera t/rne$ the meat to cook the other i$e. #o$or .a che.ing an$ .a""o.ing- m/ttering
happi"y /n$er hi breath. Hn"y !o=en eeme$ a.are o, .hat .a happening a Co"$han$ t/rne$
hi hea$ to tare at Bran. 27hey .ere ,oe.1
*en of the 2ight/s Watch+ 2Eo/ ki""e$ them. Eo/ an$ the raven. 7heir ,ace .ere a"" torn-
an$ their eye .ere gone.1 Co"$han$ $i$ not $eny it. 27hey .ere yo/r brothers+ & a.. 7he
.o"ve ha$ rippe$ their c"othe /p- b/t & co/"$ ti"" te"". 7heir c"oak .ere b"ack. ?ike yo/r
han$.1 Co"$(han$ ai$ nothing. 23ho are yo/6 Wh! are !our hands black61
7he ranger t/$ie$ hi han$ a i, he ha$ never notice$ them be,ore. 2Hnce the heart ha
ceae$ to beat- a man4 b"oo$ r/n $o.n into hi e:tremitie- .here it thicken an$ congea".1
#i voice ratt"e$ in hi throat- a thin an$ ga/nt a he .a. 2#i han$ an$ ,eet .e"" /p an$ t/rn
a b"ack a p/$$ing. 7he ret o, him become a .hite a mi"k.1
Meera Ree$ roe- her ,rog pear in her han$- a ch/nk o, moking meat ti"" impa"e$ /pon it
tine. 2Sho. / yo/r ,ace.1
7he ranger ma$e no move to obey.
2#e4 $ea$.1 Bran co/"$ tate the bi"e in hi throat. 2Meera- he4 ome $ea$ thing. 7he
monter cannot pa o "ong a the 3a"" tan$ an$ the men o, the Night4 3atch tay tr/e-
that4 .hat H"$ Nan /e$ to ay. #e came to meet / at the 3a""- b/t he co/"$ not pa. #e ent
Sam intea$- .ith that .i"$"ing gir".1
Meera4 g"ove$ han$ tightene$ aro/n$ the ha,t o, her ,rog pear. 23ho ent yo/6 3ho i thi
three(eye$ cro.61
2A ,rien$. 5reamer- .iGar$- ca"" him .hat yo/ .i"". 7he "at green(eer.1 7he "ongha""4
.oo$en $oor bange$ open. H/ti$e- the night .in$ ho."e$- b"eak an$ b"ack. 7he tree .ere ,/""
o, raven- creaming. Co"$(han$ $i$ not move.
2A monter-1 Bran ai$.
7he ranger "ooke$ at Bran a i, the ret o, them $i$ not e:it. 2Eo/r monter- Bran$on Stark.1
2&ours,1 the raven echoe$- ,rom hi ho/"$er. H/ti$e the $oor- the raven in the tree took /p
the cry- /nti" the night .oo$ echoe$ to the m/r$erer4 ong o, 2&ours, !ours, !ours+1
2!o=en- $i$ yo/ $ream thi61 Meera ake$ her brother. 23ho i he6 3hat i he6 3hat $o .e
$o no.61
23e go .ith the ranger-1 ai$ !o=en. 23e have come too ,ar to t/rn back no.- Meera. 3e
.o/"$ never make it back to the 3a"" a"ive. 3e go .ith Bran4 monter- or .e $ie.1
T'RION
7hey $eparte$ 9ento by the S/nrie Gate- tho/gh 7yrion ?anniter never g"impe$ the
/nrie. 2&t .i"" be a i, yo/ ha$ never come to 9ento- my "itt"e ,rien$-1 promie$ Magiter
&""yrio- a he $re. h/t the "itter4 p/rp"e ve"vet $rape. 2No man m/t ee yo/ "eave the city- a
no man a. yo/ enter.1
2No man e:cept the ai"or .ho t/,,e$ me in that barre"- the cabin boy .ho c"eane$ /p a,ter
me- the gir" yo/ ent to .arm my be$- an$ that treachero/ ,reck"e$ .aher.oman. Hh- an$ yo/r
g/ar$. Fn"e yo/ remove$ their .it a"ong .ith their ba""- they kno. yo/4re not a"one in
here.1 7he "itter .a /pen$e$ bet.een eight mammoth $ra,t hore on heavy "eather trap.
+o/r e/n/ch pace$ bei$e the hore- t.o to either i$e- an$ more .ere tr/$ging a"ong behin$
to g/ar$ the baggage train.
2Fn/""ie$ te"" no ta"e-1 &""yrio a/re$ him. 2An$ the ga""ey that $e"ivere$ yo/ i on her .ay
to Ahai even no.. &t .i"" be t.o year be,ore he ret/rn- i, the ea are kin$. A ,or my
ho/eho"$- they "ove me .e"". None .o/"$ betray me.1
%herish that thought, m! fat friend+ One da! we will care those words upon !our cr!pt+ 23e
ho/"$ be aboar$ that ga""ey-1 the $.ar, ai$. 27he ,atet .ay to %o"anti i by ea.1
27he ea i haGar$o/-1 rep"ie$ &""yrio. 2A/t/mn i a eaon ri,e .ith torm- an$ pirate ti""
make their $en /pon the Steptone an$ vent/re ,orth to prey on honet men. &t .o/"$ never $o
,or my "itt"e ,rien$ to ,a"" into /ch han$.1
27here are pirate on the Rhoyne a .e"".1
2River pirate.1 7he cheeemonger gave a ya.n- covering hi mo/th .ith the back o, hi
han$. 2Cockroach captain c/rrying a,ter cr/mb.1
2Hne hear ta"k o, tone men a .e"".1
27hey are rea" eno/gh- poor $amne$ thing. B/t .hy peak o, /ch thing6 7he $ay i too
,ine ,or /ch ta"k. 3e ha"" ee the Rhoyne oon- an$ there yo/ ha"" be ri$ o, &""yrio an$ hi big
be""y. 7i"" then- "et / $rink an$ $ream. 3e have .eet .ine an$ avorie to en=oy. 3hy $.e""
/pon $ieae an$ $eath61
Wh! indeed6 7yrion hear$ the thrum o, a crobo. once again- an$ .on$ere$. 7he "itter
.aye$ i$e to i$e- a oothing movement that ma$e him ,ee" a i, he .ere a chi"$ being rocke$
to "eep in hi mother4 arm. 2ot that I would know what that was like+ Si"k pi""o. t/,,e$ .ith
gooe $o.n c/hione$ hi cheek. 7he p/rp"e ve"vet .a"" c/rve$ overhea$ to ,orm a roo,-
making it p"eaant"y .arm .ithin $epite the a/t/mn chi"" o/ti$e.
A train o, m/"e trai"e$ behin$ them- carrying chet an$ cak an$ barre"- an$ hamper o,
$e"ectab"e to keep the "or$ o, cheee ,rom gro.ing peckih. 7hey nibb"e$ on pice$ a/age that
morning- .ahe$ $o.n .ith a $ark mokeberry bro.n. !e""ie$ ee" an$ 5ornih re$ ,i""e$ their
a,ternoon. Come evening there .ere "ice$ ham- boi"e$ egg- an$ roate$ "ark t/,,e$ .ith
gar"ic an$ onion- .ith pa"e a"e an$ Myrih ,ire .ine to he"p in their $igetion. 7he "itter .a
a "o. a it .a com,ortab"e- ho.ever- an$ the $.ar, oon ,o/n$ hime", itching .ith
impatience.
2#o. many $ay /nti" .e reach the river61 he ake$ &""yrio that evening. 2At thi pace- yo/r
A/een4 $ragon .i"" be "arger than Aegon4 three be,ore & can "ay eye /pon them.1
23o/"$ it .ere o. A "arge $ragon i more ,earome than a ma"" one.1 7he magiter
hr/gge$. 2M/ch a it .o/"$ p"eae me to .e"come D/een 5aenery to %o"anti- & m/t re"y on
yo/ an$ Gri,, ,or that. & can erve her bet in 9ento- moothing the .ay ,or her ret/rn. So "ong
a & am .ith yo/- tho/gh8 .e""- an o"$ ,at man m/t have hi com,ort- ye6 Come- $rink a c/p
o, .ine.1
27e"" me-1 7yrion ai$ a he $rank- 2.hy ho/"$ a magiter o, 9ento give three ,ig .ho
.ear the cro.n in 3etero6 3here i the gain ,or yo/ in thi vent/re- my "or$61
7he ,at man $abbe$ greae ,rom hi "ip. 2& am an o"$ man- gro.n .eary o, thi .or"$ an$ it
treacherie. & it o trange that & ho/"$ .ih to $o ome goo$ be,ore my $ay are $one- to he"p a
.eet yo/ng gir" regain her birthright61
2e8t !ou will be offering me a suit of magic armor and a palace in .al!ria+ 2&, 5aenery i no
more than a .eet yo/ng gir"- the &ron 7hrone .i"" c/t her into .eet yo/ng piece.1
2+ear not- my "itt"e ,rien$. 7he b"oo$ o, Aegon the 5ragon ,"o. in her vein.1
Along with the blood of Aegon the <nworth!, *aegor the %ruel, and Baelor the Befuddled+
27e"" me more o, her.1
7he ,at man gre. penive. 25aenery .a ha", a chi"$ .hen he came to me- yet ,airer even
than my econ$ .i,e- o "ove"y & .a tempte$ to c"aim her ,or mye",. S/ch a ,ear,/"- ,/rtive
thing- ho.ever- & kne. & ho/"$ get no =oy ,rom co/p"ing .ith her. &ntea$ & /mmone$ a be$(
.armer an$ ,/cke$ her vigoro/"y /nti" the ma$ne pae$. &, tr/th be to"$- & $i$ not think
5aenery .o/"$ /rvive ,or "ong amongt the hore"or$.1
27hat $i$ not top yo/ e""ing her to >ha" 5rogo81
25othraki neither b/y nor e"". Say rather that her brother %iery gave her to 5rogo to .in
the kha"4 ,rien$hip. A vain yo/ng man- an$ gree$y. %iery "/te$ ,or hi ,ather4 throne- b/t
he "/te$ ,or 5aenery too- an$ .a "oath to give her /p. 7he night be,ore the prince .e$ he
trie$ to tea" into her be$- initing that i, he co/"$ not have her han$- he .o/"$ c"aim her
mai$enhea$. #a$ & not taken the preca/tion o, poting g/ar$ /pon her $oor- %iery might have
/n$one year o, p"anning.1
2#e o/n$ an /tter ,oo".1
2%iery .a Ma$ Aery4 on- =/t o. 5aenery8 5aenery i A/ite $i,,erent.1 #e poppe$ a
roate$ "ark into hi mo/th an$ cr/nche$ it noii"y- bone an$ a"". 27he ,rightene$ chi"$ .ho
he"tere$ in my mane $ie$ on the 5othraki ea- an$ .a reborn in b"oo$ an$ ,ire. 7hi $ragon
A/een .ho .ear her name i a tr/e 7argaryen. 3hen & ent hip to bring her home- he t/rne$
to.ar$ S"aver4 Bay. &n a hort pan o, $ay he conA/ere$ Atapor- ma$e E/nkai ben$ the
knee- an$ acke$ Meereen. Mantary .i"" be ne:t- i, he marche .et a"ong the o"$ %a"yrian
roa$. &, he come by ea- .e""8 her ,"eet m/t take on ,oo$ an$ .ater at %o"anti.1
2By "an$ or by ea- there are "ong "eag/e bet.een Meereen an$ %o"anti-1 7yrion oberve$.
2+ive h/n$re$ ,i,ty- a the $ragon ,"ie- thro/gh $eert- mo/ntain- .amp- an$ $emon(
ha/nte$ r/in. Many an$ more .i"" perih- b/t thoe .ho /rvive .i"" be tronger by the time
they reach %o"anti8 .here they ha"" ,in$ yo/ an$ Gri,, a.aiting them- .ith ,reh ,orce an$
/,,icient hip to carry them a"" acro the ea to 3etero.1
7yrion pon$ere$ a"" he kne. o, %o"anti- o"$et an$ pro/$et o, the Nine +ree Citie.
Something .a a.ry here. Cven .ith ha", a noe- he co/"$ me"" it. 2&t4 ai$ there are ,ive
"ave ,or every ,ree man in %o"anti. 3hy .o/"$ the triarch ait a A/een .ho mahe$ the
"ave tra$e61 #e pointe$ at &""yrio. 2+or that matter- .hy .o/"$ yo/6 S"avery may be ,orbi$$en
by the "a. o, 9ento- yet yo/ have a ,inger in that tra$e a .e""- an$ maybe a .ho"e han$. An$
yet yo/ conpire ,or the $ragon A/een- an$ not againt her. 3hy6 3hat $o yo/ hope to gain ,rom
D/een 5aenery61
2Are .e back to that again6 Eo/ are a peritent "itt"e man.1 &""yrio gave a "a/gh an$ "appe$
hi be""y. 2A yo/ .i"". 7he Beggar >ing .ore that & ho/"$ be hi mater o, coin- an$ a "or$"y
"or$ a .e"". Hnce he .ore hi go"$en cro.n- & ho/"$ have my choice o, cat"e8 even Cater"y
Rock- i, & $eire$.1
7yrion norte$ .ine back /p the carre$ t/mp that ha$ been hi noe. 2My ,ather .o/"$ have
"ove$ to hear that.1
2Eo/r "or$ ,ather ha$ no ca/e ,or concern. 3hy .o/"$ & .ant a rock6 My mane i "arge
eno/gh ,or any man- an$ more com,ortab"e than yo/r $ra,ty 3eteroi cat"e. Mater o, coin-
tho/gh81 7he ,at man pee"e$ another egg. 2& am ,on$ o, coin. & there any o/n$ a .eet a
the c"ink o, go"$ on go"$61
A sister/s screams+ 2Are yo/ A/ite certain that 5aenery .i"" make goo$ her brother4
promie61
2She .i""- or he .i"" not.1 &""yrio bit the egg in ha",. 2& to"$ yo/- my "itt"e ,rien$- not a"" that a
man $oe i $one ,or gain. Be"ieve a yo/ .ih- b/t even ,at o"$ ,oo" "ike me have ,rien$- an$
$ebt o, a,,ection to repay.1
"iar, tho/ght 7yrion. #here is something in this enture worth more to !ou than coin or
castles+ 2Eo/ meet o ,e. men .ho va"/e ,rien$hip over go"$ thee $ay.1
27oo tr/e-1 the ,at man ai$- $ea, to the irony. 2#o. i it that the Spi$er became o $ear to
yo/61
23e .ere yo/ng together- t.o green boy in 9ento.1
2%ary came ,rom Myr.1
2So he $i$. & met him not "ong a,ter he arrive$- one tep ahea$ o, the "aver. By $ay he "ept
in the e.er- by night he pro."e$ the roo,top "ike a cat. & .a near a poor- a bravo in oi"e$
i"k- "iving by my b"a$e. 9erhap yo/ chance$ to g"impe the tat/e by my poo"6 9ytho Ma"anon
carve$ that .hen & .a i:(an$(ten. A "ove"y thing- tho/gh no. & .eep to ee it.1
2Age make r/in o, / a"". & am ti"" in mo/rning ,or my noe. B/t %ary81
2&n Myr he .a a prince o, thieve- /nti" a riva" thie, in,orme$ on him. &n 9ento hi accent
marke$ him- an$ once he .a kno.n ,or a e/n/ch he .a $epie$ an$ beaten. 3hy he choe me
to protect him & may never kno.- b/t .e came to an arrangement. %ary pie$ on "eer thieve
an$ took their taking. & o,,ere$ my he"p to their victim- promiing to recover their va"/ab"e ,or
a ,ee. Soon every man .ho ha$ /,,ere$ a "o kne. to come to me- .hi"t city4 ,ootpa$ an$
c/tp/re o/ght o/t %ary8 ha", to "it hi throat- the other ha", to e"" him .hat they4$ to"en.
3e both gre. rich- an$ richer ti"" .hen %ary traine$ hi mice.1
2&n >ing4 ?an$ing he kept "itt"e bir$.1
2Mice- .e ca""e$ them then. 7he o"$er thieve .ere ,oo" .ho tho/ght no ,/rther than t/rning
a night4 p"/n$er into .ine. %ary pre,erre$ orphan boy an$ yo/ng gir". #e choe the ma""et-
the one .ho .ere A/ick an$ A/iet- an$ ta/ght them to c"imb .a"" an$ "ip $o.n chimney. #e
ta/ght them to rea$ a .e"". 3e "e,t the go"$ an$ gem ,or common thieve. &ntea$ o/r mice
to"e "etter- "e$ger- chart8 "ater- they .o/"$ rea$ them an$ "eave them .here they "ay. Secrets
are worth more than siler or sapphires, %ary c"aime$. !/t o. & gre. o repectab"e that a
co/in o, the 9rince o, 9ento "et me .e$ hi mai$en $a/ghter- .hi"t .hiper o, a certain
e/n/ch4 ta"ent croe$ the narro. ea an$ reache$ the ear o, a certain king. A very an8ious
king- .ho $i$ not .ho""y tr/t hi on- nor hi .i,e- nor hi #an$- a ,rien$ o, hi yo/th .ho ha$
gro.n arrogant an$ overpro/$. & $o be"ieve that yo/ kno. the ret o, thi ta"e- i that not o61
2M/ch o, it-1 7yrion a$mitte$. 2& ee that yo/ are ome.hat more than a cheeemonger a,ter
a"".1
&""yrio inc"ine$ hi hea$. 2Eo/ are kin$ to ay o- my "itt"e ,rien$. An$ ,or my part- & ee that
yo/ are =/t a A/ick a ?or$ %ary c"aime$.1 #e mi"e$- ho.ing a"" hi crooke$ ye""o. teeth-
an$ ho/te$ ,or another =ar o, Myrih ,ire .ine.
3hen the magiter $ri,te$ o,, to "eep .ith the .ine =ar at hi e"bo.- 7yrion crept acro the
pi""o. to .ork it "ooe ,rom it ,"ehy prion an$ po/r hime", a c/p. #e $raine$ it $o.n- an$
ya.ne$- an$ ,i""e$ it once again. If I drink enough fire wine, he to"$ hime",- perhaps I/ll dream
of dragons+
3hen he .a ti"" a "one"y chi"$ in the $epth o, Cater"y Rock- he o,t ro$e $ragon thro/gh
the night- preten$ing he .a ome "ot 7argaryen prince"ing- or a %a"yrian $ragon"or$ oaring
high o4er ,ie"$ an$ mo/ntain. Hnce- .hen hi /nc"e ake$ him .hat gi,t he .ante$ ,or hi
name($ay- he begge$ them ,or a $ragon. 2&t .o/"$n4t nee$ to be a big one. &t co/"$ be "itt"e- "ike
& am.1 #i /nc"e Gerion tho/ght that .a the ,/nniet thing he ha$ ever hear$- b/t hi /nc"e
7ygett ai$- 27he "at $ragon $ie$ a cent/ry ago- "a$.1 7hat ha$ eeme$ o montro/"y /n,air
that the boy ha$ crie$ hime", to "eep that night.
Eet i, the "or$ o, cheee co/"$ be be"ieve$- the Ma$ >ing4 $a/ghter ha$ hatche$ three "iving
$ragon. #wo more than een a #argar!en should re3uire+ 7yrion .a a"mot orry that he ha$
ki""e$ hi ,ather. #e .o/"$ have en=oye$ eeing ?or$ 7y.in4 ,ace .hen he "earne$ that there
.a a 7argaryen A/een on her .ay to 3etero .ith three $ragon- backe$ by a cheming
e/n/ch an$ a cheeemonger ha", the iGe o, Cater"y Rock.
7he $.ar, .a o t/,,e$ that he ha$ to /n$o hi be"t an$ the topmot "ace on hi breeche.
7he boy4 c"othe hi hot ha$ $ree$ him in ma$e him ,ee" "ike ten po/n$ o, a/age in a ,ive(
po/n$ kin. If we eat this wa! eer! da! I will be the size of Ill!rio before I meet this dragon
3ueen+ H/t(i$e the "itter night ha$ ,a""en. &ni$e a"" .a $ark. 7yrion "itene$ to &""yrio4 nore-
the creak o, the "eather trap- the "o. clop clop o, the team4 ironho$ hoove on the har$
%a"yrian roa$- b/t hi heart .a "itening ,or the beat o, "eathern .ing.
3hen he .oke- $a.n ha$ come. 7he hore p"o$$e$ on- the "itter creaking an$ .aying
bet.een them. 7yrion p/""e$ the c/rtain back an inch to peer o/ti$e- b/t there .a "itt"e to ee
b/t ochre ,ie"$- bare bro.n e"m- an$ the roa$ ite",- a broa$ tone high.ay that ran traight a a
pear to the horiGon. #e ha$ rea$ abo/t %a"yrian roa$- b/t thi .a the ,irt he ha$ een. 7he
+reeho"$4 grap ha$ reache$ a ,ar a 5ragontone- b/t never to the main"an$ o, 3etero ite",.
Odd, that+ Dragonstone is no more than a rock+ #he wealth was farther west, but the! had
dragons+ Surel! the! knew that it was there+
#e ha$ $r/nk too m/ch "at night. #i hea$ .a po/n$ing- an$ even the gent"e .aying o, the
"itter .a eno/gh to make hi gorge rie in hi throat. 7ho/gh he ai$ no .or$ o, comp"aint- hi
$itre m/t have been p"ain to &""yrio Mopati. 2Come- $rink .ith me-1 the ,at man ai$. 2A
ca"e ,rom the $ragon that b/rne$ yo/- a they ay.1 #e po/re$ ,or them ,rom a ,"agon o,
b"ackberry .ine o .eet that it $re. more ,"ie than honey. 7yrion hooe$ them o,, .ith the
back o, hi han$ an$ $rank $eep. 7he tate .a o c"oying that it .a a"" he co/"$ $o to keep it
$o.n. 7he econ$ c/p .ent $o.n eaier- ho.ever. Cven o- he ha$ no appetite- an$ .hen &""yrio
o,,ere$ him a bo." o, b"ackberrie in cream he .ave$ it o,,. 2& $reame$ abo/t the A/een-1 he
ai$. 2& .a on my knee be,ore her- .earing my a""egiance- b/t he mitook me ,or my brother-
!aime- an$ ,e$ me to her $ragon.1
2?et / hope thi $ream .a not prophetic. Eo/ are a c"ever imp- =/t a %ary ai$- an$
5aenery .i"" have nee$ o, c"ever men abo/t her. Ser Barritan i a va"iant knight an$ tr/eI b/t
none- & think- ha ever ca""e$ him c/nning.1
2>night kno. on"y one .ay to o"ve a prob"em. 7hey co/ch their "ance an$ charge. A
$.ar, ha a $i,,erent .ay o, "ooking at the .or"$. 3hat o, yo/- tho/gh6 Eo/ are a c"ever man
yo/re",.1
2Eo/ ,"atter me.1 &""yrio .agg"e$ hi han$. 2A"a- & am not ma$e ,or trave"- o & .i"" en$ yo/
to 5aenery in my tea$. Eo/ $i$ #er Grace a great ervice .hen yo/ "e. yo/r ,ather- an$ it i
my hope that yo/ .i"" $o her many more. 5aenery i not the ,oo" her brother .a. She .i""
make goo$ /e o, yo/.1
As kindling6 7yrion tho/ght- mi"ing p"eaant"y.
7hey change$ o/t team on"y thrice that $ay b/t eeme$ to ha"t t.ice an ho/r at the "eat o
&""yrio co/"$ c"imb $o.n ,rom the "itter an$ have hime", a pi. Our lord of cheese is the size of
an elephant, but he has a bladder like a peanut, the $.ar, m/e$. 5/ring one top- he /e$ the
time to have a c"oer "ook at the roa$. 7yrion kne. .hat he .o/"$ ,in$' not packe$ earth- nor
brick- nor cobb"e- b/t a ribbon o, ,/e$ tone raie$ a ha", ,oot above the gro/n$ to a""o.
rain,a"" an$ no.me"t to r/n o,, it ho/"$er. Fn"ike the m/$$y track that pae$ ,or roa$ in
the Seven >ing$om- the %a"yrian roa$ .ere .i$e eno/gh ,or three .agon to pa abreat- an$
neither time nor tra,,ic marre$ them. 7hey ti"" en$/re$- /nchanging- ,o/r cent/rie a,ter %a"yria
ite", ha$ met it 5oom. #e "ooke$ ,or r/t an$ crack b/t ,o/n$ on"y a pi"e o, .arm $/ng
$epoite$ by one o, the hore.
7he $/ng ma$e him think o, hi "or$ ,ather. Are !ou down in some hell, Father6 A nice cold
hell where !ou can look up and see me help restore *ad Aer!s/s daughter to the Iron #hrone6
A they re/me$ their =o/rney- &""yrio pro$/ce$ a bag o, roate$ chetn/t an$ began to peak
once more o, the $ragon A/een. 2H/r "at ne. o, D/een 5aenery i o"$ an$ ta"e- & ,ear. By
no. he .i"" have "e,t Meereen- .e m/t a/me. She ha her hot at "at- a ragge$ hot o,
e"".or$- 5othraki hore"or$- an$ Fn/""ie$ in,antry- an$ he .i"" no $o/bt "ea$ them .et- to
take back her ,ather4 throne.1 Magiter &""yrio t.ite$ open a pot o, gar"ic nai"- ni,,e$ at
them- an$ mi"e$. 2At %o"anti- yo/ .i"" have ,reh ti$ing o, 5aenery- .e m/t hope-1 he ai$-
a he /cke$ one ,rom it he"". 25ragon an$ yo/ng gir" are both capricio/- an$ it may be that
yo/ .i"" nee$ to a$=/t yo/r p"an. Gri,, .i"" kno. .hat to $o. 3i"" yo/ have a nai"6 7he gar"ic
i ,rom my o.n gar$en.1
I could ride a snail and make a better pace than this litter of !ours+ 7yrion .ave$ the $ih
a.ay. 2Eo/ p"ace a $ea" o, tr/t in thi man Gri,,. Another ,rien$ o, yo/r chi"$hoo$61
2No. A e"".or$- yo/ .o/"$ ca"" him- b/t 3eteroi born. 5aenery nee$ men .orthy o, her
ca/e.1 &""yrio raie$ a han$. 2& kno.0 JSellswords put gold before honor,4 yo/ are thinking.
J#his man 1riff will sell me to m! sister+4 Not o. & tr/t Gri,, a & .o/"$ tr/t a brother.1
Another mortal error+ 27hen & ha"" $o "ike.ie.1
27he Go"$en Company marche to.ar$ %o"anti a .e peak- there to a.ait the coming o,
o/r A/een o/t o, the eat.1
Beneath the gold, the bitter steel+ 2& ha$ hear$ the Go"$en Company .a /n$er contract .ith
one o, the +ree Citie.1
2Myr.1 &""yrio mirke$. 2Contract can be broken.1
27here i more coin in cheee than & kne.-1 ai$ 7yrion. 2#o. $i$ yo/ accomp"ih that61
7he magiter .agg"e$ hi ,at ,inger. 2Some contract are .rit in ink- an$ ome in b"oo$. &
ay no more.1
7he $.ar, pon$ere$ that. 7he Go"$en Company .a rep/te$"y the ,inet o, the ,ree
companie- ,o/n$e$ a cent/ry ago by Bittertee"- a batar$ on o, Aegon the Fn.orthy. 3hen
another o, Aegon4 Great Batar$ trie$ to eiGe the &ron 7hrone ,rom hi tr/eborn ha",(brother-
Bittertee" =oine$ the revo"t. 5aemon B"ack,yre ha$ perihe$ on the Re$gra +ie"$- ho.ever-
an$ hi rebe""ion .ith him. 7hoe ,o""o.er o, the B"ack 5ragon .ho /rvive$ the batt"e yet
re,/e$ to ben$ the knee ,"e$ acro the narro. ea- among them 5aemon4 yo/nger on-
Bittertee"- an$ h/n$re$ o, "an$"e "or$ an$ knight .ho oon ,o/n$ theme"ve ,orce$ to e""
their .or$ to eat. Some =oine$ the Ragge$ Stan$ar$- ome the Secon$ Son or Mai$en4 Men.
Bittertee" a. the trength o, #o/e B"ack,yre cattering to the ,o/r .in$- o he ,orme$ the
Go"$en Company to bin$ the e:i"e together.
+rom that $ay to thi- the men o, the Go"$en Company ha$ "ive$ an$ $ie$ in the 5ip/te$
?an$- ,ighting ,or Myr or ?y or 7yroh in their point"e "itt"e .ar- an$ $reaming o, the "an$
their ,ather ha$ "ot. 7hey .ere e:i"e an$ on o, e:i"e- $ipoee$ an$ /n,orgiven8 yet
,ormi$ab"e ,ighter ti"".
2& a$mire yo/r po.er o, per/aion-1 7yrion to"$ &""yrio. 2#o. $i$ yo/ convince the Go"$en
Company to take /p the ca/e o, o/r .eet A/een .hen they have pent o m/ch o, their hitory
,ighting against the 7argaryen61
&""yrio br/he$ a.ay the ob=ection a i, it .ere a ,"y. 2B"ack or re$- a $ragon i ti"" a $ragon.
3hen Mae"y the Montro/ $ie$ /pon the Steptone- it .a the en$ o, the ma"e "ine o, #o/e
B"ack,yre.1 7he cheeemonger mi"e$ thro/gh hi ,orke$ bear$. 2An$ 5aenery .i"" give the
e:i"e .hat Bittertee" an$ the B"ack,yre never co/"$. She .i"" take them home.1
With fire and sword+ &t .a the kin$ o, homecoming that 7yrion .ihe$ ,or a .e"". 27en
tho/an$ .or$ make ,or a prince"y gi,t- & grant yo/. #er Grace ho/"$ be mot p"eae$.1
7he magiter gave a mo$et bob o, hi hea$- chin =igg"ing. 2& .o/"$ never pre/me to ay
.hat might p"eae #er Grace.1
$rudent of !ou+ 7yrion kne. m/ch an$ more abo/t the gratit/$e o, king. 3hy ho/"$ A/een
be any $i,,erent6
Soon eno/gh the magiter .a ,at a"eep- "eaving 7yrion to broo$ a"one. #e .on$ere$ .hat
Barritan Se"my .o/"$ think o, ri$ing into batt"e .ith the Go"$en Company. 5/ring the 3ar o,
the Ninepenny >ing- Se"my ha$ c/t a b"oo$y path thro/gh their rank to "ay the "at o, the
B"ack,yre 9reten$er. )ebellion makes for 3ueer bedfellows+ And none more 3ueer than this fat
man and me+
7he cheeemonger .oke .hen they toppe$ to change the hore an$ ent ,or a ,reh hamper.
2#o. ,ar have .e come61 the $.ar, ake$ him a they t/,,e$ theme"ve .ith co"$ capon an$ a
re"ih ma$e o, carrot- raiin- an$ bit o, "ime an$ orange.
27hi i An$a"o- my ,rien$. 7he "an$ yo/r An$a" came ,rom. 7hey took it ,rom the hairy
men .ho .ere here be,ore them- co/in to the hairy men o, &b. 7he heart o, #/gor4 ancient
rea"m "ie north o, /- b/t .e are paing thro/gh it o/thern marche. &n 9ento- thee are
ca""e$ the +"at"an$. +arther eat tan$ the %e"vet #i""- .hence .e are bo/n$.1
Andalos+ 7he +aith ta/ght that the Seven theme"ve ha$ once .a"ke$ the hi"" o, An$a"o in
h/man ,orm. 27he +ather reache$ hi han$ into the heaven an$ p/""e$ $o.n even tar-1
7yrion recite$ ,rom memory- 2an$ one by one he et them on the bro. o, #/gor o, the #i"" to
make a g"o.ing cro.n.1
Magiter &""yrio gave him a c/rio/ "ook. 2& $i$ not $ream my "itt"e ,rien$ .a o $evo/t.1
7he $.ar, hr/gge$. 2A re"ic o, my boyhoo$. & kne. & .o/"$ not make a knight- o & $eci$e$
to be #igh Septon. 7hat cryta" cro.n a$$ a ,oot to a man4 height. & t/$ie$ the ho"y book an$
praye$ /nti" & ha$ cab on both my knee- b/t my A/et came to a tragic en$. & reache$ that
certain age an$ ,e"" in "ove.1
2A mai$en6 & kno. the .ay o, that.1 &""yrio thr/t hi right han$ /p hi "e,t "eeve an$ $re.
o/t a i"ver "ocket. &ni$e .a a painte$ "ikene o, a .oman .ith big b"/e eye an$ pa"e go"$en
hair treake$ by i"ver. 2Serra. & ,o/n$ her in a ?yene pi""o. ho/e an$ bro/ght her home to
.arm my be$- b/t in the en$ & .e$ her. Me- .hoe ,irt .i,e ha$ been a co/in o, the 9rince o,
9ento. 7he pa"ace gate .ere c"oe$ to me therea,ter- b/t & $i$ not care. 7he price .a ma""
eno/gh- ,or Serra.1
2#o. $i$ he $ie61 7yrion kne. that he .a $ea$I no man poke o ,on$"y o, a .oman .ho
ha$ aban$one$ him.
2A Braavoi tra$ing ga""ey ca""e$ at 9ento on her .ay back ,rom the !a$e Sea. 7he #reasure
carrie$ c"ove an$ a,,ron- =et an$ =a$e- car"et amite- green i"k8 an$ the grey $eath. 3e "e.
her oarmen a they came ahore an$ b/rne$ the hip at anchor- b/t the rat crept $o.n the oar
an$ pa$$"e$ to the A/ay on co"$ tone ,eet. 7he p"ag/e took t.o tho/an$ be,ore it ran it
co/re.1 Magiter &""yrio c"oe$ the "ocket. 2& keep her han$ in my be$chamber. #er han$ that
.ere o o,t81
7yrion tho/ght o, 7yha. #e g"ance$ o/t at the ,ie"$ .here once the go$ ha$ .a"ke$. 23hat
ort o, go$ make rat an$ p"ag/e an$ $.ar,61 Another paage ,rom #he Seen($ointed Star
came back to him. 27he Mai$ bro/ght him ,orth a gir" a /pp"e a a .i""o. .ith eye "ike $eep
b"/e poo"- an$ #/gor $ec"are$ that he .o/"$ have her ,or hi bri$e. So the Mother ma$e her
,erti"e- an$ the Crone ,oreto"$ that he .o/"$ bear the king ,o/r(an$(,orty mighty on. 7he
3arrior gave trength to their arm- .hi"t the Smith .ro/ght ,or each a /it o, iron p"ate.1
2Eo/r Smith m/t have been Rhoynih-1 &""yrio A/ippe$. 27he An$a" "earne$ the art o,
.orking iron ,rom the Rhoynar .ho $.e"t a"ong the river. 7hi i kno.n.1
2Not by o/r epton.1 7yrion get/re$ at the ,ie"$. 23ho $.e"" in thee +"at"an$ o, yo/r61
27i""er an$ toi"er- bo/n$ to the "an$. 7here are orchar$- ,arm- mine8 & o.n ome /ch
mye",- tho/gh & e"$om viit them. 3hy ho/"$ & pen$ my $ay o/t here- .ith the myria$
$e"ight o, 9ento c"oe at han$61
2Myria$ $e"ight.1 And huge thick walls+ 7yrion .ir"e$ hi .ine in hi c/p. 23e have een
no to.n ince 9ento.1
27here are r/in.1 &""yrio .ave$ a chicken "eg to.ar$ the c/rtain. 27he hore"or$ come thi
.ay- .henever ome kha" take it into hi hea$ to gaGe /pon the ea. 7he 5othraki are not ,on$
o, to.n- yo/ .i"" kno. thi even in 3etero.1
2+a"" /pon one o, thee khalasar an$ $etroy it- an$ yo/ may ,in$ that the 5othraki are not
o A/ick to cro the Rhoyne.1
2&t i cheaper to b/y o,, ,oe .ith ,oo$ an$ gi,t.1
If onl! I had thought to bring a nice cheese to the battle on the Blackwater, I might still hae
all m! nose+ ?or$ 7y.in ha$ a".ay he"$ the +ree Citie in contempt. #he! fight with coins
instead of swords, he /e$ to ay. 1old has its uses, but wars are won with iron+ 2Give go"$ to a
,oe an$ he .i"" =/t come back ,or more- my ,ather a".ay ai$.1
2& thi the e",ame ,ather that yo/ m/r$ere$61 &""yrio toe$ hi chicken bone ,rom the "itter.
2Se"".or$ .i"" not tan$ againt 5othraki creamer. 7hat .a prove$ at Dohor.1
2Not even yo/r brave Gri,,61 mocke$ 7yrion.
2Gri,, i $i,,erent. #e ha a on he $ote on. Eo/ng Gri,,- the boy i ca""e$. 7here never .a a
nob"er "a$.1
7he .ine- the ,oo$- the /n- the .ay o, the "itter- the b/GGing o, the ,"ie- a"" conpire$ to
make 7yrion "eepy. So he "ept- .oke- $rank. &""yrio matche$ him c/p ,or c/p. An$ a the ky
t/rne$ a $/ky p/rp"e- the ,at man began to nore.
7hat night 7yrion ?anniter $reame$ o, a batt"e that t/rne$ the hi"" o, 3etero a re$ a
b"oo$. #e .a in the mi$t o, it- $ea"ing $eath .ith an a:e a big a he .a- ,ighting i$e by i$e
.ith Barritan the Bo"$ an$ Bittertee" a $ragon .hee"e$ acro the ky above them. &n the
$ream he ha$ t.o hea$- both noe"e. #i ,ather "e$ the enemy- o he "e. him once again.
7hen he ki""e$ hi brother- !aime- hacking at hi ,ace /nti" it .a a re$ r/in- "a/ghing every time
he tr/ck a b"o.. Hn"y .hen the ,ight .a ,inihe$ $i$ he rea"iGe that hi econ$ hea$ .a
.eeping.
3hen he .oke hi t/nte$ "eg .ere ti,, a iron. &""yrio .a eating o"ive. 23here are .e61
7yrion ake$ him.
23e have not yet "e,t the +"at"an$- my haty ,rien$. Soon o/r roa$ ha"" pa into the %e"vet
#i"". 7here .e begin o/r c"imb to.ar$ Ghoyan 5rohe- /pon the ?itt"e Rhoyne.1
Ghoyan 5rohe ha$ been a Rhoynar city- /nti" the $ragon o, %a"yria ha$ re$/ce$ it to a
mo"$ering $eo"ation. I am traeling through !ears as well as leagues, 7yrion re,"ecte$- back
through histor! to the da!s when dragons ruled the earth+
7yrion "ept an$ .oke an$ "ept again- an$ $ay an$ night eeme$ not to matter. 7he %e"vet
#i"" prove$ a $iappointment. 2#a", the .hore in ?anniport have breat bigger than thee
hi""-1 he to"$ &""yrio. 2Eo/ o/ght to ca"" them the %e"vet 7eat.1 7hey a. a circ"e o, tan$ing
tone that &""yrio c"aime$ ha$ been raie$ by giant- an$ "ater a $eep "ake. 2#ere "ive$ a $en o,
robber .ho preye$ on a"" .ho pae$ thi .ay-1 &""yrio ai$. 2&t i ai$ they ti"" $.e"" beneath
the .ater. 7hoe .ho ,ih the "ake are p/""e$ /n$er an$ $evo/re$.1 7he ne:t evening they came
/pon a h/ge %a"yrian phin: cro/che$ bei$e the roa$. &t ha$ a $ragon4 bo$y an$ a .oman4
,ace.
2A $ragon A/een-1 ai$ 7yrion. 2A p"eaant omen.1
2#er king i miing.1 &""yrio pointe$ o/t the mooth tone p"inth on .hich the econ$ phin:
once too$- no. gro.n over .ith mo an$ ,"o.ering vine. 27he hore"or$ b/i"t .oo$en
.hee" beneath him an$ $ragge$ him back to %ae 5othrak.1
#hat is an omen too, tho/ght 7yrion- but not as hopeful+ 7hat night- $r/nker than //a"- he
broke into /$$en ong.
7e rode through the streets of the cit!, down from his hill on high,
O/er the w!nds and the steps and the cobbles, he rode to a woman/s sigh+
For she was his secret treasure, she was his shame and his bliss+
And a chain and a keep are nothing, compared to a woman/s kiss+
7hoe .ere a"" the .or$ he kne.- ai$e ,rom the re,rain. 7ands of gold are alwa!s cold, but
a woman/s hands are warm+ Shae4 han$ ha$ beat at him a the go"$en han$ $/g into her
throat. #e $i$ not remember i, they4$ been .arm or not. A the trength .ent o/t o, her- her
b"o. became moth ,"/ttering abo/t hi ,ace. Cach time he gave the chain another t.it the
go"$en han$ $/g $eeper. A chain and a keep are nothing, compared to a woman/s kiss+ #a$ he
kie$ her one "at time- a,ter he .a $ea$6 #e co/"$ not remember8 tho/gh he ti"" reca""e$
the ,irt time they ha$ kie$- in hi tent bei$e the Green +ork. #o. .eet her mo/th ha$ tate$.
#e remembere$ the ,irt time .ith 7yha a .e"". She did not know how, no more than I did+
We kept bumping our noses, but when I touched her tongue with mine she trembled+ 7yrion
c"oe$ hi eye to bring her ,ace to min$- b/t intea$ he a. hi ,ather- A/atting on a privy .ith
hi be$(robe hike$ /p abo/t hi .ait. 23herever .hore go-1 ?or$ 7y.in ai$- an$ the
crobo. thrumme$.
7he $.ar, ro""e$ over- preing ha", a noe $eep into the i"ken pi""o.. S"eep opene$ beneath
him "ike a .e""- an$ he thre. hime", into it .ith a .i"" an$ "et the $arkne eat him /p.
THE MERCHANT1S MAN
Adenture tank.
She boate$ i:ty oar- a ing"e ai"- an$ a "ong "ean h/"" that promie$ pee$. Small, but she
might sere, D/entyn tho/ght .hen he a. her- b/t that .a be,ore he .ent aboar$ an$ got a
goo$ .hi,, o, her. $igs, .a hi ,irt tho/ght- b/t a,ter a econ$ ni,, he change$ hi min$. 9ig
ha$ a c"eaner me"". 7hi tink .a pi an$ rotting meat an$ night(oi"- thi .a the reek o,
corpe ,"eh an$ .eeping ore an$ .o/n$ gone ba$- o trong that it over.he"me$ the a"t air
an$ ,ih me"" o, the harbor.
2& .ant to retch-1 he ai$ to Gerri 5rink.ater. 7hey .ere .aiting ,or the hip4 mater to
appear- .e"tering in the heat a the tench .a,te$ /p ,rom the $eck beneath them.
2&, the captain me"" anything "ike hi hip- he may mitake yo/r vomit ,or per,/me-1 Gerri
rep"ie$.
D/entyn .a abo/t to /gget that they try another hip .hen the mater ,ina""y ma$e hi
appearance- .ith t.o vi"e("ooking cre.men at hi i$e. Gerri greete$ him .ith a mi"e. 7ho/gh
he $i$ not peak the %o"antene tong/e a .e"" a D/entyn- their r/e reA/ire$ that he peak ,or
them. Back in the 9"anky 7o.n D/entyn ha$ p"aye$ the .inee""er- b/t the m/mmery ha$
cha,e$ at him- o .hen the 5ornihmen change$ hip at ?y they ha$ change$ ro"e a .e"".
Aboar$ the *eadowlark, C"et/ Eron.oo$ became the merchant- D/entyn the ervantI in
%o"anti- .ith C"et/ "ain- Gerri ha$ a/me$ the mater4 ro"e.
7a"" an$ ,air- .ith b"/e(green eye- an$y hair treake$ by the /n- an$ a "ean an$ come"y
bo$y- Gerri 5rink.ater ha$ a .agger to him- a con,i$ence bor$ering on arrogance. #e never
eeme$ i"" at eae- an$ even .hen he $i$ not peak the "ang/age- he ha$ .ay o, making hime",
/n$ertoo$. D/entyn c/t a poor ,ig/re by comparion@ hort("egge$ an$ tocky- thick"y b/i"t-
.ith hair the bro.n o, ne.(t/rne$ earth. #i ,orehea$ .a too high- hi =a. too A/are- hi noe
too broa$. A good honest face, a gir" ha$ ca""e$ it once- but !ou should smile more+
Smi"e ha$ never come eai"y ,or D/entyn Marte""- any more than they $i$ ,or hi "or$ ,ather.
2#o. .i,t i yo/r Adenture61 Gerri ai$- in a ha"ting appro:imation o, #igh %a"yrian.
7he Adenture4 mater recogniGe$ the accent an$ repon$e$ in the Common 7ong/e o,
3etero. 27here i none .i,ter- honore$ "or$. Adenture can r/n $o.n the .in$ ite",. 7e"" me
.here yo/ .ih to ai"- an$ .i,t"y & ha"" bring yo/ there.1
2& eek paage to Meereen ,or mye", an$ t.o ervant.1
7hat gave the captain pa/e. 2& am no tranger to Meereen. & co/"$ ,in$ the city again- aye8
b/t .hy6 7here are no "ave to be ha$ in Meereen- no pro,it to be ,o/n$ there. 7he i"ver A/een
ha p/t an en$ to that. She ha even c"oe$ the ,ighting pit- o a poor ai"or cannot even am/e
hime", a he .ait to ,i"" hi ho"$. 7e"" me- my 3eteroi ,rien$- .hat i there in Meereen that
yo/ ho/"$ .ant to go there61
#he most beautiful woman in the world, tho/ght D/entyn. *! bride(to(be, if the gods are
good+ Sometime at night he "ay a.ake imagining her ,ace an$ ,orm- an$ .on$ering .hy /ch a
.oman .o/"$ ever .ant to marry him- o, a"" the prince in the .or"$. I am Dorne, he to"$
hime",. She will want Dorne+
Gerri an.ere$ .ith the ta"e they ha$ concocte$. 23ine i o/r ,ami"y tra$e. My ,ather o.n
e:tenive vineyar$ back in 5orne- an$ .ihe me to ,in$ ne. market. &t i hope$ that the goo$
,o"k o, Meereen .i"" .e"come .hat & e"".1
23ine6 Dornish .ine61 7he captain .a not convince$. 27he "ave citie are at .ar. Can it be
yo/ $o not kno. thi61
27he ,ighting i bet.een E/nkai an$ Atapor- .e ha$ hear$. Meereen i not invo"ve$.1
2Not a yet. B/t oon. An envoy ,rom the Ee""o. City i in %o"anti even no.- hiring .or$.
7he ?ong ?ance have a"rea$y taken hip ,or E/nkai- an$ the 3in$b"o.n an$ the Company o,
the Cat .i"" ,o""o. once they have ,inihe$ ,i""ing o/t their rank. 7he Go"$en Company marche
eat a .e"". A"" thi i kno.n.1
2&, yo/ ay o. & $ea" in .ine- not .ar. Ghicari .ine i poor t/,,- a"" agree. 7he Meereenee
.i"" pay a goo$ price ,or my ,ine 5ornih vintage.1
25ea$ men $o not care .hat kin$ o, .ine they $rink.1 7he mater o, Adenture ,ingere$ hi
bear$. 2& am not the ,irt captain yo/ have approache$- & think. Nor the tenth.1
2No-1 Gerri a$mitte$.
2#o. many- then6 A h/n$re$61
%lose enough, tho/ght D/entyn. 7he %o"antene .ere ,on$ o, boating that the h/n$re$ i"e
o, Braavo co/"$ be $roppe$ into their $eep harbor an$ $ro.ne$. D/entyn ha$ never een
Braavo- b/t he co/"$ be"ieve it. Rich an$ ripe an$ rotte$- %o"anti covere$ the mo/th o, the
Rhoyne "ike a .arm .et ki- tretching acro hi"" an$ marh on both i$e o, the river. Ship
.ere every.here- coming $o.n the river or hea$e$ o/t to ea- cro.$ing the .harve an$ pier-
taking on cargo or o,,("oa$ing it' .arhip an$ .ha"er an$ tra$ing ga""ey- carrack an$ ki,,-
cog- great cog- "ong(hip- .an hip- hip ,rom ?y an$ 7yroh an$ 9ento- Dartheen
picer big a pa"ace- hip ,rom 7o"o an$ E/nkai an$ the Bai"ik. So many that D/entyn-
eeing the port ,or the ,irt time ,rom the $eck o, the *eadowlark, ha$ to"$ hi ,rien$ that they
.o/"$ on"y "inger here three $ay.
Eet t.enty $ay ha$ pae$- an$ here they remaine$- ti"" hip"e. 7he captain o, the
*elantine, the #riarch/s Daughter, an$ the *ermaid/s ,iss ha$ a"" re,/e$ them. A mate on the
Bold .o!ager ha$ "a/ghe$ in their ,ace. 7he mater o, the Dolphin berate$ them ,or .ating hi
time- an$ the o.ner o, the Seenth Son acc/e$ them o, being pirate. A"" on the ,irt $ay.
Hn"y the captain o, the Fawn ha$ given them reaon ,or hi re,/a". 2&t i tr/e that & am
ai"ing eat-1 he to"$ them- over .atere$ .ine. 2So/th aro/n$ %a"yria an$ thence into the
/nrie. 3e .i"" take on .ater an$ proviion at Ne. Ghi- then ben$ a"" oar to.ar$ Darth an$
the !a$e Gate. Cvery voyage ha peri"- "ong one more than mot. 3hy ho/"$ & eek o/t more
$anger by t/rning into S"aver4 Bay6 7he Fawn i my "ive"ihoo$. & .i"" not rik her to take three
ma$ 5ornihmen into the mi$$"e o, a .ar.1
D/entyn ha$ beg/n to think that they might have $one better to b/y their o.n hip in the
9"anky 7o.n. 7hat .o/"$ have $ra.n /n.ante$ attention- ho.ever. 7he Spi$er ha$ in,ormer
every.here- even in the ha"" o, S/npear. 25orne .i"" b"ee$ i, yo/r p/rpoe i $icovere$-1 hi
,ather ha$ .arne$ him- a they .atche$ the chi"$ren ,ro"ic in the poo" an$ ,o/ntain o, the
3ater Gar$en. 23hat .e $o i treaon- make no mitake. 7r/t on"y yo/r companion- an$ $o
yo/r bet to avoi$ attracting notice.1
So Gerri 5rink.ater gave the captain o, Adenture hi mot $iarming mi"e. 27r/th be to"$-
& have not kept co/nt o, a"" the co.ar$ .ho re,/e$ /- b/t at the Merchant4 #o/e & hear$ it
ai$ that yo/ .ere a bo"$er ort o, man- the ort .ho might rik anything ,or /,,icient go"$.1
A smuggler, D/entyn tho/ght. 7hat .a ho. the other tra$er ty"e$ Adenture4 mater- back
at the Merchant4 #o/e. 2#e i a m/gg"er an$ a "aver- ha", pirate an$ ha", pan$er- b/t it may
be that he i yo/r bet hope-1 the innkeep ha$ to"$ them.
7he captain r/bbe$ th/mb an$ ,ore,inger together. 2An$ ho. m/ch go"$ .o/"$ yo/ $eem
/,,icient ,or /ch a voyage61
27hrice yo/r //a" ,ee ,or paage to S"aver4 Bay.1
2+or each o, yo/61 7he captain ho.e$ hi teeth in omething that might have been inten$e$
a a mi"e tho/gh it gave hi narro. ,ace a ,era" "ook. 29erhap. &t i tr/e- & am a bo"$er man than
mot. #o. oon .i"" yo/ .ih to "eave61
27he morro. .o/"$ not be too oon.1
25one. Ret/rn an ho/r be,ore ,irt "ight- .ith yo/r ,rien$ an$ yo/r .ine. Bet to be /n$er
.ay .hi"t %o"anti "eep- o no one .i"" ak / inconvenient A/etion abo/t o/r $etination.1
2A yo/ ay. An ho/r be,ore ,irt "ight.1
7he captain4 mi"e .i$ene$. 2& am p"eae$ that & can he"p yo/. 3e .i"" have a happy voyage-
ye61
2& am certain o, it-1 ai$ Gerri. 7he captain ca""e$ ,or a"e then- an$ the t.o o, them $rank a
toat to their vent/re.
2A .eet man-1 Gerri ai$ a,ter.ar$- a he an$ D/entyn ma$e their .ay $o.n to the ,oot o,
the pier .here their hire$ hatha! .aite$. 7he air h/ng hot an$ heavy- an$ the /n .a o bright
that both o, them .ere A/inting.
27hi i a .eet city-1 D/entyn agree$. Sweet enough to rot !our teeth+ S.eet beet .ere
gro.n in pro,/ion hereabo/t- an$ .ere erve$ .ith a"mot every mea". 7he %o"antene ma$e a
co"$ o/p o, them- a thick an$ rich a p/rp"e honey. 7heir .ine .ere .eet a .e"". 2& ,ear o/r
happy voyage .i"" be hort- ho.ever. 7hat .eet man $oe not mean to take / to Meereen. #e
.a too A/ick to accept yo/r o,,er. #e4"" take thrice the //a" ,ee- no $o/bt- an$ once he ha /
aboar$ an$ o/t o, ight o, "an$- he4"" "it o/r throat an$ take the ret o, o/r go"$ a .e"".1
2Hr chain / to an oar- bei$e thoe .retche .e .ere me""ing. 3e nee$ to ,in$ a better c"a
o, m/gg"er- & think.1
7heir $river a.aite$ them bei$e hi hatha!+ &n 3etero- it might have been ca""e$ an o:cart-
tho/gh it .a a $ea" more ornate than any cart that D/entyn ha$ ever een in 5orne- an$ "acke$
an o:. 7he hatha! .a p/""e$ by a $.ar, e"ephant- her hi$e the co"or o, $irty no.. 7he treet o,
H"$ %o"anti .ere ,/"" o, /ch.
D/entyn .o/"$ have pre,erre$ to .a"k- b/t they .ere mi"e ,rom their inn. Bei$e- the
innkeep at the Merchant4 #o/e ha$ .arne$ him that trave"ing a,oot .o/"$ taint them in the
eye o, ,oreign captain an$ the native(born %o"antene a"ike. 9eron o, A/a"ity trave"e$ by
pa"anA/in- or in the back o, a hatha!8 an$ a it happene$ the innkeep ha$ a co/in .ho o.ne$
evera" /ch contrivance an$ .o/"$ be p"eae$ to erve them in thi matter.
7heir $river .a one o, the co/in4 "ave- a ma"" man .ith a .hee" tattooe$ /pon one
cheek- nake$ b/t ,or a breechc"o/t an$ a pair o, an$a". #i kin .a the co"or o, teak- hi eye
chip o, ,"int. A,ter he ha$ he"pe$ them /p onto the c/hione$ bench bet.een the cart4 t.o h/ge
.oo$en .hee"- he c"ambere$ onto the e"ephant4 back. 27he Merchant4 #o/e-1 D/entyn to"$
him- 2b/t go a"ong the .harve.1 Beyon$ the .ater,ront an$ it breeGe- the treet an$ a""ey o,
%o"anti .ere hot eno/gh to $ro.n a man in hi o.n .eat- at "eat on thi i$e o, the river.
7he $river ho/te$ omething at hi e"ephant in the "oca" tong/e. 7he beat began to move-
tr/nk .aying ,rom i$e to i$e. 7he cart "/rche$ a"ong behin$ her- the $river hooting at ai"or
an$ "ave a"ike to c"ear the .ay. &t .a eay eno/gh to te"" one ,rom the other. 7he "ave .ere
a"" tattooe$' a mak o, b"/e ,eather- a "ightning bo"t that ran ,rom =a. to bro.- a coin /pon the
cheek- a "eopar$4 pot- a k/""- a =/g. Maeter >e$ry ai$ there .ere ,ive "ave ,or every ,ree
man in %o"anti tho/gh he ha$ not "ive$ "ong eno/gh to veri,y hi etimate. #e ha$ perihe$ on
the morning the corair .arme$ aboar$ the *eadowlark+
D/entyn "ot t.o other ,rien$ that ame $ay@3i""am 3e"" .ith hi ,reck"e an$ hi
crooke$ teeth- ,ear"e .ith a "ance- an$ C"et/ Eron(.oo$- han$ome $epite hi "aGy eye-
a".ay ran$y- a".ay "a/ghing. C"et/ ha$ been D/entyn4 $earet ,rien$ ,or ha", hi "i,e- a
brother in a"" b/t b"oo$. 2Give yo/r bri$e a ki ,or me-1 C"et/ ha$ .hipere$ to him- =/t
be,ore he $ie$.
7he corair ha$ come aboar$ in the $arkne be,ore the $a.n- a the *eadowlark .a
anchore$ o,, the coat o, the 5ip/te$ ?an$. 7he cre. ha$ beaten them o,,- at the cot o, t.e"ve
"ive. A,ter.ar$ the ai"or trippe$ the $ea$ corair o, boot an$ be"t an$ .eapon- $ivvie$ /p
their p/re- an$ yanke$ gemtone ,rom their ear an$ ring ,rom their ,inger. Hne o, the
corpe .a o ,at that the hip4 cook ha$ to c/t hi ,inger o,, .ith a meat c"eaver to c"aim hi
ring. &t took three Mea$o."ark to ro"" the bo$y into the ea. 7he other pirate .ere ch/cke$ in
a,ter him- .itho/t a .or$ o, prayer or ceremony.
7heir o.n $ea$ receive$ more ten$er treatment. 7he ai"or e.e$ their bo$ie /p in canva-
.eighe$ $o.n .ith ba""at tone o they might ink more A/ick"y. 7he captain o, the
*eadowlark "e$ hi cre. in a prayer ,or the o/" o, their "ain hipmate. 7hen he t/rne$ to hi
5ornih paenger- the three .ho ti"" remaine$ o, the i: .ho ha$ come aboar$ at the 9"anky
7o.n. Cven the big man ha$ emerge$- pa"e an$ greenick an$ /ntea$y on hi ,eet- tr/gg"ing /p
,rom the $epth o, the hip4 ho"$ to pay hi "at repect. 2Hne o, yo/ ho/"$ ay ome .or$
,or yo/r $ea$- be,ore .e give them to the ea-1 the captain ai$. Gerri ha$ ob"ige$- "ying .ith
every other .or$- ince he $are not te"" the tr/th o, .ho they4$ been or .hy they4$ come.
It was not supposed to end like that for them+ 27hi .i"" be a ta"e to te"" o/r gran$chi"$ren-1
C"et/ ha$ $ec"are$ the $ay they et o/t ,rom hi ,ather4 cat"e. 3i"" ma$e a ,ace at that- an$
ai$- 2A ta"e to te"" tavern .enche- yo/ mean- in hope they4"" "i,t their kirt.1 C"et/ ha$
"appe$ him on the back. 2+or gran$chi"$ren- yo/ nee$ chi"$ren. +or chi"$ren- yo/ nee$ to "i,t
ome kirt.1 ?ater- in the 9"anky 7o.n- the 5ornihmen ha$ toate$ D/entyn4 ,/t/re bri$e-
ma$e riba"$ =ape abo/t hi .e$$ing night to come- an$ ta"ke$ abo/t the thing they4$ ee- the
$ee$ they4$ $o- the g"ory they .o/"$ .in. All the! won was a sailcloth sack filled with ballast
stones+
A m/ch a he mo/rne$ 3i"" an$ C"et/- it .a the maeter4 "o that D/entyn ,e"t mot
keen"y. >e$ry ha$ been ,"/ent in the tong/e o, a"" o, the +ree Citie- an$ even the mongre"
Ghicari that men poke a"ong the hore o, S"aver4 Bay. 2Maeter >e$ry .i"" accompany yo/-1
hi ,ather ai$ the night they parte$. 2#ee$ hi co/ne". #e ha $evote$ ha", hi "i,e to the t/$y
o, the Nine +ree Citie.1 D/entyn .on$ere$ i, thing might not have gone a $ea" eaier i, on"y he
.ere here to g/i$e them.
2& .o/"$ e"" my mother ,or a bit o, breeGe-1 ai$ Gerri- a they ro""e$ thro/gh the $ocki$e
throng. 2&t4 moit a the Mai$en4 c/nt- an$ ti"" hy o, noon. & hate thi city.1
D/entyn hare$ the ,ee"ing. 7he /""en .et heat o, %o"anti appe$ hi trength an$ "e,t him
,ee"ing $irty. 7he .ort part .a kno.ing that night,a"" .o/"$ bring no re"ie,. Fp in the high
mea$o. north o, ?or$ Eron.oo$4 etate- the air .a a".ay crip an$ coo" a,ter $ark- no
matter ho. hot the $ay ha$ been. Not here. &n %o"anti- the night .ere a"mot a hot a the
$ay.
27he 1oddess ai" ,or Ne. Ghi on the morro.-1 Gerri remin$e$ him. 27hat at "eat .o/"$
bring / c"oer.1
2Ne. Ghi i an i"an$- an$ a m/ch ma""er port than thi. 3e .o/"$ be c"oer- ye- b/t .e
co/"$ ,in$ o/re"ve tran$e$. An$ Ne. Ghi ha a""ie$ .ith the E/nkai4i.1 7hat ne. ha$ not
come a a /rprie to D/entyn. Ne. Ghi an$ E/nkai .ere both Ghicari citie. 2&, %o"anti
ho/"$ a""y .ith them a .e""@1
23e nee$ to ,in$ a hip ,rom 3etero-1 /ggete$ Gerri- 2ome tra$er o/t o, ?anniport or
H"$to.n.1
2+e. come thi ,ar- an$ thoe .ho $o ,i"" their ho"$ .ith i"k an$ pice ,rom the !a$e Sea-
then ben$ their oar ,or home.1
29erhap a Braavoi hip6 Hne hear o, p/rp"e ai" a ,ar a.ay a Ahai an$ the i"an$ o,
the !a$e Sea.1
27he Braavoi are $ecen$e$ ,rom ecape$ "ave. 7hey $o not tra$e in S"aver4 Bay.1
25o .e have eno/gh go"$ to bu! a hip61
2An$ .ho .i"" ai" her6 Eo/6 Me61 5ornihmen ha$ never been ea,arer- not ince Nymeria
b/rne$ her ten tho/an$ hip. 27he ea aro/n$ %a"yria are peri"o/- an$ thick .ith corair.1
2& have ha$ eno/gh o, corair. ?et4 not b/y a hip.1
#his is still 9ust a game to him, D/entyn rea"iGe$- no different than the time he led si8 of us up
into the mountains to find the old lair of the .ulture ,ing+ &t .a not in Gerri 5rink.ater4
nat/re to imagine they might ,ai"- "et a"one that they might $ie. Cven the $eath o, three ,rien$
ha$ not erve$ to chaten him- it .o/"$ eem. 7e leaes that to me+ 7e knows m! nature is as
cautious as his is bold+
29erhap the big man i right-1 Ser Gerri ai$. 29i on the ea- .e can ,inih the =o/rney
over"an$.1
2Eo/ kno. .hy he ay that-1 D/entyn ai$. 2#e4$ rather $ie than et ,oot on another hip.1
7he big man ha$ been greenick every $ay o, their voyage. &n ?y- it ha$ taken him ,o/r $ay to
recover hi trength. 7hey4$ ha$ to take room in an inn o Maeter >e$ry co/"$ t/ck him into a
,eather be$ an$ ,ee$ him broth an$ potion /nti" ome pink ret/rne$ to hi cheek.
&t .a poib"e to go over"an$ to Meereen- that m/ch .a tr/e. 7he o"$ %a"yrian roa$ .o/"$
take them there. Dragon roads, men ca""e$ the great tone roa$.ay o, the +reeho"$- b/t the one
that ran eat.ar$ ,rom %o"anti to Meereen ha$ earne$ a more initer name' the demon road+
27he $emon roa$ i $angero/- an$ too slow,1 D/entyn ai$. 27y.in ?anniter .i"" en$ hi
o.n men a,ter the A/een once .or$ o, her reache >ing4 ?an$ing.1 #i ,ather ha$ been certain
o, that. 2#i .i"" come .ith knive. &, they reach her ,irt@1
2?et4 hope her $ragon .i"" ni,, them o/t an$ eat them-1 ai$ Gerri. 23e""- i, .e cannot
,in$ a hip- an$ yo/ .i"" not "et / ri$e- .e ha$ a .e"" book paage back to 5orne.1
%rawl back to Sunspear defeated, with m! tail between m! legs6 #i ,ather4 $iappointment
.o/"$ be more than D/entyn co/"$ bear- an$ the corn o, the San$ Snake .o/"$ be .ithering.
5oran Marte"" ha$ p/t the ,ate o, 5orne into hi han$- he co/"$ not ,ai" him- not .hi"t "i,e
remaine$.
#eat himmer roe o,, the treet a the hatha! ratt"e$ an$ =o/nce$ a"ong on it iron(rimme$
.hee"- giving a $ream"ike A/a"ity to their /rro/n$ing. &n amongt the .areho/e an$ the
.harve- hop an$ ta"" o, many ort cro.$e$ the .ater,ront. #ere ,reh oyter co/"$ be
bo/ght- here iron chain an$ manac"e- here c!asse piece carve$ o, ivory an$ =a$e. #ere .ere
temp"e too- .here ai"or came to acri,ice to ,oreign go$- cheek by =o." .ith pi""o. ho/e
.here .omen ca""e$ $o.n ,rom ba"conie to men be"o.. 2#ave a "ook at that one-1 Gerri
/rge$- a they pae$ one pi""o. ho/e. 2& think he4 in "ove .ith yo/.1
And how much does a whore/s loe cost6 7r/th be to"$- gir" ma$e D/entyn an:io/-
epecia""y the pretty one.
3hen ,irt he4$ come to Eron.oo$- he ha$ been mitten .ith Eny- the e"$et o, ?or$
Eron.oo$4 $a/ghter. 7ho/gh he never ai$ a .or$ abo/t hi ,ee"ing- he n/re$ hi $ream ,or
year8 /nti" the $ay he .a $ipatche$ to .e$ Ser Ryon A""yrion- the heir to Go$grace. 7he
"at time he ha$ een her- he4$ ha$ one boy at her breat an$ another c"inging to her kirt.
A,ter Eny ha$ come the 5rink.ater t.in- a pair o, ta.ny yo/ng mai$en .ho "ove$
ha.king- h/nting- c"imbing rock- an$ making D/entyn b"/h. Hne o, them ha$ given him hi
,irt ki- tho/gh he never kne. .hich one. A $a/ghter o, a "an$e$ knight- the t.in .ere too
"o.born to marry- b/t C"et/ $i$ not think that .a any reaon to top kiing them. 2A,ter
yo/4re .e$ yo/ can take one o, them ,or a paramo/r. Hr both- .hy not61 B/t D/entyn tho/ght
o, evera" reaon .hy not- o he ha$ $one hi bet to avoi$ the t.in therea,ter- an$ there ha$
been no econ$ ki.
More recent"y- the yo/nget o, ?or$ Eron.oo$4 $a/ghter ha$ taken to ,o""o.ing him abo/t
the cat"e. G.yneth .a b/t t.e"ve- a ma""- cra.ny gir" .hoe $ark eye an$ bro.n hair et
her apart in that ho/e o, b"/e(eye$ b"on$e. She .a c"ever- tho/gh- a A/ick .ith .or$ a .ith
her han$- an$ ,on$ o, te""ing D/entyn that he ha$ to .ait ,or her to ,"o.er- o he co/"$ marry
him.
7hat .a be,ore 9rince 5oran ha$ /mmone$ him to the 3ater Gar$en. An$ no. the mot
bea/ti,/" .oman in the .or"$ .a .aiting in Meereen- an$ he meant to $o hi $/ty an$ c"aim her
,or hi bri$e. She will not refuse me+ She will honor the agreement+ 5aenery 7argaryen .o/"$
nee$ 5orne to .in the Seven >ing$om- an$ that meant that he .o/"$ nee$ him. It does not
mean that she will loe me, though+ She ma! not een like me+
7he treet c/rve$ .here the river met the ea- an$ there a"ong the ben$ a n/mber o, anima"
e""er .ere c"/tere$ together- o,,ering =e.e"e$ "iGar$- giant ban$e$ nake- an$ agi"e "itt"e
monkey .ith tripe$ tai" an$ c"ever pink han$. 29erhap yo/r i"ver A/een .o/"$ "ike a
monkey-1 ai$ Gerri.
D/entyn ha$ no i$ea .hat 5aenery 7argaryen might "ike. #e ha$ promie$ hi ,ather that he
.o/"$ bring her back to 5orne- b/t more an$ more he .on$ere$ i, he .a eA/a" to the tak.
I neer asked for this, he tho/ght.
Acro the .i$e b"/e e:pane o, the Rhoyne- he co/"$ ee the B"ack 3a"" that ha$ been raie$
by the %a"yrian .hen %o"anti .a no more than an o/tpot o, their empire' a great ova" o,
,/e$ tone t.o h/n$re$ ,eet high an$ o thick that i: ,o/r(hore chariot co/"$ race aro/n$ it
top abreat- a they $i$ each year to ce"ebrate the ,o/n$ing o, the city. H/t"an$er- ,oreigner-
an$ ,ree$men .ere not a""o.e$ ini$e the B"ack 3a"" ave at the invitation o, thoe .ho $.e"t
.ithin- cion o, the H"$ B"oo$ .ho co/"$ trace their ancetry back to %a"yria ite",.
7he tra,,ic .a thicker here. 7hey .ere near the .etern en$ o, the ?ong Bri$ge- .hich
"inke$ the t.o ha"ve o, the city. 3ayn an$ cart an$ hatha! cro.$e$ the treet- a"" o, them
coming ,rom the bri$ge or making ,or it. S"ave .ere every.here- a n/mero/ a roache-
c/rrying abo/t their mater4 b/ine.
Not ,ar ,rom +ihermonger4 SA/are an$ the Merchant4 #o/e- ho/t er/pte$ ,rom a cro
treet- an$ a $oGen Fn/""ie$ pearmen in ornate armor an$ tiger(kin c"oak appeare$ a i, ,rom
no.here- .aving everyone ai$e o the triarch co/"$ pa thro/gh atop hi e"ephant. 7he
triarch4 e"ephant .a a grey(kinne$ behemoth c"a$ in e"aborate ename"e$ armor that c"attere$
o,t"y a he move$- the cat"e on it back o ta"" that it crape$ the top o, the ornamenta" tone
arch he .a paing /n$erneath. 27he triarch are coni$ere$ o e"evate$ that their ,eet are not
a""o.e$ to to/ch the gro/n$ $/ring their year o, ervice-1 D/entyn in,orme$ hi companion.
27hey ri$e every.here on e"ephant.1
2B"ocking /p the treet an$ "eaving heap o, $/ng ,or the "ike o, / to conten$ .ith-1 ai$
Gerri. 23hy %o"anti nee$ three prince .hen 5orne make $o .ith one- & .i"" never kno..1
27he triarch are neither king nor prince. %o"anti i a ,reeho"$- "ike %a"yria o, o"$. A""
,reeborn "an$ho"$er hare the r/"e. Cven .omen are a""o.e$ to vote- provi$e$ they o.n "an$.
7he three triarch are choen ,rom amongt thoe nob"e ,ami"ie .ho can prove /nbroken
$ecent ,rom o"$ %a"yria- to erve /nti" the ,irt $ay o, the ne. year. An$ yo/ .o/"$ kno. a""
thi i, yo/ ha$ tro/b"e$ to rea$ the book that Maeter >e$ry gave yo/.1
2&t ha$ no pict/re.1
27here .ere map.1
2Map $o not co/nt. &, he ha$ to"$ me it .a abo/t tiger an$ e"ephant- & might have given it
a try. &t "ooke$ /picio/"y "ike a hitory.1
3hen their hatha! reache$ the e$ge o, the +ihermonger4 SA/are- their e"ephant "i,te$ her
tr/nk an$ ma$e a honking noie "ike ome h/ge .hite gooe- re"/ctant to p"/nge into the tang"e
o, .ayn- pa"anA/in- an$ ,oot tra,,ic ahea$. 7heir $river pro$$e$ her .ith hi hee" an$ kept her
moving.
7he ,ihmonger .ere o/t in trength- crying the morning catch. D/entyn /n$ertoo$ one
.or$ in t.o at bet- b/t he $i$ not nee$ to kno. the .or$ to kno. the ,ih. #e a. co$ an$
ai",ih an$ ar$ine- barre" o, m/e" an$ c"am. Ce" h/ng a"ong the ,ront o, one ta"".
Another $ip"aye$ a gigantic t/rt"e- tr/ng /p by it "eg on iron chain- heavy a a hore. Crab
crabb"e$ ini$e cak o, brine an$ ea.ee$. Severa" o, the ven$or .ere ,rying ch/nk o, ,ih
.ith onion an$ beet- or e""ing peppery ,ih te. o/t o, ma"" iron kett"e.
&n the center o, the A/are- /n$er the cracke$ an$ hea$"e tat/e o, a $ea$ triarch- a cro.$
ha$ beg/n to gather abo/t ome $.ar, p/tting on a ho.. 7he "itt"e men .ere $one /p in
.oo$en armor- miniat/re knight preparing ,or a =o/t. D/entyn a. one mo/nt a $og- a the
other hoppe$ onto a pig8 on"y to "i$e right o,, again- to a mattering o, "a/ghter.
27hey "ook am/ing-1 Gerri ai$. 2Sha"" .e top an$ .atch them ,ight6 A "a/gh might erve
yo/ .e""- D/ent. Eo/ "ook "ike an o"$ man .ho ha not move$ hi bo.e" in ha", a year.1
I am eight(and(ten, si8 !ears !ounger than !ou, D/entyn tho/ght. I am no old man+ &ntea$ he
ai$- 2& have no nee$ ,or comic $.ar,. Fn"e they have a hip.1
2A ma"" one- & .o/"$ think.1
+o/r torie ta""- the Merchant4 #o/e $ominate$ the $ock an$ .harve an$ toreho/e that
/rro/n$e$ it. #ere tra$er ,rom H"$to.n an$ >ing4 ?an$ing ming"e$ .ith their co/nterpart
,rom Braavo an$ 9ento an$ Myr- .ith hairy &bbenee- pa"e(kinne$ voyager ,rom Darth- coa"(
b"ack S/mmer &"an$er in ,eathere$ c"oak- even make$ ha$o.(bin$er ,rom Ahai by the
Sha$o..
7he paving tone ,e"t .arm beneath hi ,eet .hen D/entyn c"imbe$ $o.n ,rom the hatha!-
even thro/gh the "eather o, hi boot. H/ti$e the Merchant4 #o/e a tret"e tab"e ha$ been et
/p in the ha$e an$ $ecorate$ .ith tripe$ b"/e(an$(.hite pennon that ,"/ttere$ at every breath
o, air. +o/r har$(eye$ e"".or$ "o/nge$ aro/n$ the tab"e- ca""ing o/t to every paing man an$
boy. Windblown, D/entyn kne.. 7he er=eant .ere "ooking ,or ,reh meat to ,i"" their rank
be,ore they ai"e$ ,or S"aver4 Bay. And eer! man who signs with them is another sword for
&unkai, another blade meant to drink the blood of m! bride(to(be+
Hne o, the 3in$b"o.n ho/te$ at them. 2& $o not peak yo/r tong/e-1 D/entyn an.ere$.
7ho/gh he co/"$ rea$ an$ .rite #igh %a"yrian- he ha$ "itt"e practice peaking it. An$ the
%o"antene app"e ha$ ro""e$ a ,air $itance ,rom the %a"yrian tree.
23eteroi61 the man an.ere$- in the Common 7ong/e. 25ornihmen. My mater i a
.inee""er.1
2Mater6 +/ck that. Are yo/ a "ave6 Come .ith / an$ be yo/r o.n mater. 5o yo/ .ant to
$ie abe$6 3e4"" teach yo/ .or$ an$ pear. Eo/4"" ri$e to batt"e .ith the 7attere$ 9rince an$
come home richer than a "or$. Boy- gir"- go"$- .hatever yo/ .ant- i, yo/4re man eno/gh to
take it. 3e4re the 3in$b"o.n- an$ .e ,/ck the go$$e "a/ghter /p her are.1
7.o o, the e"".or$ began to ing- be""o.ing o/t the .or$ to ome marching ong.
D/entyn /n$ertoo$ eno/gh to get the git. We are the Windblown, they ang. Blow us east to
Slaer/s Ba!, we/ll kill the butcher king and fuck the dragon 3ueen+
2&, C"et/ an$ 3i"" .ere ti"" .ith /- .e co/"$ come back .ith the big man an$ ki"" the "ot o,
them-1 ai$ Gerri.
%letus and Will are dead+ 29ay them no min$-1 D/entyn ai$. 7he e"".or$ thre. ta/nt at
their back a they p/he$ thro/gh the $oor o, the Merchant4 #o/e- mocking them a
b"oo$"e craven an$ ,rightene$ gir".
7he big man .a .aiting in their room on the econ$ ,"oor. 7ho/gh the inn ha$ come .e""
recommen$e$ by the mater o, the *eadowlark, that $i$ not mean D/entyn .a .i""ing to "eave
their goo$ an$ go"$ /ng/ar$e$. Cvery port ha$ thieve- rat- an$ .hore- an$ %o"anti ha$ more
than mot.
2& .a abo/t to go o/t "ooking ,or yo/-1 Ser Archiba"$ Eron.oo$ ai$ a he "i$ the bar back
to a$mit them. &t .a hi co/in C"et/ .ho ha$ tarte$ ca""ing him the big man, b/t the name
.a .e"" $eerve$. Arch .a i:(an$(a(ha",(,eet ta""- broa$ o, ho/"$er- h/ge o, be""y- .ith "eg
"ike tree tr/nk- han$ the iGe o, ham- an$ no neck to peak o,. Some chi"$hoo$ ma"a$y ha$
ma$e a"" hi hair ,a"" o/t. #i ba"$ hea$ remin$e$ D/entyn o, a mooth pink bo/"$er. 2So-1 he
$eman$e$- 2.hat $i$ the m/gg"er ay6 5o .e have a boat61
2A hip-1 correcte$ D/entyn. 2Aye- he4"" take /- b/t on"y a ,ar a the nearet he"".1
Gerri at /pon a agging be$ an$ p/""e$ o,, hi boot. 25orne i o/n$ing more attractive
every moment.1
7he big man ai$- 2& ti"" ay .e .o/"$ $o better to ri$e the $emon roa$. Might be it4 not a
peri"o/ a men ay. An$ i, it i- that on"y mean more g"ory ,or thoe .ho $are it. 3ho .o/"$
$are mo"et /6 5rink .ith hi .or$- me .ith my hammer- that4 more than any $emon co/"$
$iget.1
2An$ i, 5aenery i $ea$ be,ore .e reach her61 D/entyn ai$. 23e m/t have a hip. Cven i,
it i Adenture+1
Gerri "a/ghe$. 2Eo/ m/t be more $eperate ,or 5aenery than & kne. i, yo/4$ en$/re that
tench ,or month on en$. A,ter three $ay- &4$ be begging them to m/r$er me. No- my prince- &
pray yo/- not Adenture+1
25o yo/ have a better .ay61 D/entyn ake$ him.
2& $o. &t4 =/t no. come to me. &t ha it rik- an$ it i not .hat yo/ .o/"$ ca"" honorab"e- &
grant yo/8 b/t it .i"" get yo/ to yo/r A/een A/icker than the $emon roa$.1
27e"" me-1 ai$ D/entyn Marte"".
Sa2well 3 0ON
Sam .a rea$ing abo/t the Hther .hen he a. the mo/e.
#i eye .ere re$ an$ ra.. I ought not rub them so much, he a".ay to"$ hime", a he r/bbe$
them. 7he $/t ma$e them itch an$ .ater- an$ the $/t .a every.here $o.n here. ?itt"e p/,,
o, it ,i""e$ the air every time a page .a t/rne$- an$ it roe in grey c"o/$ .henever he hi,te$ a
tack o, book to ee .hat might be hi$ing on the bottom.
Sam $i$ not kno. ho. "ong it ha$ been ince "at he4$ "ept- b/t carce an inch remaine$ o,
the ,at ta""o. can$"e he4$ "it .hen tarting on the ragge$ b/n$"e o, "ooe page that he4$ ,o/n$
tie$ /p in t.ine. #e .a beat"y tire$- b/t it .a har$ to top. One more book, he ha$ to"$
hime",- then I/ll stop+ One more folio, 9ust one more+ One more page, then I/ll go up and rest
and get a bite to eat+ B/t there .a a".ay another page a,ter that one- an$ another a,ter that- an$
another book .aiting /n$erneath the pi"e. I/ll 9ust take a 3uick peek to see what this one is about,
he4$ think- an$ be,ore he kne. he .o/"$ be ha",.ay thro/gh it. #e ha$ not eaten ince that bo."
o, bean(an$(bacon o/p .ith 9yp an$ Grenn. Well, e8cept for the bread and cheese, but that was
onl! a nibble, he tho/ght. 7hat .a .hen he took a A/ick g"ance at the empty p"atter- an$ pie$
the mo/e ,eating on the brea$ cr/mb.
7he mo/e .a ha", a "ong a hi pinky ,inger- .ith b"ack eye an$ o,t grey ,/r. Sam kne.
he o/ght to ki"" it. Mice might pre,er brea$ an$ cheee- b/t they ate paper too. #e ha$ ,o/n$
p"enty o, mo/e $ropping amongt the he"ve an$ tack- an$ ome o, the "eather cover on the
book ho.e$ ign o, being gna.e$.
It is such a little thing, though+ And hungr!+ #o. co/"$ he begr/$ge it a ,e. cr/mb6 It/s
eating books, though=
A,ter ho/r in the chair Sam4 back .a ti,, a a boar$- an$ hi "eg .ere ha",(a"eep. #e
kne. he .a not A/ick eno/gh to catch the mo/e- b/t it might be he co/"$ A/ah it. By hi
e"bo. rete$ a maive "eather(bo/n$ copy o, Annals of the Black %entaur, Septon !orA/en4
e:ha/tive"y $etai"e$ acco/nt o, the nine year that Hrbert Ca.e"" ha$ erve$ a ?or$
Comman$er o, the Night4 3atch. 7here .a a page ,or each $ay o, hi term- every one o,
.hich eeme$ to begin- 2?or$ Hrbert roe at $a.n an$ move$ hi bo.e"-1 e:cept ,or the "at-
.hich ai$- 2?or$ Hrbert .a ,o/n$ to have $ie$ $/ring the night.1
2o mouse is a match for Septon -or3uen+ %ery "o."y- Sam took ho"$ o, the book .ith hi
"e,t han$. &t .a thick an$ heavy- an$ .hen he trie$ to "i,t it one(han$e$- it "ippe$ ,rom hi
p"/mp ,inger an$ th/mpe$ back $o.n. 7he mo/e .a gone in ha", a heartbeat- kittery(A/ick.
Sam .a re"ieve$. SA/ihing the poor "itt"e thing .o/"$ have given him nightmare. 2Eo/
ho/"$n4t eat the book- tho/gh-1 he ai$ a"o/$. Maybe he ho/"$ bring more cheee the ne:t
time he came $o.n here.
#e .a /rprie$ at ho. "o. the can$"e ha$ b/rne$. #a$ the bean(an$(bacon o/p been to$ay
or yeter$ay6 &esterda!+ It must hae been !esterda!+ 7he rea"iGation ma$e him ya.n. !on .o/"$
be .on$ering .hat ha$ become o, him- tho/gh Maeter Aemon .o/"$ no $o/bt /n$ertan$.
Be,ore he ha$ "ot hi ight- the maeter ha$ "ove$ book a m/ch a Sam.e"" 7ar"y $i$. #e
/n$ertoo$ the .ay that yo/ co/"$ ometime ,a"" right into them- a i, each page .a a ho"e into
another .or"$.
9/hing hime", to hi ,eet- Sam grimace$ at the pin an$ nee$"e in hi ca"ve. 7he chair .a
very har$ an$ c/t into the back o, hi thigh .hen he bent over a book. I need to remember to
bring a cushion+ &t .o/"$ be even better i, he co/"$ "eep $o.n here- in the ce"" he4$ ,o/n$ ha",(
hi$$en behin$ ,o/r chet ,/"" o, "ooe page that ha$ gotten eparate$ ,rom the book they
be"onge$ to- b/t he $i$ not .ant to "eave Maeter Aemon a"one ,or o "ong. #e ha$ not been
trong o, "ate an$ reA/ire$ he"p- epecia""y .ith the raven. Aemon ha$ C"y$a- to be /re- b/t
Sam .a yo/nger- an$ better .ith the bir$.
!on Sno. rea$ the "etter over /nti" the .or$ began to b"/r an$ r/n together. I cannot sign
this+ I will not sign this+
#e a"mot b/rne$ the parchment then an$ there. &ntea$ he took a ip o, a"e- the $reg o, the
ha", c/p that remaine$ ,rom hi o"itary /pper the night be,ore. I hae to sign it+ #he! chose me
to be their lord commander+ #he Wall is mine, and the Watch as well+ #he 2ight/s Watch takes
no part+
&t .a a re"ie, .hen 5o"oro/ C$$ 7o""ett opene$ the $oor to te"" him that Gi""y .a .itho/t.
!on et Maeter Aemon4 "etter ai$e. 2& .i"" ee her.1 #e $rea$e$ thi. 2+in$ Sam ,or me. & .i""
.ant to peak .ith him ne:t.1
2#e4"" be $o.n .ith the book. My o"$ epton /e$ to ay that book are $ea$ men ta"king.
5ea$ men ho/"$ keep A/iet- i .hat & ay. No one .ant to hear a $ea$ man4 yabber.1
5o"oro/ C$$ .ent o,, m/ttering o, .orm an$ pi$er.
3hen Gi""y entere$- he .ent at once to her knee. !on came aro/n$ the tab"e an$ $re. her to
her ,eet. 2Eo/ $on4t nee$ to take a knee ,or me. 7hat4 =/t ,or king.1 7ho/gh a .i,e an$
mother- Gi""y ti"" eeme$ ha", a chi"$ to him- a "en$er "itt"e thing .rappe$ /p in one o, Sam4
o"$ c"oak. 7he c"oak .a o big on her that he co/"$ have hi$$en evera" other gir" beneath it
,o"$. 27he babe are .e""61 he ake$ her.
7he .i"$"ing gir" mi"e$ timi$"y ,rom /n$er her co.". 2Ee- m4"or$. & .a care$ & .o/"$n4t
have mi"k eno/gh ,or both- b/t the more they /ck- the more & have. 7hey4re trong.1
2& have omething har$ to te"" yo/.1 #e a"mot ai$ ask, b/t ca/ght hime", at the "at intant.
2& it Mance6 %a" begge$ the king to pare him. She ai$ he4$ "et ome knee"er marry her
an$ never "it hi throat i, on"y Mance co/"$ "ive. 7hat ?or$ o4Bone- he4 to be pare$. Crater
a".ay .ore he4$ ki"" him i, he ever ho.e$ hi ,ace abo/t the keep. Mance never $i$ ha", the
thing he $one.1
All *ance eer did was lead an arm! down upon the realm he once swore to protect+ 2Mance
ai$ o/r .or$- Gi""y. 7hen he t/rne$ hi c"oak- .e$ 5a""a- an$ cro.ne$ hime", >ing(Beyon$(
the(3a"". #i "i,e i in the king4 han$ no.. &t4 not him .e nee$ to ta"k abo/t. &t4 hi on.
5a""a4 boy.1
27he babe61 #er voice tremb"e$. 2#e never broke no oath- m4"or$. #e "eep an$ crie an$
/ck- i a""I he4 never $one no harm to no one. 5on4t "et her b/rn him. Save him- p"eae.1
2Hn"y yo/ can $o that- Gi""y.1 !on to"$ her ho..
Another .oman .o/"$ have hrieke$ at him- c/re$ him- $amne$ him $o.n to even he"".
Another .oman might have ,"o.n at him in rage- "appe$ him- kicke$ him- rake$ at hi eye
.ith her nai". Another .oman might have thro.n her $e,iance in hi teeth.
Gi""y hook her hea$. 2No. 9"eae- no.1
7he raven picke$ /p the .or$. 22o,1 it creame$. 2Re,/e- an$ the boy .i"" b/rn. Not on the
morro.- nor the $ay a,ter8 b/t oon- .henever Me"ian$re nee$ to .ake a $ragon or raie a
.in$ or .ork ome other pe"" reA/iring king4 b"oo$. Mance .i"" be ah an$ bone by then- o
he .i"" c"aim hi on ,or the ,ire- an$ Stanni .i"" not $eny her. &, yo/ $o not take the boy a.ay-
she will burn him+1
2&4"" go-1 ai$ Gi""y. 2&4"" take him- &4"" take the both o4 them- 5a""a4 boy and mine.1 7ear
ro""e$ $o.n her cheek. &, not ,or the .ay the can$"e ma$e them g"iten- !on might never have
kno.n that he .a .eeping. %raster/s wies would hae taught their daughters to shed their
tears into a pillow+ $erhaps the! went outside to weep, well awa! from %raster/s fists+
!on c"oe$ the ,inger o, hi .or$ han$. 27ake both boy an$ the A/een4 men .i"" ri$e a,ter
yo/ an$ $rag yo/ back. 7he boy .i"" ti"" b/rn8 an$ yo/ .ith him.1 If I comfort her, she ma!
think that tears can moe me+ She has to realize that I will not !ield+ 2Eo/4"" take one boy- an$
that one 5a""a4.1
2A mother can4t "eave her on- or e"e he4 c/re$ ,orever. Not a son+ 3e saed him- Sam
an$ me. 9"eae. 9"eae- m4"or$. 3e ave$ him ,rom the co"$.1
2Men ay that ,reeGing to $eath i a"mot peace,/". +ire- tho/gh8 $o yo/ ee the can$"e-
Gi""y61
She "ooke$ at the ,"ame. 2Ee.1
27o/ch it. 9/t yo/r han$ over the ,"ame.1
#er big bro.n eye gre. bigger ti"". She $i$ not move. 25o it.1 ,ill the bo!+ 2No..1
7remb"ing- the gir" reache$ o/t her han$- he"$ it .e"" above the ,"ickering can$"e ,"ame.
25o.n. ?et it ki yo/.1
Gi""y "o.ere$ her han$. An inch. Another. 3hen the ,"ame "icke$ her ,"eh- he natche$ her
han$ back an$ began to ob.
2+ire i a cr/e" .ay to $ie. 5a""a $ie$ to give thi chi"$ "i,e- b/t yo/ have no/rihe$ him-
cherihe$ him. Eo/ ave$ yo/r o.n boy ,rom the ice. No. ave her ,rom the ,ire.1
27hey4"" b/rn my babe- then. 7he re$ .oman. &, he can4t have 5a""a4- he4"" b/rn mine.1
2Eo/r on ha no king4 b"oo$. Me"ian$re gain nothing by giving him to the ,ire. Stanni
.ant the ,ree ,o"k to ,ight ,or him- he .i"" not b/rn an innocent .itho/t goo$ ca/e. Eo/r boy
.i"" be a,e. & .i"" ,in$ a .et n/re ,or him an$ he4"" be raie$ here at Cat"e B"ack /n$er my
protection. #e4"" "earn to h/nt an$ ri$e- to ,ight .ith .or$ an$ a:e an$ bo.. &4"" even ee that he
i ta/ght to rea$ an$ .rite.1 Sam .o/"$ "ike that. 2An$ .hen he i o"$ eno/gh- he .i"" "earn the
tr/th o, .ho he i. #e4"" be ,ree to eek yo/ o/t i, that i .hat he .ant.1
2Eo/ .i"" make a cro. o, him.1 She .ipe$ at her tear .ith the back o, a ma"" pa"e han$. 2&
.on4t. & .on4t.1
,ill the bo!, tho/ght !on. 2Eo/ .i"". C"e & promie yo/- the $ay that they b/rn 5a""a4 boy-
yo/r .i"" $ie a .e"".1
2Die,1 hrieke$ the H"$ Bear4 raven. 2Die, die, die+1
7he gir" at h/nche$ an$ hr/nken- taring at the can$"e ,"ame- tear g"itening in her eye.
+ina""y !on ai$- 2Eo/ have my "eave to go. 5o not peak o, thi- b/t ee that yo/ are rea$y to
$epart an ho/r be,ore ,irt "ight. My men .i"" come ,or yo/.1
Gi""y got to her ,eet. 9a"e an$ .or$"e- he $eparte$- .ith never a "ook back at him. !on
hear$ her ,oottep a he r/he$ thro/gh the armory. She .a a"mot r/nning.
3hen he .ent to c"oe the $oor- !on a. that Ghot .a tretche$ o/t beneath the anvi"-
gna.ing on the bone o, an o:. 7he big .hite $ire.o", "ooke$ /p at hi approach. 29at time that
yo/ .ere back.1 #e ret/rne$ to hi chair- to rea$ over Maeter Aemon4 "etter once again.
3ith a tack o, book an$ cro"" /n$er hi "e,t arm an$ the can$"e in hi right han$- Sam
ma$e hi .ay thro/gh the t/nne" the brother ca""e$ the .orm.ay. A pa"e ha,t o, "ight
i""/minate$ the teep tone tep that "e$ /p to the /r,ace- o he kne. that $ay ha$ come /p top.
#e "e,t the can$"e b/rning in a .a"" niche an$ began the c"imb. By the ,i,th tep he .a p/,,ing.
At the tenth he toppe$ to hi,t the book to hi right arm.
#e emerge$ beneath a ky the co"or o, .hite "ea$. A snow sk!, Sam tho/ght- A/inting /p.
7he propect ma$e him /neay. #e remembere$ that night on the +it o, the +irt Men .hen the
.ight an$ the no. ha$ come together. Don/t be so craen, he tho/ght. &ou hae !our Sworn
Brothers all around !ou, not to mention Stannis Baratheon and all his knights+ Cat"e B"ack4
keep an$ to.er roe abo/t him- $.ar,e$ by the icy immenity o, the 3a"". A ma"" army .a
cra."ing over the ice a A/arter o, the .ay /p- .here a ne. .itchback tair .a creeping /p.ar$
to meet the remnant o, the o"$ one. 7he o/n$ o, their a. an$ hammer echoe$ o,, the ice.
!on ha$ the b/i"$er .orking night an$ $ay on the tak. Sam ha$ hear$ ome o, them
comp"aining abo/t it over /pper- initing that ?or$ Mormont never .orke$ them ha", o har$.
3itho/t the great tair there .a no .ay to reach the top o, the 3a"" e:cept by the chain .inch-
ho.ever. An$ a m/ch a Sam.e"" 7ar"y hate$ tep- he hate$ the .inch cage more. #e a".ay
c"oe$ hi eye .hen he .a ri$ing it- convince$ that the chain .a abo/t to break. Cvery time
the iron cage crape$ againt the ice hi heart toppe$ beating ,or an intant.
#here were dragons here two hundred !ears ago, Sam ,o/n$ hime", thinking- a he .atche$
the cage making a "o. $ecent. #he! would 9ust hae flown to the top of the Wall+ D/een
A"yanne ha$ viite$ Cat"e B"ack on her $ragon- an$ !aehaery- her king- ha$ come a,ter her on
hi o.n. Co/"$ Si"ver.ing have "e,t an egg behin$6 Hr ha$ Stanni ,o/n$ one egg on
5ragontone6 0en if he has an egg, how can he hope to 3uicken it6 Bae"or the B"ee$ ha$
praye$ over hi egg- an$ other 7argaryen ha$ o/ght to hatch their .ith orcery. A"" they got
,or it .a ,arce an$ trage$y.
2Sam.e""-1 ai$ a g"/m voice- 2& .a coming to ,etch yo/. & .a to"$ to bring yo/ to the ?or$
Comman$er.1
A no.,"ake "an$e$ on Sam4 noe. 2!on .ant to ee me61
2A to that- & co/"$ not ay-1 ai$ 5o"oro/ C$$ 7o""ett. 2& never .ante$ to ee ha", the thing
&4ve een- an$ &4ve never een ha", the thing & .ante$ to. & $on4t think .anting come into it.
Eo/4$ bet go a"" the ame. ?or$ Sno. .ihe to peak .ith yo/ a oon a he i $one .ith
Crater4 .i,e.1
2Gi""y.1
27hat4 the one. &, my .et n/re ha$ "ooke$ "ike her- &4$ ti"" be on the teat. Mine ha$
.hiker.1
2Mot goat $o-1 ca""e$ 9yp- a he an$ Grenn emerge$ ,rom aro/n$ the corner- .ith
"ongbo. in han$ an$ A/iver o, arro. on their back. 23here have yo/ been- S"ayer6 3e
mie$ yo/ "at night at /pper. A .ho"e roat o: .ent /neaten.1
25on4t ca"" me S"ayer.1 Sam ignore$ the gibe abo/t the o:. 7hat .a =/t 9yp. 2& .a rea$ing.
7here .a a mo/e81
25on4t mention mice to Grenn. #e4 terri,ie$ o, mice.1
2& am not-1 Grenn $ec"are$ .ith in$ignation.
2Eo/4$ be too care$ to eat one.1
2&4$ eat more mice than yo/ .o/"$.1
5o"oro/ C$$ 7o""ett gave a igh. 23hen & .a a "a$- .e on"y ate mice on pecia" ,eat $ay. &
.a the yo/nget- o & a".ay got the tai". 7here4 no meat on the tai".1
23hereM yo/r "ongbo.- Sam61 ake$ Grenn. Ser A""ier /e$ to ca"" him Aurochs, an$ every
$ay he eeme$ to gro. into the name a "itt"e more. #e ha$ come to the 3a"" big b/t "o.- thick
o, neck- thick o, .ait- re$ o, ,ace- an$ c"/my. 7ho/gh hi neck ti"" re$$ene$ .hen 9yp t.ite$
him aro/n$ into ome ,o""y- ho/r o, .ork .ith .or$ an$ hie"$ ha$ ,"attene$ hi be""y-
har$ene$ hi arm- broa$ene$ hi chet. #e .a strong, an$ haggy a an a/roch too. 2F"mer
.a e:pecting yo/ at the b/tt.1
2F"mer-1 Sam ai$- abahe$. A"mot the ,irt thing !on Sno. ha$ $one a ?or$ Comman$er
.a intit/te $ai"y archery $ri"" ,or the entire garrion- even te.ar$ an$ cook. 7he 3atch ha$
been p"acing too m/ch emphai on the .or$ an$ too "itt"e on the bo.- he ha$ ai$- a re"ic o, the
$ay .hen one brother in every ten ha$ been a knight- intea$ o, one in every h/n$re$. Sam a.
the ene in the $ecree- b/t he hate$ "ongbo. practice a"mot a m/ch a he hate$ c"imbing
tep. 3hen he .ore hi g"ove he co/"$ never hit anything- b/t .hen he took them o,, he got
b"iter on hi ,inger. 7hoe bo. .ere dangerous+ Satin ha$ torn o,, ha", hi th/mbnai" on a
bo.tring. 2& ,orgot.1
2Eo/ broke the heart o, the .i"$"ing prince- S"ayer-1 ai$ 9yp. H, "ate- %a" ha$ taken to
.atching them ,rom the .in$o. o, her chamber in the >ing4 7o.er. 2She .a "ooking ,or
yo/.1
2She .a not0 5on4t ay that01 Sam ha$ on"y poken to %a" t.ice- .hen Maeter Aemon
ca""e$ /pon her to make /re the babe .ere hea"thy. 7he prince .a o pretty that he o,t ,o/n$
hime", tammering an$ b"/hing in her preence.
23hy not61 ake$ 9yp. 2She .ant to have yo/r chi"$ren. Maybe .e ho/"$ ca"" yo/ Sam the
Se$/cer.1
Sam re$$ene$. >ing Stanni ha$ p"an ,or %a"- he kne.I he .a the mortar .ith .hich he
meant to ea" the peace bet.een the northmen an$ the ,ree ,o"k. 2& $on4t have time ,or archery
to$ay- & nee$ to go ee !on.1
2!on6 !on6 5o .e kno. anyone name$ !on- Grenn61
2#e mean the ?or$ Comman$er.1
2Ohhh+ 7he Great ?or$ Sno.. 7o be /re. 3hy $o yo/ .ant to ee him6 #e can4t even
.igg"e hi ear.1 9yp .igg"e$ hi- to ho. he co/"$. 7hey .ere "arge ear- an$ re$ ,rom co"$.
2#e4 "ord Sno. ,or tr/e no.- too b"oo$y highborn ,or the "ike o, /.1
2!on ha $/tie-1 Sam ai$ in hi $e,ene. 27he 3a"" i hi- an$ a"" that goe .ith it.1
2A man ha $/tie to hi ,rien$ a .e"". &, not ,or /- !ano S"ynt might be o/r "or$
comman$er. ?or$ !ano .o/"$ have ent Sno. ranging nake$ on a m/"e. JScamper on /p to
Crater4 >eep-4 he .o/"$ have ai$- Jan$ ,etch me back the H"$ Bear4 c"oak an$ boot.4 3e
ave$ him ,rom that- b/t no. he ha too many duties to $rink a c/p o, m/""e$ .ine by the ,ire61
Grenn agree$. 2#i $/tie $on4t keep him ,rom the yar$. More $ay than not- he4 o/t there
,ighting omeone.1
7hat .a tr/e- Sam ha$ to a$mit. Hnce- .hen !on came to con/"t .ith Maeter Aemon- Sam
ha$ ake$ him .hy he pent o m/ch time at .or$p"ay. 27he H"$ Bear never traine$ m/ch
.hen he .a ?or$ Comman$er-1 he ha$ pointe$ o/t. &n an.er- !on ha$ pree$ ?ongc"a. into
Sam4 han$. #e "et him ,ee" the "ightne- the ba"ance- ha$ him t/rn the b"a$e o that ripp"e
g"eame$ in the moke($ark meta". 2%a"yrian tee"-1 he ai$- 2pe""(,orge$ an$ raGor(harp- nigh
on in$etr/ctib"e. A .or$man ho/"$ be a goo$ a hi .or$- Sam. ?ongc"a. i %a"yrian
tee"- b/t &4m not. 7he #a",han$ co/"$ have ki""e$ me a eay a yo/ .at a b/g.1
Sam han$e$ back the .or$. 23hen & try to .at a b/g- it a".ay ,"ie a.ay. A"" & $o i "ap
my arm. &t ting.1
7hat ma$e !on "a/gh. 2A yo/ .i"". Dhorin co/"$ have ki""e$ me a eay a yo/ eat a bo." o,
porri$ge.1 Sam .a ,on$ o, porri$ge- epecia""y .hen it .a .eetene$ .ith honey.
2& $on4t have time ,or thi.1 Sam "e,t hi ,rien$ an$ ma$e hi .ay to.ar$ the armory-
c"/tching hi book to hi chet. I am the shield that guards the realms of men, he remembere$.
#e .on$ere$ .hat thoe men .o/"$ ay i, they rea"iGe$ their rea"m .ere being g/ar$e$ by the
"ike o, Grenn- 9yp- an$ 5o"oro/ C$$.
7he ?or$ Comman$er4 7o.er ha$ been g/tte$ by ,ire- an$ Stanni Baratheon ha$ c"aime$
the >ing4 7o.er ,or hi o.n rei$ence- o !on Sno. ha$ etab"ihe$ hime", in 5ona" Noye4
mo$et A/arter behin$ the armory. Gi""y .a "eaving a Sam arrive$- .rappe$ /p in the o"$
c"oak he4$ given her .hen they .ere ,"eeing Crater4 >eep. She a"mot r/he$ right pat him-
b/t Sam ca/ght her arm- pi""ing t.o book a he $i$. 2Gi""y.1
2Sam.1 #er voice o/n$e$ ra.. Gi""y .a $ark(haire$ an$ "im- .ith the big bro.n eye o, a
$oe. She .a .a""o.e$ by the ,o"$ o, Sam4 o"$ c"oak- her ,ace ha",(hi$$en by it hoo$- b/t
hivering a"" the ame. #er ,ace "ooke$ .an an$ ,rightene$.
23hat4 .rong61 Sam ake$ her. 2#o. are the babe61
Gi""y p/""e$ "ooe ,rom him. 27hey4re goo$- Sam. Goo$.1
2Bet.een the t.o o, them it4 a .on$er yo/ can "eep-1 Sam ai$ p"eaant"y. 23hich one .a
it that & hear$ crying "at night6 & tho/ght he4$ never top.1
25a""a4 boy. #e crie .hen he .ant the teat. Mine8 mine har$"y ever crie. Sometime he
g/rg"e- b/t81 #er eye ,i""e$ .ith tear. 2& have to go. &t4 pat time that & ,e$ them. &4"" be
"eaking a"" over mye", i, & $on4t go.1 She r/he$ acro the yar$- "eaving Sam perp"e:e$ behin$
her.
#e ha$ to get $o.n on hi knee to gather /p the book he4$ $roppe$. I should not hae
brought so man!, he to"$ hime", a he br/he$ the $irt o,, Co""oA/o %otar4 -ade %ompendium,
a thick vo"/me o, ta"e an$ "egen$ ,rom the eat that Maeter Aemon ha$ comman$e$ him to
,in$. 7he book appeare$ /n$amage$. Maeter 7homa:4 Dragonkin, Being a 7istor! of 7ouse
#argar!en from 08ile to Apotheosis, with a %onsideration of the "ife and Death of Dragons ha$
not been o ,ort/nate. &t ha$ come open a it ,e""- an$ a ,e. page ha$ gotten m/$$y- inc"/$ing
one .ith a rather nice pict/re o, Ba"erion the B"ack 5rea$ $one in co"ore$ ink. Sam c/re$
hime", ,or a c"/my oa, a he moothe$ the page $o.n an$ br/he$ them o,,. Gi""y4 preence
a".ay ,"/tere$ him an$ gave rie to8 .e""- risings+ A S.orn Brother o, the Night4 3atch
ho/"$ not be ,ee"ing the ort o, thing that Gi""y ma$e him ,ee"- epecia""y .hen he .o/"$ ta"k
abo/t her breat an$8
2?or$ Sno. i .aiting.1 7.o g/ar$ in b"ack c"oak an$ iron ha",he"m too$ by the $oor o,
the armory- "eaning on their pear. #airy #a" .a the one .ho4$ poken. M/""y he"pe$ Sam
back to hi ,eet. #e b"/rte$ o/t thank an$ h/rrie$ pat them- c"/tching $eperate"y at the tack
o, book a he ma$e hi .ay pat the ,orge .ith it anvi" an$ be""o.. A hirt o, ringmai" rete$
on hi .orkbench- ha",(comp"ete$. Ghot .a tretche$ o/t beneath the anvi"- gna.ing on the
bone o, an o: to get at the marro.. 7he big .hite $ire.o", "ooke$ /p .hen Sam .ent by- b/t
ma$e no o/n$.
!on4 o"ar .a back beyon$ the rack o, pear an$ hie"$. #e .a rea$ing a parchment
.hen Sam entere$. ?or$ Comman$er Mormont4 raven .a on hi ho/"$er- peering $o.n a i,
it .ere rea$ing too- b/t .hen the bir$ pie$ Sam it prea$ it .ing an$ ,"appe$ to.ar$ him
crying- 4%orn, corn;5
Shi,ting the book- Sam thr/t hi arm into the ack bei$e the $oor an$ came o/t .ith a
han$,/" o, kerne". 7he raven "an$e$ on hi .rit an$ took one ,rom hi pa"m- pecking o har$
that Sam ye"pe$ an$ natche$ hi han$ back. 7he raven took to the air again- an$ ye""o. an$ re$
kerne" .ent every.here.
2C"oe the $oor- Sam.1 +aint car ti"" marke$ !on4 cheek- .here an eag"e ha$ once trie$ to
rip hi eye o/t. 25i$ that .retch break the kin61
Sam eae$ the book $o.n an$ pee"e$ o,, hi g"ove. 2#e $i$.1 #e ,e"t ,aint. 2&4m bleeding+1
23e a"" he$ o/r b"oo$ ,or the 3atch. 3ear thicker g"ove.1 !on hove$ a chair to.ar$ him
.ith a ,oot. 2Sit- an$ have a "ook at thi.1 #e han$e$ him the parchment.
23hat i it61 ake$ Sam. 7he raven began to h/nt o/t corn kerne" amongt the r/he.
2A paper hie"$.1
Sam /cke$ at the b"oo$ on hi pa"m a he rea$. #e kne. Maeter Aemon4 han$ on ight.
#i .riting .a ma"" an$ precie- b/t the o"$ man co/"$ not ee .here the ink ha$ b"otte$- an$
ometime he "e,t /night"y mear. 2A "etter to >ing 7ommen61
2At 3inter,e"" 7ommen ,o/ght my brother Bran .ith .oo$en .or$. #e .ore o m/ch
pa$$ing he "ooke$ "ike a t/,,e$ gooe. Bran knocke$ him to the gro/n$.1 !on .ent to the
.in$o.. 2Eet Bran4 $ea$- an$ p/$gy pink(,ace$ 7ommen i itting on the &ron 7hrone- .ith a
cro.n net"e$ amongt hi go"$en c/r".1
Bran/s not dead, Sam .ante$ to ay. 7e/s gone be!ond the Wall with %oldhands+ 7he .or$
ca/ght in hi throat. I swore I would not tell+ 2Eo/ haven4t igne$ the "etter.1
27he H"$ Bear begge$ the &ron 7hrone ,or he"p a h/n$re$ time. 7hey ent him !ano S"ynt.
No "etter .i"" make the ?anniter "ove / better. Not once they hear that .e4ve been he"ping
Stanni.1
2Hn"y to $e,en$ the 3a""- not in hi rebe""ion.1 Sam rea$ the "etter A/ick"y once again.
27hat4 .hat it sa!s here.1
27he $itinction may ecape ?or$ 7y.in.1 !on took the "etter back. 23hy .o/"$ he he"p /
no.6 #e never $i$ be,ore.1
23e""-1 ai$ Sam- 2he .i"" not .ant it ai$ that Stanni ro$e to the $e,ene o, the rea"m .hi"t
>ing 7ommen .a p"aying .ith hi toy. 7hat .o/"$ bring corn $o.n /pon #o/e ?anniter.1
2&t4 $eath an$ $etr/ction & .ant to bring $o.n /pon #o/e ?anniter- not corn.1 !on "i,te$
/p the "etter. 4#he 2ight/s Watch takes no part in the wars of the Seen ,ingdoms,5 he rea$.
4Our oaths are sworn to the realm, and the realm now stands in dire peril+ Stannis Baratheon
aids us against our foes from be!ond the Wall, though we are not his men=5
23e""-1 ai$ Sam- A/irming- 2.e4re not+ Are .e61
2& gave Stanni ,oo$- he"ter- an$ the Night,ort- p"/ "eave to ett"e ome ,ree ,o"k in the Gi,t.
7hat4 a"".1
2?or$ 7y.in .i"" ay it .a too m/ch.1
2Stanni ay it4 not eno/gh. 7he more yo/ give a king the more he .ant. 3e are .a"king
on a bri$ge o, ice .ith an aby on either i$e. 9"eaing one king i $i,,ic/"t eno/gh. 9"eaing
t.o i har$"y poib"e.1
2Ee- b/t8 i, the ?anniter ho/"$ prevai" an$ ?or$ 7y.in $eci$e that .e betraye$ the
king by ai$ing Stanni- it co/"$ mean the en$ o, the Night4 3atch. #e ha the 7yre"" behin$
him- .ith a"" the trength o, #ighgar$en. An$ he $i$ $e,eat ?or$ Stanni on the B"ack.ater.1
7he ight o, b"oo$ might make Sam ,aint- b/t he kne. ho. .ar .ere .on. #i o.n ,ather ha$
een to that.
27he B"ack.ater .a one batt"e. Robb .on a"" hi batt"e an$ ti"" "ot hi hea$. &, Stanni can
raie the north81
7e/s tr!ing to conince himself, Sam rea"iGe$- but he can/t+ 7he raven ha$ gone ,orth ,rom
Cat"e B"ack in a torm o, b"ack .ing- /mmoning the "or$ o, the north to $ec"are ,or Stanni
Baratheon an$ =oin their trength to hi. Sam ha$ ent o/t mot o, them hime",. 7h/,ar on"y
one bir$ ha$ ret/rne$- the one they4$ ent to >arho"$. C"e.ie the i"ence ha$ been th/n$ero/.
Cven i, he ho/"$ omeho. .in the northmen to hi i$e- Sam $i$ not ee ho. Stanni co/"$
hope to match the combine$ po.er o, Cater"y Rock- #ighgar$en- an$ the 7.in. Eet .itho/t
the north- hi ca/e .a /re"y $oome$. As doomed as the 2ight/s Watch, if "ord #!win marks
us down as traitors+ 27he ?anniter have northmen o, their o.n. ?or$ Bo"ton an$ hi batar$.1
2Stanni ha the >artark. &, he can .in 3hite #arbor81
2&,-1 Sam tree$. 2&, not8 my "or$- even a paper hie"$ i better than none.1
2& /ppoe o.1 7im and Aemon, tho/ght !on. Someho. he ha$ hope$ that Sam 7ar"y might
ee it $i,,erent"y. It is onl! ink and parchment+ Reigne$- he grabbe$ the A/i"" an$ igne$. 2Get
the ea"ing .a:.1 Before I change m! mind+ Sam hatene$ to obey. !on ,i:e$ the "or$
comman$er4 ea" an$ han$e$ him the "etter. 27ake thi to Maeter Aemon .hen yo/ "eave- an$
te"" him to $ipatch a bir$ to >ing4 ?an$ing.1
2& .i"".1 Sam heitate$. 2My "or$- i, & might ak8 & a. Gi""y "eaving. She .a a"mot
crying.1
2%a" ent her to p"ea$ ,or Mance again.1
2Hh.1 %a" .a the iter o, the .oman the >ing(beyon$(the(3a"" ha$ taken ,or hi A/een.
#he wildling princess .a .hat Stanni an$ hi men .ere ca""ing her. #er iter 5a""a ha$ $ie$
$/ring the batt"e- tho/gh no b"a$e ha$ ever to/che$ herI he ha$ perihe$ giving birth to Mance
Ray$er4 on. Ray$er hime", .o/"$ oon ,o""o. her to the grave- i, the .hiper Sam ha$ hear$
ha$ any tr/th to them. 23hat $i$ yo/ te"" her61
27hat & .o/"$ peak to Stanni- tho/gh & $o/bt my .or$ .i"" .ay him. A king4 ,irt $/ty i
to $e,en$ the rea"m- an$ Mance attacke$ it. #i Grace i not "ike to ,orget that. My ,ather /e$ to
ay that Stanni Baratheon .a a =/t man. No one ha ever ai$ he .a ,orgiving.1 !on pa/e$-
,ro.ning. 2& .o/"$ ooner take o,, Mance4 hea$ mye",. #e .a a man o, the Night4 3atch-
once. By right- hi "i,e be"ong to /.1
29yp ay that ?a$y Me"ian$re mean to give him to the ,"ame- to .ork ome orcery.1
29yp ho/"$ "earn to ho"$ hi tong/e. & have hear$ the ame ,rom other. >ing4 b"oo$- to
.ake a $ragon. 3here Me"ian$re think to ,in$ a "eeping $ragon- no one i A/ite /re. &t4
nonene. Mance4 b"oo$ i no more roya" than mine o.n. #e ha never .orn a cro.n nor at a
throne. #e4 a brigan$- nothing more. 7here4 no po.er in brigan$4 b"oo$.1
7he raven "ooke$ /p ,rom the ,"oor. 4Blood,5 it creame$.
!on pai$ no min$. 2& am en$ing Gi""y a.ay.1
2Hh.1 Sam bobbe$ hi hea$. 23e""- that48 that4 goo$- my "or$.1 &t .o/"$ be the bet thing
,or her- to go ome.here .arm an$ a,e- .e"" a.ay ,rom the 3a"" an$ the ,ighting.
2#er an$ the boy. 3e .i"" nee$ to ,in$ another .et n/re ,or hi mi"k brother.1
2Goat4 mi"k might erve- /nti" yo/ $o. &t4 better ,or a babe than co.4 mi"k.1 Sam ha$ rea$
that ome.here. #e hi,te$ in hi eat. 2My "or$- .hen & .a "ooking thro/gh the anna" & came
on another boy comman$er. +o/r h/n$re$ year be,ore the ConA/et. Hric Stark .a ten .hen
he .a choen- b/t he erve$ ,or i:ty year. 7hat4 ,o/r- my "or$. Eo/4re not even c"oe to being
the yo/nget ever choen. Eo/4re ,i,th yo/nget- o ,ar.1
27he yo/nger ,o/r a"" being on- brother- or batar$ o, the >ing in the North. 7e"" me
omething /e,/". 7e"" me o, o/r enemy.1
27he Hther.1 Sam "icke$ hi "ip. 27hey are mentione$ in the anna"- tho/gh not a o,ten a &
.o/"$ have tho/ght. 7he anna" &4ve ,o/n$ an$ "ooke$ at- that i. 7here4 more & haven4t ,o/n$- &
kno.. Some o, the o"$er book are ,a""ing to piece. 7he page cr/mb"e .hen & try an$ t/rn
them. An$ the reall! o"$ book8 either they have cr/mb"e$ a"" a.ay or they are b/rie$
ome.here that & haven4t "ooke$ yet or8 .e""- it co/"$ be that there are no /ch book- an$
never .ere. 7he o"$et hitorie .e have .ere .ritten a,ter the An$a" came to 3etero. 7he
+irt Men on"y "e,t / r/ne on rock- o everything .e think .e kno. abo/t the Age o, #eroe
an$ the 5a.n Age an$ the ?ong Night come ,rom acco/nt et $o.n by epton tho/an$ o,
year "ater. 7here are archmaeter at the Cita$e" .ho A/etion a"" o, it. 7hoe o"$ hitorie are
,/"" o, king .ho reigne$ ,or h/n$re$ o, year- an$ knight ri$ing aro/n$ a tho/an$ year
be,ore there were knight. Eo/ kno. the ta"e- Bran$on the B/i"$er- Symeon Star(Cye- Night4
>ing8 .e ay that yo/4re the nine h/n$re$ an$ ninety(eighth ?or$ Comman$er o, the Night4
3atch- b/t the o"$et "it &4ve ,o/n$ ho. i: h/n$re$ eventy(,o/r comman$er- .hich
/gget that it .a .ritten $/ring81
2?ong ago-1 !on broke in. 23hat abo/t the Hther61
2& ,o/n$ mention o, $ragong"a. 7he chi"$ren o, the ,oret /e$ to give the Night4 3atch a
h/n$re$ obi$ian $agger every year- $/ring the Age o, #eroe. 7he Hther come .hen it i
co"$- mot o, the ta"e agree. Hr e"e it get co"$ .hen they come. Sometime they appear $/ring
no.torm an$ me"t a.ay .hen the kie c"ear. 7hey hi$e ,rom the "ight o, the /n an$ emerge
by night8 or e"e night ,a"" .hen they emerge. Some torie peak o, them ri$ing the corpe o,
$ea$ anima". Bear- $ire.o"ve- mammoth- hore- it make no matter- o "ong a the beat i
$ea$. 7he one that ki""e$ Sma"" 9a/" .a ri$ing a $ea$ hore- o that part4 p"ain"y tr/e. Some
acco/nt peak o, giant ice pi$er too. & $on4t kno. .hat thoe are. Men .ho ,a"" in batt"e
againt the Hther m/t be b/rne$- or e"e the $ea$ .i"" rie again a their thra"".1
23e kne. a"" thi. 7he A/etion i- ho. $o .e ,ight them61
27he armor o, the Hther i proo, againt mot or$inary b"a$e- i, the ta"e can be be"ieve$-1
ai$ Sam- 2an$ their o.n .or$ are o co"$ they hatter tee". +ire .i"" $imay them- tho/gh-
an$ they are v/"nerab"e to obi$ian.1 #e remembere$ the one he ha$ ,ace$ in the ha/nte$ ,oret-
an$ ho. it ha$ eeme$ to me"t a.ay .hen he tabbe$ it .ith the $ragong"a $agger !on ha$
ma$e ,or him. 2& ,o/n$ one acco/nt o, the ?ong Night that poke o, the "at hero "aying Hther
.ith a b"a$e o, $ragontee". S/ppoe$"y they co/"$ not tan$ againt it.1
25ragontee"61 !on ,ro.ne$. 2.al!rian tee"61
27hat .a my ,irt tho/ght a .e"".1
2So i, & can =/t convince the "or$ o, the Seven >ing$om to give / their %a"yrian b"a$e- a""
i ave$6 7hat .on4t be har$.1 2o harder than asking them to gie up their coin and castles+ #e
gave a bitter "a/gh. 25i$ yo/ ,in$ .ho the Hther are- .here they come ,rom- .hat they .ant61
2Not yet- my "or$- b/t it may be that &4ve =/t been rea$ing the .rong book. 7here are
h/n$re$ & have not "ooke$ at yet. Give me more time an$ & .i"" ,in$ .hatever there i to be
,o/n$.1
27here i no more time.1 !on o/n$e$ a$. 2Eo/ nee$ to get yo/r thing together- Sam.
Eo/4re going .ith Gi""y.1
2Going61 +or a moment Sam $i$ not /n$ertan$. 2&4m going6 7o Cat.atch- my "or$6 Hr8
.here am &81
2H"$to.n.1
4Oldtown65 &t came o/t in a A/eak. #orn #i"" .a c"oe to H"$to.n. 7ome+ 7he notion
ma$e him "ight(hea$e$. *! father+
2Aemon a .e"".1
2Aemon6 *aester Aemon6 B/t8 he4 one h/n$re$ an$ t.o year o"$- my "or$- he can4t8
yo/4re en$ing him and me6 3ho .i"" ten$ the raven6 &, they4re ick or .o/n$e$- .ho81
2C"y$a. #e4 been .ith Aemon ,or year.1
2C"y$a i on"y a te.ar$- an$ hi eye are going ba$. Eo/ nee$ a maester+ Maeter Aemon i
o ,rai"- a ea voyage81 #e tho/ght o, the Arbor an$ the Arbor :ueen, an$ a"mot choke$ on
hi tong/e. 2&t might8 he4 o"$- an$81
2#i "i,e .i"" be at rik. & am a.are o, that- Sam- b/t the rik i greater here. Stanni kno.
.ho Aemon i. &, the re$ .oman reA/ire king4 b"oo$ ,or her pe""81
2Hh.1 Sam pa"e$.
25areon .i"" =oin yo/ at Cat.atch. My hope i that hi ong .i"" .in ome men ,or / in the
o/th. 7he Blackbird .i"" $e"iver yo/ to Braavo. +rom there yo/4"" arrange yo/r o.n paage to
H"$to.n. &, yo/ ti"" mean to c"aim Gi""y4 babe a yo/r batar$- en$ her an$ the chi"$ on to
#orn #i"". C"e.ie- Aemon .i"" ,in$ a ervant4 p"ace ,or her at the Cita$e".1
2My b(b(batar$.1 #e ha$ ai$ that- ye- b/t =All that water+ I could drown+ Ships sink all the
time, and autumn is a storm! season+ Gi""y .o/"$ be .ith him- tho/gh- an$ the babe .o/"$ gro.
/p a,e. 2Ee- &8 my mother an$ my iter .i"" he"p Gi""y .ith the chi"$.1 I can send a letter, I
won/t need to go to 7orn 7ill m!self+ 25areon co/"$ ee her to H"$to.n =/t a .e"" a me.
&4m8 &4ve been .orking at my archery every a,ternoon .ith F"mer- a yo/ comman$e$8 .e""-
e:cept .hen &4m in the va/"t- b/t yo/ to"$ me to ,in$ o/t abo/t the Hther. 7he "ongbo. make
my ho/"$er ache an$ raie b"iter on my ,inger.1 #e ho.e$ !on .here one ha$ b/rt. 2&
ti"" $o it- tho/gh. & can hit the target more o,ten than not no.- b/t &4m ti"" the .ort archer .ho
ever bent a bo.. & "ike F"mer4 torie- tho/gh. Someone nee$ to .rite them $o.n an$ p/t them
in a book.1
2Eo/ $o it. 7hey have parchment an$ ink at the Cita$e"- a .e"" a "ongbo.. & .i"" e:pect
yo/ to contin/e .ith yo/r practice. Sam- the Night4 3atch ha h/n$re$ o, men .ho can "ooe
an arro.- b/t on"y a han$,/" .ho can rea$ or .rite. & nee$ yo/ to become my ne. maeter.1
7he .or$ ma$e him ,"inch. 2o, Father, please, I won/t speak of it again, I swear it b! the
Seen+ "et me out, please let me out+ 2My "or$- &8 my .ork i here- the book81
28.i"" be here .hen yo/ ret/rn to /.1
Sam p/t a han$ to hi throat. #e co/"$ a"mot ,ee" the chain there- choking him. 2My "or$- the
Cita$e"8 they make yo/ c/t /p corpe there.1 #he! make !ou wear a chain about !our neck+ If
it is chains !ou want, come with me+ +or three $ay an$ three night Sam ha$ obbe$ hime", to
"eep- manac"e$ han$ an$ ,oot to a .a"". 7he chain aro/n$ hi throat .a o tight it broke the
kin- an$ .henever he ro""e$ the .rong .ay in hi "eep it .o/"$ c/t o,, hi breath. 2& cannot
.ear a chain.1
2Eo/ can. Eo/ .i"". Maeter Aemon i o"$ an$ b"in$. #i trength i "eaving him. 3ho .i""
take hi p"ace .hen he $ie6 Maeter M/""in at the Sha$o. 7o.er i more ,ighter than cho"ar-
an$ Maeter #arm/ne o, Cat.atch i $r/nk more than he4 ober.1
2&, yo/ ak the Cita$e" ,or more maeter81
2& mean to. 3e4"" have nee$ o, every one. Aemon 7argaryen i not o eai"y rep"ace$-
ho.ever.1 #his is not going as I had hoped+ #e ha$ kno.n Gi""y .o/"$ be har$- b/t he ha$
a/me$ Sam .o/"$ be g"a$ to tra$e the $anger o, the 3a"" ,or the .armth o, H"$to.n. 2& .a
certain thi .o/"$ p"eae yo/-1 he ai$- p/GG"e$. 27here are o many book at the Cita$e" that no
man can hope to rea$ them a"". Eo/ .o/"$ $o .e"" there- Sam. & kno. yo/ .o/"$.1
2No. & co/"$ rea$ the book- b/t8 a m(maeter m/t be a hea"er an$ b(b(b"oo$ make me
,aint.1 #e he"$ o/t a haky han$ ,or !on to ee. 2&4m Sam the Scare$- not Sam the S"ayer.1
2Scare$6 H, .hat6 7he chi$ing o, o"$ men6 Sam- yo/ a. the .ight come .arming /p the
+it- a ti$e o, "iving $ea$ men .ith b"ack han$ an$ bright b"/e eye. Eo/ "e. an Hther.1
2&t .a the $($($($ragong"a- not me.1
2Be A/iet-1 !on nappe$. A,ter Gi""y- he ha$ no patience ,or the ,at boy4 ,ear. 2Eo/ "ie$ an$
cheme$ an$ p"otte$ to make me "or$ comman$er. Eo/ will obey me. Eo/4"" go to the Cita$e"
an$ ,orge a chain- an$ i, yo/ have to c/t /p corpe- o be it. At "eat in H"$to.n the corpe
.on4t ob=ect.1
7e doesn/t understand+ 2My "or$-1 Sam ai$- 2my ,(,(,(,ather- ?or$ Ran$y""- he- he- he- he-
he8 the "i,e o, a maeter i a "i,e o, seritude+1 #e .a babb"ing- he kne.. 2No on o, #o/e
7ar"y .i"" ever .ear a chain. 7he men o, #orn #i"" $o not bo. an$ crape to petty "or$.1 If it is
chains !ou want, come with me+ 2!on- & cannot $iobey my father+1
,ill the bo!, !on tho/ght. #he bo! in !ou, and the one in him+ ,ill the both of them, !ou
blood! bastard+ 2Eo/ have no ,ather. Hn"y brother. Hn"y /. Eo/r "i,e be"ong to the Night4
3atch- o go an$ t/,, yo/r ma""(c"othe into a ack- a"ong .ith anything e"e yo/ care to take
to H"$to.n. Eo/ "eave an ho/r be,ore /nrie. An$ here4 another or$er. +rom thi $ay ,orth-
yo/ .i"" not ca"" yo/re", a craven. Eo/4ve ,ace$ more thing thi pat year than mot men ,ace
in a "i,etime. Eo/ can ,ace the Cita$e"- b/t yo/4"" ,ace it a a S.orn Brother o, the Night4
3atch. & can4t comman$ yo/ to be brave- b/t & can comman$ yo/ to hi$e yo/r ,ear. Eo/ ai$
the .or$- Sam. Remember61
I am the sword in the darkness+ B/t he .a .retche$ .ith a .or$- an$ the $arkne care$
him. 28. &4"" try.1
2Eo/ .on4t try. Eo/ .i"" obey.1
4Obe!+5 Mormont4 raven ,"appe$ it great b"ack .ing.
2A my "or$ comman$. 5oe8 $oe Maeter Aemon kno.61
2&t .a a m/ch hi i$ea a mine.1 !on opene$ the $oor ,or him. 2No ,are.e"". 7he ,e.er
,o"k .ho kno. o, thi- the better. An ho/r be,ore ,irt "ight- by the "ichyar$.1
Sam ,"e$ ,rom him =/t a Gi""y ha$.
!on .a tire$. I need sleep+ #e ha$ been /p ha", the night poring over map- .riting "etter-
an$ making p"an .ith Maeter Aemon. Cven a,ter t/mb"ing into hi narro. be$- ret ha$ not
come eai"y. #e kne. .hat he .o/"$ ,ace to$ay- an$ ,o/n$ hime", toing ret"e"y a he
broo$e$ on Maeter Aemon4 ,ina" .or$. 2A""o. me to give my "or$ one "at piece o, co/ne"-1
the o"$ man ha$ ai$- 2the ame co/ne" that & once gave my brother .hen .e parte$ ,or the "at
time. #e .a three(an$(thirty .hen the Great Co/nci" choe him to mo/nt the &ron 7hrone. A
man gro.n .ith on o, hi o.n- yet in ome .ay ti"" a boy. Cgg ha$ an innocence to him- a
.eetne .e a"" "ove$. ,ill the bo! within !ou, & to"$ him the $ay & took hip ,or the 3a"". It
takes a man to rule+ An Aegon, not an 0gg+ ,ill the bo! and let the man be born+1 7he o"$ man
,e"t !on4 ,ace. 2Eo/ are ha", the age that Cgg .a- an$ yo/r o.n b/r$en i a cr/e"er one- & ,ear.
Eo/ .i"" have "itt"e =oy o, yo/r comman$- b/t & think yo/ have the trength in yo/ to $o the
thing that m/t be $one. >i"" the boy- !on Sno.. 3inter i a"mot /pon /. >i"" the boy an$ "et
the man be born.1
!on $onne$ hi c"oak an$ tro$e o/ti$e. #e ma$e the ro/n$ o, Cat"e B"ack each $ay-
viiting the men on .atch an$ hearing their report ,irt han$- .atching F"mer an$ hi charge at
the archery b/tt- ta"king .ith king4 men an$ A/een4 men a"ike- .a"king the ice atop the 3a""
to have a "ook at the ,oret. Ghot pa$$e$ a,ter him- a .hite ha$o. at hi i$e.
>e$ge 3hiteye ha$ the 3a"" .hen !on ma$e hi acent. >e$ge ha$ een ,orty(o$$ name$ay-
thirty o, them on the 3a"". #i "e,t eye .a b"in$- hi right eye mean. &n the .i"$- a"one .ith a:e
an$ garron- he .a a goo$ a ranger a any in the 3atch- b/t he ha$ never gotten on .e"" .ith
the other men. 2A A/iet $ay-1 he to"$ !on. 2Nothing to report- e:cept the .rong(.ay ranger.1
27he .rong(.ay ranger61 !on ake$.
>e$ge grinne$. 2A pair o, knight. 3ent ri$ing o,, an ho/r ago- o/th a"ong the kingroa$.
3hen 5y.en a. them b/ggering o,,- he ai$ the o/thron ,oo" .ere ri$ing the .rong .ay.1
2& ee-1 ai$ !on.
#e ,o/n$ o/t more ,rom 5y.en hime",- a the o"$ ,oreter /cke$ $o.n a bo." o, bar"ey
broth in the barrack. 2Aye- m4"or$- & a. them. #orpe an$ Maey- it .ere. C"aime$ Stanni
ent 4em o/t- b/t never ai$ .here or .hat ,or or .hen they .o/"$ be back.1
Ser Richar$ #orpe an$ Ser !/tin Maey .ere both A/een4 men- an$ high in the king4
co/nci". A pair of common freeriders would hae sered if all that Stannis had in mind was
scouting, !on Sno. re,"ecte$- but knights are better suited to act as messengers or eno!s+ Cotter
9yke ha$ ent .or$ ,rom Cat.atch that the Hnion ?or$ an$ Sa""a$hor Saan ha$ et ai" ,or
3hite #arbor to treat .ith ?or$ Man$er"y. &t ma$e ene that Stanni .o/"$ en$ o/t other
envoy. #i Grace .a not a patient man.
3hether the .rong(.ay ranger .o/"$ ret/rn .a another A/etion. >night they might be-
b/t they $i$ not kno. the north. #here will be e!es along the kingsroad, not all of them friendl!+
&t .a none o, !on4 concern- tho/gh. "et Stannis hae his secrets+ #he gods know that I hae
mine+
Sam $i$ not reca"" "eaving the armory. 7he ne:t thing he kne. he .a t/mb"ing thro/gh m/$
an$ patche o, o"$ no.- to.ar$ Maeter Aemon4 chamber. I could hide, he to"$ hime",. I
could hide in the aults amongst the books+ I could lie down there with the mouse and sneak up
at night to steal food+ CraGe$ tho/ght- he kne.- a ,/ti"e a they .ere $eperate. 7he va/"t
.ere the ,irt p"ace they .o/"$ "ook ,or him. 7he last p"ace they .o/"$ "ook ,or him .a beyon$
the 3a""- b/t that .a even ma$$er. #he wildlings would catch me and kill me slowl!+ #he!
might burn me alie, the wa! the red woman means to burn *ance )a!der+
3hen he ,o/n$ Maeter Aemon in the rookery- he gave him !on4 "etter an$ b"/rte$ o/t hi
,ear in a great green g/h o, .or$. 2#e $oe not understand+1 Sam ,e"t a i, he might thro. /p.
2&, & $on a chain- my "or$ ,(,(,(,ather8 he- he- he81
2My o.n ,ather raie$ the ame ob=ection .hen & choe a "i,e o, ervice-1 the o"$ man ai$.
2&t .a his ,ather .ho ent me to the Cita$e". >ing 5aeron ha$ ire$ ,o/r on- an$ three ha$
on o, their o.n. #oo man! dragons are as dangerous as too few, & hear$ #i Grace te"" my "or$
,ather- the $ay they ent me o,,.1 Aemon raie$ a potte$ han$ to the chain o, many meta" that
$ang"e$ "ooe abo/t hi thin neck. 27he chain i heavy- Sam- b/t my gran$ire ha$ the right o, it.
So $oe yo/r ?or$ Sno..1
4Snow,5 a raven m/ttere$. 4Snow,5 another echoe$. A"" o, them picke$ it /p then. 4Snow,
snow, snow, snow, snow+5 Sam ha$ ta/ght them that .or$. 7here .a no he"p here- he a..
Maeter Aemon .a a trappe$ a he .a. 7e will die at sea, he tho/ght- $epairing. 7e is too
old to surie such a o!age+ 1ill!/s little son ma! die as well, he/s not as large and strong as
Dalla/s bo!+ Does -on mean to kill us all6
7he ne:t morning- Sam ,o/n$ hime", a$$"ing the mare he4$ ri$$en ,rom #orn #i"" an$
"ea$ing her to.ar$ the "ichyar$ bei$e the eatern roa$. #er a$$"ebag b/"ge$ .ith cheee an$
a/age an$ har$(cooke$ egg- an$ ha", a a"te$ ham that 7hree(+inger #obb ha$ given him on
hi name $ay. 2Eo/4re a man .ho appreciates cooking- S"ayer-1 the cook ha$ ai$. 23e nee$
more o4 yo/r ort.1 7he ham .o/"$ he"p- no $o/bt. Cat.atch .a a "ong co"$ ri$e a.ay- an$
there .ere no to.n nor inn in the ha$o. o, the 3a"".
7he ho/r be,ore $a.n .a $ark an$ ti"". Cat"e B"ack eeme$ trange"y h/he$. At the
"ichyar$- a pair o, t.o(.hee"e$ .ayn a.aite$ him- a"ong .ith B"ack !ack B/".er an$ a $oGen
eaone$ ranger- to/gh a the garron they ro$e. >e$ge 3hiteye c/re$ "o/$"y .hen hi one
goo$ eye pie$ Sam. 25on4t min$ him- S"ayer-1 ai$ B"ack !ack. 2#e "ot a .ager- ai$ .e4$
nee$ to $rag yo/ o/t A/ea"ing ,rom beneath ome be$.1
Maeter Aemon .a too ,rai" to ri$e a hore- o a .ayn ha$ been ma$e rea$y ,or him- it be$
heape$ high .ith ,/r- an$ a "eather a.ning ,atene$ overhea$ to keep o,, the rain an$ no..
Gi""y an$ her chi"$ .o/"$ ri$e .ith him. 7he econ$ .ayn .o/"$ carry their c"othing an$
poeion- a"ong .ith a chet o, rare o"$ book that Aemon tho/ght the Cita$e" might "ack.
Sam ha$ pent ha", the night earching ,or them- tho/gh he4$ ,o/n$ on"y one in ,o/r. And a good
thing, or we/d need another wa!n+
3hen the maeter appeare$- he .a b/n$"e$ /p in a bearkin three time hi iGe. A C"y$a
"e$ him to.ar$ the .ayn- a g/t o, .in$ came /p- an$ the o"$ man taggere$. Sam h/rrie$ to hi
i$e an$ p/t an arm abo/t him. Another gust like that could blow him oer the Wall+ 2>eep ho"$
o, my arm- maeter. &t4 not ,ar.1
7he b"in$ man no$$e$ a the .in$ p/he$ back their hoo$. 2&t i a".ay .arm in H"$to.n.
7here i an inn on an i"an$ in the #oney.ine .here & /e$ to go .hen & .a a yo/ng novice. &t
.i"" be p"eaant to it there once again- ipping ci$er.1
By the time they got the maeter into the .ayn- Gi""y ha$ appeare$- the chi"$ b/n$"e$ in her
arm. Beneath her hoo$ her eye .ere re$ ,rom crying.
Ghot "ept at the ,oot o, the be$ that night- an$ ,or once !on $i$ not $ream he .a a .o",.
Cven o- he "ept ,it,/""y- toing ,or ho/r be,ore "i$ing $o.n into a nightmare. Gi""y .a in it-
.eeping- p"ea$ing .ith him to "eave her babe a"one- b/t he rippe$ the chi"$ren ,rom her arm
an$ hacke$ their hea$ o,,- then .appe$ the hea$ aro/n$ an$ to"$ her to e. them back in
p"ace.
3hen he .oke- he ,o/n$ C$$ 7o""ett "ooming over him in the $arkne o, hi be$chamber.
2M4"or$6 &t i time. 7he ho/r o, the .o",. Eo/ "e,t or$er to be .oken.1
2Bring me omething hot.1 !on thre. o,, hi b"anket.
C$$ .a back by the time that he ha$ $ree$- preing a teaming c/p into hi han$. !on
e:pecte$ hot m/""e$ .ine- an$ .a /rprie$ to ,in$ that it .a o/p- a thin broth that me""e$ o,
"eek an$ carrot b/t eeme$ to have no "eek or carrot in it. #he smells are stronger in m! wolf
dreams, he re,"ecte$- and food tastes richer too+ 1host is more alie than I am+ #e "e,t the empty
c/p /pon the ,orge.
>eg .a on hi $oor thi morning. 2& .i"" .ant to peak .ith Be$.yck an$ .ith !ano
S"ynt-1 !on to"$ him. 2#ave them both here at ,irt "ight.1
H/ti$e the .or"$ .a b"ack an$ ti"". %old, but not dangerousl! cold+ 2ot !et+ It will be
warmer when the sun comes up+ If the gods are good, the Wall ma! weep+ 3hen they reache$ the
"ichyar$- the co"/mn ha$ a"rea$y ,orme$ /p. !on ha$ given B"ack !ack B/".er comman$ o, the
ecort- .ith a $oGen mo/nte$ ranger /n$er him- an$ t.o .ayn. Hne .a pi"e$ high .ith chet
an$ crate an$ ack- proviion ,or the =o/rney. 7he other ha$ a ti,, roo, o, boi"e$ "eather to
keep the .in$ o,,. Maeter Aemon .a eate$ in the back o, it- h/$$"e$ in a bearkin that ma$e
him "ook a ma"" a a chi"$. Sam an$ Gi""y too$ nearby. #er eye .ere re$ an$ p/,,y- b/t the
boy .a in her arm- b/n$"e$ tight. 3hether it .a her boy or 5a""a4 he co/"$ not be /re. #e
ha$ on"y een the t.o together a ,e. time. Gi""y4 boy .a o"$er- 5a""a4 more rob/t- b/t they
.ere c"oe eno/gh in age an$ iGe o that no one .ho $i$ not kno. them .e"" .o/"$ be ab"e to
eai"y te"" one ,rom the other.
2?or$ Sno.-1 Maeter Aemon ca""e$ o/t- 2& "e,t a book ,or yo/ in my chamber. 7he -ade
%ompendium+ &t .a .ritten by the %o"antene a$vent/rer Co""oA/o %otar- .ho trave"e$ to the
eat an$ viite$ a"" the "an$ o, the !a$e Sea. 7here i a paage yo/ may ,in$ o, interet. &4ve
to"$ C"y$a to mark it ,or yo/.1
2&4"" be /re to rea$ it.1
Maeter Aemon .ipe$ hi noe. 2>no."e$ge i a .eapon- !on. Arm yo/re", .e"" be,ore yo/
ri$e ,orth to batt"e.1
2& .i"".1 !on ,e"t omething .et an$ co"$ /pon hi ,ace. 3hen he raie$ hi eye- he a. that
it .a no.ing. A bad omen+ #e t/rne$ to B"ack !ack B/".er. 2Make a goo$ a time a yo/ can-
b/t take no ,oo"ih rik. Eo/ have an o"$ man an$ a /ck"ing babe .ith yo/. See that yo/ keep
them .arm an$ .e"" ,e$.1
2Eo/ $o the ame- m4"or$.1 Gi""y $i$ not eem in any hate to c"imb into the .ayn. 2Eo/ $o
the ame ,or t4other. +in$ another .et n/re- "ike yo/ ai$. Eo/ promie$ me yo/ .o/"$. 7he
boy8 5a""a4 boy8 the "itt"e prince- & mean8 yo/ ,in$ him ome goo$ .oman- o he gro. /p
big an$ trong.1
2Eo/ have my .or$.1
25on4t yo/ name him. 5on4t yo/ $o that- ti"" he4 pat t.o year. &t4 i"" "/ck to name them
.hen they4re ti"" on the breat. Eo/ cro. may not kno. that- b/t it4 tr/e.1
2A yo/ comman$- my "a$y.1
25on4t yo/ ca"" me that. &4m a mother- not a "a$y. &4m Crater4 .i,e an$ Crater4 $a/ghter-
an$ a mother+1
5o"oro/ C$$ took the babe a Gi""y c"imbe$ into the .ayn an$ covere$ her "eg .ith ome
m/ty pe"t. By then the eatern ky .a more grey than b"ack. ?e,t #an$ ?e. .a an:io/ to be
o,,. C$$ han$e$ the in,ant /p an$ Gi""y p/t him to her breat. #his ma! be the last I eer see of
%astle Black, tho/ght Sam a he hoite$ hime", atop hi mare. A m/ch a he ha$ once hate$
Cat"e B"ack- it .a tearing him apart to "eave it.
4"et/s do this,5 B/".er comman$e$. A .hip nappe$- an$ the .ayn began to r/mb"e "o."y
$o.n the r/tte$ roa$ a the no. came $o.n aro/n$ them. Sam "ingere$ bei$e C"y$a an$
5o"oro/ C$$ an$ !on Sno.. 23e""-1 he ai$- 2,are.e"".1
2An$ to yo/- Sam-1 ai$ 5o"oro/ C$$. 2Eo/r boat4 not "ike to ink- & $on4t think. Boat
on"y ink .hen &4m aboar$.1
!on .a .atching the .ayn. 27he ,irt time & a. Gi""y-1 he ai$- 2he .a pree$ back
againt the .a"" o, Crater4 >eep- thi kinny $ark(haire$ gir" .ith her big be""y- cringing a.ay
,rom Ghot. #e ha$ gotten in among her rabbit- an$ & think he .a ,rightene$ that he .o/"$
tear her open an$ $evo/r the babe8 b/t it .a not the .o", he ho/"$ have been a,rai$ o,- .a
it61
2o, Sam tho/ght. %raster was the danger, her own father+
2She ha more co/rage than he kno..1
2So $o yo/- Sam. #ave a .i,t- a,e voyage- an$ take care o, her an$ Aemon an$ the chi"$.1
7he co"$ trick"e on hi ,ace remin$e$ !on o, the $ay he4$ bi$ ,are.e"" to Robb at 3inter,e""-
never kno.ing that it .a ,or the "at time. 2An$ p/"" yo/r hoo$ /p. 7he no.,"ake are me"ting
in yo/r hair.1
By the time the "itt"e co"/mn ha$ $.in$"e$ in the $itance- the eatern ky ha$ gone ,rom
b"ack to grey an$ the no. .a ,a""ing heavi"y. 2Giant .i"" be .aiting on the "or$ comman$er4
p"ea/re-1 5o"oro/ C$$ remin$e$ him. 2!ano S"ynt a .e"".1
2Ee.1 !on Sno. g"ance$ /p at the 3a""- to.ering over them "ike a c"i,, o, ice. A hundred
leagues from end to end, and seen hundred feet high+ 7he trength o, the 3a"" .a it heightI
the "ength o, the 3a"" .a it .eakne. !on remembere$ omething hi ,ather ha$ ai$ once. A
wall is onl! as strong as the men who stand behind it+ 7he men o, the Night4 3atch .ere brave
eno/gh- b/t they .ere ,ar too ,e. ,or the tak that con,ronte$ them.
Giant .a .aiting in the armory. #i rea" name .a Be$.yck. At a hair an$ a ha", over ,ive
,eet he .a the ma""et man in the Night4 3atch. !on came $irect"y to the point. 23e nee$
more eye a"ong the 3a"". 3ay(cat"e .here o/r patro" can get o/t o, the co"$ an$ ,in$ hot
,oo$ an$ a ,reh mo/nt. & am p/tting a garrion in &cemark an$ giving yo/ comman$ o, it.1
Giant p/t the tip o, hi "itt"e ,inger in hi ear to c"ean o/t the .a:. 2Comman$6 Me6 M4"or$
kno. &4m =/t a cro,ter4 get- on the 3a"" ,or poaching61
2Eo/4ve been a ranger ,or a $oGen year. Eo/ /rvive$ the +it o, the +irt Men an$ Crater4
>eep- an$ came back to te"" the ta"e. 7he yo/nger men "ook /p to yo/.1
7he ma"" man "a/ghe$. 2Hn"y $.ar, "ook /p to me. & $on4t rea$- my "or$. Hn a goo$ $ay &
can .rite my name.1
2&4ve ent to H"$to.n ,or more maeter. Eo/4"" have t.o raven ,or .hen yo/r nee$ i
/rgent. 3hen it4 not- en$ ri$er. Fnti" .e have more maeter an$ more bir$- & mean to
etab"ih a "ine o, beacon to.er a"ong the top o, the 3a"".1
2An$ ho. many poor ,oo" .i"" & be comman$ing61
27.enty- ,rom the 3atch-1 ai$ !on- 2an$ ha", a many men ,rom Stanni.1 Old, green, or
wounded+ 27hey .on4t be hi bet men- an$ none .i"" take the b"ack- b/t they4"" obey. Make
.hat /e o, them yo/ can. +o/r o, the brother &4m en$ing .ith yo/ .i"" be >ing"an$er .ho
came to the 3a"" .ith ?or$ S"ynt. >eep one eye on that "ot an$ .atch ,or c"imber .ith the
other.1
23e can .atch- m4"or$- b/t i, eno/gh c"imber gain the top o4 the 3a""- thirty men .on4t be
eno/gh to thro. them o,,.1
#hree hundred might not be enough+ !on kept that $o/bt to hime",. &t .a tr/e that c"imber
.ere $eperate"y v/"nerab"e .hi"t on the acent. Stone an$ pear an$ pot o, b/rning pitch
co/"$ be raine$ $o.n on them ,rom above- an$ a"" they co/"$ $o .a c"ing $eperate"y to the ice.
Sometime the 3a"" ite", eeme$ to hake them o,,- a a $og might hake o,, ,"ea. !on ha$ een
that ,or hime",- .hen a heet o, ice cracke$ beneath %a"4 "over !ar"- en$ing him to hi $eath.
&, the c"imber reache$ the top o, the 3a"" /n$etecte$- ho.ever- everything change$. Given
time- they co/"$ carve o/t a toeho"$ ,or theme"ve /p there- thro.ing /p rampart o, their o.n
an$ $ropping rope an$ "a$$er ,or tho/an$ more to c"amber over a,ter them. 7hat .a ho.
Raym/n Re$bear$ ha$ $one it- Raym/n .ho ha$ been >ing(Beyon$(the(3a"" in the $ay o, hi
gran$,ather4 gran$,ather. !ack M/goo$ ha$ been the "or$ comman$er in thoe $ay. !o""y !ack-
he .a ca""e$ be,ore Re$bear$ came $o.n /pon the northI S"eepy !ack- ,orever a,ter. Raym/n4
hot ha$ met a b"oo$y en$ on the hore o, ?ong ?ake- ca/ght bet.een ?or$ 3i""am o,
3inter,e"" an$ the 5r/nken Giant- #armon$ Fmber. Re$(bear$ ha$ been "ain by Arto the
&mp"acab"e- ?or$ 3i""am4 yo/nger brother. 7he 3atch arrive$ too "ate to ,ight the .i"$"ing-
b/t in time to b/ry them- the tak that Arto Stark aigne$ them in hi .roth a he grieve$ above
the hea$"e corpe o, hi ,a""en brother.
!on $i$ not inten$ to be remembere$ a S"eepy !on Sno.. 27hirty men .i"" tan$ a better
chance than none-1 he to"$ Giant.
27r/e eno/gh-1 the ma"" man ai$. 2& it =/t to be &cemark- then- or .i"" m4"or$ be opening
t4other ,ort a .e""61
2& mean to garrion a"" o, them- in time-1 ai$ !on- 2b/t ,or the moment- it .i"" =/t be &cemark
an$ Greyg/ar$.1
2An$ ha m4"or$ $eci$e$ .ho4 to comman$ at Greyg/ar$61
2!ano S"ynt-1 ai$ !on. 1ods sae us+ 2A man $oe not rie to comman$ o, the go"$ c"oak
.itho/t abi"ity. S"ynt .a born a b/tcher4 on. #e .a captain o, the &ron Gate .hen Man"y
Stoke.orth $ie$- an$ !on Arryn raie$ him /p an$ p/t the $e,ene o, >ing4 ?an$ing into hi
han$. ?or$ !ano cannot be a great a ,oo" a he eem.1 And I want him well awa! from Alliser
#horne+
2Might be that4 o-1 ai$ Giant- 2b/t &4$ ti"" en$ him to the kitchen to he"p 7hree(+inger
#obb c/t /p the t/rnip.1
If I did, I/d neer dare to eat another turnip+
#a", the morning pae$ be,ore ?or$ !ano reporte$ a comman$e$. !on .a c"eaning
?ongc"a.. Some men .o/"$ have given that tak to a te.ar$ or a A/ire- b/t ?or$ C$$ar$ ha$
ta/ght hi on to care ,or their o.n .eapon. 3hen >eg an$ 5o"oro/ C$$ arrive$ .ith S"ynt-
!on thanke$ them an$ bi$ ?or$ !ano it.
7hat he $i$- a"beit .ith poor grace- croing hi arm- co."ing- an$ ignoring the nake$ tee"
in hi "or$ comman$er4 han$. !on "i$ the oi"c"oth $o.n hi batar$ .or$- .atching the p"ay
o, morning "ight acro the ripp"e- thinking ho. eai"y the b"a$e .o/"$ "i$e thro/gh kin an$
,at an$ ine. to part S"ynt4 /g"y hea$ ,rom hi bo$y. A"" o, a man4 crime .ere .ipe$ a.ay
.hen he took the b"ack- an$ a"" o, hi a""egiance a .e""- yet he ,o/n$ it har$ to think o, !ano
S"ynt a a brother. #here is blood between us+ #his man helped sla! m! father and did his best to
hae me killed as well+
2?or$ !ano.1 !on heathe$ hi .or$. 2& am giving yo/ comman$ o, Greyg/ar$.1
7hat took S"ynt aback. 2Greyg/ar$8 Greyg/ar$ .a .here yo/ c"imbe$ the 3a"" .ith yo/r
.i"$"ing ,rien$81
2&t .a. 7he ,ort i in a orry tate- a$mitte$"y. Eo/ .i"" retore it a bet yo/ can. Start by
c"earing back the ,oret. Stea" tone ,rom the tr/ct/re that have co""ape$ to repair thoe ti""
tan$ing.1 #he work will be hard and brutal, he might have a$$e$. &ou/ll sleep on stone, too
e8hausted to complain or plot, and soon !ou/ll forget what it was like to be warm, but !ou might
remember what it was to be a man+ 2Eo/ .i"" have thirty men. 7en ,rom here- ten ,rom the
Sha$o. 7o.er- an$ ten "ent to / by >ing Stanni.1
S"ynt4 ,ace ha$ t/rne$ the co"or o, a pr/ne. #i meaty =o." began to A/iver. 25o yo/ think &
cannot ee .hat yo/ are $oing6 !ano S"ynt i not a man to be g/""e$ o eai"y. & .a charge$
.ith the $e,ene o, >ing4 ?an$ing .hen yo/ .ere oi"ing yo/r .a$$"ing c"othe. >eep yo/r
r/in- batar$.1
I am giing !ou a chance, m! lord+ It is more than !ou eer gae m! father+ 2Eo/ mitake me-
my "or$-1 !on ai$. 27hat .a a comman$- not an o,,er. &t i ,orty "eag/e to Greyg/ar$. 9ack /p
yo/r arm an$ armor- ay yo/r ,are.e""- an$ be rea$y to $epart at ,irt "ight on the morro..1
2No.1 ?or$ !ano "/rche$ to hi ,eet- en$ing hi chair crahing over back.ar$. 2& .i"" not go
meek"y o,, to ,reeGe an$ $ie. No traitor4 batar$ give comman$ to !ano S"ynt0 & am not
.itho/t ,rien$- & .arn yo/. #ere- an$ in >ing4 ?an$ing too. & .a the ?or$ o, #arrenha"0 Give
yo/r r/in to one o, the b"in$ ,oo" .ho cat a tone ,or yo/- & .i"" not have it. 5o yo/ hear me-
boy6 I will not hae it;1
2Eo/ .i"".1
S"ynt $i$ not $eign to an.er that- b/t he kicke$ the chair ai$e a he $eparte$.
7e still sees me as a bo!, !on tho/ght- a green bo!, to be cowed b! angr! words+ #e co/"$
on"y hope that a night4 "eep .o/"$ bring ?or$ !ano to hi ene.
7he ne:t morning prove$ that hope .a vain.
!on ,o/n$ S"ynt breaking hi ,at in the common room. Ser A""ier 7horne .a .ith him- an$
evera" o, their cronie. 7hey .ere "a/ghing abo/t omething .hen !on came $o.n the tep
.ith &ron Cmmett an$ 5o"oro/ C$$- an$ behin$ them M/""y- #ore- Re$ !ack Crabb- R/ty
+"o.er- an$ H.en the Ha,. 7hree(+inger #obb .a "a$"ing o/t porri$ge ,rom hi kett"e.
D/een4 men- king4 men- an$ b"ack brother at at their eparate tab"e- ome bent over bo."
o, porri$ge- other ,i""ing their be""ie .ith ,rie$ brea$ an$ bacon. !on a. 9yp an$ Grenn at one
tab"e- Bo.en Marh at another. 7he air me""e$ o, moke an$ greae- an$ the c"atter o, knive
an$ poon echoe$ o,, the va/"te$ cei"ing.
A"" the voice $ie$ at once. 2?or$ !ano-1 !on ai$- 2& .i"" give yo/ one "at chance. 9/t $o.n
that poon an$ get to the tab"e. & have ha$ yo/r hore a$$"e$ an$ bri$"e$. &t i a "ong- har$
roa$ to Greyg/ar$.1
27hen yo/ ha$ bet be on yo/r .ay- boy.1 S"ynt "a/ghe$- $ribb"ing porri$ge $o.n hi chet.
2Greyg/ar$4 a goo$ p"ace ,or the "ike o, yo/- &4m thinking. 3e"" a.ay ,rom $ecent go$"y ,o"k.
7he mark o, the beat i on yo/- batar$.1
2Eo/ are re,/ing to obey my or$er61
2Eo/ can tick yo/r or$er /p yo/r batar$4 are-1 ai$ S"ynt- hi =o." A/ivering.
A""ier 7horne mi"e$ a thin mi"e- hi b"ack eye ,i:e$ on !on. At another tab"e- Go$ry the
Giant"ayer began to "a/gh.
2A yo/ .i"".1 !on no$$e$ to &ron Cmmett. 29"eae take ?or$ !ano to the 3a""@1
@and confine him to an ice cell, he might have ai$. A $ay or ten crampe$ /p ini$e the ice
.o/"$ "eave him hivering an$ ,everih an$ begging ,or re"eae- !on $i$ not $o/bt. And the
moment he is out, he and #horne will begin to plot again+
@and tie him to his horse, he might have ai$. &, S"ynt $i$ not .ih to go to Greyg/ar$ a it
comman$er- he co/"$ go a it cook. It will onl! be a matter of time until he deserts, then+ And
how man! others will he take with him6
2@an$ hang him-1 !on ,inihe$.
!ano S"ynt4 ,ace .ent a .hite a mi"k. 7he poon "ippe$ ,rom hi ,inger. C$$ an$
Cmmett croe$ the room- their ,oottep ringing on the tone ,"oor. Bo.en Marh4 mo/th
opene$ an$ c"oe$ tho/gh no .or$ came o/t. Ser A""ier 7horne reache$ ,or hi .or$ hi"t. 1o
on, !on tho/ght. ?ongc"a. .a "/ng acro hi back. Show !our steel+ 1ie me cause to do the
same+
#a", the men in the ha"" .ere on their ,eet. So/thron knight an$ men(at(arm- "oya" to >ing
Stanni or the re$ .oman or both- an$ S.orn Brother o, the Night4 3atch. Some ha$ choen
!on to be their "or$ comman$er. Hther ha$ cat their tone ,or Bo.en Marh- Ser 5eny Ma"(
"iter- Cotter 9yke8 an$ ome ,or !ano S"ynt. 7undreds of them, as I recall+ !on .on$ere$ ho.
many o, thoe men .ere in the ce""ar right no.. +or a moment the .or"$ ba"ance$ on a .or$4
e$ge.
A""ier 7horne took hi han$ ,rom hi .or$ an$ teppe$ ai$e to "et C$$ 7o""ett pa.
5o"oro/ C$$ took ho"$ o, S"ynt by one arm- &ron Cmmett by the other. 7ogether they ha/"e$
him ,rom the bench. 2No-1 ?or$ !ano protete$- ,"eck o, porri$ge praying ,rom hi "ip. 2No-
/nhan$ me. #e4 =/t a boy- a bastard+ #i ,ather .a a traitor. 7he mark o, the beat i on him-
that .o", o, hi8 "et go of me; Eo/ .i"" r/e the $ay yo/ "ai$ han$ on !ano S"ynt. & have
,rien$ in >ing4 ?an$ing. & .arn yo/@1 #e .a ti"" proteting a they ha",(marche$- ha",(
$ragge$ him /p the tep.
!on ,o""o.e$ them o/ti$e. Behin$ him- the ce""ar emptie$. At the cage- S"ynt .renche$ "ooe
,or a moment an$ trie$ to make a ,ight o, it- b/t &ron Cmmett ca/ght him by the throat an$
"amme$ him back againt the iron bar /nti" he $eite$. By then a"" o, Cat"e B"ack ha$ come
o/ti$e to .atch. Cven %a" .a at her .in$o.- her "ong go"$en brai$ acro one ho/"$er.
Stanni too$ on the tep o, the >ing4 7o.er- /rro/n$e$ by hi knight.
2&, the boy think that he can ,righten me- he i mitaken-1 they hear$ ?or$ !ano ai$. 2#e
.o/"$ not $are to hang me. !ano S"ynt ha ,rien$- important ,rien$- yo/4"" ee81 7he .in$
.hippe$ a.ay the ret o, hi .or$.
#his is wrong, !on tho/ght. 2Stop.1
Cmmett t/rne$ back- ,ro.ning. 2My "or$61
2& .i"" not hang him-1 ai$ !on. 2Bring him here.1
2Hh- Seven ave /-1 he hear$ Bo.en Marh cry o/t.
7he mi"e that ?or$ !ano S"ynt mi"e$ then ha$ a"" the .eetne o, ranci$ b/tter. Fnti" !on
ai$- 2C$$- ,etch me a b"ock-1 an$ /nheathe$ ?ongc"a..
By the time a /itab"e chopping b"ock .a ,o/n$- ?or$ !ano ha$ retreate$ into the .inch
cage- b/t &ron Cmmett .ent in a,ter him an$ $ragge$ him o/t. 2No-1 S"ynt crie$- a Cmmett ha",(
hove$ an$ ha",(p/""e$ him acro the yar$. 2Fnhan$ me8 yo/ cannot8 .hen 7y.in ?anniter
hear o, thi- yo/ .i"" a"" r/e@1
Cmmett kicke$ hi "eg o/t ,rom /n$er him. 5o"oro/ C$$ p"ante$ a ,oot on hi back to keep
him on hi knee a Cmmett hove$ the b"ock beneath hi hea$. 27hi .i"" go eaier i, yo/ tay
ti""-1 !on Sno. promie$ him. 2Move to avoi$ the c/t- an$ yo/ .i"" ti"" $ie- b/t yo/r $ying .i""
be /g"ier. Stretch o/t yo/r neck- my "or$.1 7he pa"e morning /n"ight ran /p an$ $o.n hi b"a$e
a !on c"ape$ the hi"t o, the batar$ .or$ .ith both han$ an$ raie$ it high. 2&, yo/ have any
"at .or$- no. i the time to peak them-1 he ai$- e:pecting one "at c/re.
!ano S"ynt t.ite$ hi neck aro/n$ to tare /p at him. 29"eae- my "or$. Mercy. &4""8 &4"" go-
& .i""- &81
2o, tho/ght !on. &ou closed that door+ ?ongc"a. $ecen$e$. 2Can & have hi boot61 ake$
H.en the Ha,- a !ano S"ynt4 hea$ .ent ro""ing acro the m/$$y gro/n$. 27hey4re a"mot
ne.- thoe boot. ?ine$ .ith ,/r.1
!on g"ance$ back at Stanni. +or an intant their eye met. 7hen the king no$$e$ an$ .ent
back ini$e hi to.er.
T'RION
#e .oke a"one- an$ ,o/n$ the "itter ha"te$.
A pi"e o, cr/he$ c/hion remaine$ to ho. .here &""yrio ha$ pra."e$. 7he $.ar,4 throat
,e"t $ry an$ rapy. #e ha$ $reame$8 .hat ha$ he $reame$6 #e $i$ not remember.
H/ti$e- voice .ere peaking in a tong/e he $i$ not kno.. 7yrion ./ng hi "eg thro/gh the
c/rtain an$ hoppe$ to the gro/n$- to ,in$ Magiter &""yrio tan$ing by the hore .ith t.o ri$er
"ooming over him. Both .ore hirt o, .orn "eather beneath c"oak o, $ark bro.n .oo"- b/t their
.or$ .ere heathe$ an$ the ,at man $i$ not "ook to be in $anger.
2& nee$ a pi-1 the $.ar, anno/nce$. #e .a$$"e$ o,, the roa$- /n$i$ hi breeche- an$
re"ieve$ hime", into a tang"e o, thorn. &t took A/ite a "ong time.
2#e pie .e""- at "eat-1 a voice oberve$.
7yrion ,"icke$ the "at $rop o,, an$ t/cke$ hime", a.ay. 29iing i the "eat o, my ta"ent.
Eo/ o/ght to ee me hit.1 #e t/rne$ to Magiter &""yrio. 2Are thee t.o kno.n to yo/-
magiter6 7hey "ook "ike o/t"a.. Sho/"$ & ,in$ my a:e61
2Eo/r a8e61 e:c"aime$ the "arger o, the ri$er- a bra.ny man .ith a haggy bear$ an$ a
hock o, orange hair. 25i$ yo/ hear that- #a"$on6 7he "itt"e man .ant to ,ight .ith /01
#i companion .a o"$er- c"ean(have$- .ith a "ine$ acetic ,ace. #i hair ha$ been p/""e$
back an$ tie$ in a knot behin$ hi hea$. 2Sma"" men o,t ,ee" a nee$ to prove their co/rage .ith
/neem"y boat-1 he $ec"are$. 2& $o/bt i, he co/"$ ki"" a $/ck.1
7yrion hr/gge$. 2+etch the $/ck.1
2&, yo/ init.1 7he ri$er g"ance$ at hi companion.
7he bra.ny man /nheathe$ a batar$ .or$. 2&4m 5/ck- yo/ mo/thy "itt"e pipot.1
Oh, gods be good+ 2& ha$ a ma""er $/ck in min$.1
7he big man roare$ .ith "a/ghter. 25i$ yo/ hear- #a"$on6 #e .ant a smaller 5/ck01
2& ho/"$ g"a$"y ett"e ,or a A/ieter one.1 7he man ca""e$ #a"$on t/$ie$ 7yrion .ith coo"
grey eye be,ore t/rning back to &""yrio. 2Eo/ have ome chet ,or /61
2An$ m/"e to carry them.1
2M/"e are too "o.. 3e have pack hore- .e4"" hi,t the chet to them. 5/ck- atten$ to
that.1
23hy i it a".ay 5/ck .ho atten$ to thing61 7he big man "ippe$ hi .or$ back in it
heath. 23hat $o !ou atten$ to- #a"$on6 3ho i the knight here- yo/ or me61 Eet he tompe$ o,,
to.ar$ the baggage m/"e a"" the ame.
2#o. ,are o/r "a$61 ake$ &""yrio a the chet .ere being ec/re$. 7yrion co/nte$ i:-
oaken chet .ith iron hap. 5/ck hi,te$ them eai"y eno/gh- hoiting them on one ho/"$er.
2#e i a ta"" a Gri,, no.. 7hree $ay ago he knocke$ 5/ck into a hore tro/gh.1
2& .an4t knocked+ & ,e"" in =/t to make him "a/gh.1
2Eo/r p"oy .a a /cce-1 ai$ #a"$on. 2& "a/ghe$ mye",.1
27here i a gi,t ,or the boy in one o, the chet. Some can$ie$ ginger. #e .a a".ay ,on$ o,
it.1 &""yrio o/n$e$ o$$"y a$. 2& tho/ght & might contin/e on to Ghoyan 5rohe .ith yo/. A
,are.e"" ,eat be,ore yo/ tart $o.nriver81
23e have no time ,or ,eat- my "or$-1 ai$ #a"$on. 2Gri,, mean to trike $o.nriver the
intant .e are back. Ne. ha been coming /priver- none o, it goo$. 5othraki have been een
north o, 5agger ?ake- o/tri$er ,rom o"$ Motho4 khalasar, an$ >ha" Kekko i not ,ar behin$
him- moving thro/gh the +oret o, Dohor.1
7he ,at man ma$e a r/$e noie. 2Kekko viit Dohor every three or ,o/r year. 7he Dohorik
give him a ack o, go"$ an$ he t/rn eat again. A ,or Motho- hi men are near a o"$ a he i-
an$ there are ,e.er every year. 7he threat i@1
2@>ha" 9ono-1 #a"$on ,inihe$. 2Motho an$ Kekko ,"ee ,rom him- i, the ta"e are tr/e. 7he
"at report ha$ 9ono near the hea$.ater o, the Se"hor/ .ith a khalasar o, thirty tho/an$. Gri,,
$oe not .ant to rik being ca/ght /p in the croing i, 9ono ho/"$ $eci$e to rik the Rhoyne.1
#a"$on g"ance$ at 7yrion. 25oe yo/r $.ar, ri$e a .e"" a he pie61
2#e ri$e-1 7yrion broke in- be,ore the "or$ o, cheee co/"$ an.er ,or him- 2tho/gh he ri$e
bet .ith a pecia" a$$"e an$ a hore that he kno. .e"". #e ta"k a .e"".1
2So he $oe. & am #a"$on- the hea"er in o/r "itt"e ban$ o, brother. Some ca"" me #a",maeter.
My companion i Ser 5/ck.1
2Ser )oll!,1 ai$ the big man. 2Ro""y 5/ck,ie"$. Any knight can make a knight- an$ Gri,,
ma$e me. An$ yo/- $.ar,61
&""yrio poke /p A/ick"y. 2Eo""o- he i ca""e$.1
&ollo6 &ollo sounds like something !ou might name a monke!+ 3ore- it .a a 9entohi name-
an$ any ,oo" co/"$ ee that 7yrion .a no 9entohi. 2&n 9ento & am Eo""o-1 he ai$ A/ick"y- to
make .hat amen$ he co/"$- 2b/t my mother name$ me #/gor #i"".1
2Are yo/ a "itt"e king or a "itt"e batar$61 ake$ #a"$on.
7yrion rea"iGe$ he .o/"$ $o .e"" to be care,/" aro/n$ #a"$on #a",(maeter. 2Cvery $.ar, i a
batar$ in hi ,ather4 eye.1
2No $o/bt. 3e""- #/gor #i""- an.er me thi. #o. $i$ Ser.yn o, the Mirror Shie"$ "ay the
$ragon Frra:61
2#e approache$ behin$ hi hie"$. Frra: a. on"y hi o.n re,"ection /nti" Ser.yn ha$
p"/nge$ hi pear thro/gh hi eye.1
#a"$on .a /nimpree$. 2Cven 5/ck kno. that ta"e. Can yo/ te"" me the name o, the
knight .ho trie$ the ame p"oy .ith %hagar $/ring the 5ance o, the 5ragon61
7yrion grinne$. 2Ser Byron S.ann. #e .a roate$ ,or hi tro/b"e8 on"y the $ragon .a
Syra:- not %hagar.1
2& ,ear that yo/4re mitaken. &n #he Dance of the Dragons, A #rue #elling, Maeter M/nk/n
.rite@1
2@that it .a %hagar. 1rand Maeter M/nk/n err. Ser Byron4 A/ire a. hi mater $ie-
an$ .rote hi $a/ghter o, the manner o, it. #i acco/nt ay it .a Syra:- Rhaenyra4 he(
$ragon- .hich make more ene than M/nken4 verion. S.ann .a the on o, a marcher "or$-
an$ Storm4 Cn$ .a ,or Aegon. %hagar .a ri$$en by 9rince Aemon$- Aegon4 brother. 3hy
ho/"$ S.ann .ant to "ay her61
#a"$on p/re$ hi "ip. 27ry not to t/mb"e o,, the hore. &, yo/ $o- bet .a$$"e back to
9ento. H/r hy mai$ .i"" not .ait ,or man nor $.ar,.1
2Shy mai$ are my ,avorite ort. Ai$e ,rom .anton one. 7e"" me- .here $o .hore go61
25o & "ook "ike a man .ho ,reA/ent .hore61
5/ck "a/ghe$ $eriive"y. 2#e $on4t $are. ?emore .o/"$ make him pray ,or par$on- the "a$
.o/"$ .ant to come a"ong- an$ Gri,, might c/t hi cock o,, an$ t/,, it $o.n hi throat.1
23e""-1 ai$ 7yrion- 2a maeter $oe not nee$ a cock.1
2#a"$on4 on"y ha", a maeter- tho/gh.1
2Eo/ eem to ,in$ the $.ar, am/ing- 5/ck-1 ai$ #a"$on. 2#e can ri$e .ith yo/.1 #e
.hee"e$ hi mo/nt abo/t.
&t took another ,e. moment ,or 5/ck to ,inih ec/ring &""yrio4 chet to the three pack
hore. By that time #a"$on ha$ vanihe$. 5/ck eeme$ /nconcerne$. #e ./ng into the a$$"e-
grabbe$ 7yrion by the co""ar- an$ hoite$ the "itt"e man /p in ,ront o, him. 2#o"$ tight to the
pomme" an$ yo/4"" $o ,ine. 7he mare4 got a nice .eet gait- an$ the $ragon roa$4 mooth a a
mai$en4 are.1 Gathering the rein in hi right han$ an$ the "ea$ in hi "e,t- Ser Ro""y et o,, at
a brik trot.
2Goo$ ,ort/ne-1 &""yrio ca""e$ a,ter them. 27e"" the boy & am orry that & .i"" not be .ith him
,or hi .e$$ing. & .i"" re=oin yo/ in 3etero. 7hat & .ear- by my .eet Serra4 han$.1
7he "at that 7yrion ?anniter a. o, &""yrio Mopati- the magiter .a tan$ing by hi "itter in
hi broca$e robe- hi maive ho/"$er "/mpe$. A hi ,ig/re $.in$"e$ in their $/t- the "or$
o, cheee "ooke$ a"mot ma"".
5/ck ca/ght /p .ith #a"$on #a",maeter a A/arter mi"e on. 7herea,ter the ri$er contin/e$
i$e by i$e. 7yrion c"/ng to the high pomme" .ith hi hort "eg p"aye$ o/t a.k.ar$"y-
kno.ing he co/"$ "ook ,or.ar$ to b"iter- cramp- an$ a$$"e ore.
2& .on$er .hat the pirate o, 5agger ?ake .i"" make o, o/r $.ar,61 #a"$on ai$ a they ro$e
on.
25.ar, te.61 /ggete$ 5/ck. 2Frho the Fn.ahe$ i the .ort o, them-1 #a"$on con,i$e$.
2#i tench a"one i eno/gh to ki"" a man.1
7yrion hr/gge$. 2+ort/nate"y- & have no noe.1
#a"$on gave him a thin mi"e. 2&, .e ho/"$ enco/nter the ?a$y >orra on 7ag/s #eeth, yo/
may oon be "acking other part a .e"". >orra the Cr/e"- they ca"" her. #er hip i cre.e$ by
bea/ti,/" yo/ng mai$ .ho ge"$ every ma"e they capt/re.1
27erri,ying. & may .e"" pi my breeche.1
2Bet not-1 5/ck .arne$ $ark"y. 2A yo/ ay. &, .e enco/nter thi ?a$y >orra- & .i"" =/t "ip
into a kirt an$ ay that & am Cerei- the ,amo/ bear$e$ bea/ty o, >ing4 ?an$ing.1
7hi time 5/ck "a/ghe$- an$ #a"$on ai$- 23hat a $ro"" "itt"e ,e""o. yo/ are- Eo""o. 7hey ay
that the Shro/$e$ ?or$ .i"" grant a boon to any man .ho can make him "a/gh. 9erhap #i Grey
Grace .i"" chooe yo/ to ornament hi tony co/rt.1
5/ck g"ance$ at hi companion /neai"y. 2&t4 not goo$ to =ape o, that one- not .hen .e4re o
near the Rhoyne. #e hear.1
23i$om ,rom a $/ck-1 ai$ #a"$on. 2& beg yo/r par$on- Eo""o. Eo/ nee$ not "ook o pa"e- &
.a on"y p"aying .ith yo/. 7he 9rince o, Sorro. $oe not beto. hi grey ki "ight"y.1
7is gre! kiss+ 7he tho/ght ma$e hi ,"eh cra.". 5eath ha$ "ot it terror ,or 7yrion ?anniter-
b/t greyca"e .a another matter. #he Shrouded "ord is 9ust a legend, he to"$ hime",- no more
real than the ghost of "ann the %leer that some claim haunts %asterl! )ock+ Cven o- he he"$
hi tong/e.
7he $.ar,4 /$$en i"ence .ent /nnotice$- a 5/ck ha$ beg/n to rega"e him .ith hi o.n
"i,e tory. #i ,ather ha$ been an armorer at Bitterbri$ge- he ai$- o he ha$ been born .ith the
o/n$ o, tee" ringing in hi ear an$ ha$ taken to .or$p"ay at an ear"y age. S/ch a "arge an$
"ike"y "a$ $re. the eye o, o"$ ?or$ Ca.e""- .ho o,,ere$ him a p"ace in hi garrion- b/t the boy
ha$ .ante$ more. #e .atche$ Ca.e""4 .eak"ing on name$ a page- a A/ire- an$ ,ina""y a
knight. 2A .ee$y pinch(,ace$ neak- he .a- b/t the o"$ "or$ ha$ ,o/r $a/ghter an$ on"y the
one on- o no one .a a""o.e$ to ay a .or$ againt him. 74other A/ire har$"y $are$ to "ay a
,inger on him in the yar$.1
2Eo/ .ere not o timi$- tho/gh.1 7yrion co/"$ ee .here thi ta"e .a going eai"y eno/gh.
2My ,ather ma$e a "ong.or$ ,or me to mark my i:teenth name$ay-1 ai$ 5/ck- 2b/t ?orent
"ike$ the "ook o, it o m/ch he took it ,or hime",- an$ my b"oo$y ,ather never $are$ to te"" him
no. 3hen & comp"aine$- ?orent to"$ me to my ,ace that my han$ .a ma$e to ho"$ a hammer-
not a .or$. So & .ent an$ got a hammer an$ beat him .ith it- ti"" both hi arm an$ ha", hi rib
.ere broken. A,ter that & ha$ to "eave the Reach- A/ick a it .ere. & ma$e it acro the .ater to
the Go"$en Company. & $i$ ome mithing ,or a ,e. year a a 4prentice- then Ser #arry
Strick"an$ took me on a A/ire. 3hen Gri,, ent .or$ $o.nriver that he nee$e$ omeone to
he"p train hi on to arm- #arry ent him me.1
2An$ Gri,, knighte$ yo/61
2A year "ater.1
#a"$on #a",maeter mi"e$ a thin mi"e. 27e"" o/r "itt"e ,rien$ ho. yo/ came by yo/r name-
.hy $on4t yo/61
2A knight nee$ more than =/t the one name-1 the big man inite$- 2an$- .e""- .e .ere in a
,ie"$ .hen he $/bbe$ me- an$ & "ooke$ /p an$ a. thee $/ck- o8 $on4t "a/gh- no..1
!/t a,ter /net- they "e,t the roa$ to ret in an overgro.n yar$ bei$e an o"$ tone .e"".
7yrion hoppe$ $o.n to .ork the cramp o/t o, hi ca"ve .hi"t 5/ck an$ #a"$on .ere
.atering the hore. 7o/gh bro.n gra an$ .ee$ tree pro/te$ ,rom the gap bet.een the
cobb"e- an$ the moy .a"" o, .hat once might have been a h/ge tone mane. A,ter the
anima" ha$ been ten$e$ to- the ri$er hare$ a imp"e /pper o, a"t pork an$ co"$ .hite bean-
.ahe$ $o.n .ith a"e. 7yrion ,o/n$ the p"ain ,are a p"eaant change ,rom a"" the rich ,oo$ he
ha$ eaten .ith &""yrio. 27hoe chet .e bro/ght yo/-1 he ai$ a they .ere che.ing. 2Go"$ ,or
the Go"$en Company- & tho/ght at ,irt- /nti" & a. Ser Ro""y hoit a chet onto one ho/"$er. &, it
.ere ,/"" o, coin- he co/"$ never have "i,te$ it o eai"y.1
2&t4 =/t armor-1 ai$ 5/ck- .ith a hr/g. 2C"othing a .e""-1 #a"$on broke in. 2Co/rt
c"othe- ,or a"" o/r party. +ine .oo"en- ve"vet- i"ken c"oak. Hne $oe not come be,ore a A/een
"ooking habby8 nor empty(han$e$. 7he magiter ha been kin$ eno/gh to provi$e / .ith
/itab"e gi,t.1
Come moonrie- they .ere back in their a$$"e- trotting eat.ar$ /n$er a mant"e o, tar.
7he o"$ %a"yrian roa$ g"immere$ ahea$ o, them "ike a "ong i"ver ribbon .in$ing thro/gh .oo$
an$ $a"e. +or a "itt"e .hi"e 7yrion ?anniter ,e"t a"mot at peace. 2?oma ?ongtri$er to"$ it tr/e.
7he roa$4 a .on$er.1
2?oma ?ongtri$er61 ake$ 5/ck. 2A cribe- "ong $ea$-1 ai$ #a"$on. 2#e pent hi "i,e
trave"ing the .or"$ an$ .riting abo/t the "an$ he viite$ in t.o book he ca""e$ Wonders an$
Wonders *ade b! *an+1
2An /nc"e o, mine gave them to me .hen & .a =/t a boy-1 ai$ 7yrion. 2& rea$ them /nti"
they ,e"" to piece.1
2#he gods made seen wonders, and mortal man made nine,1 A/ote$ the #a",maeter. 2Rather
impio/ o, morta" man to $o the go$ t.o better- b/t there yo/ are. 7he tone roa$ o, %a"yria
.ere one o, ?ongtri$er4 nine. 7he ,i,th- & be"ieve.1
27he ,o/rth-1 ai$ 7yrion- .ho ha$ committe$ a"" i:teen o, the .on$er to memory a a boy.
#i /nc"e Gerion "ike$ to et him on the tab"e $/ring ,eat an$ make him recite them. I liked
that well enough, didn/t I6 Standing there amongst the trenchers with eer! e!e upon me,
proing what a cleer little imp I was+ +or year a,ter.ar$- he ha$ cherihe$ a $ream that one
$ay he .o/"$ trave" the .or"$ an$ ee ?ongtri$er4 .on$er ,or hime",.
?or$ 7y.in ha$ p/t an en$ to that hope ten $ay be,ore hi $.ar, on4 i:teenth name$ay-
.hen 7yrion ake$ to to/r the Nine +ree Citie- a hi /nc"e ha$ $one at that ame age. 2My
brother co/"$ be re"ie$ /pon to bring no hame /pon #o/e ?anniter-1 hi ,ather ha$ rep"ie$.
2Neither ever .e$ a .hore.1 An$ .hen 7yrion ha$ remin$e$ him that in ten $ay he .o/"$ be a
man gro.n- ,ree to trave" .here he .ihe$- ?or$ 7y.in ha$ ai$- 2No man i ,ree. Hn"y chi"$ren
an$ ,oo" think e"e.ie. Go- by a"" mean. 3ear mot"ey an$ tan$ /pon yo/r hea$ to am/e the
pice "or$ an$ the cheee king. !/t ee that yo/ pay yo/r o.n .ay an$ p/t ai$e any tho/ght
o, ret/rning.1 At that the boy4 $e,iance ha$ cr/mb"e$. 2&, it i /e,/" occ/pation yo/ reA/ire-
/e,/" occ/pation yo/ ha"" have-1 hi ,ather then ai$. So to mark hi manhoo$- 7yrion .a
given charge o, a"" the $rain an$ citern .ithin Cater"y Rock. $erhaps he hoped I/d fall into
one+ B/t 7y.in ha$ been $iappointe$ in that. 7he $rain never $raine$ ha", o .e"" a .hen he
ha$ charge o, them.
I need a cup of wine, to wash the taste of #!win from m! mouth+ A skin of wine would sere
me een better+
7hey ro$e a"" night- .ith 7yrion "eeping ,it,/""y- $oGing againt the pomme" an$ .aking
/$$en"y. +rom time to time he .o/"$ begin to "ip i$e.ay ,rom the a$$"e- b/t Ser Ro""y
.o/"$ get a han$ on him an$ yank him /pright once again. By $a.n the $.ar,4 "eg .ere
aching an$ hi cheek .ere cha,e$ an$ ra..
&t .a the ne:t $ay be,ore they reache$ the ite o, Ghoyan 5rohe- har$ bei$e the river. 27he
,ab"e$ Rhoyne-1 ai$ 7yrion .hen he g"impe$ the "o. green .ater.ay ,rom atop a rie.
27he ?itt"e Rhoyne-1 ai$ 5/ck.
2&t i that.1 A pleasant enough rier, I suppose, but the smallest fork of the #rident is twice as
wide, and all three of them run swifter+ 7he city .a no more impreive. Ghoyan 5rohe ha$
never been "arge- 7yrion reca""e$ ,rom hi hitorie- b/t it ha$ been a ,air p"ace- green an$
,"o.ering- a city o, cana" an$ ,o/ntain. <ntil the war+ <ntil the dragons came+ A tho/an$
year "ater- the cana" .ere choke$ .ith ree$ an$ m/$- an$ poo" o, tagnant .ater gave birth to
.arm o, ,"ie. 7he broken tone o, temp"e an$ pa"ace .ere inking back into the earth- an$
gnar"e$ o"$ .i""o. gre. thick a"ong the riverbank.
A ,e. peop"e ti"" remaine$ ami$t the A/a"or- ten$ing "itt"e gar$en in amongt the .ee$.
7he o/n$ o, iron hoove ringing on the o"$ %a"yrian roa$ ent mot o, them $arting back into
the ho"e they4$ cra."e$ ,rom- b/t the bo"$er one "ingere$ in the /n "ong eno/gh to tare at the
paing ri$er .ith $/""- inc/rio/ eye. Hne nake$ gir" .ith m/$ /p to her knee co/"$ not eem
to take her eye o,, 7yrion. She has neer seen a dwarf before, he rea"iGe$- much less a dwarf
without a nose+ #e ma$e a ,ace an$ t/ck hi tong/e o/t- an$ the gir" began to cry.
23hat $i$ yo/ $o to her61 5/ck ake$.
2& b"e. her a ki. A"" the gir" cry .hen & ki them.1
Beyon$ the tang"e$ .i""o. the roa$ en$e$ abr/pt"y an$ they t/rne$ north ,or a hort .ay
an$ ro$e bei$e the .ater- /nti" the br/h gave .ay an$ they ,o/n$ theme"ve bei$e an o"$
tone A/ay- ha",(/bmerge$ an$ /rro/n$e$ by ta"" bro.n .ee$. 2Duck;1 came a ho/t.
27aldon;1 7yrion crane$ hi hea$ to one i$e- an$ a. a boy tan$ing on the roo, o, a "o.
.oo$en b/i"$ing- .aving a .i$e(brimme$ tra. hat. #e .a a "ithe an$ .e""(ma$e yo/th- .ith a
"anky b/i"$ an$ a hock o, $ark b"/e hair. 7he $.ar, p/t hi age at ,i,teen- i:teen- or near
eno/gh to make no matter.
7he roo, the boy .a tan$ing on t/rne$ o/t to be the cabin o, the Sh! *aid, an o"$
ramhack"e ing"e(mate$ po"eboat. She ha$ a broa$ beam an$ a ha""o. $ra,t- i$ea" ,or making
her .ay /p the ma""et o, tream an$ crab.a"king over an$bar. A homel! maid, tho/ght
7yrion- but sometimes the ugliest ones are the hungriest once abed+ 7he po"eboat that p"ie$ the
river o, 5orne .ere o,ten bright"y painte$ an$ e:A/iite"y carve$- b/t not thi mai$. #er
paint.ork .a a m/$$y greyih bro.n- mott"e$ an$ ,"akingI her big c/rve$ ti""er- p"ain an$
/na$orne$. She looks like dirt, he tho/ght- but no doubt that/s the point+
5/ck .a ha""ooing back by then. 7he mare p"ahe$ thro/gh the ha""o.- tramp"ing $o.n
the ree$. 7he boy "eapt $o.n o,, the cabin roo, to the po"eboat4 $eck- an$ the ret o, the Sh!
*aid4 cre. ma$e their appearance. An o"$er co/p"e .ith a Rhoynih cat to their ,eat/re too$
c"oe bei$e the ti""er- .hi"t a han$ome epta in a o,t .hite robe teppe$ thro/gh the cabin
$oor an$ p/he$ a "ock o, $ark bro.n hair ,rom her eye.
B/t there .a no mitaking Gri,,. 27hat .i"" be eno/gh ho/ting-1 he ai$. A /$$en i"ence
,e"" /pon the river.
#his one will be trouble, 7yrion kne. at once.
Gri,,4 c"oak .a ma$e ,rom the hi$e an$ hea$ o, a re$ .o", o, the Rhoyne. Fn$er the pe"t he
.ore bro.n "eather ti,,ene$ .ith iron ring. #i c"ean(have$ ,ace .a "eathery too- .ith
.rink"e at the corner o, hi eye. 7ho/gh hi hair .a a b"/e a hi on4- he ha$ re$ root an$
re$$er eyebro.. At hi hip h/ng a .or$ an$ $agger. &, he .a happy to have 5/ck an$ #a"$on
back again- he hi$ it .e""- b/t he $i$ not tro/b"e to concea" hi $ip"ea/re at the ight o, 7yrion.
2A $.ar,6 3hat4 thi61
2& kno.- yo/ .ere hoping ,or a .hee" o, cheee.1 7yrion t/rne$ to Eo/ng Gri,, an$ gave the
"a$ hi mot $iarming mi"e. 2B"/e hair may erve yo/ .e"" in 7yroh- b/t in 3etero chi"$ren
.i"" thro. tone at yo/ an$ gir" .i"" "a/gh in yo/r ,ace.1
7he "a$ .a taken aback. 2My mother .a a "a$y o, 7yroh. & $ye my hair in memory o, her.1
23hat i thi creat/re61 Gri,, $eman$e$.
#a"$on an.ere$. 2&""yrio ent a "etter to e:p"ain.1
2& .i"" have it- then. 7ake the $.ar, to my cabin.1
I do not like his e!es, 7yrion re,"ecte$- .hen the e"".or$ at $o.n acro ,rom him in the
$imne o, the boat4 interior- .ith a carre$ p"ank tab"e an$ a ta""o. can$"e bet.een them. 7hey
.ere ice b"/e- pa"e- co"$. 7he $.ar, mi"ike$ pa"e eye. ?or$ 7y.in4 eye ha$ been pa"e green
an$ ,"ecke$ .ith go"$.
#e .atche$ the e"".or$ rea$. 7hat he could rea$ ai$ omething a"" by ite",. #o. many
e"".or$ co/"$ boat o, that6 7e hardl! moes his lips at all, 7yrion re,"ecte$.
+ina""y Gri,, "ooke$ /p ,rom the parchment- an$ thoe pa"e eye narro.e$. 27y.in ?anniter
$ea$6 At !our han$61
2At my ,inger. 7hi one.1 7yrion he"$ it /p ,or Gri,, to a$mire. 2?or$ 7y.in .a itting on a
privy- o & p/t a crobo. bo"t thro/gh hi bo.e" to ee i, he rea""y $i$ hit go"$. #e $i$n4t. A
pity- & co/"$ have /e$ ome go"$. & a"o "e. my mother- ome.hat ear"ier. Hh- an$ my nephe.
!o,,rey- & poione$ him at hi .e$$ing ,eat an$ .atche$ him choke to $eath. 5i$ the
cheeemonger "eave that part o/t6 & mean to a$$ my brother an$ iter to the "it be,ore &4m $one-
i, it p"eae yo/r A/een.1
2$lease her6 #a &""yrio taken "eave o, hi ene6 3hy $oe he imagine that #er Grace
.o/"$ .e"come the ervice o, a e",(con,ee$ king"ayer an$ betrayer61
A fair 3uestion, tho/ght 7yrion- b/t .hat he ai$ .a- 27he king & "e. .a itting on her
throne- an$ a"" thoe & betraye$ .ere "ion- o it eem to me that & have a"rea$y $one the A/een
goo$ ervice.1 #e cratche$ the t/mp o, hi noe. 2#ave no ,ear- & .on4t ki"" yo/- yo/ are no
kin o, mine. Might & ee .hat the cheeemonger .rote6 & $o "ove to rea$ abo/t mye",.1
Gri,, ignore$ the reA/et. &ntea$ he to/che$ the "etter to the can$"e ,"ame an$ .atche$ the
parchment b"acken- c/r"- an$ ,"are /p. 27here i b"oo$ bet.een 7argaryen an$ ?anniter. 3hy
.o/"$ yo/ /pport the ca/e o, D/een 5aenery61
2+or go"$ an$ g"ory-1 the $.ar, ai$ cheer,/""y. 2Hh- an$ hate. &, yo/ ha$ ever met my iter-
yo/ .o/"$ /n$ertan$.1
2& /n$ertan$ hate .e"" eno/gh.1 +rom the .ay Gri,, ai$ the .or$- 7yrion kne. that m/ch
.a tr/e. 7e has supped on hate himself, this one+ It has warmed him in the night for !ears+
27hen .e have that in common- er.1
2& am no knight.1
2ot onl! a liar, but a bad one+ #hat was clums! and stupid, m! lord+ 2An$ yet Ser 5/ck ay
yo/ knighte$ him.1
25/ck ta"k too m/ch.1
2Some might .on$er that a $/ck can ta"k at a"". No matter- 1riff+ Eo/ are no knight an$ & am
#/gor #i""- a "itt"e monter. &our "itt"e monter- i, yo/ "ike. Eo/ have my .or$- a"" that & $eire
i to be "ea" ervant o, yo/r $ragon A/een.1
2An$ ho. $o yo/ propoe to erve her61
23ith my tong/e.1 #e "icke$ hi ,inger- one by one. 2& can te"" #er Grace ho. my .eet
iter think- i, yo/ ca"" it thinking. & can te"" her captain the bet .ay to $e,eat my brother-
!aime- in batt"e. & kno. .hich "or$ are brave an$ .hich are craven- .hich are "oya" an$ .hich
are vena". & can $e"iver a""ie to her. An$ & kno. m/ch an$ more o, $ragon- a yo/r ha",maeter
.i"" te"" yo/. &4m am/ing too- an$ & $on4t eat m/ch. Coni$er me yo/r o.n tr/e imp.1
Gri,, .eighe$ that ,or a moment. 2Fn$ertan$ thi- $.ar,. Eo/ are the "at an$ "eat o, o/r
company. #o"$ yo/r tong/e an$ $o a yo/ are to"$- or yo/ .i"" oon .ih yo/ ha$.1
&es, Father, 7yrion a"mot ai$. 2A yo/ ay- my "or$.1
2& am no "or$.1
"iar+ 2&t .a a co/rtey- my ,rien$.1
2& am not yo/r ,rien$ either.1
2o knight, no lord, no friend+ 2A pity.1
2Spare me yo/r irony. & .i"" take yo/ a ,ar a %o"anti. &, yo/ ho. yo/re", to be obe$ient
an$ /e,/"- yo/ may remain .ith /- to erve the A/een a bet yo/ can. 9rove yo/re", more
tro/b"e than yo/ are .orth- an$ yo/ can go yo/r o.n .ay.1
A!e, and m! wa! will take me to the bottom of the )ho!ne with fish nibbling at what/s left of
m! nose+ 2%a"ar $ohaeri.1
2Eo/ may "eep on the $eck or in the ho"$- a yo/ pre,er. Ei""a .i"" ,in$ be$$ing ,or yo/.1
2#o. kin$ o, her.1 7yrion ma$e a .a$$"ing bo.- b/t at the cabin $oor- he t/rne$ back.
23hat i, .e ho/"$ ,in$ the A/een an$ $icover that thi ta"k o, $ragon .a =/t ome ai"or4
$r/nken ,ancy6 7hi .i$e .or"$ i ,/"" o, /ch ma$ ta"e. Gr/mkin an$ nark- ghot an$
gho/"- mermai$- rock gob"in- .inge$ hore- .inge$ pig8 .inge$ "ion.1
Gri,, tare$ at him- ,ro.ning. 2& have given yo/ ,air .arning- ?anniter. G/ar$ yo/r tong/e or
"oe it. >ing$om are at haGar$ here. H/r "ive- o/r name- o/r honor. 7hi i no game .e4re
p"aying ,or yo/r am/ement.1
Of course it is, tho/ght 7yrion. #he game of thrones+ 2A yo/ ay- Captain-1 he m/rm/re$-
bo.ing once again.
Ar4a
Faint an$ ,ar a.ay the "ight b/rne$- "o. on the horiGon- hining thro/gh the ea mit.
2&t "ook "ike a tar-1 ai$ Arya.
27he tar o, home-1 ai$ 5enyo.
#i ,ather .a ho/ting or$er. Sai"or cramb"e$ /p an$ $o.n the three ta"" mat an$ move$
a"ong the rigging- ree,ing the heavy p/rp"e ai". Be"o.- oarmen heave$ an$ traine$ over t.o
great bank o, oar. 7he $eck ti"te$- creaking- a the ga""ea #itan/s Daughter hee"e$ to
tarboar$ an$ began to come abo/t.
#he star of home+ Arya too$ at the pro.- one han$ reting on the gi"$e$ ,ig/rehea$- a mai$en
.ith a bo." o, ,r/it. +or ha", a heartbeat he "et here", preten$ that it was her home ahea$.
B/t that .a stupid+ #er home .a gone- her parent $ea$- an$ a"" her brother "ain b/t !on
Sno. on the 3a"". 7hat .a .here he ha$ .ante$ to go. She told the captain a m/ch- b/t even
the iron coin $i$ not .ay him. Arya never eeme$ to ,in$ the p"ace he et o/t to reach. Eoren
ha$ .orn to $e"iver her to 3inter,e""- on"y he ha$ en$e$ /p in #arrenha" an$ Eoren in hi
grave. 3hen he ecape$ #arrenha" ,or Riverr/n- ?em an$ Ang/y an$ 7om o4 Seven took her
captive an$ $ragge$ her to the ho""o. hi"" intea$. 7hen the #o/n$ ha$ to"en her an$ $ragge$
her to the 7.in. Arya ha$ "e,t him $ying by the river an$ gone ahea$ to Sa"tpan- hoping to take
paage ,or Cat.atch(by(the(Sea- on"y8
Braaos might not be so bad+ S!rio was from Braaos, and -a3en might be there as well+ &t
.a !aAen .ho ha$ given her the iron coin. #e ha$n4t tr/"y been her ,rien$- the .ay that Syrio
ha$- b/t .hat goo$ ha$ ,rien$ ever $one her6 I don/t need an! friends, so long as I hae 2eedle+
She br/he$ the ba"" o, her th/mb acro the .or$4 mooth pomme"- .ihing- .ihing8
&, tr/th be to"$- Arya $i$ not kno. .hat to .ih ,or- any more than he kne. .hat a.aite$
her beneath that $itant "ight. 7he captain ha$ given her paage b/t he ha$ no time to peak .ith
her. Some o, the cre. h/nne$ her- b/t other gave her gi,t@a i"ver ,ork- ,inger"e g"ove- a
,"oppy .oo"en hat patche$ .ith "eather. Hne man ho.e$ her ho. to tie ai"or4 knot. Another
po/re$ her thimb"e c/p o, ,ire .ine. 7he ,rien$"y one .o/"$ tap their chet- repeating their
name over an$ over /nti" Arya ai$ them back- tho/gh none ever tho/ght to ak her name. 7hey
ca""e$ her Sa"ty- ince he4$ come aboar$ at Sa"tpan- near the mo/th o, the 7ri$ent. &t .a a
goo$ a name a any- he /ppoe$.
7he "at o, the night4 tar ha$ vanihe$8 a"" b/t the pair $ea$ ahea$. 2&t4 two tar no..1
27.o eye-1 ai$ 5enyo. 27he 7itan ee /.1
#he #itan of Braaos+ H"$ Nan ha$ to"$ them torie o, the 7itan back in 3inter,e"". #e .a a
giant a ta"" a a mo/ntain- an$ .henever Braavo too$ in $anger he .o/"$ .ake .ith ,ire in hi
eye- hi rocky "imb grin$ing an$ groaning a he .a$e$ o/t into the ea to mah the enemie.
27he Braavoi ,ee$ him on the =/icy pink ,"eh o, "itt"e highborn gir"-1 Nan .o/"$ en$- an$
Sana .o/"$ give a t/pi$ A/eak. B/t Maeter ?/.in ai$ the 7itan .a on"y a tat/e- an$ H"$
Nan4 torie .ere on"y torie.
Winterfell is burned and fallen, Arya remin$e$ here",. H"$ Nan an$ Maeter ?/.in .ere
both $ea$- mot "ike- an$ Sana too. &t $i$ no goo$ to think o, them. All men must die+ 7hat .a
.hat the .or$ meant- the .or$ that !aAen #4ghar ha$ ta/ght her .hen he gave her the .orn
iron coin. She ha$ "earne$ more Braavoi .or$ ince they "e,t Sa"tpan- the .or$ ,or please
an$ thank !ou an$ sea an$ star an$ fire wine, b/t he came to them kno.ing that all men must
die+ Mot o, the Daughter4 cre. ha$ a mattering o, the Common 7ong/e ,rom night ahore in
H"$to.n an$ >ing4 ?an$ing an$ Mai$enpoo"- tho/gh on"y the captain an$ hi on poke it .e""
eno/gh to ta"k to her. 5enyo .a the yo/nget o, thoe on- a p"/mp- cheer,/" boy o, t.e"ve
.ho kept hi ,ather4 cabin an$ he"pe$ hi e"$et brother $o hi /m.
2& hope yo/r 7itan in4t h/ngry-1 Arya to"$ him.
2#/ngry61 5enyo ai$- con,/e$.
2&t take no matter.1 Cven i, the 7itan did eat =/icy pink gir" ,"eh- Arya .o/"$ not ,ear him.
She .a a cra.ny thing- no proper mea" ,or a giant- an$ a"mot e"even- practica""y a .oman
gro.n. And Salt! isn/t highborn, either+ 2& the 7itan the go$ o, Braavo61 he ake$. 2Hr $o
yo/ have the Seven61
2A"" go$ are honore$ in Braavo.1 7he captain4 on "ove$ to ta"k abo/t hi city a"mot a
m/ch a he "ove$ to ta"k abo/t hi ,ather4 hip. 2Eo/r Seven have a ept here- the Sept(Beyon$(
the(Sea- b/t on"y 3eteroi ai"or .orhip there.1
#he! are not m! Seen+ #he! were m! mother/s gods, and the! let the Fre!s murder her at the
#wins+ She .on$ere$ .hether he .o/"$ ,in$ a go$.oo$ in Braavo- .ith a .eir.oo$ at it
heart. 5enyo might kno.- b/t he co/"$ not ak him. Sa"ty .a ,rom Sa"tpan- an$ .hat .o/"$ a
gir" ,rom Sa"tpan kno. abo/t the o"$ go$ o, the north6 #he old gods are dead, he to"$ here",-
with *other and Father and )obb and Bran and )ickon, all dead+ A "ong time ago- he
remembere$ her ,ather aying that .hen the co"$ .in$ b"o. the "one .o", $ie an$ the pack
/rvive. 7e had it all backwards+ Arya- the "one .o",- ti"" "ive$- b/t the .o"ve o, the pack ha$
been taken an$ "ain an$ kinne$.
27he Mooninger "e$ / to thi p"ace o, re,/ge- .here the $ragon o, %a"yria co/"$ not ,in$
/-1 5enyo ai$. 27heir i the greatet temp"e. 3e eteem the +ather o, 3ater a .e""- b/t hi
ho/e i b/i"t ane. .henever he take hi bri$e. 7he ret o, the go$ $.e"" together on an i"e in
the center o, the city. 7hat i .here yo/ .i"" ,in$ the8 the Many(+ace$ Go$.1
7he 7itan4 eye eeme$ brighter no.- an$ ,arther apart. Arya $i$ not kno. any Many(+ace$
Go$- b/t i, he an.ere$ prayer- he might be the go$ he o/ght. Ser 1regor, he tho/ght-
Dunsen, )aff the Sweetling, Ser Il!n, Ser *er!n, :ueen %ersei+ Onl! si8 now+ !o,,rey .a $ea$-
the #o/n$ ha$ "ain 9o""iver- an$ he4$ tabbe$ the 7ick"er here",- an$ that t/pi$ A/ire .ith
the pimp"e. I wouldn/t hae killed him if he hadn/t grabbed me+ 7he #o/n$ ha$ been $ying .hen
he "e,t him on the bank o, the 7ri$ent- b/rning /p .ith ,ever ,rom hi .o/n$. I should hae
gien him the gift of merc! and put a knife into his heart+
2Sa"ty- "ook01 5enyo took her by the arm an$ t/rne$ her. 2Can yo/ ee6 #here+1 #e pointe$.
7he mit gave .ay be,ore them- ragge$ grey c/rtain parte$ by their pro.. 7he #itan/s
Daughter c"eave$ thro/gh the grey(green .ater on bi""o.ing p/rp"e .ing. Arya co/"$ hear the
crie o, eabir$ overhea$. 7here- .here 5enyo pointe$- a "ine o, tony ri$ge roe /$$en ,rom
the ea- their teep "ope covere$ .ith o"$ier pine an$ b"ack pr/ce. B/t $ea$ ahea$ the ea
ha$ broken thro/gh- an$ there above the open .ater the 7itan to.ere$- .ith hi eye b"aGing an$
hi "ong green hair b"o.ing in the .in$.
#i "eg betro$e the gap- one ,oot p"ante$ on each mo/ntain- hi ho/"$er "ooming ta""
above the =agge$ cret. #i "eg .ere carve$ o, o"i$ tone- the ame b"ack granite a the ea
mont on .hich he too$- tho/gh aro/n$ hi hip he .ore an armore$ kirt o, greenih bronGe.
#i breatp"ate .a bronGe a .e""- an$ hi hea$ in hi crete$ ha",he"m. #i b"o.ing hair .a
ma$e o, hempen rope $ye$ green- an$ h/ge ,ire b/rne$ in the cave that .ere hi eye. Hne
han$ rete$ atop the ri$ge to hi "e,t- bronGe ,inger coi"e$ abo/t a knob o, toneI the other thr/t
/p into the air- c"aping the hi"t o, a broken .or$.
7e is onl! a little bigger than ,ing Baelor/s statue in ,ing/s "anding, he to"$ here", .hen
they .ere ti"" .e"" o,, to ea. A the ga""ea $rove c"oer to .here the breaker mahe$ againt
the ri$ge"ine- ho.ever- the 7itan gre. "arger ti"". She co/"$ hear 5enyo4 ,ather be""o.ing
comman$ in hi $eep voice- an$ /p in the rigging men .ere bringing in the ai". We are going
to row beneath the #itan/s legs+ Arya co/"$ ee the arro. "it in the great bronGe breatp"ate-
an$ tain an$ peck"e on the 7itan4 arm an$ ho/"$er .here the eabir$ nete$. #er neck
crane$ /p.ar$. Baelor the Blessed would not reach his knee+ 7e could step right oer the walls
of Winterfell+
7hen the 7itan gave a mighty roar.
7he o/n$ .a a h/ge a he .a- a terrib"e groaning an$ grin$ing- o "o/$ it $ro.ne$ o/t
even the captain4 voice an$ the crah o, the .ave againt thoe pine(c"a$ ri$ge. A tho/an$
eabir$ took to the air at once- an$ Arya ,"inche$ /nti" he a. that 5enyo .a "a/ghing. 2#e
.arn the Arena" o, o/r coming- that i a""-1 he ho/te$. 2Eo/ m/t not be a,rai$.1
2& never was,1 Arya ho/te$ back. 2&t .a "o/$- i a"".1
3in$ an$ .ave ha$ the #itan/s Daughter har$ in han$ no.- $riving her .i,t"y to.ar$ the
channe". #er $o/b"e bank o, oar troke$ mooth"y- "ahing the ea to .hite ,oam a the 7itan4
ha$o. ,e"" /pon them. +or a moment it eeme$ a tho/gh they m/t /re"y mah /p againt the
tone beneath hi "eg. #/$$"e$ by 5enyo at the pro.- Arya co/"$ tate a"t .here the pray ha$
to/che$ her ,ace. She ha$ to "ook traight /p to ee the 7itan4 hea$. 27he Braavoi ,ee$ him on
the =/icy pink ,"eh o, "itt"e highborn gir"-1 he hear$ H"$ Nan ay again- b/t he .a not a "itt"e
gir"- an$ he .o/"$ not be ,rightene$ o, a t/pi$ statue+
Cven o- he kept one han$ on Nee$"e a they "ippe$ bet.een hi "eg. More arro. "it
$otte$ the ini$e o, thoe great tone thigh- an$ .hen Arya crane$ her neck aro/n$ to .atch
the cro.4 net "ip thro/gh .ith a goo$ ten yar$ to pare- he pie$ m/r$er ho"e beneath the
7itan4 armore$ kirt- an$ pa"e ,ace taring $o.n at them ,rom behin$ the iron bar.
An$ then they .ere pat.
7he ha$o. "i,te$- the pine(c"a$ ri$ge ,e"" a.ay to either i$e- the .in$ $.in$"e$- an$ they
,o/n$ theme"ve moving thro/gh a great "agoon. Ahea$ roe another ea mont- a knob o, rock
that p/he$ /p ,rom the .ater "ike a pike$ ,it- it tony batt"ement brit"ing .ith corpion-
pit,ire- an$ treb/chet. 27he Arena" o, Braavo-1 5enyo name$ it- a pro/$ a i, he4$ b/i"t it.
27hey can b/i"$ a .ar ga""ey there in a $ay.1 Arya co/"$ ee $oGen o, ga""ey tie$ /p at A/ay
an$ perche$ on "a/nching "ip. 7he painte$ pro. o, other poke$ ,rom inn/merab"e .oo$en
he$ a"ong the tony hore- "ike ho/n$ in a kenne"- "ean an$ mean an$ h/ngry- .aiting ,or a
h/nter4 horn to ca"" them ,orth. She trie$ to co/nt them- b/t there .ere too many- an$ more
$ock an$ he$ an$ A/ay .here the hore"ine c/rve$ a.ay.
7.o ga""ey ha$ come o/t to meet them. 7hey eeme$ to kim /pon the .ater "ike
$ragon,"ie- their pa"e oar ,"ahing. Arya hear$ the captain ho/ting to them an$ their o.n
captain ho/ting back- b/t he $i$ not /n$ertan$ the .or$. A great horn o/n$e$. 7he ga""ey
pae$ to either i$e o, them- o c"oe that he co/"$ hear the m/,,"e$ o/n$ o, $r/m ,rom
.ithin their p/rp"e h/""- bom bom bom bom bom bom bom bom, "ike the beat o, "iving heart.
7hen the ga""ey .ere behin$ them- an$ the Arena" a .e"". Ahea$ tretche$ a broa$ e:pane
o, pea(green .ater ripp"e$ "ike a heet o, co"ore$ g"a. +rom it .et heart aroe the city proper-
a great pra." o, $ome an$ to.er an$ bri$ge- grey an$ go"$ an$ re$. #he hundred isles of
Braaos in the sea+
Maeter ?/.in ha$ ta/ght them abo/t Braavo- b/t Arya ha$ ,orgotten m/ch o, .hat he4$
ai$. &t .a a ,"at city- he co/"$ ee that even ,rom a,ar- not "ike >ing4 ?an$ing on it three
high hi"". 7he on"y hi"" here .ere the one that men ha$ raie$ o, brick an$ granite- bronGe an$
marb"e. Something e"e .a miing a .e""- tho/gh it took her a ,e. moment to rea"iGe .hat it
.a. #he cit! has no walls+ B/t .hen he ai$ a m/ch to 5enyo- he "a/ghe$ at her. 2H/r .a""
are ma$e o, .oo$ an$ painte$ p/rp"e-1 he to"$ her. 2H/r galle!s are o/r .a"". 3e nee$ no
other.1
7he $eck creake$ behin$ them. Arya t/rne$ to ,in$ 5enyo4 ,ather "ooming over them in hi
"ong captain4 coat o, p/rp"e .oo". 7ra$eman(Captain 7erneio 7ery .ore no .hiker an$
kept hi grey hair c/t hort an$ neat- ,raming hi A/are- .in$b/rnt ,ace. Hn the croing he ha$
o,t een him =eting .ith hi cre.- b/t .hen he ,ro.ne$ men ran ,rom him a i, be,ore a torm.
#e .a ,ro.ning no.. 2H/r voyage i at an en$-1 he to"$ Arya. 23e make ,or the CheA/y9ort-
.here the Sea"or$4 c/tom o,,icer .i"" come aboar$ to inpect o/r ho"$. 7hey .i"" be ha", a
$ay at it- they a".ay are- b/t there i no nee$ ,or yo/ to .ait /pon their p"ea/re. Gather yo/r
be"onging. & ha"" "o.er a boat- an$ Eorko .i"" p/t yo/ ahore.1
Ashore+ Arya bit her "ip. She ha$ croe$ the narro. ea to get here- b/t i, the captain ha$
ake$ he .o/"$ have to"$ him he .ante$ to tay aboar$ the #itan/s Daughter+ Sa"ty .a too
ma"" to man an oar- he kne. that no.- b/t he co/"$ "earn to p"ice rope an$ ree, the ai" an$
teer a co/re acro the great a"t ea. 5enyo ha$ taken her /p to the cro.4 net once- an$ he
ha$n4t been a,rai$ at a""- tho/gh the $eck ha$ eeme$ a tiny thing be"o. her. I can do sums too,
and keep a cabin neat+
B/t the ga""ea ha$ no nee$ o, a econ$ boy. Bei$e- he ha$ on"y to "ook at the captain4
,ace to kno. ho. an:io/ he .a to be ri$ o, her. So Arya on"y no$$e$. 2Ahore-1 he ai$-
tho/gh ahore meant on"y tranger.
4.alar dohaeris+5 #e to/che$ t.o ,inger to hi bro.. 2& beg yo/ remember 7erneio 7ery
an$ the ervice he ha $one yo/.1
2& .i""-1 Arya ai$ in a ma"" voice. 7he .in$ t/gge$ at her c"oak- initent a a ghot. &t .a
time he .a a.ay.
1ather !our belongings, the captain ha$ ai$- b/t there .ere ,e. eno/gh o, thoe. Hn"y the
c"othe he .a .earing- her "itt"e po/ch o, coin- the gi,t the cre. ha$ given her- the $agger on
her "e,t hip an$ Nee$"e on her right.
7he boat .a rea$y be,ore he .a- an$ Eorko .a at the oar. #e .a the captain4 on a
.e""- b/t o"$er than 5enyo an$ "e ,rien$"y. I neer said farewell to Den!o, he tho/ght a he
c"ambere$ $o.n to =oin him. She .on$ere$ i, he .o/"$ ever ee the boy again. I should hae
said farewell+
7he #itan/s Daughter $.in$"e$ in their .ake- .hi"e the city gre. "arger .ith every troke o,
Eorko4 oar. A harbor .a viib"e o,, to her right- a tang"e o, pier an$ A/ay cro.$e$ .ith big(
be""ie$ .ha"er o/t o, &bben- .an hip ,rom the S/mmer &"e- an$ more ga""ey than a gir"
co/"$ co/nt. Another harbor- more $itant- .a o,, to her "e,t- beyon$ a inking point o, "an$
.here the top o, ha",($ro.ne$ b/i"$ing thr/t theme"ve above the .ater. Arya ha$ never
een o many big b/i"$ing a"" together in one p"ace. >ing4 ?an$ing ha$ the Re$ >eep an$ the
Great Sept o, Bae"or an$ the 5ragonpit- b/t Braavo eeme$ to boat a core o, temp"e an$
to.er an$ pa"ace that .ere a "arge or even "arger. I will be a mouse again, he tho/ght g"/m"y-
the wa! I was in 7arrenhal before I ran awa!+
7he city ha$ eeme$ "ike one big i"an$ ,rom .here the 7itan too$- b/t a Eorko ro.e$ them
c"oer he a. that it .a many ma"" i"an$ c"oe together- "inke$ by arche$ tone bri$ge that
panne$ inn/merab"e cana". Beyon$ the harbor he g"impe$ treet o, grey tone ho/e- b/i"t
o c"oe they "eane$ one /pon the other. 7o Arya4 eye they .ere A/eer("ooking- ,o/r an$ ,ive
torie ta"" an$ very kinny- .ith harp(peake$ ti"e roo, "ike pointe$ hat. She a. no thatch-
an$ on"y a ,e. timbere$ ho/e o, the ort he kne. in 3etero. #he! hae no trees, he
rea"iGe$. Braaos is all stone, a gre! cit! in a green sea+
Eorko ./ng them north o, the $ock an$ $o.n the g/""et o, a great cana"- a broa$ green
.ater.ay that ran traight into the heart o, the city. 7hey pae$ /n$er the arche o, a carve$
tone bri$ge- $ecorate$ .ith ha", a h/n$re$ kin$ o, ,ih an$ crab an$ A/i$. A econ$ bri$ge
appeare$ ahea$- thi one carve$ in "acy "ea,y vine- an$ beyon$ that a thir$- gaGing $o.n on
them ,rom a tho/an$ painte$ eye. 7he mo/th o, "eer cana" opene$ to either i$e- an$ other
ti"" ma""er o,, o, thoe. Some o, the ho/e .ere b/i"t aboe the .ater.ay- he a.- t/rning
the cana" into a ort o, t/nne". S"en$er boat "i$ in an$ o/t among them- .ro/ght in the hape
o, .ater erpent .ith painte$ hea$ an$ /praie$ tai". 7hoe .ere not ro.e$ b/t po"e$- he
a.- by men .ho too$ at their tern in c"oak o, grey an$ bro.n an$ $eep mo green. She a.
h/ge ,"at(bottome$ barge too- heape$ high .ith crate an$ barre" an$ p/he$ a"ong by t.enty
po"emen to a i$e- an$ ,ancy ,"oating ho/e .ith "antern o, co"ore$ g"a- ve"vet $rape- an$
braGen ,ig/rehea$. H,, in the ,ar $itance- "ooming above cana" an$ ho/e both- .a a maive
grey tone roa$.ay o, ome kin$- /pporte$ by three tier o, mighty arche marching a.ay o/th
into the haGe. 23hat4 that61 Arya ake$ Eorko- pointing. 27he .eet.ater river-1 he to"$ her.
2&t bring ,reh .ater ,rom the main"an$- acro the m/$,"at an$ the briny ha""o.. Goo$ .eet
.ater ,or the ,o/ntain.1
3hen he "ooke$ behin$ her- the harbor an$ "agoon .ere "ot to ight. Ahea$- a ro. o,
mighty tat/e too$ a"ong both i$e o, the channe"- o"emn tone men in "ong bronGe robe-
pattere$ .ith the $ropping o, the eabir$. Some he"$ book- ome $agger- ome hammer.
Hne c"/tche$ a go"$en tar in hi /praie$ han$. Another .a /pen$ing a tone ,"agon to en$ an
en$"e tream o, .ater p"ahing $o.n into the cana". 2Are they go$61 ake$ Arya.
2Sea"or$-1 ai$ Eorko. 27he &"e o, the Go$ i ,arther on. See6 Si: bri$ge $o.n- on the
right bank. 7hat i the 7emp"e o, the Mooninger.1
&t .a one o, thoe that Arya ha$ pie$ ,rom the "agoon- a mighty ma o, no.(.hite marb"e
toppe$ by a h/ge i"vere$ $ome .hoe mi"k g"a .in$o. ho.e$ a"" the phae o, the moon. A
pair o, marb"e mai$en ,"anke$ it gate- ta"" a the Sea"or$- /pporting a crecent(hape$ "inte".
Beyon$ it too$ another temp"e- a re$ tone e$i,ice a tern a any ,ortre. Atop it great
A/are to.er a ,ire b"aGe$ in an iron braGier t.enty ,eet acro- .hi"t ma""er ,ire ,"anke$ it
braGen $oor. 27he re$ priet "ove their ,ire-1 Eorko to"$ her. 27he ?or$ o, ?ight i their go$-
re$ R4h""or.1
I know+ Arya remembere$ 7horo o, Myr in hi bit o, o"$ armor- .orn over robe o ,a$e$
that he ha$ eeme$ more a pink priet than a re$ one. Eet hi ki ha$ bro/ght ?or$ Beric back
,rom $eath. She .atche$ the re$ go$4 ho/e $ri,t by- .on$ering .hether thee Braavoi priet
o, hi co/"$ $o the ame.
Ne:t came a h/ge brick tr/ct/re ,etoone$ .ith "ichen. Arya might have taken it ,or a
toreho/e ha$ not Eorko ai$- 27hat i the #o"y Re,/ge- .here .e honor the ma"" go$ the
.or"$ ha ,orgotten. Eo/ .i"" hear it ca""e$ the 3arren too.1 A ma"" cana" ran bet.een the
3arren4 "ooming "ichen(covere$ .a""- an$ there he ./ng them right. 7hey pae$ thro/gh a
t/nne" an$ o/t again into the "ight. More hrine "oome$ /p to either i$e.
2& never kne. there .ere o many go$-1 Arya ai$.
Eorko gr/nte$. 7hey .ent aro/n$ a ben$ an$ beneath another bri$ge. Hn their "e,t appeare$ a
rocky kno"" .ith a .in$o."e temp"e o, $ark grey tone at it top. A ,"ight o, tone tep "e$
,rom it $oor $o.n to a covere$ $ock.
Eorko backe$ the oar- an$ the boat b/mpe$ gent"y againt tone pi"ing. #e grape$ an iron
ring et to ho"$ them ,or a moment. 2#ere & "eave yo/.1
7he $ock .a ha$o.e$- the tep teep. 7he temp"e4 b"ack ti"e roo, came to a harp peak-
"ike the ho/e a"ong the cana". Arya che.e$ her "ip. S!rio came from Braaos+ 7e might hae
isited this temple+ 7e might hae climbed those steps+ She grabbe$ a ring an$ p/""e$ here", /p
onto the $ock.
2Eo/ kno. my name-1 ai$ Eorko ,rom the boat.
2Eorko 7ery.1
4.alar dohaeris+5 #e p/he$ o,, .ith hi oar an$ $ri,te$ back o,, into the $eeper .ater. Arya
.atche$ him ro. back the .ay they4$ come- /nti" he vanihe$ in the ha$o. o, the bri$ge. A
the .ih o, oar ,a$e$- he co/"$ a"mot hear the beating o, her heart. S/$$en"y he .a
ome.here e"e8 back in #arrenha" .ith Gen$ry- maybe- or .ith the #o/n$ in the .oo$ a"ong
the 7ri$ent. Salt! is a stupid child, he to"$ here",. I am a wolf, and will not be afraid+ She
patte$ Nee$"e4 hi"t ,or "/ck an$ p"/nge$ into the ha$o.- taking the tep t.o at a time o no
one co/"$ ever ay he4$ been a,rai$.
At the top he ,o/n$ a et o, carve$ .oo$en $oor t.e"ve ,eet high. 7he "e,t(han$ $oor .a
ma$e o, .eir.oo$ pa"e a bone- the right o, g"eaming ebony. &n their center .a a carve$ moon
,aceI ebony on the .eir.oo$ i$e- .eir.oo$ on the ebony. 7he "ook o, it remin$e$ her omeho.
o, the heart tree in the go$.oo$ at 3inter,e"". #he doors are watching me, he tho/ght. She
p/he$ /pon both $oor at once .ith the ,"at o, her g"ove$ han$- b/t neither one .o/"$ b/$ge.
"ocked and barred+ 2?et me in- yo/ t/pi$-1 he ai$. 2& croe$ the narro. ea.1 She ma$e a ,it
an$ po/n$e$. 2!aAen to"$ me to come. & have the iron coin.1 She p/""e$ it ,rom her po/ch an$
he"$ it /p. 2See6 .alar morghulis+1
7he $oor ma$e no rep"y- e:cept to open.
7hey opene$ in.ar$ a"" in i"ence- .ith no h/man han$ to move them. Arya took a tep
,or.ar$- an$ another. 7he $oor c"oe$ behin$ her- an$ ,or a moment he .a b"in$. Nee$"e .a
in her han$- tho/gh he $i$ not remember $ra.ing it.
A ,e. can$"e b/rne$ a"ong the .a""- b/t gave o "itt"e "ight that Arya co/"$ not ee her o.n
,eet. Someone .a .hipering- too o,t"y ,or her to make o/t .or$. Someone e"e .a .eeping.
She hear$ "ight ,oot,a""- "eather "i$ing over tone- a $oor opening an$ c"oing. Water, I hear
water too+
S"o."y her eye a$=/te$. 7he temp"e eeme$ m/ch "arger .ithin than it ha$ .itho/t. 7he
ept o, 3etero .ere even(i$e$- .ith even a"tar ,or the even go$- b/t here there .ere
more go$ than even. Stat/e o, them too$ a"ong the .a""- maive an$ threatening. Aro/n$
their ,eet re$ can$"e ,"ickere$- a $im a $itant tar. 7he nearet .a a marb"e .oman t.e"ve
,eet ta"". Rea" tear .ere trick"ing ,rom her eye- to ,i"" the bo." he cra$"e$ in her arm. Beyon$
her .a a man .ith a "ion4 hea$ eate$ on a throne- carve$ o, ebony. Hn the other i$e o, the
$oor- a h/ge hore o, bronGe an$ iron reare$ /p on t.o great "eg. +arther on he co/"$ make
o/t a great tone ,ace- a pa"e in,ant .ith a .or$- a haggy b"ack goat the iGe o, an a/roch- a
hoo$e$ man "eaning on a ta,,. 7he ret .ere on"y "ooming hape to her- ha",(een thro/gh the
g"oom. Bet.een the go$ .ere hi$$en a"cove thick .ith ha$o.- .ith here an$ there a can$"e
b/rning.
Si"ent a a ha$o.- Arya move$ bet.een ro. o, "ong tone benche- her .or$ in han$. 7he
,"oor .a ma$e o, tone- her ,eet to"$ herI not po"ihe$ marb"e "ike the ,"oor o, the Great Sept o,
Bae"or- b/t omething ro/gher. She pae$ ome .omen .hipering together. 7he air .a .arm
an$ heavy- o heavy that he ya.ne$. She co/"$ me"" the can$"e. 7he cent .a /n,ami"iar- an$
he p/t it $o.n to ome A/eer incene- b/t a he got $eeper into the temp"e- they eeme$ to
me"" o, no. an$ pine nee$"e an$ hot te.. 1ood smells, Arya to"$ here",- an$ ,e"t a "itt"e
braver. Brave eno/gh to "ip Nee$"e back into it heath.
&n the center o, the temp"e he ,o/n$ the .ater he ha$ hear$I a poo" ten ,eet acro- b"ack a
ink an$ "it by $im re$ can$"e. Bei$e it at a yo/ng man in a i"very c"oak- .eeping o,t"y. She
.atche$ him $ip a han$ in the .ater- en$ing car"et ripp"e racing acro the poo". 3hen he
$re. hi ,inger back he /cke$ them- one by one. 7e must be thirst!+ 7here .ere tone c/p
a"ong the rim o, the poo". Arya ,i""e$ one an$ bro/ght it to him- o he co/"$ $rink. 7he yo/ng
man tare$ at her ,or a "ong moment .hen he o,,ere$ it to him. 4.alar morghulis,5 he ai$.
4.alar dohaeris,5 he rep"ie$.
#e $rank $eep- an$ $roppe$ the c/p into the poo" .ith a o,t plop+ 7hen he p/he$ hime", to
hi ,eet- .aying- ho"$ing hi be""y. +or a moment Arya tho/ght he .a going to ,a"". &t .a on"y
then that he a. the $ark tain be"o. hi be"t- prea$ing a he .atche$. 2Eo/4re tabbe$-1 he
b"/rte$- b/t the man pai$ her no min$. #e "/rche$ /ntea$i"y to.ar$ the .a"" an$ cra."e$ into an
a"cove onto a har$ tone be$. 3hen Arya peere$ aro/n$- he a. other a"cove too. Hn ome
there .ere o"$ peop"e "eeping.
2o, a ha",(remembere$ voice eeme$ to .hiper in her hea$. #he! are dead, or d!ing+ "ook
with !our e!es+
A han$ to/che$ her arm.
Arya p/n a.ay- b/t it .a on"y a "itt"e gir"' a pa"e "itt"e gir" in a co."e$ robe that eeme$ to
eng/", her- b"ack on the right i$e an$ .hite on the "e,t. Beneath the co." .a a ga/nt an$ bony
,ace- ho""o. cheek- an$ $ark eye that "ooke$ a big a a/cer. 25on4t grab me-1 Arya .arne$
the .ai,. 2& ki""e$ the boy .ho grabbe$ me "at.1
7he gir" ai$ ome .or$ that Arya $i$ not kno..
She hook her hea$. 25on4t yo/ kno. the Common 7ong/e61
A voice behin$ her ai$- 2& $o.1
Arya $i$ not "ike the .ay they kept /rpriing her. 7he hoo$e$ man .a ta""- enve"ope$ in a
"arger verion o, the b"ack(an$(.hite robe the gir" .a .earing. Beneath hi co." a"" he co/"$
ee .a the ,aint re$ g"itter o, can$"e"ight re,"ecting o,, hi eye. 23hat p"ace i thi61 he ake$
him.
2A p"ace o, peace.1 #i voice .a gent"e. 2Eo/ are a,e here. 7hi i the #o/e o, B"ack an$
3hite- my chi"$. 7ho/gh yo/ are yo/ng to eek the ,avor o, the Many(+ace$ Go$.1
2& he "ike the o/thron go$- the one .ith even ,ace61
2Seven6 No. #e ha ,ace beyon$ co/nt- "itt"e one- a many ,ace a there are tar in the ky.
&n Braavo- men .orhip a they .i""8 b/t at the en$ o, every roa$ tan$ #im o, Many +ace-
.aiting. #e .i"" be there ,or yo/ one $ay- $o not ,ear. Eo/ nee$ not r/h to hi embrace.1
2& on"y came to ,in$ !aAen #4ghar.1
2& $o not kno. thi name.1
#er heart ank. 2#e .a ,rom ?orath. #i hair .a .hite on one i$e an$ re$ on the other. #e
ai$ he4$ teach me ecret- an$ gave me thi.1 7he iron coin .a c"/tche$ in her ,it. 3hen he
opene$ her ,inger- it c"/ng to her .eaty pa"m.
7he priet t/$ie$ the coin- tho/gh he ma$e no move to to/ch it. 7he .ai, .ith the big eye
.a "ooking at it too. +ina""y- the co."e$ man ai$- 27e"" me yo/r name- chi"$.1
2Sa"ty. & come ,rom Sa"tpan- by the 7ri$ent.1
7ho/gh he co/"$ not ee hi ,ace- omeho. he co/"$ ,ee" him mi"ing. 2No-1 he ai$. 27e""
me yo/r name.1
2SA/ab-1 he an.ere$ thi time.
2Eo/r tr/e name- chi"$.1
2My mother name$ me Nan- b/t they ca"" me 3eae"@1
2Eo/r name.1
She .a""o.e$. 2Arry. &4m Arr!+1
2C"oer. An$ no. the tr/th61
Fear cuts deeper than swords, he to"$ here",. 2Arya.1 She .hipere$ the .or$ the ,irt time.
7he econ$ time he thre. it at him. 2& am Ar!a, o, #o/e Stark.1
2Eo/ are-1 he ai$- 2b/t the #o/e o, B"ack an$ 3hite i no p"ace ,or Arya- o, #o/e Stark.1
29"eae-1 he ai$. 2& have no p"ace to go.1
25o yo/ ,ear $eath61
She bit her "ip. 2No.1
2?et / ee.1 7he priet "o.ere$ hi co.". Beneath he ha$ no ,aceI on"y a ye""o.e$ k/"" .ith
a ,e. crap o, kin ti"" c"inging to the cheek- an$ a .hite .orm .rigg"ing ,rom one empty eye
ocket. 2>i me- chi"$-1 he croake$- in a voice a $ry an$ h/ky a a $eath ratt"e.
Does he think to scare me6 Arya kie$ him .here hi noe ho/"$ be an$ p"/cke$ the grave
.orm ,rom hi eye to eat it- b/t it me"te$ "ike a ha$o. in her han$.
7he ye""o. k/"" .a me"ting too- an$ the kin$"iet o"$ man that he ha$ ever een .a
mi"ing $o.n at her. 2No one ha ever trie$ to eat my .orm be,ore-1 he ai$. 2Are yo/ h/ngry-
chi"$61
&es, he tho/ght- but not for food+
DA%OS
?ightning p"it the northern ky- etching the b"ack to.er o, the Night ?amp againt the b"/e(
.hite ky. Si: heartbeat "ater came the th/n$er- "ike a $itant $r/m.
7he g/ar$ marche$ 5avo Sea.orth acro a bri$ge o, b"ack baa"t an$ /n$er an iron
portc/""i ho.ing ign o, r/t. Beyon$ "ay a $eep a"t moat an$ a $ra.bri$ge /pporte$ by a
pair o, maive chain. Green .ater /rge$ be"o.- en$ing /p p"/me o, pray to mah againt
the ,o/n$ation o, the cat"e. 7hen came a econ$ gateho/e- "arger than the ,irt- it tone
bear$e$ .ith green a"gae. 5avo t/mb"e$ acro a m/$$y yar$ .ith hi han$ bo/n$ at the
.rit. A co"$ rain t/ng hi eye. 7he g/ar$ pro$$e$ him /p the tep- into Break.ater4
caverno/ tone keep.
Hnce ini$e- the captain remove$ hi c"oak an$ h/ng it ,rom a peg- o a not to "eave p/$$"e
on the threa$bare Myrih carpet. 5avo $i$ the ame- ,/mb"ing at the c"ap .ith hi bo/n$
han$. #e ha$ not ,orgotten the co/rteie he ha$ "earne$ on 5ragontone $/ring hi year o,
ervice.
7hey ,o/n$ the "or$ a"one in the g"oom o, hi ha""- making a /pper o, beer an$ brea$ an$
iter4 te.. 7.enty iron conce .ere mo/nte$ a"ong hi thick tone .a""- b/t on"y ,o/r he"$
torche- an$ none o, them .a "it. 7.o ,at ta""o. can$"e gave a meagre- ,"ickering "ight. 5avo
co/"$ hear the rain "ahing at the .a""- an$ a tea$y $ripping .here the roo, ha$ pr/ng a "eak.
2M4"or$-1 ai$ the captain- 2.e ,o/n$ thi man in the Be""y o4 the 3ha"e- trying to b/y hi
.ay o,, i"an$. #e ha$ t.e"ve $ragon on him- an$ thi thing too.1 7he captain p/t it on the tab"e
by the "or$' a .i$e ribbon o, b"ack ve"vet trimme$ .ith c"oth(o,(go"$- an$ bearing three ea"I a
cro.ne$ tag tampe$ in go"$en bee.a:- a ,"aming heart in re$- a han$ in .hite.
5avo .aite$ .et an$ $ripping- hi .rit cha,ing .here the .et rope $/g into hi kin. Hne
.or$ ,rom thi "or$ an$ he .o/"$ oon be hanging ,rom the Ga""o. Gate o, Siterton- b/t at
"eat he .a o/t o, the rain- .ith o"i$ tone beneath hi ,eet in p"ace o, a heaving $eck. #e .a
oake$ an$ ore an$ haggar$- .orn thin by grie, an$ betraya"- an$ ick to $eath o, torm.
7he "or$ .ipe$ hi mo/th .ith the back o, hi han$ an$ picke$ /p the ribbon ,or a c"oer
A/int. ?ightning ,"ahe$ o/ti$e- making the arro. "oop b"aGe b"/e an$ .hite ,or ha", a
heartbeat. One, two, three, four, 5avo co/nte$- be,ore the th/n$er came. 3hen it A/iete$- he
"itene$ to the $ripping- an$ the $/""er roar beneath hi ,eet- .here the .ave .ere mahing
againt Break.ater4 h/ge tone arche an$ .ir"ing thro/gh it $/ngeon. #e might .e"" en$ /p
$o.n there- ,ettere$ to a .et tone ,"oor an$ "e,t to $ro.n .hen the ti$e came r/hing in. 2o, he
trie$ to te"" hime",- a smuggler might die that wa!, but not a ,ing/s 7and+ I/m worth more if he
sells me to his 3ueen+
7he "or$ ,ingere$ the ribbon- ,ro.ning at the ea". #e .a an /g"y man- big an$ ,"ehy- .ith
an oarman4 thick ho/"$er an$ no neck. Coare grey t/bb"e- going .hite in patche- covere$
hi cheek an$ chin. Above a maive he", o, bro. he .a ba"$. #i noe .a "/mpy an$ re$
.ith broken vein- hi "ip thick- an$ he ha$ a ort o, .ebbing bet.een the three mi$$"e ,inger
o, hi right han$. 5avo ha$ hear$ that ome o, the "or$ o, the 7hree Siter ha$ .ebbe$ han$
an$ ,eet- b/t he ha$ a".ay p/t that $o.n a =/t another ai"or4 tory.
7he "or$ "eane$ back. 2C/t him ,ree-1 he ai$- 2an$ pee" thoe g"ove o,, him. & .ant to ee
hi han$.1
7he captain $i$ a he .a to"$. A he =erke$ /p hi captive4 maime$ "e,t han$ the "ightning
,"ahe$ again- thro.ing the ha$o. o, 5avo Sea.orth4 hortene$ ,inger acro the b"/nt an$
br/ta" ,ace o, Go$ric Borre""- ?or$ o, S.eetiter. 2Any man can tea" a ribbon-1 the "or$ ai$-
2b/t thoe ,inger $o not "ie. Eo/ are the onion knight.1
2& have been ca""e$ that- my "or$.1 5avo .a a "or$ hime",- an$ ha$ been a knight ,or "ong
year no.- b/t $eep $o.n he .a ti"" .hat he ha$ a".ay been- a m/gg"er o, common birth
.ho ha$ bo/ght hi knighthoo$ .ith a ho"$ o, onion an$ a"t ,ih. 2& have been ca""e$ .ore
thing too.1
2Aye. 7raitor. Rebe". 7/rnc"oak.1
#e brit"e$ at the "at. 2& have never t/rne$ my c"oak- my "or$. & am a king4 man.1
2Hn"y i, Stanni i a king.1 7he "or$ .eighe$ him .ith har$ b"ack eye. 2Mot knight .ho
"an$ /pon my hore eek me in my ha""- not in the Be""y o, the 3ha"e. A vi"e m/gg"er4 $en-
that p"ace. Are yo/ ret/rning to yo/r o"$ tra$e- onion knight61
2No- my "or$. & .a "ooking ,or paage to 3hite #arbor. 7he king ent me- .ith a meage
,or it "or$.1
27hen yo/ are in the .rong p"ace- .ith the .rong "or$.1 ?or$ Go$ric eeme$ am/e$. 27hi
i Siterton- on S.eetiter.1
2& kno. it i.1 7here .a nothing .eet abo/t Siterton- tho/gh. &t .a a vi"e to.n- a ty-
ma"" an$ mean an$ rank .ith the o$or o, pig hit an$ rotting ,ih. 5avo remembere$ it .e""
,rom hi m/gg"ing $ay. 7he 7hree Siter ha$ been a ,avorite ha/nt o, m/gg"er ,or h/n$re$
o, year- an$ a pirate4 net be,ore that. Siterton4 treet .ere m/$ an$ p"ank- it ho/e $a/b(
an$(.att"e hove" roo,e$ .ith tra.- an$ by the Ga""o. Gate there .ere a".ay hange$ men
.ith their entrai" $ang"ing o/t.
2Eo/ have ,rien$ here- & $o not $o/bt-1 ai$ the "or$. 2Cvery m/gg"er ha ,rien$ on the
Siter. Some o, them are my ,rien$ a .e"". 7he one .ho aren4t- them & hang. & "et them
trang"e "o."y- .ith their g/t "apping /p againt their knee.1 7he ha"" gre. bright again- a
"ightning "it the .in$o.. 7.o heartbeat "ater came the th/n$er. 2&, it i 3hite #arbor that yo/
.ant- .hy are yo/ in Siterton6 3hat bro/ght yo/ here61
A king/s command and a friend/s betra!al, 5avo might have ai$. &ntea$ he an.ere$-
2Storm.1
Nine(an$(t.enty hip ha$ et ai" ,rom the 3a"". &, ha", o, them .ere ti"" a,"oat- 5avo
.o/"$ be hocke$. B"ack kie- bitter .in$- an$ "ahing rain ha$ ho/n$e$ them a"" the .ay
$o.n the coat. 7he ga""ey Oledo an$ Old *other/s Son ha$ been $riven onto the rock o,
Skago- the i"e o, /nicorn an$ canniba" .here even the B"in$ Batar$ ha$ ,eare$ to "an$I the
great cog Saathos Saan ha$ ,o/n$ere$ o,, the Grey C"i,,. 2Stanni .i"" be paying ,or them-1
Sa""a$hor Saan ha$ ,/me$. 2#e .i"" be paying ,or them .ith goo$ go"$- every one.1 &t .a a i,
ome angry go$ .a e:acting payment ,or their eay voyage north- .hen they ha$ ri$$en a
tea$y o/ther"y ,rom 5ragontone to the 3a"". Another ga"e ha$ rippe$ a.ay the rigging o, the
Bountiful 7arest, ,orcing Sa""a to have her taken /n$er to.. 7en "eag/e north o, 3i$o.4
3atch the ea roe again- "amming the 7arest into one o, the ga""ey to.ing her an$ inking
both. 7he ret o, the ?yene ,"eet ha$ been cattere$ acro the narro. ea. Some .o/"$ tragg"e
into one port or another. Hther .o/"$ never be een again.
2Sa""a$hor the Beggar- that4 .hat yo/r king ha ma$e me-1 Sa""a$hor Saan comp"aine$ to
5avo- a the remnant o, hi ,"eet "impe$ acro the Bite. 2Sa""a$hor the Smahe$. 3here are
my hip6 An$ my go"$- .here i a"" the go"$ that & .a promie$61 3hen 5avo ha$ trie$ to
a/re him that he .o/"$ have hi payment- Sa""a ha$ er/pte$. 23hen- when6 Hn the morro.- on
the ne. moon- .hen the re$ comet come again6 #e i promiing me go"$ an$ gem- a".ay
promiing- b/t thi go"$ & have not een. & have hi .or$- he i aying- oh ye- hi roya" .or$- he
.rite it $o.n. Can Sa""a$hor Saan eat the king4 .or$6 Can he A/ench hi thirt .ith
parchment an$ .a:y ea"6 Can he t/mb"e promie into a ,eather be$ an$ ,/ck them ti"" they
A/ea"61
5avo ha$ trie$ to per/a$e him to tay tr/e. &, Sa""a aban$one$ Stanni an$ hi ca/e- he
pointe$ o/t- he aban$one$ a"" hope o, co""ecting the go"$ that .a $/e him. A victorio/ >ing
7ommen .a not "ike to pay hi $e,eate$ /nc"e4 $ebt- a,ter a"". Sa""a4 on"y hope .a to remain
"oya" to Stanni Baratheon /nti" he .on the &ron 7hrone. C"e.ie he .o/"$ never ee a groat o,
hi money. #e ha$ to be patient.
9erhap ome "or$ .ith honey on hi tong/e might have .aye$ the ?yene pirate prince- b/t
5avo .a an onion knight- an$ hi .or$ ha$ on"y provoke$ Sa""a to ,reh o/trage. 2Hn
5ragontone & .a patient-1 he ai$- 2.hen the re$ .oman b/rne$ .oo$en go$ an$ creaming
men. A"" the "ong .ay to the 3a"" & .a patient. At Cat.atch & .a patient8 an$ co"$- o very
co"$. Bah- & ay. Bah to yo/r patience- an$ bah to yo/r king. My men are h/ngry. 7hey are
.ihing to ,/ck their .ive again- to co/nt their on- to ee the Steptone an$ the p"ea/re
gar$en o, ?y. &ce an$ torm an$ empty promie- thee they are not .anting. 7hi north i
m/ch too co"$- an$ getting co"$er.1
I knew the da! would come, 5avo to"$ hime",. I was fond of the old rogue, but neer so
great a fool as to trust him+
2Storm.1 ?or$ Go$ric ai$ the .or$ a ,on$"y a another man might ay hi "over4 name.
2Storm .ere acre$ on the Siter be,ore the An$a" came. H/r go$ o, o"$ .ere the ?a$y o, the
3ave an$ the ?or$ o, the Skie. 7hey ma$e torm every time they mate$.1 #e "eane$ ,or.ar$.
27hee king never bother .ith the Siter. 3hy ho/"$ they6 3e are ma"" an$ poor. An$ yet
yo/4re here. 5e"ivere$ to me by the torm.1
Deliered to !ou b! a friend, 5avo tho/ght.
?or$ Go$ric t/rne$ to hi captain. 2?eave thi man .ith me. #e .a never here.1
2No- m4"or$. Never.1 7he captain took hi "eave- hi .et boot "eaving $amp ,ootprint acro
the carpet. Beneath the ,"oor the ea .a r/mb"ing an$ ret"e- po/n$ing at the cat"e4 ,eet. 7he
o/ter $oor c"oe$ .ith a o/n$ "ike $itant th/n$er- an$ again the "ightning came- a i, in an.er.
2My "or$-1 ai$ 5avo- 2i, yo/ .o/"$ en$ me on to 3hite #arbor- #i Grace .o/"$ co/nt it
a an act o, ,rien$hip.1
2& co/"$ en$ yo/ to 3hite #arbor-1 the "or$ a""o.e$. 2Hr & co/"$ en$ yo/ to ome co"$ .et
he"".1
Sisterton is hell enough+ 5avo ,eare$ the .ort. 7he 7hree Siter .ere ,ick"e bitche- "oya"
on"y to theme"ve. S/ppoe$"y they .ere .orn to the Arryn o, the %a"e- b/t the Cyrie4 grap
/pon the i"an$ .a ten/o/ at bet.
2S/n$er"an$ .o/"$ reA/ire me to han$ yo/ over i, he kne. o, yo/.1 Borre"" $i$ ,ea"ty ,or
S.eetiter- a ?ongthorpe $i$ ,or ?ongiter an$ 7orrent ,or ?itt"eiterI a"" .ere .orn to
7riton S/n$er"an$- the ?or$ o, the 7hree Siter. 2#e4$ e"" yo/ to the A/een ,or a pot o, that
?anniter go"$. 9oor man nee$ every $ragon- .ith even on a"" $etermine$ to be knight.1 7he
"or$ picke$ /p a .oo$en poon an$ attacke$ hi te. again. 2& /e$ to c/re the go$ .ho gave
me on"y $a/ghter /nti" & hear$ 7riton bemoaning the cot o, $etrier. Eo/ .o/"$ be /rprie$
to kno. ho. many ,ih it take to b/y a $ecent /it o, p"ate an$ mai".1
I had seen sons as well, but four are burned and dead+ 2?or$ S/n$er"an$ i .orn to the
Cyrie-1 5avo ai$. 2By right he ho/"$ $e"iver me to ?a$y Arryn.1 #e .o/"$ tan$ a better
chance .ith her than .ith the ?anniter- he =/$ge$. 7ho/gh he ha$ taken no part in the 3ar o,
the +ive >ing- ?ya Arryn .a a $a/ghter o, Riverr/n- an$ a/nt to the Eo/ng 3o",.
2?ya Arryn4 $ea$-1 ?or$ Go$ric ai$- 2m/r$ere$ by ome inger. ?or$ ?itt"e,inger r/"e the
%a"e no.. 3here are the pirate61 3hen 5avo $i$ not an.er- he rappe$ hi poon againt the
tab"e. 27he ?yeni. 7orrent pie$ their ai" ,rom ?itt"eiter- an$ be,ore him the +"int ,rom
3i$o.4 3atch. Hrange ai"- an$ green- an$ pink. Sa""a$hor Saan. 3here i he61
2At ea.1 Sa""a .o/"$ be ai"ing aro/n$ the +inger an$ $o.n the narro. ea. #e .a
ret/rning to the Steptone .ith .hat ,e. hip remaine$ him. 9erhap he .o/"$ acA/ire a ,e.
more a"ong the .ay- i, he came /pon ome "ike"y merchantmen. A little pirac! to help the
leagues go b!+ 2#i Grace ha ent him o/th- to tro/b"e the ?anniter an$ their ,rien$.1 7he "ie
.a one he ha$ reheare$ a he ro.e$ to.ar$ Siterton thro/gh the rain. Soon or "ate the .or"$
.o/"$ "earn that Sa""a$hor Saan ha$ aban$one$ Stanni Baratheon- "eaving him .itho/t a ,"eet-
b/t they .o/"$ not hear it ,rom the "ip o, 5avo Sea.orth.
?or$ Go$ric tirre$ hi te.. 25i$ that o"$ pirate Saan make yo/ .im to hore61
2& came ahore in an open boat- my "or$.1 Sa""a ha$ .aite$ /nti" the beacon o, the Night
?amp hone o,, the .al!rian4 port bo. be,ore he p/t him o,,. 7heir ,rien$hip ha$ been .orth
that m/ch- at "eat. 7he ?yeni .o/"$ g"a$"y have taken him o/th .ith him- he avo.e$- b/t
5avo ha$ re,/e$. Stanni nee$e$ 3yman Man$er"y- an$ ha$ tr/te$ 5avo to .in him. #e
.o/"$ not betray that tr/t- he to"$ Sa""a. 2Bah-1 the pirate prince rep"ie$- 2he .i"" ki"" yo/ .ith
thee honor- o"$ ,rien$. #e .i"" ki"" yo/.1
2& have never ha$ a >ing4 #an$ beneath my roo, be,ore-1 ?or$ Go$ric ai$. 23o/"$ Stanni
ranom yo/- & .on$er61
Would he6 Stanni ha$ given 5avo "an$ an$ tit"e an$ o,,ice- b/t .o/"$ he pay goo$ go"$
to b/y back hi "i,e6 7e has no gold+ 0lse he/d still hae Salla+ 2Eo/ .i"" ,in$ #i Grace at
Cat"e B"ack i, my "or$ .o/"$ "ike to ak that o, him.1
Borre"" gr/nte$. 2& the &mp at Cat"e B"ack a .e""61
27he &mp61 5avo $i$ not /n$ertan$ the A/etion. 2#e i at >ing4 ?an$ing- con$emne$ to
$ie ,or the m/r$er o, hi nephe..1
27he 3a"" i the "at to "earn- my ,ather /e$ to ay. 7he $.ar,4 ecape$. #e t.ite$ thro/gh
the bar o, hi ce"" an$ tore hi o.n ,ather apart .ith hi bare han$. A g/ar$man a. him ,"ee-
re$ ,rom hea$ to hee"- a i, he4$ bathe$ in b"oo$. 7he A/een .i"" make a "or$ o, any man .ho
ki"" him.1
5avo tr/gg"e$ to be"ieve .hat he .a hearing. 2Eo/ are te""ing me that 7y.in ?anniter i
$ea$61
2At hi on4 han$- aye.1 7he "or$ took a $rink o, beer. 23hen there .ere king on the
Siter- .e $i$ not /,,er $.ar, to "ive. 3e cat them a"" into the ea- a an o,,ering to the go$.
7he epton ma$e / top that. A pack o, pio/ ,oo". 3hy .o/"$ the go$ give a man /ch a
hape b/t to mark him a a monter61
"ord #!win dead+ #his changes all+ 2My "or$- .i"" yo/ grant me "eave to en$ a raven to the
3a""6 #i Grace .i"" .ant to kno. o, ?or$ 7y.in4 $eath.1
2#e4"" kno.. B/t not ,rom me. Nor yo/- o "ong a yo/ are here beneath my "eaky roo,. &4""
not have it ai$ that & gave Stanni ai$ an$ co/ne". 7he S/n$er"an$ $ragge$ the Siter into t.o
o, the B"ack,yre Rebe""ion- an$ .e a"" /,,ere$ grievo/"y ,or that.1 ?or$ Go$ric .ave$ hi
poon to.ar$ a chair. 2Sit. Be,ore yo/ ,a""- er. My ha"" i co"$ an$ $amp an$ $ark- b/t not
.itho/t ome co/rtey. 3e4"" ,in$ $ry c"othe ,or yo/- b/t ,irt yo/4"" eat.1 #e ho/te$- an$ a
.oman entere$ the ha"". 23e have a g/et to ,ee$. Bring beer an$ brea$ an$ iter4 te..1
7he beer .a bro.n- the brea$ b"ack- the te. a creamy .hite. She erve$ it in a trencher
ho""o.e$ o/t o, a ta"e "oa,. &t .a thick .ith "eek- carrot- bar"ey- an$ t/rnip .hite an$ ye""o.-
a"ong .ith c"am an$ ch/nk o, co$ an$ crabmeat- .imming in a tock o, heavy cream an$
b/tter. &t .a the ort o, te. that .arme$ a man right $o.n to hi bone- =/t the thing ,or a .et-
co"$ night. 5avo poone$ it /p grate,/""y.
2Eo/ have tate$ iter4 te. be,ore61
2& have- my "or$.1 7he ame te. .a erve$ a"" over the 7hree Siter- in every inn an$
tavern.
27hi i better than .hat yo/4ve ha$ be,ore. Ge""a make it. My $a/ghter4 $a/ghter. Are yo/
marrie$- onion knight61
2& am- my "or$.1
2A pity. Ge""a4 not. #ome"y .omen make the bet .ive. 7here4 three kin$ o, crab in
there. Re$ crab an$ pi$er crab an$ conA/eror. & .on4t eat pi$er crab- e:cept in iter4 te..
Make me ,ee" ha", a canniba".1 #i "or$hip get/re$ at the banner hanging above the co"$ b"ack
hearth. A pi$er crab .a embroi$ere$ there- .hite on a grey(green ,ie"$. 23e hear$ ta"e that
Stanni b/rne$ hi #an$.1
#he 7and who went before me+ Me"ian$re ha$ given A"eter +"orent to her go$ on
5ragontone- to con=/re /p the .in$ that bore them north. ?or$ +"orent ha$ been trong an$
i"ent a the A/een4 men bo/n$ him to the pot- a $igni,ie$ a any ha",(nake$ man co/"$ hope
to be- b/t a the ,"ame "icke$ /p hi "eg he ha$ beg/n to cream- an$ hi cream ha$ b"o.n
them a"" the .ay to Cat.atch(by(the(Sea- i, the re$ .oman co/"$ be be"ieve$. 5avo ha$
mi"ike$ that .in$. &t ha$ eeme$ to him to me"" o, b/rning ,"eh- an$ the o/n$ o, it .a
ang/ihe$ a it p"aye$ amongt the "ine. It could as easil! hae been me+ 2& $i$ not b/rn-1 he
a/re$ ?or$ Go$ric- 2tho/gh Cat.atch a"mot ,roGe me.1
27he 3a"" .i"" $o that.1 7he .oman bro/ght them a ,reh "oa, o, brea$- ti"" hot ,rom the
oven. 3hen 5avo a. her han$- he tare$. ?or$ Go$ric $i$ not ,ai" to make note o, it. 2Aye-
he ha the mark. ?ike a"" Borre""- ,or ,ive tho/an$ year. My $a/ghter4 $a/ghter. Not the one
.ho make the te..1 #e tore the brea$ apart an$ o,,ere$ ha", to 5avo. 2Cat. &t4 goo$.1
&t .a- tho/gh any ta"e cr/t .o/"$ have tate$ =/t a ,ine to 5avoI it meant he .a a g/et
here- ,or thi one night at "eat. 7he "or$ o, the 7hree Siter ha$ a b"ack rep/te- an$ none more
o than Go$ric Borre""- ?or$ o, S.eetiter- Shie"$ o, Siterton- Mater o, Break.ater Cat"e-
an$ >eeper o, the Night ?amp8 b/t even robber "or$ an$ .recker .ere bo/n$ by the ancient
"a. o, hopita"ity. I will see the dawn, at least, 5avo to"$ hime",. I hae eaten of his bread
and salt+
7ho/gh there .ere tranger pice than a"t in thi iter4 te.. 2& it a,,ron that &4m
tating61 Sa,,ron .a .orth more than go"$. 5avo ha$ on"y tate$ it once be,ore- .hen >ing
Robert ha$ ent a ha", a ,ih to him at a ,eat on 5ragontone.
2Aye. +rom Darth. 7here4 pepper too.1 ?or$ Go$ric took a pinch bet.een hi th/mb an$
,ore,inger an$ prink"e$ hi o.n trencher. 2Cracke$ b"ack pepper ,rom %o"anti- nothing ,iner.
7ake a m/ch a yo/ reA/ire i, yo/4re ,ee"ing peppery. &4ve got ,orty chet o, it. Not to mention
c"ove an$ n/tmeg- an$ a po/n$ o, a,,ron. 7ook it o,, a "oe(eye$ mai$.1 #e "a/ghe$. #e ti""
ha$ a"" hi teeth- 5avo a.- tho/gh mot o, them .ere ye""o. an$ one on the top .a b"ack an$
$ea$. 2She .a making ,or Braavo- b/t a ga"e .ept her into the Bite an$ he mahe$ /p
againt ome o, my rock. So yo/ ee- yo/ are not the on"y gi,t the torm have bro/ght me. 7he
ea4 a treachero/ cr/e" thing.1
2ot as treacherous as men, tho/ght 5avo. ?or$ Go$ric4 ,orebear ha$ been pirate king
/nti" the Stark came $o.n on them .ith ,ire an$ .or$. 7hee $ay the Sitermen "e,t open
piracy to Sa""a$hor Saan an$ hi i"k an$ con,ine$ theme"ve to .recking. 7he beacon that
b/rne$ a"ong the hore o, the 7hree Siter .ere /ppoe$ to .arn o, hoa" an$ ree, an$ rock
an$ "ea$ the .ay to a,ety- b/t on tormy night an$ ,oggy one- ome Sitermen .o/"$ /e ,a"e
"ight to $ra. /n.ary captain to their $oom.
27he torm $i$ yo/ a kin$ne- b"o.ing yo/ to my $oor-1 ?or$ Go$ric ai$. 2Eo/4$ have
,o/n$ a co"$ .e"come in 3hite #arbor. Eo/ come too "ate- er. ?or$ 3yman mean to ben$ hi
knee- an$ not to Stanni.1 #e took a .a""o. o, hi beer. 27he Man$er"y are no northmen- not
$o.n $eep. 47.a no more than nine h/n$re$ year ago .hen they came north- "a$en $o.n .ith
a"" their go"$ an$ go$. 7hey4$ been great "or$ on the Man$er /nti" they overreache$ theme"ve
an$ the green han$ "appe$ them $o.n. 7he .o", king took their go"$- b/t he gave them "an$
an$ "et them keep their go$.1 #e moppe$ at hi te. .ith a ch/nk o, brea$. 2&, Stanni think
the ,at man .i"" ri$e the tag- he4 .rong. 7he "ionstar p/t in at Siterton t.e"ve $ay ago to ,i""
her .ater cak. 5o yo/ kno. her6 Crimon ai" an$ a go"$ "ion on her pro.. An$ ,/"" o, +rey-
making ,or 3hite #arbor.1
2+rey61 7hat .a the "at thing that 5avo .o/"$ have e:pecte$. 27he +rey ki""e$ ?or$
3yman4 on- .e hear$.1
2Aye-1 ?or$ Go$ric ai$- 2an$ the ,at man .a o .roth that he took a vo. to "ive on brea$
an$ .ine ti"" he ha$ hi vengeance. B/t be,ore the $ay .a o/t- he .a t/,,ing c"am an$ cake
into hi mo/th again. 7here4 hip that go bet.een the Siter an$ 3hite #arbor a"" the time.
3e e"" them crab an$ ,ih an$ goat cheee- they e"" / .oo$ an$ .oo" an$ hi$e. +rom a"" &
hear- hi "or$hip4 ,atter than ever. So m/ch ,or vo.. 3or$ are .in$- an$ the .in$ ,rom
Man$er"y4 mo/th mean no more than the .in$ ecaping o/t hi bottom.1 7he "or$ tore o,,
another ch/nk o, brea$ to .ipe o/t hi trencher. 27he +rey .ere bringing the ,at ,oo" a bag o,
bone. Some ca"" that co/rtey- to bring a man hi $ea$ on4 bone. #a$ it been my on- & .o/"$
have ret/rne$ the co/rtey an$ thanke$ the +rey be,ore & hange$ them- b/t the ,at man4 too
nob"e ,or that.1 #e t/,,e$ the brea$ into hi mo/th- che.e$- .a""o.e$. 2& ha$ the +rey to
/pper. Hne at =/t .here yo/4re itting no.. )haegar, he name$ hime",. & a"mot "a/ghe$
right in hi ,ace. #e4$ "ot hi .i,e- he ai$- b/t he meant to get hime", a ne. one in 3hite
#arbor. Raven have been ,"ying back an$ ,orth. ?or$ 3yman an$ ?or$ 3a"$er have ma$e a
pact- an$ mean to ea" it .ith a marriage.1
5avo ,e"t a tho/gh the "or$ ha$ p/nche$ him in the be""y. If he tells it true, m! king is lost+
Stanni Baratheon ha$ $eperate nee$ o, 3hite #arbor. &, 3inter,e"" .a the heart o, the north-
3hite #arbor .a it mo/th. &t ,irth ha$ remaine$ ,ree o, ice even in the $epth o, .inter ,or
cent/rie. 3ith .inter coming on- that co/"$ mean m/ch an$ more. So co/"$ the city4 i"ver.
7he ?anniter ha$ a"" the go"$ o, Cater"y Rock- an$ ha$ .e$ the .ea"th o, #ighgar$en. >ing
Stanni4 co,,er .ere e:ha/te$. I must tr!, at least+ #here ma! be some wa! that I can stop this
marriage+ 2& have to reach 3hite #arbor-1 he ai$. 2Eo/r "or$hip- & beg yo/- he"p me.1
?or$ Go$ric began to eat hi trencher- tearing it apart in hi big han$. 7he te. ha$ o,tene$
the ta"e brea$. 2& have no "ove ,or northmen-1 he anno/nce$. 27he maeter ay the Rape o, the
7hree Siter .a t.o tho/an$ year ago- b/t Siterton ha not ,orgotten. 3e .ere a ,ree peop"e
be,ore that- .ith o/r king r/"ing over /. A,ter.ar$- .e ha$ to ben$ o/r knee to the Cyrie to
get the northmen o/t. 7he .o", an$ the ,a"con ,o/ght over / ,or a tho/an$ year- ti"" bet.een
the t.o o, them they ha$ gna.e$ a"" the ,at an$ ,"eh o,, the bone o, thee poor i"an$. A ,or
yo/r >ing Stanni- .hen he .a Robert4 mater o, hip he ent a ,"eet into my port .itho/t my
"eave an$ ma$e me hang a $oGen ,ine ,rien$. Men "ike yo/. #e .ent o ,ar a to threaten to
hang me i, it ho/"$ happen that ome hip .ent agro/n$ beca/e the Night ?amp ha$ gone
b"ack. & ha$ to eat hi arrogance.1 #e ate ome o, the trencher. 2No. he come north h/mb"e$-
.ith hi tai" bet.een hi "eg. 3hy ho/"$ & give him any ai$6 An.er me that.1
Because he is !our rightful king, 5avo tho/ght. Because he is a strong man and a 9ust one,
the onl! man who can restore the realm and defend it against the peril that gathers in the north+
Because he has a magic sword that glows with the light of the sun+ 7he .or$ ca/ght in hi
throat. None o, them .o/"$ .ay the ?or$ o, S.eetiter. None o, them .o/"$ get him a ,oot
c"oer to 3hite #arbor. What answer does he want6 *ust I promise him gold we do not hae6 A
highborn husband for his daughter/s daughter6 "ands, honors, titles6 ?or$ A"eter +"orent ha$
trie$ to p"ay that game- an$ the king ha$ b/rne$ him ,or it.
27he #an$ ha "ot hi tong/e- it eem. #e ha no tate ,or iter4 te.- or tr/th.1 ?or$
Go$ric .ipe$ hi mo/th.
27he "ion i $ea$-1 ai$ 5avo- "o."y. 27here4 yo/r tr/th- my "or$. 7y.in ?anniter i
$ea$.1
23hat i, he i61
23ho r/"e no. in >ing4 ?an$ing6 Not 7ommen- he i =/t a chi"$. & it Ser >evan61
Can$"e"ight g"eame$ in ?or$ Go$ric4 b"ack eye. 2&, it .ere- yo/4$ be in chain. &t4 the
A/een .ho r/"e.1
5avo /n$ertoo$. 7e nurses doubts+ 7e does not want to find himself upon the losing side+
2Stanni he"$ Storm4 Cn$ againt the 7yre"" an$ the Re$.yne. #e took 5ragontone ,rom the
"at 7argaryen. #e mahe$ the &ron +"eet o,, +air &"e. 7hi chi"$ king .i"" not prevai" againt
him.1
27hi chi"$ king comman$ the .ea"th o, Cater"y Rock an$ the po.er o, #ighgar$en. #e ha
the Bo"ton an$ the +rey.1 ?or$ Go$ric r/bbe$ hi chin. 2Sti""8 in thi .or"$ on"y .inter i
certain. Ne$ Stark to"$ my ,ather that- here in thi very ha"".1
2Ne$ Stark .a here61
2At the $a.n o, Robert4 Rebe""ion. 7he Ma$ >ing ha$ ent to the Cyrie ,or Stark4 hea$- b/t
!on Arryn ent him back $e,iance. G/""to.n taye$ "oya" to the throne- tho/gh. 7o get home an$
ca"" hi banner- Stark ha$ to cro the mo/ntain to the +inger an$ ,in$ a ,iherman to carry
him acro the Bite. A torm ca/ght them on the .ay. 7he ,iherman $ro.ne$- b/t hi $a/ghter
got Stark to the Siter be,ore the boat .ent $o.n. 7hey ay he "e,t her .ith a bag o, i"ver an$ a
batar$ in her be""y. !on Sno.- he name$ him- a,ter Arryn.
2Be that a it may. My ,ather at .here & it no. .hen ?or$ C$$ar$ came to Siterton. H/r
maeter /rge$ / to en$ Stark4 hea$ to Aery- to prove o/r "oya"ty. &t .o/"$ have meant a rich
re.ar$. 7he Ma$ >ing .a open(han$e$ .ith them a p"eae$ him. By then .e kne. that !on
Arryn ha$ taken G/""to.n- tho/gh. Robert .a the ,irt man to gain the .a""- an$ "e. MarA
Gra,ton .ith hi o.n han$. J7hi Baratheon i ,ear"e-4 & ai$. J#e ,ight the .ay a king ho/"$
,ight.4 H/r maeter ch/ck"e$ at me an$ to"$ / that 9rince Rhaegar .a certain to $e,eat thi
rebe". 7hat .a .hen Stark ai$- J&n thi .or"$ on"y .inter i certain. 3e may "oe o/r hea$-
it4 tr/e8 b/t .hat i, .e prevai"64 My ,ather ent him on hi .ay .ith hi hea$ ti"" on hi
ho/"$er. J&, yo/ "oe-4 he to"$ ?or$ C$$ar$- Jyo/ .ere never here.4 1
2No more than & .a-1 ai$ 5avo Sea.orth.
Cersei
A co"$ rain .a ,a""ing- t/rning the .a"" an$ rampart o, the Re$ >eep $ark a b"oo$. 7he
A/een he"$ the king4 han$ an$ "e$ him ,irm"y acro the m/$$y yar$ to .here her "itter .aite$
.ith it ecort. 2Fnc"e !aime ai$ & co/"$ ri$e my hore an$ thro. pennie to the ma"",o"k-1 the
boy ob=ecte$.
25o yo/ .ant to catch a chi""61 She .o/"$ not rik itI 7ommen ha$ never been a rob/t a
!o,,rey. 2Eo/r gran$,ather .o/"$ .ant yo/ to "ook a proper king at hi .ake. 3e .i"" not appear
at the Great Sept .et an$ be$ragg"e$.1 Bad enough I must wear mourning again+ B"ack ha$
never been a happy co"or on her. 3ith her ,air kin- it ma$e her "ook ha", a corpe here",. Cerei
ha$ rien an ho/r be,ore $a.n to bathe an$ ,i: her hair- an$ he $i$ not inten$ to "et the rain
$etroy her e,,ort.
&ni$e the "itter- 7ommen ett"e$ back againt hi pi""o. an$ peere$ o/t at the ,a""ing rain.
27he go$ are .eeping ,or gran$,ather. ?a$y !oce"yn ay the rain$rop are their tear.1
2!oce"yn S.y,t i a ,oo". &, the go$ co/"$ .eep- they .o/"$ have .ept ,or yo/r brother. Rain
i rain. C"oe the c/rtain be,ore yo/ "et any more in. 7hat mant"e i ab"e- .o/"$ yo/ have it
oake$61
7ommen $i$ a he .a bi$. #i meekne tro/b"e$ her. A king ha$ to be trong. -offre!
would hae argued+ 7e was neer eas! to cow+ 25on4t "/mp o-1 he to"$ 7ommen. 2Sit "ike a
king. 9/t yo/r ho/"$er back an$ traighten yo/r cro.n. 5o yo/ .ant it to t/mb"e o,, yo/r hea$
in ,ront o, a"" yo/r "or$61
2No- Mother.1 7he boy at traight an$ reache$ /p to ,i: the cro.n. !o,,4 cro.n .a too big
,or him. 7ommen ha$ a".ay inc"ine$ to p"/mpne- b/t hi ,ace eeme$ thinner no.. Is he
eating well6 She m/t remember to ak the te.ar$. She co/"$ not rik 7ommen gro.ing i""- not
.ith Myrce""a in the han$ o, the 5ornihmen. 7e will grow into -off/s crown in time+ Fnti" he
$i$- a ma""er one might be nee$e$- one that $i$ not threaten to .a""o. hi hea$. She .o/"$
take it /p .ith the go"$mith.
7he "itter ma$e it "o. .ay $o.n Aegon4 #igh #i"". 7.o >ingg/ar$ ro$e be,ore them-
.hite knight on .hite hore .ith .hite c"oak hanging o$$en ,rom their ho/"$er. Behin$
came ,i,ty ?anniter g/ar$men in go"$ an$ crimon.
7ommen peere$ thro/gh the $rape at the empty treet. 2& tho/ght there .o/"$ be more
peop"e. 3hen +ather $ie$- a"" the peop"e came o/t to .atch / go by.1
27hi rain ha $riven them ini$e.1 >ing4 ?an$ing ha$ never "ove$ ?or$ 7y.in. 7e neer
wanted loe, though+ 4&ou cannot eat loe, nor bu! a horse with it, nor warm !our halls on a
cold night,5 he hear$ him te"" !aime once- .hen her brother ha$ been no o"$er than 7ommen.
At the Great Sept o, Bae"or- that magni,icence in marb"e atop %ienya4 #i""- the "itt"e knot o,
mo/rner .ere o/tn/mbere$ by the go"$ c"oak that Ser A$$am Marbran$ ha$ $ra.n /p acro
the p"aGa. *ore will turn out later, the A/een to"$ here", a Ser Meryn 7rant he"pe$ her ,rom the
"itter. Hn"y the highborn an$ their retin/e .ere to be a$mitte$ to the morning erviceI there
.o/"$ be another in the a,ternoon ,or the common- an$ the evening prayer .ere open to a"".
Cerei .o/"$ nee$ to ret/rn ,or that- o that the ma"",o"k might ee her mo/rn. #he mob must
hae its show+ &t .a a n/iance. She ha$ o,,ice to ,i""- a .ar to .in- a rea"m to r/"e. #er ,ather
.o/"$ have /n$ertoo$ that.
7he #igh Septon met them at the top o, the tep. A bent o"$ man .ith a .ipy grey bear$- he
.a o toope$ by the .eight o, hi ornate embroi$ere$ robe that hi eye .ere on a "eve" .ith
the A/een4 breat8 tho/gh hi cro.n- an airy con,ection o, c/t cryta" an$ p/n go"$- a$$e$ a
goo$ ,oot an$ a ha", to hi height.
?or$ 7y.in ha$ given him that cro.n to rep"ace the one that .a "ot .hen the mob ki""e$ the
previo/ #igh Septon. 7hey ha$ p/""e$ the ,at ,oo" ,rom hi "itter an$ torn him apart- the $ay
Myrce""a ai"e$ ,or 5orne. #hat one was a great glutton, and biddable+ #his one= 7hi #igh
Septon .a o, 7yrion4 making- Cerei reca""e$ /$$en"y. &t .a a $iA/ieting tho/ght.
7he o"$ man4 potte$ han$ "ooke$ "ike a chicken c"a. a it poke$ ,rom a "eeve encr/te$
.ith go"$en cro"".ork an$ ma"" cryta". Cerei kne"t on the .et marb"e an$ kie$ hi ,inger-
an$ bi$ 7ommen to $o the ame. What does he know of me6 7ow much did the dwarf tell him6
7he #igh Septon mi"e$ a he ecorte$ her into the ept. B/t .a it a threatening mi"e ,/"" o,
/npoken kno."e$ge- or =/t ome vac/o/ t.itch o, an o"$ man4 .rink"e$ "ip6 7he A/een
co/"$ not be certain.
7hey ma$e their .ay thro/gh the #a"" o, ?amp beneath co"ore$ g"obe o, "ea$e$ g"a-
7ommen4 han$ in her. 7rant an$ >ett"eb"ack ,"anke$ them- .ater $ripping ,rom their .et
c"oak to p/$$"e on the ,"oor. 7he #igh Septon .a"ke$ "o."y- "eaning on a .eir.oo$ ta,,
toppe$ by a cryta" orb. Seven o, the Mot 5evo/t atten$e$ him- himmering in c"oth(o,(i"ver.
7ommen .ore c"oth(o,(go"$ beneath hi ab"e mant"e- the A/een an o"$ go.n o, b"ack ve"vet
"ine$ .ith ermine. 7here4$ been no time to have a ne. one ma$e- an$ he co/"$ not .ear the
ame $re he ha$ .orn ,or !o,,rey- nor the one he4$ b/rie$ Robert in.
At least I will not be e8pected to don mourning for #!rion+ I shall dress in crimson silk and
cloth(of(gold for that, and wear rubies in m! hair+ 7he man .ho bro/ght her the $.ar,4 hea$
.o/"$ be raie$ to "or$hip- he ha$ proc"aime$- no matter ho. mean an$ "o. hi birth or
tation. Raven .ere carrying her promie to every part o, the Seven >ing$om- an$ oon
eno/gh .or$ .o/"$ cro the narro. ea to the Nine +ree Citie an$ the "an$ beyon$. "et the
Imp run to the ends of the earth, he will not escape me+
7he roya" proceion pae$ thro/gh the inner $oor into the caverno/ heart o, the Great
Sept- an$ $o.n a .i$e ai"e- one o, even that met beneath the $ome. 7o right an$ "e,t- highborn
mo/rner ank to their knee a the king an$ A/een .ent by. Many o, her ,ather4 bannermen
.ere here- an$ knight .ho ha$ ,o/ght bei$e ?or$ 7y.in in ha", a h/n$re$ batt"e. 7he ight o,
them ma$e her ,ee" more con,i$ent. I am not without friends+
Fn$er the Great Sept4 "o,ty $ome o, g"a an$ go"$ an$ cryta"- ?or$ 7y.in ?anniter4 bo$y
rete$ /pon a teppe$ marb"e bier. At it hea$ !aime too$ at vigi"- hi one goo$ han$ c/r"e$
abo/t the hi"t o, a ta"" go"$en great.or$ .hoe point rete$ on the ,"oor. 7he hoo$e$ c"oak he
.ore .a a .hite a ,reh"y ,a""en no.- an$ the ca"e o, hi "ong ha/berk .ere mother(o,(
pear" chae$ .ith go"$. "ord #!win would hae wanted him in "annister gold and crimson, he
tho/ght. It alwa!s angered him to see -aime all in white+ #er brother .a gro.ing hi bear$
again a .e"". 7he t/bb"e covere$ hi =a. an$ cheek- an$ gave hi ,ace a ro/gh- /nco/th "ook.
7e might at least hae waited till Father/s bones were interred beneath the )ock+
Cerei "e$ the king /p three hort tep- to knee" bei$e the bo$y. 7ommen4 eye .ere ,i""e$
.ith tear. 23eep A/iet"y-1 he to"$ him- "eaning c"oe. 2Eo/ are a king- not a A/a""ing chi"$.
Eo/r "or$ are .atching yo/.1 7he boy .ipe$ the tear a.ay .ith the back o, hi han$. #e ha$
her eye- emera"$ green- a "arge an$ bright a !aime4 eye ha$ been .hen he .a 7ommen4
age. #er brother ha$ been /ch a prett! boy8 b/t ,ierce a .e""- a ,ierce a !o,,rey- a tr/e "ion
c/b. 7he A/een p/t her arm aro/n$ 7ommen an$ kie$ hi go"$en c/r". 7e will need me to
teach him how to rule and keep him safe from his enemies+ Some o, them too$ aro/n$ them
even no.- preten$ing to be ,rien$.
7he i"ent iter ha$ armore$ ?or$ 7y.in a i, to ,ight ome ,ina" batt"e. #e .ore hi ,inet
p"ate- heavy tee" ename"e$ a $eep- $ark crimon- .ith go"$ in"ay on hi ga/nt"et- greave- an$
breatp"ate. #i ron$e" .ere go"$en /nb/rtI a go"$en "ione cro/che$ /pon each ho/"$erI a
mane$ "ion crete$ the greathe"m bei$e hi hea$. Fpon hi chet "ay a "ong.or$ in a gi"$e$
cabbar$ t/$$e$ .ith r/bie- hi han$ ,o"$e$ abo/t it hi"t in g"ove o, gi"$e$ mai". 0en in
death his face is noble, he tho/ght- although the mouth= 7he corner o, her ,ather4 "ip c/rve$
/p.ar$ ever o "ight"y- giving him a "ook o, vag/e bem/ement. #hat should not be+ She
b"ame$ 9yce""eI he ho/"$ have to"$ the i"ent iter that ?or$ 7y.in ?anniter never mi"e$.
#he man is as useless as nipples on a breastplate+ 7hat ha", mi"e ma$e ?or$ 7y.in eem "e
,ear,/"- omeho.. 7hat- an$ the ,act that hi eye .ere c"oe$. #er ,ather4 eye ha$ a".ay been
/nett"ingI pa"e green- a"mot "/mino/- ,"ecke$ .ith go"$. #i eye co/"$ ee ini$e yo/- co/"$
ee ho. .eak an$ .orth"e an$ /g"y yo/ .ere $o.n $eep. When he looked at !ou, !ou knew+
Fnbi$$en- a memory came to her- o, the ,eat >ing Aery ha$ thro.n .hen Cerei ,irt came
to co/rt- a gir" a green a /mmer gra. H"$ Merry.eather ha$ been nattering abo/t raiing the
$/ty on .ine .hen ?or$ Rykker ai$- 2&, .e nee$ go"$- #i Grace ho/"$ it ?or$ 7y.in on hi
chamber pot.1 Aery an$ hi "ickpitt"e "a/ghe$ "o/$"y- .hi"t +ather tare$ at Rykker over hi
.ine c/p. ?ong a,ter the merriment ha$ $ie$ that gaGe ha$ "ingere$. Rykker t/rne$ a.ay- t/rne$
back- met +ather4 eye- then ignore$ them- $rank a tankar$ o, a"e- an$ ta"ke$ o,, re$(,ace$-
$e,eate$ by a pair o, /n,"inching eye.
?or$ 7y.in4 eye are c"oe$ ,orever no.- Cerei tho/ght. &t i my "ook they .i"" ,"inch ,rom
no.- my ,ro.n that they m/t ,ear. & am a "ion too.
&t .a g"oomy .ithin the ept .ith the ky o grey o/ti$e. &, the rain ever toppe$- the /n
.o/"$ "ant $o.n thro/gh the hanging cryta" to $rape the corpe in rainbo.. 7he ?or$ o,
Cater"y Rock $eerve$ rainbo.. #e ha$ been a great man. I shall be greater, though+ A
thousand !ears from now, when the maesters write about this time, !ou shall be remembered
onl! as :ueen %ersei/s sire+
2Mother.1 7ommen t/gge$ her "eeve. 23hat me"" o ba$61
*! lord father+ 25eath.1 She co/"$ me"" it tooI a ,aint .hiper o, $ecay that ma$e her .ant
to .rink"e her noe. Cerei pai$ it no min$. 7he even epton in the i"ver robe too$ behin$
the bier- beeeching the +ather Above to =/$ge ?or$ 7y.in =/t"y. 3hen they .ere $one-
eventy(even epta gathere$ be,ore the a"tar o, the Mother an$ began to ing to her ,or mercy.
7ommen .a ,i$geting by then- an$ even the A/een4 knee ha$ beg/n to ache. She g"ance$ at
!aime. #er t.in too$ a i, he ha$ been carve$ ,rom tone- an$ .o/"$ not meet her eye.
Hn the benche- their /nc"e >evan kne"t .ith hi ho/"$er "/mpe$- hi on bei$e him.
"ancel looks worse than Father+ 7ho/gh on"y eventeen- he might have pae$ ,or eventyI grey(
,ace$- ga/nt- .ith ho""o. cheek- /nken eye- an$ hair a .hite an$ britt"e a cha"k. 7ow can
"ancel be among the liing when #!win "annister is dead6 7ae the gods taken leae of their
wits6
?or$ Gy"e .a co/ghing more than //a" an$ covering hi noe .ith a A/are o, re$ i"k. 7e
can smell it too+ Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e ha$ hi eye c"oe$. If he has fallen asleep, I swear I will
hae him whipped+ 7o the right o, the bier kne"t the 7yre""' the ?or$ o, #ighgar$en- hi hi$eo/
mother an$ vapi$ .i,e- hi on Gar"an an$ hi $a/ghter Margaery. :ueen *argaer!, he
remin$e$ here",I !o,,4 .i$o. an$ 7ommen4 .i,e(to(be. Margaery "ooke$ very "ike her
brother- the >night o, +"o.er. 7he A/een .on$ere$ i, they ha$ other thing in common. Our
little rose has a good man! ladies waiting attendance on her, night and da!+ 7hey .ere .ith her
no.- a"mot a $oGen o, them. Cerei t/$ie$ their ,ace- .on$ering. Who is the most fearful, the
most wanton, the hungriest for faor6 Who has the loosest tongue6 She .o/"$ nee$ to make a
point o, ,in$ing o/t.
&t .a a re"ie, .hen the inging ,ina""y en$e$. 7he me"" coming o,, her ,ather4 corpe
eeme$ to have gro.n tronger. Mot o, the mo/rner ha$ the $ecency to preten$ that nothing
.a ami- b/t Cerei a. t.o o, ?a$y Margaery4 co/in .rink"ing their "itt"e 7yre"" noe. A
he an$ 7ommen .ere .a"king back $o.n the ai"e the A/een tho/ght he hear$ omeone m/tter
2privy1 an$ chort"e- b/t .hen he t/rne$ her hea$ to ee .ho ha$ poken a ea o, o"emn ,ace
gaGe$ at her b"ank"y. #he! would neer hae dared make 9apes about him when he was still
alie+ 7e would hae turned their bowels to water with a look+
Back o/t in the #a"" o, ?amp- the mo/rner b/GGe$ abo/t them thick a ,"ie- eager to ho.er
her .ith /e"e con$o"ence. 7he Re$.yne t.in both kie$ her han$- their ,ather her cheek.
#a""yne the 9yromancer promie$ her that a ,"aming han$ .o/"$ b/rn in the ky above the city
on the $ay her ,ather4 bone .ent .et. Bet.een co/gh- ?or$ Gy"e to"$ her that he ha$ hire$ a
mater tonecarver to make a tat/e o, ?or$ 7y.in- to tan$ eterna" vigi" bei$e the ?ion Gate.
Ser ?ambert 7/rnberry appeare$ .ith a patch over hi right eye- .earing that he .o/"$ .ear it
/nti" he co/"$ bring her the hea$ o, her $.ar, brother.
No ooner ha$ the A/een ecape$ the c"/tche o, that ,oo" than he ,o/n$ here", cornere$ by
?a$y +a"ye o, Stoke.orth an$ her h/ban$- Ser Ba"man Byrch. 2My "a$y mother en$ her
regret- Eo/r Grace-1 +a"ye b/rb"e$ at her. 2?o""y ha been taken to be$ .ith the chi"$ an$ he
,e"t the nee$ to tay .ith her. She beg that yo/ ,orgive her- an$ ai$ & ho/"$ ak yo/8 my
mother a$mire$ yo/r "ate ,ather above a"" other men. Sho/"$ my iter have a "itt"e boy- it i her
.ih that .e might name him 7y.in- i,8 i, it p"eae yo/.1
Cerei tare$ at her- aghat. 2Eo/r "ack.it iter get here", rape$ by ha", o, >ing4 ?an$ing-
an$ 7an$a think to honor the batar$ .ith my "or$ ,ather4 name6 & think not.1
+a"ye ,"inche$ back a i, he4$ been "appe$- b/t her h/ban$ on"y troke$ hi thick b"on$
m/tache .ith a th/mb. 2& to"$ ?a$y 7an$a a m/ch. 3e ha"" ,in$ a more- ah8 a more ,itting
name ,or ?o""y4 batar$- yo/ have my .or$.1
2See that yo/ $o.1 Cerei ho.e$ them a ho/"$er an$ move$ a.ay. 7ommen ha$ ,a""en into
the c"/tche o, Margaery 7yre"" an$ her gran$mother- he a.. 7he D/een o, 7horn .a o
hort that ,or an intant Cerei took her ,or another chi"$. Be,ore he co/"$ rec/e her on ,rom
the roe- the pre bro/ght her ,ace(to(,ace .ith her /nc"e. 3hen the A/een remin$e$ him o,
their meeting "ater- Ser >evan gave a .eary no$ an$ begge$ "eave to .ith$ra.. B/t ?ance"
"ingere$- the very pict/re o, a man .ith one ,oot in the grave. But is he climbing in or climbing
out6
Cerei ,orce$ here", to mi"e. 2?ance"- & am happy to ee yo/ "ooking o m/ch tronger.
Maeter Ba""abar bro/ght / /ch $ire report- .e ,eare$ ,or yo/r "i,e. B/t & .o/"$ have tho/ght
yo/ on yo/r .ay to 5arry by no.- to take /p yo/r "or$hip.1 #er ,ather ha$ ma$e ?ance" a "or$
a,ter the Batt"e o, the B"ack.ater- a a op to hi brother >evan.
2Not a yet. 7here are o/t"a. in my cat"e.1 #er co/in4 voice .a a .ipy a the m/tache
on hi /pper "ip. 7ho/gh hi hair ha$ gone .hite- hi m/tache ,/GG remaine$ a an$y co"or.
Cerei ha$ o,ten gaGe$ /p at it .hi"e the boy .a ini$e her- p/mping $/ti,/""y a.ay. It looks
like a smudge of dirt on his lip+ She /e$ to threaten to cr/b it o,, .ith a "itt"e pit. 27he
river"an$ have nee$ o, a trong han$- my ,ather ay.1
A pit! that the!/re getting !ours, he .ante$ to ay. &ntea$ he mi"e$. 2An$ yo/ are to be
.e$ a .e"".1
A g"oomy "ook pae$ acro the yo/ng knight4 ravage$ ,ace. 2A +rey gir"- an$ not o, my
chooing. She i not even mai$en. A .i$o.- o, 5arry b"oo$. My ,ather ay that .i"" he"p me
.ith the peaant- b/t the peaant are a"" $ea$.1 #e reache$ ,or her han$. 2&t i cr/e"- Cerei.
Eo/r Grace kno. that & "ove@1
2@#o/e ?anniter-1 he ,inihe$ ,or him. 2No one can $o/bt that- ?ance". May yo/r .i,e
give yo/ trong on.1 Best not let her lord grandfather host the wedding, though+ 2& kno. yo/
.i"" $o many nob"e $ee$ in 5arry.1
?ance" no$$e$- p"ain"y mierab"e. 23hen it eeme$ that & might $ie- my ,ather bro/ght the
#igh Septon to pray ,or me. #e i a goo$ man.1 #er co/in4 eye .ere .et an$ hiny- a chi"$4
eye in an o"$ man4 ,ace. 2#e ay the Mother pare$ me ,or ome ho"y p/rpoe- o & might
atone ,or my in.1
Cerei .on$ere$ ho. he inten$e$ to atone ,or her. ,nighting him was a mistake, and bedding
him a bigger one+ ?ance" .a a .eak ree$- an$ he "ike$ hi ne.,o/n$ piety not at a""I he ha$
been m/ch more am/ing .hen he .a trying to be !aime. What has this mewling fool told the
7igh Septon6 And what will he tell his little Fre! when the! lie together in the dark6 &, he
con,ee$ to be$$ing Cerei- .e""- he co/"$ .eather that. Men .ere a".ay "ying abo/t .omenI
he .o/"$ p/t it $o.n a the bragga$ocio o, a ca""o. boy mitten by her bea/ty. If he sings of
)obert and the strongwine, though= 4Atonement i bet achieve$ thro/gh prayer-1 Cerei to"$
him. 2Silent prayer.1 She "e,t him to think abo/t that an$ gir$e$ here", to ,ace the 7yre"" hot.
Margaery embrace$ her "ike a iter- .hich the A/een ,o/n$ pre/mpt/o/- b/t thi .a not
the p"ace to reproach her. ?a$y A"erie an$ the co/in contente$ theme"ve .ith kiing ,inger.
?a$y Grace,or$- .ho .a "arge .ith chi"$- ake$ the A/een4 "eave to name it 7y.in i, it .ere a
boy- or ?anna i, it .ere a gir". Another one6 he a"mot groane$. #he realm will drown in
#!wins+ She gave conent a gracio/"y a he co/"$- ,eigning $e"ight.
&t .a ?a$y Merry.eather .ho tr/"y p"eae$ her. 2Eo/r Grace-1 that one ai$- in her /"try
Myrih tone- 2& have ent .or$ to my ,rien$ acro the narro. ea- aking them to eiGe the
&mp at once ho/"$ he ho. hi /g"y ,ace in the +ree Citie.1
25o yo/ have many ,rien$ acro the .ater61
2&n Myr- many. &n ?y a .e""- an$ 7yroh. Men o, po.er.1
Cerei co/"$ .e"" be"ieve it. 7he Myrih .oman .a too bea/ti,/" by ha",I "ong("egge$ an$
,/""(breate$- .ith mooth o"ive kin- ripe "ip- h/ge $ark eye- an$ thick b"ack hair that a".ay
"ooke$ a i, he4$ =/t come ,rom be$. She een smells of sin, like some e8otic lotus+ 2?or$
Merry.eather an$ & .ih on"y to erve Eo/r Grace an$ the "itt"e king-1 the .oman p/rre$- .ith a
"ook that .a a pregnant a ?a$y Grace,or$.
#his one is ambitious, and her lord is proud but poor+ 23e m/t peak again- my "a$y. 7aena-
i it6 Eo/ are mot kin$. & kno. that .e ha"" be great ,rien$.1
7hen the ?or$ o, #ighgar$en $ecen$e$ on her.
Mace 7yre"" .a no more than ten year o"$er than Cerei- yet he tho/ght o, him a her
,ather4 age- not her o.n. #e .a not A/ite o ta"" a ?or$ 7y.in ha$ been- b/t e"e.ie he .a
bigger- .ith a thick chet an$ a g/t gro.n even thicker. #i hair .a chetn/t(co"ore$- b/t there
.ere peck o, .hite an$ grey in hi bear$. #i ,ace .a o,ten re$. 2?or$ 7y.in .a a great
man- an e8traordinar! man-1 he $ec"are$ pon$ero/"y a,ter he ha$ kie$ both her cheek. 23e
ha"" never ee hi "ike again- & ,ear.1
&ou are looking at his like, fool, Cerei tho/ght. It is his daughter standing here before !ou+
B/t he nee$e$ 7yre"" an$ the trength o, #ighgar$en to keep 7ommen on hi throne- o a"" he
ai$ .a- 2#e .i"" be great"y mie$.1
7yre"" p/t a han$ /pon her ho/"$er. 2No man a"ive i ,it to $on ?or$ 7y.in4 armor- that i
p"ain. Sti""- the rea"m goe on- an$ m/t be r/"e$. &, there i a/ght that & might $o to erve in thi
$ark ho/r- Eo/r Grace nee$ on"y ak.1
If !ou want to be the ,ing/s 7and, m! lord, hae the courage to sa! it plainl!+ 7he A/een
mi"e$. "et him read into that as much as he likes+ 2S/re"y my "or$ i nee$e$ in the Reach61
2My on 3i""a i an ab"e "a$-1 the man rep"ie$- re,/ing to take her per,ect"y goo$ hint. 2#i
"eg may be t.ite$ b/t he ha no .ant o, .it. An$ Gar"an .i"" oon take Bright.ater. Bet.een
them the Reach .i"" be in goo$ han$- i, it happen that & am nee$e$ e"e.here. 7he governance
o, the rea"m m/t come ,irt- ?or$ 7y.in o,ten ai$. An$ & am p"eae$ to bring Eo/r Grace goo$
ti$ing in that regar$. My /nc"e Garth ha agree$ to erve a mater o, coin- a yo/r "or$ ,ather
.ihe$. #e i making hi .ay to H"$to.n to take hip. #i on .i"" accompany him. ?or$
7y.in mentione$ omething abo/t ,in$ing p"ace ,or the t.o o, them a .e"". 9erhap in the
City 3atch.1
7he A/een4 mi"e ha$ ,roGen o har$ he ,eare$ her teeth might crack. 1arth the 1ross on
the small council and his two bastards in the gold cloaks= do the #!rells think I will 9ust sere
the realm up to them on a gilded platter6 7he arrogance o, it took her breath a.ay.
2Garth ha erve$ me .e"" a ?or$ Senecha"- a he erve$ my ,ather be,ore me-1 7yre"" .a
going on. 2?itt"e,inger ha$ a noe ,or go"$- & grant yo/- b/t Garth@1
2My "or$-1 Cerei broke in- 2& ,ear there ha been ome mi/n$ertan$ing. & have ake$ ?or$
Gy"e Roby to erve a o/r ne. mater o, coin- an$ he ha $one me the honor o, accepting.1
Mace gape$ at her. 2Roby6 7hat8 cougher6 B/t8 the matter .a agree$- Eo/r Grace.
Garth i on hi .ay to H"$to.n.1
2Bet en$ a raven to ?or$ #ighto.er an$ ak him to make certain yo/r /nc"e $oe not take
hip. 3e .o/"$ hate ,or Garth to brave an a/t/mn ea ,or no/ght.1 She mi"e$ p"eaant"y.
A ,"/h crept /p 7yre""4 thick neck. 27hi8 yo/r "or$ ,ather a/re$ me81 #e began to
p/tter.
7hen hi mother appeare$ an$ "i$ her arm thro/gh hi o.n. 2&t .o/"$ eem that ?or$ 7y.in
$i$ not hare hi p"an .ith o/r regent- & can4t imagine .hy. Sti""- there 4ti- no /e hectoring #er
Grace. She i A/ite right- yo/ m/t .rite ?or$ ?eyton be,ore Garth boar$ a hip. Eo/ kno. the
ea .i"" icken him an$ make hi ,arting .ore.1 ?a$y H"enna gave Cerei a tooth"e mi"e.
2Eo/r co/nci" chamber .i"" me"" .eeter .ith ?or$ Gy"e- tho/gh & $areay that co/ghing
.o/"$ $rive me to $itraction. 3e a"" a$ore $ear o"$ /nc"e Garth- b/t the man i ,"at/"ent- that
cannot be gainai$. & $o abhor ,o/" me"".1 #er .rink"e$ ,ace .rink"e$ /p even more. 2& ca/ght
a .hi,, o, omething /np"eaant in the ho"y ept- in tr/th. Mayhap yo/ me""e$ it too61
2No-1 Cerei ai$ co"$"y. 2A cent- yo/ ay61
2More "ike a tink.1
29erhap yo/ mi yo/r a/t/mn roe. 3e have kept yo/ here too "ong.1 7he ooner he ri$
the co/rt o, ?a$y H"enna the better. ?or$ 7yre"" .o/"$ $o/bt"e $ipatch a goo$"y n/mber o,
knight to ee hi mother a,e"y home- an$ the ,e.er 7yre"" .or$ in the city- the more o/n$"y
the A/een .o/"$ "eep.
2& $o "ong ,or the ,ragrance o, #ighgar$en- & con,e it-1 ai$ the o"$ "a$y- 2b/t o, co/re &
cannot "eave /nti" & have een my .eet Margaery .e$ to yo/r precio/ "itt"e 7ommen.1
2& a.ait that $ay eager"y a .e""-1 7yre"" p/t in. 2?or$ 7y.in an$ & .ere on the point o,
etting a $ate- a it happen. 9erhap yo/ an$ & might take /p that $ic/ion- Eo/r Grace.1
2Soon.1
2Soon .i"" erve-1 ai$ ?a$y H"enna .ith a ni,,. 2No. come a"ong- Mace- "et #er Grace get
on .ith her8 grie,.1
I will see !ou dead, old woman, Cerei promie$ here", a the D/een o, 7horn tottere$ o,,
bet.een her to.ering g/ar$men- a pair o, even(,ooter that it am/e$ her to ca"" ?e,t an$
Right. We/ll see how sweet a corpse !ou make+ 7he o"$ .oman .a t.ice a c"ever a her "or$
on- that .a p"ain.
7he A/een rec/e$ her on ,rom Margaery an$ her co/in- an$ ma$e ,or the $oor. H/ti$e-
the rain ha$ ,ina""y toppe$. 7he a/t/mn air me""e$ .eet an$ ,reh. 7ommen took hi cro.n
o,,. 29/t that back on-1 Cerei comman$e$ him.
2&t make my neck h/rt-1 the boy ai$- b/t he $i$ a he .a bi$. 23i"" & be marrie$ oon6
Margaery ay that a oon a .e4re .e$ .e can go to #ighgar$en.1
2Eo/ are not going to #ighgar$en- b/t yo/ can ri$e back to the cat"e.1 Cerei beckone$ to
Ser Meryn 7rant. 2Bring #i Grace a mo/nt- an$ ak ?or$ Gy"e i, he .o/"$ $o me the honor o,
haring my "itter.1 7hing .ere moving more A/ick"y than he ha$ anticipate$I there .a no time
to be A/an$ere$.
7ommen .a happy at the propect o, a ri$e- an$ o, co/re ?or$ Gy"e .a honore$ by her
invitation8 tho/gh .hen he ake$ him to be her mater o, coin- he began co/ghing o vio"ent"y
that he ,eare$ he might $ie right then an$ there. B/t the Mother .a merci,/"- an$ Gy"e
event/a""y recovere$ /,,icient"y to accept- an$ even began co/ghing o/t the name o, men he
.ante$ to rep"ace- c/tom o,,icer an$ .oo" ,actor appointe$ by ?itt"e,inger- even one o, the
keeper o, the key.
2Name the co. .hat yo/ .i""- o "ong a the mi"k ,"o.. An$ ho/"$ the A/etion arie- yo/
=oine$ the co/nci" yeter$ay.1
2Eeter@1 A ,it o, co/ghing bent him over. 2Eeter$ay. 7o be /re.1 ?or$ Gy"e co/ghe$
into a A/are o, re$ i"k- a i, to hi$e the b"oo$ in hi pitt"e. Cerei preten$e$ not to notice.
When he dies I will find someone else+ 9erhap he .o/"$ reca"" ?itt"e,inger. 7he A/een co/"$
not imagine that 9etyr Bae"ih .o/"$ be a""o.e$ to remain ?or$ 9rotector o, the %a"e ,or very
"ong- .ith ?ya Arryn $ea$. 7he %a"e "or$ .ere a"rea$y tirring- i, .hat 9yce""e ai$ .a tr/e.
Once the! take that wretched bo! awa! from him, "ord $et!r will come crawling back+
2Eo/r Grace61 ?or$ Gy"e co/ghe$- an$ $abbe$ hi mo/th. 2Might &81 #e co/ghe$ again.
28ak .ho81 Another erie o, co/gh racke$ him. 28.ho .i"" be the >ing4 #an$61
2My /nc"e-1 he rep"ie$ abent"y.
&t .a a re"ie, to ee the gate o, the Re$ >eep "ooming "arge be,ore her. She gave 7ommen
over to the charge o, hi A/ire an$ retire$ grate,/""y to her o.n chamber to ret.
No ooner ha$ he eae$ o,, her hoe than !oce"yn entere$ timi$"y to ay that Dyb/rn .a
.itho/t an$ crave$ a/$ience. 2Sen$ him in-1 the A/een comman$e$. A ruler gets no rest+
Dyb/rn .a o"$- b/t hi hair ti"" ha$ more ah than no. in it- an$ the "a/gh "ine aro/n$ hi
mo/th ma$e him "ook "ike ome "itt"e gir"4 ,avorite gran$,ather. A rather shabb! grandfather,
though+ 7he co""ar o, hi robe .a ,raye$- an$ one "eeve ha$ been torn an$ ba$"y e.n. 2& m/t
beg Eo/r Grace4 par$on ,or my appearance-1 he ai$. 2& have been $o.n in the $/ngeon
making inA/irie into the &mp4 ecape- a yo/ comman$e$.1
2An$ .hat have yo/ $icovere$61
27he night that ?or$ %ary an$ yo/r brother $iappeare$- a thir$ man a"o vanihe$.1
2Ee- the gao"er. 3hat o, him61
2R/gen .a the man4 name. An /n$ergao"er .ho ha$ charge o, the b"ack ce"". 7he chie,
/n$ergao"er $ecribe him a port"y- /nhaven- gr/,, o, peech. #e he"$ hi appointment o, the
o"$ king- Aery- an$ came an$ .ent a he p"eae$. 7he b"ack ce"" have not o,t been occ/pie$ in
recent year. 7he other t/rnkey .ere a,rai$ o, him- it eem- b/t none kne. m/ch abo/t him.
#e ha$ no ,rien$- no kin. Nor $i$ he $rink or ,reA/ent brothe". #i "eeping ce"" .a $amp an$
$reary- an$ the tra. he "ept /pon .a mi"$e.e$. #i chamber pot .a over,"o.ing.1
2& kno. a"" thi.1 !aime ha$ e:amine$ R/gen4 ce""- an$ Ser A$$am4 go"$ c"oak ha$
e:amine$ it again.
2Aye- Eo/r Grace-1 ai$ Dyb/rn- 2b/t $i$ yo/ kno. that /n$er that tinking chamber pot .a
a "ooe tone- .hich opene$ on a ma"" ho""o.6 7he ort o, p"ace .here a man might hi$e
va"/ab"e that he $i$ not .ih to be $icovere$61
2%a"/ab"e61 7hi .a ne.. 2Coin- yo/ mean61 She ha$ /pecte$ a"" a"ong that 7yrion ha$
omeho. bo/ght thi gao"er.
2Beyon$ a $o/bt. 7o be /re- the ho"e .a empty .hen & ,o/n$ it. No $o/bt R/gen took hi
i""(gotten trea/re .ith him .hen he ,"e$. B/t a & cro/che$ over the ho"e .ith my torch- & a.
omething g"itter- o & cratche$ in the $irt /nti" & $/g it o/t.1 Dyb/rn opene$ hi pa"m. 2A go"$
coin.1
Go"$- ye- b/t the moment Cerei took it he co/"$ te"" that it .a .rong. #oo small, he
tho/ght- too thin+ 7he coin .a o"$ an$ .orn. Hn one i$e .a a king4 ,ace in pro,i"e- on the
other i$e the imprint o, a han$. 27hi i no $ragon-1 he ai$.
2No-1 Dyb/rn agree$. 2&t $ate ,rom be,ore the ConA/et- Eo/r Grace. 7he king i Garth the
7.e",th- an$ the han$ i the igi" o, #o/e Gar$ener.1
Of 7ighgarden+ Cerei c"oe$ her han$ aro/n$ the coin. What treacher! is this6 Mace 7yre""
ha$ been one o, 7yrion4 =/$ge- an$ ha$ ca""e$ "o/$"y ,or hi $eath. Was that some plo!6 %ould
he hae been plotting with the Imp all the while, conspiring at Father/s death6 3ith 7y.in
?anniter in hi grave- ?or$ 7yre"" .a an obvio/ choice to be >ing4 #an$- b/t even o8
2Eo/ .i"" not peak o, thi .ith anyone-1 he comman$e$.
2Eo/r Grace may tr/t in my $icretion. Any man .ho ri$e .ith a e"".or$ company "earn
to ho"$ hi tong/e- e"e he $oe not keep it "ong.1
2&n my company a .e"".1 7he A/een p/t the coin a.ay. She .o/"$ think abo/t it "ater. 23hat
o, the other matter61
2Ser Gregor.1 Dyb/rn hr/gge$. 2& have e:amine$ him- a yo/ comman$e$. 7he poion on
the %iper4 pear .a manticore venom ,rom the eat- & .o/"$ take my "i,e on that.1
29yce""e ay no. #e to"$ my "or$ ,ather that manticore venom ki"" the intant it reache the
heart.1
2An$ o it $oe. B/t thi venom ha been thickened omeho.- o a to $ra. o/t the
Mo/ntain4 $ying.1
27hickene$6 7hickene$ how6 3ith ome other /btance61
2&t may be a Eo/r Grace /gget- tho/gh in mot cae a$/"terating a poion on"y "een it
potency. &t may be that the ca/e i8 "e nat/ra"- "et / ay. A pe""- & think.1
Is this one as big a fool as $!celle6 2So are yo/ te""ing me that the Mo/ntain i $ying o, ome
b"ack sorcer!61
Dyb/rn ignore$ the mockery in her voice. 2#e i $ying o, the venom- b/t "o."y- an$ in
e:A/iite agony. My e,,ort to eae hi pain have prove$ a ,r/it"e a 9yce""e4. Ser Gregor i
over"y acc/tome$ to the poppy- & ,ear. #i A/ire te"" me that he i p"ag/e$ by b"in$ing
hea$ache an$ o,t A/a,, the mi"k o, the poppy a "eer men A/a,, a"e. Be that a it may- hi
vein have t/rne$ b"ack ,rom hea$ to hee"- hi .ater i c"o/$e$ .ith p/- an$ the venom ha
eaten a ho"e in hi i$e a "arge a my ,it. &t i a .on$er that the man i ti"" a"ive- i, tr/th be
to"$.1
2#i iGe-1 the A/een /ggete$- ,ro.ning. 2Gregor i a very "arge man. A"o a very t/pi$
one. 7oo t/pi$ to kno. .hen he ho/"$ $ie- it eem.1 She he"$ o/t her c/p- an$ Sene""e ,i""e$ it
once again. 2#i creaming ,righten 7ommen. &t ha even been kno.n to .ake me o, a night. &
.o/"$ ay it i pat time .e /mmone$ &"yn 9ayne.1
2Eo/r Grace-1 ai$ Dyb/rn- 2mayhap & might move Ser Gregor to the $/ngeon6 #i
cream .i"" not $it/rb yo/ there- an$ & .i"" be ab"e to ten$ to him more ,ree"y.1
27en$ to him61 She "a/ghe$. 2?et Ser &"yn ten$ to him.1
2&, that i Eo/r Grace4 .ih-1 Dyb/rn ai$- 2b/t thi poion8 it .o/"$ be /e,/" to kno.
more abo/t it- .o/"$ it not6 Sen$ a knight to "ay a knight an$ an archer to ki"" an archer- the
ma"",o"k o,ten ay. 7o combat the b"ack art81 #e $i$ not ,inih the tho/ght- b/t on"y mi"e$ at
her.
7e is not $!celle, that much is plain+ 7he A/een .eighe$ him- .on$ering. 23hy $i$ the
Cita$e" take yo/r chain61
27he archmaeter are a"" craven at heart. 7he grey heep- Mar.yn ca"" them. & .a a ki""e$
a hea"er a Cbroe- b/t apire$ to /rpa him. +or h/n$re$ o, year the men o, the Cita$e" have
opene$ the bo$ie o, the $ea$- to t/$y the nat/re o, "i,e. & .ihe$ to /n$ertan$ the nat/re o,
$eath- o & opene$ the bo$ie o, the "iving. +or that crime the grey heep hame$ me an$ ,orce$
me into e:i"e8 b/t & /n$ertan$ the nat/re o, "i,e an$ $eath better than any man in H"$to.n.1
25o yo/61 7hat intrig/e$ her. 2%ery .e"". 7he Mo/ntain i yo/r. 5o .hat yo/ .i"" .ith
him- b/t con,ine yo/r t/$ie to the b"ack ce"". 3hen he $ie- bring me hi hea$. My ,ather
promie$ it to 5orne. 9rince 5oran .o/"$ no $o/bt pre,er to ki"" Gregor hime",- b/t .e a"" m/t
/,,er $iappointment in thi "i,e.1
2%ery goo$- Eo/r Grace.1 Dyb/rn c"eare$ hi throat. 2& am not o .e"" provi$e$ a 9yce""e-
ho.ever. & m/t nee$ eA/ip mye", .ith certain81
2& ha"" intr/ct ?or$ Gy"e to provi$e yo/ .ith go"$ /,,icient ,or yo/r nee$. B/y yo/re",
ome ne. robe a .e"". Eo/ "ook a tho/gh yo/4ve .an$ere$ /p ,rom +"ea Bottom.1 She
t/$ie$ hi eye- .on$ering ho. ,ar he $are$ tr/t thi one. 2Nee$ & ay that it .i"" go i"" ,or yo/
i, any .or$ o, yo/r8 "abor8 ho/"$ pa beyon$ thee .a""61
2No- Eo/r Grace.1 Dyb/rn gave her a rea/ring mi"e. 2Eo/r ecret are a,e .ith me.1
3hen he .a gone- Cerei po/re$ here", a c/p o, trong.ine an$ $rank it by the .in$o.-
.atching the ha$o. "engthen acro the yar$ an$ thinking abo/t the coin. 1old from the
)each+ Wh! would an undergaoler in ,ing/s "anding hae gold from the )each, unless he were
paid to help bring about Father/s death6
7ry a he might- he co/"$ not eem to bring ?or$ 7y.in4 ,ace to min$ .itho/t eeing that
i""y "itt"e ha", mi"e an$ remembering the ,o/" me"" coming o,, hi corpe. She .on$ere$
.hether 7yrion .a omeho. behin$ that a .e"". It is small and cruel, like him+ Co/"$ 7yrion
have ma$e 9yce""e hi catpa.6 7e sent the old man to the black cells, and this )ugen had
charge of those cells, he remembere$. A"" the tring .ere tang"e$ /p together in .ay he $i$
not "ike. #his 7igh Septon is #!rion/s creature too, Cerei reca""e$ /$$en"y- and Father/s poor
bod! was in his care from dark till dawn+
#er /nc"e arrive$ prompt"y at /net- .earing a A/i"te$ $o/b"et o, charcoa"(co"ore$ .oo" a
omber a hi ,ace. ?ike a"" the ?anniter- Ser >evan .a ,air(kinne$ an$ b"on$- tho/gh at
,ive(an$(,i,ty he ha$ "ot mot o, hi hair. No one .o/"$ ever ca"" him come"y. 7hick o, .ait-
ro/n$ o, ho/"$er- .ith a A/are =/tting chin that hi c"oe(croppe$ ye""o. bear$ $i$ "itt"e to
concea"- he remin$e$ her o, ome o"$ mati,,8 b/t a ,aith,/" o"$ mati,, .a the very thing that
he reA/ire$.
7hey ate a imp"e /pper o, beet an$ brea$ an$ b"oo$y bee, .ith a ,"agon o, 5ornih re$ to
.ah it a"" $o.n. Ser >evan ai$ "itt"e an$ carce to/che$ hi .ine c/p. 7e broods too much, he
$eci$e$. 7e needs to be put to work to get be!ond his grief+
She ai$ a m/ch- .hen the "at o, the ,oo$ ha$ been c"eare$ a.ay an$ the ervant ha$
$eparte$. 2& kno. ho. m/ch my ,ather re"ie$ on yo/- Fnc"e. No. & m/t $o the ame.1
2Eo/ nee$ a #an$-1 he ai$- 2an$ !aime ha re,/e$ yo/.1
7e is blunt+ .er! well+ 2!aime8 & ,e"t o "ot .ith +ather $ea$- & carce kne. .hat & .a
aying. !aime i ga""ant- b/t a bit o, a ,oo"- "et / be ,rank. 7ommen nee$ a more eaone$ man.
Someone o"$er81
2Mace 7yre"" i o"$er.1
#er notri" ,"are$. 2Never.1 Cerei p/he$ a "ock o, hair o,, her bro.. 27he 7yre""
overreach theme"ve.1
2Eo/ .o/"$ be a ,oo" to make Mace 7yre"" yo/r #an$-1 Ser >evan a$mitte$- 2b/t a bigger
,oo" to make him yo/r ,oe. &4ve hear$ .hat happene$ in the #a"" o, ?amp. Mace ho/"$ have
kno.n better than to broach /ch matter in p/b"ic- b/t even o- yo/ .ere /n.ie to hame him
in ,ront o, ha", the co/rt.1
2Better that than /,,er another 7yre"" on the co/nci".1 #i reproach annoye$ her. 2Roby .i""
make an a$eA/ate mater o, coin. Eo/4ve een that "itter o, hi- .ith it carving an$ i"k
$raperie. #i hore are better $ree$ than mot knight. A man that rich ho/"$ have no
prob"em ,in$ing go"$. A ,or #an$hip8 .ho better to ,inih my ,ather4 .ork than the brother
.ho hare$ a"" hi co/ne"61
2Cvery man nee$ omeone he can tr/t. 7y.in ha$ me- an$ once yo/r mother.1
2#e "ove$ her very m/ch.1 Cerei re,/e$ to think abo/t the $ea$ .hore in hi be$. 2& kno.
they are together no..1
2So & pray.1 Ser >evan t/$ie$ her ,ace ,or a "ong moment be,ore he rep"ie$. 2Eo/ ak m/ch
o, me- Cerei.1
2No more than my ,ather $i$.1
2& am tire$.1 #er /nc"e reache$ ,or hi .ine c/p an$ took a .a""o.. 2& have a .i,e & have not
een in t.o year- a $ea$ on to mo/rn- another on abo/t to marry an$ a/me a "or$hip. Cat"e
5arry m/t be ma$e trong again- it "an$ protecte$- it b/rne$ ,ie"$ p"o.e$ an$ p"ante$ ane..
?ance" nee$ my he"p.1
2A $oe 7ommen.1 Cerei ha$ not e:pecte$ >evan to reA/ire coa:ing. 7e neer pla!ed co!
with Father+ 27he rea"m nee$ yo/.1
27he rea"m. Aye. An$ #o/e ?anniter.1 #e ippe$ hi .ine again. 2%ery .e"". & .i"" remain
an$ erve #i Grace81
2%ery goo$-1 he tarte$ to ay- b/t Ser >evan raie$ hi voice an$ b/""e$ right over her.
28o "ong a yo/ name me regent a .e"" a #an$ an$ take yo/re", back to Cater"y Rock.1
+or ha", a heartbeat Cerei co/"$ on"y tare at him. 2I am the regent-1 he remin$e$ him.
2Eo/ .ere. 7y.in $i$ not inten$ that yo/ contin/e in that ro"e. #e to"$ me o, hi p"an to
en$ yo/ back to the Rock an$ ,in$ a ne. h/ban$ ,or yo/.1
Cerei co/"$ ,ee" her anger riing. 2#e poke o, /ch- ye. An$ & to"$ him it .a not my .ih
to .e$ again.1
#er /nc"e .a /nmove$. 2&, yo/ are reo"ve$ againt another marriage- & .i"" not ,orce it on
yo/. A to the other- tho/gh8 yo/ are the ?a$y o, Cater"y Rock no.. Eo/r p"ace i there.1
7ow dare !ou6 he .ante$ to cream. &ntea$- he ai$- 2& am a"o the D/een Regent. My
p"ace i .ith my on.1
2Eo/r ,ather tho/ght not.1
2My ,ather i $ea$.1
27o my grie,- an$ the .oe o, a"" the rea"m. Hpen yo/r eye an$ "ook abo/t yo/- Cerei. 7he
king$om i in r/in. 7y.in might have been ab"e to et matter aright- b/t81
2I ha"" et matter aright01 Cerei o,tene$ her tone. 23ith yo/r he"p- Fnc"e. &, yo/ .i"" erve
me a ,aith,/""y a yo/ erve$ my ,ather@1
2Eo/ are not yo/r ,ather. An$ 7y.in a".ay regar$e$ !aime a hi right,/" heir.1
2-aime8 !aime ha taken vo.. !aime never think- he "a/gh at everything an$ everyone
an$ ay .hatever come into hi hea$. !aime i a han$ome ,oo".1
2An$ yet he .a yo/r ,irt choice to be the >ing4 #an$. 3hat $oe that make yo/- Cerei61
2& to"$ yo/- & .a ick .ith grie,- & $i$ not think@1
2No-1 Ser >evan agree$. 23hich i .hy yo/ ho/"$ ret/rn to Cater"y Rock an$ "eave the
king .ith thoe .ho $o.1
4#he king is m! son;5 Cerei roe to her ,eet.
2Aye-1 her /nc"e ai$- 2an$ ,rom .hat & a. o, !o,,rey- yo/ are a /n,it a mother a yo/ are a
r/"er.1
She thre. the content o, her .ine c/p ,/"" in hi ,ace.
Ser >evan roe .ith a pon$ero/ $ignity. 2Eo/r Grace.1 3ine trick"e$ $o.n hi cheek an$
$rippe$ ,rom hi c"oe(croppe$ bear$. 23ith yo/r "eave- might & .ith$ra.61
2By .hat right $o yo/ pre/me to give me term6 Eo/ are no more than one o, my ,ather4
ho/eho"$ knight.1
2& ho"$ no "an$- that i tr/e. B/t & have certain income- an$ chet o, coin et ai$e. My o.n
,ather ,orgot none o, hi chi"$ren .hen he $ie$- an$ 7y.in kne. ho. to re.ar$ goo$ ervice. &
,ee$ t.o h/n$re$ knight an$ can $o/b"e that n/mber i, nee$ be. 7here are ,reeri$er .ho .i""
,o""o. my banner- an$ & have the go"$ to hire e"".or$. Eo/ .o/"$ be .ie not to take me
"ight"y- Eo/r Grace8 an$ .ier ti"" not to make o, me a ,oe.1
2Are yo/ threatening me61
2& am co/ne"ing yo/. &, yo/ .i"" not yie"$ the regency to me- name me yo/r cate""an ,or
Cater"y Rock an$ make either Mathi Ro.an or Ran$y"" 7ar"y the #an$ o, the >ing.1
#!rell bannermen, both of them+ 7he /ggetion "e,t her peech"e. Is he bought6 he
.on$ere$. 7as he taken #!rell gold to betra! 7ouse "annister6
2Mathi Ro.an i enib"e- pr/$ent- .e"" "ike$-1 her /nc"e .ent on- ob"ivio/. 2Ran$y"" 7ar"y
i the ,inet o"$ier in the rea"m. A poor #an$ ,or peacetime- b/t .ith 7y.in $ea$ there4 no
better man to ,inih thi .ar. ?or$ 7yre"" cannot take o,,ene i, yo/ chooe one o, hi o.n
bannermen a #an$. Both 7ar"y an$ Ro.an are ab"e men8 an$ lo!al. Name either one- an$ yo/
make him yo/r. Eo/ trengthen yo/re", an$ .eaken #ighgar$en- yet Mace .i"" "ike"y thank
yo/ ,or it.1 #e gave a hr/g. 27hat i my co/ne"- take it or no. Eo/ may make Moon Boy yo/r
#an$ ,or a"" & care. My brother i $ea$- .oman. & am going to take him home.1
#raitor, he tho/ght. #urncloak+ She .on$ere$ ho. m/ch Mace 7yre"" ha$ given him. 2Eo/
.o/"$ aban$on yo/r king .hen he nee$ yo/ mot-1 he to"$ him. 2Eo/ .o/"$ aban$on
7ommen.1
27ommen ha hi mother.1 Ser >evan4 green eye met her o.n- /nb"inking. A "at $rop o,
.ine tremb"e$ .et an$ re$ beneath hi chin- an$ ,ina""y ,e"". 2Aye-1 he a$$e$ o,t"y- a,ter a
pa/e- 2an$ hi ,ather too- & think.1
0ON
7hey bro/ght ,orth the >ing(Beyon$(the(3a"" .ith hi han$ bo/n$ by hempen rope an$ a
nooe aro/n$ hi neck.
7he other en$ o, the rope .a "oope$ abo/t the a$$"e horn o, Ser Go$ry +arring4 co/rer.
7he Giant"ayer an$ hi mo/nt .ere armore$ in i"vere$ tee" in"ai$ .ith nie""o. Mance Ray$er
.ore on"y a thin t/nic that "e,t hi "imb nake$ to the co"$. #he! could hae let him keep his
cloak, !on Sno. tho/ght- the one the wildling woman patched with strips of crimson silk+
Sma"" .on$er that the 3a"" .a .eeping.
2Mance kno. the ha/nte$ ,oret better than any ranger-1 !on ha$ to"$ >ing Stanni- in hi
,ina" e,,ort to convince #i Grace that the >ing(Beyon$(the(3a"" .o/"$ be o, more /e to them
a"ive than $ea$. 2#e kno. 7orm/n$ Giantbane. #e ha ,o/ght the Hther. An$ he ha$ the
#orn o, !oram/n an$ $i$ not b"o. it. #e $i$ not bring $o.n the 3a"" .hen he co/"$ have.1
#i .or$ ,e"" on $ea, ear. Stanni ha$ remaine$ /nmove$. 7he "a. .a p"ainI a $eerter4
"i,e .a ,or,eit.
Beneath the .eeping 3a""- ?a$y Me"ian$re raie$ her pa"e .hite han$. 2We all must
choose,1 he proc"aime$. 2Man or .oman- yo/ng or o"$- "or$ or peaant- o/r choice are the
ame.1 #er voice ma$e !on Sno. think o, anie an$ n/tmeg an$ c"ove. She too$ at the king4
i$e on a .oo$en ca,,o"$ raie$ above the pit. 23e chooe "ight or .e chooe $arkne. 3e
chooe goo$ or .e chooe evi". 3e chooe the tr/e go$ or the ,a"e.1
Mance Ray$er4 thick grey(bro.n hair b"e. abo/t hi ,ace a he .a"ke$. #e p/he$ it ,rom
hi eye .ith bo/n$ han$- mi"ing. B/t .hen he a. the cage- hi co/rage ,ai"e$ him. 7he
A/een4 men ha$ ma$e it ,rom the tree o, the ha/nte$ ,oret- ,rom ap"ing an$ /pp"e branche-
pine bo/gh ticky .ith ap- an$ the bone(.hite ,inger o, the .eir.oo$. 7hey4$ bent them an$
t.ite$ them aro/n$ an$ thro/gh each other to .eave a .oo$en "attice- then h/ng it high above a
$eep pit ,i""e$ .ith "og- "eave- an$ kin$"ing.
7he .i"$"ing king recoi"e$ ,rom the ight. 2No-1 he crie$- 2merc!+ 7hi i not right- &4m not
the king- they@1
Ser Go$ry gave a p/"" on the rope. 7he >ing(Beyon$(the(3a"" ha$ no choice b/t to t/mb"e
a,ter him- the rope choking o,, hi .or$. 3hen he "ot hi ,eet- Go$ry $ragge$ him the ret o,
the .ay. Mance .a b"oo$y .hen the A/een4 men ha",(hove$- ha",(carrie$ him to the cage. A
$oGen men(at(arm heave$ together to hoit him into the air.
?a$y Me"ian$re .atche$ him rie. 2F)00 FO",; #ere tan$ yo/r king o, "ie. An$ here i
the horn he promie$ .o/"$ bring $o.n the 3a"".1 7.o A/een4 men bro/ght ,orth the #orn o,
!oram/n- b"ack an$ ban$e$ .ith o"$ go"$- eight ,eet "ong ,rom en$ to en$. R/ne .ere carve$
into the go"$en ban$- the .riting o, the +irt Men. !oram/n ha$ $ie$ tho/an$ o, year ago- b/t
Mance ha$ ,o/n$ hi grave beneath a g"acier- high /p in the +rot,ang. And -oramun blew the
7orn of Winter, and woke giants from the earth+ Egritte ha$ to"$ !on that Mance never ,o/n$ the
horn. She lied, or else *ance kept it secret een from his own+
A tho/an$ captive .atche$ thro/gh the .oo$en bar o, their tocka$e a the horn .a "i,te$
high. A"" .ere ragge$ an$ ha",(tarve$. Wildlings, the Seven >ing$om ca""e$ themI they name$
theme"ve the free folk+ 7hey "ooke$ neither .i"$ nor ,ree@on"y h/ngry- ,rightene$- n/mb.
27he #orn o, !oram/n61 Me"ian$re ai$. 2No. Ca"" it the #orn o, 5arkne. &, the 3a"" ,a""-
night ,a"" a .e""- the "ong night that never en$. &t m/t not happen- will not happen0 7he ?or$
o, ?ight ha een hi chi"$ren in their peri" an$ ent a champion to them- AGor Ahai reborn.1 She
.ept a han$ to.ar$ Stanni- an$ the great r/by at her throat p/"e$ .ith "ight.
7e is stone and she is flame+ 7he king4 eye .ere b"/e br/ie- /nk $eep in a ho""o. ,ace.
#e .ore grey p"ate- a ,/r(trimme$ c"oak o, c"oth(o,(go"$ ,"o.ing ,rom hi broa$ ho/"$er. #i
breatp"ate ha$ a ,"aming heart in"ai$ above hi o.n. Gir$ing hi bro. .a a re$(go"$ cro.n
.ith point "ike t.iting ,"ame. %a" too$ bei$e him- ta"" an$ ,air. 7hey ha$ cro.ne$ her .ith a
imp"e circ"et o, $ark bronGe- yet he "ooke$ more rega" in bronGe than Stanni $i$ in go"$. #er
eye .ere grey an$ ,ear"e- /n,"inching. Beneath an ermine c"oak- he .ore .hite an$ go"$. #er
honey(b"on$ hair ha$ been $one /p in a thick brai$ that h/ng over her right ho/"$er to her .ait.
7he chi"" in the air ha$ p/t co"or in her cheek.
?a$y Me"ian$re .ore no cro.n- b/t every man there kne. that he .a Stanni Baratheon4
rea" A/een- not the home"y .oman he ha$ "e,t to hiver at Cat.atch(by(the(Sea. 7a"k .a- the
king $i$ not mean to en$ ,or D/een Se"ye an$ their $a/ghter /nti" the Night,ort .a rea$y ,or
habitation. !on ,e"t orry ,or them. 7he 3a"" o,,ere$ ,e. o, the com,ort that o/thron "a$ie an$
"itt"e highborn gir" .ere /e$ to- an$ the Night(,ort o,,ere$ none. 7hat .a a grim p"ace- even at
the bet o, time.
2F)00 FO",;1 crie$ Me"ian$re. 2Beho"$ the ,ate o, thoe .ho chooe the $arkne01
7he #orn o, !oram/n b/rt into ,"ame.
&t .ent /p .ith a whoosh a .ir"ing tong/e o, green an$ ye""o. ,ire "eapt /p crack"ing a""
a"ong it "ength. !on4 garron hie$ nervo/"y- an$ /p an$ $o.n the rank other ,o/ght to ti""
their mo/nt a .e"". A moan came ,rom the tocka$e a the ,ree ,o"k a. their hope a,ire. A ,e.
began to ho/t an$ c/re- b/t mot "ape$ into i"ence. +or ha", a heartbeat the r/ne graven on
the go"$ ban$ eeme$ to himmer in the air. 7he A/een4 men gave a heave an$ ent the horn
t/mb"ing $o.n into the ,ire pit.
&ni$e hi cage- Mance Ray$er c"a.e$ at the nooe abo/t hi neck .ith bo/n$ han$ an$
creame$ incoherent"y o, treachery an$ .itchery- $enying hi kinghip- $enying hi peop"e-
$enying hi name- $enying a"" that he ha$ ever been. #e hrieke$ ,or mercy an$ c/re$ the re$
.oman an$ began to "a/gh hyterica""y.
!on .atche$ /nb"inking. #e $are not appear A/eamih be,ore hi brother. #e ha$ or$ere$
o/t t.o h/n$re$ men- more than ha", the garrion o, Cat"e B"ack. Mo/nte$ in o"emn ab"e
rank .ith ta"" pear in han$- they ha$ $ra.n /p their hoo$ to ha$o. their ,ace8 an$ hi$e
the ,act that o many .ere greybear$ an$ green boy. 7he ,ree ,o"k ,eare$ the 3atch. !on
.ante$ them to take that ,ear .ith them to their ne. home o/th o, the 3a"".
7he horn crahe$ amongt the "og an$ "eave an$ kin$"ing. 3ithin three heartbeat the .ho"e
pit .a a,"ame. C"/tching the bar o, hi cage .ith bo/n$ han$- Mance obbe$ an$ begge$.
3hen the ,ire reache$ him he $i$ a "itt"e $ance. #i cream became one "ong- .or$"e hriek o,
,ear an$ pain. 3ithin hi cage- he ,"/ttere$ "ike a b/rning "ea,- a moth ca/ght in a can$"e ,"ame.
!on ,o/n$ hime", remembering a ong.
Brothers, oh brothers, m! da!s here are done, the Dornishman/s taken m! life,
But what does it matter, for all men must die, and I/e tasted the Dornishman/s wife;
%a" too$ on the p"at,orm a ti"" a i, he ha$ been carve$ o, a"t. She will not weep nor look
awa!+ !on .on$ere$ .hat Egritte .o/"$ have $one in her p"ace. #he women are the strong ones+
#e ,o/n$ hime", thinking abo/t Sam an$ Maeter Aemon- abo/t Gi""y an$ the babe. She will
curse me with her d!ing breath, but I saw no other wa!+ Cat.atch reporte$ avage torm /pon
the narro. ea. I meant to keep them safe+ Did I feed them to the crabs instead6 ?at night he ha$
$reame$ o, Sam $ro.ning- o, Egritte $ying .ith hi arro. in her ;it ha$ not been hi arro.- b/t
in hi $ream it a".ay .a<- o, Gi""y .eeping tear o, b"oo$.
!on Sno. ha$ een eno/gh. 2No.-1 he ai$.
F"mer o, the >ing.oo$ =amme$ hi pear into the gro/n$- /n"/ng hi bo.- an$ "ippe$ a
b"ack arro. ,rom hi A/iver. S.eet 5onne" #i"" thre. back hi hoo$ to $o the ame. Garth
Grey,eather an$ Bear$e$ Ben nocke$ ha,t- bent their bo.- "ooe$.
Hne arro. took Mance Ray$er in the chet- one in the g/t- one in the throat. 7he ,o/rth tr/ck
one o, the cage4 .oo$en bar- an$ A/ivere$ ,or an intant be,ore catching ,ire. A .oman4 ob
echoe$ o,, the 3a"" a the .i"$"ing king "i$ bone"e"y to the ,"oor o, hi cage- .reathe$ in ,ire.
2An$ no. hi 3atch i $one-1 !on m/rm/re$ o,t"y. Mance Ray$er ha$ been a man o, the
Night4 3atch once- be,ore he change$ hi b"ack c"oak ,or one "ahe$ .ith bright re$ i"k.
Fp on the p"at,orm- Stanni .a co."ing. !on re,/e$ to meet hi eye. 7he bottom ha$
,a""en o/t o, the .oo$en cage- an$ it bar .ere cr/mb"ing. Cvery time the ,ire "icke$ /p.ar$-
more branche t/mb"e$ ,ree- cherry re$ an$ b"ack. 27he ?or$ o, ?ight ma$e the /n an$ moon
an$ tar to "ight o/r .ay- an$ gave / ,ire to keep the night at bay-1 Me"ian$re to"$ the
.i"$"ing. 2None can .ithtan$ hi ,"ame.1
22one can withstand his flames,1 the A/een4 men echoe$.
7he re$ .oman4 robe o, $eep($ye$ car"et .ir"e$ abo/t her- an$ her coppery hair ma$e a
ha"o ro/n$ her ,ace. 7a"" ye""o. ,"ame $ance$ ,rom her ,ingertip "ike c"a.. 2F)00 FO",;
Eo/r ,a"e go$ cannot he"p yo/. Eo/r ,a"e horn $i$ not ave yo/. Eo/r ,a"e king bro/ght yo/
on"y $eath- $epair- $e,eat8 b/t here tan$ the tr/e king. B07O"D 7IS 1"O)&;1
Stanni Baratheon $re. ?ightbringer.
7he .or$ g"o.e$ re$ an$ ye""o. an$ orange- a"ive .ith "ight. !on ha$ een the ho.
be,ore8 b/t not "ike this, never be,ore "ike thi. ?ight(bringer .a the /n ma$e tee". 3hen
Stanni raie$ the b"a$e above hi hea$- men ha$ to t/rn their hea$ or cover their eye. #ore
hie$- an$ one thre. hi ri$er. 7he b"aGe in the ,ire pit eeme$ to hrink be,ore thi torm o,
"ight- "ike a ma"" $og co.ering be,ore a "arger one. 7he 3a"" ite", t/rne$ re$ an$ pink an$
orange- a .ave o, co"or $ance$ acro the ice. Is this the power of king/s blood6
23etero ha b/t one king-1 ai$ Stanni. #i voice rang harh- .ith none o, Me"ian$re4
m/ic. 23ith thi .or$ & $e,en$ my /b=ect an$ $etroy thoe .ho menace them. Ben$ the
knee- an$ & promie yo/ ,oo$- "an$- an$ =/tice. >nee" an$ "ive. Hr go an$ $ie. 7he choice i
yo/r.1 #e "ippe$ ?ightbringer into it cabbar$- an$ the .or"$ $arkene$ once again- a i, the
/n ha$ gone behin$ a c"o/$. 2Hpen the gate.1
2O$02 #70 1A#0S,1 be""o.e$ Ser C"ayton S/gg- in a voice a $eep a a .arhorn. 2O$02
#70 1A#0S,1 echoe$ Ser Cor"i 9enny- comman$ing the g/ar$. 2O$02 #70 1A#0S,1 crie$
the er=eant. Men cramb"e$ to obey. Sharpene$ take .ere .renche$ ,rom the gro/n$- p"ank
.ere $roppe$ acro $eep $itche- an$ the tocka$e gate .ere thro.n .i$e. !on Sno. raie$ hi
han$ an$ "o.ere$ it- an$ hi b"ack rank parte$ right an$ "e,t- c"earing a path to the 3a""- .here
5o"oro/ C$$ 7o""ett p/he$ open the iron gate.
2Come-1 /rge$ Me"ian$re. 2Come to the "ight8 or r/n back to the $arkne.1 &n the pit
be"o. her- the ,ire .a crack"ing. 2&, yo/ chooe "i,e- come to me.1
An$ they came. S"o."y at ,irt- ome "imping or "eaning on their ,e""o.- the captive began
to emerge ,rom their ro/gh(he.n pen. If !ou would eat, come to me, !on tho/ght. If !ou would
not freeze or stare, submit+ #eitant- .ary o, ome trap- the ,irt ,e. prioner e$ge$ acro the
p"ank an$ thro/gh the ring o, the take- to.ar$ Me"ian$re an$ the 3a"". More ,o""o.e$- .hen
they a. that no harm ha$ come to thoe .ho .ent be,ore. 7hen more- /nti" it .a a tea$y
tream. D/een4 men in t/$$e$ =ack an$ ha",he"m han$e$ each paing man- .oman- or chi"$
a piece o, .hite .eir.oo$' a tick- a p"intere$ branch a pa"e a broken bone- a pray o, b"oo$(
re$ "eave. A piece of the old gods to feed the new+ !on ,"e:e$ the ,inger o, hi .or$ han$.
7he heat ,rom the ,ire pit .a pa"pab"e even at a $itanceI ,or the .i"$"ing- it ha$ to be
b"itering. #e a. men cringing a they neare$ the ,"ame- hear$ chi"$ren cry. A ,e. t/rne$ ,or
the ,oret. #e .atche$ a yo/ng .oman t/mb"e a.ay .ith a chi"$ on either han$. Cvery ,e.
tep he "ooke$ back to make certain no one .a coming a,ter them- an$ .hen he neare$ the
tree he broke into a r/n. Hne greybear$ took the .eir(.oo$ branch they han$e$ him an$ /e$
it a a .eapon- "aying abo/t .ith it /nti" the A/een4 men converge$ on him .ith pear. 7he
other ha$ to tep aro/n$ hi bo$y- /nti" Ser Cor"i ha$ it thro.n in the ,ire. More o, the ,ree
,o"k choe the .oo$ a,ter that@one in ten- perhap.
B/t mot came on. Behin$ them .a on"y co"$ an$ $eath. Ahea$ .a hope. 7hey came on-
c"/tching their crap o, .oo$ /nti" the time came to ,ee$ them to the ,"ame. R4h""or .a a
=ea"o/ $eity- ever h/ngry. So the ne. go$ $evo/re$ the corpe o, the o"$- an$ cat gigantic
ha$o. o, Stanni an$ Me"ian$re /pon the 3a""- b"ack againt the r/$$y re$ re,"ection on the
ice.
Sigorn .a the ,irt to knee" be,ore the king. 7he ne. Magnar o, 7henn .a a yo/nger-
horter verion o, hi ,ather@"ean- ba"$ing- c"a$ in bronGe greave an$ a "eather hirt e.n .ith
bronGe ca"e. Ne:t came Ratt"ehirt in c"attering armor ma$e o, bone an$ boi"e$ "eather- hi
he"m a giant4 k/"". Fn$er the bone "/rke$ a r/ine$ an$ .retche$ creat/re .ith cracke$ bro.n
teeth an$ a ye""o. tinge to the .hite o, hi eye. A small, malicious, treacherous man, as stupid
as he is cruel+ !on $i$ not be"ieve ,or a moment that he .o/"$ keep ,aith. #e .on$ere$ .hat %a"
.a ,ee"ing a he .atche$ him knee"- ,orgiven.
?eer "ea$er ,o""o.e$. 7.o c"an chie, o, the #orn,oot men- .hoe ,eet .ere b"ack an$
har$. An o"$ .ie.oman revere$ by the peop"e o, the Mi"k.ater. A cra.ny $ark(eye$ boy o,
t.o(an$(ten- the on o, A",yn Cro.ki""er. #a""eck- brother to #arma 5oghea$- .ith her pig.
Cach took a knee be,ore the king.
It is too cold for this mummer/s show, tho/ght !on. 27he ,ree ,o"k $epie knee"er-1 he ha$
.arne$ Stanni. 2?et them keep their pri$e- an$ they .i"" "ove yo/ better.1 #i Grace .o/"$ not
"iten. #e ai$- 2&t i .or$ & nee$ ,rom them- not kie.1
#aving kne"t- the .i"$"ing h/,,"e$ pat the rank o, the b"ack brother to the gate. !on ha$
$etai"e$ #ore an$ Satin an$ ha", a $oGen other to "ea$ them thro/gh the 3a"" .ith torche. Hn
the ,ar i$e- bo." o, hot onion o/p a.aite$ them- an$ ch/nk o, b"ack brea$ an$ a/age.
C"othe a .e""' c"oak- breeche- boot- t/nic- goo$ "eather g"ove. 7hey .o/"$ "eep on pi"e
o, c"ean tra.- .ith ,ire b"aGing to keep the chi"" o, night at bay. 7hi king .a nothing i, not
metho$ica". Soon or "ate- ho.ever- 7orm/n$ Giantbane .o/"$ aa/"t the 3a"" again- an$ .hen
that ho/r came !on .on$ere$ .hoe i$e Stanni4 ne.(ma$e /b=ect .o/"$ chooe. &ou can
gie them land and merc!, but the free folk choose their own kings, and it was *ance the! chose,
not !ou+
Bo.en Marh e$ge$ hi mo/nt /p ne:t to !on4. 27hi i a $ay & never tho/ght to ee.1 7he
?or$ Ste.ar$ ha$ thinne$ notab"y ince /,,ering a hea$ .o/n$ at the Bri$ge o, Sk/"". 9art o,
one ear .a gone. 7e no longer looks much like a pomegranate, !on tho/ght. Marh ai$- 23e
b"e$ to top the .i"$"ing at the Gorge. Goo$ men .ere "ain there- ,rien$ an$ brother. +or
.hat61
27he rea"m .i"" c/re / a"" ,or thi-1 $ec"are$ Ser A""ier 7horne in a venomo/ tone. 2Cvery
honet man in 3etero .i"" t/rn hi hea$ an$ pit at the mention o, the Night4 3atch.1
What would !ou know of honest men6 2D/iet in the rank.1 Ser A""ier ha$ gro.n more
circ/mpect ince ?or$ !ano ha$ "ot hi hea$- b/t the ma"ice .a ti"" there. !on ha$ toye$ .ith
the i$ea o, giving him the comman$ S"ynt ha$ re,/e$- b/t he .ante$ the man c"oe. 7e was
alwa!s the more dangerous of the two+ &ntea$ he ha$ $ipatche$ a griGG"e$ te.ar$ ,rom the
Sha$o. 7o.er to take comman$ at Greyg/ar$.
#e hope$ the t.o ne. garrion .o/"$ make a $i,,erence. #he Watch can make the free folk
bleed, but in the end we cannot hope to stop them+ Giving Mance Ray$er to the ,ire $i$ not
change the tr/th o, that. We are still too few and the! are still too man!, and without rangers,
we/re good as blind+ I hae to send men out+ But if I do, will the! come back again6
7he t/nne" thro/gh the 3a"" .a narro. an$ t.iting- an$ many o, the .i"$"ing .ere o"$ or
i"" or .o/n$e$- o the going .a pain,/""y "o.. By the time the "at o, them ha$ bent the knee-
night ha$ ,a""en. 7he pit ,ire .a b/rning "o.- an$ the king4 ha$o. on the 3a"" ha$ hr/nk to a
A/arter o, it ,ormer height. !on Sno. co/"$ ee hi breath in the air. %old, he tho/ght- and
getting colder+ #his mummer/s show has gone on long enough+
7.o core captive "ingere$ by the tocka$e. +o/r giant .ere among them- maive hairy
creat/re .ith "ope$ ho/"$er- "eg a "arge a tree tr/nk- an$ h/ge p"aye$ ,eet. Big a they
.ere- they might ti"" have pae$ thro/gh the 3a""- b/t one .o/"$ not "eave hi mammoth- an$
the other .o/"$ not "eave him. 7he ret o, thoe .ho remaine$ .ere a"" o, h/man tat/re. Some
.ere $ea$ an$ ome .ere $yingI more .ere their kin or c"oe companion- /n.i""ing to aban$on
them even ,or a bo." o, onion o/p.
Some hivering- ome too n/mb to hiver- they "itene$ a the king4 voice r/mb"e$ o,, the
3a"". 2Eo/ are ,ree to go-1 Stanni to"$ them. 27e"" yo/r peop"e .hat yo/ .itnee$. 7e"" them
that yo/ a. the tr/e king- an$ that they are .e"come in hi rea"m- o "ong a they keep hi
peace. C"e(.ie- they ha$ bet ,"ee or hi$e. & .i"" brook no ,/rther attack /pon my 3a"".1
2One realm, one god, one king;1 crie$ ?a$y Me"ian$re.
7he A/een4 men took /p the cry- beating the b/tt o, their pear againt their hie"$. 2One
realm, one god, one king; S#A22IS; S#A22IS; O20 )0A"*, O20 1OD, O20 ,I21;1
%a" $i$ not =oin the chant- he a.. Nor $i$ the brother o, the Night4 3atch. 5/ring the
t/m/"t the ,e. remaining .i"$"ing me"te$ into the tree. 7he giant .ere the "at to go- t.o
ri$ing on the back o, a mammoth- the other t.o a,oot. Hn"y the $ea$ .ere "e,t behin$. !on
.atche$ Stanni $ecen$ ,rom the p"at,orm- .ith Me"ian$re by hi i$e. 7is red shadow+ She
neer leaes his side for long+ 7he king4 honor g/ar$ ,e"" in aro/n$ them@Ser Go$ry- Ser
C"ayton- an$ a $oGen other knight- A/een4 men a"". Moon"ight himmere$ on their armor an$
the .in$ .hippe$ at their c"oak. 2?or$ Ste.ar$-1 !on to"$ Marh- 2break /p that tocka$e ,or
,ire.oo$ an$ thro. the corpe in the ,"ame.1
2A my "or$ comman$.1 Marh barke$ o/t or$er- an$ a .arm o, hi te.ar$ broke ,rom
rank to attack the .oo$en .a"". 7he ?or$ Ste.ar$ .atche$ them- ,ro.ning. 27hee
.i"$"ing8 $o yo/ think they .i"" keep ,aith- my "or$61
2Some .i"". Not a"". 3e have o/r co.ar$ an$ o/r knave- o/r .eak"ing an$ o/r ,oo"- a $o
they.1
2H/r vo.8 .e are .orn to protect the rea"m81
2Hnce the ,ree ,o"k are ett"e$ in the Gi,t- they .i"" become part o, the rea"m-1 !on pointe$
o/t. 27hee are $eperate $ay- an$ "ike to gro. more $eperate. 3e have een the ,ace o, o/r
rea" ,oe- a $ea$ .hite ,ace .ith bright b"/e eye. 7he ,ree ,o"k have een that ,ace a .e"".
Stanni i not .rong in thi. 3e m/t make common ca/e .ith the .i"$"ing.1
2Common ca/e againt a common ,oe- & co/"$ agree .ith that-1 ai$ Bo.en Marh- 2b/t that
$oe not mean .e ho/"$ a""o. ten o, tho/an$ o, ha",(tarve$ avage thro/gh the 3a"". ?et
them ret/rn to their vi""age an$ ,ight the Hther there- .hi"t .e ea" the gate. &t .i"" not be
$i,,ic/"t- Hthe"" te"" me. 3e nee$ on"y ,i"" the t/nne" .ith ch/nk o, tone an$ po/r .ater
thro/gh the m/r$er ho"e. 7he 3a"" $oe the ret. 7he co"$- the .eight8 in a moon4 t/rn- it .i""
be a i, no gate ha$ ever been. Any ,oe .o/"$ nee$ to hack hi .ay thro/gh.1
2Hr c"imb.1
2Fn"ike"y-1 ai$ Bo.en Marh. 27hee are not rai$er- o/t to tea" a .i,e an$ ome p"/n$er.
7orm/n$ .i"" have o"$ .omen .ith him- chi"$ren- her$ o, heep an$ goat- even mammoths+ #e
nee$ a gate, an$ on"y three o, thoe remain. An$ i, he ho/"$ en$ c"imber /p- .e""- $e,en$ing
againt c"imber i a imp"e a pearing ,ih in a kett"e.1
Fish neer climb out of the kettle and shoe a spear through !our bell!+ !on ha$ c"imbe$ the
3a"" hime",.
Marh .ent on. 2Mance Ray$er4 bo.men m/t have "ooe$ ten tho/an$ arro. at /-
=/$ging ,rom the n/mber o, pent ha,t .e4ve gathere$ /p. +e.er than a h/n$re$ reache$ o/r
men atop the 3a""- mot o, thoe "i,te$ by ome errant g/t o, .in$. Re$ A"yn o, the Roe.oo$
.a the on"y man to $ie /p there- an$ it .a hi ,a"" that ki""e$ him- not the arro. that pricke$ hi
"eg. 5ona" Noye $ie$ to ho"$ the gate. A ga""ant act- ye8 b/t i, the gate ha$ been ea"e$- o/r
brave armorer might ti"" be .ith /. 3hether .e ,ace a h/n$re$ ,oe or a h/n$re$ tho/an$- o
"ong a .e4re atop the 3a"" an$ they4re be"o.- they cannot $o / harm.1
7e/s not wrong+ Mance Ray$er4 hot ha$ broken againt the 3a"" "ike a .ave /pon a tony
hore- tho/gh the $e,en$er .ere no more than a han$,/" o, o"$ men- green boy- an$ cripp"e.
Eet .hat Bo.en .a /ggeting .ent againt a"" o, !on4 intinct. 2&, .e ea" the gate- .e
cannot en$ o/t ranger-1 he pointe$ o/t. 23e .i"" be a goo$ a b"in$.1
2?or$ Mormont4 "at ranging cot the 3atch a A/arter o, it men- my "or$. 3e nee$ to
conerve .hat trength remain /. Cvery $eath $iminihe /- an$ .e are tretche$ o thin8
7ake the high gro/n$ an$ .in the batt"e- my /nc"e /e$ to ay. No gro/n$ i higher than the
3a""- ?or$ Comman$er.1
2Stanni promie "an$- ,oo$- an$ =/tice to any .i"$"ing .ho ben$ the knee. #e .i"" never
permit / to ea" the gate.1
Marh heitate$. 2?or$ Sno.- & am not one to bear ta"e- b/t there ha been ta"k that yo/ are
becoming too8 too ,rien$"y .ith ?or$ Stanni. Some even /gget that yo/ are8 a81
A rebel and a turncloak, a!e, and a bastard and a warg as well+ !ano S"ynt might be gone-
b/t hi "ie "ingere$. 2& kno. .hat they ay.1 !on ha$ hear$ the .hiper- ha$ een men t/rn
a.ay .hen he croe$ the yar$. 23hat .o/"$ they have me $o- take /p .or$ againt Stanni
an$ the .i"$"ing both6 #i Grace ha thrice the ,ighting men .e $o- an$ i o/r g/et bei$e.
7he "a. o, hopita"ity protect him. An$ .e o.e him an$ hi a $ebt.1
2?or$ Stanni he"pe$ / .hen .e nee$e$ he"p-1 Marh ai$ $ogge$"y- 2b/t he i ti"" a rebe"-
an$ hi ca/e i $oome$. A $oome$ a .e4"" be i, the &ron 7hrone mark / $o.n a traitor.
3e m/t be certain that .e $o not chooe the "oing i$e.1
2&t i not my intent to chooe any i$e-1 ai$ !on- 2b/t & am not a certain o, the o/tcome o,
thi .ar a yo/ eem to be- my "or$. Not .ith ?or$ 7y.in $ea$.1 &, the ta"e coming /p the
kingroa$ co/"$ be be"ieve$- the >ing4 #an$ ha$ been m/r$ere$ by hi $.ar, on .hi"t itting
on a privy. !on ha$ kno.n 7yrion ?anniter- brie,"y. 7e took m! hand and named me friend+ &t
.a har$ to be"ieve the "itt"e man ha$ it in him to m/r$er hi o.n ire- b/t the ,act o, ?or$
7y.in4 $emie eeme$ to be beyon$ $o/bt. 27he "ion in >ing4 ?an$ing i a c/b- an$ the &ron
7hrone ha been kno.n to c/t gro.n men to ribbon.1
2A boy he may be- my "or$- b/t8 >ing Robert .a .e"" "ove$- an$ mot men ti"" accept that
7ommen i hi on. 7he more they ee o, ?or$ Stanni the "e they "ove him- an$ ,e.er ti"" are
,on$ o, ?a$y Me"ian$re .ith her ,ire an$ thi grim re$ go$ o, her. 7hey comp"ain.1
27hey comp"aine$ abo/t ?or$ Comman$er Mormont too. Men "ove to comp"ain abo/t their
.ive an$ "or$- he to"$ me once. 7hoe .itho/t .ive comp"ain t.ice a m/ch abo/t their
"or$.1 !on Sno. g"ance$ to.ar$ the tocka$e. 7.o .a"" .ere $o.n- a thir$ ,a""ing ,at. 2& .i""
"eave yo/ to ,inih here- Bo.en. Make certain every corpe i b/rne$. 7hank yo/ ,or yo/r
co/ne". & promie yo/- & .i"" think on a"" yo/4ve ai$.1
Smoke an$ $ri,ting ah ti"" "ingere$ in the air abo/t the pit a !on trotte$ back to the gate.
7here he $imo/nte$- to .a"k hi garron thro/gh the ice to the o/th i$e. 5o"oro/ C$$ .ent
be,ore him .ith a torch. &t ,"ame "icke$ the cei"ing- o co"$ tear trick"e$ $o.n /pon them .ith
every tep.
2&t .a a re"ie, to ee that horn b/rn- my "or$-1 C$$ ai$. 2!/t "at night & $reamt & .a
piing o,, the 3a"" .hen omeone $eci$e$ to give the horn a toot. Not that &4m comp"aining. &t
.a better than my o"$ $ream- .here #arma 5oghea$ .a ,ee$ing me to her pig.1
2#arma4 $ea$-1 !on ai$. 2B/t not the pig. 7hey "ook at me the .ay S"ayer /e$ to "ook at
ham. Not to ay that the .i"$"ing mean / harm. Aye- .e hacke$ their go$ apart an$ ma$e
them b/rn the piece- b/t .e gave them onion o/p. 3hat4 a go$ compare$ to a nice bo." o,
onion o/p6 & co/"$ $o .ith one mye",.1
7he o$or o, moke an$ b/rne$ ,"eh ti"" c"/ng to !on4 b"ack. #e kne. he ha$ to eat- b/t it
.a company he crave$- not ,oo$. A cup of wine with *aester Aemon, some 3uiet words with
Sam, a few laughs with $!p and 1renn and #oad+ Aemon an$ Sam .ere gone- tho/gh- an$ hi
other ,rien$8 2& .i"" take /pper .ith the men thi evening.1
2Boi"e$ bee, an$ beet.1 5o"oro/ C$$ a".ay eeme$ to kno. .hat .a cooking. 2#obb
ay he4 o/t o, horera$ih- tho/gh. 3hat goo$ i boi"e$ bee, .itho/t horera$ih61
Since the .i"$"ing ha$ b/rne$ the o"$ common ha""- the men o, the Night4 3atch took their
mea" in the tone ce""ar be"o. the armory- a caverno/ pace $ivi$e$ by t.o ro. o, A/are
tone pi""ar- .ith barre"(va/"te$ cei"ing an$ great cak o, .ine an$ a"e a"ong the .a"". 3hen
!on entere$- ,o/r b/i"$er .ere p"aying at ti"e at the tab"e nearet the tep. C"oer to the ,ire at
a gro/p o, ranger an$ a ,e. king4 men- ta"king A/iet"y.
7he yo/nger men .ere gathere$ at another tab"e- .here 9yp ha$ tabbe$ a t/rnip .ith hi
kni,e. 27he night i $ark an$ ,/"" o, t/rnip-1 he anno/nce$ in a o"emn voice. 2?et / a"" pray
,or venion- my chi"$ren- .ith ome onion an$ a bit o, taty gravy.1 #i ,rien$ "a/ghe$@
Grenn- 7oa$- Satin- the .ho"e "ot o, them.
!on Sno. $i$ not =oin the "a/ghter. 2Making mock o, another man4 prayer i ,oo"4 .ork-
9yp. An$ $angero/.1
2&, the re$ go$4 o,,en$e$- "et him trike me $o.n.1
A"" the mi"e ha$ $ie$. 2&t .a the priete .e .ere "a/ghing at-1 ai$ Satin- a "ithe an$
pretty yo/th .ho ha$ once been a .hore in H"$to.n. 23e .ere on"y having a =ape- my "or$.1
2Eo/ have yo/r go$ an$ he ha her. ?eave her be.1
2She .on4t "et o/r go$ be-1 arg/e$ 7oa$. 2She ca"" the Seven ,a"e go$- m4"or$. 7he o"$
go$ too. She ma$e the .i"$"ing b/rn .eir.oo$ branche. Eo/ a..1
2?a$y Me"ian$re i not part o, my comman$. Eo/ are. & .on4t have ba$ b"oo$ bet.een the
king4 men an$ my o.n.1
9yp "ai$ a han$ on 7oa$4 arm. 2Croak no more- brave 7oa$- ,or o/r Great ?or$ Sno. ha
poken.1 9yp hoppe$ to hi ,eet an$ gave !on a mocking bo.. 2& beg par$on. #ence,orth- & ha""
not even .agg"e my ear ave by yo/r "or$hip4 "or$"y "eave.1
7e thinks this is all some game+ !on .ante$ to hake ome ene into him. 23agg"e yo/r ear
a"" yo/ "ike. &t4 yo/r tong/e .agg"ing that make the tro/b"e.1
2&4"" ee that he4 more care,/"-1 Grenn promie$- 2an$ &4"" c"o/t him i, he4 not.1 #e
heitate$. 2My "or$- .i"" yo/ /p .ith /6 H.en- hove over an$ make room ,or !on.1
!on .ante$ nothing more. 2o, he ha$ to te"" hime",- those da!s are gone+ 7he rea"iGation
t.ite$ in hi be""y "ike a kni,e. 7hey ha$ choen him to r/"e. 7he 3a"" .a hi- an$ their "ive
.ere hi a .e"". A lord ma! loe the men that he commands, he co/"$ hear hi "or$ ,ather
aying- but he cannot be a friend to them+ One da! he ma! need to sit in 9udgment on them, or
send them forth to die+ 2Another $ay-1 the "or$ comman$er "ie$. 2C$$- bet ee to yo/r o.n
/pper. & have .ork to ,inih.1
7he o/ti$e air eeme$ even co"$er than be,ore. Acro the cat"e- he co/"$ ee can$"e"ight
hining ,rom the .in$o. o, the >ing4 7o.er. %a" too$ on the to.er roo,- gaGing /p at the
3a"". Stanni kept her c"oe"y penne$ in room above hi o.n- b/t he $i$ a""o. her to .a"k the
batt"ement ,or e:ercie. She looks lonel!, !on tho/ght. "onel!, and loel!+ Egritte ha$ been
pretty in her o.n .ay- .ith her re$ hair kie$ by ,ire- b/t it .a her mi"e that ma$e her ,ace
come a"ive. %a" $i$ not nee$ to mi"eI he .o/"$ have t/rne$ men4 hea$ in any co/rt in the
.i$e .or"$.
A"" the ame- the .i"$"ing prince .a not be"ove$ o, her gao"er. She corne$ them a"" a
2knee"er-1 an$ ha$ thrice attempte$ to ecape. 3hen one man(at(arm gre. care"e in her
preence he ha$ natche$ hi $agger ,rom it heath an$ tabbe$ him in the neck. Another inch
to the "e,t an$ he might have $ie$.
"onel! and loel! and lethal, !on Sno. re,"ecte$- and I might hae had her+ 7er, and
Winterfell, and m! lord father/s name+ &ntea$ he ha$ choen a b"ack c"oak an$ a .a"" o, ice.
&ntea$ he ha$ choen honor. A bastard/s sort of honor+
7he 3a"" "oome$ on hi right a he croe$ the yar$. &t high ice g"immere$ pa"e"y- b/t $o.n
be"o. a"" .a ha$o.. At the gate a $im orange g"o. hone thro/gh the bar .here the g/ar$
ha$ taken re,/ge ,rom the .in$. !on co/"$ hear the creak o, chain a the .inch cage ./ng an$
crape$ againt the ice. Fp top- the entrie .o/"$ be h/$$"ing in the .arming he$ aro/n$ a
braGier- ho/ting to be hear$ above the .in$. Hr e"e they .o/"$ have given /p the e,,ort- an$
each man .o/"$ be /nk in hi o.n poo" o, i"ence. I should be walking the ice+ #he Wall is
mine+
#e .a .a"king beneath the he"" o, the ?or$ Comman$er4 7o.er- pat the pot .here
Egritte ha$ $ie$ in hi arm- .hen Ghot appeare$ bei$e him- hi .arm breath teaming in the
co"$. &n the moon"ight- hi re$ eye g"o.e$ "ike poo" o, ,ire. 7he tate o, hot b"oo$ ,i""e$ !on4
mo/th- an$ he kne. that Ghot ha$ ki""e$ that night. 2o, he tho/ght. I am a man, not a wolf+ #e
r/bbe$ hi mo/th .ith the back o, a g"ove$ han$ an$ pat.
C"y$a ti"" occ/pie$ the room beneath the rookery. At !on4 knock- he came h/,,"ing- a
taper in hi han$- to open the $oor a crack. 25o & intr/$e61 ake$ !on.
2Not at a"".1 C"y$a opene$ the $oor .i$er. 2& .a m/""ing .ine. 3i"" my "or$ take a c/p61
23ith p"ea/re.1 #i han$ .ere ti,, ,rom co"$. #e p/""e$ o,, hi g"ove an$ ,"e:e$ hi
,inger.
C"y$a ret/rne$ to the hearth to tir the .ine. 7e/s si8t! if he/s a da!+ An old man+ 7e onl!
seemed !oung compared with Aemon+ Short an$ ro/n$- he ha$ the $im pink eye o, ome
noct/rna" creat/re. A ,e. .hite hair c"/ng to hi ca"p. 3hen C"y$a po/re$- !on he"$ the c/p
.ith both han$- ni,,e$ the pice- .a""o.e$. 7he .armth prea$ thro/gh hi chet. #e $rank
again- "ong an$ $eep- to .ah the tate o, b"oo$ ,rom hi mo/th.
27he A/een4 men are aying that the >ing(Beyon$(the(3a"" $ie$ craven. 7hat he crie$ ,or
mercy an$ $enie$ he .a a king.1
2#e $i$. ?ightbringer .a brighter than &4$ ever een it. A bright a the /n.1 !on raie$ hi
c/p. 27o Stanni Baratheon an$ hi magic .or$.1 7he .ine .a bitter in hi mo/th.
2#i Grace i not an eay man. +e. are- .ho .ear a cro.n. Many goo$ men have been ba$
king- Maeter Aemon /e$ to ay- an$ ome ba$ men have been goo$ king.1
2#e .o/"$ kno..1 Aemon 7argaryen ha$ een nine king /pon the &ron 7hrone. #e ha$ been
a king4 on- a king4 brother- a king4 /nc"e. 2& "ooke$ at that book Maeter Aemon "e,t me. 7he
-ade %ompendium+ 7he page that to"$ o, AGor Ahai. ?ightbringer .a hi .or$. 7empere$
.ith hi .i,e4 b"oo$ i, %otar can be be"ieve$. 7herea,ter ?ightbringer .a never co"$ to the
to/ch- b/t .arm a Nia Nia ha$ been .arm. &n batt"e the b"a$e b/rne$ ,iery hot. Hnce AGor
Ahai ,o/ght a monter. 3hen he thr/t the .or$ thro/gh the be""y o, the beat- it b"oo$ began
to boi". Smoke an$ team po/re$ ,rom it mo/th- it eye me"te$ an$ $ribb"e$ $o.n it cheek-
an$ it bo$y b/rt into ,"ame.1
C"y$a b"inke$. 2A .or$ that make it o.n heat81
28.o/"$ be a ,ine thing on the 3a"".1 !on p/t ai$e hi .ine c/p an$ $re. on hi b"ack
mo"ekin g"ove. 2A pity that the .or$ that Stanni .ie"$ i co"$. &4"" be c/rio/ to ee ho. his
?ightbringer behave in batt"e. 7hank yo/ ,or the .ine. Ghot- .ith me.1 !on Sno. raie$ the
hoo$ o, hi c"oak an$ p/""e$ at the $oor. 7he .hite .o", ,o""o.e$ him back into the night.
7he armory .a $ark an$ i"ent. !on no$$e$ to the g/ar$ be,ore making hi .ay pat the
i"ent rack o, pear to hi room. #e h/ng hi .or$ be"t ,rom a peg bei$e the $oor an$ hi
c"oak ,rom another. 3hen he pee"e$ o,, hi g"ove- hi han$ .ere ti,, an$ co"$. &t took him a
"ong .hi"e to get the can$"e "it. Ghot c/r"e$ /p on hi r/g an$ .ent to "eep- b/t !on co/"$ not
ret yet. 7he carre$ pine.oo$ tab"e .a covere$ .ith map o, the 3a"" an$ the "an$ beyon$- a
roter o, ranger- an$ a "etter ,rom the Sha$o. 7o.er .ritten in Ser 5eny Ma""iter4 ,"o.ing
han$.
#e rea$ the "etter ,rom the Sha$o. 7o.er again- harpene$ a A/i""- an$ /ntoppere$ a pot o,
thick b"ack ink. #e .rote t.o "etter- the ,irt to Ser 5eny- the econ$ to Cotter 9yke. Both o,
them ha$ been ho/n$ing him ,or more men. #a"$er an$ 7oa$ he $ipatche$ .et to the Sha$o.
7o.er- Grenn an$ 9yp to Cat.atch(by(the(Sea. 7he ink .o/"$ not ,"o. proper"y- an$ a"" hi
.or$ eeme$ c/rt an$ cr/$e an$ c"/my- yet he perite$.
3hen he ,ina""y p/t the A/i"" $o.n- the room .a $im an$ chi""y- an$ he co/"$ ,ee" it .a""
c"oing in. 9erche$ above the .in$o.- the H"$ Bear4 raven peere$ $o.n at him .ith hre.$
b"ack eye. *! last friend, !on tho/ght r/e,/""y. And I had best outlie !ou, or !ou/ll eat m! face
as well+ Ghot $i$ not co/nt. Ghot .a c"oer than a ,rien$. Ghot .a part o, him.
!on roe an$ c"imbe$ the tep to the narro. be$ that ha$ once been 5ona" Noye4. #his is m!
lot, he rea"iGe$ a he /n$ree$- from now until the end of m! da!s+
0ai2e
Ser !aime ?anniter- a"" in .hite- too$ bei$e hi ,ather4 bier- ,ive ,inger c/r"e$ abo/t the
hi"t o, a go"$en great.or$.
At $/k- the interior o, the Great Sept o, Bae"or t/rne$ $im an$ eerie. 7he "at "ight o, $ay
"ante$ $o.n thro/gh the high .in$o.- .ahing the to.ering "ikenee o, the Seven in a re$
g"oom. Aro/n$ their a"tar- cente$ can$"e ,"ickere$ .hi"t $eep ha$o. gathere$ in the
tranept an$ crept i"ent"y acro the marb"e ,"oor. 7he echoe o, the evenong $ie$ a.ay a
the "at mo/rner .ere $eparting.
Ba"on S.ann an$ ?ora 7yre"" remaine$ .hen the ret ha$ gone. 2No man can tan$ a vigi"
,or even $ay an$ even night-1 Ser Ba"on ai$. 23hen $i$ yo/ "at "eep- my "or$61
23hen my "or$ ,ather .a a"ive-1 ai$ !aime.
2A""o. me to tan$ tonight in yo/r tea$-1 Ser ?ora o,,ere$.
2#e .a not yo/r ,ather.1 &ou did not kill him+ I did+ #!rion ma! hae loosed the crossbow
bolt that slew him, but I loosed #!rion+ 2?eave me.1
2A my "or$ comman$-1 ai$ S.ann. Ser ?ora "ooke$ a i, he might have arg/e$ ,/rther-
b/t Ser Ba"on took hi arm an$ $re. him o,,. !aime "itene$ to the echoe o, their ,oot,a"" $ie
a.ay. An$ then he .a a"one again .ith hi "or$ ,ather- amongt the can$"e an$ the cryta" an$
the ick"y .eet me"" o, $eath. #i back ache$ ,rom the .eight o, hi armor- an$ hi "eg ,e"t
a"mot n/mb. #e hi,te$ hi tance a bit an$ tightene$ hi ,inger aro/n$ the go"$en great.or$.
#e co/"$ not .ie"$ a .or$- b/t he co/"$ ho"$ one. #i miing han$ .a throbbing. 7hat .a
a"mot ,/nny. #e ha$ more ,ee"ing in the han$ he4$ "ot than in the ret o, the bo$y that
remaine$ to him.
*! hand is hungr! for a sword+ I need to kill someone+ .ar!s, for a start, but first I/d need to
find the rock he/s hiding under+ 2& comman$e$ the e/n/ch to take him to a hip- not to yo/r
be$chamber-1 he to"$ the corpe. 27he b"oo$ i on hi han$ a m/ch a8 a 7yrion4.1 #he
blood is on his hands as much as mine, he meant to ay- b/t the .or$ t/ck in hi throat.
Whateer .ar!s did, I made him do+
#e ha$ .aite$ in the e/n/ch4 chamber that night- .hen at "at he ha$ $eci$e$ not to "et hi
"itt"e brother $ie. A he .aite$- he ha$ harpene$ hi $agger .ith one han$- taking a A/eer
com,ort ,rom the scrape(scrape(scrape o, tee" on tone. At the o/n$ o, ,oottep he too$
bei$e the $oor. %ary entere$ in a .ah o, po.$er an$ "aven$er. !aime teppe$ o/t behin$ him-
kicke$ him in the back o, the knee- kne"t on hi chet- an$ hove$ the kni,e /p /n$er hi o,t
.hite chin- ,orcing hi hea$ /p. 23hy- ?or$ %ary-1 he4$ ai$ p"eaant"y- 2,ancy meeting yo/
here.1
2Ser !aime61 %ary pante$. 2Eo/ ,rightene$ me.1
2& meant to.1 3hen he t.ite$ the $agger- a trick"e o, b"oo$ ran $o.n the b"a$e. 2& .a
thinking yo/ might he"p me p"/ck my brother ,rom hi ce"" be,ore Ser &"yn "op hi hea$ o,,. &t i
an /g"y hea$- & grant yo/- b/t he on"y ha the one.1
2Ee8 .e""8 i, yo/ .o/"$8 remove the b"a$e8 ye- gent"y- a it p"eae my "or$- gent"y-
oh- &4m pricke$81 7he e/n/ch to/che$ hi neck an$ gape$ at the b"oo$ on hi ,inger. 2& have
a".ay abhorre$ the ight o, my o.n b"oo$.1
2Eo/4"" have more to abhor hort"y- /n"e yo/ he"p me.1
%ary tr/gg"e$ to a itting poition. 2Eo/r brother8 i, the &mp ho/"$ vanih /nacco/ntab"y
,rom hi ce""- A(A/etion .o/"$ be ake$. & .o/"$ ,(,ear ,or my "i,e81
2Eo/r "i,e i mine. & $o not care .hat ecret yo/ kno.. &, 7yrion $ie- yo/ .i"" not "ong
o/t"ive him- & promie yo/.1
2Ah.1 7he e/n/ch /cke$ the b"oo$ o,, hi ,inger. 2Eo/ ak a $rea$,/" thing8 to "ooe the
&mp .ho "e. o/r "ove"y king. Hr i it that yo/ be"ieve him innocent61
2&nnocent or g/i"ty-1 !aime ha$ ai$- "ike the ,oo" he .a- 2a ?anniter pay hi $ebt.1 7he
.or$ ha$ come o eay.
#e ha$ not "ept ince. #e co/"$ ee hi brother no.- the .ay the $.ar, ha$ grinne$ beneath
the t/b o, hi noe a the torch"ight "icke$ hi ,ace. 2Eo/ poor t/pi$ b"in$ cripp"e$ ,oo"-1 he4$
nar"e$- in a voice thick .ith ma"ice. 2Cerei i a "ying .hore- he4 been ,/cking ?ance" an$
Hm/n$ >ett"eb"ack an$ probab"y Moon Boy ,or a"" & kno.. An$ & am the monter they a"" ay &
am. Ee- & ki""e$ yo/r vi"e on.1
7e neer said he meant to kill our father+ If he had, I would hae stopped him+ #hen I would
be the kinsla!er, not him+
!aime .on$ere$ .here %ary .a hi$ing. 3ie"y- the mater o, .hiperer ha$ not ret/rne$
to hi o.n chamber- nor ha$ a earch o, the Re$ >eep t/rne$ him /p. &t might be that the
e/n/ch ha$ taken hip .ith 7yrion- rather than remain to an.er a.k.ar$ A/etion. &, o- the
t.o o, them .ere .e"" o/t to ea by no.- haring a ,"agon o, Arbor go"$ in the cabin o, a ga""ey.
<nless m! brother murdered .ar!s too, and left his corpse to rot beneath the castle+ 5o.n
there- it might be year be,ore hi bone .ere ,o/n$. !aime ha$ "e$ a $oGen g/ar$ be"o.- .ith
torche an$ rope an$ "antern. +or ho/r they ha$ grope$ thro/gh t.iting paage- narro.
cra." pace- hi$$en $oor- ecret tep- an$ ha,t that p"/nge$ $o.n into /tter b"ackne.
Se"$om ha$ he ,e"t o /tter"y a cripp"e. A man take m/ch ,or grante$ .hen he ha t.o han$.
?a$$er- ,or an intance. Cven cra."ing $i$ not come eayI not ,or no/ght $o they peak o,
hands an$ knee. Nor co/"$ he ho"$ a torch an$ c"imb- a other co/"$.
An$ a"" ,or na/ght. 7hey ,o/n$ on"y $arkne- $/t- an$ rat. And dragons, lurking down
below+ #e remembere$ the /""en orange g"o. o, the coa" in the iron $ragon4 mo/th. 7he
braGier .arme$ a chamber at the bottom o, a ha,t .here ha", a $oGen t/nne" met. Hn the ,"oor
he4$ ,o/n$ a c/,,e$ moaic o, the three(hea$e$ $ragon o, #o/e 7argaryen $one in ti"e o,
b"ack an$ re$. I know !ou, ,ingsla!er, the beat eeme$ to be aying. I hae been here all the
time, waiting for !ou to come to me+ An$ it eeme$ to !aime that he kne. that voice- the iron
tone that ha$ once be"onge$ to Rhaegar- 9rince o, 5ragontone.
7he $ay ha$ been .in$y .hen he ai$ ,are.e"" to Rhaegar- in the yar$ o, the Re$ >eep. 7he
prince ha$ $onne$ hi night(b"ack armor- .ith the three(hea$e$ $ragon picke$ o/t in r/bie on
hi breatp"ate. 2Eo/r Grace-1 !aime ha$ p"ea$e$- 2"et 5arry tay to g/ar$ the king thi once- or
Ser Barritan. 7heir c"oak are a .hite a mine.1
9rince Rhaegar hook hi hea$. 2My roya" ire ,ear yo/r ,ather more than he $oe o/r co/in
Robert. #e .ant yo/ c"oe- o ?or$ 7y.in cannot harm him. & $are not take that cr/tch a.ay
,rom him at /ch an ho/r.1
!aime4 anger ha$ rien /p in hi throat. 2& am not a cr/tch. & am a knight o, the >ingg/ar$.1
27hen g/ar$ the king-1 Ser !on 5arry nappe$ at him. 23hen yo/ $onne$ that c"oak- yo/
promie$ to obey.1
Rhaegar ha$ p/t hi han$ on !aime4 ho/"$er. 23hen thi batt"e4 $one & mean to ca"" a
co/nci". Change .i"" be ma$e. & meant to $o it "ong ago- b/t8 .e""- it $oe no goo$ to peak o,
roa$ not taken. 3e ha"" ta"k .hen & ret/rn.1
7hoe .ere the "at .or$ Rhaegar 7argaryen ever poke to him. H/ti$e the gate an army
ha$ aemb"e$- .hi"t another $ecen$e$ on the 7ri$ent. So the 9rince o, 5ragontone mo/nte$
/p an$ $onne$ hi ta"" b"ack he"m- an$ ro$e ,orth to hi $oom.
7e was more right than he knew+ When the battle was done, there were changes made+ 2Aery
tho/ght no harm co/"$ come to him i, he kept me near-1 he to"$ hi ,ather4 corpe. 2&n4t that
am/ing61 ?or$ 7y.in eeme$ to think oI hi mi"e .a .i$er than be,ore. 7e seems to en9o!
being dead+
&t .a A/eer- b/t he ,e"t no grie,. Where are m! tears6 Where is m! rage6 !aime ?anniter ha$
never "acke$ ,or rage. 2+ather-1 he to"$ the corpe- 2it .a yo/ .ho to"$ me that tear .ere a
mark o, .eakne in a man- o yo/ cannot e:pect that & ho/"$ cry ,or yo/.1
A tho/an$ "or$ an$ "a$ie ha$ come that morning to ,i"e pat the bier- an$ evera" tho/an$
ma"",o"k a,ter noon. 7hey .ore omber c"othe an$ o"emn ,ace- b/t !aime /pecte$ that
many an$ more .ere ecret"y $e"ighte$ to ee the great man bro/ght "o.. Cven in the .et- ?or$
7y.in ha$ been more repecte$ than be"ove$- an$ >ing4 ?an$ing ti"" remembere$ the Sack.
H, a"" the mo/rner- Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e ha$ eeme$ the mot $itra/ght. 2& have erve$
i: king-1 he to"$ !aime a,ter the econ$ ervice- .hi"t ni,,ing $o/bt,/""y abo/t the corpe-
2b/t here be,ore / "ie the greatet man & ever kne.. ?or$ 7y.in .ore no cro.n- yet he .a a""
a king ho/"$ be.1
3itho/t hi bear$- 9yce""e "ooke$ not on"y o"$- b/t ,eeb"e. Shaing him was the cruelest thing
#!rion could hae done, tho/ght !aime- .ho kne. .hat it .a to "oe a part o, yo/re",- the part
that ma$e yo/ .ho yo/ .ere. 9yce""e4 bear$ ha$ been magni,icent- .hite a no. an$ o,t a
"amb.oo"- a "/:/riant gro.th that covere$ cheek an$ chin an$ ,"o.e$ $o.n a"mot to hi be"t.
7he Gran$ Maeter ha$ been .ont to troke it .hen he ponti,icate$. &t ha$ given him an air o,
.i$om- an$ concea"e$ a"" manner o, /navory thing' the "ooe kin $ang"ing beneath the o"$
man4 =a.- the ma"" A/er/"o/ mo/th an$ miing teeth- .art an$ .rink"e an$ age pot too
n/mero/ to co/nt. 7ho/gh 9yce""e .a trying to regro. .hat he ha$ "ot- he .a ,ai"ing. Hn"y
.ip an$ t/,t pro/te$ ,rom hi .rink"e$ cheek an$ .eak chin- o thin that !aime co/"$ ee
the p"otchy pink kin beneath.
2Ser !aime- & have een terrib"e thing in my time-1 the o"$ man ai$. 23ar- batt"e- m/r$er
mot ,o/"8 & .a a boy in H"$to.n .hen the grey p"ag/e took ha", the city an$ three(A/arter o,
the Cita$e". ?or$ #ighto.er b/rne$ every hip in port- c"oe$ the gate- an$ comman$e$ hi
g/ar$ to "ay a"" thoe .ho trie$ to ,"ee- be they men- .omen- or babe in arm. 7hey ki""e$ him
.hen the p"ag/e ha$ r/n it co/re. Hn the very $ay he reopene$ the port- they $ragge$ him ,rom
hi hore an$ "it hi throat- an$ hi yo/ng on4 a .e"". 7o thi $ay the ignorant in H"$to.n .i""
pit at the o/n$ o, hi name- b/t D/enton #ighto.er $i$ .hat .a nee$e$. Eo/r ,ather .a that
ort o, man a .e"". A man .ho $i$ .hat .a nee$e$.1
2& that .hy he "ook o p"eae$ .ith hime",61
7he vapor riing ,rom the corpe .ere making 9yce""e4 eye .ater. 27he ,"eh8 a the
,"eh $rie- the m/c"e gro. ta/t an$ p/"" hi "ip /p.ar$. 7hat i no mi"e- on"y a8 a dr!ing,
that i a"".1 #e b"inke$ back tear. 2Eo/ m/t e:c/e me. & am o very tire$.1 ?eaning heavi"y on
hi cane- 9yce""e tottere$ "o."y ,rom the ept. #hat one is d!ing too, !aime rea"iGe$. Sma""
.on$er Cerei ca""e$ him /e"e.
7o be /re- hi .eet iter eeme$ to think ha", the co/rt .a either /e"e or treaono/I
9yce""e- the >ingg/ar$- the 7yre""- !aime hime",8 even Ser &"yn 9ayne- the i"ent knight .ho
erve$ a hea$man. A >ing4 !/tice- the $/ngeon .ere hi reponibi"ity. Since he "acke$ a
tong/e- 9ayne ha$ "arge"y "e,t the r/nning o, thoe $/ngeon to hi /n$er"ing- b/t Cerei he"$
him to b"ame ,or 7yrion4 ecape a"" the ame. It was m! work, not his, !aime a"mot to"$ her.
&ntea$ he ha$ promie$ to ,in$ .hat an.er he co/"$ ,rom the chie, /n$ergao"er- a bentback
o"$ man name$ Renni,er ?ong.ater.
2& ee yo/ .on$er- .hat ort o, name i that61 the man ha$ cack"e$ .hen !aime .ent to
A/etion him. 2&t i an o"$ name- 4ti tr/e. & am not one to boat- b/t there i roya" b"oo$ in my
vein. & am $ecen$e$ ,rom a prince. My ,ather to"$ me the ta"e .hen & .a a ta$ o, a "a$.1
?ong.ater ha$ not been a ta$ o, a "a$ ,or many a year- to =/$ge ,rom hi potte$ hea$ an$ the
.hite hair gro.ing ,rom hi chin. 2She .a the ,airet trea/re o, the Mai$enva/"t. ?or$
Haken,it the great a$mira" "ot hi heart to her- tho/gh he .a marrie$ to another. She gave their
on the batar$ name o, J3ater4 in honor o, hi ,ather- an$ he gre. to be a great knight- a $i$
hi o.n on- .ho p/t the J?ong4 be,ore the J3ater4 o men might kno. that he .a not bae"y
born hime",. So & have a "itt"e $ragon in me.1
2Ee- & a"mot mitook yo/ ,or Aegon the ConA/eror-1 !aime ha$ an.ere$. 23ater1 .a a
common batar$ name abo/t B"ack.aterBayI o"$ ?ong.ater .a more "ike to be $ecen$e$
,rom ome minor ho/eho"$ knight than ,rom a prince. 2A it matter- tho/gh- & have more
preing concern than yo/r "ineage.1
?ong.ater inc"ine$ hi hea$. 27he "ot prioner.1
2An$ the miing gao"er.1
2R/gen-1 the o"$ man /pp"ie$. 2An /n$ergao"er. #e ha$ charge o, the thir$ "eve"- the b"ack
ce"".1
27e"" me o, him-1 !aime ha$ to ay. A blood! farce+ #e kne. .ho R/gen .a- even i,
?ong.ater $i$ not.
2Fnkempt- /nhaven- coare o, peech. & mi"ike$ the man- 4ti tr/e- & $o con,e it. R/gen
.a here .hen & ,irt came- t.e"ve year pat. #e he"$ hi appointment ,rom >ing Aery. 7he
man .a e"$om here- it m/t be ai$. & ma$e note o, it in my report- my "or$. & mot /re$"y
$i$- & give yo/ my .or$ /pon it- the .or$ o, a man .ith roya" b"oo$.1
*ention that ro!al blood once more and I ma! spill some of it, tho/ght !aime. 23ho a.
thee report61
2Certain o, them .ent to the mater o, coin- other to the mater o, .hiperer. A"" to the
chie, gao"er an$ the >ing4 !/tice. &t ha a".ay been o in the $/ngeon.1 ?ong.ater
cratche$ hi noe. 2R/gen .a here .hen nee$ be- my "or$. 7hat m/t be ai$. 7he b"ack ce""
are "itt"e /e$. Be,ore yo/r "or$hip4 "itt"e brother .a ent $o.n- .e ha$ Gran$ Maeter
9yce""e ,or a time- an$ be,ore him ?or$ Stark the traitor. 7here .ere three other- common men-
b/t ?or$ Stark gave them to the Night4 3atch. & $i$ not think it goo$ to ,ree thoe three- b/t the
paper .ere in proper or$er. & ma$e note o, that in a report a .e""- yo/ may be certain o, it.1
27e"" me o, the t.o gao"er .ho .ent to "eep.1
2Gao"er61 ?ong.ater ni,,e$. 27hoe .ere no gao"er. 7hey .ere mere"y turnke!s+ 7he
cro.n pay .age ,or t.enty t/rnkey- my "or$- a ,/"" core- b/t $/ring my time .e have never
ha$ more than t.e"ve. 3e are /ppoe$ to have i: /n$ergao"er a .e""- t.o on each "eve"- b/t
there are on"y the three.1
2Eo/ an$ t.o other61
?ong.ater ni,,e$ again. 2& am the chief /n$ergao"er- my "or$. & am aboe the /n$ergao"er.
& am charge$ .ith keeping the co/nt. &, my "or$ .o/"$ "ike to "ook over my book- he .i"" ee
that a"" the ,ig/re are e:act.1 ?ong.ater ha$ con/"te$ the great "eather(bo/n$ book prea$ o/t
be,ore him. 2At preent- .e have ,o/r prioner on the ,irt "eve" an$ one on the econ$- in
a$$ition to yo/r "or$hip4 brother.1 7he o"$ man ,ro.ne$. 23ho i ,"e$- to be /re. 47i tr/e. &
.i"" trike him o/t.1 #e took /p a A/i"" an$ began to harpen it.
Si8 prisoners, !aime tho/ght o/r"y- while we pa! wages for twent! turnke!s, si8
undergaolers, a chief undergaoler, a gaoler, and a ,ing/s -ustice+ 2& .ant to A/etion thee t.o
t/rnkey.1
Renni,er ?ong.ater "et /p harpening hi A/i"" an$ peere$ $o/bt,/""y /p at !aime. 2D/etion
them- my "or$61
2Eo/ hear$ me.1
2& $i$- my "or$- & /re$"y $i$- an$ yet8 my "or$ may A/etion .ho he p"eae- 4ti tr/e- it i
not my p"ace to ay that he may not. B/t- er- i, & may be o bo"$- & $o not think them "ike to
an.er. 7hey are $ea$- my "or$.1
2Dead6 By .hoe comman$61
2Eo/r o.n- & tho/ght- or8 the king4- mayhap6 & $i$ not ak. &t8 it i not my p"ace to
A/etion the >ingg/ar$.1
7hat .a a"t ,or hi .o/n$I Cerei ha$ /e$ hi o.n men to $o her b"oo$y .ork- them an$
her precio/ >ett"eb"ack.
2Eo/ .it"e ,oo"-1 !aime ha$ nar"e$ at Boro B"o/nt an$ Hm/n$ >ett"eb"ack "ater- in a
$/ngeon that tank o, b"oo$ an$ $eath. 23hat $i$ yo/ imagine yo/ .ere $oing61
2No more4n .e .a to"$- my "or$.1 Ser Boro .a horter than !aime- b/t heavier. 2#er
Grace comman$e$ it. Eo/r iter.1
Ser Hm/n$ hooke$ a th/mb thro/gh hi .or$be"t. 2She ai$ they .ere to "eep ,orever. So
my brother an$ me- .e a. to it.1
#hat !ou did+ Hne corpe pra."e$ ,ace$o.n /pon the tab"e- "ike a man pae$ o/t at a ,eat-
b/t it .a a p/$$"e o, b"oo$ beneath hi hea$- not a p/$$"e o, .ine. 7he econ$ t/rnkey ha$
manage$ to p/h back ,rom the bench an$ $ra. hi $agger be,ore omeone hove$ a "ong.or$
thro/gh hi rib. #i ha$ been the "onger- meier en$. I told .ar!s no one was to be harmed in
this escape, !aime tho/ght- but I should hae told m! brother and m! sister+ 27hi .a i"" $one-
er.1
Ser Hm/n$ hr/gge$. 27hey .on4t be mie$. &4"" .ager they .a part o, it- a"ong .ith the
one .ho4 gone miing.1
2o, !aime co/"$ have to"$ him. .ar!s dosed their wine to make them sleep+ 2&, o- .e might
have coa:e$ the tr/th ,rom them.1 =she/s been fucking "ancel and Osmund ,ettleblack and
*oon Bo! for all I know= 2&, & ha$ a /picio/ nat/re & might .on$er .hy yo/ .ere in /ch
hate to make certain thee t.o .ere never p/t to the A/etion. 5i$ yo/ nee$ to i"ence them to
concea" yo/r o.n part in thi61
2F61 >ett"eb"ack choke$ on that. 2A"" .e $one .a .hat the A/een comman$e$. Hn my
.or$ a yo/r S.orn Brother.1
!aime4 phantom ,inger t.itche$ a he ai$- 2Get Hney an$ H,ry$ $o.n here an$ c"ean /p
thi me yo/4ve ma$e. An$ the ne:t time my .eet iter comman$ yo/ to ki"" a man- come to
me ,irt. C"e.ie- tay o/t o, my ight- er.1
7he .or$ echoe$ in hi hea$ in the $imne o, Bae"or4 Sept. Above him- a"" the .in$o.
ha$ gone b"ack- an$ he co/"$ ee the ,aint "ight o, $itant tar. 7he /n ha$ et ,or goo$ an$ a"".
7he tench o, $eath .a gro.ing tronger- $epite the cente$ can$"e. 7he me"" remin$e$
!aime ?anniter o, the pa be"o. the Go"$en 7ooth- .here he ha$ .on a g"orio/ victory in the
,irt $ay o, the .ar. Hn the morning a,ter the batt"e- the cro. ha$ ,eate$ on victor an$
vanA/ihe$ a"ike- a once they ha$ ,eate$ on Rhaegar 7argaryen a,ter the 7ri$ent. 7ow much
can a crown be worth, when a crow can dine upon a king6
7here .ere cro. circ"ing the even to.er an$ great $ome o, Bae"or4 Sept even no.- !aime
/pecte$- their b"ack .ing beating againt the night air a they earche$ ,or a .ay ini$e.
0er! crow in the Seen ,ingdoms should pa! homage to !ou, Father+ From %astamere to the
Blackwater, !ou fed them well+ 7hat notion p"eae$ ?or$ 7y.inI hi mi"e .i$ene$ ,/rther.
Blood! hell, he/s grinning like a bridegroom at his bedding+
7hat .a o groteA/e it ma$e !aime "a/gh a"o/$.
7he o/n$ echoe$ thro/gh the tranept an$ crypt an$ chape"- a i, the $ea$ interre$ .ithin
the .a"" .ere "a/ghing too. Wh! not6 #his is more absurd than a mummer/s farce, me standing
igil for a father I helped to sla!, sending men forth to capture the brother I helped to free= #e
ha$ comman$e$ Ser A$$am Marbran$ to earch the Street o, Si"k. 2?ook /n$er every be$- yo/
kno. ho. ,on$ my brother i o, brothe".1 7he go"$ c"oak .o/"$ ,in$ more o, interet beneath
the .hore4 kirt than beneath their be$. #e .on$ere$ ho. many batar$ chi"$ren .o/"$ be
born o, the point"e earch.
Fnbi$$en- hi tho/ght .ent to Brienne o, 7arth. Stupid stubborn ugl! wench+ #e .on$ere$
.here he .a. Father, gie her strength+ A"mot a prayer8 b/t .a it the go$ he .a invoking-
the +ather Above .hoe to.ering gi"$e$ "ikene g"immere$ in the can$"e"ight acro the ept6
Hr .a he praying to the corpe that "ay be,ore him6 Does it matter6 #he! neer listened, either
one+ 7he 3arrior ha$ been !aime4 go$ ince he .a o"$ eno/gh to ho"$ a .or$. Hther men
might be ,ather- on- h/ban$- b/t never !aime ?anniter- .hoe .or$ .a a go"$en a hi
hair. #e .a a .arrior- an$ that .a a"" he .o/"$ ever be.
I should tell %ersei the truth, admit that it was me who freed our little brother from his cell+
7he tr/th ha$ .orke$ o p"en$i$"y .ith 7yrion- a,ter a"". I killed !our ile son, and now I/m off
to kill !our father too+ !aime co/"$ hear the &mp "a/ghing in the g"oom. #e t/rne$ hi hea$ to
"ook- b/t the o/n$ .a on"y hi o.n "a/ghter coming back at him. #e c"oe$ hi eye- an$ =/t
a A/ick"y nappe$ them open. I must not sleep+ &, he "ept- he might $ream. Hh- ho. 7yrion .a
niggering =a l!ing whore= fucking "ancel and Osmund ,ettleblack=
At mi$night the hinge on the +ather4 5oor gave a groan a evera" h/n$re$ epton ,i"e$ in
,or their $evotion. Some .ere c"a$ in the c"oth(o,(i"ver vetment an$ cryta" corona" that
marke$ the Mot 5evo/tI their h/mb"er brethren .ore their cryta" on thong abo/t their neck
an$ cinche$ .hite robe .ith even(tran$e$ be"t- each p"ait a $i,,erent co"or. 7hro/gh the
Mother4 5oor marche$ .hite epta ,rom their c"oiter- even abreat an$ inging o,t"y- .hi"e
the i"ent iter came ing"e ,i"e $o.n the Stranger4 Step. 5eath4 han$mai$en .ere garbe$
in o,t grey- their ,ace hoo$e$ an$ ha."e$ o on"y their eye co/"$ be een. A hot o, brother
appeare$ a .e""- in robe o, bro.n an$ b/ttern/t an$ $/n an$ even /n$ye$ ro/ghp/n- be"te$
.ith "ength o, hempen rope. Some h/ng the iron hammer o, the Smith abo/t their neck- .hi"t
other carrie$ begging bo.".
None o, the $evo/t pai$ !aime any min$. 7hey ma$e a circ/it o, the ept- .orhiping at each
o, the even a"tar to honor the even apect o, the $eity. 7o each go$ they ma$e acri,ice- to
each they ang a hymn. S.eet an$ o"emn roe their voice. !aime c"oe$ hi eye to "iten- b/t
opene$ them again .hen he began to .ay. I am more wear! than I knew+
&t ha$ been year ince hi "at vigi". And I was !ounger then, a bo! of fifteen !ears+ #e ha$
.orn no armor then- on"y a p"ain .hite t/nic. 7he ept .here he4$ pent the night .a not a thir$
a "arge a any o, the Great Sept4 even tranept. !aime ha$ "ai$ hi .or$ acro the 3arrior4
knee- pi"e$ hi armor at hi ,eet- an$ kne"t /pon the ro/gh tone ,"oor be,ore the a"tar. 3hen
$a.n came hi knee .ere ra. an$ b"oo$y. 2A"" knight m/t b"ee$- !aime-1 Ser Arth/r 5ayne
ha$ ai$- .hen he a.. 2B"oo$ i the ea" o, o/r $evotion.1 3ith $a.n he tappe$ him on the
ho/"$erI the pa"e b"a$e .a o harp that even that "ight to/ch c/t thro/gh !aime4 t/nic- o he
b"e$ ane.. #e never ,e"t it. A boy kne"tI a knight roe. #he &oung "ion, not the ,ingsla!er+
B/t that .a "ong ago- an$ the boy .a $ea$.
#e co/"$ not have ai$ .hen the $evotion en$e$. 9erhap he "ept- ti"" tan$ing. 3hen the
$evo/t ha$ ,i"e$ o/t- the Great Sept gre. ti"" once more. 7he can$"e .ere a .a"" o, tar
b/rning in the $arkne- tho/gh the air .a rank .ith $eath. !aime hi,te$ hi grip /pon the
go"$en great.or$. 9erhap he ho/"$ have "et Ser ?ora re"ieve him a,ter a"". %ersei would hae
hated that+ 7he >night o, +"o.er .a ti"" ha", a boy- arrogant an$ vain- b/t he ha$ it in him to
be great- to per,orm $ee$ .orthy o, the 3hite Book.
7he 3hite Book .o/"$ be .aiting .hen thi vigi" .a $one- hi page open in $/mb reproach.
I/ll hack the blood! book to pieces before I/ll fill it full of lies+ Eet i, he .o/"$ not "ie- .hat co/"$
he .rite b/t tr/th6
A .oman too$ be,ore him.
It is raining again, he tho/ght .hen he a. ho. .et he .a. 7he .ater .a trick"ing $o.n
her c"oak to p/$$"e ro/n$ her ,eet. 7ow did she get here6 I neer heard her enter+ She .a
$ree$ "ike a tavern .ench in a heavy ro/ghp/n c"oak- ba$"y $ye$ in mott"e$ bro.n an$
,raying at the hem. A hoo$ concea"e$ her ,ace- b/t he co/"$ ee the can$"e $ancing in the green
poo" o, her eye- an$ .hen he move$ he kne. her.
2Cerei.1 #e poke "o."y- "ike a man .aking ,rom a $ream- ti"" .on$ering .here he .a.
23hat ho/r i it61
27he ho/r o, the .o",.1 #i iter "o.ere$ her hoo$- an$ ma$e a ,ace. 27he $ro.ne$ .o",-
perhap.1 She mi"e$ ,or him- o .eet"y. 25o yo/ remember the ,irt time & came to yo/ "ike
thi6 &t .a ome $ima" inn o,, 3eae" A""ey- an$ & p/t on ervant4 garb to get pat +ather4
g/ar$.1
2& remember. &t .a Ce" A""ey.1 She wants something of me+ 23hy are yo/ here- at thi ho/r6
3hat .o/"$ yo/ have o, me61 #i "at .or$ echoe$ /p an$ $o.n the ept-
mememememememememememe, ,a$ing to a .hiper. +or a moment he $are$ to hope that a"" he
.ante$ .a the com,ort o, hi arm.
2Speak o,t"y.1 #er voice o/n$e$ trange8 breath"e- a"mot ,rightene$. 2!aime- >evan ha
re,/e$ me. #e .i"" not erve a #an$- he8 he kno. abo/t /. #e ai$ a m/ch.1
2Re,/e$61 7hat /rprie$ him. 2#o. co/"$ he kno.6 #e .i"" have rea$ .hat Stanni .rote-
b/t there i no81
2#!rion kne.-1 he remin$e$ him. 23ho can ay .hat ta"e that vi"e $.ar, may have to"$- or
to .hom6 Fnc"e >evan i the "eat o, it. 7he #igh Septon8 7yrion raie$ him to the cro.n-
.hen the ,at one $ie$. #e may kno. a .e"".1 She move$ c"oer. 2Eo/ must be 7ommen4
#an$. & $o not tr/t Mace 7yre"". 3hat i, he ha$ a han$ in +ather4 $eath6 #e may have been
conpiring .ith 7yrion. 7he &mp co/"$ be on hi .ay to #ighgar$en81
2#e4 not.1
2Be my #an$-1 he p"ea$e$- 2an$ .e4"" r/"e the Seven >ing$om together- "ike a king an$ hi
A/een.1
2Eo/ .ere Robert4 A/een. An$ yet yo/ .on4t be mine.1
2& .o/"$- i, & $are$. B/t o/r on@1
27ommen i no on o, mine- no more than !o,,rey .a.1 #i voice .a har$. 2Eo/ ma$e them
Robert4 too.1
#i iter ,"inche$. 2Eo/ .ore that yo/ .o/"$ a".ay "ove me. &t i not "oving to make me
beg.1
!aime co/"$ me"" the ,ear on her- even thro/gh the rank tench o, the corpe. #e .ante$ to
take her in hi arm an$ ki her- to b/ry hi ,ace in her go"$en c/r" an$ promie her that no one
.o/"$ ever h/rt her =not here, he tho/ght- not here in front of the gods, and Father+ 2No-1 he
ai$. 2& cannot. 3i"" not.1
2& need yo/. & nee$ my other ha",.1 #e co/"$ hear the rain pattering againt the .in$o. high
above. 2Eo/ are me- & am yo/. & nee$ yo/ .ith me. In me. 9"eae- !aime. $lease+1
!aime "ooke$ to make certain ?or$ 7y.in .a not riing ,rom hi bier in .rath- b/t hi ,ather
"ay ti"" an$ co"$- rotting. 2& .a ma$e ,or a batt"e,ie"$- not a co/nci" chamber. An$ no. it may
be that & am /n,it even ,or that.1
Cerei .ipe$ her tear a.ay on a ragge$ bro.n "eeve. 2%ery .e"". &, it i batt"e,ie"$ yo/
.ant- batt"e,ie"$ & ha"" give yo/.1 She =erke$ her hoo$ /p angri"y. 2& .a a ,oo" to come. & .a
a ,oo" ever to "ove yo/.1 #er ,oottep echoe$ "o/$"y in the A/iet- an$ "e,t $amp p"otche on the
marb"e ,"oor.
5a.n ca/ght !aime a"mot /na.are. A the g"a in the $ome began to "ighten- /$$en"y
there .ere rainbo. himmering o,, the .a"" an$ ,"oor an$ pi""ar- bathing ?or$ 7y.in4
corpe in a haGe o, many(co"ore$ "ight. 7he >ing4 #an$ .a rotting viib"y. #i ,ace ha$ taken
on a greenih tinge- an$ hi eye .ere $eep"y /nken- t.o b"ack pit. +i/re ha$ opene$ in hi
cheek- an$ a ,o/" .hite ,"/i$ .a eeping thro/gh the =oint o, hi p"en$i$ go"$(an$(crimon
armor to poo" beneath hi bo$y.
7he epton .ere the ,irt to ee- .hen they ret/rne$ ,or their $a.n $evotion. 7hey ang
their ong an$ praye$ their prayer an$ .rink"e$ /p their noe- an$ one o, the Mot 5evo/t
gre. o ,aint he ha$ to be he"pe$ ,rom the ept. Short"y a,ter- a ,"ock o, novice came .inging
cener- an$ the air gre. o thick .ith incene that the bier eeme$ c"oake$ in moke. A"" the
rainbo. vanihe$ in that per,/me$ mit- yet the tench perite$- a .eet rotten me"" that ma$e
!aime .ant to gag.
3hen the $oor .ere opene$ the 7yre"" .ere amongt the ,irt to enter- a be,it their rank.
Margaery ha$ bro/ght a great bo/A/et o, go"$en roe. She p"ace$ them otentatio/"y at the ,oot
o, ?or$ 7y.in4 bier b/t kept one back an$ he"$ it beneath her noe a he took her eat. So the
girl is as cleer as she is prett!+ #ommen could do a deal worse for a 3ueen+ Others hae+
Margaery4 "a$ie ,o""o.e$ her e:amp"e.
Cerei .aite$ /nti" the ret .ere in their p"ace to make her entrance- .ith 7ommen at her
i$e. Ser Hm/n$ >ett"eb"ack pace$ bei$e them in hi .hite ename" p"ate an$ .hite .oo" c"oak.
4=she/s been fucking "ancel and Osmund ,ettleblack and *oon Bo! for all I know=5
!aime ha$ een >ett"eb"ack nake$ in the bathho/e- ha$ een the b"ack hair on hi chet- an$
the coarer thatch bet.een hi "eg. #e pict/re$ that chet pree$ againt hi iter4- that hair
cratching the o,t kin o, her breat. She would not do that+ #he Imp lied+ Sp/n go"$ an$ b"ack
.ire tang"e$- .eaty. >ett"eb"ack4 narro. cheek c"enching each time he thr/t. !aime co/"$
hear hi iter moan. 2o+ A lie+
Re$(eye$ an$ pa"e- Cerei c"imbe$ the tep to knee" above their ,ather- $ra.ing 7ommen
$o.n bei$e her. 7he boy recoi"e$ at the ight- b/t hi mother eiGe$ hi .rit be,ore he co/"$
p/"" a.ay. 4$ra!,5 he .hipere$- an$ 7ommen trie$. B/t he .a on"y eight an$ ?or$ 7y.in
.a a horror. Hne $eperate breath o, air- then the king began to ob. 4Stop that;5 Cerei ai$.
7ommen t/rne$ hi hea$ an$ $o/b"e$ over- retching. #i cro.n ,e"" o,, an$ ro""e$ acro the
marb"e ,"oor. #i mother p/""e$ back in $ig/t- an$ a"" at once the king .a r/nning ,or the
$oor- a ,at a hi eight(year(o"$ "eg co/"$ carry him.
2Ser Hm/n$- re"ieve me-1 !aime ai$ harp"y- a >ett"eb"ack t/rne$ to chae the cro.n. #e
han$e$ the man the go"$en .or$ an$ .ent a,ter hi king. &n the #a"" o, ?amp he ca/ght him-
beneath the eye o, t.o $oGen tart"e$ epta. 2&4m orry-1 7ommen .ept. 2& .i"" $o better on the
morro.. Mother ay a king m/t ho. the .ay- b/t the me"" ma$e me ick.1
#his will not do+ #oo man! eager ears and watching e!es+ 2Bet .e go o/ti$e- Eo/r Grace.1
!aime "e$ the boy o/t to .here the air .a a ,reh an$ c"ean a >ing4 ?an$ing ever got.
7.ocore go"$ c"oak ha$ been pote$ aro/n$ the p"aGa to g/ar$ the hore an$ the "itter. #e
took the king o,, to the i$e- .e"" a.ay ,rom everyone- an$ at him $o.n /pon the marb"e tep.
2& .an4t care$-1 the boy inite$. 27he me"" ma$e me ick. 5i$n4t it make yo/ ick6 #o.
co/"$ yo/ bear it- Fnc"e- er61
I hae smelled m! own hand rotting, when .argo 7oat made me wear it for a pendant+ 2A
man can bear mot anything- i, he m/t-1 !aime to"$ hi on. I hae smelled a man roasting, as
,ing Aer!s cooked him in his own armor+ 27he .or"$ i ,/"" o, horror- 7ommen. Eo/ can ,ight
them- or "a/gh at them- or "ook .itho/t eeing8 go a.ay ini$e.1
7ommen coni$ere$ that. 28& /e$ to go a.ay ini$e ometime-1 he con,ee$- 2.hen
!o,,y81
4-offre!+5 Cerei too$ over them- the .in$ .hipping her kirt aro/n$ her "eg. 2Eo/r
brother4 name .a -offre!+ #e .o/"$ never have hame$ me o.1
2& never meant to. & .an4t ,rightene$- Mother. &t .a on"y that yo/r "or$ ,ather me""e$ o
ba$81
25o yo/ think he me""e$ any .eeter to me6 & have a noe too.1 She ca/ght hi ear an$
p/""e$ him to hi ,eet. 2?or$ 7yre"" ha a noe. 5i$ yo/ ee him retching in the ho"y ept6 5i$
yo/ ee ?a$y Margaery ba."ing "ike a baby61
!aime got to hi ,eet. 2Cerei- eno/gh.1
#er notri" ,"are$. 2Ser6 3hy are yo/ here6 Eo/ .ore to tan$ vigi" over +ather /nti" the
.ake .a $one- a & reca"".1
2&t is $one. Go "ook at him.1
2No. Seven $ay an$ even night- yo/ ai$. S/re"y the ?or$ Comman$er remember ho. to
co/nt to even. 7ake the n/mber o, yo/r ,inger- then a$$ t.o.1
Hther ha$ beg/n to tream o/t onto the p"aGa- ,"eeing the no:io/ o$or in the ept. 2Cerei-
keep yo/r voice $o.n-1 !aime .arne$. 2?or$ 7yre"" i approaching.1
7hat reache$ her. 7he A/een $re. 7ommen to her i$e. Mace 7yre"" bo.e$ be,ore them. 2#i
Grace i not /n.e""- & hope61
27he king .a over.he"me$ by grie,-1 ai$ Cerei.
2A are .e a"". &, there i a/ght that & can $o81
#igh above- a cro. creame$ "o/$"y. #e .a perche$ on the tat/e o, >ing Bae"or- hitting
on hi ho"y hea$. 27here i m/ch an$ more yo/ can $o ,or 7ommen- my "or$-1 !aime ai$.
29erhap yo/ .o/"$ $o #er Grace the honor o, /pping .ith her- a,ter the evening ervice61
Cerei thre. him a .ithering "ook- b/t ,or once he ha$ the ene to bite her tong/e.
2S/p61 7yre"" eeme$ taken aback. 2& /ppoe8 o, co/re- .e ho/"$ be honore$. My "a$y
.i,e an$ &.1
7he A/een ,orce$ a mi"e an$ ma$e p"eaant noie. B/t .hen 7yre"" ha$ taken hi "eave an$
7ommen ha$ been ent o,, .ith Ser A$$am Marbran$- he t/rne$ on !aime angri"y. 2Are yo/
$r/nk or $reaming- er6 9ray te""- .hy am & having /pper .ith that graping ,oo" an$ hi p/eri"e
.i,e61 A g/t o, .in$ tirre$ her go"$en hair. 2& .i"" not name him #an$- i, that4 .hat@1
2Eo/ nee$ 7yre""-1 !aime broke in- 2b/t not here. Ak him to capt/re Storm4 Cn$ ,or
7ommen. +"atter him- an$ te"" him yo/ nee$ him in the ,ie"$- to rep"ace +ather. Mace ,ancie
hime", a mighty .arrior. Cither he .i"" $e"iver Storm4 Cn$ to yo/- or he .i"" m/ck it /p an$
"ook a ,oo". Cither .ay- yo/ .in.1
2Storm4 Cn$61 Cerei "ooke$ tho/ght,/". 2Ee- b/t8 ?or$ 7yre"" ha ma$e it te$io/"y p"ain
that he .i"" not "eave >ing4 ?an$ing ti"" 7ommen marrie Margaery.1
!aime ighe$. 27hen "et them .e$. &t .i"" be year be,ore 7ommen i o"$ eno/gh to
con/mmate the marriage. An$ /nti" he $oe- the /nion can a".ay be et ai$e. Give 7yre"" hi
.e$$ing an$ en$ him o,, to p"ay at .ar.1
A .ary mi"e crept acro hi iter4 ,ace. 2Cven iege have their $anger-1 he m/rm/re$.
23hy- o/r ?or$ o, #ighgar$en might even "oe hi "i,e in /ch a vent/re.1
27here i that rik-1 conce$e$ !aime. 2Cpecia""y i, hi patience r/n thin thi time- an$ he
e"ect to torm the gate.1
Cerei gave him a "ingering "ook. 2Eo/ kno.-1 he ai$- 2,or a moment yo/ o/n$e$ A/ite
"ike +ather.1
DAENER'S
3hat i it61 he crie$- a &rri hook her gent"y by the ho/"$er. &t .a the b"ack o, night
o/ti$e. Something is wrong, he kne. at once. 2& it 5aario6 3hat4 happene$61 &n her $ream
they ha$ been man an$ .i,e- imp"e ,o"k .ho "ive$ a imp"e "i,e in a ta"" tone ho/e .ith a re$
$oor. &n her $ream he ha$ been kiing her a"" over@her mo/th- her neck- her breat.
2No- ,haleesi,1 &rri m/rm/re$- 2it i yo/r e/n/ch Grey 3orm an$ the ba"$ men. 3i"" yo/ ee
them61
2Ee.1 #er hair .a $iheve"e$ an$ her be$c"othe a"" atang"e- 5any rea"iGe$. 2#e"p me $re.
&4"" have a c/p o, .ine a .e"". 7o c"ear my hea$.1 #o drown m! dream+ She co/"$ hear the o,t
o/n$ o, ob. 23ho i that .eeping61
2Eo/r "ave Mian$ei.1 !hiA/i ha$ a taper in her han$.
2My ervant. & have no "ave.1 5any $i$ not /n$ertan$. 23hy $oe he .eep61
2+or him .ho .a her brother-1 &rri to"$ her.
7he ret he ha$ ,rom SkahaG- ReGnak- an$ Grey 3orm- .hen they .ere /here$ into her
preence. 5any kne. their ti$ing .ere ba$ be,ore a .or$ .a poken. Hne g"ance at the
Shavepate4 /g"y ,ace /,,ice$ to te"" her that. 27he Son o, the #arpy61
SkahaG no$$e$. #i mo/th .a grim.
2#o. many $ea$61
ReGnak .r/ng hi han$. 2N(nine- Magni,icence. +o/" .ork it .a- an$ .icke$. A $rea$,/"
night- $rea$,/".1
2ine+ 7he .or$ .a a $agger in her heart. Cvery night the ha$o. .ar .a .age$ ane.
beneath the teppe$ pyrami$ o, Meereen. Cvery morn the /n roe /pon ,reh corpe- .ith
harpie $ra.n in b"oo$ on the brick bei$e them. Any ,ree$man .ho became too propero/ or
too o/tpoken .a marke$ ,or $eath. 2ine in one night, though= 7hat ,rightene$ her. 27e"" me.1
Grey 3orm an.ere$. 2Eo/r ervant .ere et /pon a they .a"ke$ the brick o, Meereen to
keep Eo/r Grace4 peace. A"" .ere .e"" arme$- .ith pear an$ hie"$ an$ hort .or$. 7.o
by t.o they .a"ke$- an$ t.o by t.o they $ie$. Eo/r ervant B"ack +it an$ Cethery .ere "ain
by cro(bo. bo"t in MaG$han4 MaGe. Eo/r ervant Moa$or an$ 5/ran .ere cr/he$ by
,a""ing tone beneath the river .a"". Eo/r ervant C"a$on Go"$enhair an$ ?oya" Spear .ere
poione$ at a .inehop .here they .ere acc/tome$ to top each night /pon their ro/n$.1
*ossador+ 5any ma$e a ,it. Mian$ei an$ her brother ha$ been taken ,rom their home on
Naath by rai$er ,rom the Bai"ik &"e an$ o"$ into "avery in Atapor. Eo/ng a he .a-
Mian$ei ha$ ho.n /ch a gi,t ,or tong/e that the Goo$ Mater ha$ ma$e a cribe o, her.
Moa$or an$ Mare"en ha$ not been o ,ort/nate. 7hey ha$ been ge"$e$ an$ ma$e into
Fn/""ie$. 2#ave any o, the m/r$erer been capt/re$61
2Eo/r ervant have arrete$ the o.ner o, the .inehop an$ hi $a/ghter. 7hey p"ea$ their
ignorance an$ beg ,or mercy.1
#he! all plead ignorance and beg for merc!+ 2Give them to the Shavepate. SkahaG- keep each
apart ,rom the other an$ p/t them to the A/etion.1
2&t .i"" be $one- Eo/r 3orhip. 3o/"$ yo/ have me A/etion them .eet"y- or harp"y61
2S.eet"y- to begin. #ear .hat ta"e they te"" an$ .hat name they give yo/. &t may be they
ha$ no part in thi.1 She heitate$. 2Nine- the nob"e ReGnak ai$. 3ho e"e61
27hree ,ree$men- m/r$ere$ in their home-1 the Shavepate ai$. 2A money"en$er- a cobb"er-
an$ the harpit Ry"ona Rhee. 7hey c/t her ,inger o,, be,ore they ki""e$ her.1
7he A/een ,"inche$. Ry"ona Rhee ha$ p"aye$ the harp a .eet"y a the Mai$en. 3hen he
ha$ been a "ave in E/nkai- he ha$ p"aye$ ,or every highborn ,ami"y in the city. &n Meereen he
ha$ become a "ea$er amongt the E/nkih ,ree$men- their voice in 5any4 co/nci". 23e have
no captive b/t thi .inee""er61
2None- thi one grieve to con,e. 3e beg yo/r par$on.1
*erc!, tho/ght 5any. #he! will hae the dragon/s merc!+ 2SkahaG- & have change$ my min$.
D/etion the man harp"y.1
2& co/"$. Hr & co/"$ A/etion the $a/ghter harp"y .hi"t the ,ather "ook on. 7hat .i"" .ring
ome name ,rom him.1
25o a yo/ think bet- b/t bring me name.1 #er ,/ry .a a ,ire in her be""y. 2& .i"" have no
more Fn/""ie$ "a/ghtere$. Grey 3orm- p/"" yo/r men back to their barrack. #ence,orth "et
them g/ar$ my .a"" an$ gate an$ peron. +rom thi $ay- it ha"" be ,or Meereenee to keep the
peace in Meereen. SkahaG- make me a ne. .atch- ma$e /p in eA/a" part o, havepate an$
,ree$men.1
2A yo/ comman$. #o. many men61
2A many a yo/ reA/ire.1
ReGnak mo ReGnak gape$. 2Magni,icence- .here i the coin to come ,rom to pay .age ,or
o many men61
2+rom the pyrami$. Ca"" it a b"oo$ ta:. & .i"" have a h/n$re$ piece o, go"$ ,rom every
pyrami$ ,or each ,ree$man that the #arpy4 Son have "ain.1
7hat bro/ght a mi"e to the Shavepate4 ,ace. 2&t .i"" be $one-1 he ai$- 2b/t Eo/r Ra$iance
ho/"$ kno. that the Great Mater o, Khak an$ MerreA are making preparation to A/it their
pyrami$ an$ "eave the city.1
5aenery .a ick /nto $eath o, Khak an$ MerreAI he .a ick o, a"" the Mereenee- great
an$ ma"" a"ike. 2?et them go- b/t ee that they take no more than the c"othe /pon their back.
Make certain that a"" their go"$ remain here .ith /. 7heir tore o, ,oo$ a .e"".1
2Magni,icence-1 m/rm/re$ ReGnak mo ReGnak- 2.e cannot kno. that thee great nob"e
mean to =oin yo/r enemie. More "ike they are imp"y making ,or their etate in the hi"".1
27hey .i"" not min$ / keeping their go"$ a,e- then. 7here i nothing to b/y in the hi"".1
27hey are a,rai$ ,or their chi"$ren-1 ReGnak ai$.
&es, 5aenery tho/ght- and so am I+ 23e m/t keep them a,e a .e"". & .i"" have t.o
chi"$ren ,rom each o, them. +rom the other pyrami$ a .e"". A boy an$ a gir".1
2#otage-1 ai$ SkahaG- happi"y.
29age an$ c/pbearer. &, the Great Mater make ob=ection- e:p"ain to them that in 3etero
it i a great honor ,or a chi"$ to be choen to erve at co/rt.1 She "e,t the ret /npoken. 2Go an$
$o a &4ve comman$e$. & have my $ea$ to mo/rn.1
3hen he ret/rne$ to her room atop the pyrami$- he ,o/n$ Mian$ei crying o,t"y on her
pa""et- trying a bet he co/"$ to m/,,"e the o/n$ o, her ob. 2Come "eep .ith me-1 he to"$
the "itt"e cribe. 25a.n .i"" not come ,or ho/r yet.1
2Eo/r Grace i kin$ to thi one.1 Mian$ei "ippe$ /n$er the heet. 2#e .a a goo$
brother.1
5any .rappe$ her arm abo/t the gir". 27e"" me o, him.1
2#e ta/ght me ho. to c"imb a tree .hen .e .ere "itt"e. #e co/"$ catch ,ih .ith hi han$.
Hnce & ,o/n$ him "eeping in o/r gar$en .ith a h/n$re$ b/tter,"ie cra."ing over him. #e
"ooke$ o bea/ti,/" that morning- thi one8 & mean- & "ove$ him.1
2A he "ove$ yo/.1 5any troke$ the gir"4 hair. 2Say the .or$- my .eet- an$ & .i"" en$ yo/
,rom thi a.,/" p"ace. & .i"" ,in$ a hip omeho. an$ en$ yo/ home. 7o Naath.1
2& .o/"$ ooner tay .ith yo/. Hn Naath &4$ be a,rai$. 3hat i, the "aver came again6 & ,ee"
a,e .hen &4m .ith yo/.1
Safe+ 7he .or$ ma$e 5any4 eye ,i"" /p .ith tear. 2& .ant to keep yo/ a,e.1 Mian$ei .a
on"y a chi"$. 3ith her- he ,e"t a i, he co/"$ be a chi"$ too. 2No one ever kept me a,e .hen &
.a "itt"e. 3e""- Ser 3i""em $i$- b/t then he $ie$- an$ %iery8 & .ant to protect yo/ b/t8 it i
o har$. 7o be trong. & $on4t a".ay kno. .hat & ho/"$ $o. & must kno.- tho/gh. & am a"" they
have. & am the A/een8 the8 the81
28mother-1 .hipere$ Mian$ei. 2Mother to $ragon.1 5any hivere$. 2No. Mother to /
a"".1 Mian$ei h/gge$ her tighter. 2Eo/r Grace ho/"$ "eep. 5a.n .i"" be here oon- an$
co/rt.1
23e4"" both "eep- an$ $ream o, .eeter $ay. C"oe yo/r eye.1 3hen he $i$- 5any kie$
her eye"i$ an$ ma$e her gigg"e.
>ie came eaier than "eep- ho.ever. 5any h/t her eye an$ trie$ to think o, home- o,
5ragontone an$ >ing4 ?an$ing an$ a"" the other p"ace that %iery ha$ to"$ her o,- in a kin$er
"an$ than thi8 b/t her tho/ght kept t/rning back to S"aver4 Bay- "ike hip ca/ght in ome
bitter .in$. 3hen Mian$ei .a o/n$ a"eep- 5any "ippe$ ,rom her arm an$ teppe$ o/t into
the pre$a.n air to "ean /pon the coo" brick parapet an$ gaGe o/t acro the city. A tho/an$
roo, tretche$ o/t be"o. her- painte$ in ha$e o, ivory an$ i"ver by the moon.
Some.here beneath thoe roo,- the Son o, the #arpy .ere gathere$- p"otting .ay to ki""
her an$ a"" thoe .ho "ove$ her an$ p/t her chi"$ren back in chain. Some.here $o.n there a
h/ngry chi"$ .a crying ,or mi"k. Some.here an o"$ .oman "ay $ying. Some.here a man an$ a
mai$ embrace$- an$ ,/mb"e$ at each other4 c"othe .ith eager han$. B/t /p here there .a
on"y the heen o, moon"ight on pyrami$ an$ pit- .ith no hint .hat "ay beneath. Fp here there
.a on"y her- a"one.
She .a the b"oo$ o, the $ragon. She co/"$ ki"" the Son o, the #arpy- an$ the on o, the
on- an$ the on o, the on o, the on. B/t a $ragon co/"$ not ,ee$ a h/ngry chi"$ nor he"p a
$ying .oman4 pain. And who would eer dare to loe a dragon6
She ,o/n$ here", thinking o, 5aario Nahari once again- 5aario .ith hi go"$ tooth an$
tri$ent bear$- hi trong han$ reting on the hi"t o, hi matche$ arakh an$ ti"etto- hi"t .ro/ght
o, go"$ in the hape o, nake$ .omen. 7he $ay he took hi "eave o, her- a he .a bi$$ing him
,are.e""- he ha$ br/he$ the ba"" o, hi th/mb "ight"y acro them- back an$ ,orth. I am 9ealous
of a sword hilt, he ha$ rea"iGe$- of women made of gold+ Sen$ing him to the ?amb Men ha$
been .ie. She .a a A/een- an$ 5aario Nahari .a not the t/,, o, king.
2&t ha been o "ong-1 he ha$ ai$ to Ser Barritan- =/t yeter$ay. 23hat i, 5aario ha
betraye$ me an$ gone over to my enemie61 #hree treasons will !ou know+ 23hat i, he met
another .oman- ome prince o, the ?haGarene61
7he o"$ knight neither "ike$ nor tr/te$ 5aario- he kne.. Cven o- he ha$ an.ere$ ga""ant"y.
27here i no .oman more "ove"y than Eo/r Grace. Hn"y a b"in$ man co/"$ be"ieve other.ie-
an$ 5aario Nahari .a not b"in$.1
2o, he tho/ght. 7is e!es are a deep blue, almost purple, and his gold tooth gleams when he
smiles for me+
Ser Barritan .a /re he .o/"$ ret/rn- tho/gh. 5any co/"$ on"y pray that he .a right.
A bath will help soothe me+ She pa$$e$ bare,oot thro/gh the gra to her terrace poo". 7he
.ater ,e"t coo" on her kin- raiing gooeb/mp. ?itt"e ,ih nibb"e$ at her arm an$ "eg. She
c"oe$ her eye an$ ,"oate$.
A o,t r/t"e ma$e her open them again. She at /p .ith a o,t p"ah. 2Mian$ei61 he
ca""e$. 2&rri6 !hiA/i61
27hey "eep-1 came the an.er.
A .oman too$ /n$er the perimmon tree- c"a$ in a hoo$e$ robe that br/he$ the gra.
Beneath the hoo$- her ,ace eeme$ har$ an$ hiny. She is wearing a mask, 5any kne.- a
wooden mask finished in dark red lac3uer+ 2D/aithe6 Am & $reaming61 She pinche$ her ear an$
.ince$ at the pain. 2& $reamt o, yo/ on Balerion, .hen ,irt .e came to Atapor.1
2Eo/ $i$ not $ream. 7hen or no..1
23hat are yo/ $oing here6 #o. $i$ yo/ get pat my g/ar$61
2& came another .ay. Eo/r g/ar$ never a. me.1
2&, & ca"" o/t- they .i"" ki"" yo/.1
27hey .i"" .ear to yo/ that & am not here.1
2Are yo/ here61
2No. #ear me- 5aenery 7argaryen. 7he g"a can$"e are b/rning. Soon come the pa"e
mare- an$ a,ter her the other. >raken an$ $ark ,"ame- "ion an$ gri,,in- the /n4 on an$ the
m/mmer4 $ragon. 7r/t none o, them. Remember the Fn$ying. Be.are the per,/me$
enecha".1
2ReGnak6 3hy ho/"$ & ,ear him61 5any roe ,rom the poo". 3ater trick"e$ $o.n her "eg-
an$ gooe,"eh covere$ her arm in the coo" night air. 2&, yo/ have ome .arning ,or me- peak
p"ain"y. 3hat $o yo/ .ant o, me- D/aithe61
Moon"ight hone in the .oman4 eye. 27o ho. yo/ the .ay.1
2& remember the .ay. & go north to go o/th- eat to go .et- back to go ,or.ar$. An$ to
to/ch the "ight & have to pa beneath the ha$o..1 She A/eeGe$ the .ater ,rom her i"very hair.
2& am ha",(ick o, ri$$"ing. &n Darth & .a a beggar- b/t here & am a A/een. & comman$ yo/@1
2Daener!s+ Remember the Fn$ying. Remember .ho yo/ are.1
27he b"oo$ o, the $ragon.1 But m! dragons are roaring in the darkness+ 2& remember the
Fn$ying. %hild of three, they ca""e$ me. 7hree mo/nt they promie$ me- three ,ire- an$ three
treaon. Hne ,or b"oo$ an$ one ,or go"$ an$ one ,or81
2Eo/r Grace61 Mian$ei too$ in the $oor o, the A/een4 be$chamber- a "antern in her han$.
23ho are yo/ ta"king to61
5any g"ance$ back to.ar$ the perimmon tree. 7here .a no .oman there. No hoo$e$ robe-
no "acA/er mak- no D/aithe.
A shadow+ A memor!+ 2o one+ She .a the b"oo$ o, the $ragon- b/t Ser Barritan ha$ .arne$
her that in that b"oo$ there .a a taint. %ould I be going mad6 7hey ha$ ca""e$ her ,ather ma$-
once. 2& .a praying-1 he to"$ the Naathi gir". 2&t .i"" be "ight oon. & ha$ bet eat omething-
be,ore co/rt.1
2& .i"" bring yo/ ,oo$ to break yo/r ,at.1
A"one again- 5any .ent a"" the .ay aro/n$ the pyrami$ in hope o, ,in$ing D/aithe- pat the
b/rne$ tree an$ corche$ earth .here her men ha$ trie$ to capt/re 5rogon. B/t the on"y o/n$
.a the .in$ in the ,r/it tree- an$ the on"y creat/re in the gar$en .ere a ,e. pa"e moth.
Mian$ei ret/rne$ .ith a me"on an$ a bo." o, har$(cooke$ egg- b/t 5any ,o/n$ he ha$ no
appetite. A the ky "ightene$ an$ the tar ,a$e$ one by one- &rri an$ !hiA/i he"pe$ her $on a
tokar o, vio"et i"k ,ringe$ in go"$.
3hen ReGnak an$ SkahaG appeare$- he ,o/n$ here", "ooking at them akance- min$,/" o,
the three treaon. Beware the perfumed seneschal+ She ni,,e$ /picio/"y at ReGnak mo
ReGnak. I could command the Shaepate to arrest him and put him to the 3uestion+ 3o/"$ that
,oreta"" the prophecy6 Hr .o/"$ ome other betrayer take hi p"ace6 $rophecies are
treacherous, he remin$e$ here",- and )eznak ma! be no more than he appears+
&n the p/rp"e ha""- 5any ,o/n$ her ebon bench pi"e$ high abo/t .ith atin pi""o.. 7he ight
bro/ght a .an mi"e to her "ip. Ser Barristan/s work, he kne.. 7he o"$ knight .a a goo$ man-
b/t ometime very "itera". It was onl! a 9ape, ser, he tho/ght- b/t he at on one o, the pi""o.
=/t the ame.
#er "eep"e night oon ma$e ite", ,e"t. Be,ore "ong he .a ,ighting o,, a ya.n a ReGnak
pratt"e$ abo/t the cra,tmen4 g/i"$. 7he tonemaon .ere .roth .ith her- it eeme$. 7he
brick"ayer a .e"". Certain ,ormer "ave .ere carving tone an$ "aying brick- tea"ing .ork
,rom g/i"$ =o/rneymen an$ mater a"ike. 27he ,ree$men .ork too cheap"y- Magni,icence-1
ReGnak ai$. 2Some ca"" theme"ve =o/rneymen- or even mater- tit"e that be"ong by right
on"y to the cra,tmen o, the g/i"$. 7he maon an$ the brick"ayer $o repect,/""y petition Eo/r
3orhip to /pho"$ their ancient right an$ c/tom.1
27he ,ree$men .ork cheap"y beca/e they are h/ngry-1 5any pointe$ o/t. 2&, & ,orbi$ them to
carve tone or "ay brick- the chan$"er- the .eaver- an$ the go"$mith .i"" oon be at my gate
aking that they be e:c"/$e$ ,rom thoe tra$e a .e"".1 She coni$ere$ a moment. 2?et it be
.ritten that hence,orth on"y g/i"$ member ha"" be permitte$ to name theme"ve =o/rneymen
or mater8 provi$e$ the g/i"$ open their ro"" to any ,ree$man .ho can $emontrate the
reA/iite ki"".1
2So ha"" it be proc"aime$-1 ai$ ReGnak. 23i"" it p"eae Eo/r 3orhip to hear the nob"e
#iG$ahr Go ?oraA61
Will he neer admit defeat6 2?et him tep ,orth.1
#iG$ahr .a not in a tokar to$ay. &ntea$ he .ore a imp"e robe o, grey an$ b"/e. #e .a
horn a .e"". 7e has shaed off his beard and cut his hair, he rea"iGe$. 7he man ha$ not gone
havepate- not A/ite- b/t at "eat thoe ab/r$ .ing o, hi .ere gone. 2Eo/r barber ha erve$
yo/ .e""- #iG$ahr. & hope yo/ have come to ho. me hi .ork an$ not to p"ag/e me ,/rther
abo/t the ,ighting pit.1
#e ma$e a $eep obeiance. 2Eo/r Grace- & ,ear & m/t.1
5any grimace$. Cven her o.n peop"e .o/"$ give no ret abo/t the matter. ReGnak mo ReGnak
tree$ the coin to be ma$e thro/gh ta:e. 7he Green Grace ai$ that reopening the pit .o/"$
p"eae the go$. 7he Shavepate ,e"t it .o/"$ .in her /pport againt the Son o, the #arpy. 2?et
them ,ight-1 gr/nte$ Strong Be".a- .ho ha$ once been a champion in the pit. Ser Barritan
/ggete$ a to/rney intea$I hi orphan co/"$ ri$e at ring an$ ,ight a mN"Oe .ith b"/nte$
.eapon- he ai$- a /ggetion 5any kne. .a a hope"e a it .a .e""(intentione$. &t .a
b"oo$ the Meereenee yearne$ to ee- not ki"". C"e.ie the ,ighting "ave .o/"$ have .orn
armor. Hn"y the "itt"e cribe Mian$ei eeme$ to hare the A/een4 migiving.
2& have re,/e$ yo/ i: time-1 5any remin$e$ #iG$ahr.
2Eo/r Ra$iance ha even go$- o perhap he .i"" "ook /pon my eventh p"ea .ith ,avor.
7o$ay & $o not come a"one. 3i"" yo/ hear my ,rien$6 7here are even o, them a .e"".1 #e
bro/ght them ,orth one by one. 2#ere i >hraGG. #ere Barena B"ackhair- ever va"iant. #ere
Camarron o, the Co/nt an$ Goghor the Giant. 7hi i the Spotte$ Cat- thi +ear"e &thoke. ?at-
Be"aA/o Bonebreaker. 7hey have come to a$$ their voice to mine o.n- an$ ak Eo/r Grace to
"et o/r ,ighting pit reopen.1
5any kne. hi even- by name i, not by ight. A"" ha$ been amongt the mot ,ame$ o,
Meereen4 ,ighting "ave8 an$ it ha$ been the ,ighting "ave- ,ree$ ,rom their hack"e by her
e.er rat- .ho "e$ the /priing that .on the city ,or her. She o.e$ them a b"oo$ $ebt. 2& .i""
hear yo/-1 he a""o.e$.
Hne by one- each o, them ake$ her to "et the ,ighting pit reopen. 23hy61 he $eman$e$-
.hen &thoke ha$ ,inihe$. 2Eo/ are no "onger "ave- $oome$ to $ie at a mater4 .him. & ,ree$
yo/. 3hy ho/"$ yo/ .ih to en$ yo/r "ive /pon the car"et an$61
2& train ince three-1 ai$ Goghor the Giant. 2& ki"" ince i:. Mother o, 5ragon ay & am
,ree. 3hy not ,ree to ,ight61
2&, it i ,ighting yo/ .ant- ,ight ,or me. S.ear yo/r .or$ to the Mother4 Men or the +ree
Brother or the Sta".art Shie"$. 7each my other ,ree$men ho. to ,ight.1
Goghor hook hi hea$. 2Be,ore- & ,ight ,or mater. Eo/ ay- ,ight ,or yo/. & ay- ,ight ,or
me.1 7he h/ge man th/mpe$ hi chet .ith a ,it a big a a ham. 2+or go"$. +or g"ory.1
2Goghor peak ,or / a"".1 7he Spotte$ Cat .ore a "eopar$ kin acro one ho/"$er. 27he
"at time & .a o"$- the price .a three h/n$re$ tho/an$ honor. 3hen & .a a "ave- & "ept on
,/r an$ ate re$ meat o,, the bone. No. that &4m ,ree- & "eep on tra. an$ eat a"t ,ih- .hen &
can get it.1
2#iG$ahr .ear that the .inner ha"" hare ha", o, a"" the coin co""ecte$ at the gate-1 ai$
>hraGG. 27alf, he .ear it- an$ #iG$ahr i an honorab"e man.1
2o, a cunning man+ 5aenery ,e"t trappe$. 2An$ the "oer6 3hat ha"" they receive61
27heir name ha"" be graven on the Gate o, +ate amongt the other va"iant ,a""en-1 $ec"are$
Barena. +or eight year he ha$ "ain every other .oman ent againt her- it .a ai$. 2A"" men
m/t $ie- an$ .omen too8 b/t not a"" .i"" be remembere$.1
5any ha$ no an.er ,or that. If this is trul! what m! people wish, do I hae the right to den! it
to them6 It was their cit! before it was mine, and it is their own lies the! wish to s3uander+ 2&
.i"" coni$er a"" yo/4ve ai$. 7hank yo/ ,or yo/r co/ne".1 She roe. 23e .i"" re/me on the
morro..1
2All kneel for Daener!s Stormborn, the <nburnt, :ueen of *eereen, :ueen of the Andals and
the )ho!nar and the First *en, >ha"eei of 1reat 1rass Sea, Breaker of Shackles, and *other
of Dragons,1 Mian$ei ca""e$.
Ser Barritan ecorte$ her back /p to her chamber. 27e"" me a ta"e- er-1 5any ai$ a they
c"imbe$. 2Some ta"e o, va"or .ith a happy en$ing.1 She ,e"t in nee$ o, happy en$ing. 27e"" me
ho. yo/ ecape$ ,rom the F/rper.1
2Eo/r Grace. 7here i no va"or in r/nning ,or yo/r "i,e.1
5any eate$ here", on a c/hion- croe$ her "eg- an$ gaGe$ /p at him. 29"eae. &t .a the
Eo/ng F/rper .ho $imie$ yo/ ,rom the >ingg/ar$81
2!o,,rey- aye. 7hey gave my age ,or a reaon- tho/gh the tr/th .a e"e.ie. 7he boy .ante$
a .hite c"oak ,or hi $og San$or C"egane an$ hi mother .ante$ the >ing"ayer to be her "or$
comman$er. 3hen they to"$ me- &8 & took o,, my c"oak a they comman$e$- thre. my .or$ at
!o,,rey4 ,eet- an$ poke /n.ie"y.1
23hat $i$ yo/ ay61
27he tr/th8 b/t tr/th .a never .e"come at that co/rt. & .a"ke$ ,rom the throne room .ith
my hea$ high- tho/gh & $i$ not kno. .here & .a going. & ha$ no home b/t 3hite S.or$ 7o.er.
My co/in .o/"$ ,in$ a p"ace ,or me at #arvet #a""- & kne.- b/t & ha$ no .ih to bring
!o,,rey4 $ip"ea/re $o.n /pon them. & .a gathering my thing .hen it came to me that & ha$
bro/ght thi on mye", by taking Robert4 par$on. #e .a a goo$ knight b/t a ba$ king- ,or he
ha$ no right to the throne he at. 7hat .a .hen & kne. that to re$eem mye", & m/t ,in$ the
tr/e king- an$ erve him "oya""y .ith a"" the trength that ti"" remaine$ me.1
2My brother %iery.1
2S/ch .a my intent. 3hen & reache$ the tab"e the go"$ c"oak trie$ to eiGe me. !o,,rey ha$
o,,ere$ me a to.er to $ie in- b/t & ha$ p/rne$ hi gi,t- o no. he meant to o,,er me a $/ngeon.
7he comman$er o, the City 3atch hime", con,ronte$ me- embo"$ene$ by my empty cabbar$-
b/t he ha$ on"y three men .ith him an$ & ti"" ha$ my kni,e. & "ahe$ one man4 ,ace open .hen
he "ai$ hi han$ /pon me- an$ ro$e thro/gh the other. A & p/rre$ ,or the gate & hear$ !ano
S"ynt ho/ting ,or them to go a,ter me. Hnce o/ti$e the Re$ >eep- the treet .ere congete$-
e"e & might have gotten a.ay c"ean. &ntea$ they ca/ght me at the River Gate. 7he go"$ c"oak
.ho ha$ p/r/e$ me ,rom the cat"e ho/te$ ,or thoe at the gate to top me- o they croe$
their pear to bar my .ay.1
2An$ yo/ .itho/t yo/r .or$6 #o. $i$ yo/ get pat them61
2A tr/e knight i .orth ten g/ar$men. 7he men at the gate .ere taken by /rprie. & ro$e one
$o.n- .renche$ a.ay hi pear- an$ $rove it thro/gh the throat o, my c"oet p/r/er. 7he other
broke o,, once & .a thro/gh the gate- o & p/rre$ my hore to a ga""op an$ ro$e he""bent a"ong
the river /nti" the city .a "ot to ight behin$ me. 7hat night & tra$e$ my hore ,or a han$,/" o,
pennie an$ ome rag- an$ the ne:t morning & =oine$ the tream o, ma"",o"k making their .ay
to >ing4 ?an$ing. &4$ gone o/t the M/$ Gate- o & ret/rne$ thro/gh the Gate o, the Go$- .ith
$irt on my ,ace- t/bb"e on my cheek- an$ no .eapon b/t a .oo$en ta,,. &n ro/ghp/n c"othe
an$ m/$(cake$ boot- & .a =/t one more o"$ man ,"eeing the .ar. 7he go"$ c"oak took a tag
,rom me an$ .ave$ me thro/gh. >ing4 ?an$ing .a cro.$e$ .ith ma"",o"k .ho4$ come
eeking re,/ge ,rom the ,ighting. & "ot mye", amongt them. & ha$ a "itt"e i"ver- b/t & nee$e$
that to pay my paage acro the narro. ea- o & "ept in ept an$ a""ey an$ took my mea" in
pot hop. & "et my bear$ gro. o/t an$ c"oake$ mye", in age. 7he $ay ?or$ Stark "ot hi hea$- &
.a there- .atching. A,ter.ar$ & .ent into the Great Sept an$ thanke$ the even go$ that
!o,,rey ha$ trippe$ me o, my c"oak.1
2Stark .a a traitor .ho met a traitor4 en$.1
2Eo/r Grace-1 ai$ Se"my- 2C$$ar$ Stark p"aye$ a part in yo/r ,ather4 ,a""- b/t he bore yo/
no i"" .i"". 3hen the e/n/ch %ary to"$ / that yo/ .ere .ith chi"$- Robert .ante$ yo/ ki""e$-
b/t ?or$ Stark poke againt it. Rather than co/ntenance the m/r$er o, chi"$ren- he to"$ Robert
to ,in$ hime", another #an$.1
2#ave yo/ ,orgotten 9rince Rhaeny an$ 9rince Aegon61
2Never. 7hat .a ?anniter .ork- Eo/r Grace.1
2?anniter or Stark- .hat $i,,erence6 %iery /e$ to ca"" them the <surper/s dogs+ &, a chi"$
i et /pon by a pack o, ho/n$- $oe it matter .hich one tear o/t hi throat6 A"" the $og are
=/t a g/i"ty. 7he g/i"t81 7he .or$ ca/ght in her throat. 7azzea, he tho/ght- an$ /$$en"y he
hear$ here", ay- 2& have to ee the pit-1 in a voice a ma"" a a chi"$4 .hiper. 27ake me
$o.n- er- i, yo/ .o/"$.1
A ,"icker o, $iapprova" croe$ the o"$ man4 ,ace- b/t it .a not hi .ay to A/etion hi
A/een. 2A yo/ comman$.1
7he ervant4 tep .ere the A/icket .ay $o.n@not gran$- b/t teep an$ traight an$
narro.- hi$$en in the .a"". Ser Barritan bro/ght a "antern- "et he ,a"". Brick o, t.enty
$i,,erent co"or pree$ c"oe aro/n$ them- ,a$ing to grey an$ b"ack beyon$ the "antern "ight.
7hrice they pae$ Fn/""ie$ g/ar$- tan$ing a i, they ha$ been carve$ ,rom tone. 7he on"y
o/n$ .a the o,t cr/,, o, their ,eet /pon the tep.
At gro/n$ "eve" the Great 9yrami$ o, Meereen .a a h/he$ p"ace- ,/"" o, $/t an$ ha$o..
&t o/ter .a"" .ere thirty ,eet thick. 3ithin them- o/n$ echoe$ o,, arche o, many(co"ore$
brick- an$ amongt the tab"e- ta""- an$ toreroom. 7hey pae$ beneath three maive
arche- $o.n a torch"it ramp into the va/"t beneath the pyrami$- pat citern- $/ngeon- an$
tort/re chamber .here "ave ha$ been co/rge$ an$ kinne$ an$ b/rne$ .ith re$(hot iron.
+ina""y they came to a pair o, h/ge iron $oor .ith r/te$ hinge- g/ar$e$ by Fn/""ie$.
At her comman$- one pro$/ce$ an iron key. 7he $oor opene$- hinge hrieking. 5aenery
7argaryen teppe$ into the hot heart o, $arkne an$ toppe$ at the "ip o, a $eep pit. +orty ,eet
be"o.- her $ragon raie$ their hea$. +o/r eye b/rne$ thro/gh the ha$o.@t.o o, mo"ten
go"$ an$ t.o o, bronGe.
Ser Barritan took her by the arm. 2No c"oer.1
2Eo/ think they .o/"$ harm me61
2& $o not kno.- Eo/r Grace- b/t & .o/"$ ooner not rik yo/r peron to "earn the an.er.1
3hen Rhaega" roare$- a go/t o, ye""o. ,"ame t/rne$ $arkne into $ay ,or ha", a heartbeat.
7he ,ire "icke$ a"ong the .a""- an$ 5any ,e"t the heat /pon her ,ace- "ike the b"at ,rom an oven.
Acro the pit- %ierion4 .ing /n,o"$e$- tirring the ta"e air. #e trie$ to ,"y to her- b/t the
chain nappe$ ta/t a he roe an$ "amme$ him $o.n onto hi be""y. ?ink a big a a man4 ,it
bo/n$ hi ,eet to the ,"oor. 7he iron co""ar abo/t hi neck .a ,atene$ to the .a"" behin$ him.
Rhaega" .ore matching chain. &n the "ight o, Se"my4 "antern- hi ca"e g"eame$ "ike =a$e.
Smoke roe ,rom bet.een hi teeth. Bone .ere cattere$ on the ,"oor at hi ,eet- cracke$ an$
corche$ an$ p"intere$. 7he air .a /ncom,ortab"y hot an$ me""e$ o, /",/r an$ charre$ meat.
27hey are "arger.1 5any4 voice echoe$ o,, the corche$ tone .a"". A $rop o, .eat trick"e$
$o.n her bro. an$ ,e"" onto her breat. 2& it tr/e that $ragon never top gro.ing61
2&, they have ,oo$ eno/gh- an$ pace to gro.. Chaine$ /p in here- tho/gh81
7he Great Mater ha$ /e$ the pit a a prion. &t .a "arge eno/gh to ho"$ ,ive h/n$re$
men8 an$ more than amp"e ,or t.o $ragon. For how long, though6 What will happen when
the! grow too large for the pit6 Will the! turn on one another with flame and claw6 Will the!
grow wan and weak, with withered flanks and shrunken wings6 Will their fires go out before the
end6
3hat ort o, mother "et her chi"$ren rot in $arkne6
If I look back, I am doomed, 5any to"$ here",8 b/t ho. co/"$ he not "ook back6 I should
hae seen it coming+ Was I so blind, or did I close m! e!es willfull!, so I would not hae to see
the price of power6
%iery ha$ to"$ her a"" the ta"e .hen he .a "itt"e. #e "ove$ to ta"k o, $ragon. She kne.
ho. #arrenha" ha$ ,a""en. She kne. abo/t the +ie"$ o, +ire an$ the 5ance o, the 5ragon. Hne
o, her ,orebear- the thir$ Aegon- ha$ een hi o.n mother $evo/re$ by hi /nc"e4 $ragon. An$
there .ere ong beyon$ co/nt o, vi""age an$ king$om that "ive$ in $rea$ o, $ragon ti"" ome
brave $ragon"ayer rec/e$ them. At Atapor the "aver4 eye ha$ me"te$. Hn the roa$ to
E/nkai- .hen 5aario toe$ the hea$ o, Sa""or the Ba"$ an$ 9ren$ah" na GheGn at her ,eet- her
chi"$ren ma$e a ,eat o, them. 5ragon ha$ no ,ear o, men. An$ a $ragon "arge eno/gh to gorge
on heep co/"$ take a chi"$ =/t a eai"y.
#er name ha$ been #aGGea. She .a ,o/r year o"$. <nless her father lied+ 7e might hae
lied+ No one ha$ een the $ragon b/t him. #i proo, .a b/rne$ bone- b/t b/rne$ bone prove$
nothing. #e might have ki""e$ the "itt"e gir" hime",- an$ b/rne$ her a,ter.ar$. #e .o/"$ not
have been the ,irt ,ather to $ipoe o, an /n.ante$ gir" chi"$- the Shavepate c"aime$. #he Sons
of the 7arp! might hae done it, and made it look like dragon/s work to make the cit! hate me+
5any .ante$ to be"ieve that8 b/t i, that .a o- .hy ha$ #aGGea4 ,ather .aite$ /nti" the
a/$ience ha"" .a a"mot empty to come ,or.ar$6 &, hi p/rpoe ha$ been to in,"ame the
Meereenee againt her- he .o/"$ have to"$ hi ta"e .hen the ha"" .a ,/"" o, ear to hear.
7he Shavepate ha$ /rge$ her to p/t the man to $eath. 2At "eat rip o/t hi tong/e. 7hi man4
"ie co/"$ $etroy / a""- Magni,icence.1 &ntea$ 5any choe to pay the b"oo$ price. No one co/"$
te"" her the .orth o, a $a/ghter- o he et it at one h/n$re$ time the .orth o, a "amb. 2& .o/"$
give #aGGea back to yo/ i, & co/"$-1 he to"$ the ,ather- 2b/t ome thing are beyon$ the po.er
o, even a A/een. #er bone ha"" be "ai$ to ret in the 7emp"e o, the Grace- an$ a h/n$re$
can$"e ha"" b/rn $ay an$ night in her memory. Come back to me each year /pon her name$ay-
an$ yo/r other chi"$ren ha"" not .ant8 b/t thi ta"e m/t never pa yo/r "ip again.1
2Men .i"" ak-1 the grieving ,ather ha$ ai$. 27hey .i"" ak me .here #aGGea i an$ ho. he
$ie$.1
2She $ie$ o, a nakebite-1 ReGnak mo ReGnak inite$. 2A ravening .o", carrie$ her o,,. A
/$$en ickne took her. 7e"" them .hat yo/ .i""- b/t never peak o, $ragon.1
%ierion4 c"a. crabb"e$ againt the tone- an$ the h/ge chain ratt"e$ a he trie$ to make
hi .ay to her again. 3hen he co/"$ not- he gave a roar- t.ite$ hi hea$ back a ,ar a he .a
ab"e- an$ pat go"$en ,"ame at the .a"" behin$ him. 7ow soon till his fire burns hot enough to
crack stone and melt iron6
Hnce- not "ong ago- he ha$ ri$$en on her ho/"$er- hi tai" coi"e$ ro/n$ her arm. Hnce he ha$
,e$ him more" o, charre$ meat ,rom her o.n han$. #e ha$ been the ,irt chaine$ /p. 5aenery
ha$ "e$ him to the pit here", an$ h/t him /p ini$e .ith evera" o:en. Hnce he ha$ gorge$
hime", he gre. $ro.y. 7hey ha$ chaine$ him .hi"t he "ept.
Rhaega" ha$ been har$er. 9erhap he co/"$ hear hi brother raging in the pit- $epite the .a""
o, brick an$ tone bet.een them. &n the en$- they ha$ to cover him .ith a net o, heavy iron chain
a he bake$ on her terrace- an$ he ,o/ght o ,ierce"y that it ha$ taken three $ay to carry him
$o.n the ervant4 tep- t.iting an$ napping. Si: men ha$ been b/rne$ in the tr/gg"e.
An$ 5rogon8
#he winged shadow, the grieving ,ather ca""e$ him. #e .a the "arget o, her three- the
,iercet- the .i"$et- .ith ca"e a b"ack a night an$ eye "ike pit o, ,ire.
5rogon h/nte$ ,ar a,ie"$- b/t .hen he .a ate$ he "ike$ to bak in the /n at the ape: o, the
Great 9yrami$- .here once the harpy o, Meereen ha$ too$. 7hrice they ha$ trie$ to take him
there- an$ thrice they ha$ ,ai"e$. 7.o core o, her bravet ha$ rike$ theme"ve trying to
capt/re him. A"mot a"" ha$ /,,ere$ b/rn- an$ ,o/r o, them ha$ $ie$. 7he "at he ha$ een o,
5rogon ha$ been at /net on the night o, the thir$ attempt. 7he b"ack $ragon ha$ been ,"ying
north acro the SkahaGa$han to.ar$ the ta"" grae o, the 5othraki ea. #e ha$ not ret/rne$.
*other of dragons, 5aenery tho/ght. *other of monsters+ What hae I unleashed upon the
world6 A 3ueen I am, but m! throne is made of burned bones, and it rests on 3uicksand+ 3itho/t
$ragon- ho. co/"$ he hope to ho"$ Meereen- m/ch "e .in back 3etero6 I am the blood of
the dragon, he tho/ght. If the! are monsters, so am I+
!rienne
The gate o, 5/ken$a"e .ere c"oe$ an$ barre$. 7hro/gh the pre$a.n g"oom the to.n .a""
himmere$ pa"e"y. Hn their rampart- .ip o, ,og move$ "ike ghot"y entine". A $oGen .ayn
an$ o:cart ha$ $ra.n /p o/ti$e the gate- .aiting ,or the /n to rie. Brienne took her p"ace
behin$ ome t/rnip. #er ca"ve ache$- an$ it ,e"t goo$ to $imo/nt an$ tretch her "eg. Be,ore
"ong another .ayn came r/mb"ing ,rom the .oo$. By the time the ky began to "ighten- the
A/e/e tretche$ back a A/arter mi"e.
7he ,arm ,o"k gave her c/rio/ g"ance- b/t no one poke to her. It is for me to talk to them,
Brienne to"$ here",- b/t he ha$ a".ay ,o/n$ it har$ to peak .ith tranger. Cven a a gir" he
ha$ been hy. ?ong year o, corn ha$ on"y ma$e her hyer. I must ask after Sansa+ 7ow else
will I find her6 She c"eare$ her throat. 2Goo$.i,e-1 he ai$ to the .oman on the t/rnip cart-
2perhap yo/ a. my iter on the roa$6 A yo/ng mai$- three(an$(ten an$ ,air o, ,ace- .ith b"/e
eye an$ a/b/rn hair. She may be ri$ing .ith a $r/nken knight.1
7he .oman hook her hea$- b/t her h/ban$ ai$- 27hen he4 no mai$- &4"" .ager. 5oe the
poor gir" have a name61
Brienne4 hea$ .a empty. I should hae made up some name for her+ Any name .o/"$ $o-
b/t none came to her.
2No name6 3e""- the roa$ are ,/"" o, name"e gir".1
27he "ichyar$4 even ,/""er-1 ai$ hi .i,e.
A $a.n broke- g/ar$men appeare$ on the parapet. 7he ,armer c"imbe$ onto their .agon
an$ hook the rein. Brienne mo/nte$ a .e"" an$ took a g"ance behin$ her. Mot o, the A/e/e
.aiting to enter 5/ken$a"e .ere ,arm ,o"k .ith "oa$ o, ,r/it an$ vegetab"e to e"". A pair o,
.ea"thy to.nmen at on .e""(bre$ pa",rey a $oGen p"ace behin$ her- an$ ,arther back he
pie$ a kinny boy on a pieba"$ ro/ney. 7here .a no ign o, the t.o knight- nor Ser Sha$rich
the Ma$ Mo/e.
7he g/ar$ .ere .aving thro/gh the .ayn .ith carce a "ook- b/t .hen Brienne reache$ the
gate he gave them pa/e. 2#a"t- yo/01 the captain crie$. A pair o, men in chainmai" ha/berk
croe$ their pear to bar her .ay. 2State yo/r p/rpoe here.1
2& eek the ?or$ o, 5/ken$a"e- or hi maeter.1
7he captain4 eye "ingere$ on her hie"$. 27he b"ack bat o, ?othton. 7hoe are arm o, i""
rep/te.1
27hey are not mine. & mean to have the hie"$ repainte$.1
2Aye61 7he captain r/bbe$ hi t/bb"e$ chin. 2My iter $oe /ch .ork- a it happen.
Eo/4"" ,in$ her at the ho/e .ith the painte$ $oor- acro ,rom the Seven S.or$.1 #e get/re$
to the g/ar$. 2?et her pa- "a$. &t4 a .ench.1
7he gateho/e opene$ on a market A/are- .here thoe .ho ha$ entere$ be,ore her .ere
/n"oa$ing to ha.k their t/rnip- ye""o. onion- an$ ack o, bar"eycorn. Hther .ere e""ing
arm an$ armor- an$ very cheap"y to =/$ge ,rom the price they ho/te$ o/t a he ro$e by. #he
looters come with the carrion crows after eer! battle+ Brienne .a"ke$ her hore pat mai" hirt
ti"" cake$ .ith bro.n b"oo$- $inte$ he"m- notche$ "ong.or$. 7here .a c"othing to be ha$ a
.e""' "eather boot- ,/r c"oak- taine$ /rcoat .ith /picio/ rent. She kne. many o, the
ba$ge. 7he mai"e$ ,it- the mooe- the .hite /n- the $o/b"e(b"a$e$ a:e- a"" thoe .ere northern
igi". 7ar"y men ha$ perihe$ here a .e""- tho/gh- an$ many ,rom the torm"an$. She a. re$
an$ green app"e- a hie"$ that bore the three th/n$erbo"t o, ?eygoo$- hore trapping patterne$
.ith the ant o, Ambroe. ?or$ 7ar"y4 o.n tri$ing h/ntman appeare$ on many a ba$ge an$
brooch an$ $o/b"et. Friend or foe, the crows care not+
7here .ere pine an$ "in$en hie"$ to be ha$ ,or pennie- b/t Brienne ro$e pat them. She
meant to keep the heavy oaken hie"$ !aime ha$ given her- the one he4$ borne hime", ,rom
#arrenha" to >ing4 ?an$ing. A pine hie"$ ha$ it a$vantage. &t .a "ighter- an$ there,ore
eaier to bear- an$ the o,t .oo$ .a more "ike to trap a ,oeman4 a:e or .or$. B/t oak gave
more protection- i, yo/ .ere trong eno/gh to bear it .eight.
5/ken$a"e .a b/i"t aro/n$ it harbor. North o, to.n the cha"k c"i,, roeI to the o/th a
rocky hea$"an$ hie"$e$ the hip at anchor ,rom torm coming /p the narro. ea. 7he cat"e
over"ooke$ the port- it A/are keep an$ big $r/m to.er viib"e ,rom every part o, to.n. &n the
cro.$e$ cobb"e$ treet- it .a eaier to .a"k than ri$e- o Brienne p/t her mare /p in a tab"e
an$ contin/e$ on a,oot- .ith her hie"$ "/ng acro her back an$ her be$ro"" t/cke$ /p beneath
one arm.
7he captain4 iter .a not har$ to ,in$. 7he Seven S.or$ .a the "arget inn in to.n- a
,o/r(tory tr/ct/re that to.ere$ over it neighbor- an$ the $o/b"e $oor on the ho/e acro the
.ay .ere painte$ gorgeo/"y. 7hey ho.e$ a cat"e in an a/t/mn .oo$- the tree $one /p in
ha$e o, go"$ an$ r/et. &vy cra."e$ /p the tr/nk o, ancient oak- an$ even the acorn ha$
been $one .ith "oving care. 3hen Brienne peere$ more c"oe"y- he a. creat/re in the ,o"iage'
a "y re$ ,o:- t.o parro. on a branch- an$ behin$ thoe "eave the ha$o. o, a boar.
2Eo/r $oor i very pretty-1 he to"$ the $ark(haire$ .oman .ho an.ere$ .hen he knocke$.
23hat cat"e i that meant to be61
2A"" cat"e-1 ai$ the captain4 iter. 27he on"y one & kno. i the 5/n +ort by the harbor. &
ma$e t4other in my hea$- .hat a cat"e o/ght to "ook "ike. & never een a $ragon neither- nor a
gri,,in- nor a /nicorn.1 She ha$ a cheer,/" manner- b/t .hen Brienne ho.e$ her the hie"$ her
,ace .ent $ark. 2My o"$ ma /e$ to ay that giant bat ,"e. o/t ,rom #arrenha" on moon"e
night- to carry ba$ chi"$ren to Ma$ 5ane""e ,or her cookpot. Sometime &4$ hear them
crabb"ing at the h/tter.1 She /cke$ her teeth a moment- tho/ght,/". 23hat goe in it p"ace61
7he arm o, 7arth .ere A/artere$ roe an$ aG/re- an$ bore a ye""o. /n an$ crecent moon.
B/t o "ong a men be"ieve$ her to be a m/r$ere- Brienne $are not carry them. 2Eo/r $oor
remin$e$ me o, an o"$ hie"$ & once a. in my ,ather4 armory.1 She $ecribe$ the arm a bet
he co/"$ reca"" them.
7he .oman no$$e$. 2& can paint it traighta.ay- b/t the paint .i"" nee$ to $ry. 7ake a room
at the Seven S.or$- i, it p"eae yo/. &4"" bring the hie"$ to yo/ by morning.1
Brienne ha$ not meant to overnight in 5/ken$a"e- b/t it might be ,or the bet. She $i$ not
kno. i, the "or$ o, the cat"e .a in rei$ence- or .hether he .o/"$ conent to ee her. She
thanke$ the painter an$ croe$ the cobb"etone to the inn. Above it $oor- even .oo$en
.or$ ./ng beneath an iron pike. 7he .hite.ah that covere$ them .a cracke$ an$ pee"ing-
b/t Brienne kne. their meaning. 7hey too$ ,or the even on o, 5ark"yn .ho ha$ .orn the
.hite c"oak o, the >ingg/ar$. No other ho/e in a"" the rea"m co/"$ c"aim a many. #he! were
the glor! of their 7ouse+ And now the! are a sign aboe an inn+ She p/he$ into the common
room an$ ake$ the innkeep ,or a room an$ a bath.
#e p/t her on the econ$ ,"oor- an$ a .oman .ith a "iver(co"ore$ birthmark on her ,ace
bro/ght /p a .oo$en t/b- an$ then the .ater- pai" by pai". 25o any 5ark"yn remain in
5/ken$a"e61 Brienne ake$ a he c"imbe$ into the t/b.
23e""- there4 5arke- &4m one mye",. My h/ban$ ay & .a 5arke be,ore .e .e$- an$
$arker a,ter.ar$.1 She "a/ghe$. 2Can4t thro. a tone in 5/ken$a"e .itho/t yo/ hit ome 5arke
or 5ark.oo$ or 5argoo$- b/t the "or$"y 5ark"yn are a"" gone. ?or$ 5eny .a the "at o4 them-
the .eet yo/ng ,oo". 5i$ yo/ kno. the 5ark"yn .ere king in 5/ken$a"e be,ore the An$a"
come6 Eo/4$ never kno. t4"ook at me- b/t & got me roya" b"oo$. Can yo/ ee it6 JEo/r Grace-
another c/p o, a"e-4 & o/ght to make them ay. JEo/r Grace- the chamber pot nee$ emptying-
an$ ,etch in ome ,reh ,aggot- Eo/r B"oo$y Grace- the ,ire4 going o/t.41 She "a/ghe$ again
an$ hook the "at $rop ,rom the pai". 23e""- there yo/ are. & that .ater hot eno/gh ,or yo/61
2&t .i"" erve.1 7he .ater .a "/ke.arm.
2&4$ bring /p more- b/t it4$ =/t "op over. A gir" the iGe o4 yo/- yo/ ,i"" a t/b.1
Onl! a cramped small tub like this one+ At #arrenha" the t/b ha$ been h/ge- an$ ma$e o,
tone. 7he bathho/e ha$ been thick .ith the team riing o,, the .ater- an$ !aime ha$ come
.a"king thro/gh that mit nake$ a hi name $ay- "ooking ha", a corpe an$ ha", a go$. 7e
climbed into the tub with me, he remembere$- b"/hing. She eiGe$ a ch/nk o, har$ "ye oap an$
cr/bbe$ /n$er her arm- trying to ca"" /p Ren"y4 ,ace again.
By the time the .ater ha$ gone co"$- Brienne .a a c"ean a he .a "ike to get. She p/t on
the ame c"othe he ha$ taken o,, an$ gir$e$ her .or$be"t tight aro/n$ her hip- b/t her mai"
an$ he"m he "e,t behin$- o a not to eem o threatening at the 5/n +ort. &t ,e"t goo$ to tretch
her "eg. 7he g/ar$ at the cat"e gate .ore "eather =ack .ith a ba$ge that ho.e$ croe$
.arhammer /pon a .hite a"tire. 2& .o/"$ peak .ith yo/r "or$-1 Brienne to"$ them.
Hne "a/ghe$. 2Bet ho/t o/t "o/$- then.1
2?or$ Rykker ro$e to Mai$enpoo" .ith Ran$y"" 7ar"y-1 the other ai$. 2#e "e,t Ser R/,/
?eek a cate""an- to "ook a,ter ?a$y Rykker an$ the yo/ng one.1
&t .a to ?eek that they ecorte$ her. Ser R/,/ .a a hort- to/t greybear$ .hoe "e,t "eg
en$e$ in a t/mp. 2Eo/ .i"" ,orgive me i, & $o not rie-1 he ai$. Brienne o,,ere$ him her "etter-
b/t ?eek co/"$ not rea$- o he ent her to the maeter- a ba"$ man .ith a ,reck"e$ ca"p an$ a
ti,, re$ m/tache.
3hen he hear$ the name #o""ar$- the maeter ,ro.ne$ .ith irritation. 2#o. o,ten m/t & ing
thi ong61 #er ,ace m/t have given her a.ay. 25i$ yo/ think yo/ .ere the ,irt to come
eeking a,ter 5onto6 More "ike the t.enty(,irt. 7he go"$ c"oak .ere here .ithin $ay o, the
king4 m/r$er- .ith ?or$ 7y.in4 .arrant. An$ .hat $o yo/ have- pray61
Brienne ho.e$ him the "etter- .ith 7ommen4 ea" an$ chi"$ih ignat/re. 7he maeter
hmmmme$ an$ hrrrre$- picke$ at the .a:- an$ ,ina""y gave it back. 2&t eem in or$er.1 #e
c"imbe$ onto a too" an$ get/re$ Brienne to another. 2& never kne. Ser 5onto. #e .a a boy
.hen he "e,t 5/ken$a"e. 7he #o""ar$ .ere a nob"e #o/e once- 4ti tr/e. Eo/ kno. their arm6
Barry re$ an$ pink- .ith three go"$en cro.n /pon a b"/e chie,. 7he 5ark"yn .ere petty king
$/ring the Age o, #eroe- an$ three took #o""ar$ .ive. ?ater their "itt"e rea"m .a .a""o.e$
/p by "arger king$om- yet the 5ark"yn en$/re$ an$ the #o""ar$ erve$ them8 aye- even in
$e,iance. Eo/ kno. o, that61
2A "itt"e.1 #er o.n maeter /e$ to ay that it .a the 5e,iance o, 5/ken$a"e that ha$ $riven
>ing Aery ma$.
2&n 5/ken$a"e they "ove ?or$ 5eny ti""- $epite the .oe he bro/ght them. 47i ?a$y Sera"a
that they b"ame- hi Myrih .i,e. 7he ?ace Serpent- he i ca""e$. &, ?or$ 5ark"yn ha$ on"y .e$
a Sta/nton or a Stoke.orth8 .e""- yo/ kno. ho. ma"",o"k .i"" go on. 7he ?ace Serpent ,i""e$
her h/ban$4 ear .ith Myrih poion- they ay- /nti" ?or$ 5eny roe againt hi king an$ took
him captive. &n the taking- hi mater(at(arm Ser Symon #o""ar$ c/t $o.n Ser G.ayne Ga/nt
o, the >ingg/ar$. +or ha", a year Aery .a he"$ .ithin thee very .a""- .hi"t the >ing4
#an$ at o/ti$e 5/ken$a"e .ith a mighty hot. ?or$ 7y.in ha$ /,,icient trength to torm the
to.n any time he .ihe$- b/t ?or$ 5eny ent .or$ that at the ,irt ign o, aa/"t he4$ ki"" the
king.1
Brienne remembere$ .hat came ne:t. 27he king .a rec/e$-1 he ai$. 2Barritan the Bo"$
bro/ght him o/t.1
2#e $i$-1 the maeter ai$. 2Hnce ?or$ 5eny "ot hi hotage- he opene$ hi gate an$ en$e$
hi $e,iance rather than "et ?or$ 7y.in take the to.n. #e bent the knee an$ begge$ ,or mercy-
b/t the king .a not o, a ,orgiving min$. ?or$ 5eny "ot hi hea$- a $i$ hi brother an$ hi
iter- /nc"e- co/in- a"" the "or$"y 5ark"yn. 7he ?ace Serpent .a b/rne$ a"ive- poor .oman-
tho/gh her tong/e .a torn o/t ,irt- an$ her ,ema"e part- .ith .hich it .a ai$ that he ha$
en"ave$ her "or$. #a", o, 5/ken$a"e .i"" ti"" te"" yo/ that Aery .a too kin$ to her.1
2An$ the #o""ar$61
2Attainte$ an$ $etroye$-1 ai$ the maeter. 2& .a ,orging my chain at the Cita$e" .hen thi
happene$- b/t & have rea$ the acco/nt o, their tria" an$ p/nihment. Ser !on #o""ar$ the
Ste.ar$ .a .e$ to ?or$ 5eny4 iter an$ $ie$ .ith hi .i,e- a $i$ their yo/ng on- .ho .a
ha",(5ark"yn. Robin #o""ar$ .a a A/ire- an$ .hen the king .a eiGe$ he $ance$ aro/n$ him
an$ p/""e$ hi bear$. #e $ie$ /pon the rack. Ser Symon #o""ar$ .a "ain by Ser Barritan
$/ring the king4 ecape. 7he #o""ar$ "an$ .ere taken- their cat"e torn $o.n- their vi""age p/t
to the torch. A .ith the 5ark"yn- #o/e #o""ar$ .a e:ting/ihe$.1
2Save ,or 5onto.1
27r/e eno/gh. Eo/ng 5onto .a the on o, Ser Ste,,on #o""ar$- the t.in brother o, Ser
Symon- .ho ha$ $ie$ o, a ,ever ome year be,ore an$ ha$ no part in the 5e,iance. Aery .o/"$
have taken the boy4 hea$ o,, nonethe"e- b/t Ser Barritan ake$ that hi "i,e be pare$. 7he
king co/"$ not re,/e the man .ho4$ ave$ him- o 5onto .a taken to >ing4 ?an$ing a a
A/ire. 7o my kno."e$ge he never ret/rne$ to 5/ken$a"e- an$ .hy ho/"$ he6 #e he"$ no "an$
here- ha$ neither kin nor cat"e. &, 5onto an$ thi northern gir" he"pe$ m/r$er o/r .eet king- it
eem to me that they .o/"$ .ant to p/t a many "eag/e a they co/"$ bet.i:t theme"ve an$
=/tice. ?ook ,or them in H"$to.n- i, yo/ m/t- or acro the narro. ea. ?ook ,or them in
5orne- or on the 3a"". ?ook elsewhere+1 #e roe. 2& hear my raven ca""ing. Eo/ .i"" ,orgive me
i, & bi$ yo/ goo$ morro..1
7he .a"k back to the inn eeme$ "onger than the .a"k to the 5/n +ort- tho/gh perhap that
.a on"y her moo$. She .o/"$ not ,in$ Sana Stark in 5/ken$a"e- that eeme$ p"ain. &, Ser
5onto ha$ taken her to H"$to.n or acro the narro. ea- a the maeter eeme$ to think-
Brienne4 A/et .a hope"e. What was there for her in Oldtown6 he ake$ here",. #he
maester neer knew her, no more than he knew 7ollard+ She would not hae gone to strangers+
&n >ing4 ?an$ing- Brienne ha$ ,o/n$ one o, Sana4 ,ormer mai$ $oing .ahing in a
brothe". 2& erve$ .ith ?or$ Ren"y be,ore m4"a$y Sana- an$ both t/rne$ traitor-1 the .oman
Bre""a comp"aine$ bitter"y. 2No "or$ .i"" to/ch me no.- o & have to .ah ,or .hore.1 B/t
.hen Brienne ake$ abo/t Sana- he ai$- 2&4"" te"" yo/ .hat & to"$ ?or$ 7y.in. 7hat gir" .a
a".ay praying. She4$ go to ept an$ "ight her can$"e "ike a proper "a$y- b/t near every night he
.ent o,, to the go$.oo$. She4 gone back north- he ha. 7hat4 .here her gods are.1
7he north .a h/ge- tho/gh- an$ Brienne ha$ no notion .hich o, her ,ather4 bannermen
Sana might have been mot inc"ine$ to tr/t. Or would she seek her own blood instead6 7ho/gh
a"" o, her ib"ing ha$ been "ain- Brienne kne. that Sana ti"" ha$ an /nc"e an$ a batar$ ha",
brother on the 3a""- erving in the Night4 3atch. Another /nc"e- C$m/re 7/""y- .a a captive at
the 7.in- b/t his /nc"e Ser Bryn$en ti"" he"$ Riverr/n. An$ ?a$y Cate"yn4 yo/nger iter
r/"e$ the %a"e. Blood calls to blood+ Sana might .e"" have r/n to one o, them. 3hich one-
tho/gh6
7he 3a"" .a too ,ar- /re"y- an$ a b"eak an$ bitter p"ace bei$e. An$ to reach Riverr/n the
gir" .o/"$ nee$ to cro the .ar(torn river"an$ an$ pa thro/gh the ?anniter iege "ine. 7he
Cyrie .o/"$ be imp"er- an$ ?a$y ?ya .o/"$ /re"y .e"come her iter4 $a/ghter8
Ahea$- the a""ey bent. Someho. Brienne ha$ taken a .rong t/rn. She ,o/n$ here", in a $ea$
en$- a ma"" m/$$y yar$ .here three pig .ere rooting ro/n$ a "o. tone .e"". Hne A/ea"e$ at
the ight o, her- an$ an o"$ .oman $ra.ing .ater "ooke$ her /p an$ $o.n /picio/"y. 23hat
.o/"$ yo/ be .anting61
2& .a "ooking ,or the Seven S.or$.1
2Back the .ay yo/ come. ?e,t at the ept.1
2& thank yo/.1 Brienne t/rne$ to retrace her tep- an$ .a"ke$ hea$,irt into omeone
h/rrying ro/n$ the ben$. 7he co""iion knocke$ him o,, hi ,eet- an$ he "an$e$ on hi are in the
m/$. 29ar$on-1 he m/rm/re$. #e .a on"y a boyI a cra.ny "a$ .ith traight- thin hair an$ a
ty beneath one eye. 2Are yo/ h/rt61 She o,,ere$ a han$ to he"p him /p- b/t the boy A/irme$
back a.ay ,rom her on hee" an$ e"bo.. #e co/"$ not have been more than ten or t.e"ve-
tho/gh he .ore a chainmai" byrnie an$ ha$ a "ong.or$ in a "eather heath "/ng acro hi back.
25o & kno. yo/61 Brienne ake$. #i ,ace eeme$ vag/e"y ,ami"iar- tho/gh he co/"$ not think
,rom .here.
2No. Eo/ $on4t. Eo/ never81 #e cramb"e$ to hi ,eet. 2+(,(,orgive me. My "a$y. & .an4t
"ooking. & mean- & .a- b/t $o.n. & .a "ooking $o.n. At my ,eet.1 7he boy took to hi hee"-
p"/nging hea$"ong back the .ay he4$ come.
Something abo/t him ro/e$ a"" o, Brienne4 /picion- b/t he .a not abo/t to chae him
thro/gh the treet o, 5/ken$a"e. Outside the gates this morning, that was where I saw him, he
rea"iGe$. 7e was riding a piebald rounse!+ An$ it eeme$ a i, he ha$ een him ome.here e"e
a .e""- b/t .here6
By the time Brienne ,o/n$ the Seven S.or$ again- the common room .a cro.$e$. +o/r
epta at c"oet to the ,ire- in robe taine$ an$ $/ty ,rom the roa$. C"e.here "oca" ,i""e$ the
benche- opping /p bo." o, hot crab te. .ith ch/nk o, brea$. 7he me"" ma$e her tomach
r/mb"e- b/t he a. no empty eat. 7hen a voice behin$ her ai$- 2M4"a$y- here- have my
p"ace.1 Not /nti" he hoppe$ o,, the bench $i$ Brienne rea"iGe that the peaker .a a $.ar,. 7he
"itt"e man .a not A/ite ,ive ,eet ta"". #i noe .a veine$ an$ b/"bo/- hi teeth re$ ,rom
o/r"ea,- an$ he .a $ree$ in the bro.n ro/ghp/n robe o, a ho"y brother- .ith the iron
hammer o, the Smith $ang"ing $o.n abo/t hi thick neck.
2>eep yo/r eat-1 he ai$. 2& can tan$ a .e"" a yo/.1
2Aye- b/t my hea$ i not o apt to knock /pon the cei"ing.1 7he $.ar,4 peech .a coare
b/t co/rteo/. Brienne co/"$ ee the cro.n o, hi ca"p .here he ha$ have$ it. Many ho"y
brother .ore /ch ton/re. Septa Roe""e once to"$ her that it .a meant to ho. that they ha$
nothing to hi$e ,rom the +ather. 2Can4t the +ather ee thro/gh hair61 Brienne ha$ ake$. A
stupid thing to sa!+ She ha$ been a "o. chi"$I Septa Roe""e o,ten to"$ her o. She ,e"t near a
t/pi$ no.- o he took the "itt"e man4 p"ace at the en$ o, the bench- igna"e$ ,or te.- an$
t/rne$ to thank the $.ar,. 25o yo/ erve ome ho"y ho/e in 5/ken$a"e- brother61
247.a nearer Mai$enpoo"- m4"a$y- b/t the .o"ve b/rne$ / o/t-1 the man rep"ie$- gna.ing
on a hee" o, brea$. 23e reb/i"t a bet .e co/"$- /nti" ome e"".or$ come. & co/"$ not ay
.hoe men they .ere- b/t they took o/r pig an$ ki""e$ the brother. & A/eeGe$ ini$e a ho""o.
"og an$ hi$- b/t t4other .ere too big. &t took me a "ong time to b/ry them a""- b/t the Smith- he
gave me trength. 3hen that .a $one & $/g /p a ,e. coin the e"$er brother ha$ hi$ by an$ et
o,, by mye",.1
2& met ome other brother going to >ing4 ?an$ing.1
2Aye- there4 h/n$re$ on the roa$. Not on"y brother. Septon too- an$ ma"",o"k. Sparro.
a"". Might be &4m a parro. too. 7he Smith- he ma$e me ma"" eno/gh.1 #e ch/ck"e$. 2An$
.hat4 yo/r a$ ta"e- m4"a$y61
2& am "ooking ,or my iter. She4 highborn- on"y three(an$(ten- a pretty mai$ .ith b"/e eye
an$ a/b/rn hair. Eo/ may have een her trave"ing .ith a man. A knight- perhap a ,oo". 7here4
go"$ ,or the man .ho he"p me ,in$ her.1
2Go"$61 7he brother gave her a re$ mi"e. 2A bo." o, that crab te. .o/"$ be eno/gh re.ar$
,or me- b/t & ,ear & cannot he"p yo/. +oo" &4ve met- an$ p"enty- b/t not o many pretty mai$.1
#e cocke$ hi hea$ an$ tho/ght a moment. 27here .a a ,oo" at Mai$enpoo"- no. that & think o,
it. #e .a c"a$ in rag an$ $irt- a near a & co/"$ te""- b/t /n$er the $irt .a mot"ey.1
Did Dontos 7ollard wear motle!6 No one ha$ to"$ Brienne that he $i$8 b/t no one ha$ ever
ai$ he $i$n4t- either. 3hy .o/"$ the man be in rag- tho/gh6 #a$ ome mi,ort/ne overtaken
him an$ Sana a,ter they ,"e$ >ing4 ?an$ing6 7hat co/"$ .e"" be- .ith the roa$ o $angero/.
It might not hae been him at all+ 25i$ thi ,oo" have a re$ noe- ,/"" o, broken vein61
2& co/"$ not .ear to that. & con,e- & pai$ him "itt"e hee$. &4$ gone to Mai$enpoo" a,ter
b/rying my brother- thinking that & might ,in$ a hip to take me to >ing4 ?an$ing. & ,irt
g"impe$ the ,oo" $o.n by the $ock. #e ha$ a ,/rtive air to him an$ took care to avoi$ ?or$
7ar"y4 o"$ier. ?ater- & enco/ntere$ him again- at the Stinking Gooe.1
27he Stinking Gooe61 he ai$- /ncertain.
2An /navory p"ace-1 the $.ar, a$mitte$. 2?or$ 7ar"y4 men patro" the port at Mai$enpoo"-
b/t the Gooe i a".ay ,/"" o, ai"or- an$ ai"or have been kno.n to m/gg"e men aboar$ their
hip- i, the price i right. 7hi ,oo" .a eeking paage ,or three acro the narro. ea. & o,t
a. him there- ta"king .ith oarmen o,, the ga""ey. Sometime he .o/"$ ing a ,/nny ong.1
2Seeking paage ,or three6 Not t.o61
27hree- m4"a$y. 7hat &4$ .ear to- by the Seven.1
#hree, he tho/ght. Sansa, Ser Dontos= but who would be the third6 #he Imp6 45i$ the ,oo"
,in$ hi hip61
27hat & co/"$ not ay-1 the $.ar, to"$ her- 2b/t one night ome o, ?or$ 7ar"y4 o"$ier viite$
the Gooe "ooking ,or him- an$ a ,e. $ay "ater & hear$ another man boating that he4$ ,oo"e$ a
,oo" an$ ha$ the go"$ to prove it. #e .a $r/nk- an$ b/ying a"e ,or everyone.1
2J+oo"e$ a ,oo"-41 he ai$. 23hat $i$ he mean by that61
2& co/"$ not te"" yo/. #i name .a Nimb"e 5ick- tho/gh- that & $o reca"".1 7he $.ar, prea$
hi han$. 2& ,ear that4 a"" that & can o,,er yo/- ai$e ,rom a ma"" man4 prayer.1
7r/e to her .or$- Brienne bo/ght him hi bo." o, hot crab te.8 an$ ome hot ,reh brea$
an$ a c/p o, .ine a .e"". A he ate it- tan$ing by her i$e- he m/""e$ .hat he ha$ to"$ her.
%ould the Imp hae 9oined them6 &, 7yrion ?anniter .ere behin$ Sana4 $iappearance- an$
not 5onto #o""ar$- it too$ to reaon that they .o/"$ nee$ to ,"ee acro the narro. ea.
3hen the "itt"e man .a $one .ith hi bo." o, te.- he ,inihe$ .hat .a "e,t o, her a .e"".
2Eo/ ho/"$ eat more-1 he ai$. 2A .oman big a yo/ nee$ t4 keep her trength /p. &t i not ,ar
to Mai$enpoo"- b/t the roa$ i peri"o/ thee $ay.1
I know+ &t .a on that very roa$ that Ser C"eo +rey ha$ $ie$- an$ he an$ Ser !aime ha$ been
taken by the B"oo$y M/mmer. -aime tried to kill me, he remembere$- though he was gaunt
and weak, and his wrists were chained+ &t ha$ been a c"oe thing- even o- b/t that .a be,ore
Ko""o hacke$ hi han$ o,,. Ko""o an$ Rorge an$ Shag.e"" .o/"$ have rape$ her ha", a h/n$re$
time i, Ser !aime ha$ not to"$ them he .a .orth her .eight in apphire.
2M4"a$y6 Eo/ "ook a$. Are yo/ thinking o, yo/r iter61 7he $.ar, patte$ her on the han$.
27he Crone .i"" "ight yo/r .ay to her- never ,ear. 7he Mai$en .i"" keep her a,e.1
2& pray that yo/ are right.1
2& am.1 #e bo.e$. 2B/t no. & m/t be on my .ay. &4ve a "ong .ay yet to go to reach >ing4
?an$ing.1
25o yo/ have a hore6 A m/"e61
27.o m/"e.1 7he "itt"e man "a/ghe$. 27here they are- at the bottom o, my "eg. 7hey get me
.here & .ant t4 go.1 #e bo.e$- an$ .a$$"e$ to the $oor- .aying .ith each tep.
She remaine$ at the tab"e a,ter he ha$ gone- "ingering over a c/p o, .atere$ .ine. Brienne $i$
not o,t $rink .ine- b/t once in a great .hi"e he ,o/n$ it he"pe$ to ett"e her be""y. And where do
I want to go6 he ake$ here",. #o *aidenpool, to look for a man named 2imble Dick in a place
called the Stinking 1oose6
3hen "at he ha$ een Mai$enpoo"- the to.n ha$ been a $eo"ation- it "or$ h/t /p ini$e hi
cat"e- it ma"",o"k $ea$ or ,"e$ or hi$ing. She remembere$ b/rne$ ho/e an$ empty treet-
mahe$ an$ broken gate. +era" $og ha$ k/"ke$ a"ong behin$ their hore- .hi"t .o""en
corpe ,"oate$ "ike h/ge pa"e .ater "i"ie atop the pring(,e$ poo" that gave the to.n it name.
-aime sang 4Si8 *aids in a $ool,5 and laughed when I begged him to be 3uiet+ An$ Ran$y""
7ar"y .a at Mai$enpoo" a .e""- another reaon ,or her to avoi$ the to.n. She might $o better to
take hip ,or G/""to.n or 3hite #arbor. I could do both, though+ $a! a call on the Stinking
1oose and talk to this 2imble Dick, then find a ship at *aidenpool to take me farther north+
7he common room ha$ beg/n to empty. Brienne tore a ch/nk o, brea$ in ha",- "itening to the
ta"k at the other tab"e. Mot o, it concerne$ the $eath o, ?or$ 7y.in ?anniter. 2M/r$ere$ by
hi o.n on- they ay-1 a "oca" man .a aying- a cobb"er by the "ook o, him- 2that vi"e "itt"e
$.ar,.1
2An$ the king i =/t a boy-1 ai$ the o"$et o, the ,o/r epta. 23ho i to r/"e / ti"" he come
o, age61
2?or$ 7y.in4 brother-1 ai$ a g/ar$man. 2Hr that ?or$ 7yre""- might be. Hr the
>ing"ayer.1
2Not him-1 $ec"are$ the innkeep. 2Not that oathbreaker.1 #e pat into the ,ire. Brienne "et the
brea$ ,a"" ,rom her han$ an$ .ipe$ the cr/mb o,, on her breeche. She4$ hear$ eno/gh.
7hat night he $reame$ here", in Ren"y4 tent again. A"" the can$"e .ere g/ttering o/t- an$
the co"$ .a thick aro/n$ her. Something .a moving thro/gh green $arkne- omething ,o/"
an$ horrib"e .a h/rt"ing to.ar$ her king. She .ante$ to protect him- b/t her "imb ,e"t ti,, an$
,roGen- an$ it took more trength than he ha$ =/t to "i,t her han$. An$ .hen the ha$o. .or$
"ice$ thro/gh the green tee" gorget an$ the b"oo$ began to ,"o.- he a. that the $ying king
.a not Ren"y a,ter a"" b/t !aime ?anniter- an$ he ha$ ,ai"e$ him.
7he captain4 iter ,o/n$ her in the common room- $rinking a c/p o, mi"k an$ honey .ith
three ra. egg mi:e$ in. 2Eo/ $i$ bea/ti,/""y-1 he ai$- .hen the .oman ho.e$ her the
,reh"y painte$ hie"$. &t .a more a pict/re than a proper coat o, arm- an$ the ight o, it took
her back thro/gh the "ong year- to the coo" $ark o, her ,ather4 armory. She remembere$ ho.
he4$ r/n her ,ingertip acro the cracke$ an$ ,a$ing paint- over the green "eave o, the tree- an$
a"ong the path o, the ,a""ing tar.
Brienne pai$ the captain4 iter ha", again the /m they ha$ agree$- an$ "/ng the hie"$
acro one ho/"$er .hen he "e,t the inn- a,ter b/ying ome har$brea$- cheee- an$ ,"o/r ,rom
the cook. She "e,t the to.n by the north gate- ri$ing "o."y thro/gh the ,ie"$ an$ ,arm .here
the .ort o, the ,ighting ha$ been- .hen the .o"ve came $o.n on 5/ken$a"e.
?or$ Ran$y"" 7ar"y ha$ comman$e$ !o,,rey4 army- ma$e /p o, .etermen an$ torm"an$er
an$ knight ,rom the Reach. 7hoe men o, hi .ho ha$ $ie$ here ha$ been carrie$ back ini$e
the .a""- to ret in heroe4 tomb beneath the ept o, 5/ken$a"e. 7he northern $ea$- ,ar more
n/mero/- .ere b/rie$ in a common grave bei$e the ea. Above the cairn that marke$ their
reting p"ace- the victor ha$ raie$ a ro/gh(he.n .oo$en marker. #CRC ?&C 7#C 3H?%CS
.a a"" it ai$. Brienne toppe$ bei$e it an$ ai$ a i"ent prayer ,or them- an$ ,or Cate"yn Stark
an$ her on Robb an$ a"" the men .ho4$ $ie$ .ith them a .e"".
She remembere$ the night that ?a$y Cate"yn ha$ "earne$ her on .ere $ea$- the t.o yo/ng
boy he4$ "e,t at 3inter,e"" to keep them a,e. Brienne ha$ kno.n that omething .a terrib"y
ami. She ha$ ake$ her i, there ha$ been ne. o, her on. 2& have no on b/t Robb-1 ?a$y
Cate"yn ha$ rep"ie$. She ha$ o/n$e$ a i, a kni,e .ere t.iting her be""y. Brienne ha$ reache$
acro the tab"e to give her com,ort- b/t he toppe$ be,ore her ,inger br/he$ the o"$er
.oman4- ,or ,ear that he .o/"$ ,"inch a.ay. ?a$y Cate"yn ha$ t/rne$ over her han$- to ho.
Brienne the car on her pa"m an$ ,inger .here a kni,e once bit $eep into her ,"eh. 7hen he
ha$ beg/n to ta"k abo/t her $a/ghter. 2Sana .a a "itt"e "a$y-1 he ha$ ai$- 2a".ay co/rteo/
an$ eager to p"eae. She "ove$ ta"e o, knight"y va"or. She .i"" gro. into a .oman ,ar more
bea/ti,/" than &- yo/ can ee that. & .o/"$ o,ten br/h her hair mye",. She ha$ a/b/rn hair- thick
an$ o,t8 the re$ in it .o/"$ hine "ike copper in the "ight o, the torche.1
She ha$ poken o, Arya too- her yo/nger $a/ghter- b/t Arya .a "ot- mot "ike"y $ea$ by
no.. Sana- tho/gh8 I will find her, m! lad!, Brienne .ore to ?a$y Cate"yn4 ret"e ha$e. I
will neer stop looking+ I will gie up m! life if need be, gie up m! honor, gie up all m!
dreams, but I will find her+
Beyon$ the batt"egro/n$ the roa$ ran bei$e the hore- bet.een the /rging grey(green ea
an$ a "ine o, "o. "imetone hi"". Brienne .a not the on"y trave"er on the roa$. 7here .ere
,ihing vi""age /p a"ong the coat ,or many "eag/e- an$ the ,iher,o"k /e$ thi roa$ to take
their ,ih to market. She ro$e pat a ,ih.i,e an$ her $a/ghter- .a"king home .ith empty
baket on their ho/"$er. &n her armor- they took her ,or a knight /nti" they a. her ,ace. 7hen
the gir" .hipere$ to one another an$ gave her "ook. 2#ave yo/ een a mai$ o, three(an$(ten
a"ong the roa$61 he ake$ them. 2A highborn mai$ .ith b"/e eye an$ a/b/rn hair61 Ser
Sha$rich ha$ ma$e her .ary- b/t he ha$ to keep on trying. 2She may have been trave"ing .ith a
,oo".1 B/t they on"y hook their hea$ an$ gigg"e$ at her behin$ their han$.
&n the ,irt vi""age he came to- bare,oot boy ran a"ong bei$e her hore. She ha$ $onne$ her
he"m- t/ng by the gigg"e o, the ,iher,o"k- o they took her ,or a man. Hne boy o,,ere$ to e""
her c"am- one o,,ere$ crab- an$ one o,,ere$ her hi iter.
Brienne bo/ght three crab ,rom the econ$ boy. By the time he "e,t the vi""age it ha$ beg/n
to rain- an$ the .in$ .a riing. Storm coming, he tho/ght- g"ancing o/t to ea. 7he rain$rop
pinge$ againt the tee" o, her he"m- making her ear ring a he ro$e- b/t it .a better than
being o/t there in a boat.
An ho/r ,arther north- the roa$ $ivi$e$ at a pi"e o, t/mb"e$ tone that marke$ the r/in o, a
ma"" cat"e. 7he right(han$ ,ork ,o""o.e$ the coat- mean$ering /p a"ong the hore to.ar$
Crackc"a. 9oint- a $ima" "an$ o, bog an$ pine barrenI the "e,t(han$ ran thro/gh hi"" an$
,ie"$ an$ .oo$ to Mai$enpoo". 7he rain .a ,a""ing more heavi"y by then. Brienne $imo/nte$
an$ "e$ her mare o,, the roa$ to take he"ter amongt the r/in. 7he co/re o, the cat"e .a""
co/"$ ti"" be $icerne$ amongt the bramb"e- .ee$- an$ .i"$ e"m- b/t the tone that ha$
ma$e them /p .ere tre.n "ike a chi"$4 b"ock bet.een the roa$. 9art o, the main keep ti""
too$- ho.ever. &t trip"e to.er .ere grey granite- "ike the broken .a""- b/t their mer"on .ere
ye""o. an$tone. #hree crowns, he rea"iGe$- a he gaGe$ at them thro/gh the rain. #hree
golden crowns+ 7hi ha$ been a #o""ar$ cat"e. Ser 5onto ha$ been born here- "ike a not.
She "e$ her mare thro/gh the r/bb"e to the keep4 main entrance. H, the $oor on"y r/te$ iron
hinge remaine$- b/t the roo, .a ti"" o/n$- an$ it .a $ry .ithin. Brienne tie$ her mare to a
.a"" conce- took o,, her he"m- an$ hook o/t her hair. She .a earching ,or ome $ry .oo$ to
"ight a ,ire .hen he hear$ the o/n$ o, another hore- coming c"oer. Some intinct ma$e her
tep back into the ha$o.- .here he co/"$ not be een ,rom the roa$. 7hi .a the very roa$
.here he an$ Ser !aime ha$ been capt/re$. She $i$ not inten$ to /,,er that again.
7he ri$er .a a ma"" man. #he *ad *ouse, he tho/ght- at her ,irt ight o, him. Somehow
he/s followed me+ #er han$ .ent to her .or$ hi"t- an$ he ,o/n$ here", .on$ering i, Ser
Sha$rich .o/"$ think her eay prey =/t beca/e he .a a .oman. ?or$ Gran$ion4 cate""an
ha$ once ma$e that error. #/m,rey 3agta,, .a hi nameI a pro/$ o"$ man o, ,ive(an$(i:ty-
.ith a noe "ike a ha.k an$ a potte$ hea$. 7he $ay they .ere betrothe$- he .arne$ Brienne that
he .o/"$ e:pect her to be a proper .oman once they4$ .e$. 2& .i"" not have my "a$y .i,e
cavorting abo/t in man4 mai". Hn thi yo/ ha"" obey me- "et & be ,orce$ to chatie yo/.1
She .a i:teen an$ no tranger to a .or$- b/t ti"" hy $epite her pro.e in the yar$. Eet
omeho. he ha$ ,o/n$ the co/rage to te"" Ser #/m,rey that he .o/"$ accept chatiement on"y
,rom a man .ho co/"$ o/t,ight her. 7he o"$ knight p/rp"e$- b/t agree$ to $on hi o.n armor to
teach her a .oman4 proper p"ace. 7hey ,o/ght .ith b"/nte$ to/rney .eapon- o Brienne4
mace ha$ no pike. She broke Ser #/m,rey4 co""arbone- t.o rib- an$ their betrotha". #e .a
her thir$ propective h/ban$- an$ her "at. #er ,ather $i$ not init again.
&, it was Ser Sha$rich $ogging her hee"- he might .e"" have a ,ight on her han$. She $i$ not
inten$ to partner .ith the man or "et him ,o""o. her to Sana. 7e had the sort of eas! arrogance
that comes with skill at arms, he tho/ght- but he was small+ I/ll hae the reach on him, and I
should be stronger too+
Brienne .a a trong a mot knight- an$ her o"$ mater(at(arm /e$ to ay that he .a
A/icker than any .oman her iGe ha$ any right to be. 7he go$ ha$ given her tamina too- .hich
Ser Goo$.in $eeme$ a nob"e gi,t. +ighting .ith .or$ an$ hie"$ .a a .eariome b/ine-
an$ victory o,t .ent to the man .ith mot en$/rance. Ser Goo$.in ha$ ta/ght her to ,ight
ca/tio/"y- to conerve her trength .hi"e "etting her ,oe pen$ their in ,/rio/ attack. 2Men
.i"" a".ay /n$eretimate yo/-1 he ai$- 2an$ their pri$e .i"" make them .ant to vanA/ih yo/
A/ick"y- "et it be ai$ that a .oman trie$ them ore"y.1 She ha$ "earne$ the tr/th o, that once he
.ent into the .or"$. Cven !aime ?anniter ha$ come at her that .ay- in the .oo$ by
Mai$enpoo". &, the go$ .ere goo$- the Ma$ Mo/e .o/"$ make the ame mitake. 7e ma! be a
seasoned knight, he tho/ght- but he is no -aime "annister+ She "i$ her .or$ o/t o, it
cabbar$.
B/t it .a not Ser Sha$rich4 chetn/t co/rer that $re. /p .here the roa$ ,orke$- b/t a
broken($o.n o"$ pieba"$ ro/ney .ith a kinny boy /pon hi back. 3hen Brienne a. the hore
he $re. back in con,/ion. Onl! some bo!, he tho/ght- /nti" he g"impe$ the ,ace beneath hi
hoo$. #he bo! in Duskendale, the one who bumped into me+ It/s him+
7he boy never gave the r/ine$ cat"e a g"ance- b/t "ooke$ $o.n one roa$- then the other.
A,ter a moment4 heitation- he t/rne$ the ro/ney to.ar$ the hi"" an$ p"o$$e$ on. Brienne
.atche$ him vanih thro/gh the ,a""ing rain- an$ /$$en"y it came to her that he ha$ een thi
ame boy in Roby. 7e is stalking me, he rea"iGe$- but that/s a game that two can pla!+ She
/ntie$ her mare- c"imbe$ back into the a$$"e- an$ .ent a,ter him.
7he boy .a taring at the gro/n$ a he ro$e- .atching the r/t in the roa$ ,i"" /p .ith .ater.
7he rain m/,,"e$ the o/n$ o, her approach- an$ no $o/bt hi hoo$ p"aye$ a part a .e"". #e
never "ooke$ back once- /nti" Brienne trotte$ /p behin$ him an$ gave the ro/ney a .hack
acro the r/mp .ith the ,"at o, her "ong.or$.
7he hore reare$- an$ the kinny boy .ent ,"ying- hi c"oak ,"apping "ike a pair o, .ing. #e
"an$e$ in the m/$ an$ came /p .ith $irt an$ $ea$ bro.n gra bet.een hi teeth to ,in$ Brienne
tan$ing over him. &t .a the ame boy- beyon$ a $o/bt. She recogniGe$ the ty. 23ho are yo/61
he $eman$e$.
7he boy4 mo/th .orke$ o/n$"e"y. #i eye .ere big a egg. 29/h-1 .a a"" he co/"$
manage. 29/h.1 #i chainmai" byrnie ma$e a ratt"ing o/n$ .hen he hivere$. 29/h. 9/h.1
29"eae61 ai$ Brienne. 2Are yo/ aying please61 She "ai$ the point o, her .or$ on the app"e
o, hi throat. 29"eae te"" me .ho yo/ are- an$ .hy yo/4re ,o""o.ing me.1
2Not p/h(p/h(please+1 #e t/ck a ,inger in hi mo/th- an$ ,"icke$ a.ay a c"/mp o, m/$-
pitting. 29/h(p/h($od+ My name. 9/h(p/h($odrick+ 9/h(9ayne.1
Brienne "o.ere$ her .or$. She ,e"t a r/h o, ympathy ,or the boy. She remembere$ a $ay at
Cven,a""- an$ a yo/ng knight .ith a roe in hi han$. 7e brought the rose to gie to me+ Hr o her
epta to"$ her. A"" he ha$ to $o .a .e"come him to her ,ather4 cat"e. #e .a eighteen- .ith
"ong re$ hair that t/mb"e$ to hi ho/"$er. She .a t.e"ve- tight"y "ace$ into a ti,, ne. go.n-
it bo$ice bright .ith garnet. 7he t.o o, them .ere o, a height- b/t he co/"$ not "ook him in
the eye- nor ay the imp"e .or$ her epta ha$ ta/ght her. Ser )onnet+ I welcome !ou to m! lord
father/s hall+ It is good to look upon !our face at last+
23hy are yo/ ,o""o.ing me61 he $eman$e$ o, the boy. 23ere yo/ to"$ to py /pon me6 5o
yo/ be"ong to %ary- or the A/een61
2No. Not neither. No one.1
Brienne p/t hi age at ten- b/t he .a terrib"e at =/$ging ho. o"$ a chi"$ .a. She a".ay
tho/ght they .ere yo/nger than they .ere- perhap beca/e he ha$ a".ay been big ,or her age.
Freakish big, Septa Roe""e /e$ to ay- and mannish+ 27hi roa$ i too $angero/ ,or a boy
a"one.1
2Not ,or a s3uire+ &4m hi A/ire. 7he #an$4 A/ire.1
2?or$ 7y.in61 Brienne heathe$ her b"a$e.
2No. Not that #an$. 7he one be,ore. #i on. & ,o/ght .ith him in the batt"e. & ho/te$
J7alfman; 7alfman;/1
#he Imp/s s3uire+ Brienne ha$ not even kno.n he ha$ one. 7yrion ?anniter .a no knight.
#e might have been e:pecte$ to have a erving boy or t.o to atten$ him- he /ppoe$- a page
an$ a c/pbearer- omeone to he"p $re him. B/t a s3uire6 23hy are yo/ ta"king a,ter me61 he
ai$. 23hat $o yo/ .ant61
27o ,in$ her.1 7he boy got to hi ,eet. 2#i "a$y. Eo/4re "ooking ,or her. Bre""a to"$ me. She4
hi .i,e. Not Bre""a- ?a$y Sana. So & tho/ght- i, yo/ ,o/n$ her81 #i ,ace t.ite$ in /$$en
ang/ih. 2&4m hi s3uire,1 he repeate$- a the rain ran $o.n hi ,ace- 2b/t he left me.1
REE5
7he rat A/ea"e$ a he bit into it- A/irming .i"$"y in hi han$- ,rantic to ecape. 7he be""y
.a the o,tet part. #e tore at the .eet meat- the .arm b"oo$ r/nning over hi "ip. &t .a o
goo$ that it bro/ght tear to hi eye. #i be""y r/mb"e$ an$ he .a""o.e$. By the thir$ bite the
rat ha$ ceae$ to tr/gg"e- an$ he .a ,ee"ing a"mot content.
7hen he hear$ the o/n$ o, voice o/ti$e the $/ngeon $oor.
At once he ti""e$- ,earing even to che.. #i mo/th .a ,/"" o, b"oo$ an$ ,"eh an$ hair- b/t
he $are not pit or .a""o.. #e "itene$ in terror- ti,, a tone- to the c/,, o, boot an$ the
c"anking o, iron key. 2o, he tho/ght- no, please gods, not now, not now+ &t ha$ taken him o
"ong to catch the rat. If the! catch me with it, the! will take it awa!, and then the!/ll tell, and
"ord )amsa! will hurt me+
#e kne. he o/ght to hi$e the rat- b/t he .a o hungr!+ &t ha$ been t.o $ay ince he ha$
eaten- or maybe three. 5o.n here in the $ark it .a har$ to te"". 7ho/gh hi arm an$ "eg .ere
thin a ree$- hi be""y .a .o""en an$ ho""o.- an$ ache$ o m/ch that he ,o/n$ he co/"$ not
"eep. 3henever he c"oe$ hi eye- he ,o/n$ hime", remembering ?a$y #orn.oo$. A,ter their
.e$$ing- ?or$ Ramay ha$ "ocke$ her a.ay in a to.er an$ tarve$ her to $eath. &n the en$ he
ha$ eaten her o.n ,inger.
#e cro/che$ $o.n in a corner o, hi ce""- c"/tching hi priGe /n$er hi chin. B"oo$ ran ,rom
the corner o, hi mo/th a he nibb"e$ at the rat .ith .hat remaine$ o, hi teeth- trying to bo"t
$o.n a m/ch o, the .arm ,"eh a he co/"$ be,ore the ce"" .a opene$. 7he meat .a tringy-
b/t o rich he tho/ght he might be ick. #e che.e$ an$ .a""o.e$- picking ma"" bone ,rom the
ho"e in hi g/m .here teeth ha$ been yanke$ o/t. &t h/rt to che.- b/t he .a o h/ngry he
co/"$ not top.
7he o/n$ .ere gro.ing "o/$er. $lease gods, he isn/t coming for me, he praye$- tearing o,,
one o, the rat4 "eg. &t ha$ been a "ong time ince anyone ha$ come ,or him. 7here .ere other
ce""- other prioner. Sometime he hear$ them creaming- even thro/gh the thick tone .a"".
#he women alwa!s scream the loudest+ #e /cke$ at the ra. meat an$ trie$ to pit o/t the "eg
bone- b/t it on"y $ribb"e$ over hi "o.er "ip an$ tang"e$ in hi bear$. 1o awa!, he praye$- go
awa!, pass me b!, please, please+
B/t the ,oottep toppe$ =/t .hen they .ere "o/$et- an$ the key c"attere$ right o/ti$e the
$oor. 7he rat ,e"" ,rom hi ,inger. #e .ipe$ hi b"oo$y ,inger on hi breeche. 2No-1 he
m/mb"e$- 2noooo+1 #i hee" crabb"e$ at the tra. a he trie$ to p/h hime", into the corner-
into the co"$ $amp tone .a"".
7he o/n$ o, the "ock t/rning .a the mot terrib"e o, a"". 3hen the "ight hit him ,/"" in the
,ace- he "et o/t a hriek. #e ha$ to cover hi eye .ith hi han$. #e .o/"$ have c"a.e$ them
o/t i, he4$ $are$- hi hea$ .a po/n$ing o. 27ake it a.ay- $o it in the $ark- p"eae- oh p"eae.1
27hat4 not him-1 ai$ a boy4 voice. 2?ook at him. 3e4ve got the .rong ce"".1
2?at ce"" on the "e,t-1 another boy rep"ie$. 27hi i the "at ce"" on the "e,t- in4t it61
2Aye.1 A pa/e. 23hat4 he aying61
2& $on4t think he "ike the "ight.1
23o/"$ yo/- i, yo/ "ooke$ "ike that61 7he boy ha.ke$ an$ pat. 2An$ the tench o, him. &4m
"ike to choke.1
2#e4 been eating rat-1 ai$ the econ$ boy. 2?ook.1
7he ,irt boy "a/ghe$. 2#e ha. 7hat4 ,/nny.1
I had to+ 7he rat bit him .hen he "ept- gna.ing at hi ,inger an$ hi toe- even at hi ,ace-
o .hen he got hi han$ on one he $i$ not heitate. Cat or be eaten- thoe .ere the on"y choice.
2& $i$ it-1 he m/mb"e$- 2& $i$- & $i$- & ate him- they $o the ame to me- p"eae81
7he boy move$ c"oer- the tra. cr/nching o,t"y /n$er their ,eet. 27a"k to me-1 ai$ one o,
them. #e .a the ma""er o, the t.o- a thin boy- b/t c"ever. 25o yo/ remember .ho yo/ are61
7he ,ear came b/bb"ing /p ini$e him- an$ he moane$. 27a"k to me. 7e"" me yo/r name.1
*! name+ A cream ca/ght in hi throat. 7hey ha$ ta/ght him hi name- they ha$- they had,
b/t it ha$ been o "ong that he4$ ,orgotten. If I sa! it wrong, he/ll take another finger, or worse,
he/ll= he/ll= #e .o/"$ not think abo/t that- he co/"$ not think abo/t that. 7here .ere nee$"e
in hi =a.- in hi eye. #i hea$ .a po/n$ing. 29"eae-1 he A/eake$- hi voice thin an$ .eak.
#e o/n$e$ a h/n$re$ year o"$. 9erhap he .a. 7ow long hae I been in here6 2Go-1 he
m/mb"e$- thro/gh broken teeth an$ broken ,inger- hi eye c"oe$ tight againt the terrib"e
bright "ight. 29"eae- yo/ can have the rat- $on4t h/rt me81
2)eek,1 ai$ the "arger o, the boy. 2Eo/r name i Reek. Remember61 #e .a the one .ith
the torch. 7he ma""er boy ha$ the ring o, iron key.
)eek6 7ear ran $o.n hi cheek. 2& remember. & $o.1 #i mo/th opene$ an$ c"oe$. 2My
name i Reek. &t rhyme .ith "eek.1 &n the $ark he $i$ not nee$ a name- o it .a eay to ,orget.
)eek, )eek, m! name is )eek+ #e ha$ not been born .ith that name. &n another "i,e he ha$ been
omeone e"e- b/t here an$ no.- hi name .a Reek. #e remembere$.
#e remembere$ the boy a .e"". 7hey .ere c"a$ in matching "amb(.oo" $o/b"et- i"ver(
grey .ith $ark b"/e trim. Both .ere A/ire- both .ere eight- an$ both .ere 3a"$er +rey. Big
Walder and "ittle Walder, !es+ Hn"y the big one .a ?itt"e an$ the "itt"e one .a Big- .hich
am/e$ the boy an$ con,/e$ the ret o, the .or"$. 2& kno. yo/-1 he .hipere$- thro/gh
cracke$ "ip. 2& kno. yo/r name.1
2Eo/4re to come .ith /-1 ai$ ?itt"e 3a"$er. 2#i "or$hip ha nee$ o, yo/-1 ai$ Big
3a"$er.
+ear .ent thro/gh him "ike a kni,e. #he! are onl! children, he tho/ght. #wo bo!s of eight+ #e
co/"$ overcome t.o boy o, eight- /re"y. Cven a .eak a he .a- he co/"$ take the torch- take
the key- take the $agger heathe$ on ?itt"e 3a"$er4 hip- ecape. 2o+ 2o, it is too eas!+ It is a
trap+ If I run, he will take another finger from me, he will take more of m! teeth+
#e ha$ r/n be,ore. Eear ago- it eeme$- .hen he ti"" ha$ ome trength in him- .hen he ha$
ti"" been $e,iant. 7hat time it ha$ been >yra .ith the key. She to"$ him he ha$ to"en them-
that he kne. a potern gate that .a never g/ar$e$. 27ake me back to 3inter,e""- m4"or$-1 he
begge$- pa"e(,ace$ an$ tremb"ing. 2& $on4t kno. the .ay. & can4t ecape a"one. Come .ith me-
p"eae.1 An$ o he ha$. 7he gao"er .a $ea$ $r/nk in a p/$$"e o, .ine- .ith hi breeche $o.n
aro/n$ hi ank"e. 7he $/ngeon $oor .a open an$ the potern gate ha$ been /ng/ar$e$- =/t a
he ha$ ai$. 7hey .aite$ ,or the moon to go behin$ a c"o/$- then "ippe$ ,rom the cat"e an$
p"ahe$ acro the 3eeping 3ater- t/mb"ing over tone- ha",(,roGen by the icy tream. Hn the
,ar i$e- he ha$ kie$ her. 2Eo/4ve ave$ /-1 he ai$. Fool+ Fool+
&t ha$ a"" been a trap- a game- a =ape. ?or$ Ramay "ove$ the chae an$ pre,erre$ to h/nt t.o(
"egge$ prey. A"" night they ran thro/gh the $ark"ing .oo$- b/t a the /n came /p the o/n$ o, a
$itant horn came ,aint"y thro/gh the tree- an$ they hear$ the baying o, a pack o, ho/n$. 23e
ho/"$ p"it /p-1 he to"$ >yra a the $og $re. c"oer. 27hey cannot track / both.1 7he gir" .a
craGe$ .ith ,ear- tho/gh- an$ re,/e$ to "eave hi i$e- even .hen he .ore that he .o/"$ raie a
hot o, ironborn an$ come back ,or her i, he ho/"$ be the one they ,o""o.e$.
3ithin the ho/r- they .ere taken. Hne $og knocke$ him to the gro/n$- an$ a econ$ bit >yra
on the "eg a he cramb"e$ /p a hi""i$e. 7he ret /rro/n$e$ them- baying an$ nar"ing-
napping at them every time they move$- ho"$ing them there /nti" Ramay Sno. ro$e /p .ith
hi h/ntmen. #e .a ti"" a batar$ then- not yet a Bo"ton. 27here yo/ are-1 he ai$- mi"ing
$o.n at them ,rom the a$$"e. 2Eo/ .o/n$ me- .an$ering o,, "ike thi. #ave yo/ gro.n tire$ o,
my hopita"ity o oon61 7hat .a .hen >yra eiGe$ a tone an$ thre. it at hi hea$. &t mie$
by a goo$ ,oot- an$ Ramay mi"e$. 2Eo/ m/t be p/nihe$.1
Reek remembere$ the $eperate- ,rightene$ "ook in >yra4 eye. She ha$ never "ooke$ o
yo/ng a he $i$ in that moment- ti"" ha", a gir"- b/t there .a nothing he co/"$ $o. She brought
them down on us, he tho/ght. If we had separated as I wanted, one of us might hae gotten
awa!+
7he memory ma$e it har$ to breathe. Reek t/rne$ a.ay ,rom the torch .ith tear g"immering
in hi eye. What does he want of me this time6 he tho/ght- $epairing. Wh! won/t he 9ust leae
me be6 I did no wrong, not this time, wh! won/t the! 9ust leae me in the dark6 #e4$ ha$ a rat- a
,at one- .arm an$ .rigg"ing8
2Sho/"$ .e .ah him61 ake$ ?itt"e 3a"$er. 2#i "or$hip "ike him tinky-1 ai$ Big
3a"$er. 27hat4 .hy he name$ him Reek.1
)eek+ *! name is )eek, it rh!mes with bleak+ #e ha$ to remember that. Sere and obe! and
remember who !ou are, and no more harm will come to !ou+ 7e promised, his lordship
promised+ Cven i, he ha$ .ante$ to reit- he $i$ not have the trength. &t ha$ been co/rge$
,rom him- tarve$ ,rom him- ,"aye$ ,rom him. 3hen ?itt"e 3a"$er p/""e$ him /p an$ Big
3a"$er .ave$ the torch at him to her$ him ,rom the ce""- he .ent a"ong a $oci"e a a $og. &,
he4$ ha$ a tai"- he .o/"$ have t/cke$ it $o.n bet.een hi "eg.
If I had a tail, the Bastard would hae cut it off+ 7he tho/ght came /nbi$$en- a vi"e tho/ght-
$angero/. #i "or$hip .a not a batar$ anymore. Bolton, not Snow+ 7he boy king on the &ron
7hrone ha$ ma$e ?or$ Ramay "egitimate- giving him the right to /e hi "or$ ,ather4 name.
Ca""ing him Snow remin$e$ him o, hi batar$y an$ ent him into a b"ack rage. Reek m/t
remember that. An$ hi name- he m/t remember hi name. +or ha", a heartbeat it e"/$e$ him-
an$ that ,rightene$ him o ba$"y that he trippe$ on the teep $/ngeon tep an$ tore hi breeche
open on the tone- $ra.ing b"oo$. ?itt"e 3a"$er ha$ to hove the torch at him to get him back on
hi ,eet an$ moving again.
H/t in the yar$- night .a ett"ing over the 5rea$,ort an$ a ,/"" moon .a riing over the
cat"e4 eatern .a"". &t pa"e "ight cat the ha$o. o, the ta"" triang/"ar mer"on acro the
,roGen gro/n$- a "ine o, harp b"ack teeth. 7he air .a co"$ an$ $amp an$ ,/"" o, ha",(,orgotten
me"". #he world, Reek to"$ hime",- this is what the world smells like+ #e $i$ not kno. ho.
"ong he ha$ been $o.n there in the $/ngeon- b/t it ha$ to have been ha", a year at "eat. #hat
long, or longer+ What if it has been fie !ears, or ten, or twent!6 Would I een know6 What if I
went mad down there, and half m! life is gone6 B/t no- that .a ,o""y. &t co/"$ not have been o
"ong. 7he boy .ere ti"" boy. &, it ha$ been ten year- they .o/"$ have gro.n into men. #e ha$
to remember that. I must not let him drie me mad+ 7e can take m! fingers and m! toes, he can
put out m! e!es and slice m! ears off, but he cannot take m! wits unless I let him+
?itt"e 3a"$er "e$ the .ay .ith torch in han$. Reek ,o""o.e$ meek"y- .ith Big 3a"$er =/t
behin$ him. 7he $og in the kenne" barke$ a they .ent by. 3in$ .ir"e$ thro/gh the yar$-
c/tting thro/gh the thin c"oth o, the ,i"thy rag he .ore an$ raiing gooeprick"e on hi kin.
7he night air .a co"$ an$ $amp- b/t he a. no ign o, no. tho/gh /re"y .inter .a c"oe at
han$. Reek .on$ere$ i, he .o/"$ be a"ive to ee the no. come. 7ow man! fingers will I hae6
7ow man! toes6 3hen he raie$ a han$- he .a hocke$ to ee ho. .hite it .a- ho. ,"eh"e.
Skin and bones, he tho/ght. I hae an old man/s hands+ Co/"$ he have been .rong abo/t the
boy6 3hat i, they .ere not ?itt"e 3a"$er an$ Big 3a"$er a,ter a""- b/t the sons o, the boy he4$
kno.n6
7he great ha"" .a $im an$ moky. Ro. o, torche b/rne$ to "e,t an$ right- grape$ by
ke"eta" h/man han$ =/tting ,rom the .a"". #igh overhea$ .ere .oo$en ra,ter b"ack ,rom
moke- an$ a va/"te$ cei"ing "ot in ha$o.. 7he air .a heavy .ith the me"" o, .ine an$ a"e
an$ roate$ meat. Reek4 tomach r/mb"e$ noii"y at the cent- an$ hi mo/th began to .ater.
?itt"e 3a"$er p/he$ him t/mb"ing pat the "ong tab"e .here the men o, the garrion .ere
eating. #e co/"$ ,ee" their eye /pon him. 7he bet p"ace- /p near the $ai- .ere occ/pie$ by
Ramay4 ,avorite- the Batar$4 Boy. Ben Bone- the o"$ man .ho kept hi "or$hip4 be"ove$
h/nting ho/n$. 5amon- ca""e$ 5amon 5ance(,or(Me- ,air(haire$ an$ boyih. Gr/nt- .ho ha$
"ot hi tong/e ,or peaking care"e"y in ?or$ Rooe4 hearing. So/r A"yn. Skinner. Ee""o.
5ick. +arther $o.n- be"o. the a"t- .ere other that Reek kne. by ight i, not by name' .orn
.or$ an$ er=eant- o"$ier an$ gao"er an$ tort/rer. B/t there .ere tranger too- ,ace he
$i$ not kno.. Some .rink"e$ their noe a he pae$- .hi"t other "a/ghe$ at the ight o, him.
1uests, Reek tho/ght- his lordship/s friends, and I am brought up to amuse them+ A hiver o,
,ear .ent thro/gh him.
At the high tab"e the Batar$ o, Bo"ton at in hi "or$ ,ather4 eat- $rinking ,rom hi ,ather4
c/p. 7.o o"$ men hare$ the high tab"e .ith him- an$ Reek kne. at a g"ance that both .ere
"or$. Hne .a ga/nt- .ith ,"inty eye- a "ong .hite bear$- an$ a ,ace a har$ a a .inter ,rot.
#i =erkin .a a ragge$ bearkin- .orn an$ greay. Fn$erneath he .ore a ringmai" byrnie- even
at tab"e. 7he econ$ "or$ .a thin a .e""- b/t t.ite$ .here the ,irt .a traight. Hne o, hi
ho/"$er .a m/ch higher than the other- an$ he toope$ over hi trencher "ike a v/"t/re over
carrion. #i eye .ere grey an$ gree$y- hi teeth ye""o.- hi ,orke$ bear$ a tang"e o, no. an$
i"ver. Hn"y a ,e. .ip o, .hite hair ti"" c"/ng to hi potte$ k/""- b/t the c"oak he .ore .a
o,t an$ ,ine- grey .oo" trimme$ .ith b"ack ab"e an$ ,atene$ at the ho/"$er .ith a tarb/rt
.ro/ght in beaten i"ver.
Ramay .a c"a$ in b"ack an$ pink@b"ack boot- b"ack be"t an$ cabbar$- b"ack "eather
=erkin over a pink ve"vet $o/b"et "ahe$ .ith $ark re$ atin. &n hi right ear g"eame$ a garnet c/t
in the hape o, a $rop o, b"oo$. Eet ,or a"" the p"en$or o, hi garb- he remaine$ an /g"y man-
big(bone$ an$ "ope(ho/"$ere$- .ith a ,"ehine to him that /ggete$ that in "ater "i,e he
.o/"$ r/n to ,at. #i kin .a pink an$ b"otchy- hi noe broa$- hi mo/th ma""- hi hair "ong
an$ $ark an$ $ry. #i "ip .ere .i$e an$ meaty- b/t the thing men notice$ ,irt abo/t him .ere
hi eye. #e ha$ hi "or$ ,ather4 eye@ma""- c"oe(et- A/eer"y pa"e. 1host gre!, ome men
ca""e$ the ha$e- b/t in tr/th hi eye .ere a"" b/t co"or"e- "ike t.o chip o, $irty ice.
At the ight o, Reek- he mi"e$ a .et("ippe$ mi"e. 27here he i. My o/r o"$ ,rien$.1 7o the
men bei$e him he ai$- 2Reek ha been .ith me ince & .a a boy. My "or$ ,ather gave him to
me a a token o, hi "ove.1
7he t.o "or$ e:change$ a "ook. 2& ha$ hear$ yo/r erving man .a $ea$-1 ai$ the one .ith
the toope$ ho/"$er. 2S"ain by the Stark- they ai$.1
?or$ Ramay ch/ck"e$. 27he ironmen .i"" te"" yo/ that .hat i $ea$ may never $ie- b/t rie
again- har$er an$ tronger. ?ike Reek. #e me"" o, the grave- tho/gh- & grant yo/ that.1
2#e me"" o, nightoi" an$ ta"e vomit.1 7he toop(ho/"$ere$ o"$ "or$ toe$ ai$e the bone
that he4$ been gna.ing on an$ .ipe$ hi ,inger on the tab"ec"oth. 2& there ome reaon yo/
m/t nee$ in,"ict him /pon / .hi"t .e4re eating61
7he econ$ "or$- the traight(backe$ o"$ man in the mai" byrnie- t/$ie$ Reek .ith ,"inty
eye. 2?ook again-1 he /rge$ the other "or$. 2#i hair4 gone .hite an$ he i three tone thinner-
aye- b/t thi i no erving man. #ave yo/ ,orgotten61
7he crookback "or$ "ooke$ again an$ gave a /$$en nort. 27im6 Can it be6 Stark4 .ar$.
Smi"ing- a".ay mi"ing.1
2#e mi"e "e o,ten no.-1 ?or$ Ramay con,ee$. 2& may have broken ome o, hi pretty
.hite teeth.1
2Eo/ .o/"$ have $one better to "it hi throat-1 ai$ the "or$ in mai". 2A $og .ho t/rn
againt hi mater i ,it ,or na/ght b/t kinning.1
2Hh- he4 been kinne$- here an$ there-1 ai$ Ramay.
2Ee- my "or$. & .a ba$- my "or$. &no"ent an$81 #e "icke$ hi "ip- trying to think o, .hat
e"e he ha$ $one. Sere and obe!, he to"$ hime",- and he/ll let !ou lie, and keep the parts that
!ou still hae+ Sere and obe! and remember !our name+ )eek, )eek, it rh!mes with meek+ 28
ba$ an$81
27here4 b"oo$ on yo/r mo/th-1 Ramay oberve$. 2#ave yo/ been che.ing on yo/r ,inger
again- Reek61
2No. No- my "or$- & .ear.1 Reek ha$ trie$ to bite hi o.n ring ,inger o,, once- to top it
h/rting a,ter they ha$ trippe$ the kin ,rom it. ?or$ Ramay .o/"$ never imp"y c/t o,, a man4
,inger. #e pre,erre$ to ,"ay it an$ "et the e:poe$ ,"eh $ry an$ crack an$ ,eter. Reek ha$ been
.hippe$ an$ racke$ an$ c/t- b/t there .a no pain ha", o e:cr/ciating a the pain that ,o""o.e$
,"aying. &t .a the ort o, pain that $rove men ma$- an$ it co/"$ not be en$/re$ ,or "ong. Soon or
"ate the victim .o/"$ cream- 29"eae- no more- no more- top it h/rting- cut it off,1 an$ ?or$
Ramay .o/"$ ob"ige. &t .a a game they p"aye$. Reek ha$ "earne$ the r/"e- a hi han$ an$
,eet co/"$ teti,y- b/t that one time he ha$ ,orgotten an$ trie$ to en$ the pain hime",- .ith hi
teeth. Ramay ha$ not been p"eae$- an$ the o,,ene ha$ cot Reek another toe. 2& ate a rat-1 he
m/mb"e$.
2A rat61 Ramay4 pa"e eye g"ittere$ in the torch"ight. 2A"" the rat in the 5rea$,ort be"ong to
my "or$ ,ather. #o. $are yo/ make a mea" o, one .itho/t my "eave.1
Reek $i$ not kno. .hat to ay- o he ai$ nothing. Hne .rong .or$ co/"$ cot him another
toe- even a ,inger. 7h/ ,ar he ha$ "ot t.o ,inger o,, hi "e,t han$ an$ the pinky o,, hi right-
b/t on"y the "itt"e toe o,, hi right ,oot againt three ,rom hi "e,t. Sometime Ramay .o/"$
make =ape abo/t ba"ancing him o/t. *! lord was onl! 9aping, he trie$ to te"" hime",. 7e does
not want to hurt me, he told me so, he onl! does it when I gie him cause+ #i "or$ .a merci,/"
an$ kin$. #e might have ,"aye$ hi ,ace o,, ,or ome o, the thing Reek ha$ ai$- be,ore he4$
"earne$ hi tr/e name an$ proper p"ace.
27hi gro. te$io/-1 ai$ the "or$ in the mai" byrnie. 2>i"" him an$ be $one .ith it.1
?or$ Ramay ,i""e$ hi c/p .ith a"e. 27hat .o/"$ poi" o/r ce"ebration- my "or$. Reek- & have
g"a$ ti$ing ,or yo/. & am to be .e$. My "or$ ,ather i bringing me a Stark gir". ?or$ C$$ar$4
$a/ghter- Arya. Eo/ remember "itt"e Arya- $on4t yo/61
Ar!a <nderfoot, he a"mot ai$. Ar!a 7orseface+ Robb4 yo/nger iter- bro.n(haire$- "ong(
,ace$- kinny a a tick- a".ay $irty. Sansa was the prett! one+ #e remembere$ a time .hen he
ha$ tho/ght that ?or$ C$$ar$ Stark might marry him to Sana an$ c"aim him ,or a on- b/t that
ha$ on"y been a chi"$4 ,ancy. Arya- tho/gh8 2& remember her. Arya.1
2She ha"" be the ?a$y o, 3inter,e""- an$ me her "or$.1
She is onl! a girl+ 2Ee- my "or$. Congrat/"ation.1
23i"" yo/ atten$ me at my .e$$ing- Reek61
#e heitate$. 2&, yo/ .ih it- my "or$.1
2Hh- & $o.1
#e heitate$ again- .on$ering i, thi .a ome cr/e" trap. 2Ee- my "or$. &, it p"eae yo/. &
.o/"$ be honore$.1
23e m/t take yo/ o/t o, that vi"e $/ngeon- then. Scr/b yo/ pink again- get yo/ ome c"ean
c"othe- ome ,oo$ to eat. Some nice o,t porri$ge- .o/"$ yo/ "ike that6 9erhap a peae pie
"ace$ .ith bacon. & have a "itt"e tak ,or yo/- an$ yo/4"" nee$ yo/r trength back i, yo/ are to
erve me. Eo/ $o .ant to erve me- & kno..1
2Ee- my "or$. More than anything.1 A hiver .ent thro/gh him. 2&4m yo/r Reek. 9"eae "et
me erve yo/. 9"eae.1
2Since yo/ ak o nice"y- ho. can & $eny yo/61 Ramay Bo"ton mi"e$. 2& ri$e to .ar- Reek.
An$ yo/ .i"" be coming .ith me- to he"p me ,etch home my virgin bri$e.1
Sansa
Once- .hen he .a =/t a "itt"e gir"- a .an$ering inger ha$ taye$ .ith them at 3inter,e""
,or ha", a year. An o"$ man he .a- .ith .hite hair an$ .in$b/rnt cheek- b/t he ang o, knight
an$ A/et an$ "a$ie ,air- an$ Sana ha$ crie$ bitter tear .hen he "e,t them- an$ begge$ her
,ather not to "et him go. 27he man ha p"aye$ / every ong he kno. thrice over-1 ?or$ C$$ar$
to"$ her gent"y. 2& cannot keep him here againt hi .i"". Eo/ nee$ not .eep- tho/gh. & promie
yo/- other inger .i"" come.1
7hey ha$n4t- tho/gh- not ,or a year or more. Sana ha$ praye$ to the Seven in their ept an$
o"$ go$ o, the heart tree- aking them to bring the o"$ man back- or better ti"" to en$ another
inger- yo/ng an$ han$ome. B/t the go$ never an.ere$- an$ the ha"" o, 3inter,e"" taye$
i"ent.
B/t that .a .hen he .a a "itt"e gir"- an$ ,oo"ih. She .a a mai$en no.- three(an$(ten an$
,"o.ere$. A"" her night .ere ,/"" o, ong- an$ by $ay he praye$ ,or i"ence.
&, the Cyrie ha$ been ma$e "ike other cat"e- on"y rat an$ gao"er .o/"$ have hear$ the $ea$
man inging. 5/ngeon .a"" .ere thick eno/gh to .a""o. ong an$ cream a"ike. B/t the ky
ce"" ha$ a .a"" o, empty air- o every chor$ the $ea$ man p"aye$ ,"e. ,ree to echo o,, the tony
ho/"$er o, the Giant4 ?ance. An$ the ong he choe8 #e ang o, the 5ance o, the 5ragon-
o, ,air !onA/i" an$ her ,oo"- o, !enny o, H"$tone an$ the 9rince o, 5ragon,"ie. #e ang o,
betraya"- an$ m/r$er mot ,o/"- o, hange$ men an$ b"oo$y vengeance. #e ang o, grie, an$
a$ne.
No matter .here he .ent in the cat"e- Sana co/"$ not ecape the m/ic. &t ,"oate$ /p the
.in$ing to.er tep- ,o/n$ her nake$ in her bath- /ppe$ .ith her at $/k- an$ to"e into her
be$chamber even .hen he "atche$ the h/tter tight. &t came in on the co"$ thin air- an$ "ike the
air- it chi""e$ her. 7ho/gh it ha$ not no.e$ /pon the Cyrie ince the $ay that ?a$y ?ya ,e""- the
night ha$ a"" been bitter co"$.
7he inger4 voice .a trong an$ .eet. Sana tho/ght he o/n$e$ better than he ever ha$
be,ore- hi voice richer omeho.- ,/"" o, pain an$ ,ear an$ "onging. She $i$ not /n$ertan$ .hy
the go$ .o/"$ have given /ch a voice to /ch a .icke$ man. 7e would hae taken me b! force
on the Fingers if $et!r had not set Ser "othor to watch oer me, he ha$ to remin$ here",. And
he pla!ed to drown out m! cries when Aunt "!sa tried to kill me+
7hat $i$ not make the ong any eaier to hear. 29"eae-1 he begge$ ?or$ 9etyr- 2can4t yo/
make him top61
2& gave the man my .or$- .eet"ing.1 9etyr Bae"ih- ?or$ o, #arrenha"- ?or$ 9aramo/nt o,
the 7ri$ent- an$ ?or$ 9rotector o, the Cyrie an$ the %a"e o, Arryn- "ooke$ /p ,rom the "etter he
.a .riting. #e ha$ .ritten a h/n$re$ "etter ince ?a$y ?ya4 ,a"". Sana ha$ een the raven
coming an$ going ,rom the rookery. 2&4$ ooner /,,er hi inging than "iten to hi obbing.1
It is better that he sings, !es, but= 2M/t he p"ay a"" night- my "or$6 ?or$ Robert cannot
"eep. #e crie81
28,or hi mother. 7hat cannot be he"pe$- the .ench i $ea$.1 9etyr hr/gge$. 2&t .i"" not be
m/ch "onger. ?or$ Netor i making hi acent on the morro..1
Sana ha$ met ?or$ Netor Royce once be,ore- a,ter 9etyr4 .e$$ing to her a/nt. Royce .a
the >eeper o, the Gate o, the Moon- the great cat"e that too$ at the bae o, the mo/ntain an$
g/ar$e$ the tep /p to the Cyrie. 7he .e$$ing party ha$ g/ete$ .ith him overnight be,ore
beginning their acent. ?or$ Netor ha$ carce "ooke$ at her t.ice- b/t the propect o, him
coming here terri,ie$ her. #e .a #igh Ste.ar$ o, the %a"e a .e""- !on Arryn4 tr/te$ "iege
man- an$ ?a$y ?ya4. 2#e .on4t8 yo/ .on4t "et ?or$ Netor ee Mari""ion- .i"" yo/61
#er horror m/t have ho.n on her ,ace- ince 9etyr p/t $o.n hi A/i"". 2Hn the contrary. &
ha"" init on it.1 #e beckone$ her to take the eat bei$e him. 23e have come to an agreement-
Mari""ion an$ &. Mor$ can be mot per/aive. An$ i, o/r inger $iappoint / an$ ing a ong
.e $o not care to hear- .hy- yo/ an$ & nee$ on"y ay he "ie. 3hom $o yo/ imagine ?or$ Netor
.i"" be"ieve61
2F61 Sana .ihe$ he co/"$ be certain.
2H, co/re. H/r "ie .i"" pro,it him.1
7he o"ar .a .arm- the ,ire crack"ing merri"y- b/t Sana hivere$ a"" the ame. 2Ee- b/t8
b/t .hat i,81
23hat i, ?or$ Netor va"/e honor more than pro,it61 9etyr p/t hi arm aro/n$ her. 23hat i,
it i tr/th he .ant- an$ =/tice ,or hi m/r$ere$ "a$y61 #e mi"e$. 2& kno. ?or$ Netor-
.eet"ing. 5o yo/ imagine &4$ ever "et him harm my $a/ghter61
I am not !our daughter, he tho/ght. I am Sansa Stark, "ord 0ddard/s daughter and "ad!
%atel!n/s, the blood of Winterfell+ She $i$ not ay it- tho/gh. &, not ,or 9etyr Bae"ih it .o/"$
have been Sansa .ho .ent pinning thro/gh a co"$ b"/e ky to tony $eath i: h/n$re$ ,eet
be"o.- intea$ o, ?ya Arryn. 7e is so bold+ Sana .ihe$ he ha$ hi co/rage. She .ante$ to
cra." back into be$ an$ hi$e beneath her b"anket- to "eep an$ "eep. She ha$ not "ept a .ho"e
night thro/gh ince ?ya Arryn4 $eath. 2Co/"$n4t yo/ te"" ?or$ Netor that & am8 in$ipoe$-
or81
2#e .i"" .ant to hear yo/r acco/nt o, ?ya4 $eath.1
2My "or$- i,8 i, Mari""ion te"" .hat tr/"y81
2&, he "ie- yo/ mean61
2?ie6 Ee8 i, he "ie- i, it i my ta"e againt hi- an$ ?or$ Netor "ook in my eye an$ ee
ho. care$ & am81
2A to/ch o, ,ear .i"" not be o/t o, p"ace- A"ayne. Eo/4ve een a ,ear,/" thing. Netor .i"" be
move$.1 9etyr t/$ie$ her eye- a i, eeing them ,or the ,irt time. 2Eo/ have yo/r mother4
eye. #onet eye- an$ innocent. B"/e a a /n"it ea. 3hen yo/ are a "itt"e o"$er- many a man
.i"" $ro.n in thoe eye.1
Sana $i$ not kno. .hat to ay to that.
2A"" yo/ nee$ $o i te"" ?or$ Netor the ame ta"e that yo/ to"$ ?or$ Robert-1 9etyr .ent on.
)obert is onl! a sick little bo!, he tho/ght- "ord 2estor is a man grown, stern and
suspicious+ Robert .a not trong an$ ha$ to be protecte$- even ,rom the tr/th. 2Some "ie are
"ove-1 9etyr ha$ a/re$ her. She remin$e$ him o, that. 23hen .e "ie$ to ?or$ Robert- that .a
=/t to pare him-1 he ai$.
2An$ thi "ie may pare us. C"e yo/ an$ & m/t "eave the Cyrie by the ame $oor ?ya /e$.1
9etyr picke$ /p hi A/i"" again. 23e ha"" erve him "ie an$ Arbor go"$- an$ he4"" $rink them
$o.n an$ ak ,or more- & promie yo/.1
7e is sering me lies as well, Sana rea"iGe$. 7hey .ere com,orting "ie- tho/gh- an$ he
tho/ght them kin$"y meant. A lie is not so bad if it is kindl! meant+ &, on"y he be"ieve$ them8
7he thing her a/nt ha$ ai$ =/t be,ore he ,e"" ti"" tro/b"e$ Sana great"y. 2Raving-1 9etyr
ca""e$ them. 2My .i,e .a ma$- yo/ a. that ,or yo/re",.1 An$ o he ha$. All I did was build
a snow castle, and she meant to push me out the *oon Door+ $et!r saed me+ 7e loed m!
mother well, and=
An$ her6 #o. co/"$ he $o/bt it6 #e ha$ ave$ her.
7e saed Ala!ne, his daughter, a voice .ithin her .hipere$. B/t he .a Sana too8 an$
ometime it eeme$ to her that the ?or$ 9rotector .a t.o peop"e a .e"". #e .a 9etyr- her
protector- .arm an$ ,/nny an$ gent"e8 b/t he .a a"o ?itt"e,inger- the "or$ he4$ kno.n at
>ing4 ?an$ing- mi"ing "y"y an$ troking hi bear$ a he .hipere$ in D/een Cerei4 ear. An$
?itt"e,inger .a no ,rien$ o, her. 3hen !o,, ha$ her beaten- the &mp $e,en$e$ her- not
?itt"e,inger. 3hen the mob o/ght to rape her- the #o/n$ carrie$ her to a,ety- not ?itt"e,inger.
3hen the ?anniter .e$ her to 7yrion againt her .i""- Ser Gar"an the Ga""ant gave her com,ort-
not ?itt"e,inger. ?itt"e,inger never "i,te$ o m/ch a hi "itt"e ,inger ,or her.
08cept to get me out+ 7e did that for me+ I thought it was Ser Dontos, m! poor old drunken
Florian, but it was $et!r all the while+ "ittlefinger was onl! a mask he had to wear+ Hn"y
ometime Sana ,o/n$ it har$ to te"" .here the man en$e$ an$ the mak began. ?itt"e,inger an$
?or$ 9etyr "ooke$ o very m/ch a"ike. She .o/"$ have ,"e$ them both- perhap- b/t there .a
no.here ,or her to go. 3inter,e"" .a b/rne$ an$ $eo"ate- Bran an$ Rickon $ea$ an$ co"$.
Robb ha$ been betraye$ an$ m/r$ere$ at the 7.in- a"ong .ith their "a$y mother. 7yrion ha$
been p/t to $eath ,or ki""ing !o,,rey- an$ i, he ever ret/rne$ to >ing4 ?an$ing the A/een .o/"$
have her hea$ a .e"". 7he a/nt he4$ hope$ .o/"$ keep her a,e ha$ trie$ to m/r$er her intea$.
#er /nc"e C$m/re .a a captive o, the +rey- .hi"e her great(/nc"e the B"ack,ih .a /n$er
iege at Riverr/n. I hae no place but here, Sana tho/ght mierab"y- and no true friend but
$et!r+
7hat night the $ea$ man ang 27he 5ay 7hey #ange$ B"ack Robin-1 27he Mother4 7ear-1
an$ 27he Rain o, Catamere.1 7hen he toppe$ ,or a .hi"e- b/t =/t a Sana began to $ri,t o,,
he tarte$ to p"ay again. #e ang 2Si: Sorro.-1 2+a""en ?eave-1 an$ 2A"yanne.1 Such sad
songs, he tho/ght. 3hen he c"oe$ her eye he co/"$ ee him in hi ky ce""- h/$$"e$ in a
corner a.ay ,rom the co"$ b"ack ky- cro/che$ beneath a ,/r .ith hi .oo$harp cra$"e$ againt
hi chet. I must not pit! him, he to"$ here",. 7e was ain and cruel, and soon he will be dead+
She co/"$ not ave him. An$ .hy ho/"$ he .ant to6 Mari""ion trie$ to rape her- an$ 9etyr ha$
ave$ her "i,e not once b/t t.ice. Some lies !ou hae to tell+ ?ie ha$ been a"" that kept her a"ive
in >ing4 ?an$ing. &, he ha$ not "ie$ to !o,,rey- hi >ingg/ar$ .o/"$ have beat her b"oo$y.
A,ter 2A"yanne1 the inger toppe$ again- "ong eno/gh ,or Sana to natch an ho/r4 ret.
B/t a the ,irt "ight o, $a.n .a prying at her h/tter- he hear$ the o,t train o, 2Hn a Mity
Morn1 $ri,ting /p ,rom be"o.- an$ .oke at once. 7hat .a more proper"y a .oman4 ong- a
"ament /ng by a mother on the $a.n a,ter ome terrib"e batt"e- a he earche amongt the $ea$
,or the bo$y o, her on"y on. #he mother sings her grief for her dead son, Sana tho/ght- but
*arillion griees for his fingers, for his e!es+ 7he .or$ roe "ike arro. an$ pierce$ her in the
$arkne.
Oh, hae !ou seen m! bo!, good ser6
7is hair is chestnut brown
7e promised he/d come back to me
Our home/s in Wendish #own+
Sana covere$ her ear .ith a gooe $o.n pi""o. to h/t o/t the ret o, it- b/t it .a no goo$.
5ay ha$ come an$ he ha$ .oken- an$ ?or$ Netor Royce .a coming /p the mo/ntain.
7he #igh Ste.ar$ an$ hi party reache$ the Cyrie in the "ate a,ternoon- .ith the va""ey go"$
an$ re$ beneath them an$ the .in$ riing. #e bro/ght hi on Ser A"bar- a"ong .ith a $oGen
knight an$ a core o, men(at(arm. So man! strangers+ Sana "ooke$ at their ,ace an:io/"y-
.on$ering i, they .ere ,rien$ or ,oe.
9etyr .e"come$ hi viitor in a b"ack ve"vet $o/b"et .ith grey "eeve that matche$ hi
.oo"en breeche an$ "ent a certain $arkne to hi grey(green eye. Maeter Co"emon too$
bei$e him- hi chain o, many meta" hanging "ooe abo/t hi "ong- kinny neck. A"tho/gh the
maeter .a m/ch the ta""er o, the t.o men- it .a the ?or$ 9rotector .ho $re. the eye. #e ha$
p/t a.ay hi mi"e ,or the $ay- it eeme$. #e "itene$ o"emn"y a Royce intro$/ce$ the knight
.ho ha$ accompanie$ him- then ai$- 2My "or$ are .e"come here. Eo/ kno. o/r Maeter
Co"emon- o, co/re. ?or$ Netor- yo/ .i"" reca"" A"ayne- my nat/ra" $a/ghter61
27o be /re.1 ?or$ Netor Royce .a a b/""necke$- barre"(chete$- ba"$ing man .ith a grey(
hot bear$ an$ a tern "ook. #e inc"ine$ hi hea$ a .ho"e ha", inch in greeting.
Sana c/rtie$- too ,rightene$ to peak ,or ,ear he might mipeak. 9etyr $re. her to her ,eet.
2S.eet"ing- be a goo$ gir" an$ bring ?or$ Robert to the #igh #a"" to receive hi g/et.1
2Ee- +ather.1 #er voice o/n$e$ thin an$ traine$. A liar/s oice, he tho/ght a he h/rrie$
/p the tep an$ acro the ga""ery to the Moon7o.er. A guilt! oice+
Gretche" an$ Ma$$y .ere he"ping Robert Arryn A/irm into hi breeche .hen Sana teppe$
into hi be$chamber. 7he ?or$ o, the Cyrie ha$ been crying again. #i eye .ere re$ an$ ra.-
hi "ahe cr/ty- hi noe .o""en an$ r/nny. A trai" o, not g"itene$ /n$erneath one notri"-
an$ hi "o.er "ip .a b"oo$y .here he4$ bitten it. "ord 2estor must not see him like this, Sana
tho/ght- $epairing. 2Gretche"- ,etch me the .ahbain.1 She took the boy by the han$ an$ $re.
him to the be$. 25i$ my S.eetrobin "eep .e"" "at night61
2No.1 #e ni,,e$. 2& never "ept one bit- A"ayne. #e .a singing again- an$ my door .a
"ocke$. & ca""e$ ,or them to "et me o/t- b/t no one ever came. Someone "ocke$ me in my room.1
27hat .a .icke$ o, them.1 5ipping a o,t c"oth into the .arm .ater- he began to c"ean hi
,ace8 gent"y- oh o gent"y. &, yo/ cr/bbe$ Robert too brik"y- he might begin to hake. 7he boy
.a ,rai"- an$ terrib"y ma"" ,or hi age. #e .a eight- b/t Sana ha$ kno.n bigger ,ive(year(
o"$.
Robert4 "ip A/ivere$. 2& .a going to come "eep .ith yo/.1
I know !ou were+ S.eetrobin ha$ been acc/tome$ to cra."ing in bei$e hi mother- /nti" he
.e$ ?or$ 9etyr. Since ?a$y ?ya4 $eath he ha$ taken to .an$ering the Cyrie in A/et o, other
be$. 7he one he "ike$ bet .a Sana48 .hich .a .hy he ha$ ake$ Ser ?othor Br/ne to
"ock hi $oor "at night. She .o/"$ not have min$e$ i, he on"y "ept- b/t he .a a".ay trying to
n/GG"e at her breat- an$ .hen he ha$ hi haking pe"" he o,ten .et the be$.
2?or$ Netor Royce ha come /p ,rom the Gate to ee yo/.1 Sana .ipe$ beneath hi noe.
2& $on4t .ant to ee him-1 he ai$. 2& .ant a tory. A tory o, the 3inge$ >night.1
2A,ter-1 Sana ai$. 2+irt yo/ m/t ee ?or$ Netor.1
2?or$ Netor ha a mo"e-1 he ai$- A/irming. Robert .a a,rai$ o, men .ith mo"e.
2Mommy ai$ he .a dreadful.1
2My poor S.eetrobin.1 Sana moothe$ hi hair back. 2Eo/ mi her- & kno.. ?or$ 9etyr
mie her too. #e "ove$ her =/t a yo/ $o.1 7hat .a a "ie- tho/gh kin$"y meant. 7he on"y
.oman 9etyr ever "ove$ .a Sana4 m/r$ere$ mother. #e ha$ con,ee$ a m/ch to ?a$y ?ya
=/t be,ore he p/he$ her o/t the Moon 5oor. She was mad and dangerous+ She murdered her
own lord husband, and would hae murdered me if $et!r had not come along to sae me+
Robert $i$ not nee$ to kno. that- tho/gh. #e .a on"y a ick "itt"e boy .ho4$ "ove$ hi
mother. 27here-1 Sana ai$- 2yo/ "ook a proper "or$ no.. Ma$$y- ,etch hi c"oak.1 &t .a
"amb.oo"- o,t an$ .arm- a han$ome ky(b"/e that et o,, the cream co"or o, hi t/nic. She
,atene$ it abo/t hi ho/"$er .ith a i"ver brooch in the hape o, a crecent moon- an$ took him
by the han$. Robert came meek"y ,or once.
7he #igh #a"" ha$ been c"oe$ ince ?a$y ?ya4 ,a""- an$ it gave Sana a chi"" to enter it
again. 7he ha"" .a "ong an$ gran$ an$ bea/ti,/"- he /ppoe$- b/t he $i$ not "ike it here. &t
.a a pa"e co"$ p"ace at the bet o, time. 7he "en$er pi""ar "ooke$ "ike ,ingerbone- an$ the
b"/e vein in the .hite marb"e bro/ght to min$ the vein in an o"$ crone4 "eg. 7ho/gh ,i,ty
i"ver conce "ine$ the .a""- "e than a $oGen torche ha$ been "it- o ha$o. $ance$ /pon the
,"oor an$ poo"e$ in every corner. 7heir ,oottep echoe$ o,, the marb"e- an$ Sana co/"$ hear
the .in$ ratt"ing at the Moon 5oor. I must not look at it, he to"$ here",- else I/ll start to shake
as badl! as )obert+
3ith Ma$$y4 he"p- he got Robert eate$ on hi .eir.oo$ throne .ith a tack o, pi""o.
/n$erneath him an$ ent .or$ that hi "or$hip .o/"$ receive hi g/et. 7.o g/ar$ in ky(b"/e
c"oak opene$ the $oor at the "o.er en$ o, the ha""- an$ 9etyr /here$ them in an$ $o.n the
"ong b"/e carpet that ran bet.een the ro. o, bone(.hite pi""ar.
7he boy greete$ ?or$ Netor .ith A/eaky co/rtey an$ ma$e no mention o, hi mo"e. 3hen
the #igh Ste.ar$ ake$ abo/t hi "a$y mother- Robert4 han$ began to tremb"e ever o "ight"y.
2Mari""ion h/rt my mother. #e thre. her o/t the Moon 5oor.1
25i$ yo/r "or$hip ee thi happen61 ake$ Ser Mar.yn Be"more- a "anky ginger(hea$e$
knight .ho ha$ been ?ya4 captain o, g/ar$ ti"" 9etyr ha$ p/t Ser ?othor Br/ne in hi p"ace.
2A"ayne a. it-1 the boy ai$. 2An$ my "or$ tep,ather.1
?or$ Netor "ooke$ at her. Ser A"bar- Ser Mar.yn- Maeter Co"emon- a"" o, them .ere
"ooking. She was m! aunt but she wanted to kill me, Sana tho/ght. She dragged me to the *oon
Door and tried to push me out+ I neer wanted a kiss, I was building a castle in the snow+ She
h/gge$ here", to keep ,rom haking.
2+orgive her- my "or$-1 9etyr Bae"ih ai$ o,t"y. 2She ti"" ha nightmare o, that $ay. Sma""
.on$er i, he cannot bear to peak o, it.1 #e came /p behin$ her an$ p/t hi han$ gent"y on her
ho/"$er. 2& kno. ho. har$ thi i ,or yo/- A"ayne- b/t o/r ,rien$ m/t hear the tr/th.1
2Ee.1 #er throat ,e"t o $ry an$ tight it a"mot h/rt to peak. 2& a.8 & .a .ith the ?a$y
?ya .hen81 A tear ro""e$ $o.n her cheek. #hat/s good, a tear is good+ 28.hen Mari""ion8
p/he$ her.1 An$ he to"$ the ta"e again- har$"y hearing the .or$ a they pi""e$ o/t o, her.
Be,ore he .a ha",($one Robert began to cry- the pi""o. hi,ting peri"o/"y beneath him.
2#e ki""e$ my mother+ & .ant him to ,"y01 7he tremb"ing in hi han$ ha$ gro.n .ore- an$ hi
arm .ere haking too. 7he boy4 hea$ =erke$ an$ hi teeth began to chatter. 4Fl!;5 he hrieke$.
4Fl!, fl!+5 #i arm an$ "eg ,"ai"e$ .i"$"y. ?othor Br/ne tro$e to the $ai in time to catch the
boy a he "ippe$ ,rom hi throne. Maeter Co"emon .a =/t a tep behin$- tho/gh there .a
na/ght that he co/"$ $o.
#e"p"e a the ret- Sana co/"$ on"y tan$ an$ .atch a the haking pe"" ran it co/re. Hne
o, Robert4 "eg kicke$ Ser ?othor in the ,ace. Br/ne c/re$- b/t ti"" he"$ on a the boy t.itche$
an$ ,"ai"e$ an$ .et hime",. 7heir viitor ai$ not a .or$I ?or$ Netor at "eat ha$ een thee
,it be,ore. &t .a "ong moment be,ore Robert4 pam began to /bi$e- an$ eeme$ even
"onger. By the en$- the "itt"e "or$"ing .a o .eak he co/"$ not tan$. 2Bet take hi "or$hip
back to be$ an$ b"ee$ him-1 ?or$ 9etyr ai$. Br/ne "i,te$ the boy in hi arm an$ carrie$ him
,rom the ha"". Maeter Co"emon ,o""o.e$- grim(,ace$.
3hen their ,oottep $ie$ a.ay there .a no o/n$ in the #igh #a"" o, the Cyrie. Sana co/"$
hear the night .in$ moaning o/ti$e an$ cratching at the Moon 5oor. She .a very co"$ an$
very tire$. *ust I tell the tale again6 he .on$ere$.
B/t he m/t have to"$ it .e"" eno/gh. ?or$ Netor c"eare$ hi throat. 2& mi"ike$ that inger
,rom the ,irt-1 he gr/mb"e$. 2& /rge$ ?a$y ?ya to en$ him a.ay. Many a time & /rge$ her.1
2Eo/ a".ay gave her goo$ co/ne"- my "or$-1 9etyr ai$.
2She took no hee$ o, it-1 Royce comp"aine$. 2She hear$ me gr/$ging"y an$ took no hee$.1
2My "a$y .a too tr/ting ,or thi .or"$.1 9etyr poke o ten$er"y that Sana .o/"$ have
be"ieve$ he4$ "ove$ hi .i,e. 2?ya co/"$ not ee the evi" in men- on"y the goo$. Mari""ion ang
.eet ong- an$ he mitook that ,or hi nat/re.1
2#e ca""e$ / pig-1 Ser A"bar Royce ai$. A b"/nt broa$(ho/"$ere$ knight .ho have$ hi
chin b/t c/"tivate$ thick b"ack i$e(.hiker that ,rame$ hi home"y ,ace "ike he$gero.- Ser
A"bar .a a yo/nger verion o, hi ,ather. 2#e ma$e a ong abo/t t.o pig n/,,"ing ro/n$ a
mo/ntain- eating a ,a"con4 "eaving. 7hat .a meant to be /- b/t .hen & ai$ o he "a/ghe$ at
me. J3hy- er- 4ti a ong abo/t ome pig-4 he ai$.1
2#e ma$e mock o, me a .e""-1 Ser Mar.yn Be"more ai$. 2Ser 5ing(5ong- he name$ me.
3hen & vo.e$ &4$ c/t hi tong/e o/t- he ran to ?a$y ?ya an$ hi$ behin$ her kirt.1
2A o,t he $i$-1 ?or$ Netor ai$. 27he man .a craven- b/t the ,avor ?a$y ?ya ho.e$ him
ma$e him ino"ent. She $ree$ him "ike a "or$- gave him go"$ ring an$ a moontone be"t.1
2Cven ?or$ !on4 ,avorite ,a"con.1 7he knight4 $o/b"et ho.e$ the i: .hite can$"e o,
3a:"ey. 2#i "or$hip "ove$ that bir$. >ing Robert gave it to him.1
9etyr Bae"ih ighe$. 2&t .a /neem"y-1 he agree$- 2an$ & p/t an en$ to it. ?ya agree$ to
en$ him a.ay. 7hat .a .hy he met him here- that $ay. & ho/"$ have been .ith her- b/t &
never $reamt8 i, & ha$ not inite$8 it .a & .ho ki""e$ her.1
2o- Sana tho/ght- !ou mustn/t sa! that, !ou mustn/t tell them, !ou mustn/t+ B/t A"bar Royce
.a haking hi hea$. 2No- my "or$- yo/ m/t not b"ame yo/re",-1 he ai$.
27hi .a the inger4 .ork-1 hi ,ather agree$. 2Bring him /p- ?or$ 9etyr. ?et / .rite an
en$ to thi orry b/ine.1
9etyr Bae"ih compoe$ hime",- an$ ai$- 2A yo/ .ih- my "or$.1 #e t/rne$ to hi
g/ar$men an$ poke a comman$- an$ the inger .a ,etche$ /p ,rom the $/ngeon. 7he gao"er
Mor$ came .ith him- a montro/ man .ith ma"" b"ack eye an$ a "opi$e$- carre$ ,ace. Hne
ear an$ part o, hi cheek ha$ been c"eave$ o,, in ome batt"e- b/t t.enty tone o, pa""i$ .hite
,"eh remaine$. #i c"othe ,it poor"y an$ ha$ a rank- ripe me"".
Mari""ion by contrat "ooke$ a"mot e"egant. Someone ha$ bathe$ him an$ $ree$ him in a
pair o, ky(b"/e breeche an$ a "ooe(,itting .hite t/nic .ith p/,,e$ "eeve- be"te$ .ith a i"very
ah that ha$ been a gi,t ,rom ?a$y ?ya. 3hite i"k g"ove covere$ hi han$- .hi"e a .hite i"k
ban$age pare$ the "or$ the ight o, hi eye.
Mor$ too$ behin$ him .ith a "ah. 3hen the gao"er pro$$e$ him in the rib- the inger .ent
to one knee. 2Goo$ "or$- & beg yo/r ,orgivene.1
?or$ Netor co."e$. 2Eo/ con,e yo/r crime61
2&, & ha$ eye & ho/"$ .eep.1 7he inger4 voice- o trong an$ /re by night- .a cracke$
an$ .hipery no.. 2& "ove$ her o- & co/"$ not bear to ee her in another4 arm- to kno. he
hare$ hi be$. & meant no harm to my .eet "a$y- & .ear it. & barre$ the $oor o no one co/"$
$it/rb / .hi"t & $ec"are$ my paion- b/t ?a$y ?ya .a o co"$8 .hen he to"$ that he .a
carrying ?or$ 9etyr4 chi"$- a8 a ma$ne eiGe$ me81
Sana tare$ at hi han$ .hi"e he poke. +at Ma$$y c"aime$ that Mor$ ha$ taken o,, three o,
hi ,inger- both pinkie an$ a ring ,inger. #i "itt"e ,inger $i$ appear ome.hat ti,,er than the
other- b/t .ith thoe g"ove it .a har$ to be certain. It might hae been no more than a stor!+
7ow would *add! know6
2?or$ 9etyr ha been kin$ eno/gh to "et me keep my harp-1 the b"in$ inger ai$. 2My harp
an$8 my tong/e8 o & may ing my ong. ?a$y ?ya $ear"y "ove$ my inging81
27ake thi creat/re a.ay- or &4m "ike to ki"" him mye",-1 ?or$ Netor gro."e$. 2&t icken me
to "ook at him.1
2Mor$- take him back to hi ky ce""-1 ai$ 9etyr.
2Ee- m4"or$.1 Mor$ grabbe$ Mari""ion ro/gh"y by the co""ar. 2No more mo/th.1 3hen he
poke- Sana a. to her atonihment that the gao"er4 teeth .ere ma$e o, go"$. 7hey .atche$ a
he ha", $ragge$ ha", hove$ the inger to.ar$ the $oor.
27he man m/t $ie-1 Ser Mary.n Be"more $ec"are$ .hen they .ere gone. 2#e ho/"$ have
,o""o.e$ ?a$y ?ya o/t the Moon 5oor.1
23itho/t hi tong/e-1 Ser A"bar Royce a$$e$. 23itho/t that "ying- mocking tong/e.1
2& have been too gent"e .ith him- & kno.-1 9etyr Bae"ih ai$ in an apo"ogetic tone. 2&, tr/th
be to"$- & pity him. #e ki""e$ ,or "ove.1
2+or "ove or hate-1 ai$ Be"more- 2he m/t $ie.1
2Soon eno/gh-1 ?or$ Netor ai$ gr/,,"y. 2No man "inger "ong in the ky ce"". 7he b"/e .i""
ca"" to him.1
2&t may-1 ai$ 9etyr Bae"ih- 2b/t .hether Mari""ion .i"" an.er- on"y he can ay.1 #e
get/re$- an$ hi g/ar$men opene$ the $oor at the ,ar en$ o, the ha"". 2Ser- & kno. yo/ m/t
be .eary a,ter yo/r acent. Room have been prepare$ ,or a"" o, yo/ to pen$ the night- an$ ,oo$
an$ .ine a.ait yo/ in the ?o.er #a"". H.e""- ho. them the .ay- an$ ee that they have a""
they nee$.1 #e t/rne$ to Netor Royce. 2My "or$- .i"" yo/ =oin me in the o"ar ,or a c/p o,
.ine6 A"ayne- .eet"ing- come po/r ,or /.1
A "o. ,ire b/rne$ in the o"ar- .here a ,"agon o, .ine a.aite$ them. Arbor gold+ Sana ,i""e$
?or$ Netor4 c/p .hi"t 9etyr pro$$e$ at the "og .ith an iron poker.
?or$ Netor eate$ hime", bei$e the ,ire. 27hi .i"" not be the en$ o, it-1 he ai$ to 9etyr- a
i, Sana .ere not there. 2My co/in mean to A/etion the inger hime",.1
2BronGe Eohn mitr/t me.1 9etyr p/he$ a "og ai$e.
2#e mean to come in ,orce. Symon$ 7emp"eton .i"" =oin him- $o not $o/bt it. An$ ?a$y
3ayn.oo$ too- & ,ear.1
2An$ ?or$ Be"more- Eo/ng ?or$ #/nter- #orton Re$,ort. 7hey .i"" bring Strong Sam Stone-
the 7o""ett- the Shett- the Co"$.ater- ome Corbray.1
2Eo/ are .e""(in,orme$. 3hich Corbray6 Not ?or$ ?yone"61
2No- hi brother. Ser ?yn mi"ike me- ,or ome reaon.1
2?yn Corbray i a $angero/ man-1 ?or$ Netor ai$ $ogge$"y. 23hat $o yo/ inten$ to $o61
23hat can & $o b/t make them .e"come i, they come61 9etyr gave the ,"ame another tir an$
et the poker $o.n.
2My co/in mean to remove yo/ a ?or$ 9rotector.1
2&, o- & cannot top him. & keep a garrion o, t.enty men. ?or$ Royce an$ hi ,rien$ can
raie t.enty tho/an$.1 9etyr .ent to the oaken chet that at beneath the .in$o.. 2BronGe
Eohn .i"" $o .hat he .i"" $o-1 he ai$- knee"ing. #e opene$ the chet- $re. o/t a ro"" o,
parchment- an$ bro/ght it to ?or$ Netor. 2My "or$. 7hi i a token o, the "ove my "a$y bore
yo/.1
Sana .atche$ Royce /nro"" the parchment. 27hi8 thi i /ne:pecte$- my "or$.1 She .a
tart"e$ to ee tear in hi eye.
2Fne:pecte$- b/t not /n$eerve$. My "a$y va"/e$ yo/ above a"" her other bannermen. Eo/
.ere her rock- he to"$ me.1
2#er rock.1 ?or$ Netor re$$ene$. 2She ai$ that61
2H,ten. An$ thi1@9etyr get/re$ at the parchment@2i the proo, o, it.1
27hat8 that i goo$ to kno.. !on Arryn va"/e$ my ervice- & kno.- b/t ?a$y ?ya8 he
corne$ me .hen & came to co/rt her- an$ & ,eare$81 ?or$ Netor ,/rro.e$ hi bro.. 2&t bear
the Arryn ea"- & ee- b/t the ignat/re81
2?ya .a m/r$ere$ be,ore the $oc/ment co/"$ be preente$ ,or her ignat/re- o & igne$ a
?or$ 9rotector. & kne. that .o/"$ have been her .ih.1
2& ee.1 ?or$ Netor ro""e$ the parchment. 2Eo/ are8 $/ti,/"- my "or$. Aye- an$ not .itho/t
co/rage. Some .i"" ca"" thi grant /neem"y- an$ ,a/"t yo/ ,or making it. 7he >eeper4 pot ha
never been here$itary. 7he Arryn raie$ the Gate- in the $ay .hen they ti"" .ore the +a"con
Cro.n an$ r/"e$ the %a"e a king. 7he Cyrie .a their /mmer eat- b/t .hen the no. began
to ,a"" the co/rt .o/"$ make it $ecent. Some .o/"$ ay the Gate .ere a roya" a the Cyrie.1
27here ha been no king in the %a"e ,or three h/n$re$ year-1 9etyr Bae"ih pointe$ o/t.
27he $ragon came-1 ?or$ Netor agree$. 2B/t even a,ter- the Gate remaine$ an Arryn
cat"e. !on Arryn hime", .a >eeper o, the Gate .hi"t hi ,ather "ive$. A,ter hi acent- he
name$ hi brother Ronne" to the honor- an$ "ater hi co/in 5eny.1
2?or$ Robert ha no brother- an$ on"y $itant co/in.1
27r/e.1 ?or$ Netor c"/tche$ the parchment tight"y. 2& .i"" not ay & ha$ not hope$ ,or thi.
3hi"t ?or$ !on r/"e$ the rea"m a #an$- it ,e"" to me to r/"e the %a"e ,or him. & $i$ a"" that he
reA/ire$ o, me an$ ake$ nothing ,or mye",. B/t by the go$- & earne$ thi01
2Eo/ $i$-1 ai$ 9etyr- 2an$ ?or$ Robert "eep more eai"y kno.ing that yo/ are a".ay
there- a ta/nch ,rien$ at the ,oot o, hi mo/ntain.1 #e raie$ a c/p. 2So8 a toat- my "or$. 7o
#o/e Royce- >eeper o, the Gate o, the Moon8 no. an$ ,orever.1
2No. an$ ,orever- aye01 7he i"ver c/p crahe$ together.
?ater- m/ch "ater- a,ter the ,"agon o, Arbor go"$ .a $ry- ?or$ Netor took hi "eave to re=oin
hi company o, knight. Sana .a a"eep on her ,eet by then- .anting on"y to cra." o,, to her
be$- b/t 9etyr ca/ght her by the .rit. 2Eo/ ee the .on$er that can be .orke$ .ith "ie an$
Arbor go"$61
3hy $i$ he ,ee" "ike .eeping6 &t .a goo$ that Netor Royce .a .ith them. 23ere they a""
"ie61
2Not all+ ?ya o,ten ca""e$ ?or$ Netor a rock- tho/gh & $o not think he meant it a a
comp"iment. She ca""e$ hi on a c"o$. She kne. ?or$ Netor $reame$ o, ho"$ing the Gate in
hi o.n right- a "or$ in tr/th a .e"" a name- b/t ?ya $reame$ o, other on an$ meant the
cat"e to go to Robert4 "itt"e brother.1 #e too$. 25o yo/ /n$ertan$ .hat happene$ here-
A"ayne61
Sana heitate$ a moment. 2Eo/ gave ?or$ Netor the Gate o, the Moon to be certain o, hi
/pport.1
2& $i$-1 9etyr a$mitte$- 2b/t o/r rock i a Royce- .hich i to ay he i overpro/$ an$ prick"y.
#a$ & ake$ him hi price- he .o/"$ have .e""e$ /p "ike an angry toa$ at the "ight /pon hi
honor. B/t thi .ay8 the man i not utterl! t/pi$- b/t the "ie & erve$ him .ere .eeter than
the tr/th. #e wants to be"ieve that ?ya va"/e$ him above her other bannermen. Hne o, thoe
other i BronGe Eohn- a,ter a""- an$ Netor i very m/ch a.are that he .a born o, the lesser
branch o, #o/e Royce. #e .ant more ,or hi on. Men o, honor .i"" $o thing ,or their
chi"$ren that they .o/"$ never coni$er $oing ,or theme"ve.1
She no$$e$. 27he ignat/re8 yo/ might have ha$ ?or$ Robert p/t hi han$ an$ ea" to it- b/t
intea$81
28& igne$ mye",- a ?or$ 9rotector. 3hy61
2So8 i, yo/ are remove$- or8 or ki""e$81
28?or$ Netor4 c"aim to the Gate .i"" /$$en"y be ca""e$ into A/etion. & promie yo/- that
i not "ot on him. &t .a c"ever o, yo/ to ee it. 7ho/gh no more than &4$ e:pect o, mine o.n
$a/ghter.1
27hank yo/.1 She ,e"t ab/r$"y pro/$ ,or p/GG"ing it o/t- b/t con,/e$ a .e"". 2&4m not-
tho/gh. Eo/r $a/ghter. Not tr/"y. & mean- & preten$ to be A"ayne- b/t !ou kno.81
?itt"e,inger p/t a ,inger to her "ip. 2& kno. .hat & kno.- an$ o $o yo/. Some thing are bet
"e,t /nai$- .eet"ing.1
2Cven .hen .e are a"one61
20speciall! .hen .e are a"one. C"e.ie a $ay .i"" come .hen a ervant .a"k into a room
/nanno/nce$- or a g/ar$man at the $oor chance to hear omething he ho/"$ not. 5o yo/ .ant
more b"oo$ on yo/r pretty "itt"e han$- my $ar"ing61
Mari""ion4 ,ace eeme$ to ,"oat be,ore her- the ban$age pa"e acro hi eye. Behin$ him he
co/"$ ee Ser 5onto- the crobo. bo"t ti"" in him. 2No-1 Sana ai$. 29"eae.1
2& am tempte$ to ay thi i no game .e p"ay- $a/ghter- b/t o, co/re it i. 7he game o,
throne.1
I neer asked to pla!+ 7he game .a too $angero/. One slip and I am dead+ 2H.e""8 my
"or$- H.e"" ro.e$ me ,rom >ing4 ?an$ing the night that & ecape$. #e m/t kno. .ho & am.1
2&, he4 ha", a c"ever a a heep pe""et- yo/ .o/"$ think o. Ser ?othor kno. a .e"". B/t
H.e"" ha been in my ervice a "ong time- an$ Br/ne i c"oe(mo/the$ by nat/re. >ett"eb"ack
.atche Br/ne ,or me- an$ Br/ne .atche >ett"eb"ack. #rust no one, & once to"$ C$$ar$ Stark-
b/t he .o/"$ not "iten. Eo/ are A"ayne- an$ yo/ m/t be A"ayne all the time+1 #e p/t t.o
,inger on her "e,t breat. 2Cven here. &n yo/r heart. Can yo/ $o that6 Can yo/ be my $a/ghter in
yo/r heart61
2&81 I do not know, m! lord, he a"mot ai$- b/t that .a not .hat he .ante$ to hear. "ies
and Arbor gold, he tho/ght. 2& am A"ayne- +ather. 3ho e"e .o/"$ & be61
?or$ ?itt"e,inger kie$ her cheek. 23ith my .it an$ Cat4 bea/ty- the .or"$ .i"" be yo/r-
.eet"ing. No. o,, to be$.1
Gretche" ha$ "ai$ a ,ire in her hearth an$ p"/mpe$ her ,eatherbe$. Sana /n$ree$ an$
"ippe$ beneath the b"anket. 7e will not sing tonight, he praye$- not with "ord 2estor and the
others in the castle+ 7e would not dare+ She c"oe$ her eye.
Sometime $/ring the night he .oke- a "itt"e Robert c"imbe$ /p into her be$. I forgot to tell
"othor to lock him in again, he rea"iGe$. 7here .a nothing to be $one ,or it- o he p/t her arm
aro/n$ him. 2S.eetrobin6 Eo/ can tay- b/t try not to A/irm aro/n$. !/t c"oe yo/r eye an$
"eep- "itt"e one.1
2& .i"".1 #e c/$$"e$ c"oe an$ "ai$ hi hea$ bet.een her breat. 2A"ayne6 Are yo/ my
mother no.61
2& /ppoe & am-1 he ai$. &, a "ie .a kin$"y meant- there .a no harm in it.
!RAN
Something abo/t the .ay the raven creame$ ent a hiver r/nning /p Bran4 pine. I am
almost a man grown, he ha$ to remin$ hime",. I hae to be brae now+
B/t the air .a harp an$ co"$ an$ ,/"" o, ,ear. Cven S/mmer .a a,rai$. 7he ,/r on hi neck
.a brit"ing. Sha$o. tretche$ againt the hi""i$e- b"ack an$ h/ngry. A"" the tree .ere bo.e$
an$ t.ite$ by the .eight o, ice they carrie$. Some har$"y "ooke$ "ike tree at a"". B/rie$ ,rom
root to cro.n in ,roGen no.- they h/$$"e$ on the hi"" "ike giant- montro/ an$ mihapen
creat/re h/nche$ againt the icy .in$.
27hey are here.1 7he ranger $re. hi "ong.or$. 23here61 Meera4 voice .a h/he$.
2C"oe. & $on4t kno.. Some.here.1
7he raven hrieke$ again. 2#o$or-1 .hipere$ #o$or. #e ha$ hi han$ t/cke$ /p beneath hi
armpit. &cic"e h/ng ,rom the bro.n briar o, hi bear$- an$ hi m/tache .a a "/mp o, ,roGen
not- g"ittering re$"y in the "ight o, /net.
27hoe .o"ve are c"oe a .e""-1 Bran .arne$ them. 27he one that have been ,o""o.ing /.
S/mmer can me"" them .henever .e4re $o.n.in$.1
23o"ve are the "eat o, o/r .oe-1 ai$ Co"$han$. 23e have to c"imb. &t .i"" be $ark oon.
Eo/ .o/"$ $o .e"" to be ini$e be,ore night come. Eo/r .armth .i"" $ra. them.1 #e g"ance$
to the .et- .here the "ight o, the etting /n co/"$ be een $im"y thro/gh the tree- "ike the g"o.
o, a $itant ,ire.
2& thi the on"y .ay in61 ake$ Meera. 27he back $oor i three "eag/e north- $o.n a
inkho"e.1
7hat .a a"" he ha$ to ay. Not even #o$or co/"$ c"imb $o.n into a inkho"e .ith Bran heavy
on hi back- an$ !o=en co/"$ no more .a"k three "eag/e than r/n a tho/an$.
Meera eye$ the hi"" above. 27he .ay "ook c"ear.1
2"ooks,1 the ranger m/ttere$ $ark"y. 2Can yo/ ,ee" the co"$6 7here4 omething here. Where
are the!61
2&ni$e the cave61 /ggete$ Meera. 27he cave i .ar$e$. 7hey cannot pa.1 7he ranger
/e$ hi .or$ to point. 2Eo/ can ee the entrance there. #a",.ay /p- bet.een the .eir(.oo$-
that c"e,t in the rock.1
2& ee it-1 ai$ Bran. Raven .ere ,"ying in an$ o/t.
#o$or hi,te$ hi .eight. 2#o$or.1
2A ,o"$ in the rock- that4 a"" & ee-1 ai$ Meera. 27here4 a paage there. Steep an$ t.ity at
,irt- a r/nne" thro/gh the rock. &, yo/ can reach it- yo/4"" be a,e.1
23hat abo/t yo/61
27he cave i .ar$e$.1
Meera t/$ie$ the c"e,t in the hi""i$e. 2&t can4t be more than a tho/an$ yar$ ,rom here to
there.1
2o, tho/ght Bran- but all those !ards are upward+ 7he hi"" .a teep an$ thick"y .oo$e$. 7he
no. ha$ toppe$ three $ay ago- b/t none o, it ha$ me"te$. Beneath the tree- the gro/n$ .a
b"ankete$ in .hite- ti"" pritine an$ /nbroken. 2No one4 here-1 ai$ Bran- brave"y. 2?ook at the
no.. 7here are no ,ootprint.1
27he .hite .a"ker go "ight"y on the no.-1 the ranger ai$. 2Eo/4"" ,in$ no print to mark
their paage.1 A raven $ecen$e$ ,rom above to ett"e on hi ho/"$er. Hn"y a $oGen o, the big
b"ack bir$ remaine$ .ith them. 7he ret ha$ vanihe$ a"ong the .ayI every $a.n .hen they
aroe- there ha$ been ,e.er o, them. 2%ome,1 the bir$ A/a.ke$. 2%ome, come+1
#he three(e!ed crow, tho/ght Bran. #he greenseer+ 2&t4 not o ,ar-1 he ai$. 2A "itt"e c"imb-
an$ .e4"" be a,e. Maybe .e can have a ,ire.1 A"" o, them .ere co"$ an$ .et an$ h/ngry- e:cept
the ranger- an$ !o=en Ree$ .a too .eak to .a"k /nai$e$.
2Eo/ go.1 Meera Ree$ bent $o.n bei$e her brother. #e .a ett"e$ in the bo"e o, an oak-
eye c"oe$- hivering vio"ent"y. 3hat "itt"e o, hi ,ace co/"$ be een beneath hi hoo$ an$ car,
.a a co"or"e a the /rro/n$ing no.- b/t breath ti"" p/,,e$ ,aint"y ,rom hi notri"
.henever he e:ha"e$. Meera ha$ been carrying him a"" $ay. Food and fire will set him right
again, Bran trie$ to te"" hime",- tho/gh he .an4t /re it .o/"$. 2& can4t ,ight an$ carry !o=en
both- the c"imb4 too teep-1 Meera .a aying. 2#o$or- yo/ take Bran /p to that cave.1
2#o$or.1 #o$or c"appe$ hi han$ together. 2!o=en =/t nee$ to eat-1 Bran ai$- mierab"y. &t
ha$ been t.e"ve $ay ince the e"k ha$ co""ape$ ,or the thir$ an$ ,ina" time- ince Co"$han$
ha$ kne"t bei$e it in the no.bank an$ m/rm/re$ a b"eing in ome trange tong/e a he "it it
throat. Bran .ept "ike a "itt"e gir" .hen the bright b"oo$ came r/hing o/t. #e ha$ never ,e"t
more "ike a cripp"e than he $i$ then- .atching he"p"e"y a Meera Ree$ an$ Co"$han$
b/tchere$ the brave beat .ho ha$ carrie$ them o ,ar. #e to"$ hime", he .o/"$ not eat- that it
.a better to go h/ngry than to ,eat /pon a ,rien$- b/t in the en$ he4$ eaten t.ice- once in hi
o.n kin an$ once in S/mmer4. A ga/nt an$ tarve$ a the e"k ha$ been- the teak the ranger
carve$ ,rom him ha$ /taine$ them ,or even $ay- /nti" they ,inihe$ the "at o, them h/$$"e$
over a ,ire in the r/in o, an o"$ hi"",ort.
2#e nee$ to eat-1 Meera agree$- moothing her brother4 bro.. 23e a"" $o- b/t there4 no
,oo$ here. 1o+1
Bran b"inke$ back a tear an$ ,e"t it ,reeGe /pon hi cheek. Co"$han$ took #o$or by the arm.
27he "ight i ,a$ing. &, they4re not here no.- they .i"" be oon. Come.1
3or$"e ,or once- #o$or "appe$ the no. o,, hi "eg- an$ p"o.e$ /p.ar$ thro/gh the
no.$ri,t .ith Bran /pon hi back. Co"$han$ ta"ke$ bei$e them- hi b"a$e in a b"ack han$.
S/mmer came a,ter. &n ome p"ace the no. .a higher than he .a- an$ the big $ire.o", ha$ to
top an$ hake it o,, a,ter p"/nging thro/gh the thin cr/t. A they c"imbe$- Bran t/rne$
a.k.ar$"y in hi baket to .atch a Meera "i$ an arm beneath her brother to "i,t him to hi ,eet.
7e/s too hea! for her+ She/s half(stared, she/s not as strong as she was+ She c"/tche$ her ,rog
pear in her other han$- =abbing the tine into the no. ,or a "itt"e more /pport. Meera ha$ =/t
beg/n to tr/gg"e /p the hi""- ha",($ragging an$ ha",(carrying her "itt"e brother- .hen #o$or
pae$ bet.een t.o tree- an$ Bran "ot ight o, them.
7he hi"" gre. teeper. 5ri,t o, no. cracke$ /n$er #o$or4 boot. Hnce a rock move$
beneath hi ,oot an$ he "i$ back.ar$- an$ a"mot .ent t/mb"ing back $o.n the hi"". 7he ranger
ca/ght him by the arm an$ ave$ him. 2#o$or-1 ai$ #o$or. Cvery g/t o, .in$ ,i""e$ the air
.ith ,ine .hite po.$er that hone "ike g"a in the "at "ight o, $ay. Raven ,"appe$ aro/n$ them.
Hne ,"e. ahea$ an$ vanihe$ ini$e the cave. Onl! eight! !ards now, Bran tho/ght- that/s not
far at all+
S/mmer toppe$ /$$en"y- at the bottom o, a teep tretch o, /nbroken .hite no.. 7he
$ire.o", t/rne$ hi hea$- ni,,e$ the air- then nar"e$. +/r brit"ing- he began to back a.ay.
2#o$or- top-1 ai$ Bran. 2#o$or. Wait+1 Something .a .rong. S/mmer me""e$ it- an$ o
$i$ he. Something bad+ Something close+ 2#o$or- no- go back.1
Co"$han$ .a ti"" c"imbing- an$ #o$or .ante$ to keep /p. 2#o$or- ho$or- ho$or-1 he
gr/mb"e$ "o/$"y- to $ro.n o/t Bran4 comp"aint. #i breathing ha$ gro.n "abore$. 9a"e mit
,i""e$ the air. #e took a tep- then another. 7he no. .a a"mot .ait $eep an$ the "ope .a
very teep. #o$or .a "eaning ,or.ar$- graping at rock an$ tree .ith hi han$ a he c"imbe$.
Another tep. Another. 7he no. #o$or $it/rbe$ "i$ $o.nhi""- tarting a ma"" ava"anche
behin$ them.
Si8t! !ards+ Bran crane$ hime", i$e.ay to better ee the cave. 7hen he a. omething e"e.
2A ,ire01 &n the "itt"e c"e,t bet.een the .eir.oo$ tree .a a ,"ickering g"o.- a r/$$y "ight
ca""ing thro/gh the gathering g"oom. 2?ook- omeone@1
#o$or creame$. #e t.ite$- t/mb"e$- ,e"".
Bran ,e"t the .or"$ "i$e i$e.ay a the big tab"eboy p/n vio"ent"y aro/n$. A =arring
impact $rove the breath ,rom him. #i mo/th .a ,/"" o, b"oo$ an$ #o$or .a thrahing an$
ro""ing- cr/hing the cripp"e$ boy beneath him.
Something has hold of his leg+ +or ha", a heartbeat Bran tho/ght maybe a root ha$ gotten
tang"e$ ro/n$ hi ank"e8 /nti" the root move$. A hand, he a.- a the ret o, the .ight came
b/rting ,rom beneath the no..
#o$or kicke$ at it- "amming a no.(covere$ hee" ,/"" into the thing4 ,ace- b/t the $ea$ man
$i$ not even eem to ,ee" it. 7hen the t.o o, them .ere grapp"ing- p/nching an$ c"a.ing at each
other- "i$ing $o.n the hi"". Sno. ,i""e$ Bran4 mo/th an$ noe a they ro""e$ over- b/t in a ha",
a heartbeat he .a ro""ing /p again. Something "amme$ againt hi hea$- a rock or a ch/nk o,
ice or a $ea$ man4 ,it- he co/"$ not te""- an$ he ,o/n$ hime", o/t o, hi baket- pra."e$ acro
the hi""i$e- pitting no.- hi g"ove$ han$ ,/"" o, hair that he4$ torn ,rom #o$or4 hea$.
A"" aro/n$ him- .ight .ere riing ,rom beneath the no..
#wo, three, four+ Bran "ot co/nt. 7hey /rge$ /p vio"ent"y ami$t /$$en c"o/$ o, no..
Some .ore b"ack c"oak- ome ragge$ kin- ome nothing. A"" o, them ha$ pa"e ,"eh an$ b"ack
han$. 7heir eye g"o.e$ "ike pa"e b"/e tar.
7hree o, them $ecen$e$ on the ranger. Bran a. Co"$han$ "ah one acro the ,ace. 7he
thing kept right on coming- $riving him back into the arm o, another. 7.o more .ere going
a,ter #o$or- "/mbering c"/mi"y $o.n the "ope. Meera .a going to c"imb right into thi- Bran
rea"iGe$- .ith a ick ene o, he"p"e terror. #e mahe$ the no. an$ ho/te$ o/t a .arning.
Something grabbe$ ho"$ o, him.
7hat .a .hen hi ho/t became a cream. Bran ,i""e$ a ,it .ith no. an$ thre. it- b/t the
.ight $i$ not o m/ch a b"ink. A b"ack han$ ,/mb"e$ at hi ,ace- another at hi be""y. &t ,inger
,e"t "ike iron. 7e/s going to pull m! guts out+
B/t /$$en"y S/mmer .a bet.een them. Bran g"impe$ kin tear "ike cheap c"oth- hear$ the
p"intering o, bone. #e a. a han$ an$ .rit rip "ooe- pa"e ,inger .rigg"ing- the "eeve ,a$e$
b"ack ro/ghp/n. Black, he tho/ght- he/s wearing black, he was one of the Watch+ S/mmer ,"/ng
the arm ai$e- t.ite$- an$ ank hi teeth into the $ea$ man4 neck /n$er the chin. 3hen the big
grey .o", .renche$ ,ree- he took mot o, the creat/re4 throat o/t in an e:p"oion o, pa"e rotten
meat.
7he evere$ han$ .a ti"" moving. Bran ro""e$ a.ay ,rom it. Hn hi be""y- c"a.ing at the
no.- he g"impe$ the tree above- pa"e an$ no.(c"oake$- the orange g"o. bet.een.
Fift! !ards+ &, he co/"$ $rag hime", ,i,ty yar$- they co/"$ not get him. 5amp eepe$ thro/gh
hi g"ove a he c"/tche$ at root an$ rock- cra."ing to.ar$ the "ight. A little farther, 9ust a little
farther+ #hen !ou can rest beside the fire+
7he "at "ight ha$ vanihe$ ,rom amongt the tree by then. Night ha$ ,a""en. Co"$han$ .a
hacking an$ c/tting at the circ"e o, $ea$ men that /rro/n$e$ him. S/mmer .a tearing at the
one that he4$ bro/ght $o.n- it ,ace bet.een hi teeth. No one .a paying any min$ to Bran. #e
cra."e$ a "itt"e higher- $ragging hi /e"e "eg behin$ him. If I can reach that cae =
2#oooo$or1 came a .himper- ,rom ome.here $o.n be"o..
An$ /$$en"y he .a not Bran- the broken boy cra."ing thro/gh the no.- /$$en"y he .a
#o$or ha",.ay $o.n the hi""- .ith the .ight raking at hi eye. Roaring- he came "/rching to hi
,eet- thro.ing the thing vio"ent"y ai$e. &t .ent to one knee- began to rie again. Bran rippe$
#o$or4 "ong.or$ ,rom hi be"t. 5eep ini$e he co/"$ hear poor #o$or .himpering ti""- b/t
o/ti$e he .a even ,eet o, ,/ry .ith o"$ iron in hi han$. #e raie$ the .or$ an$ bro/ght it
$o.n /pon the $ea$ man- gr/nting a the b"a$e heare$ thro/gh .et .oo" an$ r/te$ mai" an$
rotte$ "eather- biting $eep into the bone an$ ,"eh beneath. 27ODO);1 he be""o.e$- an$ "ahe$
again. 7hi time he took the .ight4 hea$ o,, at the neck- an$ ,or ha", a moment he e:/"te$8
/nti" a pair o, $ea$ han$ came groping b"in$"y ,or hi throat.
Bran backe$ a.ay- b"ee$ing- an$ Meera Ree$ .a there- $riving her ,rog pear $eep into the
.ight4 back. 2#o$or-1 Bran roare$ again- .aving her /phi"". 27odor, hodor+1 !o=en .a
t.iting ,eeb"y .here he4$ "ai$ him $o.n. Bran .ent to him- $roppe$ the "ong.or$- gathere$
the boy into #o$or4 arm- an$ "/rche$ back to hi ,eet. 27ODO);1 he be""o.e$.
Meera "e$ the .ay back /p the hi""- =abbing at the .ight .hen they came near. 7he thing
co/"$ not be h/rt- b/t they .ere "o. an$ c"/my. 2#o$or-1 #o$or ai$ .ith every tep. 2#o$or-
ho$or.1 #e .on$ere$ .hat Meera .o/"$ think i, he ho/"$ /$$en"y te"" her that he "ove$ her.
Fp above them- ,"aming ,ig/re .ere $ancing in the no..
#he wights, Bran rea"iGe$. Someone set the wights on fire+
S/mmer .a nar"ing an$ napping a he $ance$ aro/n$ the c"oet- a great r/in o, a man
.reathe$ in .ir"ing ,"ame. 7e shouldn/t get so close, what is he doing6 7hen he a. hime",-
pra."e$ ,ace$o.n in the no.. S/mmer .a trying to $rive the thing a.ay ,rom him. What will
happen if it kills me6 the boy .on$ere$. Will I be 7odor for good or all6 Will I go back into
Summer/s skin6 Or will I 9ust be dead6
7he .or"$ move$ $iGGi"y aro/n$ him. 3hite tree- b"ack ky- re$ ,"ame- everything .a
.hir"ing- hi,ting- pinning. #e ,e"t hime", t/mb"ing. #e co/"$ hear #o$or creaming- 2#o$or
ho$or ho$or ho$or. #o$or ho$or ho$or ho$or. #o$or ho$or ho$or ho$or ho$or.1 A c"o/$ o,
raven .a po/ring ,rom the cave- an$ he a. a "itt"e gir" .ith a torch in han$- $arting thi .ay
an$ that. +or a moment Bran tho/ght it .a hi iter Arya8 ma$"y- ,or he kne. hi "itt"e iter
.a a tho/an$ "eag/e a.ay- or $ea$. An$ yet there he .a- .hir"ing- a cra.ny thing- ragge$-
.i"$- her hair atang"e. 7ear ,i""e$ #o$or4 eye an$ ,roGe there.
Cverything t/rne$ ini$e o/t an$ /pi$e $o.n- an$ Bran ,o/n$ hime", back ini$e hi o.n
kin- ha",(b/rie$ in the no.. 7he b/rning .ight "oome$ over him- etche$ ta"" againt the tree in
their no.y hro/$. &t .a one o, the nake$ one- Bran a.- in the intant be,ore the nearet tree
hook o,, the no. that covere$ it an$ $roppe$ it a"" $o.n /pon hi hea$.
7he ne:t he kne.- he .a "ying on a be$ o, pine nee$"e beneath a $ark tone roo,. #he cae+
I/m in the cae+ #i mo/th ti"" tate$ o, b"oo$ .here he4$ bitten hi tong/e- b/t a ,ire .a
b/rning to hi right- the heat .ahing over hi ,ace- an$ he ha$ never ,e"t anything o goo$.
S/mmer .a there- ni,,ing ro/n$ him- an$ #o$or- oaking .et. Meera cra$"e$ !o=en4 hea$ in
her "ap. An$ the Arya thing too$ over them- c"/tching her torch.
27he no.-1 Bran ai$. 2&t ,e"" on me. B/rie$ me.1
2#i$ yo/. & p/""e$ yo/ o/t.1 Meera no$$e$ at the gir". 2&t .a her .ho ave$ /- tho/gh. 7he
torch8 ,ire ki"" them.1
2+ire burns them. +ire i a".ay h/ngry.1
7hat .a not Arya4 voice- nor any chi"$4. &t .a a .oman4 voice- high an$ .eet- .ith a
trange m/ic in it "ike none that he ha$ ever hear$ an$ a a$ne that he tho/ght might break hi
heart. Bran A/inte$- to ee her better. &t was a gir"- b/t ma""er than Arya- her kin $app"e$ "ike a
$oe4 beneath a c"oak o, "eave. #er eye .ere A/eer@"arge an$ "iA/i$- go"$ an$ green- "itte$
"ike a cat4 eye. 2o one has e!es like that+ #er hair .a a tang"e o, bro.n an$ re$ an$ go"$-
a/t/mn co"or- .ith vine an$ t.ig an$ .ithere$ ,"o.er .oven thro/gh it.
23ho are yo/61 Meera Ree$ .a aking.
Bran kne.. 2She4 a chi"$. A chi"$ o, the ,oret.1 #e hivere$- a m/ch ,rom .on$erment a
co"$. 7hey ha$ ,a""en into one o, H"$ Nan4 ta"e.
27he +irt Men name$ / chi"$ren-1 the "itt"e .oman ai$. 27he giant ca""e$ / woh dak nag
gran, the A/irre" peop"e- beca/e .e .ere ma"" an$ A/ick an$ ,on$ o, tree- b/t .e are no
A/irre"- no chi"$ren. H/r name in the 7r/e 7ong/e mean those who sing the song of earth+
Be,ore yo/r H"$ 7ong/e .a ever poken- .e ha$ /ng o/r ong ten tho/an$ year.1
Meera ai$- 2Eo/ peak the Common 7ong/e no..1
2+or him. 7he Bran boy. & .a born in the time o, the $ragon- an$ ,or t.o h/n$re$ year &
.a"ke$ the .or"$ o, men- to .atch an$ "iten an$ "earn. & might be .a"king ti""- b/t my "eg
.ere ore an$ my heart .a .eary- o & t/rne$ my ,eet ,or home.1
27.o h/n$re$ year61 ai$ Meera.
7he chi"$ mi"e$. 2Men- they are the chi"$ren.1
25o yo/ have a name61 ake$ Bran.
23hen & am nee$ing one.1 She .ave$ her torch to.ar$ the b"ack crack in the back .a"" o, the
cave. 2H/r .ay i $o.n. Eo/ m/t come .ith me no..1
Bran hivere$ again. 27he ranger81
2#e cannot come.1
27hey4"" ki"" him.1
2No. 7hey ki""e$ him "ong ago. Come no.. &t i .armer $o.n $eep- an$ no one .i"" h/rt yo/
there. #e i .aiting ,or yo/.1
27he three(eye$ cro.61 ake$ Meera.
27he greeneer.1 An$ .ith that he .a o,,- an$ they ha$ no choice b/t to ,o""o.. Meera
he"pe$ Bran back /p onto #o$or4 back- tho/gh hi baket .a ha",(cr/he$ an$ .et ,rom
me"ting no.. 7hen he "ippe$ an arm aro/n$ her brother an$ ho/"$ere$ him back onto hi ,eet
once more. #i eye opene$. 23hat61 he ai$. 2Meera6 3here are .e61 3hen he a. the ,ire-
he mi"e$. 2& ha$ the tranget $ream.1
7he .ay .a crampe$ an$ t.ity- an$ o "o. that #o$or oon .a cro/ching. Bran h/nche$
$o.n a bet he co/"$- b/t even o- the top o, hi hea$ .a oon craping an$ b/mping againt
the cei"ing. ?ooe $irt cr/mb"e$ at each to/ch an$ $ribb"e$ $o.n into hi eye an$ hair- an$ once
he macke$ hi bro. on a thick .hite root gro.ing ,rom the t/nne" .a""- .ith ten$ri" hanging
,rom it an$ pi$er.eb bet.een it ,inger.
7he chi"$ .ent in ,ront .ith the torch in han$- her c"oak o, "eave .hipering behin$ her- b/t
the paage t/rne$ o m/ch that Bran oon "ot ight o, her. 7hen the on"y "ight .a .hat .a
re,"ecte$ o,, the paage .a"". A,ter they ha$ gone $o.n a "itt"e- the cave $ivi$e$- b/t the "e,t
branch .a $ark a pitch- o even #o$or kne. to ,o""o. the moving torch to the right.
7he .ay the ha$o. hi,te$ ma$e it eem a i, the .a"" .ere moving too. Bran a. great
.hite nake "ithering in an$ o/t o, the earth aro/n$ him- an$ hi heart th/mpe$ in ,ear. #e
.on$ere$ i, they ha$ b"/n$ere$ into a net o, mi"k nake or giant grave .orm- o,t an$ pa"e
an$ A/ihy. 1rae worms hae teeth+
#o$or a. them too. 2#o$or-1 he .himpere$- re"/ctant to go on. B/t .hen the gir" chi"$
toppe$ to "et them catch her- the torch"ight tea$ie$- an$ Bran rea"iGe$ that the nake .ere on"y
.hite root "ike the one he4$ hit hi hea$ on. 2&t4 .eir.oo$ root-1 he ai$. 2Remember the
heart tree in the go$.oo$- #o$or6 7he .hite tree .ith the re$ "eave6 A tree can4t h/rt yo/.1
2#o$or.1 #o$or p"/nge$ ahea$- h/rrying a,ter the chi"$ an$ her torch- $eeper into the earth.
7hey pae$ another branching- an$ another- then came into an echoing cavern a "arge a the
great ha"" o, 3inter,e""- .ith tone teeth hanging ,rom it cei"ing an$ more poking /p thro/gh it
,"oor. 7he chi"$ in the "ea,y c"oak .ove a path thro/gh them. +rom time to time he toppe$ an$
.ave$ her torch at them impatient"y. #his wa!, it eeme$ to ay- this wa!, this wa!, faster+
7here .ere more i$e paage a,ter that- more chamber- an$ Bran hear$ $ripping .ater
ome.here to hi right. 3hen he "ooke$ o,, that .ay- he a. eye "ooking back at them- "itte$
eye that g"o.e$ bright- re,"ecting back the torch"ight. *ore children, he to"$ hime",- the girl is
not the onl! one, b/t H"$ Nan4 ta"e o, Gen$e"4 chi"$ren came back to him a .e"".
7he root .ere every.here- t.iting thro/gh earth an$ tone- c"oing o,, ome paage an$
ho"$ing /p the roo, o, other. All the color is gone, Bran rea"iGe$ /$$en"y. 7he .or"$ .a
b"ack oi" an$ .hite .oo$. 7he heart tree at 3inter,e"" ha$ root a thick aro/n$ a a giant4
"eg- b/t thee .ere even thicker. An$ Bran ha$ never een o many o, them. #here must be a
whole groe of weirwoods growing up aboe us+
7he "ight $.in$"e$ again. Sma"" a he .a- the chi"$(.ho(.a(not(a(chi"$ move$ A/ick"y
.hen he .ante$. A #o$or th/mpe$ a,ter her- omething cr/nche$ beneath hi ,eet. #i ha"t
.a o /$$en that Meera an$ !o=en a"mot "amme$ into hi back.
2Bone-1 ai$ Bran. 2&t4 bone.1 7he ,"oor o, the paage .a "ittere$ .ith the bone o, bir$
an$ beat. B/t there .ere other bone a .e""- big one that m/t have come ,rom giant an$
ma"" one that co/"$ have been ,rom chi"$ren. Hn either i$e o, them- in niche carve$ ,rom the
tone- k/"" "ooke$ $o.n on them. Bran a. a bear k/"" an$ a .o", k/""- ha", a $oGen h/man
k/"" an$ near a many giant. A"" the ret .ere ma""- A/eer"y ,orme$. %hildren of the forest+
7he root ha$ gro.n in an$ aro/n$ an$ thro/gh them- every one. A ,e. ha$ raven perche$ atop
them- .atching them pa .ith bright b"ack eye.
7he "at part o, their $ark =o/rney .a the teepet. #o$or ma$e the ,ina" $ecent on hi are-
b/mping an$ "i$ing $o.n.ar$ in a c"atter o, broken bone- "ooe $irt- an$ pebb"e. 7he gir"
chi"$ .a .aiting ,or them- tan$ing on one en$ o, a nat/ra" bri$ge above a ya.ning cham.
5o.n be"o. in the $arkne- Bran hear$ the o/n$ o, r/hing .ater. An underground rier+
25o .e have to cro61 Bran ake$- a the Ree$ came "i$ing $o.n behin$ him. 7he
propect ,rightene$ him. &, #o$or "ippe$ on that narro. bri$ge- they .o/"$ ,a"" an$ ,a"".
2No- boy-1 the chi"$ ai$. 2Behin$ yo/.1 She "i,te$ her torch higher- an$ the "ight eeme$ to
hi,t an$ change. Hne moment the ,"ame b/rne$ orange an$ ye""o.- ,i""ing the cavern .ith a
r/$$y g"o.I then a"" the co"or ,a$e$- "eaving on"y b"ack an$ .hite. Behin$ them Meera gape$.
#o$or t/rne$.
Be,ore them a pa"e "or$ in ebon ,inery at $reaming in a tang"e$ net o, root- a .oven
.eir.oo$ throne that embrace$ hi .ithere$ "imb a a mother $oe a chi"$.
#i bo$y .a o ke"eta" an$ hi c"othe o rotte$ that at ,irt Bran took him ,or another
corpe- a $ea$ man proppe$ /p o "ong that the root ha$ gro.n over him- /n$er him- an$
thro/gh him. 3hat kin the corpe "or$ ho.e$ .a .hite- ave ,or a b"oo$y b"otch that crept /p
hi neck onto hi cheek. #i .hite hair .a ,ine an$ thin a root hair an$ "ong eno/gh to br/h
againt the earthen ,"oor. Root coi"e$ aro/n$ hi "eg "ike .oo$en erpent. Hne b/rro.e$
thro/gh hi breeche into the $eiccate$ ,"eh o, hi thigh- to emerge again ,rom hi ho/"$er. A
pray o, $ark re$ "eave pro/te$ ,rom hi k/""- an$ grey m/hroom potte$ hi bro.. A "itt"e
kin remaine$- tretche$ acro hi ,ace- tight an$ har$ a .hite "eather- b/t even that .a
,raying- an$ here an$ there the bro.n an$ ye""o. bone beneath .a poking thro/gh.
2Are yo/ the three(eye$ cro.61 Bran hear$ hime", ay. A three(e!ed crow should hae three
e!es+ 7e has onl! one, and that one red+ Bran co/"$ ,ee" the eye taring at him- hining "ike a
poo" o, b"oo$ in the torch"ight. 3here hi other eye ho/"$ have been- a thin .hite root gre.
,rom an empty ocket- $o.n hi cheek- an$ into hi neck.
2A8 cro.61 7he pa"e "or$4 voice .a $ry. #i "ip move$ "o."y- a i, they ha$ ,orgotten
ho. to ,orm .or$. 2Hnce- aye. B"ack o, garb an$ b"ack o, b"oo$.1 7he c"othe he .ore .ere
rotten an$ ,a$e$- potte$ .ith mo an$ eaten thro/gh .ith .orm- b/t once they ha$ been
b"ack. 2& have been many thing- Bran. No. & am a yo/ ee me- an$ no. yo/ .i"" /n$ertan$
.hy & co/"$ not come to yo/8 e:cept in $ream. & have .atche$ yo/ ,or a "ong time- .atche$
yo/ .ith a tho/an$ eye an$ one. & a. yo/r birth- an$ that o, yo/r "or$ ,ather be,ore yo/. & a.
yo/r ,irt tep- hear$ yo/r ,irt .or$- .a part o, yo/r ,irt $ream. & .a .atching .hen yo/ ,e"".
An$ no. yo/ are come to me at "at- Bran$on Stark- tho/gh the ho/r i "ate.1
2&4m here-1 Bran ai$- 2on"y &4m broken. 3i"" yo/8 .i"" yo/ ,i: me8 my "eg- & mean61
2No-1 ai$ the pa"e "or$. 27hat i beyon$ my po.er.1
Bran4 eye ,i""e$ .ith tear. We came such a long wa!+ 7he chamber echoe$ to the o/n$ o,
the b"ack river.
2Eo/ .i"" never .a"k again- Bran-1 the pa"e "ip promie$- 2b/t yo/ .i"" ,"y.1
The 5ra"en1s Da,ghter
The ha"" .a "o/$ .ith $r/nken #ar"a.- $itant co/in a"". Cach "or$ ha$ h/ng hi banner
behin$ the benche .here hi men .ere eate$. #oo few, tho/ght Aha Grey=oy- "ooking $o.n
,rom the ga""ery- too few b! far+ 7he benche .ere three(A/arter empty.
Dar" the Mai$ ha$ ai$ a m/ch- .hen the Black Wind .a approaching ,rom the ea. #e ha$
co/nte$ the "onghip moore$ beneath her /nc"e4 cat"e- an$ hi mo/th ha$ tightene$. 27hey
have not come-1 he oberve$- 2or not eno/gh o, them.1 #e .a not .rong- b/t Aha co/"$ not
agree .ith him- o/t .here her cre. might hear. She $i$ not $o/bt their $evotion- b/t even
ironborn .i"" heitate to give their "ive ,or a ca/e that4 p"ain"y "ot.
Do I hae so few friends as this6 Amongt the banner- he a. the i"ver ,ih o, Bot"ey- the
tone tree o, the Stonetree- the b"ack "eviathan o, %o"mark- the nooe o, the Myre. 7he ret
.ere #ar"a. cythe. Borem/n$ p"ace$ hi /pon a pa"e b"/e ,ie"$- #otho4 .a gir$"e$ .ithin an
embatt"e$ bor$er- an$ the >night ha$ A/artere$ hi .ith the ga/$y peacock o, hi mother4
#o/e. Cven Sig,ry$ Si"verhair ho.e$ t.o cythe co/nterchange$ on a ,ie"$ $ivi$e$ ben$.ie.
Hn"y the ?or$ #ar"a. $ip"aye$ the i"ver cythe p"ain /pon a night(b"ack ,ie"$- a it ha$ ,"o.n
in the $a.n o, $ay' Ro$rik- ca""e$ the Rea$er- ?or$ o, the 7en 7o.er- ?or$ o, #ar"a.- #ar"a.
o, #ar"a.8 her ,avorite /nc"e.
?or$ Ro$rik4 high eat .a vacant. 7.o cythe o, beaten i"ver croe$ above it- o h/ge
that even a giant .o/"$ have $i,,ic/"ty .ie"$ing them- b/t beneath .ere on"y empty c/hion.
Aha .a not /rprie$. 7he ,eat .a "ong conc"/$e$. Hn"y bone an$ greay p"atter remaine$
/pon the tret"e tab"e. 7he ret .a $rinking- an$ her /nc"e Ro$rik ha$ never been partia" to the
company o, A/arre"ome $r/nk.
She t/rne$ to 7hree(7ooth- an o"$ .oman o, ,ear,/" age .ho ha$ been her /nc"e4 te.ar$
ince he .a kno.n a 7.e"ve(7ooth. 2My /nc"e i .ith hi book61
2Aye- .here e"e61 7he .oman .a o o"$ that a epton ha$ once ai$ he m/t have n/re$
the Crone. 7hat .a .hen the +aith .a ti"" to"erate$ on the i"e. ?or$ Ro$rik ha$ kept epton
at 7en 7o.er- not ,or hi o/"4 ake b/t ,or hi book. 23ith the book- an$ Bot"ey. #e .a
.ith him too.1
Bot"ey4 tan$ar$ h/ng in the ha""- a hoa" o, i"ver ,ih /pon a pa"e green ,ie"$- tho/gh Aha
ha$ not een hi Swiftfin amongt the other "onghip. 2& ha$ hear$ my n/nc"e Cro.4 Cye ha$
o"$ Sa.ane Bot"ey $ro.ne$.1
2?or$ #ristifer Bot"ey- thi one i.1
#ris+ She .on$ere$ .hat ha$ happene$ to Sa.ane4 e"$er on- #arren. I will find out soon
enough, no doubt+ #his should be awkward+ She ha$ not een 7ri Bot"ey ince8 no- he o/ght
not $.e"" on it. 2An$ my "a$y mother61
2Abe$-1 ai$ 7hree(7ooth- 2in the 3i$o.4 7o.er.1
A!e, where else6 7he .i$o. the to.er .a name$ a,ter .a her a/nt. ?a$y G.ynee ha$
come home to mo/rn a,ter her h/ban$ ha$ $ie$ o,, +air &"e $/ring Ba"on Grey=oy4 ,irt
rebe""ion. 2& .i"" on"y tay /nti" my grie, ha pae$-1 he ha$ to"$ her brother- ,amo/"y-
2tho/gh by right 7en 7o.er ho/"$ be mine- ,or & am even year yo/r e"$er.1 ?ong year ha$
pae$ ince then- b/t ti"" the .i$o. "ingere$- grieving- an$ m/ttering ,rom time to time that the
cat"e ho/"$ be her. And now "ord )odrik has a second half(mad widowed sister beneath his
roof, Aha re,"ecte$. Small wonder if he seeks solace in his books+
Cven no.- it .a har$ to cre$it that ,rai"- ick"y ?a$y A"anny ha$ o/t"ive$ her h/ban$ ?or$
Ba"on- .ho ha$ eeme$ o har$ an$ trong. 3hen Aha ha$ ai"e$ a.ay to .ar- he ha$ $one o
.ith a heavy heart- ,earing that her mother might .e"" $ie be,ore he co/"$ ret/rn. Not once ha$
he tho/ght that her ,ather might perih intea$. #he Drowned 1od pla!s saage 9apes upon us
all, but men are crueler still+ A /$$en torm an$ a broken rope ha$ ent Ba"on Grey=oy to hi
$eath. Or so the! claim+
Aha ha$ "at een her mother .hen he toppe$ at 7en 7o.er to take on ,reh .ater- on her
.ay north to trike at 5eep.oo$ Motte. A"anny #ar"a. never ha$ the ort o, bea/ty the inger
cherihe$- b/t her $a/ghter ha$ "ove$ her ,ierce trong ,ace an$ the "a/ghter in her eye. Hn that
"at viit- tho/gh- he ha$ ,o/n$ ?a$y A"anny in a .in$o. eat h/$$"e$ beneath a pi"e o, ,/r-
taring o/t acro the ea. Is this m! mother, or her ghost6 he remembere$ thinking a he4$
kie$ her cheek.
#er mother4 kin ha$ been parchment thin- her "ong hair .hite. Some pri$e remaine$ in the
.ay he he"$ her hea$- b/t her eye .ere $im an$ c"o/$y- an$ her mo/th ha$ tremb"e$ .hen he
ake$ a,ter 7heon. 25i$ yo/ bring my baby boy61 he ha$ ake$. 7heon ha$ been ten year o"$
.hen he .a carrie$ o,, to 3inter,e"" a hotage- an$ o ,ar a ?a$y A"anny .a concerne$ he
.o/"$ a".ay be ten year o"$- it eeme$. 27heon co/"$ not come-1 Aha ha$ to te"" her. 2+ather
ent him reaving a"ong the Stony Shore.1 ?a$y A"anny ha$ na/ght to ay to that. She on"y
no$$e$ "o."y- yet it .a p"ain to ee ho. $eep her $a/ghter4 .or$ ha$ c/t her.
And now I must tell her that #heon is dead, and drie !et another dagger through her heart+
7here .ere t.o knive b/rie$ there a"rea$y. Hn the b"a$e .ere .rit the .or$ )odrik an$
*aron, an$ many a time they t.ite$ cr/e""y in the night. I will see her on the morrow, Aha
vo.e$ to here",. #er =o/rney ha$ been "ong an$ .eariome- he co/"$ not ,ace her mother no..
2& m/t peak .ith ?or$ Ro$rik-1 he to"$ 7hree(7ooth. 2See to my cre.- once they4re $one
/n"oa$ing Black Wind+ 7hey4"" bring captive. & .ant them to have .arm be$ an$ a hot mea".1
27here4 co"$ bee, in the kitchen. An$ m/tar$ in a big tone =ar- ,rom H"$to.n.1 7he
tho/ght o, that m/tar$ ma$e the o"$ .oman mi"e. A ing"e "ong bro.n tooth poke$ ,rom her
g/m.
27hat .i"" not erve. 3e ha$ a ro/gh croing. & .ant omething hot in their be""ie.1 Aha
hooke$ a th/mb thro/gh the t/$$e$ be"t abo/t her hip. 2?a$y G"over an$ the chi"$ren ho/"$
not .ant ,or .oo$ nor .armth. 9/t them in ome to.er- not the $/ngeon. 7he babe i ick.1
2Babe are o,ten ick. Mot $ie- an$ ,o"k are orry. & ha"" ak my "or$ .here to p/t thee
.o", ,o"k.1
She ca/ght the .oman4 noe bet.een th/mb an$ ,ore,inger an$ pinche$. 2Eo/ .i"" $o a &
ay. An$ i, this babe $ie- no one .i"" be orrier than yo/.1 7hree(7ooth A/ea"e$ an$ promie$
to obey- ti"" Aha "et her "ooe an$ .ent to ,in$ her /nc"e.
&t .a goo$ to .a"k thee ha"" again. 7en 7o.er ha$ a".ay ,e"t "ike home to Aha- more o
than 9yke. 2ot one castle, ten castles s3uashed together, he ha$ tho/ght- the ,irt time he ha$
een it. She remembere$ breath"e race /p an$ $o.n the tep an$ a"ong .a"".a"k an$
covere$ bri$ge- ,ihing o,, the ?ong Stone D/ay- $ay an$ night "ot amongt her /nc"e4
.ea"th o, book. #i gran$,ather4 gran$,ather ha$ raie$ the cat"e- the ne.et on the i"e. ?or$
7heomore #ar"a. ha$ "ot three on in the cra$"e an$ "ai$ the b"ame /pon the ,"oo$e$ ce""ar-
$amp tone- an$ ,etering nitre o, ancient #ar"a. #a"". 7en 7o.er .a airier- more
com,ortab"e- better ite$8 b/t ?or$ 7heomore .a a changeab"e man- a any o, hi .ive might
have teti,ie$. #e4$ ha$ i: o, thoe- a $iimi"ar a hi ten to.er.
7he Book 7o.er .a the ,attet o, the ten- octagona" in hape an$ ma$e .ith great b"ock o,
he.n tone. 7he tair .a b/i"t .ithin the thickne o, the .a"". Aha c"imbe$ A/ick"y- to the
,i,th tory an$ the room .here her /nc"e rea$. 2ot that there are an! rooms where he does not
read+ ?or$ Ro$rik .a e"$om een .itho/t a book in han$- be it in the privy- on the $eck o, hi
Sea Song, or .hi"t ho"$ing a/$ience. Aha ha$ o,t een him rea$ing on hi high eat beneath the
i"ver cythe. #e .o/"$ "iten to each cae a it .a "ai$ be,ore him- prono/nce hi =/$gment8
an$ rea$ a bit .hi"t hi captain(o,(g/ar$ .ent to bring in the ne:t /pp"icant.
She ,o/n$ him h/nche$ over a tab"e by a .in$o.- /rro/n$e$ by parchment cro"" that might
have come ,rom %a"yria be,ore it 5oom- an$ heavy "eather(bo/n$ book .ith bronGe(an$(iron
hap. Bee.a: can$"e a thick an$ ta"" a a man4 arm b/rne$ on either i$e o, .here he at- on
ornate iron ho"$er. ?or$ Ro$rik #ar"a. .a neither ,at nor "imI neither ta"" nor hortI neither
/g"y nor han$ome. #i hair .a bro.n- a .ere hi eye- tho/gh the hort- neat bear$ he
,avore$ ha$ gone grey. A"" in a""- he .a an or$inary man- $iting/ihe$ on"y by hi "ove o,
.ritten .or$- .hich o many ironborn ,o/n$ /nman"y an$ pervere.
2N/nc"e.1 She c"oe$ the $oor behin$ her. 23hat rea$ing .a o /rgent that yo/ "eave yo/r
g/et .itho/t a hot61
2Archmaeter Mar.yn4 Book of "ost Books+1 #e "i,te$ hi gaGe ,rom the page to t/$y her.
2#otho bro/ght me a copy ,rom H"$to.n. #e ha a $a/ghter he .o/"$ have me .e$.1 ?or$
Ro$rik tappe$ the book .ith a "ong nai". 2See here6 Mar.yn c"aim to have ,o/n$ three page o,
Signs and $ortents, viion .ritten $o.n by the mai$en $a/ghter o, Aenar 7argaryen be,ore the
5oom came to %a"yria. 5oe ?anny kno. that yo/ are here61
2Not a yet.1 "ann! .a hi pet name ,or her motherI on"y the Rea$er ca""e$ her that. 2?et her
ret.1 Aha move$ a tack o, book o,, a too" an$ eate$ here",. 27hree(7ooth eem to have
"ot t.o more o, her teeth. 5o yo/ ca"" her Hne(7ooth no.61
2& e"$om ca"" her at a"". 7he .oman ,righten me. 3hat ho/r i it61 ?or$ Ro$rik g"ance$ o/t
the .in$o.- at the moon"it ea. 25ark- o oon6 & ha$ not notice$. Eo/ come "ate. 3e "ooke$ ,or
yo/ ome $ay ago.1
27he .in$ .ere againt /- an$ & ha$ captive to concern me. Robett G"over4 .i,e an$
chi"$ren. 7he yo/nget i ti"" at the breat- an$ ?a$y G"over4 mi"k $rie$ /p $/ring o/r croing.
& ha$ no choice b/t to beach Black Wind /pon the Stony Shore an$ en$ my men o/t to ,in$ a
.et n/re. 7hey ,o/n$ a goat intea$. 7he gir" $oe not thrive. & there a n/ring mother in the
vi""age6 5eep.oo$ i important to my p"an.1
2Eo/r p"an m/t change. Eo/ come too "ate.1
2?ate an$ h/ngry.1 She tretche$ her "ong "eg o/t beneath the tab"e an$ t/rne$ the page o,
the nearet book- a epton4 $ico/re on Maegor the Cr/e"4 .ar againt the 9oor +e""o.. 2Hh-
an$ thirty too. A horn o, a"e .o/"$ go $o.n .e""- N/nc"e.1
?or$ Ro$rik p/re$ hi "ip. 2Eo/ kno. & $o not permit ,oo$ nor $rink in my "ibrary. 7he
book@1
2@might /,,er harm.1 Aha "a/ghe$.
#er /nc"e ,ro.ne$. 2Eo/ $o "ike to provoke me.1
2Hh- $on4t "ook o aggrieve$. & have never met a man & $i$n4t provoke- yo/ ho/"$ kno. that
.e"" eno/gh by no.. B/t eno/gh o, me. Eo/ are .e""61
#e hr/gge$. 23e"" eno/gh. My eye gro. .eaker. & have ent to Myr ,or a "en to he"p me
rea$.1
2An$ ho. ,are my a/nt61
?or$ Ro$rik ighe$. 2Sti"" even year my e"$er- an$ convince$ 7en 7o.er ho/"$ be her.
G.ynee gro. ,orget,/"- b/t that he $oe not ,orget. She mo/rn ,or her $ea$ h/ban$ a
$eep"y a he $i$ the $ay he $ie$- tho/gh he cannot a".ay reca"" hi name.1
2& am not certain he ever kne. hi name.1 Aha c"oe$ the epton4 book .ith a thump+
23a my ,ather m/r$ere$61
2So yo/r mother be"ieve.1
7here .ere time .hen he .o/"$ g"a$"y have m/r$ere$ him here",- he tho/ght. 2An$ .hat
$oe my n/nc"e be"ieve61
2Ba"on ,e"" to hi $eath .hen a rope bri$ge broke beneath him. A torm .a riing- an$ the
bri$ge .a .aying an$ t.iting .ith each g/t o, .in$.1 Ro$rik hr/gge$. 2Hr o .e are to"$.
Eo/r mother ha$ a bir$ ,rom Maeter 3en$amyr.1
Aha "i$ her $irk o/t o, it heath an$ began to c"ean the $irt ,rom beneath her ,ingernai".
27hree year a.ay- an$ the Cro.4 Cye ret/rn the very $ay my ,ather $ie.1
27he $ay a,ter- .e ha$ hear$. Silence .a ti"" o/t to ea .hen Ba"on $ie$- or o it i c"aime$.
Cven o- & .i"" agree that C/ron4 ret/rn .a8 time"y- ha"" .e ay61
27hat i not ho. & .o/"$ ay it.1 Aha "amme$ the point o, the $irk into the tab"e. 2Where
are m! ships6 & co/nte$ t.ocore "onghip moore$ be"o.- not near eno/gh to thro. the Cro.4
Cye o,, my ,ather4 chair.1
2& ent the /mmon. &n yo/r name- ,or the "ove & bear yo/ an$ yo/r mother. #o/e #ar"a.
ha gathere$. Stonetree a .e""- an$ %o"mark. Some Myre81
2A"" ,rom the i"e o, #ar"a.8 one i"e o/t o, even. & a. one "one"y Bot"ey banner in the
ha""- ,rom 9yke. 3here are the hip ,rom Sa"tc"i,,e- ,rom Hrk.oo$- ,rom the 3yk61
2Bae"or B"ackty$e came ,rom B"ackty$e to con/"t .ith me- an$ =/t a oon et ai" again.1
?or$ Ro$rik c"oe$ #he Book of "ost Books+ 2#e i on H"$ 3yk by no..1
2H"$ 3yk61 Aha ha$ ,eare$ he .a abo/t to ay that they a"" ha$ gone to 9yke- to $o
homage to the Cro.4 Cye. 23hy H"$ 3yk61
2& tho/ght yo/ .o/"$ have hear$. Aeron 5amphair ha ca""e$ a kingmoot.1
Aha thre. back her hea$ an$ "a/ghe$. 27he 5ro.ne$ Go$ m/t have hove$ a prick"e,ih
/p Fnc"e Aeron4 are. A kingsmoot6 & thi ome =ape- or $oe he mean it tr/"y61
27he 5amphair ha not =ape$ ince he .a $ro.ne$. An$ the other priet have taken /p the
ca"". B"in$ Beron B"ackty$e- 7ar"e the 7hrice(5ro.ne$8 even the H"$ Grey G/"" ha "e,t that
rock he "ive on to preach thi kingmoot a"" acro #ar"a.. 7he captain are gathering on H"$
3yk a .e peak.1
Aha .a atonihe$. 2#a the Cro.4 Cye agree$ to atten$ thi ho"y ,arce an$ abi$e by it
$eciion61
27he Cro.4 Cye $oe not con,i$e in me. Since he /mmone$ me to 9yke to $o him homage-
& have ha$ no .or$ ,rom C/ron.1
A kingsmoot+ #his is something new= or rather, something er! old+ 2An$ my /nc"e
%ictarion6 3hat $oe he make o, the 5amphair4 notion61
2%ictarion .a ent .or$ o, yo/r ,ather4 $eath. An$ o, thi kingmoot too- & $o not $o/bt.
Beyon$ that- & cannot ay.1
Better a kingsmoot than a war+ 2& be"ieve &4"" ki the 5amphair4 me""y ,eet an$ p"/ck the
ea.ee$ ,rom o/t bet.een hi toe.1 Aha .renche$ "ooe her $irk an$ heathe$ it once again.
2A b"oo$y kingsmoot;1
2Hn H"$ 3yk-1 con,irme$ ?or$ Ro$rik. 27ho/gh & pray it i not b"oo$y. & have been
con/"ting #aereg4 7istor! of the Ironborn+ 3hen "at the a"t king an$ the rock king met in
kingmoot- Frron o, Hrkmont "et hi a:emen "ooe among them- an$ Nagga4 rib t/rne$ re$
.ith gore. #o/e Greyiron r/"e$ /nchoen ,or a tho/an$ year ,rom that $ark $ay- /nti" the
An$a" came.1
2Eo/ m/t "en$ me #aereg4 book- N/nc"e.1 She .o/"$ nee$ to "earn a"" he co/"$ o,
kingmoot be,ore he reache$ H"$ 3yk.
2Eo/ may rea$ it here. &t i o"$ an$ ,ragi"e.1 #e t/$ie$ her- ,ro.ning. 2Archmaeter Rigney
once .rote that hitory i a .hee"- ,or the nat/re o, man i ,/n$amenta""y /nchanging. 3hat ha
happene$ be,ore .i"" per,orce happen again- he ai$. & think o, that .henever & contemp"ate the
Cro.4 Cye. C/ron Grey=oy o/n$ A/eer"y "ike Frron Greyiron to thee o"$ ear. & ha"" not go
to H"$ 3yk. Nor ho/"$ yo/.1
Aha mi"e$. 2An$ mi the ,irt kingmoot ca""e$ in8 ho. "ong has it been- N/nc"e61
2+o/r tho/an$ year- i, #aereg can be be"ieve$. #a", that- i, yo/ accept Maeter 5enetan4
arg/ment in :uestions+ Going to H"$ 3yk erve no p/rpoe. 7hi $ream o, kinghip i a
ma$ne in o/r b"oo$. & to"$ yo/r ,ather o the ,irt time he roe- an$ it i more tr/e no. than it
.a then. &t4 "an$ .e nee$- not cro.n. 3ith Stanni Baratheon an$ 7y.in ?anniter
conten$ing ,or the &ron 7hrone- .e have a rare chance to improve o/r "ot. ?et / take one i$e or
the other- he"p them to victory .ith o/r ,"eet- an$ c"aim the "an$ .e nee$ ,rom a grate,/" king.1
27hat might be .orth ome tho/ght- once & it the Seatone Chair-1 ai$ Aha.
#er /nc"e ighe$. 2Eo/ .i"" not .ant to hear thi- Aha- b/t yo/ .i"" not be choen. No
.oman ha ever r/"e$ the ironborn. G.ynee is even year my e"$er- b/t .hen o/r ,ather $ie$
the 7en 7o.er came to me. &t .i"" be the ame ,or yo/. Eo/ are Ba"on4 $a/ghter- not hi on.
An$ yo/ have three /nc"e.1
2+o/r.1
27hree kraken /nc"e. & $o not co/nt.1
2Eo/ $o .ith me. So "ong a & have my n/nc"e o, 7en 7o.er- & have #ar"a..1 #ar"a. .a
not the "arget o, the &ron &"an$- b/t it .a the richet an$ mot pop/"o/- an$ ?or$ Ro$rik4
po.er .a not to be $epie$. Hn #ar"a.- #ar"a. ha$ no riva". 7he %o"mark an$ Stonetree
ha$ "arge ho"$ing on the i"e an$ boate$ ,amo/ captain an$ ,ierce .arrior o, their o.n- b/t
even the ,iercet bent beneath the cythe. 7he >enning an$ the Myre- once bitter ,oe- ha$ "ong
ago been beaten $o.n to vaa".
2My co/in $o me ,ea"ty- an$ in .ar & ho/"$ comman$ their .or$ an$ ai". &n kingmoot-
tho/gh81 ?or$ Ro$rik hook hi hea$. 2Beneath the bone o, Nagga every captain tan$ a
eA/a". Some may ho/t yo/r name- & $o not $o/bt it. B/t not eno/gh. An$ .hen the ho/t ring
o/t ,or %ictarion or the Cro.4 Cye- ome o, thoe no. $rinking in my ha"" .i"" =oin the ret. &
ay again- $o not ai" into thi torm. Eo/r ,ight i hope"e.1
2No ,ight i hope"e ti"" it ha been ,o/ght. & have the bet c"aim. & am the heir o, Ba"on4
bo$y.1
2Eo/ are ti"" a .i"",/" chi"$. 7hink o, yo/r poor mother. Eo/ are a"" that ?anny ha "e,t to
her. & .i"" p/t a torch to Black Wind i, nee$ be- to keep yo/ here.1
23hat- an$ make me .im to H"$ 3yk61
2A "ong co"$ .im- ,or a cro.n yo/ cannot keep. Eo/r ,ather ha$ more co/rage than ene.
7he H"$ 3ay erve$ the i"e .e"" .hen .e .ere one ma"" king$om amongt many- b/t
Aegon4 ConA/et p/t an en$ to that. Ba"on re,/e$ to ee .hat .a p"ain be,ore him. 7he H"$
3ay $ie$ .ith B"ack #arren an$ hi on.1
2& kno. that.1 Aha ha$ "ove$ her ,ather- b/t he $i$ not $e"/$e here",. Ba"on ha$ been b"in$
in ome repect. A brae man but a bad lord+ 25oe that mean .e m/t "ive an$ $ie a thra"" to
the &ron 7hrone6 &, there are rock to tarboar$ an$ a torm to port- a .ie captain teer a thir$
co/re.1
2Sho. me thi thir$ co/re.1
2& ha""8 at my A/eenmoot. N/nc"e- ho. can yo/ even think o, not atten$ing6 7hi .i"" be
hitory- a"ive81
2& pre,er my hitory $ea$. 5ea$ hitory i .rit in ink- the "iving ort in b"oo$.1
25o yo/ .ant to $ie o"$ an$ craven in yo/r be$61
2#o. e"e6 7ho/gh not ti"" &4m $one rea$ing.1 ?or$ Ro$rik .ent to the .in$o.. 2Eo/ have
not ake$ abo/t yo/r "a$y mother.1
I was afraid+ 2#o. i he61
2Stronger. She may yet o/t"ive / a"". She .i"" certain"y o/t"ive yo/- i, yo/ perit in thi
,o""y. She eat more than he $i$ .hen he ,irt came here- an$ o,t "eep thro/gh the night.1
2Goo$.1 &n her ,ina" year on 9yke- ?a$y A"anny co/"$ not "eep. She .o/"$ .an$er the
ha"" at night .ith a can$"e- "ooking ,or her on. 4*aron65 he .o/"$ ca"" hri""y. 4)odrik,
where are !ou6 #heon, m! bab!, come to *other+5 Many a time Aha ha$ .atche$ the maeter
$ra. p"inter ,rom her mother4 hee" o, a morning- a,ter he ha$ croe$ the .aying p"ank
bri$ge to the Sea 7o.er on bare ,eet. 2& .i"" ee her in the morning.1
2She .i"" ak ,or .or$ o, 7heon.1
#he $rince of Winterfell+ 23hat have yo/ to"$ her61
2?itt"e an$ "e. 7here .a na/ght to te"".1 #e heitate$. 2Eo/ are certain that he i $ea$61
2& am certain o, nothing.1
2Eo/ ,o/n$ a bo$y61
23e ,o/n$ part o, many bo$ie. 7he .o"ve .ere there be,ore /8 the ,o/r("egge$ ort- b/t
they ho.e$ cant reverence ,or their t.o("egge$ kin. 7he bone o, the "ain .ere cattere$-
cracke$ open ,or their marro.. & con,e- it .a har$ to kno. .hat happene$ there. &t eeme$ a
tho/gh the northmen ,o/ght amongt theme"ve.1
2Cro. .i"" ,ight over a $ea$ man4 ,"eh an$ ki"" each other ,or hi eye.1 ?or$ Ro$rik
tare$ acro the ea- .atching the p"ay o, moon"ight on the .ave. 23e ha$ one king- then ,ive.
No. a"" & ee are cro.- A/abb"ing over the corpe o, 3etero.1 #e ,atene$ the h/tter. 25o
not go to H"$ 3yk- Aha. Stay .ith yo/r mother. 3e ha"" not have her "ong- & ,ear.1
Aha hi,te$ in her eat. 2My mother raie$ me to be bo"$. &, & $o not go- & .i"" pen$ the ret
o, my "i,e .on$ering .hat might have happene$ i, & ha$.1
2&, yo/ $o go- the ret o, yo/r "i,e may be too hort ,or .on$ering.1
2Better that than ,i"" the remain$er o, my $ay comp"aining that the Seatone Chair by right
.a mine. & am no G.ynee.1
7hat ma$e him .ince. 2Aha- my t.o ta"" on ,e$ the crab o, +air &"e. & am not "ike to .e$
again. Stay- an$ & ha"" name yo/ heir to the 7en 7o.er. Be content .ith that.1
27en 7o.er61 Would that I could+ 2Eo/r co/in .i"" not "ike that. 7he >night- o"$ Sig,ry$-
#otho #/mpback81
27hey have "an$ an$ eat o, their o.n.1
#rue enough+ 5amp- $ecaying #ar"a. #a"" be"onge$ to o"$ Sig,ry$ #ar"a. the Si"verhairI
h/mpbacke$ #otho #ar"a. ha$ hi eat at the 7o.er o, G"immering- on a crag above the
.etern coat. 7he >night- Ser #arra #ar"a.- kept co/rt at Grey Gar$enI Borem/n$ the B"/e
r/"e$ atop #arri$an #i"". B/t each .a /b=ect to ?or$ Ro$rik. 2Borem/n$ ha three on-
Sig,ry$ Si"verhair ha gran$on- an$ #otho ha ambition-1 Aha ai$. 27hey a"" mean to ,o""o.
yo/- even Sig,ry$. 7hat one inten$ to "ive ,orever.1
27he >night .i"" be the ?or$ o, #ar"a. a,ter me-1 her /nc"e ai$- 2b/t he can r/"e ,rom Grey
Gar$en a eai"y a ,rom here. 5o ,ea"ty to him ,or the cat"e an$ Ser #arra .i"" protect yo/.1
2& can protect mye",. N/nc"e- & am a kraken. Aha- o, #o/e 1re!9o!+1 She p/he$ to her
,eet. 2&t4 my ,ather4 eat & .ant- not yo/r. 7hoe cythe o, yo/r "ook peri"o/. Hne co/"$ ,a""
an$ "ice my hea$ o,,. No- &4"" it the Seatone Chair.1
27hen yo/ are =/t another cro.- creaming ,or carrion.1 Ro$rik at again behin$ hi tab"e.
2Go. & .ih to ret/rn to Archmaeter Mar.yn an$ hi earch.1
2?et me kno. i, he ho/"$ ,in$ another page.1 #er /nc"e .a her /nc"e. #e .o/"$ never
change. But he will come to Old W!k, no matter what he sa!s+
By no. her cre. .o/"$ be eating in the ha"". Aha kne. he o/ght to =oin them- to peak o,
thi gathering on H"$ 3yk an$ .hat it meant ,or them. #er o.n men .o/"$ be o"i$"y behin$
her- b/t he .o/"$ nee$ the ret a .e""- her #ar"a. co/in- the %o"mark- an$ the Stonetree.
#hose are the ones I must win+ #er victory at 5eep.oo$ Motte .o/"$ erve her in goo$ tea$-
once her men began to boat o, it- a he kne. they .o/"$. 7he cre. o, her Black Wind took a
pervere pri$e in the $ee$ o, their .oman captain. #a", o, them "ove$ her "ike a $a/ghter- an$
other ha", .ante$ to prea$ her "eg- b/t either ort .o/"$ $ie ,or her. And I for them, he .a
thinking a he ho/"$ere$ thro/gh the $oor at the bottom o, the tep- into the moon"it yar$.
2Aha61 A ha$o. teppe$ o/t ,rom behin$ the .e"".
#er han$ .ent to her $irk at once8 /nti" the moon"ight tran,orme$ the $ark hape into a
man in a ea"kin c"oak. Another ghost+ 27ri. &4$ tho/ght to ,in$ yo/ in the ha"".1
2& .ante$ to ee yo/.1
23hat part o, me- & .on$er61 She grinne$. 23e""- here & tan$- a"" gro.n /p. ?ook a"" yo/
"ike.1
2A .oman.1 #e move$ c"oer. 2An$ bea/ti,/".1
7riti,er Bot"ey ha$ ,i""e$ o/t ince "at he4$ een him- b/t he ha$ the ame /nr/"y hair that
he remembere$- an$ eye a "arge an$ tr/ting a a ea"4. Sweet e!es, trul!+ 7hat .a the
tro/b"e .ith poor 7riti,erI he .a too .eet ,or the &ron &"an$. 7is face has grown comel!, he
tho/ght. A a boy 7ri ha$ been m/ch tro/b"e$ by pimp"e. Aha ha$ /,,ere$ the ame
a,,"ictionI perhap that ha$ been .hat $re. them together.
2& .a orry to hear abo/t yo/r ,ather-1 he to"$ him.
2& grieve ,or yo/r.1
Wh!6 Aha a"mot ake$. &t .a Ba"on .ho4$ ent the boy a.ay ,rom 9yke- to be a .ar$ o,
Bae"or B"ackty$e4. 2& it tr/e yo/ are ?or$ Bot"ey no.61
2&n name- at "eat. #arren $ie$ at Moat Cai"in. Hne o, the bog $evi" hot him .ith a poione$
arro.. B/t & am the "or$ o, nothing. 3hen my ,ather $enie$ hi c"aim to the Seatone Chair- the
Cro.4 Cye $ro.ne$ him an$ ma$e my /nc"e .ear him ,ea"ty. Cven a,ter that he gave ha", my
,ather4 "an$ to &ron #o"t. ?or$ 3ynch .a the ,irt man to ben$ hi knee an$ ca"" him king.1
#o/e 3ynch .a trong on 9yke- b/t Aha took care not to "et her $imay ho.. 23ynch
never ha$ yo/r ,ather4 co/rage.1
2Eo/r /nc"e bo/ght him-1 7ri ai$. 27he Silence ret/rne$ .ith ho"$ ,/"" o, trea/re. 9"ate
an$ pear"- emera"$ an$ r/bie- apphire big a egg- bag o, coin o heavy that no man can "i,t
them8 the Cro.4 Cye ha been b/ying ,rien$ at every han$. My /nc"e Germ/n$ ca"" hime",
?or$ Bot"ey no.- an$ r/"e in ?or$port a yo/r /nc"e4 man.1
2Eo/ are the right,/" ?or$ Bot"ey-1 he a/re$ him. 2Hnce & ho"$ the Seatone Chair- yo/r
,ather4 "an$ ha"" be retore$.1
2&, yo/ "ike. &t4 no/ght to me. Eo/ "ook o "ove"y in the moon"ight- Aha. A .oman gro.n
no.- b/t & remember .hen yo/ .ere a kinny gir" .ith a ,ace a"" ,/"" o, pimp"e.1
Wh! must the! alwa!s mention the pimples6 2& remember that a .e"".1 #hough not as fondl!
as !ou do+ H, the ,ive boy her mother ha$ bro/ght to 9yke to ,oter a,ter Ne$ Stark ha$ taken
her "at "iving on a hotage- 7ri ha$ been c"oet to Aha in age. #e ha$ not been the ,irt boy
he ha$ ever kie$- b/t he .a the ,irt to /n$o the "ace o, her =erkin an$ "ip a .eaty han$
beneath to ,ee" her b/$$ing breat.
I would hae let him feel more than that if he/d been bold enough+ #er ,irt ,"o.ering ha$
come /pon her $/ring the .ar an$ .akene$ her $eire- b/t even be,ore that Aha ha$ been
c/rio/. 7e was there, he was mine own age, and he was willing, that was all it was= that, and
the moon blood+ Cven o- he4$ ca""e$ it "ove- ti"" 7ri began to go on abo/t the chi"$ren he
.o/"$ bear himI a $oGen on at "eat- an$ oh- ome $a/ghter too. 2& $on4t .ant to have a $oGen
on-1 he ha$ to"$ him- appa""e$. 2& .ant to have adentures.1 Not "ong a,ter- Maeter Da"en
,o/n$ them at their p"ay- an$ yo/ng 7riti,er Bot"ey .a ent a.ay to B"ackty$e.
2& .rote yo/ "etter-1 he ai$- 2b/t Maeter !oeran .o/"$ not en$ them. Hnce & gave a tag
to an oarman on a tra$er bo/n$ ,or ?or$port- .ho promie$ to p/t my "etter in yo/r han$.1
2Eo/r oarman .ink"e$ yo/ an$ thre. yo/r "etter in the ea.1
2& ,eare$ a m/ch. 7hey never gave me yo/r "etter either.1
I wrote none+ &n tr/th- he ha$ been re"ieve$ .hen 7ri .a ent a.ay. By then hi ,/mb"ing
ha$ beg/n to bore her. 7hat .a not omething he .o/"$ care to hear- ho.ever. 2Aeron
5amphair ha ca""e$ a kingmoot. 3i"" yo/ come an$ peak ,or me61
2& .i"" go any.here .ith yo/- b/t8 ?or$ B"ackty$e ay thi kingmoot i a $angero/ ,o""y.
#e think yo/r /nc"e .i"" $ecen$ on them an$ ki"" them a""- a Frron $i$.1
7e/s mad enough+ 2#e "ack the trength.1
2Eo/ $o not kno. hi trength. #e4 been gathering men on 9yke. Hrk.oo$ o, Hrkmont
bro/ght him t.enty "onghip- an$ 9inch,ace !on Myre a $oGen. ?e,t(#an$ ?/ca Co$$ i .ith
them. An$ #arren #a",(#oare- the Re$ Harman- >emmett 9yke the Batar$- Ro$rik +reeborn-
7or.o"$ Bro.ntooth81
2Men o, ma"" acco/nt.1 Aha kne. them- every one. 27he on o, a"t .ive- the gran$on
o, thra"". 7he Co$$8 $o yo/ kno. their words61
4#hough All *en Do Despise <s,5 7ri ai$- 2b/t i, they catch yo/ in thoe net o, their-
yo/4"" be a $ea$ a i, they ha$ been $ragon"or$. An$ there4 .ore. 7he Cro.4 Cye bro/ght
back monter ,rom the eat8 aye- an$ wizards too.1
2N/nc"e a".ay ha$ a ,on$ne ,or ,reak an$ ,oo"-1 ai$ Aha. 2My ,ather /e$ to ,ight .ith
him abo/t it. ?et the .iGar$ ca"" /pon their go$. 7he 5amphair .i"" ca"" on o/r- an$ $ro.n
them. 3i"" & have yo/r voice at the A/eenmoot- 7ri61
2Eo/ ha"" have a"" o, me. & am yo/r man- ,orever. Aha- & .o/"$ .e$ yo/. Eo/r "a$y mother
ha given her conent.1
She ti,"e$ a groan. &ou might hae asked me first= though !ou might not hae liked the
answer half so well+
2& am no econ$ on no.-1 he .ent on. 2& am the right,/" ?or$ Bot"ey- a yo/ ai$ yo/re",.
An$ yo/ are@1
23hat & am .i"" be ett"e$ on H"$ 3yk. 7ri- .e are no "onger chi"$ren ,/mb"ing at each
other an$ trying to ee .hat ,it .here. Eo/ think yo/ .ant to .e$ me- b/t yo/ $on4t.1
2& $o. A"" & $ream abo/t i yo/. Aha- & .ear /pon the bone o, Nagga- & have never to/che$
another .oman.1
2Go to/ch one8 or t.o- or ten. & have to/che$ more men than & can co/nt. Some .ith my
"ip- more .ith my a:e.1 She ha$ /rren$ere$ her virt/e at i:(an$(ten- to a bea/ti,/" b"on$(
haire$ ai"or on a tra$ing ga""ey /p ,rom ?y. #e on"y kne. i: .or$ o, the Common 7ong/e-
b/t 2,/ck1 .a one o, them@the very .or$ he4$ hope$ to hear. A,ter.ar$- Aha ha$ the ene
to ,in$ a .oo$ .itch- .ho ho.e$ her ho. to bre. moon tea to keep her be""y ,"at.
Bot"ey b"inke$- a i, he $i$ not A/ite /n$ertan$ .hat he ha$ ai$. 2Eo/8 & tho/ght yo/
.o/"$ .ait. 3hy81 #e r/bbe$ hi mo/th. 2Aha- .ere yo/ forced61
2So ,orce$ & tore hi t/nic. Eo/ $o not .ant to .e$ me- take my .or$ on that. Eo/ are a
.eet boy an$ a".ay .ere- b/t & am no .eet gir". &, .e .e$- oon eno/gh yo/4$ come to hate
me.1
2Never. Aha- & have ached ,or yo/.1
She ha$ hear$ eno/gh o, thi. A ick"y mother- a m/r$ere$ ,ather- an$ a p"ag/e o, /nc"e
.ere eno/gh ,or any .oman to conten$ .ithI he $i$ not reA/ire a "oveick p/ppy too. 2+in$ a
brothe"- 7ri. 7hey4"" c/re yo/ o, that ache.1
2& co/"$ never81 7riti,er hook hi hea$. 2Eo/ an$ & .ere meant to be- Aha. & have a".ay
kno.n yo/ .o/"$ be my .i,e- an$ the mother o, my on.1 #e eiGe$ her /pper arm.
&n a b"ink her $irk .a at hi throat. 27ake yo/r han$ a.ay or yo/ .on4t "ive "ong eno/gh to
bree$ a on. 2ow+1 3hen he $i$- he "o.ere$ the b"a$e. 2Eo/ .ant a .oman- .e"" an$ goo$. &4""
p/t one in yo/r be$ tonight. 9reten$ he4 me- i, that .i"" give yo/ p"ea/re- b/t $o not pre/me
to grab at me again. & am yo/r A/een- not yo/r .i,e. Remember that.1 Aha heathe$ her $irk
an$ "e,t him tan$ing there- .ith a ,at $rop o, b"oo$ "o."y creeping $o.n hi neck- b"ack in the
pa"e "ight o, the moon.
T'RION
+or a "ong .hi"e he $i$ not tir- b/t "ay /nmoving /pon the heap o, o"$ ack that erve$ him
,or a be$- "itening to the .in$ in the "ine- to the "apping o, the river at the h/"".
A ,/"" moon ,"oate$ above the mat. It is following me downrier, watching me like some
great e!e+ 5epite the .armth o, the m/ty kin that covere$ him- a hiver .ent thro/gh the
"itt"e man. I need a cup of wine+ A dozen cups of wine+ B/t the moon .o/"$ b"ink be,ore that
.horeon Gri,, "et him A/ench hi thirt. &ntea$ he $rank .ater- an$ .a con$emne$ to
"eep"e night an$ $ay o, .eat an$ hake.
7he $.ar, at /p- cra$"ing hi hea$ in hi han$. Did I dream6 A"" memory o, it ha$ ,"e$. 7he
night ha$ never been kin$ to 7yrion ?anniter. #e "ept ba$"y even on o,t ,eather be$. Hn the
Sh! *aid, he ma$e hi be$ atop the roo, o, the cabin- .ith a coi" o, hempen rope ,or a pi""o.. #e
"ike$ it better /p here than in the boat4 crampe$ ho"$. 7he air .a ,reher- an$ the river o/n$
.ere .eeter than 5/ck4 noring. 7here .a a price to be pai$ ,or /ch =oy- tho/ghI the $eck
.a har$- an$ he .oke ti,, an$ ore- hi "eg crampe$ an$ aching.
7hey .ere throbbing no.- hi ca"ve gone har$ a .oo$. #e knea$e$ them .ith hi ,inger-
trying to r/b the ache a.ay- b/t .hen he too$ the pain .a ti"" eno/gh to make him grimace. I
need to bathe+ #i boy4 c"othe tank- an$ o $i$ he. 7he other bathe$ in the river- b/t th/ ,ar
he ha$ not =oine$ them. Some o, the t/rt"e he4$ een in the ha""o. "ooke$ big eno/gh to bite
him in ha",. Bonesnappers, 5/ck ca""e$ them. Bei$e- he $i$ not .ant ?emore to ee him
nake$.
A .oo$en "a$$er "e$ $o.n ,rom the cabin roo,. 7yrion p/""e$ on hi boot an$ $ecen$e$ to
the a,ter$eck- .here Gri,, at .rappe$ in a .o",(kin c"oak bei$e an iron braGier. 7he e"".or$
kept the night .atch by hime",- riing a the ret o, hi ban$ o/ght their be$ an$ retiring .hen
the /n came /p.
7yrion A/atte$ acro ,rom him an$ .arme$ hi han$ over the coa". Acro the .ater
nightinga"e .ere inging. 25ay oon-1 he ai$ to Gri,,.
2Not oon eno/gh. 3e nee$ to be /n$er .ay.1 &, it ha$ been /p to Gri,,- the Sh! *aid .o/"$
contin/e $o.ntream by night a .e"" a $ay- b/t Ean$ry an$ Ei""a re,/e$ to rik their
po"eboat in the $ark. 7he Fpper Rhoyne .a ,/"" o, nag an$ a.yer- any one o, .hich co/"$
rip o/t the Sh! *aid4 h/"". Gri,, $i$ not .ant to hear it. 3hat he .ante$ .a %o"anti.
7he e"".or$4 eye .ere a".ay moving- earching the night ,or8 .hat6 $irates6 Stone
men6 Slae(catchers6 7he river ha$ peri"- the $.ar, kne.- b/t Gri,, hime", tr/ck 7yrion a
more $angero/ than any o, them. #e remin$e$ 7yrion o, Bronn- tho/gh Bronn ha$ a
e"".or$4 b"ack h/mor an$ Gri,, ha$ no h/mor at a"".
2& .o/"$ ki"" ,or a c/p o, .ine-1 m/ttere$ 7yrion.
Gri,, ma$e no rep"y. &ou will die before !ou drink, hi pa"e eye eeme$ to ay. 7yrion ha$
$r/nk hime", b"in$ hi ,irt night on the Sh! *aid+ 7he ne:t $ay he a.oke .ith $ragon ,ighting
in hi k/"". Gri,, took one "ook at him retching over the i$e o, the po"eboat- an$ ai$- 2Eo/ are
$one .ith $rink.1
23ine he"p me "eep-1 7yrion ha$ protete$. Wine drowns m! dreams, he might have ai$.
27hen tay a.ake-1 Gri,, ha$ rep"ie$- imp"acab"e.
7o the eat- the ,irt pa"e "ight o, $ay /,,/e$ the ky above the river. 7he .ater o, the
Rhoyne "o."y .ent ,rom b"ack to b"/e- to match the e"".or$4 hair an$ bear$. Gri,, got to hi
,eet. 27he other ho/"$ .ake oon. 7he $eck i yo/r.1 A the nightinga"e ,e"" i"ent- the river
"ark took /p their ong. Cgret p"ahe$ amongt the ree$ an$ "e,t their track acro the
an$bar. 7he c"o/$ in the ky .ere ag"o.' pink an$ p/rp"e- maroon an$ go"$- pear" an$
a,,ron. Hne "ooke$ "ike a $ragon. Once a man has seen a dragon in flight, let him sta! at home
and tend his garden in content, omeone ha$ .ritten once- for this wide world has no greater
wonder+ 7yrion cratche$ at hi car an$ trie$ to reca"" the a/thor4 name. 5ragon ha$ been
m/ch in hi tho/ght o, "ate.
2Goo$ morro.- #/gor.1 Septa ?emore ha$ emerge$ in her .hite robe- cinche$ at the .ait
.ith a .oven be"t o, even co"or. #er hair ,"o.e$ "ooe abo/t her ho/"$er. 2#o. $i$ yo/
"eep61
2+it,/""y- goo$ "a$y. & $reame$ o, yo/ again.1 A waking dream+ #e co/"$ not "eep- o he ha$
eae$ a han$ bet.een hi "eg an$ imagine$ the epta atop him- breat bo/ncing.
2A .icke$ $ream- no $o/bt. Eo/ are a .icke$ man. 3i"" yo/ pray .ith me an$ ak
,orgivene ,or yo/r in61
Onl! if we pra! in the fashion of the Summer Isles+ 2No- b/t $o give the Mai$en a "ong- .eet
ki ,or me.1
?a/ghing- the epta .a"ke$ to the pro. o, the boat. &t .a her c/tom to bathe in the river
every morning. 29"ain"y- thi boat .a not name$ ,or yo/-1 7yrion ca""e$ a he $irobe$.
27he Mother an$ the +ather ma$e / in their image- #/gor. 3e ho/"$ g"ory in o/r bo$ie-
,or they are the .ork o, go$.1
#he gods must hae been drunk when the! got to me+ 7he $.ar, .atche$ ?emore "ip into the
.ater. 7he ight a".ay ma$e him har$. 7here .a omething .on$er,/""y .icke$ abo/t the
tho/ght o, pee"ing the epta o/t o, thoe chate .hite robe an$ prea$ing her "eg. Innocence
despoiled, he tho/ght8 tho/gh ?emore .a not near a innocent a he appeare$. She ha$
tretch mark on her be""y that co/"$ on"y have come ,rom chi"$birth.
Ean$ry an$ Ei""a ha$ rien .ith the /n an$ .ere going abo/t their b/ine. Ean$ry to"e a
g"ance at Septa ?emore ,rom time to time a he .a checking the "ine. #i ma"" $ark .i,e-
Ei""a- took no notice. She ,e$ ome .oo$ chip to the braGier on the a,ter$eck- tirre$ the coa"
.ith a b"ackene$ b"a$e- an$ began to knea$ the $o/gh ,or the morning bic/it.
3hen ?emore c"imbe$ back onto the $eck- 7yrion avore$ the ight o, .ater trick"ing
bet.een her breat- her mooth kin g"o.ing go"$en in the morning "ight. She .a pat ,orty-
more han$ome than pretty- b/t ti"" eay on the eye. Being rand! is the ne8t best thing to being
drunk, he $eci$e$. &t ma$e him ,ee" a i, he .a ti"" a"ive. 25i$ yo/ ee the t/rt"e- #/gor61 the
epta ake$ him- .ringing .ater ,rom her hair. 27he big ri$geback61
7he ear"y morning .a the bet time ,or eeing t/rt"e. 5/ring the $ay they .o/"$ .im $o.n
$eep- or hi$e in c/t a"ong the bank- b/t .hen the /n .a ne."y rien they came to the /r,ace.
Some "ike$ to .im bei$e the boat. 7yrion ha$ g"impe$ a $oGen $i,,erent ort' "arge t/rt"e
an$ ma"" one- ,"atback an$ re$(ear- o,the"" an$ bonenapper- bro.n t/rt"e- green t/rt"e-
b"ack t/rt"e- c"a.e$ t/rt"e an$ horne$ t/rt"e- t/rt"e .hoe ri$ge$ an$ patterne$ he"" .ere
covere$ .ith .hor" o, go"$ an$ =a$e an$ cream. Some .ere o "arge they co/"$ have borne a
man /pon their back. Ean$ry .ore the Rhoynar prince /e$ to ri$e them acro the river. #e
an$ hi .i,e .ere Greenb"oo$ born- a pair o, 5ornih orphan come home to Mother Rhoyne.
2& mie$ the ri$geback.1 I was watching the naked woman+
2& am a$ ,or yo/.1 ?emore "ippe$ her robe over her hea$. 2& kno. yo/ on"y rie o ear"y in
hope o, eeing t/rt"e.1
2& "ike to .atch the /n come /p a .e"".1 &t .a "ike .atching a mai$en riing nake$ ,rom
her bath. Some might be prettier than other- b/t every one .a ,/"" o, promie. 27he t/rt"e have
their charm- & .i"" a""o.. Nothing $e"ight me o m/ch a the ight o, a nice pair o, hape"y8
he"".1
Septa ?emore "a/ghe$. ?ike everyone e"e aboar$ the Sh! *aid, he ha$ her ecret. She .a
.e"come to them. I do not want to know her, I onl! want to fuck her+ She kne. it too. A he
h/ng her epta4 cryta" abo/t her neck- to net"e in the c"e,t bet.een her breat- he teae$ him
.ith a mi"e.
Ean$ry p/""e$ /p the anchor- "i$ one o, the "ong po"e o,, the cabin roo,- an$ p/he$ them
o,,. 7.o o, the heron raie$ their hea$ to .atch a the Sh! *aid $ri,te$ a.ay ,rom the bank-
o/t into the c/rrent. S"o."y the boat began to move $o.ntream. Ean$ry .ent to the ti""er. Ei""a
.a t/rning the bic/it. She "ai$ an iron pan atop the braGier an$ p/t the bacon in. Some $ay
he cooke$ bic/it an$ baconI ome $ay bacon an$ bic/it. Hnce every ,ortnight there might
be a ,ih- b/t not to$ay.
3hen Ei""a t/rne$ her back- 7yrion natche$ a bic/it o,, the braGier- $arting a.ay =/t in
time to avoi$ a mack ,rom her ,earome .oo$en poon. 7hey .ere bet .hen eaten hot-
$ripping .ith honey an$ b/tter. 7he me"" o, the bacon cooking oon ,etche$ 5/ck /p ,rom the
ho"$. #e ni,,e$ over the braGier- receive$ a .ack ,rom Ei""a4 poon- an$ .ent back to have
hi morning pi o,, the tern.
7yrion .a$$"e$ over to =oin him. 2No. here4 a ight to ee-1 he A/ippe$ a they .ere
emptying their b"a$$er- 2a $.ar, an$ a $/ck- making the mighty Rhoyne that m/ch mightier.1
Ean$ry norte$ in $eriion. 2Mother Rhoyne ha no nee$ o, yo/r .ater- Eo""o. She i the
greatet river in the .or"$.1
7yrion hook o,, the "at ,e. $rop. 2Big eno/gh to $ro.n a $.ar,- & grant yo/. 7he Man$er
i a broa$- tho/gh. So i the 7ri$ent- near it mo/th. 7he B"ack.ater r/n $eeper.1
2Eo/ $o not kno. the river. 3ait- an$ yo/ .i"" ee.1
7he bacon t/rne$ crip- the bic/it go"$en bro.n. Eo/ng Gri,, t/mb"e$ /p onto $eck
ya.ning. 2Goo$ morro.- a"".1 7he "a$ .a horter than 5/ck- b/t hi "anky b/i"$ /ggete$ that
he ha$ not yet come into hi ,/"" gro.th. #his beardless bo! could hae an! maiden in the Seen
,ingdoms, blue hair or no+ #hose e!es of his would melt them+ ?ike hi ire- Eo/ng Gri,, ha$
b"/e eye- b/t .here the ,ather4 eye .ere pa"e- the on4 .ere $ark. By "amp"ight they t/rne$
b"ack- an$ in the "ight o, $/k they eeme$ p/rp"e. #i eye"ahe .ere a "ong a any .oman4.
2& me"" bacon-1 the "a$ ai$- p/""ing on hi boot. 2Goo$ bacon-1 ai$ Ei""a. 2Sit.1
She ,e$ them on the a,ter$eck- preing honeye$ bic/it on Eo/ng Gri,, an$ hitting 5/ck4
han$ .ith her poon .henever he ma$e a grab ,or more bacon. 7yrion p/""e$ apart t.o bic/it-
,i""e$ them .ith bacon- an$ carrie$ one to Ean$ry at the ti""er. A,ter.ar$ he he"pe$ 5/ck to raie
the Sh! *aid4 big "ateen ai". Ean$ry took them o/t into the center o, the river- .here the
c/rrent .a tronget. 7he Sh! *aid .a a .eet boat. #er $ra,t .a o ha""o. he co/"$ .ork
her .ay /p even the ma""et o, the river4 vaa" tream- negotiating an$bar that .o/"$ have
tran$e$ "arger vee"- yet .ith her ai" raie$ an$ a c/rrent /n$er her- he co/"$ make goo$
pee$. 7hat co/"$ mean "i,e an$ $eath on the /pper reache o, the Rhoyne- Ean$ry c"aime$.
27here i no "a. above the Sorro.- not ,or a tho/an$ year.1
2An$ no people, o ,ar a & can ee.1 #e4$ g"impe$ ome r/in a"ong the bank- pi"e o,
maonry overgro.n by vine an$ mo an$ ,"o.er- b/t no other ign o, h/man habitation.
2Eo/ $o not kno. the river- Eo""o. A pirate boat may "/rk /p any tream- an$ ecape$ "ave
o,t hi$e amongt the r/in. 7he "ave(catcher e"$om come o ,ar north.1
2S"ave(catcher .o/"$ be a .e"come change ,rom t/rt"e.1 Not being an ecape$ "ave-
7yrion nee$ not ,ear being ca/ght. An$ no pirate .a "ike to bother a po"eboat moving
$o.ntream. 7he va"/ab"e goo$ came /p the river ,rom %o"anti.
3hen the bacon .a gone- 5/ck p/nche$ Eo/ng Gri,, in the ho/"$er. 27ime to raie ome
br/ie. S.or$ to$ay- & think.1
2S.or$61 Eo/ng Gri,, grinne$. 2S.or$ .i"" be .eet.1
7yrion he"pe$ him $re ,or the bo/t- in heavy breeche- pa$$e$ $o/b"et- an$ a $inte$ /it o,
o"$ tee" p"ate. Ser Ro""y hr/gge$ into hi mai" an$ boi"e$ "eather. Both et he"m /pon their
hea$ an$ choe b"/nte$ "ong.or$ ,rom the b/n$"e in the .eapon chet. 7hey et to on the
a,ter$eck- having at each other "/ti"y .hi"t the ret o, the morning company "ooke$ on.
3hen they ,o/ght .ith mace or b"/nte$ "onga:e- Ser Ro""y4 greater iGe an$ trength .o/"$
A/ick"y over.he"m hi chargeI .ith .or$ the contet .ere more even. Neither man ha$ taken
/p a hie"$ thi morning- o it .a a game o, "ah an$ parry- back an$ ,orth acro the $eck. 7he
river rang to the o/n$ o, their combat. Eo/ng Gri,, "an$e$ more b"o.- tho/gh 5/ck4 .ere
har$er. A,ter a .hi"e- the bigger man began to tire. #i c/t came a "itt"e "o.er- a "itt"e "o.er.
Eo/ng Gri,, t/rne$ them a"" an$ "a/nche$ a ,/rio/ attack that ,orce$ Ser Ro""y back. 3hen they
reache$ the tern- the "a$ tie$ /p their b"a$e an$ "amme$ a ho/"$er into 5/ck- an$ the big man
.ent into the river.
#e came /p p/ttering an$ c/ring- be""o.ing ,or omeone to ,ih him o/t be,ore a 4napper
ate hi private. 7yrion toe$ a "ine to him. 25/ck ho/"$ .im better than that-1 he ai$ a he
an$ Ean$ry .ere ha/"ing the knight back aboar$ the Sh! *aid+
Ser Ro""y grabbe$ 7yrion by the co""ar. 2?et / ee ho. $.ar, .im-1 he ai$- ch/cking him
hea$"ong into the Rhoyne.
7he $.ar, "a/ghe$ "atI he co/"$ pa$$"e paab"y .e""- an$ $i$8 /nti" hi "eg began to
cramp. Eo/ng Gri,, e:ten$e$ him a po"e. 2Eo/ are not the ,irt to try an$ $ro.n me-1 he to"$
5/ck- a he .a po/ring river .ater ,rom hi boot. 2My ,ather thre. me $o.n a .e"" the $ay &
.a born- b/t & .a o /g"y that the .ater .itch .ho "ive$ $o.n there pat me back.1 #e p/""e$
o,, the other boot- then $i$ a cart.hee" a"ong the $eck- praying a"" o, them.
Eo/ng Gri,, "a/ghe$. 23here $i$ yo/ "earn that61
27he m/mmer ta/ght me-1 he "ie$. 2My mother "ove$ me bet o, a"" her chi"$ren beca/e &
.a o ma"". She n/re$ me at her breat ti"" & .a even. 7hat ma$e my brother =ea"o/- o
they t/,,e$ me in a ack an$ o"$ me to a m/mmer4 tro/pe. 3hen & trie$ to r/n o,, the mater
m/mmer c/t o,, ha", my noe- o & ha$ no choice b/t to go .ith them an$ "earn to be am/ing.1
7he tr/th .a rather $i,,erent. #i /nc"e ha$ ta/ght him a bit o, t/mb"ing .hen he .a i: or
even. 7yrion ha$ taken to it eager"y. +or ha", a year he cart.hee"e$ hi merry .ay abo/t
Cater"y Rock- bringing mi"e to the ,ace o, epton- A/ire- an$ ervant a"ike. Cven Cerei
"a/ghe$ to ee him once or t.ice.
A"" that en$e$ abr/pt"y the $ay hi ,ather ret/rne$ ,rom a o=o/rn in >ing4 ?an$ing. 7hat
night at /pper 7yrion /rprie$ hi ire by .a"king the "ength o, the high tab"e on hi han$.
?or$ 7y.in .a not p"eae$. 27he go$ ma$e yo/ a $.ar,. M/t yo/ be a ,oo" a .e""6 Eo/
.ere born a "ion- not a monkey.1
And !ou/re a corpse, Father, so I/ll caper as I please+ 2Eo/ have a gi,t ,or making men
mi"e-1 Septa ?emore to"$ 7yrion a he .a $rying o,, hi toe. 2Eo/ ho/"$ thank the +ather
Above. #e give gi,t to a"" hi chi"$ren.1
2#e $oe-1 he agree$ p"eaant"y. And when I die, please let them bur! with me a crossbow, so
I can thank the Father Aboe for his gifts the same wa! I thanked the father below+
#i c"othing .a ti"" oake$ ,rom hi invo"/ntary .im- c"inging to hi arm an$ "eg
/ncom,ortab"y. 3hi"t Eo/ng Gri,, .ent o,, .ith Septa ?emore to be intr/cte$ in the myterie
o, the +aith- 7yrion trippe$ o,, the .et c"othe an$ $onne$ $ry one. 5/ck ha$ a goo$ g/,,a.
.hen he emerge$ on $eck again. #e co/"$ not b"ame him. 5ree$ a he .a- he ma$e a comic
ight. #i $o/b"et .a $ivi$e$ $o.n the mi$$"eI the "e,t i$e .a p/rp"e ve"vet .ith bronGe
t/$I the right- ye""o. .oo" embroi$ere$ in green ,"ora" pattern. #i breeche .ere imi"ar"y
p"itI the right "eg .a o"i$ green- the "e,t "eg tripe$ in re$ an$ .hite. Hne o, &""yrio4 chet
ha$ been packe$ .ith a chi"$4 c"othing- m/ty b/t .e"" ma$e. Septa ?emore ha$ "it each
garment apart- then e.n them back together- =oining ha", o, thi to ha", o, that to ,ahion a cr/$e
mot"ey. Gri,, ha$ even inite$ that 7yrion he"p .ith the c/tting an$ e.ing. No $o/bt he meant
,or it to be h/mb"ing- b/t 7yrion en=oye$ the nee$"e.ork. ?emore .a a".ay p"eaant company-
$epite her penchant ,or co"$ing him .henever he ai$ omething r/$e abo/t the go$. If 1riff
wants to cast me as the fool, I/ll pla! the game+ Some.here- he kne.- ?or$ 7y.in ?anniter .a
horri,ie$- an$ that took the ting ,rom it.
#i other $/ty .a anything b/t ,oo"ih. Duck has his sword, I m! 3uill and parchment+ Gri,,
ha$ comman$e$ him to et $o.n a"" he kne. o, $ragon"ore. 7he tak .a a ,ormi$ab"e one- b/t
the $.ar, "abore$ at it every $ay- cratching a.ay a bet he co/"$ a he at cro("egge$ on the
cabin roo,.
7yrion ha$ rea$ m/ch an$ more o, $ragon thro/gh the year. 7he greater part o, thoe
acco/nt .ere i$"e ta"e an$ co/"$ not be re"ie$ on- an$ the book that &""yrio ha$ provi$e$ them
.ere not the one he might have .ihe$ ,or. 3hat he rea""y .ante$ .a the comp"ete te:t o, #he
Fires of the Freehold, Ga"en$ro4 hitory o, %a"yria. No comp"ete copy .a kno.n to 3etero-
ho.everI even the Cita$e"4 "acke$ t.enty(even cro"". #he! must hae a librar! in Old
.olantis, surel!+ I ma! find a better cop! there, if I can find a wa! inside the Black Walls to the
cit!/s heart+
#e .a "e hope,/" concerning Septon Barth4 Dragons, W!rms, and W!erns> #heir
<nnatural 7istor!+ Barth ha$ been a b"ackmith4 on .ho roe to be >ing4 #an$ $/ring the
reign o, !aehaery the Conci"iator. #i enemie a".ay c"aime$ he .a more orcerer than
epton. Bae"or the B"ee$ ha$ or$ere$ a"" Barth4 .riting $etroye$ .hen he came to the &ron
7hrone. 7en year ago- 7yrion ha$ rea$ a ,ragment o, <nnatural 7istor! that ha$ e"/$e$ the
B"ee$ Bae"or- b/t he $o/bte$ that any o, Barth4 .ork ha$ ,o/n$ it .ay acro the narro. ea.
An$ o, co/re there .a even "e chance o, hi coming on the ,ragmentary- anonymo/- b"oo$(
oake$ tome ometime ca""e$ Blood and Fire an$ ometime #he Death of Dragons, the on"y
/rviving copy o, .hich .a /ppoe$"y hi$$en a.ay in a "ocke$ va/"t beneath the Cita$e".
3hen the #a",maeter appeare$ on $eck- ya.ning- the $.ar, .a .riting $o.n .hat he
reca""e$ concerning the mating habit o, $ragon- on .hich /b=ect Barth- M/nk/n- an$ 7homa:
he"$ marke$"y $ivergent vie.. #a"$on ta"ke$ to the tern to pi $o.n at the /n .here it
himmere$ on the .ater- breaking apart .ith every p/,, o, .in$. 23e ho/"$ reach the =/nction
.ith the Noyne by evening- Eo""o-1 the #a",maeter ca""e$ o/t.
7yrion g"ance$ /p ,rom hi .riting. 2My name i #/gor. Eo""o i hi$ing in my breeche.
Sha"" & "et him o/t to p"ay61
2Bet not. Eo/ might ,righten the t/rt"e.1 #a"$on4 mi"e .a a harp a the b"a$e o, a
$agger. 23hat $i$ yo/ te"" me .a the name o, that treet in ?anniport .here yo/ .ere born-
Eo""o61
2&t .a an a""ey. &t ha$ no name.1 7yrion took a mor$ant p"ea/re in inventing the $etai" o,
the co"or,/" "i,e o, #/gor #i""- a"o kno.n a Eo""o- a batar$ o/t o, ?anniport. #he best lies
are seasoned with a bit of truth+ 7he $.ar, kne. he o/n$e$ "ike a .eterman- an$ a highborn
.eterman at that- o #/gor m/t nee$ be ome "or$"ing4 by(b"o.. Born in ?anniport beca/e
he kne. that city better than H"$to.n or >ing4 ?an$ing- an$ citie .ere .here mot $.ar,
en$e$ /p- even thoe .he"pe$ by Goo$.i,e B/mpkin in the t/rnip patch. 7he co/ntryi$e ha$ no
groteA/erie or m/mmer ho.8 tho/gh it $i$ have .e"" ap"enty- to .a""o. /p /n.ante$
kitten- three(hea$e$ ca"ve- an$ babe "ike him.
2& ee yo/ have been $e,acing more goo$ parchment- Eo""o.1 #a"$on "ace$ /p hi breeche.
2Not a"" o, / can be ha", a maeter.1 7yrion4 han$ .a cramping. #e p/t hi A/i"" ai$e an$
,"e:e$ hi t/bby ,inger. 2+ancy another game o, c!asse61 7he #a",maeter a".ay $e,eate$
him- b/t it .a a .ay to pa the time.
27hi evening. 3i"" yo/ =oin / ,or Eo/ng Gri,,4 "eon61
23hy not6 Someone nee$ to correct yo/r error.1
7here .ere ,o/r cabin on the Sh! *aid+ Ean$ry an$ Ei""a hare$ one-
Gri,, an$ Eo/ng Gri,, another. Septa ?emore ha$ a cabin to here",- a $i$ #a"$on. 7he
#a",maeter4 cabin .a the "arget o, the ,o/r. Hne .a"" .a "ine$ .ith bookhe"ve an$ bin
tacke$ .ith o"$ cro"" an$ parchmentI another he"$ rack o, ointment- herb- an$ potion.
Go"$en "ight "ante$ thro/gh the .avy ye""o. g"a o, the ro/n$ .in$o.. 7he ,/rnihing
inc"/$e$ a b/nk- a .riting $ek- a chair- a too"- an$ the #a",maeter4 c!asse tab"e- tre.n .ith
carve$ .oo$en piece.
7he "eon began .ith "ang/age. Eo/ng Gri,, poke the Common 7ong/e a i, he ha$ been
born to it- an$ .a ,"/ent in #igh %a"yrian- the "o. $ia"ect o, 9ento- 7yroh- Myr- an$ ?y- an$
the tra$e ta"k o, ai"or. 7he %o"antene $ia"ect .a a ne. to him a it .a to 7yrion- o every
$ay they "earne$ a ,e. more .or$ .hi"t #a"$on correcte$ their mitake. Meereenee .a
har$erI it root .ere %a"yrian a .e""- b/t the tree ha$ been gra,te$ onto the harh- /g"y tong/e
o, H"$ Ghi. 2Eo/ nee$ a bee /p yo/r noe to peak Ghicari proper"y-1 7yrion comp"aine$.
Eo/ng Gri,, "a/ghe$- b/t the #a",maeter on"y ai$- 2Again.1 7he boy obeye$- tho/gh he ro""e$
hi eye a"ong .ith hi zzz thi time. 7e has a better ear than me, 7yrion .a ,orce$ to a$mit-
though I/ll wager m! tongue is still more nimble+
Geometry ,o""o.e$ "ang/age. 7here the boy .a "e a$roit- b/t #a"$on .a a patient
teacher- an$ 7yrion .a ab"e to make hime", o, /e a .e"". #e ha$ "earne$ the myterie o,
A/are an$ circ"e an$ triang"e ,rom hi ,ather4 maeter at Cater"y Rock- an$ they came back
more A/ick"y than he .o/"$ have tho/ght.
By the time they t/rne$ to hitory- Eo/ng Gri,, .a gro.ing retive. 23e .ere $ic/ing the
hitory o, %o"anti-1 #a"$on ai$ to him. 2Can yo/ te"" Eo""o the $i,,erence bet.een a tiger an$
an e"ephant61
2%o"anti i the o"$et o, the Nine +ree Citie- ,irt $a/ghter o, %a"yria-1 the "a$ rep"ie$- in a
bore$ tone. 2A,ter the 5oom it p"eae$ the %o"antene to coni$er theme"ve the heir o, the
+reeho"$ an$ right,/" r/"er o, the .or"$- b/t they .ere $ivi$e$ a to ho. $ominion might bet
be achieve$. 7he H"$ B"oo$ ,avore$ the .or$- .hi"e the merchant an$ money"en$er
a$vocate$ tra$e. A they conten$e$ ,or r/"e o, the city- the ,action became kno.n a the tiger
an$ e"ephant- repective"y.
27he tiger he"$ .ay ,or a"mot a cent/ry a,ter the 5oom o, %a"yria. +or a time they .ere
/cce,/". A %o"antene ,"eet took ?y an$ a %o"antene army capt/re$ Myr- an$ ,or t.o
generation a"" three citie .ere r/"e$ ,rom .ithin the B"ack 3a"". 7hat en$e$ .hen the tiger
trie$ to .a""o. 7yroh. 9ento came into the .ar on the 7yrohi i$e- a"ong .ith the 3eteroi
Storm >ing. Braavo provi$e$ a ?yeni e:i"e .ith a h/n$re$ .arhip- Aegon 7argaryen ,"e.
,orth ,rom 5ragontone on the B"ack 5rea$- an$ Myr an$ ?y roe /p in rebe""ion. 7he .ar "e,t
the 5ip/te$ ?an$ a .ate- an$ ,ree$ ?y an$ Myr ,rom the yoke. 7he tiger /,,ere$ other
$e,eat a .e"". 7he ,"eet they ent to rec"aim %a"yria vanihe$ in the Smoking Sea. Dohor an$
Norvo broke their po.er on the Rhoyne .hen the ,ire ga""ey ,o/ght on 5agger ?ake. H/t o,
the eat came the 5othraki- $riving ma"",o"k ,rom their hove" an$ nob"e ,rom their etate-
/nti" on"y gra an$ r/in remaine$ ,rom the ,oret o, Dohor to the hea$.ater o, the Se"hor/.
A,ter a cent/ry o, .ar- %o"anti ,o/n$ here", broken- bankr/pt- an$ $epop/"ate$. &t .a then
that the e"ephant roe /p. 7hey have he"$ .ay ever ince. Some year the tiger e"ect a triarch-
an$ ome year they $o not- b/t never more than one- o the e"ephant have r/"e$ the city ,or
three h/n$re$ year.1
2!/t o-1 ai$ #a"$on. 2An$ the preent triarch61
2Ma"aA/o i a tiger- Nyeo an$ 5onipho are e"ephant.1
2An$ .hat "eon can .e $ra. ,rom %o"antene hitory61
2&, yo/ .ant to conA/er the .or"$- yo/ bet have $ragon.1
7yrion co/"$ not he"p b/t "a/gh.
?ater- .hen Eo/ng Gri,, .ent /p on $eck to he"p Ean$ry .ith the ai" an$ po"e- #a"$on et
/p hi c!asse tab"e ,or their game. 7yrion .atche$ .ith mimatche$ eye- an$ ai$- 27he boy i
bright. Eo/ have $one .e"" by him. #a", the "or$ in 3etero are not o "earne$- a$ to ay.
?ang/age- hitory- ong- /m8 a hea$y te. ,or ome e"".or$4 on.1
2A book can be a $angero/ a a .or$ in the right han$-1 ai$ #a"$on. 27ry to give me a
better batt"e thi time- Eo""o. Eo/ p"ay c!asse a ba$"y a yo/ t/mb"e.1
2& am trying to "/"" yo/ into a ,a"e ene o, con,i$ence-1 ai$ 7yrion- a they arrange$ their
ti"e on either i$e o, a carve$ .oo$en creen. 2Eo/ think yo/ ta/ght me ho. to p"ay- b/t thing
are not a".ay a they eem. 9erhap & "earne$ the game ,rom the cheeemonger- have yo/
coni$ere$ that61
2&""yrio $oe not p"ay c!asse+1
2o, tho/ght the $.ar,- he pla!s the game of thrones, and !ou and 1riff and Duck are onl!
pieces, to be moed where he will and sacrificed at need, 9ust as he sacrificed .iser!s+ 27he
b"ame m/t ,a"" on yo/- then. &, & p"ay ba$"y- it i yo/r $oing.1
7he #a",maeter ch/ck"e$. 2Eo""o- & ha"" mi yo/ .hen the pirate c/t yo/r throat.1
23here are thee ,amo/ pirate6 & am beginning to think that yo/ an$ &""yrio ma$e them a""
/p.1
27hey are thicket on the tretch o, river bet.een Ar Noy an$ the Sorro.. Above the r/in o,
Ar Noy- the Dohorik r/"e the river- an$ be"o. the Sorro. the ga""ey o, %o"anti ho"$ .ay- b/t
neither city c"aim the .ater in bet.een- o the pirate have ma$e it their o.n. 5agger ?ake i
,/"" o, i"an$ .here they "/rk in hi$$en cave an$ ecret trongho"$. Are yo/ rea$y61
2+or yo/6 Beyon$ a $o/bt. +or the pirate6 ?e o.1
#a"$on remove$ the creen. Cach o, them contemp"ate$ the other4 opening array. 2Eo/ are
"earning-1 the #a",maeter ai$.
7yrion a"mot grabbe$ hi $ragon b/t tho/ght better o, it. ?at game he ha$ bro/ght her o/t
too oon an$ "ot her to a treb/chet. 2&, .e $o meet thee ,ab"e$ pirate- & may =oin /p .ith them.
&4"" te"" them that my name i #/gor #a",maeter.1 #e move$ hi "ight hore to.ar$ #a"$on4
mo/ntain.
#a"$on an.ere$ .ith an e"ephant. 2#/gor #a",.it .o/"$ /it yo/ better.1
2& on"y nee$ ha", my .it to be a match ,or yo/.1 7yrion move$ /p hi heavy hore to /pport
the "ight. 29erhap yo/ .o/"$ care to .ager on the o/tcome61
7he #a",maeter arche$ an eyebro.. 2#o. m/ch61
2& have no coin. 3e4"" p"ay ,or ecret.1
2Gri,, .o/"$ c/t my tong/e o/t.1
2A,rai$- are yo/6 & .o/"$ be i, & .ere yo/.1
27he $ay yo/ $e,eat me at c!asse .i"" be the $ay t/rt"e cra." o/t my are.1 7he
#a",maeter move$ hi pear. 2Eo/ have yo/r .ager- "itt"e man.1
7yrion tretche$ a han$ o/t ,or hi $ragon.
&t .a three ho/r "ater .hen the "itt"e man ,ina""y crept back /p on $eck to empty hi b"a$$er.
5/ck .a he"ping Ean$ry .ret"e $o.n the ai"- .hi"e Ei""a took the ti""er. 7he /n h/ng "o.
above the ree$(be$ a"ong the .etern bank- a the .in$ began to g/t an$ rip. I need that skin of
wine, the $.ar, tho/ght. #i "eg .ere crampe$ ,rom A/atting on that too"- an$ he ,e"t o "ight(
hea$e$ that he .a "/cky not to ,a"" into the river.
2Eo""o-1 5/ck ca""e$. 23here4 #a"$on61
2#e4 taken to hi be$- in ome $icom,ort. 7here are t/rt"e cra."ing o/t hi are.1 #e "e,t
the knight to ort that o/t an$ cra."e$ /p the "a$$er to the cabin roo,. H,, to the eat- there .a
$arkne gathering behin$ a rocky i"an$.
Septa ?emore ,o/n$ him there. 2Can yo/ ,ee" the torm in the air- #/gor #i""6 5agger ?ake
i ahea$ o, /- .here pirate pro.". An$ beyon$ that "ie the Sorro..1
2ot mine+ I carr! mine own sorrows with me, eer!where I go+ #e tho/ght o, 7yha an$
.on$ere$ .here .hore go. Wh! not .olantis6 $erhaps I/ll find her there+ A man should cling
to hope+ #e .on$ere$ .hat he .o/"$ ay to her. I am sorr! that I let them rape !ou, loe+ I
thought !ou were a whore+ %an !ou find it in !our heart to forgie me6 I want to go back to our
cottage, to the wa! it was when we were man and wife+
7he i"an$ ,e"" a.ay behin$ them. 7yrion a. r/in riing a"ong the eatern bank' crooke$
.a"" an$ ,a""en to.er- broken $ome an$ ro. o, rotte$ .oo$en pi""ar- treet choke$ by m/$
an$ overgro.n .ith p/rp"e mo. Another dead cit!, ten times as large as 1ho!an Drohe+
7/rt"e "ive$ there no.- big bonenapper. 7he $.ar, co/"$ ee them baking in the /n- bro.n
an$ b"ack h/mmock .ith =agge$ ri$ge $o.n the center o, their he"". A ,e. a. the Sh! *aid
an$ "i$ $o.n into the .ater- "eaving ripp"e in their .ake. 7hi .o/"$ not be a goo$ p"ace ,or a
.im.
7hen- thro/gh the t.ite$ ha",($ro.ne$ tree an$ .i$e .et treet- he g"impe$ the i"very
heen o, /n"ight /pon .ater. Another rier, he kne. at once- rushing toward the )ho!ne+ 7he
r/in gre. ta""er a the "an$ gre. narro.er- /nti" the city en$e$ on a point o, "an$ .here too$
the remain o, a co"oa" pa"ace o, pink an$ green marb"e- it co""ape$ $ome an$ broken pire
"ooming "arge above a ro. o, covere$ arch.ay. 7yrion a. more 4napper "eeping in the "ip
.here ha", a h/n$re$ hip might once have $ocke$. #e kne. .here he .a then. #hat was
2!meria/s palace, and this is all that remains of 2! Sar, her cit!+
2Eo""o-1 ho/te$ Ean$ry a the Sh! *aid pae$ the point- 2te"" me again o, thoe 3eteroi
river a big a Mother Rhoyne.1
2& $i$ not kno.-1 he ca""e$ back. 2No river in the Seven >ing$om i ha", o .i$e a thi.1
7he ne. river that ha$ =oine$ them .a a c"oe t.in to the one they ha$ been ai"ing $o.n- an$
that one a"one ha$ a"mot matche$ the Man$er or the 7ri$ent.
27hi i Ny Sar- .here the Mother gather in her 3i"$ 5a/ghter- Noyne-1 ai$ Ean$ry- 2b/t
he .i"" not reach her .i$et point /nti" he meet her other $a/ghter. At 5agger ?ake the
Dhoyne come r/hing in- the 5ark"ing 5a/ghter- ,/"" o, go"$ an$ amber ,rom the A:e an$ pine(
cone ,rom the +oret o, Dohor. So/th o, there the Mother meet ?hor/"/- the Smi"ing 5a/ghter
,rom the Go"$en +ie"$. 3here they =oin once too$ Chroyane- the ,etiva" city- .here the treet
.ere ma$e o, .ater an$ the ho/e ma$e o, go"$. 7hen o/th an$ eat again ,or "ong "eag/e-
/nti" at "at come creeping in Se"hor/- the Shy 5a/ghter .ho hi$e her co/re in ree$ an$
.rithe. 7here Mother Rhoyne .a:e o .i$e that a man /pon a boat in the center o, the tream
cannot ee a hore to either i$e. Eo/ ha"" ee- my "itt"e ,rien$.1
I shall, the $.ar, .a thinking- .hen he pie$ a ripp"ing ahea$ not i: yar$ ,rom the boat. #e
.a abo/t to point it o/t to ?emore .hen it came to the /r,ace .ith a .ah o, .ater that rocke$
the Sh! *aid i$e.ay.
&t .a another t/rt"e- a horne$ t/rt"e o, enormo/ iGe- it $ark green he"" mott"e$ .ith bro.n
an$ overgro.n .ith .ater mo an$ cr/ty b"ack river mo""/c. &t raie$ it hea$ an$ be""o.e$-
a $eep(throate$ thr/mming roar "o/$er than any .arhorn that 7yrion ha$ ever hear$. 23e are
b"ee$-1 Ei""a .a crying "o/$"y- a tear treame$ $o.n her ,ace. 23e are b"ee$- .e are
b"ee$.1
5/ck .a hooting- an$ Eo/ng Gri,, too. #a"$on came o/t on $eck to "earn the ca/e o, the
commotion8 b/t too "ate. 7he giant t/rt"e ha$ vanihe$ be"o. the .ater once again. 23hat .a
the ca/e o, a"" that noie61 the #a",maeter ake$.
2A t/rt"e-1 ai$ 7yrion. 2A t/rt"e bigger than thi boat.1
2&t .a him,1 crie$ Ean$ry. 27he H"$ Man o, the River.1
And wh! not6 7yrion grinne$. 1ods and wonders alwa!s appear, to attend the birth of kings+
Cersei
Oh- & pray the Seven .i"" not "et it rain /pon the king4 .e$$ing-1 !oce"yn S.y,t ai$ a he
"ace$ /p the A/een4 go.n.
2No one .ant rain-1 ai$ Cerei. +or here",- he .ante$ "eet an$ ice- ho."ing .in$-
th/n$er to hake the very tone o, the Re$ >eep. She .ante$ a torm to match her rage. 7o
!oce"yn he ai$- 27ighter. Cinch it tighter, yo/ impering "itt"e ,oo".1
&t .a the .e$$ing that enrage$ her- tho/gh the "o.(.itte$ S.y,t gir" ma$e a a,er target.
7ommen4 ho"$ /pon the &ron 7hrone .a not ec/re eno/gh ,or her to rik o,,en$ing
#ighgar$en. Not o "ong a Stanni Baratheon he"$ 5ragontone an$ Storm4 Cn$- o "ong a
Riverr/n contin/e$ in $e,iance- o "ong a ironmen pro."e$ the ea "ike .o"ve. So !oce"yn
m/t nee$ eat the mea" Cerei .o/"$ ooner have erve$ to Margaery 7yre"" an$ her hi$eo/
.rink"e$ gran$mother.
7o break her ,at the A/een ent to the kitchen ,or t.o boi"e$ egg- a "oa, o, brea$- an$ a pot
o, honey. B/t .hen he cracke$ the ,irt egg an$ ,o/n$ a b"oo$y ha",(,orme$ chick ini$e- her
tomach roi"e$. 27ake thi a.ay an$ bring me hot pice$ .ine-1 he to"$ Sene""e. 7he chi"" in the
air .a ett"ing in her bone- an$ he ha$ a "ong naty $ay ahea$ o, her.
Nor $i$ !aime he"p her moo$ .hen he t/rne$ /p a"" in .hite an$ ti"" /nhaven- to te"" her
ho. he meant to keep her on ,rom being poione$. 2& .i"" have men in the kitchen .atching a
each $ih i prepare$-1 he ai$. 2Ser A$$am4 go"$ c"oak .i"" ecort the ervant a they bring
the ,oo$ to tab"e- to make certain no tampering take p"ace a"ong the .ay. Ser Boro .i"" be
tating every co/re be,ore 7ommen p/t a bite into hi mo/th. An$ i, a"" that ho/"$ ,ai"-
Maeter Ba""abar .i"" be eate$ in the back o, the ha""- .ith p/rge an$ anti$ote ,or t.enty
common poion on hi peron. 7ommen .i"" be a,e- & promie yo/.1
2Sa,e.1 7he .or$ tate$ bitter on her tong/e. !aime $i$ not /n$ertan$. No one /n$ertoo$.
Hn"y Me"ara ha$ been in the tent to hear the o"$ hag4 croaking threat- an$ Me"ara .a "ong
$ea$. 27yrion .i"" not ki"" the ame .ay t.ice. #e i too c/nning ,or that. #e co/"$ be /n$er the
,"oor even no.- "itening to every .or$ .e ay an$ making p"an to open 7ommen4 throat.1
2S/ppoe he .a-1 ai$ !aime. 23hatever p"an he make- he .i"" ti"" be ma"" an$ t/nte$.
7ommen .i"" be /rro/n$e$ by the ,inet knight in 3etero. 7he >ingg/ar$ .i"" protect
him.1
Cerei g"ance$ at .here the "eeve o, her brother4 .hite i"k t/nic ha$ been pinne$ /p over
hi t/mp. 2& remember ho. .e"" they g/ar$e$ !o,,rey- thee p"en$i$ knight o, yo/r. & .ant
yo/ to remain .ith 7ommen a"" night- i that /n$ertoo$61
2& .i"" have a g/ar$man o/ti$e hi $oor.1
She eiGe$ hi arm. 2Not a g/ar$man. Eo/. An$ inside hi be$chamber.1
2&n cae 7yrion cra." o/t o, the hearth6 #e .on4t.1
2So yo/ ay. 3i"" yo/ te"" me that yo/ ,o/n$ a"" the hi$$en t/nne" in thee .a""61 7hey both
kne. better. 2& .i"" not have 7ommen a"one .ith Margaery- not ,or o m/ch a ha", a heartbeat.1
27hey .i"" not be a"one. #er co/in .i"" be .ith them.1
2A .i"" yo/. & comman$ it- in the king4 name.1 Cerei ha$ not .ante$ 7ommen an$ hi .i,e
to hare a be$ at a""- b/t the 7yre"" ha$ inite$. 2#/ban$ an$ .i,e ho/"$ "eep together-1 the
D/een o, 7horn ha$ ai$- 2even i, they $o no more than "eep. #i Grace4 be$ i big eno/gh
,or t.o- /re"y.1 ?a$y A"erie ha$ echoe$ her goo$(mother. 2?et the chi"$ren .arm each other in
the night. &t .i"" bring them c"oer. Margaery o,t hare her b"anket .ith her co/in. 7hey ing
an$ p"ay game an$ .hiper ecret to each other .hen the can$"e are n/,,e$ o/t.1
2#o. $e"ight,/"-1 Cerei ha$ ai$. 2?et them contin/e- by a"" mean. &n the Mai$enva/"t.1
2& am /re #er Grace kno. bet-1 ?a$y H"enna ha$ ai$ to ?a$y A"erie. 2She i the boy4
o.n mother- a,ter a""- o, that .e are a"" /re. An$ /re"y .e can agree abo/t the .e$$ing night6
A man ho/"$ not "eep apart ,rom hi .i,e on the night o, their .e$$ing. &t i i"" "/ck ,or their
marriage i, they $o.1
Someda! I will teach !ou the meaning of 4ill luck,5 the A/een ha$ vo.e$. 2Margaery may
hare 7ommen4 be$chamber ,or that one night-1 he ha$ been ,orce$ to ay. 2No "onger.1
2Eo/r Grace i o gracio/-1 the D/een o, 7horn ha$ rep"ie$- an$ everyone ha$ e:change$
mi"e.
Cerei4 ,inger .ere $igging into !aime4 arm har$ eno/gh to "eave br/ie. 2& nee$ e!es
ini$e that room-1 he ai$.
27o ee what61 he ai$. 27here can be no $anger o, a con/mmation. 7ommen i m/ch too
yo/ng.1
2An$ Hi,er 9"/mm .a m/ch too $ea$- b/t that $i$ not top him ,athering a chi"$- $i$ it61
#er brother "ooke$ "ot. 23ho .a Hi,er 9"/mm6 3a he ?or$ 9hi"ip4 ,ather- or8 .ho61
7e is near as ignorant as )obert+ All his wits were in his sword hand+ 2+orget 9"/mm- =/t
remember .hat & to"$ yo/. S.ear to me that yo/ .i"" tay by 7ommen4 i$e /nti" the /n come
/p.1
2A yo/ comman$-1 he ai$- a i, her ,ear .ere gro/n$"e. 25o yo/ ti"" mean to go ahea$
an$ b/rn the 7o.er o, the #an$61
2A,ter the ,eat.1 &t .a the on"y part o, the $ay4 ,etivitie that Cerei tho/ght he might
en=oy. 2H/r "or$ ,ather .a m/r$ere$ in that to.er. & cannot bear to "ook at it. &, the go$ are
goo$- the ,ire may moke a ,e. rat ,rom the r/bb"e.1
!aime ro""e$ hi eye. 27yrion- yo/ mean.1
2#im- an$ ?or$ %ary- an$ thi gao"er.1
2&, any o, them .ere hi$ing in the to.er- .e .o/"$ have ,o/n$ them. &4ve ha$ a ma"" army
going at it .ith pick an$ hammer. 3e4ve knocke$ thro/gh .a"" an$ rippe$ /p ,"oor an$
/ncovere$ ha", a h/n$re$ ecret paage.1
2An$ ,or a"" yo/ kno. there may be ha", a h/n$re$ more.1 Some o, the ecret cra.".ay ha$
t/rne$ o/t to be o ma"" that !aime ha$ nee$e$ page an$ tab"eboy to e:p"ore them. A paage
to the b"ack ce"" ha$ been ,o/n$- an$ a tone .e"" that eeme$ to have no bottom. 7hey ha$
,o/n$ a chamber ,/"" o, k/"" an$ ye""o.e$ bone- an$ ,o/r ack o, tarnihe$ i"ver coin ,rom
the reign o, the ,irt >ing %iery. 7hey ha$ ,o/n$ a tho/an$ rat a .e""8 b/t neither 7yrion
nor %ary ha$ been amongt them- an$ !aime ha$ ,ina""y inite$ on p/tting an en$ to the earch.
Hne boy ha$ gotten t/ck in a narro. paage an$ ha$ to be p/""e$ o/t by hi ,eet- hrieking.
Another ,e"" $o.n a ha,t an$ broke hi "eg. An$ t.o g/ar$men vanihe$ e:p"oring a i$e
t/nne". Some o, the other g/ar$ .ore they co/"$ hear them ca""ing ,aint"y thro/gh the tone-
b/t .hen !aime4 men tore $o.n the .a"" they ,o/n$ on"y earth an$ r/bb"e on the ,ar i$e. 27he
&mp i ma"" an$ c/nning. #e may ti"" be in the .a"". &, he i- the ,ire .i"" moke him o/t.1
2Cven i, 7yrion .ere ti"" hi$ing in the cat"e- he .on4t be in the 7o.er o, the #an$. 3e4ve
re$/ce$ it to a he"".1
23o/"$ that .e co/"$ $o the ame to the ret o, thi ,o/" cat"e-1 ai$ Cerei. 2A,ter the .ar &
mean to b/i"$ a ne. pa"ace beyon$ the river.1 She ha$ $reame$ o, it the night be,ore "at- a
magni,icent .hite cat"e /rro/n$e$ by .oo$ an$ gar$en- "ong "eag/e ,rom the tink an$
noie o, >ing4 ?an$ing. 27hi city i a cepit. +or ha", a groat & .o/"$ move the co/rt to
?anniport an$ r/"e the rea"m ,rom Cater"y Rock.1
27hat .o/"$ be an even greater ,o""y than b/rning the 7o.er o, the #an$. So "ong a
7ommen it the &ron 7hrone- the rea"m ee him a the tr/e king. #i$e him /n$er the Rock an$
he become =/t another c"aimant to the throne- no $i,,erent than Stanni.1
2& am a.are o, that-1 the A/een ai$ harp"y. 2& ai$ that & wanted to move the co/rt to
?anniport- not that & .o/"$. 3ere yo/ a".ay thi "o.- or $i$ "oing a han$ make yo/ t/pi$61
!aime ignore$ that. 2&, thee ,"ame prea$ beyon$ the to.er- yo/ may en$ /p b/rning $o.n
the cat"e .hether yo/ mean to or not. 3i"$,ire i treachero/.1
2?or$ #a""yne ha a/re$ me that hi pyromancer can contro" the ,ire.1 7he G/i"$ o,
A"chemit ha$ been bre.ing ,reh .i"$,ire ,or a ,ortnight. 2?et a"" o, >ing4 ?an$ing ee the
,"ame. &t .i"" be a "eon to o/r enemie.1
2No. yo/ o/n$ "ike Aery.1
#er notri" ,"are$. 2G/ar$ yo/r tong/e- er.1
2& "ove yo/ too- .eet iter.1
7ow could I eer hae loed that wretched creature6 he .on$ere$ a,ter he ha$ gone. 7e
was !our twin, !our shadow, !our other half, another voice .hipere$. Once, perhaps, he
tho/ght. 2o longer+ 7e has become a stranger to me+
Compare$ to the magni,icence o, !o,,rey4 n/ptia"- the .e$$ing o, >ing 7ommen .a a
mo$et a,,air- an$ ma"". No one .ante$ another "avih ceremony- "eat o, a"" the A/een- an$ no
one .ante$ to pay ,or one- "eat o, a"" the 7yre"". So the yo/ng king took Margaery 7yre"" to
.i,e in the Re$ >eep4 roya" ept- .ith ,e.er than a h/n$re$ g/et "ooking on in p"ace o, the
tho/an$ .ho ha$ een hi brother =oine$ to the ame .oman.
7he bri$e .a ,air an$ gay an$ bea/ti,/"- the groom ti"" baby(,ace$ an$ p"/mp. #e recite$ hi
vo. in a high- chi"$ih voice- promiing hi "ove an$ $evotion to Mace 7yre""4 t.ice(.i$o.e$
$a/ghter. Margaery .ore the ame go.n he ha$ .orn to marry !o,,rey- an airy con,ection o,
heer ivory i"k- Myrih "ace- an$ ee$ pear". Cerei here", .a ti"" in b"ack- a a ign o,
mo/rning ,or her m/r$ere$ ,irtborn. #i .i$o. might be p"eae$ to "a/gh an$ $rink an$ $ance
an$ p/t a"" memory o, !o,, ai$e- b/t hi mother .o/"$ not ,orget him o eai"y.
#his is wrong, he tho/ght. It is too soon+ A !ear, two !ears, that would hae been time
enough+ 7ighgarden should hae been content with a betrothal+ Cerei tare$ back to .here
Mace 7yre"" too$ bet.een hi .i,e an$ mother. &ou forced me into this traest! of a wedding,
m! lord, and I shall not soon forget it+
3hen it .a time ,or the changing o, the c"oak- the bri$e ank grace,/""y to her knee an$
7ommen covere$ her .ith the heavy c"oth(o,(go"$ montroity that Robert ha$ c"oake$ Cerei in
on their o.n .e$$ing $ay- .ith the cro.ne$ tag o, Baratheon .orke$ /pon it back in bea$ o,
ony:. Cerei ha$ .ante$ to /e the ,ine re$ i"k c"oak !o,,rey ha$ /e$. 2&t .a the c"oak my "or$
,ather /e$ .hen he .e$ my "a$y mother-1 he e:p"aine$ to the 7yre""- b/t the D/een o, 7horn
ha$ ba"ke$ her in that a .e"". 27hat o"$ thing61 the crone ha$ ai$. 2&t "ook a bit threa$bare to
me8 an$ $are & ay- /n"/cky6 An$ .o/"$n4t a stag be more ,itting ,or >ing Robert4 tr/eborn
on6 &n my $ay a bri$e $onne$ her husband4 co"or- not hi "a$y mother4.1
7hank to Stanni an$ hi ,i"thy "etter- there .ere a"rea$y too many r/mor concerning
7ommen4 parentage. Cerei $are$ not ,an the ,ire by initing that he $rape hi bri$e in
?anniter crimon- o he yie"$e$ a grace,/""y a he co/"$. B/t the ight o, a"" that go"$ an$
ony: ti"" ,i""e$ her .ith reentment. #he more we gie these #!rells, the more the! demand of
us+
3hen a"" the vo. .ere poken- the king an$ hi ne. A/een teppe$ o/ti$e the ept to accept
congrat/"ation. 23etero ha t.o A/een no.- an$ the yo/ng one i a bea/ti,/" a the o"$
one-1 boome$ ?y"e Crakeha""- an oa, o, a knight .ho o,t remin$e$ Cerei o, her "ate an$
/n"amente$ h/ban$. She co/"$ have "appe$ him. Gy"e Roby ma$e to ki her han$- an$ on"y
/ccee$e$ in co/ghing on her ,inger. ?or$ Re$.yne kie$ her on one cheek an$ Mace 7yre""
on both. Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e to"$ Cerei that he ha$ not "ot a on- b/t rather gaine$ a
$a/ghter. At "eat he .a pare$ ?a$y 7an$a4 tear,/" embrace. None o, the Stoke.orth
.omen ha$ appeare$- an$ ,or that m/ch the A/een .a grate,/".
Amongt the "at .a >evan ?anniter. 2& /n$ertan$ yo/ mean to "eave / ,or another
.e$$ing-1 the A/een ai$ to him.
2#ar$tone ha c"eare$ the broken men ,rom 5arry cat"e-1 he rep"ie$. 2?ance"4 bri$e a.ait
/ there.1
23i"" yo/r "a$y .i,e be =oining yo/ ,or the n/ptia"61
27he river"an$ are ti"" too $angero/. %argo #oat4 c/m remain abroa$- an$ Beric
5on$arrion ha been hanging +rey. & it tr/e that San$or C"egane ha =oine$ him61
7ow does he know that6 2Some ay. Report are con,/e$.1 7he bir$ ha$ come "at night-
,rom a eptry on an i"an$ har$ by the mo/th o, the 7ri$ent. 7he nearby to.n o, Sa"tpan ha$
been avage"y rai$e$ by a ban$ o, o/t"a.- an$ ome o, the /rvivor c"aime$ a roaring br/te in
a ho/n$4 hea$ he"m .a amongt the rai$er. S/ppoe$"y he4$ ki""e$ a $oGen men an$ rape$ a
gir" o, t.e"ve. 2No $o/bt ?ance" .i"" be eager to h/nt $o.n C"egane an$ ?or$ Beric both- to
retore the king4 peace to the river"an$.1
Ser >evan tare$ into her eye ,or a moment. 2My on i not the man to $ea" .ith San$or
C"egane.1
3e agree on that m/ch- at "eat. 2#i ,ather might be.1
#er /nc"e4 mo/th gre. har$. 2&, my ervice i not reA/ire$ at the Rock81
&our serice was re3uired here+ Cerei ha$ name$ her co/in 5amion ?anniter her cate""an
,or the Rock- an$ another co/in- Ser 5aven ?anniter- the 3ar$en o, the 3et. Insolence has
its price, <ncle+ 2Bring / San$or4 hea$- an$ & kno. #i Grace .i"" be mot grate,/". !o,, may
have "ike$ the man- b/t 7ommen .a a".ay a,rai$ o, him8 .ith goo$ reaon- it .o/"$ eem.1
23hen a $og goe ba$- the ,a/"t "ie .ith hi mater-1 Ser >evan ai$. 7hen he t/rne$ an$
.a"ke$ a.ay.
!aime ecorte$ her to the Sma"" #a""- .here the ,eat .a being rea$ie$. 2& b"ame yo/ ,or a""
thi-1 he .hipere$ a they .a"ke$. 2"et them wed, yo/ ai$. Margaery ho/"$ be mo/rning
!o,,rey- not marrying hi brother. She ho/"$ be a ick .ith grie, a & am. & $o not be"ieve he i
a mai$. Ren"y ha$ a cock- $i$n4t he6 #e .a Robert4 brother- he surel! ha$ a cock. &, that
$ig/ting o"$ crone think that & .i"" a""o. my on to@1
2Eo/ .i"" be ri$ o, ?a$y H"enna oon eno/gh-1 !aime broke in A/iet"y. 2She4 ret/rning to
#ighgar$en on the morro..1
2So he ay.1 Cerei $i$ not tr/t any 7yre"" promie.
2She4 "eaving-1 he inite$. 2Mace i taking ha", the 7yre"" trength to Storm4 Cn$- an$ the
other ha", .i"" be going back to the Reach .ith Ser Gar"an to make goo$ hi c"aim on
Bright.ater. A ,e. more $ay- an$ the on"y roe "e,t in >ing4 ?an$ing .i"" be Margaery an$
her "a$ie an$ a ,e. g/ar$men.1
2An$ Ser ?ora. Hr have yo/ ,orgotten yo/r Sworn Brother61
2Ser ?ora i a knight o, the >ingg/ar$.1
2Ser ?ora i o 7yre"" he pie roe.ater. #e ho/"$ never have been given a .hite c"oak.1
2#e .o/"$ not have been my choice- &4"" grant yo/. No one tro/b"e$ to con/"t me. ?ora .i""
$o .e"" eno/gh- & think. Hnce a man p/t on that c"oak- it change him.1
2&t certain"y change$ !ou, an$ not ,or the better.1
2& "ove yo/ too- .eet iter.1 #e he"$ the $oor ,or her- an$ .a"ke$ her to the high tab"e an$
her eat bei$e the king. Margaery .a on the other i$e o, 7ommen- in the p"ace o, honor.
3hen he entere$- arm in arm .ith the "itt"e king- he ma$e a point o, topping to ki Cerei on
the cheek an$ thro. her arm aro/n$ her. 2Eo/r Grace-1 the gir" ai$- bo"$ a po"ihe$ bra- 2&
,ee" a tho/gh & have a econ$ mother no.. & pray that .e ha"" be very c"oe- /nite$ by o/r "ove
,or yo/r .eet on.1
2& "ove$ both my on.1
2!o,,rey i in my prayer a .e""-1 ai$ Margaery. 2& "ove$ him $ear"y- tho/gh & never ha$ the
chance to kno. him.1
"iar, the A/een tho/ght. If !ou had loed him een for an instant, !ou would not hae been in
such unseeml! haste to wed his brother+ 7is crown was all !ou eer wanted+ +or ha", a groat he
.o/"$ have "appe$ the b"/hing bri$e right there /pon the $ai- in vie. o, ha", the co/rt.
?ike the ervice- the .e$$ing ,eat .a mo$et. ?a$y A"erie ha$ ma$e a"" the arrangementI
Cerei ha$ not ha$ the tomach to ,ace that $a/nting tak again- a,ter the .ay !o,,rey4 .e$$ing
ha$ en$e$. Hn"y even co/re .ere erve$. B/tterb/mp an$ Moon Boy entertaine$ the g/et
bet.een $ihe- an$ m/ician p"aye$ a they ate. 7hey "itene$ to piper an$ ,i$$"er- a "/te an$
a ,"/te- a high harp. 7he on"y inger .a ome ,avorite o, ?a$y Margaery4- a $ahing yo/ng
cock(a(.hoop c"a$ a"" in ha$e o, aG/re .ho ca""e$ hime", the B"/e Bar$. #e ang a ,e. "ove
ong an$ retire$. 23hat a $iappointment-1 ?a$y H"enna comp"aine$ "o/$"y. 2& .a hoping ,or
J7he Rain o, Catamere.41
3henever Cerei "ooke$ at the o"$ crone- the ,ace o, Maggy the +rog eeme$ to ,"oat be,ore
her eye- .rink"e$ an$ terrib"e an$ .ie. All old women look alike, he trie$ to te"" here",- that/s
all it is+ &n tr/th- the bent(back orcere ha$ "ooke$ nothing "ike the D/een o, 7horn- yet
omeho. the ight o, ?a$y H"enna4 naty "itt"e mi"e .a eno/gh to p/t her back in Maggy4
tent again. She co/"$ ti"" remember the me"" o, it- re$o"ent .ith A/eer eatern pice- an$ the
o,tne o, Maggy4 g/m a he /cke$ the b"oo$ ,rom Cerei4 ,inger. :ueen !ou shall be, the
o"$ .oman ha$ promie$- .ith her "ip ti"" .et an$ re$ an$ g"itening- until there comes
another, !ounger and more beautiful, to cast !ou down and take all that !ou hold dear+
Cerei g"ance$ pat 7ommen- to .here Margaery at "a/ghing .ith her ,ather. She is prett!
enough, he ha$ to a$mit- but most of that is !outh+ 0en peasant girls are prett! at a certain
age, when the! are still fresh and innocent and unspoiled, and most of them hae the same
brown hair and brown e!es as she does+ Onl! a fool would eer claim she was more beautiful
than I+ 7he .or"$ .a ,/"" o, ,oo"- ho.ever. So .a her on4 co/rt.
#er moo$ .a not improve$ .hen Mace 7yre"" aroe to "ea$ the toat. #e raie$ a go"$en
gob"et high- mi"ing at hi pretty "itt"e $a/ghter- an$ in a booming voice ai$- 27o the king an$
A/een01 7he other heep a"" baaaaaae$ a"ong .ith him. 4#he king and 3ueen;5 they crie$-
mahing their c/p together. 4#he king and 3ueen;5 She ha$ no choice b/t to $rink a"ong .ith
them- a"" the time .ihing that the g/et ha$ b/t a ing"e ,ace- o he co/"$ thro. her .ine into
their eye an$ remin$ them that she .a the tr/e A/een. 7he on"y one o, 7yre""4 "ickpitt"e .ho
eeme$ to remember her at a"" .a 9a:ter Re$.yne- .ho roe to make hi o.n toat- .aying
"ight"y. 4#o both our 3ueens;5 he chirr/pe$. 4#o the !oung 3ueen and the old;5
Cerei $rank evera" c/p o, .ine an$ p/he$ her ,oo$ aro/n$ a go"$en p"ate. !aime ate even
"e- an$ e"$om $eigne$ to occ/py hi eat /pon the $ai. 7e is as an8ious as I am, the A/een
rea"iGe$ a he .atche$ him pro." the ha""- t.itching ai$e the tapetrie .ith hi goo$ han$ to
a/re hime", that no one .a hi$ing behin$ them. 7here .ere ?anniter pearmen pote$
aro/n$ the b/i"$ing- he kne.. Ser Hm/n$ >ett"eb"ack g/ar$e$ one $oor- Ser Meryn 7rant the
other. Ba"on S.ann too$ behin$ the king4 chair- ?ora 7yre"" behin$ the A/een4. No .or$
ha$ been a""o.e$ ini$e the ,eat ave ,or thoe the .hite knight bore.
*! son is safe, Cerei to"$ here",. 2o harm can come to him, not here, not now+ Eet every
time he "ooke$ at 7ommen- he a. !o,,rey c"a.ing at hi throat. An$ .hen the boy began to
co/gh the A/een4 heart toppe$ beating ,or a moment. She knocke$ ai$e a erving gir" in her
hate to reach him.
2Hn"y a "itt"e .ine that .ent $o.n the .rong .ay-1 Margaery 7yre"" a/re$ her- mi"ing.
She took 7ommen4 han$ in her o.n an$ kie$ hi ,inger. 2My "itt"e "ove nee$ to take ma""er
ip. See- yo/ care$ yo/r "a$y mother ha", to $eath.1
2&4m orry- Mother-1 7ommen ai$- abahe$.
&t .a more than Cerei co/"$ tan$. I cannot let them see me cr!, he tho/ght- .hen he ,e"t
the tear .e""ing in her eye. She .a"ke$ pat Ser Meryn 7rant an$ o/t into the back paage.
A"one beneath a ta""o. can$"e- he a""o.e$ here", a h/$$ering ob- then another. A woman
ma! weep, but not a 3ueen+
2Eo/r Grace61 ai$ a voice behin$ her. 25o & intr/$e61
&t .a a .oman4 voice- ,"avore$ .ith the accent o, the eat. +or an intant he ,eare$ that
Maggy the +rog .a peaking to her ,rom the grave. B/t it .a on"y Merry.eather4 .i,e- the
"oe(eye$ bea/ty ?or$ Hrton ha$ .e$ $/ring hi e:i"e an$ ,etche$ home .ith him to ?ongtab"e.
27he Sma"" #a"" i o t/,,y-1 Cerei hear$ here", ay. 27he moke .a making my eye .ater.1
2An$ mine- Eo/r Grace.1 ?a$y Merry.eather .a a ta"" a the A/een- b/t $ark intea$ o,
,air- raven(haire$ an$ o"ive(kinne$ an$ yo/nger by a $eca$e. She o,,ere$ the A/een a pa"e b"/e
han$kerchie, o, i"k an$ "ace. 2& have a on a .e"". & kno. that & ha"" .eep river on the $ay he
.e$.1
Cerei .ipe$ her cheek- ,/rio/ that he ha$ "et her tear be een. 2My thank-1 he ai$
ti,,"y.
2Eo/r Grace- &81 7he Myrih .oman "o.ere$ her voice. 27here i omething yo/ m/t
kno.. Eo/r mai$ i bo/ght an$ pai$ ,or. She te"" ?a$y Margaery everything yo/ $o.1
2Sene""e61 S/$$en ,/ry t.ite$ in the A/een4 be""y. 3a there no one he co/"$ tr/t6 2Eo/
are certain o, thi61
2#ave her ,o""o.e$. Margaery never meet .ith her $irect"y. #er co/in are her raven- they
bring her meage. Sometime C"inor- ometime A""a- ometime Megga. A"" o, them are a
c"oe to Margaery a iter. 7hey meet in the ept an$ preten$ to pray. 9/t yo/r o.n man in the
ga""ery on the morro.- an$ he .i"" ee Sene""e .hipering to Megga beneath the a"tar o, the
Mai$en.1
2&, thi i tr/e- .hy te"" me6 Eo/ are one o, Margaery4 companion. 3hy .o/"$ yo/ betray
her61 Cerei ha$ "earne$ /picion at her ,ather4 kneeI thi co/"$ .e"" be ome trap- a "ie meant
to o. $icor$ bet.een the "ion an$ the roe.
2?ongtab"e may be .orn to #ighgar$en-1 the .oman rep"ie$- .ith a to o, her b"ack hair-
2b/t & am o, Myr- an$ my "oya"ty i to my h/ban$ an$ my on. & .ant a"" that i bet ,or them.1
2& ee.1 &n the c"oene o, the paage- the A/een co/"$ me"" the other .oman4 per,/me- a
m/ky cent that poke o, mo an$ earth an$ .i"$,"o.er. Fn$er it- he me""e$ ambition. She
gae testimon! at #!rion/s trial, Cerei reca""e$ /$$en"y. She saw the Imp put the poison in
-off/s cup and was not afraid to sa! so+ 2& ha"" "ook into thi-1 he promie$. 2&, .hat yo/ ay i
tr/e- yo/ .i"" be re.ar$e$.1 And if !ou/e lied to me, I/ll hae !our tongue, and !our lord
husband/s lands and gold as well+
2Eo/r Grace i kin$. An$ bea/ti,/".1 ?a$y Merry.eather mi"e$. #er teeth .ere .hite- her
"ip ,/"" an$ $ark.
3hen the A/een ret/rne$ to the Sma"" #a""- he ,o/n$ her brother pacing ret"e"y. 2&t .a
on"y a g/"p o, .ine that .ent $o.n the .rong .ay. 7ho/gh it tart"e$ me a .e"".1
2My be""y i /ch a knot that & cannot eat-1 he gro."e$ at him. 27he .ine tate o, bi"e. 7hi
.e$$ing .a a mitake.1
27hi .e$$ing .a neceary. 7he boy i a,e.1
2+oo". No one .ho .ear a cro.n i ever a,e.1 She "ooke$ abo/t the ha"". Mace 7yre""
"a/ghe$ amongt hi knight. ?or$ Re$.yne an$ Ro.an .ere ta"king ,/rtive"y. Ser >evan at
broo$ing over hi .ine at the back o, the ha""- .hi"t ?ance" .hipere$ omething to a epton.
Sene""e .a moving $o.n the tab"e- ,i""ing the c/p o, the bri$e4 co/in .ith .ine a re$ a
b"oo$. Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e ha$ ,a""en a"eep. #here is no one I can rel! upon, not een -aime,
he rea"iGe$ grim"y. I will need to sweep them all awa! and surround the king with mine own
people+
?ater- a,ter .eet an$ n/t an$ cheee ha$ been erve$ an$ c"eare$ a.ay- Margaery an$
7ommen began the $ancing- "ooking more than a bit ri$ic/"o/ a they .hir"e$ abo/t the ,"oor.
7he 7yre"" gir" too$ a goo$ ,oot an$ a ha", ta""er than her "itt"e h/ban$- an$ 7ommen .a a
c"/my $ancer at bet- .ith none o, !o,,rey4 eay grace. #e $i$ hi earnet bet- tho/gh- an$
eeme$ ob"ivio/ to the pectac"e he .a making o, hime",. An$ no ooner .a Mai$ Margaery
$one .ith him than her co/in .oope$ in- one a,ter the other- initing that #i Grace m/t
$ance .ith them a .e"". #he! will hae him stumbling and shuffling like a fool b! the time
the!/re done, Cerei tho/ght reent,/""y a he .atche$. 7alf the court will be laughing at him
behind his back+
3hi"t A""a- C"inor- an$ Megga took their t/rn .ith 7ommen- Margaery took a t/rn aro/n$
the ,"oor .ith her ,ather- then another .ith her brother ?ora. 7he >night o, +"o.er .a in
.hite i"k- .ith a be"t o, go"$en roe abo/t hi .ait an$ a =a$e roe ,atening hi c"oak. #he!
could be twins, Cerei tho/ght a he .atche$ them. Ser ?ora .a a year o"$er than hi iter-
b/t they ha$ the ame big bro.n eye- the ame thick bro.n hair ,a""ing in "aGy ring"et to their
ho/"$er- the ame mooth /nb"emihe$ kin. A ripe crop of pimples would teach them some
humilit!+ ?ora .a ta""er an$ ha$ a ,e. .ip o, o,t bro.n ,/GG on hi ,ace- an$ Margaery ha$
a .oman4 hape- b/t e"e.ie they .ere more a"ike than he an$ !aime. 7hat annoye$ her too.
#er o.n t.in interr/pte$ her m/ing. 23o/"$ Eo/r Grace honor her .hite knight .ith a
$ance61
She gave him a .ithering "ook. 2An$ have yo/ ,/mb"ing at me .ith that t/mp6 No. & .i"" "et
yo/ ,i"" my .ine c/p ,or me- tho/gh. &, yo/ think yo/ can manage it .itho/t pi""ing.1
2A cripp"e "ike me6 Not "ike"y.1 #e move$ a.ay an$ ma$e another circ/it o, the ha"". She ha$
to ,i"" her o.n c/p.
Cerei re,/e$ Mace 7yre"" a .e""- an$ "ater ?ance". 7he other took the hint- an$ no one e"e
approache$ her. Our fast friends and lo!al lords+ She co/"$ not even tr/t the .etermen- her
,ather4 .orn .or$ an$ bannermen. Not i, her o.n /nc"e .a conpiring .ith her enemie8
Margaery .a $ancing .ith her co/in A""a- Megga .ith Ser 7a""a$ the 7a"". 7he other
co/in- C"inor- .a haring a c/p o, .ine .ith the han$ome yo/ng Batar$ o, 5ri,tmark-
A/rane 3ater. &t .a not the ,irt time the A/een ha$ ma$e note o, 3ater- a "ean yo/ng man
.ith grey(green eye an$ "ong i"ver(go"$ hair. 7he ,irt time he ha$ een him- ,or ha", a
heartbeat he ha$ a"mot tho/ght Rhaegar 7argaryen ha$ ret/rne$ ,rom the ahe. It is his hair,
he to"$ here",. 7e is not half as comel! as )haegar was+ 7is face is too narrow, and he has
that cleft in his chin+ 7he %e"aryon came ,rom o"$ %a"yrian tock- ho.ever- an$ ome ha$ the
ame i"very hair a the $ragonking o, o"$.
7ommen ret/rne$ to hi eat to nibb"e at an app"ecake. #er /nc"e4 p"ace .a empty. 7he
A/een ,ina""y ,o/n$ him in a corner- ta"king intent"y .ith Mace 7yre""4 on Gar"an. What do
the! hae to talk about6 7he Reach might ca"" Ser Gar"an ga""ant- b/t he tr/te$ him no more
than Margaery or ?ora. She ha$ not ,orgotten the go"$ coin that Dyb/rn ha$ $icovere$ beneath
the gao"er4 chamber pot. A golden hand from 7ighgarden+ And *argaer! is sp!ing on me+
3hen Sene""e appeare$ to ,i"" her .ine c/p- the A/een ha$ to reit an /rge to take her by the
throat an$ thrott"e her. Do not presume to smile at me, !ou treacherous little bitch+ &ou will be
begging me for merc! before I/m done with !ou+
2& think #er Grace ha ha$ eno/gh .ine ,or one night-1 he hear$ her brother !aime ay.
2o, the A/een tho/ght. All the wine in the world would not be enough to see me through this
wedding+ She roe o ,at he a"mot ,e"". !aime ca/ght her by the arm an$ tea$ie$ her. She
.renche$ ,ree an$ c"appe$ her han$ together. 7he m/ic $ie$- the voice ti""e$. 4"ords and
ladies,5 Cerei ca""e$ o/t "o/$"y- 2i, yo/ .i"" be o goo$ a to come o/ti$e .ith me- .e ha""
"ight a can$"e to ce"ebrate the /nion o, #ighgar$en an$ Cater"y Rock- an$ a ne. age o, peace
an$ p"enty ,or o/r Seven >ing$om.1
5ark an$ ,or"orn too$ the 7o.er o, the #an$- .ith on"y gaping ho"e .here oaken $oor an$
h/ttere$ .in$o. ha$ once been. Eet even r/ine$ an$ "ighte$- it "oome$ above the o/ter .ar$.
A the .e$$ing g/et ,i"e$ o/t o, the Sma"" #a""- they pae$ beneath it ha$o.. 3hen Cerei
"ooke$ /p he a. the to.er4 crene""ate$ batt"ement gna.ing at a h/nter4 moon- an$
.on$ere$ ,or a moment ho. many #an$ o, ho. many king ha$ ma$e their home there over
the pat three cent/rie.
A h/n$re$ yar$ ,rom the to.er- he took a breath to top her hea$ ,rom pinning. 2?or$
#a""yne0 Eo/ may commence.1
#a""yne the pyromancer ai$ 47mmmmmm5 an$ .ave$ the torch he .a ho"$ing- an$ the
archer on the .a"" bent their bo. an$ ent a $oGen ,"aming arro. thro/gh the gaping
.in$o..
7he to.er .ent /p .ith a whoosh+ &n ha", a heartbeat it interior .a a"ive .ith "ight- re$-
ye""o.- orange8 an$ green- an omino/ $ark green- the co"or o, bi"e an$ =a$e an$ pyromancer4
pi. 27he /btance-1 the a"chemit name$ it- b/t common ,o"k ca""e$ it wildfire+ +i,ty pot ha$
been p"ace$ ini$e the 7o.er o, the #an$- a"ong .ith "og an$ cak o, pitch an$ the greater part
o, the .or"$"y poeion o, a $.ar, name$ 7yrion ?anniter.
7he A/een co/"$ ,ee" the heat o, thoe green ,"ame. 7he pyromancer ai$ that on"y three
thing b/rne$ hotter than their /btance' $ragon,"ame- the ,ire beneath the earth- an$ the
/mmer /n. Some o, the "a$ie gape$ .hen the ,irt ,"ame appeare$ in the .in$o.- "icking
/p the o/ter .a"" "ike "ong green tong/e. Hther cheere$- an$ ma$e toat.
It is beautiful, he tho/ght- as beautiful as -offre!, when the! laid him in m! arms+ No man
ha$ ever ma$e her ,ee" a goo$ a he ha$ ,e"t .hen he took her nipp"e in hi mo/th to n/re.
7ommen tare$ .i$e(eye$ at the ,ire- a ,acinate$ a he .a ,rightene$- /nti" Margaery
.hipere$ omething in hi ear that ma$e him "a/gh. Some o, the knight began to make .ager
on ho. "ong it .o/"$ be be,ore the to.er co""ape$. ?or$ #a""yne too$ h/mming to hime", an$
rocking on hi hee".
Cerei tho/ght o, a"" the >ing4 #an$ that he ha$ kno.n thro/gh the year' H.en
Merry.eather- !on Connington- Dar"ton Che"te$- !on Arryn- C$$ar$ Stark- her brother 7yrion.
An$ her ,ather- ?or$ 7y.in ?anniter- her ,ather mot o, a"". All of them are burning now, he
to"$ here",- avoring the tho/ght. #he! are dead and burning, eer! one, with all their plots and
schemes and betra!als+ It is m! da! now+ It is m! castle and m! kingdom+
7he 7o.er o, the #an$ gave o/t a /$$en groan- o "o/$ that a"" the converation toppe$
abr/pt"y. Stone cracke$ an$ p"it- an$ part o, the /pper batt"ement ,e"" a.ay an$ "an$e$ .ith a
crah that hook the hi""- en$ing /p a c"o/$ o, $/t an$ moke. A ,reh air r/he$ in thro/gh
the broken maonry- the ,ire /rge$ /p.ar$. Green ,"ame "eapt into the ky an$ .hir"e$ aro/n$
each other. 7ommen hie$ a.ay- ti"" Margaery took hi han$ an$ ai$- 2?ook- the ,"ame are
$ancing. !/t a .e $i$- my "ove.1
27hey are.1 #i voice .a ,i""e$ .ith .on$er. 2Mother- "ook- they4re $ancing.1
2& ee them. ?or$ #a""yne- ho. "ong .i"" the ,ire b/rn61
2A"" night- Eo/r Grace.1
2&t make a pretty can$"e- & grant yo/-1 ai$ ?a$y H"enna 7yre""- "eaning on her cane bet.een
?e,t an$ Right. 2Bright eno/gh to ee / a,e to "eep- & think. H"$ bone gro. .eary- an$ thee
yo/ng one have ha$ eno/gh e:citement ,or one night. &t i time the king an$ A/een .ere p/t to
be$.1
2Ee.1 Cerei beckone$ to !aime. 2?or$ Comman$er- ecort #i Grace an$ hi "itt"e A/een to
their pi""o.- i, yo/ .o/"$.1
2A yo/ comman$. An$ yo/ a .e""61
2No nee$.1 Cerei ,e"t too a"ive ,or "eep. 7he .i"$,ire .a c"eaning her- b/rning a.ay a""
her rage an$ ,ear- ,i""ing her .ith reo"ve. 27he ,"ame are o pretty. & .ant to .atch them ,or a
.hi"e.1
!aime heitate$. 2Eo/ ho/"$ not tay a"one.1
2& .i"" not be a"one. Ser Hm/n$ can remain .ith me an$ keep me a,e. Eo/r S.orn
Brother.1
2&, it p"eae Eo/r Grace-1 ai$ >ett"eb"ack.
2&t $oe.1 Cerei "i$ her arm thro/gh hi- an$ i$e by i$e they .atche$ the ,ire rage.
DA%OS
7he *err! *idwife to"e into 3hite #arbor on the evening ti$e- her patche$ ai" ripp"ing .ith
every g/t o, .in$.
She .a an o"$ cog- an$ even in her yo/th no one ha$ ever ca""e$ her pretty. #er ,ig/rehea$
ho.e$ a "a/ghing .oman ho"$ing an in,ant by one ,oot- b/t the .oman4 cheek an$ the babe4
bottom .ere both pocke$ by .ormho"e. Fnco/nte$ "ayer o, $rab bro.n paint covere$ her h/""I
her ai" .ere grey an$ tattere$. She .a not a hip to $ra. a econ$ g"ance- /n"e it .a to
.on$er ho. he taye$ a,"oat. 7he *err! *idwife .a kno.n in 3hite #arbor too. +or year
he ha$ p"ie$ a h/mb"e tra$e bet.een there an$ Siterton.
&t .a not the ort o, arriva" that 5avo Sea.orth ha$ anticipate$ .hen he4$ et ai" .ith Sa""a
an$ hi ,"eet. A"" thi ha$ eeme$ imp"er then. 7he raven ha$ not bro/ght >ing Stanni the
a""egiance o, 3hite #arbor- o #i Grace .o/"$ en$ an envoy to treat .ith ?or$ Man$er"y in
peron. A a ho. o, trength- 5avo .o/"$ arrive aboar$ Sa""a4 ga""ea .al!rian, .ith the ret
o, the ?yene ,"eet behin$ her. Cvery h/"" .a tripe$' b"ack an$ ye""o.- pink an$ b"/e- green
an$ .hite- p/rp"e an$ go"$. 7he ?yeni "ove$ bright h/e- an$ Sa""a$hor Saan .a the mot
co"or,/" o, a"". Salladhor the Splendid, 5avo tho/ght- but the storms wrote an end to all of that+
&ntea$ he .o/"$ m/gg"e hime", into the city- a he might have $one t.enty year be,ore.
Fnti" he kne. ho. matter too$ here- it .a more pr/$ent to p"ay the common ai"or- not the
"or$.
3hite #arbor4 .a"" o, .hite.ahe$ tone roe be,ore them- on the eatern hore .here the
3hite >ni,e p"/nge$ into the ,irth. Some o, the city4 $e,ene ha$ been trengthene$ ince the
"at time 5avo ha$ been here- ha", a $oGen year be,ore. 7he =etty that $ivi$e$ the inner an$
o/ter harbor ha$ been ,orti,ie$ .ith a "ong tone .a""- thirty ,eet ta"" an$ a"mot a mi"e "ong-
.ith to.er every h/n$re$ yar$. 7here .a moke riing ,rom Sea" Rock a .e""- .here once
there ha$ been on"y r/in. #hat could be good or bad, depending on what side "ord W!man
chooses+
5avo ha$ a".ay been ,on$ o, thi city- ince ,irt he4$ come here a a cabin boy on
%obblecat+ 7ho/gh ma"" compare$ to H"$to.n an$ >ing4 ?an$ing- it .a c"ean an$ .e""(
or$ere$- .ith .i$e traight cobb"e$ treet that ma$e it eay ,or a man to ,in$ hi .ay. 7he
ho/e .ere b/i"t o, .hite.ahe$ tone- .ith teep"y pitche$ roo, o, $ark grey "ate. Roro
Fhori- the %obblecat4 cranky o"$ mater- /e$ to c"aim that he co/"$ te"" one port ,rom another
=/t by the .ay they me""e$. Citie .ere "ike .omen- he inite$I each one ha$ it o.n /niA/e
cent. H"$to.n .a a ,"o.ery a a per,/me$ $o.ager. ?anniport .a a mi"kmai$- ,reh an$
earthy- .ith .oo$moke in her hair. >ing4 ?an$ing reeke$ "ike ome /n.ahe$ .hore. B/t
3hite #arbor4 cent .a harp an$ a"ty- an$ a "itt"e ,ihy too. 2She me"" the .ay a mermai$
o/ght to me""-1 Roro ai$. 2She me"" o, the ea.1
She still does, tho/ght 5avo- b/t he co/"$ me"" the peat moke $ri,ting o,, Sea" Rock too.
7he ea tone $ominate$ the approache to the o/ter harbor- a maive grey(green /pthr/t
"ooming ,i,ty ,eet above the .ater. &t top .a cro.ne$ .ith a circ"e o, .eathere$ tone- a
ring,ort o, the +irt Men that ha$ too$ $eo"ate an$ aban$one$ ,or h/n$re$ o, year. &t .a not
aban$one$ no.. 5avo co/"$ ee corpion an$ pit,ire behin$ the tan$ing tone- an$
crobo.men peering bet.een them. It must be cold up there, and wet+ Hn a"" hi previo/ viit-
ea" co/"$ be een baking on the broken rock be"o.. 7he B"in$ Batar$ a".ay ma$e him
co/nt them .henever the %obblecat et ai" ,rom 3hite #arborI the more ea" there .ere- Roro
ai$- the more "/ck they .o/"$ have on their voyage. 7here .ere no ea" no.. 7he moke an$
the o"$ier ha$ ,rightene$ them a.ay. A wiser man would see a caution in that+ If I had a
thimble full of sense, I would hae gone with Salla+ #e co/"$ have ma$e hi .ay back o/th- to
Marya an$ their on. I hae lost four sons in the king/s serice, and m! fifth seres as his s3uire+
I should hae the right to cherish the two bo!s who still remain+ It has been too long since I saw
them+
At Cat.atch- the b"ack brother to"$ him there .a no "ove bet.een the Man$er"y o, 3hite
#arbor an$ the Bo"ton o, the 5rea$,ort. 7he &ron 7hrone ha$ raie$ Rooe Bo"ton /p to 3ar$en
o, the North- o it too$ to reaon that 3yman Man$er"y ho/"$ $ec"are ,or Stanni. White
7arbor cannot stand alone+ #he cit! needs an all!, a protector+ "ord W!man needs ,ing Stannis
as much as Stannis needs him+ Hr o it eeme$ at Cat.atch.
Siterton ha$ /n$ermine$ thoe hope. &, ?or$ Borre"" to"$ it tr/e- i, the Man$er"y meant to
=oin their trength to the Bo"ton an$ the +rey8 no- he .o/"$ not $.e"" on that. #e .o/"$ kno.
the tr/th oon eno/gh. #e praye$ he ha$ not come too "ate.
#hat 9ett! wall conceals the inner harbor, he rea"iGe$- a the *err! *idwife .a p/""ing $o.n
her ai". 7he o/ter harbor .a "arger- b/t the inner harbor o,,ere$ better anchorage- he"tere$ by
the city .a"" on one i$e an$ the "ooming ma o, the 3o",4 5en on another- an$ no. by the
=etty .a"" a .e"". At Cat.atch(by(the(Sea- Cotter 9yke to"$ 5avo that ?or$ 3yman .a
b/i"$ing .ar ga""ey. 7here co/"$ have been a core o, hip concea"e$ behin$ thoe .a""-
.aiting on"y a comman$ to p/t to ea.
Behin$ the city4 thick .hite .a""- the Ne. Cat"e roe pro/$ an$ pa"e /pon it hi"". 5avo
co/"$ ee the $ome$ roo, o, the Sept o, the Sno. a .e""- /rmo/nte$ by ta"" tat/e o, the
Seven. 7he Man$er"y ha$ bro/ght the +aith north .ith them .hen they .ere $riven ,rom the
Reach. 3hite #arbor ha$ it go$.oo$ too- a broo$ing tang"e o, root an$ branch an$ tone
"ocke$ a.ay behin$ the cr/mb"ing b"ack .a"" o, the 3o",4 5en- an ancient ,ortre that erve$
on"y a a prion no.. B/t ,or the mot part the epton r/"e$ here.
7he merman o, #o/e Man$er"y .a every.here in evi$ence- ,"ying ,rom the to.er o, the
Ne. Cat"e- above the Sea" Gate- an$ a"ong the city .a"". At Cat.atch- the northmen inite$
that 3hite #arbor .o/"$ never aban$on it a""egiance to 3inter,e""- b/t 5avo a. no ign o,
the $ire.o", o, Stark. #here are no lions either+ "ord W!man cannot hae declared for #ommen
!et, or he would hae raised his standard+
7he $ocki$e .harve .ere .arming. A c"/tter o, ma"" boat .ere tie$ /p a"ong the ,ih
market- o,,("oa$ing their catche. #e a. three river r/nner too- "ong "ean boat b/i"t to/gh to
brave the .i,t c/rrent an$ rocky hoot o, the 3hite >ni,e. &t .a the eagoing vee" that
interete$ him mot- ho.everI a pair o, carrack a $rab an$ tattere$ a the *err! *idwife, the
tra$ing ga""ey Storm Dancer, the cog Brae *agister an$ 7orn of $lent!, a ga""ea ,rom
Braavo marke$ by her p/rp"e h/"" an$ ai"8
8an$ there beyon$- the .arhip.
7he ight o, her ent a kni,e thro/gh hi hope. #er h/"" .a b"ack an$ go"$- her ,ig/rehea$ a
"ion .ith an /praie$ pa.. "ionstar, rea$ the "etter on her tern- beneath a ,"/ttering banner that
bore the arm o, the boy king on the &ron 7hrone. A year ago- he .o/"$ not have been ab"e to
rea$ them- b/t Maeter 9y"o ha$ ta/ght him ome o, the "etter back on 5ragontone. +or once-
the rea$ing gave him "itt"e p"ea/re. 5avo ha$ been praying that the ga""ey ha$ been "ot in the
ame torm that ha$ ravage$ Sa""a4 ,"eet- b/t the go$ ha$ not been o kin$. 7he +rey .ere
here- an$ he .o/"$ nee$ to ,ace them.
7he *err! *idwife tie$ /p to the en$ o, a .eathere$ .oo$en pier in the o/ter harbor- .e""
a.ay ,rom "ionstar+ A her cre. ma$e her ,at to the pi"ing an$ "o.ere$ a gangp"ank- her
captain a/ntere$ /p to 5avo. Cao Mogat .a a mongre" o, the narro. ea- ,athere$ on a
Siterton .hore by an &bbenee .ha"er. Hn"y ,ive ,eet ta"" an$ very hir/te- he $ye$ hi hair an$
.hiker a moy green. &t ma$e him "ook "ike a tree t/mp in ye""o. boot. 5epite hi
appearance- he eeme$ a goo$ ai"or- tho/gh a har$ mater to hi cre.. 2#o. "ong .i"" yo/ be
gone61
2A $ay at "eat. &t may be "onger.1 5avo ha$ ,o/n$ that "or$ "ike$ to keep yo/ .aiting. 7hey
$i$ it to make yo/ an:io/- he /pecte$- an$ to $emontrate their po.er.
27he *idwife .i"" "inger here three $ay. No "onger. 7hey .i"" "ook ,or me back in Siterton.1
2&, thing go .e""- & co/"$ be back by the morro..1
2An$ i, thee thing go ba$"y61
I ma! not be back at all+ 2Eo/ nee$ not .ait ,or me.1
A pair o, c/tom men .ere c"ambering aboar$ a he .ent $o.n the gangp"ank- b/t neither
gave him o m/ch a a g"ance. 7hey .ere there to ee the captain an$ inpect the ho"$I common
eamen $i$ not concern them- an$ ,e. men "ooke$ a common a 5avo. #e .a o, mi$$"ing
height- hi hre.$ peaant4 ,ace .eathere$ by .in$ an$ /n- hi griGG"e$ bear$ an$ bro.n hair
.e"" a"te$ .ith grey. #i garb .a p"ain a .e""' o"$ boot- bro.n breeche an$ b"/e t/nic- a
.oo"en mant"e o, /n$ye$ .oo"- ,atene$ .ith a .oo$en c"ap. #e .ore a pair o, a"t(taine$
"eather g"ove to hi$e the t/bby ,inger o, the han$ that Stanni ha$ hortene$- o many year
ago. 5avo har$"y "ooke$ a "or$- m/ch "e a >ing4 #an$. 7hat .a a"" to the goo$ /nti" he
kne. ho. matter too$ here.
#e ma$e hi .ay a"ong the .har, an$ thro/gh the ,ih market. 7he Brae *agister .a
taking on ome mea$. 7he cak too$ ,o/r high a"ong the pier. Behin$ one tack he g"impe$
three ai"or thro.ing $ice. +arther on the ,ih.ive .ere crying the $ay4 catch- an$ a boy .a
beating time on a $r/m a a habby o"$ bear $ance$ in a circ"e ,or a ring o, river r/nner. 7.o
pearmen ha$ been pote$ at the Sea" Gate- .ith the ba$ge o, #o/e Man$er"y /pon their
breat- b/t they .ere too intent on ,"irting .ith a $ocki$e .hore to pay 5avo any min$. 7he
gate .a open- the portc/""i raie$. #e =oine$ the tra,,ic paing thro/gh.
&ni$e .a a cobb"e$ A/are .ith a ,o/ntain at it center. A tone merman roe ,rom it
.ater- t.enty ,eet ta"" ,rom tai" to cro.n. #i c/r"y bear$ .a green an$ .hite .ith "ichen- an$
one o, the prong o, hi tri$ent ha$ broken o,, be,ore 5avo ha$ been born- yet omeho. he ti""
manage$ to impre. Old Fishfoot .a .hat the "oca" ca""e$ him. 7he A/are .a name$ ,or
ome $ea$ "or$- b/t no one ever ca""e$ it anything b/t +ih,oot Ear$.
7he Ear$ .a teeming thi a,ternoon. A .oman .a .ahing her ma""(c"othe in +ih,oot4
,o/ntain an$ hanging them o,, hi tri$ent to $ry. Beneath the arche o, the pe$$"er4 co"onna$e
the cribe an$ money changer ha$ et /p ,or b/ine- a"ong .ith a he$ge .iGar$- an herb
.oman- an$ a very ba$ =/gg"er. A man .a e""ing app"e ,rom a barro.- an$ a .oman .a
o,,ering herring .ith choppe$ onion. Chicken an$ chi"$ren .ere every.here /n$er,oot. 7he
h/ge oak(an$(iron $oor o, the H"$ Mint ha$ a".ay been c"oe$ .hen 5avo ha$ been in
+ih,oot Ear$ be,ore- b/t to$ay they too$ open. &ni$e he g"impe$ h/n$re$ o, .omen-
chi"$ren- an$ o"$ men- h/$$"e$ on the ,"oor on pi"e o, ,/r. Some ha$ "itt"e cook,ire going.
5avo toppe$ beneath the co"onna$e an$ tra$e$ a ha",penny ,or an app"e. 2Are peop"e "iving
in the H"$ Mint61 he ake$ the app"e e""er.
27hem a have no other p"ace to "ive. Sma"",o"k ,rom /p the 3hite >ni,e- mot o4 them.
#orn.oo$4 peop"e too. 3ith that Batar$ o4 Bo"ton r/nning "ooe- they a"" .ant to be ini$e the
.a"". & $on4t kno. .hat hi "or$hip mean to $o .ith a"" o4 them. Mot t/rne$ /p .ith no
more4n the rag on their back.1
5avo ,e"t a pang o, g/i"t. #he! came here for refuge, to a cit! untouched b! the fighting, and
here I turn up to drag them back into the war+ #e took a bite o, the app"e an$ ,e"t g/i"ty abo/t
that a .e"". 2#o. $o they eat61
7he app"e e""er hr/gge$. 2Some beg. Some tea". ?ot o4 yo/ng gir" taking /p the tra$e- the
.ay gir" a".ay $o .hen it4 a"" they got to e"". Any boy tan$ ,ive ,eet ta"" can ,in$ a p"ace in
hi "or$hip4 barrack- "ong a he can ho"$ a pear.1
7e/s raising men, then+ 7hat might be goo$8 or ba$- $epen$ing. 7he app"e .a $ry an$
mea"y- b/t 5avo ma$e hime", take another bite. 25oe ?or$ 3yman mean to =oin the
Batar$61
23e""-1 ai$ the app"e e""er- 2the ne:t time hi "or$hip come $o.n here h/nkering ,or an
app"e- &4"" be /re an$ ak him.1
2& hear$ hi $a/ghter .a to .e$ ome +rey.1
2#i gran$$a/ghter. & hear$ that too- b/t hi "or$hip ,orgot t4 invite me to the .e$$ing. #ere-
yo/ going to ,inih that6 &4"" take the ret back. 7hem ee$ i goo$.1
5avo toe$ him back the core. A bad apple, but it was worth half a penn! to learn that
*anderl! is raising men+ #e ma$e hi .ay aro/n$ H"$ +ih,oot- pat .here a yo/ng gir" .a
e""ing c/p o, ,reh mi"k ,rom her nanny goat. #e .a remembering more o, the city no. that
he .a here. 5o.n pat .here H"$ +ih,oot4 tri$ent pointe$ .a an a""ey .here they o"$ ,rie$
co$- crip an$ go"$en bro.n o/ti$e an$ ,"aky .hite .ithin. Hver there .a a brothe"- c"eaner
than mot- .here a ai"or co/"$ en=oy a .oman .itho/t ,ear o, being robbe$ or ki""e$. H,, the
other .ay- in one o, thoe ho/e that c"/ng to the .a"" o, the 3o",4 5en "ike barnac"e to an
o"$ h/""- there /e$ to be a bre.ho/e .here they ma$e a b"ack beer o thick an$ taty that a
cak o, it co/"$ ,etch a m/ch a Arbor go"$ in Braavo an$ the 9ort o, &bben- provi$e$ the
"oca" "e,t the bre.er any to e"".
&t .a .ine he .ante$- tho/gh@o/r- $ark- an$ $ima". #e tro""e$ acro the yar$ an$ $o.n
a ,"ight o, tep- to a .ineink ca""e$ the ?aGy Ce"- /n$erneath a .areho/e ,/"" o, heepkin.
Back in hi m/gg"ing $ay- the Ce" ha$ been reno.ne$ ,or o,,ering the o"$et .hore an$ vi"et
.ine in 3hite #arbor- a"ong .ith meat pie ,/"" o, "ar$ an$ grit"e that .ere ine$ib"e on their
bet $ay an$ poiono/ on their .ort. 3ith ,are "ike that- mot "oca" h/nne$ the p"ace-
"eaving it ,or ai"or .ho $i$ not kno. any better. Eo/ never a. a city g/ar$man $o.n in the
?aGy Ce"- or a c/tom o,,icer.
Some thing never change. &ni$e the Ce"- time too$ ti"". 7he barre"(va/"te$ cei"ing .a
taine$ b"ack .ith oot- the ,"oor .a har$(packe$ earth- the air me""e$ o, moke an$ poi"e$
meat an$ ta"e vomit. 7he ,at ta""o. can$"e on the tab"e gave o,, more moke than "ight- an$
the .ine that 5avo or$ere$ "ooke$ more bro.n than re$ in the g"oom. +o/r .hore .ere eate$
near the $oor- $rinking. Hne gave him a hope,/" mi"e a he entere$. 3hen 5avo hook hi
hea$- the .oman ai$ omething that ma$e her companion "a/gh. A,ter that none o, them pai$
him any min$.
Ai$e ,rom the .hore an$ the proprietor- 5avo ha$ the Ce" to hime",. 7he ce""ar .a "arge-
,/"" o, nook an$ ha$o.e$ a"cove .here a man co/"$ be a"one. #e took hi .ine to one o,
them an$ at .ith hi back to a .a"" to .ait.
Be,ore "ong- he ,o/n$ hime", taring at the hearth. 7he re$ .oman co/"$ ee the ,/t/re in the
,ire- b/t a"" that 5avo Sea.orth ever a. .ere the ha$o. o, the pat' the b/rning hip- the
,iery chain- the green ha$o. ,"ahing acro the be""y o, the c"o/$- the Re$ >eep broo$ing
over a"". 5avo .a a imp"e man- raie$ /p by chance an$ .ar an$ Stanni. #e $i$ not
/n$ertan$ .hy the go$ .o/"$ take ,o/r "a$ a yo/ng an$ trong a hi on- yet pare their
.eary ,ather. Some night he tho/ght he ha$ been "e,t to rec/e C$ric Storm8 b/t by no. >ing
Robert4 batar$ boy .a a,e in the Steptone- yet 5avo ti"" remaine$. Do the gods hae
some other task for me6 he .on$ere$. If so, White 7arbor ma! be some part of it+ #e trie$ the
.ine- then po/re$ ha", hi c/p onto the ,"oor bei$e hi ,oot.
A $/k ,e"" o/ti$e- the benche at the Ce" began to ,i"" .ith ai"or. 5avo ca""e$ to the
proprietor ,or another c/p. 3hen he bro/ght it- he bro/ght him a can$"e too. 2Eo/ .ant ,oo$61
the man ake$. 23e got meat pie.1
23hat kin$ o, meat i in them61
27he //a" kin$. &t4 goo$.1
7he .hore "a/ghe$. 2&t4 grey- he mean-1 one ai$.
2Sh/t yo/r b"oo$y yap. Eo/ eat them.1
2& eat a"" kin$ o4 hit. 5on4t mean & "ike it.1
5avo b"e. the can$"e o/t a oon a the proprietor move$ o,,- an$ at back in the ha$o..
Seamen .ere the .ort goip in the .or"$ .hen the .ine .a ,"o.ing- even .ine a cheap a
thi. A"" he nee$ $o .a "iten.
Mot o, .hat he hear$ he4$ "earne$ in Siterton- ,rom ?or$ Go$ric or the $eniGen o, the
Be""y o, the 3ha"e. 7y.in ?anniter .a $ea$- b/tchere$ by hi $.ar, onI hi corpe ha$ t/nk
o ba$"y that no one ha$ been ab"e to enter the Great Sept o, Bae"or ,or $ay a,ter.ar$I the ?a$y
o, the Cyrie ha$ been m/r$ere$ by a ingerI ?itt"e,inger r/"e$ the %a"e no.- b/t BronGe Eohn
Royce ha$ .orn to bring him $o.nI Ba"on Grey=oy ha$ $ie$ a .e""- an$ hi brother .ere
,ighting ,or the Seatone ChairI San$or C"egane ha$ t/rne$ o/t"a. an$ .a p"/n$ering an$
ki""ing in the "an$ a"ong the 7ri$entI Myr an$ ?y an$ 7yroh .ere embroi"e$ in another .arI a
"ave revo"t .a raging in the eat.
Hther ti$ing .ere o, greater interet. Robett G"over .a in the city an$ ha$ been trying to
raie men- .ith "itt"e /cce. ?or$ Man$er"y ha$ t/rne$ a $ea, ear to hi p"ea. 3hite #arbor
.a .eary o, .ar- he .a reporte$ to have ai$. 7hat .a ba$. 7he Ry.e"" an$ the 5/tin ha$
/rprie$ the ironmen on the +ever River an$ p/t their "onghip to the torch. 7hat .a .ore.
An$ no. the Batar$ o, Bo"ton .a ri$ing o/th .ith #other Fmber to =oin them ,or an attack
on Moat Cai"in. 27he 3horebane hi o.n e",-1 c"aime$ a riverman .ho4$ =/t bro/ght a "oa$
o, hi$e an$ timber $o.n the 3hite >ni,e- 2.ith three h/n$re$ pear(men an$ a h/n$re$
archer. Some #orn.oo$ men have =oine$ them- an$ Cer.yn too.1 7hat .a .ort o, a"".
2?or$ 3yman bet en$ ome men to ,ight i, he kno. .hat4 goo$ ,or him-1 ai$ the o"$
,e""o. at the en$ o, the tab"e. 2?or$ Rooe- he4 the 3ar$en no.. 3hite #arbor4 honor bo/n$
to an.er hi /mmon.1
23hat $i$ any Bo"ton ever kno. o4 honor61 ai$ the Ce"4 proprietor a he ,i""e$ their c/p
.ith more bro.n .ine.
2?or$ 3yman .on4t go no p"ace. #e4 too b"oo$y ,at.1
2& hear$ ho. he .a ai"ing. A"" he $oe i "eep an$ .eep- they ay. #e4 too ick to get o/t o4
hi be$ mot $ay.1
27oo fat, yo/ mean.1
2+at or thin4 got na/ght to $o .ith it-1 ai$ the Ce"4 proprietor. 27he "ion got hi on.1
No one poke o, >ing Stanni. No one even eeme$ to kno. that #i Grace ha$ come north
to he"p $e,en$ the 3a"". 3i"$"ing an$ .ight an$ giant ha$ been a"" the ta"k at Cat.atch- b/t
here no one eeme$ to be giving them o m/ch a a tho/ght.
5avo "eane$ into the ,ire"ight. 2& tho/ght the +rey ki""e$ hi on. 7hat4 .hat .e hear$ in
Siterton.1
27hey ki""e$ Ser 3en$e"-1 ai$ the proprietor. 2#i bone are reting in the Sno.y Sept .ith
can$"e a"" aro/n$ them- i, yo/ .ant to have a "ook. Ser 3y"i- tho/gh- he4 ti"" a captive.1
Worse and worse+ #e ha$ kno.n that ?or$ 3yman ha$ t.o on- b/t he4$ tho/ght that both
o, them .ere $ea$. If the Iron #hrone has a hostage= 5avo ha$ ,athere$ even on hime",-
an$ "ot ,o/r on the B"ack.ater. #e kne. he .o/"$ $o .hatever go$ or men reA/ire$ o, him to
protect the other three. Ste,,on an$ Stanni .ere tho/an$ o, "eag/e ,rom the ,ighting an$ a,e
,rom harm- b/t 5evan .a at Cat"e B"ack- a A/ire to the king. #he king whose cause ma! rise
or fall with White 7arbor+
#i ,e""o. $rinker .ere ta"king abo/t $ragon no.. 2Eo/4re b"oo$y ma$-1 ai$ an oarman
o,, Storm Dancer+ 27he Beggar >ing4 been $ea$ ,or year. Some 5othraki hore"or$ c/t hi
hea$ o,,.1
2So they te"" /-1 ai$ the o"$ ,e""o.. 2Might be they4re "ying- tho/gh. #e $ie$ ha", a .or"$
a.ay- i, he $ie$ at a"". 3ho4 to ay6 &, a king .ante$ me $ea$- might be &4$ ob"ige him an$
preten$ to be a corpe. None o, / ha ever een hi bo$y.1
2& never a. !o,,rey4 corpe- nor Robert4-1 gro."e$ the Ce"4 proprietor. 2Maybe they4re a""
a"ive a .e"". Maybe Bae"or the B"ee$4 =/t been having him a "itt"e nap a"" thee year.1
7he o"$ ,e""o. ma$e a ,ace. 29rince %iery .eren4t the on"y $ragon- .ere he6 Are .e /re
they ki""e$ 9rince Rhaegar4 on6 A babe- he .a.1
23an4t there ome prince too61 ake$ a .hore. She .a the ame one .ho4$ ai$ the meat
.a grey.
27.o-1 ai$ the o"$ ,e""o.. 2Hne .a Rhaegar4 $a/ghter- t4other .a hi iter.1
25aena-1 ai$ the riverman. 27hat .a the iter. 5aena o, 5ragontone. Hr .a it 5aera61
25aena .a o"$ >ing Bae"or4 .i,e-1 ai$ the oarman. 2& ro.e$ on a hip name$ ,or her
once. 7he $rincess Daena+1
2&, he .a a king4 .i,e- he4$ be a A/een.1
2Bae"or never ha$ a A/een. #e .a ho"y.1
25on4t mean he never .e$ hi iter-1 ai$ the .hore. 2#e =/t never be$$e$ her- i a"". 3hen
they ma$e him king- he "ocke$ her /p in a to.er. #i other iter too. 7here .a three.1
25aene"a-1 the proprietor ai$ "o/$"y. 27hat .a her name. 7he Ma$ >ing4 $a/ghter- & mean-
not Bae"or4 b"oo$y .i,e.1
2Daener!s,1 5avo ai$. 2She .a name$ ,or the 5aenery .ho .e$ the 9rince o, 5orne
$/ring the reign o, 5aeron the Secon$. & $on4t kno. .hat became o, her.1
2& $o-1 ai$ the man .ho4$ tarte$ a"" the ta"k o, $ragon- a Braavoi oarman in a omber
.oo"en =ack. 23hen .e .ere $o.n to 9ento .e moore$ bei$e a tra$er ca""e$ the Sloe(0!ed
*aid, an$ & got to $rinking .ith her captain4 te.ar$. #e to"$ me a pretty ta"e abo/t ome "ip
o, a gir" .ho come aboar$ in Darth- to try an$ book paage back to 3etero ,or her an$ three
$ragon. Si"ver hair he ha$- an$ p/rp"e eye. J& took her to the captain my o.n e",-4 thi
te.ar$ .ore to me- Jb/t he .an4t having none o, that. 7here4 more pro,it in c"ove an$
a,,ron- he te"" me- an$ pice .on4t et ,ire to yo/r ai".4 1
?a/ghter .ept the ce""ar. 5avo $i$ not =oin in. #e kne. .hat ha$ be,a""en the Sloe(0!ed
*aid+ 7he go$ .ere cr/e" to "et a man ai" acro ha", the .or"$- then en$ him chaing a ,a"e
"ight .hen he .a a"mot home. #hat captain was a bolder man than me, he tho/ght- a he ma$e
hi .ay to the $oor. Hne voyage to the eat- an$ a man co/"$ "ive a rich a a "or$ /nti" the en$ o,
hi $ay. 3hen he4$ been yo/nger- 5avo ha$ $reame$ o, making /ch voyage hime",- b/t the
year .ent $ancing by "ike moth aro/n$ a ,"ame- an$ omeho. the time ha$ never been A/ite
right. One da!, he to"$ hime",. One da! when the war is done and ,ing Stannis sits the Iron
#hrone and has no more need of onion knights+ I/ll take Dean with me+ Steff and Stann! too if
the!/re old enough+ We/ll see these dragons and all the wonders of the world+
H/ti$e the .in$ .a g/ting- making the ,"ame hiver in the oi" "amp that "it the yar$. &t
ha$ gro.n co"$er ince the /n .ent $o.n- b/t 5avo remembere$ Cat.atch- an$ ho. the .in$
.o/"$ come creaming o,, the 3a"" at night- kni,ing thro/gh even the .armet c"oak to ,reeGe a
man4 b"oo$ right in hi vein. 3hite #arbor .a a .arm bath by comparion.
7here .ere other p"ace he might get hi ear ,i""e$' an inn ,amo/ ,or it "amprey pie- the
a"eho/e .here the .oo" ,actor an$ the c/tom men $i$ their $rinking- a m/mmer4 ha"" .here
ba.$y entertainment co/"$ be ha$ ,or a ,e. pennie. B/t 5avo ,e"t that he ha$ hear$ eno/gh.
I/e come too late+ H"$ intinct ma$e him reach ,or hi chet- .here once he4$ kept hi
,ingerbone in a "itt"e ack on a "eather thong. 7here .a nothing there. #e ha$ "ot hi "/ck in
the ,ire o, the B"ack.ater- .hen he4$ "ot hi hip an$ on.
What must I do now6 #e p/""e$ hi mant"e tighter. Do I climb the hill and present m!self at
the gates of the 2ew %astle, to make a futile plea6 )eturn to Sisterton6 *ake m! wa! back to
*ar!a and m! bo!s6 Bu! a horse and ride the kingsroad, to tell Stannis that he has no friends in
White 7arbor, and no hope6
D/een Se"ye ha$ ,eate$ Sa""a an$ hi captain- the night be,ore the ,"eet ha$ et ai". Cotter
9yke ha$ =oine$ them- an$ ,o/r other high o,,icer o, the Night4 3atch. 9rince Shireen ha$
been a""o.e$ to atten$ a .e"". A the a"mon .a being erve$- Ser A:e"" +"orent ha$
entertaine$ the tab"e .ith the ta"e o, a 7argaryen prince"ing .ho kept an ape a a pet. 7hi prince
"ike$ to $re the creat/re in hi $ea$ on4 c"othe an$ preten$ he .a a chi"$- Ser A:e""
c"aime$- an$ ,rom time to time he .o/"$ propoe marriage ,or him. 7he "or$ o honore$
a".ay $ec"ine$ po"ite"y- b/t o, co/re they $i$ $ec"ine. 2Cven $ree$ in i"k an$ ve"vet- an ape
remain an ape-1 Ser A:e"" ai$. 2A .ier prince .o/"$ have kno.n that yo/ cannot en$ an ape
to $o a man4 .ork.1 7he A/een4 men "a/ghe$- an$ evera" grinne$ at 5avo. I am no ape, he4$
tho/ght. I am as much a lord as !ou, and a better man+ B/t the memory ti"" t/ng.
7he Sea" Gate ha$ been c"oe$ ,or the night. 5avo .o/"$ not be ab"e to ret/rn to the *err!
*idwife ti"" $a.n. #e .a here ,or the night. #e gaGe$ /p at H"$ +ih,oot .ith hi broken
tri$ent. I hae come through rain and wrack and storm+ I will not go back without doing what I
came for, no matter how hopeless it ma! seem+ #e might have "ot hi ,inger an$ hi "/ck- b/t
he .a no ape in ve"vet. #e .a a >ing4 #an$.
Cat"e Stair .a a treet .ith tep- a broa$ .hite tone .ay that "e$ /p ,rom the 3o",4 5en
by the .ater to the Ne. Cat"e on it hi"". Marb"e mermai$ "it the .ay a 5avo c"imbe$- bo."
o, b/rning .ha"e oi" cra$"e$ in their arm. 3hen he reache$ the top- he t/rne$ to "ook behin$
him. +rom here he co/"$ ee $o.n into the harbor. Both o, them. Behin$ the =etty .a""- the
inner harbor .a cro.$e$ .ith .ar ga""ey. 5avo co/nte$ t.enty(three. ?or$ 3yman .a a ,at
man- b/t not an i$"e one- it eeme$.
7he gate o, the Ne. Cat"e ha$ been c"oe$- b/t a potern opene$ .hen he ho/te$- an$ a
g/ar$ emerge$ to ak hi b/ine. 5avo ho.e$ him the b"ack an$ go"$ ribbon that bore the
roya" ea". 2& nee$ to ee ?or$ Man$er"y at once-1 he ai$. 2My b/ine i .ith him- an$ him
a"one.1
The Soiled 5night
The night .a /neaonab"y coo"- even ,or a/t/mn. A brik .et .in$ .a .ir"ing $o.n the
a""ey- tirring /p the $ay4 $/t. A north wind, and full of chill+ Ser Ary Hakheart p/""e$ /p hi
hoo$ to cover hi ,ace. &t .o/"$ not $o ,or him to be recogniGe$. A ,ortnight pat- a tra$er ha$
been b/tchere$ in the ha$o. city- a harm"e man .ho4$ come to 5orne ,or ,r/it an$ ,o/n$
$eath intea$ o, $ate. #i on"y crime .a being ,rom >ing4 ?an$ing.
#he mob would find a sterner foe in me+ #e .o/"$ a"mot have .e"come$ an attack. #i han$
$ri,te$ $o.n to br/h "ight"y over the hi"t on the "ong.or$ that h/ng ha",(hi$$en amongt the
,o"$ o, hi "ayere$ "inen robe- the o/ter .ith it t/rA/oie tripe an$ ro. o, go"$en /n- an$
the "ighter orange one beneath. 7he 5ornih garb .a com,ortab"e- b/t hi ,ather .o/"$ have
been aghat ha$ he "ive$ to ee hi on o $ree$. #e .a a man o, the Reach- an$ the 5ornih
.ere hi ancient ,oe- a the tapetrie at H"$ Hak bore .itne. Ary on"y ha$ to c"oe hi eye
to ee them ti"". ?or$ C$gerran the Hpen(#an$e$- eate$ in p"en$or .ith the hea$ o, a
h/n$re$ 5ornihmen pi"e$ ro/n$ hi ,eet. 7he 7hree ?eave in the 9rince4 9a- pierce$ by
5ornih pear- A"eter o/n$ing hi .arhorn .ith hi "at breath. Ser H"yvar the Green Hak a""
in .hite- $ying at the i$e o, the Eo/ng 5ragon. Dorne is no fit place for an! Oakheart+
Cven be,ore 9rince Hberyn ha$ $ie$- the knight ha$ been i"" at eae .henever he "e,t the
gro/n$ o, S/npear to .a"k the a""ey o, the ha$o. city. #e co/"$ ,ee" eye /pon him
every.here he .ent- ma"" b"ack 5ornih eye regar$ing him .ith thin"y vei"e$ hoti"ity. 7he
hopkeeper $i$ their bet to cheat him at every t/rn- an$ ometime he .on$ere$ .hether the
taverner .ere pitting in hi $rink. Hnce a gro/p o, ragge$ boy began pe"ting him .ith tone-
/nti" he $re. hi .or$ an$ ran them o,,. 7he Re$ %iper4 $eath ha$ in,"ame$ the 5ornih even
more- tho/gh the treet ha$ A/iete$ a bit ince 9rince 5oran ha$ con,ine$ the San$ Snake to a
to.er. Cven o- to .ear hi .hite c"oak open"y in the ha$o. city .o/"$ be aking ,or attack. #e
ha$ bro/ght three .ith him' t.o o, .oo"- one "ight an$ one heavy- the thir$ o, ,ine .hite i"k. #e
,e"t nake$ .itho/t one hanging ,rom hi ho/"$er.
Better naked than dead, he to"$ hime",. I am a ,ingsguard still, een uncloaked+ She must
respect that+ I must make her understand+ #e ho/"$ never have "et hime", be $ra.n into thi-
b/t the inger ai$ that "ove can make a ,oo" o, any man.
S/npear4 ha$o. city o,t eeme$ $eerte$ in the heat o, the $ay- .hen on"y b/GGing ,"ie
move$ $o.n the $/ty treet- b/t once evening ,e"" the ame treet came to "i,e. Ser Ary hear$
,aint m/ic $ri,ting thro/gh "o/vere$ .in$o. a he pae$ be"o.- an$ ome.here ,inger $r/m
.ere beating o/t the A/ick rhythm o, a pear $ance- giving the night a p/"e. 3here three a""ey
met beneath the econ$ o, the 3in$ing 3a""- a pi""o. gir" ca""e$ $o.n ,rom a ba"cony. She .a
$ree$ in =e.e" an$ oi". #e took a "ook at her- h/nche$ hi ho/"$er- an$ p/he$ on- into the
teeth o, the .in$. We men are so weak+ Our bodies betra! een the noblest of us+ #e tho/ght o,
>ing Bae"or the B"ee$- .ho .o/"$ ,at to the point o, ,ainting to tame the "/t that hame$
him. M/t he $o the ame6
A hort man too$ in an arche$ $oor.ay gri""ing ch/nk o, nake over a braGier- t/rning them
.ith .oo$en tong a they cripe$. 7he p/ngent me"" o, hi a/ce bro/ght tear to the knight4
eye. 7he bet nake a/ce ha$ a $rop o, venom in it- he ha$ hear$- a"ong .ith m/tar$ ee$ an$
$ragon pepper. Myrce""a ha$ taken to 5ornih ,oo$ a A/ick a he ha$ to her 5ornih prince-
an$ ,rom time to time Ser Ary .o/"$ try a $ih or t.o to p"eae her. 7he ,oo$ eare$ hi mo/th
an$ ma$e him gap ,or .ine- an$ b/rne$ even .ore coming o/t than it $i$ going in. #i "itt"e
prince "ove$ it- tho/gh.
#e ha$ "e,t her in her chamber- bent over a gaming tab"e oppoite 9rince 7rytane- p/hing
ornate piece acro A/are o, =a$e an$ carne"ian an$ "api "aG/"i. Myrce""a4 ,/"" "ip ha$ been
"ight"y parte$- her green eye narro.e$ .ith concentration. %!asse, the game .a ca""e$. &t ha$
come to the 9"anky 7o.n on a tra$ing ga""ey ,rom %o"anti- an$ the orphan ha$ prea$ it /p an$
$o.n the Greenb"oo$. 7he 5ornih co/rt .a ma$ ,or it.
Ser Ary =/t ,o/n$ it ma$$ening. 7here .ere ten $i,,erent piece- each .ith it o.n attrib/te
an$ po.er- an$ the boar$ .o/"$ change ,rom game to game- $epen$ing on ho. the p"ayer
arraye$ their home A/are. 9rince 7rytane ha$ taken to the game at once- an$ Myrce""a ha$
"earne$ it o he co/"$ p"ay .ith him. She .a not A/ite one(an$(ten- her betrothe$ three(an$(
tenI even o- he ha$ been .inning more o,t than not o, "ate. 7rytane $i$ not eem to min$. 7he
t.o chi"$ren co/"$ not have "ooke$ more $i,,erent- him .ith hi o"ive kin an$ traight b"ack
hair- her pa"e a mi"k .ith a mop o, go"$en c/r"I "ight an$ $ark- "ike D/een Cerei an$ >ing
Robert. #e praye$ Myrce""a .o/"$ ,in$ more =oy in her 5ornih boy than her mother ha$ ,o/n$
.ith her torm "or$.
&t ma$e him ,ee" /neay to "eave her- tho/gh he ho/"$ be a,e eno/gh .ithin the cat"e.
7here .ere on"y t.o $oor that gave acce to Myrce""a4 chamber in the 7o.er o, the S/n- an$
Ser Ary kept t.o men on eachI ?anniter ho/eho"$ g/ar$- men .ho ha$ come .ith them ,rom
>ing4 ?an$ing- batt"e(tete$- to/gh- an$ "oya" to the bone. Myrce""a ha$ her mai$ an$ Septa
Cg"antine a .e""- an$ 9rince 7rytane .a atten$e$ by hi .orn hie"$- Ser Gacoyne o, the
Greenb"oo$. 2o one will trouble her, he to"$ hime",- and in a fortnight we shall be safel! awa!+
9rince 5oran ha$ promie$ a m/ch. 7ho/gh Ary ha$ been hocke$ to ee ho. age$ an$
in,irm the 5ornih prince appeare$- he $i$ not $o/bt the prince4 .or$. 2& am orry & co/"$ not
ee yo/ /nti" no.- or meet 9rince Myrce""a-1 Marte"" ha$ ai$ .hen Ary .a a$mitte$ to hi
o"ar- 2b/t & tr/t that my $a/ghter Arianne ha ma$e yo/ .e"come here in 5orne- er.1
2She ha- my prince-1 he4$ an.ere$- an$ praye$ that no b"/h .o/"$ $are betray him.
2H/r i a harh "an$- an$ poor- yet not .itho/t it bea/tie. &t grieve / that yo/ have een
no more o, 5orne than S/npear- b/t & ,ear that neither yo/ nor yo/r prince .o/"$ be a,e
beyon$ thee .a"". 3e 5ornih are a hot(b"oo$e$ peop"e- A/ick to anger an$ "o. to ,orgive. &t
.o/"$ g"a$$en my heart i, & co/"$ a/re yo/ that the San$ Snake .ere a"one in .anting .ar-
b/t & .i"" not te"" yo/ "ie- er. Eo/ have hear$ my ma"",o"k in the treet- crying o/t ,or me to
ca"" my pear. #a", my "or$ agree .ith them- & ,ear.1
2An$ yo/- my prince61 the knight ha$ $are$ to ak.
2My mother ta/ght me "ong ago that on"y ma$men ,ight .ar they cannot .in.1 &, the
b"/ntne o, the A/etion ha$ o,,en$e$ him- 9rince 5oran hi$ it .e"". 2Eet thi peace i ,ragi"e8
a ,ragi"e a yo/r prince.1
2Hn"y a beat .o/"$ harm a "itt"e gir".1
2My iter C"ia ha$ a "itt"e gir" a .e"". #er name .a Rhaeny. She .a a prince too.1 7he
prince ighe$. 27hoe .ho .o/"$ p"/nge a kni,e into 9rince Myrce""a $o not bear her any
ma"ice- no more than Ser Amory ?orch $i$ .hen he ki""e$ Rhaeny- i, in$ee$ he $i$. 7hey eek
on"y to ,orce my han$. +or i, Myrce""a ho/"$ be "ain in 5orne .hi"t /n$er my protection- .ho
.o/"$ be"ieve my $enia"61
2No one ha"" ever harm Myrce""a .hi"t & "ive.1
2A nob"e vo.-1 ai$ 5oran Marte"" .ith a ,aint mi"e- 2b/t yo/ are on"y one man- er. & ha$
hope$ that imprioning my hea$trong niece .o/"$ he"p to ca"m the .ater- b/t a"" .e4ve $one
i $rive the roache back beneath the r/he. Cvery night & hear them .hipering an$ harpening
their knive.1
7e is afraid, Ser Ary rea"iGe$ then. "ook, his hand is shaking+ #he $rince of Dorne is
terrified+ 3or$ ,ai"e$ him.
2My apo"ogie- er-1 9rince 5oran ai$. 2& am ,rai" an$ ,ai"ing- an$ ometime8 S/npear
.earie me- .ith it noie an$ $irt an$ me"". A oon a my $/ty a""o.- & mean to ret/rn to the
3ater Gar$en. 3hen & $o & ha"" take 9rince Myrce""a .ith me.1 Be,ore the knight co/"$
protet- the prince raie$ a han$- it kn/ck"e re$ an$ .o""en. 2Eo/ ha"" go a .e"". An$ her
epta- her mai$- her g/ar$. S/npear4 .a"" are trong- b/t beneath them i the ha$o. city.
Cven .ithin the cat"e h/n$re$ come an$ go each $ay. 7he Gar$en are my haven. 9rince
Maron raie$ them a a gi,t ,or hi 7argaryen bri$e- to mark 5orne4 marriage to the &ron
7hrone. A/t/mn i a "ove"y eaon there8 hot $ay- coo" night- the a"t breeGe o,, the ea- the
,o/ntain an$ the poo". An$ there are other chi"$ren- boy an$ gir" o, high an$ gent"e birth.
Myrce""a .i"" have ,rien$ o, her o.n age to p"ay .ith. She .i"" not be "one"y.1
2A yo/ ay.1 7he prince4 .or$ po/n$e$ in hi hea$. She will be safe there+ Hn"y .hy ha$
5oran Marte"" /rge$ him not to .rite >ing4 ?an$ing abo/t the move6 *!rcella will be safest if
no one knows 9ust where she is+ Ser Ary ha$ agree$- b/t .hat choice $i$ he have6 #e .a a
knight o, the >ingg/ar$- b/t on"y one man ,or a"" that- =/t a the prince ha$ ai$.
7he a""ey opene$ /$$en"y onto a moon"it co/rtyar$. $ast the candlemaker/s shop, he .rote-
a gate and a short flight of e8terior steps+ #e p/he$ thro/gh the gate an$ c"imbe$ the .orn
tep to an /nmarke$ $oor. Should I knock6 #e p/he$ the $oor open intea$- an$ ,o/n$ hime",
in a "arge- $im room .ith a "o. cei"ing- "it by a pair o, cente$ can$"e that ,"ickere$ in niche
c/t ,rom the thick earthen .a"". #e a. patterne$ Myrih carpet /n$erneath hi an$a"- a
tapetry /pon one .a""- a be$. 2My "a$y61 he ca""e$. 23here are yo/61
2#ere.1 She teppe$ o/t ,rom the ha$o. behin$ the $oor.
An ornate nake coi"e$ aro/n$ her right ,orearm- it copper an$ go"$ ca"e g"immering .hen
he move$. &t .a a"" he .ore.
2o, he meant to te"" her- I onl! came to tell !ou I must go, b/t .hen he a. her hining in the
can$"e"ight he eeme$ to "oe the po.er o, peech. #i throat ,e"t a $ry a the 5ornih an$.
Si"ent he too$- $rinking in the g"orie o, her bo$y- the ho""o. o, her throat- the ro/n$ ripe
breat .ith their h/ge $ark nipp"e- the "/h c/rve at .ait an$ hip. An$ then omeho. he .a
ho"$ing her- an$ he .a p/""ing o,, hi robe. 3hen he reache$ hi /n$ert/nic he eiGe$ it by
the ho/"$er an$ rippe$ the i"k $o.n to hi nave"- b/t Ary .a pat caring. #er kin .a
mooth beneath hi ,inger- a .arm to the to/ch a an$ bake$ by the 5ornih /n. #e raie$
her hea$ an$ ,o/n$ her "ip. #er mo/th opene$ /n$er hi- an$ her breat ,i""e$ hi han$. #e ,e"t
her nipp"e ti,,en a hi th/mb br/he$ over them. #er hair .a b"ack an$ thick an$ me""e$ o,
orchi$- a $ark an$ earthy me"" that ma$e him o har$ it a"mot h/rt.
27o/ch me- er-1 the .oman .hipere$ in hi ear. #i han$ "ippe$ $o.n her ro/n$e$ be""y to
,in$ the .eet .et p"ace beneath the thicket o, b"ack hair. 2Ee- there-1 he m/rm/re$ a he
"ippe$ a ,inger /p ini$e her. She ma$e a .himpering o/n$- $re. him to the be$- an$ p/he$
him $o.n. 2More- oh more- ye- .eet- my knight- my knight- my .eet .hite knight- ye yo/-
yo/- & .ant yo/.1 #er han$ g/i$e$ him ini$e her- then "ippe$ aro/n$ hi back to p/"" him
c"oer. 25eeper-1 he .hipere$. 2Ee- oh.1 3hen he .rappe$ her "eg aro/n$ him- they ,e"t a
trong a tee". #er nai" rake$ hi back a he $rove into her- again an$ again an$ again- /nti" he
creame$ an$ arche$ her back beneath him. A he $i$- her ,inger ,o/n$ hi nipp"e- pinching
ti"" he pent hi ee$ .ithin her. I could die now, happ!, the knight tho/ght- an$ ,or a $oGen
heartbeat at "eat he .a at peace.
#e $i$ not $ie.
#i $eire .a a $eep an$ bo/n$"e a the ea- b/t .hen the ti$e rece$e$- the rock o,
hame an$ g/i"t thr/t /p a harp a ever. Sometime the .ave .o/"$ cover them- b/t they
remaine$ beneath the .ater- har$ an$ b"ack an$ "imy. What am I doing6 he ake$ hime",. I
am a knight of the ,ingsguard+ #e ro""e$ o,, o, her to pra." taring at the cei"ing. A great crack
ran acro it- ,rom one .a"" to the other. #e ha$ not notice$ that be,ore- no more than he ha$
notice$ the pict/re on the tapetry- a cene o, Nymeria an$ her ten tho/an$ hip. I see onl! her+
A dragon might hae been peering in the window, and I would neer hae seen an!thing but her
breasts, her face, her smile+
27here i .ine-1 he m/rm/re$ againt hi neck. She "i$ a han$ acro hi chet. 2Are yo/
thirty61
2No.1 #e ro""e$ a.ay- an$ at on the e$ge o, the be$. 7he room .a hot- an$ yet he hivere$.
2Eo/ b"ee$-1 he ai$. 2& cratche$ too har$.1
3hen he to/che$ hi back- he ,"inche$ a i, her ,inger .ere a,ire. 25on4t.1 Nake$- he too$.
2No more.1
2& have ba"m. +or the cratche.1
But none for m! shame+ 27he cratche are nothing. +orgive me- my "a$y- & m/t go81
2So oon61 She ha$ a h/ky voice- a .i$e mo/th ma$e ,or .hiper- ,/"" "ip ripe ,or kiing.
#er hair t/mb"e$ $o.n acro her bare ho/"$er to the top o, her ,/"" breat- b"ack an$ thick.
&t c/r"e$ in big o,t "aGy ring"et. Cven the hair /pon her mo/n$ .a o,t an$ c/r"y. 2Stay .ith
me tonight- er. & ti"" have m/ch to teach yo/.1
2& have "earne$ too m/ch ,rom yo/ a"rea$y.1
2Eo/ eeme$ g"a$ eno/gh ,or the "eon at the time- er. Are yo/ certain yo/ are not o,, to
ome other be$- ome other .oman6 7e"" me .ho he i. & .i"" ,ight her ,or yo/- bare(breate$-
kni,e to kni,e.1 She mi"e$. 2Fn"e he i a San$ Snake. &, o- .e can hare yo/. & "ove my
co/in .e"".1
2Eo/ kno. & have no other .oman. Hn"y8 $/ty.1
She ro""e$ onto one e"bo. to "ook /p at him- her big b"ack eye hining in the can$"e"ight.
27hat po:y bitch6 & kno. her. 5ry a $/t bet.een the "eg- an$ her kie "eave yo/ b"ee$ing.
?et $/ty "eep a"one ,or once- an$ tay .ith me tonight.1
2My p"ace i at the pa"ace.1
She ighe$. 23ith yo/r other prince. Eo/ .i"" make me =ea"o/. & think yo/ "ove her more
than me. 7he mai$ i m/ch too yo/ng ,or yo/. Eo/ nee$ a .oman- not a "itt"e gir"- b/t & can p"ay
the innocent i, that e:cite yo/.1
2Eo/ ho/"$ not ay /ch thing.1 )emember, she is Dornish+ &n the Reach men ai$ it .a
the ,oo$ that ma$e 5ornihmen o hot(tempere$ an$ their .omen o .i"$ an$ .anton. Fier!
peppers and strange spices heat the blood, she cannot help herself+ 2& "ove Myrce""a a a
$a/ghter.1 #e co/"$ never have a $a/ghter o, hi o.n- no more than he co/"$ have a .i,e. #e
ha$ a ,ine .hite c"oak intea$. 23e are going to the 3ater Gar$en.1
2Cvent/a""y-1 he agree$- 2tho/gh .ith my ,ather- everything take ,o/r time a "ong a it
ho/"$. &, he ay he mean to "eave /pon the morro.- yo/ .i"" certain"y et o/t .ithin a
,ortnight. Eo/ .i"" be "one"y in the Gar$en- & promie yo/. An$ .here i the brave yo/ng
ga""ant .ho ai$ he .ihe$ to pen$ the ret o, hi "i,e in my arm61
2& .a $r/nk .hen & ai$ that.1
2Eo/4$ ha$ three c/p o, .atere$ .ine.1
2& .a $r/nk on yo/. &t ha$ been ten year ince8 & never to/che$ a .oman /nti" yo/- not
ince & took the .hite. & never kne. .hat "ove co/"$ be- yet no.8 & am a,rai$.1
23hat .o/"$ ,righten my .hite knight61
2& ,ear ,or my honor-1 he ai$- 2an$ ,or yo/r.1
2& can ten$ to my o.n honor.1 She to/che$ a ,inger to her breat- $ra.ing it "o."y ro/n$ her
nipp"e. 2An$ to my o.n p"ea/re- i, nee$ be. & am a .oman gro.n.1
She .a that- beyon$ a $o/bt. Seeing her there /pon the ,eatherbe$- mi"ing that .icke$
mi"e- toying .ith her breat8 .a there ever a .oman .ith nipp"e o "arge or o reponive6
#e co/"$ har$"y "ook at them .itho/t .anting to grab them- to /ck"e them /nti" they .ere har$
an$ .et an$ hiny8
#e "ooke$ a.ay. #i ma""c"othe .ere tre.n on the carpet. 7he knight bent to pick them
/p.
2Eo/r han$ are haking-1 he pointe$ o/t. 27hey .o/"$ ooner be careing me- & think.
M/t yo/ be in /ch hate to $on yo/r c"othe- er6 & pre,er yo/ a yo/ are. Abe$- /nc"a$- .e are
o/r tr/et e"ve- a man an$ a .oman- "over- one ,"eh- a c"oe a t.o can be. H/r c"othe make
/ $i,,erent peop"e. & .o/"$ ooner be ,"eh an$ b"oo$ than i"k an$ =e.e"- an$ yo/8 yo/ are
not yo/r .hite c"oak- er.1
2& am-1 Ser Ary ai$. 2& am my c"oak. An$ thi m/t en$- ,or yo/r ake a .e"" a mine. &,
.e ho/"$ be $icovere$81
2Men .i"" think yo/ ,ort/nate.1
2Men .i"" think me an oathbreaker. 3hat i, omeone .ere to go to yo/r ,ather an$ te"" him
ho. &4$ $ihonore$ yo/61
2My ,ather i many thing- b/t no one ha ever ai$ he .a a ,oo". 7he Batar$ o, Go$grace
ha$ my mai$enhea$ .hen .e .ere both ,o/rteen. 5o yo/ kno. .hat my ,ather $i$ .hen he
"earne$ o, it61 She gathere$ the be$c"othe in her ,it an$ p/""e$ them /p /n$er her chin- to hi$e
her nake$ne. 2Nothing. My ,ather i very goo$ at $oing nothing. #e ca"" it thinking+ 7e"" me
tr/e- er- i it my $ihonor that concern yo/- or yo/r o.n61
2Both.1 #er acc/ation t/ng. 27hat i .hy thi m/t be o/r "at time.1
2So yo/ have ai$ be,ore.1
I did, and meant it too+ But I am weak, else I would not be here now+ #e co/"$ not te"" her
thatI he .a the ort o, .oman .ho $epie$ .eakne- he co/"$ ene that. She has more of
her uncle in her than her father+ #e t/rne$ a.ay an$ ,o/n$ hi tripe$ i"k /n$ert/nic on a chair.
She ha$ rippe$ the ,abric to the nave" .hen he p/""e$ it $o.n over hi arm. 27hi i r/ine$-1 he
comp"aine$. 2#o. can & .ear it no.61
2Back.ar$-1 he /ggete$. 2Hnce yo/ $on yo/r robe- no one .i"" ee the tear. 9erhap
yo/r "itt"e prince .i"" e. it /p ,or yo/. Hr ha"" & en$ a ne. one to the 3ater Gar$en61
2Sen$ me no gi,t.1 7hat .o/"$ on"y $ra. attention. #e hook o/t the /n$ert/nic an$ p/""e$
it over hi hea$- back.ar$. 7he i"k ,e"t coo" againt hi kin- tho/gh it c"/ng to hi back .here
he4$ cratche$ him. &t .o/"$ erve to get him back to the pa"ace- at the "eat. 2A"" & .ant i to
en$ thi8 thi81
2& that ga""ant- er6 Eo/ h/rt me. & begin to think that a"" yo/r .or$ o, "ove .ere "ie.1
I could neer lie to !ou+ Ser Ary ,e"t a i, he4$ "appe$ him. 23hy e"e .o/"$ & have
,oraken a"" my honor- b/t ,or "ove6 3hen & am .ith yo/ &8 & can carce"y think- yo/ are a"" &
ever $reamt o,- b/t81
23or$ are .in$. &, yo/ "ove me- $o not "eave me.1
2& .ore a ow81
28not to .e$ or ,ather chi"$ren. 3e""- & have $r/nk my moon tea- an$ yo/ kno. & cannot
marry yo/.1 She mi"e$. 27ho/gh & might be per/a$e$ to keep yo/ ,or my paramo/r.1
2No. yo/ mock me.1
29erhap a "itt"e. 5o yo/ think yo/ are the on"y >ingg/ar$ .ho ever "ove$ a .oman61
27here have a".ay been men .ho ,o/n$ it eaier to peak vo. than to keep them-1 he
a$mitte$. Ser Boro B"o/nt .a no tranger to the Street o, Si"k- an$ Ser 9reton Green,ie"$ /e$
to ca"" at a certain $raper4 ho/e .henever the $raper .a a.ay- b/t Ary .o/"$ not hame hi
S.orn Brother by peaking o, their ,ai"ing. 2Ser 7errence 7oyne .a ,o/n$ abe$ .ith hi
king4 mitre-1 he ai$ intea$. 247.a "ove- he .ore- b/t it cot hi "i,e an$ her- an$ bro/ght
abo/t the $o.n,a"" o, hi #o/e an$ the $eath o, the nob"et knight .ho ever "ive$.1
2Ee- an$ .hat o, ?/camore the ?/ty- .ith hi three .ive an$ i:teen chi"$ren6 7he ong
a".ay make me "a/gh.1
27he tr/th i not o ,/nny. #e .a never ca""e$ ?/camore the ?/ty .hi"t he "ive$. #i name
.a Ser ?/camore Strong- an$ hi .ho"e "i,e .a a "ie. 3hen hi $eceit .a $icovere$- hi o.n
S.orn Brother ge"$e$ him- an$ the H"$ >ing ent him to the 3a"". 7hoe i:teen chi"$ren .ere
"e,t .eeping. #e .a no tr/e knight- no more than 7errence 7oyne81
2An$ the 5ragonknight61 She ,"/ng the be$c"othe ai$e an$ ./ng her "eg to the ,"oor.
27he nob"et knight .ho ever "ive$- yo/ ai$- an$ he took hi A/een to be$ an$ got her .ith
chi"$.1
2& .i"" not be"ieve that-1 he ai$- o,,en$e$. 27he ta"e o, 9rince Aemon4 treaon .ith D/een
Naery .a on"y that- a ta"e- a "ie hi brother to"$ .hen he .ihe$ to et hi tr/eborn on ai$e in
,avor o, hi batar$. Aegon .a not ca""e$ the Fn.orthy .itho/t ca/e.1 #e ,o/n$ hi .or$be"t
an$ b/ck"e$ it aro/n$ hi .ait. 7ho/gh it "ooke$ A/eer againt the i"ken 5ornih /n$ert/nic-
the ,ami"iar .eight o, "ong.or$ an$ $agger remin$e$ him o, .ho an$ .hat he .a. 2& .i"" not
be remembere$ a Ser Ary the Fn.orthy-1 he $ec"are$. 2& .i"" not oi" my c"oak.1
2Ee-1 he ai$- 2that ,ine .hite c"oak. Eo/ ,orget- my great(/nc"e .ore the ame c"oak. #e
$ie$ .hen & .a "itt"e- yet & ti"" remember him. #e .a a ta"" a a to.er an$ /e$ to tick"e me
/nti" & co/"$ not breathe ,or "a/ghing.1
2& never ha$ the honor to kno. 9rince ?e.yn-1 Ser Ary ai$- 2b/t a"" agree that he .a a
great knight.1
2A great knight .ith a paramo/r. She i an o"$ .oman no.- b/t he .a a rare bea/ty in her
yo/th- men ay.1
$rince "ew!n6 7hat ta"e Ser Ary ha$ not hear$. &t hocke$ him. 7errence 7oyne4 treaon
an$ the $eceit o, ?/camore the ?/ty .ere recor$e$ in the 3hite Book- b/t there .a no hint o,
a .oman on 9rince ?e.yn4 page.
2My /nc"e a".ay ai$ that it .a the .or$ in a man4 han$ that $etermine$ hi .orth- not
the one bet.een hi "eg-1 he .ent on- 2o pare me a"" yo/r pio/ ta"k o, oi"e$ c"oak. &t i not
o/r "ove that ha $ihonore$ yo/- it i the monter yo/ have erve$ an$ the br/te yo/4ve ca""e$
yo/r brother.1
7hat c/t too c"oe to the bone. 2Robert .a no monter.1
2#e c"imbe$ onto hi throne over the corpe o, chi"$ren-1 he ai$- 2tho/gh & .i"" grant yo/
he .a no !o,,rey.1
-offre!+ #e ha$ been a han$ome "a$- ta"" an$ trong ,or hi age- b/t that .a a"" the goo$ that
co/"$ be ai$ o, him. &t ti"" hame$ Ser Ary to remember a"" the time he4$ tr/ck that poor
Stark gir" at the boy4 comman$. 3hen 7yrion ha$ choen him to go .ith Myrce""a to 5orne- he
"it a can$"e to the 3arrior in thank. 2!o,,rey i $ea$- poione$ by the &mp.1 #e .o/"$ never
have tho/ght the $.ar, capab"e o, /ch enormity. 27ommen i king no.- an$ he i not hi
brother.1
2Nor i he hi iter.1
&t .a tr/e. 7ommen .a a goo$(hearte$ "itt"e man .ho a".ay trie$ hi bet- b/t the "at time
Ser Ary a. him he ha$ been .eeping on the A/ay. Myrce""a never he$ a tear- tho/gh it .a
he .ho .a "eaving hearth an$ home to ea" an a""iance .ith her mai$enhoo$. 7he tr/th .a-
the prince .a braver than her brother- an$ brighter an$ more con,i$ent a .e"". #er .it .ere
A/icker- her co/rteie more po"ihe$. Nothing ever $a/nte$ her- not even !o,,rey. #he women
are the strong ones, trul!+ #e .a thinking not on"y o, Myrce""a- b/t o, her mother an$ hi o.n-
o, the D/een o, 7horn- o, the Re$ %iper4 pretty- $ea$"y San$ Snake. An$ o, 9rince Arianne
Marte""- her mot o, a"". 2& .i"" not ay that yo/ are .rong.1 #i voice .a hoare.
23i"" not6 %annot; Myrce""a i more ,it ,or r/"e81
2A on come be,ore a $a/ghter.1
2Wh!6 3hat go$ ha ma$e it o6 & am my ,ather4 heir. Sho/"$ & give /p my right to my
brother61
2Eo/ t.it my .or$. & never ai$8 5orne i $i,,erent. 7he Seven >ing$om have never ha$
a r/"ing A/een.1
27he ,irt %iery inten$e$ hi $a/ghter Rhaenyra to ,o""o. him- $o yo/ $eny it6 B/t a the
king "ay $ying the ?or$ Comman$er o, hi >ingg/ar$ $eci$e$ that it ho/"$ be other.ie.1
Ser %riston %ole+ Criton the >ingmaker ha$ et brother againt iter an$ $ivi$e$ the
>ingg/ar$ againt ite",- bringing on the terrib"e .ar the inger name$ the 5ance o, the
5ragon. Some c"aime$ he acte$ ,rom ambition- ,or 9rince Aegon .a more tractab"e than hi
.i"",/" o"$er iter. Hther a""o.e$ him nob"er motive- an$ arg/e$ that he .a $e,en$ing ancient
An$a" c/tom. A ,e. .hipere$ that Ser Criton ha$ been 9rince Rhaenyra4 "over be,ore he
took the .hite an$ .ante$ vengeance on the .oman .ho ha$ p/rne$ him. 27he >ingmaker
.ro/ght grave harm-1 Ser Ary ai$- 2an$ grave"y $i$ he pay ,or it- b/t81
28b/t perhap the Seven ent yo/ here o that one .hite knight might make right .hat
another et a.ry. Eo/ $o kno. that .hen my ,ather ret/rn to the 3ater Gar$en he p"an to
take Myrce""a .ith him61
27o keep her a,e ,rom thoe .ho .o/"$ $o her harm.1
2No. 7o keep her a.ay ,rom thoe .ho4$ eek to crown her. 9rince Hberyn %iper .o/"$ have
p"ace$ the cro.n /pon her hea$ hime", i, he ha$ "ive$- b/t my ,ather "ack the co/rage.1 She
got to her ,eet. 2Eo/ ay yo/ "ove the gir" a yo/ .o/"$ a $a/ghter o, yo/r o.n b"oo$. 3o/"$
yo/ "et yo/r $a/ghter be $epoi"e$ o, her right an$ "ocke$ a.ay in prion61
27he 3ater Gar$en are no prion-1 he protete$ ,eeb"y.
2A prion $oe not have ,o/ntain an$ ,ig tree- i that .hat yo/ think6 Eet once the gir" i
there- he .i"" not be a""o.e$ to "eave. No more than yo/ .i"". #otah .i"" ee to that. Eo/ $o not
kno. him a & $o. #e i terrib"e .hen aro/e$.1
Ser Ary ,ro.ne$. 7he big Norvohi captain .ith the carre$ ,ace ha$ a".ay ma$e him ,ee"
pro,o/n$"y /neay. #he! sa! he sleeps with that great a8e beside him+ 23hat .o/"$ yo/ have me
$o61
2No more than yo/ have .orn. 9rotect Myrce""a .ith yo/r "i,e. 5e,en$ her8 and her right.
Set a cro.n /pon her hea$.1
2& .ore an oath;1
27o !o,,rey- not to 7ommen.1
2Aye- b/t 7ommen i a goo$(hearte$ boy. #e .i"" be a better king than !o,,rey.1
2B/t not better than Myrce""a. She "ove the boy a .e"". & kno. he .i"" not "et him come to
any harm. Storm4 Cn$ i hi by right- ince ?or$ Ren"y "e,t no heir an$ ?or$ Stanni i
attainte$. &n time- Cater"y Rock .i"" pa to the boy a .e""- thro/gh hi "a$y mother. #e .i"" be
a great a "or$ a any in the rea"m8 b/t Myrce""a by right ho/"$ it the &ron 7hrone.1
27he "a.8 & $o not kno.81
2& $o.1 3hen he too$- the "ong b"ack tang"e o, her hair ,e"" $o.n to the ma"" o, her back.
2Aegon the 5ragon ma$e the >ingg/ar$ an$ it vo.- b/t .hat one king $oe another can
/n$o- or change. +ormer"y the >ingg/ar$ erve$ ,or "i,e- yet !o,,rey $imie$ Ser Barritan o
hi $og co/"$ have a c"oak. Myrce""a .o/"$ .ant yo/ to be happy- an$ he i ,on$ o, me a .e"".
She .i"" give / "eave to marry i, .e ak.1 Arianne p/t her arm aro/n$ him an$ "ai$ her ,ace
againt hi chet. 7he top o, her hea$ came to =/t beneath hi chin. 2Eo/ can have me an$ yo/r
.hite c"oak both- i, that i .hat yo/ .ant.1
She is tearing me apart+ 2Eo/ kno. & $o- b/t81
2& am a prince o, 5orne-1 he ai$ in her h/ky voice- 2an$ it i not meet that yo/ ho/"$
make me beg.1
Ser Ary co/"$ me"" the per,/me in her hair an$ ,ee" her heart beating a he pree$ againt
him. #i bo$y .a repon$ing to her c"oene- an$ he $i$ not $o/bt that he co/"$ ,ee" it too.
3hen he p/t hi arm /pon her ho/"$er- he rea"iGe$ he .a tremb"ing. 2Arianne6 My
prince6 3hat i it- my "ove61
2M/t & ay it- er6 & am a,rai$. Eo/ ca"" me loe, yet yo/ re,/e me- .hen & have mot
$eperate nee$ o, yo/. & it o .rong o, me to .ant a knight to keep me a,e61
#e ha$ never hear$ her o/n$ o v/"nerab"e. 2No-1 he ai$- 2b/t yo/ have yo/r ,ather4
g/ar$ to keep yo/ a,e- .hy@1
2&t i my ,ather4 g/ar$ & ,ear.1 +or a moment he o/n$e$ yo/nger than Myrce""a. 2&t .a
my ,ather4 g/ar$ .ho $ragge$ my .eet co/in o,, in chain.1
2Not in chain. & have hear$ that they have every com,ort.1
She gave a bitter "a/gh. 2#ave yo/ een them6 #e .i"" not permit me to ee them- $i$ yo/
kno. that61
27hey .ere peaking treaon- ,omenting .ar81
2?oreGa i i:- 5orea eight. 3hat .ar co/"$ they ,oment6 Eet my ,ather ha imprione$
them .ith their iter. Eo/ have een him. +ear make even trong men $o thing they might
never $o other.ie- an$ my ,ather .a never trong. Ary- my heart- hear me ,or the "ove yo/
ay yo/ bear me. & have never been a ,ear"e a my co/in- ,or & .a ma$e .ith .eaker ee$-
b/t 7yene an$ & are o, an age an$ have been c"oe a iter ince .e .ere "itt"e gir". 3e have
no ecret bet.een /. &, he can be imprione$- o can &- an$ ,or the ame ca/e8 thi o,
Myrce""a.1
2Eo/r ,ather .o/"$ never $o that.1
2Eo/ $o not kno. my ,ather. & have been $iappointing him ince & ,irt arrive$ in thi .or"$
.itho/t a cock. #a", a $oGen time he ha trie$ to marry me to tooth"e greybear$- each more
contemptib"e than the "at. #e never commanded me to .e$ them- & grant yo/- b/t the o,,er
a"one prove ho. "itt"e he regar$ me.1
2Cven o- yo/ are hi heir.1
2Am &61
2#e "e,t yo/ to r/"e in S/npear .hen he took hime", o,, to hi 3ater Gar$en- $i$ he not61
27o rule6 No. #e "e,t hi co/in Ser Man,rey a cate""an- o"$ b"in$ Ricao a enecha"- hi
bai"i,, to co""ect $/tie an$ ta:e ,or hi trea/rer A"ye ?a$ybright to co/nt- hi hari,, to
po"ice the ha$o. city- hi =/ticiar to it in =/$gment- an$ Maeter My"e to $ea" .ith any
"etter not reA/iring the prince4 o.n attention. Above them a"" he p"ace$ the Re$ %iper. My
charge .a ,eat an$ ,ro"ic- an$ the entertainment o, $iting/ihe$ g/et. Hberyn .o/"$ viit
the 3ater Gar$en t.ice a ,ortnight. Me- he /mmone$ t.ice a year. & am not the heir my ,ather
.ant- he ha ma$e that p"ain. H/r "a. contrain him- b/t he .o/"$ ooner have my brother
,o""o. him- & kno. it.1
2Eo/r brother61 Ser Ary p/t hi han$ beneath her chin an$ raie$ her hea$- the better to "ook
her in the eye. 2Eo/ cannot mean 7rytane- he i =/t a boy.1
2Not 7ry. D/entyn.1 #er eye .ere bo"$ an$ b"ack a in- /n,"inching. 2& have kno.n the
tr/th ince & .a ,o/r(an$(ten- ince the $ay that & .ent to my ,ather4 o"ar to give him a goo$
night ki- an$ ,o/n$ him gone. My mother ha$ ent ,or him- & "earne$ "ater. #e4$ "e,t a can$"e
b/rning. 3hen & .ent to b"o. it o/t- & ,o/n$ a "etter "ying incomp"ete bei$e it- a "etter to my
brother D/entyn- o,, at Eron.oo$. My ,ather to"$ D/entyn that he m/t $o a"" that hi maeter
an$ hi mater(at(arm reA/ire$ o, him- beca/e Jone da! !ou will sit where I sit and rule all
Dorne, and a ruler must be strong of mind and bod!+41 A tear crept $o.n Arianne4 o,t cheek.
2My ,ather4 .or$- .ritten in hi o.n han$. 7hey b/rne$ theme"ve into my memory. & crie$
mye", to "eep that night- an$ many night therea,ter.1
Ser Ary ha$ yet to meet D/entyn Marte"". 7he prince ha$ been ,otere$ by ?or$ Eron.oo$
,rom a ten$er age- ha$ erve$ him a a page- then a A/ire- ha$ even taken knighthoo$ at hi
han$ in pre,erence to the Re$ %iper4. If I were a father, I would want m! son to follow me as
well, he tho/ght- b/t he co/"$ hear the h/rt in her voice- an$ he kne. that i, he ai$ .hat he .a
thinking- he .o/"$ "oe her. 29erhap yo/ mi/n$ertoo$-1 he ai$. 2Eo/ .ere on"y a chi"$.
9erhap the prince .a on"y aying that to enco/rage yo/r brother to be more $i"igent.1
2Eo/ think o6 7hen te"" me- .here i D/entyn no.61
27he prince i .ith ?or$ Eron.oo$4 hot in the Bone.ay-1 Ser Ary ai$ ca/tio/"y. 7hat
.a .hat S/npear4 ancient cate""an ha$ to"$ him- .hen ,irt he came to 5orne. 7he maeter
.ith the i"ky bear$ ai$ the ame.
Arianne $em/rre$. 2So my ,ather .ihe / to be"ieve- b/t & have ,rien$ .ho te"" me
other.ie. My brother ha croe$ the narro. ea in ecret- poing a a common merchant.
3hy61
2#o. .o/"$ & kno.6 7here co/"$ be a h/n$re$ reaon.1
2Hr one. Are yo/ a.are that the Go"$en Company ha broken it contract .ith Myr61
2Se"".or$ break their contract a"" the time.1
2Not the Go"$en Company. Our word is good as gold ha been their boat ince the $ay o,
Bittertee". Myr i on the point o, .ar .ith ?y an$ 7yroh. 3hy break a contract that o,,ere$
them the propect o, goo$ .age an$ goo$ p"/n$er61
29erhap ?y o,,ere$ them better .age. Hr 7yroh.1
2No-1 he ai$. 2& .o/"$ be"ieve it o, any o, the other ,ree companie- ye. Mot o, them
.o/"$ change i$e ,or ha", a groat. 7he Go"$en Company i $i,,erent. A brotherhoo$ o, e:i"e
an$ the on o, e:i"e- /nite$ by the $ream o, Bittertee". &t4 home they .ant- a m/ch a go"$.
?or$ Eron.oo$ kno. that a .e"" a & $o. #i ,orebear ro$e .ith Bittertee" $/ring three o, the
B"ack,yre Rebe""ion.1 She took Ser Ary by the han$- an$ .ove her ,inger thro/gh hi o.n.
2#ave yo/ ever een the arm o, #o/e 7o"an$ o, Ghot #i""61
#e ha$ to think a moment. 2A $ragon eating it o.n tai"61
27he $ragon i time. &t ha no beginning an$ no en$ing- o a"" thing come ro/n$ again.
An$er Eron.oo$ i Criton Co"e reborn. #e .hiper in my brother4 ear that he ho/"$ r/"e
a,ter my ,ather- that it i not right ,or men to knee" to .omen8 that Arianne epecia""y i /n,it to
r/"e- being the .i"",/" .anton that he i.1 She toe$ her hair $e,iant"y. 2So yo/r t.o princee
hare a common ca/e- er8 an$ they hare a .e"" a knight .ho c"aim to "ove them both- b/t
.i"" not ,ight ,or them.1
2& .i"".1 Ser Ary ank to one knee. 2Myrce""a is the e"$er- an$ better /ite$ to the cro.n.
3ho .i"" $e,en$ her right i, not her >ingg/ar$6 My .or$- my "i,e- my honor- a"" be"ong to
her8 an$ to yo/- my heart4 $e"ight. & .ear- no man .i"" tea" yo/r birthright .hi"t & ti"" have
the trength to "i,t a .or$. & am yo/r. 3hat .o/"$ yo/ have o, me61
2A"".1 She kne"t to ki hi "ip. 2All, my "ove- my tr/e "ove- my .eet "ove- an$ ,orever. B/t
,irt81
2Ak- an$ it i yo/r.1
28Myrce""a.1
DAENER'S
7he $ancer himmere$- their "eek have$ bo$ie covere$ .ith a ,ine heen o, oi". B"aGing
torche .hir"e$ ,rom han$ to han$ to the beat o, $r/m an$ the tri""ing o, a ,"/te. 3henever t.o
torche croe$ in the air- a nake$ gir" "eapt bet.een them- pinning. 7he torch"ight hone o,,
oi"e$ "imb an$ breat an$ b/ttock.
7he three men .ere erect. 7he ight o, their aro/a" .a aro/ing- tho/gh 5aenery
7argaryen ,o/n$ it comica" a .e"". 7he men .ere a"" o, a height- .ith "ong "eg an$ ,"at be""ie-
every m/c"e a harp"y etche$ a i, it ha$ been chie"e$ o/t o, tone. Cven their ,ace "ooke$ the
ame- omeho.8 .hich .a paing trange- ince one ha$ kin a $ark a ebony- .hi"e the
econ$ .a a pa"e a mi"k- an$ the thir$ g"eame$ "ike b/rnihe$ copper.
Are the! meant to inflame me6 5any tirre$ amongt her i"ken c/hion. Againt the pi""ar
her Fn/""ie$ too$ "ike tat/e in their pike$ cap- their mooth ,ace e:preion"e. Not o
the .ho"e men. ReGnak mo ReGnak4 mo/th .a open- an$ hi "ip g"itene$ .et"y a he
.atche$. #iG$ahr Go ?oraA .a aying omething to the man bei$e him- yet a"" the time hi eye
.ere on the $ancing gir". 7he Shavepate4 /g"y- oi"y ,ace .a a tern a ever- b/t he mie$
nothing.
&t .a har$er to kno. .hat her honore$ g/et .a $reaming. 7he pa"e- "ean- ha.k(,ace$ man
.ho hare$ her high tab"e .a rep"en$ent in robe o, maroon i"k an$ c"oth(o,(go"$- hi ba"$
hea$ hining in the torch"ight a he $evo/re$ a ,ig .ith ma""- precie- e"egant bite. Hpa"
.inke$ a"ong the noe o, Laro Lhoan 5a:o a hi hea$ t/rne$ to ,o""o. the $ancer.
&n hi honor 5aenery ha$ $onne$ a Dartheen go.n- a heer con,ection o, vio"et amite c/t o
a to "eave her "e,t breat bare. #er i"ver(go"$ hair br/he$ "ight"y over her ho/"$er- ,a""ing
a"mot to her nipp"e. #a", the men in the ha"" ha$ to"en g"ance at her- b/t not Laro. It was the
same in :arth+ She co/"$ not .ay the merchant prince that .ay. Swa! him I must, howeer+ #e
ha$ come ,rom Darth /pon the ga""ea Silken %loud .ith thirteen ga""ey ai"ing atten$ance- hi
,"eet an an.ere$ prayer. Meereen4 tra$e ha$ $.in$"e$ a.ay to nothing ince he ha$ en$e$
"avery- b/t Laro ha$ the po.er to retore it.
A the $r/m reache$ a crecen$o- three o, the gir" "eapt above the ,"ame- pinning in the
air. 7he ma"e $ancer ca/ght them abo/t the .ait an$ "i$ them $o.n onto their member.
5any .atche$ a the .omen arche$ their back an$ coi"e$ their "eg aro/n$ their partner .hi"e
the ,"/te .ept an$ the men thr/t in time to the m/ic. She ha$ een the act o, "ove be,oreI the
5othraki mate$ a open"y a their mare an$ ta""ion. 7hi .a the ,irt time he ha$ een "/t
p/t to m/ic- tho/gh.
#er ,ace .a .arm. #he wine, he to"$ here",. Eet omeho. he ,o/n$ here", thinking o,
5aario Nahari. #i meenger ha$ come that morning. 7he Stormcro. .ere ret/rning ,rom
?haGar. #er captain .a ri$ing back to her- bringing her the ,rien$hip o, the ?amb Men. Food
and trade, he remin$e$ here",. 7e did not fail me, nor will he+ Daario will help me sae m!
cit!+ 7he A/een "onge$ to ee hi ,ace- to troke hi three(pronge$ bear$- to te"" him her
tro/b"e8 b/t the Stormcro. .ere ti"" many $ay a.ay- beyon$ the >hyGai 9a- an$ he ha$
a rea"m to r/"e.
Smoke h/ng bet.een the p/rp"e pi""ar. 7he $ancer kne"t- hea$ bo.e$. 2Eo/ .ere
p"en$i$-1 5any to"$ them. 2Se"$om have & een /ch grace- /ch bea/ty.1 She beckone$ to
ReGnak mo ReGnak- an$ the enecha" c/rrie$ to her i$e. Bea$ o, .eat $otte$ hi ba"$-
.rink"e$ hea$. 2Ccort o/r g/et to the bath- that they may re,reh theme"ve- an$ bring them
,oo$ an$ $rink.1
2&t ha"" be my great honor- Magni,icence.1
5aenery he"$ o/t her c/p ,or &rri to re,i"". 7he .ine .a .eet an$ trong- re$o"ent .ith the
me"" o, eatern pice- m/ch /perior to the thin Ghicari .ine that ha$ ,i""e$ her c/p o, "ate.
Laro per/e$ the ,r/it on the p"atter !hiA/i o,,ere$ him an$ choe a perimmon. &t orange kin
matche$ the co"or o, the cora" in hi noe. #e took a bite an$ p/re$ hi "ip. 27art.1
23o/"$ my "or$ pre,er omething .eeter61
2S.eetne c"oy. 7art ,r/it an$ tart .omen give "i,e it avor.1 Laro took another bite-
che.e$- .a""o.e$. 25aenery- .eet A/een- & cannot te"" yo/ .hat p"ea/re it give me to bak
once more in yo/r preence. A chi"$ $eparte$ Darth- a "ot a he .a "ove"y. & ,eare$ he .a
ai"ing to her $oom- yet no. & ,in$ her here enthrone$- mitre o, an ancient city- /rro/n$e$ by
a mighty hot that he raie$ /p o/t o, $ream.1
2o, he tho/ght- out of blood and fire+ 2& am g"a$ yo/ came to me. &t i goo$ to ee yo/r ,ace
again- my ,rien$.1 I will not trust !ou, but I need !ou+ I need !our #hirteen, I need !our ships, I
need !our trade+
+or cent/rie Meereen an$ her iter citie E/nkai an$ Atapor ha$ been the "inchpin o, the
"ave tra$e- the p"ace .here 5othraki kha" an$ the corair o, the Bai"ik &"e o"$ their
captive an$ the ret o, the .or"$ came to b/y. 3itho/t "ave- Meereen ha$ "itt"e to o,,er
tra$er. Copper .a p"enti,/" in the Ghicari hi""- b/t the meta" .a not a va"/ab"e a it ha$
been .hen bronGe r/"e$ the .or"$. 7he ce$ar that ha$ once gro.n ta"" a"ong the coat gre. no
more- ,e""e$ by the a:e o, the H"$ Cmpire or con/me$ by $ragon,ire .hen Ghi ma$e .ar
againt %a"yria. Hnce the tree ha$ gone- the oi" bake$ beneath the hot /n an$ b"e. a.ay in
thick re$ c"o/$. 2&t .a thee ca"amitie that tran,orme$ my peop"e into "aver-1 Ga"aGGa
Ga"are ha$ to"$ her- at the 7emp"e o, the Grace. And I am the calamit! that will change these
slaers back into people, 5any ha$ .orn to here",.
2& ha$ to come-1 ai$ Laro in a "ang/i$ tone. 2Cven ,ar a.ay in Darth- ,ear,/" ta"e ha$
reache$ my ear. & .ept to hear them. &t i ai$ that yo/r enemie have promie$ .ea"th an$
g"ory an$ a h/n$re$ virgin "ave gir" to any man .ho "ay yo/.1
27he Son o, the #arpy.1 7ow does he know that6 27hey cra." on .a"" by night an$ c/t the
throat o, honet ,ree$men a they "eep. 3hen the /n come /p they hi$e "ike roache. 7hey
,ear my BraGen Beat.1 SkahaG mo >an$aA ha$ given her the ne. .atch he ha$ ake$ ,or-
ma$e /p in eA/a" n/mber o, ,ree$men an$ havepate Meereenee. 7hey .a"ke$ the treet both
$ay an$ night- in $ark hoo$ an$ braGen mak. 7he Son o, the #arpy ha$ promie$ gri"y $eath
to any traitor .ho $are$ erve the $ragon A/een- an$ to their kith an$ kin a .e""- o the
Shavepate4 men .ent abo/t a =acka"- o."- an$ other beat- keeping their tr/e ,ace hi$$en.
2& might have ca/e to ,ear the Son i, they a. me .an$ering a"one thro/gh the treet- b/t on"y
i, it .a night an$ & .a nake$ an$ /narme$. 7hey are craven creat/re.1
2A craven4 kni,e can "ay a A/een a eai"y a a hero4. & .o/"$ "eep more o/n$"y i, & kne.
my heart4 $e"ight ha$ kept her ,ierce hore"or$ c"oe aro/n$ her. &n Darth- yo/ ha$ three
b"oo$ri$er .ho never "e,t yo/r i$e. 3herever have they gone61
2Aggo- !hoAo- an$ Rakharo ti"" erve me.1 7e is pla!ing games with me+ 5any co/"$ p"ay a
.e"". 2& am on"y a yo/ng gir" an$ kno. "itt"e o, /ch thing- b/t o"$er- .ier men te"" me that to
ho"$ Meereen & m/t contro" it hinter"an$- a"" the "an$ .et o, ?haGar a ,ar o/th a the
E/nkih hi"".1
2Eo/r hinter"an$ are not precio/ to me. Eo/r peron i. Sho/"$ any i"" be,a"" yo/- thi .or"$
.o/"$ "oe it avor.1
2My "or$ i goo$ to care o m/ch- b/t & am .e"" protecte$.1 5any get/re$ to.ar$ .here
Barritan Se"my too$ .ith one han$ reting on hi .or$ hi"t. 2Barritan the Bo"$- they ca"" him.
7.ice he ha ave$ me ,rom aain.1
Laro gave Se"my a c/rory inpection. 2Barritan the H"$- $i$ yo/ ay6 Eo/r bear knight .a
yo/nger- an$ $evote$ to yo/.1
2& $o not .ih to peak o, !orah Mormont.1
27o be /re. 7he man .a coare an$ hairy.1 7he merchant prince "eane$ acro the tab"e.
2?et / peak intea$ o, "ove- o, $ream an$ $eire an$ 5aenery- the ,airet .oman in thi
.or"$. & am $r/nk .ith the ight o, yo/.1
She .a no tranger to the overb"o.n co/rteie o, Darth. 2&, yo/ are $r/nk- b"ame the .ine.1
2No .ine i ha", o into:icating a yo/r bea/ty. My mane ha eeme$ a empty a a tomb
ince 5aenery $eparte$- an$ a"" the p"ea/re o, the D/een o, Citie have been a ahe in my
mo/th. 3hy $i$ yo/ aban$on me61
I was hounded from !our cit! in fear for m! life+ 2&t .a time. Darth .ihe$ me gone.1
23ho6 7he 9/reborn6 7hey have .ater in their vein. 7he Spicer6 7here are c/r$ bet.een
their ear. An$ the Fn$ying are a"" $ea$. Eo/ ho/"$ have taken me to h/ban$. & am a"mot
certain that & ake$ yo/ ,or yo/r han$. Begge$ yo/- even.1
2Hn"y ha", a h/n$re$ time-1 5any teae$. 2Eo/ gave /p too eai"y- my "or$. +or & must
marry- a"" agree.1
2A khaleesi m/t have a kha"-1 ai$ &rri- a he ,i""e$ the A/een4 c/p once again. 27hi i
kno.n.1
2Sha"" & ak again61 .on$ere$ Laro. 2No- & kno. that mi"e. &t i a cr/e" A/een .ho $ice
.ith men4 heart. #/mb"e merchant "ike mye", are no more than tone beneath yo/r =e.e"e$
an$a".1 A ing"e tear ran "o."y $o.n hi pa"e .hite cheek.
5any kne. him too .e"" to be move$. Dartheen men co/"$ .eep at .i"". 2Hh- top that.1 She
took a cherry ,rom the bo." on the tab"e an$ thre. it at hi noe. 2& may be a yo/ng gir"- b/t & am
not o ,oo"ih a to .e$ a man .ho ,in$ a ,r/it p"atter more enticing than my breat. & a.
.hich $ancer yo/ .ere .atching.1
Laro .ipe$ a.ay hi tear. 27he ame one Eo/r Grace .a ,o""o.ing- & be"ieve. Eo/ ee- .e
are a"ike. &, yo/ .i"" not take me ,or yo/r h/ban$- & am content to be yo/r "ave.1
2& .ant no "ave. & ,ree yo/.1 #i =e.e"e$ noe ma$e a tempting target. 7hi time 5any thre.
an apricot at him.
Laro ca/ght it in the air an$ took a bite. 23hence came thi ma$ne6 Sho/"$ & co/nt mye",
,ort/nate that yo/ $i$ not ,ree my o.n "ave .hen yo/ .ere my g/et in Darth61
I was a beggar 3ueen and !ou were 'aro of the #hirteen, 5any tho/ght- and all !ou wanted
were m! dragons+ 2Eo/r "ave eeme$ .e"" treate$ an$ content. &t .a not ti"" Atapor that my
eye .ere opene$. 5o yo/ kno. ho. Fn/""ie$ are ma$e an$ traine$61
2Cr/e""y- & have no $o/bt. 3hen a mith make a .or$- he thr/t the b"a$e into the ,ire-
beat on it .ith a hammer- then p"/nge it into ice$ .ater to temper the tee". &, yo/ .o/"$ avor
the .eet tate o, the ,r/it- yo/ m/t .ater the tree.1
27hi tree ha been .atere$ .ith b"oo$.1
2#o. e"e- to gro. a o"$ier6 Eo/r Ra$iance en=oye$ my $ancer. 3o/"$ it /rprie yo/ to
kno. that they are "ave- bre$ an$ traine$ in E/nkai6 7hey have been $ancing ince they .ere
o"$ eno/gh to .a"k. #o. e"e to achieve /ch perfection61 #e took a .a""o. o, hi .ine. 27hey
are e:pert in a"" the erotic art a .e"". & ha$ tho/ght to make Eo/r Grace a gi,t o, them.1
2By a"" mean.1 5any .a /n/rprie$. 2& ha"" ,ree them.1
7hat ma$e him .ince. 2An$ .hat .o/"$ they $o .ith ,ree$om6 A .e"" give a ,ih a /it o,
mai". 7hey .ere ma$e to $ance.1
2Ma$e by .ho6 7heir mater6 9erhap yo/r $ancer .o/"$ ooner b/i"$ or bake or ,arm.
#ave yo/ ake$ them61
29erhap yo/r e"ephant .o/"$ ooner be nightinga"e. &ntea$ o, .eet ong- Meereen4
night .o/"$ be ,i""e$ .ith th/n$ero/ tr/mpeting- an$ yo/r tree .o/"$ hatter beneath the
.eight o, great grey bir$.1 Laro ighe$. 25aenery- my $e"ight- beneath that .eet yo/ng breat
beat a ten$er heart8 b/t take co/ne" ,rom an o"$er- .ier hea$. 7hing are not a".ay a they
eem. M/ch that may eem evi" can be goo$. Coni$er rain.1
2Rain61 Does he take me for a fool, or 9ust a child6
23e c/re the rain .hen it ,a"" /pon o/r hea$- yet .itho/t it .e ho/"$ tarve. 7he .or"$
needs rain8 an$ "ave. Eo/ make a ,ace- b/t it i tr/e. Coni$er Darth. &n art- m/ic- magic-
tra$e- a"" that make / more than beat- Darth it above the ret o, mankin$ a yo/ it at the
/mmit o, thi pyrami$8 b/t be"o.- in p"ace o, brick- the magni,icence that i the D/een o,
Citie ret /pon the back o, slaes+ Ak yo/re",- i, a"" men m/t gr/b in the $irt ,or ,oo$- ho.
ha"" any man "i,t hi eye to contemp"ate the tar6 &, each o, / m/t break hi back to b/i"$ a
hove"- .ho ha"" raie the temp"e to g"ori,y the go$6 +or ome men to be great- other m/t be
en"ave$.1
#e .a too e"oA/ent ,or her. 5any ha$ no an.er ,or him- on"y the ra. ,ee"ing in her be""y.
2S"avery i not the ame a rain-1 he inite$. 2& have been raine$ on an$ & have been o"$. &t i
not the same+ No man .ant to be owned+1
Laro gave a "ang/i$ hr/g. 2A it happen- .hen & came ahore in yo/r .eet city- & chance$
to ee /pon the riverbank a man .ho ha$ once been a g/et in my mane- a merchant .ho $ea"t
in rare pice an$ choice .ine. #e .a nake$ ,rom the .ait /p- re$ an$ pee"ing- an$ eeme$ to
be $igging a ho"e.1
2Not a ho"e. A $itch- to bring .ater ,rom the river to the ,ie"$. 3e mean to p"ant bean. 7he
bean,ie"$ m/t have .ater.1
2#o. kin$ o, my o"$ ,rien$ to he"p .ith the $igging. An$ ho. very /n"ike him. & it poib"e
he .a given no choice in the matter6 No- /re"y not. Eo/ have no "ave in Meereen.1
5any ,"/he$. 2Eo/r ,rien$ i being pai$ .ith ,oo$ an$ he"ter. & cannot give him back hi
.ea"th. Meereen nee$ bean more than it nee$ rare pice- an$ bean reA/ire .ater.1
23o/"$ yo/ et my $ancer to $igging $itche a .e""6 S.eet A/een- .hen he a. me- my o"$
,rien$ ,e"" to hi knee an$ begge$ me to b/y him a a "ave an$ take him back to Darth.1
She ,e"t a i, he4$ "appe$ her. 2B/y him- then.1
2&, it p"eae yo/. & kno. it .i"" p"eae him+1 #e p/t hi han$ /pon her arm. 27here are tr/th
on"y a ,rien$ may te"" yo/. & he"pe$ yo/ .hen yo/ came to Darth a beggar- an$ & have croe$
"ong "eag/e an$ tormy ea to he"p yo/ once again. & there ome p"ace .here .e might peak
,rank"y61
5any co/"$ ,ee" the .armth o, hi ,inger. 7e was warm in :arth as well, he reca""e$- until
the da! he had no more use for me+ She roe to her ,eet. 2Come-1 he ai$- an$ Laro ,o""o.e$
her thro/gh the pi""ar- to the .i$e marb"e tep that "e$ /p to her private chamber at the ape: o,
the pyrami$.
2Hh mot bea/ti,/" o, .omen-1 Laro ai$- a they began to c"imb- 2there are ,oottep behin$
/. 3e are ,o""o.e$.1
2My o"$ knight $oe not ,righten yo/- /re"y6 Ser Barritan i .orn to keep my ecret.1
She took him o/t onto the terrace that over"ooke$ the city. A ,/"" moon .am in the b"ack ky
above Meereen. 2Sha"" .e .a"k61 5any "ippe$ her arm thro/gh hi. 7he air .a heavy .ith the
cent o, night(b"ooming ,"o.er. 2Eo/ poke o, he"p. 7ra$e .ith me- then. Meereen ha a"t to
e""- an$ .ine81
2Ghicari .ine61 Laro ma$e a o/r ,ace. 27he ea provi$e a"" the a"t that Darth reA/ire- b/t
& .o/"$ g"a$"y take a many o"ive a yo/ care$ to e"" me. H"ive oi" a .e"".1
2& have none to o,,er. 7he "aver b/rne$ the tree.1 H"ive ha$ been gro.n a"ong the hore
o, S"aver4 Bay ,or cent/rieI b/t the Meereenee ha$ p/t their ancient grove to the torch a
5any4 hot a$vance$ on them- "eaving her to cro a b"ackene$ .ate"an$. 23e are rep"anting-
b/t it take even year be,ore an o"ive tree begin to bear- an$ thirty year be,ore it can tr/"y be
ca""e$ pro$/ctive. 3hat o, copper61
2A pretty meta"- b/t ,ick"e a a .oman. Go"$- no.8 go"$ i sincere+ Darth .i"" g"a$"y give
yo/ go"$8 ,or "ave.1
2Meereen i a ,ree city o, ,ree men.1
2A poor city that once .a rich. A h/ngry city that once .a ,at. A b"oo$y city that once .a
peace,/".1
#i acc/ation t/ng. 7here .a too m/ch tr/th in them. 2Meereen .i"" be rich an$ ,at an$
peace,/" once again- an$ ,ree a .e"". Go to the 5othraki i, yo/ m/t have "ave.1
25othraki make "ave- Ghicari train them. An$ to reach Darth- the hore"or$ m/t nee$
$rive their captive acro the re$ .ate. #/n$re$ .o/"$ $ie- i, not tho/an$8 an$ many
hore too- .hich i .hy no kha" .i"" rik it. An$ there i thi' Darth .ant no khalasars eething
ro/n$ o/r .a"". 7he tench o, a"" thoe hore8 meaning no o,,ene- ,haleesi+1
2A hore ha an honet me"". 7hat i more than can be ai$ o, ome great "or$ an$ merchant
prince.1
Laro took no notice o, the a""y. 25aenery- "et me be honet .ith yo/- a be,it a ,rien$. Eo/
.i"" not make Meereen rich an$ ,at an$ peace,/". Eo/ .i"" on"y bring it to $etr/ction- a yo/ $i$
Atapor. Eo/ are a.are that there .a batt"e =oine$ at the #orn o, #aGGat6 7he B/tcher >ing
ha ,"e$ back to hi pa"ace- hi ne. Fn/""ie$ r/nning at hi hee".1
27hi i kno.n.1 Bro.n Ben 9"/mm ha$ ent back .or$ o, the batt"e ,rom the ,ie"$. 27he
E/nkai4i have bo/ght theme"ve ne. e"".or$- an$ t.o "egion ,rom Ne. Ghi ,o/ght bei$e
them.1
27.o .i"" oon become ,o/r- then ten. An$ E/nkih envoy have been ent to Myr an$
%o"anti to hire more b"a$e. 7he Company o, the Cat- the ?ong ?ance- the 3in$b"o.n. Some
ay that the 3ie Mater have bo/ght the Go"$en Company a .e"".1
#er brother %iery ha$ once ,eate$ the captain o, the Go"$en Company- in hope they
might take /p hi ca/e. #he! ate his food and heard his pleas and laughed at him+ 5any ha$
on"y been a "itt"e gir"- b/t he remembere$. 2& have e"".or$ too.1
27.o companie. 7he E/nkai4i .i"" en$ t.enty againt yo/ i, they m/t. An$ .hen they
march- they .i"" not march a"one. 7o"o an$ Mantary have agree$ to an a""iance.1
7hat .a i"" ne.- i, tr/e. 5aenery ha$ ent miion to 7o"o an$ Mantary- hoping to ,in$
ne. ,rien$ to the .et to ba"ance the enmity o, E/nkai to the o/th. #er envoy ha$ not
ret/rne$. 2Meereen ha ma$e a""iance .ith ?haGar.1
7hat on"y ma$e him ch/ck"e. 27he 5othraki hore"or$ ca"" the ?haGarene the "amb *en+
3hen yo/ hear them- a"" they $o i b"eat. 7hey are not a martia" peop"e.1
0en a sheepish friend is better than none+ 27he 3ie Mater ho/"$ ,o""o. their e:amp"e. &
pare$ E/nkai be,ore- b/t & .i"" not make that mitake again. &, they ho/"$ $are attack me- thi
time & ha"" raGe their Ee""o. City to the gro/n$.1
2An$ .hi"t yo/ are raGing E/nkai- my .eet- Meereen ha"" rie behin$ yo/. 5o not c"oe
yo/r eye to yo/r peri"- 5aenery. Eo/r e/n/ch are ,ine o"$ier- b/t they are too ,e. to match
the hot that E/nkai .i"" en$ againt yo/- once Atapor ha ,a""en.1
2My ,ree$man@1 5any tarte$.
2Be$"ave- barber- an$ brickmaker .in no batt"e.1
#e .a .rong in that- he hope$. 7he ,ree$men ha$ been a rabb"e once- b/t he ha$
organiGe$ the men o, ,ighting age into companie an$ comman$e$ Grey 3orm to make them
into o"$ier. "et him think what he will+ 2#ave yo/ ,orgotten6 & have dragons+1
25o yo/6 &n Darth- yo/ .ere e"$om een .itho/t a $ragon on yo/r ho/"$er8 yet no. that
hape"y ho/"$er i a ,air an$ bare a yo/r .eet breat- & oberve.1
2My $ragon have gro.n- my ho/"$er have not. 7hey range ,ar a,ie"$- h/nting.1 7azzea,
forgie me+ She .on$ere$ ho. m/ch Laro kne.- .hat .hiper he ha$ hear$. 2Ak the Goo$
Mater o, Atapor abo/t my $ragon i, yo/ $o/bt them.1 I saw a slaer/s e!es melt and go
running down his cheeks+ 27e"" me tr/e- o"$ ,rien$- .hy $i$ yo/ eek me o/t i, not to tra$e61
27o bring a gi,t- ,or the A/een o, my heart.1
2Say on.1 What trap is this, now6
27he gi,t yo/ begge$ o, me in Darth. Ship. 7here are thirteen ga""ey in the bay. Eo/r- i,
yo/ .i"" have them. & have bro/ght yo/ a ,"eet- to carry yo/ home to 3etero.1
A fleet+ &t .a more than he co/"$ hope ,or- o o, co/re it ma$e her .ary. &n Darth- Laro
ha$ o,,ere$ her thirty hip8 ,or a $ragon. 2An$ .hat price $o yo/ ak ,or thee hip61
2None. & no "onger "/t ,or $ragon. & a. their .ork at Atapor on my .ay here- .hen my
Silken %loud p/t in ,or .ater. 7he hip are yo/r- .eet A/een. 7hirteen ga""ey- an$ men to
p/"" the oar.1
#hirteen+ #o be sure+ Laro .a one o, the 7hirteen. No $o/bt he ha$ convince$ each o, hi
,e""o. member to give /p one hip. She kne. the merchant prince too .e"" to think that he
.o/"$ acri,ice thirteen o, hi own hip. 2& m/t coni$er thi. May & inpect thee hip61
2Eo/ have gro.n /picio/- 5aenery.1
Alwa!s+ 2& have gro.n .ie- Laro.1
2&npect a"" yo/ .ih. 3hen yo/ are ati,ie$- .ear to me that yo/ ha"" ret/rn to 3etero
,orth.ith- an$ the hip are yo/r. S.ear by yo/r $ragon an$ yo/r even(,ace$ go$ an$ the
ahe o, yo/r ,ather- an$ go+1
2An$ i, & ho/"$ $eci$e to .ait a year- or three61
A mo/rn,/" "ook croe$ Laro4 ,ace. 27hat .o/"$ make me very a$- my .eet $e"ight8 ,or
yo/ng an$ trong a yo/ no. eem- yo/ ha"" not "ive o "ong. Not here.1
7e offers the hone!comb with one hand and shows the whip with the other+ 27he E/nkai4i are
not o ,earome a a"" that.1
2Not a"" yo/r enemie are in the Ee""o. City. Be.are men .ith co"$ heart an$ b"/e "ip. Eo/
ha$ not been gone ,rom Darth a ,ortnight .hen 9yat 9ree et o/t .ith three o, hi ,e""o.
.ar"ock- to eek ,or yo/ in 9ento.1
5any .a more am/e$ than a,rai$. 2&t i goo$ & t/rne$ ai$e- then. 9ento i ha", a .or"$
,rom Meereen.1
27hi i o-1 he a""o.e$- 2yet oon or "ate .or$ m/t reach them o, the $ragon A/een o,
S"aver4 Bay.1
2& that meant to ,righten me6 & "ive$ in ,ear ,or ,o/rteen year- my "or$. & .oke a,rai$ each
morning an$ .ent to "eep a,rai$ each night8 b/t my ,ear .ere b/rne$ a.ay the $ay & came
,orth ,rom the ,ire. Hn"y one thing ,righten me no..1
2An$ .hat i it that yo/ ,ear- .eet A/een61
2& am on"y a ,oo"ih yo/ng gir".1 5any roe on her toe an$ kie$ hi cheek. 2B/t not o
,oo"ih a to te"" yo/ that. My men ha"" "ook at thee hip. 7hen yo/ ha"" have my an.er.1
2A yo/ ay.1 #e to/che$ her bare breat "ight"y- an$ .hipere$- 2?et me tay an$ he"p
per/a$e yo/.1
+or a moment he .a tempte$. 9erhap the $ancer ha$ tirre$ her a,ter a"". I could close m!
e!es and pretend that he was Daario+ A $ream 5aario .o/"$ be a,er than the rea" one. B/t he
p/he$ the tho/ght ai$e. 2No- my "or$. & thank yo/- b/t no.1 5any "ippe$ ,rom hi arm.
2Some other night- perhap.1
2Some other night.1 #i mo/th .a a$- b/t hi eye eeme$ more re"ieve$ than $iappointe$.
If I were a dragon, I could fl! to Westeros, he tho/ght .hen he .a gone. I would hae no
need of 'aro or his ships+ 5any .on$ere$ ho. many men thirteen ga""ey co/"$ ho"$. &t ha$
taken three to carry her an$ her khalasar ,rom Darth to Atapor- b/t that .a be,ore he ha$
acA/ire$ eight tho/an$ Fn/""ie$- a tho/an$ e"".or$- an$ a vat hor$e o, ,ree$men. And the
dragons, what am I to do with them6 25rogon-1 he .hipere$ o,t"y- 2.here are yo/61 +or a
moment he co/"$ a"mot ee him .eeping acro the ky- hi b"ack .ing .a""o.ing the tar.
She t/rne$ her back /pon the night- to .here Barritan Se"my too$ i"ent in the ha$o..
2My brother once to"$ me a 3eteroi ri$$"e. 3ho "iten to everything yet hear nothing61
2A knight o, the >ingg/ar$.1 Se"my4 voice .a o"emn. 2Eo/ hear$ Laro make hi o,,er61
2& $i$- Eo/r Grace.1 7he o"$ knight took pain not to "ook at her bare breat a he poke to
her.
Ser -orah would not turn his e!es awa!+ 7e loed me as a woman, where Ser Barristan loes
me onl! as his 3ueen+ Mormont ha$ been an in,ormer- reporting to her enemie in 3etero- yet
he ha$ given her goo$ co/ne" too. 23hat $o yo/ think o, it6 H, him61
2H, him- "itt"e an$ "e. 7hee hip- tho/gh8 Eo/r Grace- .ith thee hip .e might be
home be,ore year4 en$.1
5any ha$ never kno.n a home. &n Braavo- there ha$ been a ho/e .ith a re$ $oor- b/t that
.a a"". 2Be.are o, Dartheen bearing gi,t- epecia""y merchant o, the 7hirteen. 7here i ome
trap here. 9erhap thee hip are rotten- or81
2&, they .ere o /nea.orthy- they co/"$ not have croe$ the ea ,rom Darth-1 Ser Barritan
pointe$ o/t- 2b/t Eo/r Grace .a .ie to init /pon inpection. & .i"" take A$mira" Gro"eo to
the ga""ey at ,irt "ight .ith hi captain an$ t.o core o, hi ai"or. 3e can cra." over every
inch o, thoe hip.1
&t .a goo$ co/ne". 2Ee- make it o.1 Westeros+ 7ome+ B/t i, he "e,t- .hat .o/"$ happen
to her city6 *eereen was neer !our cit!, her brother4 voice eeme$ to .hiper. &our cities are
across the sea+ &our Seen ,ingdoms, where !our enemies await !ou+ &ou were born to sere
them blood and fire+
Ser Barritan c"eare$ hi throat an$ ai$- 27hi .ar"ock that the merchant poke o,81
29yat 9ree.1 She trie$ to reca"" hi ,ace- b/t a"" he co/"$ ee .ere hi "ip. 7he .ine o, the
.ar"ock ha$ t/rne$ them b"/e. Shade(of(the(eening, it .a ca""e$. 2&, a .ar"ock4 pe"" co/"$
ki"" me- & .o/"$ be $ea$ by no.. & "e,t their pa"ace a"" in ahe.1 Drogon saed me when the!
would hae drained m! life from me+ Drogon burned them all+
2A yo/ ay- Eo/r Grace. Sti"". & .i"" be .atch,/".1
She kie$ him on the cheek. 2& kno. yo/ .i"". Come- .a"k me back $o.n to the ,eat.1
7he ne:t morning 5any .oke a ,/"" o, hope a he ha$ been ince ,irt he came to S"aver4
Bay. 5aario .o/"$ oon be at her i$e once more- an$ together they .o/"$ ai" ,or 3etero.
For home+ Hne o, her yo/ng hotage bro/ght her morning mea"- a p"/mp hy gir" name$
MeGGara- .hoe ,ather r/"e$ the pyrami$ o, MerreA- an$ 5any gave her a happy h/g an$ thanke$
her .ith a ki.
2Laro Lhoan 5a:o ha o,,ere$ me thirteen ga""ey-1 he to"$ &rri an$ !hiA/i a they .ere
$reing her ,or co/rt.
27hirteen i a ba$ n/mber- ,haleesi,1 m/rm/re$ !hiA/i- in the 5othraki tong/e. 2&t i
kno.n.1
2&t i kno.n-1 &rri agree$. 27hirty .o/"$ be better-1 5aenery agree$. 27hree h/n$re$ better
ti"". B/t thirteen may /,,ice to carry / to 3etero.1
7he t.o 5othraki gir" e:change$ a "ook. 27he poion .ater i acc/re$- ,haleesi,1 ai$ &rri.
2#ore cannot $rink it.1
2& $o not inten$ to $rink it-1 5any promie$ them.
Hn"y ,o/r petitioner a.aite$ her that morning. A ever- ?or$ Ghae" .a the ,irt to preent
hime",- "ooking even more .retche$ than //a". 2Eo/r Ra$iance-1 he moane$- a he ,e"" to the
marb"e at her ,eet- 2the armie o, the E/nkai4i $ecen$ on Atapor. & beg yo/- come o/th .ith
a"" yo/r trength01
2& .arne$ yo/r king that thi .ar o, hi .a ,o""y-1 5any remin$e$ him. 2#e .o/"$ not
"iten.1
2Great C"eon o/ght on"y to trike $o.n the vi"e "aver o, E/nkai.1
2Great C"eon i a "aver hime",.1
2& kno. that the Mother o, 5ragon .i"" not aban$on / in o/r ho/r o, peri". ?en$ / yo/r
Fn/""ie$ to $e,en$ o/r .a"".1
And if I do, who will defend m! walls6 2Many o, my ,ree$men .ere "ave in Atapor.
9erhap ome .i"" .ih to he"p $e,en$ yo/r king. 7hat i their choice- a ,ree men. & gave
Atapor it ,ree$om. &t i /p to yo/ to $e,en$ it.1
23e are a"" $ea$- then. Eo/ gave / $eath- not ,ree$om.1 Ghae" "eapt to hi ,eet an$ pat into
her ,ace.
Strong Be".a eiGe$ him by the ho/"$er an$ "amme$ him $o.n onto the marb"e o har$
that 5any hear$ Ghae"4 teeth crack. 7he Shavepate .o/"$ have $one .ore- b/t he toppe$
him.
2Cno/gh-1 he ai$- $abbing at her cheek .ith the en$ o, her tokar+ 2No one ha ever $ie$
,rom pitt"e. 7ake him a.ay.1
7hey $ragge$ him o/t ,eet ,irt- "eaving evera" broken teeth an$ a trai" o, b"oo$ behin$. 5any
.o/"$ g"a$"y have ent the ret o, the petitioner a.ay8 b/t he .a ti"" their A/een- o he
hear$ them o/t an$ $i$ her bet to give them =/tice.
?ate that a,ternoon A$mira" Gro"eo an$ Ser Barritan ret/rne$ ,rom their inpection o, the
ga""ey. 5any aemb"e$ her co/nci" to hear them. Grey 3orm .a there ,or the Fn/""ie$-
SkahaG mo >an$aA ,or the BraGen Beat. &n the abence o, her b"oo$ri$er- a .iGene$ 9a33a
rhan ca""e$ Rommo- A/int(eye$ an$ bo."egge$- came to peak ,or her 5othraki. #er ,ree$men
.ere repreente$ by the captain o, the three companie he ha$ ,orme$@Mo""ono Eo 5ob o,
the Sta".art Shie"$- Symon Stripe(back o, the +ree Brother- Mare"en o, the Mother4 Men.
ReGnak mo ReGnak hovere$ at the A/een4 e"bo.- an$ Strong Be".a too$ behin$ her .ith hi
h/ge arm croe$. 5any .o/"$ not "ack ,or co/ne".
Gro"eo ha$ been a mot /nhappy man ince they ha$ broken /p hi hip to b/i"$ the iege
engine that .on Meereen ,or her. 5any ha$ trie$ to cono"e him by naming him her "or$
a$mira"- b/t it .a a ho""o. honorI the Meereenee ,"eet ha$ ai"e$ ,or E/nkai .hen 5any4 hot
approache$ the city- o the o"$ 9entohi .a an a$mira" .itho/t hip. Eet no. he .a mi"ing
thro/gh hi ragge$ a"t(treake$ bear$ in a .ay that the A/een co/"$ carce remember.
27he hip are o/n$- then61 he ai$- hoping.
2So/n$ eno/gh- Eo/r Grace. 7hey are o"$ hip- aye- b/t mot are .e"" maintaine$. 7he h/""
o, the $ureborn $rincess i .orm(eaten. &4$ not .ant to take her beyon$ the ight o, "an$. 7he
2arra33a co/"$ tan$ a ne. r/$$er an$ "ine- an$ the Banded "izard ha ome cracke$ oar- b/t
they .i"" erve. 7he ro.er are "ave- b/t i, .e o,,er them an honet oarman4 .age- mot .i""
tay .ith /. Ro.ing4 a"" they kno.. 7hoe .ho "eave can be rep"ace$ ,rom my o.n cre.. &t i
a "ong har$ voyage to 3etero- b/t thee hip are o/n$ eno/gh to get / there- &4$ =/$ge.1
ReGnak mo ReGnak gave a piteo/ moan. 27hen it i tr/e. Eo/r 3orhip mean to aban$on
/.1 #e .r/ng hi han$. 27he E/nkai4i .i"" retore the Great Mater the intant yo/ are gone-
an$ .e .ho have o ,aith,/""y erve$ yo/r ca/e .i"" be p/t to the .or$- o/r .eet .ive an$
mai$en $a/ghter rape$ an$ en"ave$.1
2Not mine-1 gr/mb"e$ SkahaG Shavepate. 2& .i"" ki"" them ,irt- .ith mine o.n han$.1 #e
"appe$ hi .or$ hi"t.
5any ,e"t a i, he ha$ "appe$ her ,ace intea$. 2&, yo/ ,ear .hat may ,o""o. .hen & "eave-
come .ith me to 3etero.1
23herever the Mother o, 5ragon goe- the Mother4 Men .i"" go a .e""-1 anno/nce$
Mare"en- Mian$ei4 remaining brother.
2#o.61 ake$ Symon Stripeback- name$ ,or the tang"e o, car that ri$ge$ hi back an$
ho/"$er- a remin$er o, the .hipping he ha$ /,,ere$ a a "ave in Atapor. 27hirteen hip8
that4 not eno/gh. A h/n$re$ hip might not be eno/gh.1
23oo$en hore are no goo$-1 ob=ecte$ Rommo- the o"$ 9a33a rhan+ 25othraki .i"" ri$e.1
27hee one co/"$ march over"an$ a"ong the hore-1 /ggete$ Grey 3orm. 27he hip co/"$
keep pace an$ re/pp"y the co"/mn.1
27hat might erve /nti" yo/ reache$ the r/in o, Bhorah-1 ai$ the Shavepate. 2Beyon$ that-
yo/r hip .o/"$ nee$ to t/rn o/th pat 7o"o an$ the &"e o, Ce$ar an$ ai" aro/n$ %a"yria-
.hi"t the ,oot contin/e$ on to Mantary by the o"$ $ragon roa$.1
27he demon road, they ca"" it no.-1 ai$ Mo""ono Eo 5ob. 7he p"/mp comman$er o, the
Sta".art Shie"$ "ooke$ more "ike a cribe than a o"$ier- .ith hi inky han$ an$ heavy pa/nch-
b/t he .a a c"ever a they came. 2Many an$ more o, / .o/"$ $ie.1
27hoe "e,t behin$ in Meereen .o/"$ envy them their eay $eath-1 moane$ ReGnak. 27hey
.i"" make slaes o, /- or thro. / in the pit. A"" .i"" be a it .a- or .ore.1
23here i yo/r co/rage61 Ser Barritan "ahe$ o/t. 2#er Grace ,ree$ yo/ ,rom yo/r chain. &t
i ,or yo/ to harpen yo/r .or$ an$ $e,en$ yo/r o.n ,ree$om .hen he "eave.1
2Brave .or$- ,rom one .ho mean to ai" into the /net-1 Symon Stripeback nar"e$ back.
23i"" yo/ "ook back at o/r $ying61
2Eo/r Grace@1
2Magni,icence@1
2Eo/r 3orhip@1
20nough+1 5any "appe$ the tab"e. 2No one .i"" be "e,t to $ie. Eo/ are a"" my peop"e.1 #er
$ream o, home an$ "ove ha$ b"in$e$ her. 2& .i"" not aban$on Meereen to the ,ate o, Atapor. &t
grieve me to ay o- b/t 3etero m/t .ait.1
Gro"eo .a aghat. 23e must accept thee hip. &, .e re,/e thi gi,t81
Ser Barritan .ent to one knee be,ore her. 2My A/een- yo/r rea"m ha nee$ o, yo/. Eo/ are
not .ante$ here- b/t in 3etero men .i"" ,"ock to yo/r banner by the tho/an$- great "or$
an$ nob"e knight. JShe is come,/ they .i"" ho/t to one another- in g"a$ voice. J$rince
)haegar/s sister has come home at last+4 1
2&, they "ove me o m/ch- they .i"" .ait ,or me.1 5any too$. 2ReGnak- /mmon Laro Lhoan
5a:o.1
She receive$ the merchant prince a"one- eate$ on her bench o, po"ihe$ ebony- on the
c/hion Ser Barritan ha$ bro/ght her. +o/r Dartheen ai"or accompanie$ him- bearing a ro""e$
tapetry /pon their ho/"$er. 2& have bro/ght another gi,t ,or the A/een o, my heart-1 Laro
anno/nce$. 2&t ha been in my ,ami"y va/"t ince be,ore the 5oom that took %a"yria.1
7he ai"or /nro""e$ the tapetry acro the ,"oor. &t .a o"$- $/ty- ,a$e$8 an$ h/ge. 5any
ha$ to move to Laro4 i$e be,ore the pattern became p"ain. 2A map6 &t i bea/ti,/".1 &t covere$
ha", the ,"oor. 7he ea .ere b"/e- the "an$ .ere green- the mo/ntain b"ack an$ bro.n. Citie
.ere ho.n a tar in go"$ or i"ver threa$. #here is no Smoking Sea, he rea"iGe$. .al!ria is
not !et an island+
27here yo/ ee Atapor- an$ E/nkai- an$ Meereen.1 Laro pointe$ at three i"ver tar bei$e
the b"/e o, S"aver4 Bay. 23etero i8 ome.here $o.n there.1 #i han$ .ave$ vag/e"y
to.ar$ the ,ar en$ o, the ha"". 2Eo/ t/rne$ north .hen yo/ ho/"$ have contin/e$ o/th an$
.et- acro the S/mmer Sea- b/t .ith my gi,t yo/ ha"" oon be back .here yo/ be"ong. Accept
my ga""ey .ith a =oy,/" heart- an$ ben$ yo/r oar .et.ar$.1
Would that I could+ 2My "or$- & .i"" g"a$"y have thoe hip- b/t & cannot give yo/ the promie
that yo/ ak.1 She took hi han$. 2Give me the ga""ey- an$ & .ear that Darth .i"" have the
,rien$hip o, Meereen /nti" the tar go o/t. ?et me tra$e .ith them- an$ yo/ .i"" have a goo$
part o, the pro,it.1
Laro4 g"a$ mi"e $ie$ /pon hi "ip. 23hat are yo/ aying6 Are yo/ te""ing me yo/ .i"" not
go61
2& cannot go.1
7ear .e""e$ ,rom hi eye- creeping $o.n hi noe- pat emera"$- amethyt- an$ b"ack
$iamon$. 2& to"$ the 7hirteen that yo/ .o/"$ hee$ my .i$om. &t grieve me to "earn that & .a
.rong. 7ake thee hip an$ ai" a.ay- or yo/ .i"" /re"y $ie creaming. Eo/ cannot kno. ho.
many enemie yo/ have ma$e.1
I know one stands before me now, weeping mummer/s tears+ 7he rea"iGation ma$e her a$.
23hen & .ent to the #a"" o, a 7ho/an$ 7hrone to beg the 9/reborn ,or yo/r "i,e- & ai$ that
yo/ .ere no more than a chi"$-1 Laro .ent on- 2b/t Cgon Cmero the C:A/iite roe an$ ai$-
JShe i a foolish chi"$- ma$ an$ hee$"e an$ too $angero/ to "ive.4 3hen yo/r $ragon .ere
ma"" they .ere a .on$er. Gro.n- they are $eath an$ $evatation- a ,"aming .or$ above the
.or"$.1 #e .ipe$ a.ay the tear. 2& ho/"$ have "ain yo/ in Darth.1
2& .a a g/et beneath yo/r roo, an$ ate o, yo/r meat an$ mea$-1 he ai$. 2&n memory o, a""
yo/ $i$ ,or me- & .i"" ,orgive thoe .or$8 once8 b/t never pre/me to threaten me again.1
2Laro Lhoan 5a:o $oe not threaten. #e promie.1
#er a$ne t/rne$ to ,/ry. 2An$ & promie yo/ that i, yo/ are not gone be,ore the /n come
/p- .e .i"" "earn ho. .e"" a "iar4 tear can A/ench $ragon,ire. ?eave me- Laro. :uickl!+1
#e .ent b/t "e,t hi .or"$ behin$. 5any eate$ here", /pon her bench again to gaGe acro
the b"/e i"k ea- to.ar$ $itant 3etero. One da!, he promie$ here",.
7he ne:t morning Laro4 ga""ea .a gone- b/t the 2gi,t1 that he ha$ bro/ght her remaine$
behin$ in S"aver4 Bay. ?ong re$ treamer ,"e. ,rom the mat o, the thirteen Dartheen ga""ey-
.rithing in the .in$. An$ .hen 5aenery $ecen$e$ to ho"$ co/rt- a meenger ,rom the hip
a.aite$ her. #e poke no .or$ b/t "ai$ at her ,eet a b"ack atin pi""o.- /pon .hich rete$ a
ing"e b"oo$taine$ g"ove.
23hat i thi61 SkahaG $eman$e$. 2A b"oo$y g"ove81
28mean .ar-1 ai$ the A/een.
!rienne
The tone .a"" .a o"$ an$ cr/mb"ing- b/t the ight o, it acro the ,ie"$ ma$e the hair on
Brienne4 neck tan$ /p.
#hat was where the archers hid and slew poor %leos Fre!, he tho/ght8 b/t ha", a mi"e
,arther on he pae$ another .a"" that "ooke$ m/ch "ike the ,irt an$ ,o/n$ here", /ncertain.
7he r/tte$ roa$ t/rne$ an$ t.ite$- an$ the bare bro.n tree "ooke$ $i,,erent ,rom the green
one he remembere$. #a$ he ri$$en pat the p"ace .here Ser !aime ha$ natche$ hi co/in4
.or$ ,rom it cabbar$6 3here .ere the .oo$ they4$ ,o/ght in6 7he tream .here they4$
p"ahe$ an$ "ahe$ at one another /nti" they $re. the Brave Companion $o.n /pon them6
2My "a$y6 Ser61 9o$rick never eeme$ certain .hat to ca"" her. 23hat are yo/ "ooking ,or61
1hosts+ 2A .a"" & ro$e by once. &t $oe not matter.1 It was when Ser -aime still had both his
hands+ 7ow I loathed him, with all his taunts and smiles+ 2Stay A/iet- 9o$rick. 7here may ti"" be
o/t"a. in thee .oo$.1
7he boy "ooke$ at the bare bro.n tree- the .et "eave- the m/$$y roa$ ahea$. 2& have a
"ong.or$. & can ,ight.1
2ot well enough+ Brienne $i$ not $o/bt the boy4 co/rage- on"y hi training. A A/ire he
might be- in name at "eat- b/t the men he4$ A/ire$ ,or ha$ erve$ him i"".
She ha$ gotten hi tory o/t o, him in ,it an$ tart on the roa$ ,rom 5/ken$a"e. #i .a a
"eer branch o, #o/e 9ayne- an impoverihe$ o,,hoot pro/te$ ,rom the "oin o, a yo/nger
on. #i ,ather ha$ pent hi "i,e A/iring ,or richer co/in an$ ha$ ire$ 9o$rick /pon a
chan$"er4 $a/ghter he4$ .e$ be,ore going o,, to $ie in the Grey=oy Rebe""ion. #i mother ha$
aban$one$ him .ith one o, thoe co/in .hen he .a ,o/r- o he co/"$ r/n a,ter a .an$ering
inger .ho ha$ p/t another baby in her be""y. 9o$rick $i$ not remember .hat he "ooke$ "ike.
Ser Ce$ric 9ayne ha$ been the nearet thing to a parent the boy ha$ ever kno.n- tho/gh ,rom hi
tammere$ torie it eeme$ to Brienne that co/in Ce$ric ha$ treate$ 9o$rick more "ike a
ervant than a on. 3hen Cater"y Rock ca""e$ it banner- the knight ha$ taken him a"ong to
ten$ hi hore an$ c"ean hi mai". 7hen Ser Ce$ric ha$ been "ain in the river"an$ .hi"t ,ighting
in ?or$ 7y.in4 hot.
+ar ,rom home- a"one- an$ penni"e- the boy ha$ attache$ hime", to a ,at he$ge knight
name$ Ser ?orimer the Be""y- .ho .a part o, ?or$ ?e,,or$4 contingent- charge$ .ith
protecting the baggage train. 27he boy .ho g/ar$ the ,oo$t/,, a".ay eat the bet-1 Ser
?orimer "ike$ to ay- /nti" he .a $icovere$ .ith a a"te$ ham he4$ to"en ,rom ?or$ 7y.in4
perona" tore. 7y.in ?anniter choe to hang him a a "eon to other "ooter. 9o$rick ha$
hare$ the ham an$ might have hare$ the rope a .e""- b/t hi name ha$ ave$ him. Ser >evan
?anniter took charge o, him- an$ ometime "ater ent the boy to A/ire ,or hi nephe. 7yrion.
Ser Ce$ric ha$ ta/ght 9o$rick ho. to groom a hore an$ check hi hoe ,or tone- an$ Ser
?orimer ha$ ta/ght him ho. to tea"- b/t neither ha$ given him m/ch training .ith a .or$. 7he
&mp at "eat ha$ $ipatche$ him to the Re$ >eep4 mater(at(arm .hen they came to co/rt. B/t
$/ring the brea$ riot Ser Aron Santagar ha$ been amongt thoe "ain- an$ that ha$ been the en$
o, 9o$rick4 training.
Brienne c/t t.o .oo$en .or$ ,rom ,a""en branche to get a ene o, 9o$rick4 ki"". 7he
boy .a "o. o, peech b/t not o, han$- he .a p"eae$ to "earn. 7ho/gh ,ear"e an$ attentive-
he .a a"o /n$er,e$ an$ kinny- an$ not near trong eno/gh. &, he ha$ /rvive$ the Batt"e o, the
B"ack.ater a he c"aime$- it co/"$ on"y be beca/e no one tho/ght him .orth the ki""ing. 2Eo/
may ca"" yo/re", a A/ire-1 he to"$ him- 2b/t &4ve een page ha", yo/r age .ho co/"$ have beat
yo/ b"oo$y. &, yo/ tay .ith me- yo/4"" go to "eep .ith b"iter on yo/r han$ an$ br/ie on
yo/r arm mot every night- an$ yo/4"" be o ti,, an$ ore yo/4"" har$"y "eep. Eo/ $on4t .ant
that.1
2& $o-1 the boy inite$. 2& .ant that. 7he br/ie an$ the b"iter. & mean- & $on4t- b/t & $o.
Ser. My "a$y.1
So ,ar he ha$ been tr/e to hi .or$- an$ Brienne ha$ been tr/e to her. 9o$rick ha$ not
comp"aine$. Cvery time he raie$ a ne. b"iter on hi .or$ han$- he ,e"t the nee$ to ho. it to
her pro/$"y. #e took goo$ care o, their hore too. 7e is still no s3uire, he remin$e$ here",-
but I am no knight, no matter how man! times he calls me 4ser+5 She .o/"$ have ent him on hi
.ay- b/t he ha$ no.here to go. Bei$e- tho/gh 9o$rick ai$ he $i$ not kno. .here Sana Stark
ha$ gone- it might be that he kne. more than he rea"iGe$. Some chance remark- ha",(
remembere$- might ho"$ the key to Brienne4 A/et.
2Ser6 My "a$y61 9o$rick pointe$. 27here4 a cart ahea$.1
Brienne a. it' a .oo$en o:cart- t.o(.hee"e$ an$ high(i$e$. A man an$ a .oman .ere
"aboring in the trace- p/""ing the cart a"ong the r/t to.ar$ Mai$enpoo". Farm folk, b! the look
of them+ 2S"o."y no.-1 he to"$ the boy. 27hey may take / ,or o/t"a.. Say no more than yo/
m/t an$ be co/rteo/.1
2& .i""- er. Be co/rteo/. My "a$y.1 7he boy eeme$ a"mot p"eae$ by the propect o, being
taken ,or an o/t"a..
7he ,arm ,o"k .atche$ them .ari"y a they came trotting /p- b/t once Brienne ma$e it p"ain
that he meant them no harm- they "et her ri$e bei$e them. 23e /e$ to have an o:-1 the o"$
man to"$ her a they ma$e their .ay thro/gh the .ee$(choke$ ,ie"$- "ake o, o,t m/$- an$
b/rnt an$ b"ackene$ tree- 2b/t the .o"ve ma$e o,, .ith him.1 #i ,ace .a re$ ,rom the e,,ort
o, p/""ing the cart. 27hey took o,, o/r $a/ghter too an$ ha$ their .ay .ith her- b/t he come
.an$ering back a,ter the batt"e $o.n at 5/ken$a"e. 7he o: never $i$. 7he .o"ve ate him- &
e:pect.1
7he .oman ha$ "itt"e to a$$. She .a yo/nger than the man by t.enty year- b/t never poke
a .or$- on"y "ooke$ at Brienne the ame .ay he might have "ooke$ at a t.o(hea$e$ ca",. 7he
Mai$ o, 7arth ha$ een /ch eye be,ore. ?a$y Stark ha$ been kin$ to her- b/t mot .omen .ere
=/t a cr/e" a men. She co/"$ not have ai$ .hich he ,o/n$ mot h/rt,/"- the pretty gir" .ith
their .apih tong/e an$ britt"e "a/ghter or the co"$(eye$ "a$ie .ho hi$ their $i$ain behin$ a
mak o, co/rtey. An$ common .omen co/"$ be .ore than either. 2Mai$enpoo" .a a"" in r/in
.hen "at & a. it-1 he ai$. 27he gate .ere broken an$ ha", the to.n .a b/rne$.1
27hey reb/i"t it ome. 7hi 7ar"y- he4 a har$ man- b/t a braver "or$ than Mooton. 7here4
ti"" o/t"a. in the .oo$- b/t not o many a there .a. 7ar"y h/nte$ $o.n the .ort o4 them
an$ hortene$ them .ith that big .or$ o4 hi.1 #e t/rne$ hi hea$ an$ pat. 2Eo/4ve een no
o/t"a. on the roa$61
2None.1 2ot this time+ 7he ,arther they ha$ come ,rom 5/ken$a"e- the emptier the roa$ ha$
been. 7he on"y trave"er they4$ g"impe$ ha$ me"te$ a.ay into the .oo$ be,ore they reache$
them- ave ,or a big- bear$e$ epton they met .a"king o/th .ith t.ocore ,ootore ,o""o.er.
S/ch inn a they pae$ ha$ either been acke$ an$ aban$one$ or t/rne$ into arme$ camp.
Eeter$ay they ha$ enco/ntere$ one o, ?or$ Ran$y""4 patro"- brit"ing .ith "ongbo. an$
"ance. 7he horemen ha$ /rro/n$e$ them .hi"e their captain A/etione$ Brienne- b/t in the
en$ he4$ "et them contin/e on their .ay. 2Be .ary- .oman. 7he ne:t men yo/ meet may not be
a honet a my "a$. 7he #o/n$ ha croe$ the 7ri$ent .ith a h/n$re$ o/t"a.- an$ it4 ai$
they4re raping every .ench they come /pon an$ c/tting o,, their teat ,or trophie.1
Brienne ,e"t ob"igate$ to pa a"ong that .arning to the ,armer an$ hi .i,e. 7he man no$$e$
a he to"$ him- b/t .hen he .a $one he pat again an$ ai$- 25og an$ .o"ve an$ "ion- may
the Hther take them a"". 7hee o/t"a. .on4t $are come too near to Mai$enpoo". Not o "ong a
?or$ 7ar"y ha the r/"e there.1
Brienne kne. ?or$ Ran$y"" 7ar"y ,rom her time .ith >ing Ren"y4 hot. 7ho/gh he co/"$
not ,in$ it in here", to "ike the man- he co/"$ not ,orget the $ebt he o.e$ him either. If the
gods are good, we will pass *aidenpool before he knows that I am there+ 27he to.n .i"" be
retore$ to ?or$ Mooton once the ,ighting4 $one-1 he to"$ the ,armer. 2#i "or$hip ha been
par$one$ by the king.1
29ar$one$61 7he o"$ man "a/ghe$. 2+or .hat6 Sitting on hi are in hi b"oo$y cat"e6 #e
ent men o,, to Riverr/n to ,ight b/t never .ent hime",. ?ion acke$ hi to.n- then .o"ve-
then e"".or$- an$ hi "or$hip =/t at a,e behin$ hi .a"". #i brother 4/$ never have hi$
"ike that. Ser My"e .a bo"$ a bra ti"" that Robert ki""e$ him.1
*ore ghosts, Brienne tho/ght. 2& am "ooking ,or my iter- a ,air mai$ o, three(an$(ten.
9erhap yo/4ve een her61
2&4ve not een no mai$- ,air nor ,o/".1
2o one has+ B/t he ha$ to keep aking.
2Mooton4 $a/ghter- he4 a mai$-1 the man .ent on. 27i"" the be$$ing- any.ay. 7hee egg-
they4re ,or her .e$$ing. #er an$ 7ar"y4 on. 7he cook .i"" nee$ egg ,or cake.1
27hey .i"".1 "ord #arl!/s son+ &oung Dickon/s to be wed+ She trie$ to reca"" ho. o"$ he .aI
eight or ten- he tho/ght. Brienne ha$ been betrothe$ at even- to a boy three year her enior-
?or$ Caron4 yo/nger on- a hy boy .ith a mo"e above hi "ip. 7hey ha$ on"y met the once- on
the occaion o, their betrotha". 7.o year "ater he .a $ea$- carrie$ o,, by the ame chi"" that
took ?or$ an$ ?a$y Caron an$ their $a/ghter. #a$ he "ive$- they .o/"$ have been .e$ .ithin a
year o, her ,irt ,"o.ering- an$ her .ho"e "i,e .o/"$ have been $i,,erent. She .o/"$ not be here
no.- $ree$ in man4 mai" an$ carrying a .or$- h/nting ,or a $ea$ .oman4 chi"$. More "ike
he4$ be at Nightong- .a$$"ing a chi"$ o, her o.n an$ n/ring another. &t .a not a ne.
tho/ght ,or Brienne. &t a".ay ma$e her ,ee" a "itt"e a$- b/t a "itt"e re"ieve$ a .e"".
7he /n .a ha",(hi$$en behin$ a bank o, c"o/$ .hen they emerge$ ,rom the b"ackene$
tree to ,in$ Mai$enpoo" be,ore them- .ith the $eep .ater o, the bay beyon$. 7he to.n4 gate
ha$ been reb/i"t an$ trengthene$- Brienne a. at once- an$ crobo.men .a"ke$ it pink tone
.a"" once more. Above the gateho/e ,"oate$ >ing 7ommen4 roya" banner- a b"ack tag an$
go"$en "ion combatant on a ,ie"$ $ivi$e$ go"$ an$ crimon. Hther banner $ip"aye$ the 7ar"y
h/ntman- b/t the re$ a"mon o, #o/e Mooton ,"e. on"y ,rom their cat"e on it hi"".
At the portc/""i they came /pon a $oGen g/ar$ arme$ .ith ha"ber$. 7heir ba$ge marke$
them ,or o"$ier o, ?or$ 7ar"y4 hot- tho/gh none .a 7ar"y4 o.n. She a. t.o centa/r- a
th/n$erbo"t- a b"/e beet"e an$ a green arro.- b/t not the tri$ing h/ntman o, #orn #i"". 7heir
er=eant ha$ a peacock on hi breat- it bright tai" ,a$e$ by the /n. 3hen the ,armer $re. their
cart /p he gave a .hit"e. 23hat4 thi no.6 Cgg61 #e toe$ one /p- ca/ght it- an$ grinne$.
23e4"" take them.1
7he o"$ man A/a.ke$. 2H/r egg i ,or ?or$ Mooton. +or the .e$$ing cake an$ /ch.1
2#ave yo/r hen "ay more. & haven4t ha$ an egg in ha", a year. #ere- $on4t ay yo/ .eren4t
pai$.1 #e ,"/ng a han$,/" o, pennie at the o"$ man4 ,eet.
7he ,armer4 .i,e poke /p. 27hat4 not eno/gh-1 he ai$. 2Not near eno/gh.1
2& ay it i-1 ai$ the er=eant. 2+or them egg- an$ yo/ a .e"". Bring her here- boy. She4 too
yo/ng ,or that o"$ man.1 7.o o, the g/ar$ "eane$ their ha"ber$ againt the .a"" an$ p/""e$ the
.oman a.ay ,rom the cart- tr/gg"ing. 7he ,armer .atche$ grey(,ace$- b/t $are$ not move.
Brienne p/rre$ her mare ,or.ar$. 2Re"eae her.1
#er voice ma$e the g/ar$ heitate "ong eno/gh ,or the ,armer4 .i,e to .rench ,ree o, their
grap. 27hi i none o, yo/r concern-1 one man ai$. 2Eo/ min$ yo/r mo/th- .ench.1
Brienne $re. her .or$ intea$.
23e"" no.-1 the er=eant ai$- 2nake$ tee". Seem to me & me"" an o/t"a.. Eo/ kno. .hat
?or$ 7ar"y $oe .ith o/t"a.61 #e ti"" he"$ the egg he4$ taken ,rom the cart. #i han$ c"oe$-
an$ the yo"k ooGe$ thro/gh hi ,inger.
2& kno. .hat ?or$ Ran$y"" $oe .ith o/t"a.-1 Brienne ai$. 2& kno. .hat he $oe .ith
raper too.1
She ha$ hope$ the name might co. them- b/t the er=eant on"y ,"icke$ egg o,, hi ,inger an$
igna"e$ to hi men to prea$ o/t. Brienne ,o/n$ here", /rro/n$e$ by tee" point. 23hat .a it
yo/ .a aying- .ench6 3hat i it that ?or$ 7ar"y $oe to81
28raper-1 a $eeper voice ,inihe$. 2#e ge"$ them or en$ them to the 3a"". Sometime
both. An$ he c/t ,inger o,, thieve.1 A "ang/i$ yo/ng man teppe$ ,rom the gateho/e- a
.or$be"t b/ck"e$ at hi .ait. 7he /rcoat he .ore above hi tee" ha$ once been .hite- an$
here an$ there ti"" .a- beneath the gra tain an$ $rie$ b"oo$. #i igi" .a $ip"aye$ acro
hi chet' a bro.n $eer- $ea$ an$ bo/n$ an$ "/ng beneath a po"e.
7im+ #i voice .a a p/nch in her tomach- hi ,ace a b"a$e in her bo.e". 2Ser #y"e-1 he
ai$ ti,,"y.
2Bet "et her by- "a$-1 .arne$ Ser #y"e #/nt. 27hi i Brienne the Bea/ty- the Mai$ o, 7arth-
.ho "e. >ing Ren"y an$ ha", hi Rainbo. G/ar$. She4 a mean a he i /g"y- an$ there4 no
one /g"ier8 e:cept perhap ,or yo/- 9ipot- b/t yo/r ,ather .a the rear en$ o, an a/roch- o
yo/ have a goo$ e:c/e. 7er ,ather i the Cventar o, 7arth.1
7he g/ar$ "a/ghe$- b/t the ha"ber$ parte$. 2Sho/"$n4t .e eiGe her- er61 the er=eant ake$.
2+or ki""ing Ren"y61
23hy6 Ren"y .a a rebe". So .ere .e a""- rebe" to a man- b/t no. .e4re 7ommen4 "oya"
"a$.1 7he knight .ave$ the ,arm ,o"k thro/gh the gate. 2#i "or$hip4 te.ar$ .i"" be p"eae$
to ee thoe egg. Eo/4"" ,in$ him in the market.1
7he o"$ man kn/ck"e$ hi ,orehea$. 2My thank- m4"or$. Eo/4re a tr/e knight- it4 p"ain to
ee. Come- .i,e.1 7hey p/t their ho/"$er to the cart again an$ r/mb"e$ thro/gh the gate.
Brienne trotte$ a,ter them- .ith 9o$rick at her hee". A true knight, he tho/ght- ,ro.ning.
&ni$e the to.n he reine$ /p. 7he r/in o, a tab"e co/"$ be een o,, to her "e,t- ,ronting on a
m/$$y a""ey. Acro ,rom it three ha",($ree$ .hore too$ on the ba"cony o, a brothe"-
.hipering to one another. Hne "ooke$ a bit "ike a camp ,o""o.er .ho ha$ once come /p to
Brienne to ak i, he ha$ a c/nt or a cock ini$e her breeche.
27hat ro/ney may be the mot hi$eo/ hore &4ve ever een-1 ai$ Ser #y"e o, 9o$rick4
mo/nt. 2& am /rprie$ that yo/4re not ri$ing it- my "a$y. 5o yo/ p"an to thank me ,or my he"p61
Brienne ./ng $o.n o,, her mare. She too$ a hea$ ta""er than Ser #y"e. 2Hne $ay &4"" thank
yo/ in a mN"Oe- er.1
27he .ay yo/ thanke$ Re$ Ronnet61 #/nt "a/ghe$. #e ha$ a ,/""- rich "a/gh- tho/gh hi ,ace
.a p"ain. An honet ,ace- he4$ tho/ght once- be,ore he "earne$ betterI haggy bro.n hair-
haGe" eye- a "itt"e car by hi "e,t ear. #i chin ha$ a c"e,t an$ hi noe .a crooke$- b/t he $i$
"a/gh .e""- an$ o,ten.
2Sho/"$n4t yo/ be .atching yo/r gate61
#e ma$e a .ry ,ace at her. 2My co/in A"yn i o,, h/nting o/t"a.. 5o/bt"e he4"" ret/rn
.ith the #o/n$4 hea$- g"oating an$ covere$ in g"ory. Mean.hi"e- & am con$emne$ to g/ar$ thi
gate- thank to yo/. & hope yo/4re p"eae$- my bea/ty. 3hat i it that yo/4re "ooking ,or61
2A tab"e.1
2Hver by the eat gate. 7hi one b/rne$.1
I can see that+ 23hat yo/ ai$ to thoe men8 & .a .ith >ing Ren"y .hen he $ie$- b/t it .a
ome orcery that "e. him- er. & .ear it on my .or$.1 She p/t her han$ /pon her hi"t- rea$y
to ,ight i, #/nt name$ her a "iar to her ,ace.
2Aye- an$ it .a the >night o, +"o.er .ho carve$ /p the Rainbo. G/ar$. Hn a goo$ $ay
yo/ might have been ab"e to $e,eat Ser Cmmon. #e .a a rah ,ighter- an$ he tire$ eai"y.
Royce- tho/gh6 No. Ser Robar .a t.ice the .or$man that yo/ are8 tho/gh yo/4re not a
.or$man- are yo/6 & there /ch a .or$ a .or$.ench6 3hat A/et bring the Mai$ to
Mai$enpoo"- & .on$er61
Searching for m! sister, a maid of three(and(ten, he a"mot ai$- b/t Ser #y"e .o/"$ kno.
he ha$ no iter. 27here4 a man & eek- at a p"ace ca""e$ the Stinking Gooe.1
2& tho/ght Brienne the Bea/ty ha$ no /e ,or men.1 7here .a a cr/e" e$ge to hi mi"e. 27he
Stinking Gooe. An apt name- that8 the tinking part- at "eat. &t4 by the harbor. +irt yo/ .i""
come .ith me to ee hi "or$hip.1
Brienne $i$ not ,ear Ser #y"e- b/t he .a one o, Ran$y"" 7ar"y4 captain. A .hit"e- an$ a
h/n$re$ men .o/"$ come r/nning to $e,en$ him. 2Am & to be arrete$61
23hat- ,or Ren"y6 3ho .a he6 3e4ve change$ king ince then- ome o, / t.ice. No one
care- no one remember.1 #e "ai$ a han$ "ight"y on her arm. 27hi .ay- i, yo/ p"eae.1
She .renche$ a.ay. 2& .o/"$ thank yo/ not to to/ch me.1
27hank at "at-1 he ai$- .ith a .ry mi"e.
3hen "at he ha$ een Mai$enpoo"- the to.n ha$ been a $eo"ation- a grim p"ace o, empty
treet an$ b/rne$ home. No. the treet .ere ,/"" o, pig an$ chi"$ren- an$ mot o, the b/rne$
b/i"$ing ha$ been p/""e$ $o.n. %egetab"e ha$ been p"ante$ in the "ot .here ome once too$I
merchant4 tent an$ knight4 pavi"ion took the p"ace o, other. Brienne a. ne. ho/e going
/p- a tone inn riing .here a .oo$en inn ha$ b/rne$- a ne. "ate roo, on the to.n ept. 7he
coo" a/t/mn air rang to the o/n$ o, a. an$ hammer. Men carrie$ timber thro/gh the treet-
an$ A/arrymen $rove their .agon $o.n m/$$y "ane. Many .ore the tri$ing h/ntman on
their breat. 27he o"$ier are reb/i"$ing the to.n-1 he ai$- /rprie$.
27hey .o/"$ ooner be $icing- $rinking- an$ ,/cking- & $on4t $o/bt- b/t ?or$ Ran$y""
be"ieve in p/tting i$"e men to .ork.1
She ha$ e:pecte$ to be taken to the cat"e. &ntea$- #/nt "e$ them to.ar$ the b/y harbor.
7he tra$er ha$ ret/rne$ to Mai$enpoo"- he .a p"eae$ to ee. A ga""ey- a ga""ea- an$ a big
t.o(mate$ cog .ere in port- a"ong .ith a core o, "itt"e ,ihing boat. More ,ihermen .ere
viib"e o/t on the bay. If the Stinking 1oose !ields nothing, I will take passage on a ship, he
$eci$e$. G/""to.n .a on"y a hort voyage a.ay. +rom there he co/"$ make her .ay to the
Cyrie eai"y eno/gh.
7hey ,o/n$ ?or$ 7ar"y in the ,ihmarket- $oing =/tice.
A p"at,orm ha$ been thro.n /p bei$e the .ater- ,rom .hich hi "or$hip co/"$ "ook $o.n
/pon the men acc/e$ o, crime. 7o hi "e,t too$ a "ong ga""o.- .ith rope eno/gh ,or t.enty
men. +o/r corpe ./ng beneath it. Hne "ooke$ ,reh- b/t the other three ha$ p"ain"y been there
,or ome time. A cro. .a p/""ing trip o, ,"eh ,rom the ripe r/in o, one o, the $ea$ men. 7he
other cro. ha$ cattere$- .ary o, the cro.$ o, to.n,o"k .ho4$ gathere$ in hope o,
omeone4 being hange$.
?or$ Ran$y"" hare$ the p"at,orm .ith ?or$ Mooton- a pa"e- o,t- ,"ehy man in a .hite
$o/b"et an$ re$ breeche- hi ermine c"oak pinne$ at the ho/"$er by a re$(go"$ brooch in the
hape o, a a"mon. 7ar"y .ore mai" an$ boi"e$ "eather- an$ a breatp"ate o, grey tee". 7he hi"t o,
a great.or$ poke$ /p above hi "e,t ho/"$er. 7eartsbane, it .a name$- the pri$e o, hi #o/e.
A trip"ing in a ro/ghp/n c"oak an$ oi"e$ =erkin .a being hear$ .hen they came /p. 2&
never h/rt no one- m4"or$-1 Brienne hear$ him ay. 2& on"y took .hat the epton "e,t .hen they
r/n o,,. &, yo/ got to take my ,inger ,or that- $o it.1
2&t i c/tomary to take a ,inger ,rom a thie,-1 ?or$ 7ar"y rep"ie$ in a har$ voice- 2b/t a man
.ho tea" ,rom a ept i tea"ing ,rom the go$.1 #e t/rne$ to hi captain o, g/ar$. 2Seven
,inger. ?eave hi th/mb.1
4Seen65 7he thie, pa"e$. 3hen the g/ar$ eiGe$ ho"$ o, him he trie$ to ,ight- b/t ,eeb"y- a
i, he .ere a"rea$y maime$. 3atching him- Brienne co/"$ not he"p think o, Ser !aime- an$ the
.ay he4$ creame$ .hen Ko""o4 arakh came ,"ahing $o.n.
7he ne:t man .a a baker- acc/e$ o, mi:ing a.$/t in hi ,"o/r. ?or$ Ran$y"" ,ine$ him
,i,ty i"ver tag. 3hen the baker .ore he $i$ not have that m/ch i"ver- hi "or$hip $ec"are$
that he co/"$ have a "ah ,or every tag that he .a hort. #e .a ,o""o.e$ by a haggar$ grey(
,ace$ .hore- acc/e$ o, giving the po: to ,o/r o, 7ar"y4 o"$ier. 23ah o/t her private part
.ith "ye an$ thro. her in a $/ngeon-1 7ar"y comman$e$. A the .hore .a $ragge$ o,, obbing-
hi "or$hip a. Brienne on the e$ge o, the cro.$- tan$ing bet.een 9o$rick an$ Ser #y"e. #e
,ro.ne$ at her- b/t hi eye betraye$ not a ,"icker o, recognition.
A ai"or o,, the ga""ea came ne:t. #i acc/er .a an archer o, ?or$ Mooton4 garrion- .ith
a ban$age$ han$ an$ a a"mon on hi breat. 2&, it p"eae m4"or$- thi bati$ p/t hi $agger
thro/gh my han$. #e ai$ & .a cheating him at $ice.1
?or$ 7ar"y took hi gaGe a.ay ,rom Brienne to coni$er the men be,ore him. 23ere yo/61
2No- m4"or$. & never.1
2+or the,t- & .i"" take a ,inger. ?ie to me an$ & .i"" hang yo/. Sha"" & ak to ee thee $ice61
27he $ice61 7he archer "ooke$ to Mooton- b/t hi "or$hip .a gaGing at the ,ihing boat.
7he bo.man .a""o.e$. 2Might be &8 them $ice- they4re "/cky ,or me- 4 tr/e- b/t &81
7ar"y ha$ hear$ eno/gh. 27ake hi "itt"e ,inger. #e can chooe .hich han$. A nai" thro/gh the
pa"m ,or the other.1 #e too$. 23e4re $one. March the ret o, them back to the $/ngeon- &4"" $ea"
.ith them on the morro..1 #e t/rne$ to beckon Ser #y"e ,or.ar$. Brienne ,o""o.e$. 2My "or$-1
he ai$- .hen he too$ be,ore him. She ,e"t eight year o"$ again.
2My "a$y. 7o .hat $o .e o.e thi8 honor61
2& have been ent to "ook ,or8 ,or81 She heitate$.
2#o. .i"" yo/ ,in$ him i, yo/ $o not kno. hi name6 5i$ yo/ "ay ?or$ Ren"y61
2No.1
7ar"y .eighe$ the .or$. 7e is 9udging me, as he 9udged those others+ 2No-1 he ai$ at "at-
2yo/ on"y "et him $ie.1
#e ha$ $ie$ in her arm- hi "i,e4 b"oo$ $renching her. Brienne ,"inche$. 2&t .a orcery. &
never81
2Eo/ neer61 #i voice became a .hip. 2Aye. Eo/ never ho/"$ have $onne$ mai"- nor
b/ck"e$ on a .or$. Eo/ never ho/"$ have "e,t yo/r ,ather4 ha"". 7hi i a .ar- not a harvet
ba"". By a"" the go$- & o/ght to hip yo/ back to 7arth.1
25o that an$ an.er to the throne.1 #er voice o/n$e$ high an$ gir"ih- .hen he .ante$ to
o/n$ ,ear"e. 29o$rick. &n my bag yo/4"" ,in$ a parchment. Bring it to hi "or$hip.1
7ar"y took the "etter an$ /nro""e$ it- co."ing. #i "ip move$ a he rea$. 27he king4
b/ine. 3hat ort o, b/ine61
"ie to me and I will hang !ou+ 2S(ana Stark.1
2&, the Stark gir" .ere here- &4$ kno. it. She4 r/n back north- &4"" .ager. #oping to ,in$
re,/ge .ith one o, her ,ather4 bannermen. She ha$ bet hope he chooe the right one.1
2She might have gone to the %a"e intea$-1 Brienne hear$ here", b"/rt o/t- 2to her mother4
iter.1
?or$ Ran$y"" gave her a contempt/o/ "ook. 2?a$y ?ya i $ea$. Some inger p/he$ her o,,
a mo/ntain. ?itt"e,inger ho"$ the Cyrie no.8 tho/gh not ,or "ong. 7he "or$ o, the %a"e are not
the ort to ben$ their knee to ome /p=/mpe$ =ackanape .hoe on"y ki"" i co/nting copper.1
#e han$e$ her back her "etter. 2Go .here yo/ .ant an$ $o a yo/ .i""8 b/t .hen yo/4re rape$
$on4t "ook to me ,or =/tice. Eo/ .i"" have earne$ it .ith yo/r ,o""y.1 #e g"ance$ at Ser #y"e.
2An$ yo/- er- ho/"$ be at yo/r gate. & gave yo/ the comman$ there- $i$ & not61
2Eo/ $i$- my "or$-1 ai$ #y"e #/nt- 2b/t & tho/ght@1
2Eo/ think too m/ch.1 ?or$ 7ar"y tro$e a.ay.
"!sa #ull! is dead+ Brienne too$ beneath the ga""o.- the precio/ parchment in her han$.
7he cro.$ ha$ $ipere$- an$ the cro. ha$ ret/rne$ to re/me their ,eat. A singer pushed her
off a mountain+ #a$ the cro. $ine$ on ?a$y Cate"yn4 iter too6
2Eo/ poke o, the Stinking Gooe- my "a$y-1 ai$ Ser #y"e. 2&, yo/ .ant me to ho. yo/@1
2Go back to yo/r gate.1
A "ook o, annoyance ,"ahe$ acro hi ,ace. A plain face, not an honest one+ 2&, that4 yo/r
.ih.1
2&t i.1
2&t .a on"y a game to pa the time. 3e meant no harm.1 #e heitate$. 2Ben $ie$- yo/ kno..
C/t $o.n on the B"ack.ater. +arro. too- an$ 3i"" the Stork. An$ Mark M/""en$ore took a
.o/n$ that cot him ha", hi arm.1
1ood, Brienne .ante$ to ay. 1ood, he desered it+ B/t he remembere$ M/""en$ore itting
o/ti$e hi pavi"ion .ith hi monkey on hi ho/"$er in a "itt"e /it o, chainmai"- the t.o o, them
making ,ace at each other. 3hat .a it Cate"yn Stark ha$ ca""e$ them- that night at
Bitterbri$ge6 #he knights of summer+ An$ no. it .a a/t/mn an$ they .ere ,a""ing "ike
"eave8.
She t/rne$ her back on #y"e #/nt. 29o$rick- come.1
7he boy trotte$ a,ter her- "ea$ing their hore. 2Are .e going to ,in$ the p"ace6 7he Stinking
Gooe61
2& am. Eo/ are going to the tab"e- by the eat gate. Ak the tab"eman i, there4 an inn .here
.e can pen$ the night.1
2& .i""- er. My "a$y.1 9o$rick tare$ at the gro/n$ a they .ent- kicking tone ,rom time to
time. 25o yo/ kno. .here it i6 7he Gooe6 7he Stinking Gooe- & mean.1
2No.1
2#e ai$ he4$ ho. /. 7hat knight. Ser >y"e.1
2#y"e.1
2#y"e. 3hat $i$ he $o to yo/- er6 & mean- my "a$y.1
#he bo! ma! be a stumbletongue, but he/s not stupid+ 2At #ighgar$en- .hen >ing Ren"y
ca""e$ hi banner- ome men p"aye$ a game .ith me. Ser #y"e .a one o, them. &t .a a cr/e"
game- h/rt,/" an$ /nchiva"ro/.1 She toppe$. 27he eat gate i that .ay. 3ait ,or me there.1
2A yo/ ay- my "a$y. Ser.1
No ign marke$ the Stinking Gooe. &t took her mot o, an ho/r to ,in$ it- $o.n a ,"ight o,
.oo$en tep beneath a knacker4 barn. 7he ce""ar .a $im an$ the cei"ing "o.- an$ Brienne
th/mpe$ her hea$ on a beam a he entere$. No geee .ere in evi$ence. A ,e. too" .ere
cattere$ abo/t- an$ a bench ha$ been hove$ /p againt one earthen .a"". 7he tab"e .ere o"$
.ine cak- grey an$ .ormho"e$. 7he promie$ tink perva$e$ everything. Mot"y it .a .ine
an$ $amp an$ mi"$e.- her noe to"$ her- b/t there .a a "itt"e o, the privy too- an$ omething o,
the "ichyar$.
7he on"y $rinker .ere three 7yrohi eamen in a corner- gro."ing at each other thro/gh
green an$ p/rp"e bear$. 7hey gave her a brie, inpection- an$ one ai$ omething that ma$e the
other "a/gh. 7he proprietor too$ behin$ a p"ank that ha$ been p"ace$ acro t.o barre". She
.a a .oman- ro/n$ an$ pa"e an$ ba"$ing- .ith h/ge o,t breat .aying beneath a oi"e$
mock. She "ooke$ a tho/gh the go$ ha$ ma$e her o/t o, /ncooke$ $o/gh.
Brienne $i$ not $are to ak ,or .ater here. She bo/ght a c/p o, .ine an$ ai$- 2& am "ooking
,or a man ca""e$ Nimb"e 5ick.1
25ick Crabb. Come in mot every night.1 7he .oman eye$ Brienne4 mai" an$ .or$. 2&,
yo/4re going to c/t him- $o it ome.here e"e. 3e $on4t .ant no tro/b"e .ith ?or$ 7ar"y.1
2& .ant to ta"k .ith him. 3hy .o/"$ & $o him harm61
7he .oman hr/gge$.
2&, yo/ .o/"$ no$ .hen he come in &4$ be thank,/".1
2#o. thank,/"61
Brienne p/t a copper tar on the p"ank bet.een them an$ ,o/n$ a p"ace in the ha$o. .ith a
goo$ vie. o, the tep.
She trie$ the .ine. &t .a oi"y on the tong/e an$ there .a a hair ,"oating in it. A hair as
slender as m! hopes of finding Sansa, he tho/ght a he p"/cke$ it o/t. Chaing a,ter Ser 5onto
ha$ been ,r/it"e- an$ .ith ?a$y ?ya $ea$ the %a"e no "onger eeme$ a "ike"y re,/ge. Where
are !ou, "ad! Sansa6 Did !ou run home to Winterfell, or are !ou with !our husband, as $odrick
seems to think6 Brienne $i$ not .ant to chae the gir" acro the narro. ea- .here even the
"ang/age .o/"$ be trange to her. I will be een more a freak there, grunting and gesturing to
make m!self understood+ #he! will laugh at me, as the! laughed at 7ighgarden+ A b"/h to"e /p
her cheek a he remembere$.
3hen Ren"y $onne$ hi cro.n- the Mai$ o, 7arth ha$ ri$$en a"" the .ay acro the Reach to
=oin him. 7he king hime", ha$ greete$ her co/rteo/"y an$ .e"come$ her to hi ervice. Not o
hi "or$ an$ knight. Brienne ha$ not e:pecte$ a .arm .e"come. She .a prepare$ ,or co"$ne-
,or mockery- ,or hoti"ity. She ha$ /ppe$ /pon /ch meat be,ore. &t .a not the corn o, the
many that "e,t her con,/e$ an$ v/"nerab"e- b/t the kin$ne o, the ,e.. 7he Mai$ o, 7arth ha$
been betrothe$ three time- b/t he ha$ never been co/rte$ /nti" he came to #ighgar$en.
Big Ben B/hy .a the ,irt- one o, the ,e. men in Ren"y4 camp .ho overtoppe$ her. #e
ent hi A/ire to her to c"ean her mai"- an$ ma$e her a gi,t o, a i"ver $rinking horn. Ser C$m/n$
Ambroe .ent him one better- bringing ,"o.er an$ aking her to ri$e .ith him. Ser #y"e #/nt
o/t$i$ them both. #e gave her a book- bea/ti,/""y i""/minate$ an$ ,i""e$ .ith a h/n$re$ ta"e o,
knight"y va"or. #e bro/ght app"e an$ carrot ,or her hore- an$ a b"/e i"k p"/me ,or her he"m.
#e to"$ her the goip o, the camp an$ ai$ c"ever- c/tting thing that ma$e her mi"e. #e even
traine$ .ith her one $ay- .hich meant more than a"" the ret.
She tho/ght it .a beca/e o, him that the other tarte$ being co/rteo/. *ore than
courteous+ At tab"e men ,o/ght ,or the p"ace bei$e her- o,,ering to ,i"" her .ine c/p or ,etch her
.eetbrea$. Ser Richar$ +arro. p"aye$ "ove ong on hi "/te o/ti$e her pavi"ion. Ser #/gh
Beeb/ry bro/ght her a pot o, honey 2a .eet a the mai$ o, 7arth.1 Ser Mark M/""en$ore
ma$e her "a/gh .ith the antic o, hi monkey- a c/rio/ "itt"e b"ack(an$(.hite creat/re ,rom the
S/mmer&"an$. A he$ge knight ca""e$ 3i"" the Stork o,,ere$ to r/b the knot ,rom her
ho/"$er.
Brienne re,/e$ him. She re,/e$ them a"". 3hen Ser H.en &nch,ie"$ eiGe$ her one night an$
pree$ a ki /pon her- he knocke$ him are(back.ar$ into a cook,ire. A,ter.ar$ he "ooke$
at here", in a g"a. #er ,ace .a a broa$ an$ b/cktoothe$ an$ ,reck"e$ a ever- big("ippe$-
thick o, =a.- o /g"y. A"" he .ante$ .a to be a knight an$ erve >ing Ren"y- yet no.8
&t .a not a i, he .ere the on"y .oman there. Cven the camp ,o""o.er .ere prettier than
he .a- an$ /p in the cat"e ?or$ 7yre"" ,eate$ >ing Ren"y every night- .hi"t highborn mai$
an$ "ove"y "a$ie $ance$ to the m/ic o, pipe an$ horn an$ harp. Wh! are !ou being kind to me6
he .ante$ to cream- every time ome trange knight pai$ her a comp"iment. What do !ou
want6
Ran$y"" 7ar"y o"ve$ the mytery the $ay he ent t.o o, hi men(at(arm to /mmon her to
hi pavi"ion. #i yo/ng on 5ickon ha$ overhear$ ,o/r knight "a/ghing a they a$$"e$ /p their
hore- an$ ha$ to"$ hi "or$ ,ather .hat they ai$.
7hey ha$ a .ager.
7hree o, the yo/nger knight ha$ tarte$ it- he to"$ her' Ambroe- B/hy- an$ #y"e #/nt- o,
hi o.n ho/eho"$. A .or$ prea$ thro/gh the camp- ho.ever- other ha$ =oine$ the game.
Cach man .a reA/ire$ to b/y into the contet .ith a go"$en $ragon- the .ho"e /m to go to
.hoever c"aime$ her mai$enhea$.
2& have p/t an en$ to their port-1 7ar"y to"$ her. 2Some o, thee8 cha""enger8 are "e
honorab"e than other- an$ the take .ere gro.ing "arger every $ay. &t .a on"y a matter o, time
be,ore one o, them $eci$e$ to c"aim the priGe by ,orce.1
27hey .ere knight-1 he ai$- t/nne$- 2anointe$ knight.1
2An$ honorab"e men. 7he b"ame i yo/r.1
7he acc/ation ma$e her ,"inch. 2& .o/"$ never8 my "or$- & $i$ no/ght to enco/rage them.1
2Eo/r being here enco/rage$ them. &, a .oman .i"" behave "ike a camp ,o""o.er- he cannot
ob=ect to being treate$ "ike one. A .ar hot i no p"ace ,or a mai$en. &, yo/ have any regar$ ,or
yo/r virt/e or the honor o, yo/r #o/e- yo/ .i"" take o,, that mai"- ret/rn home- an$ beg yo/r
,ather to ,in$ a h/ban$ ,or yo/.1
2& came to ,ight-1 he inite$. 27o be a knight.1
27he go$ ma$e men to ,ight- an$ .omen to bear chi"$ren-1 ai$ Ran$y"" 7ar"y. 2A .oman4
.ar i in the birthing be$.1
Someone .a coming $o.n the ce""ar tep. Brienne p/he$ her .ine ai$e a a ragge$-
cra.ny- harp(,ace$ man .ith $irty bro.n hair teppe$ into the Gooe. #e gave the 7yrohi
ai"or a A/ick "ook an$ Brienne a "onger one- then .ent /p to the p"ank. 23ine-1 he ai$- 2an$
none o4 yo/r hore pi in it- thank4e.1
7he .oman gave Brienne a "ook an$ no$$e$.
2&4"" b/y yo/r .ine-1 he ca""e$ o/t- 2,or a .or$.1
7he man "ooke$ her over- hi eye .ary. 2A .or$6 & kno. a "ot o4 .or$.1 #e at $o.n on
the too" acro ,rom her. 27e"" me .hich m4"a$y .ant t4 hear- an$ Nimb"e 5ick .i"" ay it.1
2& hear$ yo/ ,oo"e$ a ,oo".1
7he ragge$ man ippe$ hi .ine- thinking. 2Mighten be & $i$. Hr not.1 #e .ore a ,a$e$- torn
$o/b"et ,rom .hich ome "or$4 ba$ge ha$ been rippe$. 23ho i it .ant t4 kno.61
2>ing Robert.1 She p/t a i"ver tag on the barre" bet.een them. Robert4 hea$ .a on one
i$e- the tag on the other.
25oe he no.61 7he man took the coin an$ p/n it- mi"ing. 2& "ike to ee a king $ance- hey(
nonny hey(nonny hey(nonny(ho. Mighten be & a. thi ,oo" o, yo/r.1
23a there a gir" .ith him61
27.o gir"-1 he ai$ at once.
2#wo gir"61 %ould the other one be Ar!a6
23e""-1 the man ai$- 2& never een the "itt"e .eet- min$ yo/- b/t he .a .anting paage
,or three.1
29aage .here61
274other i$e o4 the ea- a & reca"".1
25o yo/ remember .hat he "ooke$ "ike61
2A ,oo".1 #e natche$ the pinning coin o,, the tab"e a it began to "o.- an$ ma$e it vanih.
2A ,rightene$ ,oo".1
2+rightene$ .hy61
#e hr/gge$. 2#e never ai$- b/t o"$ Nimb"e 5ick kno. the me"" o4 ,ear. #e come here
mot every night- b/ying $rink ,or ai"or- making =ape- inging "itt"e ong. Hn"y one night
ome men come in .ith that h/nter on their teat- an$ yo/r ,oo" .ent .hite a mi"k an$ got A/iet
ti"" they "e,t.1 #e e$ge$ hi too" c"oer to her. 27hat 7ar"y4 got o"$ier cra."ing over the
$ock- .atching every hip that come or goe. Man .ant a $eer- he goe t4 the .oo$. #e
.ant a hip- he goe t4 the $ock. Eo/r ,oo" $i$n4t $are. So & o,,ere$ him ome he"p.1
23hat ort o, he"p61
27he ort that cot more than one i"ver tag.1
27e"" me- an$ yo/4"" have another.1
2?et4 ee it-1 he ai$. She p/t another tag on the barre". #e p/n it- mi"e$- coope$ it /p. 2A
man .ho can4t go t4 the hip nee$ ,or the hip t4 come t4 him. & to"$ him & kne. a p"ace .here
that might happen. A hi$$en p"ace- "ike.1
Gooeprick"e roe a"ong Brienne4 arm. 2A m/gg"er4 cove. Eo/ ent the ,oo" to
m/gg"er.1
2#im an$ them t.o gir".1 #e ch/ck"e$. 2Hn"y thing- .e""- the p"ace & ent them- been no
hip there ,or a .hi"e. 7hirty year- ay.1 #e cratche$ hi noe. 23hat4 thi ,oo" to yo/61
27hoe t.o gir" are my iter.1
2Are they- no.6 9oor "itt"e thing. #a$ a iter once mee",. Skinny gir" .ith knobby knee-
b/t then he gre. a pair o4 teat an$ a knight4 on got bet.een her "eg. ?at & a. her he .a
o,, ,or >ing4 ?an$ing t4 make a "iving on her back.1
23here $i$ yo/ en$ them61
Another hr/g. 2A t4 that- & can4t reca"".1
4Where65 Brienne "appe$ another i"ver tag $o.n.
#e ,"icke$ the coin back at her .ith hi ,ore,inger. 2Somep"ace no tag ever ,o/n$8 tho/gh a
$ragon might.1
Si"ver .o/"$ not get the tr/th ,rom him- he ene$. 1old might, or it might not+ Steel would
be more certain+ Brienne to/che$ her $agger- then reache$ into her p/re intea$. She ,o/n$ a
go"$en $ragon an$ p/t in on the barre". 23here61
7he ragge$ man natche$ /p the coin an$ bit it. 2S.eet. 9/t me in min$ o4 Crackc"a. 9oint.
Fp north o4 here- 4ti a .i"$ "an$ o4 hi"" an$ bog- b/t it happen & .a born an$ bre$ there. 5ick
Crabb- &4m name$- tho/gh mot ca"" me Nimb"e 5ick.1
She $i$ not o,,er her o.n name. 2Where in Crackc"a. 9oint61
27he 3hiper. Eo/ hear$ o4 C"arence Crabb- o4 co/re.1
2No.1
7hat eeme$ to /rprie him. 2Ser C"arence Crabb- & ai$. & got hi b"oo$ in me. #e .a eight
,oot ta""- an$ o trong he co/"$ /proot pine tree .ith one han$ an$ ch/ck them ha", a mi"e. No
hore co/"$ bear hi .eight- o he ro$e an a/roch.1
23hat $oe he have to $o .ith thi m/gg"er4 cove61
2#i .i,e .a a .oo$ .itch. 3henever Ser C"arence ki""e$ a man- he4$ ,etch hi hea$ back
home an$ hi .i,e .o/"$ ki it on the "ip an$ bring it back t4 "i,e. ?or$- they .ere- an$
.iGar$- an$ ,amo/ knight an$ pirate. Hne .a king o4 5/ken$a"e. 7hey gave o"$ Crabb
goo$ co/ne". Being they .a =/t hea$- they co/"$n4t ta"k rea" "o/$- b/t they never h/t /p
neither. 3hen yo/4re a hea$- ta"king4 a"" yo/ got to pa the $ay. So Crabb4 keep got name$
the 3hiper. Sti"" i- tho/gh it4 been a r/in ,or a tho/an$ year. A "one"y p"ace- the 3hiper.1
7he man .a"ke$ the coin $e,t"y acro hi kn/ck"e. 2Hne $ragon by hie", get "one"y. 7en-
no.81
27en $ragon are a ,ort/ne. 5o yo/ take me ,or a ,oo"61
2No- b/t & can take yo/ to one.1 7he coin $ance$ one .ay- an$ back the other. 27ake yo/ to
the 3hiper- m4"a$y.1
Brienne $i$ not "ike the .ay hi ,inger p"aye$ .ith that go"$ coin. Sti""8 2Si: $ragon i, .e
,in$ my iter. 7.o i, .e on"y ,in$ the ,oo". Nothing i, nothing i .hat .e ,in$.1
Crabb hr/gge$. 2Si: i goo$. Si: .i"" erve.1
#oo 3uick+ She ca/ght hi .rit be,ore he co/"$ t/ck the go"$ a.ay. 25o not p"ay me ,a"e.
Eo/4"" not ,in$ me eay meat.1
3hen he "et go- Crabb r/bbe$ hi .rit. 2B"oo$y pi-1 he m/ttere$. 2Eo/ h/rt my han$.1
2& am orry ,or that. My iter i a gir" o, three(an$(ten. & nee$ to ,in$ her be,ore@1
2@be,ore ome knight get in her "it. Aye- & hear yo/. She4 goo$ a ave$. Nimb"e 5ick i
.ith yo/ no.. Meet me by eat gate at ,irt "ight. & nee$ t4 ee thi man abo/t a hore.1
0ON
Care,/" o, the rat- my "or$.1 5o"oro/ C$$ "e$ !on $o.n the tep- a "antern in one han$.
27hey make an a.,/" A/ea" i, yo/ tep on them. My mother /e$ to make a imi"ar o/n$ .hen
& .a a boy. She m/t have ha$ ome rat in her- no. that & think o, it. Bro.n hair- bea$y "itt"e
eye- "ike$ cheee. Might be he ha$ a tai" too- & never "ooke$ to ee.1
A"" o, Cat"e B"ack .a connecte$ /n$ergro/n$ by a maGe o, t/nne" that the brother ca""e$
the wormwa!s+ &t .a $ark an$ g"oomy /n$erneath the earth- o the .orm.ay .ere "itt"e /e$ in
/mmer- b/t .hen the .inter .in$ began to b"o. an$ the no. began to ,a""- the t/nne"
became the A/icket .ay to move abo/t the cat"e. 7he te.ar$ .ere making /e o, them
a"rea$y. !on a. can$"e b/rning in evera" .a"" niche a they ma$e their .ay a"ong the t/nne"-
their ,oottep echoing ahea$ o, them.
Bo.en Marh .a .aiting at a =/nction .here ,o/r .orm.ay met. 3ith him he ha$ 3ick
3hitt"etick- ta"" an$ kinny a a pear. 27hee are the co/nt ,rom three t/rn ago-1 Marh to"$
!on- o,,ering him a thick hea, o, paper- 2,or comparion .ith o/r preent tore. Sha"" .e tart
.ith the granarie61
7hey move$ thro/gh the grey g"oom beneath the earth. Cach toreroom ha$ a o"i$ oaken
$oor c"oe$ .ith an iron pa$"ock a big a a /pper p"ate. 2& pi",erage a prob"em61 !on ake$.
2Not a yet-1 ai$ Bo.en Marh. 2Hnce .inter come- tho/gh- yo/r "or$hip might be .ie to
pot g/ar$ $o.n here.1
3ick 3hitt"etick .ore the key on a ring abo/t hi neck. 7hey a"" "ooke$ a"ike to !on- yet
omeho. 3ick ,o/n$ the right one ,or every $oor. Hnce ini$e- he .o/"$ take a ,it(iGe$ ch/nk
o, cha"k ,rom hi po/ch an$ mark each cak an$ ack an$ barre" a he co/nte$ them .hi"e Marh
compare$ the ne. co/nt to the o"$.
&n the granarie .ere oat an$ .heat an$ bar"ey- an$ barre" o, coare gro/n$ ,"o/r. &n the root
ce""ar tring o, onion an$ gar"ic $ang"e$ ,rom the ra,ter- an$ bag o, carrot- parnip-
ra$ihe- an$ .hite an$ ye""o. t/rnip ,i""e$ the he"ve. Hne toreroom he"$ .hee" o, cheee
o "arge it took t.o men to move them. &n the ne:t- cak o, a"t bee,- a"t pork- a"t m/tton- an$
a"t co$ .ere tacke$ ten ,eet high. 7hree h/n$re$ ham an$ three tho/an$ "ong b"ack a/age
h/ng ,rom cei"ing beam be"o. the mokeho/e. &n the pice "ocker they ,o/n$ peppercorn-
c"ove- an$ cinnamon- m/tar$ ee$- corian$er- age an$ c"ary age an$ par"ey- b"ock o, a"t.
C"e.here .ere cak o, app"e an$ pear- $rie$ pea- $rie$ ,ig- bag o, .a"n/t- bag o,
chetn/t- bag o, a"mon$- p"ank o, $ry moke$ a"mon- c"ay =ar packe$ .ith o"ive in oi" an$
ea"e$ .ith .a:. Hne toreroom o,,ere$ potte$ hare- ha/nch o, $eer in honey- pick"e$ cabbage-
pick"e$ beet- pick"e$ onion- pick"e$ egg- an$ pick"e$ herring.
A they move$ ,rom one va/"t to another- the .orm.ay eeme$ to gro. co"$er. Be,ore "ong
!on co/"$ ee their breath ,roting in the "antern "ight. 23e4re beneath the 3a"".1
2An$ oon ini$e it-1 ai$ Marh. 27he meat .on4t poi" in the co"$. +or "ong torage- it4
better than a"ting.1
7he ne:t $oor .a ma$e o, r/ty iron. Behin$ it .a a ,"ight o, .oo$en tep. 5o"oro/ C$$
"e$ the .ay .ith hi "antern. Fp top they ,o/n$ a t/nne" a "ong a 3inter,e""4 great ha"" tho/gh
no .i$er than the .orm(.ay. 7he .a"" .ere ice- brit"ing .ith iron hook. +rom each hook
h/ng a carca' kinne$ $eer an$ e"k- i$e o, bee,- h/ge o. .inging ,rom the cei"ing-
hea$"e heep an$ goat- even hore an$ bear. #oar,rot covere$ everything.
A they $i$ their co/nt- !on pee"e$ the g"ove o,, hi "e,t han$ an$ to/che$ the nearet ha/nch
o, venion. #e co/"$ ,ee" hi ,inger ticking- an$ .hen he p/""e$ them back he "ot a bit o, kin.
#i ,ingertip .ere n/mb. What did !ou e8pect6 #here/s a mountain of ice aboe !our head,
more tons than een Bowen *arsh could count+ Cven o- the room ,e"t co"$er than it ho/"$.
2&t i .ore than & ,eare$- my "or$-1 Marh anno/nce$ .hen he .a $one. #e o/n$e$
g"oomier than 5o"oro/ C$$.
!on ha$ =/t been thinking that a"" the meat in the .or"$ /rro/n$e$ them. &ou know nothing,
-on Snow+ 2#o. o6 7hi eem a $ea" o, ,oo$ to me.1
2&t .a a "ong /mmer. 7he harvet .ere bo/nti,/"- the "or$ genero/. 3e ha$ eno/gh "ai$
by to ee / thro/gh three year o, .inter. +o/r- .ith a bit o, crimping. No.- tho/gh- i, .e m/t
go on ,ee$ing a"" thee king4 men an$ A/een4 men an$ .i"$"ing8 Mo"e4 7o.n a"one ha a
tho/an$ /e"e mo/th- an$ ti"" they come. 7hree more t/rne$ /p yeter$ay at the gate- a
$oGen the $ay be,ore. &t cannot go on. Sett"ing them on the Gi,t- that4 .e"" an$ goo$- b/t it i too
"ate to p"ant crop. 3e4"" be $o.n to t/rnip an$ peae porri$ge be,ore the year i o/t. A,ter that
.e4"" be $rinking the b"oo$ o, o/r o.n hore.1
2E/m-1 $ec"are$ 5o"oro/ C$$. 2Nothing beat a hot c/p o, hore b"oo$ on a co"$ night. &
"ike mine .ith a pinch o, cinnamon prink"e$ on top.1
7he ?or$ Ste.ar$ pai$ him no min$. 27here .i"" be ickne too-1 he .ent on- 2b"ee$ing
g/m an$ "ooe teeth. Maeter Aemon /e$ to ay that "ime =/ice an$ ,reh meat .o/"$ reme$y
that- b/t o/r "ime .ere gone a year ago an$ .e $o not have eno/gh ,o$$er to keep her$ a,oot
,or ,reh meat. 3e ho/"$ b/tcher a"" b/t a ,e. bree$ing pair. &t4 pat time. &n .inter pat-
,oo$ co/"$ be bro/ght /p the kingroa$ ,rom the o/th- b/t .ith the .ar8 it i ti"" a/t/mn- &
kno.- b/t & .o/"$ a$vie .e go on .inter ration nonethe"e- i, it p"eae my "or$.1
#he men will loe that+ 2&, .e m/t. 3e4"" c/t each man4 portion by a A/arter.1 If m!
brothers are complaining of me now, what will the! sa! when the!/re eating snow and acorn
paste6
27hat .i"" he"p- my "or$.1 7he ?or$ Ste.ar$4 tone ma$e it p"ain that he $i$ not think that it
.o/"$ he"p enough+
5o"oro/ C$$ ai$- 2No. & /n$ertan$ .hy >ing Stanni "et the .i"$"ing thro/gh the 3a"".
#e mean ,or / to eat them.1
!on ha$ to mi"e. 2&t .i"" not come to that.1
2Hh- goo$-1 ai$ C$$. 27hey "ook a tringy "ot- an$ my teeth are not a harp a .hen & .a
yo/nger.1
2&, .e ha$ /,,icient coin- .e co/"$ b/y ,oo$ ,rom the o/th an$ bring it in by hip-1 the ?or$
Ste.ar$ ai$.
We could, tho/ght !on- if we had the gold, and someone willing to sell us food+ Both o, thoe
.ere "acking. Our best hope ma! be the 0!rie+ 7he %a"e o, Arryn .a ,amo/"y ,erti"e an$ ha$
gone /nto/che$ $/ring the ,ighting. !on .on$ere$ ho. ?a$y Cate"yn4 iter .o/"$ ,ee" abo/t
,ee$ing Ne$ Stark4 batar$. A a boy- he o,ten ,e"t a i, the "a$y gr/$ge$ him every bite.
23e can a".ay h/nt i, nee$ be-1 3ick 3hitt"etick p/t in. 27here4 ti"" game in the .oo$.1
2An$ .i"$"ing- an$ $arker thing-1 ai$ Marh. 2& .o/"$ not en$ o/t h/nter- my "or$. &
.o/"$ not.1
2o+ &ou would close our gates foreer and seal them up with stone and ice+ #a", o, Cat"e
B"ack agree$ .ith the ?or$ Ste.ar$4 vie.- he kne.. 7he other ha", heape$ corn on them.
2Sea" o/r gate an$ p"ant yo/r ,at b"ack are on the 3a""- aye- an$ the ,ree ,o"k4"" come
.arming o4er the Bri$ge o4 Sk/"" or thro/gh ome gate yo/ tho/ght yo/4$ ea"e$ ,ive h/n$re$
year ago-1 the o"$ ,oreter 5y.en ha$ $ec"are$ "o/$"y over /pper- t.o night pat. 23e $on4t
have the men to .atch a h/n$re$ "eag/e o4 3a"". 7orm/n$ Giantb/tt an$ the b"oo$y 3eeper
kno. it too. Cver ee a $/ck ,roGen in a pon$- .ith hi ,eet in the ice6 &t .ork the ame ,or
cro..1 Mot ranger echoe$ 5y.en- .hi"t the te.ar$ an$ b/i"$er inc"ine$ to.ar$ Bo.en
Marh.
B/t that .a a A/an$ary ,or another $ay. #ere an$ no.- the prob"em .a ,oo$. 23e cannot
"eave >ing Stanni an$ hi men to tarve- even i, .e .ihe$ to-1 !on ai$. 2&, nee$ be- he co/"$
imp"y take a"" thi at .or$(point. 3e $o not have the men to top them. 7he .i"$"ing m/t be
,e$ a .e"".1
2#o.- my "or$61 ake$ Bo.en Marh.
Would that I knew+ 23e .i"" ,in$ a .ay.1
By the time they ret/rne$ to the /r,ace- the ha$o. o, the a,ternoon .ere gro.ing "ong.
C"o/$ treake$ the ky "ike tattere$ banner- grey an$ .hite an$ torn. 7he yar$ o/ti$e the
armory .a empty- b/t ini$e !on ,o/n$ the king4 A/ire a.aiting him. 5evan .a a kinny "a$
o, ome t.e"ve year- bro.n o, hair an$ eye. 7hey ,o/n$ him ,roGen by the ,orge- har$"y $aring
to move a Ghot ni,,e$ him /p an$ $o.n. 2#e .on4t h/rt yo/-1 !on ai$- b/t the boy ,"inche$
at the o/n$ o, hi voice- an$ that /$$en motion ma$e the $ire.o", bare hi teeth. 22o;1 !on
ai$. 2Ghot- "eave him be. Awa!+1 7he .o", "/nk back to hi o: bone- i"ence on ,o/r ,eet.
5evan "ooke$ a pa"e a Ghot- hi ,ace $amp .ith perpiration. 2M(my "or$. #i Grace c(
comman$ yo/r preence.1 7he boy .a c"a$ in Baratheon go"$ an$ b"ack- .ith the ,"aming
heart o, a A/een4 man e.n above hi o.n.
2Eo/ mean re3uests,1 ai$ 5o"oro/ C$$. 2#i Grace re3uests the preence o, the "or$
comman$er. 7hat4 ho. &4$ ay it.1
2?eave it be- C$$.1 !on .a in no moo$ ,or /ch A/abb"e. 2Sir Richar$ an$ Ser !/tin have
ret/rne$-1 ai$ 5evan. 23i"" yo/ come- my "or$61
#he wrong(wa! rangers+ Maey an$ #orpe ha$ ri$$en o/th- not north. 3hatever they ha$
"earne$ $i$ not concern the Night4 3atch- b/t !on .a c/rio/ a"" the ame. 2&, it .o/"$ p"eae
#i Grace.1 #e ,o""o.e$ the yo/ng A/ire back acro the yar$. Ghot pa$$e$ a,ter them /nti"
!on ai$- 2No. Sta!;1 &ntea$ the $ire.o", ran o,,.
&n the >ing4 7o.er- !on .a trippe$ o, hi .eapon an$ a$mitte$ to the roya" preence. 7he
o"ar .a hot an$ cro.$e$. Stanni an$ hi captain .ere gathere$ over the map o, the north.
7he .rong(.ay ranger .ere amongt them. Sigorn .a there a .e""- the yo/ng Magnar o,
7henn- c"a$ in a "eather ha/berk e.n .ith bronGe ca"e. Ratt"ehirt at cratching at the
manac"e on hi .rit .ith a cracke$ ye""o. ,ingernai". Bro.n t/bb"e covere$ hi /nken cheek
an$ rece$ing chin- an$ tran$ o, $irty hair h/ng acro hi eye. 2#ere he come-1 he ai$ .hen
he a. !on- 2the brave boy .ho "e. Mance Ray$er .hen he .a cage$ an$ bo/n$.1 7he big
A/are(c/t gem that a$orne$ hi iron c/,, g"immere$ re$"y. 25o yo/ "ike my r/by- Sno.6 A
token o4 "ove ,rom ?a$y Re$.1
!on ignore$ him an$ took a knee. 2Eo/r Grace-1 anno/nce$ the A/ire 5evan- 2&4ve bro/ght
?or$ Sno..1
2& can ee that. ?or$ Comman$er. Eo/ kno. my knight an$ captain- & be"ieve.1
2& have that honor.1 #e ha$ ma$e it a point to "earn a"" he co/"$ o, the men aro/n$ the king.
:ueen/s men, all+ &t tr/ck !on a o$$ that there .ere no king4 men abo/t the king- b/t that
eeme$ to be the .ay o, it. 7he king4 men ha$ inc/rre$ Stanni4 ire on 5ragontone i, the ta"k
!on hear$ .a tr/e.
27here i .ine. Hr .ater boi"e$ .ith "emon.1
27hank yo/- b/t no.1
2A yo/ .ih. & have a gi,t ,or yo/- ?or$ Sno..1 7he king .ave$ a han$ at Ratt"ehirt.
2#im.1
?a$y Me"ian$re mi"e$. 2Eo/ $i$ ay yo/ .ante$ men- ?or$ Sno.. & be"ieve o/r ?or$ o,
Bone ti"" A/a"i,ie.1
!on .a aghat. 2Eo/r Grace- thi man cannot be tr/te$. &, & keep him here- omeone .i"" "it
hi throat ,or him. &, & en$ him ranging- he4"" =/t go back over to the .i"$"ing.1
2Not me. &4m $one .ith thoe b"oo$y ,oo".1 Ratt"ehirt tappe$ the r/by on hi .rit. 2Ak
yo/r re$ .itch- batar$.1
Me"ian$re poke o,t"y in a trange tong/e. 7he r/by at her throat throbbe$ "o."y- an$ !on
a. that the ma""er tone on Ratt"ehirt4 .rit .a brightening an$ $arkening a .e"". 2So "ong
a he .ear the gem he i bo/n$ to me- b"oo$ an$ o/"-1 the re$ priete ai$. 27hi man .i""
erve yo/ ,aith,/""y. 7he ,"ame $o not "ie- ?or$ Sno..1
$erhaps not, !on tho/ght- but !ou do+
2&4"" range ,or yo/- batar$-1 Ratt"ehirt $ec"are$. 2&4"" give yo/ age co/ne" or ing yo/
pretty ong- a yo/ pre,er. &4"" even ,ight ,or yo/. !/t $on4t ak me to .ear yo/r c"oak.1
&ou are not worth! of one, !on tho/ght- b/t he he"$ hi tong/e. No goo$ .o/"$ come o,
A/abb"ing be,ore the king.
>ing Stanni ai$- 2?or$ Sno.- te"" me o, Mor Fmber.1
#he 2ight/s Watch takes no part, !on tho/ght- b/t another voice .ithin him ai$- Words are
not swords+ 27he e"$er o, the Great=on4 /nc"e. Cro.(,oo$- they ca"" him. A cro. once took him
,or $ea$ an$ pecke$ o/t hi eye. #e ca/ght the bir$ in hi ,it an$ bit it hea$ o,,. 3hen Mor
.a yo/ng he .a a ,earome ,ighter. #i on $ie$ on the 7ri$ent- hi .i,e in chi"$be$. #i on"y
$a/ghter .a carrie$ o,, by .i"$"ing thirty year ago.1
2#hat/s .hy he .ant the hea$-1 ai$ #ar.oo$ +e"". 2Can thi man Mor be tr/te$61 ake$
Stanni.
7as *ors <mber bent the knee6 2Eo/r Grace ho/"$ have him .ear an oath be,ore hi heart
tree.1
Go$ry the Giant"ayer g/,,a.e$. 2& ha$ ,orgotten that yo/ northmen .orhip tree.1
23hat ort o, go$ "et hime", be pie$ /pon by $og61 ake$ +arring4 crony C"ayton
S/gg.
!on choe to ignore them. 2Eo/r Grace- might & kno. i, the Fmber have $ec"are$ ,or yo/61
2#a", o, them- an$ on"y i, & meet thi Cro.,oo$4 price-1 ai$ Stanni- in an irritate$ tone.
2#e .ant Mance Ray$er4 k/"" ,or a $rinking c/p- an$ he .ant a par$on ,or hi brother- .ho
ha ri$$en o/th to =oin Bo"ton. 3horebane- he4 ca""e$.1
Ser Go$ry .a am/e$ by that a .e"". 23hat name thee northmen have0 5i$ thi one bite
the hea$ o,, ome .hore61
!on regar$e$ him coo""y. 2Eo/ might ay o. A .hore .ho trie$ to rob him- ,i,ty year ago in
H"$to.n.1 H$$ a it might eem- o"$ #oar,rot Fmber ha$ once be"ieve$ hi yo/nget on ha$
the making o, a maeter. Mor "ove$ to boat abo/t the cro. .ho took hi eye- b/t #other4 ta"e
.a on"y to"$ in .hiper8 mot "ike beca/e the .hore he4$ $iembo.e"e$ ha$ been a man.
2#ave other "or$ $ec"are$ ,or Bo"ton too61
7he re$ priete "i$ c"oer to the king. 2& a. a to.n .ith .oo$en .a"" an$ .oo$en treet-
,i""e$ .ith men. Banner ,"e. above it .a""' a mooe- a batt"e(a:e- three pine tree- "onga:e
croe$ beneath a cro.n- a hore4 hea$ .ith ,iery eye.1
2#orn.oo$- Cer.yn- 7a""hart- Ry.e""- an$ 5/tin-1 /pp"ie$ Ser C"ayton S/gg. 27raitor-
a"". ?ap$og o, the ?anniter.1
27he Ry.e"" an$ 5/tin are tie$ to #o/e Bo"ton by marriage-1 !on in,orme$ him. 27hee
other have "ot their "or$ in the ,ighting. & $o not kno. .ho "ea$ them no.. Cro.,oo$ i no
"ap$og- tho/gh. Eo/r Grace .o/"$ $o .e"" to accept hi term.1
Stanni gro/n$ hi teeth. 2#e in,orm me that Fmber .i"" not ,ight Fmber- ,or any ca/e.1
!on .a not /rprie$. 2&, it come to .or$- ee .here #other4 banner ,"ie an$ p/t Mor
on the other en$ o, the "ine.1
7he Giant"ayer $iagree$. 2Eo/ .o/"$ make #i Grace "ook .eak. & ay- ho. o/r trength.
B/rn ?at #earth to the gro/n$ an$ ri$e to .ar .ith Cro.,oo$4 hea$ mo/nte$ on a pear- a a
"eon to the ne:t "or$ .ho pre/me to o,,er ha", hi homage.1
2A ,ine p"an i, .hat yo/ .ant i every han$ in the north raie$ againt yo/. #a", i more than
none. 7he Fmber have no "ove ,or the Bo"ton. &, 3horebane ha =oine$ the Batar$- it can
on"y be beca/e the ?anniter ho"$ the Great=on captive.1
27hat i hi prete:t- not hi reaon-1 $ec"are$ Ser Go$ry. 2&, the nephe. $ie in chain- thee
/nc"e can c"aim hi "an$ an$ "or$hip ,or theme"ve.1
27he Great=on ha on an$ $a/ghter both. &n the north the chi"$ren o, a man4 bo$y ti""
come be,ore hi /nc"e- er.1
2Fn"e they $ie. 5ea$ chi"$ren come "at every.here.1
2S/gget that in the hearing o, Mor Fmber- Ser Go$ry- an$ yo/ .i"" "earn more o, $eath than
yo/ might .ih.1
2& have "ain a giant- boy. 3hy ho/"$ & ,ear ome ,"ea(ri$$en north(man .ho paint one on
hi hie"$61
27he giant .a r/nning a.ay. Mor .on4t be.1
7he big knight ,"/he$. 2Eo/ have a bo"$ tong/e in the king4 o"ar- boy. &n the yar$ yo/ ang
a $i,,erent ong.1
2Hh- "eave o,,- Go$ry-1 ai$ Ser !/tin Maey- a "ooe("imbe$- ,"ehy knight .ith a rea$y
mi"e an$ a mop o, ,"a:en hair. Maey ha$ been one o, the .rong(.ay ranger. 23e a"" kno.
.hat a big giant .or$ yo/ have- &4m /re. No nee$ ,or yo/ to .ave it in o/r ,ace yet again.1
27he on"y thing .aving here i yo/r tong/e- Maey.1
2Be 3uiet,1 Stanni nappe$. 2?or$ Sno.- atten$ me. & have "ingere$ here in the hope that the
.i"$"ing .o/"$ be ,oo" eno/gh to mo/nt another attack /pon the 3a"". A they .i"" not ob"ige
me- it i time & $ea"t .ith my other ,oe.1
2& ee.1 !on4 tone .a .ary. What does he want of me6 2& have no "ove ,or ?or$ Bo"ton or
hi on- b/t the Night4 3atch cannot take /p arm againt them. H/r vo. prohibit@1
2& kno. a"" abo/t yo/r vo.. Spare me yo/r rectit/$e- ?or$ Sno.- & have trength eno/gh
.itho/t yo/. & have a min$ to march againt the 5rea$,ort.1 3hen he a. the hock on !on4
,ace- he mi"e$. 25oe that /rprie yo/6 Goo$. 3hat /rprie one Sno. may yet /rprie
another. 7he Batar$ o, Bo"ton ha gone o/th- taking #other Fmber .ith him. Hn that Mor
Fmber an$ Arno", >artark are agree$. 7hat can on"y mean a trike at Moat Cai"in- to open the
.ay ,or hi "or$ ,ather to ret/rn to the north. 7he batar$ m/t think & am too b/y .ith the
.i"$"ing to tro/b"e him. 3e"" an$ goo$. 7he boy ha ho.n me hi throat. & mean to rip it o/t.
Rooe Bo"ton may regain the north- b/t .hen he $oe he .i"" ,in$ that hi cat"e- her$- an$
harvet a"" be"ong to me. &, & take the 5rea$,ort /na.are@1
2Eo/ .on4t-1 !on b"/rte$.
&t .a a i, he .hacke$ a .ap4 net .ith a tick. Hne o, the A/een4 men "a/ghe$- one pat-
one m/ttere$ a c/re- an$ the ret a"" trie$ to ta"k at once. 27he boy ha mi"k.ater in hi vein-1
ai$ Ser Go$ry the Giant("ayer. An$ ?or$ S.eet h/,,e$- 27he craven ee an o/t"a. behin$
every b"a$e o, gra.1
Stanni raie$ a han$ ,or i"ence. 2C:p"ain yo/r meaning.1
Where to begin6 !on move$ to the map. Can$"e ha$ been p"ace$ at it corner to keep the
hi$e ,rom ro""ing /p. A ,inger o, .arm .a: .a p/$$"ing o/t acro the Bay o, Sea"- "o. a a
g"acier. 27o reach the 5rea$,ort- Eo/r Grace m/t trave" $o.n the kingroa$ pat the ?at River-
t/rn o/th by eat an$ cro the ?one"y #i"".1 #e pointe$. 27hoe are Fmber "an$- .here they
kno. every tree an$ every rock. 7he kingroa$ r/n a"ong their .etern marche ,or a h/n$re$
"eag/e. Mor .i"" c/t yo/r hot to piece /n"e yo/ meet hi term an$ .in him to yo/r ca/e.1
2%ery .e"". ?et / ay & $o that.1
27hat .i"" bring yo/ to the 5rea$,ort-1 ai$ !on- 2b/t /n"e yo/r hot can o/tmarch a raven
or a "ine o, beacon ,ire- the cat"e .i"" kno. o, yo/r approach. &t .i"" be an eay thing ,or
Ramay Bo"ton to c/t o,, yo/r retreat an$ "eave yo/ ,ar ,rom the 3a""- .itho/t ,oo$ or re,/ge-
/rro/n$e$ by yo/r ,oe.1
2Hn"y i, he aban$on hi iege o, Moat Cai"in.1
2Moat Cai"in .i"" ,a"" be,ore yo/ ever reach the 5rea$,ort. Hnce ?or$ Rooe ha =oine$ hi
trength to Ramay4- they .i"" have yo/ o/tn/mbere$ ,ive to one.1
2My brother .on batt"e at .ore o$$.1
2Eo/ a/me Moat Cai"in .i"" ,a"" A/ick"y- Sno.-1 ob=ecte$ !/tin Maey- 2b/t the ironmen
are $o/ghty ,ighter- an$ &4ve hear$ it ai$ that the Moat ha never been taken.1
2From the south+ A ma"" garrion in Moat Cai"in can p"ay havoc .ith any army coming /p
the ca/e.ay- b/t the r/in are v/"nerab"e ,rom the north an$ eat.1 !on t/rne$ back to Stanni.
2Sire- thi i a bo"$ troke- b/t the rik@1 #he 2ight/s Watch takes no part+ Baratheon or Bolton
should be the same to me+ 2&, Rooe Bo"ton ho/"$ catch yo/ beneath hi .a"" .ith hi main
trength- it .i"" be the en$ ,or a"" o, yo/.1
2Rik i part o, .ar-1 $ec"are$ Ser Richar$ #orpe- a "ean knight .ith a ravage$ ,ace .hoe
A/i"te$ $o/b"et ho.e$ three $eath4(hea$ moth on a ,ie"$ o, ah an$ bone. 2Cvery batt"e i a
gamb"e- Sno.. 7he man .ho $oe nothing a"o take a rik.1
27here are rik an$ rik- Ser Richar$. 7hi one8 it i too m/ch- too oon- too ,ar a.ay. &
kno. the 5rea$,ort. &t i a trong cat"e- a"" o, tone- .ith thick .a"" an$ maive to.er. 3ith
.inter coming yo/ .i"" ,in$ it .e"" proviione$. Cent/rie ago- #o/e Bo"ton roe /p againt the
>ing in the North- an$ #ar"on Stark "ai$ iege to the 5rea$,ort. &t took him t.o year to tarve
them o/t. 7o have any hope o, taking the cat"e- Eo/r Grace .o/"$ nee$ iege engine- to.er-
battering ram81
2Siege to.er can be raie$ i, nee$ be-1 Stanni ai$. 27ree can be ,e""e$ ,or ram i, ram are
reA/ire$. Arno", >artark .rite that ,e.er than ,i,ty men remain at the 5rea$,ort- ha", o, them
ervant. A trong cat"e .eak"y he"$ i .eak.1
2+i,ty men ini$e a cat"e are .orth ,ive h/n$re$ o/ti$e.1
27hat $epen$ /pon the men-1 ai$ Richar$ #orpe. 27hee .i"" be greybear$ an$ green boy-
the men thi batar$ $i$ not $eem ,it ,or batt"e. H/r o.n men .ere b"oo$e$ an$ tete$ on the
B"ack.ater- an$ they are "e$ by knight.1
2Eo/ a. ho. .e .ent thro/gh the .i"$"ing.1 Ser !/tin p/he$ back a "ock o, ,"a:en hair.
27he >artark have .orn to =oin / at the 5rea$,ort- an$ .e .i"" have o/r .i"$"ing a .e"".
7hree h/n$re$ men o, ,ighting age. ?or$ #ar.oo$ ma$e a co/nt a they .ere paing thro/gh
the gate. 7heir .omen ,ight a .e"".1
Stanni gave him a o/r "ook. 2Not ,or me- er. & .ant no .i$o. .ai"ing in my .ake. 7he
.omen .i"" remain here- .ith the o"$- the .o/n$e$- an$ the chi"$ren. 7hey .i"" erve a
hotage ,or the "oya"ty o, their h/ban$ an$ ,ather. 7he .i"$"ing men .i"" ,orm my van. 7he
Magnar .i"" comman$ them- .ith their o.n chie, a er=eant. +irt- tho/gh- .e m/t nee$ arm
them.1
7e means to plunder our armor!, !on rea"iGe$. Food and clothing, land and castles, now
weapons+ 7e draws me in deeper eer! da!+ 3or$ might not be .or$- b/t swords .ere
.or$. 2& co/"$ ,in$ three h/n$re$ pear-1 he ai$- re"/ctant"y. 2#e"m a .e""- i, yo/4"" take
them o"$ an$ $inte$ an$ re$ .ith r/t.1
2Armor61 ake$ the Magnar. 29"ate6 Mai"61
23hen 5ona" Noye $ie$ .e "ot o/r armorer.1 7he ret !on "e,t /npoken. 1ie the wildlings
mail and the!/ll be twice as great a danger to the realm+
2Boi"e$ "eather .i"" /,,ice-1 ai$ Ser Go$ry. 2Hnce .e4ve tate$ batt"e- the /rvivor can "oot
the $ea$.1
#he few who lie that long+ &, Stanni p"ace$ the ,ree ,o"k in the van- mot .o/"$ perih
A/ick"y. 25rinking ,rom Mance Ray$er4 k/"" may give Mor Fmber p"ea/re- b/t eeing
.i"$"ing cro hi "an$ .i"" not. 7he ,ree ,o"k have been rai$ing the Fmber ince the 5a.n o,
5ay- croing the Bay o, Sea" ,or go"$ an$ heep an$ .omen. Hne o, thoe carrie$ o,, .a
Cro.,oo$4 daughter+ Eo/r Grace- "eave the .i"$"ing here. 7aking them .i"" on"y erve to t/rn
my "or$ ,ather4 bannermen againt yo/.1
2Eo/r ,ather4 bannermen eem to have no "iking ,or my ca/e in any cae. & m/t a/me
they ee me a8 .hat .a it that yo/ ca""e$ me- ?or$ Sno.6 Another doomed pretender61
Stanni tare$ at the map. +or a "ong moment the on"y o/n$ .a the king grin$ing hi teeth.
2?eave me. A"" o, yo/. ?or$ Sno.- remain.1
7he br/A/e $imia" $i$ not it .e"" .ith !/tin Maey- b/t he ha$ no choice b/t to mi"e
an$ .ith$ra.. #orpe ,o""o.e$ him o/t- a,ter giving !on a mea/re$ "ook. C"ayton S/gg $raine$
hi c/p $ry an$ m/ttere$ omething to #ar.oo$ +e"" that ma$e the yo/nger man "a/gh. Bo! .a
part o, it. S/gg .a an /p=/mpe$ he$ge knight- a cr/$e a he .a trong. 7he "at man to take
hi "eave .a Ratt"ehirt. At the $oor- he gave !on a mocking bo.- grinning thro/gh a mo/th,/"
o, bro.n an$ broken teeth.
All of !ou $i$ not eem to inc"/$e ?a$y Me"ian$re. #he king/s red shadow+ Stanni ca""e$ to
5evan ,or more "emon .ater. 3hen hi c/p .a ,i""e$ the king $rank- an$ ai$- 2#orpe an$
Maey apire to yo/r ,ather4 eat. Maey .ant the .i"$"ing prince too. #e once erve$ my
brother Robert a A/ire an$ acA/ire$ hi appetite ,or ,ema"e ,"eh. #orpe .i"" take %a" to .i,e i,
& comman$ it- b/t it i batt"e he "/t ,or. A a A/ire he $reame$ o, a .hite c"oak- b/t Cerei
?anniter poke againt him an$ Robert pae$ him over. 9erhap right"y. Ser Richar$ i too
,on$ o, ki""ing. 3hich .o/"$ yo/ have a ?or$ o, 3inter,e""- Sno.6 7he mi"er or the "ayer61
!on ai$- 23inter,e"" be"ong to my iter Sana.1
2& have hear$ a"" & nee$ to hear o, ?a$y ?anniter an$ her c"aim.1 7he king et the c/p ai$e.
2&ou co/"$ bring the north to me. Eo/r ,ather4 bannermen .o/"$ ra""y to the on o, C$$ar$
Stark. Cven ?or$ 7oo(+at(to(Sit(a(#ore. 3hite #arbor .o/"$ give me a rea$y o/rce o, /pp"y
an$ a ec/re bae to .hich & co/"$ retreat at nee$. &t i not too "ate to amen$ yo/r ,o""y- Sno..
7ake a knee an$ .ear that batar$ .or$ to me- an$ rie a !on Stark- ?or$ o, 3inter,e"" an$
3ar$en o, the North.1
7ow man! times will he make me sa! it6 2My .or$ i .orn to the Night4 3atch.1
Stanni "ooke$ $ig/te$. 2Eo/r ,ather .a a t/bborn man a .e"". 7onor, he ca""e$ it. 3e""-
honor ha it cot- a ?or$ C$$ar$ "earne$ to hi orro.. &, it give yo/ any o"ace- #orpe an$
Maey are $oome$ to $iappointment. & am more inc"ine$ to beto. 3inter,e"" /pon Arno",
>artark. A goo$ northman.1
2A northman.1 Better a ,arstark than a Bolton or a 1re!9o!, !on to"$ hime",- b/t the tho/ght
gave him "itt"e o"ace. 27he >artark aban$one$ my brother amongt hi enemie.1
2A,ter yo/r brother took o,, ?or$ Rickar$4 hea$. Arno", .a a tho/an$ "eag/e a.ay. #e
ha Stark b"oo$ in him. 7he b"oo$ o, 3inter,e"".1
2No more than ha", the other #o/e o, the north.1
27hoe other #o/e have not $ec"are$ ,or me.1
2Arno", >artark i an o"$ man .ith a crooke$ back- an$ even in hi yo/th he .a never the
,ighter ?or$ Rickar$ .a. 7he rigor o, the campaign may .e"" ki"" him.1
2#e ha heir-1 Stanni nappe$. 27.o on- i: gran$on- ome $a/ghter. &, Robert ha$
,athere$ tr/eborn on- many .ho are $ea$ might ti"" be "iving.1
2Eo/r Grace .o/"$ $o better .ith Mor Cro.,oo$.1
27he 5rea$,ort .i"" be the proo, o, that.1
27hen yo/ mean to go ahea$ .ith thi attack61
25epite the co/ne" o, the great ?or$ Sno.6 Aye. #orpe an$ Maey may be ambitio/- b/t
they are not .rong. & $are not it i$"e .hi"t Rooe Bo"ton4 tar .a:e an$ mine .ane. & m/t
trike an$ ho. the north that & am ti"" a man to ,ear.1
27he merman o, Man$er"y .a not amongt thoe banner ?a$y Me"ian$re a. in her ,ire-1
!on ai$. 2&, yo/ ha$ 3hite #arbor an$ ?or$ 3yman4 knight81
2If i a .or$ ,or ,oo". 3e have ha$ no .or$ ,rom 5avo. &t may be he never reache$ 3hite
#arbor. Arno", >artark .rite that the torm have been ,ierce /pon the narro. ea. Be that a it
may. & have no time to grieve- nor .ait /pon the .him o, ?or$ 7oo(+at. & m/t coni$er 3hite
#arbor "ot to me. 3itho/t a on o, 3inter,e"" to tan$ bei$e me- & can on"y hope to .in the
north by batt"e. 7hat reA/ire tea"ing a "ea, ,rom my brother4 book. Not that Robert ever rea$
one. & m/t $ea" my ,oe a morta" b"o. be,ore they kno. that & am on them.1
!on rea"iGe$ that hi .or$ .ere .ate$. Stanni .o/"$ take the 5rea$,ort or $ie in the
attempt. #he 2ight/s Watch takes no part, a voice ai$- b/t another rep"ie$- Stannis fights for the
realm, the ironmen for thralls and plunder+ 2Eo/r Grace- & kno. .here yo/ might ,in$ more
men. Give me the .i"$"ing- an$ & .i"" g"a$"y te"" yo/ .here an$ ho..1
2& gave yo/ Ratt"ehirt. Be content .ith him.1
2& .ant them a"".1
2Some o, yo/r o.n S.orn Brother .o/"$ have me be"ieve that yo/ are ha", a .i"$"ing
yo/re",. & it tr/e61
27o yo/ they are on"y arro. ,o$$er. & can make better /e o, them /pon the 3a"". Give them
to me to $o .ith a & .i""- an$ &4"" ho. yo/ .here to ,in$ yo/r victory8 an$ men a .e"".1
Stanni r/bbe$ the back o, hi neck. 2Eo/ hagg"e "ike a crone .ith a co$,ih- ?or$ Sno.. 5i$
Ne$ Stark ,ather yo/ on ome ,ih.i,e6 #o. many men61
27.o tho/an$. 9erhap three.1
27hree thousand6 3hat manner o, men are thee61
29ro/$. 9oor. 9rick"y .here their honor i concerne$ b/t ,ierce ,ighter.1
27hi ha$ bet not be ome batar$4 trick. 3i"" & tra$e three h/n$re$ ,ighter ,or three
tho/an$6 Aye- & .i"". & am not an /tter ,oo". &, & "eave the gir" .ith yo/ a .e""- $o & have yo/r
.or$ that yo/ .i"" keep o/r prince c"oe"y61
She is not a princess+ 2A yo/ .ih- Eo/r Grace.1
25o & nee$ to make yo/ .ear an oath be,ore a tree61
2No.1 Was that a 9ape6 3ith Stanni- it .a har$ to te"".
25one- then. No.- .here are thee men61
2Eo/4"" ,in$ them here.1 !on prea$ hi b/rne$ han$ acro the map- .et o, the kingroa$
an$ o/th o, the Gi,t.
27hoe mo/ntain61 Stanni gre. /picio/. 2& ee no cat"e marke$ there. No roa$- no
to.n- no vi""age.1
27he map i not the "an$- my ,ather o,ten ai$. Men have "ive$ in the high va""ey an$
mo/ntain mea$o. ,or tho/an$ o, year- r/"e$ by their c"an chie,. 9etty "or$- yo/ .o/"$ ca""
them- tho/gh they $o not /e /ch tit"e amongt theme"ve. C"an champion ,ight .ith h/ge
t.o(han$e$ great.or$- .hi"e the common men "ing tone an$ batter one another .ith ta,,
o, mo/ntain ah. A A/arre"ome ,o"k- it m/t be ai$. 3hen they are not ,ighting one another-
they ten$ their her$- ,ih the Bay o, &ce- an$ bree$ the har$iet mo/nt yo/4"" ever ri$e.1
2An$ they .i"" ,ight ,or me- yo/ be"ieve61
2&, yo/ ak them.1
23hy ho/"$ & beg ,or .hat i o.e$ me61
2Ask, & ai$- not beg+1 !on p/""e$ back hi han$. 2&t i no goo$ en$ing meage. Eo/r Grace
.i"" nee$ to go to them yo/re",. Cat their brea$ an$ a"t- $rink their a"e- "iten to their piper-
praie the bea/ty o, their $a/ghter an$ the co/rage o, their on- an$ yo/4"" have their .or$.
7he c"an have not een a king ince 7orrhen Stark bent hi knee. Eo/r coming $oe them honor.
%ommand them to ,ight ,or yo/- an$ they .i"" "ook at one another an$ ay- J3ho i thi man6 #e
i no king o, mine.4 1
2#o. many c"an are yo/ peaking o,61
27.o core- ma"" an$ "arge. +"int- 3/""- Norrey- ?i$$"e8 .in H"$ +"int an$ Big B/cket- the
ret .i"" ,o""o..1
2Big Bucket61
27he 3/"". #e ha the bigget be""y in the mo/ntain- an$ the mot men. 7he 3/"" ,ih the
Bay o, &ce an$ .arn their "itt"e one that ironmen .i"" carry them o,, i, they $on4t behave. 7o
reach them Eo/r Grace m/t pa thro/gh the Norrey4 "an$- ho.ever. 7hey "ive the nearet to
the Gi,t an$ have a".ay been goo$ ,rien$ to the 3atch. & co/"$ give yo/ g/i$e.1
2Co/"$61 Stanni mie$ "itt"e. 2Hr .i""61
23i"". Eo/4"" nee$ them. An$ ome /re(,oote$ garron too. 7he path /p there are "itt"e more
than goat track.1
2Goat track61 7he king4 eye narro.e$. 2& peak o, moving .i,t"y- an$ yo/ .ate my time
.ith goat tracks61
23hen the Eo/ng 5ragon conA/ere$ 5orne- he /e$ a goat track to bypa the 5ornih
.atchto.er on the Bone.ay.1
2& kno. that ta"e a .e""- b/t 5aeron ma$e too m/ch o, it in that vain(g"orio/ book o, hi.
Ship .on that .ar- not goat track. Haken,it broke the 9"anky 7o.n an$ .ept ha",.ay /p the
Greenb"oo$ .hi"t the main 5ornih trength .a engage$ in the 9rince4 9a.1 Stanni
$r/mme$ hi ,inger on the map. 27hee mo/ntain "or$ .i"" not hin$er my paage61
2Hn"y .ith ,eat. Cach .i"" try to o/t$o the other .ith hi hopita"ity. My "or$ ,ather ai$ he
never ate ha", o .e"" a .hen viiting the c"an.1
2+or three tho/an$ men- & /ppoe & can en$/re ome pipe an$ porri$ge-1 the king ai$-
tho/gh hi tone begr/$ge$ even that.
!on t/rne$ to Me"ian$re. 2My "a$y- ,air .arning. 7he o"$ go$ are trong in thoe mo/ntain.
7he c"anmen .i"" not /,,er in/"t to their heart tree.1
7hat eeme$ to am/e her. 2#ave no ,ear- !on Sno.- & .i"" not tro/b"e yo/r mo/ntain avage
an$ their $ark go$. My p"ace i here .ith yo/ an$ yo/r brave brother.1
7hat .a the "at thing !on Sno. .o/"$ have .ante$- b/t be,ore he co/"$ ob=ect- the king
ai$- 23here .o/"$ yo/ have me "ea$ thee ta".art i, not againt the 5rea$,ort61
!on g"ance$ $o.n at the map. 25eep.oo$ Motte.1 #e tappe$ it .ith a ,inger. 2&, Bo"ton
mean to ,ight the ironmen- o m/t yo/. 5eep.oo$ i a motte(an$(bai"ey cat"e in the mi$t o,
thick ,oret- eay to creep /p on /na.are. A wooden cat"e- $e,en$e$ by an earthen $ike an$ a
pa"ia$e o, "og. 7he going .i"" be "o.er thro/gh the mo/ntain- a$mitte$"y- b/t /p there yo/r
hot can move /neen- to emerge a"mot at the gate o, 5eep.oo$.1
Stanni r/bbe$ hi =a.. 23hen Ba"on Grey=oy roe the ,irt time- & beat the ironmen at ea-
.here they are ,iercet. Hn "an$- taken /na.are8 aye. & have .on a victory over the .i"$"ing
an$ their >ing(Beyon$(the(3a"". &, & can mah the ironmen a .e""- the north .i"" kno. it ha a
king again.1
And I will hae a thousand wildlings, tho/ght !on- and no wa! to feed een half that number+
Sa2well
The ea ma$e Sam.e"" 7ar"y greenick.
&t .a not a"" hi ,ear o, $ro.ning- tho/gh that .a /re"y ome o, it. &t .a the motion o, the
hip a .e""- the .ay the $eck ro""e$ beneath hi ,eet. 2& have a A/eay be""y-1 he con,ee$ to
5areon the $ay they ai"e$ ,rom Cat.atch(by(the(Sea. 7he inger "appe$ him on the back an$
ai$- 23ith a be""y big a yo/r- S"ayer- that i a "ot o, A/eae.1
Sam trie$ to keep a brave ,ace on him- ,or Gi""y4 ake i, "itt"e e"e. She ha$ never een the
ea be,ore. 3hen they .ere tr/gg"ing thro/gh the no. a,ter ,"eeing Crater4 >eep- they ha$
come on evera" "ake- an$ even thoe ha$ been a .on$er to her. A Blackbird "ippe$ a.ay
,rom hore the gir" began to tremb"e- an$ big a"t tear ro""e$ $o.n her cheek. 2Go$ be goo$-1
Sam hear$ her .hiper. Cat.atch vanihe$ ,irt- an$ the 3a"" gre. ma""er an$ ma""er in the
$itance- /nti" it ,ina""y $iappeare$. 7he .in$ .a coming /p by then. 7he ai" .ere the ,a$e$
grey o, a b"ack c"oak that ha$ been .ahe$ too o,ten- an$ Gi""y4 ,ace .a .hite .ith ,ear. 27hi
i a goo$ hip-1 Sam trie$ to te"" her. 2Eo/ $on4t have to be a,rai$.1 B/t he on"y "ooke$ at him-
he"$ her baby tighter- an$ ,"e$ be"o..
Sam oon ,o/n$ hime", c"/tching tight"y to the g/n.a"e an$ .atching the .eep o, the oar.
7he .ay they a"" move$ together .a omeho. bea/ti,/" to beho"$- an$ better than "ooking at
the .ater. ?ooking at the .ater on"y ma$e him think o, $ro.ning. 3hen he .a ma"" hi "or$
,ather ha$ trie$ to teach him ho. to .im by thro.ing him into the pon$ beneath #orn #i"". 7he
.ater ha$ gotten in hi noe an$ in hi mo/th an$ in hi "/ng- an$ he co/ghe$ an$ .heeGe$ ,or
ho/r a,ter Ser #y"e p/""e$ him o/t. A,ter that he never $are$ go in any $eeper than hi .ait.
7he Bay o, Sea" .a a lot $eeper than hi .ait- an$ not o ,rien$"y a that "itt"e ,ihpon$
be"o. hi ,ather4 cat"e. &t .ater .ere grey an$ green an$ choppy- an$ the .oo$e$ hore they
,o""o.e$ .a a nar" o, rock an$ .hir"poo". Cven i, he co/"$ kick an$ cra." that ,ar omeho.-
the .ave .ere "ike to mah him /p againt ome tone an$ break hi hea$ to piece.
2?ooking ,or mermai$- S"ayer61 ake$ 5areon .hen he a. Sam taring o,, acro the bay.
+air(haire$ an$ haGe"(eye$- the han$ome yo/ng inger o/t o, Cat.atch "ooke$ more "ike ome
$ark prince than a b"ack brother.
2No.1 Sam $i$ not kno. .hat he .a "ooking ,or- or .hat he .a $oing on thi boat. 1oing
to the %itadel to forge a chain and be a maester, to be of better serice to the Watch, he to"$
hime",- b/t the tho/ght =/t ma$e him .eary. #e $i$ not .ant to be a maeter- .ith a heavy
chain .rappe$ aro/n$ hi neck- co"$ againt hi kin. #e $i$ not .ant to "eave hi brother- the
on"y ,rien$ he4$ ever ha$. An$ he certain"y $i$ not .ant to ,ace the ,ather .ho ha$ ent him to
the 3a"" to $ie.
&t .a $i,,erent ,or the other. +or them- the voyage .o/"$ have a happy en$ing. Gi""y .o/"$
be a,e at #orn #i""- .ith a"" the .i$th o, 3etero bet.een her an$ the horror he ha$ kno.n
in the ha/nte$ ,oret. A a erving mai$ in hi ,ather4 cat"e- he .o/"$ be .arm an$ .e"" ,e$- a
ma"" part o, a great .or"$ he co/"$ never have $reame$ o, a Crater4 .i,e. She .o/"$ .atch
her on gro. /p big an$ trong- an$ become a h/ntman or a tab"ehan$ or a mith. &, the boy
ho.e$ any aptit/$e ,or arm- ome knight might even take him a a A/ire.
Maeter Aemon .a going to a better p"ace a .e"". &t .a p"eaant to think o, him pen$ing
.hatever time remaine$ him bathe$ by the .arm breeGe o, H"$to.n- convering .ith hi ,e""o.
maeter an$ haring hi .i$om .ith aco"yte an$ novice. #e ha$ earne$ hi ret- a h/n$re$
time over.
Cven 5areon .o/"$ be happier. #e ha$ a".ay c"aime$ to be innocent o, the rape that ent
him to the 3a""- initing that he be"onge$ at ome "or$4 co/rt- inging ,or hi /pper. No. he
.o/"$ have that chance. !on ha$ name$ him a recr/iter- to take the p"ace o, a man name$ Eoren-
.ho ha$ vanihe$ an$ .a pre/me$ $ea$. #i tak .o/"$ be to trave" the Seven >ing$om-
inging o, the va"or o, the Night4 3atch- an$ ,rom time to time ret/rning to the 3a"" .ith ne.
recr/it.
7he voyage .o/"$ be "ong an$ ro/gh- no one co/"$ $eny that- b/t ,or the other at "eat there
.o/"$ be a happy en$. 7hat .a Sam4 o"ace. I am going for them, he to"$ hime",- for the
2ight/s Watch, and for the happ! ending+ 7he "onger he "ooke$ at the ea- tho/gh- the co"$er an$
$eeper it appeare$.
B/t not "ooking at the .ater .a even .ore- Sam rea"iGe$ in the crampe$ cabin beneath the
terncat"e that the paenger .ere haring. #e trie$ to take hi min$ o,, the roi"ing in hi
tomach by ta"king .ith Gi""y a he n/re$ her on. 27hi hip .i"" take / a ,ar a Braavo-1
he ai$. 23e4"" ,in$ another hip to carry / to H"$to.n. & rea$ a book abo/t Braavo .hen & .a
ma"". 7he .ho"e city i b/i"t in a "agoon on a h/n$re$ "itt"e i"an$- an$ they have a titan there- a
tone man h/n$re$ o, ,eet high. 7hey have boat intea$ o, hore- an$ their m/mmer p"ay o/t
.ritten torie intea$ o, =/t making /p the //a" t/pi$ ,arce. 7he ,oo$ i very goo$ too-
epecia""y the ,ih. 7hey have a"" kin$ o, c"am an$ ee" an$ oyter- ,reh ,rom their "agoon.
3e o/ght to have a ,e. $ay bet.een hip. &, .e $o- .e can go an$ ee a m/mmer ho.- an$
have ome oyter.1
#e tho/ght that .o/"$ e:cite her. #e co/"$ not have been more .rong. Gi""y peere$ at him
.ith ,"at- $/"" eye- "ooking thro/gh ome tran$ o, /n.ahe$ hair. 2&, yo/ .ant- m4"or$.1
23hat $o !ou .ant61 Sam ake$ her.
2Nothing.1 She t/rne$ a.ay ,rom him an$ move$ her on ,rom one breat to the other.
7he motion o, the boat .a tirring /p the egg an$ bacon an$ ,rie$ brea$ that Sam ha$ eaten
be,ore the hip et o/t. A"" at once he co/"$ not tan$ the cabin one more intant. #e p/he$
hime", back to hi ,eet an$ c"ambere$ /p the "a$$er to give hi break,at to the ea. 7he ickne
came on Sam o trong"y that he $i$ not top to ga/ge .hich .ay the .in$ .a b"o.ing- o he
retche$ ,rom the .rong rai" an$ en$e$ /p pattering hime",. Cven o- he ,e"t m/ch better
a,ter.ar$8 tho/gh not ,or "ong.
7he hip .a Blackbird, the "arget o, the 3atch4 ga""ey. Storm %row an$ #alon .ere
,ater- Cotter 9yke to"$ Maeter Aemon back at Cat.atch(by(the(Sea- b/t they .ere ,ighting
hip- "ean- .i,t bir$ o, prey .here the ro.er at on open $eck. Blackbird .a a better choice
,or the ro/gh .ater o, the narro. ea beyon$ Skago. 27here have been torm-1 9yke .arne$
them. 23inter torm are .ore- b/t a/t/mn4 are more ,reA/ent.1
7he ,irt ten $ay .ere ca"m eno/gh- a Blackbird crept acro the Bay o, Sea"- never o/t o,
ight o, "an$. &t .a co"$ .hen the .in$ .a b"o.ing- b/t there .a omething bracing abo/t the
a"t me"" in the air. Sam co/"$ har$"y eat- an$ .hen he $i$ ,orce omething $o.n it $i$ not tay
$o.n ,or "ong- b/t ai$e ,rom that he $i$ not $o too ba$"y. #e trie$ to bo"ter Gi""y4 co/rage
an$ give her .hat cheer he co/"$- b/t that prove$ har$. She .o/"$ not come /p on $eck- no
matter .hat he ai$- an$ eeme$ to pre,er to h/$$"e in the $ark .ith her on. 7he babe "ike$ the
hip no more than hi mother $i$- it eeme$. 3hen he .a not A/a""ing- he .a retching /p hi
mother4 mi"k. #i bo.e" .ere "ooe an$ a".ay moving- taining the ,/r that Gi""y .rappe$
him in to keep him .arm an$ ,i""ing the air .ith a bro.n tench. No matter ho. many ta""o.
can$"e Sam "it- the me"" o, hit perite$.
&t .a more p"eaant o/t in the open air- epecia""y .hen 5areon .a inging. 7he inger .a
kno.n to Blackbird4 oarmen- an$ .o/"$ p"ay ,or them a they ro.e$. #e kne. a"" their
,avorite ong' a$ one "ike 27he 5ay 7hey #ange$ B"ack Robin-1 27he Mermai$4 ?ament-1
an$ 2A/t/mn o, My 5ay-1 ro/ing one "ike 2&ron ?ance1 an$ 2Seven S.or$ ,or Seven Son-1
ba.$y one "ike 2Mi"a$y4 S/pper-1 2#er ?itt"e +"o.er-1 an$ 2Meggett 3a a Merry Mai$- a
Merry Mai$ 3a She.1 3hen he ang 27he Bear an$ the Mai$en +air-1 a"" the oarmen =oine$
in- an$ Blackbird eeme$ to ,"y acro the .ater. 5areon ha$ not been m/ch o, a .or$man-
Sam kne. ,rom their $ay training /n$er A""ier 7horne- b/t he ha$ a bea/ti,/" voice. 2#oney
po/re$ over th/n$er-1 Maeter Aemon ha$ once ca""e$ it. #e p"aye$ .oo$harp an$ ,i$$"e too-
an$ even .rote hi o.n ong8 tho/gh Sam $i$ not think them very goo$. Sti""- it .a goo$ to
it an$ "iten- tho/gh the chet .a o har$ an$ p"intery that Sam .a a"mot grate,/" ,or hi
,"ehy b/ttock. Fat men take a cushion with them whereer the! go, he tho/ght.
Maeter Aemon pre,erre$ to pen$ hi $ay on $eck a .e""- h/$$"e$ beneath a pi"e o, ,/r
an$ gaGing o/t acro the .ater. 23hat i he "ooking at61 5areon .on$ere$ one $ay. 2+or him
it4 a $ark /p here a it i $o.n in the cabin.1
7he o"$ man hear$ him. 7ho/gh Aemon4 eye ha$ $imme$ an$ gone $ark- there .a nothing
.rong .ith hi ear. 2& .a not born b"in$-1 he remin$e$ them. 23hen "at & pae$ thi .ay- &
a. every rock an$ tree an$ .hitecap- an$ .atche$ the grey g/"" ,"ying in o/r .ake. & .a ,ive(
an$(thirty an$ ha$ been a maeter o, the chain ,or i:teen year. Cgg .ante$ me to he"p him r/"e-
b/t & kne. my p"ace .a here. #e ent me north aboar$ the 1olden Dragon, an$ inite$ that hi
,rien$ Ser 5/ncan ee me a,e to Cat.atch. No recr/it ha$ arrive$ at the 3a"" .ith o m/ch
pomp ince Nymeria ent the 3atch i: king in go"$en ,etter. Cgg emptie$ o/t the $/ngeon
too- o & .o/"$ not nee$ to ay my vo. a"one. My honor g/ar$- he ca""e$ them. Hne .a no "e
a man than Bryn$en River. ?ater he .a choen "or$ comman$er.1
2B"oo$raven61 ai$ 5areon. 2& kno. a ong abo/t him. JA 7ho/an$ Cye- an$ Hne-4 it4
ca""e$. B/t & tho/ght he "ive$ a h/n$re$ year ago.1
23e a"" $i$. Hnce & .a a yo/ng a yo/.1 7hat eeme$ to make him a$. #e co/ghe$- an$
c"oe$ hi eye- an$ .ent to "eep- .aying in hi ,/r .henever ome .ave rocke$ the hip.
Beneath grey kie they ai"e$- eat an$ o/th an$ eat again- a the Bay o, Sea" .i$ene$
abo/t them. 7he captain- a griGG"e$ brother .ith a be""y "ike a keg o, a"e- .ore b"ack o taine$
an$ ,a$e$ that the cre. ca""e$ him H"$ 7attera"t. #e e"$om ai$ a .or$. #i mate ma$e /p ,or
him- b"itering the a"t air .ith c/re .henever the .in$ $ie$ or the oarmen eeme$ to ,"ag.
7hey ate oaten porri$ge in the morning- peae porri$ge in the a,ternoon- an$ a"t bee,- a"t co$-
an$ a"t m/tton at night- an$ .ahe$ it $o.n .ith a"e. 5areon ang- Sam retche$- Gi""y crie$ an$
n/re$ her babe- Maeter Aemon "ept an$ hivere$- an$ the .in$ gre. co"$er an$ more
b"/tery .ith every paing $ay.
Cven o- it .a a better voyage than the "at one Sam ha$ taken. #e ha$ been no more than
ten .hen he et ai" on ?or$ Re$.yne4 ga""ea- the Arbor :ueen. +ive time a "arge a
Blackbird an$ magni,icent to beho"$- he ha$ three great b/rg/n$y ai" an$ bank o, oar that
,"ahe$ go"$ an$ .hite in the /n"ight. 7he .ay they roe an$ ,e"" a the hip $eparte$ H"$to.n
ha$ ma$e Sam ho"$ hi breath8 b/t that .a the "at goo$ memory he ha$ o, the Re$.yne
Strait. 7hen a no. the ea ha$ ma$e him ick- to hi "or$ ,ather4 $ig/t.
An$ .hen they reache$ the Arbor- thing ha$ gone ,rom ba$ to .ore. ?or$ Re$.yne4 t.in
on ha$ $epie$ Sam on ,irt ight. Cvery morn they ,o/n$ ome ,reh .ay to hame him in the
practice yar$. Hn the thir$ $ay #ora Re$.yne ma$e him A/ea" "ike a pig .hen he begge$ ,or
A/arter. Hn the ,i,th hi brother #obber c"a$ a kitchen gir" in hi o.n armor an$ "et her beat Sam
.ith a .oo$en .or$ /nti" he began to cry. 3hen he revea"e$ here",- a"" the A/ire an$ page
an$ tab"eboy ho."e$ .ith "a/ghter.
27he boy nee$ a bit o, eaoning- that4 a""-1 hi ,ather ha$ to"$ ?or$ Re$.yne that night- b/t
Re$.yne4 ,oo" ratt"e$ hi ratt"e an$ rep"ie$- 2Aye- a pinch o, pepper- a ,e. nice c"ove- an$ an
app"e in hi mo/th.1 7herea,ter- ?or$ Ran$y"" ,orba$e Sam to eat app"e o "ong a they
remaine$ beneath 9a:ter Re$.yne4 roo,. #e ha$ been eaick on their voyage home a .e""- b/t
o re"ieve$ to be going that he a"mot .e"come$ the tate o, vomit at the back o, hi throat. &t
.a not /nti" they .ere back at #orn #i"" that hi mother to"$ Sam that hi ,ather ha$ never
meant ,or him to ret/rn. 2#ora .a to come .ith / in yo/r p"ace- .hi"t yo/ remaine$ on the
Arbor a ?or$ 9a:ter4 page an$ c/pbearer. &, yo/ ha$ p"eae$ him- yo/ .o/"$ have been
betrothe$ to hi $a/ghter.1 Sam co/"$ ti"" reca"" the o,t to/ch o, hi mother4 han$ a he
.ahe$ the tear o,, hi ,ace .ith a bit o, "ace- $ampene$ .ith her pit. 2My poor Sam-1 he
m/rm/re$. 2My poor poor Sam.1
It will be good to see her again, he tho/ght- a he c"/ng to Blackbird4 rai" an$ .atche$ .ave
breaking on the tony hore. If she saw me in m! blacks, it might een make her proud+ 4I am a
man now, *other,5 I could tell her, 4a steward, and a man of the 2ight/s Watch+ *! brothers
call me Sam the Sla!er sometimes+5 #e .o/"$ ee hi brother 5ickon too- an$ hi iter. 4See,5
I could tell them, 4see, I was good for something after all+5
&, he .ent to #orn #i""- tho/gh- hi ,ather might be there.
7he tho/ght ma$e hi be""y heave again. Sam bent over the g/n.a"e an$ retche$- b/t not into
the .in$. #e ha$ gone to the right rai" thi time. #e .a getting goo$ at retching.
Hr o he tho/ght- /nti" Blackbird "e,t the "an$ behin$ an$ tr/ck eat acro the bay ,or the
hore o, Skago.
7he i"an$ at at the mo/th o, the Bay o, Sea"- maive an$ mo/ntaino/- a tark an$
,orbi$$ing "an$ peop"e$ by avage. 7hey "ive$ in cave an$ grim mo/ntain ,atnee- Sam ha$
rea$- an$ ro$e great haggy /nicorn to .ar. Skagos meant 2tone1 in the H"$ 7ong/e. 7he
Skagoi name$ theme"ve the toneborn- b/t their ,e""o. northmen ca""e$ them Skagg an$
"ike$ them "itt"e. Hn"y a h/n$re$ year ago Skago ha$ rien in rebe""ion. 7heir revo"t ha$ taken
year to A/e"" an$ c"aime$ the "i,e o, the ?or$ o, 3inter,e"" an$ h/n$re$ o, hi .orn .or$.
Some ong ai$ the Skagg .ere canniba"I /ppoe$"y their .arrior ate the heart an$ "iver o,
the men they "e.. &n ancient $ay- the Skagoi ha$ ai"e$ to the nearby i"e o, Skane- eiGe$ it
.omen- "a/ghtere$ it men- an$ ate them on a pebb"e$ beach in a ,eat that "ate$ ,or a
,ortnight. Skane remaine$ /npeop"e$ to thi $ay.
5areon kne. the ong a .e"". 3hen the b"eak grey peak o, Skago roe /p ,rom the ea- he
=oine$ Sam at Blackbird4 pro.- an$ ai$- 2&, the go$ are goo$- .e may catch a g"impe o, a
/nicorn.1
2&, the captain i goo$- .e .on4t come that c"oe. 7he c/rrent are treachero/ aro/n$
Skago- an$ there are rock that can crack a hip4 h/"" "ike an egg. B/t $on4t yo/ mention that to
Gi""y. She4 care$ eno/gh.1
2#er an$ that A/a""ing .he"p o, her. & $on4t kno. .hich o, them i noiier. 7he on"y time
he ever top crying i .hen he hove a nipp"e in hi mo/th- an$ then she tart to ob.1
Sam ha$ notice$ that a .e"". 2Maybe the babe i h/rting her-1 he ai$- ,eeb"y. 2&, hi teeth
are coming in81
5areon p"/cke$ at hi "/te .ith one ,inger- en$ing /p a $eriive note. 2&4$ hear$ that
.i"$"ing .ere braver than that.1
2She is brave-1 Sam inite$- tho/gh even he ha$ to a$mit that he ha$ never een Gi""y in /ch
a .retche$ tate. 7ho/gh he hi$ her ,ace more o,t than not an$ kept the cabin $ark- he co/"$ ee
that her eye .ere a".ay re$- her cheek .et .ith tear. 3hen he ake$ her .hat .a .rong-
tho/gh- he on"y hook her hea$- "eaving him to ,in$ an.er o, hi o.n. 27he ea care her-
that4 a""-1 he to"$ 5areon. 2Be,ore he came to the 3a""- a"" he kne. .a Crater4 >eep an$
the .oo$ aro/n$ it. & $on4t kno. that he .ent more than ha", a "eag/e ,rom the p"ace that he
.a born. She kno. tream an$ river- b/t he ha$ never een a "ake /nti" .e came on one- an$
the ea8 the ea i a cary thing.1
23e4ve never been o/t o, ight o, "an$.1
23e .i"" be.1 Sam $i$ not re"ih that part hime",.
2S/re"y a "itt"e .ater $oe not ,righten the S"ayer.1
2No-1 Sam "ie$- 2not me. B/t Gi""y8 maybe i, yo/ p"aye$ ome "/""abie ,or them- it .o/"$
he"p the babe to "eep.1
5areon4 mo/th t.ite$ in $ig/t. 2Hn"y i, he hove a p"/g /p hi are. & cannot abi$e the
me"".1
7he ne:t $ay the rain began- an$ the ea gre. ro/gher. 23e ha$ bet go be"o.- .here it4
$ry-1 Sam ai$ to Aemon- b/t the o"$ maeter on"y mi"e$- an$ ai$- 27he rain ,ee" goo$ againt
my ,ace- Sam. &t ,ee" "ike tear. ?et me tay a .hi"e "onger- & pray yo/. &t ha been a "ong time
ince "at & .ept.1
&, Maeter Aemon meant to tay on $eck- o"$ an$ ,rai" a he .a- Sam ha$ no choice b/t to $o
the ame. #e taye$ bei$e the o"$ man ,or nigh /nto an ho/r- h/$$"e$ in hi c"oak a a o,t-
tea$y rain oake$ him to hi kin. Aemon har$"y eeme$ to ,ee" it. #e ighe$ an$ c"oe$ hi
eye- an$ Sam move$ c"oer to him- to hie"$ him ,rom the .ort o, the .in$. 7e will ask me to
help him to the cabin soon, he to"$ hime",. 7e must+ B/t he never $i$- an$ ,ina""y th/n$er began
to r/mb"e in the $itance- o,, to the eat. 23e hae to get be"o.-1 Sam ai$- hivering. Maeter
Aemon $i$ not rep"y. &t .a on"y then that Sam rea"iGe$ the o"$ man ha$ gone to "eep.
2Maeter-1 he ai$- haking him gent"y by one ho/"$er. 2Maeter Aemon- .ake /p.1
Aemon4 b"in$ .hite eye came open. 2Cgg61 he ai$- a the rain treame$ $o.n hi cheek.
2Cgg- & $reame$ that & .a o"$.1
Sam $i$ not kno. .hat to $o. #e kne"t an$ coope$ the o"$ man /p an$ carrie$ him be"o..
No one ha$ ever ca""e$ him trong- an$ the rain ha$ oake$ thro/gh Maeter Aemon4 b"ack an$
ma$e him t.ice a heavy- b/t even o- he .eighe$ no more than a chi"$.
3hen he hove$ into the cabin .ith Aemon in hi arm- he ,o/n$ that Gi""y ha$ "et a"" the
can$"e g/tter o/t. 7he babe .a a"eep an$ he .a c/r"e$ /p in a corner- obbing o,t"y in the
,o"$ o, the big b"ack c"oak that Sam ha$ given her. 2#e"p me-1 he ai$ /rgent"y. 2#e"p me $ry
him o,, an$ get him .arm.1
She roe at once- an$ together they got the o"$ maeter o/t o, hi .et c"othe an$ b/rie$ him
beneath a pi"e o, ,/r. #i kin .a $amp an$ co"$- tho/gh- c"ammy to the to/ch. 2Eo/ get in
.ith him-1 Sam to"$ Gi""y. 2#o"$ him. 3arm him .ith yo/r bo$y. 3e have to .arm him /p.1
She $i$ that too- never aying a .or$- a"" the .hi"e ti"" ni,,"ing. 23here4 5areon61 ake$ Sam.
23e4$ a"" be .armer i, .e .ere together. #e nee$ to be here too.1 #e .a hea$e$ back /p top
to ,in$ the inger .hen the $eck roe /p beneath him- then ,e"" a.ay beneath hi ,eet. Gi""y
.ai"e$- Sam "amme$ $o.n har$ an$ "ot hi "eg- an$ the babe .oke creaming.
7he ne:t ro"" o, the hip came a he .a tr/gg"ing back to hi ,eet. &t thre. Gi""y into hi
arm- an$ the .i"$"ing gir" c"/ng to him o ,ierce"y that Sam co/"$ har$"y breathe. 25on4t yo/ be
,rightene$-1 he to"$ her. 27hi i =/t an a$vent/re. Hne $ay yo/4"" te"" yo/r on thi ta"e.1 7hat
on"y ma$e her $ig her nai" into hi arm. She h/$$ere$- her .ho"e bo$y haking .ith the
vio"ence o, her ob. Whateer I sa! 9ust makes her worse+ #e he"$ her tight"y- /ncom,ortab"y
a.are o, her breat preing /p againt him. A ,rightene$ a he .a- omeho. that .a eno/gh
to make him ti,,. She/ll feel it, he tho/ght- ahame$- b/t i, he $i$- he gave no ign- on"y c"/ng
to him the har$er.
7he $ay ran together a,ter that. 7hey never a. the /n. 7he $ay .ere grey an$ the night
b"ack- e:cept .hen "ightning "it the ky above the peak o, Skago. A"" o, them .ere tarve$ yet
none co/"$ eat. 7he captain broache$ a cak o, ,ire.ine to ,orti,y the oarmen. Sam trie$ a c/p
an$ ighe$ a hot nake .rigg"e$ $o.n hi throat an$ thro/gh hi chet. 5areon took a "iking to
the $rink a .e""- an$ .a e"$om ober therea,ter.
7he ai" .ent /p- the ai" came $o.n- an$ one rippe$ ,ree o, the mat an$ ,"e. a.ay "ike a
great grey bir$. A Blackbird ro/n$e$ the o/th coat o, Skago- they potte$ the .reckage o, a
ga""ey on the rock. Some o, her cre. ha$ .ahe$ /p on the hore- an$ the rook an$ crab ha$
gathere$ to pay them homage. 27oo b"oo$y c"oe-1 gr/mb"e$ H"$ 7attera"t .hen he a.. 2Hne
goo$ b"o.- an$ .e4"" be breaking /p ai$e them.1 C:ha/te$ a they .ere- hi ro.er bent to
their oar again- an$ the hip c"a.e$ o/th to.ar$ the narro. ea- ti"" Skago $.in$"e$ to no
more than a ,e. $ark hape in the ky that might have been th/n$erhea$- or the top o, ta""
b"ack mo/ntain- or both. A,ter that- they ha$ eight $ay an$ even night o, c"ear- mooth
ai"ing.
7hen came more torm- .ore than be,ore.
3a it three torm- or on"y one- broken /p by "/""6 Sam never kne.- tho/gh he trie$
$eperate"y to care. 4What does it matter65 5areon creame$ at him once- .hen a"" o, them
.ere h/$$"e$ in the cabin. It doesn/t, Sam .ante$ to te"" him- but so long as I/m thinking about
that I/m not thinking about drowning or being sick or *aester Aemon/s shiering+ 2&t $oen4t-1
he manage$ to A/eak- b/t the th/n$er $ro.ne$ o/t a"" the ret o, it- an$ the $eck "/rche$ an$
knocke$ him i$e.ay. Gi""y .a obbing. 7he babe .a hrieking. An$ /p top he co/"$ hear
H"$ 7attera"t be""o.ing at hi cre.- the ragge$ captain .ho never poke at a"".
I hate the sea, Sam tho/ght- I hate the sea, I hate the sea, I hate the sea+ 7he ne:t "ightning
,"ah .a o bright it "it the cabin thro/gh the eam in the p"anking overhea$. #his is a good
sound ship, a good sound ship, a good ship, he to"$ hime",. It will not sink+ I am not afraid+
5/ring one o, the "/"" bet.een the ga"e- a Sam c"/ng .hite(kn/ck"e$ to the rai" .anting
$eperate"y to retch- he hear$ ome o, the cre. m/ttering that thi .a .hat came o, bringing a
.oman aboar$ hip- an$ a .i"$"ing .oman at that. 2+/cke$ her o.n ,ather-1 Sam hear$ one man
ay- a the .in$ .a riing once again. 23ore than .horing- that. 3ore than an!thing+ 3e4""
a"" $ro.n /n"e .e get ri$ o, her- an$ that abomination that he .he"pe$.1
Sam $are$ not con,ront them. 7hey .ere o"$er men- har$ an$ ine.y- their arm an$
ho/"$er thickene$ by year at the oar. B/t he ma$e certain that hi kni,e .a harp- an$
.henever Gi""y "e,t the cabin to make .ater- he .ent .ith her.
Cven 5areon ha$ no goo$ to ay abo/t the .i"$"ing gir". Hnce- at Sam4 /rging- the inger
p"aye$ a "/""aby to oothe the babe- b/t part.ay thro/gh the ,irt vere Gi""y began to ob
incono"ab"y. 2Seven b"oo$y he""-1 5areon nappe$- 2can4t yo/ even top .eeping "ong eno/gh
to hear a song61
2!/t p"ay-1 Sam p"ea$e$- 2=/t ing the ong ,or her.1
2She $oen4t nee$ a ong-1 ai$ 5areon. 2She nee$ a goo$ panking- or maybe a har$ ,/ck.
Get o/t o, my .ay- S"ayer.1 #e hove$ Sam ai$e an$ .ent ,rom the cabin to ,in$ ome o"ace
in a c/p o, ,ire.ine an$ the ro/gh brotherhoo$ o, the oar.
Sam .a at hi .it4 en$ by then. #e ha$ a"mot gotten /e$ to the me""- b/t bet.een the
torm an$ Gi""y4 obbing he ha$ not "ept ,or $ay. 2&n4t there omething yo/ can give her61
he ake$ Maeter Aemon very o,t"y- .hen he a. that the o"$ man .a a.ake. 2Some herb or
potion- o he .on4t be o a,rai$61
2&t i not ,ear yo/ hear-1 the o"$ man to"$ him. 27hat i the o/n$ o, grie,- an$ there i no
potion ,or that. ?et her tear r/n their co/re- Sam. Eo/ cannot tem the ,"o..1
Sam ha$ not /n$ertoo$. 2She4 going to a a,e p"ace. A warm p"ace. 3hy ho/"$ he be
grieving61
2Sam-1 the o"$ man .hipere$- 2yo/ have t.o goo$ eye- an$ yet yo/ $o not ee. She i a
mother grieving ,or her chi"$.1
2#e4 greenick- that4 a"". 3e4re a"" greenick. Hnce .e make port in Braavo81
28the babe .i"" ti"" be 5a""a4 on- an$ not the chi"$ o, her bo$y.1
&t took Sam a moment to grap .hat Aemon .a /ggeting. 27hat co/"$n4t8 he
.o/"$n4t8 o, co/re he4 her. Gi""y .o/"$ never have "e,t the 3a"" .itho/t her son. She "ove
him.1
2She n/re$ them both an$ "ove$ them both-1 ai$ Aemon- 2b/t not a"ike. No mother "ove a""
her chi"$ren the ame- not even the Mother Above. Gi""y $i$ not "eave the chi"$ .i""ing"y- & am
certain. 3hat threat the ?or$ Comman$er ma$e- .hat promie- & can on"y g/e8 b/t threat
an$ promie there /re"y .ere.1
2No. No- that4 .rong. !on .o/"$ never81
2!on .o/"$ never. ?or$ Sno. $i$. Sometime there i no happy choice- Sam- on"y one "e
grievo/ than the other.1
2o happ! choice+ Sam tho/ght o, a"" the tria" that he an$ Gi""y /,,ere$- Crater4 >eep an$
the $eath o, the H"$ Bear- no. an$ ice an$ ,reeGing .in$- $ay an$ $ay an$ $ay o, .a"king-
the .ight at 3hitetree- Co"$han$ an$ the tree o, raven- the 3a""- the 3a""- the 3a""- the B"ack
Gate beneath the earth. 3hat ha$ it a"" been ,or6 2o happ! choices and no happ! endings+
#e .ante$ to cream. #e .ante$ to ho." an$ ob an$ hake an$ c/r" /p in a "itt"e ba"" an$
.himper. 7e switched the babes, he to"$ hime",. 7e switched the babes to protect the little
prince, to keep him awa! from "ad! *elisandre/s fires, awa! from her red god+ If she burns
1ill!/s bo!, who will care6 2o one but 1ill!+ 7e was onl! %raster/s whelp, an abomination born
of incest, not the son of the ,ing(be!ond(the(Wall+ 7e/s no good for a hostage, no good for a
sacrifice, no good for an!thing, he doesn/t een hae a name+
3or$"e- Sam taggere$ /p onto the $eck to retch- b/t there .a nothing in hi be""y to bring
/p. Night ha$ come /pon them- a trange ti"" night /ch a they ha$ not een ,or many $ay. 7he
ea .a b"ack a g"a. At the oar- the ro.er rete$. Hne or t.o .ere "eeping .here they at.
7he .in$ .a in the ai"- an$ to the north Sam co/"$ even ee a cattering o, tar- an$ the re$
.an$erer the ,ree ,o"k ca""e$ the 7hie,. #hat ought to be m! star, Sam tho/ght mierab"y. I
helped to make -on "ord %ommander, and I brought him 1ill! and the babe+ #here are no
happ! endings+
2S"ayer.1 5areon appeare$ bei$e him- ob"ivio/ to Sam4 pain. 2A .eet night- ,or once.
?ook- the tar are coming o/t. 3e might even get a bit o, moon. Might be the .ort i $one.1
2No.1 Sam .ipe$ hi noe- an$ pointe$ o/th .ith a ,at ,inger- to.ar$ the gathering $arkne.
27here-1 he ai$. No ooner ha$ he poken than "ightning ,"ahe$- /$$en an$ i"ent an$ b"in$ing
bright. 7he $itant c"o/$ g"o.e$ ,or ha", a heartbeat- mo/ntain heape$ on mo/ntain- p/rp"e
an$ re$ an$ ye""o.- ta""er than the .or"$. 27he .ort in4t $one. 7he .ort i =/t beginning- an$
there are no happy en$ing.1
2Go$ be goo$-1 ai$ 5areon- "a/ghing. 2S"ayer- yo/ are such a craven.1
T'RION
7he Sh! *aid move$ thro/gh the ,og "ike a b"in$ man groping hi .ay $o.n an /n,ami"iar
ha"".
Septa ?emore .a praying. 7he mit m/,,"e$ the o/n$ o, her voice- making it eem ma""
an$ h/he$. Gri,, pace$ the $eck- mai" c"inking o,t"y beneath hi .o",kin c"oak. +rom time to
time he to/che$ hi .or$- a i, to make certain that it ti"" h/ng at hi i$e. Ro""y 5/ck,ie"$ .a
p/hing at the tarboar$ po"e- Ean$ry at the "arboar$. Ei""a ha$ the ti""er.
2& $o not "ike thi p"ace-1 #a"$on #a",maeter m/ttere$. 2+rightene$ o, a "itt"e ,og61 mocke$
7yrion- tho/gh in tr/th there .a A/ite a "ot o, ,og. At the pro. o, the Sh! *aid, Eo/ng Gri,,
too$ .ith the thir$ po"e- to p/h them a.ay ,rom haGar$ a they "oome$ /p thro/gh the mit.
7he "antern ha$ been "it ,ore an$ a,t- b/t the ,og .a o thick that a"" the $.ar, co/"$ ee ,rom
ami$hip .a a "ight ,"oating o/t ahea$ o, him an$ another ,o""o.ing behin$. #i o.n tak .a
to ten$ the braGier an$ make certain that the ,ire $i$ not go o/t.
27hi i no common ,og- #/gor #i""-1 Ei""a inite$. 2&t tink o, orcery- a yo/ .o/"$
kno. i, yo/ ha$ a noe to me"" it. Many a voyager ha been "ot here- po"eboat an$ pirate an$
great river ga""ey too. 7hey .an$er ,or"orn thro/gh the mit- earching ,or a /n they cannot
,in$ /nti" ma$ne or h/nger c"aim their "ive. 7here are ret"e pirit in the air here an$
tormente$ o/" be"o. the .ater.1
27here4 one no.-1 ai$ 7yrion. H,, to tarboar$ a han$ "arge eno/gh to cr/h the boat .a
reaching /p ,rom the m/rky $epth. Hn"y the top o, t.o ,inger broke the river4 /r,ace- b/t a
the Sh! *aid eae$ on pat he co/"$ ee the ret o, the han$ ripp"ing be"o. the .ater an$ a pa"e
,ace "ooking /p. 7ho/gh hi tone .a "ight- he .a /neay. 7hi .a a ba$ p"ace- rank .ith
$epair an$ $eath. &silla is not wrong+ #his fog is not natural+ Something ,o/" gre. in the .ater
here- an$ ,etere$ in the air. Small wonder the stone men go mad+
2Eo/ ho/"$ not make mock-1 .arne$ Ei""a. 27he .hipering $ea$ hate the .arm an$ A/ick
an$ ever eek ,or more $amne$ o/" to =oin them.1
2& $o/bt they have a hro/$ my iGe.1 7he $.ar, tirre$ the coa" .ith a poker.
2#atre$ $oe not tir the tone men ha", o m/ch a h/nger.1 #a"$on #a",maeter ha$
.rappe$ a ye""o. car, aro/n$ hi mo/th an$ noe- m/,,"ing hi voice. 2Nothing any ane man
.o/"$ .ant to eat gro. in thee ,og. 7hrice each year the triarch o, %o"anti en$ a ga""ey
/priver .ith proviion- b/t the mercy hip are o,t "ate an$ ometime bring more mo/th than
,oo$.1
Eo/ng Gri,, ai$- 27here m/t be ,ih in the river.1
2& .o/"$ not eat any ,ih taken ,rom thee .ater-1 ai$ Ei""a. 2& .o/"$ not.1
23e4$ $o .e"" not to breathe the ,og either-1 ai$ #a"$on. 2Garin4 C/re i a"" abo/t /.1
#he onl! wa! not to breathe the fog is not to breathe+ 2Garin4 C/re i on"y greyca"e-1 ai$
7yrion. 7he c/re .a o,t een in chi"$ren- epecia""y in $amp- co"$ c"ime. 7he a,,"icte$ ,"eh
ti,,ene$- ca"ci,ie$- an$ cracke$- tho/gh the $.ar, ha$ rea$ that greyca"e4 progre co/"$ be
taye$ by "ime- m/tar$ po/"tice- an$ ca"$ing(hot bath ;the maeter ai$< or by prayer-
acri,ice- an$ ,ating ;the epton inite$<. 7hen the $ieae pae$- "eaving it yo/ng victim
$i,ig/re$ b/t a"ive. Maeter an$ ep(ton a"ike agree$ that chi"$ren marke$ by greyca"e co/"$
never be to/che$ by the rarer morta" ,orm o, the a,,"iction- nor by it terrib"e .i,t co/in- the
grey p"ag/e. 25amp i ai$ to be the c/"prit-1 he ai$. 2+o/" h/mor in the air. Not c/re.1
27he conA/eror $i$ not be"ieve either- #/gor #i""-1 ai$ Ei""a. 27he men o, %o"anti an$
%a"yria h/ng Garin in a go"$en cage an$ ma$e mock a he ca""e$ /pon hi Mother to $etroy
them. B/t in the night the .ater roe an$ $ro.ne$ them- an$ ,rom that $ay to thi they have not
rete$. 7hey are $o.n there ti"" beneath the .ater- they .ho .ere once the "or$ o, ,ire. 7heir
co"$ breath rie ,rom the m/rk to make thee ,og- an$ their ,"eh ha t/rne$ a tony a their
heart.1
7he t/mp o, 7yrion4 noe .a itching ,ierce"y. #e gave it a cratch. #he old woman ma! be
right+ #his place is no good+ I feel as if I am back in the pri! again, watching m! father die+ #e
.o/"$ go ma$ a .e"" i, he ha$ to pen$ hi $ay in thi grey o/p .hi"t hi ,"eh an$ bone
t/rne$ to tone.
Eo/ng Gri,, $i$ not eem to hare hi migiving. 2?et them try an$ tro/b"e /- .e4"" ho.
them .hat .e4re ma$e o,.1
23e are ma$e o, b"oo$ an$ bone- in the image o, the +ather an$ the Mother-1 ai$ Septa
?emore. 2Make no vaing"orio/ boat- & beg yo/. 9ri$e i a grievo/ in. 7he tone men .ere
pro/$ a .e""- an$ the Shro/$e$ ?or$ .a pro/$et o, them a"".1
7he heat ,rom the g"o.ing coa" bro/ght a ,"/h to 7yrion4 ,ace. 2& there a Shro/$e$ ?or$6
Hr i he =/t ome ta"e61
27he Shro/$e$ ?or$ ha r/"e$ thee mit ince Garin4 $ay-1 ai$ Ean$ry. 2Some ay that he
hime", i Garin- rien ,rom hi .atery grave.1
27he $ea$ $o not rie-1 inite$ #a"$on #a",maeter- 2an$ no man "ive a tho/an$ year.
Ee- there i a Shro/$e$ ?or$. 7here have been a core o, them. 3hen one $ie another take hi
p"ace. 7hi one i a corair ,rom the Bai"ik &"an$ .ho be"ieve$ the Rhoyne .o/"$ o,,er richer
picking than the S/mmer Sea.1
2Aye- &4ve hear$ that too-1 ai$ 5/ck- 2b/t there4 another ta"e & "ike better. 7he one that ay
he4 not "ike t4other tone men- that he tarte$ a a tat/e ti"" a grey .oman came o/t o, the ,og
an$ kie$ him .ith "ip a co"$ a ice.1
20nough,1 ai$ Gri,,. 2Be A/iet- a"" o, yo/.1
Septa ?emore /cke$ in her breath. 2What was that61
23here61 7yrion a. nothing b/t the ,og. 2Something move$. & a. the .ater ripp"ing.1
2A t/rt"e-1 the prince anno/nce$ cheer,/""y. 2A big 4napper- that4 a"" it .a.1 #e thr/t hi
po"e o/t ahea$ o, them an$ p/he$ them a.ay ,rom a to.ering green obe"ik.
7he ,og c"/ng to them- $amp an$ chi""y. A /nken temp"e "oome$ /p o/t o, the greyne a
Ean$ry an$ 5/ck "eane$ /pon their po"e an$ pace$ "o."y ,rom pro. to tern- p/hing. 7hey
pae$ a marb"e tair that pira"e$ /p ,rom the m/$ an$ en$e$ =agge$"y in air. Beyon$- ha",(een-
.ere other hape' hattere$ pire- hea$"e tat/e- tree .ith root bigger than their boat.
27hi .a the mot bea/ti,/" city on the river- an$ the richet-1 ai$ Ean$ry. 2Chroyane- the
,etiva" city.1
#oo rich, tho/ght 7yrion- too beautiful+ It is neer wise to tempt the dragons+ 7he $ro.ne$
city .a a"" aro/n$ them. A ha",(een hape ,"appe$ by overhea$- pa"e "eathery .ing beating at
the ,og. 7he $.ar, crane$ hi hea$ aro/n$ to get a better "ook- b/t the thing .a gone a
/$$en"y a it ha$ appeare$.
Not "ong a,ter- another "ight ,"oate$ into vie.. 2Boat-1 a voice ca""e$ acro the .ater- ,aint"y.
23ho are yo/61
2Sh! *aid,1 Ean$ry ho/te$ back. 2,ingfisher+ Fp or $o.n61
25o.n. #i$e an$ honey- a"e an$ ta""o..1
2Fp. >nive an$ nee$"e- "ace an$ "inen- pice .ine.1
23hat .or$ ,rom o"$ %o"anti61 Ean$ry ca""e$. 23ar-1 the .or$ came back. 23here61 Gri,,
ho/te$. 23hen61
23hen the year t/rn-1 came the an.er- 2Nyeo an$ Ma"aA/o go han$ in han$- an$ the
e"ephant ho. tripe.1 7he voice ,a$e$ a the other boat move$ a.ay ,rom them. 7hey
.atche$ it "ight $.in$"e an$ $iappear.
2& it .ie to ho/t thro/gh the ,og at boat .e cannot ee61 ake$ 7yrion. 23hat i, they .ere
pirate61 7hey ha$ been ,ort/nate .here the pirate .ere concerne$- "ipping $o.n 5agger ?ake
by night- /neen an$ /nmo"ete$. Hnce 5/ck ha$ ca/ght a g"impe o, a h/"" that he inite$
be"onge$ to Frho the Fn.ahe$. 7he Sh! *aid ha$ been /p.in$- ho.ever- an$ Frho@i, Frho
it ha$ been@ha$ ho.n no interet in them.
27he pirate .i"" not ai" into the Sorro.-1 ai$ Ean$ry. 2C"ephant .ith tripe61 Gri,,
m/ttere$. 23hat i that abo/t6 Nyeo an$ Ma"aA/o6 &""yrio ha pai$ 7riarch Nyeo eno/gh
to o.n him eight time over.1
2&n go"$ or cheee61 A/ippe$ 7yrion.
Gri,, ro/n$e$ on him. 2Fn"e yo/ can c/t thi ,og .ith yo/r ne:t .itticim- keep it to
yo/re",.1
&es, Father, the $.ar, a"mot ai$. I/ll be 3uiet+ #hank !ou+ #e $i$ not kno. thee
%o"antene- yet it eeme$ to him that e"ephant an$ tiger might have goo$ reaon to make
common ca/e .hen ,ace$ .ith $ragon. *ight be the cheesemonger has mis9udged the
situation+ &ou can bu! a man with gold, but onl! blood and steel will keep him true+
7he "itt"e man tirre$ the coa" again an$ b"e. on them to make them b/rn brighter. I hate
this+ I hate this fog, I hate this place, and I am less than fond of 1riff+ 7yrion ti"" ha$ the poion
m/hroom he ha$ p"/cke$ ,rom the gro/n$ o, &""yrio4 mane- an$ there .ere $ay .hen he
.a ore tempte$ to "ip them into Gri,,4 /pper. 7he tro/b"e .a- Gri,, carce eeme$ to eat.
5/ck an$ Ean$ry p/he$ againt the po"e. Ei""a t/rne$ the ti""er. Eo/ng Gri,, p/he$ the
Sh! *aid a.ay ,rom a broken to.er .hoe .in$o. tare$ $o.n "ike b"in$ b"ack eye.
Hverhea$ her ai" h/ng "imp an$ heavy. 7he .ater $eepene$ /n$er her h/""- /nti" their po"e
co/"$ not to/ch bottom- b/t ti"" the c/rrent p/he$ them $o.ntream- /nti"8
A"" 7yrion co/"$ ee .a omething maive riing ,rom the river- h/mpe$ an$ omino/. #e
took it ,or a hi"" "ooming above a .oo$e$ i"an$- or ome co"oa" rock overgro.n .ith mo
an$ ,ern an$ hi$$en by the ,og. A the Sh! *aid $re. nearer- tho/gh- the hape o, it came
c"earer. A .oo$en keep co/"$ be een bei$e the .ater- rotte$ an$ overgro.n. S"en$er pire
took ,orm above it- ome o, them nappe$ o,, "ike broken pear. Roo,"e to.er appeare$ an$
$iappeare$- thr/ting b"in$"y /p.ar$. #a"" an$ ga""erie $ri,te$ pat' grace,/" b/ttree-
$e"icate arche- ,"/te$ co"/mn- terrace an$ bo.er.
A"" r/ine$- a"" $eo"ate- a"" ,a""en.
7he grey mo gre. thick"y here- covering the ,a""en tone in great mo/n$ an$ bear$ing a""
the to.er. B"ack vine crept in an$ o/t o, .in$o.- thro/gh $oor an$ over arch.ay- /p the
i$e o, high tone .a"". 7he ,og concea"e$ three(A/arter o, the pa"ace- b/t .hat they g"impe$
.a more than eno/gh ,or 7yrion to kno. that thi i"an$ ,atne ha$ been ten time the iGe o,
the Re$ >eep once an$ a h/n$re$ time more bea/ti,/". #e kne. .here he .a. 27he 9a"ace o,
?ove-1 he ai$ o,t"y.
27hat .a the Rhoynar name-1 ai$ #a"$on #a",maeter- 2b/t ,or a tho/an$ year thi ha
been the 9a"ace o, Sorro..1
7he r/in .a a$ eno/gh- b/t kno.ing .hat it ha$ been ma$e it even a$$er. #here was
laughter here once, 7yrion tho/ght. #here were gardens bright with flowers and fountains
sparkling golden in the sun+ #hese steps once rang to the sound of loers/ footsteps, and beneath
that broken dome marriages be!ond count were sealed with a kiss+ #i tho/ght t/rne$ to 7yha-
.ho ha$ o brie,"y been hi "a$y .i,e. It was -aime, he tho/ght- $epairing. 7e was m! own
blood, m! big strong brother+ When I was small he brought me to!s, barrel hoops and blocks
and a cared wooden lion+ 7e gae me m! first pon! and taught me how to ride him+ When he
said that he had bought !ou for me, I neer doubted him+ Wh! would I6 7e was -aime, and !ou
were 9ust some girl who/d pla!ed a part+ I had feared it from the start, from the moment !ou first
smiled at me and let me touch !our hand+ *! own father could not loe me+ Wh! would !ou if
not for gold6
7hro/gh the "ong grey ,inger o, the ,og- he hear$ again the $eep h/$$ering thrum o, a
bo.tring napping ta/t- the gr/nt ?or$ 7y.in ma$e a the A/arre" took him beneath the be""y-
the "ap o, cheek on tone a he at back $o.n to $ie. 23herever .hore go-1 he ai$. And
where is that6 7yrion .ante$ to ak him. Where did #!sha go, Father6 2#o. m/ch more o, thi
,og m/t .e en$/re61
2Another ho/r ho/"$ ee / c"ear o, the Sorro.-1 ai$ #a"$on #a",(maeter. 2+rom there on-
thi ho/"$ be a p"ea/re cr/ie. 7here4 a vi""age aro/n$ every ben$ a"ong the "o.er Rhoyne.
Hrchar$ an$ vineyar$ an$ ,ie"$ o, grain ripening in the /n- ,iher,o"k on the .ater- hot bath
an$ .eet .ine. Se"hory- %a"yar- an$ %o"on 7hery are .a""e$ to.n o "arge they .o/"$ be
citie in the Seven >ing$om. & be"ieve &4""@1
2?ight ahea$-1 .arne$ Eo/ng Gri,,.
7yrion a. it too. >ing,iher- or another poleboat, he to"$ hime",- b/t omeho. he kne.
that .a not right. #i noe itche$. #e cratche$ at it avage"y. 7he "ight gre. brighter a the Sh!
*aid approache$ it. A o,t tar in the $itance- it g"immere$ ,aint"y thro/gh the ,og- beckoning
them on. Short"y it became t.o "ight- then three' a ragge$ ro. o, beacon riing ,rom the .ater.
27he Bri$ge o, 5ream-1 Gri,, name$ it. 27here .i"" be tone men on the pan. Some may
tart to .ai" at o/r approach- b/t they are not "ike to mo"et /. Mot tone men are ,eeb"e
creat/re- c"/my- "/mbering- .it"e. Near the en$ they a"" go ma$- b/t that i .hen they are
mot $angero/. &, nee$ be- ,en$ them o,, .ith the torche. Hn no acco/nt "et them to/ch yo/.1
27hey may not even ee /-1 ai$ #a"$on #a",maeter. 27he ,og .i"" hi$e / ,rom them /nti"
.e are a"mot at the bri$ge- an$ then .e .i"" be pat be,ore they kno. that .e are here.1
Stone e!es are blind e!es, tho/ght 7yrion. 7he morta" ,orm o, greyca"e began in the
e:tremitie- he kne.' a ting"ing in a ,ingertip- a toenai" t/rning b"ack- a "o o, ,ee"ing. A the
n/mbne crept into the han$- or to"e pat the ,oot an$ /p the "eg- the ,"eh ti,,ene$ an$ gre.
co"$ an$ the victim4 kin took on a greyih h/e- reemb"ing tone. #e ha$ hear$ it ai$ that there
.ere three goo$ c/re ,or greyca"e' a:e an$ .or$ an$ c"eaver. #acking o,, a,,"icte$ part $i$
ometime top the prea$ o, the $ieae- 7yrion kne.- b/t not a".ay. Many a man ha$
acri,ice$ one arm or ,oot- on"y to ,in$ the other going grey. Hnce that happene$- hope .a gone.
B"in$ne .a common .hen the tone reache$ the ,ace. &n the ,ina" tage the c/re t/rne$
in.ar$- to m/c"e- bone- an$ inner organ.
Ahea$ o, them- the bri$ge gre. "arger. #he Bridge of Dream, Gri,, ca""e$ it- b/t thi $ream
.a mahe$ an$ broken. 9a"e tone arche marche$ o,, into the ,og- reaching ,rom the 9a"ace o,
Sorro. to the river4 .etern bank. #a", o, them ha$ co""ape$- p/""e$ $o.n by the .eight o, the
grey mo that $rape$ them an$ the thick b"ack vine that nake$ /p.ar$ ,rom the .ater. 7he
broa$ .oo$en pan o, the bri$ge ha$ rotte$ thro/gh- b/t ome o, the "amp that "ine$ the .ay
.ere ti"" ag"o.. A the Sh! *aid $re. c"oer- 7yrion co/"$ ee the hape o, tone men moving
in the "ight- h/,,"ing aim"e"y aro/n$ the "amp "ike "o. grey moth. Some .ere nake$- other
c"a$ in hro/$.
Gri,, $re. hi "ong.or$. 2Eo""o- "ight the torche. ?a$- take ?emore back to her cabin an$
tay .ith her.1
Eo/ng Gri,, gave hi ,ather a t/bborn "ook. 2?emore kno. .here her cabin i. & .ant to
tay.1
23e are .orn to protect yo/-1 ?emore ai$ o,t"y. 2& $on4t nee$ to be protecte$. & can /e a
.or$ a .e"" a 5/ck. &4m ha", a knight.1
2An$ ha", a boy-1 ai$ Gri,,. 25o a yo/ are to"$. No..1
7he yo/th c/re$ /n$er hi breath an$ ,"/ng hi po"e $o.n onto the $eck. 7he o/n$ echoe$
A/eer"y in the ,og- an$ ,or a moment it .a a i, po"e .ere ,a""ing aro/n$ them. 23hy ho/"$ &
r/n an$ hi$e6 #a"$on i taying- an$ Ei""a. Cven #/gor.1
2Aye-1 ai$ 7yrion- 2b/t &4m ma"" eno/gh to hi$e behin$ a $/ck.1 #e thr/t ha", a $oGen
torche into the braGier4 g"o.ing coa" an$ .atche$ the oi"e$ rag ,"are /p. Don/t stare at the
fire, he to"$ hime",. 7he ,"ame .o/"$ "eave him night b"in$.
2Eo/4re a dwarf,1 Eo/ng Gri,, ai$ corn,/""y. 2My ecret i revea"e$-1 7yrion agree$. 2Aye-
&4m "e than ha", o, #a"$on- an$ no one give a m/mmer4 ,art .hether & "ive or $ie.1 "east of
all me+ 2Eo/- tho/gh8 yo/ are everything.1
25.ar,-1 ai$ Gri,,- 2& .arne$ yo/@1
A .ai" came hivering thro/gh the ,og- ,aint an$ high.
?emore .hir"e$- tremb"ing. 2Seven ave / a"".1
7he broken bri$ge .a a bare ,ive yar$ ahea$. Aro/n$ it pier- the .ater ripp"e$ .hite a
the ,oam ,rom a ma$man4 mo/th. +orty ,eet above- the tone men moane$ an$ m/ttere$
beneath a ,"ickering "amp. Mot took no more notice o, the Sh! *aid than o, a $ri,ting "og.
7yrion c"/tche$ hi torch tighter an$ ,o/n$ that he .a ho"$ing hi breath. An$ then they .ere
beneath the bri$ge- .hite .a"" heavy .ith c/rtain o, grey ,/ng/ "ooming to either i$e- .ater
,oaming angri"y aro/n$ them. +or a moment it "ooke$ a tho/gh they might crah into the right(
han$ pier- b/t 5/ck raie$ hi po"e an$ hove$ o,,- back into the center o, the channe"- an$ a ,e.
heartbeat "ater they .ere c"ear.
7yrion ha$ no ooner e:ha"e$ than Eo/ng Gri,, grabbe$ ho"$ o, hi arm. 23hat $o yo/
mean6 & am eer!thing6 3hat $i$ yo/ mean by that6 3hy am & everything61
23hy-1 ai$ 7yrion- 2i, the tone men ha$ taken Ean$ry or Gri,, or o/r "ove"y ?emore- .e
.o/"$ have grieve$ ,or them an$ gone on. ?oe !ou, an$ thi .ho"e enterprie i /n$one- an$ a""
thoe year o, ,everih p"otting by the cheeemonger an$ the e/n/ch .i"" have been ,or na/ght8
in4t that o61
7he boy "ooke$ to Gri,,. 2#e kno. .ho & am.1
If I did not know before, I would now+ By then the Sh! *aid .a .e"" $o.ntream o, the
Bri$ge o, 5ream. A"" that remaine$ .a a $.in$"ing "ight atern- an$ oon eno/gh that .o/"$ be
gone a .e"". 2Eo/4re Eo/ng Gri,,- on o, Gri,, the e"".or$-1 ai$ 7yrion. 2Hr perhap yo/ are
the 3arrior in morta" g/ie. ?et me take a c"oer "ook.1 #e he"$ /p hi torch- o that the "ight
.ahe$ over Eo/ng Gri,,4 ,ace.
2?eave o,,-1 Gri,, comman$e$- 2or yo/ .i"" .ih yo/ ha$.1
7he $.ar, ignore$ him. 27he b"/e hair make yo/r eye eem b"/e- that4 goo$. An$ the ta"e
o, ho. yo/ co"or it in honor o, yo/r $ea$ 7yrohi mother .a o to/ching it a"mot ma$e me
cry. Sti""- a c/rio/ man might .on$er .hy ome e"".or$4 .he"p .o/"$ nee$ a oi"e$ epta to
intr/ct him in the +aith- or a chain"e maeter to t/tor him in hitory an$ tong/e. An$ a c"ever
man might A/etion .hy yo/r ,ather .o/"$ engage a he$ge knight to train yo/ in arm intea$ o,
imp"y en$ing yo/ o,, to apprentice .ith one o, the ,ree companie. &t i a"mot a i, omeone
.ante$ to keep yo/ hi$$en .hi"t ti"" preparing yo/ ,or8 .hat6 No.- there4 a p/GG"ement- b/t
&4m /re that in time it .i"" come to me. & m/t a$mit- yo/ have nob"e ,eat/re ,or a $ea$ boy.1
7he boy ,"/he$. 2I am not dead+1
2#o. not6 My "or$ ,ather .rappe$ yo/r corpe in a crimon c"oak an$ "ai$ yo/ $o.n bei$e
yo/r iter at the ,oot o, the &ron 7hrone- hi gi,t to the ne. king. 7hoe .ho ha$ the tomach to
"i,t the c"oak ai$ that ha", yo/r hea$ .a gone.1
7he "a$ backe$ o,, a tep- con,/e$. 2Eo/r@61
2@father, aye. 7y.in o, #o/e ?anniter. 9erhap yo/ may have hear$ o, him.1
Eo/ng Gri,, heitate$. 2"annister6 Eo/r ,ather@1
2@i $ea$. At my han$. &, it p"eae Eo/r Grace to ca"" me Eo""o or #/gor- o be it- b/t kno.
that & .a born 7yrion o, #o/e ?anniter- tr/e(born on o, 7y.in an$ !oanna- both o, .hom &
"e.. Men .i"" te"" yo/ that & am a king"ayer- a kin"ayer- an$ a "iar- an$ a"" o, that i tr/e8 b/t
then- .e are a company o, "iar- are .e not6 7ake yo/r ,eigne$ ,ather. 1riff, i it61 7he $.ar,
niggere$. 2Eo/ ho/"$ thank the go$ that %ary the Spi$er i a part o, thi p"ot o, yo/r. 1riff
.o/"$ not have ,oo"e$ the cock"e .on$er ,or an intant- no more than it $i$ me. 2o lord, my
"or$hip ay- no knight+ An$ &4m no $.ar,. !/t aying a thing $oe not make it tr/e. 3ho better
to raie 9rince Rhaegar4 in,ant on than 9rince Rhaegar4 $ear ,rien$ !on Connington- once
?or$ o, Gri,,in4 Root an$ #an$ o, the >ing61
2Be A/iet.1 Gri,,4 voice .a /neay.
Hn the "arboar$ i$e o, the boat- a h/ge tone han$ .a viib"e =/t be"o. the .ater. 7.o
,inger broke the /r,ace. 7ow man! of those are there6 7yrion .on$ere$. A trick"e o, moit/re
ran $o.n hi pine an$ ma$e him h/$$er. 7he Sorro. $ri,te$ by them. 9eering thro/gh the
mit- he g"impe$ a broken pire- a hea$"e hero- an ancient tree torn ,rom the gro/n$ an$
/pen$e$- it h/ge root t.iting thro/gh the roo, an$ .in$o. o, a broken $ome. Wh! does all
of this seem so familiar6
Straight on- a ti"te$ tair.ay o, pa"e marb"e roe /p o/t o, the $ark .ater in a grace,/" pira"-
en$ing abr/pt"y ten ,eet above their hea$. 2o, tho/ght 7yrion- that is not possible+
2Ahea$.1 ?emore4 voice .a hivery. 2A "ight.1
A"" o, them "ooke$. A"" o, them a. it. 2,ingfisher,1 ai$ Gri,,. 2#er- or ome other "ike her.1
B/t he $re. hi .or$ again.
No one ai$ a .or$. 7he Sh! *aid move$ .ith the c/rrent. #er ai" ha$ not been raie$ ince
he ,irt entere$ the Sorro.. She ha$ no .ay to move b/t .ith the river. 5/ck too$ A/inting-
c"/tching hi po"e .ith both han$. A,ter a time even Ean$ry toppe$ p/hing. Cvery eye .a on
the $itant "ight. A they gre. c"oer- it t/rne$ into t.o "ight. 7hen three.
27he Bri$ge o, 5ream-1 ai$ 7yrion. 2&nconceivab"e-1 ai$ #a"$on #a",maeter. 23e4ve "e,t
the bri$ge behin$. River on"y r/n one .ay.1
2Mother Rhoyne r/n ho. he .i""-1 m/rm/re$ Ean$ry. 2Seven ave /-1 ai$ ?emore.
Fp ahea$- the tone men on the pan began to .ai". A ,e. .ere pointing $o.n at them.
2#a"$on- get the prince be"o.-1 comman$e$ Gri,,.
&t .a too "ate. 7he c/rrent ha$ them in it teeth. 7hey $ri,te$ ine:orab"y to.ar$ the bri$ge.
Ean$ry tabbe$ o/t .ith hi po"e to keep them ,rom mahing into a pier. 7he thr/t hove$
them i$e.ay- thro/gh a c/rtain o, pa"e grey mo. 7yrion ,e"t ten$ri" br/h againt hi ,ace-
o,t a a .hore4 ,inger. 7hen there .a a crah behin$ him- an$ the $eck ti"te$ o /$$en"y that
he a"mot "ot hi ,eet an$ .ent pitching over the i$e.
A tone man crahe$ $o.n into the boat.
#e "an$e$ on the cabin roo,- o heavi"y that the Sh! *aid eeme$ to rock- an$ roare$ a .or$
$o.n at them in a tong/e that 7yrion $i$ not kno.. A econ$ tone man ,o""o.e$- "an$ing back
bei$e the ti""er. 7he .eathere$ p"ank p"intere$ beneath the impact- an$ Ei""a "et o/t a hriek.
5/ck .a c"oet to her. 7he big man $i$ not .ate time reaching ,or hi .or$. &ntea$ he
./ng hi po"e- "amming it into the tone man4 chet an$ knocking him o,, the boat into the
river- .here he ank at once .itho/t a o/n$.
Gri,, .a on the econ$ man the intant he hamb"e$ $o.n o,, the cabin roo,. 3ith a .or$ in
hi right han$ an$ a torch in hi "e,t- he $rove the creat/re back.ar$. A the c/rrent .ept the
Sh! *aid beneath the bri$ge- their hi,ting ha$o. $ance$ /pon the moy .a"". 3hen the
tone man move$ a,t- 5/ck b"ocke$ hi .ay- po"e in han$. 3hen he .ent ,or.ar$- #a"$on
#a",maeter .ave$ a econ$ torch at him an$ $rove him back. #e ha$ no choice b/t to come
traight at Gri,,. 7he captain "i$ ai$e- hi b"a$e ,"ahing. A park ,"e. .here the tee" bit into
the tone man4 ca"ci,ie$ grey ,"eh- b/t hi arm t/mb"e$ to the $eck a"" the ame. Gri,, kicke$
the "imb ai$e. Ean$ry an$ 5/ck ha$ come /p .ith their po"e. 7ogether they ,orce$ the creat/re
over the i$e an$ into the b"ack .ater o, the Rhoyne.
By then the Sh! *aid ha$ $ri,te$ o/t ,rom /n$er the broken bri$ge. 25i$ .e get them a""61
ake$ 5/ck. 2#o. many =/mpe$61
27.o-1 ai$ 7yrion- hivering. 27hree-1 ai$ #a"$on. 2Behin$ yo/.1
7he $.ar, t/rne$- an$ there he too$.
7he "eap ha$ hattere$ one o, hi "eg- an$ a =agge$ piece o, pa"e bone =/tte$ o/t thro/gh the
rotte$ c"oth o, hi breeche an$ the grey meat beneath. 7he broken bone .a peck"e$ .ith
bro.n b"oo$- b/t ti"" he "/rche$ ,or.ar$- reaching ,or Eo/ng Gri,,. #i han$ .a grey an$ ti,,-
b/t b"oo$ ooGe$ bet.een hi kn/ck"e a he trie$ to c"oe hi ,inger to grap. 7he boy too$
taring- a ti"" a i, he too .ere ma$e o, tone. #i han$ .a on hi .or$ hi"t- b/t he eeme$ to
have ,orgotten .hy.
7yrion kicke$ the "a$4 "eg o/t ,rom /n$er him an$ "eapt over him .hen he ,e""- thr/ting hi
torch into the tone man4 ,ace to en$ him t/mb"ing back.ar$ on hi hattere$ "eg- ,"ai"ing at
the ,"ame .ith ti,, grey han$. 7he $.ar, .a$$"e$ a,ter him- "ahing .ith the torch- =abbing it
at the tone man4 eye. A little farther+ Back, one more step, another+ 7hey .ere at the e$ge o,
the $eck .hen the creat/re r/he$ him- grabbe$ the torch- an$ rippe$ it ,rom hi han$. Bugger
me, tho/ght 7yrion.
7he tone man ,"/ng the torch a.ay. 7here .a a o,t hiss a the b"ack .ater A/enche$ the
,"ame. 7he tone man ho."e$. #e ha$ been a S/mmer &"an$er- be,oreI hi =a. an$ ha", hi
cheek ha$ t/rne$ to tone- b/t hi kin .a b"ack a mi$night .here it .a not grey. 3here he
ha$ grape$ the torch- hi kin ha$ cracke$ an$ p"it. B"oo$ .a eeping ,rom hi kn/ck"e
tho/gh he $i$ not eem to ,ee" it. 7hat .a ome ma"" mercy- 7yrion /ppoe$. 7ho/gh morta"-
greyca"e .a /ppoe$"y not pain,/".
2Stand aside;1 omeone ho/te$- ,ar a.ay- an$ another voice ai$- 27he prince0 9rotect the
boy01 7he tone man taggere$ ,or.ar$- hi han$ o/ttretche$ an$ graping.
7yrion $rove a ho/"$er into him.
&t ,e"t "ike "amming into a cat"e .a""- b/t thi cat"e too$ /pon a hattere$ "eg. 7he tone
man .ent over back.ar$- grabbing ho"$ o, 7yrion a he ,e"". 7hey hit the river .ith a to.ering
p"ah- an$ Mother Rhoyne .a""o.e$ /p the t.o o, them.
7he /$$en co"$ hit 7yrion "ike a hammer. A he ank he ,e"t a tone han$ ,/mb"ing at hi
,ace. Another c"oe$ aro/n$ hi arm- $ragging him $o.n into $arkne. B"in$- hi noe ,/"" o,
river- choking- inking- he kicke$ an$ t.ite$ an$ ,o/ght to pry the c"/tching ,inger o,, hi arm-
b/t the tone ,inger .ere /nyie"$ing. Air b/bb"e$ ,rom hi "ip. 7he .or"$ .a b"ack an$
gro.ing b"acker. #e co/"$ not breathe.
#here are worse wa!s to die than drowning+ An$ i, tr/th be to"$- he ha$ perihe$ "ong ago-
back in >ing4 ?an$ing. &t .a on"y hi revenant .ho remaine$- the ma"" venge,/" ghot .ho
thrott"e$ Shae an$ p/t a cro(bo. bo"t thro/gh the great ?or$ 7y.in4 bo.e". No man .o/"$
mo/rn the thing that he4$ become. I/ll haunt the Seen ,ingdoms, he tho/ght- inking $eeper.
#he! would not loe me liing, so let them dread me dead+
3hen he opene$ hi mo/th to c/re them a""- b"ack .ater ,i""e$ hi "/ng- an$ the $ark c"oe$
in aro/n$ him.
0ai2e
&or$ 7y.in ?anniter ha$ entere$ the city on a ta""ion- hi ename"e$ crimon armor po"ihe$
an$ g"eaming- bright .ith gem an$ go"$.ork. #e "e,t it in a ta"" .agon $rape$ .ith crimon
banner- .ith i: i"ent iter ri$ing atten$ance on hi bone.
7he ,/nera" proceion $eparte$ >ing4 ?an$ing thro/gh the Gate o, the Go$- .i$er an$
more p"en$i$ than the ?ion Gate. 7he choice ,e"t .rong to !aime. #i ,ather ha$ been a "ion-
that no one co/"$ $eny- b/t even ?or$ 7y.in never c"aime$ to be a go$.
An honor g/ar$ o, ,i,ty knight /rro/n$e$ ?or$ 7y.in4 .agon- crimon pennon ,"/ttering
,rom their "ance. 7he "or$ o, the .et ,o""o.e$ c"oe behin$ them. 7he .in$ nappe$ at their
banner- making their charge $ance an$ ,"/tter. A he trotte$ /p the co"/mn- !aime pae$
boar- ba$ger- an$ beet"e- a green arro. an$ a re$ o:- croe$ ha"ber$- croe$ pear- a
treecat- a tra.berry- a ma/nch- ,o/r /nb/rt co/nterchange$.
?or$ Bra: .a .earing a pa"e grey $o/b"et "ahe$ .ith c"oth(o,(i"ver- an amethyt /nicorn
pinne$ above hi heart. ?or$ !at .a armore$ in b"ack tee"- three go"$ "ion4 hea$ in"ai$ on hi
breatp"ate. 7he r/mor o, hi $eath ha$ not been ,ar .rong- to "ook at himI .o/n$ an$
imprionment ha$ "e,t him a ha$o. o, the man he4$ been. ?or$ Bane,ort ha$ .eathere$ batt"e
better- an$ "ooke$ rea$y to ret/rn to .ar at once. 9"/mm .ore p/rp"e- 9reter ermine- More"an$
r/et an$ green- b/t each ha$ $onne$ a c"oak o, crimon i"k- in honor o, the man they .ere
ecorting home.
Behin$ the "or$ came a h/n$re$ crobo.men an$ three h/n$re$ men(at(arm- an$ crimon
,"o.e$ ,rom their ho/"$er a .e"". &n hi .hite c"oak an$ .hite ca"e armor- !aime ,e"t o/t o,
p"ace amongt that river o, re$.
Nor $i$ hi /nc"e make him more at eae. 2?or$ Comman$er-1 Ser >evan ai$- .hen !aime
trotte$ /p bei$e him at the hea$ o, the co"/mn. 25oe #er Grace have ome "at comman$ ,or
me61
2& am not here ,or Cerei.1 A $r/m began to beat behin$ them- "o.- mea/re$- ,/nerea".
Dead, it eeme$ to ay- dead, dead+ 2& came to make my ,are.e"". #e .a my ,ather.1
2An$ her.1
2& am not Cerei. & have a bear$- an$ he ha breat. &, yo/ are ti"" con,/e$- n/nc"e- co/nt
o/r han$. Cerei ha t.o.1
2Both o, yo/ have a tate ,or mockery-1 hi /nc"e ai$. 2Spare me yo/r =ape- er- & have no
tate ,or them.1
2A yo/ .i"".1 #his is not going as well as I might hae hoped+ 2Cerei .o/"$ have .ante$ to
ee yo/ o,,- b/t he ha many preing $/tie.1
Ser >evan norte$. 2So $o .e a"". #o. ,are yo/r king61 #i tone ma$e the A/etion a
reproach.
23e"" eno/gh-1 !aime ai$ $e,enive"y. 2Ba"on S.ann i .ith him $/ring the morning. A
goo$ an$ va"iant knight.1
2Hnce that .ent .itho/t aying .hen men poke o, thoe .ho .ore the .hite c"oak.1
2o man can choose his brothers, !aime tho/ght. 1ie me leae to pick m! own men, and the
,ingsguard will be great again+ 9/t that ba"$"y- tho/gh- it o/n$e$ ,eeb"eI an empty boat ,rom a
man the rea"m ca""e$ >ing"ayer. A man with shit for honor+ !aime "et it go. #e ha$ not come to
arg/e .ith hi /nc"e. 2Ser-1 he ai$- 2yo/ nee$ to make yo/r peace .ith Cerei.1
2Are .e at .ar6 No one to"$ me.1
!aime ignore$ that. 2Stri,e bet.een ?anniter an$ ?anniter can on"y he"p the enemie o, o/r
#o/e.1
2&, there i tri,e- it .i"" not be my $oing. Cerei .ant to r/"e. 3e"" an$ goo$. 7he rea"m i
her. A"" & ak i to be "e,t in peace. My p"ace i at 5arry .ith my on. 7he cat"e m/t nee$ be
retore$- the "an$ p"ante$ an$ protecte$.1 #e gave a bark o, bitter "a/ghter. 2An$ yo/r iter ha
"e,t me "itt"e e"e to occ/py my time. & ha$ a .e"" ee ?ance" .e$. #i bri$e ha gro.n
impatient .aiting ,or / to make o/r .ay to 5arry.1
7is widow from the #wins+ #i co/in ?ance" .a ri$ing ten yar$ behin$ them. 3ith hi
ho""o. eye an$ $ry .hite hair- he "ooke$ o"$er than ?or$ !at. !aime co/"$ ,ee" hi phantom
,inger itching at the ight o, him 8fucking "ancel and Osmund ,ettleblack and *oon Bo! for
all I know8 #e ha$ trie$ to peak .ith ?ance" more time than he co/"$ co/nt- b/t never ,o/n$
him a"one. &, hi ,ather .a not .ith him- ome epton .a. 7e ma! be ,ean/s son, but he has
milk in his eins+ #!rion was l!ing to me+ 7is words were meant to wound+
!aime p/t hi co/in ,rom hi tho/ght an$ t/rne$ back to hi /nc"e. 23i"" yo/ remain at
5arry a,ter the .e$$ing61
2+or a .hi"e- mayhap. San$or C"egane i rai$ing a"ong the 7ri$ent- it .o/"$ eem. Eo/r
iter .ant hi hea$. &t may be that he ha =oine$ 5on$arrion.1
!aime ha$ hear$ abo/t Sa"tpan. By no. ha", the rea"m ha$ hear$. 7he rai$ ha$ been
e:ceptiona""y avage. 3omen rape$ an$ m/ti"ate$- chi"$ren b/tchere$ in their mother4 arm-
ha", the to.n p/t to the torch. 2Ran$y"" 7ar"y i at Mai$enpoo". ?et him $ea" .ith the o/t"a.. &
.o/"$ ooner have yo/ go to Riverr/n.1
2Ser 5aven ha comman$ there. 7he 3ar$en o, the 3et. #e ha no nee$ o, me. ?ance"
$oe.1
2A yo/ ay- /nc"e.1 !aime4 hea$ .a po/n$ing to the ame beat a the $r/m. Dead, dead,
dead+ 2Eo/ .o/"$ $o .e"" to keep yo/r knight aro/n$ yo/.1
#i /nc"e gave him a coo" tare. 2& that a threat- er61
A threat6 7he /ggetion took him aback. 2A ca/tion. & on"y meant8 San$or i $angero/.1
2& .a hanging o/t"a. an$ robber knight .hen yo/ .ere ti"" hitting in yo/r .a$$"ing
c"othe. & am not "ike to go o,, an$ ,ace C"egane an$ 5on$arrion by mye",- i, that i .hat yo/
,ear- er. Not every ?anniter i a ,oo" ,or g"ory.1
Wh!, nuncle, I beliee !ou are talking about me+ 2A$$am Marbran$ co/"$ $ea" .ith thee
o/t"a. =/t a .e"" a yo/. So co/"$ Bra:- Bane,ort- 9"/mm- any o, thee other. B/t none
.o/"$ make a goo$ >ing4 #an$.1
2Eo/r iter kno. my term. 7hey have not change$. 7e"" her that- the ne:t time yo/ are in
her be$chamber.1 Ser >evan p/t hi hee" into hi co/rer an$ ga""ope$ ahea$- p/tting an abr/pt
en$ to their converation.
!aime "et him go- hi miing .or$ han$ t.itching. #e ha$ hope$ againt hope that Cerei
ha$ omeho. mi/n$ertoo$- b/t p"ain"y that .a .rong. 7e knows about the two of us+ About
#ommen and *!rcella+ And %ersei knows he knows+ Ser >evan .a a ?anniter o, Cater"y
Rock. #e co/"$ not be"ieve that he .o/"$ ever $o him harm- b/t8 I was wrong about #!rion,
wh! not about %ersei6 3hen on .ere ki""ing ,ather- .hat .a there to top a niece ,rom
or$ering an /nc"e "ain6 An inconenient uncle, who knows too much+ 7ho/gh perhap Cerei
.a hoping that the #o/n$ might $o her .ork ,or her. &, San$or C"egane c/t $o.n Ser >evan-
he .o/"$ not nee$ to b"oo$y her o.n han$. And he will, if the! should meet+ >evan ?anniter
ha$ once been a to/t man .ith a .or$- b/t he .a no "onger yo/ng- an$ the #o/n$8
7he co"/mn ha$ ca/ght /p to him. A hi co/in ro$e pat- ,"anke$ by hi t.o epton- !aime
ca""e$ o/t to him. 2?ance". CoG. & .ante$ to congrat/"ate yo/ /pon yo/r marriage. & on"y regret
that my $/tie $o not permit me to atten$.1
2#i Grace m/t be protecte$.1
2An$ .i"" be. Sti""- & hate to mi yo/r be$$ing. &t i yo/r ,irt marriage an$ her econ$- &
/n$ertan$. &4m /re my "a$y .i"" be p"eae$ to ho. yo/ .hat goe .here.1
7he ba.$y remark $re. a "a/gh ,rom evera" nearby "or$ an$ a $iapproving "ook ,rom
?ance"4 epton. #i co/in A/irme$ /ncom,ortab"y in the a$$"e. 2& kno. eno/gh to $o my
$/ty a a h/ban$- er.1
27hat4 =/t the thing a bri$e .ant on her .e$$ing night-1 ai$ !aime. 2A h/ban$ .ho
kno. ho. to $o hi dut!+1
A ,"/h crept /p ?ance"4 cheek. 2& pray ,or yo/- co/in. An$ ,or #er Grace the A/een. May
the Crone "ea$ her to her .i$om an$ the 3arrior $e,en$ her.1
23hy .o/"$ Cerei nee$ the 3arrior6 She ha me.1 !aime t/rne$ hi hore abo/t- hi .hite
c"oak napping in the .in$. #he Imp was l!ing+ %ersei would sooner hae )obert/s corpse
between her legs than a pious fool like "ancel+ #!rion, !ou eil bastard, !ou should hae lied
about someone more likel!+ #e ga""ope$ pat hi "or$ ,ather4 ,/nera" .ayn to.ar$ the city in the
$itance.
7he treet o, >ing4 ?an$ing eeme$ a"mot $eerte$ a !aime ?anniter ma$e hi .ay back
to the Re$ >eep atop Aegon4 #igh #i"". 7he o"$ier .ho ha$ cro.$e$ the city4 gamb"ing $en
an$ pot hop .ere "arge"y gone no.. Gar"an the Ga""ant ha$ taken ha", the 7yre"" trength back
to #ighgar$en- an$ hi "a$y mother an$ gran$mother ha$ gone .ith him. 7he other ha", ha$
marche$ o/th .ith Mace 7yre"" an$ Mathi Ro.an to invet Storm4 Cn$.
A ,or the ?anniter hot- t.o tho/an$ eaone$ veteran remaine$ encampe$ o/ti$e the
city .a""- a.aiting the arriva" o, 9a:ter Re$.yne4 ,"eet to carry them acro B"ack.ater Bay to
5ragontone. ?or$ Stanni appeare$ to have "e,t on"y a ma"" garrion behin$ him .hen he ai"e$
north- o t.o tho/an$ men .o/"$ be more than /,,icient- Cerei ha$ =/$ge$.
7he ret o, the .etermen ha$ gone back to their .ive an$ chi"$ren- to reb/i"$ their home-
p"ant their ,ie"$- an$ bring in one "at harvet. Cerei ha$ taken 7ommen ro/n$ their camp
be,ore they marche$- to "et them cheer their "itt"e king. She ha$ never "ooke$ more bea/ti,/" than
he $i$ that $ay- .ith a mi"e on her "ip an$ the a/t/mn /n"ight hining on her go"$en hair.
3hatever e"e one might ay abo/t hi iter- he $i$ kno. ho. to make men "ove her .hen he
care$ eno/gh to try.
A !aime trotte$ thro/gh the cat"e gate- he came /pon t.o $oGen knight ri$ing at a A/intain
in the o/ter yar$. Something else I can no longer do, he tho/ght. A "ance .a heavier an$ more
c/mberome than a .or$- an$ .or$ .ere proving tria" eno/gh. #e /ppoe$ he might try
ho"$ing the "ance .ith hi "e,t han$- b/t that .o/"$ mean hi,ting hi hie"$ to hi right arm. &n a
ti"t- a man4 ,oe .a a".ay to the "e,t. A hie"$ on hi right arm .o/"$ prove abo/t a /e,/" a
nipp"e on hi breatp"ate. 2o, m! 9ousting da!s are done, he tho/ght a he $imo/nte$8 b/t a""
the ame- he toppe$ to .atch a .hi"e.
Ser 7a""a$ the 7a"" "ot hi mo/nt .hen the an$bag came aro/n$ an$ th/mpe$ him in the
hea$. Strongboar tr/ck the hie"$ o har$ he cracke$ it. >enno o, >ayce ,inihe$ the
$etr/ction. A ne. hie"$ .a h/ng ,or Ser 5ermot o, the Rain.oo$. ?ambert 7/rnberry on"y
tr/ck a g"ancing b"o.- b/t Bear$"e !on Bett"ey- #/m,rey S.y,t- an$ A"yn Stackpear a""
core$ o"i$ hit- an$ Re$ Ronnet Connington broke hi "ance c"ean. 7hen the >night o, +"o.er
mo/nte$ /p an$ p/t the other a"" to hame.
!o/ting .a three(A/arter horemanhip- !aime ha$ a".ay be"ieve$. Ser ?ora ro$e
/perb"y- an$ han$"e$ a "ance a i, he4$ been born ho"$ing one8 .hich no $o/bt acco/nte$ ,or
hi mother4 pinche$ e:preion. 7e puts the point 9ust where he means to put it, and seems to
hae the balance of a cat+ $erhaps it was not such a fluke that he unhorsed me+ &t .a a hame
that he .o/"$ never have the chance to try the boy again. #e "e,t the .ho"e men to their port.
Cerei .a in her o"ar in Maegor4 #o"$,at- .ith 7ommen an$ ?or$ Merry.eather4 $ark(
haire$ Myrih .i,e. 7he three o, them .ere "a/ghing at Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e. 25i$ & mi
ome c"ever =ape61 !aime ai$- a he hove$ thro/gh the $oor.
2Hh- "ook-1 p/rre$ ?a$y Merry.eather- 2yo/r brave brother ha ret/rne$- Eo/r Grace.1
2Mot o, him.1 7he A/een .a in her c/p- !aime rea"iGe$. H, "ate- Cerei a".ay eeme$ to
have a ,"agon o, .ine to han$- he .ho ha$ once corne$ Robert Baratheon ,or hi $rinking. #e
mi"ike$ that- b/t thee $ay he eeme$ to mi"ike everything hi iter $i$. 2Gran$ Maeter-1
he ai$- 2hare the ti$ing .ith the ?or$ Comman$er- i, yo/ .o/"$.1
9yce""e "ooke$ $eperate"y /ncom,ortab"e. 27here ha been a bir$-1 he ai$. 2+rom
Stoke.orth. ?a$y 7an$a en$ .or$ that her $a/ghter ?o""y ha been $e"ivere$ o, a trong-
hea"thy on.1
2An$ yo/ .i"" never g/e .hat they have name$ the "itt"e batar$- brother.1
27hey .ante$ to name him 7y.in- & reca"".1
2Ee- b/t & ,orba$e it. & to"$ +a"ye that & .o/"$ not have o/r ,ather4 nob"e name beto.e$
/pon the i""(gotten pa.n o, ome pig boy an$ a ,eeb"e(.itte$ o..1
2?a$y Stoke.orth init the chi"$4 name .a not her $oing-1 Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e p/t in.
9erpiration $otte$ hi .rink"e$ ,orehea$. 2?o""y4 h/ban$ ma$e the choice- he .rite. 7hi
man Bronn- he8 it .o/"$ eem that he81
27yrion-1 vent/re$ !aime. 2#e name$ the chi"$ #!rion+1
7he o"$ man gave a trem/"o/ no$- mopping at hi bro. .ith the "eeve o, hi robe.
!aime ha$ to "a/gh. 27here yo/ are- .eet iter. Eo/ have been "ooking every.here ,or
7yrion- an$ a"" the time he4 been hi$ing in ?o""y4 .omb.1
25ro"". Eo/ an$ Bronn are both o $ro"". No $o/bt the batar$ i /cking on one o, ?o""y
?ack.it4 $/g even a .e peak- .hi"t thi e"".or$ "ook on- mirking at hi "itt"e ino"ence.1
29erhap thi chi"$ bear ome reemb"ance to yo/r brother-1 /ggete$ ?a$y Merry.eather.
2#e might have been born $e,orme$- or .itho/t a noe.1 She "a/ghe$ a throaty "a/gh.
23e ha"" have to en$ the $ar"ing boy a gi,t-1 the A/een $ec"are$. 23on4t .e- 7ommen61
23e co/"$ en$ him a kitten.1
2A "ion c/b-1 ai$ ?a$y Merry.eather. #o rip his little throat out, her mi"e /ggete$.
2& ha$ a $i,,erent ort o, gi,t in min$-1 ai$ Cerei.
A new stepfather, most like+ !aime kne. the "ook in hi iter4 eye. #e ha$ een it be,ore-
mot recent"y on the night o, 7ommen4 .e$$ing- .hen he b/rne$ the 7o.er o, the #an$. 7he
green "ight o, the .i"$,ire ha$ bathe$ the ,ace o, the .atcher- o they "ooke$ "ike nothing o
m/ch a rotting corpe- a pack o, g"ee,/" gho/"- b/t ome o, the corpe .ere prettier than
other. Cven in the ba"e,/" g"o.- Cerei ha$ been bea/ti,/" to "ook /pon. She4$ too$ .ith one
han$ on her breat- her "ip parte$- her green eye hining. She is cr!ing, !aime ha$ rea"iGe$- b/t
.hether it .a ,rom grie, or ectay he co/"$ not have ai$.
7he ight ha$ ,i""e$ him .ith $iA/iet- remin$ing him o, Aery 7argaryen an$ the .ay a
b/rning .o/"$ aro/e him. A king ha no ecret ,rom hi >ingg/ar$. Re"ation bet.een Aery
an$ hi A/een ha$ been traine$ $/ring the "at year o, hi reign. 7hey "ept apart an$ $i$ their
bet to avoi$ each other $/ring the .aking ho/r. B/t .henever Aery gave a man to the ,"ame-
D/een Rhae""a .o/"$ have a viitor in the night. 7he $ay he b/rne$ hi mace(an$($agger #an$-
!aime an$ !on 5arry ha$ too$ at g/ar$ o/ti$e her be$chamber .hi"t the king took hi
p"ea/re. 2Eo/4re h/rting me-1 they ha$ hear$ Rhae""a cry thro/gh the oaken $oor. 2Eo/4re
hurting me.1 &n ome A/eer .ay- that ha$ been .ore than ?or$ Che"te$4 creaming. 23e are
.orn to protect her a .e""-1 !aime ha$ ,ina""y been $riven to ay. 23e are-1 5arry a""o.e$-
2b/t not ,rom him.1
!aime ha$ on"y een Rhae""a once a,ter that- the morning o, the $ay he "e,t ,or 5ragontone.
7he A/een ha$ been c"oake$ an$ hoo$e$ a he c"imbe$ ini$e the roya" .hee"ho/e that .o/"$
take her $o.n Aegon4 #igh #i"" to the .aiting hip- b/t he hear$ her mai$ .hipering a,ter he
.a gone. 7hey ai$ the A/een "ooke$ a i, ome beat ha$ avage$ her- c"a.ing at her thigh
an$ che.ing on her breat. A crowned beast, !aime kne..
By the en$ the Ma$ >ing ha$ become o ,ear,/" that he .o/"$ a""o. no b"a$e in hi preence-
ave ,or the .or$ hi >ingg/ar$ .ore. #i bear$ .a matte$ an$ /n.ahe$- hi hair a i"ver(
go"$ tang"e that reache$ hi .ait- hi ,ingernai" cracke$ ye""o. c"a. nine inche "ong. Eet ti""
the b"a$e tormente$ him- the one he co/"$ never ecape- the b"a$e o, the &ron 7hrone. #i
arm an$ "eg .ere a".ay covere$ .ith cab an$ ha",(hea"e$ c/t.
"et him be king oer charred bones and cooked meat, !aime remembere$- t/$ying hi iter4
mi"e. "et him be the king of ashes+ 2Eo/r Grace-1 he ai$- 2might .e have a private .or$61
2A yo/ .ih. 7ommen- it i pat time yo/ ha$ yo/r "eon ,or the $ay. Go .ith the Gran$
Maeter.1
2Ee- Mother. 3e are "earning abo/t Bae"or the B"ee$.1
?a$y Merry.eather took her "eave a .e""- kiing the A/een on both cheek. 2Sha"" & ret/rn
,or /pper- Eo/r Grace61
2& ha"" be very cro .ith yo/ i, yo/ $o not.1
!aime co/"$ not he"p b/t note the .ay the Myrih .oman move$ her hip a he .a"ke$.
0er! step is a seduction+ 3hen the $oor c"oe$ behin$ her- he c"eare$ hi throat an$ ai$- 2+irt
thee >ett"eb"ack- then Dyb/rn- no. her. &t4 a A/eer menagerie yo/ are keeping thee $ay-
.eet iter.1
2& am gro.ing very ,on$ o, ?a$y 7aena. She am/e me.1
2She i one o, Margaery 7yre""4 companion-1 !aime remin$e$ her. 2She4 in,orming on yo/
to the "itt"e A/een.1
2H, co/re he i.1 Cerei .ent to the i$eboar$ to ,i"" her c/p ane.. 2Margaery .a thri""e$
.hen & ake$ her "eave to take 7aena on a my companion. Eo/ ho/"$ have hear$ her. JShe will
be a sister to !ou, as she/s been to me+ Of course !ou must hae her; I hae m! cousins and m!
other ladies+/ H/r "itt"e A/een $oe not .ant me to be "one"y.1
2&, yo/ kno. he i a py- .hy take her on61
2Margaery i not ha", o c"ever a he think. She ha no notion .hat a .eet erpent he ha
in that Myrih "/t. & /e 7aena to ,ee$ the "itt"e A/een .hat & .ant her to kno.. Some o, it i
even tr/e.1 Cerei4 eye .ere bright .ith michie,. 2An$ 7aena te"" me everything Mai$
Margaery i $oing.1
25oe he6 #o. m/ch $o yo/ kno. abo/t thi .oman61
2& kno. he i a mother- .ith a yo/ng on that he .ant to rie high in thi .or"$. She .i""
$o .hatever i reA/ire$ to ee that he $oe. Mother are a"" the ame. ?a$y Merry.eather may be
a erpent- b/t he i ,ar ,rom t/pi$. She kno. & can $o more ,or her than Margaery- o he
make here", /e,/" to me. Eo/ .o/"$ be /rprie$ at a"" the intereting thing he4 to"$ me.1
23hat ort o, thing61
Cerei at beneath the .in$o.. 25i$ yo/ kno. that the D/een o, 7horn keep a chet o,
coin in her .hee"ho/e6 H"$ go"$ ,rom be,ore the ConA/et. Sho/"$ any tra$eman be o
/n.ie a to name a price in go"$en coin- he pay him .ith han$ ,rom #ighgar$en- each ha",
the .eight o, one o, o/r $ragon. 3hat merchant .o/"$ $are comp"ain o, being cheate$ by Mace
7yre""4 "a$y mother61 She ippe$ her .ine- an$ ai$- 25i$ yo/ en=oy yo/r "itt"e ri$e61
2H/r /nc"e remarke$ /pon yo/r abence.1
2H/r /nc"e4 remark $o not concern me.1
27hey ho/"$. Eo/ co/"$ make goo$ /e o, him. &, not at Riverr/n or the Rock- then in the
north againt ?or$ Stanni. +ather a".ay re"ie$ /pon >evan .hen@1
2Rooe Bo"ton i o/r 3ar$en o, the North. #e .i"" $ea" .ith Stanni.1
2?or$ Bo"ton i trappe$ be"o. the Neck- c/t o,, ,rom the north by the ironmen at Moat
Cai"in.1
2Not ,or "ong. Bo"ton4 batar$ on .i"" oon remove that "itt"e obtac"e. ?or$ Bo"ton .i""
have t.o tho/an$ +rey to a/gment hi o.n trength- /n$er ?or$ 3a"$er4 on #oteen an$
Aeny. 7hat ho/"$ be more than eno/gh to $ea" .ith Stanni an$ a ,e. tho/an$ broken men.1
2Ser >evan@1
2@.i"" have hi han$ ,/"" at 5arry- teaching ?ance" ho. to .ipe hi are. +ather4 $eath ha
/nmanne$ him. #e i an o"$ $one man. 5aven an$ 5amion .i"" erve / better.1
27hey4"" /,,ice.1 !aime ha$ no A/arre" .ith hi co/in. 2Eo/ ti"" reA/ire a #an$- ho.ever.
&, not o/r /nc"e- .ho61
#i iter "a/ghe$. 2Not yo/. #ave no ,ear on that co/nt. 9erhap 7aena4 h/ban$. #i
gran$,ather .a #an$ /n$er Aery.1
#he horn(of(plent! 7and+ !aime remembere$ H.en Merry.eather .e"" eno/ghI an amiab"e
man- b/t ine,,ect/a". 2A & reca""- he $i$ o .e"" that Aery e:i"e$ him an$ eiGe$ hi "an$.1
2Robert gave them back. Some- at "eat. 7aena .o/"$ be p"eae$ i, Hrton co/"$ recover the
ret.1
2& thi abo/t p"eaing ome Myrih .hore6 #ere & tho/ght it .a abo/t governing the rea"m.1
2I govern the rea"m.1
Seen sae us all, !ou do+ #i iter "ike$ to think o, here", a ?or$ 7y.in .ith teat- b/t he
.a .rong. 7heir ,ather ha$ been a re"ent"e an$ imp"acab"e a a g"acier- .here Cerei .a a""
.i"$,ire- epecia""y .hen th.arte$. She ha$ been gi$$y a a mai$en .hen he "earne$ that
Stanni ha$ aban$one$ 5ragontone- certain that he ha$ ,ina""y given /p the ,ight an$ ai"e$
a.ay to e:i"e. 3hen .or$ came $o.n ,rom the north that he ha$ t/rne$ /p again at the 3a""- her
,/ry ha$ been ,ear,/" to beho"$. She does not lack for wits, but she has no 9udgment, and no
patience+ 2Eo/ nee$ a trong #an$ to he"p yo/.1
2A weak r/"er nee$ a trong #an$- a Aery nee$e$ +ather. A trong r/"er reA/ire on"y a
$i"igent ervant to carry o/t hi or$er.1 She .ir"e$ her .ine. 2?or$ #a""yne might /it. #e
.o/"$ not be the ,irt pyromancer to erve a the >ing4 #an$.1
2o+ I killed the last one+ 27here i ta"k that yo/ mean to make A/rane 3ater the mater o,
hip.1
2#a omeone been in,orming on me61 3hen he $i$ not an.er- Cerei toe$ her hair back-
an$ ai$- 23ater i .e"" /ite$ to the o,,ice. #e ha pent ha", hi "i,e on hip.1
2#a", hi "i,e6 #e cannot be more than t.enty.1
27.o(an$(t.enty- an$ .hat o, it6 +ather .a not even one(an$(t.enty .hen Aery 7argaryen
name$ him #an$. &t i pat time 7ommen ha$ ome yo/ng men abo/t him in p"ace o, a"" thee
.rink"e$ greybear$. A/rane i trong an$ vigoro/.1
Strong and igorous and handsome, !aime tho/ght 8she/s been fucking "ancel and Osmund
,ettleblack and *oon Bo! for all I know8 29a:ter Re$.yne .o/"$ be a better choice. #e
comman$ the "arget ,"eet in 3etero. A/rane 3ater co/"$ comman$ a ki,,- b/t on"y i, yo/
bo/ght him one.1
2Eo/ are a chi"$- !aime. Re$.yne i 7yre""4 bannerman- an$ nephe. to that hi$eo/
gran$mother o, hi. & .ant none o, ?or$ 7yre""4 creat/re on my co/nci".1
27ommen4 co/nci"- yo/ mean.1
2Eo/ kno. .hat & mean.1
#oo well+ 2& kno. that A/rane 3ater i a ba$ i$ea- an$ #a""yne i a .ore one. A ,or
Dyb/rn8 go$ be goo$- Cerei- he ro$e .ith .argo 7oat+ 7he Cita$e" stripped him of his
chain;1
27he grey heep. Dyb/rn ha ma$e hime", mot /e,/" to me. An$ he i "oya"- .hich i more
than & can ay o, mine o.n kin.1
#he crows will feast upon us all if !ou go on this wa!, sweet sister+ 2Cerei- "iten to yo/re",.
Eo/ are eeing $.ar, in every ha$o. an$ making ,oe o, ,rien$. Fnc"e >evan i not yo/r
enemy. I am not yo/r enemy.1
#er ,ace t.ite$ in ,/ry. 2& begge$ yo/ ,or yo/r he"p. & .ent $o.n on my knee to yo/- an$
!ou refused me;1
2My vo.81
28$i$ not top yo/ "aying Aery. 3or$ are .in$. Eo/ co/"$ have ha$ me- b/t yo/ choe a
c"oak intea$. Get o/t.1
2Siter81
21et out, & ai$. & am ick o, "ooking at that /g"y t/mp o, yo/r. 1et out;1 7o pee$ him on
hi .ay- he heave$ her .ine c/p at hi hea$. She mie$- b/t !aime took the hint.
Cven,a"" ,o/n$ him itting a"one in the common room o, 3hite S.or$ 7o.er- .ith a c/p o,
5ornih re$ an$ the 3hite Book. #e .a t/rning page .ith the t/mp o, hi .or$ han$ .hen
the >night o, +"o.er entere$- remove$ hi c"oak an$ .or$be"t an$ h/ng them on a .a"" peg
ne:t to !aime4.
2& a. yo/ in the yar$ to$ay-1 ai$ !aime. 2Eo/ ro$e .e"".1
2Better than well, /re"y.1 Ser ?ora po/re$ hime", a c/p o, .ine- an$ took a eat acro the
ha",(moon tab"e.
2A more mo$et man might have an.ere$ JMy "or$ i too kin$-4 or J& ha$ a goo$ mo/nt.41
27he hore .a a$eA/ate- an$ my "or$ i a kin$ a & am mo$et.1 ?ora .ave$ at the book.
2?or$ Ren"y a".ay ai$ that book .ere ,or maeter.1
27hi one i ,or /. 7he hitory o, every man .ho ha ever .orn a .hite c"oak i .ritten
here.1
2& have g"ance$ at it. 7he hie"$ are pretty. & pre,er book .ith more i""/mination. ?or$
Ren"y o.ne$ a ,e. .ith $ra.ing that .o/"$ t/rn a epton b"in$.1
!aime ha$ to mi"e. 27here4 none o, that here- er- b/t the hitorie .i"" open yo/r eye. Eo/
.o/"$ $o .e"" to kno. abo/t the "ive o, thoe .ho .ent be,ore.1
2& $o. 9rince Aemon the 5ragonknight- Ser Ryam Re$.yne- the Greatheart- Barritan the
Bo"$81
28G.ayne Corbray- A"yn Connington- the 5emon o, 5arry- aye. Eo/ .i"" have hear$ o,
?/camore Strong a .e"".1
2Ser ?/camore the ?/ty61 Ser ?ora eeme$ am/e$. 27hree .ive an$ thirty chi"$ren- .a
it6 7hey c/t hi cock o,,. Sha"" & ing the ong ,or yo/- my "or$61
2An$ Ser 7errence 7oyne61
2Be$$e$ the king4 mitre an$ $ie$ creaming. 7he "eon i- men .ho .ear .hite breeche
nee$ to keep them tight"y "ace$.1
2Gy"e Greyc"oak6 Hrive" the Hpen(#an$e$61
2Gy"e .a a traitor- Hrive" a co.ar$. Men .ho hame$ the .hite c"oak. 3hat i my "or$
/ggeting61
2?itt"e an$ "e. 5on4t take o,,ene .here none .a meant- er. #o. abo/t ?ong 7om
Cotayne61
Ser ?ora hook hi hea$.
2#e .a a >ingg/ar$ knight ,or i:ty year.1
23hen .a that6 &4ve never@1
2Ser 5onne" o, 5/ken$a"e- then61
2& may have hear$ the name- b/t@1
2A$$ion #i""6 7he 3hite H."- Michae" Mertyn6 !e,,ory Norcro6 7hey ca""e$ him
Neveryie"$. Re$ Robert +"o.er6 3hat can yo/ te"" me o, them61
2+"o.er i a batar$ name. So i #i"".1
2Eet both men roe to comman$ the >ingg/ar$. 7heir ta"e are in the book. Ro""an$ 5ark"yn
i in here too. 7he yo/nget man ever to erve in the >ingg/ar$- /nti" me. #e .a given hi
c"oak on a batt"e,ie"$ an$ $ie$ .ithin an ho/r o, $onning it.1
2#e can4t have been very goo$.1
2Goo$ eno/gh. #e $ie$- b/t hi king "ive$. A "ot o, brave men have .orn the .hite c"oak.
Mot have been ,orgotten.1
2Mot $eerve to be ,orgotten. 7he heroe .i"" a".ay be remembere$. 7he bet.1
27he bet an$ the .ort.1 So one of us is like to lie in song+ 2An$ a ,e. .ho .ere a bit o,
both. ?ike him.1 #e tappe$ the page he ha$ been rea$ing.
23ho61 Ser ?ora crane$ hi hea$ aro/n$ to ee. 27en b"ack pe""et on a car"et ,ie"$. & $o not
kno. thoe arm.1
27hey be"onge$ to Criton Co"e- .ho erve$ the ,irt %iery an$ the econ$ Aegon.1 !aime
c"oe$ the 3hite Book. 27hey ca""e$ him >ingmaker.1
DA%OS
#i "or$hip .i"" hear yo/ no.- m/gg"er.1
7he knight .ore i"ver armor- hi greave an$ ga/nt"et in"ai$ .ith nie""o to /gget ,"o.ing
,ron$ o, ea.ee$. 7he he"m beneath hi arm .a the hea$ o, the mer"ing king- .ith a cro.n o,
mother(o,(pear" an$ a =/tting bear$ o, =et an$ =a$e. #i o.n bear$ .a a grey a the .inter ea.
5avo roe. 2May & kno. yo/r name- er61
2Ser Mar"on Man$er"y.1 #e .a a hea$ ta""er than 5avo an$ three tone heavier- .ith "ate(
grey eye an$ a ha/ghty .ay o, peaking. 2& have the honor to be ?or$ 3yman4 co/in an$
comman$er o, hi garrion. +o""o. me.1
5avo ha$ come to 3hite #arbor a an envoy- b/t they ha$ ma$e him a captive. #i
chamber .ere "arge- airy- an$ han$ome"y ,/rnihe$- b/t there .ere g/ar$ o/ti$e hi $oor.
+rom hi .in$o. he co/"$ ee the treet o, 3hite #arbor beyon$ the cat"e .a""- b/t he .a
not a""o.e$ to .a"k them. #e co/"$ ee the harbor too- an$ ha$ .atche$ *err! *idwife make
her .ay $o.n the ,irth. Cao Mogat ha$ .aite$ ,o/r $ay intea$ o, three be,ore $eparting.
Another ,ortnight ha$ pae$ ince then.
?or$ Man$er"y4 ho/eho"$ g/ar$ .ore c"oak o, b"/e(green .oo" an$ carrie$ i"ver tri$ent
in p"ace o, common pear. Hne .ent be,ore him- one behin$- an$ one to either i$e. 7hey
.a"ke$ pat the ,a$e$ banner- broken hie"$- an$ r/te$ .or$ o, a h/n$re$ ancient victorie-
an$ a core o, .oo$en ,ig/re- cracke$ an$ .orm(ri$$"e$- that co/"$ on"y have a$orne$ the
pro. o, hip.
7.o marb"e mermen ,"anke$ hi "or$hip4 co/rt- +ih,oot4 ma""er co/in. A the g/ar$
thre. open the $oor- a hera"$ "amme$ the b/tt o, hi ta,, againt an o"$ p"ank ,"oor. 2Ser
Daos of 7ouse Seaworth,1 he ca""e$ in a ringing voice.
A many time a he ha$ viite$ 3hite #arbor- 5avo ha$ never et ,oot ini$e the Ne.
Cat"e- m/ch "e the Merman4 Co/rt. &t .a"" an$ ,"oor an$ cei"ing .ere ma$e o, .oo$en
p"ank notche$ c/nning"y together an$ $ecorate$ .ith a"" the creat/re o, the ea. A they
approache$ the $ai- 5avo tro$ on painte$ crab an$ c"am an$ tar,ih- ha",(hi$$en amongt
t.iting b"ack ,ron$ o, ea.ee$ an$ the bone o, $ro.ne$ ai"or. Hn the .a"" to either i$e-
pa"e hark pro."e$ painte$ b"/e(green $epth- .hi"t ee" an$ octopo$ "ithere$ amongt rock
an$ /nken hip. Shoa" o, herring an$ great co$,ih .am bet.een the ta"" arche$ .in$o..
#igher /p- near .here the o"$ ,ihing net $roope$ $o.n ,rom the ra,ter- the /r,ace o, the ea
ha$ been $epicte$. 7o hi right a .ar ga""ey troke$ erene againt the riing /nI to hi "e,t- a
battere$ o"$ cog race$ be,ore a torm- her ai" in rag. Behin$ the $ai a kraken an$ grey
"eviathan .ere "ocke$ in batt"e beneath the painte$ .ave.
5avo ha$ hope$ to peak .ith 3yman Man$er"y a"one- b/t he ,o/n$ a cro.$e$ co/rt. A"ong
the .a""- the .omen o/tn/mbere$ the men by ,ive to oneI .hat ,e. ma"e he $i$ ee ha$ "ong
grey bear$ or "ooke$ too yo/ng to have. 7here .ere epton a .e""- an$ ho"y iter in .hite
robe an$ grey. Near the top o, the ha"" too$ a $oGen men in the b"/e an$ i"ver(grey o, #o/e
+rey. 7heir ,ace ha$ a "ikene a b"in$ man co/"$ have eenI evera" .ore the ba$ge o, the
7.in- t.o to.er connecte$ by a bri$ge.
5avo ha$ "earne$ to rea$ men4 ,ace "ong be,ore Maeter 9y"o ha$ ta/ght him to rea$
.or$ on paper. #hese Fre!s would gladl! see me dead, he rea"iGe$ at a g"ance.
Nor $i$ he ,in$ any .e"come in the pa"e b"/e eye o, 3yman Man$er"y. #i "or$hip4
c/hione$ throne .a .i$e eno/gh to accommo$ate three men o, common girth- yet Man$er"y
threatene$ to over,"o. it. #i "or$hip sagged into hi eat- hi ho/"$er "/mpe$- hi "eg
p"aye$- hi han$ reting on the arm o, hi throne a i, the .eight o, them .ere too m/ch to
bear. 1ods be good, tho/ght 5avo- .hen he a. ?or$ 3yman4 ,ace- this man looks half a
corpse+ #i kin .a pa""i$- .ith an /n$ertone o, grey.
>ing an$ corpe a".ay $ra. atten$ant- the o"$ aying .ent. So it .a .ith Man$er"y. ?e,t
o, the high eat too$ a maeter nigh a ,at a the "or$ he erve$- a roy(cheeke$ man .ith thick
"ip an$ a hea$ o, go"$en c/r". Ser Mar"on c"aime$ the p"ace o, honor at hi "or$hip4 right
han$. Hn a c/hione$ too" at hi ,eet perche$ a p"/mp pink "a$y. Behin$ ?or$ 3yman too$
t.o yo/nger .omen- iter by the "ook o, them. 7he e"$er .ore her bro.n hair bo/n$ in a "ong
brai$. 7he yo/nger- no more than ,i,teen- ha$ an even "onger brai$- $ye$ a garih green.
None choe to honor 5avo .ith a name. 7he maeter .a the ,irt to peak. 2Eo/ tan$
be,ore 3yman Man$er"y- ?or$ o, 3hite #arbor an$ 3ar$en o, the 3hite >ni,e- Shie"$ o, the
+aith- 5e,en$er o, the 5ipoee$- ?or$ Marha" o, the Man$er- a >night o, the Hr$er o, the
Green #an$-1 he ai$. 2&n the Merman4 Co/rt- it i c/tomary ,or vaa" an$ petitioner to
knee".1
7he onion knight .o/"$ have bent hi knee- b/t a >ing4 #an$ co/"$ notI to $o o .o/"$
/gget that the king he erve$ .a "e than thi ,at "or$. 2& have not come a a petitioner-1
5avo rep"ie$. 2& have a tring o, tit"e too. ?or$ o, the Rain.oo$- A$mira" o, the Narro. Sea-
#an$ o, the >ing.1
7he p"/mp .oman on the too" ro""e$ her eye. 2An a$mira" .itho/t hip- a han$ .itho/t
,inger- in ervice to a king .itho/t a throne. & thi a knight .ho come be,ore /- or the an.er
to a chi"$4 ri$$"e61
2#e i a meenger- goo$($a/ghter-1 ?or$ 3yman ai$- 2an onion o, i"" omen. Stanni $i$ not
"ike the an.er hi raven bro/ght him- o he ha ent thi8 thi smuggler+1 #e A/inte$ at
5avo thro/gh eye ha",(b/rie$ in ro"" o, ,at. 2Eo/ have viite$ o/r city be,ore- & think- taking
coin ,rom o/r pocket an$ ,oo$ o,, o/r tab"e. #o. m/ch $i$ yo/ tea" ,rom me- & .on$er61
2ot enough that !ou eer missed a meal+ 2& pai$ ,or my m/gg"ing at Storm4 Cn$- my "or$.1
5avo p/""e$ o,, hi g"ove an$ he"$ /p hi "e,t han$- .ith it ,o/r hortene$ ,inger.
2+o/r ,ingertip- ,or a "i,etime4 .orth o, the,t61 ai$ the .oman on the too". #er hair .a
ye""o.- her ,ace ro/n$ an$ pink an$ ,"ehy. 2Eo/ got o,, cheap"y- Hnion >night.1
5avo $i$ not $eny it. 2&, it p"eae my "or$- & .o/"$ reA/et a privy a/$ience.1
&t $i$ not p"eae the "or$. 2& keep no ecret ,rom my kin- nor ,rom my "ea" "or$ an$ knight-
goo$ ,rien$ a"".1
2My "or$-1 ai$ 5avo- 2& .o/"$ not .ant my .or$ to be hear$ by #i Grace4 enemie8 or
by yo/r "or$hip4.1
2Stanni may have enemie in thi ha"". & $o not.1
2Not even the men .ho "e. yo/r on61 5avo pointe$. 27hee +rey .ere amongt hi hot
at the Re$ 3e$$ing.1
Hne o, the +rey teppe$ ,or.ar$- a knight "ong an$ "ean o, "imb- c"ean(have$ b/t ,or a grey
m/tache a thin a a Myrih ti"etto. 27he Re$ 3e$$ing .a the Eo/ng 3o",4 .ork. #e
change$ into a beat be,ore o/r eye an$ tore o/t the throat o, my co/in !ing"ebe""- a harm"e
imp"eton. #e .o/"$ have "ain my "or$ ,ather too- i, Ser 3en$e" ha$ not p/t hime", in the
.ay.1
?or$ 3yman b"inke$ back tear. 23en$e" .a a".ay a brave boy. & .a not /rprie$ to
"earn he $ie$ a hero.1
7he enormity o, the "ie ma$e 5avo gap. 2& it yo/r c"aim that )obb Stark ki""e$ 3en$e"
Man$er"y61 he ake$ the +rey.
2An$ many more. Mine o.n on 7yto .a amongt them- an$ my $a/ghter4 h/ban$. 3hen
Stark change$ into a .o",- hi northmen $i$ the ame. 7he mark o, the beat .a on them a"".
3arg birth other .arg .ith a bite- it i .e""(kno.n. &t .a a"" my brother an$ & co/"$ $o to p/t
them $o.n be,ore they "e. / a"".1
7he man .a smirking a he to"$ the ta"e. 5avo .ante$ to pee" hi "ip o,, .ith a kni,e. 2Ser-
may & have yo/r name61
2Ser !are$- o, #o/e +rey.1
2!are$ o, #o/e +rey- & name yo/ "iar.1
Ser !are$ eeme$ am/e$. 2Some men cry .hen "icing onion- b/t & have never ha$ that
.eakne.1 Stee" .hipere$ againt "eather a he $re. hi .or$. 2&, yo/ are in$ee$ a knight- er-
$e,en$ that "an$er .ith yo/r bo$y.1
?or$ 3yman4 eye ,"/ttere$ open. 2&4"" have no b"oo$he$ in the Merman4 Co/rt. 9/t /p
yo/r tee"- Ser !are$- e"e & m/t ak yo/ to "eave my preence.1
Ser !are$ heathe$ hi .or$. 2Beneath yo/r "or$hip4 roo,- yo/r "or$hip4 .or$ i "a.8
b/t & ha"" .ant a reckoning .ith thi onion "or$ be,ore he "eave thi city.1
2Blood;1 ho."e$ the .oman on the too". 27hat4 .hat thi i"" onion .ant o, /- my "or$. See
ho. he tir /p tro/b"e6 Sen$ him a.ay- & beg yo/. #e .ant the b"oo$ o, yo/r peop"e- the b"oo$
o, yo/r brave on. Sen$ him awa!+ Sho/"$ the A/een hear that yo/ gave a/$ience to thi traitor-
he may A/etion o/r o.n "oya"ty. She might8 he co/"$8 he81
2&t .i"" not come to that- goo$($a/ghter-1 ?or$ 3yman ai$. 27he &ron 7hrone ha"" have no
ca/e to $o/bt /.1
5avo mi"ike$ the o/n$ o, that- b/t he ha$ not come a"" thi .ay to ho"$ hi tong/e. 27he
boy on the &ron 7hrone i a //rper-1 he ai$- 2an$ & am no traitor- b/t the #an$ o, Stanni
Baratheon- the +irt o, #i Name- the tr/eborn >ing o, 3etero.1
7he ,at maeter c"eare$ hi throat. 2Stanni Baratheon .a brother to o/r "ate >ing Robert-
may the +ather =/$ge him =/t"y. 7ommen i the i/e o, Robert4 bo$y. 7he "a. o, /cceion
are c"ear in /ch a cae. A on m/t come be,ore a brother.1
2Maeter 7heomore peak tr/"y-1 ai$ ?or$ 3yman. 2#e i .ie in a"" /ch matter- an$ ha
a".ay given me goo$ co/ne".1
2A trueborn on come be,ore a brother-1 5avo agree$- 2b/t 7ommen(ca""e$(Baratheon i
batar$(born- a hi brother !o,,rey .a be,ore him. 7hey .ere ire$ by the >ing"ayer- in
$e,iance o, a"" the "a. o, go$ an$ men.1
Another o, the +rey poke /p. 2#e peak treaon .ith hi o.n "ip- my "or$. Stanni took
hi thieving ,inger. Eo/ ho/"$ take hi "ying tong/e.1
27ake hi hea$- rather-1 /ggete$ Ser !are$. 2Hr "et him meet me on the ,ie"$ o, honor.1
23hat .o/"$ a +rey kno. o, honor61 5avo thre. back.
+o/r o, the +rey tarte$ ,or.ar$ /nti" ?or$ 3yman ha"te$ them .ith an /praie$ han$. 2Step
back- my ,rien$. & .i"" hear him o/t be,ore &8 be,ore & $ea" .ith him.1
2Can yo/ o,,er any proo, o, thi incet- er61 Maeter 7heomore ake$- ,o"$ing hi o,t han$
atop hi be""y.
0dric Storm, tho/ght 5avo- but I sent him far awa! across the narrow sea, to keep him safe
from *elisandre/s fires+ 2Eo/ have the .or$ o, Stanni Baratheon that a"" &4ve ai$ i tr/e.1
23or$ are .in$-1 ai$ the yo/ng .oman behin$ ?or$ 3yman4 high eat- the han$ome one
.ith the "ong bro.n brai$. 2An$ men .i"" "ie to get their .ay- a any mai$ co/"$ te"" yo/.1
29roo, reA/ire more than ome "or$4 /n/pporte$ .or$-1 $ec"are$ Maeter 7heomore.
2Stanni Baratheon .o/"$ not be the ,irt man .ho ever "ie$ to .in a throne.1
7he pink .oman pointe$ a p"/mp ,inger $o.n at 5avo. 23e .ant no part o, any treaon-
yo/. 3e are goo$ peop"e in 3hite #arbor- "a.,/"- "oya" peop"e. 9o/r no more poion in o/r ear-
or my goo$(,ather .i"" en$ yo/ to the 3o",4 5en.1
7ow hae I offended this one6 2Might & have the honor o, my "a$y4 name61
7he pink .oman gave an angry ni,, an$ "et the maeter an.er. 27he ?a$y ?eona i .i,e to
?or$ 3yman4 on Ser 3y"i- preent"y a captive o, the ?anniter.1
She speaks from fear+ &, 3hite #arbor ho/"$ $ec"are ,or Stanni- her h/ban$ .o/"$ an.er
.ith hi "i,e. 7ow can I ask "ord W!man to condemn his son to death6 What would I do in his
place if Dean were a hostage6 2My "or$-1 ai$ 5avo- 2& pray no harm .i"" come to yo/r on-
or to any man o, 3hite #arbor.1
2Another "ie-1 ai$ ?a$y ?eona ,rom her too".
5avo tho/ght it bet to ignore her. 23hen Robb Stark took /p arm againt the batar$
!o,,rey(ca""e$(Baratheon- 3hite #arbor marche$ .ith him. ?or$ Stark ha ,a""en- b/t hi .ar
goe on.1
2Robb Stark .a my "iege "or$-1 ai$ ?or$ 3yman. 23ho i thi man Stanni6 3hy $oe he
tro/b"e /6 #e never ,e"t the nee$ to =o/rney north be,ore- a bet & can reca"". Eet he t/rn /p
no.- a beaten c/r .ith hi he"m in hi han$- begging ,or a"m.1
2#e came to ave the rea"m- my "or$-1 5avo inite$. 27o $e,en$ yo/r "an$ againt the
ironborn an$ the .i"$"ing.1
Ne:t to the high eat- Ser Mar"on Man$er"y gave a nort o, $i$ain. 2&t ha been cent/rie
ince 3hite #arbor ha een any .i"$"ing- an$ the ironmen have never tro/b"e$ thi coat. 5oe
?or$ Stanni propoe to $e,en$ / ,rom nark an$ $ragon too61
?a/ghter .ept the Merman4 Co/rt- b/t at ?or$ 3yman4 ,eet- ?a$y ?eona began to ob.
2&ronmen ,rom the i"e- .i"$"ing ,rom beyon$ the 3a""8 an$ no. thi traitor "or$ .ith hi
o/t"a.- rebe"- an$ orcerer.1 She pointe$ a ,inger at 5avo. 23e have hear$ o, yo/r re$ .itch-
oh ye. She .o/"$ t/rn / againt the Seven to bo. be,ore a ,ire $emon01
5avo ha$ no "ove ,or the re$ priete- b/t he $are not "et ?a$y ?eona go /nan.ere$. 2?a$y
Me"ian$re i a priete o, the re$ go$. D/een Se"ye ha a$opte$ her ,aith- a"ong .ith many
other- b/t more o, #i Grace4 ,o""o.er ti"" .orhip the Seven. Mye", among them.1 #e
praye$ no one .o/"$ ak him to e:p"ain abo/t the ept at 5ragontone or the go$.oo$ at
Storm4 Cn$. If the! ask, I must needs tell them+ Stannis would not hae me lie+
27he Seven $e,en$ 3hite #arbor-1 ?a$y ?eona $ec"are$. 23e $o not ,ear yo/r re$ A/een or
her go$. ?et her en$ .hat pe"" he .i"". 7he prayer o, go$"y men .i"" hie"$ / againt evi".1
2&n$ee$.1 ?or$ 3yman gave ?a$y ?eona a pat on the ho/"$er. 2?or$ 5avo- i, yo/ are a
"or$- & kno. .hat yo/r o(ca""e$ king .o/"$ have o, me. Stee" an$ i"ver an$ a ben$e$ knee.1 #e
hi,te$ hi .eight to "ean /pon an e"bo.. 2Be,ore he .a "ain- ?or$ 7y.in o,,ere$ 3hite
#arbor ,/"" par$on ,or o/r /pport o, the Eo/ng 3o",. #e promie$ that my on .o/"$ be
ret/rne$ to me once & pai$ a ranom o, three tho/an$ $ragon an$ prove$ my "oya"ty beyon$ a
$o/bt. Rooe Bo"ton- .ho i name$ o/r 3ar$en o, the North- reA/ire that & give /p my c"aim to
?or$ #orn.oo$4 "an$ an$ cat"e b/t .ear my other ho"$ing ha"" remain /nto/che$.
3a"$er +rey- hi goo$(,ather- o,,er one o, hi $a/ghter to be my .i,e- an$ h/ban$ ,or my
on4 $a/ghter here behin$ me. 7hee term eem genero/ to me- a goo$ bai ,or a ,air an$
"ating peace. Eo/ .o/"$ have me p/rn them. So & ak yo/- Hnion >night@.hat $oe ?or$
Stanni o,,er me in ret/rn ,or my a""egiance61
War and woe and the screams of burning men, 5avo might have ai$. 27he chance to $o
yo/r $/ty-1 he rep"ie$ intea$. 7hat .a the an.er Stanni .o/"$ have given 3yman Man$er"y.
#he 7and should speak with the king/s oice+
?or$ 3yman agge$ back in hi chair. 25/ty. & ee.1
23hite #arbor i not trong eno/gh to tan$ a"one. Eo/ nee$ #i Grace a m/ch a he nee$
yo/. 7ogether yo/ can $e,eat yo/r common enemie.1
2My "or$-1 ai$ Ser Mar"on- in hi ornate i"ver armor- 2.i"" yo/ permit me to ak a ,e.
A/etion o, ?or$ 5avo61
2A yo/ .ih- co/in.1 ?or$ 3yman c"oe$ hi eye.
Ser Mar"on t/rne$ to 5avo. 2#o. many northern "or$ have $ec"are$ ,or Stanni6 7e"" /
that.1
2Arno", >artark ha vo.e$ to =oin #i Grace.1
2Arno", i no tr/e "or$- on"y a cate""an. 3hat cat"e $oe ?or$ Stanni ho"$ at preent-
pray61
2#i Grace ha taken the Night,ort ,or hi eat. &n the o/th- he ho"$ Storm4 Cn$ an$
5ragontone.1
Maeter 7heomore c"eare$ hi throat. 2Hn"y ,or the nonce. Storm4 Cn$ an$ 5ragontone are
"ight"y he"$ an$ m/t oon ,a"". An$ the Night,ort i a ha/nte$ r/in- a $rear an$ $rea$,/" p"ace.1
Ser Mar"on .ent on. 2#o. many men can Stanni p/t into the ,ie"$- can yo/ te"" / that6 #o.
many knight ri$e .ith him6 #o. many bo.men- ho. many ,reeri$er- ho. many men(at(
arm61
#oo few, 5avo kne.. Stanni ha$ come north .ith no more than ,i,teen h/n$re$ men8 b/t
i, he to"$ them that- hi miion here .a $oome$. #e ,/mb"e$ ,or .or$ an$ ,o/n$ none.
2Eo/r i"ence i a"" the an.er & reA/ire- er. Eo/r king bring / on"y enemie.1 Ser Mar"on
t/rne$ to hi "or$ co/in. 2Eo/r "or$hip ake$ the onion knight .hat Stanni o,,er /. ?et me
an.er. #e o,,er / $e,eat an$ $eath. #e .o/"$ have yo/ mo/nt a hore o, air an$ give batt"e
.ith a .or$ o, .in$.1
7he ,at "or$ opene$ hi eye "o."y- a i, the e,,ort .ere a"mot too m/ch ,or him. 2My
co/in c/t to the bone- a ever. 5o yo/ have any more to ay to me- Hnion >night- or can .e
p/t an en$ to thi m/mmer4 ,arce6 & gro. .eary o, yo/r ,ace.1
5avo ,e"t a tab o, $epair. 7is 1race should hae sent another man, a lord or knight or
maester, someone who could speak for him without tripping on his own tongue+ 25eath-1 he
hear$ hime", ay- 2there .i"" be $eath- aye. Eo/r "or$hip "ot a on at the Re$ 3e$$ing. & "ot
,o/r /pon the B"ack.ater. An$ .hy6 Beca/e the ?anniter to"e the throne. Go to >ing4
?an$ing an$ "ook on 7ommen .ith yo/r o.n eye- i, yo/ $o/bt me. A b"in$ man co/"$ ee it.
3hat $oe Stanni o,,er yo/6 %engeance. %engeance ,or my on an$ yo/r- ,or yo/r h/ban$
an$ yo/r ,ather an$ yo/r brother. %engeance ,or yo/r m/r$ere$ "or$- yo/r m/r$ere$ king- yo/r
b/tchere$ prince. .engeance;1
2Ee-1 pipe$ a gir"4 voice- thin an$ high.
&t be"onge$ to the ha",(gro.n chi"$ .ith the b"on$ eyebro. an$ the "ong green brai$. 27hey
ki""e$ ?or$ C$$ar$ an$ ?a$y Cate"yn an$ >ing Robb-1 he ai$. 2#e .a o/r king0 #e .a brave
an$ goo$- an$ the +rey murdered him. &, ?or$ Stanni .i"" avenge him- .e ho/"$ =oin ?or$
Stanni.1
Man$er"y p/""e$ her c"oe. 23y""a- every time yo/ open yo/r mo/th yo/ make me .ant to
en$ yo/ to the i"ent iter.1
2& on"y ai$@1
23e hear$ .hat yo/ ai$-1 ai$ the o"$er gir"- her iter. 2A chi"$4 ,oo"ihne. Speak no i""
o, o/r ,rien$ o, +rey. Hne o, them .i"" be yo/r "or$ an$ h/ban$ oon.1
2No-1 the gir" $ec"are$- haking her hea$. 2& .on4t. & .on4t eer+ 7hey ki""e$ the king+1
?or$ 3yman ,"/he$. 2Eo/ .i"". 3hen the appointe$ $ay arrive- yo/ .i"" peak yo/r
.e$$ing vo.- e"e yo/ .i"" =oin the i"ent iter an$ never peak again.1
7he poor gir" "ooke$ tricken. 2Gran$,ather- please=5
2#/h- chi"$-1 ai$ ?a$y ?eona. 2Eo/ hear$ yo/r "or$ gran$,ather. 7ush; Eo/ kno.
nothing.1
2& kno. abo/t the promie-1 inite$ the gir". 2Maeter 7heomore- te"" them0 A tho/an$
year be,ore the ConA/et- a promie .a ma$e- an$ oath .ere .orn in the 3o",4 5en be,ore
the o"$ go$ an$ the ne.. 3hen .e .ere ore beet an$ ,rien$"e- ho/n$e$ ,rom o/r home an$
in peri" o, o/r "ive- the .o"ve took / in an$ no/rihe$ / an$ protecte$ / againt o/r enemie.
7he city i b/i"t /pon the "an$ they gave /. &n ret/rn .e .ore that .e ho/"$ a".ay be their
men. Stark men01
7he maeter ,ingere$ the chain abo/t hi neck. 2So"emn oath .ere .orn to the Stark o,
3inter,e""- aye. B/t 3inter,e"" ha ,a""en an$ #o/e Stark ha been e:ting/ihe$.1
27hat4 beca/e they killed them all01
Another +rey poke /p. 2?or$ 3yman- i, & may61
3yman Man$er"y gave him a no$. 2Rhaegar. 3e are a".ay p"eae$ to hear yo/r nob"e
co/ne".1
Rhaegar +rey ackno."e$ge$ the comp"iment .ith a bo.. #e .a thirty- or nigh /nto- ro/n$(
ho/"$ere$ an$ kett"e(be""ie$- b/t rich"y $ree$ in a $o/b"et o, o,t grey "amb.oo" trimme$ in
c"oth(o,(i"ver. #i c"oak .a c"oth(o,(i"ver too- "ine$ .ith vair an$ c"ape$ at the co""ar .ith a
brooch in the hape o, the t.in to.er. 2?a$y 3y""a-1 he ai$ to the gir" .ith the green brai$-
2"oya"ty i a virt/e. & hope yo/ .i"" be a "oya" to ?itt"e 3a"$er .hen yo/ are =oine$ in .e$"ock.
A to the Stark- that #o/e i e:ting/ihe$ on"y in the ma"e "ine. ?or$ C$$ar$4 on are $ea$-
b/t hi $a/ghter "ive- an$ the yo/nger gir" i coming north to .e$ brave Ramay Bo"ton.1
2Ramay Snow,1 3y""a Man$er"y thre. back.
2#ave it a yo/ .i"". By any name- he ha"" oon be .e$ to Arya Stark. &, yo/ .o/"$ keep
,aith .ith yo/r promie- give him yo/r a""egiance- ,or he ha"" be yo/r ?or$ o, 3inter,e"".1
2#e .on4t ever be m! "or$0 #e ma$e ?a$y #orn.oo$ marry him- then h/t her in a $/ngeon
an$ ma$e her eat her fingers+1
A m/rm/r o, aent .ept the Merman4 Co/rt. 27he mai$ te"" it tr/e-1 $ec"are$ a tocky
man in .hite an$ p/rp"e- .hoe c"oak .a ,atene$ .ith a pair o, croe$ bronGe key. 2Rooe
Bo"ton4 co"$ an$ c/nning- aye- b/t a man can $ea" .ith Rooe. 3e4ve a"" kno.n .ore. B/t thi
batar$ on o, hi8 they ay he4 ma$ an$ cr/e"- a monter.1
2#he! ay61 Rhaegar +rey porte$ a i"ky bear$ an$ a ar$onic mi"e. 2#i enemies ay- aye8
b/t it .a the Eo/ng 3o", .ho .a the monter. More beat than boy- that one- p/,,e$ /p .ith
pri$e an$ b"oo$"/t. An$ he .a ,aith"e- a my "or$ gran$,ather "earne$ to hi orro..1 #e
prea$ hi han$. 2& $o not ,a/"t 3hite #arbor ,or /pporting him. My gran$ire ma$e the ame
grievo/ mitake. &n a"" the Eo/ng 3o",4 batt"e- 3hite #arbor an$ the 7.in ,o/ght i$e by
i$e beneath hi banner. Robb Stark betraye$ / a"". #e aban$one$ the north to the cr/e"
mercie o, the ironmen to carve o/t a ,airer king$om ,or hime", a"ong the 7ri$ent. 7hen he
aban$one$ the river"or$ .ho ha$ rike$ m/ch an$ more ,or him- breaking hi marriage pact
.ith my gran$,ather to .e$ the ,irt .etern .ench .ho ca/ght hi eye. 7he Eo/ng 3o",6 #e
.a a vi"e $og an$ $ie$ "ike one.1
7he Merman4 Co/rt ha$ gro.n ti"". 5avo co/"$ ,ee" the chi"" in the air. ?or$ 3yman .a
"ooking $o.n at Rhaegar a i, he .ere a roach in nee$ o, a har$ hee"8 yet then- abr/pt"y- he
gave a pon$ero/ no$ that et hi chin to .obb"ing. 2A $og- aye. #e bro/ght / on"y grie, an$
$eath. A vi"e $og in$ee$. Say on.1
Rhaegar +rey .ent on. 2Grie, an$ $eath- aye8 an$ thi onion "or$ .i"" bring yo/ more .ith
hi ta"k o, vengeance. Hpen yo/r eye- a my "or$ gran$ire $i$. 7he 3ar o, the +ive >ing i a""
b/t $one. 7ommen i o/r king- o/r onl! king. 3e m/t he"p him bin$ /p the .o/n$ o, thi a$
.ar. A Robert4 tr/eborn on- the heir o, tag an$ "ion- the &ron 7hrone i hi by right.1
23ie .or$- an$ tr/e-1 ai$ ?or$ 3yman Man$er"y.
27hey weren/t+1 3y""a Man$er"y tampe$ her ,oot.
2Be A/iet- .retche$ chi"$-1 co"$e$ ?a$y ?eona. 2Eo/ng gir" ho/"$ be an ornament to the
eye- not an ache in the ear.1 She eiGe$ the gir" by her brai$ an$ p/""e$ her A/ea"ing ,rom the
ha"". #here went m! onl! friend in this hall, tho/ght 5avo.
23y""a ha a".ay been a .i"",/" chi"$-1 her iter ai$- by .ay o, apo"ogy. 2& ,ear that he
.i"" make a .i"",/" .i,e.1
Rhaegar hr/gge$. 2Marriage .i"" o,ten her- & have no $o/bt. A ,irm han$ an$ a A/iet .or$.1
2&, not- there are the i"ent iter.1 ?or$ 3yman hi,te$ in hi eat. 2A ,or yo/- Hnion
>night- & have hear$ /,,icient treaon ,or one $ay. Eo/ .o/"$ have me rik my city ,or a ,a"e
king an$ a ,a"e go$. Eo/ .o/"$ have me acri,ice my on"y "iving on o Stanni Baratheon can
p"ant hi p/ckere$ are /pon a throne to .hich he ha no right. & .i"" not $o it. Not ,or yo/. Not
,or yo/r "or$. Not ,or any man.1 7he ?or$ o, 3hite #arbor p/he$ hime", to hi ,eet. 7he e,,ort
bro/ght a re$ ,"/h to hi neck. 2Eo/ are ti"" a m/gg"er- er- come to tea" my go"$ an$ b"oo$.
Eo/ .o/"$ take my on4 hea$. & think & ha"" take yo/r intea$. 1uards; SeiGe thi man01
Be,ore 5avo co/"$ even think to move- he .a /rro/n$e$ by i"ver tri$ent. 2My "or$-1 he
ai$- 2& am an envoy.1
2Are yo/6 Eo/ came neaking into my city "ike a m/gg"er. & ay yo/ are no "or$- no knight-
no envoy- on"y a thie, an$ a py- a pe$$"er o, "ie an$ treaon. & ho/"$ tear yo/r tong/e o/t
.ith hot pincer an$ $e"iver yo/ to the 5rea$,ort to be ,"aye$. B/t the Mother i merci,/"- an$ o
am &.1 #e beckone$ to Ser Mar"on. 2Co/in- take thi creat/re to the 3o",4 5en an$ c/t o,, hi
hea$ an$ han$. & .ant them bro/ght to me be,ore & /p. & ha"" not be ab"e to eat a bite /nti" &
ee thi m/gg"er4 hea$ /pon a pike- .ith an onion hove$ bet.een hi "ying teeth.1
Cersei
Three wretched fools with a leather sack, the A/een tho/ght a they ank to their knee be,ore
her. 7he "ook o, them $i$ not enco/rage her. I suppose there is alwa!s a chance+
2Eo/r Grace-1 ai$ Dyb/rn A/iet"y- 2the ma"" co/nci"81
28.i"" a.ait my p"ea/re. &t may be that .e can bring them .or$ o, a traitor4 $eath.1 H,,
acro the city- the be"" o, Bae"or4 Sept ang their ong o, mo/rning. 2o bells will ring for !ou,
#!rion, Cerei tho/ght. I shall dip !our head in tar and gie !our twisted bod! to the dogs+ 2H,,
yo/r knee-1 he to"$ the .o/"$(be "or$. 2Sho. me .hat yo/4ve bro/ght me.1
7hey roeI three /g"y men- an$ ragge$. Hne ha$ a boi" on hi neck- an$ none ha$ .ahe$ in
ha", a year. 7he propect o, raiing /ch to "or$hip am/e$ her. I could seat them ne8t to
*argaer! at feasts+ 3hen the chie, ,oo" /n$i$ the $ra.tring on the ack an$ p"/nge$ hi han$
ini$e- the me"" o, $ecay ,i""e$ her a/$ience chamber "ike ome rank roe. 7he hea$ he p/""e$
o/t .a grey(green an$ cra."ing .ith maggot. It smells like Father+ 5orca gape$- an$ !oce"yn
covere$ her mo/th an$ retche$.
7he A/een coni$ere$ her priGe- /n,"inching. 2Eo/4ve ki""e$ the .rong $.ar,-1 he ai$ at
"at- gr/$ging every .or$.
23e never $i$-1 one o, the ,oo" $are$ to ay. 27hi i got to be him- er. A $.ar,- ee. #e4
rotte$ ome- i a"".1
2#e ha a"o gro.n a ne. noe-1 Cerei oberve$. 2A rather b/"bo/ one- &4$ ay. 7yrion4
noe .a hacke$ o,, in a batt"e.1
7he three ,oo" e:change$ a "ook. 2No one to"$ /-1 ai$ the one .ith hea$ in han$. 27hi one
come .a"king a"ong a bo"$ a yo/ p"eae- ome /g"y $.ar,- o .e tho/ght81
2#e said he .ere a parro.-1 the one .ith the boi" a$$e$- 2an$ !ou ai$ he .a "ying.1 7hat
.a $irecte$ at the thir$ man.
7he A/een .a angry to think that he ha$ kept her ma"" co/nci" .aiting ,or thi m/mmer4
,arce. 2Eo/ have .ate$ my time an$ "ain an innocent man. & ho/"$ have yo/r o.n hea$ o,,.1
B/t i, he $i$- the ne:t man might heitate an$ "et the &mp "ip the net. She .o/"$ pi"e $ea$
$.ar, ten ,eet high be,ore he "et that happen. 2Remove yo/re"ve ,rom my ight.1
2Aye- Eo/r Grace-1 ai$ the boi". 23e beg yo/r par$on.1
25o yo/ .ant the hea$61 ake$ the man .ho he"$ it.
2Give it to Ser Meryn. No- in the ack- yo/ "ack.it. Ee. Ser Hm/n$- ee them o/t.1
7rant remove$ the hea$ an$ >ett"eb"ack the hea$men- "eaving on"y ?a$y !oce"yn4 break,at
a evi$ence o, their viit. 2C"ean that /p at once-1 the A/een comman$e$ her. 7hi .a the thir$
hea$ that ha$ been $e"ivere$ to her. At least this one was a dwarf+ 7he "at ha$ imp"y been an
/g"y chi"$.
2Someone .i"" ,in$ the $.ar,- never ,ear-1 Ser Hm/n$ a/re$ her. 2An$ .hen they $o-
.e4"" ki"" him goo$.1
Will !ou6 ?at night Cerei ha$ $reame$ o, the o"$ .oman- .ith her pebb"y =o." an$
croaking voice. Maggy the +rog- they ha$ ca""e$ her in ?anniport. If Father had known what
she said to me, he would hae had her tongue out+ Cerei ha$ never to"$ anyone- tho/gh- not
even !aime. *elara said that if we neer spoke about her prophecies, we would forget them+ She
said that a forgotten prophec! couldn/t come true+
2& have in,ormer ni,,ing a,ter the &mp every.here- Eo/r Grace-1 ai$ Dyb/rn. #e ha$
garbe$ hime", in omething very "ike maeter4 robe- b/t .hite intea$ o, grey- immac/"ate a
the c"oak o, the >ingg/ar$. 3hor" o, go"$ $ecorate$ hi hem- "eeve- an$ ti,, high co""ar-
an$ a go"$en ah .a tie$ abo/t hi .ait. 2H"$to.n- G/""to.n- 5orne- even the +ree Citie.
3hereoever he might r/n- my .hiperer .i"" ,in$ him.1
2Eo/ a/me he "e,t >ing4 ?an$ing. #e co/"$ be hi$ing in Bae"or4 Sept ,or a"" .e kno.-
.inging on the be"" rope to make that a.,/" $in.1 Cerei ma$e a o/r ,ace an$ "et 5orca he"p
her to her ,eet. 2Come- my "or$. My co/nci" a.ait.1 She took Dyb/rn by the arm a they ma$e
their .ay $o.n the tair. 2#ave yo/ atten$e$ to that "itt"e tak & et yo/61
2& have- Eo/r Grace. & am orry that it took o "ong. S/ch a "arge hea$. &t took the beet"e
many ho/r to c"ean the ,"eh. By .ay o, par$on- & have "ine$ a bo: o, ebony an$ i"ver .ith ,e"t-
to make a ,itting preentation ,or the k/"".1
2A c"oth ack .o/"$ erve a .e"". 9rince 5oran .ant hi hea$. #e .on4t give a ,ig .hat ort
o, bo: it come in.1
7he pea"ing o, the be"" .a "o/$er in the yar$. 7e was onl! a 7igh Septon+ 7ow long must
we endure this6 7he ringing .a more me"o$io/ than the Mo/ntain4 cream ha$ been- b/t8
Dyb/rn eeme$ to ene .hat he .a thinking. 27he be"" .i"" top at /net- Eo/r Grace.1
27hat .i"" be a great re"ie,. #o. can yo/ kno.61
2>no.ing i the nat/re o, my ervice.1
.ar!s had all of us belieing he was irreplaceable+ What fools we were+ Hnce the A/een "et it
become kno.n that Dyb/rn ha$ taken the e/n/ch4 p"ace- the //a" vermin ha$ .ate$ no time
in making theme"ve kno.n to him- to tra$e their .hiper ,or a ,e. coin. It was the siler all
along, not the Spider+ :!burn will sere us 9ust as well+ She .a "ooking ,or.ar$ to the "ook on
9yce""e4 ,ace .hen Dyb/rn took hi eat.
A knight o, the >ingg/ar$ .a a".ay pote$ o/ti$e the $oor o, the co/nci" chamber
.hen the ma"" co/nci" .a in eion. 7o$ay it .a Ser Boro B"o/nt. 2Ser Boro-1 the A/een
ai$ p"eaant"y- 2yo/ "ook A/ite grey thi morning. Something yo/ ate- perchance61 !aime ha$
ma$e him the king4 ,oo$ tater. A tast! task, but shameful for a knight+ B"o/nt hate$ it. #i
agging =o." A/ivere$ a he he"$ the $oor ,or them.
7he co/nci""or A/iete$ a he entere$. ?or$ Gy"e co/ghe$ by .ay o, greeting- "o/$ eno/gh
to .ake 9yce""e. 7he other roe- mo/thing p"eaantrie. Cerei a""o.e$ here", the ,aintet o,
mi"e. 2My "or$- & kno. yo/ .i"" ,orgive my "atene.1
23e are here to erve Eo/r Grace-1 ai$ Ser #ary S.y,t. 2&t i o/r p"ea/re to anticipate
yo/r coming.1
2Eo/ a"" kno. ?or$ Dyb/rn- & am /re.1
Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e $i$ not $iappoint her. 2"ord Dyb/rn61 he manage$- p/rp"ing. 2Eo/r
Grace- thi8 a maeter .ear acre$ vo.- to ho"$ no "an$ or "or$hip81
2Eo/r Cita$e" took a.ay hi chain-1 Cerei remin$e$ him. 2&, he i not a maeter- he cannot
be he"$ to a maeter4 vo.. 3e ca""e$ the e/n/ch lord a .e""- yo/ may reca"".1
9yce""e p/ttere$. 27hi man i8 he i /n,it81
25o not pre/me to peak to me o, fitness+ Not a,ter the tinking mockery yo/ ma$e o, my
"or$ ,ather4 corpe.1
2Eo/r Grace cannot think81 #e raie$ a potte$ han$- a i, to .ar$ o,, a b"o.. 27he i"ent
iter remove$ ?or$ 7y.in4 bo.e" an$ organ- $raine$ hi b"oo$8 every care .a taken8
hi bo$y .a t/,,e$ .ith a"t an$ ,ragrant herb81
2Hh- pare me the $ig/ting $etai". & me""e$ the re/"t o, yo/r care+ ?or$ Dyb/rn4
hea"ing art ave$ my brother4 "i,e- an$ & $o not $o/bt that he .i"" erve the king more ab"y than
that impering e/n/ch. My "or$- yo/ kno. yo/r ,e""o. co/nci""or61
2& .o/"$ be a poor in,ormer i, & $i$ not- Eo/r Grace.1 Dyb/rn eate$ hime", bet.een Hrton
Merry.eather an$ Gy"e Roby.
*! councillors+ Cerei ha$ /proote$ every roe- an$ a"" thoe beho"$en to her /nc"e an$ her
brother. &n their p"ace .ere men .hoe "oya"ty .o/"$ be to her. She ha$ even given them ne.
ty"e- borro.e$ ,rom the +ree CitieI the A/een .o/"$ have no 2mater1 at co/rt bei$e here",.
Hrton Merry.eather .a her =/ticiar- Gy"e Roby her "or$ trea/rer. A/rane 3ater- the
$ahing yo/ng Batar$ o, 5ri,tmark- .o/"$ be her gran$ a$mira".
An$ ,or her #an$- Ser #ary S.y,t.
So,t- ba"$- an$ obeA/io/- S.y,t ha$ an ab/r$ "itt"e .hite p/,, o, bear$ .here mot men
ha$ a chin. 7he b"/e bantam rooter o, hi #o/e .a .orke$ acro the ,ront o, hi p"/h
ye""o. $o/b"et in bea$ o, "api. Hver that he .ore a mant"e o, b"/e ve"vet $ecorate$ .ith a
h/n$re$ go"$en han$. Ser #ary ha$ been thri""e$ by hi appointment- too $im to rea"iGe that he
.a more hotage than #an$. #i $a/ghter .a her /nc"e4 .i,e- an$ >evan "ove$ hi chin"e
"a$y- ,"at(chete$ an$ chicken("egge$ a he .a. So "ong a he ha$ Ser #ary in han$- >evan
?anniter m/t nee$ think t.ice abo/t oppoing her. #o be sure, a good(father is not the ideal
hostage, but better a flims! shield than none+
23i"" the king be =oining /61 ake$ Hrton Merry.eather.
2My on i p"aying .ith hi "itt"e A/een. +or the moment- hi i$ea o, kinghip i tamping
paper .ith the roya" ea". #i Grace i ti"" too yo/ng to comprehen$ a,,air o, tate.1
2An$ o/r va"iant ?or$ Comman$er61
2Ser !aime i at hi armorer4 being ,itte$ ,or a han$. & kno. .e .ere a"" tire$ o, that /g"y
t/mp. An$ & $areay he .o/"$ ,in$ thee procee$ing a tireome a 7ommen.1 A/rane 3ater
ch/ck"e$ at that. 1ood, Cerei tho/ght- the more the! laugh, the less he is a threat+ "et them
laugh+ 25o .e have .ine61
23e $o- Eo/r Grace.1 Hrton Merry.eather .a not a come"y man- .ith hi big "/mpih noe
an$ hock o, /nr/"y re$$ih(orange hair- b/t he .a never "e than co/rteo/. 23e have
5ornih re$ an$ Arbor go"$- an$ a ,ine .eet hippocra ,rom #ighgar$en.1
27he go"$- & think. & ,in$ 5ornih .ine a o/r a the 5ornih.1 A Merry.eather ,i""e$ her
c/p- Cerei ai$- 2& /ppoe .e ha$ a .e"" begin .ith them.1
Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e4 "ip .ere ti"" A/ivering- yet omeho. he ,o/n$ hi tong/e. 2A yo/
comman$. 9rince 5oran ha taken hi brother4 /nr/"y batar$ into c/to$y- yet S/npear ti""
eethe. 7he prince .rite that he cannot hope to ca"m the .ater /nti" he receive the =/tice that
.a promie$ him.1
27o be /re.1 A tiresome creature, this prince+ 2#i "ong .ait i a"mot $one. & am en$ing
Ba"on S.ann to S/npear- to $e"iver him the hea$ o, Gregor C"egane.1 Ser Ba"on .o/"$ have
another tak a .e""- b/t that part .a bet "e,t /nai$.
2Ah.1 Ser #ary S.y,t ,/mb"e$ at hi ,/nny "itt"e bear$ .ith th/mb an$ ,ore,inger. 2#e i
$ea$ then6 Ser Gregor61
2& .o/"$ think o- my "or$-1 A/rane 3ater ai$ $ry"y. 2& am to"$ that removing the hea$
,rom the bo$y i o,ten morta".1
Cerei ,avore$ him .ith a mi"eI he "ike$ a bit o, .it- o "ong a he .a not it target. 2Ser
Gregor perihe$ o, hi .o/n$- =/t a Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e ,oreto"$.1
9yce""e harrumphe$ an$ eye$ Dyb/rn o/r"y. 27he pear .a poione$. No man co/"$ have
ave$ him.1
2So yo/ ai$. & reca"" it .e"".1 7he A/een t/rne$ to her #an$. 23hat .ere yo/ peaking o,
.hen & arrive$- Ser #ary61
2Sparro.- Eo/r Grace. Septon Raynar$ ay there may be a many a t.o tho/an$ in the
city- an$ more arriving every $ay. 7heir "ea$er preach o, $oom an$ $emon .orhip81
Cerei took a tate o, .ine. .er! nice+ 2An$ "ong pat time- .o/"$n4t yo/ agree6 3hat .o/"$
yo/ ca"" thi re$ go$ that Stanni .orhip- i, not a $emon6 7he +aith ho/"$ oppoe /ch evi".1
Dyb/rn ha$ remin$e$ her o, that- the c"ever man. 2H/r "ate #igh Septon "et too m/ch pa- &
,ear. Age ha$ $imme$ hi ight an$ appe$ hi trength.1
2#e .a an o"$ $one man- Eo/r Grace.1 Dyb/rn mi"e$ at 9yce""e. 2#i paing ho/"$ not
have /rprie$ /. No man can ak ,or more than to $ie peace,/""y in hi "eep- ,/"" o, year.1
2No-1 ai$ Cerei- 2b/t .e m/t hope that hi /cceor i more vigoro/. My ,rien$ /pon
the other hi"" te"" me that it .i"" mot "ike be 7orbert or Raynar$.1
Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e c"eare$ hi throat. 2& have ,rien$ among the Mot 5evo/t a .e""- an$
they peak o, Septon H""i$or.1
25o not $ico/nt thi man ?/ceon-1 Dyb/rn ai$. 2?at night he ,ete$ thirty o, the Mot
5evo/t on /ck"ing pig an$ Arbor go"$- an$ by $ay he han$ o/t har$brea$ to the poor to prove
hi piety.1
A/rane 3ater eeme$ a bore$ a Cerei by a"" thi pratt"e abo/t epton. Seen /p c"oe- hi
hair .a more i"very than go"$- an$ hi eye .ere grey(green .here 9rince Rhaegar4 ha$ been
p/rp"e. Cven o- the reemb"ance8 She .on$ere$ i, 3ater .o/"$ have hi bear$ ,or her.
7ho/gh he .a ten year her =/nior- he .ante$ herI Cerei co/"$ ee it in the .ay he "ooke$ at
her. Men ha$ been "ooking at her that .ay ince her breat began to b/$. Because I was so
beautiful, the! said, but -aime was beautiful as well, and the! neer looked at him that wa!+
3hen he .a ma"" he .o/"$ ometime $on her brother4 c"othing a a "ark. She .a a".ay
tart"e$ by ho. $i,,erent"y men treate$ her .hen they tho/ght that he .a !aime. Cven ?or$
7y.in hime",8
9yce""e an$ Merry.eather .ere ti"" A/ibb"ing abo/t .ho the ne. #igh Septon .a "ike to be.
2Hne .i"" erve a .e"" a another-1 the A/een anno/nce$ abr/pt"y- 2b/t .hooever $on the
cryta" cro.n m/t prono/nce an anathema /pon the &mp.1 7hi "at #igh Septon ha$ been
conpic/o/"y i"ent regar$ing 7yrion. 2A ,or thee pink parro.- o "ong a they preach no
treaon they are the +aith4 prob"em- not o/r.1
?or$ Hrton an$ Ser #ary m/rm/re$ agreement. Gy"e Roby4 attempt to $o the ame
$io"ve$ into a ,it o, co/ghing. Cerei t/rne$ a.ay in $itate a he .a hacking /p a gob o,
b"oo$y ph"egm. 2Maeter- have yo/ bro/ght the "etter ,rom the %a"e61
2& have- Eo/r Grace.1 9yce""e p"/cke$ it ,rom hi pi"e o, paper an$ moothe$ it o/t. 2&t i a
$ec"aration- rather than a "etter. Signe$ at R/netone by BronGe Eohn Royce- ?a$y 3ayn.oo$-
?or$ #/nter- Re$,ort- an$ Be"more- an$ Symon$ 7emp"eton- the >night o, Ninetar. A"" have
a,,i:e$ their ea". 7hey .rite@1
A deal of rubbish+ 2My "or$ may rea$ the "etter i, they .ih. Royce an$ thee other are
maing men be"o. the Cyrie. 7hey mean to remove ?itt"e,inger a ?or$ 9rotector o, the %a"e-
,orcib"y i, nee$ be. 7he A/etion i- o/ght .e a""o. thi61
25oe ?or$ Bae"ih eek o/r he"p61 ake$ #ary S.y,t.
2Not a yet. &n tr/th- he eem A/ite /nconcerne$. #i "at "etter mention the rebe" on"y
brie,"y be,ore beeeching me to hip him ome o"$ tapetrie o, Robert4.1
Ser #ary ,ingere$ hi chin bear$. 2An$ thee "or$ o, the $ec"aration- $o the! appea" to the
king to take a han$61
27hey $o not.1
27hen8 mayhap .e nee$ $o nothing.1
2A .ar in the %a"e .o/"$ be mot tragic-1 ai$ 9yce""e.
23ar61 Hrton Merry.eather "a/ghe$. 2?or$ Bae"ih i a mot am/ing man- b/t one $oe not
,ight a .ar .ith .itticim. & $o/bt there .i"" be b"oo$he$. An$ $oe it matter .ho i regent ,or
"itt"e ?or$ Robert- o "ong a the %a"e remit it ta:e61
2o, Cerei $eci$e$. &, tr/th be to"$- ?itt"e,inger ha$ been more /e at co/rt. 7e had a gift for
finding gold, and neer coughed+ 2?or$ Hrton ha convince$ me. Maeter 9yce""e- intr/ct thee
?or$ 5ec"arant that no harm m/t come to 9etyr. C"e.ie- the cro.n i content .ith .hatever
$ipoition they might make ,or the governance o, the %a"e $/ring Robert Arryn4 minority.1
2%ery goo$- Eo/r Grace.1
2Might .e $ic/ the ,"eet61 ake$ A/rane 3ater. 2+e.er than a $oGen o, o/r hip
/rvive$ the in,erno on the B"ack.ater. 3e m/t nee$ retore o/r trength at ea.1
Merry.eather no$$e$. 2Strength at ea i mot eentia".1
2Co/"$ .e make /e o, the ironmen61 ake$ Hrton Merry.eather. 27he enemy o, o/r enemy6
3hat .o/"$ the Seatone Chair .ant o, / a the price o, an a""iance61
27hey .ant the north-1 Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e ai$- 2.hich o/r A/een4 nob"e ,ather
promie$ to #o/e Bo"ton.1
2#o. inconvenient-1 ai$ Merry.eather. 2Sti""- the north i "arge. 7he "an$ co/"$ be $ivi$e$.
&t nee$ not be a permanent arrangement. Bo"ton might conent- o "ong a .e a/re him that o/r
trength .i"" be hi once Stanni i $etroye$.1
2Ba"on Grey=oy i $ea$- & ha$ hear$-1 ai$ Ser #ary S.y,t. 25o .e kno. .ho r/"e the i"e
no.6 5i$ ?or$ Ba"on have a on61
2?eo61 co/ghe$ ?or$ Gy"e. 27heo61
27heon Grey=oy .a raie$ at 3inter,e""- a .ar$ o, C$$ar$ Stark-1 Dyb/rn ai$. 2#e i not
"ike to be a ,rien$ o, o/r.1
2& ha$ hear$ he .a "ain-1 ai$ Merry.eather.
23a there on"y one on61 Ser #ary S.y,t t/gge$ /pon hi chin bear$. 2Brother. 7here
.ere brother. 3ere there not61
.ar!s would hae known, Cerei tho/ght .ith irritation. 2& $o not propoe to c"imb in be$
.ith that orry pack o, A/i$. 7heir t/rn .i"" come- once .e have $ea"t .ith Stanni. 3hat .e
reA/ire i o/r o.n ,"eet.1
2& propoe .e b/i"$ ne. $romon$-1 ai$ A/rane 3ater. 27en- to tart .ith.1
23here i the coin to come ,rom61 ake$ 9yce""e.
?or$ Gy"e took that a an invitation to begin co/ghing again. #e bro/ght /p more pink
pitt"e an$ $abbe$ it a.ay .ith a A/are o, re$ i"k. 27here i no81 he manage$- be,ore the
co/ghing ate hi .or$. 28no8 .e $o not81
Ser #ary prove$ .i,t eno/gh at "eat to grap the meaning bet.een the co/gh. 27he cro.n
income have never been greater-1 he ob=ecte$. 2Ser >evan to"$ me o hime",.1
?or$ Gy"e co/ghe$. 28e:pene8 go"$ c"oak81
Cerei ha$ hear$ hi ob=ection be,ore. 2H/r "or$ trea/rer i trying to ay that .e have too
many go"$ c"oak an$ too "itt"e go"$.1 Roby4 co/ghing ha$ beg/n to ve: her. $erhaps 1arth
the 1ross would not hae been so ill+ 27ho/gh "arge- the cro.n income are not "arge eno/gh to
keep abreat o, Robert4 $ebt. Accor$ing"y- & have $eci$e$ to $e,er o/r repayment o, the /m
o.e$ the #o"y +aith an$ the &ron Bank o, Braavo /nti" .ar4 en$.1 7he ne. #igh Septon .o/"$
$o/bt"e .ring hi ho"y han$- an$ the Braavoi .o/"$ A/eak an$ A/a.k at her- b/t .hat o,
it6 27he monie ave$ .i"" be /e$ ,or the b/i"$ing o, o/r ne. ,"eet.1
2Eo/r Grace i pr/$ent-1 ai$ ?or$ Merry.eather. 27hi i a .ie mea/re. An$ nee$e$- /nti"
the .ar i $one. & conc/r.1
2An$ &-1 ai$ Ser #ary.
2Eo/r Grace-1 9yce""e ai$ in a A/avering voice- 2thi .i"" ca/e more tro/b"e than yo/ kno.-
& ,ear. 7he &ron Bank81
28remain on Braavo- ,ar acro the ea. 7hey ha"" have their go"$- maeter. A ?anniter
pay hi $ebt.1
27he Braavoi have a aying too.1 9yce""e4 =e.e"e$ chain c"inke$ o,t"y. 2#he Iron Bank will
hae its due, they ay.1
27he &ron Bank .i"" have it $/e .hen & ay they .i"". Fnti" /ch time- the &ron Bank .i""
.ait repect,/""y. ?or$ 3ater- commence the b/i"$ing o, yo/r $romon$.1
2%ery goo$- Eo/r Grace.1
Ser #ary h/,,"e$ thro/gh ome paper. 27he ne:t matter8 .e have ha$ a "etter ,rom ?or$
+rey p/tting ,orth ome c"aim81
2#o. many "an$ an$ honor $oe that man .ant61 nappe$ the A/een. 2#i mother m/t
have ha$ three teat.1
2My "or$ may not kno.-1 ai$ Dyb/rn- 2b/t in the .ineink an$ pot hop o, thi city- there
are thoe .ho /gget that the cro.n might have been omeho. comp"icit in ?or$ 3a"$er4
crime.1
7he other co/nci""or tare$ at him /ncertain"y. 25o yo/ re,er to the Re$ 3e$$ing61 ake$
A/rane 3ater. 2Crime61 ai$ Ser #ary. 9yce""e c"eare$ hi throat noii"y. ?or$ Gy"e co/ghe$.
27hee parro. are epecia""y o/tpoken-1 .arne$ Dyb/rn. 27he Re$ 3e$$ing .a an
a,,ront to a"" the "a. o, go$ an$ men- they ay- an$ thoe .ho ha$ a han$ in it are $amne$.1
Cerei .a not "o. to take hi meaning. 2?or$ 3a"$er m/t oon ,ace the +ather4 =/$gment.
#e i very o"$. ?et the parro. pit /pon hi memory. &t ha no/ght to $o .ith /.1
2No-1 ai$ Ser #ary. 2No-1 ai$ ?or$ Merry.eather. 2No one co/"$ think o-1 ai$ 9yce""e.
?or$ Gy"e co/ghe$.
2A "itt"e pitt"e on ?or$ 3a"$er4 tomb i not "ike to $it/rb the grave .orm-1 Dyb/rn
agree$- 2b/t it .o/"$ a"o be /e,/" i, omeone .ere to be punished ,or the Re$ 3e$$ing. A ,e.
+rey hea$ .o/"$ $o m/ch to mo""i,y the north.1
2?or$ 3a"$er .i"" never acri,ice hi o.n-1 ai$ 9yce""e.
2No-1 m/e$ Cerei- 2b/t hi heir may be "e A/eamih. ?or$ 3a"$er .i"" oon $o / the
co/rtey o, $ying- .e can hope. 3hat better .ay ,or the ne. ?or$ o, the Croing to ri$ hime",
o, inconvenient ha", brother- $iagreeab"e co/in- an$ cheming iter than by naming them
the c/"prit61
23hi"t .e a.ait ?or$ 3a"$er4 $eath- there i another matter-1 ai$ A/rane 3ater. 27he
Go"$en Company ha broken it contract .ith Myr. Aro/n$ the $ock &4ve hear$ men ay that
?or$ Stanni ha hire$ them an$ i bringing them acro the ea.1
23hat .o/"$ he pay them .ith61 ake$ Merry.eather. 2Sno.6 7hey are ca""e$ the 1olden
Company. #o. m/ch go"$ $oe Stanni have61
2?itt"e eno/gh-1 Cerei a/re$ him. 2?or$ Dyb/rn ha poken to the cre. o, that Myrih
ga""ey in the bay. 7hey c"aim the Go"$en Company i making ,or %o"anti. &, they mean to cro
to 3etero- they are marching in the .rong $irection.1
29erhap they gre. .eary o, ,ighting on the "oing i$e-1 /ggete$ ?or$ Merry.eather.
27here i that a .e""-1 agree$ the A/een. 2Hn"y a b"in$ man co/"$ ,ai" to ee o/r .ar i a"" b/t
.on. ?or$ 7yre"" ha Storm4 Cn$ invete$. Riverr/n i beiege$ by the +rey an$ my co/in
5aven- o/r ne. 3ar$en o, the 3et. ?or$ Re$.yne4 hip have pae$ thro/gh the Strait o,
7arth an$ are moving .i,t"y /p the coat. Hn"y a ,e. ,ihing boat remain on 5ragontone to
oppoe Re$.yne4 "an$ing. 7he cat"e may ho"$ ,or ome time- b/t once .e have the port .e
can c/t the garrion o,, ,rom the ea. 7hen on"y Stanni hime", .i"" remain to ve: /.1
2&, ?or$ !ano can be be"ieve$- he i trying to make common ca/e .ith the .i"$"ing-1
.arne$ Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e.
2Savage in kin-1 $ec"are$ ?or$ Merry.eather. 2?or$ Stanni m/t be $eperate in$ee$- to
eek /ch a""ie.1
25eperate an$ ,oo"ih-1 the A/een agree$. 27he northmen hate the .i"$"ing. Rooe Bo"ton
ho/"$ have no tro/b"e .inning them to o/r ca/e. A ,e. have a"rea$y =oine$ /p .ith hi batar$
on to he"p him c"ear the .retche$ ironmen ,rom Moat Cai"in an$ c"ear the .ay ,or ?or$ Bo"ton
to ret/rn. Fmber- Ry.e""8 & ,orget the other name. Cven 3hite #arbor i on the point o,
=oining /. &t "or$ ha agree$ to marry both hi gran$$a/ghter to o/r ,rien$ o, +rey an$ open
hi port to o/r hip.1
2& tho/ght .e ha$ no hip-1 Ser #ary ai$- con,/e$.
23yman Man$er"y .a a "oya" bannerman to C$$ar$ Stark-1 ai$ Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e.
2Can /ch a man be tr/te$6
2o one can be trusted+ 2#e4 a ,at o"$ man- an$ ,rightene$. #o.ever- he i proving t/bborn
on one point. #e init that he .i"" not ben$ the knee /nti" hi heir ha been ret/rne$ to him.1
25o .e have thi heir61 ake$ Ser #ary.
2#e .i"" be at #arrenha"- i, he i ti"" a"ive. Gregor C"egane took him captive.1 7he Mo/ntain
ha$ not a".ay been gent"e .ith hi prioner- even thoe .orth a goo$"y ranom. 2&, he i $ea$-
& /ppoe .e .i"" nee$ to en$ ?or$ Man$er"y the hea$ o, thoe .ho ki""e$ him- .ith o/r mot
incere apo"ogie.1 &, one hea$ .a eno/gh to appeae a prince o, 5orne- a bag o, them ho/"$
be more than a$eA/ate ,or a ,at northman .rappe$ in ea"kin.
23i"" not ?or$ Stanni eek to .in the a""egiance o, 3hite #arbor a .e""61 ake$ Gran$
Maeter 9yce""e.
2Hh- he ha trie$. ?or$ Man$er"y ha ent hi "etter on to / an$ rep"ie$ .ith evaion.
Stanni $eman$ 3hite #arbor4 .or$ an$ i"ver- ,or .hich he o,,er8 .e""- nothing.1 Hne
$ay he m/t "ight a can$"e to the Stranger ,or carrying Ren"y o,, an$ "eaving Stanni. &, it ha$
been the other .ay aro/n$- her "i,e .o/"$ have been har$er. 2!/t thi morning there .a another
bir$. Stanni ha ent hi onion m/gg"er to treat .ith 3hite #arbor on hi beha",. Man$er"y ha
c"appe$ the .retch ini$e a ce"". #e ak / .hat he ho/"$ $o .ith him.1
2Sen$ him here- that .e might A/etion him-1 /ggete$ ?or$ Merry.eather. 27he man might
kno. m/ch o, va"/e.1
2?et him $ie-1 ai$ Dyb/rn. 2#i $eath .i"" be a "eon to the north- to ho. them .hat
become o, traitor.1
2& A/ite agree-1 the A/een ai$. 2& have intr/cte$ ?or$ Man$er"y to have hi hea$ o,,
,orth.ith. 7hat ho/"$ p/t an en$ to any chance o, 3hite #arbor /pporting Stanni.1
2Stanni .i"" nee$ another #an$-1 oberve$ A/rane 3ater .ith a ch/ck"e. 27he t/rnip
knight- perhap61
2A t/rnip knight61 ai$ Ser #ary S.y,t- con,/e$. 23ho i thi man6 & have not hear$ o,
him.1
3ater $i$ not rep"y- e:cept to ro"" hi eye.
23hat i, ?or$ Man$er"y ho/"$ re,/e61 ake$ Merry.eather.
2#e $are not. 7he onion knight4 hea$ i the coin he4"" nee$ to b/y hi on4 "i,e.1 Cerei
mi"e$. 27he ,at o"$ ,oo" may have been "oya" to the Stark in hi o.n .ay- b/t .ith the .o"ve
o, 3inter,e"" e:ting/ihe$@1
2Eo/r Grace ha ,orgotten the ?a$y Sana-1 ai$ 9yce""e.
7he A/een brit"e$. 2& mot certain"y have not ,orgotten that "itt"e he(.o",.1 She re,/e$ to
ay the gir"4 name. 2& o/ght to have ho.n her to the b"ack ce"" a the $a/ghter o, a traitor- b/t
intea$ & ma$e her part o, mine o.n ho/eho"$. She hare$ my hearth an$ ha""- p"aye$ .ith my
o.n chi"$ren. & ,e$ her- $ree$ her- trie$ to make her a "itt"e "e ignorant abo/t the .or"$- an$
ho. $i$ he repay me ,or my kin$ne6 She he"pe$ m/r$er my on. 3hen .e ,in$ the &mp- .e
.i"" ,in$ the ?a$y Sana too. She i not $ea$8 b/t be,ore & am $one .ith her- & promie yo/- he
.i"" be inging to the Stranger- begging ,or hi ki.1
An a.k.ar$ i"ence ,o""o.e$. 7ae the! all swallowed their tongues6 Cerei tho/ght- .ith
irritation. &t .a eno/gh to make her .on$er .hy he bothere$ .ith a co/nci".
2&n any cae-1 the A/een .ent on- 2?or$ C$$ar$4 !ounger $a/ghter i .ith ?or$ Bo"ton- an$
.i"" be .e$ to hi on Ramay a oon a Moat Cai"in ha ,a""en.1 So "ong a the gir" p"aye$ her
ro"e .e"" eno/gh to cement their c"aim to 3inter,e""- neither o, the Bo"ton .o/"$ m/ch care that
he .a act/a""y ome te.ar$4 .he"p tricke$ /p by ?itt"e,inger. 2&, the north m/t have a
Stark- .e4"" give them one.1 She "et ?or$ Merry.eather ,i"" her c/p once again. 2Another
prob"em ha arien on the 3a""- ho.ever. 7he brother o, the Night4 3atch have taken "eave o,
their .it an$ choen Ne$ Stark4 batar$ on to be their ?or$ Comman$er.1
2Sno.- the boy i ca""e$-1 9yce""e ai$ /nhe"p,/""y.
2& g"impe$ him once at 3inter,e""-1 the A/een ai$- 2tho/gh the Stark $i$ their bet to hi$e
him. #e "ook very "ike hi ,ather.1 #er h/ban$4 by(b"o. ha$ hi "ook a .e""- tho/gh at "eat
Robert ha$ the grace to keep them o/t o, ight. Hnce- a,ter that orry b/ine .ith the cat- he
ha$ ma$e ome noie abo/t bringing ome baeborn $a/ghter o, hi to co/rt. 25o a yo/
p"eae-1 he4$ to"$ him- 2b/t yo/ may ,in$ that the city i not a hea"thy p"ace ,or a gro.ing gir".1
7he br/ie thoe .or$ ha$ .on her ha$ been har$ to hi$e ,rom !aime- b/t they hear$ no more
abo/t the batar$ gir". %atel!n #ull! was a mouse, or she would hae smothered this -on Snow in
his cradle+ Instead, she/s left the filth! task to me+ 2Sno. hare ?or$ C$$ar$4 tate ,or treaon
too-1 he ai$. 27he ,ather .o/"$ have han$e$ the rea"m to Stanni. 7he on ha given him "an$
an$ cat"e.1
27he Night4 3atch i .orn to take no part in the .ar o, the Seven >ing$om-1 9yce""e
remin$e$ them. 2+or tho/an$ o, year the b"ack brother have /phe"$ that tra$ition.1
2Fnti" no.-1 ai$ Cerei. 27he batar$ boy ha .ritten / to avo. that the Night4 3atch
take no i$e- b/t hi action give the "ie to hi .or$. #e ha given Stanni ,oo$ an$ he"ter- yet
ha the ino"ence to p"ea$ .ith / ,or arm an$ men.1
2An o/trage-1 $ec"are$ ?or$ Merry.eather. 23e cannot a""o. the Night4 3atch to =oin it
trength to that o, ?or$ Stanni.1
23e m/t $ec"are thi Sno. a traitor an$ a rebe"-1 agree$ Ser #ary S.y,t. 27he b"ack
brother m/t remove him.1
Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e no$$e$ pon$ero/"y. 2& propoe that .e in,orm Cat"e B"ack that no
more men .i"" be ent to them /nti" /ch time a Sno. i gone.1
2H/r ne. $romon$ .i"" nee$ oarmen-1 ai$ A/rane 3ater. 2?et / intr/ct the "or$ to
en$ their poacher an$ thieve to me hence,orth- intea$ o, to the 3a"".1
Dyb/rn "eane$ ,or.ar$ .ith a mi"e. 27he Night4 3atch $e,en$ / a"" ,rom nark an$
gr/mkin. My "or$- & ay that .e m/t help the brave b"ack brother.1
Cerei gave him a harp "ook. 23hat are yo/ aying61
27hi-1 Dyb/rn ai$. 2+or year no.- the Night4 3atch ha begge$ ,or men. ?or$ Stanni
ha an.ere$ their p"ea. Can >ing 7ommen $o "e6 #i Grace ho/"$ en$ the 3a"" a h/n$re$
men. 7o take the b"ack- otenib"y- b/t in tr/th81
28to remove !on Sno. ,rom the comman$-1 Cerei ,inihe$- $e"ighte$. I knew I was right to
want him on m! council+ 27hat i =/t .hat .e ha"" $o.1 She "a/ghe$. If this bastard bo! is trul!
his father/s son, he will not suspect a thing+ $erhaps he will een thank me, before the blade
slides between his ribs+ 2&t .i"" nee$ to be $one care,/""y- to be /re. ?eave the ret to me- my
"or$.1 7hi .a ho. an enemy ho/"$ be $ea"t .ith' .ith a $agger- not a $ec"aration. 23e have
$one goo$ .ork to$ay- my "or$. & thank yo/. & there a/ght e"e61
2Hne "at thing- Eo/r Grace-1 ai$ A/rane 3ater- in an apo"ogetic tone. 2& heitate to take /p
the co/nci"4 time .ith tri,"e- b/t there ha been ome A/eer ta"k hear$ a"ong the $ock o, "ate.
Sai"or ,rom the eat. 7hey peak o, $ragon81
28an$ manticore- no $o/bt- an$ bear$e$ nark61 Cerei ch/ck"e$. 2Come back to me .hen
yo/ hear ta"k o, dwarfs, my "or$.1 She too$- to igna" that the meeting .a at an en$.
A b"/tery a/t/mn .in$ .a b"o.ing .hen Cerei "e,t the co/nci" chamber- an$ be"" o,
B"ee$ Bae"or ti"" ang their ong o, mo/rning o,, acro the city. &n the yar$ t.ocore knight
.ere hammering each other .ith .or$ an$ hie"$- a$$ing to the $in. Ser Boro B"o/nt ecorte$
the A/een back to her apartment- .here he ,o/n$ ?a$y Merry.eather ch/ck"ing .ith !oce"yn
an$ 5orca. 23hat i it yo/ a"" ,in$ o am/ing61
27he Re$.yne t.in-1 ai$ 7aena. 2Both o, them have ,a""en in "ove .ith ?a$y Margaery.
7hey /e$ to ,ight over .hich .o/"$ be the ne:t ?or$ o, the Arbor. No. both o, them .ant to
=oin the >ingg/ar$- =/t to be near the "itt"e A/een.1
27he Re$.yne have a".ay ha$ more ,reck"e than .it.1 &t .a a /e,/" thing to kno.-
tho/gh. If 7orror or Slobber were to be found abed with *argaer!= Cerei .on$ere$ i, the
"itt"e A/een "ike$ ,reck"e. 25orca- ,etch me Ser Hney >ett"eb"ack.1
5orca b"/he$. 2A yo/ comman$.1
3hen the gir" .a gone- 7aena Merry.eather gave the A/een a A/iGGica" "ook. 23hy $i$ he
t/rn o re$61
2?ove.1 &t .a Cerei4 t/rn to "a/gh. 2She ,ancie o/r Ser Hney.1 #e .a the yo/nget
>ett"eb"ack- the c"ean(have$ one. 7ho/gh he ha$ the ame b"ack hair- hooke$ noe- an$ eay
mi"e a hi brother Hm/n$- one cheek bore three "ong cratche- co/rtey o, one o, 7yrion4
.hore. 2She "ike hi car- & think.1
?a$y Merry.eather4 $ark eye hone .ith michie,. 2!/t o. Scar make a man "ook
$angero/- an$ $anger i e:citing.1
2Eo/ hock me- my "a$y-1 the A/een ai$- teaing. 2&, $anger e:cite yo/ o- .hy .e$ ?or$
Hrton6 3e a"" "ove him- it i tr/e- b/t ti""81 9etyr ha$ once remarke$ that the horn o, p"enty
that a$orne$ #o/e Merry.eather4 arm /ite$ ?or$ Hrton a$mirab"y- ince he ha$ carrot(
co"ore$ hair- a noe a b/"bo/ a a beetroot- an$ peae porri$ge ,or .it.
7aena "a/ghe$. 2My "or$ i more bo/nti,/" than $angero/- thi i o. Eet8 & hope Eo/r
Grace .i"" not think the "e o, me- b/t & $i$ not come a mai$ entire to Hrton4 be$.1
&ou are all whores in the Free %ities, aren/t !ou6 7hat .a goo$ to kno.I one $ay- he might
be ab"e to make /e o, it. 2An$ pray- .ho .a thi "over .ho .a o8 ,/"" o, $anger61
7aena4 o"ive kin t/rne$ even $arker a he b"/he$. 2Hh- & ho/"$ not have poken. Eo/r
Grace .i"" keep my ecret- ye61
2Men have car- .omen myterie.1 Cerei kie$ her cheek. I will hae his name out of !ou
soon enough+
3hen 5orca ret/rne$ .ith Ser Hney >ett"eb"ack- the A/een $imie$ her "a$ie. 2Come it
.ith me by the .in$o.- Ser Hney. 3i"" yo/ take a c/p o, .ine61 She po/re$ ,or them here",.
2Eo/r c"oak i threa$bare. & have a min$ to p/t yo/ in a ne. one.1
23hat- a .hite one6 3ho4 $ie$61
2No one- a yet-1 the A/een ai$. 2& that yo/r .ih- to =oin yo/r brother Hm/n$ in o/r
>ingg/ar$61
2&4$ rather be the 3ueen/s g/ar$- i, it p"eae Eo/r Grace.1 3hen Hney grinne$- the car on
hi cheek t/rne$ bright re$.
Cerei4 ,inger trace$ their path acro hi cheek. 2Eo/ have a bo"$ tong/e- er. Eo/ .i""
make me ,orget mye", again.1
2Goo$.1 Ser Hney ca/ght her han$ an$ kie$ her ,inger ro/gh"y. 2My .eet A/een.1
2Eo/ are a .icke$ man-1 the A/een .hipere$- 2an$ no tr/e knight- & think.1 She "et him
to/ch her breat thro/gh the i"k o, her go.n. 2Cno/gh.1
2&t in4t. & .ant yo/.1
2Eo/4ve ha$ me.1
2Hn"y once.1 #e grabbe$ her "e,t breat again an$ gave it a c"/my A/eeGe that remin$e$ her
o, Robert.
2Hne goo$ night ,or one goo$ knight. Eo/ $i$ me va"iant ervice- an$ yo/ ha$ yo/r re.ar$.1
Cerei .a"ke$ her ,inger /p hi "ace. She co/"$ ,ee" him ti,,ening thro/gh hi breeche. 23a
that a ne. hore yo/ .ere ri$ing in the yar$ yetermorn61
27he b"ack ta""ion6 Aye. A gi,t ,rom my brother H,ry$. Mi$night- & ca"" him.1
7ow wonderfull! original+ 2A ,ine mo/nt ,or a batt"e. +or p"ea/re- tho/gh- there i nothing to
compare to a ga""op on a pirite$ yo/ng ,i""y.1 She gave him a mi"e an$ a A/eeGe. 27e"" me
tr/e. 5o yo/ think o/r "itt"e A/een i pretty61
Ser Hney $re. back- .ary. 2& /ppoe. +or a gir". &4$ ooner have a .oman.1
23hy not both61 he .hipere$. 29"/ck the "itt"e roe ,or me- an$ yo/ .i"" not ,in$ me to be
/ngrate,/".1
27he "itt"e8 Margaery- yo/ mean61 Ser Hney4 ar$or .a .i"ting in hi breeche. 2She4 the
king4 .i,e. 3an4t there ome >ingg/ar$ .ho "ot hi hea$ ,or be$$ing the king4 .i,e61
2Age ago.1 She was his king/s mistress, not his wife, and his head was the onl! thing he did
not lose+ Aegon dismembered him piece b! piece, and made the woman watch+ Cerei $i$ not
.ant Hney $.e""ing on that ancient /np"eaantne- ho.ever. 27ommen i not Aegon the
Fn.orthy. #ave no ,ear- he .i"" $o a & bi$ him. & mean ,or Margaery to "oe her hea$- not yo/.1
7hat gave him pa/e. 2#er mai$enhea$- yo/ mean61
27hat too. A/ming he ha ti"" one.1 She trace$ hi car again. 2Fn"e yo/ think
Margaery .o/"$ prove /nreponive to yo/r8 charm61
Hney gave her a .o/n$e$ "ook. 2She "ike me .e"" eno/gh. 7hem co/in o, her are a".ay
teaing .ith me abo/t my noe. #o. big it i- an$ a"". 7he "at time Megga $i$ that- Margaery
to"$ them to top an$ ai$ & ha$ a "ove"y ,ace.1
27here yo/ are- then.1
27here & am-1 the man agree$- in a $o/bt,/" tone- 2b/t .here am & going to be i, he8 i, &8
a,ter .e 8.1
28$o the $ee$61 Cerei gave him a barbe$ mi"e. 2?ying .ith a A/een i treaon. 7ommen
.o/"$ have no choice b/t to en$ yo/ to the 3a"".1
27he 3a""61 he ai$ .ith $imay.
&t .a a"" he co/"$ $o not to "a/gh. 2o, best not+ *en hate being laughed at+ 2A b"ack c"oak
.o/"$ go .e"" .ith yo/r eye- an$ that b"ack hair o, yo/r.1
2No one ret/rn ,rom the 3a"".1
2Eo/ .i"". A"" yo/ nee$ to $o i ki"" a boy.1
23hat boy61
2A batar$ boy in "eag/e .ith Stanni. #e4 yo/ng an$ green- an$ yo/4"" have a h/n$re$
men.1
>ett"eb"ack .a a,rai$- he co/"$ me"" it on him- b/t he .a too pro/$ to o.n /p to that ,ear.
*en are all alike+ 2&4ve ki""e$ more boy than & can co/nt-1 he inite$. 2Hnce thi boy i $ea$-
&4$ get my par$on ,rom the king61
27hat- an$ a "or$hip.1 <nless Snow/s brothers hang !ou first+ 2A A/een m/t have a conort.
Hne .ho kno. no ,ear.1
2?or$ >ett"eb"ack61 A "o. mi"e prea$ acro hi ,ace- an$ hi car ,"ame$ re$. 2Aye- &
"ike the o/n$ o4 that. A "or$"y "or$81
28an$ ,it to be$ a A/een.1
#e ,ro.ne$. 27he 3a"" i co"$.1
2An$ & am .arm.1 Cerei p/t her arm abo/t hi neck. 2Be$ a gir" an$ ki"" a boy an$ & am
yo/r. 5o yo/ have the co/rage61
Hney tho/ght a moment be,ore he no$$e$. 2& am yo/r man.1
2Eo/ are- er.1 She kie$ him- an$ "et him have a "itt"e tate o, tong/e be,ore he broke
a.ay. 2Cno/gh ,or no.. 7he ret m/t .ait. 3i"" yo/ $ream o, me tonight61
2Aye.1 #i voice .a hoare.
2An$ .hen yo/4re abe$ .ith o/r Mai$ Margaery61 he ake$ him- teaing. 23hen yo/4re in
her- .i"" yo/ $ream o, me then61
2& .i""-1 .ore Hney >ett"eb"ack.
2Goo$.1
A,ter he .a gone- Cerei /mmone$ !oce"yn to br/h her hair o/t .hi"t he "ippe$ o,, her
hoe an$ tretche$ "ike a cat. I was made for this, he to"$ here",. &t .a the heer e"egance o, it
that p"eae$ her mot. Cven Mace 7yre"" .o/"$ not $are $e,en$ hi $ar"ing $a/ghter i, he .a
ca/ght in the act .ith the "ike o, Hney >ett"eb"ack- an$ neither Stanni Baratheon nor !on
Sno. .o/"$ have ca/e to .on$er .hy Hney .a being ent to the 3a"". She .o/"$ ee to it
that Ser Hm/n$ .a the one to $icover hi brother .ith the "itt"e A/eenI that .ay the "oya"ty o,
the other t.o >ett"eb"ack nee$ not be imp/gne$. If Father could onl! see me now, he would not
be so 3uick to speak of marr!ing me off again+ A pit! he/s so dead+ 7im and )obert, -on Arr!n,
2ed Stark, )enl! Baratheon, all dead+ Onl! #!rion remains, and not for long+
7hat night the A/een /mmone$ ?a$y Merry.eather to her be$chamber. 23i"" yo/ take a c/p
o, .ine61 he ake$ her.
2A ma"" one.1 7he Myrih .oman "a/ghe$. 2A big one.1
2Hn the morro. & .ant yo/ to pay a ca"" on my goo$($a/ghter-1 Cerei ai$ a 5orca .a
$reing her ,or be$.
2?a$y Margaery i a".ay happy to ee me.1
2& kno..1 7he A/een $i$ not ,ai" to note the ty"e that 7aena /e$ .hen re,erring to
7ommen4 "itt"e .i,e. 27e"" her &4ve ent even bee.a: can$"e to the Bae"or4 Sept in memory
o, o/r $ear #igh Septon.1
7aena "a/ghe$. 2&, o- he .i"" en$ even(an$(eventy can$"e o, her o.n- o a not to be
o/tmo/rne$.1
2& .i"" be very cro i, he $oe not-1 the A/een ai$- mi"ing. 27e"" her a"o that he ha a
ecret a$mirer- a knight o mitten .ith her bea/ty that he cannot "eep at night.1
2Might & ak Eo/r Grace .hich knight61 Michie, park"e$ in 7aena4 big $ark eye. 2Co/"$
it be Ser Hney61
2&t co/"$ be-1 the A/een ai$- 2b/t $o not o,,er /p that name ,ree"y. Make her .orm it o/t o,
yo/. 3i"" yo/ $o that61
2&, it p"eae yo/. 7hat i a"" & .ih- Eo/r Grace.1
H/ti$e a co"$ .in$ .a riing. 7hey taye$ /p "ate into the morning- $rinking Arbor go"$
an$ te""ing one another ta"e. 7aena got A/ite $r/nk an$ Cerei prie$ the name o, her ecret "over
,rom her. #e .a a Myrih ea captain- ha", a pirate- .ith b"ack hair to the ho/"$er an$ a car
that ran acro hi ,ace ,rom chin to ear. 2A h/n$re$ time & to"$ him no- an$ he ai$ ye-1 the
other .oman to"$ her- 2/nti" ,ina""y & .a aying ye a .e"". #e .a not the ort o, man to be
$enie$.1
2& kno. the ort-1 the A/een ai$ .ith a .ry mi"e.
2#a Eo/r Grace ever kno.n a man "ike that- & .on$er61
2Robert-1 he "ie$- thinking o, !aime.
Eet .hen he c"oe$ her eye- it .a the other brother that he $reamt o,- an$ the three
.retche$ ,oo" .ith .hom he ha$ beg/n her $ay. &n the $ream it .a 7yrion4 hea$ they
bro/ght her in their ack. She ha$ it bronGe$- an$ kept it in her chamber pot.
The Iron Ca(tain
The .in$ .a b"o.ing ,rom the north a the Iron .ictor! came ro/n$ the point an$ entere$
the ho"y bay ca""e$ Nagga4 Cra$"e.
%ictarion =oine$ N/te the Barber at her pro.. Ahea$ "oome$ the acre$ hore o, H"$ 3yk an$
the gray hi"" above it- .here the rib o, Nagga roe ,rom the earth "ike the tr/nk o, great .hite
tree- a .i$e aro/n$ a a $romon$4 mat an$ t.ice a ta"".
#he bones of the 1re! ,ing/s 7all+ %ictarion co/"$ ,ee" the magic o, thi p"ace. 2Ba"on too$
beneath thoe bone- .hen ,irt he name$ hime", a king-1 he reca""e$. 2#e .ore to .in / back
o/r ,ree$om- an$ 7ar"e the 7hrice(5ro.ne$ p"ace$ a $ri,t.oo$ cro.n /pon hi hea$.
JBA"O2;/ they crie$. JBA"O2; BA"O2 ,I21;41
27hey .i"" ho/t yo/r name a "o/$-1 ai$ N/te.
%ictarion no$$e$- tho/gh he $i$ not hare the Barber4 certainty. Balon had three sons, and a
daughter he loed well+
#e ha$ ai$ a m/ch to hi captain at Moat Cai"in- .hen ,irt they /rge$ him to c"aim the
Seatone Chair. 2Ba"on4 on are $ea$-1 Re$ Ra", Stoneho/e ha$ arg/e$- 2an$ Aha i a
.oman. Eo/ .ere yo/r brother4 trong right arm- yo/ m/t pick /p the .or$ that he "et ,a"".1
3hen %ictarion remin$e$ them that Ba"on ha$ comman$e$ him to ho"$ the Moat againt the
northmen- Ra", >enning ai$- 27he .o"ve are broken- "or$. 3hat goo$ to .in thi .amp an$
"oe the i"e61 An$ Ra", the ?imper a$$e$- 27he Cro.4 Cye ha been too "ong a.ay. #e kno.
/ not.1
0uron 1re!9o!, ,ing of the Isles and the 2orth+ 7he tho/ght .oke an o"$ rage in hi heart- b/t
ti""8
23or$ are .in$-1 %ictarion to"$ them- 2an$ the on"y goo$ .in$ i that .hich ,i"" o/r ai".
3o/"$ yo/ have me ,ight the Cro.4 Cye6 Brother againt brother- ironborn againt ironborn61
C/ron .a ti"" hi e"$er- no matter ho. m/ch ba$ b"oo$ might be bet.een them. 2o man is as
accursed as the kinsla!er+
B/t .hen the 5amphair4 /mmon came- the ca"" to kingmoot- then a"" .a change$. Aeron
speaks with the Drowned 1od/s oice, %ictarion remin$e$ hime",- and if the Drowned 1od
wills that I should sit the Seastone %hair= 7he ne:t $ay he gave comman$ o, Moat Cai"in to
Ra", >enning an$ et o,, over"an$ ,or the +ever River .here the &ron +"eet "ay amongt the ree$
an$ .i""o.. Ro/gh ea an$ ,ick"e .in$ ha$ $e"aye$ him- b/t on"y one hip ha$ been "ot- an$
he .a home.
1rief an$ Iron .engeance .ere c"oe behin$ a Iron .ictor! pae$ the hea$"an$. Behin$
came 7ardhand, Iron Wind, 1re! 1host, "ord :uellon, "ord .ickon, "ord Dagon, an$ the ret-
nine(tenth o, the &ron +"eet- ai"ing on the evening ti$e in a ragge$ co"/mn that e:ten$e$ back
"ong "eag/e. 7he ight o, their ai" ,i""e$ %ictarion Grey=oy .ith content. No man ha$ ever
"ove$ hi .ive ha", a .e"" a the ?or$ Captain "ove$ hi hip.
A"ong the acre$ tran$ o, H"$ 3yk- "onghip "ine$ the hore a ,ar a the eye co/"$ ee-
their mat thr/t /p "ike pear. &n the $eeper .ater ro$e priGe' cog- carrack- an$ $romon$
.on in rai$ or .ar- too big to r/n ahore. +rom pro. an$ tern an$ mat ,"e. ,ami"iar banner.
N/te the Barber A/inte$ to.ar$ the tran$. 2& that ?or$ #ar"a.4 Sea Song61 7he Barber
.a a thicket man .ith ban$y "eg an$ "ong arm- b/t hi eye .ere not o keen a they ha$
been .hen he .a yo/ng. &n thoe $ay he co/"$ thro. an a:e o .e"" that men ai$ he co/"$
have yo/ .ith it.
2Sea Song, aye.1 Ro$rik the Rea$er ha$ "e,t hi book- it .o/"$ eem. 2An$ there4 o"$
5r/mm4 #hunderer, .ith B"ackty$e4 2ightfl!er bei$e her.1 %ictarion4 eye .ere a harp a
they ha$ ever been. Cven .ith their ai" ,/r"e$ an$ their banner hanging "imp- he kne. them- a
be,it the ?or$ Captain o, the &ron +"eet. 2Silerfin too. Some kin o, Sa.ane Bot"ey.1 7he Cro.4
Cye ha$ $ro.ne$ ?or$ Bot"ey- %ictarion ha$ hear$- an$ hi heir ha$ $ie$ at Moat Cai"in- b/t
there ha$ been brother- an$ other on a .e"". 7ow man!6 Four6 2o, fie, and none with an!
cause to loe the %row/s 0!e+
An$ then he a. her' a ing"e(mate$ ga""ey- "ean an$ "o.- .ith a $ark re$ h/"". #er ai"-
no. ,/r"e$- .ere b"ack a a tar"e ky. Cven at anchor Silence "ooke$ both cr/e" an$ ,at. Hn
her pro. .a a b"ack iron mai$en .ith one arm o/ttretche$. #er .ait .a "en$er- her breat
high an$ pro/$- her "eg "ong an$ hape"y. A .in$b"o.n mane o, b"ack iron hair treame$ ,rom
her hea$- an$ her eye .ere mother(o,(pear"- b/t he ha$ no mo/th.
%ictarion4 han$ c"oe$ into ,it. #e ha$ beaten ,o/r men to $eath .ith thoe han$- an$ one
.i,e a .e"". 7ho/gh hi hair .a ,"ecke$ .ith hoar,rot- he .a a trong a he ha$ ever been-
.ith a b/""4 broa$ chet an$ a boy4 ,"at be""y. #he kinsla!er is accursed in the e!es of gods and
men, Ba"on ha$ remin$e$ him on the $ay he ent the Cro.4 Cye o,, to ea.
2#e i here-1 %ictarion to"$ the Barber. 25rop ai". 3e procee$ on oar a"one. Comman$
1rief an$ Iron .engeance to tan$ bet.een Silence an$ the ea. 7he ret o, the ,"eet to ea" the
bay. None i to "eave ave at my comman$- neither man nor cro..1
7he men /pon the hore ha$ pie$ their ai". Sho/t echoe$ acro the bay a ,rien$ an$ kin
ca""e$ o/t greeting. B/t not ,rom Silence. Hn her $eck a mot"ey cre. o, m/te an$ mongre"
poke no .or$ a the Iron .ictor! $re. nigh. Men b"ack a tar tare$ o/t at him- an$ other A/at
an$ hairy a the ape o, Sothoro. *onsters, %ictarion tho/ght.
7hey $roppe$ anchor t.enty yar$ ,rom Silence+ 2?o.er a boat. & .o/"$ go ahore.1 #e
b/ck"e$ on hi .or$be"t a the ro.er took their p"aceI hi "ong.or$ rete$ on one hip- a $irk
/pon the other. N/te the Barber ,atene$ the ?or$ Captain4 c"oak abo/t hi ho/"$er. &t .a
ma$e o, nine "ayer o, c"oth(o,(go"$- e.n in the hape o, the kraken o, Grey=oy- arm $ang"ing
to hi boot. Beneath he .ore heavy grey chainmai" over boi"e$ b"ack "eather. &n Moat Cai"in he
ha$ taken to .earing mai" $ay an$ night. Sore ho/"$er an$ an aching back .ere eaier to bear
than b"oo$y bo.e". 7he poione$ arro. o, the bog $evi" nee$ on"y cratch a man- an$ a ,e.
ho/r "ater he .o/"$ be A/irting an$ creaming a hi "i,e ran $o.n hi "eg in go/t o, re$ an$
bro.n. Whoeer wins the Seastone %hair, I shall deal with the bog deils+
%ictarion $onne$ a ta"" b"ack .arhe"m- .ro/ght in the hape o, an iron kraken- it arm coi"e$
$o.n aro/n$ hi cheek to meet beneath hi =a.. By then the boat .a rea$y. 2& p/t the chet
into yo/r charge-1 he to"$ N/te a he c"imbe$ over the i$e. 2See that they are trong"y g/ar$e$.1
M/ch $epen$e$ on the chet.
2A yo/ comman$- Eo/r Grace.1
%ictarion ret/rne$ a o/r co.". 2& am no king a yet.1 #e c"ambere$ $o.n into the boat.
Aeron 5amphair .a .aiting ,or him in the /r, .ith hi .aterkin "/ng beneath one arm.
7he priet .a ga/nt an$ ta""- tho/gh horter than %ictarion. #i noe roe "ike a hark4 ,in ,rom
a bony ,ace- an$ hi eye .ere iron. #i bear$ reache$ to hi .ait- an$ tang"e$ rope o, hair
"appe$ at the back o, hi "eg .hen the .in$ b"e.. 2Brother-1 he ai$ a the .ave broke .hite
an$ co"$ aro/n$ their ank"e- 2.hat i $ea$ can never $ie.1
2B/t rie again- har$er an$ tronger.1 %ictarion "i,te$ o,, hi he"m an$ kne"t. 7he bay ,i""e$
hi boot an$ oake$ hi breeche a Aeron po/re$ a tream o, a"t .ater $o.n /pon hi bro..
An$ o they praye$.
23here i o/r brother Cro.4 Cye61 the ?or$ Captain $eman$e$ o, Aeron 5amphair .hen
the prayer .ere $one.
2#i i the great tent o, c"oth(o,(go"$- there .here the $in i "o/$et. #e /rro/n$ hime",
.ith go$"e men an$ monter- .ore than be,ore. &n him o/r ,ather4 b"oo$ .ent ba$.1
2H/r mother4 b"oo$ a .e"".1 %ictarion .o/"$ not peak o, kin"aying- here in thi go$"y
p"ace beneath the bone o, Nagga an$ the Grey >ing4 #a""- b/t many a night he $reame$ o,
$riving a mai"e$ ,it into C/ron4 mi"ing ,ace- /nti" the ,"eh p"it an$ hi ba$ b"oo$ ran re$ an$
,ree. I must not+ I pledged m! word to Balon+ 2A"" have come61 he ake$ hi priet"y brother.
2A"" .ho matter. 7he captain an$ the king.1 Hn the &ron &"an$ they .ere one an$ the
ame- ,or every captain .a a king on hi o.n $eck- an$ every king m/t be a captain. 25o yo/
mean to c"aim o/r ,ather4 cro.n61
%ictarion imagine$ hime", eate$ on the Seatone Chair. 2&, the 5ro.ne$ Go$ .i"" it.1
27he .ave .i"" peak-1 ai$ Aeron 5amphair a he t/rne$ a.ay. 2?iten to the .ave-
brother.1
2Aye.1 #e .on$ere$ ho. hi name .o/"$ o/n$ .hipere$ by .ave an$ ho/te$ by the
captain an$ the king. If the cup should pass to me, I will not set it b!+
A cro.$ ha$ gathere$ ro/n$ to .ih him .e"" an$ eek hi ,avor. %ictarion a. men ,rom
every i"e' B"ackty$e- 7a.ney- Hrk.oo$- Stonetree- 3ynche- an$ many more. 7he
Goo$brother o, H"$ 3yk- the Goo$brother o, Great 3yk- an$ the Goo$brother o, Hrkmont
a"" ha$ come. 7he Co$$ .ere there- tho/gh every $ecent man $epie$ them. #/mb"e
Shepher$- 3eaver- an$ Net"ey r/bbe$ ho/"$er .ith men ,rom #o/e ancient an$ pro/$I
even h/mb"e #/mb"e- the b"oo$ o, thra"" an$ a"t .ive. A %o"mark c"appe$ %ictarion on the
backI t.o Sparr pree$ a .inekin into hi han$. #e $rank $eep- .ipe$ hi mo/th- an$ "et
them bear him o,, to their cook,ire- to "iten to their ta"k o, .ar an$ cro.n an$ p"/n$er- an$ the
g"ory an$ the ,ree$om o, hi reign.
7hat night the men o, the &ron +"eet raie$ a h/ge ai"c"oth tent above the ti$e"ine- o
%ictarion might ,eat ha", a h/n$re$ ,amo/ captain on roat ki$- a"te$ co$- an$ "obter. Aeron
came a .e"". #e ate ,ih an$ $rank .ater- .hi"t the captain A/a,,e$ eno/gh a"e to ,"oat the
&ron +"eet. Many promie$ him their voice' +ra"egg the Strong- c"ever A"vyn Sharp-
h/mpbacke$ #otho #ar"a.. #otho o,,ere$ him a $a/ghter ,or hi A/een. 2& have no "/ck .ith
.ive-1 %ictarion to"$ him. #i ,irt .i,e $ie$ in chi"$be$- giving him a ti""born $a/ghter. #i
econ$ ha$ been tricken by a po:. An$ hi thir$8
2A king m/t have an heir-1 #otho inite$. 27he Cro.4 Cye bring three on to ho.
be,ore the kingmoot.1
2Batar$ an$ mongre". #o. o"$ i thi $a/ghter61
27.e"ve-1 ai$ #otho. 2+air an$ ,erti"e- ne."y ,"o.ere$- .ith hair the co"or o, honey. #er
breat are ma"" a yet- b/t he ha goo$ hip. She take a,ter her mother- more than me.1
%ictarion kne. that to mean the gir" $i$ not have a h/mp. Eet .hen he trie$ to pict/re her- he
on"y a. the .i,e he4$ ki""e$. #e ha$ obbe$ each time he tr/ck her- an$ a,ter.ar$ carrie$ her
$o.n to the rock to give her to the crab. 2& .i"" g"a$"y "ook at the gir" once & am cro.ne$-1 he
ai$. 7hat .a a m/ch a #otho $are$ hope ,or- an$ he hamb"e$ o,,- content.
Bae"or B"ackty$e .a more $i,,ic/"t to p"eae. #e at by %ictarion4 e"bo. in hi "amb.oo"
t/nic o, b"ack(an$(green vairy- mooth(,ace$ an$ come"y. #i c"oak .a ab"e- an$ pinne$ .ith
a i"ver even(pointe$ tar. #e ha$ been eight year a hotage in H"$to.n- an$ ha$ ret/rne$ a
.orhiper o, the even green "an$ go$. 2Ba"on .a ma$- Aeron i ma$$er- an$ C/ron i
ma$$et o, them a""-1 ?or$ Bae"or ai$. 23hat o, yo/- ?or$ Captain6 &, & ho/t yo/r name- .i""
yo/ make an en$ o, thi ma$ .ar61
%ictarion ,ro.ne$. 23o/"$ yo/ have me ben$ the knee61
2&, nee$ be. 3e cannot tan$ a"one againt a"" 3etero. >ing Robert prove$ that- to o/r
grie,. Ba"on .o/"$ pay the iron price ,or ,ree$om- he ai$- b/t o/r .omen bo/ght Ba"on4
cro.n .ith empty be$. My mother .a one /ch. 7he H"$ 3ay i $ea$.1
23hat i $ea$ can never $ie- b/t rie har$er an$ tronger. &n a h/n$re$ year men .i"" ing
o, Ba"on the Bo"$.1
2Ba"on the 3i$o.maker- ca"" him. & .i"" g"a$"y tra$e hi ,ree$om ,or a ,ather. #ave yo/ one
to give me61 3hen %ictarion $i$ not an.er- B"ackty$e norte$ an$ move$ o,,.
7he tent gre. hot an$ moky. 7.o o, Goro"$ Goo$brother4 on knocke$ a tab"e over
,ightingI 3i"" #/mb"e "ot a .ager an$ ha$ to eat hi bootI ?itt"e ?en.oo$ 7a.ney ,i$$"e$
.hi"t Romny 3eaver ang 27he B"oo$y C/p1 an$ 2Stee" Rain1 an$ other o"$ reaving ong.
Dar" the Mai$ an$ C"$re$ Co$$ $ance$ the ,inger $ance. A roar o, "a/ghter .ent /p .hen one o,
C"$re$4 ,inger "an$e$ in Ra", the ?imper4 .ine c/p.
A .oman .a amongt thoe "a/ghing. %ictarion roe an$ a. her by the tent ,"ap-
.hipering omething in the ear o, Dar" the Mai$ that ma$e him "a/gh a .e"". #e ha$ hope$ he
.o/"$ not be ,oo" eno/gh to come here- yet the ight o, her ma$e him mi"e a"" the ame.
4Asha,5 he ca""e$ in a comman$ing voice. 42iece+5
She ma$e her .ay to hi i$e- "ean an$ "ithe in high boot o, a"t(taine$ "eather- green .oo"en
breeche- an$ bro.n A/i"te$ t/nic- a "eeve"e "eather =erkin ha",(/n"ace$. 2N/nc"e.1 Aha
Grey=oy .a ta"" ,or a .oman- yet he ha$ to tan$ on her toe to ki hi cheek. 2& am p"eae$ to
ee yo/ at my A/eenmoot.1
2D/eenmoot61 %ictarion "a/ghe$. 2Are yo/ $r/nk- niece6 Sit. & $i$ not py yo/r Black Wind
on the tran$.1
2& beache$ her beneath Norne Goo$brother4 cat"e an$ ro$e acro the i"an$.1 She at /pon
a too" an$ he"pe$ here", /nake$ to N/te the Barber4 .ine. N/te raie$ no ob=ectionI he ha$
pae$ o/t $r/nk ome time ago. 23ho ho"$ the Moat61
2Ra", >enning. 3ith the Eo/ng 3o", $ea$- on"y the bog $evi" remain to p"ag/e /.1
27he Stark .ere not the on"y northmen. 7he &ron 7hrone ha name$ the ?or$ o, the
5rea$,ort a 3ar$en o, the North.1
23o/"$ yo/ "eon me in .ar,are6 & .a ,ighting batt"e .hen yo/ .ere /cking mother4
mi"k.1
2An$ "oing batt"e too.1 Aha took a $rink o, .ine.
%ictarion $i$ not "ike to be remin$e$ o, +air &"e. 2Cvery man ho/"$ "oe a batt"e in hi
yo/th- o he $oe not "oe a .ar .hen he i o"$. Eo/ have not come to make a c"aim- & hope.1
She teae$ him .ith a mi"e. 2An$ i, & have61
27here are men .ho remember .hen yo/ .ere a "itt"e gir"- .imming nake$ in the ea an$
p"aying .ith yo/r $o"".1
2& p"aye$ .ith a:e too.1
2Eo/ $i$-1 he ha$ to grant- 2b/t a .oman .ant a h/ban$- not a cro.n. 3hen & am king &4""
give yo/ one.1
2My n/nc"e i o goo$ to me. Sha"" & ,in$ a pretty .i,e ,or yo/- .hen & am A/een61
2& have no "/ck .ith .ive. #o. "ong have yo/ been here61
2?ong eno/gh to ee that Fnc"e 5amphair ha .oken more than he inten$e$. 7he 5r/mm
mean to make a c"aim- an$ 7ar"e the 7hrice(5ro.ne$ .a hear$ to ay that Maron %o"mark i
the tr/e heir o, the b"ack "ine.1
27he king m/t be a kraken.1
27he Cro.4 Cye i a kraken. 7he e"$er brother come be,ore the yo/nger.1 Aha "eane$
c"oe. 2B/t & am the chi"$ o, >ing Ba"on4 bo$y- o & come be,ore yo/ both. #ear me- n/nc"e81
B/t then a /$$en i"ence ,e"". 7he inging $ie$- ?itt"e ?en.oo$ 7a.ney "o.ere$ hi ,i$$"e-
men t/rne$ their hea$. Cven the c"atter o, p"ate an$ knive .a h/he$.
A $oGen ne.comer ha$ entere$ the ,eat tent. %ictarion a. 9inch,ace !on Myre- 7or.o"$
Bro.ntooth- ?e,t(#an$ ?/ca Co$$. Germ/n$ Bot"ey croe$ hi arm againt the gi"$e$
breatp"ate he ha$ taken o,, a ?anniter captain $/ring Ba"on4 ,irt rebe""ion. Hrk.oo$ o,
Hrkmont too$ bei$e him. Behin$ them .ere Stonehan$- D/e""on #/mb"e- an$ the Re$
Harman .ith hi ,iery hair in brai$. Ra", the Shepher$ too- an$ Ra", o, ?or$port- an$ Dar" the
7hra"".
An$ the Cro.4 Cye- C/ron Grey=oy.
7e looks unchanged, %ictarion tho/ght. 7e looks the same as he did the da! he laughed at me
and left+ C/ron .a the mot come"y o, ?or$ D/e""on4 on- an$ three year o, e:i"e ha$ not
change$ that. #i hair .a ti"" b"ack a a mi$night ea- .ith never a .hitecap to be een- an$ hi
,ace .a ti"" mooth an$ pa"e beneath hi neat $ark bear$. A b"ack "eather patch covere$
C/ron4 "e,t eye- b/t hi right .a b"/e a a /mmer ky.
7is smiling e!e, tho/ght %ictarion. 2Cro.4 Cye-1 he ai$.
2,ing Cro.4 Cye- brother.1 C/ron mi"e$. #i "ip "ooke$ very $ark in the "amp"ight- br/ie$
an$ b"/e.
23e ha"" have no king b/t ,rom the kingmoot.1 7he 5amphair too$. 2No go$"e man@1
2@may it the Seatone Chair- aye.1 C/ron g"ance$ abo/t the tent. 2A it happen a & have
o,t at /pon the Seatone Chair o, "ate. &t raie no ob=ection.1 #i mi"ing eye .a g"ittering.
23ho kno. more o, go$ than &6 #ore go$ an$ ,ire go$- go$ ma$e o, go"$ .ith gemtone
eye- go$ carve$ o, ce$ar .oo$- go$ chie"e$ into mo/ntain- go$ o, empty air8 & kno.
them a"". & have een their peop"e gar"an$ them .ith ,"o.er- an$ he$ the b"oo$ o, goat an$
b/"" an$ chi"$ren in their name. An$ & have hear$ the prayer- in ha", a h/n$re$ tong/e. C/re
my .ithere$ "eg- make the mai$en "ove me- grant me a hea"thy on. Save me- /ccor me- make
me .ea"thy8 protect me0 9rotect me ,rom mine enemie- protect me ,rom the $arkne- protect
me ,rom the crab ini$e my be""y- ,rom the hore"or$- ,rom the "aver- ,rom the e"".or$ at
my $oor. 9rotect me ,rom the Silence.1 #e "a/ghe$. 21odless6 3hy- Aeron- & am the go$"iet
man ever to raie ai"0 Eo/ erve one go$- 5amphair- b/t & have erve$ ten tho/an$. +rom &b to
Ahai- .hen men ee m! ai"- they pray.1
7he priet raie$ a bony ,inger. 27hey pray to tree an$ go"$en i$o" an$ goat(hea$e$
abomination. +a"e go$81
2!/t o-1 ai$ C/ron- 2an$ ,or that in & ki"" them a"". & pi"" their b"oo$ /pon the ea an$ o.
their creaming .omen .ith my ee$. 7heir "itt"e go$ cannot top me- o p"ain"y they are ,a"e
go$. & am more $evo/t than even yo/- Aeron. 9erhap it ho/"$ be yo/ .ho knee" to me ,or
b"eing.1
7he Re$ Harman "a/ghe$ "o/$"y at that- an$ the other took their "ea$ ,rom him.
4Fools,5 ai$ the priet- 2,oo" an$ thra"" an$ b"in$ men- that i .hat yo/ are. 5o yo/ not ee
.hat tan$ be,ore yo/61
2A king-1 ai$ D/e""on #/mb"e.
7he 5amphair pat- an$ tro$e o/t into the night.
3hen he .a gone- the Cro.4 Cye t/rne$ hi mi"ing eye /pon %ictarion. 2?or$ Captain-
have yo/ no greeting ,or a brother "ong a.ay6 Nor yo/- Aha6 #o. ,are yo/r "a$y mother61
29oor"y-1 Aha ai$. 2Some man ma$e her a .i$o..1
C/ron hr/gge$. 2& ha$ hear$ the Storm Go$ .ept Ba"on to hi $eath. 3ho i thi man .ho
"e. him6 7e"" me hi name- niece- o & might revenge mye", on him.1
Aha got to her ,eet. 2Eo/ kno. hi name a .e"" a &. 7hree year yo/ .ere gone ,rom /-
an$ yet Silence ret/rn .ithin a $ay o, my "or$ ,ather4 $eath.1
25o yo/ acc/e me61 C/ron ake$ mi"$"y.
2Sho/"$ &61 7he harpne in Aha4 voice ma$e %ictarion ,ro.n. &t .a $angero/ to peak
o to the Cro.4 Cye- even .hen hi mi"ing eye .a hining .ith am/ement.
25o & comman$ the .in$61 the Cro.4 Cye ake$ hi pet.
2No- Eo/r Grace-1 ai$ Hrk.oo$ o, Hrkmont.
2No man comman$ the .in$-1 ai$ Germ/n$ Bot"ey.
23o/"$ that yo/ $i$-1 the Re$ Harman ai$. 2Eo/ .o/"$ ai" .herever yo/ "ike$ an$ never
be beca"me$.1
27here yo/ have it- ,rom the mo/th o, three brave men-1 C/ron ai$. 27he Silence .a at ea
.hen Ba"on $ie$. &, yo/ $o/bt an /nc"e4 .or$- & give yo/ "eave to ak my cre..1
2A cre. o, m/te6 Aye- that .o/"$ erve me .e"".1
2A h/ban$ .o/"$ erve yo/ .e"".1 C/ron t/rne$ to hi ,o""o.er again. 27or.o"$- &
miremember- $o yo/ have a .i,e61
2Hn"y the one.1 7or.o"$ Bro.ntooth grinne$- an$ ho.e$ ho. he ha$ .on hi name.
2& am /n.e$-1 anno/nce$ ?e,t(#an$ ?/ca Co$$.
2An$ ,or goo$ reaon-1 Aha ai$. 2A"" women $o $epie the Co$$ a .e"". 5on4t "ook at
me o mo/rn,/"- ?/ca. Eo/ ti"" have yo/r ,amo/ han$.1 She ma$e a p/mping motion .ith her
,it.
Co$$ c/re$- ti"" the Cro.4 Cye p/t a han$ /pon hi chet. 23a that co/rteo/- Aha6 Eo/
have .o/n$e$ ?/ca to the A/ick.1
2Caier than .o/n$ing him in the prick. & thro. an a:e a .e"" a any man- b/t .hen the
target i o ma""81
27hi gir" ,orget here",-1 nar"e$ 9inch,ace !on Myre. 2Ba"on "et her be"ieve he .a a
man.1
2Eo/r ,ather ma$e the ame mitake .ith yo/-1 ai$ Aha.
2Give her to me- C/ron-1 /ggete$ the Re$ Harman. 2&4"" pank her ti"" her are i a re$ a
my hair.1
2Come try-1 ai$ Aha- 2an$ herea,ter .e can ca"" yo/ the Re$ C/n/ch.1 A thro.ing a:e .a
in her han$. She toe$ it in the air an$ ca/ght it $e,t"y. 2#ere i my h/ban$- N/nc"e. Any man
.ho .ant me ho/"$ take it /p .ith him.1
%ictarion "amme$ hi ,it /pon the tab"e. 2&4"" have no b"oo$ he$ here. C/ron- take yo/r8
pet8 an$ go.1
2& ha$ "ooke$ ,or a .armer .e"come ,rom yo/- brother. & am yo/r e"$er8 an$ oon- yo/r
right,/" king.1
%ictarion4 ,ace $arkene$. 23hen the kingmoot peak- .e ha"" ee .ho .ear the
$ri,t.oo$ cro.n.1
2Hn that .e can agree.1 C/ron "i,te$ t.o ,inger to the patch that covere$ hi "e,t eye- an$
took hi "eave. 7he other ,o""o.e$ at hi hee" "ike mongre" $og. Si"ence "ingere$ behin$ them-
ti"" ?itt"e ?en.oo$ 7a.ney took /p hi ,i$$"e. 7he .ine an$ a"e began to ,"o. again- b/t evera"
g/et ha$ "ot their thirt. C"$re$ Co$$ "ippe$ o/t- cra$"ing hi b"oo$y han$. 7hen 3i""
#/mb"e- #otho #ar"a.- a goo$"y "ot o, Goo$brother.
2N/nc"e.1 Aha p/t a han$ /pon hi ho/"$er. 23a"k .ith me- i, yo/ .o/"$.1
H/ti$e the tent the .in$ .a riing. C"o/$ race$ acro the moon4 pa"e ,ace. 7hey "ooke$ a
bit "ike ga""ey- troking har$ to ram. 7he tar .ere ,e. an$ ,aint. A"" a"ong the tran$ the
"onghip rete$- ta"" mat riing "ike a ,oret ,rom the /r,. %ictarion co/"$ hear their h/""
creaking a they ett"e$ on the an$. #e hear$ the keening o, their "ine- the o/n$ o, banner
,"apping. Beyon$- in the $eeper .ater o, the bay- "arger hip bobbe$ at anchor- grim ha$o.
.reathe$ in mit.
7hey .a"ke$ a"ong the tran$ together =/t above the /r,- ,ar ,rom the camp an$ the
cook,ire. 27e"" me tr/e- n/nc"e-1 Aha ai$- 2.hy $i$ C/ron go a.ay o /$$en"y61
27he Cro.4 Cye o,t .ent reaving.1
2Never ,or o "ong.1
2#e took the Silence eat. A "engthy voyage.1
2& ake$ wh! he .ent- not .here.1 3hen he $i$ not an.er- Aha ai$- 2& .a a.ay .hen
Silence ai"e$. & ha$ taken Black Wind aro/n$ the Arbor to the Steptone- to tea" a ,e. trinket
,rom the ?yeni pirate. 3hen & came home- C/ron .a gone an$ yo/r ne. .i,e .a $ea$.1
2She .a on"y a a"t .i,e.1 #e ha$ not to/che$ another .oman ince he gave her to the crab.
I will need to take a wife when I am king+ A true wife, to be m! 3ueen and bear me sons+ A king
must hae an heir+
2My ,ather re,/e$ to peak o, her-1 ai$ Aha.
2&t $oe no goo$ to peak o, thing no man can change.1 #e .a .eary o, the /b=ect. 2& a.
the Rea$er4 "onghip.1
2&t took a"" my charm to .ink"e him o/t o, hi Book 7o.er.1
She has the 7arlaws, then+ %ictarion4 ,ro.n gre. $eeper. 2Eo/ cannot hope to r/"e. Eo/ are
a .oman.1
2& that .hy & a".ay "oe the piing contet61 Aha "a/ghe$. 2N/nc"e- it grieve me to ay
o- b/t yo/ may be right. +or ,o/r $ay an$ ,o/r night- & have been $rinking .ith the captain
an$ the king- "itening to .hat they ay8 an$ .hat they .i"" not ay. Mine o.n are .ith me-
an$ many #ar"a.. & have 7ri Bot"ey too- an$ ome ,e. other. Not eno/gh.1 She kicke$ a
rock- an$ ent it p"ahing into the .ater bet.een t.o "onghip. 2& am o, a min$ to ho/t my
n/nc"e4 name.1
23hich /nc"e61 he $eman$e$. 2Eo/ have three.1
2+o/r. N/nc"e- hear me. & .i"" p"ace the $ri,t.oo$ cro.n /pon yo/r bro. mye",8 i, yo/
.i"" agree to hare the r/"e.1
2Share the r/"e6 #o. co/"$ that be61 7he .oman .a not making ene. Does she want to be
m! 3ueen6 %ictarion ,o/n$ hime", "ooking at Aha in a .ay he ha$ never "ooke$ at her be,ore.
#e co/"$ ,ee" hi manhoo$ beginning to ti,,en. She is Balon/s daughter, he remin$e$ hime",.
#e remembere$ her a a "itt"e gir"- thro.ing a:e at a $oor. #e croe$ hi arm againt hi chet.
27he Seatone Chair eat b/t one.1
27hen "et my n/nc"e it-1 Aha ai$. 2& .i"" tan$ behin$ yo/- to g/ar$ yo/r back an$ .hiper
in yo/r ear. No king can r/"e a"one. Cven .hen the $ragon at the &ron 7hrone- they ha$ men to
he"p them. 7he >ing4 #an$. ?et me be yo/r #an$- N/nc"e.1
No >ing o, the &"e ha$ ever nee$e$ a #an$- m/ch "e one .ho .a a .oman. #he captains
and the kings would mock me in their cups+ 23hy .o/"$ yo/ .ih to be my #an$61
27o en$ thi .ar be,ore thi .ar en$ /. 3e have .on a"" that .e are "ike to .in8 an$ tan$
to "oe a"" =/t a A/ick- /n"e .e make a peace. & have ho.n ?a$y G"over every co/rtey- an$
he .ear her "or$ .i"" treat .ith me. &, .e han$ back 5eep.oo$ Motte- 7orrhen4 SA/are- an$
Moat Cai"in- he ay- the northmen .i"" ce$e / Sea 5ragon 9oint an$ a"" the Stony Shore.
7hoe "an$ are thin"y peop"e$- yet ten time "arger than a"" the i"e p/t together. An e:change
o, hotage .i"" ea" the pact- an$ each i$e .i"" agree to make common ca/e .ith the other
ho/"$ the &ron 7hrone@1
%ictarion ch/ck"e$. 27hi ?a$y G"over p"ay yo/ ,or a ,oo"- niece. Sea 5ragon 9oint an$ the
Stony Shore are o/r. 3hy han$ back anything6 3inter,e"" i b/rnt an$ broken- an$ the Eo/ng
3o", rot hea$"e in the earth. 3e .i"" have all the north- a yo/r "or$ ,ather $reame$.1
23hen "onghip "earn to ro. thro/gh tree- perhap. A ,iherman may hook a grey "eviathan-
b/t it .i"" $rag him $o.n to $eath /n"e he c/t it "ooe. 7he north i too "arge ,or / to ho"$-
an$ too ,/"" o, northmen.1
2Go back to yo/r $o""- niece. ?eave the .inning o, .ar to .arrior.1 %ictarion ho.e$ her
hi ,it. 2& have t.o han$. No man nee$ three.1
2& kno. a man .ho nee$ #o/e #ar"a.- tho/gh.1
2#otho #/mpback ha o,,ere$ me hi $a/ghter ,or my A/een. &, & take her- & .i"" have the
#ar"a..1
7hat took the gir" aback. 2?or$ Ro$rik r/"e #o/e #ar"a..1
2Ro$rik ha no $a/ghter- on"y book. #otho .i"" be hi heir- an$ & .i"" be the king.1 Hnce he
ha$ ai$ the .or$ a"o/$- they o/n$e$ tr/e. 27he Cro.4 Cye ha been too "ong a.ay.1
2Some men "ook "arger at a $itance-1 Aha .arne$. 23a"k amongt the cook,ire i, yo/ $are-
an$ "iten. 7hey are not te""ing ta"e o, yo/r trength- nor o, my ,amo/ bea/ty. 7hey ta"k on"y o,
the Cro.4 CyeI the ,ar p"ace he ha een- the .omen he ha rape$ an$ the men he4 ki""e$- the
citie he ha acke$- the .ay he b/rnt ?or$ 7y.in4 ,"eet at ?anniport81
2I b/rnt the "ion4 ,"eet-1 %ictarion inite$. 23ith mine o.n han$ & ,"/ng the ,irt torch onto
hi ,"aghip.1
27he Cro.4 Cye hatche$ the cheme.1 Aha p/t her han$ /pon hi arm. 2An$ ki""e$ yo/r
.i,e a .e""8 $i$ he not61
Ba"on ha$ comman$e$ them not to peak o, it- b/t Ba"on .a $ea$. 2#e p/t a baby in her
be""y an$ ma$e me $o the ki""ing. & .o/"$ have ki""e$ him too- b/t Ba"on .o/"$ have no
kin"aying in hi ha"". #e ent C/ron into e:i"e- never to ret/rn81
28o "ong a Ba"on "ive$61
%ictarion "ooke$ at hi ,it. 2She gave me horn. & ha$ no choice.1 7ad it been known, men
would hae laughed at me, as the %row/s 0!e laughed when I confronted him+ 4She came to me
wet and willing,5 he ha$ boate$. 4It seems .ictarion is big eer!where but where it matters+5
B/t he co/"$ not te"" her that.
2& am orry ,or yo/-1 ai$ Aha- 2an$ orrier ,or her8 b/t yo/ "eave me ma"" choice b/t to
c"aim the Seatone Chair mye",.1
&ou cannot+ 2Eo/r breath i yo/r to .ate- .oman.1
2&t i-1 he ai$- an$ "e,t him.
The Drowned Man
On"y .hen hi arm an$ "eg .ere n/mb ,rom the co"$ $i$ Aeron Grey=oy tr/gg"e back to
hore an$ $on hi robe again.
#e ha$ r/n be,ore the Cro.4 Cye a i, he .ere ti"" the .eak thing he ha$ been- b/t .hen the
.ave broke over hi hea$ they remin$e$ once more that that man .a $ea$. I was reborn from
the sea, a harder man and stronger+ No morta" man co/"$ ,righten him- no more than the
$arkne co/"$- nor the bone o, hi o/"- the grey an$ gri"y bone o, hi o/". #he sound of a
door opening, the scream of a rusted iron hinge+
7he priet4 robe crack"e$ a he p/""e$ them $o.n- ti"" ti,, .ith a"t ,rom their "at .ahing
a ,ortnight pat. 7he .oo" c"/ng to hi .et chet- $rinking the brine that ran $o.n ,rom hi hair.
#e ,i""e$ hi .aterkin an$ "/ng it over hi ho/"$er.
A he tro$e acro the tran$- a $ro.ne$ man ret/rning ,rom a ca"" o, nat/re t/mb"e$ into
him in the $arkne. 25amphair-1 he m/rm/re$. Aeron "ai$ a han$ /pon hi hea$- b"ee$ him-
an$ move$ on. 7he gro/n$ roe beneath hi ,eet- gent"y at ,irt- then more teep"y. 3hen he ,e"t
cr/b gra bet.een hi toe- he kne. that he ha$ "e,t the tran$ behin$. S"o."y he c"imbe$-
"itening to the .ave. #he sea is neer wear!+ I must be as tireless+
Hn the cro.n o, the hi"" ,o/r(an$(,orty montro/ tone rib roe ,rom the earth "ike the
tr/nk o, great pa"e tree. 7he ight ma$e Aeron4 heart beat ,ater. Nagga ha$ been the ,irt ea
$ragon- the mightiet ever to rie ,rom the .ave. She ,e$ on kraken an$ "eviathan an$
$ro.ne$ .ho"e i"an$ in her .rath- yet the Grey >ing ha$ "ain her an$ the 5ro.ne$ Go$ ha$
change$ her bone to tone o that men might never ceae to .on$er at the co/rage o, the ,irt o,
king. Nagga4 rib became the beam an$ pi""ar o, hi "ongha""- =/t a her =a. became hi
throne. For a thousand !ears and seen he reigned here, Aeron reca""e$. 7ere he took his
mermaid wife and planned his wars against the Storm 1od+ From here he ruled both stone and
salt, wearing robes of woen seaweed and a tall pale crown made from 2agga/s teeth+
B/t that .a in the $a.n o, $ay- .hen mighty men ti"" $.e"t on earth an$ ea. 7he ha"" ha$
been .arme$ by Nagga4 "iving ,ire- .hich the Grey >ing ha$ ma$e hi thra"". Hn it .a"" h/ng
tapetrie .oven ,rom i"ver ea.ee$ mot p"eaing to the eye. 7he Grey >ing4 .arrior ha$
,eate$ on the bo/nty o, the ea at a tab"e in the hape o, a great tar,ih- .hi"t eate$ /pon
throne carve$ ,rom mother(o,(pear". 1one, all the glor! gone+ Men .ere ma""er no.. 7heir
"ive ha$ gro.n hort. 7he Storm Go$ $ro.ne$ Nagga4 ,ire a,ter the Grey >ing4 $eath- the
chair an$ tapetrie ha$ been to"en- the roo, an$ .a"" ha$ rotte$ a.ay. Cven the Grey >ing4
great throne o, ,ang ha$ been .a""o.e$ by the ea. Hn"y Nagga4 bone en$/re$ to remin$ the
ironborn o, a"" the .on$er that ha$ been.
It is enough, tho/ght Aeron Grey=oy.
Nine .i$e tep ha$ been he.n ,rom the tony hi""top. Behin$ roe the ho."ing hi"" o, H"$
3yk- .ith mo/ntain in the $itance b"ack an$ cr/e". Aeron pa/e$ .here the $oor once too$-
p/""e$ the cork ,rom hi .aterkin- took a .a""o. o, a"t .ater- an$ t/rne$ to ,ace the ea. We
were born from the sea, and to the sea we must return+ Cven here he co/"$ hear the ceae"e
r/mb"e o, the .ave an$ ,ee" the po.er o, the go$ .ho "/rke$ be"o. the .ater. Aeron .ent to
hi knee. &ou hae sent !our people to me, he praye$. #he! hae left their halls and hoels,
their castles and their keeps, and come here to 2agga/s bones, from eer! fishing illage and
eer! hidden ale+ 2ow grant to them the wisdom to know the true king when he stands before
them, and the strength to shun the false+ A"" night he praye$- ,or .hen the go$ .a in him Aeron
Grey=oy ha$ no nee$ o, "eep- no more than the .ave $i$- nor the ,ihe o, the ea.
5ark c"o/$ ran be,ore the .in$ a the ,irt "ight to"e into the .or"$. 7he b"ack ky .ent grey
a "ateI the b"ack ea t/rne$ grey(greenI the b"ack mo/ntain o, Great 3yk acro the bay p/t
on the b"/e(green h/e o, o"$ier pine. A co"or to"e back into the .or"$- a h/n$re$ banner
"i,te$ an$ began to ,"ap. Aeron behe"$ the i"ver ,ih o, Bot"ey- the b"oo$y moon o, 3ynch- the
$ark green tree o, Hrk.oo$. #e a. .arhorn an$ "eviathan an$ cythe- an$ every.here the
kraken great an$ go"$en. Beneath them- thra"" an$ a"t .ive begin to move abo/t- tirring
coa" into ne. "i,e an$ g/tting ,ih ,or the captain an$ the king to break their ,at. 7he
$a.n"ight to/che$ the tony tran$- an$ he .atche$ men .ake ,rom "eep- thro.ing ai$e their
ea"kin b"anket a they ca""e$ ,or their ,irt horn o, a"e. Drink deep, he tho/ght- for we hae
god/s work to do toda!+
7he ea .a tirring too. 7he .ave gre. "arger a the .in$ roe- en$ing p"/me o, pray to
crah againt the "onghip. #he Drowned 1od wakes, tho/ght Aeron. #e co/"$ hear hi voice
.e""ing ,rom the $epth o, the ea. I shall be with !ou here this da!, m! strong and faithful
serant, the voice ai$. 2o godless man will sit m! Seastone %hair+
&t .a there beneath the arch o, Nagga4 rib that hi $ro.ne$ men ,o/n$ him- tan$ing ta""
an$ tern .ith hi "ong b"ack hair b"o.ing in the .in$. 2& it time61 R/ ake$. Aeron gave a
no$- an$ ai$- 2&t i. Go ,orth an$ o/n$ the /mmon.1
7he $ro.ne$ men took /p their $ri,t.oo$ c/$ge" an$ began to beat them one againt the
other a they .a"ke$ back $o.n the hi"". Hther =oine$ them- an$ the c"angor prea$ a"ong the
tran$. S/ch a ,ear,/" c"acking an$ a c"attering it ma$e- a i, a h/n$re$ tree .ere p/mme"ing
one another .ith their "imb. >ett"e$r/m began to beat a .e""- boom(boom(boom(boom(boom,
boom(boom(boom(boom(boom+ A .arhorn be""o.e$- then another.
AAAAAAoooooooooooooooooooooooo+
Men "e,t their ,ire to make their .ay to.ar$ the bone o, the Grey >ing4 #a""I oarmen-
teermen- ai"maker- hip.right- the .arrior .ith their a:e an$ the ,ihermen .ith their
net. Some ha$ thra"" to erve themI ome ha$ a"t .ive. Hther- .ho ha$ ai"e$ too o,ten to
the green "an$- .ere atten$e$ by maeter an$ inger an$ knight. 7he common men cro.$e$
together in a crecent aro/n$ the bae o, the kno""- .ith the thra""- chi"$ren- an$ .omen to.ar$
the rear. 7he captain an$ the king ma$e their .ay /p the "ope. Aeron 5amphair a. cheer,/"
Sig,ry Stonetree- An$rik the Fnmi"ing- the knight Ser #arra #ar"a.. ?or$ Bae"or B"ackty$e in
hi ab"e c"oak too$ bei$e 7he Stoneho/e in ragge$ ea"kin. %ictarion "oome$ above a"" o,
them ave An$rik. #i brother .ore no he"m- b/t e"e.ie he .a a"" in armor- hi kraken c"oak
hanging go"$en ,rom hi ho/"$er. 7e shall be our king+ What man could look on him and doubt
it6
3hen the 5amphair raie$ hi bony han$ the kett"e$r/m an$ the .arhorn ,e"" i"ent- the
$ro.ne$ men "o.ere$ their c/$ge"- an$ a"" the voice ti""e$. Hn"y the o/n$ o, the .ave
po/n$ing remaine$- a roar no man co/"$ ti"". 23e .ere born ,rom the ea- an$ to the ea .e a""
ret/rn-1 Aeron began- o,t"y at ,irt- o men .o/"$ train to hear. 27he Storm Go$ in hi .rath
p"/cke$ Ba"on ,rom hi cat"e an$ cat him $o.n- yet no. he ,eat beneath the .ave in the
5ro.ne$ Go$4 .atery ha"".1 #e "i,te$ hi eye to the ky. 4Balon is dead; #he iron king is
dead;5
4#he king is dead;5 hi $ro.ne$ men ho/te$.
2Eet .hat i $ea$ may never $ie- b/t rie again- har$er an$ tronger01 he remin$e$ them.
2Ba"on ha ,a""en- Ba"on my brother- .ho honore$ the H"$ 3ay an$ pai$ the iron price. Ba"on
the Brave- Ba"on the B"ee$- Ba"on 7.ice(Cro.ne$- .ho .on / back o/r ,ree$om an$ o/r
go$. Ba"on i $ea$8 b/t an iron king ha"" rie again- to it /pon the Seatone Chair an$ r/"e the
i"e.1
4A king shall rise;5 they an.ere$. 47e shall rise;5
2#e ha"". #e m/t.1 Aeron4 voice th/n$ere$ "ike the .ave. 2B/t .ho6 3ho ha"" it in
Ba"on4 p"ace6 3ho ha"" r/"e thee ho"y i"e6 & he here among / no.61 7he priet prea$ hi
han$ .i$e. 4Who shall be king oer us65
A eag/"" creame$ back at him. 7he cro.$ began to tir- "ike men .aking ,rom a $ream.
Cach man "ooke$ at hi neighbor- to ee .hich o, them might pre/me to c"aim a cro.n. #he
%row/s 0!e was neer patient, Aeron 5amphair to"$ hime",. *a!haps he will speak first+ &, o-
it .o/"$ be hi /n$oing. 7he captain an$ the king ha$ come a "ong .ay to thi ,eat an$ .o/"$
not chooe the ,irt $ih et be,ore them. #he! will want to taste and sample, a bite of him, a
nibble of the other, until the! find the one that suits them best+
C/ron m/t have kno.n that a .e"". #e too$ .ith hi arm croe$ amongt hi m/te an$
monter. Hn"y the .in$ an$ the .ave an.ere$ Aeron4 ca"".
27he ironborn m/t have a king-1 the priet inite$- a,ter a "ong i"ence. 2& ak again. Who
shall be king oer us61
2& .i""-1 came the an.er ,rom be"o..
At once a ragge$ cry o, 2Gy"bert0 Gy"bert >ing01 .ent /p. 7he captain gave .ay to "et the
c"aimant an$ hi champion acen$ the hi"" to tan$ at Aeron4 i$e beneath the rib o, Nagga.
7hi .o/"$(be king .a a ta"" pare "or$ .ith a me"ancho"y viage- hi "antern =a. have$
c"ean. #i three champion took /p their poition t.o tep be"o. him- bearing hi .or$ an$
hie"$ an$ banner. 7hey hare$ a certain "ook .ith the ta"" "or$- an$ Aeron took them ,or hi
on. Hne /n,/r"e$ hi banner- a great b"ack "onghip againt a etting /n. 2& am Gy"bert
+ar.yn$- ?or$ o, the ?one"y ?ight-1 the "or$ to"$ the kingmoot.
Aeron kne. ome +ar.yn$- a A/eer ,o"k .ho he"$ "an$ on the .eternmot hore o, Great
3yk an$ the cattere$ i"e beyon$- rock o ma"" that mot co/"$ /pport b/t a ing"e
ho/eho"$. H, thoe- the ?one"y ?ight .a the mot $itant- eight $ay4 ai" to the north.et
amongt rookerie o, ea" an$ ea "ion an$ the bo/n$"e grey ocean. 7he +ar.yn$ there
.ere even A/eerer than the ret. Some ai$ they .ere kinchanger- /nho"y creat/re .ho co/"$
take on the ,orm o, ea "ion- .a"r/e- even potte$ .ha"e- the .o"ve o, the .i"$ ea.
?or$ Gy"bert began to peak. #e to"$ o, a .on$ro/ "an$ beyon$ the S/net Sea- a "an$
.itho/t .inter or .ant- .here $eath ha$ no $ominion. 2Make me yo/r king- an$ & ha"" "ea$ yo/
there-1 he crie$. 23e .i"" b/i"$ ten tho/an$ hip a Nymeria once $i$ an$ take ai" .ith a"" o/r
peop"e to the "an$ beyon$ the /net. 7here every man ha"" be a king an$ every .i,e a A/een.1
#i eye- Aeron a.- .ere no. grey- no. b"/e- a changeab"e a the ea. *ad e!es, he
tho/ght- fool/s e!es+ 7he viion he poke o, .a $o/bt"e a nare et by the Storm Go$ to "/re
the ironborn to $etr/ction. 7he o,,ering that hi men pi""e$ o/t be,ore the kingmoot inc"/$e$
ea"kin an$ .a"r/ t/k- arm ring ma$e o, .ha"ebone- .arhorn ban$e$ in bronGe. 7he
captain "ooke$ an$ t/rne$ a.ay- "eaving "eer men to he"p theme"ve to the gi,t. 3hen the
,oo" .a $one ta"king an$ hi champion began to ho/t hi name- on"y the +ar.yn$ took /p the
cry- an$ not even a"" o, them. Soon eno/gh the crie o, 2Gy"bert0 Gy"bert >ing01 ,a$e$ a.ay to
i"ence. 7he g/"" creame$ "o/$"y above them- an$ "an$e$ atop one o, Nagga4 rib a the ?or$
o, the ?one"y ?ight ma$e hi .ay back $o.n the hi"".
Aeron 5amphair teppe$ ,or.ar$ once more. 2& ak again. Who shall be king oer us61
2Me01 a $eep voice boome$- an$ once more the cro.$ parte$.
7he peaker .a borne /p the hi"" in a carve$ $ri,t.oo$ chair carrie$ on the ho/"$er o, hi
gran$on. A great r/in o, a man- t.enty tone heavy an$ ninety year o"$- he .a c"oake$ in a
.hite bearkin. #i o.n hair .a no. .hite a .e""- an$ hi h/ge bear$ covere$ him "ike a
b"anket ,rom cheek to thigh- o it .a har$ to te"" .here the bear$ en$e$ an$ the pe"t began.
7ho/gh hi gran$on .ere great trapping men- they tr/gg"e$ .ith hi .eight on the teep
tone tep. Be,ore the Grey >ing4 #a"" they et him $o.n- an$ three remaine$ be"o. him a
hi champion.
Si8t! !ears ago, this one might well hae won the faor of the moot, Aeron tho/ght- but his
hour is long past+
2Aye- me01 the man roare$ ,rom .here he at- in a voice a h/ge a he .a. 23hy not6 3ho
better6 & am Crik &ronmaker- ,or them .ho4 b"in$. Crik the !/t. Crik Anvi"(Breaker. Sho. them
my hammer- 7hormor.1 Hne o, hi champion "i,te$ it /p ,or a"" to eeI a montro/ thing it .a-
it ha,t .rappe$ in o"$ "eather- it hea$ a brick o, tee" a "arge a a "oa, o, brea$. 2& can4t co/nt
ho. many han$ &4ve mahe$ to p/"p .ith that hammer-1 Crik ai$- 2b/t might be ome thie,
co/"$ te"" yo/. & can4t ay ho. many hea$ &4ve cr/he$ againt my anvi" neither- b/t there4
ome .i$o. co/"$. & co/"$ te"" yo/ a"" the $ee$ &4ve $one in batt"e- b/t &4m eight(an$(eighty
an$ .on4t "ive "ong eno/gh to ,inih. &, o"$ i .ie- no one i .ier than me. &, big i trong- no
one4 tronger. Eo/ .ant a king .ith heir6 &4ve more4n & can co/nt. >ing Crik- aye- & "ike the
o/n$ o4 that. Come- ay it .ith me. 0)I,; 0)I, A2.I"(B)0A,0); 0)I, ,I21;1
A hi gran$on took /p the cry- their o.n on came ,or.ar$ .ith chet /pon their
ho/"$er. 3hen they /pen$e$ them at the bae o, the tone tep- a torrent o, i"ver- bronGe- an$
tee" pi""e$ ,orthI arm ring- co""ar- $agger- $irk- an$ thro.ing a:e. A ,e. captain natche$
/p the choicet item an$ a$$e$ their voice to the .e""ing chant. B/t no ooner ha$ the cry
beg/n to b/i"$ than a .oman4 voice c/t thro/gh it. 40rik;5 Men move$ ai$e to "et her thro/gh.
3ith one ,oot on the "o.et tep- he ai$- 2Crik- tan$ /p.1
A h/h ,e"". 7he .in$ b"e.- .ave broke againt the hore- men m/rm/re$ in each other4
ear. Crik &ronmaker tare$ $o.n at Aha Grey=oy. 2Gir". 7hrice($amne$ gir". 3hat $i$ yo/
ay61
2Stan$ /p- Crik-1 he ca""e$. 2Stan$ /p an$ &4"" ho/t yo/r name .ith a"" the ret. Stan$ /p
an$ &4"" be the ,irt to ,o""o. yo/. Eo/ .ant a cro.n- aye. Stan$ /p an$ take it.1
C"e.here in the pre- the Cro.4 Cye "a/ghe$. Crik g"are$ at him. 7he big man4 han$
c"oe$ tight aro/n$ the arm o, hi $ri,t.oo$ throne. #i ,ace .ent re$- then p/rp"e. #i arm
tremb"e$ .ith e,,ort. Aeron co/"$ ee a thick b"/e vein p/"ing in hi neck a he tr/gg"e$ to rie.
+or a moment it eeme$ a tho/gh he might $o it- b/t the breath .ent o/t o, him a"" at once- an$
he groane$ an$ ank back onto hi c/hion. C/ron "a/ghe$ a"" the "o/$er. 7he big man h/ng hi
hea$ an$ gre. o"$- a"" in the b"ink o, an eye. #i gran$on carrie$ him back $o.n the hi"".
23ho ha"" r/"e the ironborn61 Aeron 5amphair ca""e$ again. 23ho ha"" be king over /61
Men "ooke$ at one another. Some "ooke$ at C/ron- ome at %ictarion- a ,e. at Aha. 3ave
broke green an$ .hite againt the "onghip. 7he g/"" crie$ once more- a ra/co/ cream-
,or"orn. 2Make yo/r c"aim- %ictarion-1 the Mer"yn ca""e$. 2?et / have $one .ith thi m/mmer4
,arce.1
23hen & am rea$y-1 %ictarion ho/te$ back.
Aeron .a p"eae$. It is better if he waits+
7he 5r/mm came ne:t- another o"$ man- tho/gh not o o"$ a Crik. #e c"imbe$ the hi"" on hi
o.n t.o "eg- an$ on hi hip ro$e Re$ Rain- hi ,amo/ .or$- ,orge$ o, %a"yrian tee" in the
$ay be,ore the 5oom. #i champion .ere men o, note' hi on 5eny an$ 5onne"- both to/t
,ighter- an$ bet.een them An$rik the Fnmi"ing- a giant o, a man .ith arm a thick a tree. &t
poke .e"" o, the 5r/mm that /ch a man .o/"$ tan$ ,or him.
23here i it .ritten that o/r king m/t be a kraken61 5r/mm began. 23hat right ha 9yke to
r/"e /6 Great 3yk i the "arget i"e- #ar"a. the richet- H"$ 3yk the mot ho"y. 3hen the
b"ack "ine .a con/me$ by $ragon,ire- the ironborn gave the primacy to %ickon Grey=oy- aye8
b/t a lord, not king.1
&t .a a goo$ beginning. Aeron hear$ ho/t o, approva"- b/t they $.in$"e$ a the o"$ man
began to te"" o, the g"ory o, the 5r/mm. #e poke o, 5a"e the 5rea$- Roryn the Reaver- the
h/n$re$ on o, Gormon$ 5r/mm the H"$,ather. #e $re. Re$ Rain an$ to"$ them ho. #i"mar
5r/mm the C/nning ha$ taken the b"a$e ,rom an armore$ knight .ith .it an$ a .oo$en c/$ge".
#e poke o, hip "ong "ot an$ batt"e eight h/n$re$ year ,orgotten- an$ the cro.$ gre.
retive. #e poke an$ poke- an$ then he poke ti"" more.
An$ .hen 5r/mm4 chet .ere thro.n open- the captain a. the niggar$4 gi,t he4$
bro/ght them. 2o throne was eer bought with bronze, the 5amphair tho/ght. 7he tr/th o, that
.a p"ain to hear- a the crie o, 4Drumm; Drumm; Dunstan ,ing;5 $ie$ a.ay.
Aeron co/"$ ,ee" a tightne in hi be""y- an$ it eeme$ to him that the .ave .ere po/n$ing
"o/$er than be,ore. It is time, he tho/ght. It is time for .ictarion to make his claim+ 23ho ha""
be king over /61 the priet crie$ once more- b/t thi time hi ,ierce b"ack eye ,o/n$ hi brother
in the cro.$. 2Nine on .ere born ,rom the "oin o, D/e""on Grey=oy. Hne .a mightier than a""
the ret- an$ kne. no ,ear.1
%ictarion met hi eye- an$ no$$e$. 7he captain parte$ be,ore him a he c"imbe$ the tep.
2Brother- give me b"eing-1 he ai$ .hen he reache$ the top. #e kne"t an$ bo.e$ hi hea$.
Aeron /ncorke$ hi .aterkin an$ po/re$ a tream o, ea.ater $o.n /pon hi bro.. 4What is
dead can neer die,5 the priet ai$- an$ %ictarion rep"ie$- 4but rises again, harder and
stronger+5
3hen %ictarion roe- hi champion arraye$ theme"ve beneath himI Ra", the ?imper- Re$
Ra", Stoneho/e- an$ N/te the Barber- note$ .arrior a"". Stoneho/e bore the Grey=oy bannerI
the go"$en kraken on a ,ie"$ a b"ack a the mi$night ea. A oon a it /n,/r"e$- the captain an$
the king began to ho/t o/t the ?or$ Captain4 name. %ictarion .aite$ ti"" they A/iete$- then
ai$- 2Eo/ a"" kno. me. &, yo/ .ant .eet .or$- "ook e"e.here. & have no inger4 tong/e. &
have an a:e- an$ & have thee.1 #e raie$ hi h/ge mai"e$ han$ /p to ho. them- an$ N/te the
Barber $ip"aye$ hi a:e- a ,earome piece o, tee". 2& .a a "oya" brother-1 %ictarion .ent on.
23hen Ba"on .a .e$- it .a me he ent to #ar"a. to bring him back hi bri$e. & "e$ hi
"onghip into many a batt"e- an$ never "ot b/t one. 7he ,irt time Ba"on took a cro.n- it .a me
ai"e$ into ?anniport to inge the "ion4 tai". 7he econ$ time- it .a me he ent to kin the
Eo/ng 3o", ho/"$ he come ho."ing home. A"" yo/4"" get ,rom me i more o, .hat yo/ got
,rom Ba"on. 7hat4 a"" & have to ay.1
3ith that hi champion began to chant' 4.I%#A)IO2; .I%#A)IO2; .I%#A)IO2 ,I21;5
Be"o.- hi men .ere pi""ing o/t hi chet- a caca$e o, i"ver- go"$- an$ gem- a .ea"th o,
p"/n$er. Captain cramb"e$ to eiGe the richet piece- ho/ting a they $i$ o. 2.I%#A)IO2;
.I%#A)IO2; .I%#A)IO2 ,I21;1 Aeron .atche$ the Cro.4 Cye. Will he speak now, or let
the kingsmoot run its course6 Hrk.oo$ o, Hrkmont .a .hipering in C/ron4 ear.
B/t it .a not C/ron .ho p/t an en$ to the ho/ting- it .a the woman+ She p/t t.o ,inger in
her mo/th an$ whistled, a harp hri"" o/n$ that c/t thro/gh the t/m/"t "ike a kni,e thro/gh
c/r$. 2N/nc"e0 2uncle;1 Ben$ing- he natche$ /p a t.ite$ go"$en co""ar an$ bo/n$e$ /p the
tep. N/te eiGe$ her by the arm- an$ ,or ha", a heartbeat Aeron .a hope,/" that hi brother4
champion .o/"$ keep her i"ent- b/t Aha .renche$ ,ree o, the Barber4 han$ an$ ai$
omething to Re$ Ra", that ma$e him tep ai$e. A he p/he$ pat- the cheering $ie$ a.ay.
She .a Ba"on Grey=oy4 $a/ghter- an$ the cro.$ .a c/rio/ to hear her peak.
2&t .a goo$ o, yo/ to bring /ch gi,t to my A/eenmoot- N/nc"e-1 he to"$ %ictarion- 2b/t
yo/ nee$ not have .orn o m/ch armor. & promie not to h/rt yo/.1 Aha t/rne$ to ,ace the
captain. 27here4 no one braver than my n/nc"e- no one tronger- no one ,iercer in a ,ight. An$
he co/nt to ten a A/ick a any man- & have een him $o it8 tho/gh .hen he nee$ to go to
t.enty he $oe take o,, hi boot.1 7hat ma$e them "a/gh. 2#e ha no on- tho/gh. #i .ive
keep $ying. 7he Cro.4 Cye i hi e"$er an$ ha a better c"aim81
2#e $oe01 the Re$ Harman ho/te$ ,rom be"o..
2Ah- b/t my c"aim i better ti"".1 Aha et the co""ar on her hea$ at a =a/nty ang"e- o the go"$
g"eame$ againt her $ark hair. 2Ba"on4 brother cannot come be,ore Ba"on4 on01
2Ba"on4 on are $ea$-1 crie$ Ra", the ?imper. 2A"" & ee i Ba"on4 "itt"e $a/ghter01
25a/ghter61 Aha "ippe$ a han$ beneath her =erkin. 2Hho0 3hat4 thi6 Sha"" & ho. yo/6
Some o, yo/ have not een one ince they .eane$ yo/.1 7hey "a/ghe$ again. 27eat on a king
are a terrib"e thing- i that the ong6 Ra",- yo/ have me- & am a .oman8 tho/gh not an old
.oman "ike yo/. Ra", the ?imper8 ho/"$n4t that be Ra", the ?imp61 Aha $re. a $irk ,rom
bet.een her breat. 2&4m a mother too- an$ here4 my /ck"ing babe01 She he"$ it /p. 2An$ here-
my champion.1 7hey p/he$ pat %ictarion4 three to tan$ be"o. her' Dar" the Mai$- 7riti,er
Bot"ey- an$ the knight Ser #arra #ar"a.- .hoe .or$ Night,a"" .a a torie$ a 5/ntan
5r/mm4 Re$ Rain. 2My n/nc"e ai$ yo/ kno. him. Eo/ kno. me too@1
2& .ant to kno. yo/ better01 omeone ho/te$.
2Go home an$ kno. yo/r .i,e-1 Aha hot back. 2N/nc"e ay he4"" give yo/ more o, .hat
my ,ather gave yo/. 3e""- .hat .a that6 Go"$ an$ g"ory- ome .i"" ay. Freedom, ever .eet.
Aye- it4 o- he gave / that8 an$ .i$o. too- a ?or$ B"ackty$e .i"" te"" yo/. #o. many o,
yo/ ha$ yo/r home p/t to the torch .hen Robert came6 #o. many ha$ $a/ghter rape$ an$
$epoi"e$6 B/rnt to.n an$ broken cat"e- my ,ather gave yo/ that. Defeat .a .hat he gave
yo/. N/nc"e here .i"" give yo/ more. Not me.1
23hat .i"" yo/ give /61 ake$ ?/ca Co$$. 2>nitting61
2Aye- ?/ca. &4"" knit / a"" a king$om.1 She toe$ her $irk ,rom han$ to han$. 23e nee$ to
take a "eon ,rom the Eo/ng 3o",- .ho .on every batt"e8 an$ "ot a"".1
2A .o", i not a kraken-1 %ictarion ob=ecte$. 23hat the kraken grap it $oe not "oe- be it
"onghip or "eviathan.1
2An$ .hat hae .e grape$- N/nc"e6 7he north6 3hat i that- b/t "eag/e an$ "eag/e o,
"eag/e an$ "eag/e- ,ar ,rom the o/n$ o, the ea6 3e have taken Moat Cai"in- 5eep.oo$
Motte- 7orrhen4 SA/are- even Winterfell+ 3hat $o .e have to ho. ,or it61 She beckone$- an$
her Black Wind men p/he$ ,or.ar$- chet o, oak an$ iron on their ho/"$er. 2& give yo/ the
.ea"th o, the Stony Shore-1 Aha ai$ a the ,irt .a /pen$e$. An ava"anche o, pebb"e
c"attere$ ,orth- caca$ing $o.n the tepI pebb"e grey an$ b"ack an$ .hite- .orn mooth by the
ea. 2& give yo/ the riche o, 5eep.oo$-1 he ai$- a the econ$ chet .a opene$. 9inecone
came po/ring o/t- to ro"" an$ bo/nce $o.n into the cro.$. 2An$ "at- the go"$ o, 3inter,e"".1
+rom the thir$ chet came ye""o. t/rnip- ro/n$ an$ har$ an$ big a a man4 hea$. 7hey "an$e$
ami$t the pebb"e an$ the pinecone. Aha tabbe$ one .ith her $irk. 2#arm/n$ Sharp-1 he
ho/te$- 2yo/r on #arrag $ie$ at 3inter,e""- ,or thi.1 She p/""e$ the t/rnip o,, her b"a$e an$
toe$ it to him. 2Eo/ have other on- & think. &, yo/4$ tra$e their "ive ,or t/rnip- ho/t my
n/nc"e4 name01
2An$ i, & ho/t !our name61 #arm/n$ $eman$e$. 23hat then61
29eace-1 ai$ Aha. 2?an$. %ictory. &4"" give yo/ Sea 5ragon 9oint an$ the Stony Shore-
b"ack earth an$ ta"" tree an$ tone eno/gh ,or every yo/nger on to b/i"$ a ha"". 3e4"" have the
northmen too8 a ,rien$- to tan$ .ith / againt the &ron 7hrone. Eo/r choice i imp"e.
Cro.n me- ,or peace an$ victory. Hr cro.n my n/nc"e- ,or more .ar an$ more $e,eat.1 She
heathe$ her $irk again. 23hat .i"" yo/ have- ironmen61
4.I%#O)&;5 ho/te$ Ro$rik the Rea$er- hi han$ c/ppe$ abo/t hi mo/th. 4.ictor!, and
Asha;5
4AS7A;5 ?or$ Bae"or B"ackty$e echoe$. 4AS7A :<002;5
Aha4 o.n cre. took /p the cry. 4AS7A; AS7A; AS7A :<002;5 7hey tampe$ their ,eet
an$ hook their ,it an$ ye""e$- a the 5amphair "itene$ in $ibe"ie,. She would leae her
father/s work undone; Eet 7riti,er Bot"ey .a ho/ting ,or her- .ith many #ar"a.- ome
Goo$brother- re$(,ace$ ?or$ Mer"yn- more men than the priet .o/"$ ever have be"ieve$8 ,or
a woman;
B/t other .ere ho"$ing their tong/e- or m/ttering ai$e to their neighbor. 42o craen/s
peace;5 Ra", the ?imper roare$. Re$ Ra", Stoneho/e .ir"e$ the Grey=oy banner an$ be""o.e$-
4.ictarion; .I%#A)IO2; .I%#A)IO2;5 Men began to hove at one another. Someone ,"/ng a
pinecone at Aha4 hea$. 3hen he $/cke$- her makehi,t cro.n ,e"" o,,. +or a moment it
eeme$ to the priet a i, he too$ atop a giant anthi""- .ith a tho/an$ ant in a boi" at hi ,eet.
Sho/t o, 4Asha;5 an$ 4.ictarion;5 /rge$ back an$ ,orth- an$ it eeme$ a tho/gh ome
avage torm .a abo/t to eng/", them a"". #he Storm 1od is amongst us, the priet tho/ght-
sowing fur! and discord+
Sharp a a .or$thr/t- the o/n$ o, a horn p"it the air.
Bright an$ bane,/" .a it voice- a hivering hot cream that ma$e a man4 bone eem to
thrum .ithin him. 7he cry "ingere$ in the $amp ea air'
aaaa))0000eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee+
A"" eye t/rne$ to.ar$ the o/n$. &t .a one o, C/ron4 mongre" .in$ing the ca""- a
montro/ man .ith a have$ hea$. Ring o, go"$ an$ =a$e an$ =et g"itene$ on hi arm- an$ on
hi broa$ chet .a tattooe$ ome bir$ o, prey- ta"on $ripping b"oo$.
aaaa)))0000eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee+
7he horn he b"e. .a hiny b"ack an$ t.ite$- an$ ta""er than a man a he he"$ it .ith both
han$. &t .a bo/n$ abo/t .ith ban$ o, re$ go"$ an$ $ark tee"- incie$ .ith ancient %a"yrian
g"yph that eeme$ to g"o. re$"y a the o/n$ .e""e$.
aaaaaaa)))000000000000eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee+
&t .a a terrib"e o/n$- a .ai" o, pain an$ ,/ry that eeme$ to b/rn the ear. Aeron 5amphair
covere$ hi- an$ praye$ ,or the 5ro.ne$ Go$ to raie a mighty .ave an$ mah the horn to
i"ence- yet ti"" the hriek .ent on an$ on. It is the horn of hell, he .ante$ to cream- tho/gh no
man .o/"$ have hear$ him. 7he cheek o, the tattooe$ man .ere o p/,,e$ o/t they "ooke$
abo/t to b/rt- an$ the m/c"e in hi chet t.itche$ in a .ay that it ma$e it eem a i, the bir$
.ere abo/t to rip ,ree o, hi ,"eh an$ take .ing. An$ no. the g"yph .ere b/rning bright"y-
every "ine an$ "etter himmering .ith .hite ,ire. Hn an$ on an$ on the o/n$ .ent- echoing
amongt the ho."ing hi"" behin$ them an$ acro the .ater o, Nagga4 Cra$"e to ring againt
the mo/ntain o, Great 3yk- on an$ on an$ on /nti" it ,i""e$ the .ho"e .et .or"$.
An$ .hen it eeme$ the o/n$ .o/"$ never en$- it $i$.
7he hornb"o.er4 breath ,ai"e$ at "at. #e taggere$ an$ a"mot ,e"". 7he priet a. Hrk.oo$
o, Hrkmont catch him by one arm to ho"$ him /p- .hi"t ?e,t(#an$ ?/ca Co$$ took the t.ite$
b"ack horn ,rom hi han$. A thin .ip o, moke .a riing ,rom the horn- an$ the priet a.
b"oo$ an$ b"iter /pon the "ip o, the man .ho4$ o/n$e$ it. 7he bir$ on hi chet .a b"ee$ing
too.
C/ron Grey=oy c"imbe$ the hi"" "o."y- .ith every eye /pon him. Above the g/"" creame$
an$ creame$ again. 2o godless man ma! sit the Seastone %hair, Aeron tho/ght- b/t he kne.
that he m/t "et hi brother peak. #i "ip move$ i"ent"y in prayer.
Aha4 champion teppe$ ai$e- an$ %ictarion4 a .e"". 7he priet took a tep back.ar$ an$
p/t one han$ /pon the co"$ ro/gh tone o, Nagga4 rib. 7he Cro.4 Cye toppe$ atop the tep-
at the $oor o, the Grey >ing4 #a""- an$ t/rne$ hi mi"ing eye /pon the captain an$ the king-
b/t Aeron co/"$ ,ee" hi other eye a .e""- the one that he kept hi$$en.
4I)O2*02,5 ai$ C/ron Grey=oy- 2yo/ have hear$ my horn. No. hear my .or$. & am
Ba"on4 brother- D/e""on4 e"$et "iving on. ?or$ %ickon4 b"oo$ i in my vein- an$ the b"oo$
o, the H"$ >raken. Eet & have ai"e$ ,arther than any o, them. Hn"y one "iving kraken ha never
kno.n $e,eat. Hn"y one ha never bent hi knee. Hn"y one ha ai"e$ to Ahai by the Sha$o.-
an$ een .on$er an$ terror beyon$ imagining81
2&, yo/ "ike$ the Sha$o. o .e""- go back there-1 ca""e$ o/t pink(cheeke$ Dar" the Mai$- one
o, Aha4 champion.
7he Cro.4 Cye ignore$ him. 2My "itt"e brother .o/"$ ,inih Ba"on4 .ar- an$ c"aim the
north. My .eet niece .o/"$ give / peace an$ pinecone.1 #i b"/e "ip t.ite$ in a mi"e.
2Aha pre,er victory to $e,eat. %ictarion .ant a king$om- not a ,e. cant yar$ o, earth. +rom
me- yo/ ha"" have both.
2Cro.4 Cye- yo/ ca"" me. 3e""- .ho ha a keener eye than the cro.6 A,ter every batt"e the
cro. come in their h/n$re$ an$ their tho/an$ to ,eat /pon the ,a""en. A cro. can epy $eath
,rom a,ar. An$ & ay that a"" o, 3etero i $ying. 7hoe .ho ,o""o. me .i"" ,eat /nti" the en$
o, their $ay.
23e are the ironborn- an$ once .e .ere conA/eror. H/r .rit ran every.here the o/n$ o,
the .ave .a hear$. My brother .o/"$ have yo/ be content .ith the co"$ an$ $ima" north- my
niece .ith even "e8 b/t & ha"" give yo/ ?anniport. #ighgar$en. 7he Arbor. H"$to.n. 7he
river"an$ an$ the Reach- the king.oo$ an$ the rain.oo$- 5orne an$ the marche- the
Mo/ntain o, the Moon an$ the %a"e o, Arryn- 7arth an$ the Steptone. & ay .e take it all; &
ay- .e take Westeros+1 #e g"ance$ at the priet. 2A"" ,or the greater g"ory o, o/r 5ro.ne$ Go$-
to be /re.1
+or ha", a heartbeat even Aeron .a .ept a.ay by the bo"$ne o, hi .or$. 7he priet ha$
$reame$ the ame $ream- .hen ,irt he4$ een the re$ comet in the ky. We shall sweep oer the
green lands with fire and sword, root out the seen gods of the septons and the white trees of the
northmen=
2Cro.4 Cye-1 Aha ca""e$- 2$i$ yo/ "eave yo/r .it at Ahai6 &, .e cannot ho"$ the north@
an$ .e cannot@ho. can .e .in the .ho"e o, the Seven >ing$om61
23hy- it ha been $one be,ore. 5i$ Ba"on teach hi gir" o "itt"e o, the .ay o, .ar6
%ictarion- o/r brother4 $a/ghter ha never hear$ o, Aegon the ConA/eror- it .o/"$ eem.1
2Aegon61 %ictarion croe$ hi arm againt hi armore$ chet. 23hat ha the ConA/eror to
$o .ith /61
2& kno. a m/ch o, .ar a yo/ $o- Cro.4 Cye-1 Aha ai$. 2Aegon 7argaryen conA/ere$
3etero .ith dragons+1
2An$ o ha"" .e-1 C/ron Grey=oy promie$. 27hat horn yo/ hear$ & ,o/n$ amongt the
moking r/in that .ere %a"yria- .here no man ha $are$ to .a"k b/t me. Eo/ hear$ it ca""- an$
,e"t it po.er. &t i a $ragon horn- bo/n$ .ith ban$ o, re$ go"$ an$ %a"yrian tee" graven .ith
enchantment. 7he $ragon"or$ o, o"$ o/n$e$ /ch horn- be,ore the 5oom $evo/re$ them.
3ith thi horn- ironmen- & can bin$ dragons to my .i"".1
Aha "a/ghe$ a"o/$. 2A horn to bin$ goat to yo/r .i"" .o/"$ be o, more /e- Cro.4 Cye.
7here are no more $ragon.1
2Again- gir"- yo/ are .rong. 7here are three- an$ & kno. .here to ,in$ them. S/re"y that i
.orth a $ri,t.oo$ cro.n.1
40<)O2;5 ho/te$ ?e,t(#an$ ?/ca Co$$.
40<)O2; %)OW/S 0&0; 0<)O2;5 crie$ the Re$ Harman.
7he m/te an$ mongre" ,rom the Silence thre. open C/ron4 chet an$ pi""e$ o/t hi gi,t
be,ore the captain an$ the king. 7hen it .a #otho #ar"a. the priet hear$- a he ,i""e$ hi
han$ .ith go"$. Goro"$ Goo$brother ho/te$ o/t a .e""- an$ Crik Anvi"(Breaker. 40<)O2;
0<)O2; 0<)O2;5 7he cry .e""e$- became a roar. 40<)O2; 0<)O2; %)OW/S 0&0;
0<)O2 ,I21;5 &t ro""e$ /p Nagga4 hi""- "ike the Storm Go$ ratt"ing the c"o/$. 40<)O2;
0<)O2; 0<)O2; 0<)O2; 0<)O2; 0<)O2;5
Cven a priet may $o/bt. Cven a prophet may kno. terror. Aeron 5amphair reache$ .ithin
hime", ,or hi go$ an$ $icovere$ on"y i"ence. A a tho/an$ voice ho/te$ o/t hi brother4
name- a"" he co/"$ hear .a the cream o, a r/te$ iron hinge.
!rienne
Eat o, Mai$enpoo" the hi"" roe .i"$- an$ the pine c"oe$ in abo/t them "ike a hot o, i"ent
grey(green o"$ier.
Nimb"e 5ick ai$ the coat roa$ .a the hortet .ay- an$ the eaiet- o they .ere e"$om
o/t o, ight o, the bay. 7he to.n an$ vi""age a"ong the hore gre. ma""er a they .ent- an$
"e ,reA/ent. At night,a"" they .o/"$ eek an inn. Crabb .o/"$ hare the common be$ .ith other
trave"er- .hi"t Brienne took a room ,or her an$ 9o$rick. 2Cheaper i, .e a"" hare$ the ame
be$- m4"a$y-1 Nimb"e 5ick .o/"$ ay. 2Eo/ co/"$ "ay yo/r .or$ bet.een /. H"$ 5ick4 a
harm"e ,e""o.. Chiva"ro/ a a knight- an$ honet a the $ay i "ong.1
27he $ay are gro.ing horter-1 Brienne pointe$ o/t.
23e""- that may be. &, yo/ $on4t tr/t me in the be$- & co/"$ =/t c/r" /p on the ,"oor- m4"a$y.1
2Not on my ,"oor.1
2A man might think yo/ $on4t tr/t me none.1
27r/t i earne$. ?ike go"$.1
2A yo/ ay- m4"a$y-1 ai$ Crabb- 2b/t /p north .here the roa$ give o/t- yo/4"" nee$ t4 tr/t
5ick then. &, & .ante$ t4 take yo/r go"$ at .or$point- .ho4 to top me61
2Eo/ $on4t o.n a .or$. & $o.1
She h/t the $oor bet.een them an$ too$ there "itening /nti" he .a certain he ha$ move$
a.ay. #o.ever nimb"e he might be- 5ick Crabb .a no !aime ?anniter- no Ma$ Mo/e- not
even a #/m,rey 3agta,,. #e .a cra.ny an$ i"" ,e$- hi on"y armor a $inte$ ha",he"m potte$
.ith r/t. &n p"ace o, a .or$- he carrie$ an o"$- nicke$ $agger. So "ong a he .a a.ake- he
poe$ no $anger to her. 29o$rick-1 he ai$- 2there .i"" come a time .hen there are no more inn
to he"ter /. & $o not tr/t o/r g/i$e. 3hen .e make camp- can yo/ .atch over me a & "eep61
2Stay a.ake- my "a$y6 Ser.1 #e tho/ght. 2& have a .or$. &, Crabb trie to h/rt yo/- & co/"$
ki"" him.1
2No-1 he ai$ tern"y. 2Eo/ are not to try an$ ,ight him. A"" & ak i that yo/ .atch him a &
"eep- an$ .ake me i, he $oe anything /picio/. & .ake A/ick"y- yo/ .i"" ,in$.1
Crabb ho.e$ hi tr/e co"or the ne:t $ay- .hen they toppe$ to .ater the hore. Brienne
ha$ to tep behin$ ome b/he to empty her b"a$$er. A he .a A/atting- he hear$ 9o$rick
ay- 23hat are yo/ $oing6 Eo/ get a.ay ,rom there.1 She ,inihe$ her b/ine- hike$ /p her
breeche- an$ ret/rne$ to the roa$ to ,in$ Nimb"e 5ick .iping ,"o/r o,, hi ,inger. 2Eo/ .on4t
,in$ any $ragon in my a$$"ebag-1 he to"$ him. 2& keep my go"$ /pon my peron.1 Some o, it
.a in the po/ch at her be"t- the ret hi$$en in a pair o, pocket e.n ini$e her c"othing. 7he ,at
p/re ini$e her a$$"ebag .a ,i""e$ .ith copper "arge an$ ma""- pennie an$ ha",pennie-
groat an$ tar8 an$ ,ine .hite ,"o/r- to make it ,atter ti"". She ha$ bo/ght the ,"o/r ,rom the
cook at the Seven S.or$ the morning he ro$e o/t ,rom 5/ken$a"e.
25ick meant no harm- m4"a$y.1 #e .rigg"e$ hi ,"o/r(potte$ ,inger to ho. he he"$ no
.eapon. 2& .a on"y "ooking to ee i, yo/ ha$ thee $ragon .hat yo/ promie$ me. 7he .or"$4
,/"" o4 "iar- rea$y to cheat an honet man. Not that !ou/re one.1
Brienne hope$ he .a a better g/i$e than he .a a thie,. 23e ha$ bet be going.1 She
mo/nte$ /p again.
5ick .o/"$ o,t ing a they ro$e a"ong togetherI never a .ho"e ong- on"y a natch o, thi an$
a vere o, that. She /pecte$ that he meant to charm her- to p/t her o,, her g/ar$. Sometime he
.o/"$ try to get her an$ 9o$rick to ing a"ong .ith him- to no avai". 7he boy .a too hy an$
tong/e(tie$- an$ Brienne $i$ not ing. Did !ou sing for !our father6 ?a$y Stark ha$ ake$ her
once- at Riverr/n. Did !ou sing for )enl!6 She ha$ not- not ever- tho/gh he ha$ .ante$8 he
ha$ .ante$8
3hen he .a not inging- Nimb"e 5ick .o/"$ ta"k- rega"ing them .ith ta"e o, Crackc"a.
9oint. Cvery g"oomy va""ey ha$ it "or$- he ai$- the "ot o, them /nite$ on"y by their mitr/t o,
o/ti$er. &n their vein the b"oo$ o, the +irt Men ran $ark an$ trong. 27he An$a" trie$ t4 take
Crackc"a.- b/t .e b"e$ them in the va""ey an$ $ro.ne$ them in the bog. Hn"y .hat their on
co/"$n4t .in .ith .or$- their pretty $a/ghter .on .ith kie. 7hey marrie$ into the ho/e
they co/"$n4t conA/er- aye.1
7he 5ark"yn king o, 5/ken$a"e ha$ trie$ to impoe their r/"e on Crackc"a. 9ointI the
Mooton o, Mai$enpoo" ha$ trie$ a .e""- an$ "ater the ha/ghty Ce"tigar o, Crab &"e. B/t the
Crackc"a. kne. their bog an$ ,oret a no o/ti$er co/"$- an$ i, har$ pree$ .o/"$ vanih
into the cavern that honeycombe$ their hi"". 3hen not ,ighting .o/"$(be conA/eror- they
,o/ght each other. 7heir b"oo$ ,e/$ .ere a $eep an$ $ark a the bog bet.een their hi"". +rom
time to time ome champion .o/"$ bring peace to the 9oint- b/t it never "ate$ "onger than hi
"i,etime. ?or$ ?/ci,er #ar$y- he .a a great one- an$ the Brother Br/ne a .e"". H"$
Crackbone even more o- b/t the Crabb .ere the mightiet o, a"". 5ick ti"" re,/e$ to be"ieve
that Brienne ha$ never hear$ o, Ser C"arence Crabb an$ hi e:p"oit.
23hy .o/"$ & "ie61 he ake$ him. 2Cvery p"ace ha it "oca" heroe. 3here & come ,rom- the
inger ing o, Ser Ga""a$on o, Morne- the 9er,ect >night.1
2Ser Ga""a.ho o, 3hat61 #e norte$. 2Never hear$ o4 him. 3hy .a he o b"oo$y per,ect61
2Ser Ga""a$on .a a champion o, /ch va"or that the Mai$en here", "ot her heart to him. She
gave him an enchante$ .or$ a a token o, her "ove. 7he !/t Mai$- it .a ca""e$. No common
.or$ co/"$ check her- nor any hie"$ .ithtan$ her ki. Ser Ga""a$on bore the !/t Mai$
pro/$"y- b/t on"y thrice $i$ he /nheathe her. #e .o/"$ not /e the Mai$ againt a morta" man-
,or he .a o potent a to make any ,ight /n,air.1
Crabb tho/ght that .a hi"ario/. 27he 9er,ect >night6 7he 9er,ect +oo"- he o/n$ "ike.
3hat4 the point o4 having ome magic .or$ i, yo/ $on4t b"oo$y .e"" /e it61
2#onor-1 he ai$. 27he point i honor.1
7hat on"y ma$e him "a/gh the "o/$er. 2Ser C"arence Crabb .o/"$ have .ipe$ hi hairy are
.ith yo/r 9er,ect >night- m4"a$y. &, they4$ ever have met- there4$ be one more b"oo$y hea$
itting on the he", at the 3hiper- yo/ ak me. J& ho/"$ have /e$ the magic .or$-4 it4$ be
aying to a"" the other hea$. J& ho/"$ have /e$ the b"oo$y .or$.41
Brienne co/"$ not he"p b/t mi"e. 29erhap-1 he a""o.e$- 2b/t Ser Ga""a$on .a no ,oo".
Againt a ,oe eight ,eet ta"" mo/nte$ on an a/roch- he might .e"" have /nheathe$ the !/t
Mai$. #e /e$ her once to "ay a $ragon- they ay.1
Nimb"e 5ick .a /nimpree$. 2Crackbone ,o/ght a $ragon too- b/t he $i$n4t nee$ no magic
.or$. #e =/t tie$ it neck in a knot- o every time it breathe$ ,ire it roate$ it o.n are.1
2An$ .hat $i$ Crackbone $o .hen Aegon an$ hi iter came61 Brienne ake$ him.
2#e .a $ea$. M4"a$y m/t kno. that.1 Crabb gave her a i$e.ay "ook. 2Aegon ent hi
iter /p to Crackc"a.- that %ienya. 7he "or$ ha$ hear$ o4 #arren4 en$. Being no ,oo"- they
"ai$ their .or$ at her ,eet. 7he A/een took them a her o.n men- an$ ai$ they4$ o.e no ,ea"ty
to Mai$enpoo"- Crab &"e- or 5/ken$a"e. 5on4t top them b"oo$y Ce"tigar ,rom en$ing men to
t4 eatern hore to co""ect hi ta:e. &, he en$ eno/gh- a ,e. come back to him8 e"e.ie- .e
bo. on"y to o/r o.n "or$- an$ the king. 7he true king- not Robert an$ hi i"k.1 #e pat. 27here
.a Crabb an$ Br/ne an$ Bogge .ith 9rince Rhaegar on the 7ri$ent- an$ in the >ingg/ar$
too. A #ar$y- a Cave- a 9yne- an$ three Crabb- C"ement an$ R/pert an$ C"arence the Short. Si:
,oot ta""- he .a- b/t hort compare$ to the real Ser C"arence. 3e4re a"" goo$ $ragon men- /p
Crackc"a. .ay.1
7he tra,,ic contin/e$ to $.in$"e a they move$ north an$ eat- /nti" ,ina""y there .ere no inn
to be ,o/n$. By then the bayi$e roa$ .a more .ee$ than r/t. 7hat night they took he"ter in a
,ihing vi""age. Brienne pai$ the vi""ager a ,e. copper to a""o. them to be$ $o.n in a hay barn.
She c"aime$ the "o,t ,or 9o$rick an$ here",- an$ p/""e$ the "a$$er /p a,ter them.
2Eo/ "eave me $o.n here a"one- & co/"$ b"oo$y .e"" tea" yo/r hore-1 Crabb ca""e$ /p ,rom
be"o.. 2Bet yo/ get them /p the "a$$er too- m4"a$y.1 3hen he ignore$ him- he .ent on to ay-
2&t4 going to rain tonight. A co"$ har$ rain. Eo/ an$ 9o$ .i"" "eep a"" n/g an$ .arm- an$
poor o"$ 5ick .i"" be hivering $o.n here by mye",.1 #e hook hi hea$- m/ttering- a he ma$e
a be$ on a pi"e o, hay. 2& never kne. /ch a mitr/t,/" mai$ a yo/.1
Brienne c/r"e$ /p beneath her c"oak- .ith 9o$rick ya.ning at her i$e. I was not alwa!s
war!, he might have ho/te$ $o.n at Crabb. When I was a little girl I belieed that all men
were as noble as m! father+ Cven the men .ho to"$ her .hat a pretty gir" he .a- ho. ta"" an$
bright an$ c"ever- ho. grace,/" .hen he $ance$. &t .a Septa Roe""e .ho ha$ "i,te$ the ca"e
,rom her eye. 27hey on"y ay thoe thing to .in yo/r "or$ ,ather4 ,avor-1 the .oman ha$ ai$.
2Eo/4"" ,in$ tr/th in yo/r "ooking g"a- not on the tong/e o, men.1 &t .a a harh "eon- one
that "e,t her .eeping- b/t it ha$ too$ her in goo$ tea$ at #arrenha" .hen Ser #y"e an$ hi
,rien$ ha$ p"aye$ their game. A maid has to be mistrustful in this world, or she will not be a
maid for long, he .a thinking- a the rain began to ,a"".
&n the mN"Oe at Bitterbri$ge he ha$ o/ght o/t her /itor an$ battere$ them one by one-
+arro. an$ Ambroe an$ B/hy- Mark M/""en$ore an$ Raymon$ Nay"an$ an$ 3i"" the Stork.
She ha$ ri$$en over #arry Sa.yer an$ broken Robin 9otter4 he"m- giving him a naty car. An$
.hen the "at o, them ha$ ,a""en- the Mother ha$ $e"ivere$ Connington to her. 7hi time Ser
Ronnet he"$ a .or$ an$ not a roe. Cvery b"o. he $ea"t him .a .eeter than a ki.
?ora 7yre"" ha$ been the "at to ,ace her .roth that $ay. #e4$ never co/rte$ her- ha$ har$"y
"ooke$ at her at a""- b/t he bore three go"$en roe on hi hie"$ that $ay- an$ Brienne hate$
roe. 7he ight o, them ha$ given her a ,/rio/ trength. She .ent to "eep $reaming o, the ,ight
they4$ ha$- an$ o, Ser !aime ,atening a rainbo. c"oak abo/t her ho/"$er.
&t .a ti"" raining the ne:t morning. A they broke their ,at- Nimb"e 5ick /ggete$ that
they .ait ,or it to top.
23hen .i"" that be6 Hn the morro.6 &n a ,ortnight6 3hen /mmer come again6 No. 3e
have c"oak- an$ "eag/e to ri$e.1
&t raine$ a"" that $ay. 7he narro. track they ,o""o.e$ oon t/rne$ to m/$ beneath them. 3hat
tree they a. .ere nake$- an$ the tea$y rain ha$ t/rne$ their ,a""en "eave into a o$$en bro.n
mat. 5epite it A/irre"(kin "ining- 5ick4 c"oak oake$ thro/gh- an$ he co/"$ ee him
hivering. Brienne ,e"t a moment4 pity ,or the man. 7e has not eaten well, that/s plain+ She
.on$ere$ i, there tr/"y .a a m/gg"er4 cove- or a r/ine$ cat"e ca""e$ the 3hiper. #/ngry
men $o $eperate thing. 7hi a"" might be ome p"oy to coGen her. S/picion o/re$ her
tomach.
+or a time it eeme$ a tho/gh the tea$y .ah o, rain .a the on"y o/n$ in the .or"$.
Nimb"e 5ick p"o.e$ on- hee$"e. She .atche$ c"oe"y- noting ho. he bent hi back- a i,
h/$$"ing "o. in the a$$"e .o/"$ keep him $ry. 7hi time there .a no vi""age c"oe at han$
.hen $arkne came /pon them. Nor .ere there any tree to give them he"ter. 7hey .ere ,orce$
to camp amongt ome rock- ,i,ty yar$ above the ti$e"ine. 7he rock at "eat .o/"$ keep the
.in$ o,,. 2Bet .e keep a .atch tonight- m4"a$y-1 Crabb to"$ her- a he .a tr/gg"ing to get a
$ri,t.oo$ ,ire "it. 2A p"ace "ike thi- there might be A/iher.1
2SA/iher61 Brienne gave him a /picio/ "ook.
2Monter-1 Nimb"e 5ick ai$- .ith re"ih. 27hey "ook "ike men ti"" yo/ get c"oe- b/t their
hea$ i too big- an$ they got ca"e .here a proper man4 got hair. +ih(be""y .hite they are-
.ith .eb bet.een their ,inger. 7hey4re a".ay $amp an$ ,ihy(me""ing- b/t behin$ thee
b"/bbery "ip they got ro. o, green teeth harp a nee$"e. Some ay the +irt Men ki""e$ them
a""- b/t $on4t yo/ be"ieve it. 7hey come by night an$ tea" ba$ "itt"e chi"$ren- pa$$ing a"ong on
them .ebbe$ ,eet .ith a "itt"e s3uish(s3uish o/n$. 7he gir" they keep to bree$ .ith- b/t the
boy they eat- tearing at them .ith thoe harp green teeth.1 #e grinne$ at 9o$rick. 27hey4$ eat
yo/- boy. 7hey4$ eat yo/ raw+1
2&, they try- &4"" ki"" them.1 9o$rick to/che$ hi .or$.
2Eo/ try that. Eo/ =/t try. SA/iher $on4t $ie eay.1 #e .inke$ at Brienne. 2Eo/ a ba$ "itt"e
gir"- m4"a$y61
2No.1 -ust a fool+ 7he .oo$ .a too $amp to "ight- no matter ho. many park Brienne
tr/ck o,, her ,"int an$ tee". 7he kin$"ing ent /p ome moke- b/t that .a a"". 5ig/te$- he
ett"e$ $o.n .ith her back to a rock- p/""e$ her c"oak over here",- an$ reigne$ here", to a co"$-
.et night. 5reaming o, a hot mea"- he gna.e$ on a trip o, har$ a"t bee, .hi"t Nimb"e 5ick
ta"ke$ abo/t the time Ser C"arence Crabb ha$ ,o/ght the A/iher king. 7e tells a liel! tale, he
ha$ to a$mit- but *ark *ullendore was amusing too, with his little monke!+
&t .a too .et to ee the /n go $o.n- too grey to ee the moon come /p. 7he night .a b"ack
an$ tar"e. Crabb ran o/t o, ta"e an$ .ent to "eep. 9o$rick .a oon noring too. Brienne at
.ith her back to the rock- "itening to the .ave. Are !ou near the sea, Sansa6 he .on$ere$.
Are !ou waiting at the Whispers for a ship that will neer come6 Who do !ou hae with !ou6
$assage for three, he said+ 7as the Imp 9oined !ou and Ser Dontos, or did !ou find !our little
sister6
7he $ay ha$ been a "ong one- an$ Brienne .a tire$. Cven itting /p againt the rock- .ith
rain pattering o,t"y a"" aro/n$ her- he ,o/n$ her eye"i$ gro.ing heavy. 7.ice he $oGe$. 7he
econ$ time he .oke a"" at once- heart po/n$ing- convince$ that omeone .a "ooming over
her. #er "imb .ere ti,,- an$ her c"oak ha$ gotten tang"e$ ro/n$ her ank"e. She kicke$ ,ree o, it
an$ too$. Nimb"e 5ick .a c/r"e$ againt a rock- ha",(b/rie$ in .et- heavy an$- a"eep. A
dream+ It was a dream+
9erhap he ha$ ma$e a mitake in aban$oning Ser Creighton an$ Ser &""i,er. 7hey ha$
eeme$ "ike honet men. Would that -aime had come with me, he tho/ght8 b/t he .a a knight
o, the >ingg/ar$- hi right,/" p"ace .a .ith hi king. Bei$e- it .a Ren"y that he .ante$. I
swore I would protect him, and I failed+ #hen I swore I would aenge him, and I failed at that as
well+ I ran off with "ad! %atel!n instead, and failed her too+ 7he .in$ ha$ hi,te$- an$ the rain
.a r/nning $o.n her ,ace.
7he ne:t $ay the roa$ $.in$"e$ to a pebb"e$ threa$- an$ ,ina""y to a mere /ggetion. Near
mi$$ay- it came to an abr/pt en$ at the ,oot o, a .in$(carve$ c"i,,. Above- a ma"" cat"e too$
,ro.ning over the .ave- it three crooke$ to.er o/t"ine$ againt a "ea$en ky. 2& that the
3hiper61 9o$rick ake$.
27hat "ook a b"oo$y r/in t4 yo/61 Crabb pat. 27hat4 the 5yre 5en- .here o"$ ?or$ Br/ne
keep hi eat. Roa$ en$ here- tho/gh. &t4 the pine ,or / ,rom here on.1
Brienne t/$ie$ the c"i,,. 2#o. $o .e get /p there61
2Cay.1 Nimb"e 5ick t/rne$ hi hore. 2Stay c"oe t4 5ick. 7he A/iher are apt t4 take the
"aggar$.1
7he .ay /p prove$ to be a teep tony path hi$$en .ithin a c"e,t in the rock. Mot o, it .a
nat/ra"- b/t here an$ there tep ha$ been carve$ to eae the c"imb. Sheer .a"" o, rock- eaten
a.ay by cent/rie o, .in$ an$ pray- hemme$ them in to either i$e. &n ome p"ace they ha$
a/me$ ,antatic hape. Nimb"e 5ick pointe$ o/t a ,e. a they c"imbe$. 27here4 an ogre4
hea$- ee61 he ai$- an$ Brienne mi"e$ .hen he a. it. 2An$ that there4 a tone $ragon.
74other .ing ,e"" o,, .hen my ,ather .a a boy. Above it- that4 the $/g $rooping $o.n- "ike
ome hag4 teat.1 #e g"ance$ back at her o.n chet.
2Ser6 My "a$y61 ai$ 9o$rick. 27here4 a ri$er.1
23here61 None o, the rock /ggete$ a ri$er to her.
2Hn the roa$. Not a rock ri$er. A rea" ri$er. +o""o.ing /. 5o.n there.1 #e pointe$.
Brienne t.ite$ in her a$$"e. 7hey ha$ c"imbe$ high eno/gh to ee ,or "eag/e a"ong the
hore. 7he hore .a coming /p the ame roa$ they ha$ taken- t.o or three mi"e behin$ them.
Again6 She g"ance$ at Nimb"e 5ick /picio/"y.
25on4t A/int at me-1 Crabb ai$. 2#e4 na/ght t4 $o .ith o"$ Nimb"e 5ick- .hoever he i.
Some man o4 Br/ne4- mot "ike- come back ,rom the .ar. Hr one o4 them inger- .an$ering
,rom p"ace to p"ace.1 #e t/rne$ hi hea$ an$ pat. 2#e4 no A/iher- that4 b"oo$y certain. 7heir
ort $on4t ri$e hore.1
2No-1 ai$ Brienne. Hn that- at "eat- they co/"$ agree.
7he "at h/n$re$ ,eet o, the c"imb prove$ the teepet an$ mot treachero/. ?ooe pebb"e
ro""e$ beneath their hore4 hoove an$ .ent ratt"ing $o.n the tony path behin$ them. 3hen
they emerge$ ,rom the c"e,t in the rock- they ,o/n$ theme"ve /n$er the cat"e .a"". Hn a
parapet above- a ,ace peere$ $o.n at them- then vanihe$. Brienne tho/ght it might have been a
.oman- an$ ai$ a m/ch to Nimb"e 5ick.
#e agree$. 2Br/ne4 too o"$ to go c"imbing .a"".a"k- an$ hi on an$ gran$on .ent o,, to
the .ar. No one "e,t in there b/t .enche- an$ a not(noe$ babe or three.1
&t .a on her "ip to ak her g/i$e .hich king ?or$ Br/ne ha$ epo/e$- b/t it ma$e no matter
any "onger. Br/ne4 on .ere goneI ome might not be coming back. We will hae no
hospitalit! here tonight+ A cat"e ,/"" o, o"$ men- .omen- an$ chi"$ren .a not "ike to open it
$oor to arme$ tranger. 2Eo/ peak o, ?or$ Br/ne a i, yo/ kno. him-1 he ai$ to Nimb"e
5ick.
2Might be & $i$- once.1
She g"ance$ at the breat o, hi $o/b"et. ?ooe threa$ an$ a ragge$ patch o, $arker ,abric
ho.e$ .here ome ba$ge ha$ been torn a.ay. #er g/i$e .a a $eerter- he $i$ not $o/bt.
Co/"$ the ri$er behin$ them be one o, hi brother(in(arm6
23e ho/"$ ri$e on-1 he /rge$- 2be,ore Br/ne tart to .on$er .hy .e4re here beneath hi
.a"". Cven a .ench can .in$ a b"oo$y crobo..1 5ick get/re$ to.ar$ the "imetone hi"" that
roe beyon$ the cat"e- .ith their .oo$e$ "ope. 2No more roa$ ,rom here on- on"y tream an$
game trai"- b/t m4"a$y nee$ not ,ear. Nimb"e 5ick kno. thee part.1
7hat .a .hat Brienne .a a,rai$ o,. 7he .in$ .a g/ting a"ong the top o, the c"i,,- b/t a""
he co/"$ me"" .a a trap. 23hat abo/t that ri$er61 Fn"e hi hore co/"$ .a"k on .ave- he
.o/"$ oon be coming /p the c"i,,.
23hat abo/t him6 &, he4 ome ,oo" ,rom Mai$enpoo"- he might not even ,in$ the b"oo$y
path. An$ i, he $oe- .e4"" "oe him in the .oo$. #e .on4t have no roa$ to ,o""o. there.1
Onl! our tracks+ Brienne .on$ere$ i, it .o/"$n4t be better to meet the ri$er here- .ith her
b"a$e in han$. I/ll look an utter fool if it is a wandering singer or one of "ord Brune/s sons+
Crabb ha$ the right o, it- he /ppoe$. If he is still behind us on the morrow, I can deal with him
then+ 2A yo/ .i""-1 he ai$- t/rning her mare to.ar$ the tree.
?or$ Br/ne4 cat"e $.in$"e$ at their back- an$ oon .a "ot to ight. Sentine" an$ o"$ier
pine roe a"" aro/n$ them- to.ering green(c"a$ pear thr/ting to.ar$ the ky. 7he ,oret ,"oor
.a a be$ o, ,a""en nee$"e a thick a a cat"e .a""- "ittere$ .ith pinecone. 7he hoove o, their
hore eeme$ to make no o/n$. &t raine$ a bit- toppe$ ,or a time- then tarte$ once again- b/t
amongt the pine they carce ,e"t a $rop.
7he going .a m/ch "o.er in the .oo$. Brienne pro$$e$ her mare thro/gh the green
g"oom- .eaving in an$ o/t amongt the tree. &t .o/"$ be very eay to get "ot here- he rea"iGe$.
Cvery .ay he "ooke$ appeare$ the ame. 7he very air eeme$ grey an$ green an$ ti"". 9ine
bo/gh cratche$ againt her arm an$ crape$ noii"y againt her ne."y painte$ hie"$. 7he
eerie ti""ne grate$ on her more .ith every paing ho/r.
&t bothere$ Nimb"e 5ick a .e"". ?ate that $ay- a $/k .a coming on- he trie$ to ing. 4A
bear there was, a bear, a bear, all black and brown, and coered with hair,5 he ang- hi voice
a cratchy a a pair o, .oo"en breeche. 7he pine $rank hi ong- a they $rank the .in$ an$
rain. A,ter a "itt"e .hi"e he toppe$.
2&t4 ba$ here-1 9o$rick ai$. 27hi i a ba$ p"ace.1
Brienne ,e"t the ame- b/t it .o/"$ not erve to a$mit it. 2A pine .oo$ i a g"oomy p"ace- b/t
in the en$ it4 =/t a .oo$. 7here4 na/ght here that .e nee$ ,ear.1
23hat abo/t the A/iher6 An$ the hea$61
27here4 a c"ever "a$-1 ai$ Nimb"e 5ick- "a/ghing.
Brienne gave him a "ook o, annoyance. 27here are no A/iher-1 he to"$ 9o$rick- 2an$ no
hea$.1
7he hi"" .ent /p- the hi"" .ent $o.n. Brienne ,o/n$ here", praying that Nimb"e 5ick .a
honet- an$ kne. .here he .a taking them. By here",- he .a not even certain he co/"$ have
,o/n$ the ea again. 5ay or night- the ky .a o"i$ grey an$ overcat- .ith neither /n nor tar
to he"p her ,in$ her .ay.
7hey ma$e camp ear"y that night- a,ter they came $o.n a hi"" an$ ,o/n$ theme"ve on the
e$ge o, a g"itening green bog. &n the grey(green "ight- the gro/n$ ahea$ "ooke$ o"i$ eno/gh-
b/t .hen they4$ ri$$en o/t it ha$ .a""o.e$ their hore /p to their .ither. 7hey ha$ to t/rn
an$ ,ight their .ay back onto more o"i$ ,ooting. 2&t4 no matter-1 Crabb a/re$ them. 23e4""
go back /p the hi"" an$ come $o.n another .ay.1
7he ne:t $ay .a the ame. 7hey ro$e thro/gh pine an$ bog- /n$er $ark kie an$
intermittent rain- pat inkho"e an$ cave an$ the r/in o, ancient trongho"$ .hoe tone
.ere b"ankete$ in mo. Cvery heap o, tone ha$ a tory- an$ Nimb"e 5ick to"$ them a"". 7o
hear him te"" it- the men o, Crackc"a. 9oint ha$ .atere$ their pine tree .ith b"oo$. Brienne4
patience oon began to ,ray. 2#o. m/ch "onger61 he $eman$e$ ,ina""y. 23e m/t have een
every tree in Crackc"a. 9oint by no..1
2Not har$"y-1 ai$ Crabb. 23e4re c"oe no.. See- the .oo$ i thinning o/t. 3e4re near the
narro. ea.1
#his fool he promised me is like to be m! own reflection in a pond, Brienne tho/ght- b/t it
eeme$ point"e to t/rn back .hen he ha$ come o ,ar. She .a .eary- tho/gh- he co/"$ not
$eny that. #er thigh .ere har$ a iron ,rom the a$$"e- an$ o, "ate he ha$ been "eeping on"y
,o/r ho/r a night- .hi"t 9o$rick .atche$ over her. &, Nimb"e 5ick meant to try an$ m/r$er
them- he .a convince$ it .o/"$ happen here- on gro/n$ that he kne. .e"". #e co/"$ be taking
them to ome robber4 $en .here he ha$ kin a treachero/ a he .a. Hr perhap he .a =/t
"ea$ing them in circ"e- .aiting ,or that ri$er to catch /p. 7hey ha$ not een any ign o, the man
ince "eaving ?or$ Br/ne4 cat"e- b/t that $i$ not mean he ha$ given /p the h/nt.
It ma! be that I will need to kill him, he to"$ here", one night a he pace$ abo/t the camp.
7he notion ma$e her A/eay. #er o"$ mater(at(arm ha$ a".ay A/etione$ .hether he .a
har$ eno/gh ,or batt"e. 2Eo/ have a man4 trength in yo/r arm-1 Ser Goo$.in ha$ ai$ to her-
more than once- 2b/t yo/r heart i a o,t a any mai$4. &t i one thing to train in the yar$ .ith a
b"/nte$ .or$ in han$- an$ another to $rive a ,oot o, harpene$ tee" into a man4 g/t an$ ee the
"ight go o/t o, hi eye.1 7o to/ghen her- Ser Goo$.in /e$ to en$ her to her ,ather4 b/tcher to
"a/ghter "amb an$ /ck"ing pig. 7he pig"et A/ea"e$ an$ the "amb creame$ "ike ,rightene$
chi"$ren. By the time the b/tchering .a $one Brienne ha$ been b"in$ .ith tear- her c"othe o
b"oo$y that he ha$ given them to her mai$ to b/rn. B/t Ser Goo$.in ti"" ha$ $o/bt. 2A pig"et
i a pig"et. &t i $i,,erent .ith a man. 3hen & .a a A/ire yo/ng a yo/- & ha$ a ,rien$ .ho .a
trong an$ A/ick an$ agi"e- a champion in the yar$. 3e a"" kne. that one $ay he .o/"$ be a
p"en$i$ knight. 7hen .ar came to the Steptone. & a. my ,rien$ $rive hi ,oeman to hi knee
an$ knock the a:e ,rom hi han$- b/t .hen he might have ,inihe$ he he"$ back ,or ha", a
heartbeat. &n batt"e ha", a heartbeat i a "i,etime. 7he man "ippe$ o/t hi $irk an$ ,o/n$ a chink
in my ,rien$4 armor. #i trength- hi pee$- hi va"or- a"" hi har$(.on ki""8 it .a .orth "e
than a m/mmer4 ,art- because he flinched from killing+ Remember that- gir".1
I will, he promie$ hi ha$e- there in the piney .oo$. She at $o.n on a rock- took o/t her
.or$- an$ began to hone it e$ge. I will remember, and I pra! I will not flinch+
7he ne:t $ay $a.ne$ b"eak an$ co"$ an$ overcat. 7hey never a. the /n come /p- b/t .hen
the b"ackne t/rne$ to grey Brienne kne. it .a time to a$$"e /p again. 3ith Nimb"e 5ick
"ea$ing the .ay- they ro$e back into the pine. Brienne ,o""o.e$ c"oe behin$ him- .ith 9o$rick
bringing /p the rear /pon hi ro/ney.
7he cat"e came /pon them .itho/t .arning. Hne moment they .ere in the $epth o, the
,oret- .ith nothing b/t pine to ee ,or "eag/e an$ "eag/e. 7hen they ro$e aro/n$ a bo/"$er-
an$ a gap appeare$ ahea$. A mi"e ,arther on- the ,oret en$e$ abr/pt"y. Beyon$ .a ky an$
ea8 an$ an ancient- t/mb"e$o.n cat"e- aban$one$ an$ overgro.n on the e$ge o, a c"i,,. 27he
3hiper-1 ai$ Nimb"e 5ick. 2#ave a "iten. Eo/ can hear the hea$.1
9o$rick4 mo/th gape$ open. 2& hear them.1
Brienne hear$ them too. A ,aint- o,t m/rm/ring that eeme$ to be coming ,rom the gro/n$ a
m/ch a ,rom the cat"e. 7he o/n$ gre. "o/$er a he neare$ the c"i,,. &t .a the ea- he
rea"iGe$ /$$en"y. 7he .ave ha$ eaten ho"e in the c"i,, be"o. an$ .ere r/mb"ing thro/gh
cave an$ t/nne" beneath the earth. 27here are no hea$-1 he ai$. 2&t4 the .ave yo/ hear
.hipering.1
23ave $on4t .hiper. &t4 hea$.1
7he cat"e .a b/i"t o, o"$- /nmortare$ tone- no t.o the ame. Mo gre. thick in c"e,t
bet.een the rock- an$ tree .ere gro.ing /p ,rom the ,o/n$ation. Mot o"$ cat"e ha$ a
go$.oo$. By the "ook o, it- the 3hiper ha$ "itt"e e"e. Brienne .a"ke$ her mare to the c"i,,4
e$ge- .here the c/rtain .a"" ha$ co""ape$. Mo/n$ o, poiono/ re$ ivy gre. over the heap o,
broken tone. She tie$ the hore to a tree an$ e$ge$ a c"oe to the precipice a he $are$. +i,ty
,eet be"o.- the .ave .ere .ir"ing in an$ over the remnant o, a hattere$ to.er. Behin$ it- he
g"impe$ the mo/th o, a "arge cavern.
27hat4 the o"$ beacon to.er-1 ai$ Nimb"e 5ick a he came /p behin$ her. 2&t ,e"" .hen &
.a ha", a o"$ a 9o$ here. Fe$ to be tep $o.n to the cove- b/t .hen the c"i,, co""ape$ they
.ent too. 7he m/gg"er toppe$ "an$ing here a,ter that. 7ime .a- they co/"$ ro. their boat
into the cave- b/t no more. See61 #e p/t one han$ on her back- an$ pointe$ .ith the other.
Brienne4 ,"eh prick"e$. One shoe, and I/ll be down there with the tower+ She teppe$ back.
2>eep yo/r han$ o,, me.1
Crabb ma$e a ,ace. 2& .a on"y81
2& $on4t care .hat yo/ .ere onl!+ 3here4 the gate61
2Aro/n$ t4other i$e.1 #e heitate$. 27hi ,oo" o4 yo/r- he4 not a man to ho"$ a gr/$ge- i
he61 he ai$ nervo/"y. 2& mean- "at night & got to thinking that he might be angry at o"$ Nimb"e
5ick- on acco/nt o4 that map & o"$ him- an$ ho. & "e,t o/t that the m/gg"er $on4t "an$ here no
more.1
23ith the go"$ that yo/4ve got coming- yo/ can give him back .hatever he pai$ yo/ ,or yo/r
help+1 Brienne co/"$ not imagine 5onto #o""ar$ poing a threat. 27hat i- i, he4 even here.1
7hey ma$e a circ/it o, the .a"". 7he cat"e ha$ been triang/"ar- .ith A/are to.er at each
corner. &t gate .ere ba$"y rotte$. 3hen Brienne t/gge$ at one- the .oo$ cracke$ an$ pee"e$
a.ay in "ong .et p"inter- an$ ha", the gate came $o.n on her. She co/"$ ee more green g"oom
ini$e. 7he ,oret ha$ breache$ the .a""- an$ .a""o.e$ keep an$ bai"ey. B/t there .a a
portc/""i behin$ the gate- it teeth /nk $eep into the o,t m/$$y gro/n$. 7he iron .a re$ .ith
r/t- b/t it he"$ .hen Brienne ratt"e$ it. 2No one4 /e$ thi gate ,or a "ong time.1
2& co/"$ c"imb over-1 o,,ere$ 9o$rick. 2By the c"i,,. 3here the .a"" ,e"" $o.n.1
2&t4 too $angero/. 7hoe tone "ooke$ "ooe to me- an$ that re$ ivy4 poiono/. 7here ha
to be a potern gate.1
7hey ,o/n$ it on the north i$e o, the cat"e- ha",(hi$$en behin$ a h/ge b"ackberry bramb"e.
7he berrie ha$ a"" been picke$- an$ ha", the b/h ha$ been hacke$ $o.n to c/t a path to the
$oor. 7he ight o, the broken branche ,i""e$ Brienne .ith $iA/iet. 2Someone4 been thro/gh
here- an$ recent"y.1
2Eo/r ,oo" an$ thoe gir"-1 ai$ Crabb. 2& to"$ yo/.1
Sansa6 Brienne co/"$ not be"ieve it. Cven a .ine(oake$ ot "ike 5onto #o""ar$ .o/"$ have
better ene than to bring her to thi b"eak p"ace. Something abo/t the r/in ,i""e$ her .ith
/neae. She .o/"$ not ,in$ the Stark gir" here8 b/t he ha$ to have a "ook. Someone was here,
he tho/ght. Someone who needed to sta! hidden+ 2&4m going in-1 he ai$. 2Crabb- yo/4"" come
.ith me. 9o$rick- & .ant yo/ to .atch the hore.1
2& .ant to come too. &4m a A/ire. & can ,ight.1
27hat4 .hy & .ant yo/ to tay here. 7here may be o/t"a. in thee .oo$. 3e $are not "eave
the hore /nprotecte$.1
9o$rick c/,,e$ at a rock .ith hi boot. 2A yo/ ay.1
She ho/"$ere$ thro/gh the b"ackberrie an$ p/""e$ at a r/te$ iron ring. 7he potern $oor
reite$ ,or a moment- then =erke$ open- it hinge creaming protet. 7he o/n$ ma$e the hair
on the back o, Brienne4 neck tan$ /p. She $re. her .or$. Cven in mai" an$ boi"e$ "eather- he
,e"t nake$.
2Go on- m4"a$y-1 /rge$ Nimb"e 5ick- behin$ her. 23hat are yo/ .aiting ,or6 H"$ Crabb4
been $ea$ a tho/an$ year.1
3hat was he .aiting ,or6 Brienne to"$ here", that he .a being ,oo"ih. 7he o/n$ .a =/t
the ea- echoing en$"e"y thro/gh the cavern beneath the cat"e- riing an$ ,a""ing .ith each
.ave. &t did o/n$ "ike .hipering- tho/gh- an$ ,or a moment he co/"$ a"mot ee the hea$-
itting on their he"ve an$ m/ttering to one another. 4I should hae used the sword5 one o,
them .a aying. 4I should hae used the magic sword+5
29o$rick-1 ai$ Brienne. 27here4 a .or$ an$ cabbar$ .rappe$ /p in my be$ro"". Bring
them here to me.1
2Ee- er. My "a$y. & .i"".1 7he boy .ent r/nning o,,.
2A .or$61 Nimb"e 5ick cratche$ behin$ hi ear. 2Eo/ got a .or$ in yo/r han$. 3hat $o
yo/ nee$ another ,or61
27hi one4 ,or yo/.1 Brienne o,,ere$ him the hi"t.
2+or tr/e61 Crabb reache$ o/t heitant"y- a i, the b"a$e might bite him. 27he mitr/t,/"
mai$4 giving o"$ 5ick a .or$61
2Eo/ $o kno. ho. to /e one61
2&4m a Crabb.1 #e natche$ the "ong.or$ ,rom her han$. 2& got the ame b"oo$ a o"$ Ser
C"arence.1 #e "ahe$ the air an$ grinne$ at her. 2&t4 the .or$ that make the "or$- ome ay.1
3hen 9o$rick 9ayne ret/rne$- he he"$ Hathkeeper a ginger"y a i, it .ere a chi"$. Nimb"e
5ick gave a .hit"e at the ight o, the ornate cabbar$ .ith it ro. o, "ion4 hea$- b/t gre.
A/iet .hen he $re. the b"a$e an$ trie$ a c/t. 0en the sound of it is sharper than an ordinar!
sword+ 23ith me-1 he to"$ Crabb. She "ippe$ i$e.ay thro/gh the potern- $/cking her hea$
to pa beneath the $oor.ay4 arch.
7he bai"ey opene$ /p be,ore her- overgro.n. 7o her "e,t .a the main gate- an$ the co""ape$
he"" o, .hat might have been a tab"e. Sap"ing .ere poking o/t o, ha", the ta"" an$ gro.ing
/p thro/gh the $ry bro.n thatch o, it roo,. 7o her right he a. rotte$ .oo$en tep $ecen$ing
into the $arkne o, a $/ngeon or a root ce""ar. 3here the keep ha$ been .a a pi"e o, co""ape$
tone- overgro.n .ith green an$ p/rp"e mo. 7he yar$ .a a"" .ee$ an$ pine nee$"e. So"$ier
pine .ere every.here- $ra.n /p in o"emn rank. &n their mi$t .a a pa"e trangerI a "en$er
yo/ng .eir.oo$ .ith a tr/nk a .hite a a c"oitere$ mai$. 5ark re$ "eave pro/te$ ,rom it
reaching branche. Beyon$ .a the emptine o, ky an$ ea .here the .a"" ha$ co""ape$8
8an$ the remnant o, a ,ire.
7he .hiper nibb"e$ at her ear- initent. Brienne kne"t bei$e the ,ire. She picke$ /p a
b"ackene$ tick- ni,,e$ at it- tirre$ the ahe. Someone was tr!ing to keep warm last night+ Or
else the! were tr!ing to send a signal to a passing ship+
2#a""oooooo-1 ca""e$ Nimb"e 5ick. 2Anyone here61
2Be A/iet-1 Brienne to"$ him.
2Someone might be hi$ing. 3anting to get a "ook at / be,ore they ho. theme",.1 #e
.a"ke$ to .here the tep .ent $o.n beneath the gro/n$- an$ peere$ $o.n into the $arkne.
47allooooo,5 he ca""e$ again. 2Anyone $o.n there61
Brienne a. a ap"ing .ay. +rom the b/he "i$ a man- o cake$ .ith $irt that he "ooke$ a
i, he ha$ pro/te$ ,rom the earth. A broken .or$ .a in hi han$- b/t it .a hi ,ace that gave
her pa/e- the ma"" eye an$ .i$e ,"at notri".
She kne. that noe. She kne. thoe eye. $!g, hi ,rien$ ha$ ca""e$ him.
Cverything eeme$ to happen in a heartbeat. A econ$ man "ippe$ over the "ip o, the .e""-
making no more noie than a nake might make "ithering acro a pi"e o, .et "eave. #e .ore an
iron ha",he"m .rappe$ in taine$ re$ i"k- an$ ha$ a hort- thick thro.ing pear in han$. Brienne
kne. him too. +rom behin$ her came a r/t"ing a a hea$ poke$ $o.n thro/gh the re$ "eave.
Crabb .a tan$ing /n$erneath the .eir.oo$. #e "ooke$ /p an$ a. the ,ace. 2#ere-1 he ca""e$
to Brienne. 2&t4 yo/r ,oo".1
25ick-1 he ca""e$ /rgent"y- 2to me.1
Shag.e"" $roppe$ ,rom the .eir.oo$- braying "a/ghter. #e .a garbe$ in mot"ey- b/t o
,a$e$ an$ taine$ that it ho.e$ more bro.n than grey or pink. &n p"ace o, a =eter4 ,"ai" he ha$
a trip"e morningtar- three pike$ ba"" chaine$ to a .oo$en ha,t. #e ./ng it har$ an$ "o.- an$
one o, Crabb4 knee e:p"o$e$ in a pray o, b"oo$ an$ bone. 2#hat/s ,/nny-1 Shag.e"" cro.e$
a 5ick ,e"". 7he .or$ he4$ given him .ent ,"ying ,rom hi han$ an$ vanihe$ in the .ee$.
#e .rithe$ on the gro/n$- creaming an$ c"/tching at the r/in o, hi knee. 2Hh- "ook-1 ai$
Shag.e""- 2it4 Sm/gg"er 5ick- the one .ho ma$e the map ,or /. 5i$ yo/ come a"" thi .ay to
give / back o/r go"$61
4$lease,5 5ick .himpere$- 2p"eae $on4t- my "eg81
25oe it h/rt6 & can make it top.1
2?eave him be-1 ai$ Brienne.
4DO2/#;5 hrieke$ 5ick- "i,ting b"oo$y han$ to hie"$ hi hea$. Shag.e"" .hir"e$ the
pike$ ba"" once aro/n$ hi hea$ an$ bro/ght it $o.n in the mi$$"e o, Crabb4 ,ace. 7here .a a
ickening cr/nch. &n the i"ence that ,o""o.e$- Brienne co/"$ hear the o/n$ o, her o.n heart.
2Ba$ Shag-1 ai$ the man .ho4$ come creeping ,rom the .e"". 3hen he a. Brienne4 ,ace-
he "a/ghe$. 2Eo/ again- .oman6 3hat- come to h/nt / $o.n6 Hr $i$ yo/ mi o/r ,rien$"y
,ace61
Shag.e"" $ance$ ,rom ,oot to ,oot an$ p/n hi ,"ai". 2&t4 me he come ,or. She $ream o, me
every night- .hen he tick her ,inger /p her "it. She .ant me- "a$- the big hore mie$ her
merry Shag0 &4m going to ,/ck her /p the are an$ p/mp her ,/"" o, mot"ey ee$- /nti" he
.he"p a "itt"e me.1
2Eo/ nee$ to /e a $i,,erent ho"e ,or that- Shag-1 ai$ 7imeon- in hi 5ornih $ra.".
2& bet /e a"" her ho"e- then. !/t to make certain.1 #e move$ to her right a 9yg .a
circ"ing aro/n$ to her "e,t- ,orcing her back to.ar$ the ragge$ e$ge o, the c"i,,. $assage for
three, Brienne remembere$. 27here are on"y three o, yo/.1
7imeon hr/gge$. 23e a"" .ent o/r o.n .ay- a,ter .e "e,t #arrenha". Fr.yck an$ hi "ot
ro$e o/th ,or H"$to.n. Rorge tho/ght he might "ip o/t at Sa"tpan. Me an$ my "a$ ma$e ,or
Mai$enpoo"- b/t .e co/"$n4t get near a hip.1 7he 5ornihman he,te$ hi pear. 2Eo/ $i$ ,or
%argo .ith that bite- yo/ kno.. #i ear t/rne$ b"ack an$ tarte$ "eaking p/. Rorge an$
Fr.yck .ere ,or "eaving- b/t the Goat ay .e got to ho"$ hi cat"e. ?or$ o, #arrenha"- he ay
he i- no one .a going to take it o,, him. #e ai$ it "obbery- the .ay he a".ay ta"ke$. 3e
hear$ the Mo/ntain ki""e$ him piece by piece. A han$ one $ay- a ,oot the ne:t- "oppe$ o,, neat
an$ c"ean. 7hey ban$age$ /p the t/mp o #oat $i$n4t $ie. #e .a aving hi cock ,or "at- b/t
ome bir$ ca""e$ him to >ing4 ?an$ing- o he ,inihe$ it an$ ro$e o,,.1
2& am not here ,or yo/. & am "ooking ,or my81 She a"mot ai$ m! sister+ 28,or a ,oo".1
2I/m a ,oo"-1 Shag.e"" anno/nce$ happi"y.
27he .rong ,oo"-1 b"/rte$ Brienne. 27he one & .ant i .ith a highborn gir"- the $a/ghter o,
?or$ Stark o, 3inter,e"".1
27hen it4 the #o/n$ yo/ .ant-1 ai$ 7imeon. 2#e4 not here neither- a it happen. !/t /.1
2San$or C"egane61 ai$ Brienne. 23hat $o yo/ mean61
2#e4 the one that4 got the Stark gir". 7he .ay & hear it- he .a making ,or Riverr/n- an$ he
to"e her. 5amne$ $og.1
)ierrun, tho/ght Brienne. She was making for )ierrun+ For her uncles+ 2#o. $o yo/
kno.61
2#a$ it ,rom one o, Beric4 b/nch. 7he "ightning "or$ i "ooking ,or her too. #e4 ent hi
men a"" /p an$ $o.n the 7ri$ent- ni,,ing a,ter her. 3e chance$ on three o, them a,ter
#arrenha"- an$ .ink"e$ the ta"e ,rom one be,ore he $ie$.1
2#e might have "ie$.1
2#e might have- b/t he $i$n4t. ?ater on- .e hear$ ho. the #o/n$ "e. three o, hi brother4
men at an inn by the croroa$. 7he gir" .a .ith him there. 7he innkeep .ore to it be,ore
Rorge ki""e$ him- an$ the .hore ai$ the ame. An /g"y b/nch- they .ere. Not o /g"y a yo/-
min$ yo/- b/t ti""81
7e is tr!ing to distract me, Brienne rea"iGe$- to lull me with his oice+ 9yg .a e$ging c"oer.
Shag.e"" took a hop to.ar$ her. She backe$ a.ay ,rom them. #he! will back me off the cliff if I
let them+ 2Stay a.ay-1 he .arne$ them.
2& think &4m going to ,/ck yo/ /p the noe- .ench-1 Shag.e"" anno/nce$. 23on4t that be
am/ing61
2#e ha a very ma"" cock-1 7imeon e:p"aine$. 25rop that pretty .or$ an$ might be .e4"" go
gent"e on yo/- .oman. 3e nee$ go"$ to pay thee m/gg"er- that4 a"".1
2An$ i, & give yo/ go"$- yo/4"" "et / go61
23e .i"".1 7imeon mi"e$. 2Hnce yo/4ve ,/cke$ the "ot o, /. 3e4"" pay yo/ "ike a proper
.hore. A i"ver ,or each ,/ck. Hr e"e .e4"" take the go"$ an$ rape yo/ any.ay- an$ $o yo/ "ike
the Mo/ntain $i$ ?or$ %argo. 3hat4 yo/r choice61
27hi.1 Brienne thre. here", to.ar$ 9yg.
#e =erke$ hi broken b"a$e /p to protect hi ,ace- b/t a he .ent high he .ent "o..
Hathkeeper bit thro/gh "eather- .oo"- kin- an$ m/c"e- into the e"".or$4 thigh. 9yg c/t back
.i"$"y a hi "eg .ent o/t ,rom /n$er him. #i broken .or$ crape$ againt her chainmai"
be,ore he "an$e$ on hi back. Brienne tabbe$ him thro/gh the throat- gave the b"a$e a har$ t/rn-
an$ "i$ it o/t- .hir"ing =/t a 7imeon4 pear came ,"ahing pat her ,ace. I did not flinch, he
tho/ght- a b"oo$ ran re$ $o.n her cheek. Did !ou see, Ser 1oodwin6 She har$"y ,e"t the c/t.
2Eo/r t/rn-1 he to"$ 7imeon- a the 5ornihman p/""e$ o/t a econ$ pear- horter an$
thicker than the ,irt. 27hro. it.1
2So yo/ can $ance a.ay an$ charge me6 &4$ en$ /p $ea$ a 9yg. No. Get her- Shag.1
2Eo/ get her-1 Shag.e"" ai$. 25i$ yo/ ee .hat he $i$ to 9yg6 She4 ma$ .ith moon
b"oo$.1 7he ,oo" .a behin$ her- 7imeon in ,ront. No matter ho. he t/rne$- one .a at her
back.
2Get her-1 /rge$ 7imeon- 2an$ yo/ can ,/ck her corpe.1
2Hh- yo/ do "ove me.1 7he morningtar .a .hir"ing. %hoose one, Brienne to"$ here",.
%hoose one and kill him 3uickl!+ 7hen a tone came o/t o, no.here- an$ hit Shag.e"" in the
hea$. Brienne $i$ not heitate. She ,"e. at 7imeon.
#e .a better than 9yg- b/t he ha$ on"y a hort thro.ing pear- an$ he ha$ a %a"yrian tee"
b"a$e. Hathkeeper .a a"ive in her han$. She ha$ never been o A/ick. 7he b"a$e became a grey
b"/r. #e .o/n$e$ her in the ho/"$er a he came at him- b/t he "ahe$ o,, hi ear an$ ha", hi
cheek- hacke$ the hea$ o,, hi pear- an$ p/t a ,oot o, ripp"e$ tee" into hi be""y thro/gh the
"ink o, the chainmai" byrnie he .a .earing.
7imeon .a ti"" trying to ,ight a he p/""e$ her b"a$e ,rom him- it ,/""er r/nning re$ .ith
b"oo$. #e c"a.e$ at hi be"t an$ came /p .ith a $agger- o Brienne c/t hi han$ o,,. #hat one
was for -aime+ 2Mother have mercy-1 the 5ornihman gape$- the b"oo$ b/bb"ing ,rom hi
mo/th an$ p/rting ,rom hi .rit. 2+inih it. Sen$ me back to 5orne- yo/ b"oo$y bitch.1
She $i$.
Shag.e"" .a on hi knee .hen he t/rne$- "ooking $aGe$ a he ,/mb"e$ ,or the morningtar.
A he taggere$ to hi ,eet- another tone "amme$ him in the ear. 9o$rick ha$ c"imbe$ the ,a""en
.a"" an$ .a tan$ing amongt the ivy g"o.ering- a ,reh rock in hi han$. 2& told yo/ & co/"$
,ight01 he ho/te$ $o.n.
Shag.e"" trie$ to cra." a.ay. 2& yie"$-1 the ,oo" crie$- 2& !ield+ Eo/ m/tn4t h/rt .eet
Shag.e""- &4m too $ro"" to $ie.1
2Eo/ are no better than the ret o, them. Eo/ have robbe$ an$ rape$ an$ m/r$ere$.1
2Hh- & have- & have- & han4t $eny it8 b/t &4m amusing, .ith a"" my =ape an$ caper. & make
men "a/gh.1
2An$ .omen .eep.1
2& that my ,a/"t6 3omen have no ene o, h/mor.1
Brienne "o.ere$ Hathkeeper. 25ig a grave. 7here- beneath the .eir.oo$.1 She pointe$ .ith
her b"a$e.
2& have no pa$e.1
2Eo/ have t.o han$.1 One more than !ou left -aime+
23hy bother6 ?eave them ,or the cro..1
27imeon an$ 9yg can ,ee$ the cro.. Nimb"e 5ick .i"" have a grave. #e .a a Crabb. 7hi i
hi p"ace.1
7he gro/n$ .a o,t ,rom rain- b/t even o it took the ,oo" the ret o, the $ay to $ig $o.n
$eep eno/gh. Night .a ,a""ing by the time he .a $one- an$ hi han$ .ere b"oo$y an$
b"itere$. Brienne heathe$ Hathkeeper- gathere$ /p 5ick Crabb- an$ carrie$ him to the ho"e. #i
,ace .a har$ to "ook on. 2&4m orry that & never tr/te$ yo/. & $on4t kno. ho. to $o that
anymore.1
A he kne"t to "ay the bo$y $o.n- he tho/ght- #he fool will make his tr! now, whilst m!
back is turned+
She hear$ hi ragge$ breathing ha", a heartbeat be,ore 9o$rick crie$ o/t hi .arning.
Shag.e"" ha$ a =agge$ ch/nk o, rock c"/tche$ in one han$. Brienne ha$ her $agger /p her
"eeve.
A $agger .i"" beat a rock a"mot every time.
She knocke$ ai$e hi arm an$ p/nche$ the tee" into hi bo.e". 2?a/gh-1 he nar"e$ at him.
#e moane$ intea$. 2?a/gh-1 he repeate$- grabbing hi throat .ith one han$ an$ tabbing at hi
be""y .ith the other. 4"augh;5 She kept aying it- over an$ over- /nti" her han$ .a re$ /p to the
.rit an$ the tink o, the ,oo"4 $ying .a "ike to choke her. B/t Shag.e"" never "a/ghe$. 7he
ob that Brienne hear$ .ere a"" her o.n. 3hen he rea"iGe$ that- he thre. $o.n her kni,e an$
h/$$ere$.
9o$rick he"pe$ her "o.er Nimb"e 5ick into hi ho"e. By the time they .ere $one the moon
.a riing. Brienne r/bbe$ the $irt ,rom her han$ an$ toe$ t.o $ragon $o.n into the grave.
23hy $i$ yo/ $o that- my "a$y6 Ser61 ake$ 9o$.
2&t .a the re.ar$ & promie$ him ,or ,in$ing me the ,oo".1
?a/ghter o/n$e$ ,rom behin$ them. She rippe$ Hathkeeper ,rom her heath an$ .hir"e$-
e:pecting more B"oo$y M/mmer8 b/t it .a on"y #y"e #/nt atop the cr/mb"ing .a""- hi "eg
croe$. 2&, there are brothe" $o.n in he""- the .retch .i"" thank yo/-1 the knight ca""e$ $o.n.
2C"e.ie- that4 a .ate o, goo$ go"$.1
2& keep my promie. 3hat are !ou $oing here61
2?or$ Ran$y"" bi$ me ,o""o. yo/. &, by ome ,reak4 chance yo/ t/mb"e$ onto Sana Stark-
he to"$ me to bring her back to Mai$enpoo". #ave no ,ear- & .a comman$e$ not to harm yo/.1
Brienne norte$. 2A i, yo/ co/"$.1
23hat .i"" yo/ $o no.- my "a$y61
2Cover him.1
2Abo/t the gir"- & meant. 7he ?a$y Sana.1
Brienne tho/ght a moment. 2She .a making ,or Riverr/n- i, 7imeon to"$ it tr/e. Some.here
a"ong the .ay he .a taken by the #o/n$. &, & ,in$ him81
28he4"" ki"" yo/.1
2Hr &4"" ki"" him-1 he ai$ t/bborn"y. 23i"" yo/ he"p me cover /p poor Crabb- er61
2No tr/e knight co/"$ re,/e /ch bea/ty.1 Ser #y"e c"imbe$ $o.n ,rom the .a"". 7ogether-
they hove$ the $irt on top o, Nimb"e 5ick a the moon roe higher in the ky- an$ $o.n be"o.
the gro/n$ the hea$ o, ,orgotten king .hipere$ ecret.
The 6,een2a"er
!eneath the b/rning /n o, 5orne- .ea"th .a mea/re$ a m/ch in .ater a in go"$- o every
.e"" .a Gea"o/"y g/ar$e$. 7he .e"" at Shan$ytone ha$ gone $ry a h/n$re$ year be,ore-
ho.ever- an$ it g/ar$ian ha$ $eparte$ ,or ome .etter p"ace- aban$oning their mo$et ho"$,at
.ith it ,"/te$ co"/mn an$ trip"e arche. A,ter.ar$ the an$ ha$ crept back in to rec"aim their
o.n.
Arianne Marte"" arrive$ .ith 5rey an$ Sy"va =/t a the /n .a going $o.n- .ith the .et a
tapetry o, go"$ an$ p/rp"e an$ the c"o/$ a"" g"o.ing crimon. 7he r/in eeme$ ag"o. a .e""I
the ,a""en co"/mn g"immere$ pink"y- re$ ha$o. crept acro the cracke$ tone ,"oor- an$ the
an$ theme"ve t/rne$ ,rom go"$ to orange to p/rp"e a the "ight ,a$e$. Garin ha$ arrive$ a ,e.
ho/r ear"ier- an$ the knight ca""e$ 5arktar the $ay be,ore.
2&t i "ove"y here-1 5rey oberve$ a he .a he"ping Garin .ater the hore. 7hey ha$ carrie$
their o.n .ater .ith them. 7he an$ tee$ o, 5orne .ere .i,t an$ tire"e- an$ .o/"$ keep
going ,or "ong "eag/e a,ter other hore ha$ given o/t- b/t even /ch a they co/"$ not r/n $ry.
2#o. $i$ yo/ kno. o, thi p"ace61
2My /nc"e bro/ght me here- .ith 7yene an$ Sare""a.1 7he memory ma$e Arianne mi"e. 2#e
ca/ght ome viper an$ ho.e$ 7yene the a,et .ay to mi"k them ,or their venom. Sare""a
t/rne$ over rock- br/he$ an$ o,, the moaic- an$ .ante$ to kno. everything there .a to
kno. abo/t the peop"e .ho ha$ "ive$ here.1
2An$ .hat $i$ yo/ $o- prince61 ake$ Spotte$ Sy"va.
I sat beside the well and pretended that some robber knight had brought me here to hae his
wa! with me, he tho/ght- a tall hard man with black e!es and a widow/s peak+ 7he memory
ma$e her /neay. 2& $reame$-1 he ai$- 2an$ .hen the /n .ent $o.n & at cro("egge$ at my
/nc"e4 ,eet an$ begge$ him ,or a tory.1
29rince Hberyn .a ,/"" o, torie.1 Garin ha$ been .ith them a .e"" that $ayI he .a
Arianne4 mi"k brother- an$ they ha$ been ineparab"e ince be,ore they "earne$ to .a"k. 2#e
to"$ abo/t 9rince Garin- & remember- the one that & .a name$ ,or.1
2Garin the Great-1 o,,ere$ 5rey- 2the .on$er o, the Rhoyne.1
27hat4 the one. #e ma$e %a"yria tremb"e.1
27hey tremb"e$-1 ai$ Ser Gero"$- 2then they ki""e$ him. &, & "e$ a A/arter o, a mi""ion men to
$eath- .o/"$ they ca"" me Gero"$ the Great61 #e norte$. 2& ha"" remain 5arktar- & think. At
"eat it i mine o.n.1 #e /nheathe$ hi "ong.or$- at /pon the "ip o, the $ry .e""- an$ began to
hone the b"a$e .ith an oi"tone.
Arianne .atche$ him .ari"y. 7e is highborn enough to make a worth! consort, he tho/ght.
Father would 3uestion m! good sense, but our children would be as beautiful as dragonlords+ &,
there .a a han$omer man in 5orne- he $i$ not kno. him. Ser Gero"$ 5ayne ha$ an aA/i"ine
noe- high cheekbone- a trong =a.. #e kept hi ,ace c"ean(haven- b/t hi thick hair ,e"" to hi
co""ar "ike a i"ver g"acier- $ivi$e$ by a treak o, mi$night b"ack. 7e has a cruel mouth, though,
and a crueler tongue+ #i eye eeme$ b"ack a he at o/t"ine$ againt the $ying /n- harpening
hi tee"- b/t he ha$ "ooke$ at them ,rom a c"oer vantage an$ he kne. that they .ere p/rp"e.
Dark purple+ Dark and angr!+
#e m/t have ,e"t her gaGe /pon him- ,or he "ooke$ /p ,rom hi .or$- met her eye- an$
mi"e$. Arianne ,e"t heat r/hing to her ,ace. I should neer hae brought him+ If he gies me
such a look when Ar!s is here, we will hae blood on the sand+ 3hoe- he co/"$ not ay. By
tra$ition the >ingg/ar$ .ere the ,inet knight in a"" the Seven >ing$om8 b/t 5arktar .a
5arktar.
7he 5ornih night gro. co"$ o/t /pon the an$. Garin gathere$ .oo$ ,or them- b"eache$
.hite branche ,rom tree that ha$ .ithere$ /p an$ $ie$ a h/n$re$ year ago. 5rey b/i"t a ,ire-
.hit"ing a he tr/ck park o,, hi ,"int.
Hnce the kin$"ing ca/ght- they at aro/n$ the ,"ame an$ pae$ a kin o, /mmer.ine ,rom
han$ to han$8 a"" b/t 5arktar- .ho pre,erre$ to $rink /n.eetene$ "emon.ater. Garin .a in a
"ive"y moo$ an$ entertaine$ them .ith the "atet ta"e ,rom the 9"anky 7o.n at the mo/th o, the
Greenb"oo$- .here the orphan o, the river came to tra$e .ith the carrack- cog- an$ ga""ey
,rom acro the narro. ea. &, the ai"or co/"$ be be"ieve$- the eat .a eething .ith .on$er
an$ terror' a "ave revo"t in Atapor- $ragon in Darth- grey p"ag/e in Ei 7i. A ne. corair king
ha$ rien in the Bai"ik &"e an$ rai$e$ 7a"" 7ree 7o.n- an$ in Dohor ,o""o.er o, the re$
priet ha$ riote$ an$ trie$ to b/rn $o.n the B"ack Goat. 2An$ the Go"$en Company broke it
contract .ith Myr- =/t a the Myrmen .ere abo/t to go to .ar .ith ?y.1
27he ?yeni bo/ght them o,,-1 /ggete$ Sy"va.
2C"ever ?yeni-1 5rey ai$. 2C"ever- craven ?yeni.1
Arianne kne. better. If :uent!n has the 1olden %ompan! behind him= 2Beneath the go"$
the bitter tee"-1 .a their cry. &ou will need bitter steel and more, brother, if !ou think to set me
aside+ Arianne .a "ove$ in 5orne- D/entyn "itt"e kno.n. No company o, e"".or$ co/"$
change that.
Ser Gero"$ roe. 2& be"ieve &4"" have a pi.1
23atch .here yo/ et yo/r ,eet-1 5rey ca/tione$. 2&t ha been a .hi"e ince 9rince Hberyn
mi"ke$ the "oca" viper.1
2& .a .eane$ on venom- 5a"t. Any viper take a bite o, me .i"" r/e it.1 Ser Gero"$ vanihe$
thro/gh a broken arch.
3hen he .a gone- the other e:change$ g"ance. 2+orgive me- prince-1 ai$ Garin o,t"y-
2b/t & $o not "ike that man.1
2A pity-1 5rey ai$. 2& be"ieve he4 ha", in "ove .ith yo/.1
23e nee$ him-1 Arianne remin$e$ them. 2&t may be that .e .i"" nee$ hi .or$- an$ .e .i""
/re"y nee$ hi cat"e.1
2#igh #ermitage i not the on"y cat"e in 5orne-1 Spotte$ Sy"va pointe$ o/t- 2an$ yo/ have
other knight .ho "ove yo/ .e"". 5rey i a knight.1
2& am-1 he a,,irme$. 2& have a .on$er,/" hore an$ a very ,ine .or$- an$ my va"or i econ$
to8 .e""- evera"- act/a""y.1
2More "ike evera" h/n$re$- er-1 ai$ Garin.
Arianne "e,t them to their banter. 5rey an$ Spotte$ Sy"va .ere her $earet ,rien$- ai$e ,rom
her co/in 7yene- an$ Garin ha$ been teaing her ince both o, them .ere $rinking ,rom hi
mother4 teat- b/t =/t no. he .a in no moo$ ,or =apery. 7he /n .a gone- an$ the ky .a
,/"" o, tar. So man!+ She "eane$ her back againt a ,"/te$ pi""ar an$ .on$ere$ i, her brother .a
"ooking at the ame tar tonight- .herever he might be. Do !ou see the white one, :uent!n6
#hat is 2!meria/s star, burning bright, and that milk! band behind her, those are ten thousand
ships+ She burned as bright as an! man, and so shall I+ &ou will not rob me of m! birthright;
D/entyn ha$ been very yo/ng .hen he .a ent to Eron.oo$I too yo/ng- accor$ing to their
mother. Norvohi $i$ not ,oter o/t their chi"$ren- an$ ?a$y Me""ario ha$ never ,orgiven 9rince
5oran ,or taking her on a.ay ,rom her. 2& "ike it no more than yo/ $o-1 Arianne ha$ overhear$
her ,ather ay- 2b/t there i a b"oo$ $ebt- an$ D/entyn i the on"y coin ?or$ Hrmon$ .i""
accept.1
4%oin65 her mother ha$ creame$. 2#e i yo/r son+ 3hat ort o, ,ather /e hi o.n ,"eh
an$ b"oo$ to pay hi $ebt61
27he prince"y ort-1 5oran Marte"" ha$ an.ere$.
9rince 5oran .a ti"" preten$ing that her brother .a .ith ?or$ Eron.oo$- b/t Garin4
mother ha$ een him at the 9"anky 7o.n- poing a a merchant. Hne o, hi companion ha$ a
"aGy eye- the ame a C"et/ Eron.oo$- ?or$ An$er4 ran$y on. A maeter trave"e$ .ith them
too- a maeter ki""e$ in tong/e. *! brother is not as cleer as he thinks+ A cleer man would
hae left from Oldtown, een if it meant a longer o!age+ In Oldtown he might hae gone
unrecognized+ Arianne ha$ ,rien$ amongt the orphan o, the 9"anky 7o.n- an$ ome ha$
gro.n c/rio/ a to .hy a prince an$ a "or$4 on might be trave"ing /n$er ,a"e name an$
eeking paage acro the narro. ea. Hne o, them ha$ crept thro/gh a .in$o. o, a night-
tick"e$ the "ock on D/entyn4 "itt"e trongbo:- an$ ,o/n$ the cro"" .ithin.
Arianne .o/"$ have given m/ch an$ more to kno. that thi ecret trip acro the narro. ea
.a D/entyn4 o.n $oing- an$ hi a"one8 b/t parchment he ha$ carrie$ ha$ been ea"e$ .ith
the /n an$ pear o, 5orne. Garin4 co/in ha$ not $are$ break the ea" to rea$ them- b/t8
29rince.1 Ser Gero"$ 5ayne too$ behin$ her- ha", in tar"ight an$ ha", in ha$o..
2#o. .a yo/r pi61 Arianne inA/ire$ arch"y.
27he an$ .ere $/"y grate,/".1 5ayne p/t a ,oot /pon the hea$ o, a tat/e that might have
been the Mai$en ti"" the an$ ha$ co/re$ her ,ace a.ay. 2&t occ/rre$ to me a & .a piing that
thi p"an o, yo/r may not yie"$ yo/ .hat yo/ .ant.1
2An$ .hat i it & .ant- er61
27he San$ Snake ,ree$. %engeance ,or Hberyn an$ C"ia. 5o & kno. the ong6 Eo/ .ant a
"itt"e tate o, "ion b"oo$.1
#hat, and m! birthright+ I want Sunspear, and m! father/s seat+ I want Dorne+ 2& .ant
=/tice.1
2Ca"" it .hat yo/ .i"". Cro.ning the ?anniter gir" i a ho""o. get/re. She .i"" never it the
&ron 7hrone. Nor .i"" yo/ get the .ar yo/ .ant. 7he "ion i not o eai"y provoke$.1
27he "ion4 $ea$. 3ho kno. .hich c/b the "ione pre,er61
27he one in her o.n $en.1 Ser Gero"$ $re. hi .or$. &t g"immere$ in the tar"ight- harp a
"ie. 27hi i ho. yo/ tart a .ar. Not .ith a cro.n o, go"$- b/t .ith a b"a$e o, tee".1
I am no murderer of children+ 29/t that a.ay. Myrce""a i /n$er my protection. An$ Ser Ary
.i"" permit no harm to come to hi precio/ prince- yo/ kno. that.1
2No- my "a$y. 3hat & kno. i that 5ayne have been ki""ing Hakheart ,or evera" tho/an$
year.1
#i arrogance took her breath a.ay. 2&t eem to me that Hakheart have been ki""ing 5ayne
,or =/t a "ong.1
23e a"" have o/r ,ami"y tra$ition.1 5arktar heathe$ hi .or$. 27he moon i riing- an$ &
ee yo/r paragon approaching.1
#i eye .ere harp. 7he horeman on the ta"" grey pa",rey $i$ in$ee$ prove to be Ser Ary-
.hite c"oak ,"/ttering brave"y a he p/rre$ acro the an$. 9rince Myrce""a ro$e pi""ion
behin$ him- .a$$"e$ in a co."e$ robe that hi$ her go"$en c/r".
A Ser Ary he"pe$ her ,rom the a$$"e- 5rey .ent to one knee be,ore her. 2Eo/r Grace.1
2My "a$y "iege.1 Spotte$ Sy"va kne"t bei$e him.
2My A/een- & am yo/r man.1 Garin $roppe$ to both knee.
Con,/e$- Myrce""a c"/tche$ Ary Hakheart by the arm. 23hy $o they ca"" me Grace61 he
ake$ in a p"aintive voice. 2Ser Ary- .hat i thi p"ace- an$ .ho are they61
7as he told her nought6 Arianne move$ ,or.ar$ in a .ir" o, i"k- mi"ing to p/t the chi"$ at
eae. 27hey are my tr/e an$ "oya" ,rien$- Eo/r Grace8 an$ .o/"$ be yo/r ,rien$ a .e"".1
29rince Arianne61 7he gir" thre. her arm aro/n$ her. 23hy $o they ca"" me A/een6 5i$
omething ba$ happen to 7ommen61
2#e ,e"" in .ith evi" men- Eo/r Grace-1 Arianne ai$- 2an$ & ,ear they have conpire$ .ith
him to tea" yo/r throne.1
2My throne6 Eo/ mean- the Iron 7hrone61 7he gir" .a more con,/e$ than ever. 2#e never
to"e that- 7ommen i81
28yo/nger than yo/- /re"y61
2& am o"$er by a year.1
27hat mean the &ron 7hrone by right i yo/r-1 Arianne ai$. 2Eo/r brother i on"y a "itt"e
boy- yo/ m/t not b"ame him. #e ha ba$ co/ne"or8 b/t !ou have ,rien$. May & have the
honor o, preenting them61 She took the chi"$ by the han$. 2Eo/r Grace- & give yo/ Ser An$rey
5a"t- the heir to ?emon.oo$.1
2My ,rien$ ca"" me 5rey-1 he ai$- 2an$ & ho/"$ be great"y honore$ i, Eo/r Grace .o/"$ $o
the ame.1
7ho/gh 5rey ha$ an open ,ace an$ an eay mi"e- Myrce""a regar$e$ him .ari"y. 2Fnti" &
kno. yo/ & m/t ca"" yo/ ser.1
23hatever name Eo/r Grace pre,er- & am her man.1
Sy"va c"eare$ her throat- ti"" Arianne ai$- 2Might & preent ?a$y Sy"va Santagar- my A/een6
My $earet Spotte$ Sy"va.1
23hy $o they ca"" yo/ that61 Myrce""a ake$.
2+or my ,reck"e- Eo/r Grace-1 Sy"va an.ere$- 2tho/gh they a"" preten$ it i beca/e & am
the heir to Spott.oo$.1
Garin .a ne:t- a "ooe("imbe$- .arthy- "ong(noe$ ,e""o. .ith a =a$e t/$ in one ear. 2#ere
i gay Garin o, the orphan- .ho make me "a/gh-1 ai$ Arianne. 2#i mother .a my .et
n/re.1
2& am orry he i $ea$-1 Myrce""a ai$.
2She4 not- .eet A/een.1 Garin ,"ahe$ the go"$en tooth Arianne ha$ bo/ght him to rep"ace
the one he4$ broken. 2&4m o, the orphan o, the Greenb"oo$- i .hat my "a$y mean.1
Myrce""a .o/"$ have time eno/gh to "earn the hitory o, the orphan on her voyage /p the
river. Arianne "e$ her A/een(to(be to the ,ina" member o, her "itt"e ban$. 2?at- b/t ,irt in va"or-
& give yo/ Ser Gero"$ 5ayne- a knight o, Star,a"".1
Ser Gero"$ .ent to one knee. 7he moon"ight hone in hi $ark eye a he t/$ie$ the chi"$
coo""y.
27here .a an Arth/r 5ayne-1 Myrce""a ai$. 2#e .a a knight o, the >ingg/ar$ in the $ay
o, Ma$ >ing Aery.1
2#e .a the S.or$ o, the Morning. #e i $ea$.1
2Are yo/ the S.or$ o, the Morning no.61
2No. Men ca"" me 5arktar- an$ & am o, the night.1
Arianne $re. the chi"$ a.ay. 2Eo/ m/t be h/ngry. 3e have $ate an$ cheee an$ o"ive-
an$ "emon.eet to $rink. Eo/ o/ght not eat or $rink too m/ch- tho/gh. A,ter a "itt"e ret- .e
m/t ri$e. H/t here on the an$ it i a".ay bet to trave" by night- be,ore the /n acen$ the
ky. &t i kin$er to the hore.1
2An$ the ri$er-1 Spotte$ Sy"va ai$. 2Come- Eo/r Grace- .arm yo/re",. & ho/"$ be
honore$ i, yo/4$ "et me erve yo/.1
A he "e$ the prince to the ,ire- Arianne ,o/n$ Ser Gero"$ behin$ her. 2My #o/e goe
back ten tho/an$ year- /nto the $a.n o, $ay-1 he comp"aine$. 23hy i it that my co/in i the
on"y 5ayne that anyone remember61
2#e .a a great knight-1 Ser Ary Hakheart p/t in.
2#e ha$ a great .or$-1 5arktar ai$.
2An$ a great heart.1 Ser Ary took Arianne by the arm. 29rince- & beg a moment4 .or$.1
2Come.1 She "e$ Ser Ary $eeper into the r/in. Beneath hi c"oak- the knight .ore a c"oth(o,(
go"$ $o/b"et embroi$ere$ .ith the three green oak "eave o, hi #o/e. Hn hi hea$ .a a "ight
tee" he"m toppe$ by a =agge$ pike- .o/n$ abo/t .ith a ye""o. car, in the 5ornih ,ahion. #e
might have pae$ ,or any knight- b/t ,or the c"oak. H, himmering .hite i"k it .a- pa"e a
moon"ight an$ airy a a breeGe. A ,ingsguard cloak be!ond all doubt, the gallant fool+ 2#o.
m/ch $oe the chi"$ kno.61
2?itt"e eno/gh. Be,ore .e "e,t >ing4 ?an$ing- her /nc"e remin$e$ her that & .a her
protector an$ that any comman$ that & might give her .ere meant to keep her a,e. She ha
hear$ them in the treet a .e""- ho/ting o/t ,or vengeance. She kne. thi .a no game. 7he
gir" i brave- an$ .ie beyon$ her year. She $i$ a"" & ake$ o, her- an$ never ake$ a A/etion.1
7he knight took her arm- g"ance$ abo/t- "o.ere$ hi voice. 27here are other ti$ing yo/ ho/"$
hear. 7y.in ?anniter i $ea$.1
7hat .a a hock. 25ea$61
2M/r$ere$ by the &mp. 7he A/een ha a/me$ the regency.1
2#a he61 A woman on the Iron #hrone6 Arianne tho/ght abo/t that ,or a moment an$
$eci$e$ it .a a"" to the goo$. &, the "or$ o, the Seven >ing$om gre. acc/tome$ to D/een
Cerei4 r/"e- it .o/"$ be that m/ch eaier ,or them to ben$ their knee to D/een Myrce""a. An$
?or$ 7y.in ha$ been a $angero/ ,oeI .itho/t him- 5orne4 enemie .o/"$ be m/ch .eaker.
"annisters are killing "annisters, how sweet+ 23hat became o, the $.ar,61
2#e4 ,"e$-1 Ser Ary ai$. 2Cerei i o,,ering a "or$hip to .hooever $e"iver her hi hea$.1
&n a ti"e$ inner co/rtyar$ ha",(b/rie$ by the $ri,ting an$- he p/he$ her back againt a co"/mn
to ki her- an$ hi han$ .ent to her breat. #e kie$ her "ong an$ har$ an$ .o/"$ have p/he$
her kirt /p- b/t Arianne broke ,ree o, him- "a/ghing. 2& ee that A/eenmaking e:cite yo/- er-
b/t .e have no time ,or thi. ?ater- & promie yo/.1 She to/che$ hi cheek. 25i$ yo/ meet .ith
any prob"em61
2Hn"y 7rytane. #e .ante$ to it bei$e Myrce""a4 be$i$e an$ p"ay c!asse .ith her.1
2#e ha$ re$pot .hen he .a ,o/r- & to"$ yo/. Eo/ can on"y get it once. Eo/ ho/"$ have p/t
o/t that Myrce""a .a /,,ering ,rom greyca"e- that .o/"$ have kept him .e"" a.ay.1
27he boy perhap- b/t not yo/r ,ather4 maeter.1
2Ca"eotte-1 he ai$. 25i$ he try to ee her61
2Not once & $ecribe$ the re$ pot on her ,ace. #e ai$ that nothing co/"$ be $one /nti" the
$ieae ha$ r/n it co/re- an$ gave me a pot o, a"ve to oothe her itching.1
No one /n$er ten ever $ie$ o, re$pot- b/t it co/"$ be morta" in a$/"t- an$ Maeter Ca"eotte
ha$ never /,,ere$ it a a chi"$. Arianne "earne$ that .hen he /,,ere$ her o.n pot- at eight.
2Goo$-1 he ai$. 2An$ the han$mai$6 & he convincing61
2+rom a $itance. 7he &mp picke$ her ,or thi p/rpoe- over many gir" o, nob"er birth.
Myrce""a he"pe$ her c/r" her hair- an$ painte$ the $ot on her ,ace here",. 7hey are $itant kin.
?anniport teem .ith ?anny- ?annett- ?ante""- an$ "eer ?anniter- an$ ha", o, them have
that ye""o. hair. 5ree$ in Myrce""a4 be$robe .ith the maeter4 a"ve meare$ acro her
,ace8 he might even have ,oo"e$ me- in a $im "ight. &t .a a $ea" har$er to ,in$ a man to take
my p"ace. 5ake i c"oet to my height- b/t he4 too ,at- o & p/t Ro"$er in my armor an$ to"$ him
to keep hi vior $o.n. 7he man i three inche horter than & am- b/t perhap no one .i"" notice
i, &4m not there to tan$ bei$e him. #e4"" keep to Myrce""a4 chamber in any cae.1
2A"" .e nee$ i a ,e. $ay. By that time the prince .i"" be beyon$ my ,ather4 reach.1
23here61 #e $re. her c"oe an$ n/GG"e$ at her neck. 2&t4 time yo/ to"$ me the ret o, the
p"an- $on4t yo/ think61
She "a/ghe$- p/hing him a.ay. 2No- it4 time .e ro$e.1
7he moon ha$ cro.ne$ the Moonmai$ a they et o/t ,rom the $/t($ry r/in o, Shan$ytone-
triking o/th an$ .et. Arianne an$ Ser Ary took the "ea$- .ith Myrce""a on a ,riky mare
bet.een them. Garin ,o""o.e$ c"oe behin$ .ith Spotte$ Sy"va- .hi"t her t.o 5ornih knight
took the rear. We are seen, Arianne rea"iGe$ a they ro$e. She ha$ not tho/ght o, that be,ore-
b/t it eeme$ a goo$ omen ,or their ca/e. Seen riders on their wa! to glor!+ One da! the
singers will make all of us immortal+ 5rey ha$ .ante$ a "arger party- b/t that might have
attracte$ /n.e"come attention- an$ every a$$itiona" man $o/b"e$ the rik o, betraya". #hat much
m! father taught me, at the least+ Cven .hen he .a yo/nger an$ tronger- 5oran Marte"" ha$
been a ca/tio/ man m/ch given to i"ence an$ ecret. It is time he put his burdens down, but I
will suffer no slights to his honor or his person+ She .o/"$ ret/rn him to hi 3ater Gar$en- to
"ive o/t .hat year remaine$ him /rro/n$e$ by "a/ghing chi"$ren an$ the me"" o, "ime an$
orange. &es, and :uent!n can keep him compan!+ Once I crown *!rcella and free the Sand
Snakes, all Dorne will rall! to m! banners+ 7he Eron.oo$ might $ec"are ,or D/entyn- b/t a"one
they .ere no threat. &, they .ent over to 7ommen an$ the ?anniter- he .o/"$ have 5arktar
$etroy them root an$ branch.
2& am tire$-1 Myrce""a comp"aine$- a,ter evera" ho/r in the a$$"e. 2& it m/ch ,arther6
3here are .e going61
29rince Arianne i taking Eo/r Grace to a p"ace .here yo/4"" be a,e-1 Ser Ary a/re$
her.
2&t i a "ong =o/rney-1 Arianne ai$- 2b/t it .i"" go eaier once .e reach the Greenb"oo$.
Some o, Garin4 peop"e .i"" meet / there- the orphan o, the river. 7hey "ive on boat- an$ po"e
them /p an$ $o.n the Greenb"oo$ an$ it vaa"- ,ihing an$ picking ,r/it an$ $oing .hatever
.ork nee$ $oing.1
2Aye-1 Garin ca""e$ o/t cheer,/""y- 2an$ .e ing an$ p"ay an$ $ance on .ater- an$ kno.
m/ch an$ more o, hea"ing. My mother i the bet mi$.i,e in 3etero- an$ my ,ather can c/re
.art.1
2#o. can yo/ be orphan i, yo/ have mother an$ ,ather61 the gir" ake$.
27hey are the Rhoynar-1 Arianne e:p"aine$- 2an$ their Mother .a the river Rhoyne.1
Myrce""a $i$ not /n$ertan$. 2& tho/ght !ou .ere the Rhoynar. Eo/ 5ornihmen- & mean.1
23e are in part- Eo/r Grace. Nymeria4 b"oo$ i in me- a"ong .ith that o, Mor Marte""- the
5ornih "or$ he marrie$. Hn the $ay they .e$- Nymeria ,ire$ her hip- o her peop"e .o/"$
/n$ertan$ that there co/"$ be no going back. Mot .ere g"a$ to ee thoe ,"ame- ,or their
voyaging ha$ been "ong an$ terrib"e be,ore they came to 5orne- an$ many an$ more ha$ been
"ot to torm- $ieae- an$ "avery. 7here .ere a ,e. .ho mo/rne$- ho.ever. 7hey $i$ not "ove
thi $ry re$ "an$ or it even(,ace$ go$- o they c"/ng to their o"$ .ay- hammere$ boat together
,rom the h/"k o, the b/rne$ hip- an$ became the orphan o, the Greenb"oo$. 7he Mother in
their ong i not our Mother- b/t Mother Rhoyne- .hoe .ater no/rihe$ them ,rom the $a.n
o, $ay.1
2&4$ hear$ the Rhoynar ha$ ome t/rt"e go$-1 ai$ Ser Ary.
27he H"$ Man o, the River i a "eer go$-1 ai$ Garin. 2#e .a born ,rom Mother River too-
an$ ,o/ght the Crab >ing to .in $ominion over a"" .ho $.e"" beneath the ,"o.ing .ater.1
2Hh-1 ai$ Myrce""a.
2& /n$ertan$ yo/4ve ,o/ght ome mighty batt"e too- Eo/r Grace-1 ai$ 5rey in hi mot
cheer,/" voice. 2&t i ai$ yo/ ho. o/r brave 9rince 7rytane no mercy at the c!asse tab"e.1
2#e a".ay et hi A/are /p the ame .ay- .ith a"" the mo/ntain in the ,ront an$ hi
e"ephant in the pae-1 ai$ Myrce""a. 2So & en$ my $ragon thro/gh to eat hi e"ephant.1
25oe yo/r han$mai$ p"ay the game a .e""61 ake$ 5rey.
2Roam/n$61 ake$ Myrce""a. 2No. & trie$ to teach her- b/t he ai$ the r/"e .ere too har$.1
2She i a ?anniter a .e""61 ai$ ?a$y Sy"va.
2A ?anniter o, "annisport, not a ?anniter o, Cater"y Rock. #er hair i the ame co"or a
mine- b/t traight intea$ o, c/r"y. Roam/n$ $oen4t tr/"y ,avor me- b/t .hen he $ree /p in
my c"othe peop"e .ho $on4t kno. / think he4 me.1
2Eo/ have $one thi be,ore- then61
2Hh- ye. 3e tra$e$ p"ace on the Seaswift, on the .ay to Braavo. Septa Cg"antine p/t bro.n
$ye in my hair. She ai$ .e .ere $oing it a a game- b/t it .a meant to keep me a,e in cae the
hip .a taken by my /nc"e Stanni.1
7he gir" .a p"ain"y gro.ing tire$- o Arianne ca""e$ a ha"t. 7hey .atere$ the hore once
again- rete$ ,or a bit- an$ ha$ ome cheee an$ ,r/it. Myrce""a p"it an orange .ith Spotte$
Sy"va- .hi"t Garin ate o"ive an$ pit the tone at 5rey.
Arianne ha$ hope$ to reach the river be,ore the /n came /p- b/t they ha$ tarte$ m/ch "ater
than he4$ p"anne$- o they .ere ti"" in the a$$"e .hen the eatern ky t/rne$ re$. 5arktar
cantere$ /p bei$e her. 29rince-1 he ai$- 2&4$ et a ,ater pace- /n"e yo/ mean to ki"" the
chi"$ a,ter a"". 3e have no tent- an$ by $ay the an$ are cr/e".1
2& kno. the an$ a .e"" a yo/ $o- er-1 he to"$ him. A"" the ame- he $i$ a he /ggete$.
&t .a har$ on their mo/nt- b/t better he ho/"$ "oe i: hore than one prince.
Soon eno/gh the .in$ came g/ting ,rom the .et- hot an$ $ry an$ ,/"" o, grit. Arianne $re.
her vei" acro her ,ace. &t .a ma$e o, himmering i"k- pa"e green above an$ ye""o. be"o.- the
co"or b"en$ing into one another. Sma"" green pear" gave it .eight- an$ ratt"e$ o,t"y againt
each other a he ro$e.
2& kno. .hy my prince .ear a vei"-1 Ser Ary ai$ a he .a ,atening it to the temp"e o,
her copper he"m. 2C"e.ie her bea/ty .o/"$ o/thine the /n above.1
She ha$ to "a/gh. 2No- yo/r prince .ear a vei" to keep the g"are o/t o, her eye an$ the
an$ o/t o, her mo/th. Eo/ ho/"$ $o the ame- er.1 She .on$ere$ ho. "ong her .hite knight
ha$ been po"ihing hi pon$ero/ ga""antry. Ser Ary .a p"eaant company abe$- b/t .it an$ he
.ere tranger.
#er 5ornihmen covere$ their ,ace a he $i$- an$ Spotte$ Sy"va he"pe$ vei" the "itt"e
prince ,rom the /n- b/t Ser Ary taye$ t/bborn. Be,ore "ong the .eat .a r/nning $o.n hi
,ace- an$ hi cheek ha$ taken on a roy b"/h. *uch longer and he will cook in those hea!
clothes, he re,"ecte$. #e .o/"$ not be the ,irt. &n cent/rie pat- many a hot ha$ come $o.n
,rom the 9rince4 9a .ith banner treaming- on"y to .ither an$ broi" on the hot re$ 5ornih
an$. 27he arm o, #o/e Marte"" $ip"ay the /n an$ pear- the 5ornihman4 t.o ,avore$
.eapon-1 the Eo/ng 5ragon ha$ once .ritten in hi boat,/" %on3uest of Dorne- 2b/t o, the
t.o- the /n i the more $ea$"y.1
7hank,/""y- they $i$ not nee$ to cro the $eep an$ b/t on"y a "iver o, the $ry"an$. 3hen
Arianne pie$ a ha.k .hee"ing high above them againt a c"o/$"e ky- he kne. the .ort .a
behin$ them. Soon they came /pon a tree. &t .a a gnar"e$ an$ t.ite$ thing .ith a many thorn
a "eave- o, the ort ca""e$ an$beggar- b/t it meant that they .ere not ,ar ,rom .ater.
23e4re a"mot there- Eo/r Grace-1 Garin to"$ Myrce""a cheer,/""y .hen they pie$ more
an$beggar /p ahea$- a thicket o, them gro.ing a"" aro/n$ the $ry be$ o, a tream. 7he /n .a
beating $o.n "ike a ,iery hammer- b/t it $i$ not matter .ith their =o/rney at it en$. 7hey
toppe$ to .ater the hore again- $rank $eep ,rom their kin an$ .et their vei"- then mo/nte$
,or the "at p/h. 3ithin ha", a "eag/e they .ere ri$ing over $evi"gra an$ pat o"ive grove.
Beyon$ a "ine o, tony hi"" the gra gre. greener an$ more "/h- an$ there .ere "emon
orchar$ .atere$ by a pi$er4 .eb o, o"$ cana". Garin .a the ,irt to py the river g"immering
green. #e gave a ho/t an$ race$ ahea$.
Arianne Marte"" ha$ croe$ the Man$er once- .hen he ha$ gone .ith three o, the San$
Snake to viit 7yene4 mother. Compare$ to that mighty .ater.ay- the Greenb"oo$ .a carce
.orthy o, the name o, river- yet it remaine$ the "i,e o, 5orne. &t took it name ,rom the m/rky
green o, it "/ggih .aterI b/t a they approache$- the /n"ight eeme$ to t/rn thoe .ater
go"$. She ha$ e"$om een a .eeter ight. #he ne8t part should be slow and simple, he tho/ght-
up the 1reenblood and onto the .aith, as far as a poleboat can go+ 7hat .o/"$ give her time
eno/gh to prepare Myrce""a ,or a"" that .a to come. Beyon$ %aith the $eep an$ .aite$. 7hey
.o/"$ nee$ he"p ,rom San$tone an$ the #e""ho"t to make that croing- b/t he $i$ not $o/bt
that it .o/"$ be ,orthcoming. 7he Re$ %iper ha$ been ,otere$ at San$tone- an$ 9rince
Hberyn4 paramo/r C""aria San$ .a ?or$ F""er4 nat/ra" $a/ghterI ,o/r o, the San$ Snake
.ere hi gran$$a/ghter. I will crown *!rcella at the 7ellholt and raise m! banners there+
7hey ,o/n$ the boat ha", a "eag/e $o.ntream- hi$$en beneath the $rooping branche o, a
great green .i""o.. ?o. o, roo, an$ .i$e abeam- the po"eboat ha$ har$"y any $ra,t to peak o,I
the Eo/ng 5ragon ha$ $iparage$ them a 2hove" b/i"t on ra,t-1 b/t that .a har$"y ,air. A""
b/t the pooret orphan boat .ere .on$er,/""y carve$ an$ painte$. 7hi one .a $one in ha$e
o, green- .ith a c/rve$ .oo$en ti""er hape$ "ike a mermai$- an$ ,ih ,ace peering thro/gh her
rai". 9o"e an$ rope an$ =ar o, o"ive oi" c"/ttere$ her $eck- an$ iron "antern ./ng ,ore an$
a,t. Arianne a. no orphan. Where is her crew6 he .on$ere$.
Garin reine$ /p beneath the .i""o.. 23ake /p- yo/ ,ih(eye$ "agabe$-1 he ca""e$ a he "eapt
$o.n ,rom the a$$"e. 2Eo/r 3ueen i here- an$ .ant her roya" .e"come. Come /p- come o/t-
.e4"" have ome ong an$ .eet.ine. My mo/th i et ,or@1
7he $oor on the po"eboat "amme$ open. H/t into the /n"ight teppe$ Areo #otah- "onga:e in
han$.
Garin =erke$ to a ha"t. Arianne ,e"t a tho/gh an a:e ha$ ca/ght her in the be""y. It was not
supposed to end this wa!+ #his was not supposed to happen+ 3hen he hear$ 5rey ay- 27here4
the "at ,ace &4$ hope$ to ee-1 he kne. he ha$ to act. 4Awa!;5 he crie$- va/"ting back into
the a$$"e. 2Ary- protect the prince@1
#otah th/mpe$ the b/tt o, hi "onga:e /pon the $eck. Behin$ the ornate rai" o, the po"eboat-
a $oGen g/ar$men roe- arme$ .ith thro.ing pear or crobo.. Sti"" more appeare$ atop the
cabin. 2Eie"$- my prince-1 the captain ca""e$- 2e"e .e m/t "ay a"" b/t the chi"$ an$ yo/re",-
by yo/r ,ather4 .or$.1
9rince Myrce""a at motion"e /pon her mo/nt. Garin backe$ "o."y ,rom the po"eboat- hi
han$ in the air. 5rey /nb/ck"e$ hi .or$be"t. 2Eie"$ing eem the .iet co/re-1 he ca""e$ to
Arianne- a hi .or$ th/mpe$ to the gro/n$.
42o;5 Ser Ary Hakheart p/t hi hore bet.een Arianne an$ the crobo.- hi b"a$e hining
i"ver in hi han$. #e ha$ /n"/ng hi hie"$ an$ "ippe$ hi "e,t arm thro/gh the trap. 2Eo/
.i"" not take her .hi"t & ti"" $ra. breath.1
&ou reckless fool, .a a"" that Arianne ha$ time to think- what do !ou think !ou/re doing6
5arktar4 "a/ghter rang o/t. 2Are yo/ b"in$ or t/pi$- Hakheart6 7here are too many. 9/t /p
yo/r .or$.1
25o a he ay- Ser Ary-1 5rey /rge$.
We are taken, ser, Arianne might have ca""e$ o/t. &our death will not free us+ If !ou loe !our
princess, !ield+ B/t .hen he trie$ to peak- the .or$ ca/ght in her throat.
Ser Ary Hakheart gave her one "at "onging "ook- then p/t hi go"$en p/r into hi hore an$
charge$.
#e ro$e hea$"ong ,or the po"eboat- hi .hite c"oak treaming behin$ him. Arianne Marte""
ha$ never een anything ha", o ga""ant- or ha", o t/pi$. 42oooo,5 he hrieke$- b/t he ha$
,o/n$ her tong/e too "ate. A crobo. thrumme$- then another. #otah be""o.e$ a comman$. At
/ch c"oe range- the .hite knight4 armor ha$ a .e"" been ma$e o, parchment. 7he ,irt bo"t
p/nche$ right thro/gh hi heavy oaken hie"$- pinning it to hi ho/"$er. 7he econ$ graGe$ hi
temp"e. A thro.n pear took Ser Ary4 mo/nt in the ,"ank- yet ti"" the hore came on-
taggering a he hit the gangp"ank. 42o,5 ome gir" .a ho/ting- ome ,oo"ih "itt"e gir"- 4no,
please, this was not supposed to happen+5 She co/"$ hear Myrce""a hrieking too- her voice hri""
.ith ,ear.
Ser Ary4 "ong.or$ "ahe$ right an$ "e,t- an$ t.o pearmen .ent $o.n. #i hore reare$-
an$ kicke$ a crobo.man in the ,ace a he .a trying to re"oa$- b/t the other crobo. .ere
,iring- ,eathering the big co/rer .ith their A/arre". 7he bo"t hit home o har$ they knocke$ the
hore i$e.ay. #i "eg .ent o/t ,rom /n$er him an$ ent him crahing $o.n the $eck.
Someho. Ary Hakheart "eapt ,ree. #e even manage$ to keep ho"$ o, hi .or$. #e tr/gg"e$ to
hi knee bei$e hi $ying hore8
8an$ ,o/n$ Areo #otah tan$ing over him.
7he .hite knight raie$ hi b"a$e- too "o."y. #otah4 "onga:e took hi right arm o,, at the
ho/"$er- p/n a.ay praying b"oo$- an$ came ,"ahing back again in a terrib"e t.o(han$e$ "ah
that remove$ the hea$ o, Ary Hakheart an$ ent it pinning thro/gh the air. &t "an$e$ amongt
the ree$- an$ the Greenb"oo$ .a""o.e$ the re$ .ith a o,t p"ah.
Arianne $i$ not remember c"imbing ,rom her hore. 9erhap he4$ ,a""en. She $i$ not
remember that either. Eet he ,o/n$ here", on her han$ an$ ,eet in the an$- haking an$
obbing an$ retching /p her /pper. 2o, .a a"" that he co/"$ think- no, no one was to be hurt, it
was all planned, I was so careful+ She hear$ Areo #otah roar- 2A,ter him. #e m/t not ecape.
After him;1 Myrce""a .a on the gro/n$- .ai"ing- haking- her pa"e ,ace in her han$- b"oo$
treaming thro/gh her ,inger. Arianne $i$ not /n$ertan$. Men .ere cramb"ing onto hore
.hi"t other .arme$ over her an$ her companion- b/t none o, it ma$e ene. She ha$ ,a""en
into a $ream- ome terrib"e re$ nightmare. #his cannot be real+ I will wake soon, and laugh at m!
night terrors+
3hen they o/ght to bin$ her han$ behin$ her back- he $i$ not reit. Hne o, the g/ar$men
=erke$ her to her ,eet. #e .ore her ,ather4 co"or. Another bent an$ eiGe$ the thro.ing kni,e
ini$e her boot- a gi,t ,rom her co/in ?a$y Nym.
Areo #otah took it ,rom the man an$ ,ro.ne$ at it. 27he prince ai$ & m/t bring yo/ back to
S/npear-1 he anno/nce$. #i cheek an$ bro. .ere ,reck"e$ .ith the b"oo$ o, Ary Hakheart.
2& am orry- "itt"e prince.1
Arianne raie$ a tear(treake$ ,ace. 2#o. co/"$ he kno.61 he ake$ the captain. 2& .a o
care,/". #o. co/"$ he kno.61
2Someone to"$.1 #otah hr/gge$. 2Someone a".ay te"".1
Ar4a
Each night be,ore "eep- he m/rm/re$ her prayer into her pi""o.. 2Ser Gregor-1 it .ent.
25/nen- Ra,, the S.eet"ing- Ser &"yn- Ser Meryn- D/een Cerei.1 She .o/"$ have .hipere$
the name o, the +rey o, the Croing too- i, he ha$ kno.n them. One da! I/ll know, he to"$
here",- and then I/ll kill them all+
No .hiper .a too ,aint to be hear$ in the #o/e o, B"ack an$ 3hite. 2Chi"$-1 ai$ the
kin$"y man one $ay- 2.hat are thoe name yo/ .hiper o, a night61
2& $on4t .hiper any name-1 he ai$.
2Eo/ "ie-1 he ai$. 2A"" men "ie .hen they are a,rai$. Some te"" many "ie- ome b/t a ,e..
Some have on"y one great "ie they te"" o o,ten that they a"mot come to be"ieve it8 tho/gh ome
ma"" part o, them .i"" a".ay kno. that it i ti"" a "ie- an$ that .i"" ho. /pon their ,ace. 7e""
me o, thee name.1
She che.e$ her "ip. 27he name $on4t matter.1
27hey $o-1 the kin$"y man inite$. 27e"" me- chi"$.1
#ell me, or we will turn !ou out, he hear$. 27hey4re peop"e & hate. & .ant them to $ie.1
23e hear many /ch prayer in thi #o/e.1
2& kno.-1 ai$ Arya. !aAen #4ghar ha$ grante$ three o, her prayer once. All I had to do was
whisper=
2& that .hy yo/ have come to /61 the kin$"y man .ent on. 27o "earn o/r art- o yo/ may
ki"" thee men yo/ hate61
Arya $i$ not kno. ho. to an.er that. 2Maybe.1
27hen yo/ have come to the .rong p"ace. &t i not ,or yo/ to ay .ho ha"" "ive an$ .ho ha""
$ie. 7hat gi,t be"ong to #im o, Many +ace. 3e are b/t hi ervant- .orn to $o hi .i"".1
2Hh.1 Arya g"ance$ at the tat/e that too$ a"ong the .a""- can$"e g"immering ro/n$ their
,eet. 23hich go$ i he61
23hy- a"" o, them-1 ai$ the priet in b"ack an$ .hite.
#e never to"$ her hi name. Neither $i$ the .ai,- the "itt"e gir" .ith the big eye an$ ho""o.
,ace .ho remin$e$ her o, another "itt"e gir"- name$ 3eae". ?ike Arya- the .ai, "ive$ be"o. the
temp"e- a"ong .ith three aco"yte- t.o erving men- an$ a cook ca""e$ Fmma. Fmma "ike$ to
ta"k a he .orke$- b/t Arya co/"$ not /n$ertan$ a .or$ he ai$. 7he other ha$ no name- or
$i$ not chooe to hare them. Hne erving man .a very o"$- hi back bent "ike a bo.. 7he
econ$ .a re$(,ace$- .ith hair gro.ing ,rom hi ear. She took them both ,or m/te /nti" he
hear$ them praying. 7he aco"yte .ere yo/nger. 7he e"$et .a her ,ather4 ageI the other t.o
co/"$ not have been m/ch o"$er than Sana- .ho ha$ been her iter. 7he aco"yte .ore b"ack
an$ .hite too- b/t their robe ha$ no co."- an$ .ere b"ack on the "e,t i$e an$ .hite on the
right. 3ith the kin$"y man an$ the .ai,- it .a the oppoite. Arya .a given ervant4 garb' a
t/nic o, /n$ye$ .oo"- baggy breeche- "inen ma""c"othe- c"oth "ipper ,or her ,eet.
Hn"y the kin$"y man kne. the Common 7ong/e. 23ho are yo/61 he .o/"$ ak her every
$ay.
2No one-1 he .o/"$ an.er- he .ho ha$ been Arya o, #o/e Stark- Arya Fn$er,oot- Arya
#ore,ace. She ha$ been Arry an$ 3eae" too- an$ SA/ab an$ Sa"ty- Nan the c/pbearer- a grey
mo/e- a heep- the ghot o, #arrenha"8 b/t not ,or tr/e- not in her heart o, heart. &n there he
.a Arya o, 3inter,e""- the $a/ghter o, ?or$ C$$ar$ Stark an$ ?a$y Cate"yn- .ho ha$ once ha$
brother name$ Robb an$ Bran an$ Rickon- a iter name$ Sana- a $ire.o", ca""e$ Nymeria- a
ha", brother name$ !on Sno.. &n there he .a omeone8 b/t that .a not the an.er that he
.ante$.
3itho/t a common "ang/age- Arya ha$ no .ay o, ta"king to the other. She "itene$ to them-
tho/gh- an$ repeate$ the .or$ he hear$ to here", a he .ent abo/t her .ork. 7ho/gh the
yo/nget aco"yte .a b"in$- he ha$ charge o, the can$"e. #e .o/"$ .a"k the temp"e in o,t
"ipper- /rro/n$e$ by the m/rm/ring o, the o"$ .omen .ho came each $ay to pray. Cven
.itho/t eye- he a".ay kne. .hich can$"e ha$ gone o/t. 2#e ha the cent to g/i$e him-1 the
kin$"y man e:p"aine$- 2an$ the air i .armer .here a can$"e b/rn.1 #e to"$ Arya to c"oe her
eye an$ try it ,or here",.
7hey praye$ at $a.n be,ore they broke their ,at- knee"ing aro/n$ the ti""- b"ack poo". Some
$ay the kin$"y man "e$ the prayer. Hther $ay it .a the .ai,. Arya on"y kne. a ,e. .or$ o,
Braavoi- the one that .ere the ame in #igh %a"yrian. So he praye$ her o.n prayer to the
Many(+ace$ Go$- the one that .ent- 2Ser Gregor- 5/nen- Ra,, the S.eet"ing- Ser &"yn- Ser
Meryn- D/een Cerei.1 She praye$ in i"ence. &, the Many(+ace$ Go$ .a a proper go$- he
.o/"$ hear her.
3orhiper came to the #o/e o, B"ack an$ 3hite every $ay. Mot came a"one an$ at a"oneI
they "it can$"e at one a"tar or another- praye$ bei$e the poo"- an$ ometime .ept. A ,e. $rank
,rom the b"ack c/p an$ .ent to "eepI more $i$ not $rink. 7here .ere no ervice- no ong- no
paean o, praie to p"eae the go$. 7he temp"e .a never ,/"". +rom time to time- a .orhiper
.o/"$ ak to ee a priet- an$ the kin$"y man or the .ai, .o/"$ take him $o.n into the anct/m-
b/t that $i$ not happen o,ten.
7hirty $i,,erent go$ too$ a"ong the .a""- /rro/n$e$ by their "itt"e "ight. 7he 3eeping
3oman .a the ,avorite o, o"$ .omen- Arya a.I rich men pre,erre$ the ?ion o, Night- poor
men the #oo$e$ 3ay,arer. So"$ier "it can$"e to Bakka"on- the 9a"e Chi"$- ai"or to the Moon(
9a"e Mai$en an$ the Mer"ing >ing. 7he Stranger ha$ hi hrine a .e""- tho/gh har$"y anyone
ever came to him. Mot o, the time on"y a ing"e can$"e too$ ,"ickering at hi ,eet. 7he kin$"y
man ai$ it $i$ not matter. 2#e ha many ,ace- an$ many ear to hear.1
7he kno"" on .hich the temp"e too$ .a honeycombe$ .ith paage.ay he.n ,rom the
rock. 7he priet an$ aco"yte ha$ their "eeping ce"" on the ,irt "eve"- Arya an$ the ervant on
the econ$. 7he "o.et "eve" .a ,orbi$$en to a"" ave the priet. 7hat .a .here the ho"y
anct/m "ay.
3hen he .a not .orking- Arya .a ,ree to .an$er a he .o/"$ amongt the va/"t an$
toreroom- o "ong a he $i$ not "eave the temp"e- nor $ecen$ to the thir$ ce""ar. She ,o/n$ a
room ,/"" o, .eapon an$ armor' ornate he"m an$ c/rio/ o"$ breatp"ate- "ong.or$- $agger-
an$ $irk- crobo. an$ ta"" pear .ith "ea,(hape$ hea$. Another va/"t .a cramme$ .ith
c"othing- thick ,/r an$ p"en$i$ i"k in ha", a h/n$re$ co"or- ne:t to pi"e o, ,o/"(me""ing rag
an$ threa$bare ro/ghp/n. #here must be treasure chambers too, Arya $eci$e$. She pict/re$
tack o, go"$en p"ate- bag o, i"ver coin- apphire b"/e a the ea- rope o, ,at green pear".
Hne $ay the kin$"y man came on her /ne:pecte$"y an$ ake$ .hat he .a $oing. She to"$
him that he ha$ gotten "ot.
2Eo/ "ie. 3ore- yo/ "ie poorl!+ 3ho are yo/61
2No one.1
2Another "ie.1 #e ighe$.
3eee .o/"$ have beaten her b"oo$y i, he ha$ ca/ght her in a "ie- b/t it .a $i,,erent in the
#o/e o, B"ack an$ 3hite. 3hen he .a he"ping in the kitchen- Fmma .o/"$ ometime
mack her .ith her poon i, he got in the .ay- b/t no one e"e ever raie$ a han$ to her. #he!
onl! raise their hands to kill, he tho/ght.
She got a"ong .e"" eno/gh .ith the cook. Fmma .o/"$ "ap a kni,e into her han$ an$ point at
an onion- an$ Arya .o/"$ chop it. Fmma .o/"$ hove her to.ar$ a mo/n$ o, $o/gh- an$ Arya
.o/"$ knea$ it /nti" the cook ai$ top ;stop .a the ,irt Braavoi .or$ he "earne$<. Fmma
.o/"$ han$ her a ,ih- an$ Arya .o/"$ bone it an$ ,i""et it an$ ro"" it in the n/t the cook .a
cr/hing. 7he brackih .ater that /rro/n$e$ Braavo teeme$ .ith ,ih an$ he"",ih o, every
ort- the kin$"y man e:p"aine$. A "o. bro.n river entere$ the "agoon ,rom the o/th- .an$ering
thro/gh a .i$e e:pane o, ree$- ti$a" poo"- an$ m/$,"at. C"am an$ cock"e abo/n$e$
hereabo/tI m/e" an$ m/k,ih- ,rog an$ t/rt"e- m/$ crab an$ "eopar$ crab an$ c"imber
crab- re$ ee"- b"ack ee"- tripe$ ee"- "amprey- an$ oyterI a"" ma$e ,reA/ent appearance on
the carve$ .oo$en tab"e .here the ervant o, the Many(+ace$ Go$ took their mea". Some
night Fmma pice$ the ,ih .ith ea a"t an$ cracke$ peppercorn- or cooke$ the ee" .ith
choppe$ gar"ic. Hnce in a great .hi"e the cook .o/"$ even /e ome a,,ron. 7ot $ie would
hae liked it here, Arya tho/ght.
S/pper .a her ,avorite time. &t ha$ been a "ong .hi"e ince Arya ha$ gone to "eep every
night .ith a ,/"" be""y. Some night the kin$"y man .o/"$ a""o. her to ak him A/etion. Hnce
he ake$ him .hy the peop"e .ho came to the temp"e a".ay eeme$ o peace,/"I back home-
peop"e .ere care$ to $ie. She remembere$ ho. that pimp"y A/ire ha$ .ept .hen he tabbe$
him in the be""y- an$ the .ay Ser Amory ?orch ha$ begge$ .hen the Goat ha$ him thro.n in the
bear pit. She remembere$ the vi""age by the Go$4 Cye- an$ the .ay the vi""ager hrieke$ an$
creame$ an$ .himpere$ .henever the 7ick"er tarte$ aking a,ter go"$.
25eath i not the .ort thing-1 the kin$"y man rep"ie$. 2&t i #i gi,t to /- an en$ to .ant an$
pain. Hn the $ay that .e are born the Many(+ace$ Go$ en$ each o, / a $ark ange" to .a"k
thro/gh "i,e bei$e /. 3hen o/r in an$ o/r /,,ering gro. too great to be borne- the ange"
take / by the han$ to "ea$ / to the night"an$- .here the tar b/rn ever bright. 7hoe .ho
come to $rink ,rom the b"ack c/p are "ooking ,or their ange". &, they are a,rai$- the can$"e
oothe them. 3hen yo/ me"" o/r can$"e b/rning- .hat $oe it make yo/ think o,- my chi"$61
Winterfell, he might have ai$. I smell snow and smoke and pine needles+ I smell the stables+
I smell 7odor laughing, and -on and )obb battling in the !ard, and Sansa singing about some
stupid lad! fair+ I smell the cr!pts where the stone kings sit, I smell hot bread baking, I smell the
godswood+ I smell m! wolf, I smell her fur, almost as if she were still beside me+ 2& $on4t me""
anything-1 he ai$- to ee .hat he .o/"$ ay.
2Eo/ "ie-1 he ai$- 2b/t yo/ may keep yo/r ecret i, yo/ .ih- Arya o, #o/e Stark.1 #e
on"y ca""e$ her that .hen he $ip"eae$ him. 2Eo/ kno. that yo/ may "eave thi p"ace. Eo/ are
not one o, /- not yet. Eo/ may go home anytime yo/ .ih.1
2Eo/ to"$ me that i, & "e,t- & co/"$n4t come back.1
2!/t o.1
7hoe .or$ ma$e her a$. S!rio used to sa! that too, Arya remembere$. 7e said it all the
time+ Syrio +ore" ha$ ta/ght her nee$"e.ork an$ $ie$ ,or her. 2& $on4t .ant to "eave.1
27hen tay8 b/t remember- the #o/e o, B"ack an$ 3hite i not a home ,or orphan. A""
men m/t erve beneath thi roo,. .alar dohaeris i ho. .e ay it here. Remain i, yo/ .i""- b/t
kno. that .e ha"" reA/ire yo/r obe$ience. At a"" time an$ in a"" thing. &, yo/ cannot obey- yo/
m/t $epart.1
2& can obey.1
23e ha"" ee.1
She ha$ other tak bei$e he"ping Fmma. She .ept the temp"e ,"oorI he erve$ an$
po/re$ at mea"I he orte$ pi"e o, $ea$ men4 c"othing- emptie$ their p/re- an$ co/nte$ o/t
tack o, A/eer coin. Cvery morning he .a"ke$ bei$e the kin$"y man a he ma$e hi circ/it o,
the temp"e to ,in$ the $ea$. Silent as a shadow, he .o/"$ te"" here",- remembering Syrio. She
carrie$ a "antern .ith thick iron h/tter. At each a"cove- he .o/"$ open the h/tter a crack- to
"ook ,or corpe.
7he $ea$ .ere never har$ to ,in$. 7hey came to the #o/e o, B"ack an$ 3hite- praye$ ,or an
ho/r or a $ay or a year- $rank .eet $ark .ater ,rom the poo"- an$ tretche$ o/t on a tone be$
behin$ one go$ or another. 7hey c"oe$ their eye- an$ "ept- an$ never .oke. 27he gi,t o, the
Many(+ace$ Go$ take myria$ ,orm-1 the kin$"y man to"$ her- 2b/t here it i a".ay gent"e.1
3hen they ,o/n$ a bo$y he .o/"$ ay a prayer an$ make certain "i,e ha$ ,"e$- an$ Arya .o/"$
,etch the erving men- .hoe tak it .a to carry the $ea$ $o.n to the va/"t. 7here aco"yte
.o/"$ trip an$ .ah the bo$ie. 7he $ea$ men4 c"othe an$ coin an$ va"/ab"e .ent into a bin
,or orting. 7heir co"$ ,"eh .o/"$ be taken to the "o.er anct/m .here on"y the priet co/"$
goI .hat happene$ in there Arya .a not a""o.e$ to kno.. Hnce- a he .a eating her /pper- a
terrib"e /picion eiGe$ ho"$ o, her- an$ he p/t $o.n her kni,e an$ tare$ /picio/"y at a "ice
o, pa"e .hite meat. 7he kin$"y man a. the horror on her ,ace. 2&t i pork- chi"$-1 he to"$ her-
2on"y pork.1
#er be$ .a tone- an$ remin$e$ her o, #arrenha" an$ the be$ he4$ "ept in .hen cr/bbing
tep ,or 3eee. 7he mattre .a t/,,e$ .ith rag intea$ o, tra.- .hich ma$e it "/mpier than
the one he4$ ha$ at #arrenha"- b/t "e cratchy too. She .a a""o.e$ a many b"anket a he
.ihe$I thick .oo"en b"anket- re$ an$ green an$ p"ai$. An$ her ce"" .a her a"one. She kept
her trea/re there' the i"ver ,ork an$ ,"oppy hat an$ ,inger"e g"ove given her by the ai"or
on the #itan/s Daughter, her $agger- boot- an$ be"t- her ma"" tore o, coin- the c"othe he ha$
been .earing8
An$ Nee$"e.
7ho/gh her $/tie "e,t her "itt"e time ,or nee$"e.ork- he practice$ .hen he co/"$- $/e"ing
.ith her ha$o. by the "ight o, a b"/e can$"e. Hne night the .ai, happene$ to be paing an$
a. Arya at her .or$p"ay. 7he gir" $i$ not ay a .or$- b/t the ne:t $ay- the kin$"y man .a"ke$
Arya back to her ce"". 2Eo/ nee$ to ri$ yo/re", o, a"" thi-1 he ai$ o, her trea/re.
Arya ,e"t tricken. 27hey4re mine.1
2An$ .ho are yo/61
2No one.1
#e picke$ /p her i"ver ,ork. 27hi be"ong to Arya o, #o/e Stark. A"" thee thing be"ong to
her. 7here i no p"ace ,or them here. 7here i no p"ace ,or her. #er i too pro/$ a name- an$ .e
have no room ,or pri$e. 3e are ervant here.1
2& erve-1 he ai$- .o/n$e$. She "ike$ the i"ver ,ork.
2Eo/ p"ay at being a ervant- b/t in yo/r heart yo/ are a "or$4 $a/ghter. Eo/ have taken
other name- b/t yo/ .ore them a "ight"y a yo/ might .ear a go.n. Fn$er them .a a".ay
Arya.1
2& $on4t .ear gowns+ Eo/ can4t ,ight in a t/pi$ gown+1
23hy .o/"$ yo/ .ih to ,ight6 Are yo/ ome bravo- tr/tting thro/gh the a""ey- poi"ing ,or
b"oo$61 #e ighe$. 2Be,ore yo/ $rink ,rom the co"$ c/p- yo/ m/t o,,er /p a"" yo/ are to #im o,
Many +ace. Eo/r bo$y. Eo/r o/". &ourself+ &, yo/ cannot bring yo/re", to $o that- yo/ m/t
"eave thi p"ace.1
27he iron coin@1
2@ha pai$ yo/r paage here. +rom thi point yo/ m/t pay yo/r o.n .ay- an$ the cot i
$ear.1
2& $on4t have any go"$.1
23hat .e o,,er cannot be bo/ght .ith go"$. 7he cot i a"" o, yo/. Men take many path
thro/gh thi va"e o, tear an$ pain. H/r i the har$et. +e. are ma$e to .a"k it. &t take
/ncommon trength o, bo$y an$ pirit- an$ a heart both har$ an$ trong.1
I hae a hole where m! heart should be, he tho/ght- and nowhere else to go+ 2&4m trong. A
trong a yo/. &4m har$.1
2Eo/ be"ieve thi i the on"y p"ace ,or yo/.1 &t .a a i, he4$ hear$ her tho/ght. 2Eo/ are
.rong in that. Eo/ .o/"$ ,in$ o,ter ervice in the ho/eho"$ o, ome merchant. Hr .o/"$ yo/
ooner be a co/rtean- an$ have ong /ng o, yo/r bea/ty6 Speak the .or$- an$ .e .i"" en$
yo/ to the B"ack 9ear" or the 5a/ghter o, the 5/k. Eo/ .i"" "eep on roe peta" an$ .ear i"ken
kirt that r/t"e .hen yo/ .a"k- an$ great "or$ .i"" beggar theme"ve ,or yo/r mai$en4 b"oo$.
Hr i, it i marriage an$ chi"$ren yo/ $eire- te"" me- an$ .e ha"" ,in$ a h/ban$ ,or yo/. Some
honet apprentice boy- a rich o"$ man- a ea,arer- .hatever yo/ $eire.1
She .ante$ none o, that. 3or$"e- he hook her hea$.
2& it 3etero yo/ $ream o,- chi"$6 ?/co 9retayn4 "ad! Bright "eave /pon the morro.- ,or
G/""to.n- 5/ken$a"e- >ing4 ?an$ing- an$ 7yroh. Sha"" .e ,in$ yo/ paage on her61
2& on"y =/t came ,rom 3etero.1 Sometime it eeme$ a tho/an$ year ince he ha$ ,"e$
>ing4 ?an$ing- an$ ometime it eeme$ "ike on"y yeter$ay- b/t he kne. he co/"$ not go
back. 2&4"" go i, yo/ $on4t .ant me- b/t & .on4t go there+1
2My .ant $o not matter-1 ai$ the kin$"y man. 2&t may be that the Many(+ace$ Go$ ha "e$
yo/ here to be #i intr/ment- b/t .hen & "ook at yo/ & ee a chi"$8 an$ .ore- a gir" chi"$.
Many have erve$ #im o, Many +ace thro/gh the cent/rie- b/t on"y a ,e. o, #i ervant have
been .omen. 3omen bring "i,e into the .or"$. 3e bring the gi,t o, $eath. No one can $o both.1
7e is tr!ing to scare me awa!, Arya tho/ght- the wa! he did with the worm+ 2& $on4t care
abo/t that.1
2Eo/ ho/"$. Stay- an$ the Many(+ace$ Go$ .i"" take yo/r ear- yo/r noe- yo/r tong/e. #e
.i"" take yo/r a$ grey eye that have een o m/ch. #e .i"" take yo/r han$- yo/r ,eet- yo/r
arm an$ "eg- yo/r private part. #e .i"" take yo/r hope an$ $ream- yo/r "ove an$ hate.
7hoe .ho enter #i ervice m/t give /p a"" that make them .ho they are. Can yo/ $o that61
#e c/ppe$ her chin an$ gaGe$ $eep into her eye- o $eep it ma$e her hiver. 2No-1 he ai$- 2& $o
not think yo/ can.1
Arya knocke$ hi han$ a.ay. 2& co/"$ i, & wanted to.1
2So ay Arya o, #o/e Stark- eater o, grave .orm.1
2& can give /p an!thing & .ant01
#e get/re$ at her trea/re. 27hen tart .ith thee.1
7hat night a,ter /pper- Arya .ent back to her ce"" an$ took o,, her robe an$ .hipere$ her
name- b/t "eep re,/e$ to take her. She toe$ on her mattre t/,,e$ .ith rag- gna.ing on
her "ip. She co/"$ ,ee" the ho"e ini$e her .here her heart ha$ been.
&n the b"ack o, night he roe again- $onne$ the c"othe he4$ .orn ,rom 3etero- an$
b/ck"e$ on her .or$be"t. Nee$"e h/ng ,rom one hip- her $agger ,rom the other. 3ith her ,"oppy
hat on her hea$- her ,inger"e g"ove t/cke$ into her be"t- an$ her i"ver ,ork in one han$- he
.ent tea"ing /p the tep. #here is no place here for Ar!a of 7ouse Stark, he .a thinking.
Arya4 p"ace .a 3inter,e""- on"y 3inter,e"" .a gone. When the snows fall and the white winds
blow, the lone wolf dies, but the pack suries+ She ha$ no pack- tho/gh. 7hey ha$ ki""e$ her
pack- Ser &"yn an$ Ser Meryn an$ the A/een- an$ .hen he trie$ to make a ne. one a"" o, them
ran o,,- #ot 9ie an$ Gen$ry an$ Eoren an$ ?ommy Greenhan$- even #ar.in- .ho ha$ been her
,ather4 man. She hove$ thro/gh the $oor- o/t into the night.
&t .a the ,irt time he ha$ been o/ti$e ince entering the temp"e. 7he ky .a overcat- an$
,og covere$ the gro/n$ "ike a ,raye$ grey b"anket. H,, to her right he hear$ pa$$"ing ,rom the
cana". Braaos, the Secret %it!, he tho/ght. 7he name eeme$ very apt. She crept $o.n the
teep tep to the covere$ $ock- the mit .ir"ing ro/n$ her ,eet. &t .a o ,oggy he co/"$ not
ee the .ater- b/t he hear$ it "apping o,t"y at tone pi"ing. &n the $itance- a "ight g"o.e$
thro/gh the g"oom' the night,ire at the temp"e o, the re$ priet- he tho/ght.
At the .ater4 e$ge he toppe$- the i"ver ,ork in han$. &t .a rea" i"ver- o"i$ thro/gh an$
thro/gh. It/s not m! fork+ It was Salt! that he gae it to+ She toe$ it /n$erhan$- hear$ the o,t
plop a it ank be"o. the .ater.
#er ,"oppy hat .ent ne:t- then the g"ove. 7hey .ere Sa"ty4 too. She emptie$ her po/ch into
her pa"mI ,ive i"ver tag- nine copper tar- ome pennie an$ ha",pennie an$ groat. She
cattere$ them acro the .ater. Ne:t her boot. 7hey ma$e the "o/$et p"ahe. #er $agger
,o""o.e$- the one he4$ gotten o,, the archer .ho ha$ begge$ the #o/n$ ,or mercy. #er
.or$be"t .ent into the cana". #er c"oak- t/nic- breeche- ma""c"othe- a"" o, it. A"" b/t Nee$"e.
She too$ on the en$ o, the $ock- pa"e an$ gooe,"ehe$ an$ hivering in the ,og. &n her han$-
Nee$"e eeme$ to .hiper to her. Stick them with the point! end, it ai$- an$- don/t tell Sansa;
Mikken4 mark .a on the b"a$e. It/s 9ust a sword+ &, he nee$e$ a .or$- there .ere a h/n$re$
/n$er the temp"e. Nee$"e .a too ma"" to be a proper .or$- it .a har$"y more than a toy.
She4$ been a t/pi$ "itt"e gir" .hen !on ha$ it ma$e ,or her. 2&t4 =/t a .or$-1 he ai$- a"o/$
thi time8
8b/t it .an4t.
Nee$"e .a Robb an$ Bran an$ Rickon- her mother an$ her ,ather- even Sana. Nee$"e .a
3inter,e""4 grey .a""- an$ the "a/ghter o, it peop"e. Nee$"e .a the /mmer no.- H"$ Nan4
torie- the heart tree .ith it re$ "eave an$ cary ,ace- the .arm earthy me"" o, the g"a
gar$en- the o/n$ o, the north .in$ ratt"ing the h/tter o, her room. Nee$"e .a !on Sno.4
mi"e. 7e used to mess m! hair and call me 4little sister,5 he remembere$- an$ /$$en"y there
.ere tear in her eye.
9o""iver ha$ to"en the .or$ ,rom her .hen the Mo/ntain4 men took her captive- b/t .hen
he an$ the #o/n$ .a"ke$ into the inn at the croroa$- there it .a. #he gods wanted me to
hae it+ Not the Seven- nor #im o, Many +ace- b/t her ,ather4 go$- the o"$ go$ o, the north.
#he *an!(Faced 1od can hae the rest, he tho/ght- but he can/t hae this+
She pa$$e$ /p the tep a nake$ a her name $ay- c"/tching Nee$"e. #a",.ay /p- one o, the
tone rocke$ beneath her ,eet. Arya kne"t an$ $/g aro/n$ it e$ge .ith her ,inger. &t .o/"$
not move at ,irt- b/t he perite$- picking at the cr/mb"ing mortar .ith her nai". +ina""y- the
tone hi,te$. She gr/nte$ an$ got both han$ in an$ p/""e$. A crack opene$ be,ore her.
2Eo/4"" be a,e here-1 he to"$ Nee$"e. 2No one .i"" kno. .here yo/ are b/t me.1 She
p/he$ the .or$ an$ heath behin$ the tep- then hove$ the tone back into p"ace- o it "ooke$
"ike a"" the other tone. A he c"imbe$ back to the temp"e- he co/nte$ tep- o he .o/"$
kno. .here to ,in$ the .or$ again. Hne $ay he might have nee$ o, it. 2Hne $ay-1 he
.hipere$ to here",.
She never to"$ the kin$"y man .hat he ha$ $one- yet he kne.. 7he ne:t night he came to her
ce"" a,ter /pper. 2Chi"$-1 he ai$- 2come it .ith me. & have a ta"e to te"" yo/.1
23hat kin$ o, ta"e61 he ake$- .ary.
27he ta"e o, o/r beginning. &, yo/ .o/"$ be one o, /- yo/ ha$ bet kno. .ho .e are an$
ho. .e came to be. Men may .hiper o, the +ace"e Men o, Braavo- b/t .e are o"$er than the
Secret City. Be,ore the 7itan roe- be,ore the Fnmaking o, Fthero- be,ore the +o/n$ing- .e
.ere. 3e have ,"o.ere$ in Braavo amongt thee northern ,og- b/t .e ,irt took root in
%a"yria- amongt the .retche$ "ave .ho toi"e$ in the $eep mine beneath the +o/rteen +"ame
that "it the +reeho"$4 night o, o"$. Mot mine are $ank an$ chi""y p"ace- c/t ,rom co"$ $ea$
tone- b/t the +o/rteen +"ame .ere "iving mo/ntain .ith vein o, mo"ten rock an$ heart o,
,ire. So the mine o, o"$ %a"yria .ere a".ay hot- an$ they gre. hotter a the ha,t .ere $riven
$eeper- ever $eeper. 7he "ave toi"e$ in an oven. 7he rock aro/n$ them .ere too hot to to/ch.
7he air tank o, brimtone an$ .o/"$ ear their "/ng a they breathe$ it. 7he o"e o, their ,eet
.o/"$ b/rn an$ b"iter- even thro/gh the thicket an$a". Sometime- .hen they broke thro/gh a
.a"" in earch o, go"$- they .o/"$ ,in$ team intea$- or boi"ing .ater- or mo"ten rock. Certain
ha,t .ere c/t o "o. that the "ave co/"$ not tan$ /pright- b/t ha$ to cra." or ben$. An$
there .ere .yrm in that re$ $arkne too.1
2Carth.orm61 he ake$- ,ro.ning.
2+ire.yrm. Some ay they are akin to $ragon- ,or .yrm breathe ,ire too. &ntea$ o, oaring
thro/gh the ky- they bore thro/gh tone an$ oi". &, the o"$ ta"e can be be"ieve$- there .ere
.yrm amongt the +o/rteen +"ame even be,ore the $ragon came. 7he yo/ng one are no
"arger than that kinny arm o, yo/r- b/t they can gro. to montro/ iGe an$ have no "ove ,or
men.1
25i$ they ki"" the "ave61
2B/rnt an$ b"ackene$ corpe .ere o,t ,o/n$ in ha,t .here the rock .ere cracke$ or ,/"" o,
ho"e. Eet ti"" the mine $rove $eeper. S"ave perihe$ by the core- b/t their mater $i$ not
care. Re$ go"$ an$ ye""o. go"$ an$ i"ver .ere reckone$ to be more precio/ than the "ive o,
"ave- ,or "ave .ere cheap in the o"$ +reeho"$. 5/ring .ar- the %a"yrian took them by the
tho/an$. &n time o, peace they bre$ them- tho/gh on"y the .ort .ere ent $o.n to $ie in the
re$ $arkne.1
25i$n4t the "ave rie /p an$ ,ight61
2Some $i$-1 he ai$. 2Revo"t .ere common in the mine- b/t ,e. accomp"ihe$ m/ch. 7he
$ragon"or$ o, the o"$ +reeho"$ .ere trong in orcery- an$ "eer men $e,ie$ them at their peri".
7he ,irt +ace"e Man .a one .ho $i$.1
23ho .a he61 Arya b"/rte$- be,ore he toppe$ to think.
2No one-1 he an.ere$. 2Some ay he .a a "ave hime",. Hther init he .a a ,reeho"$er4
on- born o, nob"e tock. Some .i"" even te"" yo/ he .a an overeer .ho took pity on hi
charge. 7he tr/th i- no one kno.. 3hoever he .a- he move$ amongt the "ave an$ .o/"$
hear them at their prayer. Men o, a h/n$re$ $i,,erent nation "abore$ in the mine- an$ each
praye$ to hi o.n go$ in hi o.n tong/e- yet a"" .ere praying ,or the ame thing. &t .a re"eae
they ake$ ,or- an en$ to pain. A ma"" thing- an$ imp"e. Eet their go$ ma$e no an.er- an$
their /,,ering .ent on. Are their gods all deaf6 he .on$ere$8 /nti" a rea"iGation came /pon
him- one night in the re$ $arkne.
2A"" go$ have their intr/ment- men an$ .omen .ho erve them an$ he"p to .ork their .i""
on earth. 7he "ave .ere not crying o/t to a h/n$re$ $i,,erent go$- a it eeme$- b/t to one go$
.ith a h/n$re$ $i,,erent ,ace8 an$ he .a that go$4 intr/ment. 7hat very night he choe the
mot .retche$ o, the "ave- the one .ho ha$ praye$ mot earnet"y ,or re"eae- an$ ,ree$ him
,rom hi bon$age. 7he ,irt gi,t ha$ been given.1
Arya $re. back ,rom him. 2#e ki""e$ the slae61 7hat $i$ not o/n$ right. 2#e ho/"$ have
ki""e$ the masters;1
2#e .o/"$ bring the gi,t to them a .e""8 b/t that i a ta"e ,or another $ay- one bet hare$
.ith no one.1 #e cocke$ hi hea$. 2An$ .ho are yo/- chi"$61
2No one.1
2A "ie.1
2#o. $o yo/ know6 & it magic61
2A man $oe not nee$ to be a .iGar$ to kno. tr/th ,rom ,a"ehoo$- not i, he ha eye. Eo/
nee$ on"y "earn to rea$ a ,ace. ?ook at the eye. 7he mo/th. 7he m/c"e here- at the corner o,
the =a.- an$ here- .here the neck =oin the ho/"$er.1 #e to/che$ her "ight"y .ith t.o ,inger.
2Some "iar b"ink. Some tare. Some "ook a.ay. Some "ick their "ip. Many cover their mo/th
=/t be,ore they te"" a "ie- a i, to hi$e their $eceit. Hther ign may be more /bt"e- b/t they are
a".ay there. A ,a"e mi"e an$ a tr/e one may "ook a"ike- b/t they are a $i,,erent a $/k ,rom
$a.n. Can yo/ te"" $/k ,rom $a.n61
Arya no$$e$- tho/gh he .a not certain that he co/"$.
27hen yo/ can "earn to ee a "ie8 an$ once yo/ $o- no ecret .i"" be a,e ,rom yo/.1
27each me.1 She .o/"$ be no one i, that .a .hat it took. No one ha$ no ho"e ini$e her.
2She .i"" teach yo/-1 ai$ the kin$"y man a the .ai, appeare$ o/ti$e her $oor. 2Starting
.ith the tong/e o, Braavo. 3hat /e are yo/ i, yo/ cannot peak or /n$ertan$6 An$ yo/ ha""
teach her yo/r o.n tong/e. 7he t.o o, yo/ ha"" "earn together- each ,rom the other. 3i"" yo/ $o
thi61
2Ee-1 he ai$- an$ ,rom that moment he .a a novice in the #o/e o, B"ack an$ 3hite.
#er ervant4 garb .a taken a.ay- an$ he .a given a robe to .ear- a robe o, b"ack an$ .hite
a b/ttery o,t a the o"$ re$ b"anket he4$ once ha$ at 3inter,e"". Beneath it he .ore
ma""c"othe o, ,ine .hite "inen- an$ a b"ack /n$ert/nic that h/ng $o.n pat her knee.
7herea,ter he an$ the .ai, pent their time together to/ching thing an$ pointing- a each
trie$ to teach the other a ,e. .or$ o, her o.n tong/e. Simp"e .or$ at ,irt- c/p an$ can$"e an$
hoeI then har$er .or$I then entence. Hnce Syrio +ore" /e$ to make Arya tan$ on one "eg
/nti" he .a tremb"ing. ?ater he ent her chaing a,ter cat. She ha$ $ance$ the .ater $ance on
the "imb o, tree- a tick .or$ in her han$. 7hoe thing ha$ a"" been har$- b/t thi .a har$er.
0en sewing was more fun than tongues, he to"$ here",- a,ter a night .hen he ha$ ,orgotten
ha", the .or$ he tho/ght he kne.- an$ prono/nce$ the other ha", o ba$"y that the .ai, ha$
"a/ghe$ at her. *! sentences are as crooked as m! stitches used to be+ &, the gir" ha$ not been o
ma"" an$ tarve$- Arya .o/"$ have mahe$ her t/pi$ ,ace. &ntea$ he gna.e$ her "ip. #oo
stupid to learn and too stupid to gie up+
7he Common 7ong/e came to the .ai, more A/ick"y. Hne $ay at /pper he t/rne$ to Arya-
an$ ake$- 23ho are yo/61
2No one-1 Arya an.ere$- in Braavoi.
2Eo/ "ie-1 ai$ the .ai,. 2Eo/ m/t "ie goo$er.1
Arya "a/ghe$. 2Goo$er6 Eo/ mean better, t/pi$.1
2Better t/pi$. & .i"" ho. yo/.1
7he ne:t $ay they began the "ying game- aking A/etion o, one another- taking t/rn.
Sometime they .o/"$ an.er tr/"y- ometime they .o/"$ "ie. 7he A/etioner ha$ to try an$ te""
.hat .a tr/e an$ .hat .a ,a"e. 7he .ai, a".ay eeme$ to kno.. Arya ha$ to g/e. Mot o,
the time he g/ee$ .rong.
2#o. many year have yo/61 the .ai, ake$ her once- in the Common 7ong/e. 27en-1 ai$
Arya- an$ raie$ ten ,inger. She thought he .a ti"" ten- tho/gh it .a har$ to kno. ,or
certain. 7he Braavoi co/nte$ $ay $i,,erent"y than they $i$ in 3etero. +or a"" he kne. her
name $ay ha$ come an$ gone.
7he .ai, no$$e$. Arya no$$e$ back- an$ in her bet Braavoi ai$- 2#o. many year have
!ou61
7he .ai, ho.e$ ten ,inger. 7hen ten again- an$ yet again. 7hen i:. #er ,ace remaine$ a
mooth a ti"" .ater. She can/t be si8(and(thirt!, Arya tho/ght. She/s a little girl+ 2Eo/4re
"ying-1 he ai$. 7he .ai, hook her hea$ an$ ho.e$ her once again' ten an$ ten an$ ten an$
i:. She ai$ the .or$ ,or i:(an$(thirty- an$ ma$e Arya ay them too.
7he ne:t $ay he to"$ the kin$"y man .hat the .ai, ha$ c"aime$. 2She $i$ not "ie-1 the priet
ai$- ch/ck"ing. 27he one yo/ ca"" waif i a .oman gro.n .ho ha pent her "i,e erving #im o,
Many +ace. She gave #im a"" he .a- a"" he ever might have been- a"" the "ive that .ere
.ithin her.1
Arya bit her "ip. 23i"" & be "ike her61
2No-1 he ai$- 2not /n"e yo/ .ih it. &t i the poion that have ma$e her a yo/ ee her.1
$oisons+ She /n$ertoo$ then. Cvery evening a,ter prayer the .ai, emptie$ a tone ,"agon into
the .ater o, the b"ack poo".
7he .ai, an$ kin$"y man .ere not the on"y ervant o, the Many(+ace$ Go$. +rom time to
time other .o/"$ viit the #o/e o, B"ack an$ 3hite. 7he ,at ,e""o. ha$ ,ierce b"ack eye- a
hook noe- an$ a .i$e mo/th ,/"" o, ye""o. teeth. 7he tern ,ace never mi"e$I hi eye .ere
pa"e- hi "ip ,/"" an$ $ark. 7he han$ome man ha$ a bear$ o, a $i,,erent co"or every time he
a. him- an$ a $i,,erent noe- b/t he .a never "e than come"y. 7hoe three came mot o,ten-
b/t there .ere other' the A/inter- the "or$"ing- the tarve$ man. Hne time the ,at ,e""o. an$ the
A/inter came together. Fmma ent Arya to po/r ,or them. 23hen yo/ are not po/ring- yo/ m/t
tan$ a ti"" a i, yo/ ha$ been carve$ o, tone-1 the kin$"y man to"$ her. 2Can yo/ $o that61
2Ee.1 Before !ou can learn to moe !ou must learn to be still, Syrio +ore" ha$ ta/ght her
"ong ago at >ing4 ?an$ing- an$ he ha$. She ha$ erve$ a Rooe Bo"ton4 c/pbearer at
#arrenha"- an$ he .o/"$ ,"ay yo/ i, yo/ pi""e$ hi .ine.
2Goo$-1 the kin$"y man ai$. 2&t .o/"$ be bet i, yo/ .ere b"in$ an$ $ea, a .e"". Eo/ may
hear thing- b/t yo/ m/t "et them pa in one ear an$ o/t the other. 5o not "iten.1
Arya hear$ m/ch an$ more that night- b/t a"mot a"" o, it .a in the tong/e o, Braavo- an$
he har$"y /n$ertoo$ one .or$ in ten. Still as stone, he to"$ here",. 7he har$et part .a
tr/gg"ing not to ya.n. Be,ore the night .a $one- her .it .ere .an$ering. Stan$ing there .ith
the ,"agon in her han$- he $reame$ he .a a .o",- r/nning ,ree thro/gh a moon"it ,oret .ith a
great pack ho."ing at her hee".
2Are the other men a"" priet61 he ake$ the kin$"y man the ne:t morning. 23ere thoe their
rea" ,ace61
23hat $o yo/ think- chi"$61
She tho/ght no+ 2& !aAen #4ghar a priet too6 5o yo/ kno. i, !aAen .i"" be coming back to
Braavo61
23ho61 he ai$- a"" innocence.
2!aAen 7/ghar+ #e gave me the iron coin.1
2& kno. no one by thi name- chi"$.1
2& ake$ him ho. he change$ hi ,ace- an$ he ai$ it .a no har$er than taking a ne. name- i,
yo/ kne. the .ay.1
25i$ he61
23i"" yo/ ho. me ho. to change my ,ace61
2&, yo/ .ih.1 #e c/ppe$ her chin in hi han$ an$ t/rne$ her hea$. 29/,, /p yo/r cheek an$
tick o/t yo/r tong/e.1
Arya p/,,e$ /p her cheek an$ t/ck o/t her tong/e.
27here. Eo/r ,ace i change$.1
27hat4 not ho. & meant. !aAen /e$ magic.1
2A"" orcery come at a cot- chi"$. Eear o, prayer an$ acri,ice an$ t/$y are reA/ire$ to
.ork a proper g"amor.1
4&ears65 he ai$- $imaye$.
2&, it .ere eay a"" men .o/"$ $o it. Eo/ m/t .a"k be,ore yo/ r/n. 3hy /e a pe""- .here
m/mmer4 trick .i"" erve61
2& $on4t kno. any m/mmer4 trick either.1
27hen practice making ,ace. Beneath yo/r kin are m/c"e. ?earn to /e them. &t i yo/r
,ace. Eo/r cheek- yo/r "ip- yo/r ear. Smi"e an$ co." ho/"$ not come /pon yo/ "ike /$$en
A/a"". A mi"e ho/"$ be a ervant- an$ come on"y .hen yo/ ca"" it. ?earn to rule yo/r ,ace.1
2Sho. me ho..1
29/,, /p yo/r cheek.1 She $i$. 2?i,t yo/r eyebro.. No- higher.1 She $i$ that too. 2Goo$.
See ho. "ong yo/ can ho"$ that. &t .i"" not be "ong. 7ry it again on the morro.. Eo/ .i"" ,in$ a
Myrih mirror in the va/"t. 7rain be,ore it ,or an ho/r every $ay. Cye- notri"- cheek- ear-
"ip- "earn to r/"e them a"".1 #e c/ppe$ her chin. 23ho are yo/61
2No one.1
2A "ie. A a$ "itt"e "ie- chi"$.1
She ,o/n$ the Myrih mirror the ne:t $ay- an$ every morn an$ every night he at be,ore it
.ith a can$"e on each i$e o, her- making ,ace. )ule !our face, he to"$ here",- and !ou can lie+
Soon therea,ter the kin$"y man comman$e$ her to he"p the other aco"yte prepare the corpe.
7he .ork .a not near a har$ a cr/bbing tep ,or 3eee. Sometime i, the corpe .a big or
,at he .o/"$ tr/gg"e .ith the .eight- b/t mot o, the $ea$ .ere o"$ $ry bone in .rink"e$
kin. Arya .o/"$ "ook at them a he .ahe$ them- .on$ering .hat bro/ght them to the b"ack
poo". She remembere$ a ta"e he ha$ hear$ ,rom H"$ Nan- abo/t ho. ometime $/ring a "ong
.inter men .ho4$ "ive$ beyon$ their year .o/"$ anno/nce that they .ere going h/nting. And
their daughters would weep and their sons would turn their faces to the fire, he co/"$ hear H"$
Nan aying- but no one would stop them, or ask what game the! meant to hunt, with the snows so
deep and the cold wind howling+ She .on$ere$ .hat the o"$ Braavoi to"$ their on an$
$a/ghter- be,ore they et o,, ,or the #o/e o, B"ack an$ 3hite.
7he moon t/rne$ an$ t/rne$ again- tho/gh Arya never a. it. She erve$- .ahe$ the $ea$-
ma$e ,ace at the mirror- "earne$ the Braavoi tong/e- an$ trie$ to remember that he .a no
one.
Hne $ay the kin$"y man ent ,or her. 2Eo/r accent i a horror-1 he ai$- 2b/t yo/ have eno/gh
.or$ to make yo/r .ant /n$ertoo$ a,ter a ,ahion. &t i time that yo/ "e,t / ,or a .hi"e. 7he
on"y .ay yo/ .i"" ever tr/"y mater o/r tong/e i i, yo/ peak it every $ay ,rom $a.n to $/k.
Eo/ m/t go.1
23hen61 he ake$ him. 23here61
2No.-1 he an.ere$. 2Beyon$ thee .a"" yo/ .i"" ,in$ the h/n$re$ i"e o, Braavo in the
ea. Eo/ have been ta/ght the .or$ ,or m/e"- cock"e- an$ c"am- have yo/ not61
2Ee.1 She repeate$ them- in her bet Braavoi.
#er bet Braavoi ma$e him mi"e. 2&t .i"" erve. A"ong the .harve be"o. the 5ro.ne$
7o.n yo/ .i"" ,in$ a ,ihmonger name$ Br/co- a goo$ man .ith a ba$ back. #e ha nee$ o, a
gir" to p/h hi barro. an$ e"" hi cock"e- c"am- an$ m/e" to the ai"or o,, the hip. Eo/
ha"" be that gir". 5o yo/ /n$ertan$61
2Ee.1
2An$ .hen Br/co ak- .ho are yo/61
2No one.1
2No. 7hat .i"" not erve- o/ti$e thi #o/e.1
She heitate$. 2& co/"$ be Sa"ty- ,rom Sa"tpan.1
2Sa"ty i kno.n to 7erneio 7ery an$ the men o, the #itan/s Daughter+ Eo/ are marke$ by
the .ay yo/ peak- o yo/ m/t be ome gir" o, 3etero8 b/t a $i,,erent gir"- & think.1
She bit her "ip. 2Co/"$ & be Cat61
2Cat.1 #e coni$ere$. 2Ee. Braavo i ,/"" o, cat. Hne more .i"" not be notice$. Eo/ are
Cat- an orphan o,81
2>ing4 ?an$ing.1 She ha$ viite$ 3hite #arbor .ith her ,ather t.ice- b/t he kne. >ing4
?an$ing better.
2!/t o. Eo/r ,ather .a oarmater on a ga""ey. 3hen yo/r mother $ie$- he took yo/ o,, to
ea .ith him. 7hen he $ie$ a .e""- an$ hi captain ha$ no /e ,or yo/- o he p/t yo/ o,, the hip
in Braavo. An$ .hat .a the name o, the hip61
42!meria,5 he ai$ at once.
7hat night he "e,t the #o/e o, B"ack an$ 3hite. A "ong iron kni,e ro$e on her right hip-
hi$$en by her c"oak- a patche$ an$ ,a$e$ thing o, the ort an orphan might .ear. #er hoe
pinche$ her toe an$ her t/nic .a o threa$bare that the .in$ c/t right thro/gh it. B/t Braavo
"ay be,ore her. 7he night air me""e$ o, moke an$ a"t an$ ,ih. 7he cana" .ere crooke$- the
a""ey crooke$er. Men gave her c/rio/ "ook a he .ent pat- an$ beggar chi"$ren ca""e$ o/t
.or$ he co/"$ not /n$ertan$. Be,ore "ong he .a comp"ete"y "ot.
2Ser Gregor-1 he chante$- a he croe$ a tone bri$ge /pporte$ by ,o/r arche. +rom the
center o, it pan he co/"$ ee the mat o, hip in the Ragman4 #arbor. 25/nen- Ra,, the
S.eet"ing- Ser &"yn- Ser Meryn- D/een Cerei.1 Rain began to ,a"". Arya t/rne$ her ,ace /p to "et
the rain$rop .ah her cheek- o happy he co/"$ $ance. 4.alar morghulis,5 he ai$- 2alar
morghulis, alar morghulis+5
Ala4ne
A the riing /n came treaming thro/gh the .in$o.- A"ayne at /p in be$ an$ tretche$.
Gretche" hear$ her tir an$ roe at once to ,etch her be$robe. 7he room ha$ gro.n chi""y $/ring
the night. It will be worse when winter has us in its grip, he tho/ght. Winter will make this place
as cold as an! tomb+ A"ayne "ippe$ into the robe an$ be"te$ it abo/t her .ait. 27he ,ire4
a"mot o/t-1 he oberve$. 29/t another "og on- i, yo/ .o/"$.1
2A my "a$y .ihe-1 the o"$ .oman ai$.
A"ayne4 apartment in the Mai$en4 7o.er .ere "arger an$ more "avih than the "itt"e
be$chamber .here he4$ been kept .hen ?a$y ?ya .a a"ive. She ha$ a $reing room an$ a
privy o, her o.n no.- an$ a ba"cony o, carve$ .hite tone that "ooke$ o,, acro the %a"e. 3hi"e
Gretche" .a ten$ing to the ,ire- A"ayne pa$$e$ bare,oot acro the room an$ "ippe$ o/ti$e.
7he tone .a co"$ beneath her ,eet- an$ the .in$ .a b"o.ing ,ierce"y- a it a".ay $i$ /p here-
b/t the vie. ma$e her ,orget a"" that ,or ha", a heartbeat. Mai$en4 .a the eaternmot o, the
Cyrie4 even "en$er to.er- o he ha$ the %a"e be,ore her- it ,oret an$ river an$ ,ie"$ a""
haGy in the morning "ight. 7he .ay the /n .a hitting the mo/ntain ma$e them "ook "ike o"i$
go"$.
So loel!+ 7he no.(c"a$ /mmit o, the Giant4 ?ance "oome$ above her- an immenity o,
tone an$ ice that $.ar,e$ the cat"e perche$ /pon it ho/"$er. &cic"e t.enty ,eet "ong $rape$
the "ip o, the precipice .here A"ya4 7ear ,e"" in /mmer. A ,a"con oare$ above the ,roGen
.ater,a""- b"/e .ing prea$ .i$e againt the morning ky. Would that I had wings as well+
She rete$ her han$ on the carve$ tone ba"/tra$e an$ ma$e here", peer over the e$ge. She
co/"$ ee Sky i: h/n$re$ ,eet be"o.- an$ the tone tep carve$ into the mo/ntain- the .in$ing
.ay that "e$ pat Sno. an$ Stone a"" the .ay $o.n to the va""ey ,"oor. She co/"$ ee the to.er
an$ keep o, the Gate o, the Moon- a ma"" a a chi"$4 toy. Aro/n$ the .a"" the hot o,
?or$ 5ec"arant .ere tirring- emerging ,rom their tent "ike ant ,rom an anthi"". If onl! the!
were trul! ants, he tho/ght- we could step on them and crush them+
Eo/ng ?or$ #/nter an$ hi "evie ha$ =oine$ the other t.o $ay pat. Netor Royce ha$
c"oe$ the Gate againt them- b/t he ha$ ,e.er than three h/n$re$ men in hi garrion. Cach o,
the ?or$ 5ec"arant ha$ bro/ght a tho/an$- an$ there .ere i: o, them. A"ayne kne. their
name a .e"" a her o.n. Bene$ar Be"more- ?or$ o, Strongong. Symon$ 7emp"eton- the
>night o, Ninetar. #orton Re$,ort- ?or$ o, Re$,ort. Anya 3ayn.oo$- ?a$y o, &ronoak.
Gi".oo$ #/nter- ca""e$ Eo/ng ?or$ #/nter by a"" an$ /n$ry- ?or$ o, ?ongbo. #a"". An$
Eohn Royce- mightiet o, them a""- the re$o/btab"e BronGe Eohn- ?or$ o, R/netone- Netor4
co/in an$ the chie, o, the enior branch o, #o/e Royce. 7he i: ha$ gathere$ at R/netone
a,ter ?ya Arryn4 ,a""- an$ there ma$e a pact together- vo.ing to $e,en$ ?or$ Robert- the %a"e-
an$ one another. 7heir $ec"aration ma$e no mention o, the ?or$ 9rotector- b/t poke o,
2mir/"e1 that m/t be en$e$- an$ o, 2,a"e ,rien$ an$ evi" co/ne"or1 a .e"".
A co"$ g/t o, .in$ b"e. /p her "eg. She .ent ini$e to chooe a go.n to break her ,at in.
9etyr ha$ given her hi "ate .i,e4 .ar$robe- a .ea"th o, i"k- atin- ve"vet- an$ ,/r ,ar
beyon$ anything he ha$ ever $reame$- tho/gh the great b/"k o, it .a ,ar too "arge ,or herI
?a$y ?ya ha$ gro.n very to/t $/ring her "ong /cceion o, pregnancie- ti""birth- an$
micarriage. A ,e. o, the o"$et go.n ha$ been ma$e ,or yo/ng ?ya 7/""y o, Riverr/n-
ho.ever- an$ other Gretche" ha$ been ab"e to a"ter to ,it A"ayne- .ho .a a"mot a "ong o, "eg
at three(an$(ten a her a/nt ha$ been at t.enty.
7hi morning her eye .a ca/ght by a parti(co"ore$ go.n o, 7/""y re$ an$ b"/e- "ine$ .ith
vair. Gretche" he"pe$ her "i$e her arm into the be""e$ "eeve an$ "ace$ her back- then br/he$
an$ pinne$ her hair. A"ayne ha$ $arkene$ it again "at night be,ore he .ent to be$. 7he .ah
her a/nt ha$ given her change$ her o.n rich a/b/rn into A"ayne4 b/rnt bro.n- b/t it .a
e"$om "ong be,ore the re$ began creeping back at the root. And what must I do when the d!e
runs out6 7he .ah ha$ come ,rom 7yroh- acro the narro. ea.
A he .ent $o.n to break her ,at- A"ayne .a tr/ck again by the ti""ne o, the Cyrie.
7here .a no A/ieter cat"e in a"" the Seven >ing$om. 7he ervant here .ere ,e. an$ o"$ an$
kept their voice $o.n o a not to e:cite the yo/ng "or$. 7here .ere no hore on the mo/ntain-
no ho/n$ to bark an$ gro."- no knight training in the yar$. Cven the ,oottep o, the g/ar$
eeme$ trange"y m/,,"e$ a they .a"ke$ the pa"e tone ha"". She co/"$ hear the .in$ moaning
an$ ighing ro/n$ the to.er- b/t that .a a"". 3hen he ha$ ,irt come to Cyrie- there ha$ been
the m/rm/r o, A"ya4 7ear a .e""- b/t the .ater,a"" .a ,roGen no.. Gretche" ai$ it .o/"$
tay i"ent ti"" the pring.
She ,o/n$ ?or$ Robert a"one in the Morning #a"" above the kitchen- p/hing a .oo$en
poon "it"e"y thro/gh a big bo." o, porri$ge an$ honey. 2& .ante$ egg-1 he comp"aine$ .hen
he a. her. 2& .ante$ three egg boi"e$ o,t- an$ ome back bacon.1
7hey ha$ no egg- no more than they ha$ bacon. 7he Cyrie4 granarie he"$ /,,icient oat
an$ corn an$ bar"ey to ,ee$ them ,or a year- b/t they $epen$e$ on a batar$ gir" name$ Mya
Stone to bring ,reh ,oo$t/,, /p ,rom the va""ey ,"oor. 3ith the ?or$ 5ec"arant encampe$ at
the ,oot o, the mo/ntain there .a no .ay ,or Mya to get thro/gh. ?or$ Be"more- ,irt o, the i:
to reach the Gate- ha$ ent a raven to te"" ?itt"e,inger that no more ,oo$ .o/"$ go /p to the
Cyrie /nti" he ent ?or$ Robert $o.n. &t .a not A/ite a iege- not a yet- b/t it .a the ne:t bet
thing.
2Eo/ can have egg .hen Mya come- a many a yo/ "ike-1 A"ayne promie$ the "itt"e
"or$"ing. 2She4"" bring egg an$ b/tter an$ me"on- a"" ort o, taty thing.1
7he boy .a /nappeae$. 2& .ante$ egg toda!+1
2S.eetrobin- there are no egg- yo/ kno. that. 9"eae- eat yo/r porri$ge- it4 very nice.1 She
ate a poon,/" o, her o.n.
Robert p/he$ hi poon acro the bo." an$ back- b/t never bro/ght it to hi "ip. 2& am not
h/ngry-1 he $eci$e$. 2& .ant to go back to be$. & never "ept "at night. & hear$ singing+ Maeter
Co"emon gave me $ream.ine b/t & co/"$ ti"" hear it.1
A"ayne p/t $o.n her poon. 2&, there ha$ been inging- & ho/"$ have hear$ it too. Eo/ ha$ a
ba$ $ream- that4 a"".1
2No- it wasn/t a $ream.1 7ear ,i""e$ hi eye. 2Mari""ion .a inging again. Eo/r ,ather ay
he4 $ea$- b/t he isn/t+1
2#e i.1 &t ,rightene$ her to hear him ta"k "ike thi. Bad enough that he is small and sickl!,
what if he is mad as well6 2S.eetrobin- he is+ Mari""ion "ove$ yo/r "a$y mother too m/ch an$
co/"$ not "ive .ith .hat he4$ $one to her- o he .a"ke$ into the ky.1 A"ayne ha$ not een the
bo$y- no more than Robert ha$- b/t he $i$ not $o/bt the ,act o, the inger4 $eath. 2#e4 gone-
tr/"y.1
2B/t & hear him every night. Cven .hen & c"oe the h/tter an$ p/t a pillow on my hea$.
Eo/r ,ather ho/"$ have c/t hi tong/e o/t. & told him to- b/t he .o/"$n4t.1
7e needed a tongue to confess+ 2Be a goo$ boy an$ eat yo/r porri$ge-1 A"ayne p"ea$e$.
29"eae6 +or me61
2& $on4t .ant porri$ge.1 Robert ,"/ng hi poon acro the ha"". &t bo/nce$ o,, a hanging
tapetry- an$ "e,t a mear o, porri$ge /pon a .hite i"k moon. 27he lord .ant eggs;1
27he "or$ ha"" eat porri$ge an$ be thank,/" ,or it-1 ai$ 9etyr4 voice- behin$ them.
A"ayne t/rne$- an$ a. him in the $oor.ay arch .ith Maeter Co"emon at hi i$e. 2Eo/
ho/"$ hee$ the ?or$ 9rotector- my "or$-1 the maeter ai$. 2Eo/r "or$4 bannermen are coming
/p the mo/ntain to pay yo/ homage- o yo/ .i"" nee$ a"" yo/r trength.1
Robert r/bbe$ at hi "e,t eye .ith a kn/ck"e. 2Sen$ them a.ay. & $on4t want them. &, they
come- &4"" make them ,"y.1
2Eo/ tempt me ore"y- my "or$- b/t & ,ear & promie$ them a,e con$/ct-1 ai$ 9etyr. 2&n any
cae- it i too "ate to t/rn them back. By no. they may have c"imbe$ a ,ar a Stone.1
23hy .on4t they "eave / be61 .ai"e$ A"ayne. 23e never $i$ them any harm. 3hat $o they
want o, /61
2!/t ?or$ Robert. #im- an$ the %a"e.1 9etyr mi"e$. 27here .i"" be eight o, them. ?or$
Netor i ho.ing them /p- an$ they have ?yn Corbray .ith them. Ser ?yn i not the ort o, man
to tay a.ay .hen b"oo$ i in the o,,ing.1
#i .or$ $i$ "itt"e to oothe her ,ear. ?yn Corbray ha$ "ain a"mot a many men in $/e" a
he ha$ in batt"e. #e ha$ .on hi p/r $/ring Robert4 Rebe""ion- he kne.- ,ighting ,irt againt
?or$ !on Arryn at the gate o, G/""to.n- an$ "ater beneath hi banner on the 7ri$ent- .here he
ha$ c/t $o.n 9rince ?e.yn o, 5orne- a .hite knight o, the >ingg/ar$. 9etyr ai$ that 9rince
?e.yn ha$ been ore"y .o/n$e$ by the time the ti$e o, batt"e .ept him to hi ,ina" $ance .ith
?a$y +or"orn- b/t a$$e$- 27hat4 not a point yo/4"" .ant to raie .ith Corbray- tho/gh. 7hoe
.ho $o are oon given the chance to ak Marte"" hime", the tr/th o, it- $o.n in the ha"" o, he"".1
&, even ha", o, .hat he ha$ hear$ ,rom ?or$ Robert4 g/ar$ .a tr/e- ?yn Corbray .a more
$angero/ than a"" i: o, the ?or$ 5ec"arant p/t together. 23hy i he coming61 he ake$. 2&
tho/ght the Corbray .ere ,or yo/.1
2?or$ ?yone" Corbray i .e"" $ipoe$ to.ar$ my r/"e-1 ai$ 9etyr- 2b/t hi brother goe hi
o.n .ay. Hn the 7ri$ent- .hen their ,ather ,e"" .o/n$e$- it .a ?yn .ho natche$ /p ?a$y
+or"orn an$ "e. the man .ho4$ c/t him $o.n. 3hi"t ?yone" .a carrying the o"$ man back to
the maeter in the rear- ?yn "e$ hi charge againt the 5ornihmen threatening Robert4 "e,t-
broke their "ine to piece- an$ "e. ?e.yn Marte"". So .hen o"$ ?or$ Corbray $ie$- he
beto.e$ the ?a$y /pon hi yo/nger on. ?yone" got hi "an$- hi tit"e- hi cat"e- an$ a"" hi
coin- yet ti"" ,ee" he .a cheate$ o, hi birthright- .hi"t Ser ?yn8 .e""- he "ove ?yone" a
m/ch a he "ove me. #e .ante$ ?ya4 han$ ,or hime",.1
2& $on4t "ike Ser ?yn-1 Robert inite$. 2& .on4t have him here. Eo/ en$ him back $o.n. &
never ai$ that he co/"$ come. Not here+ 7he Cyrie i impregnab"e- Mother ai$.1
2Eo/r mother i $ea$- my "or$. Fnti" yo/r i:teenth name $ay- I r/"e the Cyrie.1 9etyr t/rne$
to the toop(backe$ erving .oman hovering near the kitchen tep. 2Me"a- ,etch hi "or$hip a
ne. poon. #e .ant to eat hi porri$ge.1
2& $o not0 ?et my porri$ge fl!01 7hi time Robert ,"/ng the bo."- porri$ge an$ honey an$ a"".
9etyr Bae"ih $/cke$ ai$e nimb"y- b/t Maeter Co"emon .a not o A/ick. 7he .oo$en bo."
ca/ght him A/are in the chet- an$ it content e:p"o$e$ /p.ar$ over hi ,ace an$ ho/"$er. #e
ye"pe$ in a mot /nmaeter"ike ,ahion- .hi"e A"ayne t/rne$ to oothe the "itt"e "or$"ing- b/t too
"ate. 7he ,it .a on him. A pitcher o, mi"k .ent ,"ying a hi han$ ca/ght it- ,"ai"ing. 3hen he
trie$ to rie he knocke$ hi chair back.ar$ an$ ,e"" on top o, it. Hne ,oot ca/ght A"ayne in the
be""y- o har$ it knocke$ the .in$ ,rom her. 2Hh- go$ be goo$-1 he hear$ 9etyr ay- $ig/te$.
G"ob o, porri$ge $otte$ Maeter Co"emon4 ,ace an$ hair a he kne"t over hi charge-
m/rm/ring oothing .or$. Hne gobbet crept "o."y $o.n hi right cheek- "ike a "/mpy grey(
bro.n tear. It is not so bad a spell as the last one, A"ayne tho/ght- trying to be hope,/". By the
time the haking toppe$- t.o g/ar$ in ky(b"/e c"oak an$ i"very mai" hirt ha$ come at
9etyr4 /mmon. 27ake him back to be$ an$ "eech him-1 the ?or$ 9rotector ai$- an$ the ta""er
g/ar$man coope$ the boy /p in hi arm. I could carr! him m!self, A"ayne tho/ght. 7e is no
heaier than a doll+
Co"emon "ingere$ a moment be,ore ,o""o.ing. 2My "or$- thi par"ey might bet be "e,t ,or
another $ay. #i "or$hip4 pe"" have gro.n .ore ince ?a$y ?ya4 $eath. More ,reA/ent an$
more vio"ent. & b"ee$ the chi"$ a o,ten a & $are- an$ mi: him $ream.ine an$ mi"k o, the poppy
to he"p him "eep- b/t81
2#e "eep t.e"ve ho/r a $ay-1 9etyr ai$. 2& reA/ire him a.ake ,rom time to time.1
7he maeter combe$ hi ,inger thro/gh hi hair- $ribb"ing g"ob o, porri$ge on the ,"oor.
2?a$y ?ya .o/"$ give hi "or$hip her breat .henever he gre. over.ro/ght. Archmaeter
Cbroe c"aim that mother4 mi"k ha many heath,/" propertie.1
2& that yo/r co/ne"- maeter6 7hat .e ,in$ a .et n/re ,or the ?or$ o, the Cyrie an$
5e,en$er o, the %a"e6 3hen ha"" .e .ean him- on hi .e$$ing $ay6 7hat .ay he can move
$irect"y ,rom hi n/re4 nipp"e to hi .i,e4.1 ?or$ 9etyr4 "a/gh ma$e it p"ain .hat he tho/ght
o, that. 2No- & think not. & /gget yo/ ,in$ another .ay. 7he boy i ,on$ o, .eet- i he not61
2S.eet61 ai$ Co"emon.
2S.eet. Cake an$ pie- =am an$ =e""ie- honey on the comb. 9erhap a pinch o, .eet"eep
in hi mi"k- have yo/ trie$ that6 !/t a pinch- to ca"m him an$ top hi .retche$ haking.1
2A pinch61 7he app"e in the maeter4 throat move$ /p an$ $o.n a he .a""o.e$. 2Hne
ma"" pinch8 perhap- perhap. Not too m/ch- an$ not too o,ten- ye- & might try81
2A pinch-1 ?or$ 9etyr ai$- 2be,ore yo/ bring him ,orth to meet the "or$.1
2A yo/ comman$- my "or$.1 7he maeter h/rrie$ o/t- hi chain c"inking o,t"y .ith every
tep.
2+ather-1 A"ayne ake$ .hen he .a gone- 2.i"" yo/ have a bo." o, porri$ge to break yo/r
,at61
2& $epie porri$ge.1 #e "ooke$ at her .ith ?itt"e,inger4 eye. 2&4$ ooner break my ,at .ith
a ki.1
A tr/e $a/ghter .o/"$ not re,/e her ire a ki- o A"ayne .ent to him an$ kie$ him- a
A/ick $ry peck /pon the cheek- an$ =/t a A/ick"y teppe$ a.ay.
2#o.8 $/ti,/".1 ?itt"e,inger mi"e$ .ith hi mo/th- b/t not hi eye. 23e""- & have other
$/tie ,or yo/- a it happen. 7e"" the cook to m/"" ome re$ .ine .ith honey an$ raiin. H/r
g/et .i"" be co"$ an$ thirty a,ter their "ong c"imb. Eo/ are to meet them .hen they arrive- an$
o,,er them re,rehment. 3ine- brea$- an$ cheee. 3hat ort o, cheee i "e,t to /61
27he harp .hite an$ the tinky b"/e.1
27he .hite. An$ yo/4$ bet change a .e"".1
A"ayne "ooke$ $o.n at her $re- the $eep b"/e an$ rich $ark re$ o, Riverr/n. 2& it too@1
2&t i too #ull!+ 7he ?or$ 5ec"arant .i"" not be p"eae$ by the ight o, my batar$ $a/ghter
prancing abo/t in my $ea$ .i,e4 c"othe. Chooe omething e"e. Nee$ & remin$ yo/ to avoi$
ky b"/e an$ cream61
2No.1 Sky b"/e an$ cream .ere the co"or o, #o/e Arryn. 2Cight- yo/ ai$8 BronGe Eohn
i one o, them61
27he on"y one .ho matter.1
2BronGe Eohn knows me-1 he remin$e$ him. 2#e .a a g/et at 3inter,e"" .hen hi on
ro$e north to take the b"ack.1 She ha$ ,a""en .i"$"y in "ove .ith Ser 3aymar- he remembere$
$im"y- b/t that .a a "i,etime ago- .hen he .a a t/pi$ "itt"e gir". 2An$ that .a not the on"y
time. ?or$ Royce a.8 he a. Sana Stark again at >ing4 ?an$ing- $/ring the #an$4
to/rney.1
9etyr p/t a ,inger /n$er her chin. 27hat Royce g"impe$ thi pretty ,ace & $o not $o/bt- b/t it
.a one ,ace in a tho/an$. A man ,ighting in a to/rney ha more to concern him than ome
chi"$ in the cro.$. An$ at 3inter,e""- Sana .a a "itt"e gir" .ith a/b/rn hair. My $a/ghter i a
mai$en ta"" an$ ,air- an$ her hair i chetn/t. Men ee .hat they e:pect to ee- A"ayne.1 #e
kie$ her noe. 2#ave Ma$$y "ay a ,ire in the o"ar. & ha"" receive o/r ?or$ 5ec"arant there.1
2Not the #igh #a""61
2No. Go$ ,orbi$ they g"impe me near the high eat o, the Arryn- they might think that &
mean to it in it. Cheek born o "o. a mine m/t never apire to /ch "o,ty c/hion.1
27he o"ar.1 She ho/"$ have toppe$ .ith that- b/t the .or$ came t/mb"ing o/t o, her. 2&,
yo/ gave them Robert81
28an$ the %a"e61
27hey hae the %a"e.1
2Hh- m/ch o, it- that4 tr/e. Not a""- ho.ever. & am .e"" "ove$ in G/""to.n- an$ have ome
"or$"y ,rien$ o, mine o.n a .e"". Gra,ton- ?yn$er"y- ?yone" Corbray8 tho/gh &4"" grant yo/-
they are no match ,or the ?or$ 5ec"arant. Sti""- .here .o/"$ yo/ have / go- A"ayne6 Back to
my mighty trongho"$ on the +inger61
She ha$ tho/ght abo/t that. 2!o,,rey gave yo/ #arrenha". Eo/ are "or$ in yo/r o.n right
there.1
2By tit"e. & nee$e$ a great eat to marry ?ya- an$ the ?anniter .ere not abo/t to grant me
Cater"y Rock.1
2Ee- b/t the cat"e i !ours+1
2Ah- an$ .hat a cat"e it i. Caverno/ ha"" an$ r/ine$ to.er- ghot an$ $ra/ght- r/ino/
to heat- impoib"e to garrion8 an$ there4 that ma"" matter o, a c/re.1
2C/re are on"y in ong an$ torie.1
7hat eeme$ to am/e him. 2#a omeone ma$e a ong abo/t Gregor C"egane $ying o, a
poione$ pear thr/t6 Hr abo/t the e"".or$ be,ore him- .hoe "imb Ser Gregor remove$ a
=oint at a time6 7hat one took the cat"e ,rom Ser Amory ?orch- .ho receive$ it ,rom ?or$
7y.in. A bear ki""e$ one- yo/r $.ar, the other. ?a$y 3hent4 $ie$ a .e""- & hear. ?othton-
Strong- #arro.ay- Strong8 #arrenha" ha .ithere$ every han$ to to/ch it.1
27hen give it to ?or$ +rey.1
9etyr "a/ghe$. 29erhap & ha"". Hr better ti""- to o/r .eet Cerei. 7ho/gh & ho/"$ not peak
harh"y o, her- he i en$ing me ome p"en$i$ tapetrie. &n4t that kin$ o, her61
7he mention o, the A/een4 name ma$e her ti,,en. 2She4 not kin$. She care me. &, he
ho/"$ "earn .here & am@1
2@& might have to remove her ,rom the game ooner than &4$ p"anne$. 9rovi$e$ he $oe not
remove here", ,irt.1 9etyr teae$ her .ith a "itt"e mi"e. 2&n the game o, throne- even the
h/mb"et piece can have .i"" o, their o.n. Sometime they re,/e to make the move yo/4ve
p"anne$ ,or them. Mark that .e""- A"ayne. &t4 a "eon that Cerei ?anniter ti"" ha yet to "earn.
No.- $on4t yo/ have ome $/tie to per,orm61
She $i$ in$ee$. She a. to the m/""ing o, the .ine ,irt- ,o/n$ a /itab"e .hee" o, harp .hite
cheee- an$ comman$e$ the cook to bake brea$ eno/gh ,or t.enty- in cae the ?or$ 5ec"arant
bro/ght more men than e:pecte$. Once the! eat our bread and salt the! are our guests and
cannot harm us+ 7he +rey ha$ broken a"" the "a. o, hopita"ity .hen they4$ m/r$ere$ her "a$y
mother an$ her brother at the 7.in- b/t he co/"$ not be"ieve that a "or$ a nob"e a Eohn
Royce .o/"$ ever toop to $o the ame.
7he o"ar ne:t. &t ,"oor .a covere$ by a Myrih carpet- o there .a no nee$ to "ay $o.n
r/he. A"ayne ake$ t.o erving men to erect the tret"e tab"e an$ bring /p eight o, the heavy
oak(an$("eather chair. +or a ,eat he .o/"$ have p"ace$ one at the hea$ o, the tab"e- one at the
,oot- an$ three a"ong each i$e- b/t thi .a no ,eat. She ha$ the men arrange i: chair on one
i$e o, the tab"e- t.o on the other. By no. the ?or$ 5ec"arant might have c"imbe$ a ,ar a
Sno.. &t took mot o, a $ay to make the c"imb- even on m/"eback. A,oot- mot men took evera"
$ay.
&t might be that the "or$ .o/"$ ta"k "ate into the night. 7hey .o/"$ nee$ ,reh can$"e. A,ter
Ma$$y "ai$ the ,ire- he ent her $o.n to ,in$ the cente$ bee.a: can$"e ?or$ 3a:"ey ha$
given ?a$y ?ya .hen he o/ght to .in her han$. 7hen he viite$ the kitchen once again- to
make certain o, the .ine an$ brea$. A"" eeme$ .e"" in han$- an$ there .a ti"" time eno/gh ,or
her to bathe an$ .ah her hair an$ change.
7here .a a go.n o, p/rp"e i"k that gave her pa/e- an$ another o, $ark b"/e ve"vet "ahe$
.ith i"ver that .o/"$ have .oken a"" the co"or in her eye- b/t in the en$ he remembere$ that
A"ayne .a a,ter a"" a batar$- an$ m/t not pre/me to $re above her tation. 7he $re he
picke$ .a "amb.oo"- $ark bro.n an$ imp"y c/t- .ith "eave an$ vine embroi$ere$ aro/n$
the bo$ice- "eeve- an$ hem in go"$en threa$. &t .a mo$et an$ becoming- tho/gh carce richer
than omething a erving gir" might .ear. 9etyr ha$ given her a"" o, ?a$y ?ya4 =e.e" a .e""-
an$ he trie$ on evera" neck"ace- b/t they a"" eeme$ otentatio/. &n the en$ he choe a
imp"e ve"vet ribbon in a/t/mn go"$. 3hen Gretche" ,etche$ her ?ya4 i"vere$ "ooking g"a-
the co"or eeme$ =/t per,ect .ith A"ayne4 ma o, $ark bro.n hair. "ord )o!ce will neer
know me, he tho/ght. Wh!, I hardl! know m!self+
+ee"ing near a bo"$ a 9etyr Bae"ih- A"ayne Stone $onne$ her mi"e an$ .ent $o.n to meet
their g/et.
7he Cyrie .a the on"y cat"e in the Seven >ing$om .here the main entrance .a
/n$erneath the $/ngeon. Steep tone tep crept /p the mo/ntaini$e pat the .aycat"e Stone
an$ Sno.- b/t they came to an en$ at Sky. 7he ,ina" i: h/n$re$ ,eet o, the acent .ere vertica"-
,orcing .o/"$(be viitor to $imo/nt their m/"e an$ make a choice. 7hey co/"$ ri$e the
.aying .oo$en baket that .a /e$ to "i,t /pp"ie- or c"amber /p a rocky chimney /ing
han$ho"$ carve$ into the rock.
?or$ Re$,ort an$ ?a$y 3ayn.oo$- the mot e"$er"y o, the ?or$ 5ec"arant- choe to be
$ra.n /p by the .inch- a,ter .hich the baket .a "o.ere$ once more ,or ,at ?or$ Be"more. 7he
other "or$ ma$e the c"imb. A"ayne met them in the Crecent Chamber bei$e a .arming ,ire-
.here he .e"come$ them in ?or$ Robert4 name an$ erve$ them brea$ an$ cheee an$ c/p o,
hot m/""e$ .ine in i"ver c/p.
9etyr ha$ given her a ro"" o, arm to t/$y- o he kne. their hera"$ry i, not their ,ace. 7he
re$ cat"e .a Re$,ort- p"ain"yI a hort man .ith a neat grey bear$ an$ mi"$ eye. ?a$y Anya
.a the on"y .oman amongt the ?or$ 5ec"arant- an$ .ore a $eep green mant"e .ith the
broken .hee" o, 3ayn.oo$ picke$ o/t in bea$ o, =et. Si: i"ver be"" on p/rp"e- that .a
Be"more- pear(be""ie$ an$ ro/n$ o, ho/"$er. #i bear$ .a a ginger(grey horror pro/ting ,rom
a m/"tip"icity o, chin. Symon$ 7emp"eton4- by contrat- .a b"ack an$ harp"y pointe$. A beak
o, a noe an$ icy b"/e eye ma$e the >night o, Ninetar "ook "ike ome e"egant bir$ o, prey. #i
$o/b"et $ip"aye$ nine b"ack tar .ithin a go"$en a"tire. Eo/ng ?or$ #/nter4 ermine c"oak
con,/e$ her ti"" he pie$ the brooch that pinne$ it- ,ive i"ver arro. ,anne$. A"ayne .o/"$
have p/t hi age c"oer to ,i,ty than to ,orty. #i ,ather ha$ r/"e$ at ?ongbo. #a"" ,or nigh on
i:ty year- on"y to $ie o abr/pt"y that ome .hipere$ the ne. "or$ ha$ hatene$ hi
inheritance. #/nter4 cheek an$ noe .ere re$ a app"e- .hich bepoke a certain ,on$ne ,or
the grape. She ma$e certain to ,i"" hi c/p a o,ten a he emptie$ it.
7he yo/nget man in the party ha$ three raven on hi chet- each c"/tching a b"oo$(re$ heart
in it ta"on. #i bro.n hair .a ho/"$er "engthI one tray "ock c/r"e$ $o.n acro hi ,orehea$.
Ser "!n %orbra!, A"ayne tho/ght- .ith a .ary g"ance at hi har$ mo/th an$ ret"e eye.
?at o, a"" came the Royce- ?or$ Netor an$ BronGe Eohn. 7he ?or$ o, R/netone too$ a
ta"" a the #o/n$. 7ho/gh hi hair .a grey an$ hi ,ace "ine$- ?or$ Eohn ti"" "ooke$ a tho/gh
he co/"$ break mot yo/nger men "ike t.ig in thoe h/ge gnar"e$ han$. #i eame$ an$
o"emn ,ace bro/ght back a"" o, Sana4 memorie o, hi time at 3inter,e"". She remembere$
him at tab"e- peaking A/iet"y .ith her mother. She hear$ hi voice booming o,, the .a"" .hen
he ro$e back ,rom a h/nt .ith a b/ck behin$ hi a$$"e. She co/"$ ee him in the yar$- a practice
.or$ in han$- hammering her ,ather to the gro/n$ an$ t/rning to $e,eat Ser Ro$rik a .e"". 7e
will know me+ 7ow could he not6 She coni$ere$ thro.ing here", at hi ,eet to beg ,or hi
protection. 7e neer fought for )obb, wh! should he fight for me6 #he war is finished and
Winterfell is fallen+ 2?or$ Royce-1 he ake$ timi$"y- 2.i"" yo/ have a c/p o, .ine- to take the
chi"" o,,61
BronGe Eohn ha$ "ate(grey eye- ha",(hi$$en beneath the b/hiet eyebro. he ha$ ever
een. 7hey crink"e$ .hen he "ooke$ $o.n at her. 25o & kno. yo/- gir"61
A"ayne ,e"t a tho/gh he ha$ .a""o.e$ her tong/e- b/t ?or$ Netor rec/e$ her. 2A"ayne i
the ?or$ 9rotector4 nat/ra" $a/ghter-1 he to"$ hi co/in gr/,,"y.
2?itt"e,inger4 "itt"e ,inger ha been b/y-1 ai$ ?yn Corbray- .ith a .icke$ mi"e. Be"more
"a/ghe$- an$ A"ayne co/"$ ,ee" the co"or riing in her cheek.
2#o. o"$ are yo/- chi"$61 ake$ ?a$y 3ayn.oo$.
2+o/r(,o/rteen- my "a$y.1 +or a moment he ,orgot ho. o"$ A"ayne ho/"$ be. 2An$ & am no
chi"$- b/t a mai$en ,"o.ere$.1
2B/t not de,"o.ere$- one can hope.1 Eo/ng ?or$ #/nter4 b/hy m/tache hi$ hi mo/th
entire"y.
2Eet-1 ai$ ?yn Corbray- a i, he .ere not there. 2B/t ripe ,or p"/cking oon- &4$ ay.1
2& that .hat pae ,or co/rtey at #eart4 #ome61 Anya 3ayn.oo$4 hair .a greying an$
he ha$ cro.4(,eet aro/n$ her eye an$ "ooe kin beneath her chin- b/t there .a no mitaking
the air o, nobi"ity abo/t her. 27he gir" i yo/ng an$ gent"y bre$- an$ ha /,,ere$ eno/gh horror.
Min$ yo/r tong/e- er.1
2My tong/e i my concern-1 Corbray rep"ie$. 2Eo/r "a$yhip ho/"$ take care to min$ her
o.n. & have never taken kin$"y to chatiement- a any n/mber o, $ea$ men co/"$ te"" yo/.1
?a$y 3ayn.oo$ t/rne$ a.ay ,rom him. 2Bet take / to yo/r ,ather- A"ayne. 7he ooner .e
are $one .ith thi- the better.1
27he ?or$ 9rotector a.ait yo/ in the o"ar. &, my "or$ .o/"$ ,o""o. me.1 +rom the Crecent
Chamber they c"imbe$ a teep ,"ight o, marb"e tep that bypae$ both /n$ercro,t an$
$/ngeon an$ pae$ beneath three m/r$er ho"e- .hich the ?or$ 5ec"arant preten$e$ not to
notice. Be"more .a oon p/,,ing "ike a be""o.- an$ Re$,ort4 ,ace t/rne$ a grey a hi hair.
7he g/ar$ atop the tair raie$ the portc/""i at their coming. 27hi .ay- i, it p"eae my "or$.1
A"ayne "e$ them $o.n the arca$e pat a $oGen p"en$i$ tapetrie. Ser ?othor Br/ne too$
o/ti$e the o"ar. #e opene$ the $oor ,or them an$ ,o""o.e$ them ini$e.
9etyr .a eate$ at the tret"e tab"e .ith a c/p o, .ine to han$- "ooking over a crip .hite
parchment. #e g"ance$ /p a the ?or$ 5ec"arant ,i"e$ in. 2My "or$- be .e"come. An$ yo/ a
.e""- my "a$y. 7he acent i .eariome- & kno.. 9"eae be eate$. A"ayne- my .eet- more .ine
,or o/r nob"e g/et.1
2A yo/ ay- +ather.1 7he can$"e ha$ been "ighte$- he .a p"eae$ to eeI the o"ar me""e$
o, n/tmeg an$ other cot"y pice. She .ent to ,etch the ,"agon .hi"t the viitor arrange$
theme"ve i$e by i$e8 a"" ave Netor Royce- .ho heitate$ be,ore .a"king aro/n$ the tab"e
to take the empty chair bei$e ?or$ 9etyr- an$ ?yn Corbray- .ho .ent to tan$ bei$e the hearth
intea$. 7he heart(hape$ r/by in the pomme" o, hi .or$ hone re$"y a he .arme$ hi han$.
A"ayne a. him mi"e at Ser ?othor Br/ne. Ser "!n is er! handsome, for an older man, he
tho/ght- but I do not like the wa! he smiles+
2& have been rea$ing thi remarkab"e $ec"aration o, yo/r-1 9etyr began. 2Sp"en$i$. 3hatever
maeter .rote thi ha a gi,t ,or .or$. & on"y .ih yo/ ha$ invite$ me to ign a .e"".1
7hat took them /na.are. 2Eo/61 ai$ Be"more. 2Sign61
2& .ie"$ a A/i"" a .e"" a any man- an$ no one "ove ?or$ Robert more than & $o. A ,or thee
,a"e ,rien$ an$ evi" co/ne"or- by a"" mean "et / root them o/t. My "or$- & am .ith yo/-
heart an$ han$. Sho. me .here to ign- & beg yo/.1
A"ayne- po/ring- hear$ ?yn Corbray ch/ck"e. 7he other eeme$ at a "o ti"" BronGe Eohn
Royce cracke$ hi kn/ck"e- an$ ai$- 23e $i$ not come ,or yo/r ignat/re. Nor $o .e mean to
ban$y .or$ .ith yo/- ?itt"e,inger.1
23hat a pity. & $o o "ove a nice"y ban$ie$ .or$.1 9etyr et the parchment to one i$e. 2A
yo/ .ih. ?et / be b"/nt. 3hat .o/"$ yo/ have o, me- my "or$ an$ "a$y61
23e .i"" have na/ght o, yo/.1 Symon$ 7emp"eton ,i:e$ the ?or$ 9rotector .ith hi co"$ b"/e
tare. 23e .i"" have yo/ gone.1
2Gone61 9etyr ,eigne$ /rprie. 23here .o/"$ & go61
27he cro.n ha ma$e yo/ ?or$ o, #arrenha"-1 Eo/ng ?or$ #/nter pointe$ o/t. 27hat ho/"$
be eno/gh ,or any man.1
27he river"an$ have nee$ o, a "or$-1 o"$ #orton Re$,ort ai$. 2Riverr/n tan$ beiege$-
Bracken an$ B"ack.oo$ are at open .ar- an$ o/t"a. roam ,ree"y on both i$e o, the 7ri$ent-
tea"ing an$ ki""ing a they .i"". Fnb/rie$ corpe "itter the "an$cape every.here yo/ go.1
2Eo/ make it o/n$ o .on$er,/""y attractive- ?or$ Re$,ort-1 9etyr an.ere$- 2b/t a it
happen & have preing $/tie here. An$ there i ?or$ Robert to coni$er. 3o/"$ yo/ have me
$rag a ick"y chi"$ into the mi$t o, /ch carnage61
2#i "or$hip .i"" remain in the %a"e-1 $ec"are$ Eohn Royce. 2& mean to take the boy .ith me
to R/netone- an$ raie him /p to be a knight that !on Arryn .o/"$ be pro/$ o,.1
23hy R/netone61 9etyr m/e$. 23hy not &ronoak or the Re$,ort6 3hy not ?ongbo.
#a""61
2Any o, thee .o/"$ erve a .e""-1 $ec"are$ ?or$ Be"more- 2an$ hi "or$hip .i"" viit each
in t/rn- in $/e time.1
23i"" he61 9etyr4 tone eeme$ to hint at $o/bt.
?a$y 3ayn.oo$ ighe$. 2?or$ 9etyr- i, yo/ think to et / one againt the other- yo/ may
pare yo/re", the e,,ort. 3e peak .ith one voice here. R/netone /it / a"". ?or$ Eohn raie$
three ,ine on o, hi o.n- there i no man more ,it to ,oter hi yo/ng "or$hip. Maeter
#e""i.eg i a goo$ $ea" o"$er an$ more e:perience$ than yo/r o.n Maeter Co"emon- an$ better
/ite$ to treat ?or$ Robert4 ,rai"tie. &n R/netone the boy .i"" "earn the art o, .ar ,rom Strong
Sam Stone. No man co/"$ hope ,or a ,iner mater(at(arm. Septon ?/co .i"" intr/ct him in
matter o, the pirit. At R/netone he .i"" a"o ,in$ other boy hi o.n age- more /itab"e
companion than the o"$ .omen an$ e"".or$ that preent"y /rro/n$ him.1
9etyr Bae"ih ,ingere$ hi bear$. 2#i "or$hip nee$ companion- & $o not $iagree. A"ayne i
har$"y an o"$ .oman- tho/gh. ?or$ Robert "ove my $a/ghter $ear"y- he .i"" be g"a$ to te"" yo/
o hime",. An$ a it happen- & have ake$ ?or$ Gra,ton an$ ?or$ ?yn$er"y to en$ me each a
on to .ar$. Cach o, them ha a boy o, an age .ith Robert.1
?yn Corbray "a/ghe$. 27.o p/p ,rom a pair o, "ap$og.1
2Robert ho/"$ have an o"$er boy abo/t him too. A promiing yo/ng A/ire- ay. Someone he
co/"$ a$mire an$ try to em/"ate.1 9etyr t/rne$ to ?a$y 3ayn.oo$. 2Eo/ have /ch a boy at
&ronoak- my "a$y. 9erhap yo/ might agree to en$ me #arro"$ #ar$yng.1
Anya 3ayn.oo$ eeme$ am/e$. 2?or$ 9etyr- yo/ are a bo"$ a thie, a &4$ ever care to
meet.1
2& $o not .ih to tea" the boy-1 ai$ 9etyr- 2b/t he an$ ?or$ Robert ho/"$ be ,rien$.1
BronGe Eohn Royce "eane$ ,or.ar$. 2&t i meet an$ proper that ?or$ Robert ho/"$ be,rien$
yo/ng #arry- an$ he ha""8 at R/netone- /n$er my care- a my .ar$ an$ A/ire.1
2Give / the boy-1 ai$ ?or$ Be"more- 2an$ yo/ may $epart the %a"e /nmo"ete$ ,or yo/r
proper eat at #arrenha".1
9etyr gave him a "ook o, mi"$ reproach. 2Are yo/ /ggeting that e"e.ie & might come to
harm- my "or$6 & cannot think .hy. My "ate .i,e eeme$ to think this .a my proper eat.1
2?or$ Bae"ih-1 ?a$y 3ayn.oo$ ai$- 2?ya 7/""y .a !on Arryn4 .i$o. an$ the mother o,
hi chi"$- an$ r/"e$ here a hi regent. Eo/8 "et / be ,rank- yo/ are no Arryn- an$ ?or$ Robert
i no b"oo$ o, yo/r. By .hat right $o yo/ pre/me to r/"e /61
2?ya name$ me ?or$ 9rotector- & $o eem to reca"".1
Eo/ng ?or$ #/nter ai$- 2?ya 7/""y .a never tr/"y o, the %a"e- nor ha$ he the right to
$ipoe o, /.1
2An$ ?or$ Robert61 9etyr ake$. 23i"" yo/r "or$hip a"o c"aim that ?a$y ?ya ha$ no right
to $ipoe o, her o.n on61
Netor Royce ha$ been i"ent a"" thi .hi"e- b/t no. he poke /p "o/$"y. 2& once hope$ to .e$
?a$y ?ya mye",. A $i$ ?or$ #/nter4 ,ather an$ ?a$y Anya4 on. Corbray carce "e,t her
i$e ,or ha", a year. #a$ he choen any one o, /- no man here .o/"$ $ip/te hi right to be the
?or$ 9rotector. &t happen that he choe ?or$ ?itt"e,inger- an$ entr/te$ her on to hi care.1
2#e .a !on Arryn4 on a .e""- co/in-1 BronGe Eohn ai$- ,ro.ning at the >eeper. 2#e
be"ong to the %a"e.1
9etyr ,eigne$ p/GG"ement. 27he Cyrie i a m/ch a part o, the %a"e a R/netone. Fn"e
omeone ha move$ it61
2!ape a"" yo/ "ike- ?itt"e,inger-1 ?or$ Be"more b"/tere$. 27he boy ha"" come .ith /.1
2& am "oath to $iappoint yo/- ?or$ Be"more- b/t my tepon .i"" be remaining here .ith me.
#e i not a rob/t chi"$- a a"" o, yo/ kno. .e"". 7he =o/rney .o/"$ ta: him ore"y. A hi
tep,ather an$ ?or$ 9rotector- & cannot permit it.1
Symon$ 7emp"eton c"eare$ hi throat- an$ ai$- 2Cach o, / ha a tho/an$ men at the ,oot o,
thi mo/ntain- ?itt"e,inger.1
23hat a p"en$i$ p"ace ,or them.1
2&, nee$ be- .e can /mmon many more.1
2Are yo/ threatening me .ith .ar- er61 9etyr $i$ not o/n$ the "eat a,rai$.
BronGe Eohn ai$- 23e shall have ?or$ Robert.1
+or a moment it eeme$ a tho/gh they ha$ come to an impae- /nti" ?yn Corbray t/rne$
,rom the ,ire. 2A"" thi ta"k make me i"". ?itt"e,inger .i"" ta"k yo/ o/t o, yo/r ma""c"othe i, yo/
"iten "ong eno/gh. 7he on"y .ay to ett"e hi ort i .ith tee".1 #e $re. hi "ong.or$.
9etyr prea$ hi han$. 2& .ear no .or$- er.1
2Cai"y reme$ie$.1 Can$"e"ight ripp"e$ a"ong the moke(grey tee" o, Corbray4 b"a$e- o $ark
that it p/t Sana in min$ o, &ce- her ,ather4 great.or$. 2Eo/r app"e(eater ho"$ a b"a$e. 7e""
him to give it to yo/- or $ra. that $agger.1
She a. ?othor Br/ne reach ,or hi o.n .or$- b/t be,ore the b"a$e co/"$ meet BronGe
Eohn roe in .rath. 2$ut up !our steel, ser; Are yo/ a Corbray or a Fre!6 3e are g/et here.1
?a$y 3ayn.oo$ p/re$ her "ip- an$ ai$- 27hi i /neem"y.1
2Sheathe yo/r .or$- Corbray-1 Eo/ng ?or$ #/nter echoe$. 2Eo/ hame / a"" .ith thi.1
2Come- ?yn-1 chi$e$ Re$,ort in a o,ter tone. 27hi .i"" erve ,or no/ght. 9/t ?a$y +or"orn
to be$.1
2My "a$y ha a thirt-1 Ser ?yn inite$. 23henever he come o/t to $ance- he "ike a $rop
o, re$.1
2Eo/r "a$y m/t go thirty.1 BronGe Eohn p/t hime", A/are"y in Corbray4 path.
27he ?or$ 5ec"arant.1 ?yn Corbray norte$. 2Eo/ ho/"$ have name$ yo/re"ve the Si:
H"$ 3omen.1 #e "i$ the $ark .or$ back into it cabbar$ an$ "e,t them- ho/"$ering Br/ne
ai$e a i, he .ere not there. A"ayne "itene$ to hi ,oottep rece$e.
Anya 3ayn.oo$ an$ #orton Re$,ort e:change$ a "ook. #/nter $raine$ hi .ine c/p an$
he"$ it o/t to be re,i""e$. 2?or$ Bae"ih-1 Ser Symon$ ai$- 2yo/ m/t ,orgive / that $ip"ay.1
2M/t &61 ?itt"e,inger4 voice ha$ gro.n co"$. 2Eo/ bro/ght him here- my "or$.1
BronGe Eohn ai$- 2&t .a never o/r intent@1
2&ou brought him here+ & .o/"$ be .e"" .ithin my right to ca"" my g/ar$ an$ have a"" o,
yo/ arrete$.1
#/nter "/rche$ to hi ,eet o .i"$"y that he a"mot knocke$ the ,"agon o/t o, A"ayne4 han$.
2Eo/ gave / a,e con$/ct01
2Ee. Be grate,/" that & have more honor than ome.1 9etyr o/n$e$ a angry a he ha$ ever
hear$ him. 2& have rea$ yo/r declaration an$ hear$ yo/r $eman$. No. hear mine. Remove yo/r
armie ,rom thi mo/ntain. Go home an$ "eave my on in peace. Mir/"e there ha been- & .i""
not $eny it- b/t that .a ?ya4 .ork- not mine. Grant me b/t a year- an$ .ith ?or$ Netor4
he"p & promie that none o, yo/ ha"" have any ca/e ,or grievance.1
2So yo/ ay-1 ai$ Be"more. 2Eet ho. ha"" .e tr/t yo/61
2Eo/ $are ca"" me /ntr/t.orthy6 &t .a not me .ho bare$ tee" at a par"ey. Eo/ .rite o,
$e,en$ing ?or$ Robert even a yo/ $eny him ,oo$. 7hat m/t en$. & am no .arrior- b/t & will
,ight yo/ i, yo/ $o not "i,t thi iege. 7here are other "or$ bei$e yo/ in the %a"e- an$ >ing4
?an$ing .i"" en$ men a .e"". &, it i .ar yo/ .ant- ay o no. an$ the %a"e .i"" b"ee$.1
A"ayne co/"$ ee the $o/bt b"ooming in the eye o, the ?or$ 5ec"arant. 2A year i not o
"ong a time-1 ?or$ Re$,ort ai$ /ncertain"y. 2Mayhap8 i, yo/ gave a/rance81
2None o, / .ant .ar-1 ackno."e$ge$ ?a$y 3ayn.oo$. 2A/t/mn .ane- an$ .e m/t gir$
o/re"ve ,or .inter.1
Be"more c"eare$ hi throat. 2At the en$ o, thi year81
28i, & have not et the %a"e to right- & ha"" .i""ing"y tep $o.n a ?or$ 9rotector-1 9etyr
promie$ them.
2& ca"" that more than ,air-1 ?or$ Netor Royce p/t in.
27here m/t be no repria"-1 inite$ 7emp"eton. 2No ta"k o, treaon or rebe""ion. Eo/ m/t
.ear to that a .e"".1
2G"a$"y-1 ai$ 9etyr. 2&t i ,rien$ & .ant- not ,oe. & ha"" par$on a"" o, yo/- in .riting i, yo/
.ih. Cven ?yn Corbray. #i brother i a goo$ man- there i no nee$ to bring $o.n hame /pon
a nob"e #o/e.1
?a$y 3ayn.oo$ t/rne$ to her ,e""o. ?or$ 5ec"arant. 2My "or$- perhap .e might con,er61
27here i no nee$. &t i p"ain that he ha .on.1 BronGe Eohn4 grey eye coni$ere$ 9etyr
Bae"ih. 2& "ike it not- b/t it .o/"$ eem yo/ have yo/r year. Bet /e it .e""- my "or$. Not a"" o,
/ are ,oo"e$.1 #e opene$ the $oor o ,orce,/""y that he a"" b/t .renche$ it o,, it hinge.
?ater there .a a ,eat o, ort- tho/gh 9etyr .a ,orce$ to make apo"ogie ,or the h/mb"e
,are. Robert .a trotte$ o/t in a $o/b"et o, cream an$ b"/e- an$ p"aye$ the "itt"e "or$ A/ite
gracio/"y. BronGe Eohn .a not there to eeI he ha$ a"rea$y $eparte$ ,rom the Cyrie to begin
the "ong $ecent- a ha$ Ser ?yn Corbray be,ore him. 7he other "or$ remaine$ .ith them ti""
morn.
7e bewitched them, A"ayne tho/ght a he "ay abe$ that night "itening to the .in$ ho."
o/ti$e her .in$o.. She co/"$ not have ai$ .here the /picion came ,rom- b/t once it croe$
her min$ it .o/"$ not "et her "eep. She toe$ an$ t/rne$- .orrying at it "ike a $og at ome o"$
bone. +ina""y- he roe an$ $ree$ here",- "eaving Gretche" to her $ream.
9etyr .a ti"" a.ake- cratching o/t a "etter. 2A"ayne-1 he ai$. 2My .eet. 3hat bring yo/
here o "ate61
2& ha$ to kno.. 3hat .i"" happen in a year61
#e p/t $o.n hi A/i"". 2Re$,ort an$ 3ayn.oo$ are o"$. Hne or both o, them may $ie.
Gi".oo$ #/nter .i"" be m/r$ere$ by hi brother. Mot "ike"y by yo/ng #ar"an- .ho arrange$
?or$ Con4 $eath. &n ,or a penny- in ,or a tag- & a".ay ay. Be"more i corr/pt an$ can be
bo/ght. 7emp"eton & ha"" be,rien$. BronGe Eohn Royce .i"" contin/e to be hoti"e- & ,ear- b/t o
"ong a he tan$ a"one he i not o m/ch a threat.1
2An$ Ser ?yn Corbray61
7he can$"e"ight .a $ancing in hi eye. 2Ser ?yn .i"" remain my imp"acab"e enemy. #e .i""
peak o, me .ith corn an$ "oathing to every man he meet- an$ "en$ hi .or$ to every ecret
p"ot to bring me $o.n.1
7hat .a .hen her /picion t/rne$ to certainty. 2An$ ho. ha"" yo/ re.ar$ him ,or thi
ervice61
?itt"e,inger "a/ghe$ a"o/$. 23ith go"$ an$ boy an$ promie- o, co/re. Ser ?yn i a man o,
imp"e tate- my .eet"ing. A"" he "ike i go"$ an$ boy an$ ki""ing.1
Cersei
The king .a po/ting. 2& .ant to it on the &ron 7hrone-1 he to"$ her. 2Eo/ a".ay "et !o,, it
/p there.1
2!o,,rey .a t.e"ve.1
2B/t &4m the king+ 7he throne belongs to me.1
23ho to"$ yo/ that61 Cerei took a $eep breath- o 5orca co/"$ "ace her /p more tight"y. She
.a a big gir"- m/ch tronger than Sene""e- tho/gh c"/mier a .e"".
7ommen4 ,ace t/rne$ re$. 2No one to"$ me.1
22o one6 & that .hat yo/ ca"" yo/r "a$y .i,e61 7he A/een co/"$ me"" Margaery 7yre"" a""
over thi rebe""ion. 2&, yo/ "ie to me- & .i"" have no choice b/t to en$ ,or 9ate an$ have him
beaten ti"" he b"ee$.1 9ate .a 7ommen4 .hipping boy- a he ha$ been !o,,rey4. 2& that .hat
yo/ .ant61
2No-1 the king m/ttere$ /""en"y.
23ho to"$ yo/61
#e h/,,"e$ hi ,eet. 2?a$y Margaery.1 #e kne. better than to ca"" her 3ueen in hi mother4
hearing.
27hat i better. 7ommen- & have grave matter to $eci$e- matter that yo/ are ,ar too yo/ng to
/n$ertan$. & $o not nee$ a i""y "itt"e boy ,i$geting on the throne behin$ me an$ $itracting me
.ith chi"$ih A/etion. & /ppoe Margaery think yo/ o/ght to be at my co/nci" meeting too61
2Ee-1 he a$mitte$. 2She ay & have to "earn to be king.1
23hen yo/ are o"$er- yo/ can atten$ a many co/nci" a yo/ .ih-1 Cerei to"$ him. 2&
promie yo/- yo/ .i"" oon gro. ick o, them. Robert /e$ to $oGe thro/gh the eion.1 When
he troubled to attend at all+ 2#e pre,erre$ to h/nt an$ ha.k- an$ "eave the te$i/m to o"$ ?or$
Arryn. 5o yo/ remember him61
2#e $ie$ o, a be""yache.1
2So he $i$- poor man. A yo/ are o eager to "earn- perhap yo/ ho/"$ "earn the name o, a""
the king o, 3etero and the #an$ .ho erve$ them. Eo/ may recite them to me on the
morro..1
2Ee- Mother-1 he ai$ meek"y.
27hat4 my goo$ boy.1 7he r/"e .a herI Cerei $i$ not mean to give it /p /nti" 7ommen
came o, age. I waited, so can he+ I waited half m! life+ She ha$ p"aye$ the $/ti,/" $a/ghter- the
b"/hing bri$e- the p"iant .i,e. She ha$ /,,ere$ Robert4 $r/nken groping- !aime4 =ea"o/y-
Ren"y4 mockery- %ary .ith hi titter- Stanni en$"e"y grin$ing hi teeth. She ha$ conten$e$
.ith !on Arryn- Ne$ Stark- an$ her vi"e- treachero/- m/r$ero/ $.ar, brother- a"" the .hi"e
promiing here", that one $ay it .o/"$ be her t/rn. If *argaer! #!rell thinks to cheat me of m!
hour in the sun, she had blood! well think again+
Sti""- it .a an i"" .ay to break her ,at- an$ Cerei4 $ay $i$ not oon improve. She pent the
ret o, the morning .ith ?or$ Gy"e an$ hi "e$ger book- "itening to him co/gh abo/t tar an$
tag an$ $ragon. A,ter him ?or$ 3ater arrive$- to report that the ,irt three $romon$ .ere
nearing comp"etion an$ beg ,or more go"$ to ,inih them in the p"en$or they $eerve$. 7he
A/een .a p"eae$ to grant him hi reA/et. Moon Boy capere$ a he took her mi$$ay mea" .ith
member o, the merchant g/i"$ an$ "itene$ to them comp"ain abo/t parro. .an$ering the
treet an$ "eeping in the A/are. I ma! need to use the gold cloaks to chase these sparrows
from the cit!, he .a thinking- .hen 9yce""e intr/$e$.
7he Gran$ Maeter ha$ been epecia""y A/er/"o/ in co/nci" o, "ate. At the "at eion he ha$
comp"aine$ bitter"y abo/t the men that A/rane 3ater ha$ choen to captain her ne. $romon$.
3ater meant to give the hip to yo/nger men- .hi"t 9yce""e arg/e$ ,or e:perience- initing
that the comman$ ho/"$ go to thoe captain .ho ha$ /rvive$ the ,ire o, the B"ack.ater.
2Seaone$ men o, proven "oya"ty-1 he ca""e$ them. Cerei ca""e$ them o"$- an$ i$e$ .ith ?or$
3ater. 27he on"y thing thee captain prove$ .a that they kno. ho. to .im-1 he4$ ai$.
2No mother ho/"$ o/t"ive her chi"$ren- an$ no captain ho/"$ o/t"ive hi hip.1 9yce""e ha$
taken the reb/ke .ith i"" grace.
#e eeme$ "e cho"eric to$ay- an$ even manage$ a ort o, trem/"o/ mi"e. 2Eo/r Grace-
g"a$ ti$ing-1 he anno/nce$. 23yman Man$er"y ha $one a yo/ comman$e$- an$ behea$e$
?or$ Stanni4 onion knight.1
23e kno. thi ,or a certainty61
27he man4 hea$ an$ han$ have been mo/nte$ above the .a"" o, 3hite #arbor. ?or$
3yman avo. thi- an$ the +rey con,irm. 7hey have een the hea$ there- .ith an onion in it
mo/th. An$ the han$- one marke$ by hi hortene$ ,inger.1
2%ery goo$-1 ai$ Cerei. 2Sen$ a bir$ to Man$er"y an$ in,orm him that hi on .i"" be
ret/rne$ ,orth.ith- no. that he ha $emontrate$ hi "oya"ty.1 3hite #arbor .o/"$ oon ret/rn
to the king4 peace- an$ Rooe Bo"ton an$ hi batar$ on .ere c"oing in on Moat Cai"in ,rom
o/th an$ north. Hnce the Moat .a their- they .o/"$ =oin their trength an$ c"ear the ironmen
o/t o, 7orrhen4 SA/are an$ 5eep.oo$ Motte a .e"". 7hat ho/"$ .in them the a""egiance o,
Ne$ Stark4 remaining bannermen .hen the time came to march againt ?or$ Stanni.
7o the o/th- mean.hi"e- Mace 7yre"" ha$ raie$ a city o, tent o/ti$e Storm4 Cn$ an$ ha$
t.o $oGen mangone" ,"inging tone againt the cat"e4 maive .a""- th/ ,ar to ma"" e,,ect.
"ord #!rell the warrior, the A/een m/e$. 7is sigil ought to be a fat man sitting on his arse+
7hat a,ternoon the $o/r Braavoi envoy t/rne$ /p ,or hi a/$ience. Cerei ha$ p/t him o,, ,or
a ,ortnight an$ .o/"$ have g"a$"y p/t him o,, another year- b/t ?or$ Gy"e c"aime$ he co/"$ no
"onger $ea" .ith the man8 tho/gh the A/een .a tarting to .on$er i, Gy"e .a capab"e o,
$oing an!thing b/t co/ghing.
Noho 5imitti- the Braavoi name$ hime",. An irritating name for an irritating man+ #i
voice .a irritating too. Cerei hi,te$ in her eat a he .ent on- .on$ering ho. "ong he m/t
en$/re hi hectoring. Behin$ her "oome$ the &ron 7hrone- it barb an$ b"a$e thro.ing t.ite$
ha$o. acro the ,"oor. Hn"y the king or hi #an$ co/"$ it /pon the throne ite",. Cerei at by
it ,oot- in a eat o, gi"$e$ .oo$ pi"e$ .ith crimon c/hion.
3hen the Braavoi pa/e$ ,or breath- he a. her chance. 27hi i more proper"y a matter ,or
o/r "or$ trea/rer.1
7hat an.er $i$ not p"eae the nob"e Noho- it .o/"$ eem. 2& have poken .ith ?or$ Gy"e
i: time. #e co/gh at me an$ make e:c/e- Eo/r Grace- b/t the go"$ i not ,orthcoming.1
2Speak to him a eventh time-1 Cerei /ggete$ p"eaant"y. 27he n/mber even i acre$ to
o/r go$.1
2&t p"eae Eo/r Grace to make a =et- & ee.1
23hen & make a =et & mi"e. 5o yo/ ee me mi"ing6 5o yo/ hear "a/ghter6 & a/re yo/-
.hen & make a =et- men "a/gh.1
2>ing Robert@1
2@i $ea$-1 he ai$ harp"y. 27he &ron Bank .i"" have it go"$ .hen thi rebe""ion ha been
p/t $o.n.1
#e ha$ the ino"ence to co." at her. 2Eo/r Grace@1
27hi a/$ience i at an en$.1 Cerei ha$ /,,ere$ A/ite eno/gh ,or one $ay. 2Ser Meryn- ho.
the nob"e Noho 5imitti to the $oor. Ser Hm/n$- yo/ may ecort me back to my apartment.1
#er g/et .o/"$ oon arrive- an$ he ha$ to bathe an$ change. S/pper promie$ to be a te$io/
a,,air a .e"". &t .a har$ .ork to r/"e a king$om- m/ch "e even o, them.
Ser Hm/n$ >ett"eb"ack ,e"" in bei$e her on the tep- ta"" an$ "ean in hi >ingg/ar$ .hite.
3hen Cerei .a certain they .ere A/ite a"one- he "i$ her arm thro/gh hi. 2#o. i yo/r "itt"e
brother ,aring- pray61
Ser Hm/n$ "ooke$ /neay. 2Ah8 .e"" eno/gh- on"y81
2Onl!61 7he A/een "et a hint o, anger e$ge her .or$. 2& m/t con,e- & am r/nning hort o,
patience .ith $ear Hney. &t i pat time he broke in that "itt"e ,i""y. & name$ him 7ommen4
.orn hie"$ o he co/"$ pen$ part o, every $ay in Margaery4 company. #e ho/"$ have
p"/cke$ the roe by no.. & the "itt"e A/een b"in$ to hi charm61
2#i charm i ,ine. #e4 a >ett"eb"ack- ain4t he6 Begging yo/r par$on.1 Ser Hm/n$ ran hi
,inger thro/gh hi oi"y b"ack hair. 2&t4 her that4 the tro/b"e.1
2An$ .hy i that61 7he A/een ha$ beg/n to n/re $o/bt abo/t Ser Hney. 9erhap another
man .o/"$ have been more to Margaery4 "iking. Aurane Waters, with that siler! hair, or a big
strapping fellow like Ser #allad+ 23o/"$ the mai$ pre,er omeone e"e6 5oe yo/r brother4 ,ace
$ip"eae her61
2She "ike hi ,ace. She to/che$ hi car t.o $ay ago- he to"$ me. J3hat .oman gave yo/
thee64 he ake$. Hney never ai$ it .a a .oman- b/t he kne.. Might be omeone to"$ her.
She4 a".ay to/ching him .hen they ta"k- he ay. Straightening the c"ap on hi c"oak-
br/hing back hi hair- an$ "ike that. Hne time at the archery b/tt he ha$ him ho. her ho. to
ho"$ a "ongbo.- o he ha$ to p/t hi arm aro/n$ her. Hney te"" her ba.$y =et- an$ he
"a/gh an$ come back .ith one that are even ba.$ier. No- he .ant him- that4 p"ain- b/t81
2B/t61 Cerei prompte$.
27hey are never a"one. 7he king4 .ith them mot a"" the time- an$ .hen he4 not- there4
omeone e"e. 7.o o, her "a$ie hare her be$- $i,,erent one every night. 7.o other bring her
break,at an$ he"p her $re. She pray .ith her epta- rea$ .ith her co/in C"inor- ing .ith
her co/in A""a- e. .ith her co/in Megga. 3hen he4 not o,, ha.king .ith !anna +oo.ay
an$ Merry Crane- he4 p"aying come(into(my(cat"e .ith that "itt"e B/".er gir". She never goe
ri$ing b/t he take a tai"- ,o/r or ,ive companion an$ a $oGen g/ar$ at "eat. An$ there4
a".ay men abo/t her- even in the Mai$enva/"t.1
2Men.1 7hat .a omething. 7hat ha$ poibi"itie. 23hat men are thee- pray te""61
Ser Hm/n$ hr/gge$. 2Singer. She4 a ,oo" ,or inger an$ =/gg"er an$ /ch. >night-
come ro/n$ to moon over her co/in. Ser 7a""a$4 the .ort- Hney ay. 7hat big oa, $on4t
eem to kno. i, it4 C"inor or A""a he .ant- b/t he kno. he .ant her a.,/" ba$. 7he Re$.yne
t.in come ca""ing too. S"obber bring ,"o.er an$ ,r/it- an$ #orror4 taken /p the "/te. 7o hear
Hney te"" it- yo/ co/"$ make a .eeter o/n$ trang"ing a cat. 7he S/mmer &"an$er4 a".ay
/n$er,oot a .e"".1
2!a"abhar Lho61 Cerei gave a $eriive nort. 2Begging her ,or go"$ an$ .or$ to .in hi
home"an$ back- mot "ike.1 Beneath hi =e.e" an$ ,eather- Lho .a "itt"e more than a .e""born
beggar. Robert co/"$ have p/t an en$ to hi import/ning ,or goo$ .ith one ,irm 2No-1 b/t the
notion o, conA/ering the S/mmer &"e ha$ appea"e$ to her $r/nken "o/t o, a h/ban$. No $o/bt
he $reamt o, bro.n(kinne$ .enche nake$ beneath ,eathere$ c"oak- .ith nipp"e b"ack a coa".
So intea$ o, 2No-1 Robert a".ay to"$ Lho- 2Ne:t year-1 tho/gh omeho. ne:t year never
came.
2& co/"$n4t ay i, he .a begging- Eo/r Grace-1 Ser Hm/n$ an.ere$. 2Hney ay he4
teaching them the S/mmer 7ong/e. Not Hney- the A/ee@the ,i""y an$ her co/in.1
2A hore that peak the S/mmer 7ong/e .o/"$ make a great enation-1 the A/een ai$
$ry"y. 27e"" yo/r brother to keep hi p/r .e"" hone$. & ha"" ,in$ ome .ay ,or him to mo/nt
hi ,i""y oon- yo/ may re"y on that.1
2&4"" te"" him- Eo/r Grace. #e4 eager ,or that ri$e- $on4t think he ain4t. She4 a pretty "itt"e
thing- that ,i""y.1
It is me he/s eager for, fool, the A/een tho/ght. All he wants of *argaer! is the lordship
between her legs+ A ,on$ a he .a o, Hm/n$- at time he eeme$ a "o. a Robert. I hope
his sword is 3uicker than his wits+ #he da! ma! come that #ommen has some need of it+
7hey .ere croing beneath the ha$o. o, the broken 7o.er o, the #an$ .hen the o/n$ o,
cheer .ept over them. Acro the yar$- ome A/ire ha$ ma$e a pa at the A/intain an$ ent
the croarm pinning. 7he cheer .ere being "e$ by Margaery 7yre"" an$ her hen. A lot of
uproar for er! little+ &ou would think the bo! had won a tourne!+ 7hen he .a tart"e$ to ee
that it .a 7ommen on the co/rer- c"a$ a"" in gi"$e$ p"ate.
7he A/een ha$ "itt"e choice b/t to $on a mi"e an$ go to ee her on. She reache$ him a the
>night o, +"o.er .a he"ping him ,rom hi hore. 7he boy .a breath"e .ith e:citement.
25i$ yo/ ee61 he .a aking everyone. 2& $i$ it =/t the .ay Ser ?ora ai$. 5i$ yo/ ee- Ser
Hney61
2& $i$-1 ai$ Hney >ett"eb"ack. 2A pretty ight.1
2Eo/ have a better eat than me- ire-1 p/t in Ser 5ermot.
2& broke the "ance too. Ser ?ora- $i$ yo/ hear it61
2A "o/$ a a crack o, th/n$er.1 A roe o, =a$e an$ go"$ c"ape$ Ser ?ora4 .hite c"oak at
the ho/"$er- an$ the .in$ .a ri,,"ing art,/""y thro/gh hi bro.n "ock. 2Eo/ ro$e a p"en$i$
co/re- b/t once i not eno/gh. Eo/ m/t $o it again /pon the morro.. Eo/ m/t ri$e every $ay-
/nti" every b"o. "an$ tr/e an$ traight- an$ yo/r "ance i a m/ch a part o, yo/ a yo/r arm.1
2& .ant to.1
2Eo/ .ere g"orio/.1 Margaery .ent to one knee- kie$ the king /pon hi cheek- an$ p/t an
arm aro/n$ him. 2Brother- take care-1 he .arne$ ?ora. 2My ga""ant h/ban$ .i"" be /nhoring
yo/ in a ,e. more year- & think.1 #er three co/in a"" agree$- an$ the .retche$ "itt"e B/".er
gir" began to hop abo/t- chanting- 27ommen .i"" be the champion, the champion, the champion+1
23hen he i a man gro.n-1 ai$ Cerei.
7heir mi"e .ithere$ "ike roe kie$ by ,rot. 7he pock(,ace$ o"$ epta .a the ,irt to ben$
her knee. 7he ret ,o""o.e$- ave ,or the "itt"e A/een an$ her brother.
7ommen $i$ not eem to notice the /$$en chi"" in the air. 2Mother- $i$ yo/ ee me61 he
b/rb"e$ happi"y. 2& broke my "ance on the hie"$- an$ the bag never hit me01
2& .a .atching ,rom acro the yar$. Eo/ $i$ very .e""- 7ommen. & .o/"$ e:pect no "e o,
yo/. !o/ting i in yo/r b"oo$. Hne $ay yo/ ha"" r/"e the "it- a yo/r ,ather $i$.1
2No man .i"" tan$ be,ore him.1 Margaery 7yre"" gave the A/een a coy mi"e. 2B/t & never
kne. that >ing Robert .a o accomp"ihe$ at the =o/t. 9ray te"" /- Eo/r Grace- .hat to/rney
$i$ he .in6 3hat great knight $i$ he /neat6 & kno. the king ho/"$ "ike to hear abo/t hi
,ather4 victorie.1
A ,"/h crept /p Cerei4 neck. 7he gir" ha$ ca/ght her o/t. Robert Baratheon ha$ been an
in$i,,erent =o/ter- in tr/th. 5/ring to/rney he ha$ m/ch pre,erre$ the mN"Oe- .here he co/"$
beat men b"oo$y .ith b"/nte$ a:e or hammer. &t ha$ been !aime he ha$ been thinking o, .hen
he poke. It is not like me to forget m!self+ 2Robert .on the to/rney o, the 7ri$ent-1 he ha$ to
ay. 2#e overthre. 9rince Rhaegar an$ name$ me hi A/een o, "ove an$ bea/ty. & am /rprie$
yo/ $o not kno. that tory- goo$($a/ghter.1 She gave Margaery no time to ,rame a rep"y. 2Ser
Hm/n$- he"p my on ,rom hi armor- i, yo/ .o/"$ be o goo$. Ser ?ora- .a"k .ith me. & nee$
a .or$ .ith yo/.1
7he >night o, +"o.er ha$ no reco/re b/t to ,o""o. at her hee" "ike the p/ppy he .a.
Cerei .aite$ /nti" they .ere on the erpentine tep be,ore he ai$- 23hoe notion .a that-
pray61
2My iter4-1 he a$mitte$. 2Ser 7a""a$- Ser 5ermot- an$ Ser 9orti,er .ere ri$ing at the
A/intain- an$ the A/een /ggete$ that #i Grace might "ike to have a t/rn.1
7e calls her that to irk me+ 2An$ yo/r part61
2& he"pe$ #i Grace to $on hi armor an$ ho.e$ him ho. to co/ch hi "ance-1 he an.ere$.
27hat hore .a m/ch too "arge ,or him. 3hat i, he ha$ ,a""en o,,6 3hat i, the an$bag ha$
mahe$ hi hea$ in61
2Br/ie an$ b"oo$y "ip are a"" part o, being a knight.1
2& begin to /n$ertan$ .hy yo/r brother i a cripp"e.1 7hat .ipe$ the mi"e o,, hi pretty ,ace-
he .a p"eae$ to ee. 29erhap my brother ,ai"e$ to e:p"ain yo/r $/tie to yo/- er. Eo/ are
here to protect my on ,rom hi enemie. 7raining him ,or knighthoo$ i the province o, the
mater(at(arm.1
27he Re$ >eep ha ha$ no mater(at(arm ince Aron Santagar .a "ain-1 Ser ?ora ai$-
.ith a hint o, reproach in hi voice. 2#i Grace i a"mot nine- an$ eager to "earn. At hi age he
ho/"$ be a A/ire. Someone ha to teach him.1
Someone will, but it will not be !ou+ 29ray- .ho $i$ yo/ A/ire ,or- er61 he ake$ .eet"y.
2?or$ Ren"y- .a it not61
2& ha$ that honor.1
2Ee- & tho/ght a m/ch.1 Cerei ha$ een ho. tight the bon$ gre. bet.een A/ire an$ the
knight they erve$. She $i$ not .ant 7ommen gro.ing c"oe to ?ora 7yre"". 7he >night o,
+"o.er .a no ort o, man ,or any boy to em/"ate. 2& have been remi. 3ith a rea"m to r/"e- a
.ar to ,ight- an$ a ,ather to mo/rn- omeho. & over"ooke$ the cr/cia" matter o, naming a ne.
mater(at(arm. & ha"" recti,y that error at once.1
Ser ?ora p/he$ back a bro.n c/r" that ha$ ,a""en acro hi ,orehea$. 2Eo/r Grace .i"" not
,in$ any man ha", o ki""e$ .ith .or$ an$ "ance a &.1
7umble, aren/t we6 27ommen i yo/r king- not yo/r A/ire. Eo/ are to ,ight ,or him an$ $ie
,or him- i, nee$ be. No more.1
She "e,t him on the $ra.bri$ge that panne$ the $ry moat .ith it be$ o, iron pike an$
entere$ Maegor4 #o"$,at a"one. Where am I to find a master(at(arms6 he .on$ere$ a he
c"imbe$ to her apartment. #aving re,/e$ Ser ?ora- he $are not t/rn to any o, the >ingg/ar$
knightI that .o/"$ be a"t in the .o/n$- certain to anger #ighgar$en. Ser #allad6 Ser Dermot6
#here must be someone+ 7ommen .a gro.ing ,on$ o, hi ne. .orn hie"$- b/t Hney .a
proving hime", "e capab"e than he ha$ hope$ in the matter o, Mai$ Margaery- an$ he ha$ a
$i,,erent o,,ice in min$ ,or hi brother H,ry$. &t .a rather a pity that the #o/n$ ha$ gone rabi$.
7ommen ha$ a".ay been ,rightene$ o, San$or C"egane4 harh voice an$ b/rne$ ,ace- an$
C"egane4 corn .o/"$ have been the per,ect anti$ote to ?ora 7yre""4 impering chiva"ry.
Aron Santagar was Dornish, Cerei reca""e$. I could send to Dorne+ Cent/rie o, b"oo$ an$
.ar "ay bet.een S/npear an$ #ighgar$en. &es, a Dornishman might suit m! needs admirabl!+
#here must be some good swords in Dorne+
3hen he entere$ her o"ar- Cerei ,o/n$ ?or$ Dyb/rn rea$ing in a .in$o. eat. 2&, it p"eae
Eo/r Grace- & have report.1
2More p"ot an$ treaon61 Cerei ake$. 2& have ha$ a "ong an$ tiring $ay. 7e"" me A/ick"y.1
#e mi"e$ ympathetica""y. 2A yo/ .ih. 7here i ta"k that the Archon o, 7yroh ha o,,ere$
term to ?y- to en$ their preent tra$e .ar. &t ha$ been r/more$ that Myr .a abo/t to enter the
.ar on the 7yrohi i$e- b/t .itho/t the Go"$en Company the Myrih $i$ not be"ieve they81
23hat the Myrih be"ieve $oe not concern me.1 7he +ree Citie .ere a".ay ,ighting one
another. 7heir en$"e betraya" an$ a""iance meant "itt"e an$ "e to 3etero. 25o yo/ have
any ne. o, more import61
27he "ave revo"t in Atapor ha prea$ to Meereen- it .o/"$ eem. Sai"or o,, a $oGen hip
peak o, $ragon81
2#arpie. &t i harpie in Meereen.1 She remembere$ that ,rom ome.here. Meereen .a at
the ,ar en$ o, the .or"$- o/t eat beyon$ %a"yria. 2?et the "ave revo"t. 3hy ho/"$ & care6 3e
keep no "ave in 3etero. & that a"" yo/ have ,or me61
27here i ome ne. ,rom 5orne that Eo/r Grace may ,in$ o, more interet. 9rince 5oran ha
imprione$ Ser 5aemon San$- a batar$ .ho once A/ire$ ,or the Re$ %iper.1
2& reca"" him.1 Ser 5aemon ha$ been amongt the 5ornih knight .ho ha$ accompanie$
9rince Hberyn to >ing4 ?an$ing. 23hat $i$ he $o61
2#e $eman$e$ that 9rince Hberyn4 $a/ghter be et ,ree.1
2More ,oo" him.1
2A"o-1 ?or$ Dyb/rn ai$- 2the $a/ghter o, the >night o, Spott.oo$ .a betrothe$ A/ite
/ne:pecte$"y to ?or$ Ctermont- o/r ,rien$ in 5orne in,orm /. She .a ent to Greentone that
very night- an$ it i ai$ he an$ Ctermont have a"rea$y .e$.1
2A batar$ in the be""y .o/"$ e:p"ain that.1 Cerei toye$ .ith a "ock o, her hair. 2#o. o"$ i
the b"/hing bri$e61
27hree(an$(t.enty- Eo/r Grace. 3herea ?or$ Ctermont@1
2@m/t be eventy. & am a.are o, that.1 7he Ctermont .ere her goo$(kin thro/gh Robert-
.hoe ,ather ha$ taken one o, them to .i,e in .hat m/t have been a ,it o, "/t or ma$ne. By
the time Cerei .e$ the king- Robert4 "a$y mother .a "ong $ea$- tho/gh both o, her brother
ha$ t/rne$ /p ,or the .e$$ing an$ taye$ ,or ha", a year. Robert ha$ "ater inite$ on ret/rning
the co/rtey .ith a viit to Ctermont- a mo/ntaino/ "itt"e i"an$ o,, Cape 3rath. 7he $ank an$
$ima" ,ortnight Cerei pent at Greentone- the eat o, #o/e Ctermont- .a the "onget o, her
yo/ng "i,e. !aime $/bbe$ the cat"e 41reenshit5 at ,irt ight- an$ oon ha$ Cerei $oing it too.
C"e.ie he pae$ her $ay .atching her roya" h/ban$ ha.k- h/nt- an$ $rink .ith hi /nc"e-
an$ b"/$geon vario/ ma"e co/in ene"e in Greenhit4 yar$.
7here ha$ been a ,ema"e co/in too- a ch/nky "itt"e .i$o. .ith breat a big a me"on
.hoe h/ban$ an$ ,ather ha$ both $ie$ at Storm4 Cn$ $/ring the iege. 2#er ,ather .a goo$
to me-1 Robert to"$ her- 2an$ he an$ & .o/"$ p"ay together .hen the t.o o, / .ere ma"".1 &t
$i$ not take him "ong to tart p"aying .ith her again. A oon a Cerei c"oe$ her eye- the king
.o/"$ tea" o,, to cono"e the poor "one"y creat/re. Hne night he ha$ !aime ,o""o. him- to
con,irm her /picion. 3hen her brother ret/rne$ he ake$ her i, he .ante$ Robert $ea$.
2No-1 he ha$ rep"ie$- 2& .ant him horne$.1 She "ike$ to think that .a the night .hen !o,,rey
.a conceive$.
2C"$on Ctermont ha taken a .i,e ,i,ty year hi =/nior-1 he ai$ to Dyb/rn. 23hy ho/"$
that concern me61
#e hr/gge$. 2& $o not ay it ho/"$8 b/t 5aemon San$ an$ thi Santagar gir" .ere both
c"oe to 9rince 5oran4 o.n $a/ghter- Arianne- or o the 5ornihmen .o/"$ have / be"ieve.
9erhap it mean "itt"e or "e- b/t & tho/ght Eo/r Grace ho/"$ kno..1
2No. & $o.1 She .a "oing patience. 25o yo/ have more61
2Hne more thing. A tri,"ing matter.1 #e gave her an apo"ogetic mi"e an$ to"$ her o, a p/ppet
ho. that ha$ recent"y become pop/"ar amongt the city4 ma"",o"kI a p/ppet ho. .herein the
king$om o, the beat .a r/"e$ by a pri$e o, ha/ghty "ion. 27he p/ppet "ion gro. gree$y an$
arrogant a thi treaono/ ta"e procee$- /nti" they begin to $evo/r their o.n /b=ect. 3hen the
nob"e tag make ob=ection- the "ion $evo/r him a .e""- an$ roar that it i their right a the
mightiet o, beat.1
2An$ i that the en$ o, it61 Cerei ake$- am/e$. ?ooke$ at in the right "ight- it co/"$ be een
a a a"/tary "eon.
2No- Eo/r Grace. At the en$ a $ragon hatche ,rom an egg an$ $evo/r a"" o, the "ion.1
7he en$ing took the p/ppet ho. ,rom imp"e ino"ence to treaon. 23it"e ,oo". Hn"y
cretin .o/"$ haGar$ their hea$ /pon a .oo$en $ragon.1 She coni$ere$ a moment. 2Sen$ ome
o, yo/r .hiperer to thee ho. an$ make note o, .ho atten$. &, any o, them ho/"$ be men
o, note- & .o/"$ kno. their name.1
23hat .i"" be $one .ith them- i, & may be o bo"$61
2Any men o, /btance ha"" be ,ine$. #a", their .orth ho/"$ be /,,icient to teach them a
harp "eon an$ re,i"" o/r co,,er- .itho/t A/ite r/ining them. 7hoe too poor to pay can "oe an
eye- ,or .atching treaon. +or the p/ppeteer- the a:e.1
27here are ,o/r. 9erhap Eo/r Grace might a""o. me t.o o, them ,or mine o.n p/rpoe. A
.oman .o/"$ be epecia""y81
2& gave yo/ Sene""e-1 the A/een ai$ harp"y.
2A"a. 7he poor gir" i A/ite8 e:ha/te$.1
Cerei $i$ not "ike to think abo/t that. 7he gir" ha$ come .ith her /n/pecting- thinking he
.a a"ong to erve an$ po/r. Cven .hen Dyb/rn c"appe$ the chain aro/n$ her .rit- he ha$ not
eeme$ to /n$ertan$. 7he memory ti"" ma$e the A/een A/eay. #he cells were bitter cold+ 0en
the torches shiered+ And that foul thing screaming in the darkness= 4Ee- yo/ may take a
.oman. 7.o- i, it p"eae yo/. B/t ,irt & .i"" have name.1
2A yo/ comman$.1 Dyb/rn .ith$re..
H/ti$e- the /n .a etting. 5orca ha$ prepare$ a bath ,or her. 7he A/een .a oaking
p"eaant"y in the .arm .ater an$ contemp"ating .hat he .o/"$ ay to her /pper g/et .hen
!aime came b/rting thro/gh the $oor an$ or$ere$ !oce"yn an$ 5orca ,rom the room. #er
brother "ooke$ rather "e than immac/"ate an$ ha$ a me"" o, hore abo/t him. #e ha$ 7ommen
.ith him too. 2S.eet iter-1 he ai$- 2the king reA/ire a .or$.1
Cerei4 go"$en tree ,"oate$ in the bath.ater. 7he room .a teamy. A $rop o, .eat
trick"e$ $o.n her cheek. 27ommen61 he ai$- in a $angero/"y o,t voice. 23hat i it no.61
7he boy kne. that tone. #e hrank back.
2#i Grace .ant hi .hite co/rer on the morro.-1 !aime ai$. 2+or hi =o/ting "eon.1
She at /p in the t/b. 27here .i"" be no =o/ting.1
2Ee- there .i"".1 7ommen p/,,e$ o/t hi "o.er "ip. 2& have to ri$e eer! da!+1
2An$ yo/ ha""-1 the A/een $ec"are$- 2once .e have a proper mater(at(arm to /pervie
yo/r training.1
2& $on4t want a proper mater(at(arm. & .ant Ser ?ora.1
2Eo/ make too m/ch o, that boy. Eo/r "itt"e .i,e ha ,i""e$ yo/r hea$ .ith ,oo"ih notion o,
hi pro.e- & kno.- b/t Hm/n$ >ett"eb"ack i thrice the knight that ?ora i.1
!aime "a/ghe$. 2Not the Hm/n$ >ett"eb"ack & kno..1
She co/"$ have thrott"e$ him. $erhaps I need to command Ser "oras to allow Ser Osmund to
unhorse him+ 7hat might chae the tar ,rom 7ommen4 eye. Salt a slug and shame a hero, and
the! shrink right up+ 2& am en$ing ,or a 5ornihman to train yo/-1 he ai$. 27he 5ornih are
the ,inet =o/ter in the rea"m.1
27hey are not-1 ai$ 7ommen. 2Any.ay- & $on4t .ant any t/pi$ 5ornihman- & .ant Ser
"oras+ & command it.1
!aime "a/ghe$. 7e is no help at all+ Does he think this is amusing6 7he A/een "appe$ the
.ater angri"y. 2M/t & en$ ,or 9ate6 Eo/ $o not comman$ me. & am yo/r mother.1
2Ee- b/t &4m the king+ Margaery ay that everyone ha to $o .hat the king ay. & .ant my
.hite co/rer a$$"e$ on the morro. o Ser ?ora can teach me ho. to =o/t. & .ant a kitten too-
an$ & $on4t .ant to eat beet.1 #e croe$ hi arm.
!aime .a ti"" "a/ghing. 7he A/een ignore$ him. 27ommen- come here.1 3hen he h/ng back-
he ighe$. 2Are yo/ a,rai$6 A king ho/"$ not ho. ,ear.1 7he boy approache$ the t/b- hi eye
$o.ncat. She reache$ o/t an$ troke$ hi go"$en c/r". 2>ing or no- yo/ are a "itt"e boy. Fnti"
yo/ come o, age- the r/"e i mine. Eo/ will "earn to =o/t- & promie yo/. B/t not ,rom ?ora.
7he knight o, the >ingg/ar$ have more important $/tie than p"aying .ith a chi"$. Ak the
?or$ Comman$er. &n4t that o- er61
2%ery important $/tie.1 !aime mi"e$ thin"y. 2Ri$ing ro/n$ the city .a""- ,or an intance.1
7ommen "ooke$ c"oe to tear. 2Can & ti"" have a kitten61
29erhap-1 the A/een a""o.e$. 2So "ong a & hear no more nonene abo/t =o/ting. Can yo/
promie me that61
#e h/,,"e$ hi ,eet. 2Ee.1
2Goo$. No. r/n a"ong. My g/et .i"" be here hort"y.1
7ommen ran a"ong- b/t be,ore he "e,t he t/rne$ back to ay- 23hen &4m king in my o.n right-
&4m going to outlaw beet.1
#er brother hove$ the $oor h/t .ith hi t/mp. 2Eo/r Grace-1 he ai$- .hen he an$ Cerei
.ere a"one- 2& .a .on$ering. Are yo/ $r/nk- or mere"y t/pi$61
She "appe$ the .ater once again- en$ing /p another p"ah to .ah acro hi ,eet. 2G/ar$
yo/r tong/e- or@1
2@or .hat6 3i"" yo/ en$ me to inpect the city .a"" again61 #e at an$ croe$ hi "eg.
2Eo/r b"oo$y .a"" are ,ine. &4ve cra."e$ over every inch o, them an$ ha$ a "ook at a"" even o,
the gate. 7he hinge on the &ron Gate are r/te$- an$ the >ing4 Gate an$ M/$ Gate nee$ to be
rep"ace$ a,ter the po/n$ing Stanni gave them .ith hi ram. 7he .a"" are a trong a they
have ever been8 b/t perchance Eo/r Grace ha ,orgotten that o/r ,rien$ o, #ighgar$en are
inside the .a""61
2& ,orget nothing-1 he to"$ him- thinking o, a certain go"$ coin- .ith a han$ on one ,ace an$
the hea$ o, a ,orgotten king on the other. 7ow did some miserable wretch of a gaoler come to
hae such a coin hidden beneath his chamber pot6 7ow does a man like )ugen come to hae old
gold from 7ighgarden6
27hi i the ,irt & have hear$ o, a ne. mater(at(arm. Eo/4"" nee$ to "ook "ong an$ har$ to
,in$ a better =o/ter than ?ora 7yre"". Ser ?ora i@1
2& kno. .hat he i. & .on4t have him near my on. Eo/ ha$ bet remin$ him o, hi $/tie.1
#er bath .a gro.ing coo".
2#e kno. hi $/tie- an$ there4 no better "ance@1
2&ou .ere better- be,ore yo/ "ot yo/r han$. Ser Barritan- .hen he .a yo/ng. Arth/r 5ayne
.a better- an$ 9rince Rhaegar .a a match ,or even him. 5o not prate at me abo/t ho. ,ierce
the +"o.er i. #e4 =/t a boy.1 She .a tire$ o, !aime ba"king her. No one ha$ ever ba"ke$ her
"or$ ,ather. 3hen 7y.in ?anniter poke- men obeye$. 3hen Cerei poke- they ,e"t ,ree to
co/ne" her- to contra$ict her- even refuse her+ It is all because I am a woman+ Because I cannot
fight them with a sword+ #he! gae )obert more respect than the! gie me, and )obert was a
witless sot+ She .o/"$ not /,,er it- epecia""y not ,rom !aime. I need to rid m!self of him, and
soon+ Hnce /pon a time he ha$ $reamt that the t.o o, them might r/"e the Seven >ing$om i$e
by i$e- b/t !aime ha$ become more o, a hin$rance than a he"p.
Cerei roe ,rom the bath. 3ater ran $o.n her "eg an$ trick"e$ ,rom her hair. 23hen & .ant
yo/r co/ne" & .i"" ak ,or it. ?eave me- er. & m/t nee$ $re.1
2Eo/r /pper g/et- & kno.. 3hat p"ot i thi- no.6 7here are o many & "oe track.1 #i
g"ance ,e"" to the .ater bea$ing in the go"$en hair bet.een her "eg.
7e still wants me+ 29ining ,or .hat yo/4ve "ot- brother61
!aime raie$ hi eye. 2& "ove yo/ too- .eet iter. B/t yo/4re a ,oo". A bea/ti,/" go"$en
,oo".1
7he .or$ t/ng. &ou called me kinder words at 1reenstone, the night !ou planted -off inside
me, Cerei tho/ght. 2Get o/t.1 She t/rne$ her back to him an$ "itene$ to him "eave- ,/mb"ing at
the $oor .ith hi t/mp.
3hi"t !oce"yn .a making certain that a"" .a in rea$ine ,or the /pper- 5orca he"pe$ the
A/een into her ne. go.n. &t ha$ tripe o, hiny green atin a"ternating .ith tripe o, p"/h
b"ack ve"vet- an$ intricate b"ack Myrih "ace above the bo$ice. Myrih "ace .a cot"y- b/t it .a
neceary ,or a A/een to "ook her bet at a"" time- an$ her .retche$ .aher.omen ha$ hr/nk
evera" o, her o"$ go.n o they no "onger ,it. She .o/"$ have .hippe$ them ,or their
care"ene- b/t 7aena ha$ /rge$ her to be merci,/". 27he ma"",o"k .i"" "ove yo/ more i, yo/
are kin$-1 he ha$ ai$- o Cerei ha$ or$ere$ the va"/e o, the go.n $e$/cte$ ,rom the
.omen4 .age- a m/ch more e"egant o"/tion.
5orca p/t a i"ver "ooking g"a into her han$. .er! good, the A/een tho/ght- mi"ing at her
re,"ection. &t .a p"eaant to be o/t o, mo/rning. B"ack ma$e her "ook too pa"e. A pit! I am not
supping with "ad! *err!weather, the A/een re,"ecte$. &t ha$ been a "ong $ay- an$ 7aena4 .it
a".ay cheere$ her. Cerei ha$ not ha$ a ,rien$ he o en=oye$ ince Me"ara #etherpoon- an$
Me"ara ha$ t/rne$ o/t to be a gree$y "itt"e chemer .ith i$ea above her tation. I should not
think ill of her+ She/s dead and drowned, and she taught me neer to trust an!one but -aime+
By the time he =oine$ them in the o"ar- her g/et ha$ ma$e a goo$ tart on the hippocra.
"ad! Fal!se not onl! looks like a fish, she drinks like one, he re,"ecte$- .hen he ma$e note o,
the ha",(empty ,"agon. 2S.eet +a"ye-1 he e:c"aime$- kiing the .oman4 cheek- 2an$ brave
Ser Ba"man. & .a o $itra/ght .hen & hear$ abo/t yo/r $ear- $ear mother. #o. ,are o/r ?a$y
7an$a61
?a$y +a"ye "ooke$ a i, he .ere abo/t to cry. 2Eo/r Grace i goo$ to ak. Mother4 hip .a
hattere$ by the ,a""- Maeter +renken ay. #e $i$ .hat he co/"$. No. .e pray- b/t81
$ra! all !ou like, she will still be dead before the moon turns+ 3omen a o"$ a 7an$a
Stoke.orth $i$ not /rvive a broken hip. 2& ha"" a$$ my prayer to yo/r o.n-1 ai$ Cerei.
2?or$ Dyb/rn te"" me that 7an$a .a thro.n ,rom her hore.1
2#er a$$"e girth b/rt .hi"t he .a ri$ing-1 ai$ Ser Ba"man Byrch. 27he tab"eboy ho/"$
have een the trap .a .orn. #e ha been chatie$.1
2Severe"y- & hope.1 7he A/een eate$ here", an$ in$icate$ that her g/et ho/"$ it a .e"".
23i"" yo/ have another c/p o, hippocra- +a"ye6 Eo/ .ere a".ay ,on$ o, it- & eem to reca"".1
2&t i o goo$ o, yo/ to remember- Eo/r Grace.1
7ow could I hae forgotten6 Cerei tho/ght. -aime said it was a wonder !ou did not piss the
stuff+ 2#o. .a yo/r =o/rney61
2Fncom,ortab"e-1 comp"aine$ +a"ye. 2&t raine$ mot o, the $ay. 3e tho/ght to pen$ the
night at Roby- b/t that yo/ng .ar$ o, ?or$ Gy"e re,/e$ / hopita"ity.1 She ni,,e$. 2Mark
my .or$- .hen Gy"e $ie that i""(born .retch .i"" make o,, .ith hi go"$. #e may even try an$
c"aim the "an$ an$ "or$hip- tho/gh by right Roby ho/"$ come to / .hen Gy"e pae. My
"a$y mother .a a/nt to hi econ$ .i,e- thir$ co/in to Gy"e hime",.1
Is !our sigil a lamb, m! lad!, or some sort of grasping monke!6 Cerei tho/ght. 2?or$ Gy"e
ha been threatening to $ie ,or a "ong a & have kno.n him- b/t he i ti"" .ith /- an$ .i"" be ,or
many year- & $o hope.1 She mi"e$ p"eaant"y. 2No $o/bt he .i"" co/gh the .ho"e "ot o, / into
o/r grave.1
2?ike a not-1 Ser Ba"man agree$. 2Roby4 .ar$ .a not the on"y one to ve: /- Eo/r Grace.
3e enco/ntere$ r/,,ian on the roa$ a .e"". +i"thy- /nkempt creat/re- .ith "eather hie"$ an$
a:e. Some ha$ tar e.n on their =erkin- acre$ tar o, even point- b/t they ha$ an evi" "ook
abo/t them a"" the ame.1
27hey .ere "ice(ri$$en- & am certain-1 a$$e$ +a"ye.
27hey ca"" theme"ve sparrows,1 ai$ Cerei. 2A p"ag/e /pon the "an$. H/r ne. #igh Septon
.i"" nee$ to $ea" .ith them- once he i cro.ne$. &, not- & ha"" $ea" .ith them mye",.1
2#a #i #igh #o"ine been choen yet61 ake$ +a"ye.
2No-1 the A/een ha$ to con,e. 2Septon H""i$or .a on the verge o, being choen- /nti" ome
o, thee parro. ,o""o.e$ him to a brothe" an$ $ragge$ him nake$ o/t into the treet. ?/ceon
eem the "ike"y choice no.- tho/gh o/r ,rien$ on the other hi"" ay that he i ti"" a ,e. vote
hort o, the reA/ire$ n/mber.1
2May the Crone g/i$e the $e"iberation .ith her go"$en "amp o, .i$om-1 ai$ ?a$y +a"ye-
mot pio/"y.
Ser Ba"man hi,te$ in hi eat. 2Eo/r Grace- an a.k.ar$ matter- b/t8 "et ba$ ,ee"ing ,eter
bet.een /- yo/ ho/"$ kno. that neither my goo$ .i,e nor her mother ha$ any han$ in the
naming o, thi batar$ chi"$. ?o""y i a imp"e creat/re- an$ her h/ban$ i given to b"ack
h/mor. & to"$ him to chooe a more ,itting name ,or the boy. #e "a/ghe$.1
7he A/een ippe$ her .ine an$ t/$ie$ him. Ser Ba"man ha$ been a note$ =o/ter once- an$
one o, the han$omet knight in the Seven >ing$om. #e co/"$ ti"" boat a han$ome
m/tacheI e"e.ie- he ha$ not age$ .e"". #i .avy b"on$ hair ha$ retreate$- .hi"t hi be""y
a$vance$ ine:orab"y againt hi $o/b"et. As a catspaw he leaes much to be desired, he
re,"ecte$. Still, he should sere+ 27yrion .a a king4 name be,ore the $ragon came. 7he &mp
ha $epoi"e$ it- b/t perhap thi chi"$ can retore the name to honor.1 If the bastard lies so
long+ 2& kno. yo/ are not to b"ame. ?a$y 7an$a i the iter that & never ha$- an$ yo/81 #er
voice broke. 2+orgive me. & "ive in ,ear.1
+a"ye opene$ an$ c"oe$ her mo/th- .hich ma$e her "ook "ike ome epecia""y t/pi$ ,ih.
2&n8 in ,ear- Eo/r Grace61
2& have not "ept a .ho"e night thro/gh ince !o,,rey $ie$.1 Cerei ,i""e$ the gob"et .ith
hippocra. 2My ,rien$8 yo/ are my ,rien$- & hope6 An$ >ing 7ommen461
27hat .eet "a$-1 Ser Ba"man $ec"are$. 2Eo/r Grace- the very .or$ o, #o/e Stoke.orth
are $roud to Be Faithful+1
23o/"$ that there .ere more "ike yo/- goo$ er. & te"" yo/ tr/"y- & have grave $o/bt abo/t Ser
Bronn o, the B"ack.ater.1
#/ban$ an$ .i,e e:change$ a "ook. 27he man i ino"ent- Eo/r Grace-1 +a"ye ai$.
2Fnco/th an$ ,o/"(mo/the$.1
2#e i no tr/e knight-1 Ser Ba"man ai$.
2No.1 Cerei mi"e$- a"" ,or him. 2An$ yo/ are a man .ho .o/"$ kno. tr/e knighthoo$. &
remember .atching yo/ =o/t in8 .hich to/rney .a it .here yo/ ,o/ght o bri""iant"y- er61
#e mi"e$ mo$et"y. 27hat a,,air at 5/ken$a"e i: year ago6 No- yo/ .ere not there- e"e
yo/ .o/"$ /re"y have been cro.ne$ the A/een o, "ove an$ bea/ty. 3a it the to/rney at
?anniport a,ter Grey=oy4 Rebe""ion6 & /nhore$ many a goo$ knight in that one81
27hat .a the one.1 #er ,ace gre. omber. 27he &mp vanihe$ the night my ,ather $ie$-
"eaving t.o honet gao"er behin$ in poo" o, b"oo$. Some c"aim he ,"e$ acro the narro. ea-
b/t & .on$er. 7he $.ar, i c/nning. 9erhap he ti"" "/rk near- p"anning more m/r$er. 9erhap
ome ,rien$ i hi$ing him.1
2Bronn61 Ser Ba"man troke$ hi b/hy m/tache.
2#e .a ever the &mp4 creat/re. Hn"y the Stranger kno. ho. many men he4 ent to he"" at
7yrion4 behet.1
2Eo/r Grace- & think & ho/"$ have notice$ a $.ar, k/"king abo/t o/r "an$-1 ai$ Ser
Ba"man.
2My brother i ma"". #e .a ma$e ,or k/"king.1 Cerei "et her han$ hake. 2A chi"$4 name
i a ma"" thing8 b/t ino"ence /np/nihe$ bree$ rebe""ion. An$ thi man Bronn ha been
gathering e"".or$ to him- Dyb/rn ha to"$ me.1
2#e ha taken ,o/r knight into hi ho/eho"$-1 ai$ +a"ye.
Ser Ba"man norte$. 2My goo$ .i,e ,"atter them- to ca"" them knight. 7hey4re /p=/mpe$
e"".or$- .ith not a thimb"e o, chiva"ry to be ,o/n$ amongt the ,o/r o, them.1
2A & ,eare$. Bronn i gathering .or$ ,or the $.ar,. May the Seven ave my "itt"e on. 7he
&mp .i"" ki"" him a he ki""e$ hi brother.1 She obbe$. 2My ,rien$- & p/t my honor in yo/r
han$8 b/t .hat i a A/een4 honor againt a mother4 ,ear61
2Say on- Eo/r Grace-1 Ser Ba"man a/re$ her. 2Eo/r .or$ ha"" ne4er "eave thi room.1
Cerei reache$ acro the tab"e an$ gave hi han$ a A/eeGe. 28. & .o/"$ "eep more eai"y o,
a night i, & .ere to hear that Ser Bronn ha$ /,,ere$ a8 a mihap8 .hi"t h/nting- perhap.1
Ser Ba"man coni$ere$ a moment. 2A mortal mihap61
2o, I desire !ou to break his little toe+ She ha$ to bite her "ip. *! enemies are eer!where and
m! friends are fools+ 2& beg yo/- er-1 he .hipere$- 2$o not make me ay it81
2& /n$ertan$.1 Ser Ba"man raie$ a ,inger.
A turnip would hae grasped it 3uicker+ 2Eo/ are a tr/e knight in$ee$- er. 7he an.er to a
,rightene$ mother4 prayer.1 Cerei kie$ him. 25o it A/ick"y- i, yo/ .o/"$. Bronn ha on"y a
,e. men abo/t him no.- b/t i, .e $o not act- he .i"" /re"y gather more.1 She kie$ +a"ye. 2&
ha"" never ,orget thi- my ,rien$. My true ,rien$ o, Stoke.orth. $roud to Be Faithful+ Eo/
have my .or$- .e ha"" ,in$ ?o""y a better h/ban$ .hen thi i $one.1 A ,ettleblack, perhaps+
23e ?anniter pay o/r $ebt.1
7he ret .a hippocra an$ b/ttere$ beet- hot(bake$ brea$- herb(cr/te$ pike- an$ rib o,
.i"$ boar. Cerei ha$ become very ,on$ o, boar ince Robert4 $eath. She $i$ not even min$ the
company- tho/gh +a"ye impere$ an$ Ba"man preene$ ,rom o/p to .eet. &t .a pat mi$night
be,ore he co/"$ ri$ here", o, them. Ser Ba"man prove$ a great one ,or /ggeting yet another
,"agon- an$ the A/een $i$ not think it pr/$ent to re,/e. I could hae hired a Faceless *an to kill
Bronn for half of what I/e spent on hippocras, he re,"ecte$ .hen they .ere gone at "at.
At that ho/r- her on .a ,at a"eep- b/t Cerei "ooke$ in /pon him be,ore eeking her o.n
be$. She .a /rprie$ to ,in$ three b"ack kitten c/$$"e$ /p bei$e him. 23here $i$ thoe come
,rom61 he ake$ Ser Meryn 7rant- o/ti$e the roya" be$chamber.
27he "itt"e A/een gave them to him. She on"y meant to give him one- b/t he co/"$n4t $eci$e
.hich one he "ike$ the bet.1
Better than cutting them out of their mother with a dagger, I suppose+ Margaery4 c"/my
attempt at e$/ction .ere o obvio/ a to be "a/ghab"e. #ommen is too !oung for kisses, so she
gies him kittens+ Cerei rather .ihe$ they .ere not b"ack- tho/gh. B"ack cat bro/ght i"" "/ck-
a Rhaegar4 "itt"e gir" ha$ $icovere$ in thi very cat"e. She would hae been m! daughter, if
the *ad ,ing had not pla!ed his cruel 9ape on Father+ &t ha$ to have been the ma$ne that "e$
Aery to re,/e ?or$ 7y.in4 $a/ghter an$ take hi on intea$- .hi"t marrying hi o.n on to a
,eeb"e 5ornih prince .ith b"ack eye an$ a ,"at chet.
7he memory o, the re=ection ti"" rank"e$- even a,ter a"" thee year. Many a night he ha$
.atche$ 9rince Rhaegar in the ha""- p"aying hi i"ver(tringe$ harp .ith thoe "ong- e"egant
,inger o, hi. #a$ any man ever been o bea/ti,/"6 7e was more than a man, though+ 7is blood
was the blood of old .al!ria, the blood of dragons and gods+ 3hen he .a =/t a "itt"e gir"- her
,ather ha$ promie$ her that he .o/"$ marry Rhaegar. She co/"$ not have been more than i: or
even. 2Never peak o, it- chi"$-1 he ha$ to"$ her- mi"ing hi ecret mi"e that on"y Cerei ever
a.. 2Not /nti" #i Grace agree to the betrotha". &t m/t remain o/r ecret ,or no..1 An$ o it
ha$- tho/gh once he ha$ $ra.n a pict/re o, here", ,"ying behin$ Rhaegar on a $ragon- her arm
.rappe$ tight abo/t hi chet. 3hen !aime ha$ $icovere$ it he to"$ him it .a D/een A"yanne
an$ >ing !aehaery.
She .a ten .hen he ,ina""y a. her prince in the ,"eh- at the to/rney her "or$ ,ather ha$
thro.n to .e"come >ing Aery to the .et. %ie.ing tan$ ha$ been raie$ beneath the .a"" o,
?anniport- an$ the cheer o, the ma"",o"k ha$ echoe$ o,, Cater"y Rock "ike ro""ing th/n$er.
#he! cheered Father twice as loudl! as the! cheered the king, the A/een reca""e$- but onl! half
as loudl! as the! cheered $rince )haegar+
Seventeen an$ ne. to knighthoo$- Rhaegar 7argaryen ha$ .orn b"ack p"ate over go"$en
ringmai" .hen he cantere$ onto the "it. ?ong treamer o, re$ an$ go"$ an$ orange i"k ha$
,"oate$ behin$ hi he"m- "ike ,"ame. 7.o o, her /nc"e ,e"" be,ore hi "ance- a"ong .ith a $oGen
o, her ,ather4 ,inet =o/ter- the ,"o.er o, the .et. By night the prince p"aye$ hi i"ver harp
an$ ma$e her .eep. 3hen he ha$ been preente$ to him- Cerei ha$ a"mot $ro.ne$ in the
$epth o, hi a$ p/rp"e eye. 7e has been wounded, he reca""e$ thinking- but I will mend his
hurt when we are wed+ Ne:t to Rhaegar- even her bea/ti,/" !aime ha$ eeme$ no more than a
ca""o. boy. #he prince is going to be m! husband, he ha$ tho/ght- gi$$y .ith e:citement- and
when the old king dies I/ll be the 3ueen+ #er a/nt ha$ con,i$e$ that tr/th to her be,ore the
to/rney. 2Eo/ m/t be epecia""y bea/ti,/"-1 ?a$y Genna to"$ her- ,/ing .ith her $re- 2,or at
the ,ina" ,eat it ha"" be anno/nce$ that yo/ an$ 9rince Rhaegar are betrothe$.1
Cerei ha$ been o happy that $ay. C"e.ie he .o/"$ never have $are$ viit the tent o,
Maggy the +rog. She ha$ on"y $one it to ho. !eyne an$ Me"ara that the "ione ,ear nothing. I
was going to be a 3ueen+ Wh! should a 3ueen be afraid of some hideous old woman6 7he
memory o, that ,orete""ing ti"" ma$e her ,"eh cra." a "i,etime "ater. -e!ne ran shrieking from
the tent in fear, the A/een remembere$- but *elara sta!ed and so did I+ We let her taste our
blood, and laughed at her stupid prophecies+ 2one of them made the least bit of sense+ She .a
going to be 9rince Rhaegar4 .i,e- no matter .hat the .oman ai$. #er father ha$ promie$ it-
an$ 7y.in ?anniter4 .or$ .a go"$.
#er "a/ghter $ie$ at to/rney4 en$. 7here ha$ been no ,ina" ,eat- no toat to ce"ebrate her
betrotha" to 9rince Rhaegar. Hn"y co"$ i"ence an$ chi""y "ook bet.een the king an$ her ,ather.
?ater- .hen Aery an$ hi on an$ a"" hi ga""ant knight ha$ $eparte$ ,or >ing4 ?an$ing- the
gir" ha$ gone to her a/nt in tear- not /n$ertan$ing. 2Eo/r ,ather propoe$ the match-1 ?a$y
Genna to"$ her- 2b/t Aery re,/e$ to hear o, it. JEo/ are my mot ab"e ervant- 7y.in-4 the king
ai$- Jb/t a man $oe not marry hi heir to hi ervant4 $a/ghter.4 5ry thoe tear- "itt"e one.
#ave yo/ ever een a "ion .eep6 Eo/r ,ather .i"" ,in$ another man ,or yo/- a better man than
Rhaegar.1
#er a/nt ha$ "ie$- tho/gh- an$ her ,ather ha$ ,ai"e$ her- =/t a !aime .a ,ai"ing her no..
Father found no better man+ Instead he gae me )obert, and *agg!/s curse bloomed like some
poisonous flower+ &, he ha$ on"y marrie$ Rhaegar a the go$ inten$e$- he .o/"$ never have
"ooke$ t.ice at the .o", gir". )haegar would be our king toda! and I would be his 3ueen, the
mother of his sons+
She ha$ never ,orgiven Robert ,or ki""ing him.
B/t then- "ion .ere not goo$ at ,orgiving. A Ser Bronn o, the B"ack.ater .o/"$ hort"y
"earn.
REE5
7hey gave him a hore an$ a banner- a o,t .oo"en $o/b"et an$ a .arm ,/r c"oak- an$ et him
"ooe. +or once- he $i$ not tink. 2Come back .ith that cat"e-1 ai$ 5amon 5ance(,or(Me a he
he"pe$ Reek c"imb haking into the a$$"e- 2or keep going an$ ee ho. ,ar yo/ get be,ore .e
catch yo/. #e4$ "ike that- he .o/"$.1 Grinning- 5amon gave the hore a "ick acro the r/mp
.ith hi .hip- an$ the o"$ tot .hinnie$ an$ "/rche$ into motion.
Reek $i$ not $are to "ook back- ,or ,ear that 5amon an$ Ee""o. 5ick an$ Gr/nt an$ the ret
.ere coming a,ter him- that a"" o, thi .a =/t another o, ?or$ Ramay4 =ape- ome cr/e" tet
to ee .hat he .o/"$ $o i, they gave him a hore an$ et him ,ree. Do the! think that I will run6
7he tot they ha$ given him .a a .retche$ thing- knock(knee$ an$ ha",(tarve$I he co/"$ never
hope to o/t$itance the ,ine hore ?or$ Ramay an$ hi h/nter .o/"$ be ri$ing. An$ Ramay
"ove$ nothing more than to et hi gir" baying on the trai" o, ome ,reh prey.
Bei$e- .here .o/"$ he r/n to6 Behin$ him .ere the camp- cro.$e$ .ith 5rea$,ort men
an$ thoe the Ry.e"" ha$ bro/ght ,rom the Ri""- .ith the Barro.ton hot bet.een them. So/th
o, Moat Cai"in- another army .a coming /p the ca/e.ay- an army o, Bo"ton an$ +rey
marching beneath the banner o, the 5rea$,ort. Cat o, the roa$ "ay a b"eak an$ barren hore an$
a co"$ a"t ea- to the .et the .amp an$ bog o, the Neck- in,ete$ .ith erpent- "iGar$ "ion-
an$ bog $evi" .ith their poione$ arro..
#e .o/"$ not r/n. #e co/"$ not r/n.
I will delier him the castle+ I will+ I must+
&t .a a grey $ay- $amp an$ mity. 7he .in$ .a ,rom the o/th- moit a a ki. 7he r/in o,
Moat Cai"in .ere viib"e in the $itance- threa$e$ thro/gh .ith .ip o, morning mit. #i hore
move$ to.ar$ them at a .a"k- her hoove making ,aint .et A/e"ching o/n$ a they p/""e$ ,ree
o, the grey(green m/ck.
I hae come this wa! before+ &t .a a $angero/ tho/ght- an$ he regrette$ it at once. 2No-1 he
ai$- 2no- that .a ome other man- that .a be,ore yo/ kne. yo/r name.1 #i name .a Reek.
#e ha$ to remember that. )eek, )eek, it rh!mes with leek+
3hen that other man ha$ come thi .ay- an army ha$ ,o""o.e$ c"oe behin$ him- the great
hot o, the north ri$ing to .ar beneath the grey(an$(.hite banner o, #o/e Stark. Reek ro$e
a"one- c"/tching a peace banner on a pine.oo$ ta,,. 3hen that other man ha$ come thi .ay- he
ha$ been mo/nte$ on a co/rer- .i,t an$ pirite$. Reek ro$e a broken($o.n tot- a"" kin an$
bone an$ rib- an$ he ro$e her "o."y ,or ,ear he might ,a"" o,,. 7he other man ha$ been a goo$
ri$er- b/t Reek .a /neay on horeback. &t ha$ been o "ong. #e .a no ri$er. #e .a not even
a man. #e .a ?or$ Ramay4 creat/re- "o.er than a $og- a .orm in h/man kin. 2Eo/ .i""
preten$ to be a prince-1 ?or$ Ramay to"$ him "at night- a Reek .a oaking in a t/b o,
ca"$ing .ater- 2b/t .e kno. the tr/th. Eo/4re Reek. Eo/4"" a".ay be Reek- no matter ho.
.eet yo/ me"". Eo/r noe may "ie to yo/. Remember yo/r name. Remember .ho yo/ are.1
2Reek-1 he ai$. 2Eo/r Reek.1
25o thi "itt"e thing ,or me- an$ yo/ can be my $og an$ eat meat every $ay-1 ?or$ Ramay
promie$. 2Eo/ .i"" be tempte$ to betray me. 7o r/n or ,ight or =oin o/r ,oe. No- A/iet- &4"" not
hear yo/ $eny it. ?ie to me- an$ &4"" take yo/r tong/e. A man would t/rn againt me in yo/r
p"ace- b/t .e kno. .hat yo/ are- $on4t .e6 Betray me i, yo/ .ant- it make no matter8 b/t
co/nt yo/r ,inger ,irt an$ kno. the cot.1
Reek kne. the cot. Seen, he tho/ght- seen fingers+ A man can make do with seen fingers+
Seen is a sacred number+ #e remembere$ ho. m/ch it ha$ h/rt .hen ?or$ Ramay ha$
comman$e$ Skinner to "ay hi ring ,inger bare.
7he air .a .et an$ heavy- an$ ha""o. poo" o, .ater $otte$ the gro/n$. Reek picke$ hi
.ay bet.een them care,/""y- ,o""o.ing the remnant o, the "og(an$(p"ank roa$ that Robb Stark4
vang/ar$ ha$ "ai$ $o.n acro the o,t gro/n$ to pee$ the paage o, hi hot. 3here once a
mighty c/rtain .a"" ha$ too$- on"y cattere$ tone remaine$- b"ock o, b"ack baa"t o "arge it
m/t once have taken a h/n$re$ men to hoit them into p"ace. Some ha$ /nk o $eep into the
bog that on"y a corner ho.e$I other "ay tre.n abo/t "ike ome go$4 aban$one$ toy- cracke$
an$ cr/mb"ing- potte$ .ith "ichen. ?at night4 rain ha$ "e,t the h/ge tone .et an$ g"itening-
an$ the morning /n"ight ma$e them "ook a i, they .ere coate$ in ome ,ine b"ack oi".
Beyon$ too$ the to.er.
7he 5r/nkar$4 7o.er "eane$ a i, it .ere abo/t to co""ape- =/t a it ha$ ,or ha", a tho/an$
year. 7he Chi"$ren4 7o.er thr/t into the ky a traight a a pear- b/t it hattere$ top .a
open to the .in$ an$ rain. 7he Gateho/e 7o.er- A/at an$ .i$e- .a the "arget o, the three-
"imy .ith mo- a gnar"e$ tree gro.ing i$e.ay ,rom the tone o, it north i$e- ,ragment o,
broken .a"" ti"" tan$ing to the eat an$ .et. #he ,arstarks took the Drunkard/s #ower and the
<mbers the %hildren/s #ower, he reca""e$. )obb claimed the 1atehouse #ower for his own+
&, he c"oe$ hi eye- he co/"$ ee the banner in hi min$4 eye- napping brave"y in a brik
north .in$. All gone now, all fallen+ 7he .in$ on hi cheek .a b"o.ing ,rom the o/th- an$ the
on"y banner ,"ying above the remain o, Moat Cai"in $ip"aye$ a go"$en kraken on a ,ie"$ o,
b"ack.
#e .a being .atche$. #e co/"$ ,ee" the eye. 3hen he "ooke$ /p- he ca/ght a g"impe o,
pa"e ,ace peering ,rom behin$ the batt"ement o, the Gateho/e 7o.er an$ thro/gh the broken
maonry that cro.ne$ the Chi"$ren4 7o.er- .here "egen$ ai$ the chi"$ren o, the ,oret ha$
once ca""e$ $o.n the hammer o, the .ater to break the "an$ o, 3etero in t.o.
7he on"y $ry roa$ thro/gh the Neck .a the ca/e.ay- an$ the to.er o, Moat Cai"in p"/gge$
it northern en$ "ike a cork in a bott"e. 7he roa$ .a narro.- the r/in o poitione$ that any
enemy coming /p ,rom the o/th m/t pa beneath an$ bet.een them. 7o aa/"t any o, the
three to.er- an attacker m/t e:poe hi back to arro. ,rom the other t.o- .hi"t c"imbing
$amp tone .a"" ,etoone$ .ith treamer o, "imy .hite ghotkin. 7he .ampy gro/n$
beyon$ the ca/e.ay .a impaab"e- an en$"e mora o, /ckho"e- A/ickan$- an$
g"itening green .ar$ that "ooke$ o"i$ to the /n.ary eye b/t t/rne$ to .ater the intant yo/
tro$ /pon them- the .ho"e o, it in,ete$ .ith venomo/ erpent an$ poiono/ ,"o.er an$
montro/ "iGar$ "ion .ith teeth "ike $agger. !/t a $angero/ .ere it peop"e- e"$om een b/t
a".ay "/rking- the .amp($.e""er- the ,rog(eater- the m/$(men. +enn an$ Ree$- 9eat an$
Bogg- Cray an$ D/agg- Greengoo$ an$ B"ackmyre- thoe .ere the ort o, name they gave
theme"ve. 7he ironborn ca""e$ them a"" bog deils+
Reek pae$ the rotte$ carca o, a hore- an arro. =/tting ,rom it neck. A "ong .hite nake
"ithere$ into it empty eye ocket at hi approach. Behin$ the hore he pie$ the ri$er- or .hat
remaine$ o, him. 7he cro. ha$ trippe$ the ,"eh ,rom the man4 ,ace- an$ a ,era" $og ha$
b/rro.e$ beneath hi mai" to get at hi entrai". +arther on- another corpe ha$ /nk o $eep into
the m/ck that on"y hi ,ace an$ ,inger ho.e$.
C"oer to the to.er- corpe "ittere$ the gro/n$ on every i$e. B"oo$(b"oom ha$ pro/te$
,rom their gaping .o/n$- pa"e ,"o.er .ith peta" p"/mp an$ moit a a .oman4 "ip.
#he garrison will neer know me+ Some might reca"" the boy he4$ been be,ore he "earne$ hi
name- b/t Reek .o/"$ be a tranger to them. &t ha$ been a "ong .hi"e ince he "at "ooke$ into a
g"a- b/t he kne. ho. o"$ he m/t appear. #i hair ha$ t/rne$ .hiteI m/ch o, it ha$ ,a""en o/t-
an$ .hat .a "e,t .a ti,, an$ $ry a tra.. 7he $/ngeon ha$ "e,t him .eak a an o"$ .oman
an$ o thin a trong .in$ co/"$ knock him $o.n.
An$ hi han$8 Ramay ha$ given him g"ove- ,ine g"ove o, b"ack "eather- o,t an$ /pp"e-
t/,,e$ .ith .oo" to concea" hi miing ,inger- b/t i, anyone "ooke$ c"oe"y- he .o/"$ ee that
three o, hi ,inger $i$ not ben$.
22o closer;1 a voice rang o/t. 23hat $o yo/ .ant61
23or$.1 #e p/rre$ the tot on.ar$- .aving the peace banner o they co/"$ not ,ai" to ee it.
2& come /narme$.1
7here .a no rep"y. &ni$e the .a""- he kne.- the ironmen .ere $ic/ing .hether to a$mit
him or ,i"" hi chet .ith arro.. It makes no matter+ A A/ick $eath here .o/"$ be a h/n$re$
time better than ret/rning to ?or$ Ramay a a ,ai"/re.
7hen the gateho/e $oor ,"/ng open. 2:uickl!+1 Reek .a t/rning to.ar$ the o/n$ .hen
the arro. tr/ck. &t came ,rom ome.here to hi right- .here broken ch/nk o, the c/rtain .a""
"ay ha",(/bmerge$ beneath the bog. 7he ha,t tore thro/gh the ,o"$ o, hi banner an$ h/ng
pent- the point a bare ,oot ,rom hi ,ace. &t tart"e$ him o ba$"y that he $roppe$ the peace
banner an$ t/mb"e$ ,rom hi a$$"e.
2&ni$e-1 the voice ho/te$- 2h/rry- ,oo"- hurr!01
Reek cramb"e$ /p the tep on han$ an$ knee a another arro. ,"/ttere$ over hi hea$.
Someone eiGe$ him an$ $ragge$ him ini$e- an$ he hear$ the $oor crah h/t behin$ him. #e
.a p/""e$ to hi ,eet an$ hove$ againt a .a"". 7hen a kni,e .a at hi throat- a bear$e$ ,ace o
c"oe to hi that he co/"$ co/nt the man4 noe hair. 23ho are yo/6 3hat4 yo/r p/rpoe here6
D/ick no.- or &4"" $o yo/ the ame a him.1 7he g/ar$ =erke$ hi hea$ to.ar$ a bo$y rotting on
the ,"oor bei$e the $oor- it ,"eh green an$ cra."ing .ith maggot.
2& am ironborn-1 Reek an.ere$- "ying. 7he boy he4$ been be,ore ha$ been ironborn- tr/e
eno/gh- b/t Reek ha$ come into thi .or"$ in the $/ngeon o, the 5rea$,ort. 2?ook at my ,ace. &
am ?or$ Ba"on4 on. Eo/r prince.1 #e .o/"$ have ai$ the name- b/t omeho. the .or$
ca/ght in hi throat. )eek, I/m )eek, it rh!mes with s3ueak+ #e ha$ to ,orget that ,or a "itt"e
.hi"e- tho/gh. No man .o/"$ ever yie"$ to a creat/re /ch a Reek- no matter ho. $eperate hi
it/ation. #e m/t preten$ to be a prince again.
#i captor tare$ at hi ,ace- A/inting- hi mo/th t.ite$ in /picion. #i teeth .ere bro.n-
an$ hi breath tank o, a"e an$ onion. 2?or$ Ba"on4 on .ere ki""e$.1
2My brother. Not me. ?or$ Ramay took me captive a,ter 3inter,e"". #e4 ent me here to
treat .ith yo/. 5o yo/ comman$ here61
2Me61 7he man "o.ere$ hi kni,e an$ took a tep back.ar$- a"mot t/mb"ing over the
corpe. 2Not me- m4"or$.1 #i mai" .a r/te$- hi "eather rotting. Hn the back o, one han$ an
open ore .ept b"oo$. 2Ra", >enning ha the comman$. 7he captain ai$. &4m on the $oor- i
a"".1
2An$ .ho i thi61 Reek gave the corpe a kick.
7he g/ar$ tare$ at the $ea$ man a i, eeing him ,or the ,irt time. 2#im8 he $rank the
.ater. & ha$ to c/t hi throat ,or him- to top hi creaming. Ba$ be""y. Eo/ can4t $rink the .ater.
7hat4 .hy .e got the a"e.1 7he g/ar$ r/bbe$ hi ,ace- hi eye re$ an$ in,"ame$. 23e /e$ to
$rag the $ea$ $o.n into the ce""ar. A"" the va/"t are ,"oo$e$ $o.n there. No one .ant to take
the tro/b"e no.- o .e =/t "eave them .here they ,a"".1
27he ce""ar i a better p"ace ,or them. Give them to the .ater. 7o the 5ro.ne$ Go$.1
7he man "a/ghe$. 2No go$ $o.n there- m4"or$. Hn"y rat an$ .ater nake. 3hite thing-
thick a yo/r "eg. Sometime they "ither /p the tep an$ bite yo/ in yo/r "eep.1
Reek remembere$ the $/ngeon /n$erneath the 5rea$,ort- the rat A/irming bet.een hi
teeth- the tate o, .arm b"oo$ on hi "ip. If I fail, )amsa! will send me back to that, but first
he/ll fla! the skin from another finger+ 2#o. many o, the garrion are "e,t61
2Some-1 ai$ the ironman. 2& $on4t kno.. +e.er than .e .a be,ore. Some in the 5r/nkar$4
7o.er too- & think. Not the Chi"$ren4 7o.er. 5agon Co$$ .ent over there a ,e. $ay back.
Hn"y t.o men "e,t a"ive- he ai$- an$ they .a eating on the $ea$ one. #e ki""e$ them both- i,
yo/ can be"ieve that.1
*oat %ailin has fallen, Reek rea"iGe$ then- onl! no one has seen fit to tell them+ #e r/bbe$ hi
mo/th to hi$e hi broken teeth- an$ ai$- 2& nee$ to peak .ith yo/r comman$er.1
2>enning61 7he g/ar$ eeme$ con,/e$. 2#e $on4t have m/ch to ay thee $ay. #e4 $ying.
Might be he4 $ea$. & haven4t een him ince8 & $on4t remember .hen81
23here i he6 7ake me to him.1
23ho .i"" keep the $oor- then61
2#im.1 Reek gave the corpe a kick.
7hat ma$e the man "a/gh. 2Aye. 3hy not6 Come .ith me- then.1 #e p/""e$ a torch $o.n
,rom a .a"" conce an$ .ave$ it ti"" it b"aGe$ /p bright an$ hot. 27hi .ay.1 7he g/ar$ "e$ him
thro/gh a $oor an$ /p a pira" tair- the torch"ight g"immering o,, b"ack tone .a"" a they
c"imbe$.
7he chamber at the top o, the tep .a $ark- moky- an$ oppreive"y hot. A ragge$ kin ha$
been h/ng acro the narro. .in$o. to keep the $amp o/t- an$ a "ab o, peat mo"$ere$ in a
braGier. 7he me"" in the room .a ,o/"- a miama o, mo"$ an$ pi an$ nightoi"- o, moke an$
ickne. Soi"e$ r/he covere$ the ,"oor- .hi"t a heap o, tra. in the corner pae$ ,or a be$.
Ra", >enning "ay hivering beneath a mo/ntain o, ,/r. #i arm .ere tacke$ bei$e him@
.or$ an$ a:e- mai" ha/berk- iron .arhe"m. #i hie"$ bore the torm go$4 c"o/$y han$-
"ightning crack"ing ,rom hi ,inger $o.n to a raging ea- b/t the paint .a $ico"ore$ an$
pee"ing- the .oo$ beneath tarting to rot.
Ra", .a rotting too. Beneath the ,/r he .a nake$ an$ ,everih- hi pa"e p/,,y ,"eh covere$
.ith .eeping ore an$ cab. #i hea$ .a mihapen- one cheek groteA/e"y .o""en- hi neck
o engorge$ .ith b"oo$ that it threatene$ to .a""o. hi ,ace. 7he arm on that ame i$e .a big
a a "og an$ cra."ing .ith .hite .orm. No one ha$ bathe$ him or have$ him ,or many $ay-
,rom the "ook o, him. Hne eye .ept p/- an$ hi bear$ .a cr/ty .ith $rie$ vomit. 23hat
happene$ to him61 ake$ Reek.
2#e .a on the parapet an$ ome bog $evi" "ooe$ an arro. at him. &t .a on"y a graGe-
b/t8 they poion their ha,t- mear the point .ith hit an$ .ore thing. 3e po/re$ boi"ing
.ine into the .o/n$- b/t it ma$e no $i,,erence.1
I cannot treat with this thing+ 2>i"" him-1 Reek to"$ the g/ar$. 2#i .it are gone. #e4 ,/"" o,
b"oo$ an$ .orm.1
7he man gape$ at him. 27he captain p/t him in comman$.1
2Eo/4$ p/t a $ying hore $o.n.1
23hat hore6 & never ha$ no hore.1
I did+ 7he memory came back in a r/h. Smi"er4 cream ha$ o/n$e$ a"mot h/man. #i
mane a,ire- he ha$ reare$ /p on hi hin$ "eg- b"in$ .ith pain- "ahing o/t .ith hi hoove. 2o,
no+ 2ot mine, he was not mine, )eek neer had a horse+ 2& .i"" ki"" him ,or yo/.1 Reek natche$
/p Ra", >enning4 .or$ .here it "eane$ againt hi hie"$. #e ti"" ha$ ,inger eno/gh to c"ap
the hi"t. 3hen he "ai$ the e$ge o, the b"a$e againt the .o""en throat o, the creat/re on the
tra.- the kin p"it open in a go/t o, b"ack b"oo$ an$ ye""o. p/. >enning =erke$ vio"ent"y- then
"ay ti"". An a.,/" tench ,i""e$ the room. Reek bo"te$ ,or the tep. 7he air .a $amp an$ co"$
there- b/t m/ch c"eaner by comparion. 7he ironman t/mb"e$ o/t a,ter him- .hite(,ace$ an$
tr/gg"ing not to retch. Reek grape$ him by the arm. 23ho .a econ$(in(comman$6 3here
are the ret o, the men61
2Fp on the batt"ement- or in the ha"". S"eeping- $rinking. &4"" take yo/ i, yo/ "ike.1
25o it no..1 Ramay ha$ on"y given him a $ay.
7he ha"" .a $ark tone- high cei"inge$ an$ $ra,ty- ,/"" o, $ri,ting moke- it tone .a""
potte$ by h/ge patche o, pa"e "ichen. A peat ,ire b/rne$ "o. in a hearth b"ackene$ by the hotter
b"aGe o, year pat. A maive tab"e o, carve$ tone ,i""e$ the chamber- a it ha$ ,or cent/rie.
#here was where I sat, the last time I was here, he remembere$. )obb was at the head of the
table, with the 1reat9on to his right and )oose Bolton on his left+ #he 1loers sat ne8t to
7elman #allhart+ ,arstark and his sons were across from them+
7.o $oGen ironborn at $rinking at the tab"e. A ,e. "ooke$ at him .ith $/""- ,"at eye .hen
he entere$. 7he ret ignore$ him. A"" the men .ere tranger to him. Severa" .ore c"oak
,atene$ by brooche in the hape o, i"ver co$,ih. 7he Co$$ .ere not .e"" regar$e$ in the &ron
&"an$I the men .ere ai$ to be thieve an$ co.ar$- the .omen .anton .ho be$$e$ .ith their
o.n ,ather an$ brother. &t $i$ not /rprie him that hi /nc"e ha$ choen to "eave thee men
behin$ .hen the &ron +"eet .ent home. #his will make m! task that much easier+ 2Ra", >enning
i $ea$-1 he ai$. 23ho comman$ here61
7he $rinker tare$ at him b"ank"y. Hne "a/ghe$. Another pat. +ina""y one o, the Co$$ ai$-
23ho ak61
2?or$ Ba"on4 on.1 )eek, m! name is )eek, it rh!mes with cheek+ 2& am here at the comman$
o, Ramay Bo"ton- ?or$ o, the #orn.oo$ an$ heir to the 5rea$,ort- .ho capt/re$ me at
3inter,e"". #i hot i north o, yo/- hi ,ather4 to the o/th- b/t ?or$ Ramay i prepare$ to be
merci,/" i, yo/ yie"$ Moat Cai"in to him be,ore the /n goe $o.n.1 #e $re. o/t the "etter that
they4$ given him an$ toe$ it on the tab"e be,ore the $rinker.
Hne o, them picke$ it /p an$ t/rne$ it over in hi han$- picking at the pink .a: that ea"e$ it.
A,ter a moment he ai$- 29archment. 3hat goo$ i that6 &t4 cheee .e nee$- an$ meat.1
2Stee"- yo/ mean-1 ai$ the man bei$e him- a greybear$ .hoe "e,t arm en$e$ in a t/mp.
2S.or$. A:e. Aye- an$ bo.- a h/n$re$ more bo.- an$ men to "ooe the arro..1
2&ronborn $o not /rren$er-1 ai$ a thir$ voice.
27e"" that to my ,ather. ?or$ Ba"on bent the knee .hen Robert broke hi .a"". C"e.ie he
.o/"$ have $ie$. A yo/ .i"" i, yo/ $o not yie"$.1 #e get/re$ at the parchment. 2Break the ea".
Rea$ the .or$. 7hat i a a,e con$/ct- .ritten in ?or$ Ramay4 o.n han$. Give /p yo/r
.or$ an$ come .ith me- an$ hi "or$hip .i"" ,ee$ yo/ an$ give yo/ "eave to march
/nmo"ete$ to the Stony Shore an$ ,in$ a hip ,or home. C"e.ie yo/ $ie.1
2& that a threat61 Hne o, the Co$$ p/he$ to hi ,eet. A big man- b/t pop(eye$ an$ .i$e o,
mo/th- .ith $ea$ .hite ,"eh. #e "ooke$ a i, hi ,ather ha$ ire$ him on a ,ih- b/t he ti"" .ore
a "ong.or$. 25agon Co$$ yie"$ to no man.1
2o, please, !ou hae to listen+ 7he tho/ght o, .hat Ramay .o/"$ $o to him i, he crept back
to camp .itho/t the garrion4 /rren$er .a a"mot eno/gh to make him pi hi breeche.
)eek, )eek, it rh!mes with leak+ 2& that yo/r an.er61 7he .or$ rang ,eeb"y in hi ear. 25oe
thi co$,ih peak ,or a"" o, yo/61
7he g/ar$ .ho ha$ met him at the $oor eeme$ "e certain. 2%ictarion comman$e$ / to
ho"$- he $i$. & hear$ him .ith my o.n ear. 7old here till I return, he to"$ >enning.1
2Aye-1 ai$ the one(arme$ man. 27hat4 .hat he ai$. 7he kingmoot ca""e$- b/t he .ore
that he4$ be back- .ith a $ri,t.oo$ cro.n /pon hi hea$ an$ a tho/an$ men behin$ him.1
2My /nc"e i never coming back-1 Reek to"$ them. 27he king.oo$ cro.ne$ hi brother
C/ron- an$ the Cro.4 Cye ha other .ar to ,ight. Eo/ think my /nc"e va"/e yo/6 #e $oen4t.
Eo/ are the one he "e,t behin$ to $ie. #e crape$ yo/ o,, the ame .ay he crape m/$ o,, hi
boot .hen he .a$e ahore.1
7hoe .or$ tr/ck home. #e co/"$ ee it in their eye- in the .ay they "ooke$ at one another
or ,ro.ne$ above their c/p. #he! all feared the!/d been abandoned, but it took me to turn fear
into certaint!+ 7hee .ere not the kin o, ,amo/ captain nor the b"oo$ o, the great #o/e o, the
&ron &"an$. 7hee .ere the on o, thra"" an$ a"t .ive.
2&, .e yie"$- .e .a"k a.ay61 ai$ the one(arme$ man. 2& that .hat it ay on thi here
.riting61 #e n/$ge$ the ro"" o, parchment- it .a: ea" ti"" /nbroken.
2Rea$ it ,or yo/re",-1 he an.ere$- tho/gh he .a a"mot certain that none o, them co/"$
rea$. 2?or$ Ramay treat hi captive honorab"y o "ong a they keep ,aith .ith him.1 7e has
onl! taken toes and fingers and that other thing, when he might hae had m! tongue, or peeled
the skin off m! legs from heel to thigh+ 2Eie"$ /p yo/r .or$ to him- an$ yo/ .i"" "ive.1
2?iar.1 5agon Co$$ $re. hi "ong.or$. 2Eo/4re the one they ca"" 7/rnc"oak. 3hy ho/"$
.e be"ieve yo/r promie61
7e is drunk, Reek rea"iGe$. #he ale is speaking+ 2Be"ieve .hat yo/ .ant. & have bro/ght ?or$
Ramay4 meage. No. & m/t ret/rn to him. 3e4"" /p on .i"$ boar an$ neep- .ahe$ $o.n
.ith trong re$ .ine. 7hoe .ho come .ith me .i"" be .e"come at the ,eat. 7he ret o, yo/ .i""
$ie .ithin a $ay. 7he ?or$ o, the 5rea$,ort .i"" bring hi knight /p the ca/e.ay- .hi"t hi on
"ea$ hi o.n men $o.n on yo/ ,rom the north. No A/arter .i"" be grante$. 7he one that $ie
,ighting .i"" be the "/cky one. 7hoe .ho "ive .i"" be given to the bog $evi".1
20nough,1 nar"e$ 5agon Co$$. 2Eo/ think yo/ can ,righten ironborn .ith words6 Begone.
R/n back to yo/r mater be,ore & open yo/r be""y- p/"" yo/r entrai" o/t- an$ make yo/ eat
them.1
#e might have ai$ more- b/t /$$en"y hi eye gape$ .i$e. A thro.ing a:e pro/te$ ,rom
the center o, hi ,orehea$ .ith a o"i$ thunk+ Co$$4 .or$ ,e"" ,rom hi ,inger. #e =erke$ "ike a
,ih on a hook- then crahe$ ,ace(,irt onto the tab"e.
&t .a the one(arme$ man .ho4$ ,"/ng the a:e. A he roe to hi ,eet he ha$ another in hi
han$. 23ho e"e .ant to $ie61 he ake$ the other $rinker. 2Speak /p- &4"" ee yo/ $o.1 7hin re$
tream .ere prea$ing o/t acro the tone ,rom the poo" o, b"oo$ .here 5agon Co$$4 hea$
ha$ come to ret. 2Me- & mean to "ive- an$ that $on4t mean taying here to rot.1
Hne man took a .a""o. o, a"e. Another t/rne$ hi c/p over to .ah a.ay a ,inger o, b"oo$
be,ore it reache$ the p"ace .here he .a eate$. No one poke. 3hen the one(arme$ man "i$
the thro.ing a:e back thro/gh hi be"t- Reek kne. he ha$ .on. #e a"mot ,e"t a man again. "ord
)amsa! will be pleased with me+
#e p/""e$ $o.n the kraken banner .ith hi o.n t.o han$- ,/mb"ing ome beca/e o, hi
miing ,inger b/t thank,/" ,or the ,inger that ?or$ Ramay ha$ a""o.e$ him to keep. &t took
the better part o, the a,ternoon be,ore the ironborn .ere rea$y to $epart. 7here .ere more o,
them than he .o/"$ have g/ee$@ ,orty(even in the Gateho/e 7o.er an$ another eighteen in
the 5r/nkar$4 7o.er. 7.o o, thoe .ere o c"oe to $ea$ there .a no hope ,or them- another
,ive too .eak to .a"k. 7hat ti"" "e,t ,i,ty(eight .ho .ere ,it eno/gh to ,ight. 3eak a they .ere-
they .o/"$ have taken three time their o.n n/mber .ith them i, ?or$ Ramay ha$ torme$ the
r/in. 7e did well to send me, Reek to"$ hime", a he c"imbe$ back onto hi tot to "ea$ hi
ragge$ co"/mn back acro the boggy gro/n$ to .here the northmen .ere encampe$. 2?eave
yo/r .eapon here-1 he to"$ the prioner. 2S.or$- bo.- $agger. Arme$ men .i"" be "ain on
ight.1
&t took them thrice a "ong to cover the $itance a it ha$ taken Reek a"one. Cr/$e "itter ha$
been patche$ together ,or ,o/r o, the men .ho co/"$ not .a"kI the ,i,th .a carrie$ by hi on-
/pon hi back. &t ma$e ,or "o. going- an$ a"" the ironborn .ere .e"" a.are o, ho. e:poe$ they
.ere- .e"" .ithin bo.hot o, the bog $evi" an$ their poione$ arro.. If I die, I die+ Reek on"y
praye$ the archer kne. hi b/ine- o $eath .o/"$ be A/ick an$ c"ean. A man/s death, not the
end )alf ,enning suffered+
7he one(arme$ man .a"ke$ at the hea$ o, the proceion- "imping heavi"y. #i name- he ai$-
.a A$rack #/mb"e- an$ he ha$ a rock .i,e an$ three a"t .ive back on Great 3yk. 27hree o,
the ,o/r ha$ big be""ie .hen .e ai"e$-1 he boate$- 2an$ #/mb"e r/n to t.in. +irt thing &4""
nee$ to $o .hen & get back i co/nt /p my ne. on. Might be &4"" even name one a,ter yo/-
m4"or$.1
A!e, name him )eek, he tho/ght- and when he/s bad !ou can cut his toes off and gie him rats
to eat+ #e t/rne$ hi hea$ an$ pat- an$ .on$ere$ i, Ra", >enning ha$n4t been the "/cky one.
A "ight rain ha$ beg/n to pi $o.n o/t o, the "ate(grey ky by the time ?or$ Ramay4 camp
appeare$ in ,ront o, them. A entry .atche$ them pa in i"ence. 7he air .a ,/"" o, $ri,ting
moke ,rom the cook,ire $ro.ning in the rain. A co"/mn o, ri$er came .hee"ing /p behin$
them- "e$ by a "or$"ing .ith a horehea$ on hi hie"$. One of "ord )!swell/s sons, Reek kne..
)oger, or ma!be )ickard+ #e co/"$ not te"" the t.o o, them apart. 2& thi a"" o, them61 the ri$er
ake$ ,rom atop a chetn/t ta""ion.
2A"" .ho .eren4t $ea$- my "or$.1
2& tho/ght there .o/"$ be more. 3e came at them three time- an$ three time they thre. /
back.1
We are ironborn, he tho/ght- .ith a /$$en ,"ah o, pri$e- an$ ,or ha", a heartbeat he .a a
prince again- ?or$ Ba"on4 on- the b"oo$ o, 9yke. Cven thinking .a $angero/- tho/gh. #e ha$
to remember hi name. )eek, m! name is )eek, it rh!mes with weak+
7hey .ere =/t o/ti$e the camp .hen the baying o, a pack o, ho/n$ to"$ o, ?or$ Ramay4
approach. 3horebane .a .ith him- a"ong .ith ha", a $oGen o, hi ,avorite- Skinner an$ So/r
A"yn an$ 5amon 5ance(,or(Me- an$ the 3a"$er Big an$ ?itt"e too. 7he $og .arme$ aro/n$
them- napping an$ nar"ing at the tranger. #he Bastard/s girls, Reek tho/ght- be,ore he
remembere$ that one m/t never- never- neer /e that .or$ in Ramay4 preence.
Reek ./ng $o.n ,rom hi a$$"e an$ took a knee. 2My "or$- Moat Cai"in i yo/r. #ere are
it "at $e,en$er.1
2So ,e.. & ha$ hope$ ,or more. 7hey .ere /ch t/bborn ,oe.1 ?or$ Ramay4 pa"e eye
hone. 2Eo/ m/t be tarve$. 5amon- A"yn- ee to them. 3ine an$ a"e- an$ a"" the ,oo$ that they
can eat. Skinner- ho. their .o/n$e$ to o/r maeter.1
2Aye- my "or$.1
A ,e. o, the ironborn m/ttere$ thank be,ore they hamb"e$ o,, to.ar$ the cook,ire in the
center o, the camp. Hne o, the Co$$ even trie$ to ki ?or$ Ramay4 ring- b/t the ho/n$
$rove him back be,ore he co/"$ get c"oe- an$ A"ion took a ch/nk o, hi ear. Cven a the b"oo$
treame$ $o.n hi neck- the man bobbe$ an$ bo.e$ an$ praie$ hi "or$hip4 mercy.
3hen the "at o, them .ere gone- Ramay Bo"ton t/rne$ hi mi"e on Reek. #e c"ape$ him
by the back o, the hea$- p/""e$ hi ,ace c"oe- kie$ him on hi cheek- an$ .hipere$- 2My o"$
,rien$ Reek. 5i$ they rea""y take yo/ ,or their prince6 3hat b"oo$y ,oo"- thee ironmen. 7he
go$ are "a/ghing.1
2A"" they .ant i to go home- my "or$.1
2An$ .hat $o !ou .ant- my .eet Reek61 Ramay m/rm/re$- a o,t"y a a "over. #i breath
me""e$ o, m/""e$ .ine an$ c"ove- o .eet. 2S/ch va"iant ervice $eerve a re.ar$. & cannot
give yo/ back yo/r ,inger or yo/r toe- b/t /re"y there i omething yo/ .o/"$ have o, me.
Sha"" & ,ree yo/ intea$6 Re"eae yo/ ,rom my ervice6 5o yo/ .ant to go .ith them- ret/rn to
yo/r b"eak i"e in the co"$ grey ea- be a prince again6 Hr .o/"$ yo/ ooner tay my "ea"
erving man61
A co"$ kni,e crape$ a"ong hi pine. Be careful, he to"$ hime",- be er!, er! careful+ #e $i$
not "ike hi "or$hip4 mi"e- the .ay hi eye .ere hining- the pitt"e g"itening at the corner o,
hi mo/th. #e ha$ een /ch ign be,ore. &ou are no prince+ &ou/re )eek, 9ust )eek, it rh!mes
with freak+ 1ie him the answer that he wants+
2My "or$-1 he ai$- 2my p"ace i here- .ith yo/. &4m yo/r Reek. & on"y .ant to erve yo/. A""
& ak8 a kin o, .ine- that .o/"$ be re.ar$ eno/gh ,or me8 re$ .ine- the tronget that yo/
have- a"" the .ine a man can $rink81
?or$ Ramay "a/ghe$. 2Eo/4re not a man- Reek. Eo/4re =/t my creat/re. Eo/4"" have yo/r
.ine- tho/gh. 3a"$er- ee to it. An$ ,ear not- & .on4t ret/rn yo/ to the $/ngeon- yo/ have my
.or$ a a Bo"ton. 3e4"" make a $og o, yo/ intea$. Meat every $ay- an$ &4"" even "eave yo/ teeth
eno/gh to eat it. Eo/ can "eep bei$e my gir". Ben- $o yo/ have a co""ar ,or him61
2&4"" have one ma$e- m4"or$-1 ai$ o"$ Ben Bone.
7he o"$ man $i$ better than that. 7hat night- bei$e the co""ar- there .a a ragge$ b"anket
too- an$ ha", a chicken. Reek ha$ to ,ight the $og ,or the meat- b/t it .a the bet mea" he4$ ha$
ince 3inter,e"".
An$ the .ine8 the .ine .a $ark an$ o/r- b/t strong+ SA/atting amongt the ho/n$- Reek
$rank /nti" hi hea$ .am- retche$- .ipe$ hi mo/th- an$ $rank ome more. A,ter.ar$ he "ay
back an$ c"oe$ hi eye. 3hen he .oke a $og .a "icking vomit ,rom hi bear$- an$ $ark
c"o/$ .ere c/tt"ing acro the ,ace o, a ick"e moon. Some.here in the night- men .ere
creaming. #e hove$ the $og ai$e- ro""e$ over- an$ .ent back to "eep.
7he ne:t morning ?or$ Ramay $ipatche$ three ri$er $o.n the ca/e.ay to take .or$ to
hi "or$ ,ather that the .ay .a c"ear. 7he ,"aye$ man o, #o/e Bo"ton .a hoite$ above the
Gateho/e 7o.er- .here Reek ha$ ha/"e$ $o.n the go"$en kraken o, 9yke. A"ong the rotting(
p"ank roa$- .oo$en take .ere $riven $eep into the boggy gro/n$I there the corpe ,etere$-
re$ an$ $ripping. Si8t!(three, he kne.- there are si8t!(three of them+ Hne .a hort ha", an arm.
Another ha$ a parchment hove$ bet.een it teeth- it .a: ea" ti"" /nbroken.
7hree $ay "ater- the vang/ar$ o, Rooe Bo"ton4 hot threa$e$ it .ay thro/gh the r/in an$
pat the ro. o, gri"y entine"@,o/r h/n$re$ mo/nte$ +rey c"a$ in b"/e an$ grey- their
pearpoint g"ittering .henever the /n broke thro/gh the c"o/$. 7.o o, o"$ ?or$ 3a"$er4
on "e$ the van. Hne .a bra.ny- .ith a maive =/t o, =a. an$ arm thick .ith m/c"e. 7he
other ha$ h/ngry eye c"oe(et above a pointe$ noe- a thin bro.n bear$ that $i$ not A/ite
concea" the .eak chin beneath it- a ba"$ hea$. 7osteen and Aen!s+ #e remembere$ them ,rom
be,ore he kne. hi name. #oteen .a a b/""- "o. to anger b/t imp"acab"e once ro/e$- an$ by
rep/te the ,iercet ,ighter o, ?or$ 3a"$er4 get. Aeny .a o"$er- cr/e"er- an$ more c"ever@a
comman$er- not a .or$man. Both .ere eaone$ o"$ier.
7he northmen ,o""o.e$ har$ behin$ the van- their tattere$ banner treaming in the .in$.
Reek .atche$ them pa. Mot .ere a,oot- an$ there .ere o ,e. o, them. #e remembere$ the
great hot that marche$ o/th .ith Eo/ng 3o",- beneath the $ire.o", o, 3inter,e"". 7.enty
tho/an$ .or$ an$ pear ha$ gone o,, to .ar .ith Robb- or near eno/gh to make no matter-
b/t on"y t.o in ten .ere coming back- an$ mot o, thoe .ere 5rea$,ort men.
Back .here the pre .a thicket at the center o, the co"/mn ro$e a man armore$ in $ark
grey p"ate over a A/i"te$ t/nic o, b"oo$(re$ "eather. #i ron$e" .ere .ro/ght in the hape o,
h/man hea$- .ith open mo/th that hrieke$ in agony. +rom hi ho/"$er treame$ a pink
.oo"en c"oak embroi$ere$ .ith $rop"et o, b"oo$. ?ong treamer o, re$ i"k ,"/ttere$ ,rom the
top o, hi c"oe$ he"m. 2o crannogman will sla! )oose Bolton with a poisoned arrow, Reek
tho/ght .hen he ,irt a. him. An enc"oe$ .agon groane$ a"ong behin$ him- $ra.n by i:
heavy $ra,t hore an$ $e,en$e$ by crobo.men- ,ront an$ rear. C/rtain o, $ark b"/e ve"vet
concea"e$ the .agon4 occ/pant ,rom .atching eye.
+arther back came the baggage train@"/mbering .ayn "a$en .ith proviion an$ "oot taken
in the .ar- an$ cart cro.$e$ .ith .o/n$e$ men an$ cripp"e. An$ at the rear- more +rey. At
"eat a tho/an$- maybe more' bo.men- pearmen- peaant arme$ .ith cythe an$ harpene$
tick- ,reeri$er an$ mo/nte$ archer- an$ another h/n$re$ knight to ti,,en them.
Co""are$ an$ chaine$ an$ back in rag again- Reek ,o""o.e$ .ith the other $og at ?or$
Ramay4 hee" .hen hi "or$hip tro$e ,orth to greet hi ,ather. 3hen the ri$er in the $ark
armor remove$ hi he"m- ho.ever- the ,ace beneath .a not one that Reek kne.. Ramay4
mi"e c/r$"e$ at the ight- an$ anger ,"ahe$ acro hi ,ace. 23hat i thi- ome mockery61
2!/t ca/tion-1 .hipere$ Rooe Bo"ton- a he emerge$ ,rom behin$ the c/rtain o, the
enc"oe$ .agon.
7he ?or$ o, the 5rea$,ort $i$ not have a trong "ikene to hi batar$ on. #i ,ace .a
c"ean(have$- mooth(kinne$- or$inary- not han$ome b/t not A/ite p"ain. 7ho/gh Rooe ha$
been in batt"e- he bore no car. 7ho/gh .e"" pat ,orty- he .a a yet /n.rink"e$- .ith carce a
"ine to te"" o, the paage o, time. #i "ip .ere o thin that .hen he pree$ them together they
eeme$ to vanih a"together. 7here .a an age"ene abo/t him- a ti""neI on Rooe Bo"ton4
,ace- rage an$ =oy "ooke$ m/ch the ame. A"" he an$ Ramay ha$ in common .ere their eye.
7is e!es are ice+ Reek .on$ere$ i, Rooe Bo"ton ever crie$. If so, do the tears feel cold upon his
cheeks6
Hnce- a boy ca""e$ 7heon Grey=oy ha$ en=oye$ t.eaking Bo"ton a they at at co/nci" .ith
Robb Stark- mocking hi o,t voice an$ making =ape abo/t "eeche. 7e must hae been mad+
#his is no man to 9ape with+ Eo/ ha$ on"y to "ook at Bo"ton to kno. that he ha$ more cr/e"ty in
hi pinky toe than a"" the +rey combine$.
2+ather.1 ?or$ Ramay kne"t be,ore hi ire.
?or$ Rooe t/$ie$ him ,or a moment. 2Eo/ may rie.1 #e t/rne$ to he"p t.o yo/ng .omen
$o.n ,rom ini$e the .agon.
7he ,irt .a hort an$ very ,at- .ith a ro/n$ re$ ,ace an$ three chin .obb"ing beneath a
ab"e hoo$. 2My ne. .i,e-1 Rooe Bo"ton ai$. 2?a$y 3a"$a- thi i my nat/ra" on. >i yo/r
tepmother4 han$- Ramay.1 #e $i$. 2An$ & am /re yo/ .i"" reca"" the ?a$y Arya. Eo/r
betrothe$.1
7he gir" .a "im- an$ ta""er than he remembere$- b/t that .a on"y to be e:pecte$. 1irls
grow fast at that age+ #er $re .a grey .oo" bor$ere$ .ith .hite atinI over it he .ore an
ermine c"oak c"ape$ .ith a i"ver .o",4 hea$. 5ark bro.n hair ,e"" ha",.ay $o.n her back.
An$ her eye8
#hat is not "ord 0ddard/s daughter+
Arya ha$ her ,ather4 eye- the grey eye o, the Stark. A gir" her age might "et her hair gro.
"ong- a$$ inche to her height- ee her chet ,i"" o/t- b/t he co/"$ not change the co"or o, her
eye. #hat/s Sansa/s little friend, the steward/s girl+ -e!ne, that was her name+ -e!ne $oole+
2?or$ Ramay.1 7he gir" $ippe$ $o.n be,ore him. 7hat .a .rong a .e"". #he real Ar!a
Stark would hae spat into his face+ 2& pray that & .i"" make yo/ a goo$ .i,e an$ give yo/ trong
on to ,o""o. a,ter yo/.1
27hat yo/ .i""-1 promie$ Ramay- 2an$ oon.1
!rienne
It .a #y"e #/nt .ho inite$ that they take the hea$. 27ar"y .i"" .ant them ,or the .a""-1
he ai$.
23e have no tar-1 Brienne pointe$ o/t. 27he ,"eh .i"" rot. ?eave them.1 She $i$ not .ant to
trave" thro/gh the green g"oom o, the piney .oo$ .ith the hea$ o, the men he4$ ki""e$.
#/nt .o/"$ not "iten. #e hacke$ thro/gh the $ea$ men4 neck hime",- tie$ the three hea$
together by the hair- an$ "/ng them ,rom hi a$$"e. Brienne ha$ no choice b/t to try an$
preten$ they .ere not there- b/t ometime- epecia""y at night- he co/"$ ,ee" their $ea$ eye on
her back- an$ once he $reame$ he hear$ them .hipering to one another.
&t .a co"$ an$ .et on Crackc"a. 9oint a they retrace$ their tep. Some $ay it raine$ an$
ome $ay it threatene$ rain. 7hey .ere never .arm. Cven .hen they ma$e camp- it .a har$ to
,in$ eno/gh $ry .oo$ ,or a ,ire.
By the time they reache$ the gate o, Mai$enpoo"- a hot o, ,"ie atten$e$ them- a cro. ha$
eaten Shag.e""4 eye- an$ 9yg an$ 7imeon .ere cra."ing .ith maggot. Brienne an$ 9o$rick
ha$ "ong ince taken to ri$ing a h/n$re$ yar$ ahea$- to keep the me"" o, rot .e"" behin$ them.
Ser #y"e c"aime$ to have "ot a"" ene o, me"" by then. 2B/ry them-1 he to"$ him every time
they ma$e camp ,or a night- b/t #/nt .a nothing i, not t/bborn. 7e will most like tell "ord
)and!ll that he slew all three of them+
7o hi honor- tho/gh- the knight $i$ nothing o, the ort.
27he tammering A/ire thre. a rock-1 he ai$- .hen he an$ Brienne .ere /here$ into
7ar"y4 preence in the yar$ o, Mooton4 cat"e. 7he hea$ ha$ been preente$ to a er=eant o,
the g/ar$- .ho .a to"$ to have them c"eane$ an$ tarre$ an$ mo/nte$ above the gate. 27he
.or$.ench $i$ the ret.1
2A"" three61 ?or$ Ran$y"" .a incre$/"o/.
27he .ay he ,o/ght- he co/"$ have ki""e$ three more.1
2An$ $i$ yo/ ,in$ the Stark gir"61 7ar"y $eman$e$ o, her.
2No- my "or$.1
2&ntea$ yo/ "e. ome rat. 5i$ yo/ en=oy it61
2No- my "or$.1
2A pity. 3e""- yo/4ve ha$ yo/r tate o, b"oo$. 9rove$ .hatever it i yo/ meant to prove. &t4
time yo/ took o,, that mai" an$ $onne$ proper c"othe again. 7here are hip in port. Hne4
bo/n$ to top at 7arth. &4"" have yo/ on it.1
27hank yo/- my "or$- b/t no.1
?or$ 7ar"y4 ,ace /ggete$ he .o/"$ have "ike$ nothing better than to tick her o.n hea$ on
a pike an$ mo/nt it above the gate o, Mai$enpoo" .ith 7imeon- 9yg- an$ Shag.e"". 2Eo/
mean to contin/e .ith thi ,o""y61
2& mean to ,in$ the ?a$y Sana.1
2&, it p"eae my "or$-1 Ser #y"e ai$- 2& .atche$ her ,ight the M/mmer. She i tronger than
mot men- an$ A/ick@1
27he sword i A/ick-1 7ar"y nappe$. 27hat i the nat/re o, %a"yrian tee". Stronger than mot
men6 Aye. She4 a ,reak o, nat/re- ,ar be it ,rom me to $eny it.1
7is sort will neer loe me, Brienne tho/ght- no matter what I do+ 2My "or$- it may be that
San$or C"egane ha ome kno."e$ge o, the gir". &, & co/"$ ,in$ him81
2C"egane4 t/rne$ o/t"a.. #e ri$e .ith Beric 5on$arrion no.- it .o/"$ eem. Hr not- the
ta"e vary. Sho. me .here they4re hi$ing- & .i"" g"a$"y "it their be""ie open- p/"" their entrai"
o/t- an$ b/rn them. 3e4ve hange$ $oGen o, o/t"a.- b/t the "ea$er ti"" e"/$e /. C"egane-
5on$arrion- the re$ priet- an$ no. thi .oman Stoneheart8 ho. $o !ou propoe to ,in$ them-
.hen & cannot61
2My "or$- &81 She ha$ no goo$ an.er ,or him. 2A"" & can $o i try.1
27ry- then. Eo/ have yo/r "etter- yo/ $o not nee$ my "eave- b/t &4"" give it nonethe"e. &,
yo/4re ,ort/nate- a"" yo/4"" get ,or yo/r tro/b"e are a$$"e ore. &, not- perhap C"egane .i"" "et
yo/ "ive a,ter he an$ hi pack are $one raping yo/. Eo/ can cra." back to 7arth .ith ome $og4
batar$ in yo/r be""y.1
Brienne ignore$ that. 2&, it p"eae my "or$- ho. many men ri$e .ith the #o/n$61
2Si: or i:ty or i: h/n$re$. &t .o/"$ eem to $epen$ on .hom .e ak.1 Ran$y"" 7ar"y ha$
p"ain"y ha$ eno/gh o, the converation. #e tarte$ to t/rn a.ay.
2&, my A/ire an$ & might beg yo/r hopita"ity /nti"@1
2Beg a"" yo/ .ant. & .i"" not /,,er yo/ beneath my roo,.1
Ser #y"e #/nt teppe$ ,or.ar$. 2&, it p"eae my "or$- & ha$ /n$ertoo$ that it .a ti"" ?or$
Mooton4 roo,.1
7ar"y gave the knight a venomo/ "ook. 2Mooton ha the co/rage o, a .orm. Eo/ .i"" not
peak to me o, Mooton. A ,or yo/- my "a$y- it i ai$ that yo/r ,ather i a goo$ man. &, o- & pity
him. Some men are b"ee$ .ith on- ome .ith $a/ghter. No man $eerve to be c/re$ .ith
/ch a yo/. ?ive or $ie- ?a$y Brienne- $o not ret/rn to Mai$enpoo" .hi"t & r/"e here.1
Words are wind, Brienne to"$ here",. #he! cannot hurt !ou+ "et them wash oer !ou+ 2A yo/
comman$- my "or$-1 he trie$ to ay- b/t 7ar"y ha$ gone be,ore he got it o/t. She .a"ke$ ,rom
the yar$ "ike one a"eep- not kno.ing .here he .a going.
Ser #y"e ,e"" in bei$e her. 27here are inn.1
She hook her hea$. She $i$ not .ant .or$ .ith #y"e #/nt.
25o yo/ reca"" the Stinking Gooe61
#er c"oak ti"" me""e$ o, it. 23hy61
2Meet me there on the morro.- at mi$$ay. My co/in A"yn .a one o, thoe ent o/t to ,in$
the #o/n$. &4"" peak .ith him.1
23hy .o/"$ yo/ $o that61
23hy not6 &, yo/ /ccee$ .here A"yn ,ai"e$- & ha"" be ab"e to ta/nt him .ith that ,or year.1
7here .ere ti"" inn in Mai$enpoo"I Ser #y"e ha$ not been .rong. Some ha$ b/rne$ $/ring
one ack or the other- ho.ever- an$ ha$ yet to be reb/i"t- an$ thoe that remaine$ .ere ,/"" to
b/rting .ith men ,rom ?or$ 7ar"y4 hot. She an$ 9o$rick viite$ a"" o, them that a,ternoon- b/t
there .ere no be$ to be ha$ any.here.
2Ser6 My "a$y61 9o$rick ai$ a the /n .a going $o.n. 27here are hip. Ship have be$.
#ammock. Hr b/nk.1
?or$ Ran$y""4 men ti"" pro."e$ the $ock- a thick a the ,"ie ha$ been on the hea$ o, the
three B"oo$y M/mmer- b/t their er=eant kne. Brienne by ight an$ "et her pa. 7he "oca"
,iher,o"k .ere tying /p ,or the night an$ crying the $ay4 catch- b/t her interet .a in the "arger
hip that p"ie$ the tormy .ater o, the narro. ea. #a", a $oGen .ere in port- tho/gh one- a
ga""ea ca""e$ the #itan/s Daughter, .a cating o,, her "ine to ri$e o/t on the evening ti$e. She
an$ 9o$rick 9ayne ma$e the ro/n$ o, the hip that remaine$. 7he mater o, the 1ulltown 1irl
took Brienne ,or a .hore an$ to"$ them that hi hip .a not a ba.$y ho/e- an$ a harpooner on
the &bbenee .ha"er o,,ere$ to b/y her boy- b/t they ha$ better ,ort/ne e"e.here. She p/rchae$
9o$rick an orange on the Seastrider, a cog =/t in ,rom H"$to.n by .ay o, 7yroh- 9ento- an$
5/ken$a"e. 2G/""to.n ne:t-1 her captain to"$ her- 2thence aro/n$ the +inger to Siterton an$
3hite #arbor- i, the torm a""o.. She4 a c"ean hip- 4Strider- not o many rat a mot- an$
.e4"" have ,reh egg an$ ne.(ch/rne$ b/tter aboar$. & m4"a$y eeking paage north61
2No.1 2ot !et+ She .a tempte$- b/t8
A they .ere making their .ay to the ne:t pier- 9o$rick h/,,"e$ hi ,eet- an$ ai$- 2Ser6 My
"a$y6 3hat i, my "a$y $i$ go home6 My other "a$y- & mean. Ser. ?a$y Sana.1
27hey b/rne$ her home.1
2Sti"". 7hat4 .here her gods are. An$ go$ can4t $ie.1
1ods cannot die, but girls can+ 27imeon .a a cr/e" man an$ a m/r$erer- b/t & $o not think
he "ie$ abo/t the #o/n$. 3e cannot go north /nti" .e kno. ,or certain. 7here .i"" be other
hip.1
At the eat en$ o, the harbor they ,ina""y ,o/n$ he"ter ,or the night- aboar$ a torm(.racke$
tra$ing ga""ey ca""e$ the "ad! of *!r+ She .a "iting ba$"y- having "ot her mat an$ ha", her
cre. in a torm- b/t her mater $i$ not have the coin he nee$e$ to re,it her- o he .a g"a$ to
take a ,e. pennie ,rom Brienne an$ a""o. her an$ 9o$ to hare an empty cabin.
7hey ha$ a ret"e night. 7hrice Brienne .oke. Hnce .hen the rain began- an$ once at a
creak that ma$e her think Nimb"e 5ick .a creeping in to ki"" her. 7he econ$ time- he .oke
.ith kni,e in han$- b/t it .a nothing. &n the $arkne o, the crampe$ "itt"e cabin- it took her a
moment to remember that Nimb"e 5ick .a $ea$. 3hen he ,ina""y $ri,te$ back to "eep- he
$reame$ abo/t the men he4$ ki""e$. 7hey $ance$ aro/n$ her- mocking her- pinching at her a
he "ahe$ at them .ith her .or$. She c/t them a"" to b"oo$y ribbon- yet ti"" they .arme$
aro/n$ her8 Shag.e""- 7imeon- an$ 9yg- aye- b/t Ran$y"" 7ar"y too- an$ %argo #oat- an$ Re$
Ronnet Connington. Ronnet ha$ a roe bet.een hi ,inger. 3hen he he"$ it o/t to her- he c/t
hi han$ o,,.
She .oke .eating- an$ pent the ret o, the night h/$$"e$ /n$er her c"oak- "itening to rain
po/n$ againt the $eck over her hea$. &t .a a .i"$ night. +rom time to time he hear$ the o/n$
o, $itant th/n$er- an$ tho/ght o, the Braavoi hip that ha$ ai"e$ /pon the evening ti$e.
7he ne:t morning he ,o/n$ the Stinking Gooe again- .oke it "attern"y proprietor- an$ pai$
her ,or ome greay a/age- ,rie$ brea$- ha", a c/p o, .ine- a ,"agon o, boi"e$ .ater- an$ t.o
c"ean c/p. 7he .oman A/inte$ at Brienne a he .a p/tting the .ater on to boi". 2Eo/4re the
big one .ent o,, .ith Nimb"e 5ick. & remember. #e cheat yo/61
2No.1
2Rape yo/61
2No.1
2Stea" yo/r hore61
2No. #e .a "ain by o/t"a..1
2H/t"a.61 7he .oman eeme$ more c/rio/ than /pet. 2& a".ay ,ig/re$ 5ick .o/"$ hang-
or get ent o,, to that 3a"".1
7hey ate the ,rie$ brea$ an$ ha", the a/age. 9o$rick 9ayne .ahe$ hi $o.n .ith .ine(
,"avore$ .ater .hi"t Brienne n/re$ a c/p o, .atere$ .ine an$ .on$ere$ .hy he4$ come.
#y"e #/nt .a no tr/e knight. #i honet ,ace .a =/t a m/mmer4 mak. I do not need his
help, I do not need his protection, and I do not need him, he to"$ here",. 7e is probabl! not
een coming+ #elling me to meet him here was 9ust another 9ape+
She .a getting /p to go .hen Ser #y"e arrive$. 2My "a$y. 9o$rick.1 #e g"ance$ at the c/p
an$ p"ate an$ the ha",(eaten a/age coo"ing in a p/$$"e o, greae- an$ ai$- 2Go$- & hope yo/
$i$ not eat the ,oo$ here.1
23hat .e ate i no concern o, yo/r-1 Brienne ai$. 25i$ yo/ ,in$ yo/r co/in6 3hat $i$ he
te"" yo/61
2San$or C"egane .a "at een in Sa"tpan- the $ay o, the rai$. A,ter.ar$ he ro$e .et- a"ong
the 7ri$ent.1
She ,ro.ne$. 27he 7ri$ent i a "ong river.1
2Aye- b/t & $on4t think o/r $og .i"" have .an$ere$ too ,ar ,rom it mo/th. 3etero ha "ot
it charm ,or him- it .o/"$ eem. At Sa"tpan he .a "ooking ,or a ship+1 Ser #y"e $re. a ro"" o,
heepkin ,rom hi boot- p/he$ the a/age ai$e- an$ /nro""e$ it. &t prove$ to be a map. 27he
#o/n$ b/tchere$ three o, hi brother4 men at the o"$ inn by the croroa$- here. #e "e$ the rai$
on Sa"tpan- here.1 #e tappe$ Sa"tpan .ith hi ,inger. 2#e may be trappe$. 7he +rey are /p
here at the 7.in- 5arry an$ #arrenha" are o/th acro the 7ri$ent- .et he4 got the
B"ack.oo$ an$ the Bracken ,ighting- an$ ?or$ Ran$y""4 here at Mai$enpoo". 7he high roa$ to
the %a"e i c"oe$ by no.- even i, he co/"$ get pat the mo/ntain c"an. 3here4 a $og to go61
2&, he i .ith 5on$arrion 8.1
2#e4 not. A"yn i certain o, that. 5on$arrion4 men are "ooking ,or him too. 7hey have p/t
o/t .or$ that they mean to hang him ,or .hat he $i$ at Sa"tpan. 7hey ha$ no part o, that. ?or$
Ran$y"" i p/tting it abo/t that they $i$ in hope o, t/rning the common againt Beric an$ hi
brotherhoo$. #e .i"" never take the "ightning "or$ o "ong a the ma"",o"k are protecting him.
An$ there4 thi other ban$- "e$ by thi .oman Stoneheart8 ?or$ Beric4 "over- accor$ing to
one ta"e. S/ppoe$"y he .a hange$ by the +rey- b/t 5on$arrion kie$ her an$ bro/ght her
back to "i,e- an$ no. he cannot $ie- no more than he can.1 Brienne coni$ere$ the map. 2&,
C"egane .a "at een at Sa"tpan- that .o/"$ be the p"ace to ,in$ hi trai".1
27here i no one "e,t at Sa"tpan b/t an o"$ knight hi$ing in hi cat"e- A"yn ai$.1
2Sti""- it .o/"$ be a p"ace to tart.1
27here4 a man-1 Ser #y"e ai$. 2A epton. #e came in thro/gh my gate the $ay be,ore yo/
t/rne$ /p. Meriba"$- hi name i. River(born an$ river(bre$ an$ he4 erve$ here a"" hi "i,e. #e4
$eparting on the morro. to make hi circ/it- an$ he a".ay ca"" at Sa"tpan. 3e ho/"$ go .ith
him.1
Brienne "ooke$ /p harp"y. 4We65
2& am going .ith yo/.1
2Eo/4re not.1
23e""- &4m going .ith Septon Meriba"$ to Sa"tpan. Eo/ an$ 9o$rick can go .herever yo/
b"oo$y .e"" "ike.1
25i$ ?or$ Ran$y"" comman$ yo/ to ,o""o. me again61
2#e comman$e$ me to tay a.ay ,rom yo/. ?or$ Ran$y"" i o, the vie. that yo/ might
bene,it ,rom a goo$ har$ raping.1
27hen .hy .o/"$ yo/ come .ith me61
2&t .a that- or ret/rn to gate $/ty.1
2&, yo/r "or$ comman$e$@1
2#e i no "onger my "or$.1
7hat took her aback. 2Eo/ "e,t hi ervice61
2#i "or$hip in,orme$ me that he ha$ no ,/rther nee$ o, my .or$- or my ino"ence. &t
amo/nt to the ame thing. #ence,orth & ha"" en=oy the a$vent/reome "i,e o, a he$ge knight8
tho/gh i, .e $o ,in$ Sana Stark- & imagine .e .i"" be .e"" re.ar$e$.1
1old and land, that/s what he sees in this+ 2& mean to ave the gir"- not e"" her. & .ore a
vo..1
2& $on4t reca"" that & $i$.1
27hat i .hy yo/ .i"" not be coming .ith me.1
7hey "e,t the ne:t morning- a the /n .a coming /p.
&t .a a A/eer proceion' Ser #y"e on a chetn/t co/rer an$ Brienne on her ta"" grey mare-
9o$rick 9ayne atri$e hi .ayback tot- an$ Septon Meriba"$ .a"king bei$e them .ith hi
A/arterta,,- "ea$ing a ma"" $onkey an$ a "arge $og. 7he $onkey carrie$ /ch a heavy "oa$ that
Brienne .a ha", a,rai$ it back .o/"$ break. 2+oo$ ,or the poor an$ h/ngry o, the river"an$-1
Septon Meriba"$ to"$ them at the gate o, Mai$enpoo". 2See$ an$ n/t an$ $rie$ ,r/it- oaten
porri$ge- ,"o/r- bar"ey brea$- three .hee" o, ye""o. cheee ,rom the inn by the +oo"4 Gate- a"t
co$ ,or me- a"t m/tton ,or 5og8 oh- an$ a"t. Hnion- carrot- t/rnip- t.o ack o, bean- ,o/r
o, bar"ey- an$ nine o, orange. & have a .eakne ,or the orange- & con,e. & got thee ,rom a
ai"or- an$ & ,ear they .i"" be the "at &4"" tate ti"" pring.1
Meriba"$ .a a epton .itho/t a ept- on"y one tep /p ,rom a begging brother in the
hierarchy o, the +aith. 7here .ere h/n$re$ "ike him- a ragge$ ban$ .hoe h/mb"e tak it .a to
tr/$ge ,rom one ,"ypeck o, a vi""age to the ne:t- con$/cting ho"y ervice- per,orming
marriage- an$ ,orgiving in. 7hoe he viite$ .ere e:pecte$ to ,ee$ an$ he"ter him- b/t mot
.ere a poor a he .a- o Meriba"$ co/"$ not "inger in one p"ace too "ong .itho/t ca/ing
har$hip to hi hot. >in$"y innkeep .o/"$ ometime a""o. him to "eep in their kitchen or
their tab"e- an$ there .ere eptrie an$ ho"$,at an$ even a ,e. cat"e .here he kne. he
.o/"$ be given hopita"ity. 3here no /ch p"ace .ere at han$- he "ept beneath the tree or
/n$er he$ge. 27here are many ,ine he$ge in the river"an$-1 Meriba"$ ai$. 27he o"$ one are
the bet. 7here4 nothing beat a h/n$re$(year(o"$ he$ge. &ni$e one o, thoe a man can "eep a
n/g a at an inn- an$ .ith "e ,ear o, ,"ea.1
7he epton co/"$ neither rea$ nor .rite- a he cheer,/""y con,ee$ a"ong the roa$- b/t he
kne. a h/n$re$ $i,,erent prayer an$ co/"$ recite "ong paage ,rom #he Seen($ointed Star
,rom memory- .hich .a a"" that .a reA/ire$ in the vi""age. #e ha$ a eame$- .in$b/rnt ,ace-
a hock o, thick grey hair- .rink"e at the corner o, hi eye. 7ho/gh a big man- i: ,eet ta""- he
ha$ a .ay o, h/nching ,or.ar$ a he .a"ke$ that ma$e him eem m/ch horter. #i han$ .ere
"arge an$ "eathery- .ith re$ kn/ck"e an$ $irt beneath the nai"- an$ he ha$ the bigget ,eet that
Brienne ha$ ever een- bare an$ b"ack an$ har$ a horn.
2& have not .orn a hoe in t.enty year-1 he to"$ Brienne. 27he ,irt year- & ha$ more b"iter
than & ha$ toe- an$ my o"e .o/"$ b"ee$ "ike pig .henever & tro$ on a har$ tone- b/t & praye$
an$ the Cobb"er Above t/rne$ my kin to "eather.1
27here i no cobb"er above-1 9o$rick protete$.
27here i- "a$8 tho/gh yo/ may ca"" him by another name. 7e"" me- .hich o, the even go$
$o yo/ "ove bet61
27he 3arrior-1 ai$ 9o$rick .itho/t a moment4 heitation.
Brienne c"eare$ her throat. 2At Cven,a"" my ,ather4 epton a".ay ai$ that there .a b/t one
go$.1
2Hne go$ .ith even apect. 7hat4 o- my "a$y- an$ yo/ are right to point it o/t- b/t the
mytery o, the Seven 3ho Are Hne i not eay ,or imp"e ,o"k to grap- an$ & am nothing i, not
imp"e- o & peak o, even go$.1 Meriba"$ t/rne$ back to 9o$rick. 2& have never kno.n a boy
.ho $i$ not "ove the 3arrior. & am o"$- tho/gh- an$ being o"$- & "ove the Smith. 3itho/t hi
"abor- .hat .o/"$ the 3arrior $e,en$6 Cvery to.n ha a mith- an$ every cat"e. 7hey make the
p"o. .e nee$ to p"ant o/r crop- the nai" .e /e to b/i"$ o/r hip- iron hoe to ave the
hoove o, o/r ,aith,/" hore- the bright .or$ o, o/r "or$. No one co/"$ $o/bt the va"/e o, a
mith- an$ o .e name one o, the Seven in hi honor- b/t .e might a eai"y have ca""e$ him the
+armer or the +iherman- the Carpenter or the Cobb"er. 3hat he .ork at make no matter. 3hat
matter i- he .ork. 7he +ather r/"e- the 3arrior ,ight- the Smith "abor- an$ together they
per,orm a"" that i right,/" ,or a man. !/t a the Smith i one apect o, the go$hea$- the Cobb"er
i one apect o, the Smith. &t .a he .ho hear$ my prayer an$ hea"e$ my ,eet.1
27he go$ are goo$-1 Ser #y"e ai$ in a $ry voice- 2b/t .hy tro/b"e them- .hen yo/ might
=/t have kept yo/r hoe61
2Going bare,oot .a my penance. Cven ho"y epton can be inner- an$ my ,"eh .a .eak
a .eak co/"$ be. & .a yo/ng an$ ,/"" o, ap- an$ the gir"8 a epton can eem a ga""ant a a
prince i, he i the on"y man yo/ kno. .ho ha ever been more than a mi"e ,rom yo/r vi""age. &
.o/"$ recite to them ,rom #he Seen($ointed Star+ 7he Mai$en4 Book .orke$ bet. Hh- & .a a
.icke$ man- be,ore & thre. a.ay my hoe. &t hame me to think o, a"" the mai$en &
$e,"o.ere$.1
Brienne hi,te$ in the a$$"e /ncom,ortab"y- thinking back to the camp be"o. the .a"" o,
#ighgar$en an$ the .ager Ser #y"e an$ the other ha$ ma$e to ee .ho co/"$ be$ her ,irt.
23e4re "ooking ,or a mai$en-1 con,i$e$ 9o$rick 9ayne. 2A highborn gir" o, three(an$(ten-
.ith a/b/rn hair.1
2& ha$ /n$ertoo$ that yo/ .ere eeking o/t"a..1
27hem too-1 9o$rick a$mitte$.
2Mot trave"er $o a"" they can to avoi$ /ch men-1 ai$ Septon Meriba"$- 2yet yo/ .o/"$
eek them o/t.1
23e on"y eek one o/t"a.-1 Brienne ai$. 27he #o/n$.1
2So Ser #y"e to"$ me. May the Seven ave yo/- chi"$. &t4 ai$ he "eave a trai" o, b/tchere$
babe an$ ravihe$ mai$ behin$ him. 7he Ma$ 5og o, Sa"tpan- & have hear$ him ca""e$. 3hat
.o/"$ goo$ ,o"k .ant .ith /ch a creat/re61
27he mai$ that 9o$rick poke o, may be .ith him.1
27r/"y6 7hen .e m/t pray ,or the poor gir".1
And for me, tho/ght Brienne- a pra!er for me as well+ Ask the %rone to raise her lamp and
lead me to the "ad! Sansa, and the Warrior to gie strength to m! arm so that I might defend
her+ She $i$ not ay the .or$ a"o/$- tho/ghI not .here #y"e #/nt might hear her an$ mock her
,or her .oman4 .eakne.
3ith Septon Meriba"$ a,oot an$ hi $onkey bearing /ch a heavy "oa$- the going .a "o. a""
that $ay. 7hey $i$ not take the main roa$ .et- the roa$ that Brienne ha$ once ri$$en .ith Ser
!aime .hen they came the other .ay to ,in$ Mai$enpoo" acke$ an$ ,/"" o, corpe. &ntea$ they
tr/ck o,, to.ar$ the north.et- ,o""o.ing the hore o, the Bay o, Crab on a crooke$ track o
ma"" that it $i$ not appear on either o, Ser #y"e4 precio/ heepkin map. 7he teep hi""-
b"ack bog- an$ piney .oo$ o, Crackc"a. 9oint .ere no.here to be ,o/n$ thi i$e o,
Mai$enpoo". 7he "an$ they trave"e$ thro/gh .ere "o. an$ .et- a .i"$erne o, an$y $/ne an$
a"t marhe beneath a vat b"/e(grey va/"t o, ky. 7he roa$ .a prone to vanihing amongt the
ree$ an$ ti$a" poo"- on"y to appear again a mi"e ,arther onI .itho/t Meriba"$- Brienne kne.-
they /re"y .o/"$ have "ot their .ay. 7he gro/n$ .a o,ten o,t- o in p"ace the epton .o/"$
.a"k ahea$- tapping .ith hi A/arterta,, to make certain o, the ,ooting. 7here .ere no tree ,or
"eag/e aro/n$- =/t ea an$ ky an$ an$.
No "an$ co/"$ have been more $i,,erent ,rom 7arth- .ith it mo/ntain an$ .ater,a""- it high
mea$o. an$ ha$o.e$ va"e- yet thi p"ace ha$ it o.n bea/ty- Brienne tho/ght. 7hey croe$
a $oGen "o.(,"o.ing tream a"ive .ith ,rog an$ cricket- .atche$ tern ,"oating high above
the bay- hear$ the an$piper ca""ing ,rom amongt the $/ne. Hnce a ,o: croe$ their path- an$
et Meriba"$4 $og to barking .i"$"y.
An$ there .ere peop"e too. Some "ive$ amongt the ree$ in ho/e b/i"t o, m/$ an$ tra.-
.hi"t other ,ihe$ the bay in "eather corac"e an$ b/i"t their home on rickety .oo$en ti"t
above the $/ne. Mot eeme$ to "ive a"one- o/t o, ight o, any h/man habitation b/t their o.n.
7hey eeme$ a hy ,o"k ,or the mot part- b/t near mi$$ay the $og began to bark again- an$ three
.omen emerge$ ,rom the ree$ to give Meriba"$ a .oven baket ,/"" o, c"am. #e gave each o,
them an orange in ret/rn- tho/gh c"am .ere a common a m/$ in thi .or"$- an$ orange .ere
rare an$ cot"y. Hne o, the .omen .a very o"$- one .a heavy .ith chi"$- an$ one .a a gir" a
,reh an$ pretty a a ,"o.er in pring. 3hen Meriba"$ took them o,, to hear their in- Ser #y"e
ch/ck"e$- an$ ai$- 2&t .o/"$ eem the go$ .a"k .ith /8 at "eat the Mai$en- the Mother- an$
the Crone.1 9o$rick "ooke$ o atonihe$ that Brienne ha$ to te"" him no- they .ere on"y three
marh .omen.
A,ter.ar$- .hen they re/me$ their =o/rney- he t/rne$ to the epton- an$ ai$- 27hee
peop"e "ive "e than a $ay4 ri$e ,rom Mai$enpoo"- an$ yet the ,ighting ha not to/che$ them.1
27hey have "itt"e to to/ch- my "a$y. 7heir trea/re are he"" an$ tone an$ "eather boat-
their ,inet .eapon knive o, r/te$ iron. 7hey are born- they "ive- they "ove- they $ie. 7hey
kno. ?or$ Mooton r/"e their "an$- b/t ,e. have ever een him- an$ Riverr/n an$ >ing4
?an$ing are on"y name to them.1
2An$ yet they kno. the go$-1 ai$ Brienne. 27hat i yo/r .ork- & think. #o. "ong have yo/
.a"ke$ the river"an$61
2&t .i"" be ,orty year oon-1 the epton ai$- an$ hi $og gave a "o/$ bark. 2+rom
Mai$enpoo" to Mai$enpoo"- my circ/it take me ha", a year an$ o,ttime more- b/t & .i"" not ay
& kno. the 7ri$ent. & g"impe the cat"e o, the great "or$ on"y at a $itance- b/t & kno. the
market to.n an$ ho"$,at- the vi""age too ma"" to have a name- the he$ge an$ the hi""- the
ri"" .here a thirty man can $rink an$ the cave .here he can he"ter. An$ the roa$ the
ma"",o"k /e- the crooke$ m/$$y track that $o not appear on parchment map- & kno. them
too.1 #e ch/ck"e$. 2& ho/"$. My ,eet have tro$ every mi"e o, them- ten time over.1
#he back roads are the ones the outlaws use, and the caes would make fine places for hunted
men to hide+ A prick"e o, /picion ma$e Brienne .on$er =/t ho. .e"" Ser #y"e kne. thi man.
2&t m/t make ,or a "one"y "i,e- epton.1
27he Seven are a".ay .ith me-1 ai$ Meriba"$- 2an$ & have my ,aith,/" ervant- an$ 5og.1
25oe yo/r $og have a name61 ake$ 9o$rick 9ayne.
2#e m/t-1 ai$ Meriba"$- 2b/t he i not my $og. Not him.1
7he $og barke$ an$ .agge$ hi tai". #e .a a h/ge- haggy creat/re- ten tone o, $og at "eat-
b/t ,rien$"y.
23ho $oe he be"ong to61 ake$ 9o$rick.
23hy- to hime",- an$ to the Seven. A to hi name- he ha not to"$ me .hat it i. & ca"" him
5og.1
2Hh.1 9o$rick $i$ not kno. .hat to make o, a $og name$ 5og- p"ain"y. 7he boy che.e$ on
that a .hi"e- then ai$- 2& /e$ to have a $og .hen & .a "itt"e. & ca""e$ him #ero.1
23a he61
23a he .hat61
2A hero.1
2No. #e .a a goo$ $og- tho/gh. #e $ie$.1
25og keep me a,e /pon the roa$- even in /ch trying time a thee. Neither .o", nor
o/t"a. $are mo"et me .hen 5og i at my i$e.1 7he epton ,ro.ne$. 27he .o"ve have gro.n
terrib"e o, "ate. 7here are p"ace .here a man a"one .o/"$ $o .e"" to ,in$ a tree to "eep in. &n a""
my year the bigget pack & ever a. ha$ ,e.er than a $oGen .o"ve in it- b/t the great pack that
pro." a"ong the 7ri$ent no. n/mber in the h/n$re$.1
2#ave yo/ come on them yo/re",61 Ser #y"e ake$.
2& have been pare$ that- Seven ave me- b/t & have hear$ them in the night- an$ more than
once. So many voice8 a o/n$ to c/r$"e a man4 b"oo$. &t even et 5og to hivering- an$ 5og
ha ki""e$ a $oGen .o"ve.1 #e r/,,"e$ the $og4 hea$. 2Some .i"" te"" yo/ that they are $emon.
7hey ay the pack i "e$ by a montro/ he(.o",- a ta"king ha$o. grim an$ grey an$ h/ge.
7hey .i"" te"" yo/ that he ha been kno.n to bring a/roch $o.n a"" by here",- that no trap nor
nare can ho"$ her- that he ,ear neither tee" nor ,ire- "ay any .o", that trie to mo/nt her- an$
$evo/r no other ,"eh b/t man.1
Ser #y"e #/nt "a/ghe$. 2No. yo/4ve $one it- epton. 9oor 9o$rick4 eye are big a boi"e$
egg.1
27hey4re not-1 ai$ 9o$rick- in$ignant. 5og barke$.
7hat night they ma$e a co"$ camp in the $/ne. Brienne ent 9o$rick .a"king by the hore to
,in$ ome $ri,t.oo$ ,or a ,ire- b/t he came back empty(han$e$- .ith m/$ /p to hi knee. 27he
ti$e4 o/t- er. My "a$y. 7here4 no .ater- on"y m/$,"at.1
2Stay o,, the m/$- chi"$-1 co/ne"e$ Septon Meriba"$. 27he m/$ i not ,on$ o, tranger. &,
yo/ .a"k in the .rong p"ace- it .i"" open /p an$ .a""o. yo/.1
2&t4 on"y mud,1 inite$ 9o$rick.
2Fnti" it ,i"" yo/r mo/th an$ tart creeping /p yo/r noe. 7hen it4 $eath.1 #e mi"e$ to take
the chi"" o,, hi .or$. 23ipe o,, that m/$ an$ have a "ice o, orange- "a$.1
7he ne:t $ay .a more o, the ame. 7hey broke their ,at on a"t co$ an$ more orange "ice-
an$ .ere on their .ay be,ore the /n .a .ho""y rien- .ith a pink ky behin$ them an$ a p/rp"e
ky ahea$. 5og "e$ the .ay- ni,,ing at every c"/mp o, ree$ an$ topping every no. an$ then to
pi on oneI he eeme$ to kno. the roa$ a .e"" a Meriba"$. 7he crie o, tern hivere$ thro/gh
the morning air a the ti$e came r/hing in.
Near mi$$ay they toppe$ at a tiny vi""age- the ,irt they ha$ enco/ntere$- .here eight o, the
ti"t(ho/e "oome$ above a ma"" tream. 7he men .ere o/t ,ihing in their corac"e- b/t the
.omen an$ yo/ng boy c"ambere$ $o.n $ang"ing rope "a$$er an$ gathere$ aro/n$ Septon
Meriba"$ to pray. A,ter the ervice he abo"ve$ their in an$ "e,t them .ith ome t/rnip- a ack
o, bean- an$ t.o o, hi precio/ orange.
Back on the roa$- the epton ai$- 23e .o/"$ $o .e"" to keep a .atch tonight- my ,rien$.
7he vi""ager ay they4ve een three broken men k/"king ro/n$ the $/ne- .et o, the o"$
.atchto.er.1
2Hn"y three61 Ser #y"e mi"e$. 27hree i honey to o/r .or$.ench. 7hey4re not "ike to
tro/b"e arme$ men.1
2Fn"e they4re tarving-1 the epton ai$. 27here i ,oo$ in thee marhe- b/t on"y ,or thoe
.ith the eye to ,in$ it- an$ thee men are tranger here- /rvivor ,rom ome batt"e. &, they
ho/"$ accot /- er- & beg yo/- "eave them to me.1
23hat .i"" yo/ $o .ith them61
2+ee$ them. Ak them to con,e their in- o that & might ,orgive them. &nvite them to come
.ith / to the D/iet &"e.1
27hat4 a goo$ a inviting them to "it o/r throat a .e "eep-1 #y"e #/nt rep"ie$. 2?or$
Ran$y"" ha better .ay to $ea" .ith broken men@tee" an$ hempen rope.1
2Ser6 My "a$y61 ai$ 9o$rick. 2& a broken man an o/t"a.61
2More or "e-1 Brienne an.ere$.
Septon Meriba"$ $iagree$. 2More "e than more. 7here are many ort o, o/t"a.- =/t a
there are many ort o, bir$. A an$piper an$ a ea eag"e both have .ing- b/t they are not the
ame. 7he inger "ove to ing o, goo$ men ,orce$ to go o/ti$e the "a. to ,ight ome .icke$
"or$- b/t mot o/t"a. are more "ike thi ravening #o/n$ than they are the "ightning "or$. 7hey
are evi" men- $riven by gree$- o/re$ by ma"ice- $epiing the go$ an$ caring on"y ,or
theme"ve. Broken men are more $eerving o, o/r pity- tho/gh they may be =/t a $angero/.
A"mot a"" are common(born- imp"e ,o"k .ho ha$ never been more than a mi"e ,rom the ho/e
.here they .ere born /nti" the $ay ome "or$ came ro/n$ to take them o,, to .ar. 9oor"y ho$
an$ poor"y c"a$- they march a.ay beneath hi banner- o,ttime .ith no better arm than a ick"e
or a harpene$ hoe- or a ma/" they ma$e theme"ve by "ahing a tone to a tick .ith trip o,
hi$e. Brother march .ith brother- on .ith ,ather- ,rien$ .ith ,rien$. 7hey4ve hear$ the
ong an$ torie- o they go o,, .ith eager heart- $reaming o, the .on$er they .i"" ee- o, the
.ea"th an$ g"ory they .i"" .in. 3ar eem a ,ine a$vent/re- the greatet mot o, them .i"" ever
kno..
27hen they get a tate o, batt"e.
2+or ome- that one tate i eno/gh to break them. Hther go on ,or year- /nti" they "oe
co/nt o, a"" the batt"e they have ,o/ght in- b/t even a man .ho ha /rvive$ a h/n$re$ ,ight
can break in hi h/n$re$(an$(,irt. Brother .atch their brother $ie- ,ather "oe their on-
,rien$ ee their ,rien$ trying to ho"$ their entrai" in a,ter they4ve been g/tte$ by an a:e.
27hey ee the "or$ .ho "e$ them there c/t $o.n- an$ ome other "or$ ho/t that they are hi
no.. 7hey take a .o/n$- an$ .hen that4 ti"" ha",(hea"e$ they take another. 7here i never
eno/gh to eat- their hoe ,a"" to piece ,rom the marching- their c"othe are torn an$ rotting- an$
ha", o, them are hitting in their breeche ,rom $rinking ba$ .ater.
2&, they .ant ne. boot or a .armer c"oak or maybe a r/te$ iron ha",he"m- they nee$ to take
them ,rom a corpe- an$ be,ore "ong they are tea"ing ,rom the "iving too- ,rom the ma"",o"k
.hoe "an$ they4re ,ighting in- men very "ike the men they /e$ to be. 7hey "a/ghter their
heep an$ tea" their chicken- an$ ,rom there it4 =/t a hort tep to carrying o,, their $a/ghter
too. An$ one $ay they "ook aro/n$ an$ rea"iGe a"" their ,rien$ an$ kin are gone- that they are
,ighting bei$e tranger beneath a banner that they har$"y recogniGe. 7hey $on4t kno. .here
they are or ho. to get back home an$ the "or$ they4re ,ighting ,or $oe not kno. their name- yet
here he come- ho/ting ,or them to ,orm /p- to make a "ine .ith their pear an$ cythe an$
harpene$ hoe- to tan$ their gro/n$. An$ the knight come $o.n on them- ,ace"e men c"a$
a"" in tee"- an$ the iron th/n$er o, their charge eem to ,i"" the .or"$8
2An$ the man break.
2#e t/rn an$ r/n- or cra." o,, a,ter.ar$ over the corpe o, the "ain- or tea" a.ay in the
b"ack o, night- an$ he ,in$ omep"ace to hi$e. A"" tho/ght o, home i gone by then- an$ king
an$ "or$ an$ go$ mean "e to him than a ha/nch o, poi"e$ meat that .i"" "et him "ive another
$ay- or a kin o, ba$ .ine that might $ro.n hi ,ear ,or a ,e. ho/r. 7he broken man "ive ,rom
$ay to $ay- ,rom mea" to mea"- more beat than man. ?a$y Brienne i not .rong. &n time "ike
thee- the trave"er m/t be.are o, broken men- an$ ,ear them8 b/t he ho/"$ pity them a .e"".1
3hen Meriba"$ .a ,inihe$ a pro,o/n$ i"ence ,e"" /pon their "itt"e ban$. Brienne co/"$ hear
the .in$ r/t"ing thro/gh a c"/mp o, p/y.i""o.- an$ ,arther o,, the ,aint cry o, a "oon. She
co/"$ hear 5og panting o,t"y a he "ope$ a"ong bei$e the epton an$ hi $onkey- tong/e "o""ing
,rom hi mo/th. 7he A/iet tretche$ an$ tretche$- /nti" ,ina""y he ai$- 2#o. o"$ .ere yo/
.hen they marche$ yo/ o,, to .ar61
23hy- no o"$er than yo/r boy-1 Meriba"$ rep"ie$. 27oo yo/ng ,or /ch- in tr/th- b/t my
brother .ere a"" going- an$ & .o/"$ not be "e,t behin$. 3i""am ai$ & co/"$ be hi A/ire- tho/gh
3i"" .a no knight- on"y a potboy arme$ .ith a kitchen kni,e he4$ to"en ,rom the inn. #e $ie$
/pon the Steptone- an$ never tr/ck a b"o.. &t .a ,ever $i$ ,or him- an$ ,or my brother Robin.
H.en $ie$ ,rom a mace that p"it hi hea$ apart- an$ hi ,rien$ !on 9o: .a hange$ ,or rape.1
27he 3ar o, the Ninepenny >ing61 ake$ #y"e #/nt.
2So they ca""e$ it- tho/gh & never a. a king- nor earne$ a penny. &t .a a .ar- tho/gh. 7hat it
.a.1
0ON
#i can$"e ha$ g/ttere$ o/t in a poo" o, .a:- b/t morning "ight .a hining thro/gh the
h/tter o, hi .in$o.. !on ha$ ,a""en a"eep over hi .ork again. Book covere$ hi tab"e- ta""
tack o, them. #e4$ ,etche$ them /p hime",- a,ter pen$ing ha", the night earching thro/gh
$/ty va/"t by "antern "ight. Sam .a right- the book $eperate"y nee$e$ to be orte$- "ite$-
an$ p/t in or$er- b/t that .a no tak ,or te.ar$ .ho co/"$ neither rea$ nor .rite. &t .o/"$
nee$ to .ait ,or Sam4 ret/rn.
If he does return+ !on ,eare$ ,or Sam an$ Maeter Aemon. Cotter 9yke ha$ .ritten ,rom
Cat.atch to report that the Storm %row ha$ ighte$ the .reckage o, a ga""ey a"ong the coat o,
Skago. 3hether the broken hip .a Blackbird, one o, Stanni Baratheon4 e""ai"- or ome
paing tra$er- the cre. o, the Storm %row ha$ not been ab"e to $icern. I meant to send 1ill!
and the babe to safet!+ Did I send them to their graes instead6
?at night4 /pper ha$ congea"e$ bei$e hi e"bo.- carce to/che$. 5o"oro/ C$$ ha$ ,i""e$
hi trencher a"mot to over,"o.ing to a""o. 7hree(+inger #obb4 in,amo/ three(meat te. to
o,ten the ta"e brea$. 7he =et among the brother .a that the three meat .ere m/tton- m/tton-
an$ m/tton- b/t carrot- onion- an$ t/rnip .o/"$ have been c"oer to the mark. A ,i"m o, co"$
greae g"itene$ atop the remain o, the te..
Bo.en Marh ha$ /rge$ him to move into the H"$ Bear4 ,ormer chamber in the >ing4
7o.er a,ter Stanni vacate$ them- b/t !on ha$ $ec"ine$. Moving into the king4 chamber co/"$
too eai"y be taken to mean he $i$ not e:pect the king to ret/rn.
A trange "it"ene ha$ ett"e$ over Cat"e B"ack ince Stanni ha$ marche$ o/th- a i, the
,ree ,o"k an$ the b"ack brother a"ike .ere ho"$ing their breath- .aiting to ee .hat .o/"$ come.
7he yar$ an$ $ining ha"" .ere empty more o,t than not- the ?or$ Comman$er4 7o.er .a a
he""- the o"$ common ha"" a pi"e o, b"ackene$ timber- an$ #ar$in4 7o.er "ooke$ a i, the ne:t
g/t o, .in$ .o/"$ knock it over. 7he on"y o/n$ o, "i,e that !on co/"$ hear .a the ,aint c"ah
o, .or$ coming ,rom the yar$ o/ti$e the armory. &ron Cmmett .a ho/ting at #op(Robin to
keep hi hie"$ /p. We had all best keep our shields up+
!on .ahe$ an$ $ree$ an$ "e,t the armory- topping in the yar$ o/ti$e =/t "ong eno/gh to
ay a ,e. .or$ o, enco/ragement to #op(Robin an$ Cmmett4 other charge. #e $ec"ine$ 7y4
o,,er o, a tai"- a //a". #e .o/"$ have men eno/gh abo/t himI i, it came to b"oo$- t.o more
.o/"$ har$"y matter. #e $i$ take ?ongc"a.- tho/gh- an$ Ghot ,o""o.e$ at hi hee".
By the time he reache$ the tab"e- 5o"oro/ C$$ ha$ the "or$ comman$er4 pa",rey a$$"e$
an$ bri$"e$ an$ .aiting ,or him. 7he .ayn .ere ,orming /p beneath Bo.en Marh4 .atch,/"
eye. 7he ?or$ Ste.ar$ .a trotting $o.n the co"/mn- pointing an$ ,/ing- hi cheek re$ ,rom
the co"$. 3hen he pie$ !on- they re$$ene$ even more. 2?or$ Comman$er. Are yo/ ti"" intent
on thi81
28,o""y61 ,inihe$ !on. 29"eae te"" me yo/ .ere not abo/t to ay foll!, my "or$. Ee- & am.
3e have been over thi. Cat.atch .ant more men. 7he Sha$o. 7o.er .ant more men.
Greyg/ar$ an$ &cemark a .e""- & have no $o/bt- an$ .e have ,o/rteen other cat"e ti"" itting
empty- "ong "eag/e o, 3a"" that remain /n.atche$ an$ /n$e,en$e$.1
Marh p/re$ hi "ip. 2?or$ Comman$er Mormont@1
2@i $ea$. An$ not at .i"$"ing han$- b/t at the han$ o, hi o.n S.orn Brother- men he
tr/te$. Neither yo/ nor & can kno. .hat he .o/"$ or .o/"$ not have $one in my p"ace.1 !on
.hee"e$ hi hore aro/n$. 2Cno/gh ta"k. A.ay.1
5o"oro/ C$$ ha$ hear$ the entire e:change. A Bo.en Marh trotte$ o,,- he no$$e$ to.ar$
hi back an$ ai$- 29omegranate. A"" thoe ee$. A man co/"$ choke to $eath. &4$ ooner have
a t/rnip. Never kne. a t/rnip to $o a man any harm.1
&t .a at time "ike thi that !on mie$ Maeter Aemon the mot. C"y$a ten$e$ to the raven
.e"" eno/gh- b/t he ha$ not a tenth o, Aemon 7argaryen4 kno."e$ge or e:perience- an$ even
"e o, hi .i$om. Bo.en .a a goo$ man in hi .ay- b/t the .o/n$ he ha$ taken at the Bri$ge
o, Sk/"" ha$ har$ene$ hi attit/$e- an$ the on"y ong he ever ang no. .a hi ,ami"iar re,rain
abo/t ea"ing the gate. Hthe"" Ear.yck .a a to"i$ an$ /nimaginative a he .a tacit/rn- an$
the +irt Ranger eeme$ to $ie a A/ick a they .ere name$. #he 2ight/s Watch has lost too
man! of its best men, !on re,"ecte$- a the .agon began to move. #he Old Bear, :horin
7alfhand, Donal 2o!e, -armen Buckwell, m! uncle =
A "ight no. began to ,a"" a the co"/mn ma$e it .ay o/th a"ong the kingroa$- the "ong "ine
o, .agon .en$ing pat ,ie"$ an$ tream an$ .oo$e$ hi""i$e- .ith a $oGen pearmen an$ a
$oGen archer ri$ing ecort. 7he "at ,e. trip ha$ een ome /g"ine at Mo"e4 7o.n- a "itt"e
p/hing an$ hoving- ome m/ttere$ c/re- a "ot o, /""en "ook. Bo.en Marh ,e"t it bet not to
take chance- an$ ,or once he an$ !on .ere agree$.
7he ?or$ Ste.ar$ "e$ the .ay. !on ro$e a ,e. yar$ back- 5o"oro/ C$$ 7o""ett at hi i$e.
#a", a mi"e o/th o, Cat"e B"ack- C$$ /rge$ hi garron c"oe to !on4 an$ ai$- 2M4"or$6 ?ook
/p there. 7he big $r/nkar$ on the hi"".1
7he $r/nkar$ .a an ah tree- t.ite$ i$e.ay by cent/rie o, .in$. An$ no. it ha$ a ,ace.
A o"emn mo/th- a broken branch ,or a noe- t.o eye carve$ $eep into the tr/nk- gaGing north
/p the kingroa$- to.ar$ the cat"e an$ the 3a"".
#he wildlings brought their gods with them after all+ !on .a not /rprie$. Men $o not give
/p their go$ o eai"y. 7he .ho"e pageant that ?a$y Me"ian$re ha$ orchetrate$ beyon$ the
3a"" /$$en"y eeme$ a empty a a m/mmer4 ,arce. 2?ook a bit "ike yo/- C$$-1 he ai$-
trying to make "ight o, it.
2Aye- m4"or$. & $on4t have "eave gro.ing o/t my noe- b/t e"e.ie8 ?a$y Me"ian$re
.on4t be happy.1
2She4 not "ike to ee it. See that no one te"" her.1
2She ee thing in thoe ,ire- tho/gh.1
2Smoke an$ cin$er.1
2An$ peop"e b/rning. Me- mot "ike. 3ith "eave /p my noe. & a".ay ,eare$ &4$ b/rn- b/t &
.a hoping to $ie ,irt.1
!on g"ance$ back at the ,ace- .on$ering .ho ha$ carve$ it. #e ha$ pote$ g/ar$ aro/n$
Mo"e4 7o.n- both to keep hi cro. a.ay ,rom the .i"$"ing .omen an$ to keep the ,ree ,o"k
,rom "ipping o,, o/th.ar$ to rai$. 3hoever ha$ carve$ /p the ah ha$ e"/$e$ hi entrie-
p"ain"y. An$ i, one man co/"$ "ip thro/gh the cor$on- other co/"$ a .e"". I could double the
guard again, he tho/ght o/r"y. Waste twice as man! men, men who might otherwise be walking
the Wall+
7he .agon contin/e$ on their "o. .ay o/th thro/gh ,roGen m/$ an$ b"o.ing no.. A
mi"e ,arther on- they came /pon a econ$ ,ace- carve$ into a chetn/t tree that gre. bei$e an icy
tream- .here it eye co/"$ .atch the o"$ p"ank bri$ge that panne$ it ,"o.. 27.ice a m/ch
tro/b"e-1 anno/nce$ 5o"oro/ C$$.
7he chetn/t .a "ea,"e an$ ke"eta"- b/t it bare bro.n "imb .ere not empty. Hn a "o.
branch overhanging the tream a raven at h/nche$- it ,eather r/,,"e$ /p againt the co"$.
3hen it pie$ !on it prea$ it .ing an$ gave a cream. 3hen he raie$ hi ,it an$ .hit"e$-
the big b"ack bir$ came ,"apping $o.n- crying- 2%orn, corn, corn+1
2Corn ,or the ,ree ,o"k-1 !on to"$ him. 2None ,or yo/.1 #e .on$ere$ i, they .o/"$ a"" be
re$/ce$ to eating raven be,ore the coming .inter ha$ r/n it co/re.
7he brother on the .agon ha$ een thi ,ace a .e""- !on $i$ not $o/bt. No one poke o, it-
b/t the meage .a p"ain to rea$ ,or any man .ith eye. !on ha$ once hear$ Mance Ray$er ay
that mot knee"er .ere heep. 2No.- a $og can her$ a ,"ock o, heep-1 the >ing(Beyon$(the(
3a"" ha$ ai$- 2b/t ,ree ,o"k- .e""- ome are ha$o.cat an$ ome are tone. Hne kin$ pro."
.here they p"eae an$ .i"" tear yo/r $og to piece. 7he other .i"" not move at a"" /n"e yo/
kick them.1 Neither ha$o.cat nor tone .ere "ike to give /p the go$ they ha$ .orhipe$ a""
their "ive to bo. $o.n be,ore one they har$"y kne..
!/t north o, Mo"e4 7o.n they came /pon the thir$ .atcher- carve$ into the h/ge oak that
marke$ the vi""age perimeter- it $eep eye ,i:e$ /pon the kingroa$. #hat is not a friendl! face,
!on Sno. re,"ecte$. 7he ,ace that the +irt Men an$ the chi"$ren o, the ,oret ha$ carve$ into
the .eir.oo$ in eon pat ha$ tern or avage viage more o,t than not- b/t the great oak
"ooke$ epecia""y angry- a i, it .ere abo/t to tear it root ,rom the earth an$ come roaring a,ter
them. Its wounds are as fresh as the wounds of the men who cared it+
Mo"e4 7o.n ha$ a".ay been "arger than it eeme$I mot o, it .a /n$ergro/n$- he"tere$
,rom the co"$ an$ no.. 7hat .a more tr/e than ever no.. 7he Magnar o, 7henn ha$ p/t the
empty vi""age to the torch .hen he pae$ thro/gh on hi .ay to attack Cat"e B"ack- an$ on"y
heap o, b"ackene$ beam an$ o"$ corche$ tone remaine$ abovegro/n$8 b/t $o.n beneath
the ,roGen earth- the va/"t an$ t/nne" an$ $eep ce""ar ti"" en$/re$- an$ that .a .here the ,ree
,o"k ha$ taken re,/ge- h/$$"e$ together in the $ark "ike the mo"e ,rom .hich the vi""age took it
name.
7he .agon $re. /p in a crecent in ,ront o, .hat ha$ once been the vi""age mithy. Nearby a
.arm o, re$(,ace$ chi"$ren .ere b/i"$ing a no. ,ort- b/t they cattere$ at the ight o, the
b"ack(c"oake$ brother- vanihing $o.n one ho"e or another. A ,e. moment "ater the a$/"t
began to emerge ,rom the earth. A tench came .ith them- the me"" o, /n.ahe$ bo$ie an$
oi"e$ c"othing- o, nightoi" an$ /rine. !on a. one o, hi men .rink"e hi noe an$ ay
omething to the man bei$e him. Some 9ape about the smell of freedom, he g/ee$. 7oo many
o, hi brother .ere making =ape abo/t the tench o, the avage in Mo"e4 7o.n.
$ig ignorance, !on tho/ght. 7he ,ree ,o"k .ere no $i,,erent than the men o, the Night4
3atchI ome .ere c"ean- ome $irty- b/t mot .ere c"ean at time an$ $irty at other time. 7hi
tink .a =/t the me"" o, a tho/an$ peop"e =amme$ into ce""ar an$ t/nne" that ha$ been $/g
to he"ter no more than a h/n$re$.
7he .i"$"ing ha$ $one thi $ance be,ore. 3or$"e- they ,orme$ /p in "ine behin$ the
.agon. 7here .ere three .omen ,or every man- many .ith chi"$ren@pa"e kinny thing
c"/tching at their kirt. !on a. very ,e. babe in arm. #he babes in arms died during the
march, he rea"iGe$- and those who suried the battle died in the king/s stockade+
7he ,ighter ha$ ,are$ better. 7hree h/n$re$ men o, ,ighting age- !/tin Maey ha$ c"aime$
in co/nci". ?or$ #ar.oo$ +e"" ha$ co/nte$ them. #here will be spearwies too+ Fift!, si8t!,
ma!be as man! as a hundred+ +e""4 co/nt ha$ inc"/$e$ men .ho ha$ /,,ere$ .o/n$- !on
kne.. #e a. a core o, thoe@men on cr/$e cr/tche- men .ith empty "eeve an$ miing
han$- men .ith one eye or ha", a ,ace- a "eg"e man carrie$ bet.een t.o ,rien$. An$ every
one grey(,ace$ an$ ga/nt. Broken men, he tho/ght. #he wights are not the onl! sort of liing
dead+
Not a"" the ,ighting men .ere broken- tho/gh. #a", a $oGen 7henn in bronGe ca"e armor
too$ c"/tere$ ro/n$ one ce""ar tair- .atching /""en"y an$ making no attempt to =oin the
other. &n the r/in o, the o"$ vi""age mithy !on pie$ a big ba"$ "ab o, a man he recogniGe$ a
#a""eck- the brother o, #arma 5oghea$. #arma4 pig .ere gone- tho/gh. 0aten, no doubt+
7hoe t.o in ,/r .ere #orn,oot men- a avage a they .ere cra.ny- bare,oot even in the
no.. #here are woles amongst these sheep, still+
%a" ha$ remin$e$ him o, that- on hi "at viit .ith her. 2+ree ,o"k an$ knee"er are more a"ike
than not- !on Sno.. Men are men an$ .omen .omen- no matter .hich i$e o, the 3a"" .e .ere
born on. Goo$ men an$ ba$- heroe an$ vi""ain- men o, honor- "iar- craven- br/te8 .e have
p"enty- a $o yo/.1
She was not wrong+ 7he trick .a te""ing one ,rom the other- parting the heep ,rom the goat.
7he b"ack brother began to pa o/t ,oo$. 7hey4$ bro/ght "ab o, har$ a"t bee,- $rie$ co$-
$rie$ bean- t/rnip- carrot- ack o, bar"ey mea" an$ .heaten ,"o/r- pick"e$ egg- barre" o,
onion an$ app"e. 2Eo/ can have an onion or an app"e-1 !on hear$ #airy #a" te"" one .oman-
2b/t not both. Eo/ got to pick.1
7he .oman $i$ not eem to /n$ertan$. 2& nee$ t.o o, each. Hne o4 each ,or me- t4other ,or
my boy. #e4 ick- b/t an app"e .i"" et him right.1
#a" hook hi hea$. 2#e ha to come get hi o.n app"e. Hr hi onion. Not both. Same a yo/.
No.- i it an app"e or an onion6 Be A/ick abo/t it- no.- there4 more behin$ yo/.1
2An app"e-1 he ai$- an$ he gave her one- an o"$ $rie$ thing- ma"" an$ .ithere$.
2Move a"ong- .oman-1 ho/te$ a man three p"ace back. 2&t4 co"$ o/t here.1
7he .oman pai$ the ho/t no min$. 2Another app"e-1 he ai$ to #airy #a". 2+or my on.
9"eae. 7hi one i o "itt"e.1
#a" "ooke$ to !on. !on hook hi hea$. 7hey .o/"$ be o/t o, app"e oon eno/gh. &, they
tarte$ giving t.o to everyone .ho .ante$ t.o- the "atecomer .o/"$ get none.
2H/t o, the .ay-1 a gir" behin$ the .oman ai$. 7hen he hove$ her in the back. 7he .oman
taggere$- "ot her app"e- an$ ,e"". 7he other ,oo$t/,, in her arm .ent ,"ying. Bean cattere$-
a t/rnip ro""e$ into a m/$ p/$$"e- a ack o, ,"o/r p"it an$ pi""e$ it precio/ content in the
no..
Angry voice roe- in the H"$ 7ong/e an$ the Common. More hoving broke o/t at another
.agon. 2&t4 not enough,1 an o"$ man nar"e$. 2Eo/ b"oo$y cro. are tarving / to $eath.1 7he
.oman .ho4$ been knocke$ $o.n .a crabb"ing on her knee a,ter her ,oo$. !on a. the ,"ah
o, nake$ tee" a ,e. yar$ a.ay. #i o.n bo.men nocke$ arro. to their tring.
#e t/rne$ in hi a$$"e. 2Rory. D/iet them.1
Rory "i,te$ hi great horn to hi "ip an$ b"e..
AAAAhooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo+
7he t/m/"t an$ the hoving $ie$. #ea$ t/rne$. A chi"$ began to cry. Mormont4 raven
.a"ke$ ,rom !on4 "e,t ho/"$er to hi right- bobbing it hea$ an$ m/ttering- 2Snow, snow,
snow+1
!on .aite$ /nti" the "at echoe ha$ ,a$e$- then p/rre$ hi pa",rey ,or.ar$ .here everyone
co/"$ ee him. 23e4re ,ee$ing yo/ a bet .e can- a m/ch a .e can pare. App"e- onion-
neep- carrot8 there4 a "ong .inter ahea$ ,or a"" o, /- an$ o/r tore are not ine:ha/tib"e.1
2Eo/ cro. eat goo$ eno/gh.1 #a""eck hove$ ,or.ar$.
For now+ 23e ho"$ the 3a"". 7he 3a"" protect the rea"m8 an$ yo/ no.. Eo/ kno. the ,oe
.e ,ace. Eo/ kno. .hat4 coming $o.n on /. Some o, yo/ have ,ace$ them be,ore. 3ight
an$ .hite .a"ker- $ea$ thing .ith b"/e eye an$ b"ack han$. &4ve een them too- ,o/ght them-
ent one to he"". 7hey ki""- then they en$ yo/r $ea$ againt yo/. 7he giant .ere not ab"e to
tan$ againt them- nor yo/ 7henn- the ice(river c"an- the #orn,oot- the ,ree ,o"k8 an$ a the
$ay gro. horter an$ the night co"$er- they are gro.ing tronger. Eo/ "e,t yo/r home an$
came o/th in yo/r h/n$re$ an$ yo/r tho/an$8 .hy- b/t to ecape them6 7o be a,e. 3e""-
it4 the 3a"" that keep yo/ a,e. &t4 us that keep yo/ a,e- the b"ack cro. yo/ $epie.1
2Sa,e an$ tarve$-1 ai$ a A/at .oman .ith a .in$b/rne$ ,ace- a pear.i,e by the "ook o,
her.
2Eo/ .ant more ,oo$61 ake$ !on. 27he ,oo$4 ,or ,ighter. #e"p / ho"$ the 3a""- an$ yo/4""
eat a .e"" a any cro..1 Or as poorl!, when the food runs short+
A i"ence ,e"". 7he .i"$"ing e:change$ .ary "ook. 20at,1 the raven m/ttere$. 2%orn, corn+1
2+ight ,or yo/61 7hi voice .a thick"y accente$. Sigorn- the yo/ng Magnar o, 7henn- poke
the Common 7ong/e ha"ting"y at bet. 2Not ,ight ,or yo/. >i"" yo/ better. >i"" a"" yo/.1
7he raven ,"appe$ it .ing. 2,ill, kill+1
Sigorn4 ,ather- the o"$ Magnar- ha$ been cr/he$ beneath the ,a""ing tair $/ring hi attack
on Cat"e B"ack. I would feel the same if someone asked me to make common cause with the
"annisters, !on to"$ hime",. 2Eo/r ,ather trie$ to ki"" / a""-1 he remin$e$ Sigorn. 27he Magnar
.a a brave man- yet he ,ai"e$. An$ i, he ha$ /ccee$e$8 .ho .o/"$ ho"$ the 3a""61 #e t/rne$
a.ay ,rom the 7henn. 23inter,e""4 .a"" .ere trong a .e""- b/t 3inter,e"" tan$ in r/in
to$ay- b/rne$ an$ broken. A .a"" i on"y a goo$ a the men $e,en$ing it.1
An o"$ man .ith a t/rnip cra$"e$ againt hi chet ai$- 2Eo/ ki"" /- yo/ tarve /- no. yo/
.ant t4 make / "ave.1
A ch/nky re$(,ace$ man ho/te$ aent. 2&4$ ooner go nake$ than .ear one o4 them b"ack
rag on my back.1
Hne o, the pear.ive "a/ghe$. 2Cven yo/r .i,e $on4t .ant to ee !ou nake$- B/tt.1
A $oGen voice a"" began to peak at once. 7he 7henn .ere ho/ting in the H"$ 7ong/e. A
"itt"e boy began to cry. !on Sno. .aite$ /nti" a"" o, it ha$ $ie$ $o.n- then t/rne$ to #airy #a"
an$ ai$- 2#a"- .hat .a it that yo/ to"$ thi .oman61
#a" "ooke$ con,/e$. 2Abo/t the ,oo$- yo/ mean6 An app"e or an onion6 7hat4 a"" & ai$.
7hey got to pick.1
2&ou hae to pick,1 !on Sno. repeate$. 2A"" o, yo/. No one i aking yo/ to take o/r vo.-
an$ & $o not care .hat go$ yo/ .orhip. My o.n go$ are the o"$ go$- the go$ o, the North-
b/t yo/ can keep the re$ go$- or the Seven- or any other go$ .ho hear yo/r prayer. &t4 pear
.e nee$. Bo.. Cye a"ong the 3a"".
2& .i"" take any boy above the age o, t.e"ve .ho kno. ho. to ho"$ a pear or tring a bo.. &
.i"" take yo/r o"$ men- yo/r .o/n$e$- an$ yo/r cripp"e- even thoe .ho can no "onger ,ight.
7here are other tak they may be ab"e to per,orm. +"etching arro.- mi"king goat- gathering
,ire(.oo$- m/cking o/t o/r tab"e8 the .ork i en$"e. An$ ye- & .i"" take yo/r .omen too. &
have no nee$ o, b"/hing mai$en "ooking to be protecte$- b/t & .i"" take a many pear.ive a
.i"" come.1
2An$ gir"61 a gir" ake$. She "ooke$ a yo/ng a Arya ha$- the "at time !on ha$ een her.
2Si:teen an$ o"$er.1
2Eo/4re taking boy a yo/ng a t.e"ve.1
5o.n in the Seven >ing$om boy o, t.e"ve .ere o,ten page or A/ireI many ha$ been
training at arm ,or year. Gir" o, t.e"ve .ere chi"$ren. #hese are wildlings, though+ 2A yo/
.i"". Boy and gir" a yo/ng a t.e"ve. B/t on"y thoe .ho kno. ho. to obey an or$er. 7hat
goe ,or a"" o, yo/. & .i"" never ak yo/ to knee" to me- b/t & .i"" et captain over yo/- an$
er=eant .ho .i"" te"" yo/ .hen to rie an$ .hen to "eep- .here to eat- .hen to $rink- .hat to
.ear- .hen to $ra. yo/r .or$ an$ "ooe yo/r arro.. 7he men o, the Night4 3atch erve ,or
"i,e. & .i"" not ak that o, yo/- b/t o "ong a yo/ are on the 3a"" yo/ .i"" be /n$er my
comman$. 5iobey an or$er- an$ &4"" have yo/r hea$ o,,. Ak my brother i, & .on4t. 7hey4ve
een me $o it.1
2Off,1 creame$ the H"$ Bear4 raven. 2Off, off, off+1
27he choice i yo/r-1 !on Sno. to"$ them. 27hoe .ho .ant to he"p / ho"$ the 3a""- ret/rn
to Cat"e B"ack .ith me an$ &4"" ee yo/ arme$ an$ ,e$. 7he ret o, yo/- get yo/r t/rnip an$
yo/r onion an$ cra." back ini$e yo/r ho"e.1
7he gir" .a the ,irt to come ,or.ar$. 2& can ,ight. My mother .a a pear.i,e.1 !on no$$e$.
She ma! not een be twele, he tho/ght- a he A/irme$ bet.een a pair o, o"$ men- b/t he .a
not abo/t to t/rn a.ay hi on"y recr/it.
A pair o, trip"ing ,o""o.e$ her- boy no o"$er than ,o/rteen. Ne:t a carre$ man .ith a
miing eye. 2& een them too- the $ea$ one. Cven cro. are better4n that.1 A ta"" pear.i,e- an
o"$ man on cr/tche- a moon(,ace$ boy .ith a .ithere$ arm- a yo/ng man .hoe re$ hair
remin$e$ !on o, Egritte.
An$ then #a""eck. 2& $on4t "ike yo/- cro.-1 he gro."e$- 2b/t & never "ike$ the Mance neither-
no more4n my iter $i$. Sti""- .e ,o/ght ,or him. 3hy not ,ight ,or yo/61
7he $am broke then. #a""eck .a a man o, note. *ance was not wrong+ 2+ree ,o"k $on4t
,o""o. name- or "itt"e c"oth anima" e.n on a t/nic-1 the >ing(Beyon$(the(3a"" ha$ to"$ him.
27hey .on4t $ance ,or coin- they $on4t care ho. yo/ ty"e yo/re", or .hat that chain o, o,,ice
mean or .ho yo/r gran$ire .a. 7hey ,o""o. trength. 7hey ,o""o. the man.1
#a""eck4 co/in ,o""o.e$ #a""eck- then one o, #arma4 banner(bearer- then men .ho4$
,o/ght .ith her- then other .ho ha$ hear$ ta"e o, their pro.e. Greybear$ an$ green boy-
,ighting men in their prime- .o/n$e$ men an$ cripp"e- a goo$ core o, pear.ive- even three
#orn(,oot men.
But no #henns+ 7he Magnar t/rne$ an$ vanihe$ back into the t/nne"- an$ hi bronGe(c"a$
minion ,o""o.e$ har$ at hi hee".
By the time the "at .ithere$ app"e ha$ been han$e$ o/t- the .agon .ere cro.$e$ .ith
.i"$"ing- an$ they .ere i:ty(three tronger than .hen the co"/mn ha$ et o/t ,rom Cat"e
B"ack that morning. 23hat .i"" yo/ $o .ith them61 Bo.en Marh ake$ !on on the ri$e back /p
the kingroa$.
27rain them- arm then- an$ p"it them /p. Sen$ them .here they4re nee$e$. Cat.atch- the
Sha$o. 7o.er- &cemark- Greyg/ar$. & mean to open three more ,ort a .e"".1
7he ?or$ Ste.ar$ g"ance$ back. 23omen too6 H/r brother are not acc/tome$ to having
.omen amongt them- my "or$. 7heir vo.8 there .i"" be ,ight- rape81
27hee .omen have knive an$ kno. ho. to /e them.1
2An$ the ,irt time one o, thee pear.ive "it the throat o, one o, o/r brother- .hat then61
23e .i"" have "ot a man-1 ai$ !on- 2b/t .e have =/t gaine$ i:ty(three. Eo/4re goo$ at
co/nting- my "or$. Correct me i, &4m .rong- b/t my reckoning "eave / i:ty(t.o ahea$.1
Marh .a /nconvince$. 2Eo/4ve a$$e$ i:ty(three more mo/th- my "or$8 b/t ho. many
are ,ighter- an$ .hoe i$e .i"" they ,ight on6 &, it4 the Hther at the gate- mot "ike they4""
tan$ .ith /- & grant yo/8 b/t i, it4 7orm/n$ Giantbane or the 3eeping Man come ca""ing
.ith ten tho/an$ ho."ing ki""er- .hat then61
27hen .e4"" kno.. So "et / hope it never come to that.1
Sa2well
Sam too$ be,ore the .in$o.- rocking nervo/"y a he .atche$ the "at "ight o, the /n vanih
behin$ a ro. o, harp(peake$ roo,top. 7e must hae gotten drunk again, he tho/ght g"/m"y. Or
else he/s met another girl+ #e $i$ not kno. .hether to c/re or .eep. 5areon .a /ppoe$ to
be hi brother. Ask him to sing, and no one could be better+ Ask him to do aught else=
7he mit o, evening ha$ beg/n to rie- en$ing grey ,inger /p the .a"" o, the b/i"$ing that
"ine$ the o"$ cana". 2#e promie$ he4$ be back-1 Sam ai$. 2Eo/ hear$ him too.1
Gi""y "ooke$ at him .ith eye re$(rimme$ an$ p/,,y. #er hair h/ng abo/t her ,ace- /n.ahe$
an$ tang"e$. She "ooke$ "ike ome .ary anima" peering thro/gh a b/h. &t ha$ been $ay ince
they4$ "at ha$ a ,ire- yet the .i"$"ing gir" "ike$ to h/$$"e near the hearth- a i, the co"$ ahe ti""
he"$ ome "ingering .armth. 2#e $oen4t "ike it here .ith /-1 he ai$- .hipering o a not to
.ake the babe. 2&t4 a$ here. #e "ike it .here the .ine i- an$ the mi"e.1
&es, tho/ght Sam- and the wine is eer!where but here+ Braavo .a ,/"" o, inn- a"eho/e-
an$ brothe". An$ i, 5areon pre,erre$ a ,ire an$ a c/p o, m/""e$ .ine to ta"e brea$ an$ the
company o, a .eeping .oman- a ,at craven- an$ a ick o"$ man- .ho co/"$ b"ame him6 I could
blame him+ 7e said he would be back before the gloaming? he said he would bring us wine and
food+
#e "ooke$ o/t the .in$o. once more- hoping againt hope to ee the inger h/rrying home.
5arkne .a ,a""ing acro the ecret city- creeping thro/gh the a""ey an$ $o.n the cana". 7he
goo$ ,o"k o, Braavo .o/"$ oon be h/ttering their .in$o. an$ "i$ing bar acro their $oor.
Night be"onge$ to the bravo an$ the co/rtean. Dareon/s new friends, Sam tho/ght bitter"y.
7hey .ere a"" the inger co/"$ ta"k abo/t o, "ate. #e .a trying to .rite a ong abo/t one
co/rtean- a .oman ca""e$ the Moonha$o. .ho ha$ hear$ him inging bei$e the Moon 9oo"
an$ re.ar$e$ him .ith a ki. 2Eo/ ho/"$ have ake$ her ,or i"ver-1 Sam ha$ ai$. 2&t4 coin
.e nee$- not kie.1 B/t the inger on"y mi"e$. 2Some kie are .orth more than ye""o. go"$-
S"ayer.1
7hat ma$e him angry too. 5areon .a not /ppoe$ to be making /p ong abo/t co/rtean.
#e .a /ppoe$ to be inging abo/t the 3a"" an$ the va"or o, the Night4 3atch. !on ha$ hope$
that perhap hi ong might per/a$e a ,e. yo/ng men to take the b"ack. &ntea$ he ang o,
go"$en kie- i"very hair- an$ re$- re$ "ip. No one ever took the b"ack ,or re$- re$ "ip.
Sometime hi p"aying .o/"$ .ake the babe too. 7hen the chi"$ .o/"$ begin to .ai"- 5areon
.o/"$ ho/t at him to be A/iet- Gi""y .o/"$ .eep- an$ the inger .o/"$ torm o/t an$ not ret/rn
,or $ay. 2A"" that .eeping make me .ant to "ap her-1 he comp"aine$- 2an$ & can carce "eep
,or her obbing.1
&ou would weep as well if !ou had a son and lost him, Sam a"mot ai$. #e co/"$ not b"ame
Gi""y ,or her grie,. &ntea$- he b"ame$ !on Sno. an$ .on$ere$ .hen !on4 heart ha$ t/rne$ to
tone. Hnce he ake$ Maeter Aemon that very A/etion- .hen Gi""y .a $o.n at the cana"
,etching .ater ,or them. 23hen yo/ raie$ him /p to be the "or$ comman$er-1 the o"$ man
an.ere$.
Cven no.- rotting here in thi co"$ room beneath the eave- part o, Sam $i$ not .ant to
be"ieve that !on ha$ $one .hat Maeter Aemon tho/ght. It must be true, though+ Wh! else would
1ill! weep so much6 A"" he ha$ to $o .a ak her .hoe chi"$ he .a n/ring at her breat- b/t
he $i$ not have the co/rage. #e .a a,rai$ o, the an.er he might get. I am still a craen, -on+
No matter .here he .ent in thi .i$e .or"$- hi ,ear .ent .ith him.
A ho""o. r/mb"ing echoe$ o,, the roo, o, Braavo- "ike the o/n$ o, $itant th/n$erI the
7itan- o/n$ing night,a"" ,rom acro the "agoon. 7he noie .a "o/$ eno/gh to .ake the babe-
an$ hi /$$en .ai" .oke Maeter Aemon. A Gi""y .ent to give the boy the breat- the o"$
man4 eye opene$- an$ he tirre$ ,eeb"y in hi narro. be$. 2Cgg6 &t4 $ark. 3hy i it o $ark61
Because !ou/re blind+ Aemon4 .it .ere .an$ering more an$ more ince they arrive$ at
Braavo. Some $ay he $i$ not eem to kno. .here he .a. Some $ay he .o/"$ "oe hi .ay
.hen aying omething an$ begin to ramb"e on abo/t hi ,ather or hi brother. 7e is one hundred
and two, Sam remin$e$ hime",- b/t he ha$ been =/t a o"$ at Cat"e B"ack an$ hi .it ha$
never .an$ere$ there.
2&t4 me-1 he ha$ to ay. 2Sam.e"" 7ar"y. Eo/r te.ar$.1
2Sam.1 Maeter Aemon "icke$ hi "ip- an$ b"inke$. 2Ee. An$ thi i Braavo. +orgive me-
Sam. & morning come61
2No.1 Sam ,e"t the o"$ man4 bro.. #i kin .a $amp .ith .eat- coo" an$ c"ammy to the
to/ch- hi every breath a o,t .heeGe. 2&t4 night- maeter. Eo/4ve been a"eep.1
27oo "ong. &t4 co"$ in here.1
23e have no .oo$-1 Sam to"$ him- 2an$ the innkeep .i"" not give / more /n"e .e have
the coin.1 &t .a the ,o/rth or ,i,th time they4$ ha$ thi ame converation. I should hae used
our coin for wood, Sam chi$e$ hime", every time. I should hae had the sense to keep him
warm+
&ntea$ he ha$ A/an$ere$ the "at o, their i"ver on a hea"er ,rom the #o/e o, the Re$
#an$- a ta"" pa"e man in robe embroi$ere$ .ith .ir"ing tripe o, re$ an$ .hite. A"" that the
i"ver bo/ght him .a ha", a ,"ak o, $ream.ine. 27hi may he"p gent"e hi paing-1 the
Braavoi ha$ ai$- not /nkin$"y. 3hen Sam ake$ i, there .an4t any more that he co/"$ $o- he
hook hi hea$. 2Hintment & have- potion an$ in,/ion- tinct/re an$ venom an$ po/"tice. &
might b"ee$ him- p/rge him- "eech him8 b/t .hy6 No "eech can make him yo/ng again. 7hi i
an o"$ man- an$ $eath i in hi "/ng. Give him thi an$ "et him "eep.1
An$ o he ha$- a"" night an$ a"" $ay- b/t no. the o"$ man .a tr/gg"ing to it. 23e m/t go
$o.n to the hip.1
#he ships again+ 2Eo/4re too .eak to go o/t-1 he ha$ to ay. A chi"" ha$ gotten ini$e Maeter
Aemon $/ring the voyage an$ ett"e$ in hi chet. By the time they got to Braavo- he ha$ been
o .eak they4$ ha$ to carry him ahore. 7hey4$ ti"" ha$ a ,at bag o, i"ver then- o 5areon ha$
ake$ ,or the inn4 bigget be$. 7he one they4$ gotten .a "arge eno/gh to "eep eight- o the
innkeep inite$ on charging them ,or that many.
2Hn the morro. .e can go to the $ock-1 Sam promie$. 2Eo/ can ak abo/t an$ ,in$ .hich
hip i $eparting ne:t ,or H"$to.n.1 Cven in a/t/mn- Braavo .a ti"" a b/y port. Hnce Aemon
.a trong eno/gh to trave"- they ho/"$ have no tro/b"e ,in$ing a /itab"e vee" to take them
.here they ha$ to go. 9aying ,or their paage .o/"$ prove more $i,,ic/"t. A hip ,rom the
Seven >ing$om .o/"$ be their bet hope. A trader out of Oldtown, ma!be, with kin in the
2ight/s Watch+ #here must still be some who honor the men who walk the Wall+
2H"$to.n-1 Maeter Aemon .heeGe$. 2Ee. & $reamt o, H"$to.n- Sam. & .a yo/ng again
an$ my brother Cgg .a .ith me- .ith that big knight he erve$. 3e .ere $rinking in the o"$ inn
.here they make the ,earome"y trong ci$er.1 #e trie$ to rie again- b/t the e,,ort prove$ too
m/ch ,or him. A,ter a moment he ett"e$ back. 27he hip-1 he ai$ again. 23e .i"" ,in$ o/r
an.er there. Abo/t the $ragon. & nee$ to kno..1
2o, tho/ght Sam- it/s food and warmth !ou need, a full bell! and a hot fire crackling in the
hearth+ 2Are yo/ h/ngry- maeter6 3e have ome brea$ "e,t- an$ a bit o, cheee.1
2Not =/t no.- Sam. ?ater- .hen &4m ,ee"ing tronger.1
2#o. .i"" yo/ get tronger /n"e yo/ eat61 None o, them ha$ eaten m/ch at ea- not a,ter
Skago. 7he a/t/mn ga"e ha$ ho/n$e$ them a"" acro the narro. ea. Sometime they came /p
,rom the o/th- roi"ing .ith th/n$er an$ "ightning an$ b"ack rain that ,e"" ,or $ay. Sometime
they came $o.n ,rom the north- co"$ an$ grim- .ith avage .in$ that c/t right thro/gh a man.
Hnce it got o co"$ that Sam ha$ .oken to ,in$ the .ho"e hip coate$ in ice- hining a .hite a
pear". 7he captain ha$ taken $o.n their mat an$ tie$ it to the $eck- to ,inih the croing on oar
a"one. No one ha$ been eating by the time they a. the 7itan.
Hnce a,e ahore- tho/gh- Sam ha$ ,o/n$ hime", raveno/"y h/ngry. &t .a the ame ,or
5areon an$ Gi""y. Cven the babe ha$ beg/n to /ck more "/ti"y. Aemon- tho/gh8
27he brea$4 gone ta"e- b/t & can beg ome gravy ,rom the kitchen to oak it in-1 Sam to"$
the o"$ man. 7he innkeep .a a har$ man- co"$(eye$ an$ /picio/ o, thee b"ack(c"a$ tranger
beneath hi roo,- b/t hi cook .a kin$er.
2No. 9erhap a ip o, .ine- tho/gh61
7hey ha$ no .ine. 5areon ha$ promie$ to b/y ome .ith the coin ,rom hi inging. 23e4""
have .ine "ater-1 Sam ha$ to ay. 27here4 .ater- b/t it4 not the goo$ .ater.1 7he goo$ .ater
came over the arche o, the great brick aA/e$/ct the Braavoi ca""e$ the .eet.ater river. Rich
men ha$ it pipe$ into their homeI the poor ,i""e$ their pai" an$ b/cket at p/b"ic ,o/ntain. Sam
ha$ ent Gi""y o/t to get ome- ,orgetting that the .i"$"ing gir" ha$ "ive$ her .ho"e "i,e in ight o,
Crater4 >eep an$ never een o m/ch a a market to.n. 7he tony maGe o, i"an$ an$ cana"
that .a Braavo- $evoi$ o, gra an$ tree an$ teeming .ith tranger .ho poke to her in
.or$ he co/"$ not /n$ertan$- ,rightene$ her o ba$"y that he "ot the map an$ oon here",.
Sam ,o/n$ her .eeping at the tony ,eet o, ome "ong($ea$ ea"or$. 2A"" .e have i cana"
.ater-1 he to"$ Maeter Aemon- 2b/t the cook gave it a boi". 7here4 $ream.ine too- i, yo/ nee$
more o, that.1
2& have $reamt eno/gh ,or no.. Cana" .ater .i"" /,,ice. #e"p me- i, yo/ .o/"$.1
Sam eae$ the o"$ man /p an$ he"$ the c/p to hi $ry- cracke$ "ip. Cven o- ha", the .ater
$ribb"e$ $o.n the maeter4 chet. 2Cno/gh-1 Aemon co/ghe$- a,ter a ,e. ip. 2Eo/4"" $ro.n
me.1 #e hivere$ in Sam4 arm. 23hy i the room o co"$61
27here4 no more .oo$.1 5areon ha$ pai$ the innkeep $o/b"e ,or a room .ith a hearth- b/t
none o, them ha$ rea"iGe$ that .oo$ .o/"$ be o cot"y here. 7ree $i$ not gro. on Braavo-
ave in the co/rt an$ gar$en o, the mighty. Nor .o/"$ the Braavoi c/t the pine that covere$
the o/t"ying i"an$ aro/n$ their great "agoon an$ acte$ a .in$break to hie"$ them ,rom
torm. &ntea$- ,ire.oo$ .a bro/ght in by barge- /p the river an$ acro the "agoon. Cven
$/ng .a $ear hereI the Braavoi /e$ boat in p"ace o, hore. None o, that .o/"$ have
mattere$ i, they ha$ $eparte$ a p"anne$ ,or H"$to.n- b/t that ha$ prove$ impoib"e .ith
Maeter Aemon o .eak. Another voyage on the open ea .o/"$ ki"" him.
Aemon4 han$ crept acro the b"anket- groping ,or Sam4 arm. 23e m/t go to the $ock-
Sam.1
23hen yo/ are tronger.1 7he o"$ man .a in no tate to brave the a"t pray an$ .et .in$
a"ong the .ater,ront- an$ Braavo .a a"" .ater,ront. 7o the north .a the 9/rp"e #arbor- .here
Braavoi tra$er tie$ /p beneath the $ome an$ to.er o, the Sea"or$4 9a"ace. 7o the .et "ay
the Ragman4 #arbor- cro.$e$ .ith hip ,rom the other +ree Citie- ,rom 3etero an$ &bben
an$ the ,ab"e$- ,ar(o,, "an$ o, the eat. An$ every.here e"e .ere "itt"e pier an$ ,erry berth
an$ o"$ grey .harve .here hrimper an$ crabber an$ ,iher,o"k moore$ a,ter .orking the
m/$,"at an$ river mo/th. 2&t .o/"$ be too great a train on yo/.1
27hen go in my tea$-1 Aemon /rge$- 2an$ bring me omeone .ho ha een thee $ragon.1
2Me61 Sam .a $imaye$ by the /ggetion. 2Maeter- it .a on"y a tory. A ai"or4 tory.1
5areon .a to b"ame ,or thi a .e"". 7he inger ha$ been bringing back a"" manner o, A/eer
ta"e ,rom the a"eho/e an$ brothe". Fn,ort/nate"y- he ha$ been in hi c/p .hen he hear$ the
one abo/t the $ragon an$ co/"$ not reca"" the $etai". 25areon may have ma$e /p the .ho"e
tory. Singer $o that. 7hey make thing /p.1
27hey $o-1 ai$ Maeter Aemon- 2b/t even the mot ,anci,/" ong may ho"$ a kerne" o, tr/th.
+in$ that tr/th ,or me- Sam.1
2& .o/"$n4t kno. .ho to ak- or ho. to ak him. & on"y have a "itt"e #igh %a"yrian- an$ .hen
they peak to me in Braavoi & cannot /n$ertan$ ha", o, .hat they4re aying. Eo/ peak more
tong/e than & $o- once yo/ are tronger yo/ can81
23hen .i"" & be tronger- Sam6 7e"" me that.1
2Soon. &, yo/ ret an$ eat. 3hen .e reach H"$to.n81
2& ha"" not ee H"$to.n again. & kno. that no..1 7he o"$ man tightene$ hi grip on Sam4
arm. 2& .i"" be .ith my brother oon. Some .ere bo/n$ to me by vo. an$ ome by b"oo$- b/t
they .ere a"" my brother. An$ my ,ather8 he never tho/ght the throne .o/"$ pa to him- an$
yet it $i$. #e /e$ to ay that .a hi p/nihment ,or the b"o. that "e. hi brother. & pray he
,o/n$ the peace in $eath that he never kne. in "i,e. 7he epton ing o, .eet /rceae- o, "aying
$o.n o/r b/r$en an$ voyaging to a ,ar .eet "an$ .here .e may "a/gh an$ "ove an$ ,eat /nti"
the en$ o, $ay8 b/t .hat i, there i no "an$ o, "ight an$ honey- on"y co"$ an$ $ark an$ pain
beyon$ the .a"" ca""e$ $eath61
7e is afraid, Sam rea"iGe$. 2Eo/ are not $ying. Eo/4re i""- that4 a"". &t .i"" pa.1
2Not thi time- Sam. & $reame$8 in the b"ack o, night a man ak a"" the A/etion he $are
not ak by $ay"ight. +or me- thee pat year- on"y one A/etion ha remaine$. 3hy .o/"$ the
go$ take my eye an$ my trength- yet con$emn me to "inger on o "ong- ,roGen an$ ,orgotten6
3hat /e co/"$ they have ,or an o"$ $one man "ike me61 Aemon4 ,inger tremb"e$- t.ig
heathe$ in potte$ kin. 2& remember- Sam. & ti"" remember.1
#e .a not making ene. 2Remember .hat61
25ragon-1 Aemon .hipere$. 27he grie, an$ g"ory o, my #o/e- they .ere.1
27he "at $ragon $ie$ be,ore yo/ .ere born-1 ai$ Sam. 2#o. co/"$ yo/ remember them61
2& ee them in my $ream- Sam. & ee a re$ tar b"ee$ing in the ky. & ti"" remember re$. & ee
their ha$o. on the no.- hear the crack o, "eathern .ing- ,ee" their hot breath. My brother
$reame$ o, $ragon too- an$ the $ream ki""e$ them- every one. Sam- .e tremb"e on the c/p o,
ha",(remembere$ prophecie- o, .on$er an$ terror that no man no. "iving co/"$ hope to
comprehen$8 or81
2Hr61 ai$ Sam.
28or not.1 Aemon ch/ck"e$ o,t"y. 2Hr & am an o"$ man- ,everih an$ $ying.1 #e c"oe$ hi
.hite eye .eari"y- then ,orce$ them open once again. 2& ho/"$ not have "e,t the 3a"". ?or$
Sno. co/"$ not have kno.n- b/t I ho/"$ have een it. +ire con/me- b/t co"$ preerve. 7he
3a""8 b/t it i too "ate to go r/nning back. 7he Stranger .ait o/ti$e my $oor an$ .i"" not be
$enie$. Ste.ar$- yo/ have erve$ me ,aith,/""y. 5o thi one "at brave thing ,or me. Go $o.n to
the hip- Sam. ?earn a"" yo/ can abo/t thee $ragon.1
Sam eae$ hi arm o/t o, the o"$ man4 grap. 2& .i"". &, yo/ .ant. & on"y81 #e $i$ not kno.
.hat e"e to ay. I cannot refuse him+ #e co/"$ "ook ,or 5areon a .e""- a"ong the $ock an$
.harve o, the Ragman4 #arbor. I will find Dareon first, and we/ll go to the ships together+ And
when we come back, we/ll bring food and wine and wood+ We/ll hae a fire and a good hot meal+
#e roe. 23e"". & ho/"$ go- then. &, & am going. Gi""y .i"" be here. Gi""y- bar the $oor .hen & am
gone.1 #he Stranger waits outside the door+
Gi""y no$$e$- cra$"ing the babe againt her breat- her eye .e""ing ,/"" o, tear. She is going
to weep again, Sam rea"iGe$. &t .a more than he co/"$ take. #i .or$be"t h/ng ,rom a peg on
the .a""- bei$e the o"$ cracke$ horn that !on ha$ given him. #e rippe$ it $o.n an$ b/ck"e$ it
abo/t him- then .ept hi b"ack .oo" c"oak abo/t hi ro/n$e$ ho/"$er- "/mpe$ thro/gh the
$oor- an$ c"attere$ $o.n a .oo$en tair .hoe tep creake$ beneath hi .eight. 7he inn ha$
t.o ,ront $oor- one opening on a treet an$ one on a cana". Sam .ent o/t thro/gh the ,ormer- to
avoi$ the common room .here the innkeep .a /re to give him the o/r eye that he reerve$ ,or
g/et .ho ha$ overtaye$ their .e"come.
7here .a a chi"" in the air- b/t the night .a not ha", o ,oggy a ome. Sam .a grate,/" ,or
that m/ch. Sometime the mit covere$ the gro/n$ o thick that a man co/"$ not ee hi o.n
,eet. Hnce he ha$ come .ithin a tep o, .a"king into a cana".
A a boy Sam ha$ rea$ a hitory o, Braavo an$ $reame$ o, one $ay coming here. #e .ante$
to beho"$ the 7itan riing tern an$ ,earome ,rom the ea- g"i$e $o.n the cana" in a erpent
boat pat a"" the pa"ace an$ temp"e- an$ .atch the bravo $o their .ater $ance- b"a$e ,"ahing
in the tar"ight. B/t no. that he .a here- a"" he .ante$ .a to "eave an$ go to H"$to.n.
3ith hi hoo$ /p an$ hi c"oak ,"apping- he ma$e hi .ay a"ong the cobb"etone to.ar$ the
Ragman4 #arbor. #i .or$be"t kept threatening to ,a"" $o.n abo/t hi ank"e- o he ha$ to
keep t/gging it back /p a he .ent. #e taye$ to the ma""er- $arker treet- .here he .a "e
"ike"y to enco/nter anyone- yet every paing cat ti"" ma$e hi heart th/mp8 an$ Braavo
cra."e$ .ith cat. I need to find Dareon, he tho/ght. 7e is a man of the 2ight/s Watch, m!
Sworn Brother? he and I will puzzle out what to do+ Maeter Aemon4 trength .a gone- an$
Gi""y .o/"$ have been "ot here even i, he ha$ not been grie,(tricken- b/t 5areon8 I should
not think ill of him+ 7e could be hurt, perhaps that is wh! he did not come back+ 7e could be
dead, l!ing in some alle! in a pool of blood, or floating facedown in one of the canals+ At night
the bravo .aggere$ thro/gh the city in their parti(co"ore$ ,inery- poi"ing to prove their ki""
.ith thoe "en$er .or$ they .ore. Some .o/"$ ,ight ,or any ca/e- ome ,or none at a""- an$
5areon ha$ a "ooe tong/e an$ A/ick temper- epecia""y .hen he4$ been $rinking. -ust because a
man can sing about battles doesn/t mean he/s fit to fight one+
7he bet a"eho/e- inn- an$ brothe" .ere near the 9/rp"e #arbor or the Moon 9oo"- b/t
5areon pre,erre$ the Ragman4 #arbor- .here the patron .ere more apt to peak the Common
7ong/e. Sam began hi earch at the &nn o, the Green Ce"- the B"ack Bargeman- an$ Moroggo4-
p"ace .here 5areon ha$ p"aye$ be,ore. #e .a not to be ,o/n$ at any o, them. H/ti$e the
+ogho/e evera" erpent boat .ere tie$ /p a.aiting patron- an$ Sam trie$ to ak the po"emen
i, they ha$ een a inger a"" in b"ack- b/t none o, the po"emen /n$ertoo$ hi #igh %a"yrian.
#hat, or the! do not choose to understand+ Sam peere$ into the $ingy .ineink beneath the
econ$ arch o, Nabbo4 Bri$ge- bare"y "arge eno/gh to accommo$ate ten peop"e. 5areon .a not
one o, them. #e trie$ the H/tcat &nn- the #o/e o, Seven ?amp- an$ the brothe" ca""e$ the
Cattery- .here he got trange "ook b/t no he"p.
?eaving- he a"mot b/mpe$ into t.o yo/ng men beneath the Cattery4 re$ "antern. Hne .a
$ark an$ one .a ,air. 7he $ark(haire$ one ai$ omething in Braavoi. 2& am orry-1 Sam ha$ to
ay. 2& $o not /n$ertan$.1 #e e$ge$ a.ay ,rom them- a,rai$. &n the Seven >ing$om nob"e
$rape$ theme"ve in ve"vet- i"k- an$ amite o, a h/n$re$ h/e .hi"t peaant an$ ma"",o"k
.ore ra. .oo" an$ $/"" bro.n ro/ghp/n. &n Braavo it .a other.ie. 7he bravo .aggere$
abo/t "ike peacock- ,ingering their .or$- .hi"t the mighty $ree$ in charcoa" grey an$
p/rp"e- b"/e that .ere a"mot b"ack an$ b"ack a $ark a a moon"e night.
2My ,rien$ 7erro ay yo/ are o ,at yo/ make him ick-1 ai$ the ,air(haire$ bravo- .hoe
=acket .a green ve"vet on one i$e an$ c"oth(o,(i"ver on the other. 2My ,rien$ 7erro ay that
the ratt"e o, yo/r .or$ make hi hea$ ache.1 #e .a peaking in the Common 7ong/e. 7he
other one- the $ark(haire$ bravo in the b/rg/n$y broca$e an$ ye""o. c"oak .hoe name .o/"$
appear to have been 7erro- ma$e ome comment in Braavoi- an$ hi ,air(haire$ ,rien$ "a/ghe$-
an$ ai$- 2My ,rien$ 7erro ay yo/ $re above yo/r tation. Are yo/ ome great "or$- to .ear
the b"ack61
Sam .ante$ to r/n- b/t i, he $i$ .a "ike to trip over hi o.n .or$be"t. Do not touch !our
sword, he to"$ hime",. Cven a ,inger on the hi"t might be eno/gh ,or one or the other o, the
bravo to take a a cha""enge. #e trie$ to think o, .or$ that might appeae them. 2&4m not@1
.a a"" he manage$.
2#e i not a "or$-1 a chi"$4 voice p/t in. 2#e4 in the Night4 3atch- t/pi$. +rom Westeros+1
A gir" e$ge$ into the "ight- p/hing a barro. ,/"" o, ea.ee$I a cr/,,y- kinny creat/re in big
boot- .ith ragge$ /n.ahe$ hair. 27here4 another one $o.n at the #appy 9ort- inging ong
to the Sai"or4 3i,e-1 he in,orme$ the t.o bravo. 7o Sam he ai$- 2&, they ak .ho i the mot
bea/ti,/" .oman in the .or"$- ay the Nightinga"e or e"e they4"" cha""enge yo/. 5o yo/ .ant to
b/y ome c"am6 & o"$ a"" my oyter.1
2& have no coin-1 Sam ai$.
2#e ha no coin-1 mocke$ the ,air(haire$ bravo. #i $ark(haire$ ,rien$ grinne$ an$ ai$
omething in Braavoi. 2My ,rien$ 7erro i chi""y. Be o/r goo$ ,at ,rien$ an$ give him yo/r
c"oak.1
25on4t $o that either-1 ai$ the barro. gir"- 2or e"e they4"" ak ,or yo/r boot ne:t- an$ be,ore
"ong yo/4"" be nake$.1
2?itt"e cat .ho ho." too "o/$ get $ro.ne$ in the cana"-1 .arne$ the ,air(haire$ bravo.
2Not i, they have c"a..1 An$ /$$en"y there .a a kni,e in the gir"4 "e,t han$- a b"a$e a
kinny a he .a. 7he one ca""e$ 7erro ai$ omething to hi ,air(haire$ ,rien$ an$ the t.o o,
them move$ o,,- ch/ck"ing at one another.
27hank yo/-1 Sam to"$ the gir" .hen they .ere gone.
#er kni,e vanihe$. 2&, yo/ .ear a .or$ at night it mean yo/ can be cha""enge$. 5i$ yo/
want to ,ight them61
2No.1 &t came o/t in a A/eak that ma$e Sam .ince.
2Are yo/ tr/"y in the Night4 3atch6 & never a. a b"ack brother "ike yo/ be,ore.1 7he gir"
get/re$ at the barro.. 2Eo/ can have the "at c"am i, yo/ .ant. &t4 $ark- no one .i"" b/y them
no.. Are yo/ ai"ing to the 3a""61
27o H"$to.n.1 Sam took one o, the bake$ c"am an$ .o",e$ it $o.n. 23e4re bet.een hip.1
7he c"am .a goo$. #e ate another.
27he bravo never bother anyone .itho/t a .or$. Not even t/pi$ came" c/nt "ike 7erro an$
Hrbe"o.1
23ho are yo/61
2No one.1 She tank o, ,ih. 2& /e$ to be omeone- b/t no. &4m not. Eo/ can ca"" me Cat- i,
yo/ "ike. 3ho are yo/61
2Sam.e""- o, #o/e 7ar"y. Eo/ peak the Common 7ong/e.1
2My ,ather .a the oarmater on 2!meria. A bravo ki""e$ him ,or aying that my mother .a
more bea/ti,/" than the Nightinga"e. Not one o, thoe came" c/nt yo/ met- a rea" bravo.
Some$ay &4"" "it hi throat. 7he captain ai$ 2!meria ha$ no nee$ o, "itt"e gir"- o he p/t me o,,.
Br/co took me in an$ gave me a barro..1 She "ooke$ /p at him. 23hat hip .i"" yo/ be ai"ing
on61
23e bo/ght paage on the "ad! <shanora+1
7he gir" A/inte$ at him /picio/"y. 2She4 gone. 5on4t yo/ kno.6 She "e,t $ay an$ $ay
ago.1
I know, Sam might have ai$. #e an$ 5areon ha$ too$ on the $ock .atching the rie an$ ,a""
o, her oar a he beat ,or the 7itan an$ the open ea. 23e""-1 the inger ai$- 2that4 $one.1 &,
Sam ha$ been a braver man- he .o/"$ have hove$ him into the .ater. 3hen it came to ta"king
gir" o/t o, their c"othe 5areon ha$ a honeye$ tong/e- yet in the captain4 cabin omeho. Sam
ha$ $one a"" the ta"king- trying to per/a$e the Braavoi to .ait ,or them. 27hree $ay & have
.aite$ ,or thi o"$ man-1 the captain ha$ ai$. 2My ho"$ are ,/""- an$ my men have ,/cke$ their
.ive ,are.e"". 3ith yo/ or .itho/t- my "ad! "eave on the ti$e.1
29"eae-1 Sam ha$ p"ea$e$. 2!/t a ,e. more $ay- that4 a"" & ak. So Maeter Aemon can
recover hi trength.1
2#e ha no trength.1 7he captain ha$ viite$ the inn the night be,ore to ee Maeter Aemon
,or hime",. 2#e i o"$ an$ i"" an$ & .i"" not have him $ying on my "ad!+ Stay .ith him or "eave
him- it matter not to me. & ai".1 Cven .ore- he ha$ re,/e$ to ret/rn the paage money they
ha$ pai$ him- the i"ver that .a meant to ee them a,e to H"$to.n. 2Eo/ bo/ght my ,inet
cabin. &t i there- a.aiting yo/. &, yo/ $o not chooe to occ/py it- that i no ,a/"t o, mine. 3hy
ho/"$ & bear the "o61
B! now we might be at Duskendale, Sam tho/ght mo/rn,/""y. We might een hae reached
$entos, if the winds were kind+
B/t none o, that .o/"$ matter to the barro. gir". 2Eo/ ai$ yo/ a. a inger81
2At the #appy 9ort. #e4 going to .e$ the Sai"or4 3i,e.1
23e$61
2She on"y be$ the one .ho marry her.1
23here i thi #appy 9ort61
2Acro ,rom the M/mmer4 Ship. & can ho. yo/ the .ay.1
2& kno. the .ay.1 Sam ha$ een the M/mmer4 Ship. Dareon cannot wed; 7e said the
words; 2& have to go.1
#e ran. &t .a a "ong .ay over "ick cobb"e. Be,ore "ong he .a p/,,ing- hi big b"ack c"oak
,"apping noii"y behin$ him. #e ha$ to keep one han$ on hi .or$be"t a he ran. 3hat ,e.
peop"e he enco/ntere$ gave him c/rio/ "ook- an$ once a cat reare$ /p an$ hie$ at him. By
the time he reache$ the hip he .a taggering. 7he #appy 9ort .a =/t acro the a""ey.
No ooner ha$ he entere$- ,"/he$ an$ o/t o, breath- than a one(eye$ .oman thre. her arm
aro/n$ hi neck. 25on4t-1 Sam to"$ her- 2&4m not here ,or that.1 She an.ere$ in Braavoi. 2& $o
not peak that tong/e-1 Sam ai$ in #igh %a"yrian. 7here .ere can$"e b/rning an$ a ,ire
crack"ing in the hearth. Someone .a a.ing on a ,i$$"e- an$ he a. t.o gir" $ancing aro/n$ a
re$ priet- ho"$ing han$. 7he one(eye$ .oman pree$ her breat againt hi chet. 25on4t $o
that0 &4m not here ,or that01
4Sam;5 5areon4 ,ami"iar voice rang o/t. 2Ena- "et him go- that4 Sam the S"ayer. My S.orn
Brother01
7he one(eye$ .oman pee"e$ a.ay- tho/gh he kept one han$ on hi arm. Hne o, the $ancer
ca""e$ o/t- 2#e can "ay me i, he "ike-1 an$ the other ai$- 25o yo/ think he4$ "et me to/ch hi
.or$61 Behin$ them a p/rp"e ga""ea ha$ been painte$ on the .a""- cre.e$ by .omen c"a$ in
thigh(high boot an$ nothing e"e. A 7yrohi ai"or .a pae$ o/t in a corner- noring into hi
h/ge car"et bear$. C"e.here an o"$er .oman .ith h/ge breat .a t/rning ti"e .ith a maive
S/mmer &"an$er in b"ack(an$(car"et ,eather. &n the center o, it a"" at 5areon- n/GG"ing at the
neck o, the .oman in hi "ap. She .a .earing hi b"ack c"oak.
2S"ayer-1 the inger ca""e$ o/t $r/nken"y- 2come meet my "a$y .i,e.1 #i hair .a an$ an$
honey- hi mi"e .arm. 2& ang her "ove ong. 3omen me"t "ike b/tter .hen & ing. #o. co/"$ &
reit thi ,ace61 #e kie$ her noe. 23i,e- give S"ayer a ki- he4 my brother.1 3hen the gir"
got to her ,eet- Sam a. that he .a nake$ /n$erneath the c"oak. 25on4t go ,on$"ing my .i,e
no.- S"ayer-1 ai$ 5areon- "a/ghing. 2B/t i, yo/ .ant one o, her iter- yo/ ,ee" ,ree. & ti""
have coin eno/gh- & think.1
%oin that might hae bought us food, Sam tho/ght- coin that might hae bought wood, so
*aester Aemon could keep warm+ 23hat have yo/ $one6 Eo/ can4t marr!+ Eo/ ai$ the .or$-
the ame a me. 7hey co/"$ have yo/r hea$ ,or thi.1
23e4re on"y .e$ ,or thi one night- S"ayer. Cven in 3etero no one take yo/r hea$ ,or that.
#aven4t yo/ ever gone to Mo"e4 7o.n to $ig ,or b/rie$ trea/re61
2No.1 Sam re$$ene$. 2& .o/"$ never81
23hat abo/t yo/r .i"$"ing .ench6 Eo/ m/t have ,/cke$ her a time or three. A"" thoe night
in the .oo$- h/$$"e$ together /n$er yo/r c"oak- $on4t yo/ te"" me that yo/ never t/ck it in
her.1 #e .ave$ a han$ to.ar$ a chair. 2Sit $o.n- S"ayer. #ave a c/p o, .ine. #ave a .hore.
#ave both.1
Sam $i$ not .ant a c/p o, .ine. 2Eo/ promie$ to come back be,ore the g"oaming. 7o bring
back .ine an$ ,oo$.1
2& thi ho. yo/ ki""e$ that Hther6 Sco"$ing him to $eath61 5areon "a/ghe$. 2She4 my .i,e-
not yo/. &, yo/ .i"" not $rink to my marriage- go a.ay.1
2Come .ith me-1 ai$ Sam. 2Maeter Aemon4 .oken /p an$ .ant to hear abo/t thee
$ragon. #e4 ta"king abo/t b"ee$ing tar an$ .hite ha$o. an$ $ream an$8 i, .e co/"$ ,in$
o/t more abo/t thee $ragon- it might he"p give him eae. #e"p me.1
2Hn the morro.. Not on my .e$$ing night.1 5areon p/he$ hime", to hi ,eet- took hi bri$e
by the han$- an$ tarte$ to.ar$ the tair- p/""ing her behin$ him.
Sam b"ocke$ hi .ay. 2Eo/ promised, 5areon. Eo/ ai$ the .or$. Eo/4re /ppoe$ to be
my brother.1
2&n 3etero. 5oe thi "ook "ike 3etero to yo/61
2Maeter Aemon@1
2@i $ying. 7hat tripey hea"er yo/ .ate$ a"" o/r i"ver on ai$ a m/ch.1 5areon4 mo/th
ha$ t/rne$ har$. 2#ave a gir" or go a.ay- Sam. Eo/4re r/ining my .e$$ing.1
2&4"" go-1 ai$ Sam- 2b/t yo/4"" come .ith me.1
2No. &4m $one .ith yo/. &4m $one .ith black+1 5areon tore hi c"oak o,, hi nake$ bri$e an$
toe$ it in Sam4 ,ace. 2#ere. 7hro. that rag on the o"$ man- it may keep him a "itt"e .armer. &
han4t be nee$ing it. &4"" be c"a$ in ve"vet oon. Ne:t year &4"" be .earing ,/r an$ eating@1
Sam hit him.
#e $i$ not think abo/t it. #i han$ came /p- c/r"e$ into a ,it- an$ crahe$ into the inger4
mo/th. 5areon c/re$ an$ hi nake$ .i,e gave a hriek an$ Sam thre. hime", onto the inger
an$ knocke$ him back.ar$ over a "o. tab"e. 7hey .ere a"mot o, a height- b/t Sam .eighe$
t.ice a m/ch- an$ ,or once he .a too angry to be a,rai$. #e p/nche$ the inger in the ,ace an$
in the be""y- then began to p/mme" him abo/t the ho/"$er .ith both han$. 3hen 5areon
grabbe$ hi .rit- Sam b/tte$ him .ith hi hea$ an$ broke hi "ip. 7he inger "et go an$ he
mahe$ him in the noe. Some.here a man .a "a/ghing- a .oman c/ring. 7he ,ight eeme$
to "o.- a i, they .ere t.o b"ack ,"ie tr/gg"ing in amber. 7hen omeone $ragge$ Sam o,, the
inger4 chet. #e hit that peron too- an$ omething har$ crahe$ into hi hea$.
7he ne:t he kne. he .a o/ti$e- ,"ying hea$,irt thro/gh the ,og. +or ha", a heartbeat he a.
b"ack .ater /n$erneath him. 7hen the cana" came /p an$ mahe$ him in the ,ace.
Sam ank "ike a tone- "ike a bo/"$er- "ike a mo/ntain. 7he .ater got into hi eye an$ /p hi
noe- $ark an$ co"$ an$ a"ty. 3hen he trie$ to ho/t ,or he"p he .a""o.e$ more. >icking an$
gaping- he ro""e$ over- b/bb"e b/rting ,rom hi noe. Swim, he to"$ hime",- swim+ 7he brine
t/ng hi eye .hen he opene$ them- b"in$ing him. #e poppe$ to the /r,ace ,or =/t an intant-
/cke$ $o.n air- an$ "appe$ $eperate"y .ith one han$ .hi"t the other crabb"e$ at the .a"" o,
the cana". B/t the tone .ere "ick an$ "imy an$ he co/"$ not get a grap. #e ank again.
Sam co/"$ ,ee" the co"$ againt hi kin a the .ater oake$ thro/gh hi c"othe. #i
.or$be"t "ippe$ $o.n hi "eg an$ tang"e$ ro/n$ hi ank"e. I/m going to drown, he tho/ght- in
a b"in$ b"ack panic. #e thrahe$- trying to c"a. hi .ay back to the /r,ace- b/t intea$ hi ,ace
b/mpe$ the bottom o, the cana". I/m upside down, he rea"iGe$- I/m drowning+ Something move$
beneath one ,"ai"ing han$- an ee" or a ,ih- "ithering thro/gh hi ,inger. I can/t drown, *aester
Aemon will die without me, and 1ill! will hae no one+ I hae to swim, I hae to=
7here .a a h/ge p"ah- an$ omething coi"e$ aro/n$ him- /n$er hi arm an$ aro/n$ hi
chet. #he eel, .a hi ,irt tho/ght- the eel has got me, it/s going to pull me down+ #e opene$
hi mo/th to cream- an$ .a""o.e$ more .ater. I/m drowned, .a hi "at tho/ght. Oh, gods be
good, I/m drowned+
3hen he opene$ hi eye he .a on hi back an$ a big b"ack S/mmer &"an$er .a po/n$ing
on hi be""y .ith ,it the iGe o, ham. Stop that, !ou/re hurting me, Sam trie$ to cream. &ntea$
o, .or$ he retche$ o/t .ater- an$ gape$. #e .a o$$en an$ hivering- "ying on the cobb"e in
a p/$$"e o, cana" .ater. 7he S/mmer &"an$er p/nche$ him in the be""y again- an$ more .ater
came A/irting o/t hi noe. 2Stop that-1 Sam gape$. 2& haven4t $ro.ne$. & haven4t $ro.ne$.1
2No.1 #i rec/er "eane$ over him- h/ge an$ b"ack an$ $ripping. 2Eo/ o.e Lhon$o many
,eather. 7he .ater r/ine$ Lhon$o4 ,ine c"oak.1
&t ha$- Sam a.. 7he ,eathere$ c"oak c"/ng to the b"ack man4 h/ge ho/"$er- o$$en an$
oi"e$. 2& never meant81
28to be .imming6 Lhon$o a.. 7oo m/ch p"ahing. +at men ho/"$ ,"oat.1 #e grabbe$
Sam4 $o/b"et .ith a h/ge b"ack ,it an$ ha/"e$ him to hi ,eet. 2Lhon$o mate on %innamon
Wind+ Many tong/e he peak- a "itt"e. &ni$e Lhon$o "a/gh- to ee yo/ p/nch the inger. An$
Lhon$o hear.1 A broa$ .hite mi"e prea$ acro hi ,ace. 2Lhon$o kno. thee $ragon.1
T'RION
#e $reamt o, hi "or$ ,ather an$ the Shro/$e$ ?or$. #e $reamt that they .ere one an$ the
ame- an$ .hen hi ,ather .rappe$ tone arm aro/n$ him an$ bent to give him hi grey ki- he
.oke .ith hi mo/th $ry an$ r/ty .ith the tate o, b"oo$ an$ hi heart hammering in hi chet.
2H/r $ea$ $.ar, ha ret/rne$ to /-1 #a"$on ai$.
7yrion hook hi hea$ to c"ear a.ay the .eb o, $ream. #he Sorrows+ I was lost in the
Sorrows+ 2& am not $ea$.1
27hat remain to be een.1 7he #a",maeter too$ over him. 25/ck- be a ,ine ,o." an$ boi"
ome broth ,or o/r "itt"e ,rien$ here. #e m/t be ,amihe$.1
#e .a on the Sh! *aid, 7yrion a.- /n$er a cratchy b"anket that me""e$ o, vinegar. #he
Sorrows are behind us+ It was 9ust a dream I dreamed as I was drowning+ 23hy $o & tink o,
vinegar61
2?emore ha been .ahing yo/ .ith it. Some ay it he"p prevent the greyca"e. & am inc"ine$
to $o/bt that- b/t there .a no harm in trying. &t .a ?emore .ho ,orce$ the .ater ,rom yo/r
"/ng a,ter Gri,, ha$ p/""e$ yo/ /p. Eo/ .ere a co"$ a ice- an$ yo/r "ip .ere b"/e. Ean$ry
ai$ .e o/ght to thro. yo/ back- b/t the "a$ ,orba$e it.1
#he prince+ Memory came r/hing back' the tone man reaching o/t .ith cracke$ grey han$-
the b"oo$ eeping ,rom hi kn/ck"e. 7e was hea! as a boulder, pulling me under+ 2Gri,,
bro/ght me /p61 7e must hate me, or he would hae let me die+ 2#o. "ong have & been
"eeping6 3hat p"ace i thi61
2Se"hory.1 #a"$on pro$/ce$ a ma"" kni,e ,rom hi "eeve. 2#ere-1 he ai$- toing it
/n$erhan$ at 7yrion.
7he $.ar, ,"inche$. 7he kni,e "an$e$ bet.een hi ,eet an$ too$ A/ivering in the $eck. #e
p"/cke$ it o/t. 23hat4 thi61
27ake o,, yo/r boot. 9rick each o, yo/r toe an$ ,inger.1
27hat o/n$8 pain,/".1
2& hope o. 5o it.1
7yrion yanke$ o,, one boot an$ then the other- pee"e$ $o.n hi hoe- A/inte$ at hi toe. &t
eeme$ to him they "ooke$ no better or .ore than //a". #e poke$ ginger"y at one big toe.
2#ar$er-1 /rge$ #a"$on #a",maeter.
25o yo/ .ant me to $ra. b"oo$61
2&, nee$ be.1
2&4"" have a cab on every toe.1
27he p/rpoe o, the e:ercie i not to co/nt yo/r toe. & .ant to ee yo/ .ince. So "ong a the
prick h/rt- yo/ are a,e. &t i on"y .hen yo/ cannot ,ee" the b"a$e that yo/ .i"" have ca/e to
,ear.1
1re!scale+ 7yrion grimace$. #e tabbe$ another toe- c/re$ a a bea$ o, b"oo$ .e""e$ /p
aro/n$ the kni,e4 point. 27hat h/rt. Are yo/ happy61
25ancing .ith =oy.1
2Eo/r ,eet me"" .ore than mine- Eo""o.1 5/ck ha$ a c/p o, broth. 2Gri,, .arne$ yo/ not to
"ay han$ /pon the tone men.1
2Aye- b/t he ,orgot to .arn the tone men not to "ay their han$ /pon me.1
2A yo/ prick- "ook ,or patche o, $ea$ grey kin- ,or nai" beginning to t/rn b"ack-1 ai$
#a"$on. 2&, yo/ ee /ch ign- $o not heitate. Better to "oe a toe than a ,oot. Better to "oe an
arm than pen$ yo/r $ay .ai"ing on the Bri$ge o, 5ream. No. the other ,oot- i, yo/ p"eae.
7hen yo/r ,inger.1
7he $.ar, recroe$ hi t/nte$ "eg an$ began to prick the other et o, toe. 2Sha"" & prick my
prick a .e""61
2&t .o/"$ not h/rt.1
2&t .o/"$ not h/rt !ou i .hat yo/ mean. 7ho/gh & ha$ a .e"" "ice it o,, ,or a"" the /e &
make o, it.1
2+ee" ,ree. 3e .i"" have it tanne$ an$ t/,,e$ an$ e"" it ,or a ,ort/ne. A $.ar,4 cock ha
magica" po.er.1
2& have been te""ing a"" the .omen that ,or year.1 7yrion $rove the $agger4 point into the
ba"" o, hi th/mb- .atche$ the b"oo$ bea$ /p- /cke$ it a.ay. 2#o. "ong m/t & contin/e to
tort/re mye",6 3hen .i"" .e be certain that &4m c"ean61
27r/"y61 ai$ the #a",maeter. 2Never. Eo/ .a""o.e$ ha", the river. Eo/ may be going grey
even no.- t/rning to tone ,rom ini$e o/t- tarting .ith yo/r heart an$ "/ng. &, o- pricking
yo/r toe an$ bathing in vinegar .i"" not ave yo/. 3hen yo/4re $one- come have ome broth.1
7he broth .a goo$- tho/gh 7yrion note$ that the #a",maeter kept the tab"e bet.een them a
he ate. 7he Sh! *aid .a moore$ to a .eathere$ pier on the eat bank o, the Rhoyne. 7.o pier
$o.n- a %o"antene river ga""ey .a $icharging o"$ier. Shop an$ ta"" an$ toreho/e
h/$$"e$ beneath a an$tone .a"". 7he to.er an$ $ome o, the city .ere viib"e beyon$ it-
re$$ene$ by the "ight o, the etting /n.
2o, not a cit!+ Se"hory .a ti"" acco/nte$ a mere to.n- an$ .a r/"e$ ,rom H"$ %o"anti.
7hi .a not 3etero.
?emore emerge$ on $eck .ith the prince in to.. 3hen he a. 7yrion- he r/he$ acro the
$eck to h/g him. 27he Mother i merci,/". 3e have praye$ ,or yo/- #/gor.1
&ou did, at least+ 2& .on4t ho"$ that againt yo/.1
Eo/ng Gri,,4 greeting .a "e e,,/ive. 7he prince"ing .a in a /""en moo$- angry that he
ha$ been ,orce$ to remain on the Sh! *aid intea$ o, going ahore .ith Ean$ry an$ Ei""a. 23e
on"y .ant to keep yo/ a,e-1 ?emore to"$ him. 27hee are /nett"e$ time.1
#a"$on #a",maeter e:p"aine$. 2Hn the .ay $o.n ,rom the Sorro. to Se"hory- .e thrice
g"impe$ ri$er moving o/th a"ong the river4 eatern hore. 5othraki. Hnce they .ere o c"oe
.e co/"$ hear the be"" tink"ing in their brai$- an$ ometime at night their ,ire co/"$ be een
beyon$ the eatern hi"". 3e pae$ .arhip a .e""- %o"antene river ga""ey cramme$ .ith
"ave o"$ier. 7he triarch ,ear an attack /pon Se"hory- p"ain"y.1
7yrion /n$ertoo$ that A/ick eno/gh. A"one amongt the ma=or river to.n- Se"hory too$
/pon the eatern bank o, the Rhoyne- making it m/ch more v/"nerab"e to the hore"or$ than it
iter to.n acro the river. 0en so, it is a small prize+ If I were khal, I would feint at Selhor!s,
let the .olantenes rush to defend it, then swing south and ride hard for .olantis itself+
2& kno. ho. to /e a .or$-1 Eo/ng Gri,, .a initing.
2Cven the bravet o, yo/r ,orebear kept hi >ingg/ar$ c"oe abo/t him in time o, peri".1
?emore ha$ change$ o/t o, her epta4 robe into garb more be,itting the .i,e or $a/ghter o, a
propero/ merchant. 7yrion .atche$ her c"oe"y. #e ha$ ni,,e$ o/t the tr/th beneath the $ye$
b"/e hair o, Gri,, an$ Eo/ng Gri,, eai"y eno/gh- an$ Ean$ry an$ Ei""a eeme$ to be no more
than they c"aime$ to be- .hi"t 5/ck .a ome.hat "e. ?emore- tho/gh8 Who is she, reall!6
Wh! is she here6 2ot for gold, I/d 9udge+ What is this prince to her6 Was she eer a true septa6
#a"$on took note o, her change o, garb a .e"". 23hat are .e to make o, thi /$$en "o o,
,aith6 & pre,erre$ yo/ in yo/r epta4 robe- ?emore.1
2& pre,erre$ her nake$-1 ai$ 7yrion.
?emore gave him a reproach,/" "ook. 27hat i beca/e yo/ have a .icke$ o/". Septa4 robe
cream o, 3etero an$ might $ra. /n.e"come eye onto /.1 She t/rne$ back to 9rince Aegon.
2Eo/ are not the on"y one .ho m/t nee$ hi$e.1
7he "a$ $i$ not eem appeae$. #he perfect prince but still half a bo! for all that, with little
and less e8perience of the world and all its woes+ 29rince Aegon-1 ai$ 7yrion- 2ince .e4re both
t/ck aboar$ thi boat- perhap yo/ .i"" honor me .ith a game o, c!asse to .hi"e a.ay the
ho/r61
7he prince gave him a .ary "ook. 2& am ick o, c!asse+1
2Sick o, "oing to a $.ar,- yo/ mean61
7hat pricke$ the "a$4 pri$e- =/t a 7yrion ha$ kno.n it .o/"$. 2Go ,etch the boar$ an$
piece. 7hi time & mean to mah yo/.1
7hey p"aye$ on $eck- itting cro("egge$ behin$ the cabin. Eo/ng Gri,, arraye$ hi army ,or
attack- .ith $ragon- e"ephant- an$ heavy hore /p ,ront. A !oung man/s formation, as bold as it
is foolish+ 7e risks all for the 3uick kill+ #e "et the prince have ,irt move. #a"$on too$ behin$
them- .atching the p"ay.
3hen the prince reache$ ,or hi $ragon- 7yrion c"eare$ hi throat. 2& .o/"$ not $o that i, &
.ere yo/. &t i a mitake to bring yo/r $ragon o/t too oon.1 #e mi"e$ innocent"y. 2Eo/r ,ather
kne. the $anger o, being over(bo"$.1
25i$ yo/ kno. my tr/e ,ather61
23e""- & a. him t.ice or thrice- b/t & .a on"y ten .hen Robert ki""e$ him- an$ mine o.n
ire ha$ me hi$$en /n$erneath a rock. No- & cannot c"aim & kne. 9rince Rhaegar. Not a yo/r
,a"e ,ather $i$. ?or$ Connington .a the prince4 $earet ,rien$- .a he not61
Eo/ng Gri,, p/he$ a "ock o, b"/e hair o/t o, hi eye. 27hey .ere A/ire together at >ing4
?an$ing.1
2A tr/e ,rien$- o/r ?or$ Connington. #e m/t be- to remain o ,ierce"y "oya" to the gran$on
o, the king .ho took hi "an$ an$ tit"e an$ ent him into e:i"e. A pity abo/t that. C"e.ie
9rince Rhaegar4 ,rien$ might have been on han$ .hen my ,ather acke$ >ing4 ?an$ing- to
ave 9rince Rhaegar4 precio/ "itt"e on ,rom getting hi roya" brain $ahe$ o/t againt a .a"".1
7he "a$ ,"/he$. 27hat .a not me. & to"$ yo/. 7hat .a ome tanner4 on ,rom 9i.ater
Ben$ .hoe mother $ie$ birthing him. #i ,ather o"$ him to ?or$ %ary ,or a =/g o, Arbor go"$.
#e ha$ other on b/t ha$ never tate$ Arbor go"$. %ary gave the 9i.ater boy to my "a$y
mother an$ carrie$ me a.ay.1
2Aye.1 7yrion move$ hi e"ephant. 2An$ .hen the pi.ater prince .a a,e"y $ea$- the
e/n/ch m/gg"e$ yo/ acro the narro. ea to hi ,at ,rien$ the cheeemonger- .ho hi$ yo/ on a
po"eboat an$ ,o/n$ an e:i"e "or$ .i""ing to ca"" hime", yo/r ,ather. &t $oe make ,or a p"en$i$
tory- an$ the inger .i"" make m/ch o, yo/r ecape once yo/ take the &ron 7hrone8 a/ming
that o/r ,air 5aenery take yo/ ,or her conort.1
2She .i"". She m/t.1
2*ust61 7yrion ma$e a tsking o/n$. 27hat i not a .or$ A/een "ike to hear. Eo/ are her
per,ect prince- agree$- bright an$ bo"$ an$ come"y a any mai$ co/"$ .ih. 5aenery 7argaryen
i no mai$- ho.ever. She i the .i$o. o, a 5othraki kha"- a mother o, $ragon an$ acker o,
citie- Aegon the ConA/eror .ith teat. She may not prove a .i""ing a yo/ .ih.1
2She4"" be .i""ing.1 9rince Aegon o/n$e$ hocke$. &t .a p"ain that he ha$ never be,ore
coni$ere$ the poibi"ity that hi bri$e(to(be might re,/e him. 2Eo/ $on4t kno. her.1 #e
picke$ /p hi heavy hore an$ p/t it $o.n .ith a thump+
7he $.ar, hr/gge$. 2& kno. that he pent her chi"$hoo$ in e:i"e- impoverihe$- "iving on
$ream an$ cheme- r/nning ,rom one city to the ne:t- a".ay ,ear,/"- never a,e- ,rien$"e b/t
,or a brother .ho .a by a"" acco/nt ha",(ma$8 a brother .ho o"$ her mai$enhoo$ to the
5othraki ,or the promie o, an army. & kno. that ome.here o/t /pon the gra her $ragon
hatche$- an$ o $i$ he. & kno. he i pro/$. #o. not6 3hat e"e .a "e,t her b/t pri$e6 & kno.
he i trong. #o. not6 7he 5othraki $epie .eakne. &, 5aenery ha$ been .eak- he .o/"$
have perihe$ .ith %iery. & kno. he i ,ierce. Atapor- E/nkai- an$ Meereen are proo,
eno/gh o, that. She ha croe$ the gra"an$ an$ the re$ .ate- /rvive$ aain an$
conpiracie an$ ,e"" orcerie- grieve$ ,or a brother an$ a h/ban$ an$ a on- tro$ the citie o,
the "aver to $/t beneath her $ainty an$a"e$ ,eet. No.- ho. $o yo/ /ppoe thi A/een .i""
react .hen yo/ t/rn /p .ith yo/r begging bo." in han$ an$ ay- JGoo$ morro. to yo/- A/ntie. &
am yo/r nephe.- Aegon- ret/rne$ ,rom the $ea$. &4ve been hi$ing on a po"eboat a"" my "i,e- b/t
no. &4ve .ahe$ the b"/e $ye ,rom my hair an$ &4$ "ike a $ragon- p"eae8 an$ oh- $i$ &
mention- my c"aim to the &ron 7hrone i tronger than yo/r o.n64 1
Aegon4 mo/th t.ite$ in ,/ry. 2& .i"" not come to my a/nt a beggar. & .i"" come to her a
kinman- .ith an army.1
2A ma"" army.1 #here, that/s made him good and angr!+ 7he $.ar, co/"$ not he"p b/t think
o, !o,,rey. I hae a gift for angering princes+ 2D/een 5aenery ha a "arge one- an$ no thank to
yo/.1 7yrion move$ hi crobo..
2Say .hat yo/ .ant. She .i"" be my bri$e- ?or$ Connington .i"" ee to it. & tr/t him a m/ch
a i, he .ere my o.n b"oo$.1
29erhap yo/ ho/"$ be the ,oo" intea$ o, me. #rust no one, my prince. Not yo/r chain"e
maeter- not yo/r ,a"e ,ather- not the ga""ant 5/ck nor the "ove"y ?emore nor thee other ,ine
,rien$ .ho gre. yo/ ,rom a bean. Above a""- tr/t not the cheeemonger- nor the Spi$er- nor
thi "itt"e $ragon A/een yo/ mean to marry. A"" that mitr/t .i"" o/r yo/r tomach an$ keep
yo/ a.ake by night- 4ti tr/e- b/t better that than the "ong "eep that $oe not en$.1 7he $.ar,
p/he$ hi b"ack $ragon acro a range o, mo/ntain. 2B/t .hat $o & kno.6 Eo/r ,a"e ,ather i
a great "or$- an$ & am =/t ome t.ite$ "itt"e monkey man. Sti""- &4$ $o thing $i,,erent"y.1
7hat got the boy4 attention. 2#o. $i,,erent"y61
2&, & .ere yo/6 & .o/"$ go .et intea$ o, eat. ?an$ in 5orne an$ raie my banner. 7he
Seven >ing$om .i"" never be more ripe ,or conA/et than they are right no.. A boy king it
the &ron 7hrone. 7he north i in chao- the river"an$ a $evatation- a rebe" ho"$ Storm4 Cn$
an$ 5ragontone. 3hen .inter come- the rea"m .i"" tarve. An$ .ho remain to $ea" .ith a"" o,
thi- .ho r/"e the "itt"e king .ho r/"e the Seven >ing$om6 3hy- my o.n .eet iter. 7here
i no one e"e. My brother- !aime- thirt ,or batt"e- not ,or po.er. #e4 r/n ,rom every chance
he4 ha$ to r/"e. My /nc"e >evan .o/"$ make a paab"y goo$ regent i, omeone pree$ the
$/ty on him- b/t he .i"" never reach ,or it. 7he go$ hape$ him to be a ,o""o.er- not a "ea$er.1
Well, the gods and m! lord father+ 2Mace 7yre"" .o/"$ grap the ceptre g"a$"y- b/t mine o.n
kin are not "ike to tep ai$e an$ give it to him. An$ everyone hate Stanni. 3ho $oe that
"eave6 3hy- on"y Cerei.
23etero i torn an$ b"ee$ing- an$ & $o not $o/bt that even no. my .eet iter i bin$ing
/p the .o/n$8 .ith a"t. Cerei i a gent"e a >ing Maegor- a e","e a Aegon the
Fn.orthy- a .ie a Ma$ Aery. She never ,orget a "ight- rea" or imagine$. She take ca/tion
,or co.ar$ice an$ $ient ,or $e,iance. An$ he i gree$y. Gree$y ,or po.er- ,or honor- ,or "ove.
7ommen4 r/"e i bo"tere$ by a"" o, the a""iance that my "or$ ,ather b/i"t o care,/""y- b/t oon
eno/gh he .i"" $etroy them- every one. ?an$ an$ raie yo/r banner- an$ men .i"" ,"ock to
yo/r ca/e. ?or$ great an$ ma""- an$ ma"",o"k too. B/t $o not .ait too "ong- my prince. 7he
moment .i"" not "at. 7he ti$e that "i,t yo/ no. .i"" oon rece$e. Be certain yo/ reach 3etero
be,ore my iter ,a"" an$ omeone more competent take her p"ace.1
2B/t-1 9rince Aegon ai$- 2.itho/t 5aenery an$ her $ragon- ho. co/"$ .e hope to .in61
2Eo/ $o not need to .in-1 7yrion to"$ him. 2A"" yo/ nee$ to $o i raie yo/r banner- ra""y
yo/r /pporter- an$ ho"$- /nti" 5aenery arrive to =oin her trength to yo/r.1
2Eo/ ai$ he might not have me.1
29erhap & overtate$. She may take pity on yo/ .hen yo/ come begging ,or her han$.1 7he
$.ar, hr/gge$. 25o yo/ .ant to .ager yo/r throne /pon a .oman4 .him6 Go to 3etero-
tho/gh8 ah- then yo/ are a rebe"- not a beggar. Bo"$- reck"e- a tr/e cion o, #o/e 7argaryen-
.a"king in the ,oottep o, Aegon the ConA/eror. A dragon+
2& to"$ yo/- & kno. o/r "itt"e A/een. ?et her hear that her brother Rhaegar4 m/r$ere$ on i
ti"" a"ive- that thi brave boy ha raie$ the $ragon tan$ar$ o, her ,orebear in 3etero once
more- that he i ,ighting a $eperate .ar to avenge hi ,ather an$ rec"aim the &ron 7hrone ,or
#o/e 7argaryen- har$(pree$ on every i$e8 an$ he .i"" ,"y to yo/r i$e a ,at a .in$ an$
.ater can carry her. Eo/ are the "at o, her "ine- an$ thi Mother o, 5ragon- thi Breaker o,
Chain- i above a"" a rescuer+ 7he gir" .ho $ro.ne$ the "aver citie in b"oo$ rather than "eave
tranger to their chain can carce"y aban$on her o.n brother4 on in hi ho/r o, peri". An$
.hen he reache 3etero- an$ meet yo/ ,or the ,irt time- yo/ .i"" meet a eA/a"- man an$
.oman- not A/een an$ /pp"icant. #o. can he he"p b/t "ove yo/ then- & ak yo/61 Smi"ing- he
eiGe$ hi $ragon- ,"e. it acro the boar$. 2& hope Eo/r Grace .i"" par$on me. Eo/r king i
trappe$. 5eath in ,o/r.1
7he prince tare$ at the p"aying boar$. 2My $ragon@1
2@i too ,ar a.ay to ave yo/. Eo/ ho/"$ have move$ her to the center o, the batt"e.1
2B/t yo/ ai$@1
2& "ie$. #rust no one+ An$ keep yo/r $ragon c"oe.1
Eo/ng Gri,, =erke$ to hi ,eet an$ kicke$ over the boar$. %!asse piece ,"e. in a""
$irection- bo/ncing an$ ro""ing acro the $eck o, the Sh! *aid+ 29ick thoe /p-1 the boy
comman$e$.
7e ma! well be a #argar!en after all+ 2&, it p"eae Eo/r Grace.1 7yrion got $o.n on hi
han$ an$ knee an$ began to cra." abo/t the $eck- gathering /p piece.
&t .a c"oe to $/k .hen Ean$ry an$ Ei""a ret/rne$ to the Sh! *aid+ A porter trotte$ at their
hee"- p/hing a .hee"barro. heape$ high .ith proviion' a"t an$ ,"o/r- ,reh(ch/rne$ b/tter-
"ab o, bacon .rappe$ in "inen- ack o, orange- app"e- an$ pear. Ean$ry ha$ a .ine cak on
one ho/"$er- .hi"e Ei""a ha$ "/ng a pike over her. 7he ,ih .a a "arge a 7yrion.
3hen he a. the $.ar, tan$ing at the en$ o, the gangp"ank- Ei""a toppe$ o /$$en"y that
Ean$ry b"/n$ere$ into her- an$ the pike a"mot "i$ o,, her back into the river. 5/ck he"pe$ her
rec/e it. Ei""a g"are$ at 7yrion an$ ma$e a pec/"iar tabbing get/re .ith three o, her ,inger.
A sign to ward off eil+ 2?et me he"p yo/ .ith that ,ih-1 he ai$ to 5/ck.
2No-1 Ei""a nappe$. 2Stay a.ay. 7o/ch no ,oo$ bei$e the ,oo$ yo/ eat yo/re",.1
7he $.ar, raie$ both han$. 2A yo/ comman$.1
Ean$ry th/mpe$ the .ine cak $o.n onto the $ek. 23here4 Gri,,61 he $eman$e$ o,
#a"$on.
2A"eep.1
27hen ro/e him. 3e have ti$ing he4$ bet hear. 7he A/een4 name i on every tong/e in
Se"hory. 7hey ay he ti"" it in Meereen- ore beet. &, the ta"k in the market can be be"ieve$-
H"$ %o"anti .i"" oon =oin the .ar againt her.1
#a"$on p/re$ hi "ip. 27he goip o, ,ihmonger i not to be re"ie$ on. Sti""- & /ppoe Gri,,
.i"" .ant to hear. Eo/ kno. ho. he i.1 7he #a",maeter .ent be"o..
#he girl neer started for the west+ No $o/bt he ha$ goo$ reaon. Bet.een Meereen an$
%o"anti "ay ,ive h/n$re$ "eag/e o, $eert- mo/ntain- .amp- an$ r/in- p"/ Mantary .ith
it initer rep/te. A cit! of monsters, the! sa!, but if she marches oerland, where else is she to
turn for food and water6 #he sea would be swifter, but if she does not hae the ships =
By the time Gri,, appeare$ on $eck- the pike .a pitting an$ iGG"ing over the braGier .hi"t
Ei""a hovere$ over it .ith a "emon- A/eeGing. 7he e"".or$ .ore hi mai" an$ .o",kin c"oak-
o,t "eather g"ove- $ark .oo"en breeche. &, he .a /rprie$ to ee 7yrion a.ake- he gave no
ign beyon$ hi c/tomary co.". #e took Ean$ry back to the ti""er- .here they poke in "o.
voice- too A/iet"y ,or the $.ar, to hear.
+ina""y Gri,, beckone$ to #a"$on. 23e nee$ to kno. the tr/th o, thee r/mor. Go ahore an$
"earn .hat yo/ can. Davo .i"" kno.- i, yo/ can ,in$ him. 7ry the Riverman an$ the 9ainte$
7/rt"e. Eo/ kno. hi other p"ace.1
2Aye. &4"" take the $.ar, a .e"". +o/r ear hear more than t.o. An$ yo/ kno. ho. Davo i
abo/t hi c!asse+1
2A yo/ .ih. Be back be,ore the /n come /p. &, ,or any reaon yo/4re $e"aye$- make yo/r
.ay to the Go"$en Company.1
Spoken like a lord+ 7yrion kept the tho/ght to hime",.
#a"$on $onne$ a hoo$e$ c"oak- an$ 7yrion he$ hi homema$e mot"ey ,or omething $rab
an$ grey. Gri,, a""o.e$ them each a p/re o, i"ver ,rom &""yrio4 chet. 27o "ooen tong/e.1
5/k .a giving .ay to $arkne a they ma$e their .ay a"ong the river,ront. Some o, the
hip they pae$ appeare$ $eerte$- their gangp"ank $ra.n /p. Hther cra."e$ .ith arme$ men
.ho eye$ them .ith /picion. Fn$er the to.n .a""- parchment "antern ha$ been "it above the
ta""- thro.ing poo" o, co"ore$ "ight /pon the cobb"e$ path. 7yrion .atche$ a #a"$on4 ,ace
t/rne$ green- then re$- then p/rp"e. Fn$er the cacophony o, ,oreign tong/e- he hear$ A/eer
m/ic p"aying ,rom ome.here /p ahea$- a thin high ,"/ting accompanie$ by $r/m. A $og .a
barking too- behin$ them.
An$ the .hore .ere o/t. River or ea- a port .a a port- an$ .herever yo/ ,o/n$ ai"or-
yo/4$ ,in$ .hore. Is that what m! father meant6 Is that where whores go, to the sea6
7he .hore o, ?anniport an$ >ing4 ?an$ing .ere ,ree .omen. 7heir iter o, Se"hory
.ere "ave- their bon$age in$icate$ by the tear tattooe$ beneath their right eye. Old as sin and
twice as ugl!, the lot of them+ &t .a a"mot eno/gh to p/t a man o,, .horing. 7yrion ,e"t their
eye /pon them a he .a$$"e$ by- an$ hear$ them .hipering to one another an$ gigg"ing
behin$ their han$. &ou would think the! had neer seen a dwarf before+
A A/a$ o, %o"antene pearmen too$ g/ar$ at the river gate. 7orch("ight g"eame$ o,, the
tee" c"a. that =/tte$ ,rom their ga/nt"et. 7heir he"m .ere tiger4 mak- the ,ace beneath
marke$ by green tripe tattooe$ acro both cheek. 7he "ave o"$ier o, %o"anti .ere ,ierce"y
pro/$ o, their tiger tripe- 7yrion kne.. Do the! !earn for freedom6 he .on$ere$. What would
the! do if this child 3ueen bestowed it on them6 What are the!, if not tigers6 What am I, if not a
lion6
Hne o, the tiger pie$ the $.ar, an$ ai$ omething that ma$e the other "a/gh. A they
reache$ the gate- he p/""e$ o,, hi c"a.e$ ga/nt"et an$ the .eaty g"ove beneath- "ocke$ one arm
aro/n$ the $.ar,4 neck- an$ ro/gh"y r/bbe$ hi hea$. 7yrion .a too tart"e$ to reit. &t .a a""
over in a heartbeat. 23a there ome reaon ,or that61 he $eman$e$ o, the #a",maeter.
2#e ay that it i goo$ "/ck to r/b the hea$ o, a $.ar,-1 #a"$on ai$ a,ter an e:change .ith
the g/ar$ in hi o.n tong/e.
7yrion ,orce$ hime", to mi"e at the man. 27e"" him that it i even better "/ck to /ck on a
$.ar,4 cock.1
2Bet not. 7iger have been kno.n to have harp teeth.1
A $i,,erent g/ar$ motione$ them thro/gh the gate- .aving a torch at them impatient"y.
#a"$on #a",maeter "e$ the .ay into Se"hory proper- .ith 7yrion .a$$"ing .ari"y at hi hee".
A great A/are opene$ /p be,ore them. Cven at thi ho/r- it .a cro.$e$ an$ noiy an$ ab"aGe
.ith "ight. ?antern ./ng ,rom iron chain above the $oor o, inn an$ p"ea/re ho/e- b/t
.ithin the gate- they .ere ma$e o, co"ore$ g"a- not parchment. 7o their right a night,ire
b/rne$ o/ti$e a temp"e o, re$ tone. A priet in car"et robe too$ on the temp"e ba"cony-
harang/ing the ma"" cro.$ that ha$ gathere$ aro/n$ the ,"ame. C"e.here- trave"er at p"aying
c!asse in ,ront o, an inn- $r/nken o"$ier .an$ere$ in an$ o/t o, .hat .a obvio/"y a brothe"-
a .oman beat a m/"e o/ti$e a tab"e. A t.o(.hee"e$ cart .ent r/mb"ing pat them- p/""e$ by a
.hite $.ar, e"ephant. #his is another world, tho/ght 7yrion- but not so different from the world
I know+
7he A/are .a $ominate$ by a .hite marb"e tat/e o, a hea$"e man in impoib"y ornate
armor- atri$e a .arhore imi"ar"y arraye$. 23ho might that be61 .on$ere$ 7yrion.
27riarch #oronno. A %o"antene hero ,rom the Cent/ry o, B"oo$. #e .a ret/rne$ a triarch
every year ,or ,orty year- /nti" he .earie$ o, e"ection an$ $ec"are$ hime", triarch ,or "i,e. 7he
%o"antene .ere not am/e$. #e .a p/t to $eath oon a,ter. 7ie$ bet.een t.o e"ephant an$
torn in ha",.1
2#i tat/e eem to "ack a hea$.1
2#e .a a tiger. 3hen the e"ephant came to po.er- their ,o""o.er .ent on a rampage-
knocking the hea$ ,rom the tat/e o, thoe they b"ame$ ,or a"" the .ar an$ $eath.1 #e
hr/gge$. 27hat .a another age. Come- .e4$ bet hear .hat that priet i going on abo/t. &
.ear & hear$ the name 5aenery.1
Acro the A/are they =oine$ the gro.ing throng o/ti$e the re$ temp"e. 3ith the "oca"
to.ering above him on every han$- the "itt"e man ,o/n$ it har$ to ee m/ch beyon$ their are.
#e co/"$ hear mot every .or$ the priet .a aying- b/t that .a not to ay he /n$ertoo$
them. 25o yo/ /n$ertan$ .hat he i aying61 he ake$ #a"$on in the Common 7ong/e.
2& .o/"$ i, & $i$ not have a $.ar, piping in my ear.1
2& $o not pipe+1 7yrion croe$ hi arm an$ "ooke$ behin$ him- t/$ying the ,ace o, the men
an$ .omen .ho ha$ toppe$ to "iten. Cvery.here he t/rne$- he a. tattoo. Slaes+ Four of
eer! fie of them are slaes+
27he priet i ca""ing on the %o"antene to go to .ar-1 the #a",maeter to"$ him- 2b/t on the
i$e o, right- a o"$ier o, the ?or$ o, ?ight- R4h""or .ho ma$e the /n an$ tar an$ ,ight
eterna""y againt the $arkne. Nyeo an$ Ma"aA/o have t/rne$ a.ay ,rom the "ight- he ay-
their heart $arkene$ by the ye""o. harpie ,rom the eat. #e ay81
2Dragons+ & /n$ertoo$ that .or$. #e ai$ dragons+1
2Aye. 7he $ragon have come to carry her to g"ory.1
2#er. 5aenery61
#a"$on no$$e$. 2Benerro ha ent ,orth the .or$ ,rom %o"anti. #er coming i the ,/",i""ment
o, an ancient prophecy. +rom moke an$ a"t .a he born to make the .or"$ ane.. She i AGor
Ahai ret/rne$8 an$ her tri/mph over $arkne .i"" bring a /mmer that .i"" never en$8 $eath
ite", .i"" ben$ it knee- an$ a"" thoe .ho $ie ,ighting in her ca/e ha"" be reborn81
25o & have to be reborn in thi ame bo$y61 ake$ 7yrion. 7he cro.$ .a gro.ing thicker.
#e co/"$ ,ee" them preing in aro/n$ them. 23ho i Benerro61
#a"$on raie$ an eyebro.. 2#igh 9riet o, the re$ temp"e in %o"anti. +"ame o, 7r/th- ?ight
o, 3i$om- +irt Servant o, the ?or$ o, ?ight- S"ave o, R4h""or.1
7he on"y re$ priet 7yrion ha$ ever kno.n .a 7horo o, Myr- the port"y- genia"- .ine(
taine$ roiterer .ho ha$ "oitere$ abo/t Robert4 co/rt .i""ing the king4 ,inet vintage an$
etting hi .or$ on ,ire ,or mN"Oe. 2Give me priet .ho are ,at an$ corr/pt an$ cynica"-1 he
to"$ #a"$on- 2the ort .ho "ike to it on o,t atin c/hion- nibb"e .eetmeat- an$ $i$$"e "itt"e
boy. &t4 the one .ho be"ieve in go$ .ho make the tro/b"e.1
2&t may be that .e can /e thi tro/b"e to o/r a$vantage. & kno. .here .e may ,in$ an.er.1
#a"$on "e$ them pat the hea$"e hero to .here a big tone inn ,ronte$ on the A/are. 7he
ri$ge$ he"" o, ome immene t/rt"e h/ng above it $oor- painte$ in garih co"or. &ni$e a
h/n$re$ $im re$ can$"e b/rne$ "ike $itant tar. 7he air .a ,ragrant .ith the me"" o, roate$
meat an$ pice- an$ a "ave gir" .ith a t/rt"e on one cheek .a po/ring pa"e green .ine.
#a"$on pa/e$ in the $oor.ay. 27here. 7hoe t.o.1
&n the a"cove t.o men at over a carve$ tone c!asse tab"e- A/inting at their piece by the
"ight o, a re$ can$"e. Hne .a ga/nt an$ a""o.- .ith thinning b"ack hair an$ a b"a$e o, a noe.
7he other .a .i$e o, ho/"$er an$ ro/n$ o, be""y- .ith corkcre. ring"et t/mb"ing pat hi
co""ar. Neither $eigne$ to "ook /p ,rom their game /nti" #a"$on $re. /p a chair bet.een them
an$ ai$- 2My $.ar, p"ay better c!asse than both o, yo/ combine$.1
7he bigger man raie$ hi eye to gaGe at the intr/$er in $itate an$ ai$ omething in the
tong/e o, H"$ %o"anti- too ,at ,or 7yrion to hope to ,o""o.. 7he thinner one "eane$ back in hi
chair. 2& he ,or a"e61 he ake$ in the Common 7ong/e o, 3etero. 27he triarch4 groteA/erie
i in nee$ o, a c!asse(p"aying $.ar,.1
2Eo""o i no "ave.1
23hat a pity.1 7he thin man hi,te$ an ony: e"ephant.
Acro the c!asse tab"e- the man behin$ the a"abater army p/re$ hi "ip in $iapprova". #e
move$ hi heavy hore.
2A b"/n$er-1 ai$ 7yrion. #e ha$ a .e"" p"ay hi part. 2!/t o-1 the thin man ai$. #e
an.ere$ .ith hi o.n heavy hore. A ,"/rry o, A/ick move ,o""o.e$- /nti" ,ina""y the thin man
mi"e$ an$ ai$- 25eath- my ,rien$.1
7he big man g"o.ere$ at the boar$- then roe an$ gro."e$ omething in hi o.n tong/e. #i
opponent "a/ghe$. 2Come no.. 7he $.ar, $oe not tink a ba$ a that.1 #e beckone$ 7yrion
to.ar$ the empty chair. 2Fp .ith yo/- "itt"e man. 9/t yo/r i"ver on the tab"e- an$ .e .i"" ee
ho. .e"" yo/ p"ay the game.1
Which game6 7yrion might have ake$. #e c"imbe$ onto the chair. 2& p"ay better .ith a ,/""
be""y an$ a c/p o, .ine to han$.1 7he thin man t/rne$ ob"iging"y an$ ca""e$ ,or the "ave gir" to
,etch them ,oo$ an$ $rink.
#a"$on ai$- 27he nob"e Davo Nogary i the c/tom o,,icer here in Se"hory. & have never
once $e,eate$ him at c!asse+1
7yrion /n$ertoo$. 29erhap & .i"" be more ,ort/nate.1 #e opene$ hi p/re an$ tacke$ i"ver
coin bei$e the boar$- one atop another /nti" ,ina""y Davo mi"e$.
A each o, them .a etting /p hi piece behin$ the c!asse creen- #a"$on ai$- 23hat
ne. ,rom $o.nriver6 3i"" it be .ar61
Davo hr/gge$. 27he E/nkai4i .o/"$ have it o. 7hey ty"e theme"ve the 3ie Mater. H,
their .i$om & cannot peak- b/t they $o not "ack ,or c/nning. 7heir envoy came to / .ith
chet o, go"$ an$ gem an$ t.o h/n$re$ "ave- n/bi"e gir" an$ mooth(kinne$ boy traine$ in
the .ay o, the even igh. & am to"$ hi ,eat are memorab"e an$ hi bribe "avih.1
27he E/nkihmen have bo/ght yo/r triarch61
2Hn"y Nyeo.1 Davo remove$ the creen an$ t/$ie$ the p"acement o, 7yrion4 army.
2Ma"aA/o may be o"$ an$ tooth"e- b/t he i a tiger ti""- an$ 5onipho .i"" not be ret/rne$ a
triarch. 7he city thirt ,or .ar.1
23hy61 .on$ere$ 7yrion. 2Meereen i "ong "eag/e acro the ea. #o. ha thi .eet chi"$
A/een o,,en$e$ H"$ %o"anti61
2S.eet61 Davo "a/ghe$. 2&, even ha", the torie coming back ,rom S"aver4 Bay are tr/e- thi
child i a monter. 7hey ay that he i b"oo$thirty- that thoe .ho peak againt her are impa"e$
on pike to $ie "ingering $eath. 7hey ay he i a orcere .ho ,ee$ her $ragon on the ,"eh
o, ne.born babe- an oathbreaker .ho mock the go$- break tr/ce- threaten envoy- an$
t/rn on thoe .ho have erve$ her "oya""y. 7hey ay her "/t cannot be ate$- that he mate
.ith men- .omen- e/n/ch- even $og an$ chi"$ren- an$ .oe beti$e the "over .ho ,ai" to ati,y
her. She give her bo$y to men to take their o/" in thra"".1
Oh, good, tho/ght 7yrion. If she gies her bod! to me, she is welcome to m! soul, small and
stunted though it is+
27hey ay-1 ai$ #a"$on. 2By the!, yo/ mean the "aver- the e:i"e he $rove ,rom Atapor
an$ Meereen. Mere ca"/mnie.1
27he bet ca"/mnie are pice$ .ith tr/th-1 /ggete$ Davo- 2b/t the gir"4 tr/e in cannot be
$enie$. 7hi arrogant chi"$ ha taken it /pon here", to mah the "ave tra$e- b/t that tra,,ic .a
never con,ine$ to S"aver4 Bay. &t .a part o, the ea o, tra$e that panne$ the .or"$- an$ the
$ragon A/een ha c"o/$e$ the .ater. Behin$ the B"ack 3a""- "or$ o, ancient b"oo$ "eep poor"y-
"itening a their kitchen "ave harpen their "ong knive. S"ave gro. o/r ,oo$- c"ean o/r
treet- teach o/r yo/ng. 7hey g/ar$ o/r .a""- ro. o/r ga""ey- ,ight o/r batt"e. An$ no. .hen
they "ook eat- they ee thi yo/ng A/een hining ,rom a,ar- thi breaker of chains+ 7he H"$
B"oo$ cannot /,,er that. 9oor men hate her too. Cven the vi"et beggar tan$ higher than a
"ave. 7hi $ragon A/een .o/"$ rob him o, that cono"ation.1
7yrion a$vance$ hi pearmen. Davo rep"ie$ .ith hi "ight hore. 7yrion move$ hi
crobo.men /p a A/are an$ ai$- 27he re$ priet o/ti$e eeme$ to think %o"anti ho/"$ ,ight
,or thi i"ver A/een- not againt her.1
27he re$ priet .o/"$ be .ie to ho"$ their tong/e-1 ai$ Davo Nogary. 2A"rea$y there ha
been ,ighting bet.een their ,o""o.er an$ thoe .ho .orhip other go$. Benerro4 ranting .i""
on"y erve to bring a avage .rath $o.n /pon hi hea$.1
23hat ranting61 the $.ar, ake$- toying .ith hi rabb"e.
7he %o"antene .ave$ a han$. 2&n %o"anti- tho/an$ o, "ave an$ ,ree$men cro.$ the
temp"e p"aGa every night to hear Benerro hriek o, b"ee$ing tar an$ a .or$ o, ,ire that .i""
c"eane the .or"$. #e ha been preaching that %o"anti .i"" /re"y b/rn i, the triarch take /p
arm againt the i"ver A/een.1
27hat4 a prophecy even & co/"$ make. Ah- /pper.1
S/pper .a a p"ate o, roate$ goat erve$ on a be$ o, "ice$ onion. 7he meat .a pice$ an$
,ragrant- charre$ o/ti$e an$ re$ an$ =/icy .ithin. 7yrion p"/cke$ at a piece. &t .a o hot it
b/rne$ hi ,inger- b/t o goo$ he co/"$ not he"p b/t reach ,or another ch/nk. #e .ahe$ it
$o.n .ith the pa"e green %o"antene "iA/or- the c"oet thing he4$ ha$ to .ine ,or age. 2%ery
goo$-1 he ai$- p"/cking /p hi $ragon. 27he mot po.er,/" piece in the game-1 he anno/nce$-
a he remove$ one o, Davo4 e"ephant. 2An$ 5aenery 7argaryen ha three- it4 ai$.1
27hree-1 Davo a""o.e$- 2againt thrice three tho/an$ enemie. GraG$an mo CraG .a not the
on"y envoy ent o/t ,rom the Ee""o. City. 3hen the 3ie Mater move againt Meereen- the
"egion o, Ne. Ghi .i"" ,ight bei$e them. 7o"oi. C"yrian. Cven the 5othraki.1
2Eo/ have 5othraki o/ti$e yo/r o.n gate-1 #a"$on ai$. 2>ha" 9ono.1
Davo .ave$ a pa"e han$ in $imia". 27he hore"or$ come- .e give them gi,t- the
hore"or$ go.1 #e move$ hi catap/"t again- c"oe$ hi han$ aro/n$ 7yrion4 a"abater $ragon-
remove$ it ,rom the boar$.
7he ret .a "a/ghter- tho/gh the $.ar, he"$ on another $oGen move. 27he time ha come
,or bitter tear-1 Davo ai$ at "at- cooping /p the pi"e o, i"ver. 2Another game61
2No nee$-1 ai$ #a"$on. 2My $.ar, ha ha$ hi "eon in h/mi"ity. & think it i bet .e get
back to o/r boat.1
H/ti$e in the A/are- the night,ire .a ti"" b/rning- b/t the priet .a gone an$ the cro.$
.a "ong $ipere$. 7he g"o. o, can$"e g"immere$ ,rom the .in$o. o, the brothe". +rom
ini$e came the o/n$ o, .omen4 "a/ghter. 27he night i ti"" yo/ng-1 ai$ 7yrion. 2Davo may
not have to"$ / everything. An$ .hore hear m/ch an$ more ,rom the men they ervice.1
25o yo/ nee$ a .oman o ba$"y- Eo""o61
2A man gro. .eary o, having no "over b/t hi ,inger.1 Selhor!s ma! be where whores go+
#!sha might be in there een now, with tears tattooed upon her cheek+ 2& a"mot $ro.ne$. A man
nee$ a .oman a,ter that. Bei$e- & nee$ to make /re my prick han4t t/rne$ to tone.1
7he #a",maeter "a/ghe$. 2& .i"" .ait ,or yo/ in the tavern by the gate. 5o not be too "ong
abo/t yo/r b/ine.1
2Hh- have no ,ear on that co/nt. Mot .omen pre,er to be $one .ith me a A/ick"y a they
can.1
7he brothe" .a a mo$et one compare$ to thoe the $.ar, ha$ been .ont to ,reA/ent in
?anniport an$ >ing4 ?an$ing. 7he proprietor $i$ not eem to peak any tong/e b/t that o,
%o"anti- b/t he /n$ertoo$ the clank o, i"ver .e"" eno/gh an$ "e$ 7yrion thro/gh an arch.ay
into a "ong room that me""e$ o, incene- .here ,o/r bore$ "ave gir" .ere "o/nging abo/t in
vario/ tate o, /n$re. 7.o ha$ een at "eat ,orty name$ay come an$ go- he g/ee$I the
yo/nget .a perhap ,i,teen or i:teen. None .a a hi$eo/ a the .hore he4$ een .orking
the $ock- tho/gh they ,e"" .e"" hort o, bea/ty. Hne .a p"ain"y pregnant. Another .a =/t ,at-
an$ porte$ iron ring in both her nipp"e. A"" ,o/r ha$ tear tattooe$ beneath one eye.
25o yo/ have a gir" .ho peak the tong/e o, 3etero61 ake$ 7yrion. 7he proprietor
A/inte$- /ncomprehen$ing- o he repeate$ the A/etion in #igh %a"yrian. 7hi time the man
eeme$ to grap a .or$ or three an$ rep"ie$ in %o"antene. 2S/net gir"1 .a a"" the $.ar, co/"$
get o/t o, hi an.er. #e took that to mean a gir" ,rom the S/net >ing$om.
7here .a on"y one /ch in the ho/e- an$ he .a not 7yha. She ha$ ,reck"e$ cheek an$
tight re$ c/r" /pon her hea$- .hich gave promie o, ,reck"e$ breat an$ re$ hair bet.een her
"eg. 2She4"" $o-1 ai$ 7yrion- 2an$ &4"" have a ,"agon too. Re$ .ine .ith re$ ,"eh.1 7he .hore
.a "ooking at hi noe"e ,ace .ith rev/"ion in her eye. 25o & o,,en$ yo/- .eet"ing6 & am an
o,,enive creat/re- a my ,ather .o/"$ be g"a$ to te"" yo/ i, he .ere not $ea$ an$ rotting.1
7ho/gh he $i$ "ook 3eteroi- the gir" poke not a .or$ o, the Common 7ong/e. $erhaps
she was captured b! some slaer as a child+ #er be$chamber .a ma""- b/t there .a a Myrih
carpet on the ,"oor an$ a mattre t/,,e$ .ith ,eather in p"ace o, tra.. I hae seen worse+
23i"" yo/ give me yo/r name61 he ake$- a he took a c/p o, .ine ,rom her. 2No61 7he .ine
.a trong an$ o/r an$ reA/ire$ no tran"ation. 2& /ppoe & ha"" ett"e ,or yo/r c/nt.1 #e
.ipe$ hi mo/th .ith the back o, hi han$. 2#ave yo/ ever be$$e$ a monter be,ore6 No.4 a
goo$ a time a any. H/t o, yo/r c"othe an$ onto yo/r back- i, it p"eae yo/. Hr not.1
She "ooke$ at him /ncomprehen$ing- /nti" he took the ,"agon ,rom her han$ an$ "i,te$ her
kirt /p over her hea$. A,ter that he /n$ertoo$ .hat .a reA/ire$ o, her- tho/gh he $i$ not
prove the "ive"iet o, partner. 7yrion ha$ been o "ong .itho/t a .oman that he pent hime",
ini$e her on the thir$ thr/t.
#e ro""e$ o,, ,ee"ing more ahame$ than ate$. #his was a mistake+ What a wretched creature
I/e become+ 25o yo/ kno. a .oman by the name o, 7yha61 he ake$- a he .atche$ hi ee$
$ribb"e o/t o, her onto the be$. 7he .hore $i$ not repon$. 25o yo/ kno. .here .hore go61
She $i$ not an.er that one either. #er back .a cricroe$ by ri$ge o, car ti/e. #his girl is
as good as dead+ I hae 9ust fucked a corpse+ Cven her eye "ooke$ $ea$. She does not een hae
the strength to loathe me+
#e nee$e$ .ine. A "ot o, .ine. #e eiGe$ the ,"agon .ith both han$ an$ raie$ it to hi "ip.
7he .ine ran re$. 5o.n hi throat- $o.n hi chin. &t $rippe$ ,rom hi bear$ an$ oake$ the
,eather be$. &n the can$"e"ight it "ooke$ a $ark a the .ine that ha$ poione$ !o,,rey. 3hen he
.a $one he toe$ the empty ,"agon ai$e an$ ha",(ro""e$ an$ ha",(taggere$ to the ,"oor-
groping ,or a chamber pot. 7here .a none to be ,o/n$. #i tomach heave$- an$ he ,o/n$
hime", on hi knee- retching on the carpet- that .on$er,/" thick Myrih carpet- a com,orting a
"ie.
7he .hore crie$ o/t in $itre. #he! will blame her for this, he rea"iGe$- ahame$. 2C/t o,,
my hea$ an$ take it to >ing4 ?an$ing-1 7yrion /rge$ her. 2My iter .i"" make a "a$y o, yo/-
an$ no one .i"" ever .hip yo/ again.1 She $i$ not /n$ertan$ that either- o he hove$ her "eg
apart- cra."e$ bet.een them- an$ took her once more. 7hat m/ch he co/"$ comprehen$- at
"eat.
A,ter.ar$ the .ine .a $one an$ o .a he- o he .a$$e$ /p the gir"4 c"othing an$ toe$ it
at the $oor. She took the hint an$ ,"e$- "eaving him a"one in the $arkne- inking $eeper into hi
,eather be$. I am stinking drunk+ #e $are not c"oe hi eye- ,or ,ear o, "eep. Beyon$ the vei" o,
$ream- the Sorro. .ere .aiting ,or him. Stone tep acen$ing en$"e"y- teep an$ "ick an$
treachero/- an$ ome.here at the top- the Shro/$e$ ?or$. I do not want to meet the Shrouded
"ord+ 7yrion ,/mb"e$ back into hi c"othe again an$ grope$ hi .ay to the tair. 1riff will fla!
me+ Well, wh! not6 If eer a dwarf desered a skinning, I/m him+
#a",.ay $o.n the tep- he "ot hi ,ooting. Someho. he manage$ to break hi t/mb"e .ith
hi han$ an$ t/rn it into a c"/my th/mping cart.hee". 7he .hore in the room be"o. "ooke$ /p
in atonihment .hen he "an$e$ at the ,oot o, the tep. 7yrion ro""e$ onto hi ,eet an$ gave
them a bo.. 2& am more agi"e .hen &4m $r/nk.1 #e t/rne$ to the proprietor. 2& ,ear & r/ine$ yo/r
carpet. 7he gir"4 not to b"ame. ?et me pay.1 #e p/""e$ o/t a ,it,/" o, coin an$ toe$ them at
the man.
2Imp,1 a $eep voice ai$- behin$ him.
&n the corner o, the room- a man at in a poo" o, ha$o.- .ith a .hore A/irming on hi "ap. I
neer saw that girl+ If I had, I would hae taken her upstairs instead of freckles+ She .a yo/nger
than the other- "im an$ pretty- .ith "ong i"very hair. ?yeni- at a g/e8 b/t the man .hoe
"ap he ,i""e$ .a ,rom the Seven >ing$om. B/r"y an$ broa$(ho/"$ere$- ,orty i, he .a a $ay-
an$ maybe o"$er. #a", hi hea$ .a ba"$- b/t coare t/bb"e covere$ hi cheek an$ chin- an$
hair gre. thick"y $o.n hi arm- pro/ting even ,rom hi kn/ck"e.
7yrion $i$ not "ike the "ook o, him. #e "ike$ the big b"ack bear on hi /rcoat even "e.
Wool+ 7e/s wearing wool, in this heat+ Who else but a knight would be so fucking mad6 2#o.
p"eaant to hear the Common 7ong/e o ,ar ,rom home-1 he ma$e hime", ay- 2b/t & ,ear yo/
have mitaken me. My name i #/gor #i"". May & b/y yo/ a c/p o, .ine- my ,rien$61
2&4ve $r/nk eno/gh.1 7he knight hove$ hi .hore ai$e an$ got to hi ,eet. #i .or$ be"t
h/ng on a peg bei$e him. #e took it $o.n an$ $re. hi b"a$e. Stee" .hipere$ againt "eather.
7he .hore .ere .atching avi$"y- can$"e"ight hining in their eye. 7he proprietor ha$ vanihe$.
2Eo/4re mine- 7ugor+1
7yrion co/"$ no more o/tr/n him than o/t,ight him. 5r/nk a he .a- he co/"$ not even hope
to o/t.it him. #e prea$ hi han$. 2An$ .hat $o yo/ mean to $o .ith me61
25e"iver yo/-1 the knight ai$- 2to the A/een.1
0ai2e
I ha$ hope$ that by no. yo/ .o/"$ have gro.n tire$ o, that .retche$ bear$. A"" that hair
make yo/ "ook "ike Robert.1 #i iter ha$ p/t ai$e her mo/rning ,or a =a$e(green go.n .ith
"eeve o, i"ver Myrih "ace. An emera"$ the iGe o, a pigeon4 egg h/ng on a go"$en chain
abo/t her neck.
2Robert4 bear$ .a b"ack. Mine i go"$.1
2Go"$6 Hr i"ver61 Cerei p"/cke$ a hair ,rom beneath hi chin an$ he"$ it /p. &t .a grey.
2A"" the co"or i $raining o/t o, yo/- brother. Eo/4ve become a ghot o, .hat yo/ .ere- a pa"e
cripp"e$ thing. An$ o b"oo$"e- a".ay in .hite.1 She ,"icke$ the hair a.ay. 2& pre,er yo/
garbe$ in crimon an$ go"$.1
I prefer !ou dappled in sunlight, with water beading on !our naked skin+ #e .ante$ to ki
her- carry her to her be$chamber- thro. her on the be$ =she/s been fucking "ancel and Osmund
,ettleblack and *oon Bo!= 2& .i"" make a bargain .ith yo/. Re"ieve me o, thi $/ty- an$ my
raGor i yo/r to comman$.1
#er mo/th tightene$. She ha$ been $rinking hot pice$ .ine an$ me""e$ o, n/tmeg. 2Eo/
pre/me to $icker .ith me6 Nee$ & remin$ yo/- yo/ are .orn to obey.1
2& am .orn to protect the king. My p"ace i at hi i$e.1
2Eo/r p"ace i .herever he en$ yo/.1
27ommen p/t hi ea" on every paper that yo/ p/t in ,ront o, him. 7hi i yo/r $oing- an$ it4
,o""y. 3hy name 5aven yo/r 3ar$en o, the 3et i, yo/ have no ,aith in him61
Cerei took a eat beneath the .in$o.. Behin$ her !aime co/"$ ee the b"ackene$ r/in o, the
7o.er o, the #an$. 23hy o re"/ctant- er6 5i$ yo/ "oe yo/r co/rage .ith yo/r han$61
2& .ore an oath to ?a$y Stark- never again to take /p arm againt the Stark or 7/""y.1
2A $r/nken promie ma$e .ith a .or$ at yo/r throat.1
2#o. can & $e,en$ 7ommen i, & am not .ith him61
2By $e,eating hi enemie. +ather a".ay ai$ that a .i,t .or$ troke i a better $e,ene
than any hie"$. A$mitte$"y- mot .or$ troke reA/ire a han$. Sti""- even a cripp"e$ "ion may
inpire ,ear. & .ant Riverr/n. & .ant Bryn$en 7/""y chaine$ or $ea$. An$ omeone nee$ to et
#arrenha" to right. 3e have /rgent nee$ o, 3y"i Man$er"y- a/ming he i ti"" a"ive an$
captive- b/t the garrion ha not rep"ie$ to any o, o/r raven.1
27hoe are Gregor4 men at #arrenha"-1 !aime remin$e$ her. 27he Mo/ntain "ike$ them cr/e"
an$ t/pi$. Mot "ike they ate yo/r raven- meage an$ a"".1
27hat4 .hy &4m en$ing yo/. 7hey may eat yo/ a .e""- brave brother- b/t & tr/t yo/4"" give
them in$igetion.1 Cerei moothe$ her kirt. 2& .ant Ser Hm/n$ to comman$ the >ingg/ar$
in yo/r abence.1
=she/s been fucking "ancel and Osmund ,ettleblack and *oon Bo! for all I know= 27hat4
not yo/r choice. &, & m/t go- Ser ?ora .i"" comman$ here in my tea$.1
2& that a =ape6 Eo/ kno. ho. & ,ee" abo/t Ser ?ora.1
2&, yo/ ha$ not ent Ba"on S.ann to 5orne@1
2& nee$ him there. 7hee 5ornihmen cannot be tr/te$. 7hat re$ nake champione$ 7yrion-
have yo/ ,orgotten that6 & .i"" not "eave my $a/ghter to their mercy. An$ & .i"" not have ?ora
7yre"" comman$ing the >ingg/ar$.1
2Ser ?ora i thrice the man Ser Hm/n$ i.1
2Eo/r notion o, manhoo$ have change$ ome.hat- brother.1
!aime ,e"t hi anger riing. 27r/e- ?ora $oe not "eer at yo/r teat the .ay Ser Hm/n$ $oe-
b/t & har$"y think@1
27hink abo/t thi.1 Cerei "appe$ hi ,ace.
!aime ma$e no attempt to b"ock the b"o.. 2& ee & nee$ a thicker bear$- to c/hion me againt
my A/een4 caree.1 #e .ante$ to rip her go.n o,, an$ t/rn her b"o. to kie. #e4$ $one it
be,ore- back .hen he ha$ t.o goo$ han$.
7he A/een4 eye .ere green ice. 2Eo/ ha$ bet go- er.1
="ancel, Osmund ,ettleblack, and *oon Bo!=
2Are yo/ $ea, a .e"" a maime$6 Eo/4"" ,in$ the $oor behin$ yo/- er.1
2A yo/ comman$.1 !aime t/rne$ on hi hee" an$ "e,t her.
Some.here the go$ .ere "a/ghing. Cerei ha$ never taken kin$"y to being ba"ke$- he knew
that. So,ter .or$ might have .aye$ her- yet o, "ate the very ight o, her ma$e him angry.
9art o, him .o/"$ be g"a$ to p/t >ing4 ?an$ing behin$ him. #e ha$ no tate ,or the company
o, the "ickpitt"e an$ ,oo" .ho /rro/n$e$ Cerei. 27he ma""et co/nci"-1 they .ere ca""ing
them in +"ea Bottom- accor$ing to A$$am Marbran$. An$ Dyb/rn8 he might have ave$
!aime4 "i,e- b/t he .a ti"" a B"oo$y M/mmer. 2Dyb/rn tink o, ecret-1 he .arne$ Cerei.
7hat on"y ma$e her "a/gh. 23e a"" have ecret- brother-1 he rep"ie$.
=she/s been fucking "ancel and Osmund ,ettleblack and *oon Bo! for all I know=
+orty knight an$ a many eA/ire a.aite$ him o/ti$e the Re$ >eep4 tab"e. #a", .ere
.etermen .orn to #o/e ?anniter- the other recent ,oe t/rne$ $o/bt,/" ,rien$. Ser 5ermot
o, the Rain.oo$ .o/"$ carry 7ommen4 tan$ar$- Re$ Ronnet Connington the .hite banner o,
the >ingg/ar$. A 9aege- a 9iper- an$ a 9eck"e$on .o/"$ hare the honor o, A/iring ,or the
?or$ Comman$er. 2>eep ,rien$ at yo/r back an$ ,oe .here yo/ can ee them-1 S/mner
Crakeha"" ha$ once co/ne"e$ him. Hr ha$ that been +ather6
#i pa",rey .a a b"oo$ bay- hi $etrier a magni,icent grey ta""ion. &t ha$ been "ong year
ince !aime ha$ name$ any o, hi horeI he ha$ een too many $ie in batt"e- an$ that .a har$er
.hen yo/ name$ them. B/t .hen the 9iper boy tarte$ ca""ing them #onor an$ G"ory- he
"a/ghe$ an$ "et the name tan$. G"ory .ore trapping o, ?anniter crimonI #onor .a bar$e$
in >ingg/ar$ .hite. !omyn 9eck"e$on he"$ the pa",rey4 rein a Ser !aime mo/nte$. 7he
A/ire .a kinny a a pear- .ith "ong arm an$ "eg- greay mo/e(bro.n hair- an$ cheek o,t
.ith peach ,/GG. #i c"oak .a ?anniter crimon- b/t hi /rcoat ho.e$ the ten p/rp"e m/""et
o, hi o.n #o/e arraye$ /pon a ye""o. ,ie"$. 2My "or$-1 the "a$ ake$- 2.i"" yo/ be .anting
yo/r ne. han$61
23ear it- !aime-1 /rge$ Ser >enno o, >ayce. 23ave at the ma"",o"k an$ give them a ta"e to
te"" their chi"$ren.1
2& think not.1 !aime .o/"$ not ho. the cro.$ a go"$en "ie. "et them see the stump+ "et them
see the cripple+ 2B/t ,ee" ,ree to make /p ,or my "ack- Ser >enno. 3ave .ith both han$- an$
.agg"e yo/r ,eet i, it p"eae yo/.1 #e gathere$ the rein in hi "e,t han$ an$ .hee"e$ hi hore
aro/n$. 29ayne-1 he ca""e$ a the ret .ere ,orming /p- 2yo/4"" ri$e bei$e me.1
Ser &"yn 9ayne ma$e hi .ay to !aime4 i$e- "ooking "ike the beggar at the ba"". #i ringmai"
.a o"$ an$ r/te$- .orn over a taine$ =ack o, boi"e$ "eather. Neither the man nor hi mo/nt
ho.e$ any hera"$ryI hi hie"$ .a o hacke$ an$ battere$ it .a har$ to ay .hat co"or paint
might once have covere$ it. 3ith hi grim ,ace an$ $eep(/nk ho""o. eye- Ser &"yn might have
pae$ ,or $eath hime",8 a he ha$- ,or year.
2o longer, though+ Ser &"yn ha$ been ha", o, !aime4 price- ,or .a""o.ing hi boy king4
comman$ "ike a goo$ "itt"e ?or$ Comman$er. 7he other ha", ha$ been Ser A$$am Marbran$. 2&
nee$ them-1 he ha$ to"$ hi iter- an$ Cerei ha$ not p/t /p a ,ight. *ost like she/s pleased to
rid herself of them+ Ser A$$am .a a boyhoo$ ,rien$ o, !aime4- an$ the i"ent hea$man ha$
be"onge$ to their ,ather- i, he be"onge$ to anyone. 9ayne ha$ been the captain o, the #an$4
g/ar$ .hen he ha$ been hear$ boating that it .a ?or$ 7y.in .ho r/"e$ the Seven >ing$om
an$ to"$ >ing Aery .hat to $o. Aery 7argaryen took hi tong/e ,or that.
2Hpen the gate-1 ai$ !aime- an$ Strongboar- in hi booming voice- ca""e$ o/t- 4O$02 #70
1A#0S;5
3hen Mace 7yre"" ha$ marche$ o/t thro/gh the M/$ Gate to the o/n$ o, $r/m an$ ,i$$"e-
tho/an$ "ine$ the treet to cheer him o,,. ?itt"e boy ha$ =oine$ the march- tri$ing a"ong
bei$e the 7yre"" o"$ier .ith hea$ he"$ high an$ "eg p/mping- .hi"t their iter thre. $o.n
kie ,rom the .in$o..
Not o to$ay. A ,e. .hore ca""e$ o/t invitation a they pae$- an$ a meat pie man crie$ hi
.are. &n Cobb"er4 SA/are t.o threa$bare parro. .ere harang/ing evera" h/n$re$ ma"",o"k-
crying $oom /pon the hea$ o, go$"e men an$ $emon .orhiper. 7he cro.$ parte$ ,or the
co"/mn. Sparro. an$ cobb"er a"ike "ooke$ on .ith $/"" eye. 27hey "ike the me"" o, roe b/t
have no "ove ,or "ion-1 !aime oberve$. 2My iter .o/"$ be .ie to take note o, that.1 Ser &"yn
ma$e no rep"y. #he perfect companion for a long ride+ I will en9o! his conersation+
7he greater part o, hi comman$ a.aite$ him beyon$ the city .a""I Ser A$$am Marbran$
.ith hi o/tri$er- Ser Ste,,on S.y,t an$ the baggage train- the #o"y #/n$re$ o, o"$ Ser Boni,er
the Goo$- Sar,ie"$4 mo/nte$ archer- Maeter G/"ian .ith ,o/r cage ,/"" o, raven- t.o
h/n$re$ heavy hore /n$er Ser +"ement Bra:. Not a great hot- a"" in a""I ,e.er than a tho/an$
men in tota". N/mber .ere the "at thing nee$e$ at Riverr/n. A ?anniter army a"rea$y invete$
the cat"e- an$ an even "arger ,orce o, +reyI the "at bir$ they4$ receive$ /ggete$ that the
beieger .ere having $i,,ic/"ty keeping theme"ve ,e$. Bryn$en 7/""y ha$ co/re$ the "an$
c"ean be,ore retiring behin$ hi .a"".
2ot that it re3uired much scouring+ +rom .hat !aime ha$ een o, the river"an$- carce a ,ie"$
remaine$ /nb/rnt- a to.n /nacke$- a mai$en /n$epoi"e$. And now m! sweet sister sends me to
finish the work that Amor! "orch and 1regor %legane began+ &t "e,t a bitter tate in hi mo/th.
7hi near to >ing4 ?an$ing- the kingroa$ .a a a,e a any roa$ co/"$ be in /ch time- yet
!aime ent Marbran$ an$ hi o/tri$er ahea$ to co/t. 2Robb Stark took me /na.are in the
3hipering 3oo$-1 he ai$. 27hat .i"" never happen again.1
2Eo/ have my .or$ on it.1 Marbran$ eeme$ viib"y re"ieve$ to be ahore again- .earing the
moke(grey c"oak o, hi o.n #o/e intea$ o, the go"$ .oo" o, the City 3atch. 2&, any ,oe
ho/"$ come .ithin a $oGen "eag/e- yo/ .i"" kno. o, them be,orehan$.1
!aime ha$ given tern comman$ that no man .a to $epart the co"/mn .itho/t hi "eave.
C"e.ie- he kne. he .o/"$ have bore$ yo/ng "or$"ing racing thro/gh the ,ie"$- cattering
"ivetock an$ tramp"ing $o.n the crop. 7here .ere ti"" co. an$ heep to be een near the cityI
app"e on the tree an$ berrie in the br/h- tan$ o, bar"eycorn an$ oat an$ .inter .heat-
.ayn an$ o:cart on the roa$. +arther a,ie"$- thing .o/"$ not be o roy.
Ri$ing at the ,ront o, the hot .ith Ser &"yn i"ent by hi i$e- !aime ,e"t a"mot content. 7he
/n .a .arm on hi back an$ the .in$ ri,,"e$ thro/gh hi hair "ike a .oman4 ,inger. 3hen
?itt"e ?e. 9iper came ga""oping /p .ith a he"m ,/"" o, b"ackberrie- !aime ate a han$,/" an$ to"$
the boy to hare the ret .ith hi ,e""o. A/ire an$ Ser &"yn 9ayne.
9ayne eeme$ a com,ortab"e in hi i"ence a in hi r/te$ ringmai" an$ boi"e$ "eather. 7he
c"op o, hi ge"$ing4 hoove an$ the ratt"e o, .or$ in cabbar$ .henever he hi,te$ hi eat
.ere the on"y o/n$ he ma$e. 7ho/gh hi po:(carre$ ,ace .a grim an$ hi eye a co"$ a ice
on a .inter "ake- !aime ene$ that he .a g"a$ he4$ come. I gae the man a choice, he remin$e$
hime",. 7e could hae refused me and remained ,ing/s -ustice+
Ser &"yn4 appointment ha$ been a .e$$ing gi,t ,rom Robert Baratheon to the ,ather o, hi
bri$e- a inec/re to compenate 9ayne ,or the tong/e he4$ "ot in the ervice o, #o/e ?anniter.
#e ma$e a p"en$i$ hea$man. #e ha$ never botche$ an e:ec/tion- an$ e"$om reA/ire$ a m/ch
a a econ$ troke. An$ there .a omething abo/t hi i"ence that inpire$ terror. Se"$om ha$ a
>ing4 !/tice eeme$ o .e"" ,itte$ ,or hi o,,ice.
3hen !aime $eci$e$ to take him- he ha$ o/ght o/t Ser &"yn4 chamber at the en$ o,
7raitor4 3a"k. 7he /pper ,"oor o, the A/at- ha",(ro/n$ to.er .a $ivi$e$ into ce"" ,or
prioner .ho reA/ire$ ome mea/re o, com,ort- captive knight or "or$"ing a.aiting ranom
or e:change. 7he entrance to the $/ngeon proper .a at gro/n$ "eve"- behin$ a $oor o,
hammere$ iron an$ a econ$ o, p"intery grey .oo$. Hn the ,"oor bet.een .ere room et ai$e
,or the /e o, the Chie, Gao"er- the ?or$ Con,eor- an$ the >ing4 !/tice. 7he !/tice .a a
hea$man- b/t by tra$ition he a"o ha$ charge o, the $/ngeon an$ the men .ho kept them.
An$ ,or that tak- Ser &"yn 9ayne .a ing/"ar"y i"" /ite$. A he co/"$ neither rea$- nor .rite-
nor peak- Ser &"yn ha$ "e,t the r/nning o, the $/ngeon to hi /n$er"ing- /ch a they .ere. 7he
rea"m ha$ not ha$ a ?or$ Con,eor ince the econ$ 5aeron- ho.ever- an$ the "at Chie, Gao"er
ha$ been a c"oth merchant .ho p/rchae$ the o,,ice ,rom ?itt"e,inger $/ring Robert4 reign. No
$o/bt he4$ ha$ goo$ pro,it ,rom it ,or a ,e. year- /nti" he ma$e the error o, conpiring .ith
ome other rich ,oo" to give the &ron 7hrone to Stanni. 7hey ca""e$ theme"ve 2Ant"er Men-1
o !o,, ha$ nai"e$ ant"er to their hea$ be,ore ,"inging them over the city .a"". So it ha$ been
"e,t to Renni,er ?ong.ater- the hea$ /n$ergao"er .ith the t.ite$ back .ho c"aime$ at te$io/
"ength to have a 2$rop o, $ragon1 in him- to /n"ock the $/ngeon $oor ,or !aime an$ con$/ct
him /p the narro. tep ini$e the .a"" to the p"ace .here &"yn 9ayne ha$ "ive$ ,or ,i,teen
year.
7he chamber tank o, rotte$ ,oo$- an$ the r/he .ere cra."ing .ith vermin. A !aime
entere$- he a"mot tro$ /pon a rat. 9ayne4 great.or$ rete$ on a tret"e tab"e- bei$e a
.hettone an$ a greay oi"c"oth. 7he tee" .a immac/"ate- the e$ge g"immering b"/e in the pa"e
"ight- b/t e"e.here pi"e o, oi"e$ c"othing .ere tre.n abo/t the ,"oor- an$ the bit o, mai" an$
armor cattere$ here an$ there .ere re$ .ith r/t. !aime co/"$ not co/nt the broken .ine =ar.
#he man cares for naught but killing, he tho/ght- a Ser &"yn emerge$ ,rom a be$chamber that
reeke$ o, over,"o.ing chamber pot. 2#i Grace bi$ me .in back hi river"an$-1 !aime to"$
him. 2& .o/"$ have yo/ .ith me8 i, yo/ can bear to give /p a"" o, thi.1
Si"ence .a hi an.er- an$ a "ong- /nb"inking tare. B/t =/t a he .a abo/t to t/rn an$ take
hi "eave- 9ayne ha$ given him a no$. And here he rides+ !aime g"ance$ at hi companion.
$erhaps there is !et hope for the both of us+
7hat night they ma$e camp beneath the hi""top cat"e o, the #ay,or$. A the /n .ent $o.n-
a h/n$re$ tent pro/te$ beneath the hi""- a"ong the bank o, the tream that ran bei$e it. !aime
et the entrie hime",. #e $i$ not e:pect tro/b"e thi c"oe to the city- b/t hi /nc"e Sta,,or$ ha$
once tho/ght hime", a,e on the H:cro too. &t .a bet to take no chance.
3hen the invitation came $o.n ,rom the cat"e ,or him to /p .ith ?a$y #ay,or$4 cate""an-
!aime took Ser &"yn .ith him- a"ong .ith Ser A$$am Marbran$- Ser Boni,er #aty- Re$ Ronnet
Connington- Strongboar- an$ a $oGen other knight an$ "or$"ing. 2& /ppoe & o/ght to .ear the
han$-1 he ai$ to 9eck be,ore making hi acent.
7he "a$ ,etche$ it traighta.ay. 7he han$ .a .ro/ght o, go"$- very "i,e"ike- .ith in"ai$ nai"
o, mother(o,(pear"- it ,inger an$ th/mb ha", c"oe$ o a to "ip aro/n$ a gob"et4 tem. I
cannot fight, but I can drink, !aime re,"ecte$ a the "a$ .a tightening the trap that bo/n$ it to
hi t/mp. 2Men ha"" name yo/ Go"$enhan$ ,rom thi $ay ,orth- my "or$-1 the armorer ha$
a/re$ him the ,irt time he4$ ,itte$ it onto !aime4 .rit. 7e was wrong+ I shall be the
,ingsla!er till I die+
7he go"$en han$ .a the occaion ,or m/ch a$miring comment over /pper- at "eat /nti"
!aime knocke$ over a gob"et o, .ine. 7hen hi temper got the bet o, him. 2&, yo/ a$mire the
b"oo$y thing o m/ch- "op o,, yo/r o.n .or$ han$ an$ yo/ can have it-1 he to"$ +"ement Bra:.
A,ter that there .a no more ta"k abo/t hi han$- an$ he manage$ to $rink ome .ine in peace.
7he "a$y o, the cat"e .a a ?anniter by marriage- a p"/mp to$$"er .ho ha$ been .e$ to hi
co/in 7yrek be,ore he .a a year o"$. ?a$y Crmean$e .a $/"y trotte$ o/t ,or their approva"-
a"" tr/e$ /p in a "itt"e go.n o, c"oth(o,(go"$- .ith the green ,retty an$ green pa"e .avy o,
#o/e #ay,or$ ren$ere$ in tiny bea$ o, =a$e. B/t oon eno/gh the gir" began to A/a""-
.here/pon he .a prompt"y .hike$ o,, to be$ by her .et n/re.
2#a there been no .or$ o, o/r ?or$ 7yrek61 her cate""an ake$ a a co/re o, tro/t .a
erve$.
2None.1 7yrek ?anniter ha$ vanihe$ $/ring the riot in >ing4 ?an$ing .hi"t !aime
hime", .a ti"" captive at Riverr/n. 7he boy .o/"$ be ,o/rteen by no.- a/ming he .a ti""
a"ive.
2& "e$ a earch mye",- at ?or$ 7y.in4 comman$-1 o,,ere$ A$$am Marbran$ a he bone$ hi
,ih- 2b/t & ,o/n$ no more than By.ater ha$ be,ore me. 7he boy .a "at een ahore- .hen the
pre o, the mob broke the "ine o, go"$ c"oak. A,ter.ar$8 .e""- hi pa",rey .a ,o/n$- b/t not
the ri$er. Mot "ike they p/""e$ him $o.n an$ "e. him. B/t i, that4 o- .here i hi bo$y6 7he
mob "et the other corpe "ie- .hy not hi61
2#e .o/"$ be o, more va"/e a"ive-1 /ggete$ Strongboar. 2Any ?anniter .o/"$ bring a
he,ty ranom.1
2No $o/bt-1 Marbran$ agree$- 2yet no ranom $eman$ .a ever ma$e. 7he boy i imp"y
gone.1
27he boy i $ea$.1 !aime ha$ $r/nk three c/p o, .ine- an$ hi go"$en han$ eeme$ to be
gro.ing heavier an$ c"/mier by the moment. A hook would sere me 9ust as well+ 2&, they
rea"iGe$ .hom they4$ ki""e$- no $o/bt they thre. him in the river ,or ,ear o, my ,ather4 .rath.
7hey kno. the tate o, that in >ing4 ?an$ing. ?or$ 7y.in a".ay pai$ hi $ebt.1
2A".ay-1 Strongboar agree$- an$ that .a the en$ o, that.
Eet a,ter.ar$- a"one in the to.er room he ha$ been o,,ere$ ,or the night- !aime ,o/n$ hime",
.on$ering. 7yrek ha$ erve$ >ing Robert a a A/ire- i$e by i$e .ith ?ance". >no."e$ge
co/"$ be more va"/ab"e than go"$- more $ea$"y than a $agger. &t .a %ary he tho/ght o, then-
mi"ing an$ me""ing o, "aven$er. 7he e/n/ch ha$ agent an$ in,ormer a"" over the city. &t
.o/"$ have been a imp"e matter ,or him to arrange to have 7yrek natche$ $/ring the
con,/ion8 provi$e$ he kne. be,orehan$ that the mob .a "ike to riot. And .ar!s knew all, or
so he would hae us beliee+ &et he gae %ersei no warning of that riot+ 2or did he ride down to
the ships to see *!rcella off+
#e opene$ the h/tter. 7he night .a gro.ing co"$- an$ a horne$ moon ro$e the ky. #i
han$ hone $/""y in it "ight. 2o good for throttling eunuchs, but hea! enough to smash that
slim! smile into a fine red ruin+ #e .ante$ to hit omeone.
!aime ,o/n$ Ser &"yn honing hi great.or$. 2&t4 time-1 he to"$ the man. 7he hea$man roe
an$ ,o""o.e$- hi cracke$ "eather boot craping againt the teep tone tep a they .ent $o.n
the tair. A ma"" co/rtyar$ opene$ o,, the armory. !aime ,o/n$ t.o hie"$ there- t.o ha",he"m-
an$ a pair o, b"/nte$ to/rney .or$. #e o,,ere$ one to 9ayne an$ took the other in hi "e,t han$
a he "i$ hi right thro/gh the "oop o, the hie"$. #i go"$en ,inger .ere c/rve$ eno/gh to
hook- b/t co/"$ not grap- o hi ho"$ /pon the hie"$ .a "ooe. 2Eo/ .ere a knight once- er-1
!aime ai$. 2So .a &. ?et / ee .hat .e are no..1
Ser &"yn raie$ hi b"a$e in rep"y- an$ !aime move$ at once to the attack. 9ayne .a a r/ty
a hi ringmai"- an$ not o trong a Brienne- yet he met every c/t .ith hi o.n b"a$e- or
interpoe$ hi hie"$. 7hey $ance$ beneath the horne$ moon a the b"/nte$ .or$ ang their
tee"y ong. 7he i"ent knight .a content to "et !aime "ea$ the $ance ,or a .hi"e- b/t ,ina""y he
began to an.er troke ,or troke. Hnce he hi,te$ to the attack- he ca/ght !aime on the thigh- on
the ho/"$er- on the ,orearm. 7hrice he ma$e hi hea$ ring .ith c/t to the he"m. Hne "ah
rippe$ the hie"$ o,, hi right arm- an$ a"mot b/rt the trap that bo/n$ hi go"$en han$ to hi
t/mp. By the time they "o.ere$ their .or$ he .a br/ie$ an$ battere$- b/t the .ine ha$
b/rne$ a.ay an$ hi hea$ .a c"ear. 23e .i"" $ance again-1 he promie$ Ser &"yn. 2Hn the
morro.- an$ the morro.. Cvery $ay .e4"" $ance- ti"" & am a goo$ .ith my "e,t han$ a ever &
.a .ith the right.1
Ser &"yn opene$ hi mo/th an$ ma$e a c"acking o/n$. A laugh, !aime rea"iGe$. Something
t.ite$ in hi g/t.
Come morning- none o, the other .a o bo"$ a to make mention o, hi br/ie. Not one o,
them ha$ hear$ the o/n$ o, .or$p"ay in the night- it .o/"$ eem. Eet .hen they c"imbe$ back
$o.n to camp- ?itt"e ?e. 9iper voice$ the A/etion the knight an$ "or$"ing $are$ not ak.
!aime grinne$ at him. 27hey have "/ty .enche in #o/e #ay,or$. 7hee are "ove bite- "a$.1
Another bright an$ b"/tery $ay .a ,o""o.e$ by a c"o/$y one- then three $ay o, rain. 3in$
an$ .ater ma$e no matter. 7he co"/mn kept it pace- north a"ong the kingroa$- an$ each night
!aime ,o/n$ ome private p"ace to .in hime", more "ove bite. 7hey ,o/ght ini$e a tab"e a a
one(eye$ m/"e "ooke$ on- an$ in the ce""ar o, an inn amongt the cak o, .ine an$ a"e. 7hey
,o/ght in the b"ackene$ he"" o, a big tone barn- on a .oo$e$ i"an$ in a ha""o. tream- an$ in
an open ,ie"$ a the rain pattere$ o,t"y againt their he"m an$ hie"$.
!aime ma$e e:c/e ,or hi night"y ,oray- b/t he .a not o ,oo"ih a to think that they .ere
be"ieve$. A$$am Marbran$ kne. .hat he .a abo/t- /re"y- an$ ome o, hi other captain m/t
have /pecte$. B/t no one poke o, it in hi hearing8 an$ ince the on"y .itne "acke$ a
tong/e- he nee$ not ,ear anyone "earning =/t ho. inept a .or$man the >ing"ayer ha$
become.
Soon the ign o, .ar co/"$ be een on every han$. 3ee$ an$ thorn an$ br/hy tree gre.
high a a hore4 hea$ in ,ie"$ .here a/t/mn .heat ho/"$ be ripening- the kingroa$ .a bere,t
o, trave"er- an$ .o"ve r/"e$ the .eary .or"$ ,rom $/k ti"" $a.n. Mot o, the anima" .ere
.ary eno/gh to keep their $itance- b/t one o, Marbran$4 o/tri$er ha$ hi hore r/n o,, an$
ki""e$ .hen he $imo/nte$ ,or a pi. 2No beat .o/"$ be o bo"$-1 $ec"are$ Ser Boni,er the
Goo$- o, the tern a$ ,ace. 27hee are $emon in the kin o, .o"ve- ent to chatie / ,or o/r
in.1
27hi m/t have been an /ncommon"y in,/" hore-1 !aime ai$- tan$ing over .hat remaine$
o, the poor anima". #e gave or$er ,or the ret o, the carca to be c/t apart an$ a"te$ $o.nI it
might be they .o/"$ nee$ the meat.
At a p"ace ca""e$ So.4 #orn they ,o/n$ a to/gh o"$ knight name$ Ser Roger #ogg A/atting
t/bborn"y in hi to.erho/e .ith i: men(at(arm- ,o/r crobo.men- an$ a core o, peaant.
Ser Roger .a a big an$ brit"y a hi name an$ Ser >enno /ggete$ that he might be ome
"ot Crakeha""- ince their igi" .a a brin$"e$ boar. Strongboar eeme$ to be"ieve it an$ pent an
earnet ho/r A/etioning Ser Roger abo/t hi ancetor.
!aime .a more interete$ in .hat #ogg ha$ to ay o, .o"ve. 23e ha$ ome tro/b"e .ith a
ban$ o, them .hite tar .o"ve-1 the o"$ knight to"$ him. 27hey come ro/n$ ni,,ing a,ter yo/-
my "or$- b/t .e a. them o,,- an$ b/rie$ three $o.n by the t/rnip. Be,ore them there .a a
pack o, b"oo$y "ion- begging yo/r par$on. 7he one .ho "e$ them ha$ a manticore on hi
hie"$.1
2Ser Amory ?orch-1 !aime o,,ere$. 2My "or$ ,ather comman$e$ him to harry the river"an$.1
23hich .e4re no part o,-1 Ser Roger #ogg ai$ to/t"y. 2My ,ea"ty4 o.e$ to #o/e #ay,or$-
an$ ?a$y Crmean$e ben$ her "itt"e knee at >ing4 ?an$ing- or .i"" .hen he4 o"$ eno/gh to
.a"k. & to"$ him that- b/t thi ?orch .an4t m/ch ,or "itening. #e "a/ghtere$ ha", my heep an$
three goo$ mi"k goat- an$ trie$ to roat me in my to.er. My .a"" are o"i$ tone an$ eight ,eet
thick- tho/gh- o a,ter hi ,ire b/rne$ o/t he ro$e o,, bore$. 7he .o"ve come "ater- the one on
,o/r "eg. 7hey ate the heep the manticore "e,t me. & got a ,e. goo$ pe"t in recompene- b/t ,/r
$on4t ,i"" yo/r be""y. 3hat ho/"$ .e $o- my "or$61
29"ant-1 ai$ !aime- 2an$ pray ,or one "at harvet.1 &t .a not a hope,/" an.er- b/t it .a the
on"y one he ha$.
7he ne:t $ay- the co"/mn croe$ the tream that ,orme$ the bo/n$ary bet.een the "an$ that
$i$ ,ea"ty to >ing4 ?an$ing an$ thoe beho"$en to Riverr/n. Maeter G/"ian con/"te$ a map
an$ anno/nce$ that thee hi"" .ere he"$ by the brother 3o$e- a pair o, "an$e$ knight .orn to
#arrenha"8 b/t their ha"" ha$ been earth an$ timber- an$ on"y b"ackene$ beam remaine$ o,
them.
No 3o$e appeare$- nor any o, their ma"",o"k- tho/gh ome o/t"a. ha$ taken he"ter in the
root ce""ar beneath the econ$ brother4 keep. Hne o, them .ore the r/in o, a crimon c"oak- b/t
!aime hange$ him .ith the ret. &t ,e"t goo$. 7hi .a =/tice. *ake a habit of it, "annister, and
one da! men might call !ou 1oldenhand after all+ 1oldenhand the -ust+
7he .or"$ gre. ever greyer a they $re. near to #arrenha". 7hey ro$e beneath "ate kie-
bei$e .ater that hone o"$ an$ co"$ a a heet o, beaten tee". !aime ,o/n$ hime", .on$ering
i, Brienne might have pae$ thi .ay be,ore him. If she thought that Sansa Stark had made for
)ierrun= #a$ they enco/ntere$ other trave"er- he might have toppe$ to ak i, any o, them
ha$ chance to ee a pretty mai$ .ith a/b/rn hair- or a big /g"y one .ith a ,ace that .o/"$ c/r$"e
mi"k. B/t there .a no one on the roa$ b/t .o"ve- an$ their ho."ing he"$ no an.er.
Acro the pe.ter .ater o, the "ake the to.er o, B"ack #arren4 ,o""y appeare$ at "at- ,ive
t.ite$ ,inger o, b"ack- mihapen tone graping ,or the ky. 7ho/gh ?itt"e,inger ha$ been
name$ the ?or$ o, #arrenha"- he eeme$ in no great hate to occ/py hi ne. eat- o it ha$ ,a""en
to !aime ?anniter to 2ort o/t1 #arrenha" on hi .ay to Riverr/n.
7hat it nee$e$ orting o/t he $i$ not $o/bt. Gregor C"egane ha$ .rete$ the immene-
g"oomy cat"e a.ay ,rom the B"oo$y M/mmer be,ore Cerei reca""e$ him to >ing4 ?an$ing.
No $o/bt the Mo/ntain4 men .ere ti"" ratt"ing aro/n$ ini$e "ike o many $rie$ pea in a /it o,
p"ate- b/t they .ere not i$ea""y /ite$ to retore the king4 peace to the 7ri$ent. 7he on"y peace
Ser Gregor4 "ot ha$ ever given anyone .a the peace o, the grave.
Ser A$$am4 o/tri$er ha$ reporte$ that the gate o, #arrenha" .ere c"oe$ an$ barre$. !aime
$re. hi men /p be,ore them an$ comman$e$ Ser >enno o, >ayce to o/n$ the #orn o,
#errock- b"ack an$ t.ite$ an$ ban$e$ in o"$ go"$.
3hen three b"at ha$ echoe$ o,, the .a""- they hear$ the groan o, iron hinge an$ the gate
./ng "o."y open. So thick .ere the .a"" o, B"ack #arren4 ,o""y that !aime pae$ beneath a
$oGen m/r$er ho"e be,ore emerging into /$$en /n"ight in the yar$ .here he4$ bi$ ,are.e"" to
the B"oo$y M/mmer- not o "ong ago. 3ee$ .ere pro/ting ,rom the har$(packe$ earth- an$
,"ie b/GGe$ abo/t the carca o, a hore.
A han$,/" o, Ser Gregor4 men emerge$ ,rom the to.er to .atch him $imo/ntI har$(eye$-
har$(mo/the$ men- the "ot o, them. #he! would hae to be, to ride beside the *ountain+ Abo/t
the bet that co/"$ be ai$ ,or Gregor4 men .a that they .ere not A/ite a vi"e an$ vio"ent a
b/nch a the Brave Companion. 2+/ck me- !aime ?anniter-1 b"/rte$ one grey an$ griGG"e$
man(at(arm. 2&t4 the b"ee$ing >ing"ayer- boy. +/ck me .ith a pear01
23ho might yo/ be61 !aime ake$.
2Ser /e$ to ca"" me Shitmo/th- i, it p"eae m4"or$.1 #e pit in hi han$ an$ .ipe$ hi cheek
.ith them- a i, that .o/"$ omeho. make him more preentab"e.
2Charming. 5o yo/ comman$ here61
2Me6 Shit- no. M4"or$. B/gger me .ith a b"oo$y pear.1 Shitmo/th ha$ eno/gh cr/mb in hi
bear$ to ,ee$ the garrion. !aime ha$ to "a/gh. 7he man took that ,or enco/ragement. 2B/gger
me .ith a b"oo$y pear-1 he ai$ again- an$ tarte$ "a/ghing too.
2Eo/ hear$ the man-1 !aime ai$ to &"yn 9ayne. 2+in$ a nice "ong pear- an$ hove it /p hi
are.1
Ser &"yn $i$ not have a pear- b/t Bear$"e !on Bett"ey .a g"a$ to to him one. Shitmo/th4
$r/nken "a/ghter toppe$ abr/pt"y. 2Eo/ keep that b"oo$y thing a.ay ,rom me.1
2Make /p yo/r min$-1 ai$ !aime. 23ho ha the comman$ here6 5i$ Ser Gregor name a
cate""an61
29o""iver-1 another man ai$- 2on"y the #o/n$ ki""e$ him- m4"or$. #im an$ the 7ick"er both-
an$ that Sar,ie"$ boy.1
#he 7ound again+ 2Eo/ kno. it .a San$or6 Eo/ a. him61
2Not /- m4"or$. 7hat innkeep to"$ /.1
2&t happene$ at the croroa$ inn- my "or$.1 7he peaker .a a yo/nger man .ith a mop o,
an$y hair. #e .ore the chain o, coin that ha$ once be"onge$ to %argo #oatI coin ,rom ha", a
h/n$re$ $itant citie- i"ver an$ go"$- copper an$ bronGe- A/are coin an$ ro/n$ coin- triang"e
an$ ring an$ bit o, bone. 27he innkeep .ore the man ha$ one i$e o, hi ,ace a"" b/rne$. #i
.hore to"$ the ame ta"e. San$or ha$ ome boy .ith him- a ragge$ peaant "a$. 7hey hacke$
9o""y an$ the 7ick"er to b"oo$y bit an$ ro$e o,, $o.n the 7ri$ent- .e .ere to"$.1
25i$ yo/ en$ men a,ter them61
Shitmo/th ,ro.ne$- a i, the tho/ght .ere pain,/". 2No- m4"or$. +/ck / a""- .e never $i$.1
23hen a $og goe ma$ yo/ c/t hi throat.1
23e""-1 the man ai$- r/bbing hi mo/th- 2& never m/ch "ike$ 9o""y- that hit- an$ the $og- he
.ere Ser4 brother- o81
23e4re ba$- m4"or$-1 broke in the man .ho .ore the coin- 2b/t yo/4$ nee$ to be ma$ to ,ace
the #o/n$.1
!aime "ooke$ him over. Bo"$er than the ret- an$ not a $r/nk a Shitmo/th. 2Eo/ .ere a,rai$
o, him.1
2& .o/"$n4t ay afraid, m4"or$. &4$ ay .e .a "eaving him ,or o/r better. Someone "ike Ser.
Hr yo/.1
*e, when I had two hands+ !aime $i$ not $e"/$e hime",. San$or .o/"$ make hort .ork o,
him no.. 2Eo/ have a name61
2Ra,,or$- i, it p"eae. Mot ca"" me Ra,,.1
2Ra,,- gather the garrion together in the #a"" o, a #/n$re$ #earth. Eo/r captive a .e"".
&4"" .ant to ee them. 7hoe .hore ,rom the croroa$ too. Hh- an$ #oat. & .a $itra/ght to
hear that he ha$ $ie$. &4$ "ike to "ook /pon hi hea$.1
3hen they bro/ght it to him- he ,o/n$ that the Goat4 "ip ha$ been "ice$ o,,- a"ong .ith hi
ear an$ mot o, hi noe. 7he cro. ha$ /ppe$ /pon hi eye. &t .a ti"" recogniGab"y #oat-
ho.ever. !aime .o/"$ have kno.n hi bear$ any.hereI an ab/r$ rope o, hair t.o ,eet "ong-
$ang"ing ,rom a pointe$ chin. C"e.ie- on"y a ,e. "eathery trip o, ,"eh ti"" c"/ng to the
Dohorik4 k/"". 23here i the ret o, him61 he ake$.
No one .ante$ to te"" him. +ina""y- Shitmo/th "o.ere$ hi eye- an$ m/ttere$- 2Rotte$- er.
An$ et.1
2Hne o, the captive .a a".ay begging ,oo$-1 Ra,,or$ a$mitte$- 2o Ser ai$ to give him
roat goat. 7he Dohorik $i$n4t have m/ch meat on him- tho/gh. Ser took hi han$ an$ ,eet ,irt-
then hi arm an$ "eg.1
27he ,at b/gger got mot- m4"or$-1 Shitmo/th o,,ere$- 2b/t Ser- he ai$ to ee that a"" the
captive ha$ a tate. An$ #oat too- hi o.n e",. 7hat .horeon 4/$ "obber .hen .e ,e$ him-
an$ the greae4$ r/n $o.n into that kinny bear$ o4 hi.1
Father, !aime tho/ght- !our dogs hae both gone mad+ #e ,o/n$ hime", remembering ta"e
he ha$ ,irt hear$ a a chi"$ at Cater"y Rock- o, ma$ ?a$y ?othton .ho bathe$ in t/b o, b"oo$
an$ prei$e$ over ,eat o, h/man ,"eh .ithin thee very .a"".
Someho. revenge ha$ "ot it avor. 27ake thi an$ thro. it in the "ake.1 !aime toe$ #oat4
hea$ to 9eck- an$ t/rne$ to a$$re the garrion. 2Fnti" /ch time a ?or$ 9etyr arrive to c"aim
hi eat- Ser Boni,er #aty ha"" ho"$ #arrenha" in the name o, the cro.n. 7hoe o, yo/ .ho
.ih may =oin him- i, he4"" have yo/. 7he ret .i"" ri$e .ith me to Riverr/n.1
7he Mo/ntain4 men "ooke$ at one another. 23e4re o.e$-1 ai$ one. 2Ser promie$ /. Rich
re.ar$- he ai$.1
2#i very .or$-1 Shitmo/th agree$. 4)ich rewards, for them as rides with me+5 A $oGen
other began to yammer their aent.
Ser Boni,er raie$ a g"ove$ han$. 2Any man .ho remain .ith me ha"" have a hi$e o, "an$ to
.ork- a econ$ hi$e .hen he take a .i,e- a thir$ at the birth o, hi ,irt chi"$.1
2?an$- er61 Shitmo/th pat. 29i on that. &, .e .ante$ to gr/b in the b"oo$y $irt- .e co/"$
have b"oo$y .e"" taye$ home- begging yo/r par$on- er. )ich rewards, Ser ai$. Meaning go"$.1
2&, yo/ have a grievance- go to >ing4 ?an$ing an$ take it /p .ith my .eet iter.1 !aime
t/rne$ to Ra,,or$. 2&4"" ee thoe captive no.. Starting .ith Ser 3y"i Man$er"y.1
2#e the ,at one61 ake$ Ra,,or$.
2& $evo/t"y hope o. An$ te"" me no a$ torie o, ho. he $ie$- or the "ot o, yo/ are apt to $o
the ame.1
Any hope he might have n/re$ o, ,in$ing Shag.e""- 9yg- or Ko""o "ang/ihing in the
$/ngeon .ere a$"y $iappointe$. 7he Brave Companion ha$ aban$one$ %argo #oat to a man-
it .o/"$ eem. H, ?a$y 3hent4 peop"e- on"y three remaine$@the cook .ho ha$ opene$ the
potern gate ,or Ser Gregor- a bent(back armorer ca""e$ Ben B"ackth/mb- an$ a gir" name$ 9ia-
.ho .a not near a pretty a he ha$ been .hen !aime a. her "at. Someone ha$ broken her
noe an$ knocke$ o/t ha", her teeth. 7he gir" ,e"" at !aime4 ,eet .hen he a. him- obbing an$
c"inging to hi "eg .ith hyterica" trength ti"" Strongboar p/""e$ her o,,. 2No one .i"" h/rt yo/
no.-1 he to"$ her- b/t that on"y ma$e her ob the "o/$er.
7he other captive ha$ been better treate$. Ser 3y"i Man$er"y .a amongt them- a"ong .ith
evera" other highborn northmen taken prioner by the Mo/ntain 7hat Ri$e in the ,ighting at the
,or$ o, the 7ri$ent. Fe,/" hotage- a"" .orth a goo$"y ranom. 7hey .ere ragge$- ,i"thy- an$
haggy to a man- an$ ome ha$ ,reh br/ie- cracke$ teeth- an$ miing ,inger- b/t their
.o/n$ ha$ been .ahe$ an$ ban$age$- an$ none o, them ha$ gone h/ngry. !aime .on$ere$ i,
they ha$ any ink"ing .hat they4$ been eating- an$ $eci$e$ it .a better not to inA/ire.
None ha$ any $e,iance "e,tI epecia""y not Ser 3y"i- a b/hy(,ace$ t/b o, /et .ith $/"" eye
an$ a""o.- agging =o.". 3hen !aime to"$ him that he .o/"$ be ecorte$ to Mai$enpoo" an$
there p/t on a hip ,or 3hite #arbor- Ser 3y"i co""ape$ into a p/$$"e on the ,"oor an$ obbe$
"onger an$ "o/$er than 9ia ha$. &t took ,o/r men to "i,t him back onto hi ,eet. #oo much roast
goat, !aime re,"ecte$. 1ods, but I hate this blood! castle+ #arrenha" ha$ een more horror in it
three h/n$re$ year than Cater"y Rock ha$ .itnee$ in three tho/an$.
!aime comman$e$ that ,ire be "it in the #a"" o, a #/n$re$ #earth an$ ent the cook
hobb"ing back to the kitchen to prepare a hot mea" ,or the men o, hi co"/mn. 2Anything b/t
goat.1
#e took hi o.n /pper in #/nter4 #a"" .ith Ser Boni,er #aty- a o"emn tork o, a man
prone to a"ting hi peech .ith appea" to the Seven. 2& .ant none o, Ser Gregor4 ,o""o.er-1
he $ec"are$ a he .a c/tting /p a pear a .ithere$ a he .a- o a to make certain that it
none:itent =/ice $i$ not tain hi pritine p/rp"e $o/b"et- embroi$ere$ .ith the .hite ben$
cotie$ o, hi #o/e. 2& .i"" not have /ch inner in my ervice.1
2My epton /e$ to ay a"" men .ere inner.1
2#e .a not .rong-1 Ser Boni,er a""o.e$- 2b/t ome in are b"acker than other- an$ ,o/"er
in the notri" o, the Seven.1
And !ou hae no more nose than m! little brother, or m! own sins would hae !ou choking on
that pear+ 2%ery .e"". &4"" take Gregor4 "ot o,, yo/r han$.1 #e co/"$ a".ay ,in$ a /e ,or
,ighter. &, nothing e"e- he co/"$ en$ them /p the "a$$er ,irt- ho/"$ he nee$ to torm the
.a"" o, Riverr/n.
27ake the .hore a .e""-1 Ser Boni,er /rge$. 2Eo/ kno. the one. 7he gir" ,rom the
$/ngeon.1
29ia.1 7he "at time he ha$ been here- Dyb/rn ha$ ent the gir" to hi be$- thinking that .o/"$
p"eae him. B/t the 9ia they ha$ bro/ght /p ,rom the $/ngeon .a a $i,,erent creat/re ,rom the
.eet- imp"e- gigg"y creat/re .ho4$ cra."e$ beneath hi b"anket. She ha$ ma$e the mitake o,
peaking .hen Ser Gregor .ante$ A/iet- o the Mo/ntain ha$ mahe$ her teeth to p"inter .ith
a mai"e$ ,it an$ broken her pretty "itt"e noe a .e"". #e .o/"$ have $one .ore- no $o/bt- i,
Cerei ha$ not ca""e$ him $o.n to >ing4 ?an$ing to ,ace the Re$ %iper4 pear. !aime .o/"$
not mo/rn him. 29ia .a born in thi cat"e-1 he to"$ Ser Boni,er. 2&t i the on"y home he ha
ever kno.n.1
2She i a ,ont o, corr/ption-1 ai$ Ser Boni,er. 2& .on4t have her near my men- ,"a/nting
her8 part.1
2& e:pect her ,"a/nting $ay are $one-1 he ai$- 2b/t i, yo/ ,in$ her that ob=ectionab"e- &4"" take
her.1 #e co/"$ make her a .aher.oman- he /ppoe$. #i A/ire $i$ not min$ raiing hi tent-
grooming hi hore- or c"eaning hi armor- b/t the tak o, caring ,or hi c"othe tr/ck them a
/nman"y. 2Can yo/ ho"$ #arrenha" .ith =/t yo/r #o"y #/n$re$61 !aime ake$. 7hey ho/"$
act/a""y be ca""e$ the #o"y Cighty(Si:- having "ot ,o/rteen men /pon the B"ack.ater- b/t no
$o/bt Ser Boni,er .o/"$ ,i"" /p hi rank again a oon a he ,o/n$ ome /,,icient"y pio/
recr/it.
2& anticipate no $i,,ic/"ty. 7he Crone .i"" "ight o/r .ay- an$ the 3arrior .i"" give trength to
o/r arm.1
Or else the Stranger will turn up for the whole hol! lot of !ou+ !aime co/"$ not be certain .ho
ha$ convince$ hi iter that Ser Boni,er ho/"$ be name$ cate""an o, #arrenha"- b/t the
appointment me""e$ o, Hrton Merry.eather. #aty ha$ once erve$ Merry.eather4 gran$ire-
he eeme$ to reca"" $im"y. An$ the carrot(haire$ =/ticiar .a =/t the ort o, imp"emin$e$ ,oo"
to a/me that omeone ca""e$ 2the Goo$1 .a the very potion the river"an$ reA/ire$ to hea" the
.o/n$ "e,t by Rooe Bo"ton- %argo #oat- an$ Gregor C"egane.
But he might not be wrong+ #aty hai"e$ ,rom the torm"an$- o ha$ neither ,rien$ nor ,oe
a"ong the 7ri$entI no b"oo$ ,e/$- no $ebt to pay- no cronie to re.ar$. #e .a ober- =/t- an$
$/ti,/"- an$ hi #o"y Cighty(Si: .ere a .e"" $icip"ine$ a any o"$ier in the Seven >ing$om-
an$ ma$e a "ove"y ight a they .hee"e$ an$ prance$ their ta"" grey ge"$ing. ?itt"e,inger ha$
once A/ippe$ that Ser Boni,er m/t have ge"$e$ the ri$er too- o pot"e .a their rep/te.
A"" the ame- !aime .on$ere$ abo/t any o"$ier .ho .ere better kno.n ,or their "ove"y
hore than ,or the ,oe they4$ "ain. #he! pra! well, I suppose, but can the! fight6 7hey ha$ not
$igrace$ theme"ve on the B"ack.ater- o ,ar a he kne.- b/t they ha$ not $iting/ihe$
theme"ve either. Ser Boni,er hime", ha$ been a promiing knight in hi yo/th- b/t omething
ha$ happene$ to him- a $e,eat or a $igrace or a near br/h .ith $eath- an$ a,ter.ar$ he ha$
$eci$e$ that =o/ting .a an empty vanity an$ p/t a.ay hi "ance ,or goo$ an$ a"".
7arrenhal must be held, though, and Baelor Butthole here is the man that %ersei chose to
hold it+ 27hi cat"e ha an i"" rep/te-1 he .arne$ him- 2an$ one that4 .e"" $eerve$. &t4 ai$
that #arren an$ hi on ti"" .a"k the ha"" by night- a,ire. 7hoe .ho "ook /pon them b/rt into
,"ame.1
2& ,ear no ha$e- er. &t i .ritten in #he Seen($ointed Star that pirit- .ight- an$ revenant
cannot harm a pio/ man- o "ong a he i armore$ in hi ,aith.1
27hen armor yo/re", in ,aith- by a"" mean- b/t .ear a /it o, mai" an$ p"ate a .e"". Cvery
man .ho ho"$ thi cat"e eem to come to a ba$ en$. 7he Mo/ntain- the Goat- even my
,ather81
2&, yo/ .i"" ,orgive my aying o- they .ere not go$"y men- a .e are. 7he 3arrior $e,en$
/- an$ he"p i a".ay near- i, ome $rea$ ,oe ho/"$ threaten. Maeter G/"ian .i"" be remaining
.ith hi raven- ?or$ ?ance" i nearby at 5arry .ith hi garrion- an$ ?or$ Ran$y"" ho"$
Mai$enpoo". 7ogether .e three ha"" h/nt $o.n an$ $etroy .hatever o/t"a. pro." thee part.
Hnce that i $one- the Seven .i"" g/i$e the goo$,o"k back to their vi""age to p"o. an$ p"ant an$
b/i"$ ane..1
#he ones the 1oat didn/t kill, at least+ !aime hooke$ hi go"$en ,inger ro/n$ the tem o, hi
.ine gob"et. 2&, any o, #oat4 Brave Companion ,a"" into yo/r han$- en$ .or$ to me at once.1
7he Stranger might have ma$e o,, .ith the Goat be,ore !aime co/"$ get aro/n$ to him- b/t ,at
Ko""o .a ti"" o/t there- .ith Shag.e""- Rorge- +aith,/" Fr.yck- an$ the ret.
2So yo/ can tort/re them an$ ki"" them61
2& /ppoe yo/ .o/"$ ,orgive them- in my p"ace61
2&, they ma$e incere repentance ,or their in8 ye- & .o/"$ embrace them a"" a brother
an$ pray .ith them be,ore & ent them to the b"ock. Sin may be ,orgiven. Crime reA/ire
p/nihment.1 #aty ,o"$e$ hi han$ be,ore him "ike a teep"e- in a .ay that remin$e$ !aime
/ncom,ortab"y o, hi ,ather. 2&, it i San$or C"egane that .e enco/nter- .hat .o/"$ yo/ have me
$o61
$ra! hard, !aime tho/ght- and run+ 2Sen$ him to =oin hi be"ove$ brother an$ be g"a$ the
go$ ma$e even he"". Hne .o/"$ never be eno/gh to ho"$ both o, the C"egane.1 #e p/he$
hime", a.k.ar$"y to hi ,eet. 2Beric 5on$arrion i a $i,,erent matter. Sho/"$ yo/ capt/re him-
ho"$ him ,or my ret/rn. &4"" .ant to march him back to >ing4 ?an$ing .ith a rope abo/t hi
neck- an$ have Ser &"yn take hi hea$ o,, .here ha", the rea"m can ee.1
2An$ thi Myrih priet .ho r/n .ith him6 &t i ai$ he prea$ hi ,a"e ,aith every.here.1
2>i"" him- ki him- or pray .ith him- a yo/ p"eae.1
2& have no .ih to ki the man- my "or$.1
2No $o/bt he4$ ay the ame o, yo/.1 !aime4 mi"e t/rne$ into a ya.n. 2My par$on. & ha""
take my "eave o, yo/- i, yo/ have no ob=ection.1
2None- my "or$-1 ai$ #aty. No $o/bt he .ihe$ to pray.
!aime .ihe$ to ,ight. #e took the tep t.o at a time- o/t to .here the night air .a co"$ an$
crip. &n the torch"it yar$ Strongboar an$ Ser +"ement Bra: .ere having at each other .hi"t a
ring o, men(at(arm cheere$ them on. Ser "!le will hae the best of that one, he kne.. I need to
find Ser Il!n+ #i ,inger ha$ the itch again. #i ,oottep took him a.ay ,rom the noie an$ the
"ight. #e pae$ beneath the covere$ bri$ge an$ thro/gh the +"o.tone Ear$ be,ore he rea"iGe$
.here he .a hea$e$.
A he neare$ the bear pit- he a. the g"o. o, a "antern- it pa"e .intry "ight .ahing over the
tier o, teep tone eat. Someone has come before me, it would seem+ 7he pit .o/"$ be a ,ine
p"ace to $anceI perhap Ser &"yn ha$ anticipate$ him.
B/t the knight tan$ing over the pit .a biggerI a h/ky- bear$e$ man in a re$(an$(.hite
/rcoat a$orne$ .ith gri,,in. %onnington+ What/s he doing here6 Be"o.- the carca o, the bear
ti"" pra."e$ /pon the an$- tho/gh on"y bone an$ ragge$ ,/r remaine$- ha",(b/rie$. !aime ,e"t
a pang o, pity ,or the beat. At least he died in battle+ 2Ser Ronnet-1 he ca""e$- 2have yo/ "ot
yo/r .ay6 &t i a "arge cat"e- & kno..1
Re$ Ronnet raie$ hi "antern. 2& .ihe$ to ee .here the bear $ance$ .ith the mai$en not(o(
,air.1 #i bear$ hone in the "ight a i, it .ere a,ire. !aime co/"$ me"" .ine on hi breath. 2& it
tr/e the .ench ,o/ght nake$61
2Nake$6 No.1 #e .on$ere$ ho. that .rink"e ha$ been a$$e$ to the tory. 27he M/mmer
p/t her in a pink i"k go.n an$ hove$ a to/rney .or$ into her han$. 7he Goat .ante$ her
$eath to be amuthing+ C"e.ie81
28the ight o, Brienne nake$ might have ma$e the bear ,"ee in terror.1 Connington "a/ghe$.
!aime $i$ not. 2Eo/ peak a i, yo/ kno. the "a$y.1
2& .a betrothe$ to her.1
7hat took him by /rprie. Brienne ha$ never mentione$ a betrotha". 2#er ,ather ma$e a
match ,or her81
27hrice-1 ai$ Connington. 2& .a the econ$. My ,ather4 notion. & ha$ hear$ the .ench .a
/g"y- an$ & to"$ him o- b/t he ai$ a"" .omen .ere the ame once yo/ b"e. the can$"e o/t.1
2Eo/r ,ather.1 !aime eye$ Re$ Ronnet4 /rcoat- .here t.o gri,,in ,ace$ each other on a
,ie"$ o, re$ an$ .hite. Dancing griffins+ 2H/r "ate #an$48 brother- .a he61
2Co/in. ?or$ !on ha$ no brother.1
2No.1 &t a"" came back to him. !on Connington ha$ been 9rince Rhaegar4 ,rien$. 3hen
Merry.eather ,ai"e$ o $ima""y to contain Robert4 Rebe""ion an$ 9rince Rhaegar co/"$ not be
,o/n$- Aery ha$ t/rne$ to the ne:t bet thing- an$ raie$ Connington to the #an$hip. B/t the
Ma$ >ing .a a".ay chopping o,, hi #an$. #e ha$ choppe$ ?or$ !on a,ter the Batt"e o, the
Be""- tripping him o, honor- "an$- an$ .ea"th- an$ packing him o,, acro the ea to $ie in
e:i"e- .here he oon $rank hime", to $eath. 7he co/in- tho/gh@Re$ Ronnet4 ,ather@ha$
=oine$ the rebe""ion an$ been re.ar$e$ .ith Gri,,in4 Root a,ter the 7ri$ent. #e on"y got the
cat"e- tho/ghI Robert kept the go"$- an$ beto.e$ the greater part o, the Connington "an$ on
more ,ervent /pporter.
Ser Ronnet .a a "an$e$ knight- no more. +or any /ch- the Mai$ o, 7arth .o/"$ have been a
.eet p"/m in$ee$. 2#o. i it that yo/ $i$ not .e$61 !aime ake$ him.
23hy- & .ent to 7arth an$ a. her. & ha$ i: year on her- yet the .ench co/"$ "ook me in the
eye. She .a a o. in i"k- tho/gh mot o. have bigger teat. 3hen he trie$ to ta"k he
a"mot choke$ on her o.n tong/e. & gave her a roe an$ to"$ her it .a a"" that he .o/"$ ever
have ,rom me.1 Connington g"ance$ into the pit. 27he bear .a "e hairy than that ,reak- &4""@1
!aime4 go"$en han$ cracke$ him acro the mo/th o har$ the other knight .ent t/mb"ing
$o.n the tep. #i "antern ,e"" an$ mahe$- an$ the oi" prea$ o/t- b/rning. 2Eo/ are peaking
o, a highborn "a$y- er. Ca"" her by her name. Ca"" her Brienne.1
Connington e$ge$ a.ay ,rom the prea$ing ,"ame on hi han$ an$ knee. 2Brienne. &, it
p"eae my "or$.1 #e pat a g"ob o, b"oo$ at !aime4 ,oot. 2Brienne the Bea/ty.1
DAENER'S
Ga"aGGa Ga"are arrive$ at the Great 9yrami$ atten$e$ by a $oGen 3hite Grace- gir" o, nob"e
birth .ho .ere ti"" too yo/ng to have erve$ their year in the temp"e4 p"ea/re gar$en. 7hey
ma$e ,or a pretty portrait- the pro/$ o"$ .oman a"" in green /rro/n$e$ by the "itt"e gir" robe$
an$ vei"e$ in .hite- armore$ in their innocence.
7he A/een .e"come$ them .arm"y- then /mmone$ Mian$ei to ee that the gir" .ere ,e$
an$ entertaine$ .hi"t he hare$ a private /pper .ith the Green Grace.
#er cook ha$ prepare$ them a magni,icent mea" o, honeye$ "amb- ,ragrant .ith cr/he$ mint
an$ erve$ .ith the ma"" green ,ig he "ike$ o m/ch. 7.o o, 5any4 ,avorite hotage erve$
the ,oo$ an$ kept the c/p ,i""e$@a $oe(eye$ "itt"e gir" ca""e$ DeGGa an$ a kinny boy name$
GraGhar. 7hey .ere brother an$ iter- an$ co/in o, the Green Grace- .ho greete$ them .ith
kie .hen he .ept in- an$ ake$ them i, they ha$ been goo$.
27hey are very .eet- the both o, them-1 5any a/re$ her. 2DeGGa ing ,or me ometime.
She ha a "ove"y voice. An$ Ser Barritan ha been intr/cting GraGhar an$ the other boy in the
.ay o, .etern chiva"ry.1
27hey are o, my b"oo$-1 the Green Grace ai$- a DeGGa ,i""e$ her c/p .ith a $ark re$ .ine.
2&t i goo$ to kno. they have p"eae$ Eo/r Ra$iance. & hope & may $o "ike.ie.1 7he o"$
.oman4 hair .a .hite an$ her kin .a parchment thin- b/t the year ha$ not $imme$ her
eye. 7hey .ere a green a her robeI a$ eye- ,/"" o, .i$om. 2&, yo/ .i"" ,orgive my aying
o- Eo/r Ra$iance "ook8 .eary. Are yo/ "eeping61
&t .a a"" 5any co/"$ $o not to "a/gh. 2Not .e"". ?at night three Dartheen ga""ey ai"e$ /p
the SkahaGa$han /n$er the cover o, $arkne. 7he Mother4 Men "ooe$ ,"ight o, ,ire arro. at
their ai" an$ ,"/ng pot o, b/rning pitch onto their $eck- b/t the ga""ey "ippe$ by A/ick"y an$
/,,ere$ no "ating harm. 7he Dartheen mean to c"oe the river to /- a they have c"oe$ the bay.
An$ they are no "onger a"one. 7hree ga""ey ,rom Ne. Ghi have =oine$ them- an$ a carrack o/t
o, 7o"o.1 7he 7o"oi ha$ rep"ie$ to her reA/et ,or an a""iance by proc"aiming her a .hore an$
$eman$ing that he ret/rn Meereen to it Great Mater. Cven that .a pre,erab"e to the an.er
o, Mantary- .hich came by .ay o, caravan in a ce$ar chet. &ni$e he ha$ ,o/n$ the hea$ o,
her three envoy- pick"e$. 29erhap yo/r go$ can he"p /. Ak them to en$ a ga"e an$ .eep
the ga""ey ,rom the bay.1
2& ha"" pray an$ make acri,ice. Mayhap the go$ o, Ghi .i"" hear me.1 Ga"aGGa Ga"are
ippe$ her .ine- b/t her eye $i$ not "eave 5any. 2Storm rage .ithin the .a"" a .e"" a
.itho/t. More ,ree$men $ie$ "at night- or o & have been to"$.1
27hree.1 Saying it "e,t a bitter tate in her mo/th. 27he co.ar$ broke in on ome .eaver-
,ree$.omen .ho ha$ $one no harm to anyone. A"" they $i$ .a make bea/ti,/" thing. & have a
tapetry they gave me hanging over my be$. 7he Son o, the #arpy broke their "oom an$ rape$
them be,ore "itting their throat.1
27hi .e have hear$. An$ yet Eo/r Ra$iance ha ,o/n$ the co/rage to an.er b/tchery .ith
mercy. Eo/ have not harme$ any o, the nob"e chi"$ren yo/ ho"$ a hotage.1
2Not a yet- no.1 5any ha$ gro.n ,on$ o, her yo/ng charge. Some .ere hy an$ ome .ere
bo"$- ome .eet an$ ome /""en- b/t a"" .ere innocent. 2&, & ki"" my c/pbearer- .ho .i"" po/r
my .ine an$ erve my /pper61 he ai$- trying to make "ight o, it.
7he priete $i$ not mi"e. 27he Shavepate .o/"$ ,ee$ them to yo/r $ragon- it i ai$. A "i,e
,or a "i,e. +or every BraGen Beat c/t $o.n- he .o/"$ have a chi"$ $ie.1
5any p/he$ her ,oo$ abo/t her p"ate. She $are not g"ance over to .here GraGhar an$ DeGGa
too$- ,or ,ear that he might cry. #he Shaepate has a harder heart than mine+ 7hey ha$ ,o/ght
abo/t the hotage ha", a $oGen time. 27he Son o, the #arpy are "a/ghing in their pyrami$-1
SkahaG ai$- =/t thi morning. 23hat goo$ are hotage i, yo/ .i"" not take their hea$61 &n hi
eye- he .a on"y a .eak .oman. 7azzea was enough+ What good is peace if it must be
purchased with the blood of little children6 27hee m/r$er are not their $oing-1 5any to"$ the
Green Grace- ,eeb"y. 2& am no b/tcher A/een.1
2An$ ,or that Meereen give thank-1 ai$ Ga"aGGa Ga"are. 23e have hear$ that the B/tcher
>ing o, Atapor i $ea$.1
2S"ain by hi o.n o"$ier .hen he comman$e$ them to march o/t an$ attack the E/nkai4i.1
7he .or$ .ere bitter in her mo/th. 2#e .a har$"y co"$ be,ore another took hi p"ace- ca""ing
hime", C"eon the Secon$. 7hat one "ate$ eight $ay be,ore hi throat .a opene$. 7hen hi
ki""er c"aime$ the cro.n. So $i$ the ,irt C"eon4 conc/bine. >ing C/tthroat an$ D/een 3hore-
the Atapori ca"" them. 7heir ,o""o.er are ,ighting batt"e in the treet- .hi"e the E/nkai4i an$
their e"".or$ .ait o/ti$e the .a"".1
27hee are grievo/ time. Eo/r Ra$iance- might & pre/me to o,,er yo/ my co/ne"61
2Eo/ kno. ho. m/ch & va"/e yo/r .i$om.1
27hen hee$ me no. an$ marry.1
2Ah.1 5any ha$ been e:pecting thi.
2H,time & have hear$ yo/ ay that yo/ are on"y a yo/ng gir". 7o "ook at yo/- yo/ ti"" eem
ha", a chi"$- too yo/ng an$ ,rai" to ,ace /ch tria" by yo/re",. Eo/ nee$ a king bei$e yo/ to
he"p yo/ bear thee b/r$en.1
5any peare$ a ch/nk o, "amb- took a bite ,rom it- che.e$ "o."y. 27e"" me- can thi king
p/,, hi cheek /p an$ b"o. Laro4 ga""ey back to Darth6 Can he c"ap hi han$ an$ break the
iege o, Atapor6 Can he p/t ,oo$ in the be""ie o, my chi"$ren an$ bring peace back to my
treet61
2Can yo/61 the Green Grace ake$. 2A king i not a go$- b/t there i ti"" m/ch that a trong
man might $o. 3hen my peop"e "ook at yo/- they ee a conA/eror ,rom acro the ea- come to
m/r$er / an$ make "ave o, o/r chi"$ren. A king co/"$ change that. A highborn king o, p/re
Ghicari b"oo$ co/"$ reconci"e the city to yo/r r/"e. C"e.ie- & ,ear- yo/r reign m/t en$ a it
began- in b"oo$ an$ ,ire.1
5any p/he$ her ,oo$ abo/t her p"ate. 2An$ .ho .o/"$ the go$ o, Ghi have me take a my
king an$ conort61
2#iG$ahr Go ?oraA-1 Ga"aGGa Ga"are ai$ ,irm"y.
5any $i$ not tro/b"e to ,eign /rprie. 23hy #iG$ahr6 SkahaG i nob"e born a .e"".1
2SkahaG i >an$aA- #iG$ahr ?oraA. Eo/r Ra$iance .i"" ,orgive me- b/t on"y one .ho i not
here", Ghicari .o/"$ not /n$ertan$ the $i,,erence. H,t have & hear$ that yo/r i the b"oo$ o,
Aegon the ConA/eror- !aehaery the 3ie- an$ 5aeron the 5ragon. 7he nob"e #iG$ahr i o, the
b"oo$ o, MaG$han the Magni,icent- #aGrak the #an$ome- an$ KharaA the ?iberator.1
2#i ,orebear are a $ea$ a mine. 3i"" #iG$ahr raie their ha$e to $e,en$ Meereen againt
it enemie6 & nee$ a man .ith hip an$ .or$. Eo/ o,,er me ancetor.1
23e are an o"$ peop"e. Ancetor are important to /. 3e$ #iG$ahr Go ?oraA an$ make a on
.ith him- a on .hoe ,ather i the harpy- .hoe mother i the $ragon. &n him the prophecie
ha"" be ,/",i""e$- an$ yo/r enemie .i"" me"t a.ay "ike no..1
7e shall be the stallion that mounts the world+ 5any kne. ho. it .ent .ith prophecie. 7hey
.ere ma$e o, .or$- an$ .or$ .ere .in$. 7here .o/"$ be no on ,or ?oraA- no heir to /nite
$ragon an$ harpy. When the sun rises in the west and sets in the east, when the seas go dr! and
mountains blow in the wind like leaes+ Hn"y then .o/"$ her .omb A/icken once again8
8b/t 5aenery 7argaryen ha$ other chi"$ren- ten o, tho/an$ .ho ha$ hai"e$ her a their
mother .hen he broke their chain. She tho/ght o, Sta".art Shie"$- o, Mian$ei4 brother- o,
the .oman Ry"ona Rhee- .ho ha$ p"aye$ the harp o bea/ti,/""y. No marriage .o/"$ ever bring
them back to "i,e- b/t i, a h/ban$ co/"$ he"p en$ the "a/ghter- then he o.e$ it to her $ea$ to
marry.
If I wed 7izdahr, will that turn Skahaz against me6 She tr/te$ SkahaG more than he tr/te$
#iG$ahr- b/t the Shavepate .o/"$ be a $iater a a king. #e .a too A/ick to anger- too "o. to
,orgive. She a. no gain in .e$$ing a man a hate$ a here",. #iG$ahr .a .e"" repecte$- o
,ar a he co/"$ ee. 23hat $oe my propective h/ban$ think o, thi61 he ake$ the Green
Grace. What does he think of me6
2Eo/r Grace nee$ on"y ak him. 7he nob"e #iG$ahr a.ait be"o.. Sen$ $o.n to him i, that i
yo/r p"ea/re.1
&ou presume too much, priestess, the A/een tho/ght- b/t he .a""o.e$ her anger an$ ma$e
here", mi"e. 23hy not61 She ent ,or Ser Barritan an$ to"$ the o"$ knight to bring #iG$ahr to
her. 2&t i a "ong c"imb. #ave the Fn/""ie$ he"p him /p.1
By the time the nob"eman ha$ ma$e the acent- the Green Grace ha$ ,inihe$ eating. 2&, it
p"eae Eo/r Magni,icence- & .i"" take my "eave. Eo/ an$ the nob"e #iG$ahr .i"" have many
thing to $ic/- & $o not $o/bt.1 7he o"$ .oman $abbe$ a mear o, honey o,, her "ip- gave
DeGGa an$ GraGhar each a parting ki /pon the bro.- an$ ,atene$ her i"ken vei" acro her
,ace. 2& ha"" ret/rn to the 7emp"e o, the Grace an$ pray ,or the go$ to ho. my A/een the
co/re o, .i$om.1
3hen he .a gone- 5any "et DeGGa ,i"" her c/p again- $imie$ the chi"$ren- an$
comman$e$ that #iG$ahr Go ?oraA be a$mitte$ to her preence. And if he dares sa! one word
about his precious fighting pits, I ma! hae him thrown off the terrace+
#iG$ahr .ore a p"ain green robe beneath a A/i"te$ vet. #e bo.e$ "o. .hen he entere$- hi
,ace o"emn. 2#ave yo/ no mi"e ,or me61 5any ake$ him. 2Am & a ,ear,/" a a"" that61
2& a".ay gro. o"emn in the preence o, /ch bea/ty.1
&t .a a goo$ tart. 25rink .ith me.1 5any ,i""e$ hi c/p here",. 2Eo/ kno. .hy yo/ are
here. 7he Green Grace eem to ,ee" that i, & take yo/ ,or my h/ban$- a"" my .oe .i"" vanih.1
2& .o/"$ never make o bo"$ a c"aim. Men are born to trive an$ /,,er. H/r .oe on"y vanih
.hen .e $ie. & can be o, he"p to yo/- ho.ever. & have go"$ an$ ,rien$ an$ in,"/ence- an$ the
b"oo$ o, H"$ Ghi ,"o. in my vein. 7ho/gh & have never .e$- & have t.o nat/ra" chi"$ren- a
boy an$ a gir"- o & can give yo/ heir. & can reconci"e the city to yo/r r/"e an$ p/t an en$ to thi
night"y "a/ghter in the treet.1
2Can yo/61 5any t/$ie$ hi eye. 23hy ho/"$ the Son o, the #arpy "ay $o.n their knive
,or yo/6 Are yo/ one o, them61
2No.1
23o/"$ yo/ te"" me i, yo/ .ere61
#e "a/ghe$. 2No.1
27he Shavepate ha .ay o, ,in$ing the tr/th.1
2& $o not $o/bt that SkahaG .o/"$ oon have me con,eing. A $ay .ith him- an$ & .i"" be
one o, the #arpy4 Son. 7.o $ay- an$ & .i"" be the #arpy. 7hree- an$ it .i"" t/rn o/t & "e.
yo/r ,ather too- back in the S/net >ing$om .hen & .a yet a boy. 7hen he .i"" impa"e me on a
take an$ yo/ can .atch me $ie8 b/t a,ter.ar$ the ki""ing .i"" go on.1 #iG$ahr "eane$ c"oer.
2Hr yo/ can marry me an$ "et me try to top them.1
23hy .o/"$ yo/ want to he"p me6 +or the cro.n61
2A cro.n .o/"$ /it me .e""- & .i"" not $eny that. &t i more than that- ho.ever. & it o
trange that & .o/"$ .ant to protect my o.n peop"e- a yo/ protect yo/r ,ree$men6 Meereen
cannot en$/re another .ar- Eo/r Ra$iance.1
7hat .a a goo$ an.er- an$ an honet one. 2& have never .ante$ .ar. & $e,eate$ the
E/nkai4i once an$ pare$ their city .hen & might have acke$ it. & re,/e$ to =oin >ing C"eon
.hen he marche$ againt them. Cven no.- .ith Atapor beiege$- & tay my han$. An$ Darth8
& have never $one the Dartheen any harm81
2Not by intent- no- b/t Darth i a city o, merchant- an$ they "ove the c"ink o, i"ver coin- the
g"eam o, ye""o. go"$. 3hen yo/ mahe$ the "ave tra$e- the b"o. .a ,e"t ,rom 3etero to
Ahai. Darth $epen$ /pon it "ave. So too 7o"o- Ne. Ghi- ?y- 7yroh- %o"anti8 the "it
i "ong- my A/een.1
2?et them come. &n me they ha"" ,in$ a terner ,oe than C"eon. & .o/"$ ooner perih ,ighting
than ret/rn my chi"$ren to bon$age.1
27here may be another choice. 7he E/nkai4i can be per/a$e$ to a""o. a"" yo/r ,ree$men to
remain ,ree- & be"ieve- i, Eo/r 3orhip .i"" agree that the Ee""o. City may tra$e an$ train "ave
/nmo"ete$ ,rom thi $ay ,orth. No more b"oo$ nee$ ,"o..1
2Save ,or the b"oo$ o, thoe "ave that the E/nkai4i .i"" trade an$ train,1 5any ai$- b/t he
recogniGe$ the tr/th in hi .or$ even o. It ma! be that is the best end we can hope for+ 2Eo/
have not ai$ yo/ "ove me.1
2& .i""- i, it .o/"$ p"eae Eo/r Ra$iance.1
27hat i not the an.er o, a man in "ove.1
23hat i "ove6 5eire6 No man .ith a"" hi part co/"$ ever "ook on yo/ an$ not $eire yo/-
5aenery. 7hat i not .hy & .o/"$ marry yo/- ho.ever. Be,ore yo/ came Meereen .a $ying.
H/r r/"er .ere o"$ men .ith .ithere$ cock an$ crone .hoe p/ckere$ c/nt .ere $ry a $/t.
7hey at atop their pyrami$ ipping apricot .ine an$ ta"king o, the g"orie o, the H"$ Cmpire
.hi"t the cent/rie "ippe$ by an$ the very brick o, the city cr/mb"e$ a"" aro/n$ them. C/tom
an$ ca/tion ha$ an iron grip /pon / ti"" yo/ a.akene$ / .ith ,ire an$ b"oo$. A ne. time ha
come- an$ ne. thing are poib"e. Marry me.1
7e is not hard to look at, 5any to"$ here",- and he has a king/s tongue+ 2>i me-1 he
comman$e$.
#e took her han$ again- an$ kie$ her ,inger. 2Not that .ay. >i me a i, & .ere yo/r
.i,e.1
#iG$ahr took her by the ho/"$er a ten$er"y a i, he .ere a baby bir$. ?eaning ,or.ar$- he
pree$ hi "ip to her. #i ki .a "ight an$ $ry an$ A/ick. 5any ,e"t no tirring.
2Sha"" &8 ki yo/ again61 he ake$ .hen it .a over.
2No.1 Hn her terrace- in her bathing poo"- the "itt"e ,ih .o/"$ nibb"e at her "eg a he oake$.
Cven they kie$ .ith more ,ervor than #iG$ahr Go ?oraA. 2& $o not "ove yo/.1
#iG$ahr hr/gge$. 27hat may come- in time. &t ha been kno.n to happen that .ay.1
2ot with us, he tho/ght. 2ot whilst Daario is so close+ It/s him I want, not !ou+ 2Hne $ay &
.i"" .ant to ret/rn to 3etero- to c"aim the Seven >ing$om that .ere my ,ather4.1
2Hne $ay a"" men m/t $ie- b/t it erve no goo$ to $.e"" on $eath. & pre,er to take each $ay
a it come.1
5any ,o"$e$ her han$ together. 23or$ are .in$- even .or$ "ike loe an$ peace+ & p/t more
tr/t in $ee$. &n my Seven >ing$om- knight go on A/et to prove theme"ve .orthy o, the
mai$en that they "ove. 7hey eek ,or magic .or$- ,or chet o, go"$- ,or cro.n to"en ,rom a
$ragon4 hoar$.1
#iG$ahr arche$ an eyebro.. 27he on"y $ragon that & kno. are yo/r- an$ magic .or$ are
even carcer. & .i"" g"a$"y bring yo/ ring an$ cro.n an$ chet o, go"$ i, that i yo/r $eire.1
29eace i my $eire. Eo/ ay that yo/ can he"p me en$ the night"y "a/ghter in my treet. &
ay do it+ 9/t an en$ to thi ha$o. .ar- my "or$. 7hat i yo/r A/et. Give me ninety $ay an$
ninety night .itho/t a m/r$er- an$ & .i"" kno. that yo/ are .orthy o, a throne. Can yo/ $o
that61
#iG$ahr "ooke$ tho/ght,/". 2Ninety $ay an$ ninety night .itho/t a corpe- an$ on the
ninety(,irt .e .e$61
29erhap-1 ai$ 5any- .ith a coy "ook. 27ho/gh yo/ng gir" have been kno.n to be ,ick"e. &
may ti"" .ant a magic .or$.1
#iG$ahr "a/ghe$. 27hen yo/ ha"" have that too- Ra$iance. Eo/r .ih i my comman$. Bet
te"" yo/r enecha" to begin making preparation ,or o/r .e$$ing.1
2Nothing .o/"$ p"eae the nob"e ReGnak more.1 &, Meereen kne. that a .e$$ing .a in the
o,,ing- that a"one might b/y her a ,e. night4 repite- even i, #iG$ahr4 e,,ort came to na/ght.
#he Shaepate will not be happ! with me, but )eznak mo )eznak will dance for 9o!+ 5any $i$ not
kno. .hich o, thoe concerne$ her more. She nee$e$ SkahaG an$ the BraGen Beat- an$ he
ha$ come to mitr/t a"" o, ReGnak4 co/ne". Beware the perfumed seneschal+ 7as )eznak made
common cause with 7izdahr and the 1reen 1race and set some trap to snare me6
No ooner ha$ #iG$ahr Go ?oraA taken hi "eave o, her than Ser Barritan appeare$ behin$ her
in hi "ong .hite c"oak. Eear o, ervice in the >ingg/ar$ ha$ ta/ght the .hite knight ho. to
remain /nobtr/ive .hen he .a entertaining- b/t he .a never ,ar. 7e knows, he a. at once-
and he disapproes+ 7he "ine aro/n$ hi mo/th ha$ $eepene$. 2So-1 he ai$ to him- 2it eem
that & may .e$ again. Are yo/ happy ,or me- er61
2&, that i yo/r comman$- Eo/r Grace.1
2#iG$ahr i not the h/ban$ yo/ .o/"$ have choen ,or me.1
2&t i not my p"ace to chooe yo/r h/ban$.1
2&t i not-1 he agree$- 2b/t it i important to me that yo/ ho/"$ /n$ertan$. My peop"e are
b"ee$ing. 5ying. A A/een be"ong not to here",- b/t to the rea"m. Marriage or carnage- thoe are
my choice. A .e$$ing or a .ar.1
2Eo/r Grace- may & peak ,rank"y61
2A".ay.1
27here i a thir$ choice.1
23etero61
#e no$$e$. 2& am .orn to erve Eo/r Grace- an$ to keep yo/ a,e ,rom harm .herever yo/
may go. My p"ace i by yo/r i$e- .hether here or in >ing4 ?an$ing8 b/t yo/r p"ace i back in
3etero- /pon the &ron 7hrone that .a yo/r ,ather4. 7he Seven >ing$om .i"" never accept
#iG$ahr Go ?oraA a king.1
2No more than Meereen .i"" accept 5aenery 7argaryen a A/een. 7he Green Grace ha the
right o, that. & nee$ a king bei$e me- a king o, o"$ Ghicari b"oo$. C"e.ie they .i"" a".ay ee
me a the /nco/th barbarian .ho mahe$ thro/gh their gate- impa"e$ their kin on pike- an$
to"e their .ea"th.1
2&n 3etero yo/ .i"" be the "ot chi"$ .ho ret/rn to g"a$$en her ,ather4 heart. Eo/r peop"e
.i"" cheer .hen yo/ ri$e by- an$ a"" goo$ men .i"" "ove yo/.1
23etero i ,ar a.ay.1
2?ingering here .i"" never bring it any c"oer. 7he ooner .e take o/r "eave o, thi p"ace@1
2& kno.. & do+1 5any $i$ not kno. ho. to make him ee. She .ante$ 3etero a m/ch a he
$i$- b/t ,irt he m/t hea" Meereen. 2Ninety $ay i a "ong time. #iG$ahr may ,ai". An$ i, he
$oe- the trying b/y me time. 7ime to make a""iance- to trengthen my $e,ene- to@1
2An$ i, he $oe not ,ai"6 3hat .i"" Eo/r Grace $o then61
2#er $/ty.1 7he .or$ ,e"t co"$ /pon her tong/e. 2Eo/ a. my brother Rhaegar .e$. 7e"" me-
$i$ he .e$ ,or "ove or $/ty61
7he o"$ knight heitate$. 29rince C"ia .a a goo$ .oman- Eo/r Grace. She .a kin$ an$
c"ever- .ith a gent"e heart an$ a .eet .it. & kno. the prince .a very ,on$ o, her.1
Fond, tho/ght 5any. 7he .or$ poke vo"/me. I could become fond of 7izdahr zo "ora3, in
time+ $erhaps+
Ser Barritan .ent on. 2& a. yo/r ,ather an$ yo/r mother .e$ a .e"". +orgive me- b/t there
.a no ,on$ne there- an$ the rea"m pai$ $ear"y ,or that- my A/een.1
23hy $i$ they .e$ i, they $i$ not "ove each other61
2Eo/r gran$ire comman$e$ it. A .oo$ .itch ha$ to"$ him that the prince .a promie$
.o/"$ be born o, their "ine.1
2A .oo$ .itch61 5any .a atonihe$.
2She came to co/rt .ith !enny o, H"$tone. A t/nte$ thing- groteA/e to "ook /pon. A
$.ar,- mot peop"e ai$- tho/gh $ear to ?a$y !enny- .ho a".ay c"aime$ that he .a one o, the
chi"$ren o, the ,oret.1
23hat became o, her61
2S/mmerha"".1 7he .or$ .a ,ra/ght .ith $oom.
5any ighe$. 2?eave me no.. & am very .eary.1
2A yo/ comman$.1 Ser Barritan bo.e$ an$ t/rne$ to go. B/t at the $oor- he toppe$.
2+orgive me. Eo/r Grace ha a viitor. Sha"" & te"" him to ret/rn /pon the morro.61
23ho i it61
2Nahari. 7he Stormcro. have ret/rne$ to the city.1
Daario+ #er heart gave a ,"/tter in her chet. 2#o. "ong ha8 .hen $i$ he8 61 She co/"$
not eem to get the .or$ o/t.
Ser Barritan eeme$ to /n$ertan$. 2Eo/r Grace .a .ith the priete .hen he arrive$. &
kne. yo/ .o/"$ not .ant to be $it/rbe$. 7he captain4 ne. can .ait /nti" the morro..1
2No.1 7ow could I eer hope to sleep, knowing that m! captain so close6 2Sen$ him /p at
once. An$8 & .i"" have no more nee$ o, yo/ thi evening. & ha"" be a,e .ith 5aario. Hh- an$
en$ &rri an$ !hiA/i- i, yo/ .o/"$ be o goo$. An$ Mian$ei.1 I need to change, to make m!self
beautiful+
She ai$ a m/ch to her han$mai$ .hen they came. 23hat $oe Eo/r Grace .ih to .ear61
ake$ Mian$ei.
Starlight and seafoam, 5any tho/ght- a wisp of silk that leaes m! left breast bare for
Daario/s delight+ Oh, and flowers for m! hair+ 3hen ,irt they met- the captain bro/ght her
,"o.er every $ay- a"" the .ay ,rom E/nkai to Meereen. 2Bring the grey "inen go.n .ith the
pear" on the bo$ice. Hh- an$ my .hite "ion4 pe"t.1 She a".ay ,e"t a,er .rappe$ in 5rogo4
"ionkin.
5aenery receive$ the captain on her terrace- eate$ on a carve$ tone bench beneath a pear
tree. A ha",(moon ,"oate$ in the ky above the city- atten$e$ by a tho/an$ tar. 5aario Nahari
entere$ .aggering. 7e swaggers een when he is standing still+ 7he captain .ore tripe$
panta"oon t/cke$ into high boot o, p/rp"e "eather- a .hite i"k hirt- a vet o, go"$en ring. #i
tri$ent bear$ .a p/rp"e- hi ,"amboyant m/tachio go"$- hi "ong c/r" eA/a" part o, both. Hn
one hip he .ore a ti"etto- on the other a 5othraki arakh+ 2Bright A/een-1 he ai$- 2yo/ have
gro.n more bea/ti,/" in my abence. #o. i thi thing poib"e61
7he A/een .a acc/tome$ to /ch praie- yet omeho. the comp"iment meant more coming
,rom 5aario than ,rom the "ike o, ReGnak- Laro- or #iG$ahr. 2Captain. 7hey te"" / yo/ $i$ /
goo$ ervice in ?haGar.1 I hae missed !ou so much+
2Eo/r captain "ive to erve hi cr/e" A/een.1
2Cr/e"61
Moon"ight g"immere$ in hi eye. 2#e race$ ahea$ o, a"" hi men to ee her ,ace the ooner-
on"y to be "e,t "ang/ihing .hi"t he ate "amb an$ ,ig .ith ome $rie$(/p o"$ .oman.1
#he! neer told me !ou were here, 5any tho/ght- or I might hae pla!ed the fool and sent for
!ou at once+ 2& .a /pping .ith the Green Grace.1 &t eeme$ bet not to mention #iG$ahr. 2&
ha$ /rgent nee$ o, her .ie co/ne".1
2& have on"y one /rgent nee$' 5aenery.1
2Sha"" & en$ ,or ,oo$6 Eo/ m/t be h/ngry.1
2& have not eaten in t.o $ay- b/t no. that & am here- it i eno/gh ,or me to ,eat /pon yo/r
bea/ty.1
2My bea/ty .i"" not ,i"" /p yo/r be""y.1 She p"/cke$ $o.n a pear an$ toe$ it at him. 2Cat
thi.1
2&, my A/een comman$ it.1 #e took a bite o, the pear- hi go"$ tooth g"eaming. !/ice ran
$o.n into hi p/rp"e bear$.
7he gir" in her .ante$ to ki him o m/ch it h/rt. 7is kisses would be hard and cruel, he
to"$ here",- and he would not care if I cried out or commanded him to stop+ B/t the A/een in her
kne. that .o/"$ be ,o""y. 27e"" me o, yo/r =o/rney.1
#e gave a care"e hr/g. 27he E/nkai4i ent ome hire$ .or$ to c"oe the >hyGai 9a.
7he ?ong ?ance- they name theme"ve. 3e $ecen$e$ on them in the night an$ ent a ,e. to
he"". &n ?haGar & "e. t.o o, my o.n er=eant ,or p"otting to tea" the gem an$ go"$ p"ate my
A/een ha$ entr/te$ to me a gi,t ,or the ?amb Men. C"e.ie- a"" .ent a & ha$ promie$.1
2#o. many men $i$ yo/ "oe in the ,ighting61
2Nine-1 ai$ 5aario- 2b/t a $oGen o, the ?ong ?ance $eci$e$ they .o/"$ ooner be
Stormcro. than corpe- o .e came o/t three ahea$. & to"$ them they .o/"$ "ive "onger
,ighting .ith yo/r $ragon than againt them- an$ they a. the .i$om in my .or$.1
7hat ma$e her .ary. 27hey might be pying ,or E/nkai.1
27hey are too t/pi$ to be pie. Eo/ $o not kno. them.1
2Neither $o yo/. 5o yo/ tr/t them61
2& tr/t a"" my men. !/t a ,ar a & can pit.1 #e pat o/t a ee$ an$ mi"e$ at her /picion.
2Sha"" & bring their hea$ to yo/6 & .i""- i, yo/ comman$ it. Hne i ba"$ an$ t.o have brai$ an$
one $ye hi bear$ ,o/r $i,,erent co"or. 3hat py .o/"$ .ear /ch a bear$- & ak yo/6 7he
"inger can p/t a tone thro/gh a gnat4 eye at ,orty pace- an$ the /g"y one ha a .ay .ith
hore- b/t i, my A/een ay that they m/t $ie81
2& $i$ not ay that. & on"y8 ee that yo/ keep yo/r eye on them- that4 a"".1 She ,e"t ,oo"ih
aying it. She a".ay ,e"t a "itt"e ,oo"ih .hen he .a .ith 5aario. 1awk! and girlish and slow(
witted+ What must he think of me6 She change$ the /b=ect. 23i"" the ?amb Men en$ / ,oo$61
2Grain .i"" come $o.n the SkahaGa$han by barge- my A/een- an$ other goo$ by caravan
over the >hyGai.1
2Not the SkahaGa$han. 7he river ha been c"oe$ to /. 7he ea a .e"". Eo/ .i"" have een
the hip o/t in the bay. 7he Dartheen have $riven o,, a thir$ o, o/r ,ihing ,"eet an$ eiGe$
another thir$. 7he other are too ,rightene$ to "eave port. 3hat "itt"e tra$e .e ti"" ha$ ha been
c/t o,,.1
5aario toe$ a.ay the pear tem. 2Dartheen have mi"k in their vein. ?et them ee yo/r
$ragon- an$ they4"" r/n.1
5any $i$ not .ant to ta"k abo/t the $ragon. +armer ti"" came to her co/rt .ith b/rne$
bone- comp"aining o, miing heep- tho/gh 5rogon ha$ not ret/rne$ to the city. Some reporte$
eeing him north o, the river- above the gra o, the 5othraki ea. 5o.n in the pit- %ierion ha$
nappe$ one o, hi chainI he an$ Rhaega" gre. more avage every $ay. Hnce the iron $oor ha$
g"o.e$ re$(hot- her Fn/""ie$ to"$ her- an$ no one $are$ to to/ch them ,or a $ay. 2Atapor i
/n$er iege a .e"".1
27hi & kne.. Hne o, the ?ong ?ance "ive$ "ong eno/gh to te"" / that men .ere eating one
another in the Re$ City. #e ai$ Meereen4 t/rn .o/"$ come oon- o & c/t hi tong/e o/t an$
,e$ it to a ye""o. $og. No $og .i"" eat a "iar4 tong/e. 3hen the ye""o. $og ate hi- & kne. he
poke the tr/th.1
2& have .ar ini$e the city too.1 She to"$ him o, the #arpy4 Son an$ the BraGen Beat- o,
b"oo$ /pon the brick. 2My enemie are a"" aro/n$ me- .ithin the city an$ .itho/t.1
2Attack-1 he ai$ at once. 2A man /rro/n$e$ by ,oe cannot $e,en$ hime",. 7ry- an$ the a:e
.i"" take yo/ in the back .hi"t yo/ are parrying the .or$. No. 3hen ,ace$ .ith many enemie-
chooe the .eaket- ki"" him- ri$e over him- an$ ecape.1
23here ho/"$ & ecape to61
2&nto my be$. &nto my arm. &nto my heart.1 7he hi"t o, 5aario4 arakh an$ ti"etto .ere
.ro/ght in the hape o, go"$en .omen- nake$ an$ .anton. #e br/he$ hi th/mb acro them
in a .ay that .a remarkab"y obcene an$ mi"e$ a .icke$ mi"e.
5any ,e"t b"oo$ r/hing to her ,ace. &t .a a"mot a i, he .ere careing her. Would he think
me wanton too if I pulled him into bed6 #e ma$e her .ant to be hi .anton. I should neer see
him alone+ 7e is too dangerous to hae near me+ 27he Green Grace ay that & m/t take a
Ghicari king-1 he ai$- ,"/tere$. 2She /rge me to .e$ the nob"e #iG$ahr Go ?oraA.1
27hat one61 5aario ch/ck"e$. 23hy not Grey 3orm- i, yo/ .ant a e/n/ch in yo/r be$6 5o
yo/ want a king61
I want !ou+ 2& .ant peace. & gave #iG$ahr ninety $ay to en$ the ki""ing. &, he $oe- & .i""
take him ,or a h/ban$.1
27ake me ,or yo/r h/ban$. & .i"" $o it in nine.1
&ou know I cannot do that, he a"mot ai$. 2Eo/ are ,ighting ha$o. .hen yo/ ho/"$ be
,ighting the men .ho cat them-1 5aario .ent on. 2>i"" them a"" an$ take their trea/re- & ay.
3hiper the comman$- an$ yo/r 5aario .i"" make yo/ a pi"e o, their hea$ ta""er than thi
pyrami$.1
2&, & kne. .ho they .ere@1
2Khak an$ 9ah" an$ MerreA. 7hem- an$ a"" the ret. 7he Great Mater. 3ho e"e .o/"$ it
be61
7e is as bold as he is blood!+ 23e have no proo, thi i their .ork. 3o/"$ yo/ have me
"a/ghter my o.n /b=ect61
2Eo/r o.n /b=ect .o/"$ g"a$"y "a/ghter yo/.1
#e ha$ been o "ong a.ay- 5any ha$ a"mot ,orgotten .hat he .a. Se"".or$ .ere
treachero/ by nat/re- he remin$e$ here",. Fickle, faithless, brutal+ 7e will neer be more than
he is+ 7e will neer be the stuff of kings+ 27he pyrami$ are trong-1 he e:p"aine$ to him. 23e
co/"$ take them on"y at great cot. 7he moment .e attack one the other .i"" rie againt /.1
27hen .ink"e them o/t o, their pyrami$ on ome prete:t. A .e$$ing might erve. 3hy not6
9romie yo/r han$ to #iG$ahr an$ a"" the Great Mater .i"" come to ee yo/ marrie$. 3hen
they gather in the 7emp"e o, the Grace- t/rn / "ooe /pon them.1
5any .a appa""e$. 7e is a monster+ A gallant monster, but a monster still+ 25o yo/ take me
,or the B/tcher >ing61
2Better the b/tcher than the meat. A"" king are b/tcher. Are A/een o $i,,erent61
27hi A/een i.1
5aario hr/gge$. 2Mot A/een have no p/rpoe b/t to .arm ome king4 be$ an$ pop o/t
on ,or him. &, that4 the ort o, A/een yo/ mean to be- bet marry #iG$ahr.1
#er anger ,"ahe$. 2#ave yo/ ,orgotten .ho & am61
2No. #ave yo/61
.iser!s would hae his head off for that insolence+ 2& am the b"oo$ o, the $ragon. 5o not
pre/me to teach me "eon.1 3hen 5any too$- the "ion pe"t "ippe$ ,rom her ho/"$er an$
t/mb"e$ to the gro/n$. 2?eave me.1
5aario gave her a .eeping bo.. 2& "ive to obey.1
3hen he .a gone- 5aenery ca""e$ Ser Barritan back. 2& .ant the Stormcro. back in the
,ie"$.1
2Eo/r Grace6 7hey have on"y no. ret/rne$81
2& .ant them gone+ ?et them co/t the E/nkih hinter"an$ an$ give protection to any
caravan coming over the >hyGai 9a. #ence,orth 5aario ha"" make hi report to yo/. Give
him every honor that i $/e him an$ ee that hi men are .e"" pai$- b/t on no acco/nt a$mit him
to my preence.1
2A yo/ ay- Eo/r Grace.1
7hat night he co/"$ not "eep b/t t/rne$ an$ t.ite$ ret"e"y in her be$. She even .ent o
,ar a to /mmon &rri- hoping her caree might he"p eae her .ay to ret- b/t a,ter a hort .hi"e
he p/he$ the 5othraki gir" a.ay. &rri .a .eet an$ o,t an$ .i""ing- b/t he .a not 5aario.
What hae I done6 he tho/ght- h/$$"e$ in her empty be$. I hae waited so long for him to
come back, and I send him awa!+ 2#e .o/"$ make a monter o, me-1 he .hipere$- 2a b/tcher
A/een.1 B/t then he tho/ght o, 5rogon ,ar a.ay- an$ the $ragon in the pit. #here is blood on
m! hands too, and on m! heart+ We are not so different, Daario and I+ We are both monsters+
Cersei
It .a a "o. c"imb to the top o, %ienya4 #i"". A the hore "abore$ /p.ar$- the A/een
"eane$ back againt a p"/mp re$ c/hion. +rom o/ti$e came the voice o, Ser Hm/n$
>ett"eb"ack. 4*ake wa!+ %lear the street+ *ake wa! for 7er 1race the 3ueen+5
2Margaery does keep a "ive"y co/rt-1 ?a$y Merry.eather .a aying. 23e have =/gg"er-
m/mmer- poet- p/ppet81
2Singer61 prompte$ Cerei.
2Many an$ more- Eo/r Grace. #amih the #arper p"ay ,or her once a ,ortnight- an$
ometime A"aric o, Cyen .i"" entertain / o, an evening- b/t the B"/e Bar$ i her ,avorite.1
Cerei reca""e$ the bar$ ,rom 7ommen4 .e$$ing. &oung, and fair to look upon+ %ould there
be something there6 27here are other men a .e""- & hear. >night an$ co/rtier. A$mirer. 7e""
me tr/e- my "a$y. 5o yo/ think Margaery i ti"" a mai$en61
2She ay he i- Eo/r Grace.1
2So he $oe. 3hat $o yo/ ay61
7aena4 b"ack eye park"e$ .ith michie,. 23hen he .e$ ?or$ Ren"y at #ighgar$en- &
he"pe$ $irobe him ,or the be$$ing. #i "or$hip .a a .e""(ma$e man- an$ "/ty. & a. the
proo, .hen .e t/mb"e$ him into the .e$$ing be$ .here hi bri$e a.aite$ him a nake$ a her
name $ay- b"/hing pretti"y beneath the cover"et. Ser ?ora ha$ carrie$ her /p the tep hime",.
Margaery may ay that the marriage .a never con/mmate$- that ?or$ Ren"y ha$ $r/nk too
m/ch .ine at the .e$$ing ,eat- b/t & promie yo/- the bit bet.een hi "eg .a anything b/t
.eary .hen "at & a. it.1
25i$ yo/ chance to ee the marriage be$ the morning a,ter61 Cerei ake$. 25i$ he b"ee$61
2No heet .a ho.n- Eo/r Grace.1
A pit!+ Sti""- the abence o, a b"oo$y heet meant "itt"e- by ite",. Common peaant gir" b"e$
"ike pig /pon their .e$$ing night- he ha$ hear$- b/t that .a "e tr/e o, highborn mai$ "ike
Margaery 7yre"". A "or$4 $a/ghter .a more "ike to give her mai$enhea$ to a hore than a
h/ban$- it .a ai$- an$ Margaery ha$ been ri$ing ince he .a o"$ eno/gh to .a"k. 2&
/n$ertan$ the "itt"e A/een ha many a$mirer amongt o/r ho/eho"$ knight. 7he Re$.yne
t.in- Ser 7a""a$8 .ho e"e- pray te""61
?a$y Merry.eather gave a hr/g. 2Ser ?ambert- the ,oo" .ho hi$e a goo$ eye behin$ a
patch. Bayar$ Norcro. Co/rtenay Greenhi"". 7he brother 3oo$.right- ometime 9orti,er an$
o,ten ?/cantine. Hh- an$ Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e i a ,reA/ent viitor.1
29yce""e6 7r/"y61 #a$ that $o$$ering o"$ .orm ,oraken the "ion ,or the roe6 If so, he will
regret it+ 23ho e"e61
27he S/mmer &"an$er in hi ,eathere$ c"oak. #o. co/"$ & have ,orgotten him- .ith hi kin
a b"ack a ink6 Hther come to pay co/rt to her co/in. C"inor i promie$ to the Ambroe boy-
b/t "ove to ,"irt- an$ Megga ha a ne. /itor every ,ortnight. Hnce he kie$ a potboy in the
kitchen. & have hear$ ta"k o, her marrying ?a$y B/".er4 brother- b/t i, Megga .ere to chooe
,or here",- he .o/"$ ooner have Mark M/""en$ore- & am certain.1
Cerei "a/ghe$. 27he b/tter,"y knight .ho "ot hi arm on the B"ack.ater6 3hat goo$ i ha",
a man61
2Megga think him .eet. She ha ake$ ?a$y Margaery to he"p her ,in$ a monkey ,or him.1
2A monkey.1 7he A/een $i$ not kno. .hat to ay to that. Sparrows and monke!s+ #rul!, the
realm is going mad+ 23hat o, o/r brave Ser ?ora6 #o. o,ten $oe he ca"" /pon hi iter61
2More than any o, the other.1 3hen 7aena ,ro.ne$- a tiny creae appeare$ bet.een her $ark
eye. 2Cvery morn an$ every night he viit- /n"e $/ty inter,ere. #er brother i $evote$ to her-
they hare everything .ith8 oh81 +or a moment- the Myrih .oman "ooke$ a"mot hocke$.
7hen a mi"e prea$ acro her ,ace. 2& have ha$ a mot wicked tho/ght- Eo/r Grace.1
2Bet keep it to yo/re",. 7he hi"" i thick .ith parro.- an$ .e a"" kno. ho. parro.
abhor .icke$ne.1
2& have hear$ they abhor oap an$ .ater too- Eo/r Grace.1
29erhap too m/ch prayer rob a man o, hi ene o, me"". & ha"" be /re to ak #i #igh
#o"ine.1
7he $raperie .aye$ back an$ ,orth in a .ah o, crimon i"k. 2Hrton to"$ me that the #igh
Septon ha no name-1 ?a$y 7aena ai$. 2Can that be tr/e6 &n Myr .e a"" have name.1
2Hh- he ha$ a name once+ 7hey a"" $o.1 7he A/een .ave$ a han$ $imiive"y. 2Cven epton
born o, nob"e b"oo$ go on"y by their given name once they have taken their vo.. 3hen one o,
them i e"evate$ to 7igh Septon- he p/t ai$e that name a .e"". 7he +aith .i"" te"" yo/ he no
"onger ha any nee$ o, a man4 name- ,or he ha become the avatar o, the go$.1
2#o. $o yo/ $iting/ih one #igh Septon ,rom another61
23ith $i,,ic/"ty. Hne ha to ay- Jthe ,at one-4 or Jthe one be,ore the ,at one-4 or Jthe o"$ one
.ho $ie$ in hi "eep.4 Eo/ can a".ay .ink"e o/t their birth name i, yo/ "ike- b/t they take
/mbrage i, yo/ /e them. &t remin$ them that they .ere born or$inary men- an$ they $o not "ike
that.1
2My "or$ h/ban$ te"" me thi ne. one .a born .ith ,i"th beneath hi ,ingernai".1
2So & /pect. A a r/"e the Mot 5evo/t e"evate one o, their o.n- b/t there have been
e:ception.1 Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e ha$ in,orme$ her o, the hitory- at te$io/ "ength. 25/ring
the reign o, >ing Bae"or the B"ee$ a imp"e tonemaon .a choen a #igh Septon. #e
.orke$ tone o bea/ti,/""y that Bae"or $eci$e$ he .a the Smith reborn in morta" ,"eh. 7he
man co/"$ neither rea$ nor .rite- nor reca"" the .or$ o, the imp"et o, prayer.1 Some ti""
c"aime$ that Bae"or4 #an$ ha$ the man poione$ to pare the rea"m embarrament. 2A,ter that
one $ie$- an eight(year(o"$ boy .a e"evate$- once more at >ing Bae"or4 /rging. 7he boy
.orke$ mirac"e- #i Grace $ec"are$- tho/gh even hi "itt"e hea"ing han$ co/"$ not ave Bae"or
$/ring hi ,ina" ,at.1
?a$y Merry.eather gave a "a/gh. 2Cight year o"$6 9erhap my on co/"$ be #igh Septon.
#e i a"mot even.1
25oe he pray a "ot61 the A/een ake$.
2#e pre,er to p"ay .ith .or$.1
2A rea" boy- then. Can he name a"" even go$61
2& think o.1
2& ha"" have to take him /n$er coni$eration.1 Cerei $i$ not $o/bt that there .ere any
n/mber o, boy .ho .o/"$ $o more honor to the cryta" cro.n than the .retch on .hom the
Mot 5evo/t ha$ choen to beto. it. #his is what comes of letting fools and cowards rule
themseles+ 2e8t time, I will choose their master for them+ An$ the ne:t time might not be "ong
in coming- i, the ne. #igh Septon contin/e$ to annoy her. Bae"or4 #an$ ha$ "itt"e to teach
Cerei ?anniter .here /ch matter .ere concerne$.
2C"ear the .ay01 Ser Hm/n$ >ett"eb"ack .a ho/ting. 2Make .ay ,or the D/een4 Grace01
7he "itter began to "o.- .hich co/"$ on"y mean that they .ere near the top o, the hi"". 2Eo/
ho/"$ bring thi on o, yo/r to co/rt-1 Cerei to"$ ?a$y Merry.eather. 2Si: i not too yo/ng.
7ommen nee$ other boy abo/t him. 3hy not yo/r on61 !o,,rey ha$ never ha$ a c"oe ,rien$
o, hi o.n age- that he reca""e$. #he poor bo! was alwa!s alone+ I had -aime when I was a
child= and *elara, until she fell into the well+ !o,, ha$ been ,on$ o, the #o/n$- to be /re- b/t
that .a not ,rien$hip. #e .a "ooking ,or the ,ather he never ,o/n$ in Robert. A little foster
brother might be 9ust what #ommen needs to wean him awa! from *argaer! and her hens+ &n
time they might gro. a c"oe a Robert an$ hi boyhoo$ ,rien$ Ne$ Stark. A fool, but a lo!al
fool+ #ommen will hae need of lo!al friends to watch his back+
2Eo/r Grace i kin$- b/t R/e"" ha never kno.n any home b/t ?ongtab"e. & ,ear he .o/"$
be "ot in thi great city.1
2&n the beginning-1 the A/een a""o.e$- 2b/t he .i"" oon o/tgro. that- a & $i$. 3hen my
,ather ent ,or me to co/rt & .ept an$ !aime rage$- /nti" my a/nt at me $o.n in the
StoneGar$en an$ to"$ me there .a no one in >ing4 ?an$ing that & nee$ ever ,ear. JEo/ are a
"ione-4 he ai$- Jan$ it i ,or a"" the "eer beat to ,ear yo/.4 Eo/r on .i"" ,in$ hi co/rage
too. S/re"y yo/ .o/"$ pre,er to have him c"oe at han$- .here yo/ co/"$ ee him every $ay6 #e
i yo/r on"y chi"$- i he not61
2+or the preent. My "or$ h/ban$ ha ake$ the go$ to b"e / .ith another on- in cae81
2& kno..1 She tho/ght o, !o,,rey- c"a.ing at hi neck. &n hi "at moment he ha$ "ooke$ to
her in $eperate appea"- an$ a /$$en memory ha$ toppe$ her heartI a $rop o, re$ b"oo$ hiing
in a can$"e ,"ame- a croaking voice that poke o, cro.n an$ hro/$- o, $eath at the han$ o, the
alon3ar+
H/ti$e the "itter- Ser Hm/n$ .a ho/ting omething- an$ omeone .a ho/ting back. 7he
"itter =erke$ to a ha"t. 2Are yo/ a"" $ea$61 roare$ >ett"eb"ack. 41et out of the blood! wa!;5
7he A/een p/""e$ back a corner o, the c/rtain an$ beckone$ to Ser Meryn 7rant. 23hat eem
to be the tro/b"e61
27he parro.- Eo/r Grace.1 Ser Meryn .ore .hite ca"e armor beneath hi c"oak. #i he"m
an$ hie"$ .ere "/ng ,rom hi a$$"e. 2Camping in the treet. 3e4"" make them move.1
25o that- b/t gent"y. & $o not care to be ca/ght /p in another riot.1 Cerei "et the c/rtain ,a"".
27hi i ab/r$.1
2&t i- Eo/r Grace-1 ?a$y Merry.eather agree$. 27he #igh Septon ho/"$ have come to yo/.
An$ thee .retche$ parro.81
2#e ,ee$ them- co$$"e them- blesses them. Eet .i"" not b"e the king.1 7he b"eing .a an
empty rit/a"- he kne.- b/t rit/a" an$ ceremonie ha$ po.er in the eye o, the ignorant. Aegon
the ConA/eror hime", ha$ $ate$ the tart o, hi rea"m ,rom the $ay the #igh Septon anointe$
him in H"$to.n. 27hi .retche$ priet .i"" obey- or "earn ho. .eak an$ h/man he ti"" i.1
2Hrton ay it i the go"$ he rea""y .ant. 7hat he mean to .ithho"$ hi b"eing /nti" the
cro.n re/me it payment.1
27he +aith .i"" have it go"$ a oon a .e have peace.1 Septon 7orbert an$ Septon Raynar$
ha$ been mot /n$ertan$ing o, her p"ight8 /n"ike the .retche$ Braavoi- .ho ha$ ho/n$e$
poor ?or$ Gy"e o merci"e"y that he ha$ taken to hi be$- co/ghing /p b"oo$. We had to hae
those ships+ She co/"$ not re"y /pon the Arbor ,or her navyI the Re$.yne .ere too c"oe to the
7yre"". She nee$e$ her o.n trength at ea.
7he $romon$ riing on the river .o/"$ give her that. #er ,"aghip .o/"$ $ip t.ice a many
oar a ,ing )obert/s 7ammer+ A/rane ha$ ake$ her "eave to name her "ord #!win, .hich
Cerei ha$ been p"eae$ to grant. She "ooke$ ,or.ar$ to hearing men peak o, her ,ather a a
2he.1 Another o, the hip .o/"$ be name$ Sweet %ersei, an$ .o/"$ bear a gi"$e$ ,ig/rehea$
carve$ in her "ikene- c"a$ in mai" an$ "ion he"m- .ith pear in han$. Brae -offre!, "ad!
-oanna, an$ "ioness .o/"$ ,o""o. her to ea- a"ong .ith :ueen *argaer!, 1olden )ose, "ord
)enl!, "ad! Olenna, an$ $rincess *!rcella+ 7he A/een ha$ ma$e the mitake o, te""ing 7ommen
he might name the "at ,ive. #e ha$ act/a""y choen *oon Bo! ,or one. Hn"y .hen ?or$ A/rane
/ggete$ that men might not .ant to erve on a hip name$ ,or a ,oo" ha$ the boy re"/ctant"y
agree$ to honor hi iter intea$.
2&, thi ragge$ epton think to make me bu! 7ommen4 b"eing- he .i"" oon "earn better-1
he to"$ 7aena. 7he A/een $i$ not inten$ to tr/ck"e to a pack o, priet.
7he "itter ha"te$ yet again- o /$$en"y that Cerei =erke$. 2Hh- thi i in,/riating.1 She "eane$
o/t once more- an$ a. that they ha$ reache$ the top o, %ienya4 #i"". Ahea$ "oome$ the Great
Sept o, Bae"or- .ith it magni,icent $ome an$ even hining to.er- b/t bet.een her an$ the
marb"e tep "ay a /""en ea o, h/manity- bro.n an$ ragge$ an$ /n.ahe$. Sparrows, he
tho/ght- ni,,ing- tho/gh no parro. ha$ ever me""e$ o rank.
Cerei .a appa""e$. Dyb/rn ha$ bro/ght her report o, their n/mber- b/t hearing abo/t them
.a one thing an$ eeing them another. #/n$re$ .ere encampe$ /pon the p"aGa- h/n$re$ more
in the gar$en. 7heir cook,ire ,i""e$ the air .ith moke an$ tink. Ro/ghp/n tent an$
mierab"e hove" ma$e o, m/$ an$ crap .oo$ bemirche$ the pritine .hite marb"e. 7hey .ere
even h/$$"e$ on the tep- beneath the Great Sept4 to.ering $oor.
Ser Hm/n$ came trotting back to her. Bei$e him ro$e Ser H,ry$- mo/nte$ on a ta""ion a
go"$en a hi c"oak. H,ry$ .a the mi$$"e >ett"eb"ack- A/ieter than hi ib"ing- more apt to
co." than mi"e. And crueler as well, if the tales are true+ $erhaps I should hae sent him to the
Wall+
Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e ha$ .ante$ an o"$er man 2more eaone$ in the .ay o, .ar1 to
comman$ the go"$ c"oak- an$ evera" o, her other co/nci""or ha$ agree$ .ith him. 2Ser H,ry$
i eaone$ A/ite /,,icient"y-1 he ha$ to"$ them- b/t even that $i$ not h/t them /p. #he! !ap
at me like a pack of small, anno!ing dogs+ #er patience .ith 9yce""e ha$ a"" b/t r/n it co/re.
#e ha$ even ha$ the temerity to ob=ect to her en$ing to 5orne ,or a mater(at(arm- on the
gro/n$ that it might o,,en$ the 7yre"". 23hy $o yo/ think &4m doing it61 he ha$ ake$ him
corn,/""y.
2Beg par$on- Eo/r Grace-1 ai$ Ser Hm/n$. 2My brother4 /mmoning more go"$ c"oak.
3e4"" c"ear a path- never ,ear.1
2& $o not have the time. & .i"" contin/e on a,oot.1
29"eae- Eo/r Grace.1 7aena ca/ght her arm. 27hey ,righten me. 7here are h/n$re$ o, them-
an$ o $irty.1
Cerei kie$ her cheek. 27he "ion $oe not ,ear the parro.8 b/t it i goo$ o, yo/ to care. &
kno. yo/ "ove me .e""- my "a$y. Ser Hm/n$- kin$"y he"p me $o.n.1
If I had known I was going to hae to walk, I would hae dressed for it+ She .ore a .hite
go.n "ahe$ .ith c"oth(o,(go"$- "acy b/t $em/re. &t ha$ been evera" year ince the "at time
he ha$ $onne$ it- an$ the A/een ,o/n$ it /ncom,ortab"y tight abo/t the mi$$"e. 2Ser Hm/n$-
Ser Meryn- yo/ .i"" accompany me. Ser H,ry$- ee that my "itter come to no harm.1 Some o,
the parro. "ooke$ ga/nt an$ ho""o.(eye$ eno/gh to eat her hore.
A he ma$e her .ay thro/gh the ragge$ throng- pat their cook,ire- .agon- an$ cr/$e
he"ter- the A/een ,o/n$ here", remembering another cro.$ that ha$ once gathere$ on thi
p"aGa. 7he $ay he .e$ Robert Baratheon- tho/an$ ha$ t/rne$ o/t to cheer ,or them. A"" the
.omen .ore their bet- an$ ha", the men ha$ chi"$ren on their ho/"$er. 3hen he ha$ emerge$
,rom ini$e the ept- han$ in han$ .ith the yo/ng king- the cro.$ ent /p a roar o "o/$ it co/"$
be hear$ in ?anniport. 27hey "ike yo/ .e""- my "a$y-1 Robert .hipere$ in her ear. 2See- every
,ace i mi"ing.1 +or that one hort moment he ha$ been happy in her marriage8 /nti" he
chance$ to g"ance at !aime. 2o- he remembere$ thinking- not eer! face, m! lord+
No one .a mi"ing no.. 7he "ook the parro. gave her .ere $/""- /""en- hoti"e. 7hey
ma$e .ay b/t re"/ctant"y. If the! were trul! sparrows, a shout would send them fl!ing+ A
hundred gold cloaks with staes and swords and maces could clear this rabble 3uick enough+
7hat .a .hat ?or$ 7y.in .o/"$ have $one. 7e would hae ridden oer them instead of
walking through+
3hen he a. .hat they ha$ $one to Bae"or the Be"ove$- the A/een ha$ ca/e to r/e her o,t
heart. 7he great marb"e tat/e that ha$ mi"e$ erene"y over the p"aGa ,or a h/n$re$ year .a
.ait($eep in a heap o, bone an$ k/"". Some o, the k/"" ha$ crap o, ,"eh ti"" c"inging to
them. A cro. at atop one /ch- en=oying a $ry- "eathery ,eat. +"ie .ere every.here. 23hat i
the meaning o, thi61 Cerei $eman$e$ o, the cro.$. 25o yo/ mean to b/ry B"ee$ Bae"or in a
mo/ntain o, carrion61
A one("egge$ man teppe$ ,or.ar$- "eaning on a .oo$en cr/tch. 2Eo/r Grace- thee are the
bone o, ho"y men an$ .omen- m/r$ere$ ,or their ,aith. Septon- epta- brother bro.n an$ $/n
an$ green- iter .hite an$ b"/e an$ grey. Some .ere hange$- ome $iembo.e"e$. Sept have
been $epoi"e$- mai$en an$ mother rape$ by go$"e men an$ $emon .orhiper. Cven i"ent
iter have been mo"ete$. 7he Mother Above crie o/t in her ang/ih. 3e have bro/ght their
bone here ,rom a"" over the rea"m- to bear .itne to the agony o, the #o"y +aith.1
Cerei co/"$ ,ee" the .eight o, eye /pon her. 27he king ha"" kno. o, thee atrocitie-1 he
an.ere$ o"emn"y. 27ommen .i"" hare yo/r o/trage. 7hi i the .ork o, Stanni an$ hi re$
.itch- an$ the avage northmen .ho .orhip tree an$ .o"ve.1 She raie$ her voice. 41ood
people, !our dead shall be aenged;5
A ,e. cheere$- b/t on"y a ,e.. 23e ak no vengeance ,or o/r $ea$-1 ai$ the one("egge$ man-
2on"y protection ,or the "iving. +or the ept an$ ho"y p"ace.1
27he &ron 7hrone m/t $e,en$ the +aith-1 gro."e$ a h/"king "o/t .ith a even(pointe$ tar
painte$ on hi bro.. 2A king .ho $oe not protect hi peop"e i no king at a"".1 M/tter o, aent
.ent /p ,rom thoe aro/n$ him. Hne man ha$ the temerity to grap Ser Meryn by the .rit- an$
ay- 2&t i time ,or a"" anointe$ knight to ,orake their .or"$"y mater an$ $e,en$ o/r #o"y
+aith. Stan$ .ith /- er- i, yo/ "ove the Seven.1
2Fnhan$ me-1 ai$ Ser Meryn- .renching ,ree.
2& hear yo/-1 Cerei ai$. 2My on i yo/ng- b/t he "ove the Seven .e"". Eo/ ha"" have hi
protection- an$ mine o.n.1
7he man .ith the tar /pon hi bro. .a not appeae$. 27he 3arrior .i"" $e,en$ /-1 he ai$-
2not thi ,at boy king.1
Meryn 7rant reache$ ,or hi .or$- b/t Cerei toppe$ him be,ore he co/"$ /nheathe it. She
ha$ on"y t.o knight ami$t a ea o, parro.. She a. tave an$ cythe- c/$ge" an$ c"/b-
evera" a:e. 2& .i"" have no b"oo$ he$ in thi ho"y p"ace- er.1 Wh! are all men such children6
%ut him down, and the rest will tear us limb from limb+ 23e are a"" the Mother4 chi"$ren. Come-
#i #igh #o"ine a.ait /.1 B/t a he ma$e her .ay thro/gh the pre to the tep o, the ept-
a gagg"e o, arme$ men teppe$ o/t to b"ock the $oor. 7hey .ore mai" an$ boi"e$ "eather- .ith
here an$ there a bit o, $inte$ p"ate. Some ha$ pear an$ ome ha$ "ong.or$. More ,avore$
a:e- an$ ha$ e.n re$ tar /pon their b"eache$ .hite /rcoat. 7.o ha$ the ino"ence to cro
their pear an$ bar her .ay.
2& thi ho. yo/ receive yo/r A/een61 he $eman$e$ o, them. 29ray- .here are Raynar$ an$
7orbert61 &t .a not "ike thoe t.o to mi a chance to ,a.n on her. 7orbert a".ay ma$e a ho.
o, getting $o.n on hi knee to .ah her ,eet.
2& $o not kno. the men yo/ peak o,-1 ai$ one o, the men .ith a re$ tar on hi /rcoat- 2b/t
i, they are o, the +aith- no $o/bt the Seven ha$ nee$ o, their ervice.1
2Septon Raynar$ an$ Septon 7orbert are o, the *ost Deout,1 Cerei ai$- 2an$ .i"" be
,/rio/ to "earn that yo/ obtr/cte$ me. 5o yo/ mean to $eny me entrance to Bae"or4 ho"y
ept61
2Eo/r Grace-1 ai$ a greybear$ .ith a toope$ ho/"$er. 2Eo/ are .e"come here- b/t yo/r
men m/t "eave their .or$be"t. No .eapon are a""o.e$ .ithin- by comman$ o, the #igh
Septon.1
2>night o, the >ingg/ar$ $o not et ai$e their .or$- not even in the preence o, the
king.1
2&n the king4 ho/e- the king4 .or$ m/t r/"e-1 rep"ie$ the age$ knight- 2b/t thi i the
ho/e o, the go$.1
Co"or roe to her cheek. Hne .or$ to Meryn 7rant- an$ the toop(backe$ greybear$ .o/"$ be
meeting hi go$ ooner than he might have "ike$. 2ot here, though+ 2ot now+ 23ait ,or me-1 he
to"$ the >ingg/ar$ c/rt"y. A"one- he c"imbe$ the tep. 7he pearmen /ncroe$ their pear.
7.o other men p/t their .eight againt the $oor- an$ .ith a great groan they ./ng apart.
&n the #a"" o, ?amp- Cerei ,o/n$ a core o, epton on their knee- b/t not in prayer. 7hey
ha$ pai" o, oap an$ .ater- an$ .ere cr/bbing at the ,"oor. 7heir ro/ghp/n robe an$ an$a"
"e$ Cerei to take them ,or parro.- /nti" one raie$ hi hea$. #i ,ace .a re$ a a beet- an$
there .ere broken b"iter on hi han$- b"ee$ing. 2Eo/r Grace.1
2Septon Raynar$61 7he A/een co/"$ carce be"ieve .hat he .a eeing. 23hat are yo/ $oing
on yo/r knee61
2#e i c"eaning the ,"oor.1 7he peaker .a horter than the A/een by evera" inche an$ a
thin a a broom han$"e. 23ork i a ,orm o, prayer- mot p"eaing to the Smith.1 #e too$- cr/b
br/h in han$. 2Eo/r Grace. 3e have been e:pecting yo/.1
7he man4 bear$ .a grey an$ bro.n an$ c"oe"y trimme$- hi hair tie$ /p in a har$ knot
behin$ hi hea$. 7ho/gh hi robe .ere c"ean- they .ere ,raye$ an$ patche$ a .e"". #e ha$
ro""e$ hi "eeve /p hi e"bo. a he cr/bbe$- b/t be"o. the knee the c"oth .a oake$ an$
o$$en. #i ,ace .a harp"y pointe$- .ith $eep(et eye a bro.n a m/$. 7is feet are bare, he
a. .ith $imay. 7hey .ere hi$eo/ a .e""- har$ an$ horny thing- thick .ith ca""/. 2Eo/ are
#i #igh #o"ine61
23e are.1
Father, gie me strength+ 7he A/een kne. that he ho/"$ knee"- b/t the ,"oor .a .et .ith
oap an$ $irty .ater an$ he $i$ not .ih to r/in her go.n. She g"ance$ over at the o"$ men on
their knee. 2& $o not ee my ,rien$ Septon 7orbert.1
2Septon 7orbert ha been con,ine$ to a penitent4 ce"" on brea$ an$ .ater. &t i in,/" ,or any
man to be o p"/mp .hen ha", the rea"m i tarving.1
Cerei ha$ /,,ere$ A/ite eno/gh ,or one $ay. She "et him ee her anger. 2& thi ho. yo/
greet me6 3ith a cr/b br/h in yo/r han$- $ripping .ater6 5o yo/ kno. .ho & am61
2Eo/r Grace i the D/een Regent o, the Seven >ing$om-1 the man ai$- 2b/t in #he Seen(
$ointed Star it i .ritten that a men bo. to their "or$- an$ "or$ to their king- o king an$
A/een m/t bo. be,ore the Seven 3ho Are Hne.1
Is he telling me to kneel6 &, o- he $i$ not kno. her very .e"". 2By right yo/ ho/"$ have met
me on the tep in yo/r ,inet robe- .ith the cryta" cro.n /pon yo/r hea$.1
23e have no cro.n- Eo/r Grace.1
#er ,ro.n $eepene$. 2My "or$ ,ather gave yo/r pre$eceor a cro.n o, rare bea/ty- .ro/ght
in cryta" an$ p/n go"$.1
2An$ ,or that gi,t .e honor him in o/r prayer-1 the #igh Septon ai$- 2b/t the poor nee$
,oo$ in their be""ie more than .e nee$ go"$ an$ cryta" on o/r hea$. 7hat cro.n ha been o"$.
So have the other in o/r va/"t- an$ a"" o/r ring- an$ o/r robe o, c"oth(o,(go"$ an$ c"oth(o,(
i"ver. 3oo" .i"" keep a man a .arm. 7hat i .hy the Seven gave / heep.1
7e is utterl! mad+ 7he Mot 5evo/t m/t have been ma$ a .e""- to e"evate thi creat/re8
ma$- or terri,ie$ o, the beggar at their $oor. Dyb/rn4 .hiperer c"aime$ that Septon ?/ceon
ha$ been nine vote ,rom e"evation .hen thoe $oor ha$ given .ay- an$ the parro. came
po/ring into the Great Sept .ith their "ea$er on their ho/"$er an$ their a:e in their han$.
She ,i:e$ the ma"" man .ith an icy tare. 2& there omep"ace .here .e may peak more
privi"y- Eo/r #o"ine61
7he #igh Septon /rren$ere$ hi cr/b br/h to one o, the Mot 5evo/t. 2&, Eo/r Grace .i""
,o""o. /61
#e "e$ her thro/gh the inner $oor- into the ept proper. 7heir ,oottep echoe$ o,, the marb"e
,"oor. 5/t mote .am in the beam o, co"ore$ "ight "anting $o.n thro/gh the "ea$e$ g"a o,
the great $ome. &ncene .eetene$ the air- an$ bei$e the even a"tar can$"e hone "ike tar. A
tho/an$ t.ink"e$ ,or the Mother an$ near a many ,or the Mai$- b/t yo/ co/"$ co/nt the
Stranger4 can$"e on t.o han$ an$ ti"" have ,inger "e,t.
Cven here the parro. ha$ inva$e$. A $oGen cr/,,y he$ge knight .ere knee"ing be,ore the
3arrior- beeeching him to b"e the .or$ they ha$ pi"e$ at hi ,eet. At the Mother4 a"tar- a
epton .a "ea$ing a h/n$re$ parro. in prayer- their voice a $itant a .ave /pon the hore.
7he #igh Septon "e$ Cerei to .here the Crone raie$ her "antern. 3hen he kne"t be,ore the
a"tar- he ha$ no choice b/t to knee" bei$e him. Merci,/""y- thi #igh Septon .a not a "ong(
.in$e$ a the ,at one ha$ been. I should be grateful for that much, I suppose+
#i #igh #o"ine ma$e no move to rie .hen hi prayer .a $one. &t .o/"$ eem they m/t
con,er /pon their knee. A small man/s plo!, he tho/ght- am/e$. 2#igh #o"ine-1 he ai$-
2thee parro. are ,rightening the city. & .ant them gone.1
23here ho/"$ they go- Eo/r Grace61
#here are seen hells, an! one of them will sere+ 2Back .here they came ,rom- & .o/"$
imagine.1
27hey came ,rom every.here. A the parro. i the h/mb"et an$ mot common o, the bir$-
they are the h/mb"et an$ mot common o, men.1
#he! are common, we agree on that much+ 2#ave yo/ een .hat they have $one to B"ee$
Bae"or4 tat/e6 7hey be,o/" the p"aGa .ith their pig an$ goat an$ night oi".1
2Night oi" can be .ahe$ a.ay more eai"y than b"oo$- Eo/r Grace. &, the p"aGa .a
be,o/"e$- it .a be,o/"e$ by the e:ec/tion that .a $one here.1
7e dares throw 2ed Stark in m! face6 23e a"" regret that. !o,,rey .a yo/ng- an$ not a .ie
a he might have been. ?or$ Stark ho/"$ have been behea$e$ e"e.here- o/t o, repect ,or
B"ee$ Bae"or8 b/t the man was a traitor- "et / not ,orget.1
2>ing Bae"or ,orgave thoe .ho conpire$ againt him.1
,ing Baelor imprisoned his own sisters, whose onl! crime was being beautiful+ 7he ,irt time
Cerei hear$ that ta"e- he ha$ gone to 7yrion4 n/rery an$ pinche$ the "itt"e monter ti"" he
crie$. I should hae pinched his nose shut and stuffed m! sock into his mouth+ She ,orce$ here",
to mi"e. 2>ing 7ommen .i"" ,orgive the parro. too- once they have ret/rne$ to their home.1
2Mot have "ot their home. S/,,ering i every.here8 an$ grie,- an$ $eath. Be,ore coming
to >ing4 ?an$ing- & ten$e$ to ha", a h/n$re$ "itt"e vi""age too ma"" to have a epton o, their
o.n. & .a"ke$ ,rom each one to the ne:t- per,orming marriage- abo"ving inner o, their in-
naming ne.born chi"$ren. 7hoe vi""age are no more- Eo/r Grace. 3ee$ an$ thorn gro.
.here gar$en once ,"o/rihe$- an$ bone "itter the roa$i$e.1
23ar i a $rea$,/" thing. 7hee atrocitie are the .ork o, the northmen- an$ o, ?or$ Stanni
an$ hi $emon(.orhiper.1
2Some o, my parro. peak o, ban$ o, "ion .ho $epoi"e$ them8 an$ o, the #o/n$- .ho
.a yo/r o.n .orn man. At Sa"tpan he "e. an age$ epton an$ $epoi"e$ a gir" o, t.e"ve- an
innocent chi"$ promie$ to the +aith. #e .ore hi armor a he rape$ her an$ her ten$er ,"eh .a
torn an$ cr/he$ by hi iron mai". 3hen he .a $one he gave her to hi men- .ho c/t o,, her
noe an$ nipp"e.1
2#i Grace cannot be he"$ reponib"e ,or the crime o, every man .ho ever erve$ #o/e
?anniter. San$or C"egane i a traitor an$ a br/te. 3hy $o yo/ think & $imie$ him ,rom o/r
ervice6 #e ,ight ,or the o/t"a. Beric 5on$arrion no.- not ,or >ing 7ommen.1
2A yo/ ay. Eet it m/t be ake$@.here .ere the king4 knight .hen thee thing .ere
being $one6 5i$ not !aehaery the Conci"iator once .ear /pon the &ron 7hrone ite", that the
cro.n .o/"$ a".ay protect an$ $e,en$ the +aith61
Cerei ha$ no i$ea .hat !aehaery the Conci"iator might have .orn. 2#e $i$-1 he agree$-
2an$ the #igh Septon b"ee$ him an$ anointe$ him a king. &t i tra$itiona" ,or every ne. #igh
Septon to give the king hi b"eing8 an$ yet yo/ have re,/e$ to b"e >ing 7ommen.1
2Eo/r Grace i mitaken. 3e have not re,/e$.1
2Eo/ have not come.1
27he ho/r i not yet ripe.1
Are !ou a priest or a greengrocer6 2An$ .hat might & $o to make it8 riper61 If he dares
mention gold, I will deal with this one as I did the last and find a pious eight(!ear(old to wear
the cr!stal crown+
27he rea"m i ,/"" o, king. +or the +aith to e:a"t one above the ret .e m/t be certain. 7hree
h/n$re$ year ago- .hen Aegon the 5ragon "an$e$ beneath thi very hi""- the #igh Septon
"ocke$ hime", .ithin the Starry Sept o, H"$to.n an$ praye$ ,or even $ay an$ even night-
taking no no/rihment b/t brea$ an$ .ater. 3hen he emerge$ he anno/nce$ that the +aith .o/"$
not oppoe Aegon an$ hi iter- ,or the Crone ha$ "i,te$ /p her "amp to ho. him .hat "ay
ahea$. &, H"$to.n took /p arm againt the 5ragon- H"$to.n .o/"$ b/rn- an$ the #ighto.er an$
the Cita$e" an$ the Starry Sept .o/"$ be cat $o.n an$ $etroye$. ?or$ #ighto.er .a a go$"y
man. 3hen he hear$ the prophecy- he kept hi trength at home an$ opene$ the city gate to
Aegon .hen he came. An$ #i #igh #o"ine anointe$ the ConA/eror .ith the even oi". & m/t
$o a he $i$- three h/n$re$ year ago. & m/t pray- an$ ,at.1
2+or even $ay an$ even night61
2+or a "ong a nee$ be.1
Cerei itche$ to "ap hi o"emn- pio/ ,ace. I could help !ou fast, he tho/ght. I could shut
!ou up in some tower and see that no one brings !ou food until the gods hae spoken+ 27hee
,a"e king epo/e ,a"e go$-1 he remin$e$ him. 2Hn"y >ing 7ommen $e,en$ the #o"y
+aith.1
2Eet every.here ept are b/rne$ an$ "oote$. Cven i"ent iter have been rape$- crying their
ang/ih to the ky. Eo/r Grace ha een the bone an$ k/"" o, o/r ho"y $ea$61
2& have-1 he ha$ to ay. 2Give 7ommen yo/r b"eing- an$ he ha"" p/t an en$ to thee
o/trage.1
2An$ ho. ha"" he $o that- Eo/r Grace6 3i"" he en$ a knight to .a"k the roa$ .ith every
begging brother6 3i"" he give / men to g/ar$ o/r epta againt the .o"ve an$ "ion61
I will pretend !ou did not mention lions+ 27he rea"m i at .ar. #i Grace ha nee$ o, every
man.1 Cerei $i$ not inten$ to A/an$er 7ommen4 trength p"aying .et n/re to parro.- or
g/ar$ing the .rink"e$ c/nt o, a tho/an$ o/r epta. 7alf of them are probabl! pra!ing for a
good raping+ 2Eo/r parro. have c"/b an$ a:e. ?et them $e,en$ theme"ve.1
2>ing Maegor4 "a. prohibit that- a Eo/r Grace m/t kno.. &t .a by hi $ecree that the
+aith "ai$ $o.n it .or$.1
27ommen i king no.- not Maegor.1 3hat $i$ he care .hat Maegor the Cr/e" ha$ $ecree$
three h/n$re$ year ago6 Instead of taking the swords out of the hands of the faithful, he should
hae used them for his own ends+ She pointe$ to .here the 3arrior too$ above hi a"tar o, re$
marb"e. 23hat i that he ho"$61
2A .or$.1
2#a he ,orgotten ho. to /e it61
2Maegor4 "a.@1
2@co/"$ be /n$one.1 She "et that hang there- .aiting ,or the #igh Sparro. to rie to the bait.
#e $i$ not $iappoint her. 27he +aith Mi"itant reborn8 that .o/"$ be the an.er to three
h/n$re$ year o, prayer- Eo/r Grace. 7he 3arrior .o/"$ "i,t hi hining .or$ again an$ c"eane
thi in,/" rea"m o, a"" it evi". &, #i Grace .ere to a""o. me to retore the ancient b"ee$ or$er
o, the S.or$ an$ Star- every go$"y man in the Seven >ing$om .o/"$ kno. him to be o/r tr/e
an$ right,/" "or$.1
7hat .a .eet to hear- b/t Cerei took care not to eem too eager. 2Eo/r #igh #o"ine
poke o, ,orgivene ear"ier. &n thee tro/b"e$ time- >ing 7ommen .o/"$ be mot grate,/" i,
yo/ co/"$ ee yo/r .ay to ,orgiving the cro.n4 $ebt. &t eem to me .e o.e the +aith ome
nine h/n$re$ tho/an$ $ragon.1
2Nine h/n$re$ tho/an$ i: h/n$re$ an$ eventy(,o/r $ragon. Go"$ that co/"$ ,ee$ the
h/ngry an$ reb/i"$ a tho/an$ ept.1
2& it go"$ yo/ .ant61 the A/een ake$. 2Hr $o yo/ .ant thee $/ty "a. o, Maegor4 et
ai$e61
7he #igh Septon pon$ere$ that a moment. 2A yo/ .ih. 7hi $ebt ha"" be ,orgiven- an$
>ing 7ommen .i"" have hi b"eing. 7he 3arrior4 Son ha"" ecort me to him- hining in the
g"ory o, their +aith- .hi"t my parro. go ,orth to $e,en$ the meek an$ h/mb"e o, the "an$-
reborn a 9oor +e""o. a o, o"$.1
7he A/een got to her ,eet an$ moothe$ her kirt. 2& ha"" have the paper $ra.n /p- an$ #i
Grace .i"" ign them an$ a,,i: them .ith the roya" ea".1 &, there .a one part o, kinghip that
7ommen "ove$- it .a p"aying .ith hi ea".
2Seven ave #i Grace. ?ong may he reign.1 7he #igh Septon ma$e a teep"e o, hi han$
an$ raie$ hi eye to heaven. 2?et the .icke$ tremb"e01
Do !ou hear that, "ord Stannis6 Cerei co/"$ not he"p b/t mi"e. Cven her "or$ ,ather co/"$
have $one no better. At a troke- he ha$ ri$ >ing4 ?an$ing o, the p"ag/e o, parro.- ec/re$
7ommen4 b"eing- an$ "eene$ the cro.n4 $ebt by c"oe to a mi""ion $ragon. #er heart .a
oaring a he a""o.e$ the #igh Septon to ecort her back to the #a"" o, ?amp.
?a$y Merry.eather hare$ the A/een4 $e"ight- tho/gh he ha$ never hear$ o, the 3arrior4
Son or the 9oor +e""o.. 27hey $ate ,rom be,ore Aegon4 ConA/et-1 Cerei e:p"aine$ to her.
27he 3arrior4 Son .ere an or$er o, knight .ho gave /p their "an$ an$ go"$ an$ .ore their
.or$ to #i #igh #o"ine. 7he 9oor +e""o.8 they .ere h/mb"er- tho/gh ,ar more
n/mero/. Begging brother o, a ort- tho/gh they carrie$ a:e intea$ o, bo.". 7hey .an$ere$
the roa$- ecorting trave"er ,rom ept to ept an$ to.n to to.n. 7heir ba$ge .a the even(
pointe$ tar- re$ on .hite- o the ma"",o"k name$ them Star. 7he 3arrior4 Son .ore rainbo.
c"oak an$ in"ai$ i"ver armor over hair hirt- an$ bore tar(hape$ cryta" in the pomme" o,
their "ong.or$. 7hey .ere the S.or$. #o"y men- acetic- ,anatic- orcerer- $ragon"ayer-
$emonh/nter8 there .ere many ta"e abo/t them. B/t a"" agree that they .ere imp"acab"e in
their hatre$ ,or a"" enemie o, the #o"y +aith.1
?a$y Merry.eather /n$ertoo$ at once. 2Cnemie /ch a ?or$ Stanni an$ hi re$ orcere-
perhap61
23hy- ye- a it happen-1 ai$ Cerei- gigg"ing "ike a gir". 2Sha"" .e broach a ,"agon o,
hippocra an$ $rink to the ,ervor o, the 3arrior4 Son on o/r .ay home61
27o the ,ervor o, the 3arrior4 Son an$ the bri""iance o, the D/een Regent. 7o Cerei- the
+irt o, #er Name01
7he hippocra .a a .eet an$ avory a Cerei4 tri/mph- an$ the A/een4 "itter eeme$
a"mot to ,"oat back acro the city. B/t at the bae o, Aegon4 #igh #i""- they enco/ntere$
Margaery 7yre"" an$ her co/in ret/rning ,rom a ri$e. She dogs me eer!where I go, Cerei
tho/ght .ith annoyance .hen he "ai$ eye on the "itt"e A/een.
Behin$ Margaery came a "ong tai" o, co/rtier- g/ar$- an$ ervant- many o, them "a$en .ith
baket o, ,reh ,"o.er. Cach o, her co/in ha$ an a$mirer in thra""I the gang"y A/ire A"yn
Ambroe ro$e .ith C"inor- to .hom he .a betrothe$- Ser 7a""a$ .ith hy A""a- one(arme$ Mark
M/""en$ore .ith Megga- p"/mp an$ "a/ghing. 7he Re$.yne t.in .ere ecorting t.o o,
Margaery4 other "a$ie- Mere$yth Crane an$ !anna +oo.ay. 7he .omen a"" .ore ,"o.er in
their hair. !a"abhar Lho ha$ attache$ hime", to the party too- a ha$ Ser ?ambert 7/rnberry .ith
hi eye patch- an$ the han$ome inger kno.n a the B"/e Bar$.
And of course a knight of the ,ingsguard must accompan! the little 3ueen, and of course it is
the ,night of Flowers+ &n .hite ca"e armor chae$ .ith go"$- Ser ?ora g"ittere$. 7ho/gh he no
"onger pre/me$ to train 7ommen at arm- the king ti"" pent ,ar too m/ch time in hi company.
Cvery time the boy ret/rne$ ,rom an a,ternoon .ith hi "itt"e .i,e- he ha$ ome ne. ta"e to te""
abo/t omething that Ser ?ora ha$ ai$ or $one.
Margaery hai"e$ them .hen the t.o co"/mn met an$ ,e"" in bei$e the A/een4 "itter. #er
cheek .ere ,"/he$- her bro.n ring"et t/mb"ing "ooe"y abo/t her ho/"$er- tirre$ by every
p/,, o, .in$. 23e have been picking a/t/mn ,"o.er in the king.oo$-1 he to"$ them.
I know where !ou were, the A/een tho/ght. #er in,ormer .ere very goo$ abo/t keeping her
apprie$ o, Margaery4 movement. Such a restless girl, our little 3ueen+ She e"$om "et more
than three $ay pa .itho/t going o,, ,or a ri$e. Some $ay they .o/"$ ri$e a"ong the Roby
roa$ to h/nt ,or he"" an$ eat bei$e the ea. Hther time he .o/"$ take her ento/rage acro
the river ,or an a,ternoon o, ha.king. 7he "itt"e A/een .a ,on$ o, going o/t on boat a .e""-
ai"ing /p an$ $o.n the B"ack.ater R/h to no partic/"ar p/rpoe. 3hen he .a ,ee"ing pio/
he .o/"$ "eave the cat"e to pray at Bae"or4 Sept. She gave her c/tom to a $oGen $i,,erent
eamtree- .a .e""(kno.n amongt the city4 go"$mith- an$ ha$ even been kno.n to viit
the ,ih market by the M/$ Gate ,or a "ook at the $ay4 catch. 3herever he .ent- the ma"",o"k
,a.ne$ on her- an$ ?a$y Margaery $i$ a"" he co/"$ to ,an their ar$or. She .a ,orever giving
a"m to beggar- b/ying hot pie o,, baker4 cart- an$ reining /p to peak to common tra$emen.
#a$ it been /p to her- he .o/"$ have ha$ 7ommen $oing a"" thee thing a .e"". She .a
,orever inviting him to accompany her an$ her hen on their a$vent/re- an$ the boy .a ,orever
p"ea$ing .ith hi mother ,or "eave to go a"ong. 7he A/een ha$ given her conent a ,e. time- i,
on"y to a""o. Ser Hney to pen$ a ,e. more ho/r in Margaery4 company. For all the good it
has done+ Osne! has proed a grieous disappointment+ 25o yo/ remember the $ay yo/r iter
ai"e$ ,or 5orne61 Cerei ake$ her on. 25o yo/ reca"" the mob ho."ing on o/r .ay back to the
cat"e6 7he tone- the c/re61
B/t the king .a $ea, to ene- thank to hi "itt"e A/een. 2&, .e ming"e .ith the common-
they .i"" "ove / better.1
27he mob "ove$ the ,at #igh Septon o .e"" they tore him "imb ,rom "imb- an$ him a ho"y
man-1 he remin$e$ him. A"" it $i$ .a make him /""en .ith her. -ust as *argaer! wants, I
wager+ 0er! da! in eer! wa! she tries to steal him from me+ !o,,rey .o/"$ have een thro/gh
her chemer4 mi"e an$ "et her kno. her p"ace- b/t 7ommen .a more g/""ib"e. She knew -off
was too strong for her, Cerei tho/ght- remembering the go"$ coin Dyb/rn ha$ ,o/n$. For
7ouse #!rell to hope to rule, he had to be remoed+ &t came back to her that Margaery an$ her
hi$eo/ gran$mother ha$ once p"otte$ to marry Sana Stark to the "itt"e A/een4 cripp"e$ brother
3i""a. ?or$ 7y.in ha$ ,oreta""e$ that by tea"ing a march on them an$ .e$$ing Sana to
7yrion- b/t the "ink ha$ been there. #he! are all in it together, he rea"iGe$ .ith a tart. #he
#!rells bribed the gaolers to free #!rion, and whisked him down the roseroad to 9oin his ile
bride+ B! now the both of them are safe in 7ighgarden, hidden awa! behind a wall of roses+
2Eo/ ho/"$ have come a"ong .ith /- Eo/r Grace-1 the "itt"e chemer pratt"e$ on a they
c"imbe$ the "ope o, Aegon4 #igh #i"". 23e co/"$ have ha$ /ch a "ove"y time together. 7he
tree are go.ne$ in go"$ an$ re$ an$ orange- an$ there are ,"o.er every.here. Chetn/t too.
3e roate$ ome on o/r .ay home.1
2& have no time ,or ri$ing thro/gh the .oo$ an$ picking ,"o.er-1 Cerei ai$. 2& have a
king$om to r/"e.1
2Hn"y one- Eo/r Grace6 3ho r/"e the other i:61 Margaery "a/ghe$ a merry "itt"e "a/gh.
2Eo/ .i"" ,orgive me my =et- & hope. & kno. .hat a b/r$en yo/ bear. Eo/ ho/"$ "et me hare
the "oa$. 7here m/t be ome thing & co/"$ $o to he"p yo/. &t .o/"$ p/t to ret a"" thi ta"k that
yo/ an$ & are riva" ,or the king.1
2& that .hat they ay61 Cerei mi"e$. 2#o. ,oo"ih. & have never "ooke$ /pon yo/ a a riva"-
not even ,or a moment.1
2& am o p"eae$ to hear that.1 7he gir" $i$ not eem to rea"iGe that he ha$ been c/t. 2Eo/
an$ 7ommen m/t come .ith / the ne:t time. & kno. #i Grace .o/"$ "ove it. 7he B"/e Bar$
p"aye$ ,or /- an$ Ser 7a""a$ ho.e$ / ho. to ,ight .ith a ta,, the .ay the ma"",o"k $o. 7he
.oo$ are o bea/ti,/" in a/t/mn.1
2My "ate h/ban$ "ove$ the ,oret too.1 &n the ear"y year o, their marriage- Robert .a
,orever imp"oring her to h/nt .ith him- b/t Cerei ha$ a".ay begge$ o,,. #i h/nting trip
a""o.e$ her time .ith !aime. 1olden da!s and siler nights+ &t .a a $angero/ $ance that they
ha$ $ance$- to be /re. Cye an$ ear .ere every.here .ithin the Re$ >eep- an$ one co/"$
never be certain .hen Robert .o/"$ ret/rn. Someho. the peri" ha$ on"y erve$ to make their
time together that m/ch more thri""ing. 2Sti""- bea/ty can ometime mak $ea$"y $anger-1 he
.arne$ the "itt"e A/een. 2Robert "ot hi "i,e in the .oo$.1
Margaery mi"e$ at Ser ?oraI a .eet iter"y mi"e- ,/"" o, ,on$ne. 2Eo/r Grace i kin$ to
,ear ,or me- b/t my brother keep me .e"" protecte$.1
1o and hunt, Cerei ha$ /rge$ Robert- ha", a h/n$re$ time. *! brother keeps me well
protected+ She reca""e$ .hat 7aena ha$ to"$ her ear"ier- an$ a "a/gh came b/rting ,rom her "ip.
2Eo/r Grace "a/gh o pretti"y.1 ?a$y Margaery gave her a A/iGGica" mi"e. 2Might .e hare
the =et61
2Eo/ .i""-1 the A/een ai$. 2& promie yo/- yo/ .i"".1
THE &OST &ORD
&t should not hae taken this long, Gri,, to"$ hime", a he pace$ the $eck o, the Sh! *aid+
#a$ they "ot #a"$on a they ha$ 7yrion ?anniter6 Co/"$ the %o"antene have taken him6 I
should hae sent Duckfield with him+ #a"$on a"one co/"$ not be tr/te$I he ha$ prove$ that in
Se"hory .hen he "et the $.ar, ecape.
7he Sh! *aid .a tie$ /p in one o, the meaner ection o, the "ong- chaotic river,ront-
bet.een a "iting po"eboat that ha$ not "e,t the pier in year an$ the gai"y painte$ m/mmer4
barge. 7he m/mmer .ere a "o/$ an$ "ive"y "ot- a".ay A/oting peeche at each other an$ $r/nk
more o,t than not.
7he $ay .a hot an$ ticky- a a"" the $ay ha$ been ince they "e,t the Sorro.. A ,erocio/
o/thern /n beat $o.n /pon the cro.$e$ river,ront o, %o"on 7hery- b/t heat .a the "at an$
"eat o, Gri,,4 concern. 7he Go"$en Company .a encampe$ three mi"e o/th o, to.n- .e""
north o, .here he ha$ e:pecte$ them- an$ 7riarch Ma"aA/o ha$ come north .ith ,ive tho/an$
,oot an$ a tho/an$ hore to c/t them o,, ,rom the $e"ta roa$. 5aenery 7argaryen remaine$ a
.or"$ a.ay- an$ 7yrion ?anniter8 .e""- he co/"$ be mot any.here. &, the go$ .ere goo$-
?anniter4 evere$ hea$ .a ha",.ay back to >ing4 ?an$ing by no.- b/t more "ike the $.ar,
.a ha"e an$ .ho"e an$ ome.here c"oe- tinking $r/nk an$ p"otting ome ne. in,amy.
23here in the even he"" i #a"$on61 Gri,, comp"aine$ to ?a$y ?emore. 2#o. "ong ho/"$ it
take to b/y three hore61
She hr/gge$. 2My "or$- .o/"$n4t it be a,er to "eave the boy here aboar$ the boat61
2Sa,er- ye. 3ier- no. #e i a man gro.n no.- an$ thi i the roa$ that he .a born to .a"k.1
Gri,, ha$ no patience ,or thi A/ibb"ing. #e .a ick o, hi$ing- ick o, .aiting- ick o, ca/tion. I
do not hae time enough for caution+
23e have gone to great "ength to keep 9rince Aegon hi$$en a"" thee year-1 ?emore
remin$e$ him. 27he time .i"" come ,or him to .ah hi hair an$ $ec"are hime",- & kno.- b/t
that time i not no.. Not to a camp o, e"".or$.1
2&, #arry Strick"an$ mean him i""- hi$ing him on the Sh! *aid .i"" not protect him.
Strick"an$ ha ten tho/an$ .or$ at hi comman$. 3e have 5/ck. Aegon i a"" that co/"$ be
.ante$ in a prince. 7hey nee$ to ee that- Strick"an$ an$ the ret. 7hee are hi o.n men.1
2#i beca/e they4re bo/ght an$ pai$ ,or. 7en tho/an$ arme$ tranger- p"/ hanger(on an$
camp ,o""o.er. A"" it take i one to bring / a"" to r/in. &, #/gor4 hea$ .a .orth a "or$4
honor- ho. m/ch .i"" Cerei ?anniter pay ,or the right,/" heir to the &ron 7hrone6 Eo/ $o not
kno. thee men- my "or$. &t ha been a $oGen year ince yo/ "at ro$e .ith the Go"$en
Company- an$ yo/r o"$ ,rien$ i $ea$.1
Blackheart+ My"e 7oyne ha$ been o ,/"" o, "i,e the "at time Gri,, ha$ "e,t him- it .a har$
to accept that he .a gone. A golden skull atop a pole, and 7omeless 7arr! Strickland in his
place+ ?emore .a not .rong- he kne.. 3hatever their ire or their gran$ire might have been
back in 3etero be,ore their e:i"e- the men o, the Go"$en Company .ere e"".or$ no.- an$
no e"".or$ co/"$ be tr/te$. Cven o8
?at night he4$ $reamt o, Stoney Sept again. A"one- .ith .or$ in han$- he ran ,rom ho/e to
ho/e- mahing $o.n $oor- racing /p tair- "eaping ,rom roo, to roo,- a hi ear rang to the
o/n$ o, $itant be"". 5eep bronGe boom an$ i"ver chiming po/n$e$ thro/gh hi k/""- a
ma$$ening cacophony o, noie that gre. ever "o/$er /nti" it eeme$ a i, hi hea$ .o/"$
e:p"o$e.
Seventeen year ha$ come an$ gone ince the Batt"e o, the Be""- yet the o/n$ o, be""
ringing ti"" tie$ a knot in hi g/t. Hther might c"aim that the rea"m .a "ot .hen 9rince
Rhaegar ,e"" to Robert4 .arhammer on the 7ri$ent- b/t the Batt"e o, the 7ri$ent .o/"$ never
have been ,o/ght i, the gri,,in ha$ on"y "ain the tag there in Stoney Sept. #he bells tolled for
all of us that da!+ For Aer!s and his 3ueen, for 0lia of Dorne and her little daughter, for eer!
true man and honest woman in the Seen ,ingdoms+ And for m! siler prince+
27he p"an .a to revea" 9rince Aegon on"y .hen .e reache$ D/een 5aenery-1 ?emore .a
aying.
27hat .a .hen .e be"ieve$ the gir" .a coming .et. H/r $ragon A/een ha b/rne$ that
p"an to ah- an$ thank to that ,at ,oo" in 9ento- .e have grape$ the he($ragon by the tai" an$
b/rne$ o/r ,inger to the bone.1
2&""yrio co/"$ not have been e:pecte$ to kno. that the gir" .o/"$ chooe to remain at S"aver4
Bay.1
2No more than he kne. that the Beggar >ing .o/"$ $ie yo/ng- or that >ha" 5rogo .o/"$
,o""o. him into the grave. %ery "itt"e o, .hat the ,at man ha anticipate$ ha come to pa.1 Gri,,
"appe$ the hi"t o, hi "ong(.or$ .ith a g"ove$ han$. 2& have $ance$ to the ,at man4 pipe ,or
year- ?emore. 3hat ha it avai"e$ /6 7he prince i a man gro.n. #i time i@1
21riff,1 Ean$ry ca""e$ "o/$"y- above the c"anging o, the m/mmer4 be"". 2&t4 #a"$on.1
So it .a. 7he #a",maeter "ooke$ hot an$ be$ragg"e$ a he ma$e hi .ay a"ong the
.ater,ront to the ,oot o, the pier. S.eat ha$ "e,t $ark ring beneath the arm o, hi "ight "inen
robe- an$ he ha$ the ame o/r "ook on hi "ong ,ace a at Se"hory- .hen he ret/rne$ to the Sh!
*aid to con,e that the $.ar, .a gone. #e .a "ea$ing three hore- ho.ever- an$ that .a a""
that mattere$.
2Bring the boy-1 Gri,, to"$ ?emore. 2See that he4 rea$y.1
2A yo/ ay-1 he an.ere$- /nhappi"y.
So be it+ #e ha$ gro.n ,on$ o, ?emore- b/t that $i$ not mean he reA/ire$ her approva". #er
tak ha$ been to intr/ct the prince in the $octrine o, the +aith- an$ he ha$ $one that. No
amo/nt o, prayer .o/"$ p/t him on the &ron 7hrone- ho.ever. 7hat .a Gri,,4 tak. #e ha$
,ai"e$ 9rince Rhaegar once. #e .o/"$ not ,ai" hi on- not .hi"t "i,e remaine$ in hi bo$y.
#a"$on4 hore $i$ not p"eae him. 23ere thee the bet that yo/ co/"$ ,in$61 he comp"aine$
to the #a",maeter.
27hey .ere-1 ai$ #a"$on- in an irritate$ tone- 2an$ yo/ ha$ bet not ak .hat they cot /.
3ith 5othraki acro the river- ha", the pop/"ace o, %o"on 7hery ha $eci$e$ they .o/"$ ooner
be e"e.here- o hore,"eh gro. more e:penive every $ay.1
I should hae gone m!self+ A,ter Se"hory- he ha$ ,o/n$ it $i,,ic/"t to p/t the ame tr/t in
#a"$on a previo/"y. 7e let the dwarf beguile him with that glib tongue of his+ "et him wander
off into a whorehouse alone while he lingered like a mooncalf in the s3uare+ 7he brothe" keeper
ha$ inite$ that the "itt"e man ha$ been carrie$ o,, at .or$point- b/t Gri,, .a ti"" not /re he
be"ieve$ that. 7he &mp .a c"ever eno/gh to have conpire$ in hi o.n ecape. 7hi $r/nken
captor that the .hore poke o, co/"$ have been ome henchman in hi hire. I share the blame+
After the dwarf put himself between Aegon and the stone man, I let down m! guard+ I should
hae slit his throat the first time I laid e!es on him+
27hey .i"" $o .e"" eno/gh- & /ppoe-1 he to"$ #a"$on. 27he camp i on"y three mi"e o/th.1
7he Sh! *aid .o/"$ have gotten them there more A/ick"y- b/t he pre,erre$ to keep #arry
Strick"an$ ignorant o, .here he an$ the prince ha$ been. Nor $i$ he re"ih the propect o,
p"ahing thro/gh the ha""o. to c"imb ome m/$$y riverbank. 7hat ort o, entrance might
erve ,or a e"".or$ an$ hi on- b/t not ,or a great "or$ an$ hi prince.
3hen the "a$ emerge$ ,rom the cabin .ith ?emore by hi i$e- Gri,, "ooke$ him over
care,/""y ,rom hea$ to hee". 7he prince .ore .or$ an$ $agger- b"ack boot po"ihe$ to a high
heen- a b"ack c"oak "ine$ .ith b"oo$(re$ i"k. 3ith hi hair .ahe$ an$ c/t an$ ,reh"y $ye$ a
$eep- $ark b"/e- hi eye "ooke$ b"/e a .e"". At hi throat he .ore three h/ge A/are(c/t r/bie
on a chain o, b"ack iron- a gi,t ,rom Magiter &""yrio. )ed and black+ Dragon colors+ 7hat .a
goo$. 2Eo/ "ook a proper prince-1 he to"$ the boy. 2Eo/r ,ather .o/"$ be pro/$ i, he co/"$ ee
yo/.1
Eo/ng Gri,, ran hi ,inger thro/gh hi hair. 2& am ick o, thi b"/e $ye. 3e ho/"$ have
.ahe$ it o/t.1
2Soon eno/gh.1 Gri,, .o/"$ be g"a$ to go back to hi o.n tr/e co"or too- tho/gh hi once re$
hair ha$ gone to grey. #e c"appe$ the "a$ on the ho/"$er. 2Sha"" .e go6 Eo/r army a.ait yo/r
coming.1
2& "ike the o/n$ o, that. My army.1 A mi"e ,"ahe$ acro hi ,ace- then vanihe$. 2Are they-
tho/gh6 7hey4re e"".or$. Eo""o .arne$ me to tr/t no one.1
27here i .i$om in that-1 Gri,, a$mitte$. &t might have been $i,,erent i, B"ackheart ti""
comman$e$- b/t My"e 7oyne .a ,o/r year $ea$- an$ #ome"e #arry Strick"an$ .a a
$i,,erent ort o, man. #e .o/"$ not ay that to the boy- ho.ever. 7hat $.ar, ha$ a"rea$y p"ante$
eno/gh $o/bt in hi yo/ng hea$. 2Not every man i .hat he eem- an$ a prince epecia""y ha
goo$ ca/e to be .ary8 b/t go too ,ar $o.n that roa$- an$ the mitr/t can poion yo/- make
yo/ o/r an$ ,ear,/".1 ,ing Aer!s was one such+ B! the end, een )haegar saw that plain
enough+ 2Eo/ .o/"$ $o bet to .a"k a mi$$"e co/re. ?et men earn yo/r tr/t .ith "ea" ervice8
b/t .hen they $o- be genero/ an$ openhearte$.1
7he boy no$$e$. 2& .i"" remember.1
7hey gave the prince the bet o, the three hore- a big grey ge"$ing o pa"e that he .a
a"mot .hite. Gri,, an$ #a"$on ro$e bei$e him on "eer mo/nt. 7he roa$ ran o/th beneath the
high .hite .a"" o, %o"on 7hery ,or a goo$ ha", mi"e. 7hen they "e,t the to.n behin$- ,o""o.ing
the .in$ing co/re o, the Rhoyne thro/gh .i""o. grove an$ poppy ,ie"$ an$ pat a ta"" .oo$en
.in$mi"" .hoe b"a$e creake$ "ike o"$ bone a they t/rne$.
7hey ,o/n$ the Go"$en Company bei$e the river a the /n .a "o.ering in the .et. &t .a
a camp that even Arth/r 5ayne might have approve$ o,@compact- or$er"y- $e,enib"e. A $eep
$itch ha$ been $/g aro/n$ it- .ith harpene$ take ini$e. 7he tent too$ in ro.- .ith broa$
aven/e bet.een them. 7he "atrine ha$ been p"ace$ bei$e the river- o the c/rrent .o/"$ .ah
a.ay the .ate. 7he hore "ine .ere to the north- an$ beyon$ them- t.o $oGen e"ephant
graGe$ bei$e the .ater- p/""ing /p ree$ .ith their tr/nk. Gri,, g"ance$ at the great grey beat
.ith approva". #here is not a warhorse in all of Westeros that will stand against them+
7a"" batt"e tan$ar$ o, c"oth(o,(go"$ ,"appe$ atop "o,ty po"e a"ong the perimeter o, the
camp. Beneath them- arme$ an$ armore$ entrie .a"ke$ their ro/n$ .ith pear an$
crobo.- .atching every approach. Gri,, ha$ ,eare$ that the company might have gro.n "a:
/n$er #arry Strick"an$- .ho ha$ a".ay eeme$ more concerne$ .ith making ,rien$ than
en,orcing $icip"ineI b/t it .o/"$ eem hi .orrie ha$ been mip"ace$.
At the gate- #a"$on ai$ omething to the er=eant o, g/ar$- an$ a r/nner .a ent o,, to ,in$
a captain. 3hen he t/rne$ /p- he .a =/t a /g"y a the "at time Gri,, "ai$ eye on him. A big(
be""ie$- hamb"ing h/"k o, a man- the e"".or$ ha$ a eame$ ,ace cricroe$ .ith o"$ car.
#i right ear "ooke$ a i, a $og ha$ che.e$ on it an$ hi "e,t .a miing. 2#ave they ma$e !ou
a captain- +"o.er61 Gri,, ai$. 2& tho/ght the Go"$en Company ha$ tan$ar$.1
2&t4 .ore than that- yo/ b/gger-1 ai$ +rank"yn +"o.er. 27hey knighte$ me a .e"".1 #e
c"ape$ Gri,, by the ,orearm- p/""e$ him into a bone(cr/hing h/g. 2Eo/ "ook a.,/"- even ,or a
man4 been $ea$ a $oGen year. B"/e hair- i it6 3hen #arry ai$ yo/4$ be t/rning /p- & a"mot
hit mye",. An$ #a"$on- yo/ icy c/nt- goo$ to ee yo/ too. Sti"" have that tick /p yo/r are61
#e t/rne$ to Eo/ng Gri,,. 2An$ thi .o/"$ be81
2My A/ire. ?a$- thi i +rank"yn +"o.er.1
7he prince ackno."e$ge$ him .ith a no$. 2+"o.er i a batar$ name. Eo/4re ,rom the
Reach.1
2Aye. My mother .a a .aher.oman at Ci$er #a"" ti"" one o, mi"or$4 on rape$ her.
Make me a ort o4 bro.n app"e +oo.ay- the .ay & ee it.1 +"o.er .ave$ them thro/gh the
gate. 2Come .ith me. Strick"an$4 ca""e$ a"" the o,,icer to hi tent. 3ar co/nci". 7he b"oo$y
%o"antene are ratt"ing their pear an$ $eman$ing to kno. o/r intention.1
7he men o, the Go"$en Company .ere o/ti$e their tent- $icing- $rinking- an$ .atting a.ay
,"ie. Gri,, .on$ere$ ho. many o, them kne. .ho he .a. Few enough+ #wele !ears is a long
time+ Cven the men .ho4$ ri$$en .ith him might not recogniGe the e:i"e "or$ !on Connington o,
the ,iery re$ bear$ in the "ine$- c"ean(have$ ,ace an$ $ye$ b"/e hair o, the e"".or$ Gri,,. So
,ar a mot o, them .ere concerne$- Connington ha$ $r/nk hime", to $eath in ?y a,ter being
$riven ,rom the company in $igrace ,or tea"ing ,rom the .ar chet. 7he hame o, the "ie ti""
t/ck in hi cra.- b/t %ary ha$ inite$ it .a neceary. 23e .ant no ong abo/t the ga""ant
e:i"e-1 the e/n/ch ha$ tittere$- in that mincing voice o, hi. 27hoe .ho $ie heroic $eath are
"ong remembere$- thieve an$ $r/nk an$ craven oon ,orgotten.1
What does a eunuch know of a man/s honor6 Gri,, ha$ gone a"ong .ith the Spi$er4 cheme
,or the boy4 ake- b/t that $i$ not mean he "ike$ it any better. "et me lie long enough to see the
bo! sit the Iron #hrone, and .ar!s will pa! for that slight and so much more+ #hen we/ll see
who/s soon forgotten+
7he captain(genera"4 tent .a ma$e o, c"oth(o,(go"$ an$ /rro/n$e$ by a ring o, pike
toppe$ .ith gi"$e$ k/"". Hne k/"" .a "arger than the ret- groteA/e"y ma",orme$. Be"o. it
.a a econ$- no "arger than a chi"$4 ,it. *ael!s the *onstrous and his nameless brother+ 7he
other k/"" ha$ a amene to them- tho/gh evera" ha$ been cracke$ an$ p"intere$ by the
b"o. that ha$ "ain them- an$ one ha$ ,i"e$- pointe$ teeth. 23hich one i My"e61 Gri,, ,o/n$
hime", aking.
27here. Hn the en$.1 +"o.er pointe$. 23ait. &4"" go anno/nce yo/.1 #e "ippe$ ini$e the
tent- "eaving Gri,, to contemp"ate the gi"$e$ k/"" o, hi o"$ ,rien$. &n "i,e- Ser My"e 7oyne ha$
been /g"y a in. #i ,amo/ ,orebear- the $ark an$ $ahing 7errence 7oyne o, .hom the inger
ang- ha$ been o ,air o, ,ace that even the king4 mitre co/"$ not reit himI b/t My"e ha$
been poee$ o, =/g ear- a crooke$ =a.- an$ the bigget noe that !on Connington ha$ ever
een. 3hen he mi"e$ at yo/- tho/gh- none o, that mattere$. B"ackheart- hi men ha$ name$ him-
,or the igi" on hi hie"$. My"e ha$ "ove$ the name an$ a"" it hinte$ at. 2A captain(genera"
ho/"$ be ,eare$- by ,rien$ an$ ,oe a"ike-1 he ha$ once con,ee$. 2&, men think me cr/e"- o
m/ch the better.1 7he tr/th .a other.ie. So"$ier to the bone- 7oyne .a ,ierce b/t a".ay ,air-
a ,ather to hi men an$ a".ay genero/ to the e:i"e "or$ !on Connington.
5eath ha$ robbe$ him o, hi ear- hi noe- an$ a"" hi .armth. 7he mi"e remaine$-
tran,orme$ into a g"ittering go"$en grin. A"" the k/"" .ere grinning- even Bittertee"4 on the
ta"" pike in the center. What does he hae to grin about6 7e died defeated and alone, a broken
man in an alien land+ Hn hi $eathbe$- Ser Aegor River ha$ ,amo/"y comman$e$ hi men to
boi" the ,"eh ,rom hi k/""- $ip it in go"$- an$ carry it be,ore them .hen they croe$ the ea to
retake 3etero. #i /cceor ha$ ,o""o.e$ hi e:amp"e.
!on Connington might have been one o, thoe /cceor i, hi e:i"e ha$ gone other.ie. #e
ha$ pent ,ive year .ith the company- riing ,rom the rank to a p"ace o, honor at 7oyne4 right
han$. #a$ he taye$- it might .e"" have been him the men t/rne$ to a,ter My"e $ie$- intea$ o,
#arry Strick"an$. B/t Gri,, $i$ not regret the path he4$ choen. When I return to Westeros, it will
not be as a skull atop a pole+
+"o.er teppe$ o/t o, the tent. 2Go on in.1
7he high o,,icer o, the Go"$en Company roe ,rom too" an$ camp chair a they entere$.
H"$ ,rien$ greete$ Gri,, .ith mi"e an$ embrace- the ne. men more ,orma""y. 2ot all of them
are as glad to see us as the! would hae me beliee+ #e ene$ knive behin$ ome o, the mi"e.
Fnti" A/ite recent"y- mot o, them ha$ be"ieve$ that ?or$ !on Connington .a a,e"y in hi
grave- an$ no $o/bt many ,e"t that .a a ,ine p"ace ,or him- a man .ho .o/"$ tea" ,rom hi
brother(in(arm. Gri,, might have ,e"t the ame .ay in their p"ace.
Ser +rank"yn $i$ the intro$/ction. Some o, the e"".or$ captain bore batar$ name- a
+"o.er $i$' River- #i""- Stone. Hther c"aime$ name that ha$ once "oome$ "arge in the
hitorie o, the Seven >ing$omI Gri,, co/nte$ t.o Strong- three 9eake- a M/$$- a Man$rake-
a ?othton- a pair o, Co"e. Not a"" .ere gen/ine- he kne.. &n the ,ree companie- a man co/"$
ca"" hime", .hatever he choe. By any name- the e"".or$ $ip"aye$ a r/$e p"en$or. ?ike
many in their tra$e- they kept their .or"$"y .ea"th /pon their peron' =e.e"e$ .or$- in"ai$
armor- heavy torc- an$ ,ine i"k .ere m/ch in evi$ence- an$ every man there .ore a "or$4
ranom in go"$en arm ring. Cach ring igni,ie$ one year4 ervice .ith the Go"$en Company.
MarA Man$rake- .hoe po:(carre$ ,ace ha$ a ho"e in one cheek .here a "ave4 mark ha$ been
b/rne$ a.ay- .ore a chain o, go"$en k/"" a .e"".
Not every captain .a o, 3eteroi b"oo$. B"ack Ba"aA- a .hite(haire$ S/mmer &"an$er .ith
kin $ark a oot- comman$e$ the company4 archer- a in B"ackheart4 $ay. #e .ore a
,eathere$ c"oak o, green an$ orange- magni,icent to beho"$. 7he ca$avero/ %o"antene- Gory
C$oryen- ha$ rep"ace$ Strick"an$ a paymater. A "eopar$ kin .a $rape$ acro one ho/"$er-
an$ hair a re$ a b"oo$ t/mb"e$ to hi ho/"$er in oi"e$ ring"et tho/gh hi pointe$ bear$ .a
b"ack. 7he pymater .a ne. to Gri,,- a ?yeni name$ ?yono Maar- .ith "i"ac eye an$ .hite(
go"$ hair an$ "ip that .o/"$ have been the envy o, a .hore. At ,irt g"ance- Gri,, ha$ a"mot
taken him ,or a .oman. #i ,ingernai" .ere painte$ p/rp"e- an$ hi ear"obe $rippe$ .ith pear"
an$ amethyt.
1hosts and liars, Gri,, tho/ght- a he /rveye$ their ,ace. )eenants from forgotten wars,
lost causes, failed rebellions, a brotherhood of the failed and the fallen, the disgraced and the
disinherited+ #his is m! arm!+ #his is our best hope+
#e t/rne$ to #arry Strick"an$.
#ome"e #arry "ooke$ "itt"e "ike a .arrior. 9ort"y- .ith a big ro/n$ hea$- mi"$ grey eye- an$
thinning hair that he br/he$ i$e.ay to concea" a ba"$ pot- Strick"an$ at in a camp chair
oaking hi ,eet in a t/b o, a"t .ater. 2Eo/ .i"" par$on me i, & $o not rie-1 he ai$ by .ay o,
greeting. 2H/r march .a .eariome- an$ my toe are prone to b"iter. &t i a c/re.1
It is a mark of weakness+ &ou sound like an old woman+ 7he Strick"an$ ha$ been part o, the
Go"$en Company ince it ,o/n$ing- #arry4 great(gran$ire having "ot hi "an$ .hen he roe
.ith the B"ack 5ragon $/ring the ,irt B"ack,yre Rebe""ion. 2Go"$ ,or ,o/r generation-1 #arry
.o/"$ boat- a i, ,o/r generation o, e:i"e an$ $e,eat .ere omething to take pri$e in.
2& can make yo/ an ointment ,or that-1 ai$ #a"$on- 2an$ there are certain minera" a"t that
.i"" to/ghen yo/r kin.1
27hat i kin$ o, yo/.1 Strick"an$ beckone$ to hi A/ire. 23atkyn- .ine ,or o/r ,rien$.1
27hank yo/- b/t no-1 ai$ Gri,,. 23e .i"" $rink .ater.1
2A yo/ pre,er.1 7he captain(genera" mi"e$ /p at the prince. 2An$ thi m/t be yo/r on.1
Does he know6 Gri,, .on$ere$. 7ow much did *!les tell him6 %ary ha$ been a$amant
abo/t the nee$ ,or ecrecy. 7he p"an that he an$ &""yrio ha$ ma$e .ith B"ackheart ha$ been
kno.n to them a"one. 7he ret o, the company ha$ been "e,t ignorant. 3hat they $i$ not kno.
they co/"$ not "et "ip.
7hat time .a $one- tho/gh. 2No man co/"$ have ake$ ,or a .orthier on-1 Gri,, ai$- 2b/t
the "a$ i not o, my b"oo$- an$ hi name i not Gri,,. My "or$- & give yo/ Aegon 7argaryen-
,irtborn on o, Rhaegar- 9rince o, 5ragontone- by 9rince C"ia o, 5orne8 oon- .ith yo/r
he"p- to be Aegon- the Si:th o, #i Name- >ing o, An$a"- the Rhoynar- an$ the +irt Men- an$
?or$ o, the Seven >ing$om.1
Si"ence greete$ hi anno/ncement. Someone c"eare$ hi throat. Hne o, the Co"e re,i""e$ hi
.ine c/p ,rom the ,"agon. Gory C$oryen p"aye$ .ith one o, hi corkcre. ring"et an$
m/rm/re$ omething in a tong/e Gri,, $i$ not kno.. ?a.e"" 9eake co/ghe$- Man$rake an$
?othton e:change$ a g"ance. #he! know, Gri,, rea"iGe$ then. #he! hae known all along+ #e
t/rne$ to "ook at #arry Strick"an$. 23hen $i$ yo/ te"" them61
7he captain(genera" .rigg"e$ hi b"itere$ toe in hi ,ootbath. 23hen .e reache$ the river.
7he company .a ret"e- .ith goo$ reaon. 3e .a"ke$ a.ay ,rom an eay campaign in the
5ip/te$ ?an$- an$ ,or .hat6 So .e co/"$ .e"ter in thi go$(a.,/" heat .atching o/r coin
me"t a.ay an$ o/r b"a$e go to r/t .hi"t & t/rn a.ay rich contract61
7hat ne. ma$e Gri,,4 kin cra.". 23ho61
27he E/nkihmen. 7he envoy that they ent to .oo %o"anti ha a"rea$y $ipatche$ three ,ree
companie to S"aver4 Bay. #e .ihe / to be the ,o/rth an$ o,,er t.ice .hat Myr .a paying
/- p"/ a "ave ,or every man in the company- ten ,or every o,,icer- an$ a h/n$re$ choice
mai$en a"" ,or me.1
Blood! hell+ 27hat .o/"$ reA/ire tho/an$ o, "ave. 3here $o the E/nkihmen e:pect to
,in$ o many61
2&n Meereen.1 Strick"an$ beckone$ to hi A/ire. 23atkyn- a to.e". 7hi .ater4 gro.ing
coo"- an$ my toe have .rink"e$ /p "ike raiin. No- not that to.e"- the o,t one.1
2Eo/ re,/e$ him-1 ai$ Gri,,. 2& to"$ him & .o/"$ think on hi propoa".1 #arry .ince$ a hi
A/ire to.e"e$ hi ,eet. 2Gent"e .ith the toe. 7hink o, them a thin(kinne$ grape- "a$. Eo/
.ant to $ry them .itho/t cr/hing them. $at, $o not cr/b. Ee- "ike that.1 #e t/rne$ back to
Gri,,. 2A b"/nt re,/a" .o/"$ have been /n.ie. 7he men might right"y ak i, & ha$ taken "eave
o, my .it.1
2Eo/ .i"" have .ork ,or yo/r b"a$e oon eno/gh.1
23i"" .e61 ake$ ?yono Maar. 2& a/me yo/ kno. that the 7argaryen gir" ha not tarte$
,or the .et61
23e hear$ that ta"e in Se"hory.1
2No ta"e. Simp"e tr/th. 7he .hy o, it i har$er to grap. Sack Meereen- aye- .hy not6 & .o/"$
have $one the ame in her p"ace. 7he "aver citie reek o, go"$- an$ conA/et reA/ire coin. B/t
.hy "inger6 +ear6 Ma$ne6 S"oth61
27he .hy o, it $oe not matter.1 #arry Strick"an$ /nro""e$ a pair o, tripe$ .oo"en tocking.
2She i in Meereen an$ .e are here- .here the %o"antene gro. $ai"y more /nhappy .ith o/r
preence. 3e came to raie /p a king an$ A/een .ho .o/"$ "ea$ / home to 3etero- b/t thi
7argaryen gir" eem more intent on p"anting o"ive tree than in rec"aiming her ,ather4 throne.
Mean.hi"e- her ,oe gather. E/nkai- Ne. Ghi- 7o"o. B"oo$bear$ an$ the 7attere$ 9rince .i""
both be in the ,ie"$ againt her8 an$ oon eno/gh the ,"eet o, H"$ %o"anti .i"" $ecen$ on her
a .e"". 3hat $oe he have6 Be$"ave .ith tick61
2Fn/""ie$-1 ai$ Gri,,. 2An$ $ragon.1
25ragon- aye-1 the captain(genera" ai$- 2b/t yo/ng one- har$"y more than hatch"ing.1
Strick"an$ eae$ hi ock over hi b"iter an$ /p hi ank"e. 2#o. m/ch .i"" they avai" her .hen
a"" thee armie c"oe abo/t her city "ike a ,it61
7ritan River $r/mme$ hi ,inger on hi knee. 2A"" the more reaon that .e m/t reach her
A/ick"y- & ay. &, 5aenery .i"" not come to /- .e m/t go to 5aenery.1
2Can .e .a"k acro the .ave- er61 ake$ ?yono Maar. 2& te"" yo/ again- .e cannot reach
the i"ver A/een by ea. & "ippe$ into %o"anti mye",- poing a a tra$er- to "earn ho. many
hip might be avai"ab"e to /. 7he harbor teem .ith ga""ey- cog- an$ carrack o, every ort
an$ iGe- yet even o & oon ,o/n$ mye", conorting .ith m/gg"er an$ pirate. 3e have ten
tho/an$ men in the company- a & am /re ?or$ Connington remember ,rom hi year o,
ervice .ith /. +ive h/n$re$ knight- each .ith three hore. +ive h/n$re$ A/ire- .ith one
mo/nt apiece. An$ e"ephant- .e m/t not ,orget the e"ephant. A pirate hip .i"" not /,,ice. 3e
.o/"$ nee$ a pirate fleet8 an$ even i, .e ,o/n$ one- the .or$ ha come back ,rom S"aver4 Bay
that Meereen ha been c"oe$ o,, by b"ocka$e.1
23e co/"$ ,eign acceptance o, the E/nkih o,,er-1 /rge$ Gory C$oryen. 2A""o. the
E/nkai4i to tranport / to the eat- then ret/rn their go"$ beneath the .a"" o, Meereen.1
2Hne broken contract i tain eno/gh /pon the honor o, the company.1 #ome"e #arry
Strick"an$ pa/e$ .ith hi b"itere$ ,oot in han$. 2?et me remin$ yo/- it .a My"e 7oyne .ho
p/t hi ea" to thi ecret pact- not me. & .o/"$ honor hi agreement i, & co/"$- b/t ho.6 &t eem
p"ain to me that the 7argaryen gir" i never coming .et. 3etero .a her ,ather4 king$om.
Meereen i her. &, he can break the E/nkai4i- he4"" be D/een o, S"aver4 Bay. &, not- he4"" $ie
"ong be,ore .e co/"$ hope to reach her.1
#i .or$ came a no /rprie to Gri,,. #arry Strick"an$ ha$ a".ay been a genia" man- better
at hammering o/t contract than at hammering on ,oe. #e ha$ a noe ,or go"$- b/t .hether he
ha$ the be""y ,or batt"e .a another A/etion.
27here i the "an$ ro/te-1 /ggete$ +rank"yn +"o.er.
27he $emon roa$ i $eath. 3e .i"" "oe ha", the company to $eertion i, .e attempt that
march- an$ b/ry ha", o, thoe .ho remain bei$e the roa$. &t grieve me to ay it- b/t Magiter
&""yrio an$ hi ,rien$ may have been /n.ie to p/t o m/ch hope on thi chi"$ A/een.1
2o, tho/ght Gri,,- but the! were most unwise to put their hopes on !ou+ An$ then 9rince
Aegon poke. 27hen p/t yo/r hope on me-1 he ai$. 25aenery i 9rince Rhaegar4 iter- b/t &
am Rhaegar4 on. & am the on"y $ragon that yo/ nee$.1
Gri,, p/t a b"ack(g"ove$ han$ /pon 9rince Aegon4 ho/"$er. 2Spoken bo"$"y-1 he ai$- 2b/t
think .hat yo/ are aying.1
2& have-1 the "a$ inite$. 23hy ho/"$ & go r/nning to my a/nt a i, & .ere a beggar6 My
c"aim i better than her o.n. ?et her come to me8 in 3etero.1
+rank"yn +"o.er "a/ghe$. 2& "ike it. Sai" .et- not eat. ?eave the "itt"e A/een to her o"ive
an$ eat 9rince Aegon /pon the &ron 7hrone. 7he boy ha tone- give him that.1
7he captain(genera" "ooke$ a i, omeone ha$ "appe$ hi ,ace. 2#a the /n c/r$"e$ yo/r
brain- +"o.er6 3e nee$ the gir". 3e nee$ the marriage. &, 5aenery accept o/r prince"ing an$
take him ,or her conort- the Seven >ing$om .i"" $o the ame. 3itho/t her- the "or$ .i"" on"y
mock hi c"aim an$ bran$ him a ,ra/$ an$ a preten$er. An$ ho. $o yo/ propoe to get to
3etero6 Eo/ hear$ ?yono. 7here are no hip to be ha$.1
#his man is afraid to fight, Gri,, rea"iGe$. 7ow could the! hae chosen him to take the
Blackheart/s place6 2No hip ,or S"aver4 Bay. 3etero i another matter. 7he eat i c"oe$ to
/- not the ea. 7he triarch .o/"$ be g"a$ to ee the back o, /- & $o not $o/bt. 7hey might even
he"p / arrange paage back to the Seven >ing$om. No city .ant an army on it $oortep.1
2#e4 not .rong-1 ai$ ?yono Maar. 2By no. the "ion /re"y ha the $ragon4 cent-1 ai$
one o, the Co"e- 2b/t Cerei4 attention .i"" be ,i:e$ /pon Meereen an$ thi other A/een. She
kno. nothing o, o/r prince. Hnce .e "an$ an$ raie o/r banner- many an$ more .i"" ,"ock to
=oin /.1
2Some-1 a""o.e$ #ome"e #arry- 2not man!+ Rhaegar4 iter ha dragons+ Rhaegar4 on
$oe not. 3e $o not have the trength to take the rea"m .itho/t 5aenery an$ her army. #er
Fn/""ie$.1
27he ,irt Aegon took 3etero .itho/t e/n/ch-1 ai$ ?yono Maar. 23hy ho/"$n4t the
i:th Aegon $o the ame61
27he p"an@1
23hich p"an61 ai$ 7ritan River. 27he ,at man4 p"an6 7he one that change every time the
moon t/rn6 +irt .iser!s 7argaryen .a to =oin / .ith ,i,ty tho/an$ 5othraki creamer at hi
back. 7hen the Beggar >ing .a $ea$- an$ it .a to be the iter- a p"iab"e yo/ng chi"$ A/een
.ho .a on her .ay to 9ento .ith three ne.(hatche$ $ragon. &ntea$ the gir" t/rn /p on
S"aver4 Bay an$ "eave a tring o, b/rning citie in her .ake- an$ the ,at man $eci$e .e ho/"$
meet her by %o"anti. No. that p"an i in r/in a .e"".
2& have ha$ eno/gh o, &""yrio4 p"an. Robert Baratheon .on the &ron 7hrone .itho/t the
bene,it o, $ragon. 3e can $o the ame. An$ i, & am .rong an$ the rea"m $oe not rie ,or /- .e
can a".ay retreat back acro the narro. ea- a Bittertee" once $i$- an$ other a,ter him.1
Strick"an$ hook hi hea$ t/bborn"y. 27he rik@1
2@i not .hat it .a- no. that 7y.in ?anniter i $ea$. 7he Seven >ing$om .i"" never be
more ripe ,or conA/et. Another boy king it the &ron 7hrone- thi one even yo/nger than the
"at- an$ rebe" are thick /pon the gro/n$ a a/t/mn "eave.1
2Cven o-1 ai$ Strick"an$- 2a"one- .e cannot hope to@1
Gri,, ha$ hear$ eno/gh o, the captain(genera"4 co.ar$ice. 23e .i"" not be a"one. 5orne .i""
=oin /- must =oin /. 9rince Aegon i C"ia4 on a .e"" a Rhaegar4.1
27hat4 o-1 the boy ai$- 2an$ .ho i there "e,t in 3etero to oppoe /6 A .oman.1
2A "annister .oman-1 inite$ the captain(genera". 27he bitch .i"" have the >ing"ayer at her
i$e- co/nt on that- an$ they .i"" have a"" the .ea"th o, Cater"y Rock behin$ them. An$ &""yrio
ay thi boy king i betrothe$ to the 7yre"" gir"- .hich mean .e m/t ,ace the po.er o,
#ighgar$en a .e"".1
?a.e"" 9eake rappe$ hi kn/ck"e on the tab"e. 2Cven a,ter a cent/ry- ome o, / ti"" have
,rien$ in the Reach. 7he po.er o, #ighgar$en may not be .hat Mace 7yre"" imagine.1
29rince Aegon-1 ai$ 7ritan River- 2.e are yo/r men. & thi yo/r .ih- that .e ai" .et
intea$ o, eat61
2&t i-1 Aegon rep"ie$ eager"y. 2&, my a/nt .ant Meereen- he4 .e"come to it. & .i"" c"aim
the &ron 7hrone by mye",- .ith yo/r .or$ an$ yo/r a""egiance. Move ,at an$ trike har$- an$
.e can .in ome eay victorie be,ore the ?anniter even kno. that .e have "an$e$. 7hat .i""
bring other to o/r ca/e.1
River .a mi"ing in approva". Hther tra$e$ tho/ght,/" "ook. 7hen 9eake ai$- 2& .o/"$
ooner $ie in 3etero than on the $emon roa$-1 an$ MarA Man$rake ch/ck"e$ an$ repon$e$-
2Me- &4$ ooner "ive- .in "an$ an$ ome great cat"e-1 an$ +rank"yn +"o.er "appe$ hi .or$
hi"t an$ ai$- 2So "ong a & can ki"" ome +oo.ay- &4m ,or it.1
3hen a"" o, them began to peak at once- Gri,, kne. the ti$e ha$ t/rne$. #his is a side of
Aegon I neer saw before+ &t .a not the pr/$ent co/re- b/t he .a tire$ o, pr/$ence- ick o,
ecret- .eary o, .aiting. 3in or "oe- he .o/"$ ee Gri,,in4 Root again be,ore he $ie$- an$ be
b/rie$ in the tomb bei$e hi ,ather4.
Hne by one- the men o, the Go"$en Company roe- kne"t- an$ "ai$ their .or$ at the ,eet o,
hi yo/ng prince. 7he "at to $o o .a #ome"e #arry Strick"an$- b"itere$ ,eet an$ a"".
7he /n .a re$$ening the .etern ky an$ painting car"et ha$o. on the go"$en k/"" atop
their pear .hen they took their "eave o, the captain(genera"4 tent. +rank"yn +"o.er o,,ere$ to
take the prince aro/n$ the camp an$ intro$/ce him to ome o, .hat he ca""e$ the lads+ Gri,, gave
hi conent. 2B/t remember- o ,ar a the company i concerne$- he m/t remain Eo/ng Gri,,
/nti" .e cro the narro. ea. &n 3etero .e4"" .ah hi hair an$ "et him $on hi armor.1
2Aye- /n$ertoo$.1 +"o.er c"appe$ a han$ on Eo/ng Gri,,4 back. 23ith me. 3e4"" tart
.ith the cook. Goo$ men to kno..1
3hen they .ere gone- Gri,, t/rne$ to the #a",maeter. 2Ri$e back to the Sh! *aid an$ ret/rn
.ith ?a$y ?emore an$ Ser Ro""y. 3e4"" nee$ &""yrio4 chet a .e"". A"" the coin- an$ the armor.
Give Ean$ry an$ Ei""a o/r thank. 7heir part in thi i $one. 7hey .i"" not be ,orgotten .hen
#i Grace come into hi king$om.1
2A yo/ comman$- my "or$.1
Gri,, "e,t him there- an$ "ippe$ ini$e the tent that #ome"e #arry ha$ aigne$ him.
7he roa$ ahea$ .a ,/"" o, peri"- he kne.- b/t .hat o, it6 A"" men m/t $ie. A"" he ake$ .a
time. #e ha$ .aite$ o "ong- /re"y the go$ .o/"$ grant him a ,e. more year- eno/gh time to
ee the boy he4$ ca""e$ a on eate$ on the &ron 7hrone. 7o rec"aim hi "an$- hi name- hi
honor. 7o ti"" the be"" that rang o "o/$"y in hi $ream .henever he c"oe$ hi eye to "eep.
A"one in the tent- a the go"$ an$ car"et ray o, the etting /n hone thro/gh the open ,"ap-
!on Connington hr/gge$ o,, hi .o",kin c"oak- "ippe$ hi mai" hirt o,, over hi hea$- ett"e$
on a camp too"- an$ pee"e$ the g"ove ,rom hi right han$. 7he nai" on hi mi$$"e ,inger ha$
t/rne$ a b"ack a =et- he a.- an$ the grey ha$ crept /p a"mot to the ,irt kn/ck"e. 7he tip o, hi
ring ,inger ha$ beg/n to $arken too- an$ .hen he to/che$ it .ith the point o, hi $agger- he ,e"t
nothing.
Death, he kne.- but slow+ I still hae time+ A !ear+ #wo !ears+ Fie+ Some stone men lie for
ten+ #ime enough to cross the sea, to see 1riffin/s )oost again+ #o end the <surper/s line for
good and all, and put )haegar/s son upon the Iron #hrone+
7hen ?or$ !on Connington co/"$ $ie content.
The Rea7er
The $r/m .ere po/n$ing o/t a batt"e beat a the Iron .ictor! .ept ,or.ar$- her ram c/tting
thro/gh the choppy green .ater. 7he ma""er hip ahea$ .a t/rning- oar "apping at the ea.
Roe treame$ /pon her bannerI ,ore an$ a,t a .hite roe /pon a re$ ec/tcheon- atop her mat
a go"$en one on a ,ie"$ a green a gra. 7he Iron .ictor! rake$ her i$e o har$ that ha", the
boar$ing party "ot their ,eet. Har nappe$ an$ p"intere$- .eet m/ic to the captain4 ear.
#e va/"te$ over the g/n.a"e- "an$ing on the $eck be"o. .ith hi go"$en c"oak bi""o.ing
behin$ him. 7he .hite roe $re. back- a men a".ay $i$ at the ight o, %ictarion Grey=oy
arme$ an$ armore$- hi ,ace hi$$en behin$ hi kraken he"m. 7hey .ere c"/tching .or$ an$
pear an$ a:e- b/t nine o, every ten .ore no armor- an$ the tenth ha$ on"y a hirt o, e.n
ca"e. #hese are no ironmen, %ictarion tho/ght. #he! still fear drowning+
2Get him01 one man ho/te$. 2#e4 a"one01
4%O*0;5 he roare$ back. 4%ome kill me, if !ou can+5
+rom a"" i$e the roey .arrior converge$- .ith grey tee" in their han$ an$ terror behin$
their eye. 7heir ,ear .a o ripe %ictarion co/"$ tate it. ?e,t an$ right he "ai$ abo/t- he.ing o,,
the ,irt man4 arm at the e"bo.- c"eaving thro/gh the ho/"$er o, the econ$. 7he thir$ b/rie$
hi o.n a:ehea$ in the o,t pine o, %ictarion4 hie"$. #e "amme$ it into the ,oo"4 ,ace-
knocke$ him o,, hi ,eet- an$ "e. him .hen he trie$ to rie again. A he .a tr/gg"ing to ,ree
hi a:e ,rom the $ea$ man4 rib cage- a pear =abbe$ him bet.een the ho/"$er b"a$e. &t ,e"t a
tho/gh omeone ha$ "appe$ him on the back. %ictarion p/n an$ "amme$ hi a:e $o.n onto
the pearman4 hea$- ,ee"ing the impact in hi arm a the tee" .ent cr/nching thro/gh he"m an$
hair an$ k/"". 7he man .aye$ ,or ha", a heartbeat- ti"" the iron captain .renche$ the tee" ,ree
an$ ent hi corpe taggering "ooe("imbe$ acro the $eck- "ooking more $r/nk than $ea$.
By then hi ironborn ha$ ,o""o.e$ him $o.n onto the $eck o, the broken "onghip. #e hear$
3/",e Hne(Car "et o/t a ho." a he .ent to .ork- g"impe$ Ragnor 9yke in hi r/te$ mai"- a.
N/te the Barber en$ a thro.ing a:e pinning thro/gh the air to catch a man in the chet.
%ictarion "e. another man- an$ another. #e .o/"$ have ki""e$ a thir$- b/t Ragnor c/t him $o.n
,irt. 23e"" tr/ck-1 %ictarion be""o.e$ at him.
3hen he t/rne$ to ,in$ the ne:t victim ,or hi a:e- he pie$ the other captain acro the $eck.
#i .hite /rcoat .a potte$ .ith b"oo$ an$ gore- b/t %ictarion co/"$ make o/t the arm /pon
hi breat- the .hite roe .ithin it re$ ec/tcheon. 7he man bore the ame $evice /pon hi
hie"$- on a .hite ,ie"$ .ith a re$ embatt"e$ bor$er. 4&ou;5 the iron captain ca""e$ acro the
carnage. 4&ou of the rose; Be !ou the lord of Southshield65
7he other raie$ hi vior to ho. a bear$"e ,ace. 2#i on an$ heir. Ser 7a"bert Serry. An$
.ho are yo/- kraken61
2Eo/r $eath.1 %ictarion b/""e$ to.ar$ him.
Serry "eapt to meet him. #i "ong.or$ .a goo$ cat"e(,orge$ tee"- an$ the yo/ng knight
ma$e it ing. #i ,irt c/t .a "o.- an$ %ictarion $e,"ecte$ it o,, hi a:e. #i econ$ ca/ght the
iron captain on the he"m be,ore he got hi hie"$ /p. %ictarion an.ere$ .ith a i$earm b"o. o,
hi a:e. Serry4 hie"$ got in the .ay. 3oo$en p"inter ,"e.- an$ the .hite roe p"it "ength.ie
.ith a .eet harp crack. 7he yo/ng knight4 "ong.or$ hammere$ at hi thigh- once- t.ice-
thrice- creaming againt the tee". #his bo! is 3uick, the iron captain rea"iGe$. #e mahe$ hi
hie"$ in Serry4 ,ace an$ ent him taggering back againt the g/n.a"e. %ictarion raie$ hi a:e
an$ p/t a"" hi .eight behin$ hi c/t- to open the boy ,rom neck to groin- b/t Serry p/n a.ay.
7he a:ehea$ crahe$ thro/gh the rai"- en$ing p"inter ,"ying- an$ "o$ge$ there .hen he trie$ to
p/"" it ,ree. 7he $eck move$ /n$er hi ,eet- an$ he t/mb"e$ to one knee.
Ser 7a"bert cat a.ay hi broken hie"$ an$ "ahe$ $o.n .ith hi "ong.or$. %ictarion4
o.n hie"$ ha$ t.ite$ ha", aro/n$ .hen he t/mb"e$. #e ca/ght Serry4 b"a$e in an iron ,it.
?obtere$ tee" cr/nche$- an$ a tab o, pain ma$e him gr/nt- yet %ictarion he"$ on. 2& am A/ick
a .e""- boy-1 he ai$ a he rippe$ the .or$ ,rom the knight4 han$ an$ ,"/ng it into the ea.
Ser 7a"bert4 eye .ent .i$e. 2My .or$81
%ictarion ca/ght the "a$ abo/t the throat .ith a b"oo$y ,it. 2Go an$ get it-1 he ai$- ,orcing
him back.ar$ over the i$e into the b"oo$taine$ .ater.
7hat .on him a repite to p/"" hi a:e "ooe. 7he .hite roe .ere ,a""ing back be,ore the iron
ti$e. Some trie$ to ,"ee be"o.$eck- a other crie$ ,or A/arter. %ictarion co/"$ ,ee" .arm b"oo$
trick"ing $o.n hi ,inger beneath the mai" an$ "eather an$ "obtere$ p"ate- b/t that .a nothing.
Aro/n$ the mat a thick knot o, ,oemen ,o/ght on- tan$ing ho/"$er to ho/"$er in a ring. #hese
few are men, at least+ #he! would sooner die than !ield+ %ictarion .o/"$ grant ome o, them that
.ih. #e beat hi a:e againt hi hie"$ an$ charge$ them.
7he 5ro.ne$ Go$ ha$ not hape$ %ictarion Grey=oy to ,ight .ith .or$ at kingmoot- nor
tr/gg"e againt ,/rtive neaking ,oe in en$"e bog. #his .a .hy he ha$ been p/t on earthI to
tan$ tee"(c"a$ .ith an a:e re$ an$ $ripping in hi han$- $ea"ing $eath .ith every b"o..
7hey hacke$ at him ,rom ,ront an$ back- b/t their .or$ might have been .i""o. .itche
,or a"" the harm they $i$ him. No b"a$e co/"$ c/t thro/gh %ictarion Grey=oy4 heavy p"ate- nor
$i$ he give hi ,oe the time to ,in$ the .eak point at the =oint- .here on"y mai" an$ "eather
.ar$e$ him. ?et three men aai" him- or ,o/r- or ,iveI it ma$e no matter. #e "e. them one at a
time- tr/ting in hi tee" to protect him ,rom the other. A each ,oe ,e"" he t/rne$ hi .roth
/pon the ne:t.
7he "at man to ,ace him m/t have been a mithI he ha$ ho/"$er "ike a b/""- an$ one m/ch
more m/c/"ar than the other. #i armor .a a t/$$e$ brigan$ine an$ a cap o, boi"e$ "eather.
7he on"y b"o. he "an$e$ comp"ete$ the r/in o, %ictarion4 hie"$- b/t the c/t the captain $ea"t in
an.er p"it hi hea$ in t.o. Would that I could deal with the %row/s 0!e as simpl!+ 3hen he
=erke$ hi a:ehea$ ,ree again- the mith4 k/"" eeme$ to b/rt. Bone an$ b"oo$ an$ brain .ent
every.here- an$ the corpe ,e"" ,or.ar$- /p againt hi "eg. #oo late to plead for 3uarter now,
%ictarion tho/ght a he /ntang"e$ hime", ,rom the $ea$ man.
By then the $eck .a "ick beneath hi ,eet- an$ the $ea$ an$ the $ying "ay in heap on every
i$e. #e thre. hi hie"$ a.ay an$ /cke$ in air. 2?or$ Captain-1 he hear$ the Barber ay bei$e
him- 2the $ay i o/r.1
A"" aro/n$ the ea .a ,/"" o, hip. Some .ere b/rning- ome .ere inking- ome ha$ been
mahe$ to p"inter. Bet.een the h/"" the .ater .a thick a te.- ,/"" o, corpe- broken oar-
an$ men c"inging to the .reckage. &n the $itance- ha", a $oGen o, o/thron "onghip .ere
racing back to.ar$ the Man$er. "et them go, %ictarion tho/ght- let them tell the tale+ Hnce a
man ha$ t/rne$ hi tai" an$ r/n ,rom batt"e he ceae$ to be a man.
#i eye .ere tinging ,rom the .eat that ha$ r/n $o.n into them $/ring the ,ight. 7.o o,
hi oarmen he"pe$ /n$o hi kraken he"m o he might "i,t it o,,. %ictarion moppe$ at hi bro..
27hat knight-1 he gr/mb"e$- 2the knight o, the .hite roe. 5i$ any o, yo/ p/"" him o/t61 A
"or$4 on .o/"$ be .orth a goo$"y ranomI ,rom hi ,ather- i, ?or$ Serry ha$ /rvive$ the $ay.
+rom hi "iege at #ighgar$en- i, not.
None o, hi men ha$ een .hat became o, the knight a,ter he .ent over the i$e- ho.ever.
Mot "ike the man ha$ $ro.ne$. 2May he ,eat a he ,o/ght- in the 5ro.ne$ Go$4 .atery
ha"".1 7ho/gh the men o, the Shie"$ &"an$ ca""e$ theme"ve ai"or- they croe$ the ea in
$rea$ an$ .ent "ight"y c"a$ in batt"e ,or ,ear o, $ro.ning. Eo/ng Serry ha$ been $i,,erent. A
brae man, tho/ght %ictarion. Almost ironborn+
#e gave the capt/re$ hip to Ragnor 9yke- name$ a $oGen men to cre. her- an$ c"ambere$
back /p onto hi o.n Iron .ictor!+ 2Strip the captive o, arm an$ armor an$ have their .o/n$
bo/n$ /p-1 he to"$ N/te the Barber. 27hro. the $ying in the ea. &, any beg ,or mercy- c/t their
throat ,irt.1 #e ha$ on"y contempt ,or /chI better to $ro.n on ea.ater than on b"oo$. 2& .ant
a co/nt o, the hip .e .on an$ a"" the knight an$ "or$"ing .e took captive. & .ant their
banner too.1 Hne $ay he .o/"$ hang them in hi ha""- o .hen he gre. o"$ an$ ,eeb"e he co/"$
remember a"" the ,oe he ha$ "ain .hen he .a yo/ng an$ trong.
2&t .i"" be $one.1 N/te grinne$. 2&t i a great victory.1
A!e, he tho/ght- a great ictor! for the %row/s 0!e and his wizards+ 7he other captain .o/"$
ho/t hi brother4 name ane. .hen the ti$ing reache$ Hakenhie"$. C/ron ha$ e$/ce$ them
.ith hi g"ib tong/e an$ mi"ing eye an$ bo/n$ them to hi ca/e .ith the p"/n$er o, ha", a
h/n$re$ $itant "an$I go"$ an$ i"ver- ornate armor- c/rve$ .or$ .ith gi"$e$ pomme"-
$agger o, %a"yrian tee"- tripe$ tiger pe"t an$ the kin o, potte$ cat- =a$e manticore an$
ancient %a"yrian phin:e- chet o, n/tmeg- c"ove- an$ a,,ron- ivory t/k an$ the horn o,
/nicorn- green an$ orange an$ ye""o. ,eather ,rom the S/mmer Sea- bo"t o, ,ine i"k an$
himmering amite8 an$ yet a"" that .a "itt"e an$ "e- compare$ to thi. 2ow he has gien
them con3uest, and the! are his for good and all, the captain tho/ght. 7he tate .a bitter on hi
tong/e. #his was m! ictor!, not his+ Where was he6 Back on Oakenshield, lazing in a castle+ 7e
stole m! wife and he stole m! throne, and now he steals m! glor!+
Hbe$ience came nat/ra""y to %ictarion Grey=oyI he ha$ been born to it. Gro.ing to manhoo$
in the ha$o. o, hi brother- he ha$ ,o""o.e$ Ba"on $/ti,/""y in everything he $i$. ?ater- .hen
Ba"on4 on .ere born- he ha$ gro.n to accept that one $ay he .o/"$ knee" to them a .e""-
.hen one o, them took hi ,ather4 p"ace /pon the Seatone Chair. B/t the 5ro.ne$ Go$ ha$
/mmone$ Ba"on an$ hi on $o.n to hi .atery ha""- an$ %ictarion co/"$ not ca"" C/ron
2king1 .itho/t tating bi"e in hi throat.
7he .in$ .a ,rehening- an$ hi thirt .a raging. A,ter a batt"e he a".ay .ante$ .ine. #e
gave the $eck to N/te an$ .ent be"o.. &n hi crampe$ cabin a,t- he ,o/n$ the $/ky .oman .et
an$ rea$yI perhap the batt"e ha$ .arme$ her b"oo$ a .e"". #e took her t.ice- in A/ick
/cceion. 3hen they .ere $one there .a b"oo$ meare$ acro her breat an$ thigh an$
be""y- b/t it .a hi b"oo$- ,rom the gah in hi pa"m. 7he $/ky .oman .ahe$ it o/t ,or him
.ith boi"e$ vinegar.
27he p"an .a goo$- & grant him-1 %ictarion ai$ a he kne"t bei$e him. 27he Man$er i
open to / no.- a it .a o, o"$.1 &t .a a "aGy river- .i$e an$ "o. an$ treachero/ .ith nag
an$ an$bar. Mot eagoing vee" $are$ not ai" beyon$ #ighgar$en- b/t "onghip .ith their
ha""o. $ra/ght co/"$ navigate a ,ar /ptream a Bitterbri$ge. &n ancient $ay- the ironborn
ha$ bo"$"y ai"e$ the river roa$ an$ p"/n$ere$ a"" a"ong the Man$er an$ it vaa" tream8 /nti"
the king o, the green han$ ha$ arme$ the ,iher,o"k on the ,o/r ma"" i"an$ o,, the Man$er4
mo/th an$ name$ them hi hie"$.
7.o tho/an$ year ha$ pae$- b/t in the .atchto.er a"ong their craggy hore- greybear$
ti"" kept the ancient vigi". At the ,irt g"impe o, "onghip the o"$ men .o/"$ "ight their beacon
,ire- an$ the ca"" .o/"$ "eap ,rom hi"" to hi"" an$ i"an$ to i"an$. Fear; Foes; )aiders; )aiders;
3hen the ,iher,o"k a. the ,ire b/rning on the high p"ace they .o/"$ p/t their net an$ p"o.
ai$e an$ take /p their .or$ an$ a:e. 7heir "or$ .o/"$ r/h ,rom their cat"e- atten$e$ by
their knight an$ men(at(arm. 3arhorn .o/"$ echo acro the .ater- ,rom Greenhie"$ an$
Greyhie"$- Hakenhie"$ an$ So/thhie"$- an$ their "onghip .o/"$ come "i$ing o/t ,rom
mo(covere$ tone pen a"ong the hore- oar ,"ahing a they .arme$ acro the trait to ea"
the Man$er an$ ho/n$ an$ harry the rai$er /priver to their $oom.
C/ron ha$ ent 7or.o"$ Bro.ntooth an$ the Re$ Harman /p the Man$er .ith a $oGen .i,t
"onghip- o the "or$ o, the Shie"$ &"an$ .o/"$ pi"" ,orth in p/r/it. By the time hi main
,"eet arrive$- on"y a han$,/" o, ,ighting men remaine$ to $e,en$ the i"e theme"ve. 7he
ironborn ha$ come in on the evening ti$e- o the g"are o, the etting /n .o/"$ keep them hi$$en
,rom the greybear$ in the .atchto.er /nti" it .a too "ate. 7he .in$ .a at their back- a it
ha$ been a"" the .ay $o.n ,rom H"$ 3yk. &t .a .hipere$ abo/t the ,"eet that C/ron4 .iGar$
ha$ m/ch an$ more to $o .ith that- that the Cro.4 Cye appeae$ the Storm Go$ .ith b"oo$
acri,ice. #o. e"e .o/"$ he have $are$ ai" o ,ar to the .et- intea$ o, ,o""o.ing the hore"ine
a .a the c/tom6
7he ironborn ran their "onghip /p onto the tony hing"e an$ pi""e$ o/t into the p/rp"e
$/k .ith tee" g"immering in their han$. By then the ,ire .ere b/rning in the high p"ace- b/t
,e. remaine$ to take /p arm. Greyhie"$- Greenhie"$- an$ So/thhie"$ ,e"" be,ore the /n came
/p. Hakenhie"$ "ate$ ha", a $ay "onger. An$ .hen the men o, the +o/r Shie"$ broke o,, their
p/r/it o, 7or.o"$ an$ the Re$ Harman an$ t/rne$ $o.nriver- they ,o/n$ the &ron +"eet .aiting
at the Man$er4 mo/th.
2A"" ,e"" o/t a C/ron ai$ it .o/"$-1 %ictarion to"$ the $/ky .oman a he bo/n$ /p hi
han$ .ith "inen. 2#i .iGar$ m/t have een it.1 #e ha$ three aboar$ the Silence, D/e""on
#/mb"e ha$ con,i$e$ in a .hiper. D/eer men an$ terrib"e- they .ere- b/t the Cro.4 Cye ha$
ma$e them "ave. 2#e ti"" nee$ me to ,ight hi batt"e- tho/gh-1 %ictarion inite$. 23iGar$
may be .e"" an$ goo$- b/t b"oo$ an$ tee" .in .ar.1 7he vinegar ma$e hi .o/n$ h/rt .ore
than ever. #e hove$ the .oman a.ay an$ c"oe$ hi ,it- g"o.ering. 2Bring me .ine.1
#e $rank in the $arkne- broo$ing on hi brother. If I do not strike the blow with mine own
hand, am I still a kinsla!er6 %ictarion ,eare$ no man- b/t the 5ro.ne$ Go$4 c/re gave him
pa/e. If another strikes him down at m! command, will his blood still stain m! hands6 Aeron
5amphair .o/"$ kno. the an.er- b/t the priet .a ome.here back on the &ron &"an$- ti""
hoping to raie the ironborn againt their ne.(cro.ne$ king. 2ute the Barber can shae a man
with a thrown a8e from twent! !ards awa!+ And none of 0uron/s mongrels could stand against
Wulfe One(0ar or Andrik the <nsmiling+ An! of them could do it+ B/t .hat a man can $o an$
.hat a man .i"" $o are t.o $i,,erent thing- he kne..
2C/ron4 b"aphemie .i"" bring $o.n the 5ro.ne$ Go$4 .roth /pon / a""-1 Aeron ha$
propheie$- back on H"$ 3yk. 23e m/t top him- brother. 3e are ti"" o, Ba"on4 b"oo$- are .e
not61
2So i he-1 %ictarion ha$ ai$. 2& "ike it no more than yo/- b/t C/ron i the king. Eo/r
kingmoot raie$ him /p- an$ yo/ p/t the $ri,t.oo$ cro.n /pon hi hea$ yo/re",01
2& p"ace$ the cro.n /pon hi hea$-1 ai$ the priet- ea.ee$ $ripping in hi hair- 2an$ g"a$"y
.i"" & .ret it o,, again an$ cro.n yo/ in hi tea$. Hn"y yo/ are trong eno/gh to ,ight him.1
27he 5ro.ne$ Go$ raie$ him /p-1 %ictarion comp"aine$. 2?et the 5ro.ne$ Go$ cat him
$o.n.1
Aeron gave him a ba"e,/" "ook- the "ook that ha$ been kno.n to o/r .e"" an$ make .omen
barren. 2&t .a not the go$ .ho poke. C/ron i kno.n to keep .iGar$ an$ ,o/" orcerer on that
re$ hip o, hi. 7hey ent ome pe"" among /- o .e co/"$ not hear the ea. 7he captain an$
the king .ere $r/nk .ith a"" thi ta"k o, $ragon.1
25r/nk- an$ ,ear,/" o, that horn. Eo/ hear$ the o/n$ it ma$e. &t make no matter. C/ron i
o/r king.1
2Not mine-1 the priet $ec"are$. 27he 5ro.ne$ Go$ he"p bo"$ men- not thoe .ho co.er
be"o. their $eck .hen the torm i riing. &, yo/ .i"" not betir yo/re", to remove the Cro.4
Cye ,rom the Seatone Chair- & m/t take the tak /pon mye",.1
2#o.6 Eo/ have no hip- no .or$.1
2& have my voice-1 the priet rep"ie$- 2an$ the go$ i .ith me. Mine i the trength o, the ea-
a trength the Cro.4 Cye cannot hope to .ithtan$. 7he .ave may break /pon the mo/ntain-
yet ti"" they come- .ave /pon .ave- an$ in the en$ on"y pebb"e remain .here once the
mo/ntain too$. An$ oon even the pebb"e are .ept a.ay- to be gro/n$ beneath the ea ,or a""
eternity.1
29ebb"e61 %ictarion gr/mb"e$. 2Eo/ are ma$ i, yo/ think to bring the Cro.4 Cye $o.n
.ith ta"k o, .ave an$ pebb"e.1
27he ironborn ha"" be .ave-1 the 5amphair ai$. 2Not the great an$ "or$"y- b/t the imp"e
,o"k- ti""er o, the oi" an$ ,iher o, the ea. 7he captain an$ the king raie$ C/ron /p- b/t the
common ,o"k ha"" tear him $o.n. & ha"" go to Great 3yk- to #ar"a.- to Hrkmont- to 9yke
ite",. &n every to.n an$ vi""age ha"" my .or$ be hear$. 2o godless man ma! sit the Seastone
%hair;1 #e hook hi haggy hea$ an$ ta"ke$ back o/t into the night. 3hen the /n came /p the
ne:t $ay- Aeron Grey=oy ha$ vanihe$ ,rom H"$ 3yk. Cven hi $ro.ne$ men kne. not .here.
7hey ai$ the Cro.4 Cye on"y "a/ghe$ .hen he .a to"$.
B/t tho/gh the priet .a gone- hi $ire .arning "ingere$. %ictarion ,o/n$ hime",
remembering Bae"or B"ackty$e4 .or$ a .e"". 4Balon was mad, Aeron is madder, and 0uron
is maddest of them all+5 7he yo/ng "or$ ha$ trie$ to ai" home a,ter the kingmoot- re,/ing to
accept C/ron a hi "iege. B/t the &ron +"eet ha$ c"oe$ the bay- the habit o, obe$ience .a
roote$ $eep in %ictarion Grey=oy- an$ C/ron .ore the $ri,t.oo$ cro.n. 2ightfl!er .a eiGe$-
?or$ B"ackty$e $e"ivere$ to the king in chain. C/ron4 m/te an$ mongre" ha$ c/t him into
even part- to ,ee$ the even green "an$ go$ he .orhipe$.
A a re.ar$ ,or hi "ea" ervice- the ne.(cro.ne$ king ha$ given %ictarion the $/ky .oman-
taken o,, ome "aver bo/n$ ,or ?y. 2& .ant none o, yo/r "eaving-1 he ha$ to"$ hi brother
corn,/""y- b/t .hen the Cro.4 Cye ai$ that the .oman .o/"$ be ki""e$ /n"e he took her- he
ha$ .eakene$. #er tong/e ha$ been torn o/t- b/t e"e.ie he .a /n$amage$- an$ bea/ti,/"
bei$e- .ith kin a bro.n a oi"e$ teak. Eet ometime .hen he "ooke$ at her- he ,o/n$
hime", remembering the ,irt .oman hi brother ha$ given him- to make a man o, him.
%ictarion .ante$ to /e the $/ky .oman once again- b/t ,o/n$ hime", /nab"e. 2+etch me
another kin o, .ine-1 he to"$ her- 2then get o/t.1 3hen he ret/rne$ .ith a kin o, o/r re$- the
captain took it /p on $eck- .here he co/"$ breathe the c"ean ea air. #e $rank ha", the kin an$
po/re$ the ret into the ea ,or a"" the men .ho4$ $ie$.
7he Iron .ictor! "ingere$ ,or ho/r o,, the mo/th o, the Man$er. A the greater part o, the
&ron +"eet got /n$er .ay ,or Hakenhie"$- %ictarion kept 1rief, "ord Dagon, Iron Wind, an$
*aiden/s Bane abo/t him a a rear g/ar$. 7hey p/""e$ /rvivor ,rom the ea- an$ .atche$
7ardhand ink "o."y- $ragge$ /n$er by the .reck that he ha$ ramme$. By the time he
vanihe$ beneath the .ater %ictarion ha$ the co/nt he4$ ake$ ,or. #e ha$ "ot i: hip- an$
capt/re$ eight(an$(thirty. 2&t .i"" erve-1 he to"$ N/te. 27o the oar. 3e ret/rn to ?or$ #e.ett4
7o.n.1
#i oarmen bent their back to.ar$ Hakenhie"$- an$ the iron captain .ent be"o.$eck once
again. 2& co/"$ ki"" him-1 he to"$ the $/ky .oman. 27ho/gh it i a great in to ki"" yo/r king-
an$ a .ore one to ki"" yo/r brother.1 #e ,ro.ne$. 2Aha ho/"$ have given me her voice.1 #o.
co/"$ he have ever hope$ to .in the captain an$ the king- her .ith her pinecone an$ her
t/rnip6 Balon/s blood is in her, but she is still a woman+ She ha$ r/n a,ter the kingmoot. 7he
night the $ri,t.oo$ cro.n .a p"ace$ on C/ron4 hea$- he an$ her cre. ha$ me"te$ a.ay. Some
ma"" part o, %ictarion .a g"a$ he ha$. If the girl keeps her wits about her, she will wed some
northern lord and lie with him in his castle, far from the sea and 0uron %row/s 0!e+
2?or$ #e.ett4 7o.n- ?or$ Captain-1 a cre.man ca""e$.
%ictarion roe. 7he .ine ha$ $/""e$ the throbbing in hi han$. 9erhap he .o/"$ have
#e.ett4 maeter "ook at it- i, the man ha$ not been ki""e$. #e ret/rne$ to $eck a they came
aro/n$ a hea$"an$. 7he .ay ?or$ #e.ett4 cat"e at above the harbor remin$e$ him o,
?or$port- tho/gh thi to.n .a t.ice a big. A core o, "onghip pro."e$ the .ater beyon$
the port- the go"$en kraken .rithing on their ai". #/n$re$ more .ere beache$ a"ong the
hing"e an$ $ra.n /p to the pier that "ine$ the harbor. At a tone A/ay too$ three great cog
an$ a $oGen ma""er one- taking on p"/n$er an$ proviion. %ictarion gave or$er ,or the Iron
.ictor! to $rop anchor. 2#ave a boat ma$e rea$y.1
7he to.n eeme$ trange"y ti"" a they approache$. Mot o, the hop an$ ho/e ha$ been
"oote$- a their mahe$ $oor an$ broken h/tter teti,ie$- b/t on"y the ept ha$ been p/t to the
torch. 7he treet .ere tre.n .ith corpe- each .ith a ma"" ,"ock o, carrion cro. in
atten$ance. A gang o, /""en /rvivor move$ amongt them- chaing o,, the b"ack bir$ an$
toing the $ea$ into the back o, a .agon ,or b/ria". 7he notion ,i""e$ %ictarion .ith $ig/t. No
tr/e on o, the ea .o/"$ .ant to rot beneath the gro/n$. #o. .o/"$ he ever ,in$ the 5ro.ne$
Go$4 .atery ha""- to $rink an$ ,eat ,or a"" eternity6
7he Silence .a amongt the hip they pae$. %ictarion4 gaGe .a $ra.n to the iron
,ig/rehea$ at her pro.- the mo/th"e mai$en .ith the .in$b"o.n hair an$ o/ttretche$ arm. #er
mother(o,(pear" eye eeme$ to ,o""o. him. She had a mouth like an! other woman, till the
%row/s 0!e sewed it shut+
A they neare$ the hore- he notice$ a "ine o, .omen an$ chi"$ren her$e$ /p onto the $eck o,
one o, the great cog. Some ha$ their han$ bo/n$ behin$ their back- an$ a"" .ore "oop o,
hempen rope abo/t their neck. 23ho are they61 he ake$ the men .ho he"pe$ tie /p their boat.
23i$o. an$ orphan. 7hey4re to be o"$ a "ave.1
2So"$61 7here .ere no "ave in the &ron &"an$- on"y thra"". A thra"" .a bo/n$ to ervice-
b/t he .a not chatte". #i chi"$ren .ere born ,ree- o "ong a they .ere given to the 5ro.ne$
Go$. An$ thra"" .ere never bo/ght nor o"$ ,or go"$. A man pai$ the iron price ,or thra""- or
e"e ha$ none. 27hey ho/"$ be thra""- or a"t .ive-1 %ictarion comp"aine$.
2&t4 by the king4 $ecree-1 the man ai$.
27he trong have a".ay taken ,rom the .eak-1 ai$ N/te the Barber. 27hra"" or "ave- it
make no matter. 7heir men co/"$ not $e,en$ them- o no. they are o/r- to $o .ith a .e .i"".1
It is not the Old Wa!, he might have ai$- b/t there .a no time. #i victory ha$ prece$e$
him- an$ men .ere gathering ro/n$ to o,,er congrat/"ation. %ictarion "et them ,a.n- /nti" one
began to praie C/ron4 $aring. 2&t i $aring to ai" o/t o, ight o, "an$- o no .or$ o, o/r coming
co/"$ reach thee i"an$ be,ore /-1 he gro."e$- 2b/t croing ha", the .or"$ to h/nt ,or
$ragon- that i omething e"e.1 #e $i$ not .ait ,or a rep"y- b/t ho/"$ere$ thro/gh the pre
an$ on /p to the keep.
?or$ #e.ett4 cat"e .a ma"" b/t trong- .ith thick .a"" an$ t/$$e$ oaken gate that
evoke$ hi #o/e4 ancient arm- an oak ec/tcheon t/$$e$ .ith iron /pon a ,ie"$ o, /n$y b"/e
an$ .hite. B/t it .a the kraken o, #o/e Grey=oy that ,"e. atop hi green(roo,e$ to.er no.-
an$ they ,o/n$ the great gate b/rne$ an$ broken. Hn the rampart .a"ke$ ironborn .ith pear
an$ a:e- an$ ome o, C/ron4 mongre" too.
&n the yar$ %ictarion came on Goro"$ Goo$brother an$ o"$ 5r/mm- peaking A/iet"y .ith
Ro$rik #ar"a.. N/te the Barber gave a hoot at the ight o, them. 2Rea$er-1 he ca""e$ o/t- 2.hy
i yo/r ,ace o "ong6 Eo/r migiving .ere ,or no/ght. 7he $ay i o/r- an$ o/r the priGe01
?or$ Ro$rik4 mo/th p/ckere$. 27hee rock- yo/ mean6 A"" ,o/r together .o/"$n4t make
#ar"a.. 3e have .on ome tone an$ tree an$ trinket- an$ the enmity o, #o/e 7yre"".1
27he roe61 N/te "a/ghe$. 23hat roe can harm the kraken o, the $eep6 3e have taken
their hie"$ ,rom them- an$ mahe$ them a"" to piece. 3ho .i"" protect them no.61
2#ighgar$en-1 rep"ie$ the Rea$er. 2Soon eno/gh a"" the po.er o, the Reach .i"" be marha"e$
againt /- Barber- an$ then yo/ may "earn that ome roe have tee" thorn.1
5r/mm no$$e$- one han$ on the hi"t o, hi Re$ Rain. 2?or$ 7ar"y bear the great.or$
#eartbane- ,orge$ o, %a"yrian tee"- an$ he i a".ay in ?or$ 7yre""4 van.1
%ictarion4 h/nger ,"are$. 2?et him come. & .i"" take hi .or$ ,or mine o.n- a yo/r o.n
,orebear took Re$ Rain. ?et them a"" come- an$ bring the ?anniter a .e"". A "ion may be
,ierce eno/gh on "an$- b/t at ea the kraken r/"e /preme.1 #e .o/"$ give ha", hi teeth ,or the
chance to try hi a:e againt the >ing"ayer or the >night o, +"o.er. 7hat .a the ort o, batt"e
that he /n$ertoo$. 7he kin"ayer .a acc/re$ in the eye o, go$ an$ men- b/t the .arrior .a
honore$ an$ revere$.
2#ave no ,ear- ?or$ Captain-1 ai$ the Rea$er. 27hey .i"" come. #i Grace $eire it. 3hy
e"e .o/"$ he have comman$e$ / to "et #e.ett4 raven ,"y61
2Eo/ rea$ too m/ch an$ ,ight too "itt"e-1 N/te ai$. 2Eo/r b"oo$ i mi"k.1 B/t the Rea$er
ma$e a i, he ha$ not hear$.
A rioto/ ,eat .a in progre .hen %ictarion entere$ the ha"". &ronborn ,i""e$ the tab"e-
$rinking an$ ho/ting an$ =ot"ing each other- boating o, the men that they ha$ "ain- the $ee$
that they ha$ $one- the priGe they ha$ .on. Many .ere be$ecke$ .ith p"/n$er. ?e,t(#an$
?/ca Co$$ an$ D/e""on #/mb"e ha$ torn tapetrie o,, the .a"" to erve a c"oak. Germ/n$
Bot"ey .ore a rope o, pear" an$ garnet over hi gi"$e$ ?anniter breatp"ate. An$rik the
Fnmi"ing taggere$ by .ith a .oman /n$er each armI tho/gh he remaine$ /nmi"ing- he ha$
ring on every ,inger. &ntea$ o, trencher carve$ ,rom o"$ ta"e brea$- the captain .ere eating
o,, o"i$ i"ver p"atter.
N/te the Barber4 ,ace gre. $ark .ith anger a he "ooke$ abo/t. 27he Cro.4 Cye en$ /
,orth to ,ace the "onghip- .hi"t hi o.n men take the cat"e an$ the vi""age an$ grab a"" the
"oot an$ .omen. 3hat ha he "e,t ,or /61
23e have the g"ory.1
2G"ory i goo$-1 ai$ N/te- 2b/t go"$ i better.1
%ictarion hr/gge$. 27he Cro.4 Cye ay .e ha"" have a"" o, 3etero. 7he Arbor-
H"$to.n- #ighgar$en8 that4 .here yo/4"" ,in$ yo/r go"$. B/t eno/gh ta"k. &4m h/ngry.1
By right o, b"oo$ %ictarion might have c"aime$ a eat on the $ai- b/t he $i$ not care to eat
.ith C/ron an$ hi creat/re. &ntea$- he choe a p"ace by Ra", the ?imper- the captain o, the
"ord :uellon+ 2A great victory- ?or$ Captain-1 ai$ the ?imper. 2A victory .orthy o, a "or$hip.
Eo/ ho/"$ have an i"an$.1
"ord .ictarion+ A!e, and wh! not6 &t might not be the Seatone Chair- b/t it .o/"$ be
omething.
#otho #ar"a. .a acro the tab"e- /cking meat o,, a bone. #e ,"icke$ it ai$e an$ h/nche$
,or.ar$. 27he >night4 to have Greyhie"$. My co/in. 5i$ yo/ hear61
2No.1 %ictarion "ooke$ acro the ha""- to .here Ser #arra #ar"a. at $rinking .ine ,rom a
go"$en c/pI a ta"" man- "ong(,ace$ an$ a/tere. 23hy .o/"$ C/ron give that one an i"an$61
#otho he"$ o/t hi empty .ine c/p- an$ a pa"e yo/ng .oman in a go.n o, b"/e ve"vet an$ gi"t
"ace re,i""e$ it ,or him. 27he >night took Grimton by hime",. #e p"ante$ hi tan$ar$ beneath
the cat"e an$ $e,ie$ the Grimm to ,ace him. Hne $i$- an$ then another- an$ another. #e "e.
them a""8 .e""- near eno/gh- t.o yie"$e$. 3hen the eventh man .ent $o.n- ?or$ Grimm4
epton $eci$e$ the go$ ha$ poken an$ /rren$ere$ the cat"e.1 #otho "a/ghe$. 2#e4"" be the
?or$ o, Greyhie"$- an$ .e"come to it. 3ith him gone- & am the Rea$er4 heir.1 #e th/mpe$ hi
.ine c/p againt hi chet. 2#otho the #/mpback- ?or$ o, #ar"a..1
2Seven- yo/ ay.1 %ictarion .on$ere$ ho. Night,a"" .o/"$ ,are againt hi a:e. #e ha$ never
,o/ght a man arme$ .ith a %a"yrian tee" b"a$e- tho/gh he ha$ thrahe$ yo/ng #arra #ar"a.
many a time .hen both o, them .ere yo/ng. A a boy #ar"a. ha$ been ,at ,rien$ .ith Ba"on4
e"$et on- Ro$rik- .ho ha$ $ie$ beneath the .a"" o, Seagar$.
7he ,eat .a goo$. 7he .ine .a o, the bet- an$ there .a roat o:- rare an$ b"oo$y- an$
t/,,e$ $/ck a .e""- an$ b/cket o, ,reh crab. 7he erving .enche .ore ,ine .oo"en an$
p"/h ve"vet- the ?or$ Captain $i$ not ,ai" to note. #e took them ,or c/""ion $ree$ /p in the
c"othe o, ?a$y #e.ett an$ her "a$ie- /nti" #otho to"$ him they were ?a$y #e.ett an$ her
"a$ie. &t am/e$ the Cro.4 Cye to make them .ait an$ po/r. 7here .ere eight o, them' her
"a$yhip here",- ti"" han$ome tho/gh gro.n ome.hat to/t- an$ even yo/nger .omen age$
,rom t.enty(,ive to ten- her $a/ghter an$ goo$($a/ghter.
?or$ #e.ett hime", at in hi acc/tome$ p"ace /pon the $ai- $ree$ in a"" hi hera"$ic
,inery. #i arm an$ "eg ha$ been tie$ to hi chair- an$ a h/ge .hite ra$ih hove$ bet.een hi
teeth o he co/"$ not peak8 tho/gh he co/"$ ee an$ hear. 7he Cro.4 Cye ha$ c"aime$ the
p"ace o, honor at hi "or$hip4 right han$. A pretty- b/:om gir" o, eventeen or eighteen year
.a in hi "ap- bare,oot an$ $iheve"e$- her arm aro/n$ hi neck. 23ho i that61 %ictarion
ake$ the men aro/n$ him.
2#i "or$hip4 batar$ $a/ghter-1 "a/ghe$ #otho. 2Be,ore C/ron took the cat"e- he .a
ma$e to .ait at tab"e on the ret an$ take her o.n mea" .ith the ervant.1
C/ron p/t hi b"/e "ip to her throat- an$ the gir" gigg"e$ an$ .hipere$ omething in hi ear.
Smi"ing- he kie$ her throat again. #er .hite kin .a covere$ .ith re$ mark .here hi mo/th
ha$ beenI they ma$e a roy neck"ace abo/t her neck an$ ho/"$er. Another .hiper in hi ear-
an$ thi time the Cro.4 Cye "a/ghe$ a"o/$- then "amme$ hi .ine c/p $o.n ,or i"ence. 2Goo$
"a$ie-1 he ca""e$ o/t to hi highborn erving .omen- 2+a"ia i concerne$ ,or yo/r ,ine go.n.
She .o/"$ not have them taine$ .ith greae an$ .ine an$ $irty groping ,inger- ince & have
promie$ that he may chooe her o.n c"othe ,rom yo/r .ar$robe a,ter the ,eat. So yo/ ha$
bet $irobe.1
A roar o, "a/ghter .ahe$ over the great ha""- an$ ?or$ #e.ett4 ,ace t/rne$ o re$ that
%ictarion tho/ght hi hea$ might b/rt. 7he .omen ha$ no choice b/t to obey. 7he yo/nget one
crie$ a "itt"e- b/t her mother com,orte$ her an$ he"pe$ /n$o the "ace $o.n her back. A,ter.ar$-
they contin/e$ to erve a be,ore- moving a"ong the tab"e .ith ,"agon ,/"" o, .ine to ,i"" each
empty c/p- on"y no. they $i$ o nake$.
7e shames 7ewett as he once shamed me, the captain tho/ght- remembering ho. hi .i,e ha$
obbe$ a he .a beating her. 7he men o, the +o/r Shie"$ o,t marrie$ one another- he kne.-
=/t a the ironborn $i$. Hne o, thee nake$ erving .enche might .e"" be Ser 7a"bert Serry4
.i,e. &t .a one thing to ki"" a ,oe- another to $ihonor him. %ictarion ma$e a ,it. #i han$ .a
b"oo$y .here hi .o/n$ ha$ oake$ thro/gh the "inen.
Hn the $ai- C/ron p/he$ ai$e hi "attern an$ c"imbe$ /pon the tab"e. 7he captain began
to bang their c/p an$ tamp their ,eet /pon the ,"oor. 40<)O2;5 they ho/te$. 40<)O2;
0<)O2; 0<)O2;5 &t .a kingmoot come again.
2& .ore to give yo/ 3etero-1 the Cro.4 Cye ai$ .hen the t/m/"t $ie$ a.ay- 2an$ here i
yo/r ,irt tate. A more"- nothing more8 b/t .e ha"" ,eat be,ore the ,a"" o, night01 7he
torche a"ong the .a"" .ere b/rning bright- an$ o .a he- b"/e "ip- b"/e eye- an$ a"". 23hat
the kraken grap it $oe not "ooe. 7hee i"e .ere once o/r- an$ no. they are again8 b/t .e
nee$ trong men to ho"$ them. So rie- Ser #arra #ar"a.- ?or$ o, Greyhie"$.1 7he >night
too$- one han$ /pon Night,a""4 moontone pomme". 2Rie- An$rik the Fnmi"ing- ?or$ o,
So/thhie"$.1 An$rik hove$ a.ay hi .omen an$ "/rche$ to hi ,eet- "ike a mo/ntain riing
/$$en ,rom the ea. 2Rie- Maron %o"mark- ?or$ o, Greenhie"$.1 A bear$"e boy o, i:(an$(
ten year- %o"mark too$ heitant"y- "ooking "ike the "or$ o, rabbit. 2An$ rie- N/te the Barber-
?or$ o, Hakenhie"$.1
N/te4 eye gre. .ary- a i, he ,eare$ he .a the b/tt o, ome cr/e" =ape. 2A "or$61 he
croake$.
%ictarion ha$ e:pecte$ the Cro.4 Cye to give the "or$hip to hi o.n creat/re- Stonehan$
an$ the Re$ Harman an$ ?e,t(#an$ ?/ca Co$$. A king must needs be open(handed, he trie$ to
te"" hime",- b/t another voice .hipere$- 0uron/s gifts are poisoned+ 3hen he t/rne$ it over in
hi hea$- he a. it p"ain. #he ,night was the )eader/s chosen heir, and Andrik the <nsmiling
the strong right arm of Dunstan Drumm+ .olmark is a callow bo!, but he has Black 7arren/s
blood in him through his mother+ And the Barber=
%ictarion grabbe$ him by the ,orearm. 2Re,/e him01
N/te "ooke$ at him a i, he ha$ gone ma$. 2Re,/e him6 ?an$ an$ "or$hip6 3i"" !ou make
me a "or$61 #e .renche$ hi arm a.ay an$ too$- baking in the cheer.
And now he steals m! men awa!, %ictarion tho/ght.
>ing C/ron ca""e$ to ?a$y #e.ett ,or a ,reh c/p o, .ine an$ raie$ it high above hi hea$.
2Captain an$ king- "i,t yo/r c/p to the ?or$ o, the +o/r Shie"$01 %ictarion $rank .ith the
ret. #here is no wine so sweet as wine taken from a foe+ Someone ha$ to"$ him that once. #i
,ather- or hi brother Ba"on. One da! I shall drink !our wine, %row/s 0!e, and take from !ou all
that !ou hold dear+ B/t .a there anything C/ron he"$ $ear6
2Hn the morro. .e prepare once more to ai"-1 the king .a aying. 2+i"" o/r cak ane.
.ith pring .ater- take every ack o, grain an$ cak o, bee,- an$ a many heep an$ goat a .e
can carry. 7he .o/n$e$ .ho are ti"" ha"e eno/gh to p/"" an oar .i"" ro.. 7he ret ha"" remain
here- to he"p ho"$ thee i"e ,or their ne. "or$. 7or.o"$ an$ the Re$ Harman .i"" oon be
back .ith more proviion. H/r $eck .i"" tink o, pig an$ chicken on the voyage eat- b/t
.e4"" ret/rn .ith $ragon.1
4When65 7he voice .a ?or$ Ro$rik4. 23hen ha"" .e ret/rn- Eo/r Grace6 A year6 7hree
year6 +ive6 Eo/r $ragon are a .or"$ a.ay- an$ a/t/mn i /pon /.1 7he Rea$er .a"ke$
,or.ar$- o/n$ing a"" the haGar$. 2Ga""ey g/ar$ the Re$.yne Strait. 7he 5ornih coat i $ry
an$ b"eak- ,o/r h/n$re$ "eag/e o, .hir"poo"- c"i,,- an$ hi$$en hoa" .ith har$"y a a,e
"an$ing any.here. Beyon$ .ait the Steptone- .ith their torm an$ their net o, ?yene an$
Myrih pirate. &, a tho/an$ hip et ai"- three h/n$re$ may reach the ,ar i$e o, the narro.
ea8 an$ then .hat6 ?y .i"" not .e"come /- nor .i"" %o"anti. 3here .i"" yo/ ,in$ ,reh
.ater- ,oo$6 7he ,irt torm .i"" catter / acro ha", the earth.1
A mi"e p"aye$ acro C/ron4 b"/e "ip. 2& am the torm- my "or$. 7he ,irt torm- an$ the
"at. & have taken the Silence on "onger voyage than thi- an$ one ,ar more haGar$o/. #ave yo/
,orgotten6 & have ai"e$ the Smoking Sea an$ een %a"yria.1
Cvery man there kne. that the 5oom ti"" r/"e$ %a"yria. 7he very ea there boi"e$ an$
moke$- an$ the "an$ .a overr/n .ith $emon. &t .a ai$ that any ai"or .ho o m/ch a
g"impe$ the ,iery mo/ntain o, %a"yria riing above the .ave .o/"$ oon $ie a $rea$,/" $eath-
yet the Cro.4 Cye ha$ been there- an$ ret/rne$.
2#ave yo/61 the Rea$er ake$- o o,t"y.
C/ron4 b"/e mi"e vanihe$. 2Rea$er-1 he ai$ into the A/iet- 2yo/ .o/"$ $o .e"" to keep
yo/r noe in yo/r book.1
%ictarion co/"$ ,ee" the /neae in the ha"". #e p/he$ hime", to hi ,eet. 2Brother-1 he
boome$. 2Eo/ have not an.ere$ #ar"a.4 A/etion.1
C/ron hr/gge$. 27he price o, "ave i riing. 3e .i"" e"" o/r "ave in ?y an$ %o"anti.
7hat- an$ the p"/n$er .e have taken here- .i"" give / /,,icient go"$ to b/y proviion.1
2Are .e "aver no.61 ake$ the Rea$er. 2An$ ,or .hat6 5ragon that no man here ha een6
Sha"" .e chae ome $r/nken ai"or4 ,ancy to the ,ar en$ o, the earth61
#i .or$ $re. m/tter o, aent. 2S"aver4 Bay i too ,ar-1 ca""e$ o/t Ra", the ?imper. 2An$
too c"oe to %a"yria-1 ho/te$ D/e""on #/mb"e. +ra"egg the Strong ai$- 2#ighgar$en4 c"oe. &
ay- "ook ,or $ragon there. 7he golden kin$01 A"vyn Sharp ai$- 23hy ai" the .or"$- .hen the
Man$er "ie be,ore /61 Re$ Ra", Stoneho/e bo/n$e$ to hi ,eet. 2H"$to.n i richer- an$ the
Arbor richer ti"". Re$.yne4 ,"eet i o,, a.ay. 3e nee$ on"y reach o/t o/r han$ to p"/ck the
ripet ,r/it in 3etero.1
2+r/it61 7he king4 eye "ooke$ more b"ack than b"/e. 2Hn"y a craven .o/"$ tea" a ,r/it .hen
he co/"$ take the orchar$.1
2&t i the Arbor .e .ant-1 ai$ Re$ Ra",- an$ other men took /p the cry. 7he Cro.4 Cye "et
the ho/t .ah over him. 7hen he "eapt $o.n ,rom the tab"e- grabbe$ hi "attern by the arm-
an$ p/""e$ her ,rom the ha"".
Fled, like a dog+ C/ron4 ho"$ /pon the Seatone Chair /$$en"y $i$ not eem a ec/re a it
ha$ a ,e. moment be,ore. #he! will not follow him to Slaer/s Ba!+ $erhaps the! are not such
dogs and fools as I had feared+ 7hat .a /ch a merry tho/ght that %ictarion ha$ to .ah it
$o.n. #e $raine$ a c/p .ith the Barber- to ho. him that he $i$ not begr/$ge him hi "or$hip-
even i, it came ,rom C/ron4 han$.
H/ti$e the /n .ent $o.n. 5arkne gathere$ beyon$ the .a""- b/t ini$e the torche
b/rne$ .ith a r/$$y orange g"o.- an$ their moke gathere$ /n$er the ra,ter "ike a grey c"o/$.
5r/nken men began to $ance the ,inger $ance. At ome point ?e,t(#an$ ?/ca Co$$ $eci$e$ he
.ante$ one o, ?or$ #e.ett4 $a/ghter- o he took her on a tab"e .hi"t her iter creame$ an$
obbe$.
%ictarion ,e"t a tap /pon hi ho/"$er. Hne o, C/ron4 mongre" on too$ behin$ him- a boy
o, ten .ith .oo""y hair an$ kin the co"or o, m/$. 2My ,ather .ihe .or$ .ith yo/.1
%ictarion roe /ntea$i"y. #e .a a big man- .ith a "arge capacity ,or .ine- b/t even o- he
ha$ $r/nk too m/ch. I beat her to death with mine own hands, he tho/ght- but the %row/s 0!e
killed her when he shoed himself inside her+ I had no choice+ #e ,o""o.e$ the batar$ boy ,rom
the ha"" an$ /p a .in$ing tone tair. 7he o/n$ o, rape an$ reve"ry $iminihe$ a they c"imbe$-
/nti" there .a on"y the o,t crape o, boot on tone.
7he Cro.4 Cye ha$ taken ?or$ #e.ett4 be$chamber a"ong .ith hi batar$ $a/ghter. 3hen
he entere$- the gir" .a pra."e$ nake$ on the be$- noring o,t"y. C/ron too$ by the .in$o.-
$rinking ,rom a i"ver c/p. #e .ore the ab"e c"oak he took ,rom B"ackty$e- hi re$ "eather eye
patch- an$ nothing e"e. 23hen & .a a boy- & $reamt that & co/"$ ,"y-1 he anno/nce$. 23hen &
.oke- & co/"$n4t8 or o the maeter ai$. B/t .hat i, he "ie$61
%ictarion co/"$ me"" the ea thro/gh the open .in$o.- tho/gh the room tank o, .ine an$
b"oo$ an$ e:. 7he co"$ a"t air he"pe$ to c"ear hi hea$. 23hat $o yo/ mean61
C/ron t/rne$ to ,ace him- hi br/ie$ b"/e "ip c/r"e$ in a ha", mi"e. 29erhap .e can ,"y. A""
o, /. #o. .i"" .e ever kno. /n"e .e "eap ,rom ome ta"" to.er61 7he .in$ came g/ting
thro/gh the .in$o. an$ tirre$ hi ab"e c"oak. 7here .a omething obcene an$ $it/rbing
abo/t hi nake$ne. 2No man ever tr/"y kno. .hat he can $o /n"e he $are to "eap.1
27here i the .in$o.. ?eap.1 %ictarion ha$ no patience ,or thi. #i .o/n$e$ han$ .a
tro/b"ing him. 23hat $o yo/ .ant61
27he .or"$.1 +ire"ight g"immere$ in C/ron4 eye. 7is smiling e!e+ 23i"" yo/ take a c/p o,
?or$ #e.ett4 .ine6 7here4 no .ine ha", o .eet a .ine taken ,rom a beaten ,oe.1
2No.1 %ictarion g"ance$ a.ay. 2Cover yo/re",.1
C/ron eate$ hime", an$ gave hi c"oak a t.itch- o it covere$ hi private part. 2& ha$
,orgotten .hat a ma"" an$ noiy ,o"k they are- my ironborn. & .o/"$ bring them $ragon- an$
they ho/t o/t ,or grape.1
2Grape are rea". A man can gorge hime", on grape. 7heir =/ice i .eet- an$ they make
.ine. 3hat $o $ragon make61
23oe.1 7he Cro.4 Cye ippe$ ,rom hi i"ver c/p. 2& once he"$ a $ragon4 egg in thi han$-
brother. 7hi Myrih .iGar$ .ore he co/"$ hatch it i, & gave him a year an$ a"" the go"$ that he
reA/ire$. 3hen & gre. bore$ .ith hi e:c/e- & "e. him. A he .atche$ hi entrai" "i$ing
thro/gh hi ,inger he ai$- JBut it has not been a !ear+/1 #e "a/ghe$. 2Cragorn4 $ie$- yo/
kno..1
23ho61
27he man .ho b"e. my $ragon horn. 3hen the maeter c/t him open- hi "/ng .ere charre$
a b"ack a oot.1
%ictarion h/$$ere$. 2Sho. me thi $ragon4 egg.1
2& thre. it in the ea $/ring one o, my $ark moo$.1 C/ron gave a hr/g. 2&t come to me that
the Rea$er .a not .rong. 7oo "arge a ,"eet co/"$ never ho"$ together over /ch a $itance. 7he
voyage i too "ong- too peri"o/. Hn"y o/r ,inet hip an$ cre. co/"$ hope to ai" to S"aver4
Bay an$ back. 7he &ron +"eet.1
#he Iron Fleet is mine, %ictarion tho/ght. #e ai$ nothing.
7he Cro.4 Cye ,i""e$ t.o c/p .ith a trange b"ack .ine that ,"o.e$ a thick a honey.
25rink .ith me- brother. #ave a tate o, thi.1 #e o,,ere$ one o, the c/p to %ictarion.
7he captain took the c/p C/ron ha$ not o,,ere$- ni,,e$ at it content /picio/"y. Seen /p
c"oe- it "ooke$ more b"/e than b"ack. &t .a thick an$ oi"y- .ith a me"" "ike rotte$ ,"eh. #e
trie$ a ma"" .a""o.- an$ pit it o/t at once. 2+o/" t/,,. 5o yo/ mean to poion me61
2& mean to open yo/r eye.1 C/ron $rank $eep ,rom hi o.n c/p- an$ mi"e$. 2Shade(of(the(
eening, the .ine o, the .ar"ock. & came /pon a cak o, it .hen & capt/re$ a certain ga""ea o/t
o, Darth- a"ong .ith ome c"ove an$ n/tmeg- ,orty bo"t o, green i"k- an$ ,o/r .ar"ock .ho
to"$ a c/rio/ ta"e. Hne pre/me$ to threaten me- o & ki""e$ him an$ ,e$ him to the other three.
7hey re,/e$ to eat o, their ,rien$4 ,"eh at ,irt- b/t .hen they gre. h/ngry eno/gh they ha$ a
change o, heart. Men are meat.1
Balon was mad, Aeron is madder, and 0uron is maddest of them all+ %ictarion .a t/rning to
go .hen the Cro.4 Cye ai$- 2A king m/t have a .i,e- to give him heir. Brother- & have nee$
o, yo/. 3i"" yo/ go to S"aver4 Bay an$ bring my "ove to me61
I had a loe once too+ %ictarion4 han$ coi"e$ into ,it- an$ a $rop o, b"oo$ ,e"" to patter on
the ,"oor. I should beat !ou raw and red and feed !ou to the crabs, the same as I did her+ 2Eo/
have on-1 he to"$ hi brother.
2Baeborn mongre"- born o, .hore an$ .eeper.1
27hey are o, yo/r bo$y.1
2So are the content o, my chamber pot. None i ,it to it the Seatone Chair- m/ch "e the
&ron 7hrone. No- to make an heir that4 .orthy o, him- & nee$ a $i,,erent .oman. 3hen the
kraken .e$ the $ragon- brother- "et a"" the .or"$ be.are.1
23hat $ragon61 ai$ %ictarion- ,ro.ning.
27he "at o, her "ine. 7hey ay he i the ,airet .oman in the .or"$. #er hair i i"ver(go"$-
an$ her eye are amethyt8 b/t yo/ nee$ not take my .or$ ,or it- brother. Go to S"aver4 Bay-
beho"$ her bea/ty- an$ bring her back to me.1
23hy ho/"$ &61 %ictarion $eman$e$.
2+or "ove. +or $/ty. Beca/e yo/r king comman$ it.1 C/ron ch/ck"e$. 2An$ ,or the Seatone
Chair. &t i yo/r- once & c"aim the &ron 7hrone. Eo/ ha"" ,o""o. me a & ,o""o.e$ Ba"on8 an$
yo/r o.n tr/eborn on ha"" one $ay ,o""o. yo/.1
*! own sons+ B/t to have a tr/eborn on a man m/t ,irt have a .i,e. %ictarion ha$ no "/ck
.ith .ive. 0uron/s gifts are poisoned, he remin$e$ hime",- but still=
27he choice i yo/r- brother. ?ive a thra"" or $ie a king. 5o yo/ $are to ,"y6 Fn"e yo/ take
the "eap- yo/4"" never kno..1
C/ron4 mi"ing eye .a bright .ith mockery. 2Hr $o & ak too m/ch o, yo/6 &t i a ,earome
thing to ai" beyon$ %a"yria.1
2& co/"$ ai" the &ron +"eet to he"" i, nee$ be.1 3hen %ictarion opene$ hi han$- hi pa"m .a
re$ .ith b"oo$. 2&4"" go to S"aver4 Bay- aye. &4"" ,in$ thi $ragon .oman- an$ &4"" bring her
back.1 But not for !ou+ &ou stole m! wife and despoiled her, so I/ll hae !ours+ #he fairest
woman in the world, for me+
THE WIND!&OWN
7he .or$ pae$ thro/gh the camp "ike a hot .in$. She is coming+ 7er host is on the march+
She is racing south to &unkai, to put the cit! to the torch and its people to the sword, and we are
going north to meet her+
+rog ha$ it ,rom 5ick Stra. .ho ha$ it ,rom H"$ Bi"" Bone .ho ha$ it ,rom a 9entohi
name$ Myrio Myraki- .ho ha$ a co/in .ho erve$ a c/pbearer to the 7attere$ 9rince. 2CoG
hear$ it in the comman$ tent- ,rom Caggo4 o.n "ip-1 5ick Stra. inite$. 23e4"" march be,ore
the $ay i o/t- ee i, .e $on4t.1
7hat m/ch prove$ tr/e. 7he comman$ came $o.n ,rom the 7attere$ 9rince thro/gh hi
captain an$ hi er=eant' trike the tent- "oa$ the m/"e- a$$"e the hore- .e march ,or
E/nkai at the break o, $ay. 2Not that them E/nkih batar$ .i"" be .anting / ini$e their
Ee""o. City- ni,,ing ro/n$ their $a/ghter-1 pre$icte$ BaAA- the A/int(eye$ Myrih
crobo.man .hoe name meant Beans+ 23e4"" get proviion in E/nkai- maybe ,reh hore-
then it .i"" be on to Meereen to $ance .ith the $ragon A/een. So hop A/ick- +rog- an$ p/t a nice
e$ge on yo/r mater4 .or$. Might be he4"" nee$ it oon.1
&n 5orne D/entyn Marte"" ha$ been a prince- in %o"anti a merchant4 man- b/t on the hore
o, S"aver4 Bay he .a on"y +rog- A/ire to the big ba"$ 5ornih knight the e"".or$ ca""e$
Greeng/t. 7he men o, the 3in$b"o.n /e$ .hat name they .o/"$- an$ change$ them at a
.him. 7hey4$ ,atene$ Frog on him beca/e he hoppe$ o ,at .hen the big man ho/te$ a
comman$.
Cven the comman$er o, the 3in$b"o.n kept hi tr/e name to hime",. Some ,ree companie
ha$ been born $/ring the cent/ry o, b"oo$ an$ chao that ha$ ,o""o.e$ the 5oom o, %a"yria.
Hther ha$ been ,orme$ yeter$ay an$ .o/"$ be gone /pon the morro.. 7he 3in$b"o.n .ent
back thirty year- an$ ha$ kno.n b/t one comman$er- the o,t(poken- a$(eye$ 9entohi
nob"eman ca""e$ the 7attere$ 9rince. #i hair an$ mai" .ere i"ver(grey- b/t hi ragge$ c"oak
.a ma$e o, t.it o, c"oth o, many co"or- b"/e an$ grey an$ p/rp"e- re$ an$ go"$ an$ green-
magenta an$ vermi"ion an$ cer/"ean- a"" ,a$e$ by the /n. 3hen the 7attere$ 9rince .a three(
an$(t.enty- a 5ick Stra. to"$ the tory- the magiter o, 9ento ha$ choen him to be their ne.
prince- ho/r a,ter behea$ing their o"$ prince. &ntea$ he4$ b/ck"e$ on a .or$- mo/nte$ hi
,avorite hore- an$ ,"e$ to the 5ip/te$ ?an$- never to ret/rn. #e ha$ ri$$en .ith the Secon$
Son- the &ron Shie"$- an$ the Mai$en4 Men- then =oine$ .ith ,ive brother(in(arm to ,orm the
3in$b"o.n. H, thoe i: ,o/n$er- on"y he /rvive$.
+rog ha$ no notion .hether any o, that .a tr/e. Since igning into the 3in$b"o.n in
%o"anti- he ha$ een the 7attere$ 9rince on"y at a $itance. 7he 5ornihmen .ere ne. han$-
ra. recr/it- arro. ,o$$er- three amongt t.o tho/an$. 7heir comman$er kept more e"evate$
company. 2& am not a A/ire-1 D/entyn ha$ protete$ .hen Gerri 5rink.ater@kno.n here a
5ornih Gerro"$- to $iting/ih him ,rom Gerro"$ Re$back an$ B"ack Gerro"$- an$ ometime a
5rink- ince the big man ha$ "ippe$ an$ ca""e$ him that@/ggete$ the r/e. 2& earne$ my p/r
in 5orne. & am a m/ch a knight a yo/ are.1
B/t Gerri ha$ the right o, itI he an$ Arch .ere here to protect D/entyn- an$ that meant
keeping him by the big man4 i$e. 2Arch i the bet ,ighter o, the three o, /-1 5rink.ater ha$
pointe$ o/t- 2b/t on"y yo/ can hope to .e$ the $ragon A/een.1
Wed her or fight her? either wa!, I will face her soon+ 7he more D/entyn hear$ o, 5aenery
7argaryen- the more he ,eare$ that meeting. 7he E/nkai4i c"aime$ that he ,e$ her $ragon on
h/man ,"eh an$ bathe$ in the b"oo$ o, virgin to keep her kin mooth an$ /pp"e. Bean
"a/ghe$ at that b/t re"ihe$ the ta"e o, the i"ver A/een4 promic/ity. 2Hne o, her captain
come o, a "ine .here the men have ,oot("ong member-1 he to"$ them- 2b/t even he4 not big
eno/gh ,or her. She ro$e .ith the 5othraki an$ gre. acc/tome$ to being ,/cke$ by ta""ion- o
no. no man can ,i"" her.1 An$ Book- the c"ever %o"antene .or$man .ho a".ay eeme$ to
have hi noe poke$ in ome cr/mb"y cro""- tho/ght the $ragon A/een both m/r$ero/ an$ ma$.
2#er kha" ki""e$ her brother to make her A/een. 7hen he ki""e$ her kha" to make here",
khaleesi+ She practice b"oo$ acri,ice- "ie a eai"y a he breathe- t/rn againt her o.n on a
.him. She4 broken tr/ce- tort/re$ envoy8 her ,ather .a ma$ too. &t r/n in the b"oo$.1
It runs in the blood+ >ing Aery && had been ma$- a"" o, 3etero kne. that. #e ha$ e:i"e$
t.o o, hi #an$ an$ b/rne$ a thir$. If Daener!s is as murderous as her father, must I still
marr! her6 9rince 5oran ha$ never poken o, that poibi"ity.
+rog .o/"$ be g"a$ to p/t Atapor behin$ him. 7he Re$ City .a the c"oet thing to he"" he
ever hope$ to kno.. 7he E/nkai4i ha$ ea"e$ the broken gate to keep the $ea$ an$ $ying ini$e
the city- b/t the ight that he ha$ een ri$ing $o.n thoe re$ brick treet .o/"$ ha/nt D/entyn
Marte"" ,orever. A river choke$ .ith corpe. 7he priete in her torn robe- impa"e$ /pon a
take an$ atten$e$ by a c"o/$ o, g"itening green ,"ie. 5ying men taggering thro/gh the treet-
b"oo$y an$ be,o/"e$. Chi"$ren ,ighting over ha",(cooke$ p/ppie. 7he "at ,ree king o, Atapor-
creaming nake$ in the pit a he .a et on by a core o, tarving $og. An$ ,ire- ,ire
every.here. #e co/"$ c"oe hi eye an$ ee them ti""' ,"ame .hir"ing ,rom brick pyrami$
"arger than any cat"e he ha$ ever een- p"/me o, greay moke coi"ing /p.ar$ "ike great b"ack
nake.
3hen the .in$ b"e. ,rom the o/th- the air me""e$ o, moke even here- three mi"e ,rom the
city. Behin$ it cr/mb"ing re$ brick .a""- Atapor .a ti"" amo"$er- tho/gh by no. mot o,
the great ,ire ha$ b/rne$ o/t. Ahe ,"oate$ "aGy on the breeGe "ike ,at grey no.,"ake. &t .o/"$
be goo$ to go.
7he big man agree$. 29at time-1 he ai$- .hen +rog ,o/n$ him $icing .ith Bean an$ Book
an$ H"$ Bi"" Bone- an$ "oing yet again. 7he e"".or$ "ove$ Greeng/t- .ho bet a ,ear"e"y
a he ,o/ght- b/t .ith ,ar "e /cce. 2&4"" .ant my armor- +rog. 5i$ yo/ cr/b that b"oo$ o,,
my mai"61
2Aye- er.1 Greeng/t4 mai" .a o"$ an$ heavy- patche$ an$ patche$ again- m/ch .orn. 7he
ame .a tr/e o, hi he"m- hi gorget- greave- an$ ga/nt"et- an$ the ret o, hi mimatche$
p"ate. +rog4 kit .a on"y "ight"y better- an$ Ser Gerri4 .a notab"y .ore. %ompan! steel, the
armorer ha$ ca""e$ it. D/entyn ha$ not ake$ ho. many other men ha$ .orn it be,ore him- ho.
many men ha$ $ie$ in it. 7hey ha$ aban$one$ their o.n ,ine armor in %o"anti- a"ong .ith their
go"$ an$ their tr/e name. 3ea"thy knight ,rom #o/e o"$ in honor $i$ not cro the narro.
ea to e"" their .or$- /n"e e:i"e$ ,or ome in,amy. 2&4$ ooner poe a poor than evi"-1
D/entyn ha$ $ec"are$- .hen Gerri ha$ e:p"aine$ hi r/e to them.
&t took the 3in$b"o.n "e than an ho/r to trike their camp. 2An$ no. .e ri$e-1 the 7attere$
9rince proc"aime$ ,rom hi h/ge grey .ar(hore- in a c"aic #igh %a"yrian that .a the c"oet
thing they ha$ to a company tong/e. #i ta""ion4 potte$ hin$A/arter .ere covere$ .ith
ragge$ trip o, c"oth torn ,rom the /rcoat o, men hi mater ha$ "ain. 7he prince4 c"oak .a
e.n together ,rom more o, the ame. An o"$ man he .a- pat i:ty- yet he ti"" at traight an$
ta"" in the high a$$"e- an$ hi voice .a trong eno/gh to carry to every corner o, the ,ie"$.
2Atapor .a b/t a tate-1 he ai$- 2Meereen .i"" be the ,eat-1 an$ the e"".or$ ent /p a .i"$
cheer. Streamer o, pa"e b"/e i"k ,"/ttere$ ,rom their "ance- .hi"t ,ork(tai"e$ b"/e(an$(.hite
banner ,"e. overhea$- the tan$ar$ o, the 3in$b"o.n.
7he three 5ornihmen cheere$ .ith a"" the ret. Si"ence .o/"$ have $ra.n notice. B/t a the
3in$b"o.n ro$e north a"ong the coat roa$- c"oe behin$ B"oo$bear$ an$ the Company o, the
Cat- +rog ,e"" in bei$e 5ornih Gerro"$. 2Soon-1 he ai$- in the Common 7ong/e o, 3etero.
7here .ere other 3eteroi in the company- b/t not many- an$ not near. 23e nee$ to $o it
oon.1
2Not here-1 .arne$ Gerri- .ith a m/mmer4 empty mi"e. 23e4"" peak o, thi tonight- .hen
.e make camp.1
&t .a a h/n$re$ "eag/e ,rom Atapor to E/nkai by the o"$ Ghicari coat roa$- an$ another
,i,ty ,rom E/nkai to Meereen. 7he ,ree companie- .e"" mo/nte$- co/"$ reach E/nkai in i:
$ay o, har$ ri$ing- or eight at a more "ei/re"y pace. 7he "egion ,rom H"$ Ghi .o/"$ take ha",
again a "ong- marching a,oot- an$ the E/nkai4i an$ their "ave o"$ier8 23ith their genera"-
it4 a .on$er they $on4t march into the ea-1 Bean ai$.
7he E/nkai4i $i$ not "ack ,or comman$er. An o"$ hero name$ E/rkhaG Go E/nGak ha$ the
/preme comman$- tho/gh the men o, the 3in$b"o.n g"impe$ him on"y at a $itance- coming
an$ going in a pa"anA/in o h/ge it reA/ire$ ,orty "ave to carry it.
7hey co/"$ not he"p b/t ee hi /n$er"ing- ho.ever. 7he E/nkih "or$"ing c/tt"e$
every.here- "ike roache. #a", o, them eeme$ to be name$ GhaG$an- GraG$an- MaG$han- or
GhaGnakI te""ing one Ghicari name ,rom another .a an art ,e. o, the 3in$b"o.n ha$
matere$- o they gave them mocking ty"e o, their o.n $eviing.
+oremot amongt them .a the Ee""o. 3ha"e- an obcene"y ,at man .ho a".ay .ore
ye""o. i"k tokar .ith go"$en ,ringe. 7oo heavy even to tan$ /naite$- he co/"$ not ho"$ hi
.ater- o he a".ay me""e$ o, pi- a tench o harp that even heavy per,/me co/"$ not
concea" it. B/t he .a ai$ to be the richet man in E/nkai- an$ he ha$ a paion ,or groteA/eI
hi "ave inc"/$e$ a boy .ith the "eg an$ hoove o, a goat- a bear$e$ .oman- a t.o(hea$e$
monter ,rom Mantary- an$ a hermaphro$ite .ho .arme$ hi be$ at night. 2Cock an$ c/nny
both-1 5ick Stra. to"$ them. 27he 3ha"e /e$ to o.n a giant too- "ike$ to .atch him ,/ck hi
"ave gir". 7hen he $ie$. & hear the 3ha"e4$ give a ack o4 go"$ ,or a ne. one.1
7hen there .a the Gir" Genera"- .ho ro$e abo/t on a .hite hore .ith a re$ mane an$
comman$e$ a h/n$re$ trapping "ave o"$ier that he ha$ bre$ an$ traine$ here",- a"" o, them
yo/ng- "ean- ripp"ing .ith m/c"e- an$ nake$ b/t ,or breechc"o/t- ye""o. c"oak- an$ "ong
bronGe hie"$ .ith erotic in"ay. 7heir mitre co/"$ not have been more than i:teen an$
,ancie$ here", E/nkai4 o.n 5aenery 7argaryen.
7he ?itt"e 9igeon .a not A/ite a $.ar,- b/t he might have pae$ ,or one in a ba$ "ight. Eet
he tr/tte$ abo/t a i, he .ere a giant- .ith hi p"/mp "itt"e "eg prea$ .i$e an$ hi p"/mp "itt"e
chet p/,,e$ o/t. #i o"$ier .ere the ta""et that any o, the 3in$b"o.n ha$ ever eenI the
hortet too$ even ,eet ta""- the ta""et c"oe to eight. A"" .ere "ong(,ace$ an$ "ong("egge$- an$
the ti"t b/i"t into the "eg o, their ornate armor ma$e them "onger ti"". 9ink(ename"e$ ca"e
covere$ their toroI on their hea$ .ere perche$ e"ongate$ he"m comp"ete .ith pointe$ tee"
beak an$ cret o, bobbing pink ,eather. Cach man .ore a "ong c/rve$ .or$ /pon hi hip- an$
each c"ape$ a pear a ta"" a he .a- .ith a "ea,(hape$ b"a$e at either en$.
27he ?itt"e 9igeon bree$ them-1 5ick Stra. in,orme$ them. 2#e b/y ta"" "ave ,rom a""
over the .or"$- mate the men to the .omen- an$ keep their ta""et o,,pring ,or the #eron.
Hne $ay he hope to be ab"e to $ipene .ith the ti"t.1
2A ,e. eion on the rack might pee$ a"ong the proce-1 /ggete$ the big man.
Gerri 5rink.ater "a/ghe$. 2A ,earome "ot. Nothing care me .ore than ti"t(.a"ker in
pink ca"e an$ ,eather. &, one .a a,ter me- &4$ "a/gh o har$ my b"a$$er might "et go.1
2Some ay that heron are ma=etic-1 ai$ H"$ Bi"" Bone.
2&, yo/r king eat ,rog .hi"e tan$ing on one "eg.1
2#eron are craven-1 the big man p/t in. 2Hne time me an$ 5rink an$ C"et/ .ere h/nting-
an$ .e came on thee heron .a$ing in the ha""o.- ,eating on ta$po"e an$ ma"" ,ih. 7hey
ma$e a pretty ight- aye- b/t then a ha.k pae$ overhea$- an$ they a"" took to the .ing "ike
they4$ een a $ragon. >icke$ /p o m/ch .in$ it b"e. me o,, my hore- b/t C"et/ nocke$ an
arro. to hi tring an$ bro/ght one $o.n. 7ate$ "ike $/ck- b/t not o greay.1
Cven the ?itt"e 9igeon an$ hi #eron pa"e$ bei$e the ,o""y o, the brother the e"".or$
ca""e$ the C"anker ?or$. 7he "at time the "ave o"$ier o, E/nkai4i ha$ ,ace$ the $ragon
A/een4 Fn/""ie$- they broke an$ ran. 7he C"anker ?or$ ha$ $evie$ a tratagem to prevent
thatI they chaine$ their troop together in gro/p o, ten- .rit to .rit an$ ank"e to ank"e. 2None
o, the poor batar$ can r/n /n"e they a"" r/n-1 5ick Stra. e:p"aine$- "a/ghing. 2An$ i, they
$o a"" r/n- they .on4t r/n very ,at.1
27hey $on4t ,/cking march very ,at either-1 oberve$ Bean. 2Eo/ can hear them c"anking
ten "eag/e o,,.1
7here .ere more- near a ma$ or .ore' ?or$ 3obb"echeek- the 5r/nken ConA/eror- the
Beatmater- 9/$$ing +ace- the Rabbit- the Charioteer- the 9er,/me$ #ero. Some ha$ t.enty
o"$ier- ome t.o h/n$re$ or t.o tho/an$- a"" "ave they ha$ traine$ an$ eA/ippe$
theme"ve. Cvery one .a .ea"thy- every one .a arrogant- an$ every one .a a captain an$
comman$er- an.erab"e to no one b/t E/rkhaG Go E/nGak- $i$ain,/" o, mere e"".or$- an$
prone to A/abb"e over prece$ence that .ere a en$"e a they .ere incomprehenib"e.
&n the time it took the 3in$b"o.n to ri$e three mi"e- the E/nkai4i ha$ ,a""en t.o(an$(a(ha",
mi"e behin$. 2A pack o, tinking ye""o. ,oo"-1 Bean comp"aine$. 27hey ti"" ain4t manage$ to
p/GG"e o/t .hy the Stormcro. an$ the Secon$ Son .ent over to the $ragon A/een.1
2+or go"$- they be"ieve-1 ai$ Book. 23hy $o yo/ think they4re paying / o .e""61
2Go"$ i .eet- b/t "i,e i .eeter-1 ai$ Bean. 23e .ere $ancing .ith cripp"e at Atapor.
5o yo/ .ant to ,ace rea" Fn/""ie$ .ith that "ot on yo/r i$e61
23e ,o/ght the Fn/""ie$ at Atapor-1 the big man ai$.
2& ai$ real Fn/""ie$. #acking o,, ome boy4 tone .ith a b/tcher4 c"eaver an$ han$ing
him a pointy hat $on4t make him Fn/""ie$. 7hat $ragon A/een4 got the rea" item- the kin$ that
$on4t break an$ r/n .hen yo/ ,art in their genera" $irection.1
27hem- an$ $ragon too.1 5ick Stra. g"ance$ /p at the ky a i, he tho/ght the mere mention
o, $ragon might be eno/gh to bring them $o.n /pon the company. 2>eep yo/r .or$ harp-
boy- .e4"" have / a rea" ,ight oon.1
A real fight, tho/ght +rog. 7he .or$ t/ck in hi cra.. 7he ,ight beneath the .a"" o,
Atapor ha$ eeme$ rea" eno/gh to him- tho/gh he kne. the e"".or$ ,e"t other.ie. 27hat
.a b/tchery- not batt"e-1 the .arrior bar$ 5enGo 54han ha$ been hear$ to $ec"are a,ter.ar$.
5enGo .a a captain- an$ veteran o, a h/n$re$ batt"e. +rog4 e:perience .a "imite$ to practice
yar$ an$ to/rney gro/n$- o he $i$ not think it .a hi p"ace to $ip/te the ver$ict o, /ch a
eaone$ .arrior.
It seemed like a battle when it first began, though+ #e remembere$ ho. hi g/t ha$ c"enche$
.hen he .a kicke$ a.ake at $a.n .ith the big man "ooming over him. 2&nto yo/r armor-
"/gabe$-1 he4$ boome$. 27he B/tcher4 coming o/t to give / batt"e. Fp- /n"e yo/ mean to be
hi meat.1
27he B/tcher >ing i $ea$-1 +rog ha$ protete$ "eepi"y. 7hat .a the tory a"" o, them ha$
hear$ a they cramb"e$ ,rom the hip that ha$ bro/ght them ,rom H"$ %o"anti. A econ$ >ing
C"eon ha$ taken the cro.n an$ $ie$ in t/rn- /ppoe$"y- an$ no. the Atapori .ere r/"e$ by a
.hore an$ a ma$ barber .hoe ,o""o.er .ere ,ighting .ith each other to contro" the city.
2Maybe they "ie$-1 the big man ha$ rep"ie$. 2Hr e"e thi i ome other b/tcher. Might be the
,irt one come back creaming ,rom hi tomb to ki"" ome E/nkihmen. Make no b"oo$y matter-
+rog. 1et !our armor on+1 7he tent "ept ten- an$ a"" o, them ha$ been on their ,eet by then-
.rigg"ing into breeche an$ boot- "i$ing "ong coat o, ringmai" $o.n onto their ho/"$er-
b/ck"ing breatp"ate- tightening the trap on greave or vambrace- grabbing ,or he"m an$
hie"$ an$ .or$ be"t. Gerri- A/ick a ever- .a the ,irt one ,/""y c"a$- Arch c"oe behin$
him. 7ogether they he"pe$ D/entyn $on hi o.n harne.
7hree h/n$re$ yar$ a.ay- Atapor4 ne. Fn/""ie$ ha$ been po/ring thro/gh their gate an$
,orming /p in rank beneath their city4 cr/mb"ing re$ brick .a""- $a.n "ight g"inting o,, their
pike$ bronGe he"met an$ the point o, their "ong pear.
7he three 5ornihmen pi""e$ ,rom the tent together to =oin the ,ighter printing ,or the hore
"ine. Battle+ D/entyn ha$ traine$ .ith pear an$ .or$ an$ hie"$ ince he .a o"$ eno/gh to
.a"k- b/t that meant nothing no.. Warrior, make me brae, +rog ha$ praye$- a $r/m beat in
the $itance- BOO* boom BOO* boom BOO* boom+ 7he big man pointe$ o/t the B/tcher
>ing to him- itting ti,, an$ ta"" /pon an armore$ hore in a /it o, copper ca"e that ,"ahe$
bri""iant"y in the morning /n. #e remembere$ Gerri i$"ing /p =/t be,ore the ,ight began.
2Stay c"oe to Arch- .hatever happen. Remember- yo/4re the on"y one o, / .ho can get the
gir".1 By then the Atapori .ere a$vancing.
5ea$ or a"ive- the B/tcher >ing ti"" took the 3ie Mater /na.are. 7he E/nkihmen .ere
ti"" r/nning abo/t in ,"/ttering tokar trying to get their ha",(traine$ "ave o"$ier into ome
emb"ance o, or$er a Fn/""ie$ pear came crahing thro/gh their iege "ine. &, not ,or their
a""ie an$ their $epie$ hire"ing they might .e"" have been over.he"me$- b/t the 3in$b"o.n
an$ the Company o, the Cat .ere ahore in min/te an$ came th/n$ering $o.n on the Atapori
,"ank even a a "egion ,rom Ne. Ghi p/he$ thro/gh the E/nkih camp ,rom the other i$e
an$ met the Fn/""ie$ pear to pear an$ hie"$ to hie"$.
7he ret .a b/tchery- b/t thi time it .a the B/tcher >ing on the .rong en$ o, the c"eaver.
Caggo .a the one .ho ,ina""y c/t him $o.n- ,ighting thro/gh the king4 protector on hi
montro/ .arhore an$ opening C"eon the Great ,rom ho/"$er to hip .ith one b"o. o, hi
c/rve$ %a"yrian arakh+ +rog $i$ not ee it- b/t thoe .ho $i$ c"aime$ C"eon4 copper armor rent
"ike i"k- an$ ,rom .ithin came an a.,/" tench an$ a h/n$re$ .rigg"ing grave .orm. C"eon
ha$ been $ea$ a,ter a"". 7he $eperate Atapori ha$ p/""e$ him ,rom hi tomb- c"appe$ him into
armor- an$ tie$ him onto a hore in hope o, giving heart to their Fn/""ie$.
5ea$ C"eon4 ,a"" .rote an en$ to that. 7he ne. Fn/""ie$ thre. $o.n their pear an$
hie"$ an$ ran- on"y to ,in$ the gate o, Atapor h/t behin$ them. +rog ha$ $one hi part in the
"a/ghter that ,o""o.e$- ri$ing $o.n the ,rightene$ e/n/ch .ith the other 3in$b"o.n. #ar$ by
the big man4 hip he ro$e- "ahing right an$ "e,t a their .e$ge .ent thro/gh the Fn/""ie$ "ike
a pearpoint. 3hen they b/rt thro/gh on the other i$e- the 7attere$ 9rince ha$ .hee"e$ them
ro/n$ an$ "e$ them thro/gh again. &t .a on"y coming back that +rog got a goo$ "ook at the ,ace
beneath the pike$ bronGe cap an$ rea"iGe$ that mot .ere no o"$er than he. 1reen bo!s
screaming for their mothers, he4$ tho/ght- b/t he ki""e$ them a"" the ame. By the time he4$ "e,t
the ,ie"$- hi .or$ .a r/nning re$ .ith b"oo$ an$ hi arm .a o tire$ he co/"$ har$"y "i,t it.
&et that was no real fight, he tho/ght. #he real fight will be on us soon, and we must be awa!
before it comes, or we/ll find ourseles fighting on the wrong side+
7hat night the 3in$b"o.n ma$e camp bei$e the hore o, S"aver4 Bay. +rog $re. the ,irt
.atch an$ .a ent to g/ar$ the hore "ine. Gerri met him there =/t a,ter /n$o.n- a a ha",(
moon hone /pon the .ater.
27he big man ho/"$ be here a .e""-1 ai$ D/entyn.
2#e4 gone to "ook /p H"$ Bi"" Bone an$ "oe the ret o, hi i"ver-1 Gerri ai$. 2?eave him
o/t o, thi. #e4"" $o a .e ay- tho/gh he .on4t "ike it m/ch.1
2No.1 7here .a m/ch an$ more abo/t thi D/entyn $i$ not "ike hime",. Sai"ing on an
overcro.$e$ hip toe$ by .in$ an$ ea- eating har$(brea$ cra."ing .ith .eevi" an$ $rinking
b"ack tar r/m to .eet ob"ivion- "eeping on pi"e o, mo"$y tra. .ith the tench o, tranger in
hi notri"8 a"" that he ha$ e:pecte$ .hen he ma$e hi mark on that crap o, parchment in
%o"anti- p"e$ging the 7attere$ 9rince hi .or$ an$ ervice ,or a year. 7hoe .ere har$hip to
be en$/re$- the t/,, o, a"" a$vent/re.
B/t .hat m/t come ne:t .a p"ain betraya". 7he E/nkai4i ha$ bro/ght them ,rom H"$
%o"anti to ,ight ,or the Ee""o. City- b/t no. the 5ornihmen meant to t/rn their c"oak an$ go
over to the other i$e. 7hat meant aban$oning their ne. brother(in(arm a .e"". 7he
3in$b"o.n .ere not the ort o, companion D/entyn .o/"$ have choen- b/t he ha$ croe$ the
ea .ith them- hare$ their meat an$ mea$- ,o/ght bei$e them- tra$e$ ta"e .ith thoe ,e.
.hoe ta"k he /n$ertoo$. An$ i, a"" hi ta"e .ere "ie- .e""- that .a the cot o, paage to
Meereen.
It is not what !ou/d call honorable, Gerri ha$ .arne$ them- back at the Merchant4 #o/e.
25aenery may be ha",.ay to E/nkai by no.- .ith an army at her back-1 D/entyn ai$ a
they .a"ke$ amongt the hore.
2She may be-1 Gerri ai$- 2b/t he4 not. 3e4ve hear$ /ch ta"k be,ore. 7he Atapori .ere
convince$ 5aenery .a coming o/th .ith her $ragon to break the iege. She $i$n4t come
then- an$ he4 not coming no..1
23e can4t kno. that- not ,or certain. 3e nee$ to tea" a.ay be,ore .e en$ /p ,ighting the
.oman & .a ent to .oo.1
23ait ti"" E/nkai.1 Gerri get/re$ at the hi"". 27hee "an$ be"ong to the E/nkai4i. No one i
"ike to .ant to ,ee$ or he"ter three $eerter. North o, E/nkai- that4 no(man4("an$.1
#e .a not .rong. Cven o- D/entyn ,e"t /neay. 27he big man4 ma$e too many ,rien$. #e
kno. the p"an .a a".ay to tea" o,, an$ make o/r .ay to 5aenery- b/t he4 not going to ,ee"
goo$ abo/t aban$oning men he4 ,o/ght .ith. &, .e .ait too "ong- it4 going to ,ee" a i, .e4re
$eerting them on the eve o, batt"e. #e .i"" never $o that. Eo/ kno. him a .e"" a & $o.1
2&t4 $eertion .henever .e $o it-1 arg/e$ Gerri- 2an$ the 7attere$ 9rince take a $im vie.
o, $eerter. #e4"" en$ h/nter a,ter /- an$ Seven ave / i, they catch /. &, .e4re "/cky-
they4"" =/t chop o,, a ,oot to make /re .e never r/n again. &, .e4re /n"/cky- they4"" give / to
9retty Meri.1
7hat "at gave D/entyn pa/e. 9retty Meri ,rightene$ him. A 3eteroi .oman- b/t ta""er
than he .a- =/t a th/mb /n$er i: ,eet. A,ter t.enty year amongt the ,ree companie- there
.a nothing pretty abo/t her- ini$e or o/t.
Gerri took him by the arm. 23ait. A ,e. more $ay- that4 a"". 3e have croe$ ha", the
.or"$- be patient ,or a ,e. more "eag/e. Some.here north o, E/nkai o/r chance .i"" come.1
2&, yo/ ay-1 ai$ +rog $o/bt,/""y8
8b/t ,or once the go$ .ere "itening- an$ their chance came m/ch ooner than that.
&t .a t.o $ay "ater. #/gh #/nger,or$ reine$ /p by their cook,ire- an$ ai$- 25ornih.
Eo/4re .ante$ in the comman$ tent.1
23hich one o, /61 ake$ Gerri. 23e4re a"" 5ornih.1
2A"" o, yo/- then.1 So/r an$ at/rnine- .ith a maime$ han$- #/nger,or$ ha$ been company
paymater ,or a time- /nti" the 7attere$ 9rince ha$ ca/ght him tea"ing ,rom the co,,er an$
remove$ three o, hi ,inger. No. he .a =/t a er=eant.
What could this be6 Fp to no.- +rog ha$ no notion that their comman$er kne. he .a a"ive.
#/nger,or$ ha$ a"rea$y ri$$en o,,- ho.ever- o there .a no time ,or A/etion. A"" they co/"$
$o .a gather /p the big man an$ report a or$ere$. 2A$mit to nothing an$ be prepare$ to ,ight-1
D/entyn to"$ hi ,rien$.
2& am a".ay prepare$ to ,ight-1 ai$ the big man.
7he great grey ai"c"oth pavi"ion that the 7attere$ 9rince "ike$ to ca"" hi canva cat"e .a
cro.$e$ .hen the 5ornihmen arrive$. &t took D/entyn on"y a moment to rea"iGe that mot o,
thoe aemb"e$ .ere ,rom the Seven >ing$om- or boate$ 3eteroi b"oo$. 08iles or the sons
of e8iles+ 5ick Stra. c"aime$ there .ere three core 3eteroi in the companyI a goo$ thir$ o,
thoe .ere here- inc"/$ing 5ick hime",- #/gh #/nger,or$- 9retty Meri- an$ go"$en(haire$
?e.i ?anter- the company4 bet archer.
5enGo 54han .a there a .e""- .ith Caggo h/ge bei$e him. %aggo %orpsekiller the men
.ere ca""ing him no.- tho/gh not to hi ,aceI he .a A/ick to anger- an$ that c/rve$ b"ack .or$
o, hi .a a naty a it o.ner. 7here .ere h/n$re$ o, %a"yrian "ong.or$ in the .or"$- b/t
on"y a han$,/" o, %a"yrian arakh. Neither Caggo nor 54han .a 3eteroi- b/t both .ere
captain an$ too$ high in the 7attere$ 9rince4 regar$. 7is right arm and his left+ Something
ma9or is afoot+
&t .a the 7attere$ 9rince hime", .ho $i$ the peaking. 2Hr$er have come $o.n ,rom
E/rkhaG-1 he ai$. 23hat Atapori ti"" /rvive have come creeping ,rom their hi$ey(ho"e- it
eem. 7here4 nothing "e,t in Atapor b/t corpe- o they4re po/ring o/t into the co/ntryi$e-
h/n$re$ o, them- maybe tho/an$- a"" tarve$ an$ ick. 7he E/nkai4i $on4t .ant them near
their Ee""o. City. 3e4ve been comman$e$ to h/nt them $o.n an$ t/rn them- $rive them back to
Atapor or north to Meereen. &, the $ragon A/een .ant to take them in- he4 .e"come to them.
#a", o, them have the b"oo$y ,"/:- an$ even the hea"thy one are mo/th to ,ee$.1
2E/nkai i c"oer than Meereen-1 #/gh #/nger,or$ ob=ecte$. 23hat i, they .on4t t/rn- my
"or$61
27hat4 .hy yo/ have .or$ an$ "ance- #/gh. 7ho/gh bo. might erve yo/ better. Stay
.e"" a.ay ,rom thoe .ho ho. ign o, the ,"/:. &4m en$ing ha", o/r trength into the hi"".
+i,ty patro"- t.enty ri$er each. B"oo$bear$4 got the ame or$er- o the Cat .i"" be in the
,ie"$ a .e"".1
A "ook pae$ bet.een the men- an$ a ,e. m/ttere$ /n$er their breath. 7ho/gh the
3in$b"o.n an$ the Company o, the Cat .ere both /n$er contract to E/nkai- a year ago in the
5ip/te$ ?an$ they ha$ been on oppoite i$e o, the batt"e "ine- an$ ba$ b"oo$ ti"" "ingere$.
B"oo$bear$- the avage comman$er o, the Cat- .a a roaring giant .ith a ,erocio/ appetite ,or
"a/ghter .ho ma$e no ecret o, hi $i$ain ,or 2o"$ grey(bear$ in rag.1
5ick Stra. c"eare$ hi throat. 2Begging yo/r par$on- b/t .e4re a"" Seven >ing$om born
here. M4"or$ never broke /p the company by b"oo$ or tong/e be,ore. 3hy en$ / "ot together61
2A ,air A/etion. Eo/4re to ri$e eat- $eep into the hi""- then .ing .i$e abo/t E/nkai-
making ,or Meereen. Sho/"$ yo/ come on any Atapori- $rive them north or ki"" them8 b/t
kno. that i not the p/rpoe o, yo/r miion. Beyon$ the Ee""o. City- yo/4re "ike to come /p
againt the $ragon A/een4 patro". Secon$ Son or Stormcro.. Cither .i"" erve. Go over to
them.1
2Go over to them61 ai$ the batar$ knight- Ser Hron Stone. 2Eo/4$ have / t/rn o/r
c"oak61
2& .o/"$-1 ai$ the 7attere$ 9rince.
D/entyn Marte"" a"mot "a/ghe$ a"o/$. #he gods are mad+
7he 3eteroi hi,te$ /neai"y. Some tare$ into their .ine c/p- a i, they hope$ to ,in$
ome .i$om there. #/gh #/nger,or$ ,ro.ne$. 2Eo/ think D/een 5aenery .i"" take / in81
2& $o.1
28b/t i, he $oe- .hat then6 Are .e pie6 Aain6 0no!s6 Are yo/ thinking to change
i$e61
Caggo co."e$. 27hat i ,or the prince to $eci$e- #/nger,or$. Eo/r part i to $o a yo/ are
to"$.1
2A".ay.1 #/nger,or$ raie$ hi t.o(,ingere$ han$. 2?et / be ,rank-1 ai$ 5enGo 54han- the
.arrior bar$. 27he E/nkai4i $o not inpire con,i$ence. 3hatever the o/tcome o, thi .ar- the
3in$(b"o.n ho/"$ hare in the poi" o, victory. H/r prince i .ie to keep a"" roa$ open.1
2Meri .i"" comman$ yo/-1 ai$ the 7attere$ 9rince. 2She kno. my min$ in thi8 an$
5aenery 7argaryen may be more accepting o, another .oman.1
D/entyn g"ance$ back to 9retty Meri. 3hen her co"$ $ea$ eye met hi- he ,e"t a hiver. I do
not like this+
5ick Stra. ti"" ha$ $o/bt a .e"". 27he gir" .o/"$ be a ,oo" to tr/t /. Cven .ith Meri.
0speciall! .ith Meri. #e""- I $on4t tr/t Meri- an$ &4ve ,/cke$ her a ,e. time.1 #e grinne$-
b/t no one "a/ghe$. ?eat o, a"" 9retty Meri.
2& think yo/ are mitaken- 5ick-1 the 7attere$ 9rince ai$. 2Eo/ are a"" 3eteroi. +rien$
,rom home. Eo/ peak her ame tong/e- .orhip her ame go$. A ,or motive- a"" o, yo/ have
/,,ere$ .rong at my han$. 5ick- &4ve .hippe$ yo/ more than any man in the company- an$
yo/ have the back to prove it. #/gh "ot three ,inger to my $icip"ine. Meri .a rape$ ha",
ro/n$ the company. Not this company- tr/e- b/t .e nee$ not mention that. 3i"" o, the 3oo$-
.e""- yo/4re =/t ,i"th. Ser Hron b"ame me ,or $ipatching hi brother to the Sorro. an$ Ser
?/ci,er i ti"" eething abo/t that "ave gir" Caggo took ,rom him.1
2#e co/"$ have given her back .hen he4$ ha$ her-1 ?/ci,er ?ong comp"aine$. 2#e ha$ no
ca/e to ki"" her.1
2She .a /g"y-1 ai$ Caggo. 27hat4 ca/e eno/gh.1
7he 7attere$ 9rince .ent on a i, no one ha$ poken. 23ebber- yo/ n/re c"aim to "an$ "ot
in 3etero. ?anter- & ki""e$ that boy yo/ .ere o ,on$ o,. Eo/ 5ornih three- yo/ think .e "ie$
to yo/. 7he p"/n$er ,rom Atapor .a m/ch "e than yo/ .ere promie$ in %o"anti- an$ & took
the "ion4 hare o, it.1
27he "at part4 tr/e-1 Ser Hron ai$.
27he bet r/e a".ay have ome ee$ o, tr/th-1 ai$ the 7attere$ 9rince. 2Cvery one o, yo/
ha amp"e reaon ,or .anting to aban$on me. An$ 5aenery 7argaryen kno. that e"".or$
are a ,ick"e "ot. #er o.n Secon$ Son an$ Stormcro. took E/nkih go"$ b/t $i$ not heitate to
=oin her .hen the ti$e o, batt"e began to ,"o. her .ay.1
23hen ho/"$ .e "eave61 ake$ ?e.i ?anter.
2At once. Be .ary o, the Cat an$ any ?ong ?ance yo/ may enco/nter. No one .i"" kno.
yo/r $e,ection i a r/e b/t thoe o, / in thi tent. 7/rn yo/r ti"e too oon- an$ yo/ .i"" be
maime$ a $eerter or $iembo.e"e$ a t/rnc"oak.1
7he three 5ornihmen .ere i"ent a they "e,t the comman$ tent. #went! riders, all speaking
the %ommon #ongue, tho/ght D/entyn. Whispering has 9ust gotten a deal more dangerous+
7he big man "appe$ him har$ acro the back. 2So. 7hi i .eet- +rog. A $ragon h/nt.1
0ai2e
The ,ie"$ o/ti$e the .a"" o, 5arry .ere being ti""e$ once more. 7he b/rne$ crop ha$ been
p"o.e$ /n$er- an$ Ser A$$am4 co/t reporte$ eeing .omen in the ,/rro. p/""ing .ee$-
.hi"t a team o, o:en broke ne. gro/n$ on the e$ge o, a nearby .oo$. A $oGen bear$e$ men
.ith a:e too$ g/ar$ over them a they .orke$.
By the time !aime an$ hi co"/mn reache$ the cat"e- a"" o, them ha$ ,"e$ .ithin the .a"". #e
,o/n$ 5arry c"oe$ to him- =/t a #arrenha" ha$ been. A chill! welcome from mine own blood+
2So/n$ the horn-1 he comman$e$. Ser >enno o, >ayce /n"/ng the #orn o, #errock an$ "et
it .in$. A he .aite$ ,or a repone ,rom the cat"e- !aime eye$ the banner ,"oating bro.n an$
crimon above hi co/in4 barbican. ?ance" ha$ taken to A/artering the "ion o, ?anniter .ith
the 5arry p"o.man- it .o/"$ eem. #e a. hi /nc"e4 han$ in that- a in ?ance"4 choice o,
bri$e. #o/e 5arry ha$ r/"e$ thee "an$ ince the An$a" cat $o.n the +irt Men. No $o/bt Ser
>evan rea"iGe$ that hi on .o/"$ have an eaier time o, it i, the peaant a. him a a
contin/ation o, the o"$ "ine- ho"$ing thee "an$ by right o, marriage rather than roya" $ecree.
,ean should be #ommen/s 7and+ 7ar!s Sw!ft is a toad, and m! sister is a fool if she thinks
elsewise+
7he cat"e gate ./ng open "o."y. 2My coG .i"" not have room to accommo$ate a tho/an$
men-1 !aime to"$ Strongboar. 23e4"" make camp beneath the .etern .a"". & .ant the perimeter
$itche$ an$ take$. 7here are ti"" ban$ o, o/t"a. in thee part.1
27hey4$ nee$ to be ma$ to attack a ,orce a trong a o/r.1
2Ma$ or tarving.1 Fnti" he ha$ a better notion o, thee o/t"a. an$ their trength- !aime .a
not inc"ine$ to take any rik .ith hi $e,ene. 25itche$ an$ take$-1 he ai$ again- be,ore
p/rring #onor to.ar$ the gate. Ser 5ermot ro$e bei$e him .ith the roya" tag an$ "ion- an$
Ser #/go %ance .ith the .hite tan$ar$ o, the >ingg/ar$. !aime ha$ charge$ Re$ Ronnet .ith
the tak o, $e"ivering 3y"i Man$er"y to Mai$enpoo"- o he .o/"$ not nee$ to "ook on him
hence,orth.
9ia ro$e .ith !aime4 A/ire- on the ge"$ing 9eck ha$ ,o/n$ ,or her. 2&t4 "ike ome toy
cat"e-1 !aime hear$ her ay. She/s known no home but 7arrenhal, he re,"ecte$. 0er! castle in
the realm will seem small to her, e8cept the )ock+
!omyn 9eck"eton .a aying the ame thing. 2Eo/ m/t not =/$ge by #arrenha". B"ack
#arren b/i"t too big.1 9ia "itene$ a o"emn"y a a gir" o, ,ive being "eone$ by her epta.
#hat/s all she is, a little girl in a woman/s bod!, scarred and scared+ 9eck .a taken .ith her-
tho/gh. !aime /pecte$ that the boy ha$ never kno.n a .oman- an$ 9ia .a ti"" pretty eno/gh-
o "ong a he kept her mo/th c"oe$. #here/s no harm in him bedding her, I suppose, so long as
she/s willing+
Hne o, the Mo/ntain4 men ha$ trie$ to rape the gir" at #arrenha"- an$ ha$ eeme$ honet"y
perp"e:e$ .hen !aime comman$e$ &"yn 9ayne to take hi hea$ o,,. 2& ha$ her be,ore- a h/nner$
time-1 he kept aying a they ,orce$ him to hi knee. 2A h/nner$ time- m4"or$. 3e a"" ha$
her.1 3hen Ser &"yn preente$ 9ia .ith hi hea$- he ha$ mi"e$ thro/gh her r/ine$ teeth.
5arry ha$ change$ han$ evera" time $/ring the ,ighting- an$ it cat"e ha$ been b/rne$
once an$ acke$ at "eat t.ice- b/t ?ance" ha$ eeming"y .ate$ "itt"e time etting thing to
right. 7he cat"e gate .ere ne."y h/ng- ra. oaken p"ank rein,orce$ .ith iron t/$. A ne.
tab"e .a going /p .here an o"$er one ha$ been p/t to the torch. 7he tep to the keep ha$ been
rep"ace$- an$ the h/tter on many o, the .in$o.. B"ackene$ tone ho.e$ .here the ,"ame
ha$ "icke$- b/t time an$ rain .o/"$ ,a$e thoe.
3ithin the .a""- crobo.men .a"ke$ the rampart- ome in crimon c"oak an$ "ion(crete$
he"m- other in the b"/e an$ grey o, #o/e +rey. A !aime trotte$ acro the yar$- chicken ran
o/t ,rom /n$er #onor4 hoove- heep b"eate$- an$ peaant tare$ at him .ith /""en eye.
Armed peasants, he $i$ not ,ai" to note. Some ha$ cythe- ome tave- ome hoe harpene$ to
cr/e" point. 7here .ere a:e in evi$ence a .e""- an$ he pie$ evera" bear$e$ men .ith re$-
even(pointe$ tar e.n onto ragge$- ,i"thy t/nic. *ore blood! sparrows+ Where do the! all
come from6
H, hi /nc"e >evan he a. no ign. Nor o, ?ance". Hn"y a maeter emerge$ to greet him- .ith
a grey robe ,"apping abo/t hi kinny "eg. 2?or$ Comman$er- 5arry i honore$ by thi8
/ne:pecte$ viit. Eo/ m/t ,orgive o/r "ack o, preparation. 3e ha$ been given to /n$ertan$
that yo/ .ere bo/n$ ,or Riverr/n.1
25arry .a on my .ay-1 "ie$ !aime. )ierrun will keep+ An$ i, perchance the iege ha$ en$e$
be,ore he reache$ the cat"e- he .o/"$ be pare$ the nee$ to take /p arm againt #o/e 7/""y.
5imo/nting- he han$e$ #onor to a tab"eboy. 23i"" & ,in$ my /nc"e here61 #e $i$ not /pp"y
a name. Ser >evan .a the on"y /nc"e he ha$ "e,t- the "at /rviving on o, 7yto ?anniter.
2No- my "or$. Ser >evan took hi "eave o, / a,ter the .e$$ing.1 7he maeter p/""e$ at the
chain co""ar- a i, it ha$ gro.n too tight ,or him. 2& kno. ?or$ ?ance" .i"" be p"eae$ to ee yo/
an$8 an$ a"" yo/r ga""ant knight. 7ho/gh it pain me to con,e that 5arry cannot ,ee$ o
many.1
23e have o/r o.n proviion. Eo/ are61
2Maeter Httomore- i, it p"eae my "or$. ?a$y Amerei .ihe$ to .e"come yo/ here",- b/t he
i eeing to the preparation o, a ,eat in yo/r honor. &t i her hope that yo/ an$ yo/r chie, knight
an$ captain .i"" =oin / at tab"e thi evening.1
2A hot mea" .o/"$ be mot .e"come. 7he $ay have been co"$ an$ .et.1 !aime g"ance$ abo/t
the yar$- at the bear$e$ ,ace o, the parro.. #oo man!+ And too man! Fre!s as well+ 23here
.i"" & ,in$ #ar$tone61
23e ha$ a report o, o/t"a. beyon$ the 7ri$ent. Ser #ar.yn took ,ive knight an$ t.enty
archer an$ .ent to $ea" .ith them.1
2An$ ?or$ ?ance"61
2#e i at hi prayer. #i "or$hip ha comman$e$ / never to $it/rb him .hen he i
praying.1
7e and Ser Bonifer should get on well+ 2%ery .e"".1 7here .o/"$ be time eno/gh to ta"k .ith
hi co/in "ater. 2Sho. me to my chamber an$ have a bath bro/ght /p.1
2&, it p"eae my "or$- .e have p/t yo/ in the 9"o.man4 >eep. & .i"" ho. yo/ there.1
2& kno. the .ay.1 !aime .a no tranger to thi cat"e. #e an$ Cerei ha$ been g/et here
t.ice be,ore- once on their .ay to 3inter,e"" .ith Robert- an$ again on the .ay back to >ing4
?an$ing. 7ho/gh ma"" a cat"e .ent- it .a "arger than an inn- .ith goo$ h/nting a"ong the
river. Robert Baratheon ha$ never been never "oath to impoe /pon the hopita"ity o, hi
/b=ect.
7he keep .a m/ch a he reca""e$ it. 27he .a"" are ti"" bare-1 !aime oberve$ a the maeter
"e$ him $o.n a ga""ery.
2?or$ ?ance" hope one $ay to cover them .ith hanging-1 ai$ Httomore. 2Scene o, piety
an$ $evotion.1
$iet! and deotion+ &t .a a"" he co/"$ $o not to "a/gh. 7he .a"" ha$ been bare on hi ,irt
viit too. 7yrion ha$ pointe$ o/t the A/are o, $arker tone .here tapetrie ha$ once h/ng. Ser
Raym/n co/"$ remove the hanging- b/t not the mark they4$ "e,t. ?ater- the &mp ha$ "ippe$ a
han$,/" o, tag to one o, 5arry4 erving men ,or the key to the ce""ar .here the miing
tapetrie .ere hi$$en. #e ho.e$ them to !aime by the "ight o, a can$"e- grinningI .oven
portrait o, a"" the 7argaryen king- ,rom the ,irt Aegon to the econ$ Aeny. 2&, & te"" Robert-
mayhap he4"" make me ?or$ o, 5arry-1 the $.ar, ai$- chort"ing.
Maeter Httomore "e$ !aime to the top o, the keep. 2& tr/t yo/ .i"" be com,ortab"e here- my
"or$. 7here i a privy- .hen nat/re ca"". Eo/r .in$o. "ook o/t /pon the go$.oo$. 7he
be$chamber a$=oin her "a$yhip4- .ith a ervant4 ce"" bet.een.1
27hee .ere ?or$ 5arry4 o.n apartment.1
2Ee- my "or$.1
2My co/in i too kin$. & $i$ not inten$ to p/t ?ance" o/t o, hi o.n be$chamber.1
2?or$ ?ance" ha been "eeping in the ept.1
Sleeping with the *other and the *aiden, when he has a warm wife 9ust through that door6
!aime $i$ not kno. .hether to "a/gh or .eep. *a!be he is pra!ing for his cock to harden+ &n
>ing4 ?an$ing it ha$ been r/more$ that ?ance"4 .o/n$ ha$ "e,t him incapab"e. Still, he ought
to hae sense enough to tr!+ #i co/in4 ho"$ on hi ne. "an$ .o/"$ not be ec/re /nti" he
,athere$ a on on hi ha",(5arry .i,e. !aime ha$ beg/n to r/e the imp/"e that ha$ bro/ght him
here. #e gave thank to Httomore- remin$e$ him abo/t the bath- an$ ha$ 9eck ee him o/t.
7he "or$4 be$chamber ha$ change$ ince hi "at viit- an$ not ,or the better. H"$ ta"e r/he
covere$ the ,"oor in p"ace o, the ,ine Myrih carpet that ha$ been there previo/"y- an$ a"" the
,/rnihing .ere ne. an$ cr/$e"y ma$e. Ser Raym/n 5arry4 be$ ha$ been "arge eno/gh to
"eep i:- .ith bro.n ve"vet $raperie an$ oak.oo$ pot carve$ .ith vine an$ "eaveI ?ance"4
.a a "/mpy tra. pa""et- p"ace$ beneath the .in$o. .here the ,irt "ight o, $ay .o/"$ be /re
to .ake him. 7he other be$ ha$ no $o/bt been b/rne$ or mahe$ or to"en- b/t even o8
3hen the t/b arrive$- ?itt"e ?e. p/""e$ o,, !aime4 boot an$ he"pe$ remove hi go"$en han$.
9eck an$ Garrett ha/"e$ .ater- an$ 9ia ,o/n$ him omething c"ean to /p in. 7he gir" g"ance$ at
him hy"y a he hook hi $o/b"et o/t. !aime .a /ncom,ortab"y a.are o, the c/rve o, hip an$
breat beneath her ro/ghp/n bro.n $re. #e ,o/n$ hime", remembering the thing that 9ia
ha$ .hipere$ to him at #arrenha"- the night that Dyb/rn ent her to hi be$. Sometimes when
I/m with some man, he4$ ai$- I close m! e!es and pretend it/s !ou on top of me+
#e .a grate,/" .hen the bath .a $eep eno/gh to concea" hi aro/a". A he "o.ere$ hime",
into the teaming .ater- he reca""e$ another bath- the one he4$ hare$ .ith Brienne. #e ha$ been
,everih an$ .eak ,rom "o o, b"oo$- an$ the heat ha$ ma$e him o $iGGy he ,o/n$ hime",
aying thing better "e,t /nai$. 7hi time he ha$ no /ch e:c/e. )emember !our ows+ $ia is
more fit for #!rion/s bed than !ours+ 2+etch me oap an$ a ti,, br/h-1 he to"$ 9eck. 29ia- yo/
may "eave /.1
2Aye- m4"or$. 7hank yo/- m4"or$.1 She covere$ her mo/th .hen he poke- to hi$e her
broken teeth.
25o yo/ .ant her61 !aime ake$ 9eck- .hen he .a gone.
7he A/ire t/rne$ beet re$.
2&, he4"" have yo/- take her. She4"" teach yo/ a ,e. thing yo/4"" ,in$ /e,/" on yo/r .e$$ing
night- & $on4t $o/bt- an$ yo/4re not "ike to get a batar$ by her.1 9ia ha$ prea$ her "eg ,or ha",
hi ,ather4 army an$ never A/ickene$I mot "ike the gir" .a barren. 2&, yo/ be$ her- tho/gh- be
kin$ to her.1
2>in$- my "or$6 #o.8 ho. .o/"$ & 8.1
2S.eet .or$. Gent"e to/che. Eo/ $on4t .ant to .e$ her- b/t o "ong a yo/4re abe$ treat
her a yo/ .o/"$ yo/r bri$e.1
7he "a$ no$$e$. 2My "or$- &8 .here ho/"$ & take her6 7here4 never a p"ace to8 to81
28to be a"one61 !aime grinne$. 23e4"" be at /pper evera" ho/r. 7he tra. "ook "/mpy-
b/t it ho/"$ erve.1
9eck4 eye gre. .i$e. 2#i "or$hip4 be$61
2Eo/4"" ,ee" a "or$ yo/re", .hen yo/4re $one- i, 9ia kno. her b/ine.1 And someone
ought to make some use of that miserable straw mattress+
3hen he $ecen$e$ ,or the ,eat that night- !aime ?anniter .ore a $o/b"et o, re$ ve"vet
"ahe$ .ith c"oth(o,(go"$- an$ a go"$en chain t/$$e$ .ith b"ack $iamon$. #e ha$ trappe$ on
hi go"$en han$ a .e""- po"ihe$ to a ,ine bright heen. 7hi .a no ,it p"ace to .ear hi .hite.
#i $/ty a.aite$ him at Riverr/nI a $arker nee$ ha$ bro/ght him here.
5arry4 great ha"" .a great on"y by co/rtey. 7ret"e tab"e cro.$e$ it ,rom .a"" to .a""- an$
the cei"ing ra,ter .ere b"ack .ith moke. !aime ha$ been eate$ on the $ai- to the right o,
?ance"4 empty chair. 23i"" my co/in not be =oining / ,or /pper61 he ake$ a he at $o.n.
2My "or$ pre,er to ,at-1 ai$ ?ance"4 .i,e- the ?a$y Amerei. 2#e4 ick .ith grie, ,or the
poor #igh Septon.1 She .a a "ong("egge$- ,/""(breate$- trapping gir" o, ome eight(an$(ten
yearI a hea"thy .ench to "ook at her- tho/gh her pinche$- chin"e ,ace remin$e$ !aime o, hi
"ate an$ /n"amente$ co/in C"eo- .ho ha$ a".ay "ooke$ ome.hat "ike a .eae".
Fasting6 7e is an een bigger fool than I suspected+ #i co/in ho/"$ be b/y ,athering a
"itt"e .eae"(,ace$ heir on hi .i$o. intea$ o, tarving hime", to $eath. #e .on$ere$ .hat Ser
>evan might have ha$ to ay abo/t hi on4 ne. ,ervor. Co/"$ that be the reaon ,or hi /nc"e4
abr/pt $epart/re6
Hver bo." o, bean(an$(bacon o/p ?a$y Amerei to"$ !aime ho. her ,irt h/ban$ ha$ been
"ain by Ser Gregor C"egane .hen the +rey .ere ti"" ,ighting ,or Robb Stark. 2& begge$ him not
to go- b/t my 9ate .a oh o er! brave- an$ .ore he .a the man to "ay that monter. #e
.ante$ to make a great name ,or hime",.1
We all do+ 23hen & .a a A/ire & to"$ mye", &4$ be the man to "ay the Smi"ing >night.1
27he Smi"ing >night61 She o/n$e$ "ot. 23ho .a that61
#he *ountain of m! bo!hood+ 7alf as big but twice as mad+
2An o/t"a.- "ong $ea$. No one .ho nee$ concern yo/r "a$yhip.1
Amerei4 "ip tremb"e$. 7ear ro""e$ ,rom her bro.n eye.
2Eo/ m/t ,orgive my $a/ghter-1 ai$ an o"$er .oman. ?a$y Amerei ha$ bro/ght a core o,
+rey to 5arry .ith herI a iter- an /nc"e- a ha", /nc"e- vario/ co/in8 an$ her mother- .ho
ha$ been born a 5arry. 2She ti"" grieve ,or her ,ather.1
2H/t"a. killed him-1 obbe$ ?a$y Amerei. 2+ather ha$ on"y gone o/t to ranom 9etyr
9imp"e. #e bro/ght them the go"$ they ake$ ,or- b/t they h/ng him any.ay.1
27anged, Ami. Eo/r ,ather .a not a tapetry.1 ?a$y Mariya t/rne$ back to !aime. 2& be"ieve
yo/ kne. him- er.1
23e .ere A/ire together once- at Crakeha"".1 #e .o/"$ not go o ,ar a to c"aim they ha$
been ,rien$. 3hen !aime ha$ arrive$- Merrett +rey ha$ been the cat"e b/""y- "or$ing it over a""
the yo/nger boy. #hen he tried to bull! me+ 2#e .a8 very trong.1 &t .a the on"y praie that
came to min$. Merrett ha$ been "o. an$ c"/my an$ t/pi$- b/t he was trong.
2Eo/ ,o/ght againt the >ing.oo$ Brotherhoo$ together-1 ni,,e$ ?a$y Amerei. 2+ather
/e$ to te"" me torie.1
Father used to boast and lie, !ou mean+ 23e $i$.1 +rey4 chie, contrib/tion to the ,ight ha$
conite$ o, contracting the po: ,rom a camp ,o""o.er an$ getting hime", capt/re$ by the 3hite
+a.n. 7he o/t"a. A/een b/rne$ her igi" into hi are be,ore ranoming him back to S/mner
Crakeha"". Merrett ha$ not been ab"e to it $o.n ,or a ,ortnight- tho/gh !aime $o/bte$ that the
re$(hot iron .a ha", o naty a the kett"e o, hit hi ,e""o. A/ire ma$e him eat once he .a
ret/rne$. Bo!s are the cruelest creatures on the earth+ #e "ippe$ hi go"$en han$ aro/n$ hi
.ine c/p an$ raie$ it /p. 27o Merrett4 memory-1 he ai$. &t .a eaier to $rink to the man than
to ta"k o, him.
A,ter the toat ?a$y Amerei toppe$ .eeping an$ the tab"e ta"k t/rne$ to .o"ve- o, the ,o/r(
,oote$ kin$. Ser 5an.e"" +rey c"aime$ there .ere more o, them abo/t than even hi gran$,ather
co/"$ remember. 27hey4ve "ot a"" ,ear o, men. 9ack o, them attacke$ o/r baggage train on o/r
.ay $o.n ,rom the 7.in. H/r archer ha$ to ,eather a $oGen be,ore the other ,"e$.1 Ser
A$$am Marbran$ con,ee$ that their o.n co"/mn ha$ ,ace$ imi"ar tro/b"e on their .ay /p
,rom >ing4 ?an$ing.
!aime concentrate$ on the ,are be,ore him- tearing o,, ch/nk o, brea$ .ith hi "e,t han$ an$
,/mb"ing at hi .ine c/p .ith hi right. #e .atche$ A$$am Marbran$ charm the gir" bei$e him-
.atche$ Ste,,on S.y,t re,ight the batt"e ,or >ing4 ?an$ing .ith brea$ an$ n/t an$ carrot. Ser
>enno p/""e$ a erving gir" into hi "ap- /rging her to troke hi horn- .hi"t Ser 5ermot rega"e$
ome A/ire .ith ta"e o, knight errantry in the rain.oo$. +arther $o.n the tab"e #/go %ance
ha$ c"oe$ hi eye. Brooding on the m!steries of life, tho/ght !aime. #hat, or napping between
courses+ #e t/rne$ back to ?a$y Mariya. 27he o/t"a. .ho ki""e$ yo/r h/ban$8 .a it ?or$
Beric4 ban$61
2So .e tho/ght- at ,irt.1 7ho/gh ?a$y Mariya4 hair .a treake$ .ith grey- he .a ti"" a
han$ome .oman. 27he ki""er cattere$ .hen they "e,t H"$tone. ?or$ %ypren tracke$ one
ban$ to +airmarket- b/t "ot them there. B"ack 3a"$er "e$ ho/n$ an$ h/nter into #ag4 Mire
a,ter the other. 7he peaant $enie$ eeing them- b/t .hen A/etione$ harp"y they ang a
$i,,erent ong. 7hey poke o, a one(eye$ man an$ another .ho .ore a ye""o. c"oak8 an$ a
.oman- c"oake$ an$ hoo$e$.1
2A .oman61 #e .o/"$ have tho/ght that the 3hite +a.n .o/"$ have ta/ght Merrett to tay
c"ear o, o/t"a. .enche. 27here .a a .oman in the >ing.oo$ Brotherhoo$ a .e"".1
2& kno. o, her.1 7ow not, her tone /ggete$- when she left her mark upon m! husband6
27he 3hite +a.n .a yo/ng an$ ,air- they ay. 7hi hoo$e$ .oman i neither. 7he peaant
.o/"$ have / be"ieve that her ,ace .a torn an$ carre$- an$ her eye terrib"e to "ook /pon.
7hey c"aim he "e$ the o/t"a..1
2?e$ them61 !aime ,o/n$ that har$ to be"ieve. 2Beric 5on$arrion an$ the re$ priet81
28.ere not een.1 ?a$y Mariya o/n$e$ certain.
25on$arrion4 $ea$-1 ai$ Strongboar. 27he Mo/ntain $rove a kni,e thro/gh hi eye- .e have
men .ith / .ho a. it.1
27hat4 one ta"e-1 ai$ A$$am Marbran$. 2Hther .i"" te"" yo/ that ?or$ Beric can4t be
ki""e$.1
2Ser #ar.yn ay thoe ta"e are "ie.1 ?a$y Amerei .o/n$ a brai$ aro/n$ her ,inger. 2#e
ha promie$ me ?or$ Beric4 hea$. #e4 very ga""ant.1 She .a b"/hing beneath her tear.
!aime tho/ght back on the hea$ he4$ given to 9ia. #e co/"$ a"mot hear hi "itt"e brother
ch/ck"e. Whateer became of giing women flowers6 7yrion might have ake$. #e .o/"$ have
ha$ a ,e. choice .or$ ,or #ar.yn 9"/mm a .e""- tho/gh gallant .o/"$ not have been one o,
them. 9"/mm4 brother .ere big- ,"ehy ,e""o. .ith thick neck an$ re$ ,aceI "o/$ an$ "/ty-
A/ick to "a/gh- A/ick to anger- A/ick to ,orgive. #ar.yn .a a $i,,erent ort o, 9"/mmI har$(
eye$ an$ tacit/rn- /n,orgiving8 an$ $ea$"y- .ith hi hammer in hi han$. A goo$ man to
comman$ a garrion- b/t not a man to "ove. Although= !aime gaGe$ at ?a$y Amerei.
7he erving men .ere bringing o/t the ,ih co/re- a river pike bake$ in a cr/t o, herb an$
cr/he$ n/t. ?ance"4 "a$y tate$ it- approve$- an$ comman$e$ that the ,irt portion be erve$ to
!aime. A they et the ,ih be,ore him- he "eane$ acro her h/ban$4 p"ace to to/ch hi go"$en
han$. 2&ou co/"$ ki"" ?or$ Beric- Ser !aime. Eo/ "e. the Smi"ey >night. 9"eae- my "or$- & beg
yo/- tay an$ he"p / .ith ?or$ Beric an$ the #o/n$.1 #er pa"e ,inger caree$ hi go"$en one.
Does she think that I can feel that6 27he S.or$ o, the Morning "e. the Smi"ing >night- my
"a$y. Ser Arth/r 5ayne- a better knight than me.1 !aime p/""e$ back hi go"$en ,inger an$
t/rne$ once more to ?a$y Mariya. 2#o. ,ar $i$ B"ack 3a"$er track thi hoo$e$ .oman an$ her
men61
2#i ho/n$ picke$ /p their cent again north o, #ag4 Mire-1 the o"$er .oman to"$ him. 2#e
.ear that he .a no more than ha", a $ay behin$ them .hen they vanihe$ into the Neck.1
2?et them rot there-1 $ec"are$ Ser >enno cheer,/""y. 2&, the go$ are goo$- they4"" be
.a""o.e$ /p in A/ickan$ or gobb"e$ $o.n by "iGar$("ion.1
2Hr taken in by ,rogeater-1 ai$ Ser 5an.e"" +rey. 2& .o/"$ not p/t it pat the crannogmen to
he"ter o/t"a..1
23o/"$ that it .ere on"y them-1 ai$ ?a$y Mariya. 2Some o, the river "or$ are han$ in g"ove
.ith ?or$ Beric4 men a .e"".1
27he ma"",o"k too-1 ni,,e$ her $a/ghter. 2Ser #ar.yn ay they hi$e them an$ ,ee$ them-
an$ .hen he ak .here they4ve gone- they "ie. 7hey lie to their o.n "or$01
2#ave their tong/e o/t-1 /rge$ Strongboar.
2Goo$ "/ck getting an.er then-1 ai$ !aime. 2&, yo/ .ant their he"p- yo/ nee$ to make them
"ove yo/. 7hat .a ho. Arth/r 5ayne $i$ it- .hen .e ro$e againt the >ing.oo$ Brotherhoo$.
#e pai$ the ma"",o"k ,or the ,oo$ .e ate- bro/ght their grievance to >ing Aery- e:pan$e$ the
graGing "an$ aro/n$ their vi""age- even .on them the right to ,e"" a certain n/mber o, tree each
year an$ take a ,e. o, the king4 $eer $/ring the a/t/mn. 7he ,oret ,o"k ha$ "ooke$ to 7oyne to
$e,en$ them- b/t Ser Arth/r $i$ more ,or them than the Brotherhoo$ co/"$ ever hope to $o- an$
.on them to o/r i$e. A,ter that- the ret .a eay.1
27he ?or$ Comman$er peak .ie"y-1 ai$ ?a$y Mariya. 23e ha"" never be ri$ o, thee
o/t"a. /nti" the ma"",o"k come to "ove ?ance" a m/ch a they once "ove$ my ,ather an$
gran$,ather.1
!aime g"ance$ at hi co/in4 empty p"ace. "ancel will neer win their loe b! pra!ing,
though+
?a$y Amerei p/t on a po/t. 2Ser !aime- & pray yo/- $o not aban$on /. My "or$ ha nee$ o,
yo/- an$ o $o &. 7hee are /ch ,ear,/" time. Some night & can har$"y "eep- ,or ,ear.1
2My p"ace i .ith the king- my "a$y.1
2&4"" come-1 o,,ere$ Strongboar. 2Hnce .e4re $one at Riverr/n- &4"" be itching ,or another
,ight. Not that Beric 5on$arrion i "ike to give me one. & reca"" the man ,rom to/rney pat. A
come"y "a$ in a pretty c"oak- he .a. S"ight an$ ca""o..1
27hat .a be,ore he $ie$-1 ai$ yo/ng Ser Ar.oo$ +rey. 25eath change$ him- the ma"",o"k
ay. Eo/ can ki"" him- b/t he .on4t tay $ea$. #o. $o yo/ ,ight a man "ike that6 An$ there4 the
#o/n$ a .e"". #e "e. t.enty men at Sa"tpan.1
Strongboar g/,,a.e$. 27.enty ,at innkeep- maybe. 7.enty erving men piing in their
breeche. 7.enty begging brother arme$ .ith bo.". Not t.enty knight. Not me+1
27here i a knight at Sa"tpan-1 Ser Ar.oo$ inite$. 2#e hi$ behin$ hi .a"" .hi"t C"egane
an$ hi ma$ $og ravage$ thro/gh hi to.n. Eo/ have not een the thing he $i$- er. & have.
3hen the report reache$ the 7.in- & ro$e $o.n .ith #ary #aigh an$ hi brother 5onne" an$
ha", a h/n$re$ men- archer an$ men(at(arm. 3e tho/ght it .a ?or$ Beric4 .ork- an$ hope$
to ,in$ hi trai". A"" that remain o, Sa"tpan i the cat"e- an$ o"$ Ser D/incy o ,rightene$ he
.o/"$ not open hi gate- b/t ho/te$ $o.n at / ,rom hi batt"ement. 7he ret i bone an$
ahe. A .ho"e to.n. 7he #o/n$ p/t the b/i"$ing to the torch an$ the peop"e to the .or$ an$
ro$e o,, "a/ghing. 7he .omen8 yo/ .o/"$ not be"ieve .hat he $i$ to ome o, the .omen. &
.i"" not peak o, it at tab"e. &t ma$e me ick to ee.1
2& crie$ .hen & hear$-1 ai$ ?a$y Amerei.
!aime ippe$ hi .ine. 23hat make yo/ certain it .a the #o/n$61 3hat they .ere
$ecribing o/n$e$ more "ike Gregor4 .ork than San$or4. San$or ha$ been har$ an$ br/ta"-
ye- b/t it .a hi big brother .ho .a the rea" monter in #o/e C"egane.
2#e .a een-1 Ser Ar.oo$ ai$. 27hat he"m o, hi i not eai"y mitaken- nor ,orgotten- an$
there .ere a ,e. .ho /rvive$ to te"" the ta"e. 7he gir" he rape$- ome boy .ho hi$- a .oman
.e ,o/n$ trappe$ beneath a b"ackene$ beam- the ,iher,o"k .ho .atche$ the b/tchery ,rom their
boat81
25o not ca"" it b/tchery-1 ?a$y Mariya ai$ o,t"y. 27hat give in/"t to honet b/tcher
every.here. Sa"tpan .a the .ork o, ome ,e"" beat in h/man kin.1
#his is a time for beasts, !aime re,"ecte$- for lions and woles and angr! dogs, for raens and
carrion crows+
2Cvi" .ork.1 Strongboar ,i""e$ hi c/p again. 2?a$y Mariya- ?a$y Amerei- yo/r $itre ha
move$ me. Eo/ have my .or$- once Riverr/n ha ,a""en & ha"" ret/rn to h/nt $o.n the #o/n$
an$ ki"" him ,or yo/. 5og $o not ,righten me.1
#his one should+ Both men .ere "arge an$ po.er,/"- b/t San$or C"egane .a m/ch A/icker-
an$ ,o/ght .ith a avagery that ?y"e Crakeha"" co/"$ not hope to match.
?a$y Amerei .a thri""e$- ho.ever. 2Eo/ are a tr/e knight- Ser ?y"e- to he"p a "a$y in
$itre.1
At least she did not call herself 4a maiden+5 !aime reache$ ,or hi c/p an$ knocke$ it over.
7he "inen tab"ec"oth $rank the .ine. A the re$ tain prea$- hi companion a"" preten$e$ not to
notice. 7igh table courtes!, he to"$ hime",- b/t it tate$ =/t "ike pity. #e roe abr/pt"y. 2My
"a$y. 9ray e:c/e me.1
?a$y Amerei "ooke$ tricken. 23o/"$ yo/ "eave /6 7here4 venion to come- an$ capon
t/,,e$ .ith "eek an$ m/hroom.1
2%ery ,ine- no $o/bt- b/t & co/"$ not eat another bite. & nee$ to ee my co/in.1 Bo.ing-
!aime "e,t them to their ,oo$.
Men .ere eating in the yar$ a .e"". 7he parro. ha$ gathere$ ro/n$ a $oGen cook,ire to
.arm their han$ againt the chi"" o, $/k an$ .atch ,at a/age pit an$ iGG"e above the
,"ame. 7here ha$ to be a h/n$re$ o, them. <seless mouths+ !aime .on$ere$ ho. many a/age
hi co/in ha$ "ai$ by an$ ho. he inten$e$ to ,ee$ the parro. once they .ere gone. #he! will
be eating rats b! winter, unless the! can get a harest in+ 7hi "ate in a/t/mn- the chance o,
another harvet .ere not goo$.
#e ,o/n$ the ept o,, the cat"e4 inner .ar$I a .in$o."e- even(i$e$- ha",(timbere$
b/i"$ing .ith carve$ .oo$ $oor an$ a ti"e$ roo,. 7hree parro. at /pon it tep. 3hen !aime
approache$- they roe. 23here yo/ going- m4"or$61 ake$ one. #e .a the ma""et o, the three-
b/t he ha$ the bigget bear$.
2&ni$e.1
2#i "or$hip4 in there- praying.1
2#i "or$hip i my co/in.1
23e""- then- m4"or$-1 ai$ a $i,,erent parro.- a h/ge ba"$ man .ith a even(pointe$ tar
painte$ over one eye- 2yo/ .on4t .ant to bother yo/r co/in at hi prayer.1
2?or$ ?ance" i aking the +ather Above ,or g/i$ance-1 ai$ the thir$ parro.- the bear$"e
one. A boy- !aime ha$ tho/ght- b/t her voice marke$ her ,or a .oman- $ree$ in hape"e rag
an$ a hirt o, r/te$ mai". 2#e i praying ,or the o/" o, the #igh Septon an$ a"" the other .ho
have $ie$.1
27hey4"" ti"" be $ea$ tomorro.-1 !aime to"$ her. 27he +ather Above ha more time than & $o.
5o yo/ kno. .ho & am61
2Some "or$-1 ai$ the big man .ith the tarry eye.
2Some cripp"e-1 ai$ the ma"" one .ith the big bear$.
27he >ing"ayer-1 ai$ the .oman- 2b/t .e4re no king- =/t 9oor +e""o.- an$ yo/ can4t go
in /n"e hi "or$hip ay yo/ can.1 She he,te$ a pike$ c"/b- an$ the ma"" man raie$ an a:e.
7he $oor behin$ them opene$. 2?et my co/in pa in peace- ,rien$-1 ?ance" ai$ o,t"y. 2&
have been e:pecting him.1
7he parro. move$ ai$e.
?ance" "ooke$ even thinner than he ha$ at >ing4 ?an$ing. #e .a bare,oot- an$ $ree$ in a
p"ain- ro/ghp/n t/nic o, /n$ye$ .oo" that ma$e him "ook more "ike a beggar than a "or$. 7he
cro.n o, hi hea$ ha$ been have$ mooth- b/t hi bear$ ha$ gro.n o/t a "itt"e. 7o ca"" it peach
,/GG .o/"$ have given in/"t to the peach. &t .ent A/eer"y .ith the .hite hair aro/n$ hi ear.
2Co/in-1 ai$ !aime .hen they .ere a"one .ithin the ept- 2have yo/ "ot yo/r b"oo$y .it61
2& pre,er to ay &4ve ,o/n$ my ,aith.1
23here i yo/r ,ather61
2Gone. 3e A/arre"e$.1 ?ance" kne"t be,ore the a"tar o, hi other +ather. 23i"" yo/ pray .ith
me- !aime61
2&, & pray nice"y- .i"" the +ather give me a ne. han$61
2No. B/t the 3arrior .i"" give yo/ co/rage- the Smith .i"" "en$ yo/ trength- an$ the Crone
.i"" give yo/ .i$om.1
2&t4 a han$ & nee$.1 7he even go$ "oome$ above carve$ a"tar- the $ark .oo$ g"eaming in
the can$"e"ight. A ,aint me"" o, incene h/ng in the air. 2Eo/ "eep $o.n here61
2Cach night & make my be$ beneath a $i,,erent a"tar- an$ the Seven en$ me viion.1
Bae"or the B"ee$ once ha$ viion too. 0speciall! when he was fasting+ 2#o. "ong ha it
been ince yo/4ve eaten61
2My ,aith i a"" the no/rihment & nee$.1
2+aith i "ike porri$ge. Better .ith mi"k an$ honey.1
2& $reame$ that yo/ .o/"$ come. &n the $ream yo/ kne. .hat & ha$ $one. #o. &4$ inne$.
Eo/ ki""e$ me ,or it.1
2Eo/4re more "ike to ki"" yo/re", .ith a"" thi ,ating. 5i$n4t Bae"or the B"ee$ ,at hime",
onto a bier61
2H/r "ive are can$"e ,"ame- ay #he Seen($ointed Star+ Any errant p/,, o, .in$ can n/,,
/ o/t. 5eath i never ,ar in thi .or"$- an$ even he"" a.ait inner .ho $o not repent their
in. 9ray .ith me- !aime.1
2&, & $o- .i"" yo/ eat a bo." o, porri$ge61 3hen hi coG $i$ not an.er- !aime ighe$. 2Eo/
ho/"$ be "eeping .ith yo/r .i,e- not .ith the Mai$. Eo/ nee$ a on .ith 5arry b"oo$ i, yo/
.ant to keep thi cat"e.1
2A pi"e o, co"$ tone. & never ake$ ,or it. & never .ante$ it. & on"y .ante$81 ?ance"
h/$$ere$. 2Seven ave me- b/t & .ante$ to be yo/.1
!aime ha$ to "a/gh. 2Better me than B"ee$ Bae"or. 5arry nee$ a "ion- coG. So $oe yo/r
"itt"e +rey. She get moit bet.een the "eg every time omeone mention #ar$tone. &, he
han4t be$$e$ him yet- he .i"" oon.1
2&, he "ove him- & .ih them =oy o, one another.1
2A "ion ho/"$n4t have horn. Eo/ took the gir" to .i,e.1
2& ai$ ome .or$ an$ gave her a re$ c"oak- b/t on"y to p"eae +ather. Marriage reA/ire
con/mmation. >ing Bae"or .a ma$e to .e$ hi iter 5aena- b/t they never "ive$ a man an$
.i,e- an$ he p/t her ai$e a oon a he .a cro.ne$.1
27he rea"m .o/"$ have been better erve$ i, he ha$ c"oe$ hi eye an$ ,/cke$ her. & kno.
eno/gh hitory to kno. that. &n any cae- yo/4re not "ike to be taken ,or Bae"or the B"ee$.1
2No-1 ?ance" a""o.e$. 2#e .a a rare pirit- p/re an$ brave an$ innocent- /nto/che$ by a""
the evi" o, the .or"$. & am a inner- .ith m/ch an$ more to atone ,or.1
!aime p/t hi han$ on hi co/in4 ho/"$er. 23hat $o yo/ kno. o, in- coG6 & ki""e$ my
king.1
27he brave man "ay .ith a .or$- the craven .ith a .inekin. 3e are both king"ayer-
er.1
2Robert .a no tr/e king. Some might even ay that a tag i a "ion4 nat/ra" prey.1 !aime
co/"$ ,ee" the bone beneath hi co/in4 kin8 an$ omething e"e a .e"". ?ance" .a .earing
a hair hirt /n$erneath hi t/nic. 23hat e"e $i$ yo/ $o- to reA/ire o m/ch atonement6 7e"" me.1
#i co/in bo.e$ hi hea$- tear r/nning $o.n hi cheek.
7hoe tear .ere a"" the an.er !aime nee$e$. 2Eo/ ki""e$ the king-1 he ai$- 2then yo/
,/cke$ the A/een.1
2& never81
28"ay .ith my .eet iter61 Sa! it+ Sa! it;
2Never pi""e$ my ee$ in8 in her81
28c/nt61 /ggete$ !aime.
28.omb-1 ?ance" ,inihe$. 2&t i not treaon /n"e yo/ ,inih ini$e. & gave her com,ort-
a,ter the king $ie$. Eo/ .ere a captive- yo/r ,ather .a in the ,ie"$- an$ yo/r brother8 he .a
a,rai$ o, him- an$ .ith goo$ reaon. #e ma$e me betray her.1
25i$ he61 "ancel and Ser Osmund and how man! more6 Was the part about *oon Bo! 9ust a
gibe6 25i$ yo/ ,orce her61
22o; & "ove$ her. & .ante$ to protect her.1
&ou wanted to be me+ #i phantom ,inger itche$. 7he $ay hi iter ha$ come to 3hite
S.or$ 7o.er to beg him to reno/nce hi vo.- he ha$ "a/ghe$ a,ter he re,/e$ her an$ boate$
o, having "ie$ to him a tho/an$ time. !aime ha$ taken that ,or a c"/my attempt to h/rt him a
he4$ h/rt her. It ma! hae been the onl! true thing that she eer said to me+
25o not think i"" o, the A/een-1 ?ance" p"ea$e$. 2A"" ,"eh i .eak- !aime. No harm came o,
o/r in. No8 no batar$.1
2No. Batar$ are e"$om ma$e /pon the be""y.1 #e .on$ere$ .hat hi co/in .o/"$ ay i, he
.ere to con,e hi o.n in- the three treaon Cerei ha$ name$ !o,,rey- 7ommen- an$
Myrce""a.
2& .a angry .ith #er Grace a,ter the batt"e- b/t the #igh Septon ai$ & m/t ,orgive her.1
2Eo/ con,ee$ yo/r in to #i #igh #o"ine- $i$ yo/61
2#e praye$ ,or me .hen & .a .o/n$e$. #e .a a goo$ man.1
7e/s a dead man+ #he! rang the bells for him+ #e .on$ere$ i, hi co/in ha$ any notion .hat
,r/it hi .or$ ha$ borne. 2?ance"- yo/4re a b"oo$y ,oo".1
2Eo/ are not .rong-1 ai$ ?ance"- 2b/t my ,o""y i behin$ me- er. & have ake$ the +ather
Above to ho. me the .ay- an$ he ha. & am reno/ncing thi "or$hip an$ thi .i,e. #ar$tone i
.e"come to the both o, them- i, he "ike. Hn the morro. & .i"" ret/rn to >ing4 ?an$ing an$
.ear my .or$ to the ne. #igh Septon an$ the Seven. & mean to take vo. an$ =oin the
3arrior4 Son.1
7he boy .a not making ene. 27he 3arrior4 Son .ere procribe$ three h/n$re$ year
ago.1
27he ne. #igh Septon ha revive$ them. #e4 ent o/t a ca"" ,or .orthy knight to p"e$ge
their "ive an$ .or$ to the ervice o, the Seven. 7he 9oor +e""o. are to be retore$ a .e"".1
23hy .o/"$ the &ron 7hrone a""o. that61 Hne o, the ear"y 7argaryen king ha$ ,o/ght ,or
year to /ppre the t.o mi"itary or$er- !aime reca""e$- tho/gh he $i$ not remember .hich.
Maegor- perhap- or the ,irt !aehaery. #!rion would hae known+
2#i #igh #o"ine .rite that >ing 7ommen ha given hi conent. & .i"" ho. yo/ the
"etter- i, yo/ "ike.1
2Cven i, thi i tr/e8 yo/ are a "ion o, the Rock- a lord+ Eo/ have a .i,e- a cat"e- "an$ to
$e,en$- peop"e to protect. &, the go$ are goo$- yo/ .i"" have on o, yo/r b"oo$ to ,o""o. yo/.
3hy .o/"$ yo/ thro. a"" that a.ay ,or8 ,or ome vo.61
23hy $i$ yo/61 ake$ ?ance" o,t"y.
For honor, !aime might have ai$. For glor!+ 7hat .o/"$ have been a "ie- tho/gh. #onor an$
g"ory ha$ p"aye$ their part- b/t mot o, it ha$ been ,or Cerei. A "a/gh ecape$ hi "ip. 2& it
the #igh Septon yo/4re r/nning to- or my .eet iter6 9ray on that one- coG. 9ray hard+1
23i"" yo/ pray .ith me- !aime61
#e g"ance$ abo/t the ept- at the go$. 7he Mother- ,/"" o, mercy. 7he +ather- tern in
=/$gment. 7he 3arrior- one han$ /pon hi .or$. 7he Stranger in the ha$o.- hi ha",(h/man
,ace concea"e$ beneath a hoo$e$ mant"e. I thought that I was the Warrior and %ersei was the
*aid, but all the time she was the Stranger, hiding her true face from m! gaze+ 29ray ,or me- i,
yo/ "ike-1 he to"$ hi co/in. 2&4ve ,orgotten a"" the .or$.1
7he parro. .ere ti"" ,"/ttering abo/t the tep .hen !aime teppe$ back o/t into the night.
27hank yo/-1 he to"$ them. 2& ,ee" ever o m/ch ho"ier no..1
#e .ent an$ ,o/n$ Ser &"yn an$ a pair o, .or$.
7he cat"e yar$ .a ,/"" o, eye an$ ear. 7o ecape them- they o/ght o/t 5arry4 go$.oo$.
7here .ere no parro. there- on"y tree bare an$ broo$ing- their b"ack branche cratching at
the ky. A mat o, $ea$ "eave cr/nche$ beneath their ,eet.
25o yo/ ee that .in$o.- er61 !aime /e$ a .or$ to point. 27hat .a Raym/n 5arry4
be$chamber. 3here >ing Robert "ept- on o/r ret/rn ,rom 3inter,e"". Ne$ Stark4 $a/ghter ha$
r/n o,, a,ter her .o", avage$ !o,,- yo/4"" reca"". My iter .ante$ the gir" to "oe a han$. 7he o"$
pena"ty- ,or triking one o, the b"oo$ roya". Robert to"$ her he .a cr/e" an$ ma$. 7hey ,o/ght
,or ha", the night8 .e""- Cerei ,o/ght- an$ Robert $rank. 9at mi$night- the A/een /mmone$
me ini$e. 7he king .a pae$ o/t noring on the Myrih carpet. & ake$ my iter i, he .ante$
me to carry him to be$. She to"$ me & ho/"$ carry her to be$- an$ hr/gge$ o/t o, her robe. &
took her on Raym/n 5arry4 be$ a,ter tepping over Robert. &, #i Grace ha$ .oken & .o/"$
have ki""e$ him there an$ then. #e .o/"$ not have been the ,irt king to $ie /pon my .or$8
b/t yo/ kno. that tory- $on4t yo/61 #e "ahe$ at a tree branch- hearing it in ha",. 2A & .a
,/cking her- Cerei crie$- J& want+4 & tho/ght that he meant me- b/t it .a the Stark gir" that he
.ante$- maime$ or $ea$.1 #he things I do for loe+ 2&t .a on"y by chance that Stark4 o.n men
,o/n$ the gir" be,ore me. &, & ha$ come on her ,irt81
7he pockmark on Ser &"yn4 ,ace .ere b"ack ho"e in the torch"ight- a $ark a !aime4 o/".
#e ma$e that c"acking o/n$.
7e is laughing at me, rea"iGe$ !aime ?anniter. 2+or a"" & kno. yo/ ,/cke$ my iter too- yo/
pock(,ace$ batar$-1 he pat o/t. 23e""- h/t yo/r b"oo$y mo/th an$ ki"" me i, yo/ can.1
THE WA'WARD !RIDE
Aha Grey=oy .a eate$ in Ga"bart G"over4 "ongha"" $rinking Ga"bart G"over4 .ine .hen
Ga"bart G"over4 maeter bro/ght the "etter to her.
2My "a$y.1 7he maeter4 voice .a an:io/- a it a".ay .a .hen he poke to her. 2A bir$
,rom Barro.ton.1 #e thr/t the parchment at her a i, he co/"$ not .ait to be ri$ o, it. &t .a
tight"y ro""e$ an$ ea"e$ .ith a b/tton o, har$ pink .a:.
Barrowton+ Aha trie$ to reca"" .ho r/"e$ in Barro.ton. Some northern lord, no friend of
mine+ An$ that ea"8 the Bo"ton o, the 5rea$,ort .ent into batt"e beneath pink banner
pattere$ .ith "itt"e $rop o, b"oo$. &t on"y too$ to reaon that they .o/"$ /e pink ea"ing .a:
a .e"".
#his is poison that I hold, he tho/ght. I ought to burn it+ &ntea$ he cracke$ the ea". A crap
o, "eather ,"/ttere$ $o.n into her "ap. 3hen he rea$ the $ry bro.n .or$- her b"ack moo$ gre.
b"acker ti"". Dark wings, dark words+ 7he raven never bro/ght g"a$ ti$ing. 7he "at meage
ent to 5eep.oo$ ha$ been ,rom Stanni Baratheon- $eman$ing homage. 7hi .a .ore. 27he
northmen have taken Moat Cai"in.1
27he Batar$ o, Bo"ton61 ake$ Dar"- bei$e her. 2)amsa! Bolton, "ord of Winterfell, he
ign hime",. B/t there are other name a .e"".1 ?a$y 5/tin- ?a$y Cer.yn- an$ ,o/r Ry.e""
ha$ appen$e$ their o.n ignat/re beneath hi. Bei$e them .a $ra.n a cr/$e giant- the mark
o, ome Fmber.
7hoe .ere $one in maeter4 ink- ma$e o, oot an$ coa" tar- b/t the meage above .a
cra."e$ in bro.n in a h/ge- piky han$. &t poke o, the ,a"" o, Moat Cai"in- o, the tri/mphant
ret/rn o, the 3ar$en o, the North to hi $omain- o, a marriage oon to be ma$e. 7he ,irt .or$
.ere- 2I write this letter in the blood of ironmen,1 the "at- 2I send !ou each a piece of prince+
"inger in m! lands, and share his fate+1
Aha ha$ be"ieve$ her "itt"e brother $ea$. Better dead than this+ 7he crap o, kin ha$ ,a""en
into her "ap. She he"$ it to the can$"e an$ .atche$ the moke c/r" /p- /nti" the "at o, it ha$ been
con/me$ an$ the ,"ame .a "icking at her ,inger.
Ga"bart G"over4 maeter hovere$ e:pectant"y at her e"bo.. 27here .i"" be no an.er-1 he
in,orme$ him.
2May & hare thee ti$ing .ith ?a$y Sybe""e61
2&, it p"eae yo/.1 3hether Sybe""e G"over .o/"$ ,in$ any =oy in the ,a"" o, Moat Cai"in- Aha
co/"$ not ay. ?a$y Sybe""e a"" b/t "ive$ in her go$.oo$- praying ,or her chi"$ren an$ her
h/ban$4 a,e ret/rn. Another pra!er like to go unanswered+ 7er heart tree is as deaf and blind
as our Drowned 1od+ Robett G"over an$ hi brother Ga"bart ha$ ri$$en o/th .ith the Eo/ng
3o",. &, the ta"e they ha$ hear$ o, the Re$ 3e$$ing .ere even ha",(tr/e- they .ere not "ike to
ri$e north again. 7er children are alie, at least, and that is thanks to me+ Aha ha$ "e,t them at
7en 7o.er in the care o, her a/nt. ?a$y Sybe""e4 in,ant $a/ghter .a ti"" on the breat- an$
he ha$ =/$ge$ the gir" too $e"icate to e:poe to the rigor o, another tormy croing. Aha
hove$ the "etter into the maeter4 han$. 2#ere. ?et her ,in$ ome o"ace here i, he can. Eo/
have my "eave to go.1
7he maeter inc"ine$ hi hea$ an$ $eparte$. A,ter he .a gone- 7ri Bot"ey t/rne$ to Aha.
2&, Moat Cai"in ha ,a""en- 7orrhen4 SA/are .i"" oon ,o""o.. 7hen it .i"" be o/r t/rn.1
2Not ,or a .hi"e yet. 7he C"e,t=a. .i"" make them b"ee$.1 7orrhen4 SA/are .a not a r/in
"ike Moat Cai"in- an$ 5agmer .a iron to the bone. #e .o/"$ $ie be,ore he4$ yie"$.
If m! father still lied, *oat %ailin would neer hae fallen+ Ba"on Grey=oy ha$ kno.n that
the Moat .a the key to ho"$ing the north. C/ron kne. that a .e""I he imp"y $i$ not care. No
more than he care$ .hat happene$ to 5eep.oo$ Motte or 7orrhen4 SA/are. 2C/ron ha no
interet in Ba"on4 conA/et. My n/nc"e4 o,, chaing $ragon.1 7he Cro.4 Cye ha$
/mmone$ a"" the trength o, the &ron &"e to H"$ 3yk an$ ai"e$ o/t into the $eepne o, the
S/net Sea- .ith hi brother %ictarion ,o""o.ing behin$ "ike a .hippe$ c/r. 7here .a no one
"e,t on 9yke to appea" to- ave ,or her o.n "or$ h/ban$. 23e tan$ a"one.1
25agmer .i"" mah them-1 inite$ Cromm- .ho ha$ never met a .oman he "ove$ ha", o
m/ch a batt"e. 27hey are on"y .o"ve.1
27he .o"ve are a"" "ain.1 Aha picke$ at the pink .a: .ith her th/mb(nai". 27hee are the
kinner .ho "e. them.1
23e ho/"$ go to 7orrhen4 SA/are an$ =oin the ,ight-1 /rge$ D/enton Grey=oy- a $itant
co/in an$ captain o, the Salt! Wench+
2Aye-1 ai$ 5agon Grey=oy- a co/in ti"" more $itant. 5agon the 5r/nkar$- men ca""e$ him-
b/t $r/nk or ober he "ove$ to ,ight. 23hy ho/"$ the C"e,t=a. have a"" the g"ory ,or hime",61
7.o o, Ga"bart G"over4 erving men bro/ght ,orth the roat- b/t that trip o, kin ha$ taken
Aha4 appetite. *! men hae gien up all hope of ictor!, he rea"iGe$ g"/m"y. All the! look for
now is a good death+ 7he .o"ve .o/"$ give them that- he ha$ no $o/bt. Soon or late, the! will
come to take this castle back+
7he /n .a inking behin$ the ta"" pine o, the .o",.oo$ a Aha c"imbe$ the .oo$en tep
to the be$chamber that ha$ once been Ga"bart G"over4. She ha$ $r/nk too m/ch .ine an$ her
hea$ .a po/n$ing. Aha Grey=oy "ove$ her men- captain an$ cre. a"ike- b/t ha", o, them .ere
,oo". Brae fools, but fools nonetheless+ 1o to the %left9aw, !es, as if we could =
Bet.een 5eep.oo$ an$ 5agmer "ay "ong "eag/e- r/gge$ hi""- thick .oo$- .i"$ river- an$
more northmen than he care$ to contemp"ate. Aha ha$ ,o/r "onghip an$ not A/ite t.o
h/n$re$ men8 inc"/$ing 7riti,er Bot"ey- .ho co/"$ not be re"ie$ on. +or a"" hi ta"k o, "ove-
he co/"$ not imagine 7ri r/hing o,, to 7orrhen4 SA/are to $ie .ith 5agmer C"e,t=a..
Dar" ,o""o.e$ her /p to Ga"bart G"over4 be$chamber. 2Get o/t-1 he to"$ him. 2& .ant to be
a"one.1
23hat yo/ .ant i me.1 #e trie$ to ki her.
Aha p/he$ him a.ay. 27o/ch me again an$ &4""@1
23hat61 #e $re. hi $agger. 2Fn$re yo/re",- gir".1
2+/ck yo/re",- yo/ bear$"e boy.1
2&4$ ooner ,/ck yo/.1 Hne A/ick "ah /n"ace$ her =erkin. Aha reache$ ,or her a:e- b/t Dar"
$roppe$ hi kni,e an$ ca/ght her .rit- t.iting back her arm /nti" the .eapon ,e"" ,rom her
,inger. #e p/he$ her back onto G"over4 be$- kie$ her har$- an$ tore o,, her t/nic to "et her
breat pi"" o/t. 3hen he trie$ to knee him in the groin- he t.ite$ a.ay an$ ,orce$ her "eg
apart .ith hi knee. 2&4"" have yo/ no..1
25o it-1 he pat- 2an$ &4"" ki"" yo/ in yo/r "eep.1
She .a opping .et .hen he entere$ her. 25amn yo/-1 he ai$. 25amn yo/ $amn yo/
$amn yo/.1 #e /cke$ her nipp"e ti"" he crie$ o/t ha", in pain an$ ha", in p"ea/re. #er c/nt
became the .or"$. She ,orgot Moat Cai"in an$ Ramay Bo"ton an$ hi "itt"e piece o, kin- ,orgot
the kingmoot- ,orgot her ,ai"/re- ,orgot her e:i"e an$ her enemie an$ her h/ban$. Hn"y hi
han$ mattere$- on"y hi mo/th- on"y hi arm aro/n$ her- hi cock ini$e her. #e ,/cke$ her ti""
he creame$- an$ then again /nti" he .ept- be,ore he ,ina""y pent hi ee$ ini$e her .omb.
2& am a .oman .e$-1 he remin$e$ him- a,ter.ar$. 2Eo/4ve $epoi"e$ me- yo/ bear$"e
boy. My "or$ h/ban$ .i"" c/t yo/r ba"" o,, an$ p/t yo/ in a $re.1
Dar" ro""e$ o,, her. 2&, he can get o/t o, hi chair.1
7he room .a co"$. Aha roe ,rom Ga"bart G"over4 be$ an$ took o,, her torn c"othe. 7he
=erkin .o/"$ nee$ ,reh "ace- b/t her t/nic .a r/ine$. I neer liked it an!wa!+ She toe$ it on
the ,"ame. 7he ret he "e,t in a p/$$"e by the be$. #er breat .ere ore- an$ Dar"4 ee$ .a
trick"ing $o.n her thigh. She .o/"$ nee$ to bre. ome moon tea or rik bringing another kraken
into the .or"$. What does it matter6 *! father/s dead, m! mother/s d!ing, m! brother/s being
fla!ed, and there/s naught that I can do about an! of it+ And I/m married+ Wedded and bedded=
though not b! the same man+
3hen he "ippe$ back beneath the ,/r- Dar" .a a"eep. 2No. yo/r "i,e i mine. 3here $i$ &
p/t my $agger61 Aha pree$ here", againt hi back an$ "i$ her arm abo/t him. Hn the i"e
he .a kno.n a Dar" the Mai$- in part to $iting/ih him ,rom Dar" Shepher$- D/eer Dar"
>enning- Dar" D/icka:e- an$ Dar" the 7hra""- b/t more ,or hi mooth cheek. 3hen Aha ha$
,irt met him- Dar" ha$ been trying to raie a bear$. 29each ,/GG-1 he ha$ ca""e$ it- "a/ghing.
Dar" con,ee$ that he ha$ never een a peach- o he to"$ him he m/t =oin her on her ne:t
voyage o/th.
&t ha$ ti"" been /mmer thenI Robert at the &ron 7hrone- Ba"on broo$e$ on the Seatone
Chair- an$ the Seven >ing$om .ere at peace. Aha ai"e$ the Black Wind $o.n the coat-
tra$ing. 7hey ca""e$ at +air &"e an$ ?anniport an$ a core o, ma""er port be,ore reaching the
Arbor- .here the peache .ere a".ay h/ge an$ .eet. 2Eo/ ee-1 he4$ ai$- the ,irt time
he4$ he"$ one /p againt Dar"4 cheek. 3hen he ma$e him try a bite- the =/ice ran $o.n hi
chin- an$ he ha$ to ki it c"ean.
7hat night they4$ pent $evo/ring peache an$ each other- an$ by the time $ay"ight ret/rne$
Aha .a ate$ an$ ticky an$ a happy a he4$ ever been. Was that si8 !ears ago, or seen6
S/mmer .a a ,a$ing memory- an$ it ha$ been three year ince Aha "at en=oye$ a peach. She
ti"" en=oye$ Dar"- tho/gh. 7he captain an$ the king might not have .ante$ her- b/t he $i$.
Aha ha$ kno.n other "overI ome hare$ her be$ ,or ha", a year- ome ,or ha", a night. Dar"
p"eae$ her more than a"" the ret together. #e might have b/t once a ,ortnight- b/t a haggy
bear$ $oe not make a man. She "ike$ the ,ee" o, hi mooth- o,t kin beneath her ,inger. She
"ike$ the .ay hi "ong- traight hair br/he$ againt hi ho/"$er. She "ike$ the .ay he kie$.
She "ike$ ho. he grinne$ .hen he br/he$ her th/mb acro hi nipp"e. 7he hair bet.een hi
"eg .a a $arker ha$e o, an$ than the hair on hi hea$- b/t ,ine a $o.n compare$ to the
coare b"ack b/h aro/n$ her o.n e:. She "ike$ that too. #e ha$ a .immer4 bo$y- "ong an$
"ean- .ith not a car /pon him.
A sh! smile, strong arms, cleer fingers, and two sure swords+ What more could an! woman
want6 She .o/"$ have marrie$ Dar"- an$ g"a$"y- b/t he .a ?or$ Ba"on4 $a/ghter an$ he .a
common(born- the gran$on o, a thra"". #oo lowborn for me to wed, but not too low for me to
suck his cock+ 5r/nk- mi"ing- he cra."e$ beneath the ,/r an$ took him in her mo/th. Dar"
tirre$ in hi "eep- an$ a,ter a moment he began to ti,,en. By the time he ha$ him har$ again-
he .a a.ake an$ he .a .et. Aha $rape$ the ,/r acro her bare ho/"$er an$ mo/nte$ him-
$ra.ing him o $eep ini$e her that he co/"$ not te"" .ho ha$ the cock an$ .ho the c/nt. 7hi
time the t.o o, them reache$ their peak together.
2My .eet "a$y-1 he m/rm/re$ a,ter- in a voice ti"" thick .ith "eep. 2My .eet A/een.1
2o, Aha tho/ght- I am no 3ueen, nor shall I eer be+ 2Go back to "eep.1 She kie$ hi
cheek- pa$$e$ acro Ga"bart G"over4 be$chamber- an$ thre. the h/tter open. 7he moon .a
a"mot ,/""- the night o c"ear that he co/"$ ee the mo/ntain- their peak cro.ne$ .ith no..
%old and bleak and inhospitable, but beautiful in the moonlight+ 7heir /mmit g"immere$ pa"e
an$ =agge$ a a ro. o, harpene$ teeth. 7he ,oothi"" an$ the ma""er peak .ere "ot in ha$o..
7he ea .a c"oer- on"y ,ive "eag/e north- b/t Aha co/"$ not ee it. 7oo many hi"" too$ in
the .ay. And trees, so man! trees+ 7he .o",.oo$- the northmen name$ the ,oret. Mot night
yo/ co/"$ hear the .o"ve- ca""ing to each other thro/gh the $ark. An ocean of leaes+ Would it
were an ocean of water+
5eep.oo$ might be c"oer to the ea than 3inter,e""- b/t it .a ti"" too ,ar ,or her tate. 7he
air me""e$ o, pine intea$ o, a"t. Northeat o, thoe grim grey mo/ntain too$ the 3a""-
.here Stanni Baratheon ha$ raie$ hi tan$ar$. #he enem! of m! enem! is m! friend, men
ai$- b/t the other i$e o, that coin .a- the enem! of m! friend is m! enem!+ 7he ironborn .ere
the enemie o, the northern "or$ thi Baratheon preten$er nee$e$ $eperate"y. I could offer him
m! fair !oung bod!, he tho/ght- p/hing a tran$ o, hair ,rom her eye- b/t Stanni .a .e$ an$
o .a he- an$ he an$ the ironborn .ere o"$ ,oe. 5/ring her ,ather4 ,irt rebe""ion- Stanni ha$
mahe$ the &ron +"eet o,, +air &"e an$ /b$/e$ Great 3yk in hi brother4 name.
5eep.oo$4 moy .a"" enc"oe$ a .i$e- ro/n$e$ hi"" .ith a ,"attene$ top- cro.ne$ by a
caverno/ "ongha"" .ith a .atchto.er at one en$- riing ,i,ty ,eet above the hi"". Beneath the hi""
.a the bai"ey- .ith it tab"e- pa$$ock- mithy- .e""- an$ heep,o"$- $e,en$e$ by a $eep $itch-
a "oping earthen $ike- an$ a pa"ia$e o, "og. 7he o/ter $e,ene ma$e an ova"- ,o""o.ing the
conto/r o, the "an$. 7here .ere t.o gate- each protecte$ by a pair o, A/are .oo$en to.er-
an$ .a"".a"k aro/n$ the perimeter. Hn the o/th i$e o, the cat"e- mo gre. thick /pon the
pa"ia$e an$ crept ha",.ay /p the to.er. 7o eat an$ .et .ere empty ,ie"$. Hat an$ bar"ey
ha$ been gro.ing there .hen Aha took the cat"e- on"y to be cr/he$ /n$er,oot $/ring her
attack. A erie o, har$ ,rot ha$ ki""e$ the crop they4$ p"ante$ a,ter.ar$- "eaving on"y m/$
an$ ah an$ .i"te$- rotting ta"k.
&t .a an o"$ cat"e- b/t not a trong one. She ha$ taken it ,rom the G"over- an$ the Batar$
o, Bo"ton .o/"$ take it ,rom her. #e .o/"$ not ,"ay her- tho/gh. Aha Grey=oy $i$ not inten$ to
be taken a"ive. She .o/"$ $ie a he ha$ "ive$- .ith an a:e in her han$ an$ a "a/gh /pon her "ip.
#er "or$ ,ather ha$ given her thirty "onghip to capt/re 5eep.oo$. +o/r remaine$- co/nting
her o.n Black Wind, an$ one o, thoe be"onge$ to 7ri Bot"ey- .ho ha$ =oine$ her .hen a"" her
other men .ere ,"eeing. 2o+ #hat is not 9ust+ #he! sailed home to do homage to their king+ If
an!one fled, it was me+ 7he memory ti"" hame$ her.
2Go-1 the Rea$er ha$ /rge$- a the captain .ere bearing her /nc"e C/ron $o.n Nagga4 hi""
to $on hi $ri,t.oo$ cro.n.
2Sai$ the raven to the cro.. Come .ith me. & nee$ yo/ to raie the men o, #ar"a..1 Back
then- he4$ meant to ,ight.
27he men o, #ar"a. are here. 7he one .ho co/nt. Some .ere ho/ting C/ron4 name. & .i""
not et #ar"a. againt #ar"a..1
2C/ron4 ma$. An$ $angero/. 7hat he""horn81
2& hear$ it. 1o, Aha. Hnce C/ron ha been cro.ne$- he4"" "ook ,or yo/. Eo/ $are not "et hi
eye ,a"" /pon yo/.1
2&, & tan$ .ith my other /nc"e81
28yo/ .i"" $ie o/tcat- .ith every han$ againt yo/. 3hen yo/ p/t yo/r name be,ore the
captain yo/ /bmitte$ yo/re", to their =/$gment. Eo/ cannot go againt that =/$gment no..
Hn"y once ha the choice o, a kingmoot been overthro.n. Rea$ #aereg.1
Hn"y Ro$rik the Rea$er .o/"$ ta"k o, ome o"$ book .hi"t their "ive .ere ba"ance$ on a
.or$4 e$ge. 2&, yo/ are taying- o am &-1 he to"$ him t/bborn"y.
25on4t be a ,oo". C/ron ho. the .or"$ hi mi"ing eye tonight- b/t come the morro.8
Aha- yo/ are Ba"on4 $a/ghter- an$ yo/r c"aim i tronger than hi o.n. So "ong a yo/ $ra.
breath yo/ remain a $anger to him. &, yo/ tay- yo/ .i"" be ki""e$ or .e$ to the Re$ Harman. &
$on4t kno. .hich .o/"$ be .ore. 1o+ Eo/ .i"" not have another chance.1
Aha ha$ "an$e$ Black Wind on the ,ar i$e o, the i"an$ ,or =/t /ch an event/a"ity. H"$
3yk .a not "arge. She co/"$ be back aboar$ her hip be,ore the /n came /p- on her .ay to
#ar"a. be,ore C/ron rea"iGe$ he .a miing. Eet he heitate$ /nti" her /nc"e ai$- 25o it ,or
the "ove yo/ bear me- chi"$. 5o not make me .atch yo/ $ie.1
So he .ent. 7o 7en 7o.er ,irt- to bi$ ,are.e"" to her mother. 2&t may be a "ong .hi"e
be,ore & come again-1 Aha .arne$ her. ?a$y A"anny ha$ not /n$ertoo$. 23here i 7heon61
he ake$. 23here i my baby boy61 ?a$y G.ynee on"y .ante$ to kno. .hen ?or$ Ro$rik
.o/"$ ret/rn. 2& am even year hi e"$er. 7en 7o.er ho/"$ be mine.1
Aha .a ti"" at 7en 7o.er taking on proviion .hen the ti$ing o, her marriage reache$
her. 2My .ay.ar$ niece nee$ taming-1 the Cro.4 Cye .a reporte$ to have ai$- 2an$ & kno.
the man to tame her.1 #e ha$ marrie$ her to Crik &ronmaker an$ name$ the Anvi"(Breaker to r/"e
the &ron &"an$ .hi"t he .a chaing $ragon. Crik ha$ been a great man in hi $ay- a ,ear"e
reaver .ho co/"$ boat o, having ai"e$ .ith her gran$(ire4 gran$ire- that ame 5agon
Grey=oy .hom 5agon the 5r/nkar$ ha$ been name$ ,or. H"$ .omen on +air &"e ti"" ,rightene$
their gran$chi"$ren .ith ta"e o, ?or$ 5agon an$ hi men. I wounded 0ric/s pride at the
kingsmoot, Aha re,"ecte$. 7e is not like to forget that+
She ha$ to pay her n/nc"e hi =/t $/e. 3ith one troke- C/ron ha$ t/rne$ a riva" into a
/pporter- ec/re$ the i"e in hi abence- an$ remove$ Aha a a threat. And en9o!ed a good
bell! laugh too+ 7ri Bot"ey ai$ that the Cro.4 Cye ha$ /e$ a ea" to tan$ in ,or her at her
.e$$ing. 2& hope Crik $i$ not init on a con/mmation-1 he4$ ai$.
I cannot go home, he tho/ght- but I dare not sta! here much longer+ 7he A/iet o, the .oo$
/nnerve$ her. Aha ha$ pent her "i,e on i"an$ an$ on hip. 7he ea .a never i"ent. 7he
o/n$ o, the .ave .ahing againt a rocky hore .a in her b"oo$- b/t there .ere no .ave at
5eep.oo$ Motte8 on"y the tree- the en$"e tree- o"$ier pine an$ entine"- beech an$ ah
an$ ancient oak- chetn/t tree an$ iron.oo$ an$ ,ir. 7he o/n$ they ma$e .a o,ter than the
ea- an$ he hear$ it on"y .hen the .in$ .a b"o.ingI then the ighing eeme$ to come ,rom a""
aro/n$ her- a i, the tree .ere .hipering to one another in ome "ang/age that he co/"$ not
/n$ertan$.
7onight the .hipering eeme$ "o/$er than be,ore. A rush of dead brown leaes, Aha to"$
here",- bare branches creaking in the wind+ She t/rne$ a.ay ,rom the .in$o.- a.ay ,rom the
.oo$. I need a deck beneath m! feet again+ Or failing that, some food in m! bell!+ She4$ ha$
too m/ch .ine tonight- b/t too "itt"e brea$ an$ none o, that great b"oo$y roat.
7he moon"ight .a bright eno/gh to ,in$ her c"othe. She $onne$ thick b"ack breeche- a
A/i"te$ t/nic- an$ a green "eather =erkin covere$ .ith over"apping p"ate o, tee". ?eaving Dar" to
hi $ream- he pa$$e$ $o.n the keep4 e:terior tair- the tep creaking /n$er her bare ,eet.
Hne o, the men .a"king entry on the .a"" pie$ her making her $ecent an$ "i,te$ hi pear to
her. Aha .hit"e$ back at him. A he croe$ the inner yar$ to the kitchen- Ga"bart G"over4
$og began to bark. 1ood, he tho/ght. #hat will drown out the sound of the trees+
She .a c/tting a .e$ge o, ye""o. cheee ,rom a ro/n$ a big a a cart .hee" .hen 7ri
Bot"ey teppe$ into the kitchen- b/n$"e$ /p in a thick ,/r c"oak. 2My A/een.1
25on4t mock me.1
2Eo/ .i"" a".ay r/"e my heart. No amo/nt o, ,oo" ho/ting at a kingmoot can change
that.1
What am I to do with this bo!6 Aha co/"$ not $o/bt hi $evotion. Not on"y ha$ he too$ her
champion on Nagga4 hi"" an$ ho/te$ o/t her name- b/t he ha$ even croe$ the ea to =oin her
a,ter.ar$- aban$oning hi king an$ kin an$ home. 2ot that he dared def! 0uron to his face+
3hen the Cro.4 Cye took the ,"eet to ea 7ri ha$ imp"y "agge$ behin$- changing co/re on"y
.hen the other hip .ere "ot to ight. Cven that took a certain co/rage- tho/ghI he co/"$ never
ret/rn to the i"e. 2Cheee61 he ake$ him. 27here4 ham a .e""- an$ m/tar$.1
2&t4 not ,oo$ & .ant- my "a$y. Eo/ kno. that.1 7ri ha$ gro.n hime", a thick bro.n bear$
at 5eep.oo$. #e c"aime$ it he"pe$ to keep hi ,ace .arm. 2& a. yo/ ,rom the .atchto.er.1
2&, yo/ have the .atch- .hat are yo/ $oing here61
2Cromm4 /p there- an$ #agen the #orn. #o. many eye $o .e nee$ to .atch "eave r/t"e
in the moon"ight6 3e nee$ to ta"k.1
2Again61 She ighe$. 2Eo/ kno. #agen4 $a/ghter- the one .ith the re$ hair. She teer a
hip a .e"" a any man an$ ha a pretty ,ace. Seventeen- an$ &4ve een her "ooking at yo/.1
2& $on4t .ant #agen4 $a/ghter.1 #e a"mot to/che$ her be,ore thinking better o, it. 2Aha- it
i time to go. Moat Cai"in .a the on"y thing ho"$ing back the ti$e. &, .e remain here- the
northmen .i"" ki"" / a""- yo/ kno. that.1
23o/"$ yo/ have me r/n61
2& .o/"$ have yo/ "ive. & "ove yo/.1
2o, he tho/ght- !ou loe some innocent maiden who lies onl! in !our head, a frightened
child in need of !our protection+ 2& $o not "ove yo/-1 he ai$ b"/nt"y- 2an$ & $o not r/n.1
23hat4 here that yo/ ho/"$ ho"$ o tight to it b/t pine an$ m/$ an$ ,oe6 3e have o/r
hip. Sai" a.ay .ith me- an$ .e4"" make ne. "ive /pon the ea.1
2A pirate61 &t .a a"mot tempting. "et the woles hae back their gloom! woods and
retake the open sea+
2A tra$er-1 he inite$. 23e4"" voyage eat a the Cro.4 Cye $i$- b/t .e4"" come back .ith
i"k an$ pice intea$ o, a $ragon4 horn. Hne voyage to the !a$e Sea an$ .e4"" be a rich a
go$. 3e can have a mane in H"$to.n or one o, the +ree Citie.1
2Eo/ an$ me an$ Dar"61 She a. him ,"inch at the mention o, Dar"4 name. 2#agen4 gir"
might "ike to ai" the !a$e Sea .ith yo/. & am ti"" the kraken4 $a/ghter. My p"ace i@1
2@where6 Eo/ cannot ret/rn to the i"e. Not /n"e yo/ mean to /bmit to yo/r "or$
h/ban$.1
Aha trie$ to pict/re here", abe$ .ith Crik &ronmaker- cr/he$ beneath hi b/"k- /,,ering hi
embrace. Better him than the )ed Oarsman or "eft(7and "ucas %odd+ 7he Anvi"(Breaker ha$
once been a roaring giant- ,earome"y trong- ,ierce"y "oya"- /tter"y .itho/t ,ear. It might not be
so bad+ 7e/s like to die the first time he tries to do his dut! as a husband+ 7hat .o/"$ make her
Crik4 .i$o. intea$ o, Crik4 .i,e- .hich co/"$ be better or a goo$ $ea" .ore- $epen$ing on
hi gran$on. And m! nuncle+ In the end, all the winds blow me back toward 0uron+ 2& have
hotage- on #ar"a.-1 he remin$e$ him. 2An$ there i ti"" Sea 5ragon 9oint8 i, & cannot have
my ,ather4 king$om- .hy not make one o, my o.n61 Sea 5ragon 9oint ha$ not a".ay been a
thin"y peop"e$ a it .a no.. H"$ r/in co/"$ ti"" be ,o/n$ amongt it hi"" an$ bog- the
remain o, ancient trongho"$ o, the +irt Men. &n the high p"ace- there .ere .eir.oo$ circ"e
"e,t by the chi"$ren o, the ,oret.
2Eo/ are c"inging to Sea 5ragon 9oint the .ay a $ro.ning man c"ing to a bit o, .reckage.
3hat $oe Sea 5ragon have that anyone co/"$ ever .ant6 7here are no mine- no go"$- no i"ver-
not even tin or iron. 7he "an$ i too .et ,or .heat or corn.1
I do not plan on planting wheat or corn+ 23hat4 there6 &4"" te"" yo/. 7.o "ong coat"ine- a
h/n$re$ hi$$en cove- otter in the "ake- a"mon in the river- c"am a"ong the hore- co"onie o,
ea" o,,hore- ta"" pine ,or b/i"$ing hip.1
23ho .i"" b/i"$ thee hip- my A/een6 3here .i"" Eo/r Grace ,in$ /b=ect ,or her king$om
i, the northmen "et yo/ have it6 Hr $o yo/ mean to r/"e over a rea"m o, ea" an$ otter61
She gave a r/e,/" "a/gh. 2Htter might be eaier to r/"e than men- & grant yo/. An$ ea" are
marter. No- yo/ may be right. My bet co/re may ti"" be to ret/rn to 9yke. 7here are thoe on
#ar"a. .ho .o/"$ .e"come my ret/rn. Hn 9yke a .e"". An$ C/ron .on no ,rien$ on
B"ackty$e .hen he "e. ?or$ Bae"or. & co/"$ ,in$ my n/nc"e Aeron- raie the i"e.1 No one ha$
een the 5amphair ince the kingmoot- b/t hi 5ro.ne$ Men c"aime$ he .a hi$ing on Great
3yk an$ .o/"$ oon come ,orth to ca"" $o.n the .roth o, the 5ro.ne$ Go$ on the Cro.4 Cye
an$ hi minion.
27he Anvi"(Breaker i earching ,or the 5amphair too. #e i h/nting $o.n the 5ro.ne$
Men. B"in$ Beron B"ackty$e .a taken an$ p/t to the A/etion. Cven the H"$ Grey G/"" .a
given hack"e. #o. .i"" yo/ ,in$ the priet .hen a"" o, C/ron4 men cannot61
2#e i my b"oo$. My ,ather4 brother.1 &t .a a ,eeb"e an.er- an$ Aha kne. it.
25o yo/ kno. .hat & think61
2& am abo/t to- & /pect.1
2& think the 5amphair4 $ea$. & think the Cro.4 Cye "it hi throat ,or him. &ronmaker4
earch i =/t to make / be"ieve the priet ecape$. C/ron i a,rai$ to be een a a kin"ayer.1
2Never "et my n/nc"e hear yo/ ay that. 7e"" the Cro.4 Cye he4 a,rai$ o, kin"aying- an$
he4"" m/r$er one o, hi o.n on =/t to prove yo/ .rong.1 Aha .a ,ee"ing a"mot ober by
then. 7riti,er Bot"ey ha$ that e,,ect on her.
2Cven i, yo/ $i$ ,in$ yo/r /nc"e 5amphair- the t.o o, yo/ .o/"$ ,ai". Eo/ .ere both part o,
the kingmoot- o yo/ cannot ay it .a /n"a.,/" ca""e$- a 7orgon $i$. Eo/ are bo/n$ to it
$eciion by a"" the "a. o, go$ an$ men. Eo/@1
Aha ,ro.ne$. 23ait. 7orgon6 3hich 7orgon61
27orgon the ?atecomer.1
2#e .a a king $/ring the Age o, #eroe.1 She reca""e$ that m/ch abo/t him- b/t "itt"e e"e.
23hat o, him61
27orgon Greyiron .a the king4 e"$et on. B/t the king .a o"$ an$ 7orgon ret"e- o it
happene$ that .hen hi ,ather $ie$ he .a rai$ing a"ong the Man$er ,rom hi trongho"$ on
Greyhie"$. #i brother ent no .or$ to him b/t intea$ A/ick"y ca""e$ a kingmoot- thinking
that one o, them .o/"$ be choen to .ear the $ri,t.oo$ cro.n. B/t the captain an$ the king
choe Frragon Goo$brother to r/"e intea$. 7he ,irt thing the ne. king $i$ .a comman$ that
a"" the on o, the o"$ king be p/t to $eath- an$ o they .ere. A,ter that men ca""e$ him
Badbrother, tho/gh in tr/th they4$ been no kin o, hi. #e r/"e$ ,or a"mot t.o year.1
Aha remembere$ no.. 27orgon came home81
28an$ ai$ the kingmoot .a /n"a.,/" ince he ha$ not been there to make hi c"aim.
Ba$brother ha$ prove$ to be a mean a he .a cr/e" an$ ha$ ,e. ,rien$ "e,t /pon the i"e. 7he
priet $eno/nce$ him- the "or$ roe againt him- an$ hi o.n captain hacke$ him into piece.
7orgon the ?atecomer became the king an$ r/"e$ ,or ,orty year.1
Aha took 7ri Bot"ey by the ear an$ kie$ him ,/"" /pon the "ip. #e .a re$ an$ breath"e
by the time he "et him go. 23hat .a that61 he ai$.
2A ki- it4 ca""e$. 5ro.n me ,or a ,oo"- 7ri- & ho/"$ have remembere$@1 She broke o,,
/$$en"y. 3hen 7ri trie$ to peak- he h/he$ him- "itening. 27hat4 a .arhorn. #agen.1 #er
,irt tho/ght .a o, her h/ban$. Co/"$ Crik &ronmaker have come a"" thi .ay to c"aim hi
.ay.ar$ .i,e6 27he 5ro.ne$ Go$ "ove me a,ter a"". #ere & .a .on$ering .hat to $o- an$ he
ha ent me ,oe to ,ight.1 Aha got to her ,eet an$ "amme$ her kni,e back into it heath. 27he
batt"e4 come to /.1
She .a trotting by the time he reache$ the cat"e bai"ey- .ith 7ri $ogging her hee"- b/t
even o he came too "ate. 7he ,ight .a $one. Aha ,o/n$ t.o northmen b"ee$ing by the eatern
.a"" not ,ar ,rom the potern gate- .ith ?orren ?onga:e- Si:(7oe$ #ar"- an$ Grimtong/e
tan$ing over them. 2Cromm an$ #agen a. them coming over the .a""-1 Grimtong/e
e:p"aine$.
2!/t thee t.o61 ake$ Aha.
2+ive. 3e ki""e$ t.o be,ore they co/"$ get over- an$ #ar" "e. another on the .a"".a"k.
7hee t.o ma$e it to the yar$.1
Hne man .a $ea$- hi b"oo$ an$ brain cr/ting ?orren4 "onga:e- b/t the econ$ .a ti""
breathing ragge$"y- tho/gh Grimtong/e4 pear ha$ pinne$ him to the gro/n$ in a prea$ing poo"
o, b"oo$. Both .ere c"a$ in boi"e$ "eather an$ mott"e$ c"oak o, bro.n an$ green an$ b"ack- .ith
branche- "eave- an$ br/h e.n abo/t their hea$ an$ ho/"$er.
23ho are yo/61 Aha ake$ the .o/n$e$ man.
2A +"int. 3ho are yo/61
2Aha o, #o/e Grey=oy. 7hi i my cat"e.1
25eep.oo$ be Ga"bart G"over4 eat. No home ,or A/i$.1
2Are there any more o, yo/61 Aha $eman$e$ o, him. 3hen he $i$ not an.er- he eiGe$
Grimtong/e4 pear an$ t/rne$ it- an$ the northman crie$ o/t in ang/ih a more b"oo$ g/he$
,rom hi .o/n$. 23hat .a yo/r p/rpoe here61
27he "a$y-1 he ai$- h/$$ering. 2Go$- top. 3e come ,or the "a$y. 74 rec/e her. &t .a =/t
/ ,ive.1
Aha "ooke$ into hi eye. 3hen he a. the ,a"ehoo$ there- he "eane$ /pon the pear-
t.iting it. 27ow man! more61 he ai$. 27e"" me- or &4"" make yo/r $ying "at /nti" the $a.n.1
2Many-1 he ,ina""y obbe$- bet.een cream. 2#housands+ 7hree tho/an$- ,o/r8 aieeee8
p"eae81
She rippe$ the pear o/t o, him an$ $rove it $o.n t.o(han$e$ thro/gh hi "ying throat.
Ga"bart G"over4 maeter ha$ c"aime$ the mo/ntain c"an .ere too A/arre"ome to ever ban$
together .itho/t a Stark to "ea$ them. 7e might not hae been l!ing+ 7e might 9ust hae been
wrong+ She ha$ "earne$ .hat that tate$ "ike at her n/nc"e4 kingmoot. 27hee ,ive .ere ent to
open o/r gate be,ore the main attack-1 he ai$. 2?orren- #ar"- ,etch me ?a$y G"over an$ her
maeter.1
23ho"e or b"oo$y61 ake$ ?orren ?onga:e.
23ho"e an$ /nharme$. Grimtong/e- get /p that thrice($amne$ to.er an$ te"" Cromm an$
#agen to keep a harp eye o/t. &, they ee o m/ch a a hare- & .ant to kno. o, it.1
5eep.oo$4 bai"ey .a oon ,/"" o, ,rightene$ peop"e. #er o.n men .ere tr/gg"ing into
armor or c"imbing /p onto the .a"".a"k. Ga"bart G"over4 ,o"k "ooke$ on .ith ,ear,/" ,ace-
.hipering to one another. G"over4 te.ar$ ha$ to be carrie$ /p ,rom the ce""ar- having "ot a
"eg .hen Aha took the cat"e. 7he maeter protete$ noii"y /nti" ?orren cracke$ him har$
acro the ,ace .ith a mai"e$ ,it. ?a$y G"over emerge$ ,rom the go$.oo$ on the arm o, her
be$mai$. 2& .arne$ yo/ that thi $ay .o/"$ come- my "a$y-1 he ai$- .hen he a. the corpe
on the gro/n$.
7he maeter p/he$ ,or.ar$- .ith b"oo$ $ripping ,rom a broken noe. 2?a$y Aha- & beg yo/-
trike yo/r banner an$ "et me bargain ,or yo/r "i,e. Eo/ have /e$ / ,air"y- an$ .ith honor. &
.i"" te"" them o.1
23e .i"" e:change yo/ ,or the chi"$ren.1 Sybe""e G"over4 eye .ere re$- ,rom tear an$
"eep"e night. 2Ga.en i ,o/r no.. & mie$ hi name$ay. An$ my .eet gir"8 give me back
my chi"$ren- an$ no harm nee$ come to yo/. Nor to yo/r men.1
7he "at part .a a "ie- Aha kne.. She might be e:change$- perhap- hippe$ back to the &ron
&"an$ to her h/ban$4 "oving arm. #er co/in .o/"$ be ranome$ too- a .o/"$ 7ri Bot"ey
an$ a ,e. more o, her company- thoe .hoe kin ha$ coin eno/gh to b/y them back. +or the ret
it .o/"$ be the a:e- the nooe- or the 3a"". Still, the! hae the right to choose+
Aha c"imbe$ on a barre" o a"" o, them co/"$ ee her. 27he .o"ve are coming $o.n on /
.ith their teeth bare$. 7hey .i"" be at o/r gate be,ore the /n come /p. Sha"" .e thro. $o.n
o/r pear an$ a:e an$ p"ea$ .ith them to pare /61
2No.1 Dar" the Mai$ $re. hi .or$. 2No-1 echoe$ ?orren ?onga:e. 22o,1 boome$ Ro",e the
5.ar,- a bear o, a man .ho too$ a hea$ ta""er than anyone e"e in her cre.. 22eer+1 An$
#agen4 horn o/n$e$ again ,rom on high- ringing o/t acro the bai"ey.
A7ooooooooooooooooooooooo, the .arhorn crie$- "ong an$ "o.- a o/n$ to c/r$"e b"oo$.
Aha ha$ beg/n to hate the o/n$ o, horn. Hn H"$ 3yk her /nc"e4 he""horn ha$ b"o.n a $eath
kne"" ,or her $ream- an$ no. #agen .a o/n$ing .hat might .e"" be her "at ho/r on earth. If
I must die, I will die with an a8e in m! hand and a curse upon m! lips+
27o the .a""-1 Aha Grey=oy to"$ her men. She t/rne$ her o.n tep ,or the .atchto.er-
.ith 7ri Bot"ey right behin$ her.
7he .oo$en .atchto.er .a the ta""et thing thi i$e o, the mo/ntain- riing t.enty ,eet
above the bigget entine" an$ o"$ier pine in the /rro/n$ing .oo$. 27here- Captain-1 ai$
Cromm- .hen he ma$e the p"at,orm. Aha a. on"y tree an$ ha$o.- the moon"it hi"" an$
the no.y peak beyon$. 7hen he rea"iGe$ that tree .ere creeping c"oer. 2Hho-1 he "a/ghe$-
2thee mo/ntain goat have c"oake$ theme"ve in pine bo/gh.1 7he .oo$ .ere on the move-
creeping to.ar$ the cat"e "ike a "o. green ti$e. She tho/ght back to a ta"e he ha$ hear$ a a
chi"$- abo/t the chi"$ren o, the ,oret an$ their batt"e .ith the +irt Men- .hen the greeneer
t/rne$ the tree to .arrior.
23e cannot ,ight o many-1 7ri Bot"ey ai$.
23e can ,ight a many a come- p/p-1 inite$ Cromm. 27he more there are- the more the
g"ory. Men .i"" ing o, /.1
A!e, but will the! sing of !our courage or m! foll!6 7he ea .a ,ive "ong "eag/e a.ay.
3o/"$ they $o better to tan$ an$ ,ight behin$ 5eep.oo$4 $eep $itche an$ .oo$en .a""6
Deepwood/s wooden walls did the 1loers small good when I took their castle, he remin$e$
here",. Wh! should the! sere me an! better6
2Come the morro. .e .i"" ,eat beneath the ea.1 Cromm troke$ hi a:e a i, he co/"$ not
.ait.
#agen "o.ere$ hi horn. 2&, .e $ie .ith $ry ,eet- ho. .i"" .e ,in$ o/r .ay to the 5ro.ne$
Go$4 .atery ha""61
27hee .oo$ are ,/"" o, "itt"e tream-1 Cromm a/re$ him. 2A"" o, them "ea$ to river- an$
a"" the river to the ea.1
Aha .a not rea$y to $ie- not here- not yet. 2A "iving man can ,in$ the ea more eai"y than a
$ea$ one. ?et the .o"ve keep their g"oomy .oo$. 3e are making ,or the hip.1
She .on$ere$ .ho .a in comman$ o, her ,oe. If it were me, I would take the strand and
put our longships to the torch before attacking Deepwood+ 7he .o"ve .o/"$ not ,in$ that eay-
tho/gh- not .itho/t "onghip o, their o.n. Aha never beache$ more than ha", her hip. 7he
other ha", too$ a,e"y o,, to ea- .ith or$er to raie ai" an$ make ,or Sea 5ragon 9oint i, the
northmen took the tran$. 2#agen- b"o. yo/r horn an$ make the ,oret hake. 7ri- $on ome
mai"- it4 time yo/ trie$ o/t that .eet .or$ o, yo/r.1 3hen he a. ho. pa"e he .a- he
pinche$ hi cheek. 2Sp"ah ome b"oo$ /pon the moon .ith me- an$ & promie yo/ a ki ,or
every ki"".1
2My A/een-1 ai$ 7riti,er- 2here .e have the .a""- b/t i, .e reach the ea an$ ,in$ that the
.o"ve have taken o/r hip or $riven them a.ay81
28.e $ie-1 he ,inihe$ cheer,/""y- 2b/t at "eat .e4"" $ie .ith o/r ,eet .et. &ronborn ,ight
better .ith a"t pray in their notri" an$ the o/n$ o, the .ave at their back.1
#agen b"e. three hort b"at in A/ick /cceion- the igna" that .o/"$ en$ the ironborn
back to their hip. +rom be"o. came ho/ting- the c"atter o, pear an$ .or$- the .hinnying o,
hore. #oo few horses and too few riders+ Aha hea$e$ ,or the tair. &n the bai"ey- he ,o/n$
Dar" the Mai$ .aiting .ith her chetn/t mare- her .arhe"m- an$ her thro.ing a:e. &ronmen
.ere "ea$ing hore ,rom Ga"bart G"over4 tab"e.
2A ram01 a voice ho/te$ $o.n ,rom the .a"". 2#he! hae a battering ram;1
23hich gate61 ake$ Aha- mo/nting /p. 27he north01 +rom beyon$ 5eep.oo$4 moy
.oo$en .a"" came the /$$en o/n$ o, tr/mpet.
#rumpets6 Woles with trumpets6 7hat .a .rong- b/t Aha ha$ no time to pon$er it. 2Hpen
the o/th gate-1 he comman$e$- even a the north gate hook to the impact o, the ram. She
p/""e$ a hort(ha,te$ thro.ing a:e ,rom the be"t acro her ho/"$er. 27he ho/r o, the o." ha
,"e$- my brother. No. come the ho/r o, the pear- the .or$- the a:e. +orm /p. 3e4re going
home.1
+rom a h/n$re$ throat came roar o, 27ome;1 an$ 2Asha;1 7ri Bot"ey ga""ope$ /p bei$e
her on a ta"" roan ta""ion. &n the bai"ey- her men c"oe$ abo/t each other- he,ting hie"$ an$
pear. Dar" the Mai$- no hore ri$er- took hi p"ace bet.een Grimtong/e an$ ?orren ?onga:e.
A #agen came cramb"ing $o.n the .atchto.er tep- a .o","ing4 arro. ca/ght him in the
be""y an$ ent him p"/nging hea$,irt to the gro/n$. #i $a/ghter ran to him- .ai"ing. 2Bring
her-1 Aha comman$e$. 7hi .a no time ,or mo/rning. Ro",e the 5.ar, p/""e$ the gir" onto hi
hore- her re$ hair ,"ying. Aha co/"$ hear the north gate groaning a the ram "amme$ into it
again. We ma! need to cut our wa! through them, he tho/ght- a the o/th gate ./ng .i$e
be,ore them. 7he .ay .a c"ear. For how long6
2Move o/t01 Aha $rove her hee" into her hore4 ,"ank.
Men an$ mo/nt a"ike .ere trotting by the time they reache$ the tree on the ,ar i$e o, the
o$$en ,ie"$- .here $ea$ hoot o, .inter .heat rotte$ beneath the moon. Aha he"$ her
horemen back a a rear g/ar$- to keep the tragg"er moving an$ ee that no one .a "e,t behin$.
7a"" o"$ier pine an$ gnar"e$ o"$ oak c"oe$ in aro/n$ them. 5eep.oo$ .a apt"y name$. 7he
tree .ere h/ge an$ $ark- omeho. threatening. 7heir "imb .ove thro/gh one another an$
creake$ .ith every breath o, .in$- an$ their higher branche cratche$ at the ,ace o, the moon.
#he sooner we are shut of here, the better I will like it, Aha tho/ght. #he trees hate us all, deep
in their wooden hearts+
7hey pree$ on o/th an$ o/th.et- /nti" the .oo$en to.er o, 5eep.oo$ Motte .ere "ot
to ight an$ the o/n$ o, tr/mpet ha$ been .a""o.e$ by the .oo$. #he woles hae their
castle back, he tho/ght- perhaps the! will be content to let us go+
7ri Bot"ey trotte$ /p bei$e her. 23e are going the .rong .ay-1 he ai$- get/ring at the
moon a it peere$ $o.n thro/gh the canopy o, branche. 23e nee$ to t/rn north- ,or the hip.1
23et ,irt-1 Aha inite$. 23et /nti" the /n come /p. 7hen north.1 She t/rne$ to Ro",e
the 5.ar, an$ Roggon R/tbear$- her bet ri$er. 2Sco/t ahea$ an$ make /re o/r .ay i c"ear. &
.ant no /rprie .hen .e reach the hore. &, yo/ come on .o"ve- ri$e back to me .ith .or$.1
2&, .e m/t-1 promie$ Roggon thro/gh hi h/ge re$ bear$.
A,ter the co/t ha$ vanihe$ into the tree- the ret o, the ironborn re/me$ their march- b/t
the going .a "o.. 7he tree hi$ the moon an$ tar ,rom them- an$ the ,oret ,"oor beneath
their ,eet .a b"ack an$ treachero/. Be,ore they ha$ gone ha", a mi"e- her co/in D/enton4
mare t/mb"e$ into a pit an$ hattere$ her ,ore"eg. D/enton ha$ to "it her throat to top her
creaming. 23e ho/"$ make torche-1 /rge$ 7ri.
2+ire .i"" bring the northmen $o.n on /.1 Aha c/re$ beneath her breath- .on$ering i, it
ha$ been a mitake to "eave the cat"e. 2o+ If we had sta!ed and fought, we might all be dead b!
now+ B/t it .a no goo$ b"/n$ering on thro/gh the $ark either. #hese trees will kill us if the!
can+ She took o,, her he"m an$ p/he$ back her .eat(oake$ hair. 27he /n .i"" be /p in a ,e.
ho/r. 3e4"" top here an$ ret ti"" break o, $ay.1
Stopping prove$ imp"eI ret came har$. No one "ept- not even 5roop(eye 5a"e- an oarman
.ho ha$ been kno.n to nap bet.een troke. Some o, the men hare$ a kin o, Ga"bart G"over4
app"e .ine- paing it ,rom han$ to han$. 7hoe .ho ha$ bro/ght ,oo$ hare$ it .ith thoe .ho
ha$ not. 7he ri$er ,e$ an$ .atere$ their hore. #er co/in D/enton Grey=oy ent three men /p
tree- to .atch ,or any ign o, torche in the .oo$. Cromm hone$ hi a:e- an$ Dar" the Mai$ hi
.or$. 7he hore croppe$ $ea$ bro.n gra an$ .ee$. #agen4 re$(haire$ $a/ghter eiGe$
7ri Bot"ey by the han$ to $ra. him o,, into the tree. 3hen he re,/e$ her- he .ent o,, .ith
Si:(7oe$ #ar" intea$.
Would that I could do the same+ &t .o/"$ be .eet to "oe here", in Dar"4 arm one "at time.
Aha ha$ a ba$ ,ee"ing in her be""y. 3o/"$ he ever ,ee" Black Wind4 $eck beneath her ,eet
again6 An$ i, he $i$- .here .o/"$ he ai" her6 #he isles are closed to me, unless I mean to
bend m! knees and spread m! legs and suffer 0ric Ironmaker/s embraces, and no port in
Westeros is like to welcome the kraken/s daughter+ She co/"$ t/rn merchanter- a 7ri eeme$ to
.ant- or e"e make ,or the Steptone an$ =oin the pirate there. Or =
2& en$ yo/ each a piece o, prince-1 he m/ttere$.
Dar" grinne$. 2& .o/"$ ooner have a piece o, yo/-1 he .hipere$- 2the .eet piece that4@1
Something ,"e. ,rom the br/h to "an$ .ith a o,t thump in their mi$t- b/mping an$
bo/ncing. &t .a ro/n$ an$ $ark an$ .et- .ith "ong hair that .hippe$ abo/t it a it ro""e$. 3hen
it came to ret amongt the root o, an oak- Grimtong/e ai$- 2Ro",e the 5.ar,4 not o ta"" a he
once .a.1 #a", her men .ere on their ,eet by then- reaching ,or hie"$ an$ pear an$ a:e.
#he! lit no torches either, Aha ha$ time eno/gh to think- and the! know these woods better than
we eer could+ 7hen the tree er/pte$ a"" aro/n$ them- an$ the northmen po/re$ in ho."ing.
Woles, he tho/ght- the! howl like blood! woles+ #he war cr! of the north+ #er ironborn
creame$ back at them- an$ the ,ight began.
No inger .o/"$ ever make a ong abo/t that batt"e. No maeter .o/"$ ever .rite $o.n an
acco/nt ,or one o, the Rea$er4 be"ove$ book. No banner ,"e.- no .arhorn moane$- no great
"or$ ca""e$ hi men abo/t him to hear hi ,ina" ringing .or$. 7hey ,o/ght in the pre$a.n g"oom-
ha$o. againt ha$o.- t/mb"ing over root an$ rock- .ith m/$ an$ rotting "eave beneath
their ,eet. 7he ironborn .ere c"a$ in mai" an$ a"t(taine$ "eather- the northmen in ,/r an$ hi$e
an$ piney branche. 7he moon an$ tar "ooke$ $o.n /pon their tr/gg"e- their pa"e "ight ,i"tere$
thro/gh the tang"e o, bare "imb that t.ite$ overhea$.
7he ,irt man to come at Aha Grey=oy $ie$ at her ,eet .ith her thro.ing a:e bet.een hi
eye. 7hat gave her repite eno/gh to "ip her hie"$ onto her arm. 2#o me;1 he ca""e$- b/t
.hether he .a ca""ing to her o.n men or the ,oe even Aha co/"$ not have ai$ ,or certain. A
northman .ith an a:e "oome$ /p be,ore her- .inging .ith both han$ a he ho."e$ in .or$"e
,/ry. Aha raie$ her hie"$ to b"ock hi b"o.- then hove$ in c"oe to g/t him .ith her $irk. #i
ho."ing took on a $i,,erent tone a he ,e"". She p/n an$ ,o/n$ another .o", behin$ her- an$
"ahe$ him acro the bro. beneath hi he"m. #i o.n c/t ca/ght her be"o. the breat- b/t her
mai" t/rne$ it- o he $rove the point o, her $irk into hi throat an$ "e,t him to $ro.n in hi o.n
b"oo$. A han$ eiGe$ her hair- b/t hort a it .a he co/"$ not get a goo$ eno/gh grip to .rench
her hea$ back. Aha "amme$ her boot hee" $o.n onto hi intep an$ .renche$ "ooe .hen he
crie$ o/t in pain. By the time he t/rne$ the man .a $o.n an$ $ying- ti"" c"/tching a han$,/"
o, her hair. Dar" too$ over him- .ith hi "ong(.or$ $ripping an$ moon"ight hining in hi eye.
Grimtong/e .a co/nting the northmen a he ki""e$ them- ca""ing o/t- 2+o/r-1 a one .ent
$o.n an$- 2+ive-1 a heartbeat "ater. 7he hore creame$ an$ kicke$ an$ ro""e$ their eye in
terror- ma$$ene$ by the b/tchery an$ b"oo$8 a"" b/t 7ri Bot"ey4 big roan ta""ion. 7ri ha$
gaine$ the a$$"e- an$ hi mo/nt .a rearing an$ .hee"ing a he "ai$ abo/t .ith hi .or$. I
ma! owe him a kiss or three before the night is done, tho/ght Aha.
2Seven-1 ho/te$ Grimtong/e- b/t bei$e him ?orren ?onga:e pra."e$ .ith one "eg t.ite$
/n$er him- an$ the ha$o. kept on coming- ho/ting an$ r/t"ing. We are fighting shrubber!,
Aha tho/ght a he "e. a man .ho ha$ more "eave on him than mot o, the /rro/n$ing tree.
7hat ma$e her "a/gh. #er "a/ghter $re. more .o"ve to her- an$ he ki""e$ them too- .on$ering
i, he ho/"$ tart a co/nt o, her o.n. I am a woman wed, and here/s m! suckling babe+ She
p/he$ her $irk into a northman4 chet thro/gh ,/r an$ .oo" an$ boi"e$ "eather. #i ,ace .a o
c"oe to her that he co/"$ me"" the o/r tench o, hi breath- an$ hi han$ .a at her throat.
Aha ,e"t iron craping againt bone a her point "i$ over a rib. 7hen the man h/$$ere$ an$
$ie$. 3hen he "et go o, him- he .a o .eak he a"mot ,e"" on top o, him.
?ater- he too$ back(to(back .ith Dar"- "itening to the gr/nt an$ c/re a"" aro/n$ them- to
brave men cra."ing thro/gh the ha$o. .eeping ,or their mother. A b/h $rove at her .ith a
pear "ong eno/gh to p/nch thro/gh her be""y an$ Dar"4 back a .e""- pinning them together a
they $ie$. Better that than die alone, he tho/ght- b/t her co/in D/enton ki""e$ the pearman
be,ore he reache$ her. A heartbeat "ater another b/h ki""e$ D/enton- $riving an a:e into the bae
o, hi k/"".
Behin$ her Grimtong/e ho/te$- 22ine, an$ $amn yo/ a"".1 #agen4 $a/ghter b/rt nake$
,rom beneath the tree .ith t.o .o"ve at her hee". Aha .renche$ "ooe a thro.ing a:e an$
ent it ,"ying en$ over en$ to take one o, them in the back. 3hen he ,e""- #agen4 $a/ghter
t/mb"e$ to her knee- natche$ /p hi .or$- tabbe$ the econ$ man- then roe again- meare$
.ith b"oo$ an$ m/$- her "ong re$ hair /nbo/n$- an$ p"/nge$ into the ,ight.
Some.here in the ebb an$ ,"o. o, batt"e- Aha "ot Dar"- "ot 7ri- "ot a"" o, them. #er $irk
.a gone a .e""- an$ a"" her thro.ing a:eI intea$ he ha$ a .or$ in han$- a hort .or$ .ith
a broa$ thick b"a$e- a"mot "ike a b/tcher4 c"eaver. +or her "i,e he co/"$ not have ai$ .here
he ha$ gotten it. #er arm ache$- her mo/th tate$ o, b"oo$- her "eg .ere tremb"ing- an$ ha,t
o, pa"e $a.n "ight .ere "anting thro/gh the tree. 7as it been so long6 7ow long hae we been
fighting6
#er "at ,oe .a a northman .ith an a:e- a big man ba"$ an$ bear$e$- c"a$ in a byrnie o,
patche$ an$ r/te$ mai" that co/"$ on"y mean he .a a chie, or champion. #e .a not p"eae$ to
,in$ hime", ,ighting a .oman. 2%unt;1 he roare$ each time he tr/ck at her- hi pitt"e
$ampening her cheek. 2%unt; %unt;1
Aha .ante$ to ho/t back at him- b/t her throat .a o $ry he co/"$ $o no more than gr/nt.
#i a:e .a hivering her hie"$- cracking the .oo$ on the $o.n.ing- tearing o,, "ong pa"e
p"inter .hen he .renche$ it back. Soon he .o/"$ have on"y a tang"e o, kin$"ing on her arm.
She backe$ a.ay an$ hook ,ree o, the r/ine$ hie"$- then backe$ a.ay ome more an$ $ance$
"e,t an$ right an$ "e,t again to avoi$ the $o.nr/hing a:e.
An$ then her back came /p har$ againt a tree- an$ he co/"$ $ance no more. 7he .o", raie$
the a:e above hi hea$ to p"it her hea$ in t.o. Aha trie$ to "ip to her right- b/t her ,eet .ere
tang"e$ in ome root- trapping her. She t.ite$- "ot her ,ooting- an$ the a:ehea$ cr/nche$
againt her temp"e .ith a cream o, tee" on tee". 7he .or"$ .ent re$ an$ b"ack an$ re$ again.
9ain crack"e$ /p her "eg "ike "ightning- an$ ,ar a.ay he hear$ her northman ay- 2Eo/ b"oo$y
c/nt-1 a he "i,te$ /p hi a:e ,or the b"o. that .o/"$ ,inih her.
A tr/mpet b"e..
#hat/s wrong, he tho/ght. #here are no trumpets in the Drowned 1od/s water! halls+ Below
the waes the merlings hail their lord b! blowing into seashells+
She $reamt o, re$ heart b/rning- an$ a b"ack tag in a go"$en .oo$ .ith ,"ame treaming
,rom hi ant"er.
!rienne
The eptry too$ /pon an /pthr/t i"an$ ha", a mi"e ,rom the hore- .here the .i$e mo/th o,
the 7ri$ent .i$ene$ ,/rther ti"" to ki the Bay o, Crab. Cven ,rom hore it properity .a
apparent. &t "ope .a covere$ .ith terrace$ ,ie"$- .ith ,ihpon$ $o.n be"o. an$ a .in$mi""
above- it .oo$(an$(ai"c"oth b"a$e t/rning "o."y in the breeGe o,, the bay. Brienne co/"$ ee
heep graGing on the hi""i$e an$ tork .a$ing in the ha""o. .ater aro/n$ the ,erry "an$ing.
2Sa"tpan i =/t acro the .ater-1 ai$ Septon Meriba"$- pointing north acro the bay. 27he
brother .i"" ,erry / over on the morning ti$e- tho/gh & ,ear .hat .e ha"" ,in$ there. ?et /
en=oy a goo$ hot mea" be,ore .e ,ace that. 7he brother a".ay have a bone to pare ,or 5og.1
5og barke$ an$ .agge$ hi tai".
7he ti$e .a going o/t no.- an$ .i,t"y. 7he .ater that eparate$ the i"an$ ,rom the hore
.a rece$ing- "eaving behin$ a broa$ e:pane o, g"itening bro.n m/$,"at $otte$ by ti$a" poo"
that g"ittere$ "ike go"$en coin in the a,ternoon /n. Brienne cratche$ the back o, her neck-
.here an inect ha$ bitten her. She ha$ pinne$ her hair /p- an$ the /n ha$ .arme$ her kin.
23hy $o they ca"" it the D/iet &"e61 ake$ 9o$rick.
27hoe .ho $.e"" here are penitent- .ho eek to atone ,or their in thro/gh contemp"ation-
prayer- an$ i"ence. Hn"y the C"$er Brother an$ hi proctor are permitte$ to peak- an$ the
proctor on"y ,or one $ay o, every even.1
27he i"ent iter never peak-1 ai$ 9o$rick. 2& hear$ they $on4t have any tong/e.1
Septon Meriba"$ mi"e$. 2Mother have been co.ing their $a/ghter .ith that ta"e ince & .a
yo/r age. 7here .a no tr/th to it then an$ there i none no.. A vo. o, i"ence i an act o,
contrition- a acri,ice by .hich .e prove o/r $evotion to the Seven Above. +or a m/te to take a
vo. o, i"ence .o/"$ be akin to a "eg"e man giving /p the $ance.1 #e "e$ hi $onkey $o.n the
"ope- beckoning them to ,o""o.. 2&, yo/ .o/"$ "eep beneath a roo, tonight- yo/ m/t c"imb o,,
yo/r hore an$ cro the m/$ .ith me. 7he path o, ,aith- .e ca"" it. Hn"y the ,aith,/" may cro
a,e"y. 7he .icke$ are .a""o.e$ by the A/ickan$- or $ro.ne$ .hen the ti$e come r/hing
in. None o, yo/ are .icke$- & hope6 Cven o- & .o/"$ be care,/" .here & et my ,eet. 3a"k on"y
.here & .a"k- an$ yo/ ha"" reach the other i$e.1
7he path o, ,aith .a a crooke$ one- Brienne co/"$ not he"p b/t note. 7ho/gh the i"an$
eeme$ to rie to the northeat o, .here they "e,t the hore- Septon Meriba"$ $i$ not make
$irect"y ,or it. &ntea$- he tarte$ $/e eat- to.ar$ the $eeper .ater o, the bay- .hich himmere$
b"/e an$ i"ver in the $itance. 7he o,t bro.n m/$ A/ihe$ /p bet.een hi toe. A he .a"ke$
he pa/e$ ,rom time to time- to probe ahea$ .ith hi A/arterta,,. 5og taye$ near hi hee"-
ni,,ing at every rock- he""- an$ c"/mp o, ea.ee$. +or once he $i$ not bo/n$ ahea$ or tray.
Brienne ,o""o.e$- taking care to keep c"oe to the "ine o, print "e,t by the $og- the $onkey-
an$ the ho"y man. 7hen came 9o$rick- an$ "at o, a"" Ser #y"e. A h/n$re$ yar$ o/t- Meriba"$
t/rne$ abr/pt"y to.ar$ the o/th- o hi back .a a"mot to the eptry. #e procee$e$ in that
$irection ,or another h/n$re$ yar$- "ea$ing them bet.een t.o ha""o. ti$a" poo". 5og t/ck hi
noe in one an$ ye"pe$ .hen a crab pinche$ it .ith hi c"a.. A brie, b/t ,/rio/ tr/gg"e en/e$
be,ore the $og came trotting back- .et an$ m/$(pattere$- .ith the crab bet.een hi =a..
2&n4t that .here .e .ant to go61 Ser #y"e ca""e$ o/t ,rom behin$ them- pointing at the
eptry. 23e eem to be .a"king every .ay b/t to.ar$ it.1
2+aith-1 /rge$ Septon Meriba"$. 2Be"ieve- perit- an$ ,o""o.- an$ .e ha"" ,in$ the peace .e
eek.1
7he ,"at himmere$ .et"y a"" abo/t them- mott"e$ in ha", a h/n$re$ h/e. 7he m/$ .a /ch
a $ark bro.n it appeare$ a"mot b"ack- b/t there .ere .athe o, go"$en an$ a .e""- /pthr/t
rock both grey an$ re$- an$ tang"e o, b"ack an$ green ea.ee$. Stork ta"ke$ thro/gh the ti$a"
poo" an$ "e,t their ,ootprint a"" aro/n$ them- an$ crab c/tt"e$ acro the /r,ace o, ha""o.
.ater. 7he air me""e$ o, brine an$ rot- an$ the gro/n$ /cke$ at their ,eet an$ "et them go on"y
re"/ctant"y- .ith a pop an$ a A/e"chy igh. Septon Meriba"$ t/rne$ an$ t/rne$ again an$ yet
again. #i ,ootprint ,i""e$ /p .ith .ater a oon a he move$ on. By the time the gro/n$ gre.
,irmer an$ began to rie beneath the ,eet- they ha$ .a"ke$ at "eat a mi"e an$ a ha",.
7hree men .ere .aiting ,or them a they c"ambere$ /p the broken tone that ringe$ the i"e4
hore"ine. 7hey .ere c"a$ in the bro.n(an$($/n robe o, brother- .ith .i$e be"" "eeve an$
pointe$ co.". 7.o ha$ .o/n$ "ength o, .oo" abo/t the "o.er ha"ve o, their ,ace a .e""- o
a"" that co/"$ be een o, them .ere their eye. 7he thir$ brother .a the one to peak. 2Septon
Meriba"$-1 he ca""e$. 2&t ha been nigh /pon a year. Eo/ are .e"come. Eo/r companion a
.e"".1
5og .agge$ hi tai"- an$ Meriba"$ hook m/$ ,rom hi ,eet. 2Might .e beg yo/r hopita"ity
,or a night61
2Ee- o, co/re. 7here4 to be ,ih te. thi evening. 3i"" yo/ reA/ire the ,erry in the
morning61
2&, it i not too m/ch to ak.1 Meriba"$ t/rne$ to hi ,e""o. trave"er. 2Brother Narbert i a
proctor o, the or$er- o he i a""o.e$ to peak one $ay o, every even. Brother- thee goo$ ,o"k
he"pe$ me on my .ay. Ser #y"e #/nt i a ga""ant ,rom the Reach. 7he "a$ i 9o$rick 9ayne- "ate
o, the .eter"an$. An$ thi i ?a$y Brienne- kno.n a the Mai$ o, 7arth.1
Brother Narbert $re. /p hort. 2A .oman.1
2Ee- brother.1 Brienne /npinne$ her hair an$ hook it o/t. 25o yo/ have no .omen here61
2Not at preent-1 ai$ Narbert. 27hoe .omen .ho $o viit come to / ick or h/rt- or heavy
.ith chi"$. 7he Seven have b"ee$ o/r C"$er Brother .ith hea"ing han$. #e ha retore$ many
a man to hea"th that even the maeter co/"$ not c/re- an$ many a .oman too.1
2& am not ick or h/rt or heavy .ith chi"$.1
2?a$y Brienne i a .arrior mai$-1 con,i$e$ Septon Meriba"$- 2h/nting ,or the #o/n$.1
2Aye61 Narbert eeme$ taken aback. 27o .hat en$61
Brienne to/che$ Hathkeeper4 hi"t. 2#i-1 he ai$.
7he proctor t/$ie$ her. 2Eo/ are8 bra.ny ,or a .oman- it i tr/e- b/t8 mayhap & ho/"$
take yo/ /p to C"$er Brother. #e .i"" have een yo/ croing the m/$. Come.1
Narbert "e$ them a"ong a pebb"e$ path an$ thro/gh a grove o, app"e tree to a .hite.ahe$
tab"e .ith a peake$ thatch roo,. 2Eo/ may "eave yo/r anima" here. Brother Gi""am .i"" ee that
they are ,e$ an$ .atere$.1
7he tab"e .a more than three(A/arter empty. At one en$ .ere ha", a $oGen m/"e- being
ten$e$ by a ban$y("egge$ "itt"e brother .hom Brienne took ,or Gi""am. 3ay $o.n at the ,ar en$-
.e"" a.ay ,rom the other anima"- a h/ge b"ack ta""ion tr/mpete$ at the o/n$ o, their voice
an$ kicke$ at the $oor o, hi ta"".
Ser #y"e gave the big hore an a$miring "ook a he .a han$ing hi rein to Brother Gi""am.
2A han$ome beat.1
Brother Narbert ighe$. 27he Seven en$ / b"eing- an$ the Seven en$ / tria".
#an$ome he may be- b/t 5ri,t.oo$ .a /re"y .he"pe$ in he"". 3hen .e o/ght to harne
him to a p"o. he kicke$ Brother Ra.ney an$ broke hi hinbone in t.o p"ace. 3e ha$ hope$
ge"$ing might improve the beat4 i"" temper- b/t8 Brother Gi""am- .i"" yo/ ho. them61
Brother Gi""am "o.ere$ hi co.". Fn$erneath he ha$ a mop o, b"on$ hair- a ton/re$ ca"p-
an$ a b"oo$taine$ ban$age .here he ho/"$ have ha$ an ear.
9o$rick gape$. 27he hore bit o,, yo/r ear61
Gi""am no$$e$- an$ covere$ hi hea$ again.
2+orgive me- brother-1 ai$ Ser #y"e- 2b/t & might take the other ear- i, yo/ approache$ me
.ith a pair o, hear.1
7he =et $i$ not it .e"" .ith Brother Narbert. 2Eo/ are a knight- er. 5ri,t.oo$ i a beat o,
b/r$en. 7he Smith gave men hore to he"p them in their "abor.1 #e t/rne$ a.ay. 2&, yo/ .i"".
C"$er Brother .i"" no $o/bt be .aiting.1
7he "ope .a teeper than it ha$ "ooke$ ,rom acro the m/$,"at. 7o eae it- the brother ha$
erecte$ a ,"ight o, .oo$en tep that .an$ere$ back an$ ,orth acro the hi""i$e an$ amongt the
b/i"$ing. A,ter a "ong $ay in the a$$"e Brienne .a g"a$ ,or a chance to tretch her "eg.
7hey pae$ a $oGen brother o, the or$er on their .ay /pI co."e$ men in $/n(an$(bro.n
.ho gave them c/rio/ "ook a they .ent by- b/t poke no .or$ o, greeting. Hne .a "ea$ing a
pair o, mi"k co. to.ar$ a "o. barn roo,e$ in o$I another .orke$ a b/tter ch/rn. Hn the /pper
"ope they a. three boy $riving heep- an$ higher ti"" they pae$ a "ichyar$ .here a brother
bigger than Brienne .a tr/gg"ing to $ig a grave. +rom the .ay he move$- it .a p"ain to ee
that he .a "ame. A he ,"/ng a pa$e,/" o, the tony oi" over one ho/"$er- ome chance$ to
patter againt their ,eet. 2Be more .atch,/" there-1 chi$e$ Brother Narbert. 2Septon Meriba"$
might have gotten a mo/th,/" o, $irt.1 7he grave$igger "o.ere$ hi hea$. 3hen 5og .ent to
ni,, him he $roppe$ hi pa$e an$ cratche$ hi ear.
2A novice-1 e:p"aine$ Narbert.
23ho i the grave ,or61 ake$ Ser #y"e- a they re/me$ their c"imb /p the .oo$en tep.
2Brother C"ement- may the +ather =/$ge him =/t"y.1
23a he o"$61 ake$ 9o$rick 9ayne.
2&, yo/ coni$er eight(an$(,orty o"$- aye- b/t it .a not the year that ki""e$ him. #e $ie$ o,
.o/n$ he got at Sa"tpan. #e ha$ taken ome o, o/r mea$ to the market there- on the $ay the
o/t"a. $ecen$e$ on the to.n.1
27he #o/n$61 ai$ Brienne.
2Another- =/t a br/ta". #e c/t poor C"ement4 tong/e o/t .hen he .o/"$ not peak. Since he
ha$ taken a vo. o, i"ence- the rai$er ai$ he ha$ no nee$ o, it. 7he C"$er Brother .i"" kno.
more. #e keep the .ort o, the ti$ing ,rom o/ti$e to hime",- o a not to $it/rb the
tranA/i""ity o, the eptry. Many o, o/r brother came here to ecape the horror o, the .or"$- not
to $.e"" /pon them. Brother C"ement .a not the on"y .o/n$e$ man amongt /. Some .o/n$
$o not ho..1 Brother Narbert get/re$ to their right. 27here "ie o/r /mmer arbor. 7he grape
are ma"" an$ tart- b/t make a $rinkab"e .ine. 3e bre. o/r o.n a"e a .e""- an$ o/r mea$ an$
ci$er are ,ar ,ame$.1
27he .ar ha never come here61 Brienne ai$.
2Not thi .ar- praie the Seven. H/r prayer protect /.1
2An$ yo/r ti$e-1 /ggete$ Meriba"$. 5og barke$ agreement.
7he bro. o, the hi"" .a cro.ne$ by a "o. .a"" o, /nmortare$ tone- encirc"ing a c"/ter o,
"arge b/i"$ingI the .in$mi""- it ai" creaking a they t/rne$- the c"oiter .here the brother
"ept an$ the common ha"" .here they took their mea"- a .oo$en ept ,or prayer an$ me$itation.
7he ept ha$ .in$o. o, "ea$e$ g"a- .i$e $oor carve$ .ith "ikenee o, the Mother an$ the
+ather- an$ a even(i$e$ teep"e .ith a .a"k on top. Behin$ it .a a vegetab"e gar$en .here
ome o"$er brother .ere p/""ing .ee$. Brother Narbert "e$ the viitor aro/n$ a chetn/t tree
to a .oo$en $oor et in the i$e o, the hi"".
2A cave .ith a $oor61 Ser #y"e ai$- /rprie$.
Septon Meriba"$ mi"e$. 2&t i ca""e$ the #ermit4 #o"e. 7he ,irt ho"y man to ,in$ hi .ay
here "ive$ therein- an$ .orke$ /ch .on$er that other came to =oin him. 7hat .a t.o
tho/an$ year ago- they ay. 7he $oor came ome.hat "ater.1
9erhap t.o tho/an$ year ago the #ermit4 #o"e ha$ been a $amp- $ark p"ace- ,"oore$ .ith
$irt an$ echoing to the o/n$ o, $ripping .ater- b/t no "onger. 7he cave that Brienne an$ her
companion entere$ ha$ been t/rne$ into a .arm- n/g anct/m. 3oo"en carpet covere$ the
gro/n$- tapetrie the .a"". 7a"" bee.a: can$"e gave more than amp"e "ight. 7he ,/rnihing
.ere trange b/t imp"eI a "ong tab"e- a ett"e- a chet- evera" ta"" cae ,/"" o, book- an$ chair.
A"" .ere ma$e ,rom $ri,t.oo$- o$$"y hape$ piece c/nning"y =oine$ together an$ po"ihe$ ti""
they hone a $eep go"$ in the can$"e"ight.
7he C"$er Brother .a not .hat Brienne ha$ e:pecte$. #e co/"$ har$"y be ca""e$ elder, ,or a
tartI .herea the brother .ee$ing in the gar$en ha$ ha$ the toope$ ho/"$er an$ bent back
o, o"$ men- he too$ traight an$ ta""- an$ move$ .ith the vigor o, a man in the prime o, hi
year. Nor $i$ he have the gent"e- kin$"y ,ace he e:pecte$ o, a hea"er. #i hea$ .a "arge an$
A/are- hi eye hre.$- hi noe veine$ an$ re$. 7ho/gh he .ore a ton/re- hi ca"p .a a
t/bb"y a hi heavy =a..
7e looks more like a man made to break bones than to heal one, tho/ght the Mai$ o, 7arth- a
the C"$er Brother tro$e acro the room to embrace Septon Meriba"$ an$ pat 5og. 2&t i a".ay
a g"a$ $ay .hen o/r ,rien$ Meriba"$ an$ 5og honor / .ith another viit-1 he anno/nce$-
be,ore t/rning to hi other g/et. 2An$ ne. ,ace are a".ay .e"come. 3e ee o ,e. o, them.1
Meriba"$ per,orme$ the c/tomary co/rteie be,ore eating hime", /pon the ett"e. Fn"ike
Septon Narbert- the C"$er Brother $i$ not eem $imaye$ by Brienne4 e:- b/t hi mi"e $i$
,"icker an$ ,a$e .hen the epton to"$ him .hy he an$ Ser #y"e ha$ come. 2& ee-1 .a a"" he
ai$- be,ore he t/rne$ a.ay .ith- 2Eo/ m/t be thirty. 9"eae- have ome o, o/r .eet ci$er to
.ah the $/t o, trave" ,rom yo/r throat.1 #e po/re$ ,or them hime",. 7he c/p .ere carve$
,rom $ri,t.oo$ too- no t.o the ame. 3hen Brienne comp"imente$ them- he ai$- 2My "a$y i
too kin$. A"" .e $o i c/t an$ po"ih the .oo$. 3e are b"ee$ here. 3here the river meet the
bay- the c/rrent an$ the ti$e .ret"e one againt the other- an$ many trange an$ .on$ro/
thing are p/he$ to.ar$ /- to .ah /p on o/r hore. 5ri,t.oo$ i the "eat o, it. 3e have
,o/n$ i"ver c/p an$ iron pot- ack o, .oo" an$ bo"t o, i"k- r/te$ he"m an$ hining
.or$8 aye- an$ r/bie.1
7hat interete$ Ser #y"e. 2Rhaegar4 r/bie61
2&t may be. 3ho can ay6 7he batt"e .a "ong "eag/e ,rom here- b/t the river i tire"e an$
patient. Si: have been ,o/n$. 3e are a"" .aiting ,or the eventh.1
2Better r/bie than bone.1 Septon Meriba"$ .a r/bbing hi ,oot- the m/$ ,"aking o,,
beneath hi ,inger. 2Not a"" the river4 gi,t are p"eaant. 7he goo$ brother co""ect the $ea$ a
.e"". 5ro.ne$ co.- $ro.ne$ $eer- $ea$ pig .o""en /p to ha", the iGe o, hore. Aye- an$
corpe.1
27oo many corpe- thee $ay.1 7he C"$er Brother ighe$. 2H/r grave$igger kno. no ret.
Rivermen- .etermen- northmen- a"" .ah /p here. >night an$ knave a"ike. 3e b/ry them i$e
by i$e- Stark an$ ?anniter- B"ack.oo$ an$ Bracken- +rey an$ 5arry. 7hat i the $/ty the river
ak o, / in ret/rn ,or a"" it gi,t- an$ .e $o it a bet .e can. Sometime .e ,in$ a .oman-
tho/gh8 or .ore- a "itt"e chi"$. 7hoe are the cr/e"et gi,t.1 #e t/rne$ to Septon Meriba"$. 2&
hope that yo/ have time to abo"ve / o, o/r in. Since the rai$er "e. o"$ Septon Bennet- .e
have ha$ no one to hear con,eion.1
2& ha"" make time-1 ai$ Meriba"$- 2tho/gh & hope yo/ have ome better in than the "at
time & came thro/gh.1 5og barke$. 2Eo/ ee6 Cven 5og .a bore$.1
9o$rick 9ayne .a p/GG"e$. 2& tho/ght no one co/"$ ta"k. 3e""- not no one. 7he brother. 7he
other brother- not yo/.1
23e are a""o.e$ to break i"ence .hen con,eing-1 ai$ the C"$er Brother. 2&t i har$ to
peak o, in .ith ign an$ no$.1
25i$ they b/rn the ept at Sa"tpan61 ake$ #y"e #/nt.
7he mi"e vanihe$. 27hey b/rne$ everything at Sa"tpan- ave the cat"e. Hn"y that .a ma$e
o, tone8 tho/gh it ha$ a .e"" been ma$e o, /et ,or a"" the goo$ it $i$ the to.n. &t ,e"" to me to
treat ome o, the /rvivor. 7he ,iher,o"k bro/ght them acro the bay to me a,ter the ,"ame
ha$ gone o/t an$ they $eeme$ it a,e to "an$. Hne poor .oman ha$ been rape$ a $oGen time-
an$ her breat8 my "a$y- yo/ .ear man4 mai"- o & ha"" not pare yo/ thee horror8 her
breat ha$ been torn an$ che.e$ an$ eaten, a i, by ome8 cr/e" beat. & $i$ .hat & co/"$ ,or
her- tho/gh that .a "itt"e eno/gh. A he "ay $ying- her .ort c/re .ere not ,or the men .ho
ha$ rape$ her- nor the monter .ho $evo/re$ her "iving ,"eh- b/t ,or Ser D/incy Co:- .ho
barre$ hi gate .hen the o/t"a. entere$ the to.n an$ at a,e behin$ tone .a"" a hi peop"e
creame$ an$ $ie$.1
2Ser D/incy i an o"$ man-1 ai$ Septon Meriba"$ gent"y. 2#i on an$ goo$(on are ,ar
a.ay or $ea$- hi gran$on are ti"" boy- an$ he ha t.o $a/ghter. 3hat co/"$ he have $one-
one man againt o many61
7e could hae tried, Brienne tho/ght. 7e could hae died+ Old or !oung, a true knight is
sworn to protect those who are weaker than himself, or die in the attempt+
27r/e .or$- an$ .ie-1 the C"$er Brother ai$ to Septon Meriba"$. 23hen yo/ cro to
Sa"tpan- no $o/bt Ser D/incy .i"" ak yo/ ,or ,orgivene. & am g"a$ that yo/ are here to give it.
& co/"$ not.1 #e p/t ai$e the $ri,t.oo$ c/p- an$ too$. 27he /pper be"" .i"" o/n$ oon. My
,rien$- .i"" yo/ come .ith me to the ept- to pray ,or the o/" o, the goo$ ,o"k o, Sa"tpan
be,ore .e it $o.n to break brea$ an$ hare ome meat an$ mea$61
2G"a$"y-1 ai$ Meriba"$. 5og barke$.
7heir /pper in the eptry .a a trange a mea" a Brienne ha$ ever eaten- tho/gh not at a""
/np"eaant. 7he ,oo$ .a p"ain- b/t very goo$I there .ere "oave o, cr/ty brea$ ti"" .arm ,rom
the oven- crock o, ,reh(ch/rne$ b/tter- honey ,rom the eptry4 hive- an$ a thick te. o,
crab- m/e"- an$ at "eat three $i,,erent kin$ o, ,ih. Septon Meriba"$ an$ Ser #y"e $rank the
mea$ the brother ma$e- an$ prono/nce$ it e:ce""ent- .hi"t he an$ 9o$rick contente$
theme"ve .ith more .eet ci$er. Nor .a the mea" a omber one. Meriba"$ prono/nce$ a
prayer be,ore the ,oo$ .a erve$- an$ .hi"t the brother ate at ,o/r "ong tret"e tab"e- one o,
their n/mber p"aye$ ,or them on the high harp- ,i""ing the ha"" .ith o,t .eet o/n$. 3hen the
C"$er Brother e:c/e$ the m/ician to take hi o.n mea"- Brother Narbert an$ another proctor
took t/rn rea$ing ,rom #he Seen($ointed Star+
By the time the rea$ing .ere comp"ete$- the "at o, the ,oo$ ha$ been c"eare$ a.ay by the
novice .hoe tak it .a to erve. Mot .ere boy near 9o$rick4 age- or yo/nger- b/t there
.ere gro.n men a .e""- amongt them the big grave$igger they ha$ enco/ntere$ on the hi""-
.ho .a"ke$ .ith the a.k.ar$ "/rching gait o, one ha",(cripp"e$. A the ha"" emptie$- the C"$er
Brother ake$ Narbert to ho. 9o$rick an$ Ser #y"e to their pa""et in the c"oiter. 2Eo/ .i""
not min$ haring a ce""- & hope6 &t i not "arge- b/t yo/ .i"" ,in$ it com,ortab"e.1
2& .ant to tay .ith er-1 ai$ 9o$rick. 2& mean- my "a$y.1
23hat yo/ an$ ?a$y Brienne may $o e"e.here i bet.een yo/ an$ the Seven-1 ai$ Brother
Narbert- 2b/t on the D/iet &"e- men an$ .omen $o not "eep beneath the ame roo, /n"e they
are .e$.1
23e have ome mo$et cottage et ai$e ,or the .omen .ho viit /- be they nob"e "a$ie or
common vi""age gir"-1 ai$ the C"$er Brother. 27hey are not o,t /e$- b/t .e keep them c"ean
an$ $ry. ?a$y Brienne- .o/"$ yo/ a""o. me to ho. yo/ the .ay61
2Ee- thank yo/. 9o$rick- go .ith Ser #y"e. 3e are g/et o, the ho"y brother here. Beneath
their roo,- their r/"e.1
7he .omen4 cottage .ere on the eat i$e o, the i"e- "ooking o/t over a broa$ e:pane o,
m/$ an$ the $itant .ater o, the Bay o, Crab. &t .a co"$er here than on the he"tere$ i$e- an$
.i"$er. 7he hi"" .a teeper- an$ the path mean$ere$ back an$ ,orth thro/gh .ee$ an$ briar-
.in$(carve$ rock- an$ t.ite$- thorny tree that c"/ng tenacio/"y to the tony hi""i$e. 7he
C"$er Brother bro/ght a "antern to "ight their .ay $o.n. At one t/rn he pa/e$. 2Hn a c"ear night
yo/ co/"$ ee the ,ire o, Sa"tpan ,rom here. Acro the bay- =/t there.1 #e pointe$.
27here4 nothing-1 Brienne ai$.
2Hn"y the cat"e remain. Cven the ,iher,o"k are gone- the ,ort/nate ,e. .ho .ere o/t on the
.ater .hen the rai$er came. 7hey .atche$ their ho/e b/rn an$ "itene$ to cream an$ crie
,"oat acro the harbor- too ,ear,/" to "an$ their boat. 3hen at "at they came ahore- it .a to
b/ry ,rien$ an$ kin. 3hat i there ,or them at Sa"tpan no. b/t bone an$ bitter memorie6
7hey have move$ to Mai$enpoo" or other to.n.1 #e get/re$ .ith the "antern- an$ they
re/me$ their $ecent. 2Sa"tpan .a never an important port- b/t hip $i$ ca"" there ,rom time
to time. 7hat .a .hat the rai$er .ante$- a ga""ey or a cog to carry them acro the narro. ea.
3hen none .a at han$- they took their rage an$ $eperation o/t /pon the to.n,o"k. & .on$er-
my "a$y8 .hat $o yo/ hope to ,in$ there61
2A gir"-1 he to"$ him. 2A highborn mai$ o, three(an$(ten- .ith a ,air ,ace an$ a/b/rn hair.1
2Sana Stark.1 7he name .a o,t"y ai$. 2Eo/ be"ieve thi poor chi"$ i .ith the #o/n$61
27he 5ornihman ai$ that he .a on her .ay to Riverr/n. 7imeon. #e .a a e"".or$- one
o, the Brave Companion- a ki""er an$ a raper an$ a "iar- b/t & $o not think he "ie$ abo/t thi. #e
ai$ that the #o/n$ to"e her an$ carrie$ her a.ay.1
2& ee.1 7he path t/rne$- an$ there .ere the cottage ahea$ o, them. 7he C"$er Brother ha$
ca""e$ them mo$et. 7hat they .ere. 7hey "ooke$ "ike beehive ma$e o, tone- "o. an$ ro/n$e$-
.in$o."e. 27hi one-1 he ai$- in$icating the nearet cottage- the on"y one .ith moke riing
,rom the mokeho"e in the center o, it roo,. Brienne ha$ to $/ck .hen entering to keep ,rom
banging her hea$ againt the "inte". &ni$e he ,o/n$ a $irt ,"oor- a tra. pa""et- ,/r an$ b"anket
to keep her .arm- a bain o, .ater- a ,"agon o, ci$er- ome brea$ an$ cheee- a ma"" ,ire- an$
t.o "o. chair. 7he C"$er Brother at in one- an$ p/t the "antern $o.n. 2May & tay a .hi"e6 &
,ee" that .e ho/"$ ta"k.1
2&, yo/ .ih.1 Brienne /n$i$ her .or$be"t an$ h/ng it ,rom the econ$ chair- then at cro(
"egge$ on the pa""et.
2Eo/r 5ornihman $i$ not "ie-1 the C"$er Brother began- 2b/t & ,ear yo/ $i$ not /n$ertan$
him. Eo/ are chaing the .rong .o",- my "a$y. C$$ar$ Stark ha$ t.o $a/ghter. &t .a the other
one that San$or C"egane ma$e o,, .ith- the yo/nger one.1
2Ar!a Stark61 Brienne tare$ open(mo/the$- atonihe$. 2Eo/ kno. thi6 ?a$y Sana4 iter
i a"ive61
27hen-1 ai$ the C"$er Brother. 2No.8 & $o not kno.. She may have been amongt the
chi"$ren "ain at Sa"tpan.1
7he .or$ .ere a kni,e in her be""y. 2o, Brienne tho/ght. 2o, that would be too cruel+ 2*a!
have been8 meaning that yo/ are not certain 8.1
2& am certain that the chi"$ .a .ith San$or C"egane at the inn bei$e the croroa$- the one
o"$ Maha #e$$"e /e$ to keep- be,ore the "ion hange$ her. & am certain they .ere on their .ay
to Sa"tpan. Beyon$ that8 no. & $o not kno. .here he i- or even i, he "ive. 7here i one
thing & $o kno.- ho.ever. 7he man yo/ h/nt i $ea$.1
7hat .a another hock. 2#o. $i$ he $ie61
2By the .or$- a he ha$ "ive$.1
2Eo/ kno. thi ,or a certainty61
2& b/rie$ him mye",. & can te"" yo/ .here hi grave "ie- i, yo/ .ih. & covere$ him .ith
tone to keep the carrion eater ,rom $igging /p hi ,"eh- an$ et hi he"m atop the cairn to
mark hi ,ina" reting p"ace. 7hat .a a grievo/ error. Some other .ay,arer ,o/n$ my marker
an$ c"aime$ it ,or hime",. 7he man .ho rape$ an$ ki""e$ at Sa"tpan .a not San$or C"egane-
tho/gh he may be a $angero/. 7he river"an$ are ,/"" o, /ch cavenger. & .i"" not ca"" them
.o"ve. 3o"ve are nob"er than that8 an$ o are $og- & think.
2& kno. a "itt"e o, thi man- San$or C"egane. #e .a 9rince !o,,rey4 .orn hie"$ ,or many a
year- an$ even here .e .o/"$ hear te"" o, hi $ee$- both goo$ an$ i"". &, even ha", o, .hat .e
hear$ .a tr/e- thi .a a bitter- tormente$ o/"- a inner .ho mocke$ both go$ an$ men. #e
erve$- b/t ,o/n$ no pri$e in ervice. #e ,o/ght- b/t took no =oy in victory. #e $rank- to $ro.n
hi pain in a ea o, .ine. #e $i$ not "ove- nor .a he "ove$ hime",. &t .a hate that $rove him.
7ho/gh he committe$ many in- he never o/ght ,orgivene. 3here other men $ream o, "ove-
or .ea"th- or g"ory- thi man San$or C"egane $reame$ o, "aying hi o.n brother- a in o
terrib"e it make me h/$$er =/t to peak o, it. Eet that .a the brea$ that no/rihe$ him- the
,/e" that kept hi ,ire b/rning. &gnob"e a it .a- the hope o, eeing hi brother4 b"oo$ /pon hi
b"a$e .a a"" thi a$ an$ angry creat/re "ive$ ,or8 an$ even that .a taken ,rom him- .hen
9rince Hberyn o, 5orne tabbe$ Ser Gregor .ith a poione$ pear.1
2Eo/ o/n$ a i, yo/ pity him-1 ai$ Brienne.
2& $i$. Eo/ .o/"$ have pitie$ him a .e""- i, yo/ ha$ een him at the en$. & came /pon him
by the 7ri$ent- $ra.n by hi crie o, pain. #e begge$ me ,or the gi,t o, mercy- b/t & am .orn
not to ki"" again. &ntea$- & bathe$ hi ,evere$ bro. .ith river .ater- an$ gave him .ine to $rink
an$ a po/"tice ,or hi .o/n$- b/t my e,,ort .ere too "itt"e an$ too "ate. 7he #o/n$ $ie$ there- in
my arm. Eo/ may have een a big b"ack ta""ion in o/r tab"e. 7hat .a hi .arhore- Stranger.
A b"aphemo/ name. 3e pre,er to ca"" him 5ri,t.oo$- a he .a ,o/n$ bei$e the river. & ,ear
he ha hi ,ormer mater4 nat/re.1
#he horse+ She ha$ een the ta""ion- ha$ hear$ it kicking- b/t he ha$ not /n$ertoo$.
5etrier .ere traine$ to kick an$ bite. &n .ar they .ere a .eapon- "ike the men .ho ro$e them.
"ike the 7ound+ 2&t i tr/e- then-1 he ai$ $/""y. 2San$or C"egane i $ea$.1
2#e i at ret.1 7he C"$er Brother pa/e$. 2Eo/ are yo/ng- chi"$. & have co/nte$ ,o/r(an$(
,orty name $ay8 .hich make me more than t.ice yo/r age- & think. 3o/"$ it /rprie yo/ to
"earn that & .a once a knight61
2No. Eo/ "ook more "ike a knight than yo/ $o a ho"y man.1 &t .a .ritten in hi chet an$
ho/"$er- an$ acro that thick A/are =a.. 23hy .o/"$ yo/ give /p knighthoo$61
2& never choe it. My ,ather .a a knight- an$ hi be,ore him. So .ere my brother- every one.
& .a traine$ ,or batt"e ince the $ay they $eeme$ me o"$ eno/gh to ho"$ a .oo$en .or$. & a.
my hare o, them- an$ $i$ not $igrace mye",. & ha$ .omen too- an$ there & $i$ $igrace mye",-
,or ome & took by ,orce. 7here .a a gir" & .ihe$ to marry- the yo/nger $a/ghter o, a petty
"or$- b/t & .a my ,ather4 thir$born on an$ ha$ neither "an$ nor .ea"th to o,,er her8 on"y a
.or$- a hore- a hie"$. A"" in a""- & .a a a$ man. 3hen & .a not ,ighting- & .a $r/nk. My
"i,e .a .rit in re$- in b"oo$ an$ .ine.1
23hen $i$ it change61 ake$ Brienne.
23hen & $ie$ in the Batt"e o, the 7ri$ent. & ,o/ght ,or 9rince Rhaegar- tho/gh he never kne.
my name. & co/"$ not te"" yo/ .hy- ave that the "or$ & erve$ erve$ a "or$ .ho erve$ a "or$
.ho ha$ $eci$e$ to /pport the $ragon rather than the tag. #a$ he $eci$e$ e"e.ie- & might
have been on the other i$e o, the river. 7he batt"e .a a b"oo$y thing. 7he inger .o/"$ have
/ be"ieve it .a a"" Rhaegar an$ Robert tr/gg"ing in the tream ,or a .oman both o, them
c"aime$ to "ove- b/t & a/re yo/- other men .ere ,ighting too- an$ & .a one. & took an arro.
thro/gh the thigh an$ another thro/gh the ,oot- an$ my hore .a ki""e$ ,rom /n$er me- yet &
,o/ght on. & can ti"" remember ho. $eperate & .a to ,in$ another hore- ,or & ha$ no coin to
b/y one- an$ .itho/t a hore & .o/"$ no "onger be a knight. 7hat .a a"" that & .a thinking o,- i,
tr/th be to"$. & never a. the b"o. that ,e""e$ me. & hear$ hoove behin$ my back an$ tho/ght- a
horse; b/t be,ore & co/"$ t/rn omething "amme$ into my hea$ an$ knocke$ me back into the
river- .here by right & ho/"$ have $ro.ne$.
2&ntea$ & .oke here- /pon the D/iet &"e. 7he C"$er Brother to"$ me & ha$ .ahe$ /p on the
ti$e- nake$ a my name $ay. & can on"y think that omeone ,o/n$ me in the ha""o.- trippe$ me
o, my armor- boot- an$ breeche- an$ p/he$ me back o/t into the $eeper .ater. 7he river $i$
the ret. 3e are a"" born nake$- o & /ppoe it .a on"y ,itting that & come into my econ$ "i,e
the ame .ay. & pent the ne:t ten year in i"ence.1
2& ee.1 Brienne $i$ not kno. .hy he .a te""ing her a"" o, thi- or .hat e"e he o/ght to ay.
25o yo/61 #e "eane$ ,or.ar$- hi big han$ on hi knee. 2&, o- give /p thi A/et o, yo/r.
7he #o/n$ i $ea$- an$ in any cae he never ha$ yo/r Sana Stark. A ,or thi beat .ho .ear
hi he"m- he .i"" be ,o/n$ an$ hange$. 7he .ar are en$ing- an$ thee o/t"a. cannot /rvive
the peace. Ran$y"" 7ar"y i h/nting them ,rom Mai$enpoo" an$ 3a"$er +rey ,rom the 7.in- an$
there i a ne. yo/ng "or$ in 5arry- a pio/ man .ho .i"" /re"y et hi "an$ to right. Go home-
chi"$. Eo/ hae a home- .hich i more than many can ay in thee $ark $ay. Eo/ have a nob"e
,ather .ho m/t /re"y "ove yo/. Coni$er hi grie, i, yo/ ho/"$ never ret/rn. 9erhap they .i""
bring yo/r .or$ an$ hie"$ to him- a,ter yo/ have ,a""en. 9erhap he .i"" even hang them in hi
ha"" an$ "ook on them .ith pri$e8 b/t i, yo/ .ere to ak him- & kno. he .o/"$ te"" yo/ that he
.o/"$ ooner have a "iving $a/ghter than a hattere$ hie"$.1
2A $a/ghter.1 Brienne4 eye ,i""e$ .ith tear. 2#e $eerve that. A $a/ghter .ho co/"$ ing
to him an$ grace hi ha"" an$ bear him gran$on. #e $eerve a on too- a trong an$ ga""ant on
to bring honor to hi name. Ga""a$on $ro.ne$ .hen & .a ,o/r an$ he .a eight- tho/gh- an$
A"yanne an$ Arianne $ie$ ti"" in the cra$"e. & am the on"y chi"$ the go$ "et him keep. 7he
,reakih one- not ,it to be a on or $a/ghter.1 A"" o, it came po/ring o/t o, Brienne then- "ike
b"ack b"oo$ ,rom a .o/n$I the betraya" an$ betrotha"- Re$ Ronnet an$ hi roe- ?or$ Ren"y
$ancing .ith her- the .ager ,or her mai$enhea$- the bitter tear he he$ the night her king .e$
Margaery 7yre""- the mN"Oe at Bitterbri$ge- the rainbo. c"oak that he ha$ been o pro/$ o,- the
ha$o. in the king4 pavi"ion- Ren"y $ying in her arm- Riverr/n an$ ?a$y Cate"yn- the voyage
$o.n the 7ri$ent- $/e"ing !aime in the .oo$- the B"oo$y M/mmer- !aime crying 4Sapphires,5
!aime in the t/b at #arrenha" .ith team riing ,rom hi bo$y- the tate o, %argo #oat4 b"oo$
.hen he bit $o.n on hi ear- the bear pit- !aime "eaping $o.n onto the an$- the "ong ri$e to
>ing4 ?an$ing- Sana Stark- the vo. he4$ .orn to !aime- the vo. he4$ .orn to ?a$y
Cate"yn- Hathkeeper- 5/ken$a"e- Mai$enpoo"- Nimb"e 5ick an$ Crackc"a. an$ the 3hiper-
the men he4$ ki""e$8
2& hae to ,in$ her-1 he ,inihe$. 27here are other "ooking- a"" .anting to capt/re her an$
e"" her to the A/een. & have to ,in$ her ,irt. & promie$ !aime. Oathkeeper, he name$ the .or$.
& have to try to ave her8 or $ie in the attempt.1
T'RION
By the time they reache$ %o"anti- the ky .a p/rp"e to the .et an$ b"ack to the eat- an$
the tar .ere coming o/t. #he same stars as in Westeros, 7yrion ?anniter re,"ecte$.
#e might have taken ome com,ort in that i, he ha$ not been tr/e$ /p "ike a gooe an$
"ahe$ to a a$$"e. #e ha$ given /p A/irming. 7he knot that bo/n$ him .ere too tight. &ntea$
he4$ gone a "imp a a ack o, mea". Saing m! strength, he to"$ hime",- tho/gh ,or .hat he
co/"$ not have ai$.
%o"anti c"oe$ it gate at $ark- an$ the g/ar$men on it northern gate .ere gr/mb"ing
impatient"y at the tragg"er. 7hey =oine$ the A/e/e behin$ a .agon "a$en .ith "ime an$
orange. 7he g/ar$ motione$ the .agon thro/gh .ith their torche b/t took a har$er "ook at the
big An$a" on hi .arhore- .ith hi "ong.or$ an$ hi mai". A captain .a /mmone$. 3hi"t
he an$ the knight e:change$ ome .or$ in %o"antene- one o, the g/ar$men p/""e$ o,, hi
c"a.e$ ga/nt"et an$ gave 7yrion4 hea$ a r/b. 2&4m ,/"" o, goo$ ,ort/ne-1 the $.ar, to"$ him.
2C/t me "ooe- ,rien$- an$ &4"" ee yo/4re .e"" re.ar$e$.1
#i captor overhear$. 2Save yo/r "ie ,or thoe .ho peak yo/r tong/e- &mp-1 he ai$- .hen
the %o"antene .ave$ them on.
7hey .ere moving again- thro/gh the gate an$ beneath the city4 maive .a"". 2&ou peak
my tong/e. Can & .ay yo/ .ith promie- or are yo/ $etermine$ to b/y a "or$hip .ith my
hea$61
2& was a "or$- by right o, birth. & .ant no ho""o. tit"e.1
27hat4 a"" yo/4re "ike to get ,rom my .eet iter.1
2An$ here &4$ hear$ a ?anniter a".ay pay hi $ebt.1
2Hh- every penny8 b/t never a groat more- my "or$. Eo/4"" get the mea" yo/ bargaine$ ,or-
b/t it .on4t be a/ce$ .ith gratit/$e- an$ in the en$ it .i"" not no/rih yo/.1
2Might be a"" & .ant i to ee yo/ pay ,or crime. 7he kin"ayer i acc/re$ in the eye o, go$
an$ men.1
27he go$ are b"in$. An$ men ee on"y .hat they .ih.1
2& ee yo/ p"ain eno/gh- &mp.1 Something $ark ha$ crept into the knight4 tone. 2& have $one
thing & am not pro/$ o,- thing that bro/ght hame onto my #o/e an$ my ,ather4 name8 b/t
to ki"" yo/r o.n ire6 #o. co/"$ any man $o that61
2Give me a crobo. an$ p/"" $o.n yo/r breeche- an$ &4"" ho. yo/.1 1ladl!+
2Eo/ think thi i a =ape61
2& think "i,e i a =ape. Eo/r- mine- everyone4.1
&ni$e the city .a""- they ro$e pat g/i"$ha""- market- an$ bathho/e. +o/ntain p"ahe$
an$ ang in the center o, .i$e A/are- .here men at at tone tab"e- moving c!asse piece
an$ ipping .ine ,rom g"a ,"/te a "ave "it ornate "antern to ho"$ the $ark at bay. 9a"m an$
ce$ar gre. a"ong the cobb"e$ roa$- an$ mon/ment too$ at every =/nction. Many o, the tat/e
"acke$ hea$- the $.ar, note$- yet even hea$"e they ti"" manage$ to "ook impoing in the
p/rp"e $/k.
A the .arhore p"o$$e$ o/th a"ong the river- the hop gre. ma""er an$ meaner- the tree
a"ong the treet became a ro. o, t/mp. Cobb"etone gave .ay to $evi"gra beneath their
hore4 hoove- then to o,t .et m/$ the co"or o, a baby4 nightoi". 7he "itt"e bri$ge that
panne$ the ma"" tream that ,e$ the Rhoyne creake$ a"arming"y beneath their .eight. 3here a
,ort ha$ once over"ooke$ the river no. too$ a broken gate- gaping open "ike an o"$ man4
tooth"e mo/th. Goat co/"$ be g"impe$ peering over the parapet.
Old .olantis, first daughter of .al!ria, the $.ar, m/e$. $roud .olantis, 3ueen of the )ho!ne
and mistress of the Summer Sea, home to noble lords and loel! ladies of the most ancient blood+
Never min$ the pack o, nake$ chi"$ren that roame$ the a""ey creaming in hri"" voice- or the
bravo tan$ing in the $oor o, .inehop ,ingering their .or$ hi"t- or the "ave .ith their
bent back an$ tattooe$ ,ace .ho c/rrie$ every.here "ike cockroache. *ight! .olantis,
grandest and most populous of the 2ine Free %ities+ Ancient .ar ha$ $epop/"ate$ m/ch o, the
city- ho.ever- an$ "arge area o, %o"anti ha$ beg/n to ink back into the m/$ on .hich it too$.
Beautiful .olantis, cit! of fountains and flowers+ B/t ha", the ,o/ntain .ere $ry- ha", the poo"
cracke$ an$ tagnant. +"o.ering vine ent /p creeper ,rom every crack in the .a"" or
pavement- an$ yo/ng tree ha$ taken root in the .a"" o, aban$one$ hop an$ roo,"e temp"e.
An$ then there .a the me"". &t h/ng in the hot- h/mi$ air- rich- rank- pervaive. #here/s fish
in it, and flowers, and some elephant dung as well+ Something sweet and something earth! and
something dead and rotten+ 27hi city me"" "ike an o"$ .hore-1 7yrion anno/nce$. 2?ike ome
agging "attern .ho ha $renche$ her privy part in per,/me to $ro.n the tench bet.een her
"eg. Not that & am comp"aining. 3ith .hore- the yo/ng one me"" m/ch better- b/t the o"$
one kno. more trick.1
2Eo/ .o/"$ kno. more o, that than & $o.1
2Ah- o, co/re. 7hat brothe" .here .e met- $i$ yo/ take it ,or a ept6 3a that yo/r virgin
iter A/irming in yo/r "ap61
7hat ma$e him co.". 2Give that tong/e o, yo/r a ret /n"e yo/4$ rather & tie$ it in a knot.1
7yrion .a""o.e$ hi retort. #i "ip .a ti"" ,at an$ .o""en ,rom the "at time he ha$ p/he$
the big knight too ,ar. 7ard hands and no sense of humor makes for a bad marriage+ 7hat m/ch
he4$ "earne$ on the roa$ ,rom Se"hory. #i tho/ght .ent to hi boot- to the m/hroom in the
toe. #i captor ha$ not earche$ him A/ite a thoro/gh"y a he might have. #here is alwa!s that
escape+ %ersei will not hae me alie, at least+
+arther o/th- ign o, properity began to reappear. Aban$one$ b/i"$ing .ere een "e
o,ten- the nake$ chi"$ren vanihe$- the bravo in the $oor.ay eeme$ more /mpt/o/"y
$ree$. A ,e. o, the inn they pae$ act/a""y "ooke$ "ike p"ace .here a man might "eep
.itho/t ,ear o, having hi throat "it. ?antern ./ng ,rom iron tanchion a"ong the river roa$-
.aying .hen the .in$ b"e.. 7he treet gre. broa$er- the b/i"$ing more impoing. Some
.ere toppe$ .ith great $ome o, co"ore$ g"a. &n the gathering $/k- .ith ,ire "it beneath them-
the $ome g"o.e$ b"/e an$ re$ an$ green an$ p/rp"e.
Cven o- there .a omething in the air that ma$e 7yrion /neay. 3et o, the Rhoyne- he
kne.- the .harve o, %o"anti teeme$ .ith ai"or- "ave- an$ tra$er- an$ the .inehop- inn-
an$ brothe" a"" catere$ to them. Cat o, the river- tranger ,rom acro the ea .ere een "e
e"$om. We are not wanted here, the $.ar, rea"iGe$.
7he ,irt time they pae$ an e"ephant- 7yrion co/"$ not he"p b/t tare. 7here ha$ been an
e"ephant in the menagerie at ?anniport .hen he ha$ been a boy- b/t he ha$ $ie$ .hen he .a
even8 an$ thi great grey behemoth "ooke$ to be t.ice her iGe.
+arther on- they ,e"" in behin$ a ma""er e"ephant- .hite a o"$ bone an$ p/""ing an ornate cart.
2& an o:cart an o:cart .itho/t an o:61 7yrion ake$ hi captor. 3hen that a""y got no repone-
he "ape$ back into i"ence- contemp"ating the ro""ing r/mp o, the .hite $.ar, e"ephant ahea$ o,
them.
%o"anti .a overr/n .ith .hite $.ar, e"ephant. A they $re. c"oer to the B"ack 3a"" an$
the cro.$e$ $itrict near the ?ong Bri$ge- they a. a $oGen o, them. Big grey e"ephant .ere
not /ncommon either@h/ge beat .ith cat"e on their back. An$ in the ha",("ight o, evening
the $/ng cart ha$ come o/t- atten$e$ by ha",(nake$ "ave .hoe tak it .a to hove" /p the
teaming pi"e "e,t by e"ephant both great an$ ma"". S.arm o, ,"ie ,o""o.e$ the cart- o the
$/ng "ave ha$ ,"ie tattooe$ /pon their cheek- to mark them ,or .hat they .ere. #here/s a
trade for m! sweet sister, 7yrion m/e$. She/d look so prett! with a little shoel and flies
tattooed on those sweet pink cheeks+
By then they ha$ "o.e$ to a cra.". 7he river roa$ .a thick .ith tra,,ic- a"mot a"" o, it
,"o.ing o/th. 7he knight .ent .ith it- a "og ca/ght in a c/rrent. 7yrion eye$ the paing
throng. Nine men o, every ten bore "ave mark on their cheek. 2So many "ave8 .here are
they a"" going61
27he re$ priet "ight their night,ire at /net. 7he #igh 9riet .i"" be peaking. & .o/"$
avoi$ it i, & co/"$- b/t to reach the ?ong Bri$ge .e m/t pa the re$ temp"e.1
7hree b"ock "ater the treet opene$ /p be,ore them onto a h/ge torch"it p"aGa- an$ there it
too$. Seen sae me, that/s got to be three times the size of the 1reat Sept of Baelor+ An
enormity o, pi""ar- tep- b/ttree- bri$ge- $ome- an$ to.er ,"o.ing into one another a i,
they ha$ a"" been chie"e$ ,rom one co""oa" rock- the 7emp"e o, the ?or$ o, ?ight "oome$ "ike
Aegon4 #igh #i"". A h/n$re$ h/e o, re$- ye""o.- go"$- an$ orange met an$ me"$e$ in the
temp"e .a""- $io"ving one into the other "ike c"o/$ at /net. &t "en$er to.er t.ite$ ever
/p.ar$- ,roGen ,"ame $ancing a they reache$ ,or the ky. Fire turned to stone+ #/ge night,ire
b/rne$ bei$e the temp"e tep- an$ bet.een them the #igh 9riet ha$ beg/n to peak.
Benerro+ 7he priet too$ atop a re$ tone pi""ar- =oine$ by a "en$er tone bri$ge to a "o,ty
terrace .here the "eer priet an$ aco"yte too$. 7he aco"yte .ere c"a$ in robe o, pa"e
ye""o. an$ bright orange- priet an$ prietee in re$.
7he great p"aGa be,ore them .a packe$ a"mot o"i$. Many an$ more o, the .orhiper .ere
.earing ome crap o, re$ c"oth pinne$ to their "eeve or tie$ aro/n$ their bro.. Cvery eye .a
on the high priet- ave their. 2Make .ay-1 the knight gro."e$ a hi hore p/he$ thro/gh the
throng. 2C"ear a path.1 7he %o"antene gave .ay reent,/""y- .ith m/tter an$ angry "ook.
Benerro4 high voice carrie$ .e"". 7a"" an$ thin- he ha$ a $ra.n ,ace an$ kin .hite a mi"k.
+"ame ha$ been tattooe$ acro hi cheek an$ chin an$ haven hea$ to make a bright re$ mak
that crack"e$ abo/t hi eye an$ coi"e$ $o.n an$ aro/n$ hi "ip"e mo/th. 2& that a "ave
tattoo61 ake$ 7yrion.
7he knight no$$e$. 27he re$ temp"e b/y them a chi"$ren an$ make them priet or temp"e
protit/te or .arrior. ?ook there.1 #e pointe$ at the tep- .here a "ine o, men in ornate armor
an$ orange c"oak too$ be,ore the temp"e4 $oor- c"aping pear .ith point "ike .rithing
,"ame. 27he +iery #an$. 7he ?or$ o, ?ight4 acre$ o"$ier- $e,en$er o, the temp"e.1
Fire knights+ 2An$ ho. many ,inger $oe thi han$ have- pray61
2Hne tho/an$. Never more- an$ never "e. A ne. ,"ame i kin$"e$ ,or every one that g/tter
o/t.1
Benerro =abbe$ a ,inger at the moon- ma$e a ,it- prea$ hi han$ .i$e. 3hen hi voice roe
in a crecen$o- ,"ame "eapt ,rom hi ,inger .ith a /$$en whoosh an$ ma$e the cro.$ gap.
7he priet co/"$ trace ,iery "etter in the air a .e"". .al!rian gl!phs+ 7yrion recogniGe$ perhap
t.o in tenI one .a Doom, the other Darkness+
Sho/t er/pte$ ,rom the cro.$. 3omen .ere .eeping an$ men .ere haking their ,it. I
hae a bad feeling about this+ 7he $.ar, .a remin$e$ o, the $ay Myrce""a ai"e$ ,or 5orne an$
the riot that boi"e$ /p a they ma$e their .ay back to the Re$ >eep.
#a"$on #a",maeter ha$ poken o, /ing the re$ priet to Eo/ng Gri,,4 a$vantage- 7yrion
reca""e$. No. that he ha$ een an$ hear$ the man hime",- that tr/ck him a a very ba$ i$ea. #e
hope$ that Gri,, ha$ better ene. Some allies are more dangerous than enemies+ But "ord
%onnington will need to puzzle that one out for himself+ I am like to be a head on a spike+
7he priet .a pointing at the B"ack 3a"" behin$ the temp"e- get/ring /p at it parapet-
.here a han$,/" o, armore$ g/ar$men too$ gaGing $o.n. 23hat i he aying61 7yrion ake$
the knight.
27hat 5aenery tan$ in peri". 7he $ark eye ha ,a""en /pon her- an$ the minion o, night are
p"otting her $etr/ction- praying to their ,a"e go$ in temp"e o, $eceit8 conpiring at betraya"
.ith go$"e o/t"an$er81
7he hair on the back o, 7yrion4 neck began to prick"e. $rince Aegon will find no friend
here+ 7he re$ priet poke o, ancient prophecy- a prophecy that ,oreto"$ the coming o, a hero to
$e"iver the .or"$ ,rom $arkne. One hero+ 2ot two+ Daener!s has dragons, Aegon does not+ 7he
$.ar, $i$ not nee$ to be a prophet hime", to ,oreee ho. Benerro an$ hi ,o""o.er might react
to a econ$ 7argaryen. 1riff will see that too, surel!, he tho/ght- /rprie$ to ,in$ ho. m/ch he
care$.
7he knight ha$ ,orce$ their .ay thro/gh mot o, the pre at the back o, the p"aGa- ignoring
the c/re that .ere ,"/ng at them a they pae$. Hne man teppe$ in ,ront o, them- b/t hi
captor grippe$ the hi"t o, hi "ong.or$ an$ $re. it =/t ,ar eno/gh to ho. a ,oot o, nake$ tee".
7he man me"te$ a.ay- an$ a"" at once an a""ey opene$ /p be,ore them. 7he knight /rge$ hi
mo/nt to a trot- an$ they "e,t the cro.$ behin$ them. +or a .hi"e 7yrion co/"$ ti"" hear
Benerro4 voice gro.ing ,ainter at their back an$ the roar hi .or$ provoke$- /$$en a
th/n$er.
7hey came /pon a tab"e. 7he knight $imo/nte$- then hammere$ on the $oor /nti" a haggar$
"ave .ith a horehea$ on hi cheek came r/nning. 7he $.ar, .a p/""e$ $o.n ro/gh"y ,rom the
a$$"e an$ "ahe$ to a pot .hi"t hi captor .oke the tab"e4 o.ner an$ hagg"e$ .ith him over
the price o, hi hore an$ a$$"e. %heaper to sell a horse than to ship one half across the world+
7yrion ene$ a hip in hi imme$iate ,/t/re. 9erhap he .a a prophet a,ter a"".
3hen the $ickering .a $one- the knight "/ng hi .eapon- hie"$- an$ a$$"ebag over hi
ho/"$er an$ ake$ ,or $irection to the nearet mithy. 7hat prove$ h/ttere$ too- b/t opene$
A/ick eno/gh at the knight4 ho/t. 7he mith gave 7yrion a A/int- then no$$e$ an$ accepte$ a
,it,/" o, coin. 2Come here-1 the knight to"$ hi prioner. #e $re. hi $agger an$ "it 7yrion4
bon$ apart. 2My thank-1 ai$ the $.ar, a he r/bbe$ hi .rit- b/t the knight on"y "a/ghe$ an$
ai$- 2Save yo/r gratit/$e ,or omeone .ho $eerve it- &mp. Eo/ .i"" not "ike thi ne:t bit.1
#e .a not .rong.
7he manac"e .ere b"ack iron- thick an$ heavy- each .eighing a goo$ t.o po/n$- i, the
$.ar, .a any =/$ge. 7he chain a$$e$ even more .eight. 2& m/t be more ,earome than &
kne.-1 7yrion con,ee$ a the "at "ink .ere hammere$ c"oe$. Cach b"o. ent a hock /p hi
arm a"mot to the ho/"$er. 2Hr .ere yo/ a,rai$ that & .o/"$ $ah a.ay on thee t/nte$ "itt"e
"eg o, mine61
7he ironmith $i$ not o m/ch a "ook /p ,rom hi .ork- b/t the knight ch/ck"e$ $ark"y. 2&t4
yo/r mo/th that concern me- not yo/r "eg. &n ,etter- yo/4re a "ave. No one .i"" "iten to a
.or$ yo/ ay- not even thoe .ho peak the tong/e o, 3etero.1
27here4 no nee$ ,or thi-1 7yrion protete$. 2& .i"" be a goo$ "itt"e prioner- & .i""- & .i"".1
29rove it- then- an$ h/t yo/r mo/th.1
So he bo.e$ hi hea$ an$ bit hi tong/e a the chain .ere ,i:e$- .rit to .rit- .rit to
ank"e- ank"e to ank"e. #hese blood! things weigh more than I do+ Sti""- at "eat he $re. breath.
#i captor co/"$ =/t a eai"y have c/t hi hea$ o,,. 7hat .a a"" Cerei reA/ire$- a,ter a"". Not
triking it o,, traighta.ay ha$ been hi captor4 ,irt mitake. #here is half a world between
.olantis and ,ing/s "anding, and much and more can happen along the wa!, ser+
7he ret o, the .ay they .ent by ,oot- 7yrion c"anking an$ c"attering a he tr/gg"e$ to keep
/p .ith hi captor4 "ong- impatient tri$e. 3henever he threatene$ to ,a"" behin$- the knight
.o/"$ eiGe hi ,etter an$ yank them ro/gh"y- en$ing the $.ar, t/mb"ing an$ hopping a"ong
bei$e him. It could be worse+ 7e could be urging me along with a whip+
%o"anti tra$$"e$ one mo/th o, the Rhoyne .here the river kie$ the ea- it t.o ha"ve
=oine$ by the ?ong Bri$ge. 7he o"$et- richet part o, the city .a eat o, the river- b/t
e"".or$- barbarian- an$ other /nco/th o/t"an$er .ere not .e"come there- o they m/t nee$
cro over to the .et.
7he gate.ay to the ?ong Bri$ge .a a b"ack tone arch carve$ .ith phin:e- manticore-
$ragon- an$ creat/re tranger ti"". Beyon$ the arch tretche$ the great pan that the %a"yrian
ha$ b/i"t at the height o, their g"ory- it ,/e$ tone roa$.ay /pporte$ by maive pier. 7he
roa$ .a =/t .i$e eno/gh ,or t.o cart to pa abreat- o .henever a .agon hea$e$ .et
pae$ one going eat- both ha$ to "o. to a cra.".
&t .a .e"" they .ere a,oot. A thir$ o, the .ay o/t- a .agon "a$en .ith me"on ha$ gotten it
.hee" tang"e$ .ith one pi"e$ high .ith i"ken carpet an$ bro/ght a"" .hee"e$ tra,,ic to a ha"t.
M/ch o, the ,oot tra,,ic ha$ toppe$ a .e""- to .atch the $river c/re an$ cream at one
another- b/t the knight grabbe$ ho"$ o, 7yrion4 chain an$ b/""e$ a path thro/gh the throng ,or
both o, them. &n the mi$$"e o, the pre- a boy trie$ to reach into hi p/re- b/t a har$ e"bo. p/t
an en$ to that an$ prea$ the thie,4 b"oo$y noe acro ha", hi ,ace.
B/i"$ing roe to either i$e o, them' hop an$ temp"e- tavern an$ inn- c!asse par"or an$
brothe". Mot .ere three or ,o/r torie ta""- each ,"oor overhanging the one beneath it. 7heir top
,"oor a"mot kie$. Croing the bri$ge ,e"t "ike paing thro/gh a torch"it t/nne". A"ong the
pan .ere hop an$ ta"" o, every ortI .eaver an$ "acemaker $ip"aye$ their .are cheek by
=o." .ith g"ab"o.er- can$"emaker- an$ ,ih.ive e""ing ee" an$ oyter. Cach go"$mith
ha$ a g/ar$ at hi $oor- an$ every picer ha$ t.o- ,or their goo$ .ere t.ice a va"/ab"e. #ere
an$ there- bet.een the hop- a trave"er might catch a g"impe o, the river he .a croing. 7o
the north the Rhoyne .a a broa$ b"ack ribbon bright .ith tar- ,ive time a .i$e a the
B"ack.ater R/h at >ing4 ?an$ing. So/th o, the bri$ge the river opene$ /p to embrace the
briny ea.
At the bri$ge4 center pan- the evere$ han$ o, thieve an$ c/tp/re h/ng "ike tring o,
onion ,rom iron tanchion a"ong the roa$.ay. 7hree hea$ .ere on $ip"ay a .e""@t.o men
an$ a .oman- their crime cra."e$ on tab"et /n$erneath them. A pair o, pearmen atten$e$
them- c"a$ in po"ihe$ he"m an$ hirt o, i"ver mai". Acro their cheek .ere tiger tripe a
green a =a$e. +rom time to time the g/ar$ .ave$ their pear to chae a.ay the ketre"- g/""-
an$ carrion cro. paying co/rt to the $eceae$. 7he bir$ ret/rne$ to the hea$ .ithin moment.
23hat $i$ they $o61 7yrion inA/ire$ innocent"y.
7he knight g"ance$ at the incription. 27he .oman .a a "ave .ho raie$ her han$ to her
mitre. 7he o"$er man .a acc/e$ o, ,omenting rebe""ion an$ pying ,or the $ragon A/een.1
2An$ the yo/ng one61
2>i""e$ hi ,ather.1
7yrion gave the rotting hea$ a econ$ "ook. Wh!, it almost looks as if those lips are smiling+
+arther on- the knight pa/e$ brie,"y to coni$er a =e.e"e$ tiara $ip"aye$ /pon a be$ o,
p/rp"e ve"vet. #e pae$ that by- b/t a ,e. tep on he toppe$ again to hagg"e over a pair o,
g"ove at a "eather.orker4 ta"". 7yrion .a grate,/" ,or the repite. 7he hea$"ong pace ha$ "e,t
him p/,,ing- an$ hi .rit .ere cha,e$ ra. ,rom the manac"e.
+rom the ,ar en$ o, the ?ong Bri$ge- it .a on"y a hort .a"k thro/gh the teeming .ater,ront
$itrict o, the .et bank- $o.n torch"it treet cro.$e$ .ith ai"or- "ave- an$ $r/nken
merrymaker. Hnce an e"ephant "/mbere$ pat .ith a $oGen ha",(nake$ "ave gir" .aving ,rom
the cat"e on it back- teaing paerby .ith g"impe o, their breat an$ crying- 2Ma"aA/o-
Ma"aA/o.1 7hey ma$e /ch an entrancing ight that 7yrion a"mot .a$$"e$ right into the
teaming pi"e o, $/ng the e"ephant ha$ "e,t to mark it paage. #e .a ave$ at the "at intant
.hen the knight natche$ him ai$e- yanking on hi chain o har$ it ma$e him ree" an$ t/mb"e.
2#o. m/ch ,arther61 the $.ar, ake$.
2!/t there. +ihmonger4 SA/are.1
7heir $etination prove$ to be the Merchant4 #o/e- a ,o/r(tory montroity that A/atte$
amongt the .areho/e- brothe"- an$ tavern o, the .ateri$e "ike ome enormo/ ,at man
/rro/n$e$ by chi"$ren. &t common room .a "arger than the great ha"" o, ha", the cat"e in
3etero- a $im("it maGe o, a p"ace .ith a h/n$re$ private a"cove an$ hi$$en nook .hoe
b"ackene$ beam an$ cracke$ cei"ing echoe$ to the $in o, ai"or- tra$er- captain- money
changer- hipper- an$ "aver- "ying- c/ring- an$ cheating each other in ha", a h/n$re$
$i,,erent tong/e.
7yrion approve$ the choice o, hote"ry. Soon or "ate the Sh! *aid m/t reach %o"anti. 7hi
.a the city4 bigget inn- ,irt choice ,or hipper- captain- an$ merchantmen. A "ot o, b/ine
.a $one in that caverno/ .arren o, a common room. #e kne. eno/gh o, %o"anti to kno.
that. ?et Gri,, t/rn /p here .ith 5/ck an$ #a"$on- an$ he .o/"$ be ,ree again oon eno/gh.
Mean.hi"e- he .o/"$ be patient. #i chance .o/"$ come.
7he room /ptair prove$ rather "e than gran$- ho.ever- partic/"ar"y the cheap one /p on
the ,o/rth ,"oor. 3e$ge$ into a corner o, the b/i"$ing beneath a "oping roo,- the be$chamber hi
captor ha$ engage$ ,eat/re$ a "o. cei"ing- a agging ,eather be$ .ith an /np"eaant o$or- an$ a
"anting .oo$(p"ank ,"oor that remin$e$ 7yrion o, hi o=o/rn at the Cyrie. At least this room
has walls+ &t ha$ .in$o. tooI thoe .ere it chie, amenity- a"ong .ith the iron ring et in the
.a""- o /e,/" ,or chaining /p one4 "ave. #i captor pa/e$ on"y "ong eno/gh to "ight a ta""o.
can$"e be,ore ec/ring 7yrion4 chain to the ring.
2M/t yo/61 the $.ar, protete$- ratt"ing ,eeb"y. 23here am & going to go- o/t the .in$o.61
2Eo/ might.1
23e are ,o/r ,"oor /p- an$ & cannot ,"y.1
2Eo/ can ,a"". & .ant yo/ a"ive.1
A!e, but wh!6 %ersei is not like to care+ 7yrion ratt"e$ hi chain. 2& kno. .ho yo/ are- er.1
&t ha$ not been har$ to p/GG"e o/t. 7he bear on hi /rcoat- the arm on hi hie"$- the "ot
"or$hip he ha$ mentione$. 2& kno. what yo/ are. An$ i, yo/ kno. .ho & am- yo/ a"o kno.
that & .a the >ing4 #an$ an$ at in co/nci" .ith the Spi$er. 3o/"$ it interet yo/ to kno. that
it .a the e/n/ch .ho $ipatche$ me on thi =o/rney61 7im and -aime, but I/ll leae m! brother
out of it+ 2& am a m/ch hi creat/re a yo/ are. 3e o/ght not be at o$$.1
7hat $i$ not p"eae the knight. 2& took the Spi$er4 coin- &4"" not $eny it- b/t & .a never hi
creat/re. An$ my "oya"tie "ie e"e.here no..1
23ith Cerei6 More ,oo" yo/. A"" my iter reA/ire i my hea$- an$ yo/ have a ,ine harp
.or$. 3hy not en$ thi ,arce no. an$ pare / both61
7he knight "a/ghe$. 2& thi ome $.ar,4 trick6 Beg ,or $eath in hope &4"" "et yo/ "ive61 #e
.ent to the $oor. 2&4"" bring yo/ omething ,rom the kitchen.1
2#o. kin$ o, yo/. &4"" .ait here.1
2& kno. yo/ .i"".1 Eet .hen the knight "e,t- he "ocke$ the $oor behin$ him .ith a heavy iron
key. 7he Merchant4 #o/e .a ,amo/ ,or it "ock. As secure as a gaol, the $.ar, tho/ght
bitter"y- but at least there are those windows+
7yrion kne. that the chance o, hi ecaping hi chain .ere "itt"e an$ "e- b/t even o- he
,e"t ob"ige$ to try. #i e,,ort to "ip a han$ thro/gh the manac"e erve$ on"y to crap o,, more
kin an$ "eave hi .rit "ick .ith b"oo$- an$ a"" hi t/gging or t.iting co/"$ not p/"" the iron
ring ,rom the .a"". Bugger this, he tho/ght- "/mping back a ,ar a hi chain .o/"$ a""o.. #i
"eg ha$ beg/n to cramp. 7hi .a going to be a he""ih"y /ncom,ortab"e night. #he first of
man!, I do not doubt+
7he room .a ti,"ing- o the knight ha$ opene$ the h/tter to "et in a cro breeGe. Crampe$
into a corner o, the b/i"$ing /n$er the eave- the chamber .a ,ort/nate in having t.o .in$o..
Hne "ooke$ to.ar$ the ?ong Bri$ge an$ the b"ack(.a""e$ heart o, H"$ %o"anti acro the river.
7he other opene$ on the A/are be"o.. +ihermonger4 SA/are- Mormont ca""e$ it. A tight a
the chain .ere- 7yrion ,o/n$ he co/"$ ee o/t the "atter by "eaning i$e.ay an$ "etting the iron
ring /pport hi .eight. 2ot as long a fall as the one from "!sa Arr!n/s sk! cells, but it would
leae me 9ust as dead+ $erhaps if I were drunk =
Cven at thi ho/r the A/are .a cro.$e$- .ith ai"or roitering- .hore pro."ing ,or
c/tom- an$ merchant going abo/t their b/ine. A re$ priete c/rrie$ pat- atten$e$ by a
$oGen aco"yte .ith torche- their robe .hiking abo/t their ank"e. C"e.here a pair o, c!asse
p"ayer .age$ .ar o/ti$e a tavern. A "ave too$ bei$e their tab"e- ho"$ing a "antern over the
boar$. 7yrion co/"$ hear a .oman inging. 7he .or$ .ere trange- the t/ne .a o,t an$ a$. If
I knew what she was singing, I might cr!+ C"oer to han$- a cro.$ .a gathering aro/n$ a pair o,
=/gg"er thro.ing ,"aming torche at each other.
#i captor ret/rne$ hort"y- carrying t.o tankar$ an$ a roate$ $/ck. #e kicke$ the $oor
h/t- rippe$ the $/ck in t.o- an$ toe$ ha", o, it to 7yrion. #e .o/"$ have natche$ it ,rom the
air- b/t hi chain bro/ght him /p hort .hen he trie$ to "i,t hi arm. &ntea$ the bir$ tr/ck hi
temp"e an$ "i$ hot an$ greay $o.n hi ,ace- an$ he ha$ to h/nker $o.n an$ tretch ,or it .ith
,etter c"anking. #e got it on the thir$ try an$ tore into it happi"y .ith hi teeth. 2Some a"e to
.ah thi $o.n61
Mormont han$e$ him a tankar$. 2Mot o, %o"anti i getting $r/nk- .hy not yo/61
7he a"e .a .eet a .e"". &t tate$ o, ,r/it. 7yrion $rank a hea"thy .a""o. an$ be"che$
happi"y. 7he tankar$ .a pe.ter- very heavy. 0mpt! it and fling it at his head, he tho/ght. If I
am luck!, it might crack his skull+ If I/m er! luck!, it will miss, and he/ll beat me to death with
his fists+ #e took another g/"p. 2& thi ome ho"y $ay61
27hir$ $ay o, their e"ection. 7hey "at ,or ten. 7en $ay o, ma$ne. 7orch"ight marche-
peeche- m/mmer an$ mintre" an$ $ancer- bravo ,ighting $eath $/e" ,or the honor o, their
can$i$ate- e"ephant .ith the name o, .o/"$(be triarch painte$ on their i$e. 7hoe =/gg"er
are per,orming ,or Methyo.1
2Remin$ me to vote ,or omeone e"e.1 7yrion "icke$ greae ,rom hi ,inger. Be"o.- the
cro.$ .a ,"inging coin at the =/gg"er. 25o a"" thee .o/"$(be triarch provi$e m/mmer
ho.61
27hey $o .hatever they think .i"" .in them vote-1 ai$ Mormont. 2+oo$- $rink- pectac"e8
A"io ha ent a h/n$re$ pretty "ave gir" o/t into the treet to "ie .ith voter.1
2&4m ,or him-1 7yrion $eci$e$. 2Bring me a "ave gir".1
27hey4re ,or ,reeborn %o"antene .ith eno/gh property to vote. 9recio/ ,e. voter .et o,
the river.1
2An$ thi goe on ,or ten $ay61 7yrion "a/ghe$. 2& might en=oy that- tho/gh three king i
t.o too many. & am trying to imagine r/"ing the Seven >ing$om .ith my .eet iter an$ brave
brother bei$e me. Hne o, / .o/"$ ki"" the other t.o ini$e a year. & am /rprie$ thee triarch
$on4t $o the ame.1
2A ,e. have trie$. Might be the %o"antene are the c"ever one an$ / 3eteroi the ,oo".
%o"anti ha kno.n her hare o, ,o""ie- b/t he4 never /,,ere$ a boy triarch. 3henever a
ma$man4 been e"ecte$- hi co""eag/e retrain him /nti" hi year ha r/n it co/re. 7hink o, the
$ea$ .ho might ti"" "ive i, Ma$ Aery on"y ha$ t.o ,e""o. king to hare the r/"e.1
Instead he had m! father, 7yrion tho/ght. 2Some in the +ree Citie think that .e4re a""
avage on o/r i$e o, the narro. ea-1 the knight .ent on. 27he one .ho $on4t think that .e4re
chi"$ren- crying o/t ,or a ,ather4 trong han$.1
2Hr a mother461 %ersei will loe that+ 0speciall! when he presents her with m! head+ 2Eo/
eem to kno. thi city .e"".1
2& pent the bet part o, a year here.1 7he knight "ohe$ the $reg at the bottom o, hi
tankar$. 23hen Stark $rove me into e:i"e- & ,"e$ to ?y .ith my econ$ .i,e. Braavo .o/"$
have /ite$ me better- b/t ?ynee .ante$ omep"ace .arm. &ntea$ o, erving the Braavoi &
,o/ght them on the Rhoyne- b/t ,or every i"ver & earne$ my .i,e pent ten. By the time & got
back to ?y- he ha$ taken a "over- .ho to"$ me cheer,/""y that & .o/"$ be en"ave$ ,or $ebt
/n"e & gave her /p an$ "e,t the city. 7hat .a ho. & came to %o"anti8 one tep ahea$ o,
"avery- o.ning nothing b/t my .or$ an$ the c"othe /pon my back.1
2An$ no. yo/ .ant to r/n home.1
7he knight $raine$ the "at o, hi a"e. 2Hn the morro. &4"" ,in$ / a hip. 7he be$ i mine.
Eo/ can have .hatever piece o, ,"oor yo/r chain .i"" "et yo/ reach. S"eep i, yo/ can. &, not-
co/nt yo/r crime. 7hat ho/"$ ee yo/ thro/gh ti"" the morning.1
&ou hae !our crimes to answer for, -orah *ormont, the $.ar, tho/ght- b/t it eeme$ .ier
to keep that tho/ght to hime",.
Ser !orah h/ng hi .or$ be"t on a be$pot- kicke$ o,, hi boot- p/""e$ hi chain mai" over
hi hea$- an$ trippe$ o/t o, hi .oo" an$ "eather an$ .eat(taine$ /n$ert/nic to revea" a
carre$- bra.ny toro covere$ .ith $ark hair. If I could skin him, I could sell that pelt for a fur
cloak, 7yrion tho/ght a Mormont t/mb"e$ into the "ight"y me""y com,ort o, hi agging
,eather be$.
&n no time at a"" the knight .a noring- "eaving hi priGe a"one .ith hi chain. 3ith both
.in$o. open .i$e- the "ight o, the .aning moon pi""e$ acro the be$chamber. So/n$ $ri,te$
/p ,rom the A/are be"o.' natche o, $r/nken ong- the yo."ing o, a cat in heat- the ,ar(o,, ring
o, tee" on tee". Someone/s about to die, tho/ght 7yrion.
#i .rit .a throbbing .here he4$ torn the kin- an$ hi ,etter ma$e it impoib"e ,or him to
it- "et a"one tretch o/t. 7he bet he co/"$ $o .a t.it i$e.ay to "ean againt the .a""- an$
be,ore "ong he began to "oe a"" ,ee"ing in hi han$. 3hen he move$ to re"ieve the train-
enation came ,"oo$ing back a pain. #e ha$ to grin$ hi teeth to keep ,rom creaming. #e
.on$ere$ ho. m/ch hi ,ather ha$ h/rt .hen the A/arre" p/nche$ thro/gh hi groin- .hat Shae
ha$ ,e"t a he t.ite$ the chain aro/n$ her "ying throat- .hat 7yha ha$ been ,ee"ing a they
rape$ her. #i /,,ering .ere nothing compare$ to their o.n- b/t that $i$ not make him h/rt
any "e. -ust make it stop+
Ser !orah ha$ ro""e$ onto one i$e- o a"" that 7yrion co/"$ ee o, him .a a broa$- hairy-
m/c/"ar back. 0en if I could slip these chains, I/d need to climb oer him to reach his sword
belt+ $erhaps if I could ease the dagger loose= Hr e"e he co/"$ try ,or the key- /n"ock the $oor-
creep $o.n the tair an$ thro/gh the common room8 and go where6 I hae no friends, no
coin, I do not een speak the local tongue+
C:ha/tion ,ina""y over.he"me$ hi pain- an$ 7yrion $ri,te$ o,, into a ,it,/" "eep. B/t every
time another cramp took root ini$e hi ca", an$ t.ite$- the $.ar, .o/"$ cry o/t in hi "eep-
tremb"ing in hi chain. #e .oke .ith every m/c"e aching- to ,in$ morning treaming thro/gh
the .in$o. bright an$ go"$en a the "ion o, ?anniter. Be"o. he co/"$ hear the crie o,
,ihmonger an$ the r/mb"e o, iron(rimme$ .hee" on cobb"etone.
!orah Mormont .a tan$ing over him. 2&, & take yo/ o,, the ring- .i"" yo/ $o a yo/4re to"$61
23i"" it invo"ve $ancing6 & might ,in$ $ancing $i,,ic/"t. & cannot ,ee" my "eg. 7hey may have
,a""en o,,. C"e.ie- & am yo/r creat/re. Hn my honor a a ?anniter.1
27he ?anniter have no honor.1 Ser !orah "ooe$ hi chain any.ay. 7yrion took t.o .obb"y
tep an$ ,e"". 7he b"oo$ r/hing back into hi han$ bro/ght tear to hi eye. #e bit hi "ip an$
ai$- 23herever .e4re going- yo/ .i"" nee$ to ro"" me there.1
&ntea$ the big knight carrie$ him- hoiting him by the chain bet.een hi .rit.
7he common room o, the Merchant4 #o/e .a a $im "abyrinth o, a"cove an$ grottoe b/i"t
aro/n$ a centra" co/rtyar$ .here a tre""i o, ,"o.ering vine thre. intricate pattern acro the
,"agtone ,"oor an$ green an$ p/rp"e mo gre. bet.een the tone. S"ave gir" c/rrie$ thro/gh
"ight an$ ha$o.- bearing ,"agon o, a"e an$ .ine an$ ome ice$ green $rink that me""e$ o,
mint. Hne tab"e in t.enty .a occ/pie$ at thi ho/r o, the morning.
Hne o, thoe .a occ/pie$ by a $.ar,. C"ean(have$ an$ pink(cheeke$- .ith a mop o,
chetn/t hair- a heavy bro.- an$ a A/ahe$ noe- he perche$ on a high too" .ith a .oo$en
poon in han$- contemp"ating a bo." o, p/rp"ih gr/e" .ith re$(rimme$ eye. <gl! little bastard,
7yrion tho/ght.
7he other $.ar, ,e"t hi tare. 3hen he raie$ hi hea$ an$ a. 7yrion- the poon "ippe$
,rom hi han$.
2#e a. me-1 7yrion .arne$ Mormont.
23hat o, it61
2#e knows me. 3ho & am.1
2Sho/"$ & t/,, yo/ in a ack- o no one .i"" ee yo/61 7he knight to/che$ the hi"t o, hi
"ong.or$. 2&, he mean to try an$ take yo/- he i .e"come to try.1
Welcome to die, !ou mean, tho/ght 7yrion. What threat could he pose to a big man like !ou6
7e is onl! a dwarf+
Ser !orah c"aime$ a tab"e in a A/iet corner an$ or$ere$ ,oo$ an$ $rink. 7hey broke their ,at
.ith .arm o,t ,"atbrea$- pink ,ih roe- honey a/age- an$ ,rie$ "oc/t- .ahe$ $o.n .ith a
bitter.eet b"ack a"e. 7yrion ate "ike a man ha",(tarve$. 2Eo/ have a hea"thy appetite thi
morning-1 the knight oberve$.
2&4ve hear$ the ,oo$ in he"" i .retche$.1 7yrion g"ance$ at the $oor- .here a man ha$ =/t
come in' ta"" an$ toope$- hi pointe$ bear$ $ye$ a p"otchy p/rp"e. Some #!roshi trader+ A g/t
o, o/n$ came .ith him ,rom o/ti$eI the crie o, g/""- a .oman4 "a/ghter- the voice o, the
,ihmonger. +or ha", a heartbeat he tho/ght he g"impe$ &""yrio Mopati- b/t it .a on"y one o,
thoe .hite $.ar, e"ephant paing the ,ront $oor.
Mormont prea$ ome ,ih roe acro a "ice o, ,"atbrea$ an$ took a bite. 2Are yo/ e:pecting
omeone61
7yrion hr/gge$. 2Eo/ never kno. .ho the .in$ might b"o. in. My one tr/e "ove- my
,ather4 ghot- a $/ck.1 #e poppe$ a "oc/t into hi mo/th an$ cr/nche$ it. 2Not ba$. +or a b/g.1
2?at night the ta"k here .a a"" o, 3etero. Some e:i"e$ "or$ ha hire$ the Go"$en Company
to .in back hi "an$ ,or him. #a", the captain in %o"anti are racing /priver to %o"on 7hery to
o,,er him their hip.1
7yrion ha$ =/t .a""o.e$ another "oc/t. #e a"mot choke$ on it. Is he mocking me6 7ow
much could he know of 1riff and Aegon6 2B/gger-1 he ai$. 2& meant to hire the Go"$en
Company mye",- to .in me Cater"y Rock.1 %ould this be some plo! of 1riff/s, false reports
deliberatel! spread6 <nless= Co/"$ the pretty prince"ing have .a""o.e$ the bait6 7/rne$ them
.et intea$ o, eat- aban$oning hi hope o, .e$$ing D/een 5aenery6 Abandoning the
dragons= would 1riff allow that6 2&4"" g"a$"y hire yo/ a .e""- er. My ,ather4 eat i mine by
right. S.ear me yo/r .or$- an$ once & .in it back &4"" $ro.n yo/ in go"$.1
2& a. a man $ro.ne$ in go"$ once. &t .a not a pretty ight. &, yo/ ever get my .or$- it .i""
be thro/gh yo/r bo.e".1
2A /re c/re ,or contipation-1 ai$ 7yrion. 2!/t ak my ,ather.1 #e reache$ ,or hi tankar$
an$ took a "o. .a""o.- to he"p concea" .hatever might be ho.ing on hi ,ace. &t ha$ to be a
tratagem- $eigne$ to "/"" %o"antene /picion. 1et the men aboard with this false prete8t and
seize the ships when the fleet is out to sea+ Is that 1riff/s plan6 &t might .ork. 7he Go"$en
Company .a ten tho/an$ trong- eaone$ an$ $icip"ine$. 2one of them seamen, though+
1riff will need to keep a sword at eer! throat, and should the! come on Slaer/s Ba! and need
to fight =
7he erving gir" ret/rne$. 27he .i$o. .i"" ee yo/ ne:t- nob"e er. #ave yo/ bro/ght a gi,t
,or her61
2Ee. 7hank yo/.1 Ser !orah "ippe$ a coin into the gir"4 pa"m an$ ent her on her .ay.
7yrion ,ro.ne$. 23hoe .i$o. i thi61
27he .i$o. o, the .ater,ront. Cat o, the Rhoyne they ti"" ca"" her %ogarro4 .hore- tho/gh
never to her ,ace.1
7he $.ar, .a not en"ightene$. 2An$ %ogarro .a8 61
2An e"ephant- even time a triarch- very rich- a po.er on the $ock. 3hi"t other men b/i"t
the hip an$ ai"e$ them- he b/i"t pier an$ toreho/e- brokere$ cargoe- change$ money-
in/re$ hipo.ner againt the haGar$ o, the ea. #e $ea"t in "ave a .e"". 3hen he gre.
beotte$ .ith one o, them- a be$"ave traine$ at E/nkai in the .ay o, even igh- it .a a great
can$a"8 an$ a greater can$a" .hen he ,ree$ her an$ took her ,or hi .i,e. A,ter he $ie$- he
carrie$ on hi vent/re. No ,ree$man may $.e"" .ithin the B"ack 3a""- o he .a compe""e$ to
e"" %ogarro4 mane. She took /p rei$ence at the Merchant4 #o/e. 7hat .a thirty(t.o year
ago- an$ he remain here to thi $ay. 7hat4 her behin$ yo/- back by the co/rtyar$- ho"$ing
co/rt at her c/tomary tab"e. No- $on4t "ook. 7here4 omeone .ith her no.. 3hen he4 $one- it
.i"" be o/r t/rn.1
2An$ thi o"$ harri$an .i"" he"p yo/ ho.61
Ser !orah too$. 23atch an$ ee. #e4 "eaving.1
7yrion hoppe$ $o.n o,, hi chair .ith a ratt"e o, iron. #his should be enlightening+
7here .a omething v/"pine abo/t the .ay the .oman at in her corner by the co/rtyar$-
omething repti"ian abo/t her eye. #er .hite hair .a o thin that the pink o, her ca"p ho.e$
thro/gh. Fn$er one eye he ti"" bore ,aint car .here a kni,e ha$ c/t a.ay her tear. 7he
remnant o, her morning mea" "ittere$ the tab"e@ar$ine hea$- o"ive pit- ch/nk o, ,"atbrea$.
7yrion $i$ not ,ai" to note ho. .e"" choen her 2c/tomary tab"e1 .aI o"i$ tone at her back- a
"ea,y a"cove to one i$e ,or entrance an$ e:it- a per,ect vie. o, the inn4 ,ront $oor- yet o
teepe$ in ha$o. that he here", .a nigh inviib"e.
7he ight o, him ma$e the o"$ .oman mi"e. 2A $.ar,-1 he p/rre$- in a voice a initer a it
.a o,t. She poke the Common 7ong/e .ith on"y a trace o, accent. 2%o"anti ha been overr/n
.ith $.ar, o, "ate- it eem. 5oe thi one $o trick61
&es, 7yrion .ante$ to ay. 1ie me a crossbow, and I/ll show !ou m! faorite+ 2No-1 Ser
!orah an.ere$.
2A pity. & once ha$ a monkey .ho co/"$ per,orm a"" ort o, c"ever trick. Eo/r $.ar,
remin$ me o, him. & he a gi,t61
2No. & bro/ght yo/ thee.1 Ser !orah pro$/ce$ hi pair o, g"ove- an$ "appe$ them $o.n on
the tab"e bei$e the other gi,t the .i$o. ha$ receive$ thi morning' a i"ver gob"et- an ornate
,an carve$ o, =a$e "eave o thin they .ere tran"/cent- an$ an ancient bronGe $agger marke$
.ith r/ne. Bei$e /ch trea/re the g"ove "ooke$ cheap an$ ta.$ry.
2G"ove ,or my poor o"$ .rink"e$ han$. #o. nice.1 7he .i$o. ma$e no move to to/ch
them.
2& bo/ght them on the ?ong Bri$ge.1
2A man can b/y mot anything on the ?ong Bri$ge. G"ove- "ave- monkey.1 7he year ha$
bent her pine an$ p/t a crone4 h/mp /pon her back- b/t the .i$o.4 eye .ere bright an$
b"ack. 2No. te"" thi o"$ .i$o. ho. he may be o, ervice to yo/.1
23e nee$ .i,t paage to Meereen.1
Hne .or$. 7yrion ?anniter4 .or"$ t/rne$ /pi$e $o.n.
Hne .or$. *eereen+ Hr ha$ he mihear$6
Hne .or$. *eereen, he said *eereen, he/s taking me to *eereen+ Meereen meant "i,e. Hr
hope ,or "i,e- at "eat.
23hy come to me61 the .i$o. ai$. 2& o.n no hip.1
2Eo/ have many captain in yo/r $ebt.1
Delier me to the 3ueen, he sa!s+ A!e, but which 3ueen6 7e isn/t selling me to %ersei+ 7e/s
giing me to Daener!s #argar!en+ #hat/s wh! he hasn/t hacked m! head off+ We/re going east,
and 1riff and his prince are going west, the blood! fools+
Hh- it .a a"" too m/ch. $lots within plots, but all roads lead down the dragon/s gullet+ A
g/,,a. b/rt ,rom hi "ip- an$ /$$en"y 7yrion co/"$ not top "a/ghing.
2Eo/r $.ar, i having a ,it-1 the .i$o. oberve$.
2My $.ar, .i"" be A/iet- or &4"" ee him gagge$.1
7yrion covere$ hi mo/th .ith hi han$. *eereen;
7he .i$o. o, the .ater,ront $eci$e$ to ignore him. 2Sha"" .e have a $rink61 he ake$. 5/t
mote ,"oate$ in the air a a erving gir" ,i""e$ t.o green g"a c/p ,or Ser !orah an$ the .i$o..
7yrion4 throat .a $ry- b/t no c/p .a po/re$ ,or him. 7he .i$o. took a ip- ro""e$ the .ine
ro/n$ her mo/th- .a""o.e$. 2A"" the other e:i"e are ai"ing .et- or o thee o"$ ear have
hear$. An$ a"" thoe captain in my $ebt are ,a""ing over one another to take them there an$ "each
a "itt"e go"$ ,rom the co,,er o, the Go"$en Company. H/r nob"e triarch have p"e$ge$ a $oGen
.arhip to the ca/e- to ee the ,"eet a,e"y a ,ar a the Steptone. Cven o"$ 5onipho ha
given hi aent. S/ch a g"orio/ a$vent/re. An$ yet yo/ .o/"$ go the other .ay- er.1
2My b/ine i in the eat.1
2An$ .hat b/ine i that- & .on$er6 Not "ave- the i"ver A/een ha p/t an en$ to that. She
ha c"oe$ the ,ighting pit a .e""- o it cannot be a tate ,or b"oo$. 3hat e"e co/"$ Meereen
o,,er to a 3eteroi knight6 Brick6 H"ive6 Dragons6 Ah- there it i.1 7he o"$ .oman4 mi"e
t/rne$ ,era". 2& have hear$ it ai$ that the i"ver A/een ,ee$ them .ith the ,"eh o, in,ant .hi"e
he here", bathe in the b"oo$ o, virgin gir" an$ take a $i,,erent "over every night.1
Ser !orah4 mo/th ha$ har$ene$. 27he E/nkai4i are po/ring poion in yo/r ear. My "a$y
ho/"$ not be"ieve /ch ,i"th.1
2& am no "a$y- b/t even %ogarro4 .hore kno. the tate o, ,a"ehoo$. 7hi m/ch i tr/e-
tho/gh8 the $ragon A/een ha enemie8 E/nkai- Ne. Ghi- 7o"o- Darth8 aye- an$ %o"anti-
oon eno/gh. Eo/ .o/"$ trave" to Meereen6 !/t .ait a .hi"e- er. S.or$ .i"" be .ante$ oon
eno/gh- .hen the .arhip ben$ their oar eat.ar$ to bring $o.n the i"ver A/een. 7iger "ove
to bare their c"a.- an$ even e"ephant .i"" ki"" i, threatene$. Ma"aA/o h/nger ,or a tate o,
g"ory- an$ Nyeo o.e m/ch o, hi .ea"th to the "ave tra$e. ?et A"io or 9arA/e""o or Be"icho
gain the triarchy- an$ the ,"eet .i"" ai".1
Ser !orah co."e$. 2&, 5onipho i ret/rne$81
2%ogarro .i"" be ret/rne$ ,irt- an$ my .eet "or$ ha been $ea$ thee thirty year.1
Behin$ them- ome ai"or .a be""o.ing "o/$"y. 27hey ca"" thi a"e6 Fuck+ A monkey co/"$
pi better a"e.1
2An$ yo/ .o/"$ $rink it-1 another voice rep"ie$.
7yrion t.ite$ aro/n$ ,or a "ook- hoping againt hope that it .a 5/ck an$ #a"$on he .a
hearing. &ntea$ he a. t.o tranger8 an$ the $.ar,- .ho .a tan$ing a ,e. ,eet a.ay taring
at him intent"y. #e eeme$ omeho. ,ami"iar.
7he .i$o. ippe$ $ainti"y at her .ine. 2Some o, the ,irt e"ephant .ere .omen-1 he ai$-
2the one .ho bro/ght the tiger $o.n an$ en$e$ the o"$ .ar. 7rianna .a ret/rne$ ,o/r time.
7hat .a three h/n$re$ year ago- a"a. %o"anti ha ha$ no ,ema"e triarch ince- tho/gh ome
.omen have the vote. 3omen o, goo$ birth .ho $.e"" in ancient pa"ace behin$ the B"ack
3a""- not creat/re /ch a me. 7he H"$ B"oo$ .i"" have their $og an$ chi"$ren voting be,ore
any ,ree$man. No- it .i"" be Be"icho- or perhap A"io- b/t either .ay it .i"" be .ar. Hr o they
think.1
2An$ .hat $o yo/ think61 Ser !orah ake$.
1ood, tho/ght 7yrion. #he right 3uestion+ 2Hh- & think it .i"" be .ar a .e""- b/t not the .ar
they .ant.1 7he o"$ .oman "eane$ ,or.ar$- her b"ack eye g"eaming. 2& think that re$ R4h""or
ha more .orhiper in thi city than a"" the other go$ together. #ave yo/ hear$ Benerro
preach61
2?at night.1
2Benerro can ee the morro. in hi ,"ame-1 the .i$o. ai$. 27riarch Ma"aA/o trie$ to hire
the Go"$en Company- $i$ yo/ kno.6 #e meant to c"ean o/t the re$ temp"e an$ p/t Benerro to
the .or$. #e $are not /e tiger c"oak. #a", o, them .orhip the ?or$ o, ?ight a .e"". Hh-
thee are $ire $ay in H"$ %o"anti- even ,or .rink"e$ o"$ .i$o.. B/t not ha", o $ire a in
Meereen- & think. So te"" me- er8 .hy $o yo/ eek the i"ver A/een61
27hat i my concern. & can pay ,or o/r paage an$ pay .e"". & have the i"ver.1
Fool, tho/ght 7yrion. It/s not coin she wants, it/s respect+ 7aen/t !ou heard a word she/s
said6 #e g"ance$ back over hi ho/"$er again. 7he $.ar, ha$ move$ c"oer to their tab"e. An$
he eeme$ to have a kni,e in hi han$. 7he hair on the back o, 7yrion4 neck began to prick"e.
2>eep yo/r i"ver. & have go"$. An$ pare me yo/r b"ack "ook- er. & am too o"$ to be
,rightene$ o, a co.". Eo/ are a har$ man- & ee- an$ no $o/bt ki""e$ .ith that "ong .or$ at
yo/r i$e- b/t thi i my rea"m. ?et me crook a ,inger an$ yo/ may ,in$ yo/re", trave"ing to
Meereen chaine$ to an oar in the be""y o, a ga""ey.1 She "i,te$ her =a$e ,an an$ opene$ it. 7here
.a a r/t"e o, "eave- an$ a man "i$ ,rom the overgro.n arch.ay to her "e,t. #i ,ace .a a
ma o, car- an$ in one han$ he he"$ a .or$- hort an$ heavy a a c"eaver. 2Seek the widow of
the waterfront, omeone to"$ yo/- b/t they ho/"$ have a"o .arne$ yo/- beware the widow/s
sons+ &t i /ch a .eet morning- tho/gh- & ha"" ak again. 3hy .o/"$ yo/ eek 5aenery
7argaryen- .hom ha", the .or"$ .ant $ea$61
!orah Mormont4 ,ace .a $ark .ith anger- b/t he an.ere$. 27o erve her. 5e,en$ her. 5ie
,or her- i, nee$ be.1
7hat ma$e the .i$o. "a/gh. 2Eo/ .ant to rescue her- i that the .ay o, it6 +rom more
enemie than & can name- .ith .or$ beyon$ co/nt8 this i .hat yo/4$ have the poor .i$o.
be"ieve6 7hat yo/ are a tr/e an$ chiva"ro/ 3eteroi knight croing ha", the .or"$ to come to
the ai$ o, thi8 .e""- he i no mai$en- tho/gh he may ti"" be ,air.1 She "a/ghe$ again. 25o
yo/ think yo/r $.ar, .i"" p"eae her6 3i"" he bathe in hi b"oo$- $o yo/ think- or content
here", .ith triking o,, hi hea$61
Ser !orah heitate$. 27he $.ar, i@1
2@& kno. .ho the $.ar, i- an$ .hat he i.1 #er b"ack eye t/rne$ to 7yrion- har$ a tone.
2>in"ayer- king"ayer- m/r$erer- t/rnc"oak. "annister+1 She ma$e the "at a c/re. 23hat $o !ou
p"an to o,,er the $ragon A/een- "itt"e man61
*! hate, 7yrion .ante$ to ay. &ntea$ he prea$ hi han$ a ,ar a the ,etter .o/"$ a""o..
23hatever he .o/"$ have o, me. Sage co/ne"- avage .it- a bit o, t/mb"ing. My cock- i, he
$eire it. My tong/e- i, he $oe not. & .i"" "ea$ her armie or r/b her ,eet- a he $eire. An$
the on"y re.ar$ & ak i & might be a""o.e$ to rape an$ ki"" my iter.1
7hat bro/ght the mi"e back to the o"$ .oman4 ,ace. 27hi one at "eat i honet-1 he
anno/nce$- 2b/t yo/- er8 & have kno.n a $oGen 3eteroi knight an$ a tho/an$ a$vent/rer
o, the ame i"k- b/t none o p/re a yo/ .o/"$ paint yo/re",. Men are beat- e",ih an$ br/ta".
#o.ever gent"e the .or$- there are a".ay $arker motive /n$erneath. & $o not tr/t yo/- er.1
She ,"icke$ them o,, .ith her ,an- a i, they .ere no more than ,"ie b/GGing abo/t her hea$. 2&,
yo/ .ant to get to Meereen- .im. & have no he"p to give yo/.1
7hen even he"" broke o/t at once.
Ser !orah tarte$ to rie- the .i$o. nappe$ her ,an c"oe$- her carre$ man "i$ o/t o, the
ha$o.8 an$ behin$ them a gir" creame$. 7yrion p/n =/t in time to ee the $.ar, r/hing
to.ar$ him. She/s a girl, he rea"iGe$ a"" at once- a girl dressed up in man/s clothes+ And she
means to gut me with that knife+
+or ha", a heartbeat Ser !orah- the .i$o.- an$ the carre$ man too$ ti"" a tone. &$"er
.atche$ ,rom nearby tab"e- ipping a"e an$ .ine- b/t no one move$ to inter,ere. 7yrion ha$ to
move both han$ at once- b/t hi chain ha$ =/t eno/gh give ,or him to reach the ,"agon on the
tab"e. #e c"oe$ hi ,it aro/n$ it- p/n- $ahe$ it content into the ,ace o, the charging $.ar,
gir"- then thre. hime", to one i$e to avoi$ her kni,e. 7he ,"agon hattere$ /n$erneath him a
the ,"oor came /p to mack him in the hea$. 7hen the gir" .a on him once again. 7yrion ro""e$
on one i$e a he b/rie$ the kni,e b"a$e in the ,"oorboar$- yanke$ it ,ree- raie$ it again8
8an$ /$$en"y he .a riing o,, the ,"oor- "eg kicking .i"$"y a he tr/gg"e$ in Ser
!orah4 grap. 2No01 he .ai"e$- in the Common 7ong/e o, 3etero. 2?et go01 7yrion hear$
her t/nic rip a he ,o/ght to ,ree here",.
Mormont ha$ her by the co""ar .ith one han$. 3ith the other he .renche$ the $agger ,rom
her grap. 2Cno/gh.1
7he "an$"or$ ma$e hi appearance then- a c/$ge" in hi han$. 3hen he a. the broken ,"agon-
he /ttere$ a b"itering c/re an$ $eman$e$ to kno. .hat ha$ happene$ here. 25.ar, ,ight-1
rep"ie$ the 7yrohi .ith the p/rp"e bear$- ch/ck"ing.
7yrion b"inke$ /p at the $ripping gir" t.iting in the air. 23hy61 he $eman$e$. 23hat $i$ &
ever $o to yo/61
27hey ki""e$ him.1 A"" the ,ight .ent o/t o, her at that. She h/ng "imp"y in Mormont4 grap
a her eye ,i""e$ .ith tear. 2My brother. 7hey took him an$ they ki""e$ him.1
23ho ki""e$ him61 ake$ Mormont.
2Sai"or. Sai"or ,rom the Seven >ing$om. 7here .ere ,ive o, them- $r/nk. 7hey a. /
=o/ting in the A/are an$ ,o""o.e$ /. 3hen they rea"iGe$ & .a a gir" they "et me go- b/t they
took my brother an$ ki""e$ him. #he! cut his head off+1
7yrion ,e"t a /$$en hock o, recognition. #he! saw us 9ousting in the s3uare+ #e kne. .ho
the gir" .a then. 25i$ yo/ ri$e the pig61 he ake$ her. 2Hr the $og61
27he $og-1 he obbe$. 2Hppo a".ay ro$e the pig.1
#he dwarfs from -offre!/s wedding+ &t .a their ho. that ha$ tarte$ a"" the tro/b"e that
night. 7ow strange, to encounter them again half a world awa!+ 7ho/gh perhap not o trange
a that. If the! had half the wits of their pig, the! would hae fled ,ing/s "anding the night -off
died, before %ersei could assign them some share of blame in her son/s death+ 2?et her $o.n-
er-1 he to"$ Ser !orah Mormont. 2She .on4t $o / any harm.1
Ser !orah $/mpe$ the $.ar, gir" on the ,"oor. 2& am orry ,or yo/r brother8 b/t .e ha$ no
part in hi m/r$er.1
2#e $i$.1 7he gir" p/he$ here", to her knee- c"/tching her torn- .ine($renche$ t/nic to
ma""- pa"e breat. 2&t .a him they .ante$. 7hey tho/ght Hppo .a him+1 7he gir" .a
.eeping- begging ,or he"p ,rom anyone .ho .o/"$ "iten. 2#e ho/"$ $ie- the .ay my poor
brother $ie$. 9"eae. Someone he"p me. Someone ki"" him.1 7he "an$"or$ eiGe$ her ro/gh"y by
one arm an$ .renche$ her back to her ,eet- ho/ting in %o"antene- $eman$ing to kno. .ho .a
going to pay ,or thi $amage.
7he .i$o. o, the .ater,ront gave Mormont a coo" "ook. 2>night $e,en$ the .eak an$
protect the innocent- they ay. An$ & am the ,airet mai$ in a"" %o"anti.1 #er "a/gh .a ,/"" o,
corn. 23hat $o they ca"" yo/- chi"$61
29enny.1
7he o"$ .oman ca""e$ o/t to the "an$"or$ in the tong/e o, H"$ %o"anti. 7yrion kne. eno/gh
to /n$ertan$ that he .a te""ing him to take the $.ar, gir" /p to her room- give her .ine- an$
,in$ ome c"othe ,or her to .ear.
3hen they .ere gone- the .i$o. t/$ie$ 7yrion- her b"ack eye hining. 2Monter ho/"$ be
"arger- it eem to me. Eo/ are .orth a "or$hip back in 3etero- "itt"e man. #ere- & ,ear- yo/r
.orth i ome.hat "e. B/t & think & ha$ bet he"p yo/ a,ter a"". %o"anti i no a,e p"ace ,or
$.ar,- it eem.1
2Eo/ are too kin$.1 7yrion gave her hi .eetet mi"e. 29erhap yo/ .o/"$ remove thee
charming iron brace"et a .e""6 7hi monter ha b/t ha", a noe- an$ it itche mot abominab"y.
7he chain are too hort ,or me to cratch it. &4"" make yo/ a gi,t o, them- an$ g"a$"y.1
2#o. genero/. B/t & have .orn iron in my time- an$ no. & ,in$ that & pre,er go"$ an$ i"ver.
An$ a$ to ay- thi i %o"anti- .here ,etter an$ chain are cheaper than $ay(o"$ brea$ an$ it i
,orbi$$en to he"p a "ave ecape.1
2&4m no "ave.1
2Cvery man ever taken by "aver ing that ame a$ ong. & $are not he"p yo/8 here.1 She
"eane$ ,or.ar$ again. 27.o $ay ,rom no.- the cog Selaesori :horan .i"" et ai" ,or Darth by
.ay o, Ne. Ghi- carrying tin an$ iron- ba"e o, .oo" an$ "ace- ,i,ty Myrih carpet- a corpe
pick"e$ in brine- t.enty =ar o, $ragon pepper- an$ a re$ priet. Be on her .hen he ai".1
23e .i""-1 ai$ 7yrion- 2an$ thank yo/.1
Ser !orah ,ro.ne$. 2Darth i not o/r $etination.1
2She .i"" never reach Darth. Benerro ha een it in hi ,ire.1 7he crone mi"e$ a v/"pine
mi"e.
2A yo/ ay.1 7yrion grinne$. 2&, & .ere %o"antene- an$ ,ree- an$ ha$ the b"oo$- yo/4$ have
my vote ,or triarch- my "a$y.1
2& am no "a$y-1 the .i$o. rep"ie$- 2=/t %ogarro4 .hore. Eo/ .ant to be gone ,rom here
be,ore the tiger come. Sho/"$ yo/ reach yo/r A/een- give her a meage ,rom the "ave o, H"$
%o"anti.1 She to/che$ the ,a$e$ car /pon her .rink"e$ cheek- .here her tear ha$ been c/t
a.ay. 27e"" her .e are .aiting. 7e"" her to come oon.1
Cersei
A thousand ships;5 7he "itt"e A/een4 bro.n hair .a to/"e$ an$ /ncombe$- an$ the
torch"ight ma$e her cheek "ook ,"/he$- a i, he ha$ =/t come ,rom ome man4 embrace.
2Eo/r Grace- thi m/t be an.ere$ fiercel!;1 #er "at .or$ rang o,, the ra,ter an$ echoe$
thro/gh the caverno/ throne room.
Seate$ on her go"$(an$(crimon high eat beneath the &ron 7hrone- Cerei co/"$ ,ee" a
gro.ing tightne in her neck. *ust, he tho/ght. She dares sa! 4must5 to me+ She itche$ to "ap
the 7yre"" gir" acro the ,ace. She should be on her knees, begging for m! help+ Instead, she
presumes to tell her rightful 3ueen what she must do+
2A tho/an$ hip61 Ser #ary S.y,t .a .heeGing. 2S/re"y not. No "or$ comman$ a
tho/an$ hip.1
2Some ,rightene$ ,oo" ha co/nte$ $o/b"e-1 agree$ Hrton Merry.eather. 27hat- or ?or$
7yre""4 bannermen are "ying to /- p/,,ing /p the n/mber o, the ,oe o .e .i"" not think them
"a:.1
7he torche on the back .a"" thre. the "ong- barbe$ ha$o. o, the &ron 7hrone ha",.ay to the
$oor. 7he ,ar en$ o, the ha"" .a "ot in $arkne- an$ Cerei co/"$ not b/t ,ee" that the ha$o.
.ere c"oing aro/n$ her too. *! enemies are eer!where, and m! friends are useless+ She ha$
on"y to g"ance at her co/nci""or to kno. thatI on"y ?or$ Dyb/rn an$ A/rane 3ater eeme$
a.ake. 7he other ha$ been ro/e$ ,rom be$ by Margaery4 meenger po/n$ing on their $oor-
an$ too$ there r/mp"e$ an$ con,/e$. H/ti$e the night .a b"ack an$ ti"". 7he cat"e an$ the
city "ept. Boro B"o/nt an$ Meryn 7rant eeme$ to be "eeping too- a"beit on their ,eet. Cven
Hm/n$ >ett"eb"ack .a ya.ning. 2ot "oras, though+ 2ot our ,night of Flowers+ #e too$
behin$ hi "itt"e iter- a pa"e ha$o. .ith a "ong.or$ on hi hip.
2#a", a many hip .o/"$ ti"" be ,ive h/n$re$- my "or$-1 3ater pointe$ o/t to Hrton
Merry.eather. 2Hn"y the Arbor ha eno/gh trength at ea to oppoe a ,"eet that iGe.1
23hat o, yo/r ne. $romon$61 ake$ Ser #ary. 27he "onghip o, the ironmen cannot tan$
be,ore o/r $romon$- /re"y6 ,ing )obert/s 7ammer i the mightiet .arhip in a"" 3etero.1
2She .a-1 ai$ 3ater. 2Sweet %ersei .i"" be her eA/a"- once comp"ete- an$ "ord #!win .i""
be t.ice the iGe o, either. Hn"y ha", are ,itte$ o/t- ho.ever- an$ none i ,/""y cre.e$. Cven
.hen they are- the n/mber .o/"$ be great"y againt /. 7he common "onghip i ma""
compare$ to o/r ga""ey- thi i tr/e- b/t the ironmen have "arger hip a .e"". ?or$ Ba"on4
1reat ,raken an$ the .arhip o, the &ron +"eet .ere ma$e ,or batt"e- not ,or rai$. 7hey are the
eA/a" o, o/r "eer .ar ga""ey in pee$ an$ trength- an$ mot are better cre.e$ an$ captaine$.
7he ironmen "ive their .ho"e "ive at ea.1
)obert should hae scoured the isles after Balon 1re!9o! rose against him, Cerei tho/ght.
7e smashed their fleet, burned their towns, and broke their castles, but when he had them on
their knees he let them up again+ 7e should hae made another island of their skulls+ 7hat .a
.hat her ,ather .o/"$ have $one- b/t Robert never ha$ the tomach that a king reA/ire i, he
hope to keep peace in the rea"m. 27he ironmen have not $are$ rai$ the Reach ince 5agon
Grey=oy at the Seatone Chair-1 he ai$. 23hy .o/"$ they $o o no.6 3hat ha embo"$ene$
them61
27heir ne. king.1 Dyb/rn too$ .ith hi han$ hi$$en /p hi "eeve. 2?or$ Ba"on4 brother.
7he Cro.4 Cye- he i ca""e$.1
2Carrion cro. make their ,eat /pon the carcae o, the $ea$ an$ $ying-1 ai$ Gran$
Maeter 9yce""e. 27hey $o not $ecen$ /pon ha"e an$ hea"thy anima". ?or$ C/ron .i"" gorge
hime", on go"$ an$ p"/n$er- aye- b/t a oon a .e move againt him he .i"" back to 9yke- a
?or$ 5agon .a .ont to $o in hi $ay.1
2Eo/ are .rong-1 ai$ Margaery 7yre"". 2Reaver $o not come in /ch trength. A thousand
ships; ?or$ #e.ett an$ ?or$ Cheter are "ain- a .e"" a ?or$ Serry4 on an$ heir. Serry ha
,"e$ to #ighgar$en .ith .hat ,e. hip remain him- an$ ?or$ Grimm i a prioner in hi o.n
cat"e. 3i""a ay that the iron king ha raie$ /p ,o/r "or$ o, hi o.n in their p"ace.1
Willas, Cerei tho/ght- the cripple+ 7e is to blame for this+ #hat oaf *ace #!rell left the
defense of the )each in the hands of a hapless weakling+ 2&t i a "ong voyage ,rom the &ron &"e
to the Shie"$-1 he pointe$ o/t. 2#o. co/"$ a tho/an$ hip come a"" that .ay .itho/t being
een61
23i""a be"ieve that they $i$ not ,o""o. the coat-1 ai$ Margaery. 27hey ma$e the voyage
o/t o, ight o, "an$- ai"ing ,ar o/t into the S/net Sea an$ .ooping back in ,rom the .et.1
*ore like the cripple did not hae his watchtowers manned, and now he fears to hae us
know it+ #he little 3ueen is making e8cuses for her brother+ Cerei4 mo/th .a $ry. I need a cup
of Arbor gold+ &, the ironmen $eci$e$ to take the Arbor ne:t- the .ho"e rea"m might oon be
going thirty. 2Stanni may have ha$ a han$ in thi. Ba"on Grey=oy o,,ere$ my "or$ ,ather an
a""iance. 9erhap hi on ha o,,ere$ one to Stanni.1
9yce""e ,ro.ne$. 23hat .o/"$ ?or$ Stanni gain by81
2#e gains another ,ootho"$. An$ p"/n$er- that a .e"". Stanni nee$ go"$ to pay hi
e"".or$. By rai$ing in the .et- he hope he can $itract / ,rom 5ragontone an$ Storm4
Cn$.1
?or$ Merry.eather no$$e$. 2A $iverion. Stanni i more c/nning than .e kne.. Eo/r
Grace i c"ever to have een thro/gh hi p"oy.1
2?or$ Stanni i triving to .in the northmen to hi ca/e-1 ai$ 9yce""e. 2&, he be,rien$ the
ironborn- he cannot hope81
27he northmen .i"" not have him-1 ai$ Cerei- .on$ering ho. /ch a "earne$ man co/"$ be
o t/pi$. 2?or$ Man$er"y hacke$ the hea$ an$ han$ o,, the onion knight- .e have that ,rom
the +rey- an$ ha", a $oGen other northern "or$ have ra""ie$ to ?or$ Bo"ton. #he enem! of m!
enem! is m! friend+ 3here e"e can Stanni t/rn- b/t to the ironmen an$ the .i"$"ing- the
enemie o, the north6 B/t i, he think that & am going to .a"k into hi trap- he i a bigger ,oo"
than yo/.1 She t/rne$ back to the "itt"e A/een. 27he Shie"$ &"an$ be"ong to the Reach. Grimm
an$ Serry an$ the ret are .orn to #ighgar$en. &t i ,or #ighgar$en to an.er thi.1
2#ighgar$en ha"" an.er-1 ai$ Margaery 7yre"". 23i""a ha ent .or$ to ?eyton #ighto.er
in H"$to.n- o he can ee to hi o.n $e,ene. Gar"an i gathering men to retake the i"e. 7he
bet part o, o/r po.er remain .ith my "or$ ,ather- tho/gh. 3e m/t en$ .or$ to him at
Storm4 Cn$. At once.1
2An$ "i,t the iege61 Cerei $i$ not care ,or Margaery4 pre/mption. She sa!s 4at once5 to
me+ Does she take me for her handmaid6 2& have no $o/bt that ?or$ Stanni .o/"$ be p"eae$ by
that. #ave yo/ been "itening- my "a$y6 &, he can $ra. o/r eye a.ay ,rom 5ragontone an$
Storm4 Cn$ to thee rock81
4)ocks65 gape$ Margaery. 25i$ Eo/r Grace ay rocks61
7he >night o, +"o.er p/t a han$ /pon hi iter4 ho/"$er. 2&, it p"eae Eo/r Grace- ,rom
thoe rocks the ironmen threaten H"$to.n an$ the Arbor. +rom trongho"$ on the Shie"$-
rai$er can ai" /p the Man$er into the very heart o, the Reach- a they $i$ o, o"$. 3ith eno/gh
men they might even threaten #ighgar$en.1
27r/"y61 ai$ the A/een- a"" innocence. 23hy then- yo/r brave brother ha$ bet ro/t them
o,, thoe rock- an$ A/ick"y.1
2#o. .o/"$ the A/een /gget they accomp"ih that- .itho/t /,,icient hip61 ake$ Ser
?ora. 23i""a an$ Gar"an can raie ten tho/an$ men .ithin a ,ortnight an$ t.ice that in a
moon4 t/rn- b/t they cannot .a"k on .ater- Eo/r Grace.1
2#ighgar$en it above the Man$er-1 Cerei remin$e$ him. 2Eo/ an$ yo/r vaa" comman$
a tho/an$ "eag/e o, coat. Are there no ,iher,o"k a"ong yo/r hore6 5o yo/ have no p"ea/re
barge- no ,errie- no river ga""ey- no ki,,61
2Many an$ more-1 Ser ?ora a$mitte$.
2S/ch ho/"$ be more than /,,icient to carry a hot acro a "itt"e tretch o, .ater- & .o/"$
think.1
2An$ .hen the "onghip o, the ironborn $ecen$ /pon o/r ragtag ,"eet a it i making it .ay
acro thi J"itt"e tretch o, .ater-4 .hat .o/"$ Eo/r Grace have / $o then61
Drown, tho/ght Cerei. 2#ighgar$en ha go"$ a .e"". Eo/ have my "eave to hire e""ai"
,rom beyon$ the narro. ea.1
29irate o/t o, Myr an$ ?y- yo/ mean61 ?ora ai$ .ith contempt. 27he c/m o, the +ree
Citie61
7e is as insolent as his sister+ 2Sa$ to ay- a"" o, / m/t $ea" .ith c/m ,rom time to time-1
he ai$ .ith poiono/ .eetne. 29erhap yo/ have a better notion61
2Hn"y the Arbor ha /,,icient ga""ey to retake the mo/th o, the Man$er ,rom the ironmen
an$ protect my brother ,rom their "onghip $/ring their croing. & beg Eo/r Grace- en$ .or$
to 5ragontone an$ comman$ ?or$ Re$.yne to raie hi ai" at once.1
At least he has the sense to beg+ 9a:ter Re$.yne o.ne$ t.o h/n$re$ .arhip- an$ ,ive time
a many merchant carrack- .ine cog- tra$ing ga""ey- an$ .ha"er. Re$.yne .a encampe$
beneath the .a"" o, 5ragontone- ho.ever- an$ the greater part o, hi ,"eet .a engage$ in
,errying men acro B"ack.ater Bay ,or the aa/"t on that i"an$ trongho"$. 7he remain$er
pro."e$ Shipbreaker Bay to the o/th- .here on"y their preence prevente$ Storm4 Cn$ ,rom
being re/pp"ie$ by ea.
A/rane 3ater brit"e$ at Ser ?ora4 /ggetion. 2&, ?or$ Re$.yne ai" hi hip a.ay- ho.
are .e to /pp"y o/r men on 5ragontone6 3itho/t the Arbor4 ga""ey- ho. .i"" .e maintain
the iege o, Storm4 Cn$61
27he iege can be re/me$ "ater- a,ter@1
Cerei c/t him o,,. 2Storm4 Cn$ i a h/n$re$ time more va"/ab"e than the Shie"$- an$
5ragontone8 o "ong a 5ragontone remain in the han$ o, Stanni Baratheon- it i a kni,e at
my on4 throat. 3e .i"" re"eae ?or$ Re$.yne an$ hi ,"eet .hen the cat"e ,a"".1 7he A/een
p/he$ here", to her ,eet. 27hi a/$ience i at an en$. Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e- a .or$.1
7he o"$ man tarte$- a i, her voice ha$ .oken him ,rom ome $ream o, yo/th- b/t be,ore he
co/"$ an.er- ?ora 7yre"" tro$e ,or.ar$- o .i,t"y that the A/een $re. back in a"arm. She .a
abo/t to ho/t ,or Ser Hm/n$ to $e,en$ her .hen the >night o, +"o.er ank to one knee.
2Eo/r Grace- "et me take 5ragontone.1
#i iter4 han$ .ent to her mo/th. 2?ora- no.1
Ser ?ora ignore$ her p"ea. 2&t .i"" take ha", a year or more to tarve 5ragontone into
/bmiion- a ?or$ 9a:ter mean to $o. Give me the comman$- Eo/r Grace. 7he cat"e .i"" be
yo/r .ithin a ,ortnight i, & have to tear it $o.n .ith my bare han$.1
No one ha$ given Cerei /ch a "ove"y gi,t ince Sana Stark ha$ r/n to her to $iv/"ge ?or$
C$$ar$4 p"an. She .a p"eae$ to ee that Margaery ha$ gone pa"e. 2Eo/r co/rage take my
breath a.ay- Ser ?ora-1 Cerei ai$. 2?or$ 3ater- are any o, the ne. $romon$ ,it to p/t to
ea61
2Sweet %ersei i- Eo/r Grace. A .i,t hip- an$ a trong a the A/een he4 name$ ,or.1
2Sp"en$i$. ?et Sweet %ersei carry o/r >night o, +"o.er to 5ragontone at once. Ser ?ora-
the comman$ i yo/r. S.ear to me that yo/ ha"" not ret/rn /nti" 5ragontone i 7ommen4.1
2& ha""- Eo/r Grace.1 #e roe.
Cerei kie$ him on both cheek. She kie$ hi iter too- an$ .hipere$- 2Eo/ have a
ga""ant brother.1 Cither Margaery $i$ not have the grace to an.er or ,ear ha$ to"en a"" her
.or$.
5a.n .a ti"" evera" ho/r a.ay .hen Cerei "ippe$ o/t the king4 $oor behin$ the &ron
7hrone. Ser Hm/n$ .ent be,ore her .ith a torch an$ Dyb/rn tro""e$ a"ong bei$e her. 9yce""e
ha$ to tr/gg"e to keep /p. 2&, it p"eae Eo/r Grace-1 he p/,,e$- 2yo/ng men are overbo"$- an$
think on"y o, the g"ory o, batt"e an$ never o, it $anger. Ser ?ora8 thi p"an o, hi i ,ra/ght
.ith peri". 7o torm the very .a"" o, 5ragontone81
28i er! brave.1
28brave- ye- b/t81
2& have no $o/bt that o/r >night o, +"o.er .i"" be the ,irt man to gain the batt"ement.1
And perhaps the first to fall+ 7he po:(carre$ batar$ that Stanni ha$ "e,t to ho"$ hi cat"e .a
no ca""o. to/rney champion b/t a eaone$ ki""er. &, the go$ .ere goo$- he .o/"$ give Ser
?ora the g"orio/ en$ he eeme$ to .ant. Assuming the bo! does not drown on the wa!+ 7here
ha$ been another torm "at night- a avage one. 7he rain ha$ come $o.n in b"ack heet ,or
ho/r. And wouldn/t that be sad6 the A/een m/e$. Drowning is ordinar!+ Ser "oras lusts for
glor! as real men lust for women, the least the gods can do is grant him a death worth! of a
song+
No matter .hat be,e"" the boy on 5ragontone- ho.ever- the A/een .o/"$ be the .inner. &,
?ora took the cat"e- Stanni .o/"$ /,,er a grievo/ b"o.- an$ the Re$.yne ,"eet co/"$ ai" o,,
to meet the ironmen. &, he ,ai"e$- he .o/"$ ee to it that he ha$ the "ion4 hare o, the b"ame.
Nothing tarnihe a hero a m/ch a ,ai"/re. And if he should come home on his shield, coered
in blood and glor!, Ser Osne! will be there to console his grieing sister+
7he "a/gh .o/"$ not be containe$ any "onger. &t b/rt ,rom Cerei4 "ip- an$ echoe$ $o.n
the ha"".
2Eo/r Grace61 Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e b"inke$- hi mo/th agging open. 23hy8 .hy .o/"$
yo/ "a/gh61
23hy-1 he ha$ to ay- 2e"e.ie & might .eep. My heart i b/rting .ith "ove ,or o/r Ser
?ora an$ hi va"or.1
She "e,t the Gran$ Maeter on the erpentine tep. #hat one has outlied an! usefulness he
eer had, the A/een $eci$e$. A"" 9yce""e ever eeme$ to $o o, "ate .a p"ag/e her .ith ca/tion
an$ ob=ection. #e ha$ even ob=ecte$ to the /n$ertan$ing he ha$ reache$ .ith the #igh
Septon- gaping at her .ith $im an$ rhe/my eye .hen he comman$e$ him to prepare the
neceary paper an$ babb"ing abo/t o"$ $ea$ hitory /nti" Cerei c/t him o,,. 2>ing Maegor4
$ay i $one- an$ o are hi $ecree-1 he ai$ ,irm"y. 27hi i >ing 7ommen4 $ay- an$ mine.1 I
would hae done better to let him perish in the black cells+
2Sho/"$ Ser ?ora ,a""- Eo/r Grace .i"" nee$ to ,in$ another .orthy ,or the >ingg/ar$-1
?or$ Dyb/rn ai$ a they croe$ over the pike$ moat that gir$e$ Maegor4 #o"$,at.
2Someone p"en$i$-1 he agree$. 2Someone o yo/ng an$ .i,t an$ trong that 7ommen .i""
,orget a"" abo/t Ser ?ora. A bit o, ga""antry .o/"$ not be ami- b/t hi hea$ ho/"$ not be ,/""
o, ,oo"ih notion. 5o yo/ kno. o, /ch a man61
2A"a- no-1 ai$ Dyb/rn. 2& ha$ another ort o, champion in min$. 3hat he "ack in ga""antry
he .i"" give yo/ ten,o"$ in $evotion. #e .i"" protect yo/r on- ki"" yo/r enemie- an$ keep yo/r
ecret- an$ no "iving man .i"" be ab"e to .ithtan$ him.1
2So yo/ ay. 3or$ are .in$. 3hen the ho/r i ripe- yo/ may pro$/ce thi paragon o, yo/r
an$ .e .i"" ee i, he i a"" that yo/ have promie$.1
27hey .i"" ing o, him- & .ear it.1 ?or$ Dyb/rn4 eye crink"e$ .ith am/ement. 2Might &
ak abo/t the armor61
2& have p"ace$ yo/r or$er. 7he armorer think that & am ma$. #e a/re me that no man i
trong eno/gh to move an$ ,ight in /ch a .eight o, p"ate.1 Cerei gave the chain"e maeter a
.arning "ook. 29"ay me ,or a ,oo"- an$ yo/4"" $ie creaming. Eo/ are a.are o, that- & tr/t61
2A".ay- Eo/r Grace.1
2Goo$. Say no more o, thi.1
27he A/een i .ie. 7hee .a"" have ear.1
2So they $o.1 At night Cerei ometime hear$ o,t o/n$- even in her o.n apartment. *ice
in the walls, he .o/"$ te"" here",- no more than that+
A can$"e .a b/rning by her be$i$e- b/t the hearth,ire ha$ gone o/t an$ there .a no other
"ight. 7he room .a co"$ a .e"". Cerei /n$ree$ an$ "ippe$ beneath the b"anket- "eaving her
go.n to p/$$"e on the ,"oor. Acro the be$- 7aena tirre$. 2Eo/r Grace-1 he m/rm/re$ o,t"y.
23hat ho/r i it61
27he ho/r o, the o."-1 the A/een rep"ie$.
7ho/gh Cerei o,ten "ept a"one- he ha$ never "ike$ it. #er o"$et memorie .ere o, haring
a be$ .ith !aime- .hen they ha$ ti"" been o yo/ng that no one co/"$ te"" the t.o o, them apart.
?ater- a,ter they .ere eparate$- he4$ ha$ a tring o, be$mai$ an$ companion- mot o, them
gir" o, an age .ith her- the $a/ghter o, her ,ather4 ho/eho"$ knight an$ bannermen. None
ha$ p"eae$ her- an$ ,e. "ate$ very "ong. "ittle sneaks, the lot of them+ .apid, weep! creatures,
alwa!s telling tales and tr!ing to worm their wa! between me and -aime+ Sti""- there ha$ been
night $eep .ithin the b"ack bo.e" o, the Rock .hen he ha$ .e"come$ their .armth bei$e
her. An empty be$ .a a co"$ be$.
#ere mot o, a"". 7here .ere chi"" in thi room- an$ her .retche$ roya" h/ban$ ha$ $ie$
beneath thi canopy. )obert Baratheon, the First of 7is 2ame, ma! there neer be a second+ A
dim, drunken brute of a man+ "et him weep in hell+ 7aena .arme$ the be$ a .e"" a Robert ever
ha$- an$ never trie$ to ,orce Cerei4 "eg apart. H, "ate he ha$ hare$ the A/een4 be$ more
o,ten than ?or$ Merry.eather4. Hrton $i$ not eem to min$8 or i, he $i$- he kne. better than
to ay o.
2& .a concerne$ .hen & .oke an$ ,o/n$ yo/ gone-1 m/rm/re$ ?a$y Merry.eather- itting
/p againt the pi""o.- the cover"et tang"e$ abo/t her .ait. 2& a/ght ami61
2No-1 ai$ Cerei- 2a"" i .e"". Hn the morro. Ser ?ora .i"" ai" ,or 5ragontone- to .in the
cat"e- "ooe the Re$.yne ,"eet- an$ prove hi manhoo$ to / a"".1 She to"$ the Myrih .oman a""
that ha$ occ/rre$ beneath the hi,ting ha$o. o, the &ron 7hrone. 23itho/t her va"iant brother-
o/r "itt"e A/een i ne:t to nake$. She ha her g/ar$- to be /re- b/t & have their captain here an$
there abo/t the cat"e. A garr/"o/ o"$ man .ith a A/irre" on hi /rcoat. SA/irre" r/n ,rom
"ion. #e $oe not have it in him to $e,y the &ron 7hrone.1
2Margaery ha other .or$ abo/t her-1 ca/tione$ ?a$y Merry.eather. 2She ha ma$e many
,rien$ abo/t the co/rt- an$ he an$ her yo/ng co/in a"" have a$mirer.1
2A ,e. /itor $o not concern me-1 Cerei ai$. 27he army at Storm4 Cn$- ho.ever81
23hat $o yo/ mean to $o- Eo/r Grace61
23hy $o yo/ ak61 7he A/etion .a a "itt"e too pointe$ ,or Cerei4 tate. 2& $o hope yo/ are
not thinking o, haring my i$"e m/ing .ith o/r poor "itt"e A/een61
2Never. & am not that gir" Sene""e.1
Cerei $i$ not care to think abo/t Sene""e. She repaid m! kindness with betra!al+ Sana Stark
ha$ $one the ame. So ha$ Me"ara #etherpoon an$ ,at !eyne +arman .hen the three o, them
.ere gir". I would neer hae gone into that tent if not for them+ I would neer hae allowed
*agg! the Frog to taste m! morrows in a drop of blood+ 2& .o/"$ be very a$ i, yo/ ever
betraye$ my tr/t- 7aena. & .o/"$ have no choice b/t to give yo/ to ?or$ Dyb/rn- b/t & kno.
that & ho/"$ .eep.1
2& .i"" never give yo/ ca/e to .eep- Eo/r Grace. &, & $o- ay the .or$- an$ & .i"" give mye",
to Dyb/rn. & .ant on"y to be c"oe to yo/. 7o erve yo/- ho.ever yo/ reA/ire.1
2An$ ,or thi ervice- .hat re.ar$ .i"" yo/ e:pect61
2Nothing. &t p"eae me to p"eae yo/.1 7aena ro""e$ onto her i$e- her o"ive kin hining in
the can$"e"ight. #er breat .ere "arger than the A/een4 an$ tippe$ .ith h/ge nipp"e- b"ack a
horn. She is !ounger than I am+ 7er breasts hae not begun to sag+ Cerei .on$ere$ .hat it
.o/"$ ,ee" "ike to ki another .oman. Not "ight"y on the cheek- a .a common co/rtey
amongt "a$ie o, high birth- b/t ,/"" /pon the "ip. 7aena4 "ip .ere very ,/"". She .on$ere$
.hat it .o/"$ ,ee" "ike to /ck"e on thoe breat- to "ay the Myrih .oman on her back an$ p/h
her "eg apart an$ /e her a a man .o/"$ /e her- the .ay Robert .o/"$ /e her .hen the $rink
.a in him- an$ he .a /nab"e to bring him o,, .ith han$ or mo/th.
7hoe ha$ been the .ort night- "ying he"p"e /n$erneath him a he took hi p"ea/re-
tinking o, .ine an$ gr/nting "ike a boar. F/a""y he ro""e$ o,, an$ .ent to "eep a oon a it
.a $one- an$ .a noring be,ore hi ee$ co/"$ $ry /pon her thigh. She .a a".ay ore
a,ter.ar$- ra. bet.een the "eg- her breat pain,/" ,rom the ma/"ing he .o/"$ give them. 7he
on"y time he4$ ever ma$e her .et .a on their .e$$ing night.
Robert ha$ been han$ome eno/gh .hen they ,irt marrie$- ta"" an$ trong an$ po.er,/"- b/t
hi hair .a b"ack an$ heavy- thick on hi chet an$ coare aro/n$ hi e:. #he wrong man came
back from the #rident, the A/een .o/"$ ometime think a he .a p"o.ing her. &n the ,irt ,e.
year- .hen he mo/nte$ her more o,ten- he .o/"$ c"oe her eye an$ preten$ that he .a
Rhaegar. She co/"$ not preten$ that he .a !aimeI he .a too $i,,erent- too /n,ami"iar. Cven the
smell o, him .a .rong.
+or Robert- thoe night never happene$. Come morning he remembere$ nothing- or o he
.o/"$ have ha$ her be"ieve. Hnce- $/ring the ,irt year o, their marriage- Cerei ha$ voice$ her
$ip"ea/re the ne:t $ay. 2Eo/ h/rt me-1 he comp"aine$. #e ha$ the grace to "ook ahame$. 2&t
.a not me- my "a$y-1 he ai$ in a /"ky /""en tone- "ike a chi"$ ca/ght tea"ing app"e cake
,rom the kitchen. 2&t .a the .ine. & $rink too m/ch .ine.1 7o .ah $o.n hi a$miion- he
reache$ ,or hi horn o, a"e. A he raie$ it to hi mo/th- he mahe$ her o.n horn in hi ,ace- o
har$ he chippe$ a tooth. Eear "ater at a ,eat- he hear$ him te""ing a erving .ench ho. he4$
cracke$ the tooth in a mN"Oe. Well, our marriage was a m@lAe, he re,"ecte$- so he did not lie+
7he ret ha$ a"" been "ie- tho/gh. #e did remember .hat he $i$ to her at night- he .a
convince$ o, that. She co/"$ ee it in hi eye. #e on"y preten$e$ to ,orgetI it .a eaier to $o
that than to ,ace hi hame. 5eep $o.n Robert Baratheon .a a co.ar$. &n time the aa/"t $i$
gro. "e ,reA/ent. 5/ring the ,irt year he took her at "eat once a ,ortnightI by the en$ it .a
not even once a year. #e never toppe$ comp"ete"y- tho/gh. Sooner or "ater there .o/"$ a".ay
come a night .hen he .o/"$ $rink too m/ch an$ .ant to c"aim hi right. 3hat hame$ him in
the "ight o, $ay gave him p"ea/re in the $arkne.
2My A/een61 ai$ 7aena Merry.eather. 2Eo/ have a trange "ook in yo/r eye. Are yo/
/n.e""61
2& .a =/t8 remembering.1 #er throat .a $ry. 2Eo/ are a goo$ ,rien$- 7aena. & have not
ha$ a tr/e ,rien$ in81
Someone hammere$ at the $oor.
Again6 7he /rgency o, the o/n$ ma$e her hiver. 7ae another thousand ships descended
on us6 She "ippe$ into a be$robe an$ .ent to ee .ho it .a. 2Beg par$on ,or $it/rbing yo/-
Eo/r Grace-1 the g/ar$man ai$- 2b/t ?a$y Stoke.orth i be"o.- begging a/$ience.1
2At thi ho/r61 nappe$ Cerei. 2#a +a"ye "ot her .it6 7e"" her & have retire$. 7e"" her that
ma"",o"k on the Shie"$ are being "a/ghtere$. 7e"" her that & have been a.ake ,or ha", the night.
& .i"" ee her on the morro..1
7he g/ar$ heitate$. 2&, it p"eae Eo/r Grace- he48 he4 not in a goo$ .ay- i, yo/ take my
meaning.1
Cerei ,ro.ne$. She ha$ a/me$ +a"ye .a here to te"" her that Bronn .a $ea$. 2%ery
.e"". & ha"" nee$ to $re. 7ake her to my o"ar an$ have her .ait.1 3hen ?a$y Merry.eather
ma$e to rie an$ come .ith her- the A/een $em/rre$. 2No- tay. Hne o, / ho/"$ get ome ret-
at "eat. & han4t be "ong.1
?a$y +a"ye4 ,ace .a br/ie$ an$ .o""en- her eye re$ ,rom her tear. #er "o.er "ip .a
broken- her c"othing oi"e$ an$ torn. 2Go$ be goo$-1 Cerei ai$ a he /here$ her into the
o"ar an$ c"oe$ the $oor. 23hat ha happene$ to yo/r ,ace61
+a"ye $i$ not eem to hear the A/etion. 2#e killed him-1 he ai$ in a A/avery voice.
2Mother have mercy- he8 he81 She broke $o.n obbing- her .ho"e bo$y tremb"ing.
Cerei po/re$ a c/p o, .ine an$ took it to the .eeping .oman. 25rink thi. 7he .ine .i""
ca"m yo/. 7hat4 it. A "itt"e more no.. Stop that .eeping an$ te"" me .hy yo/4re here.1
&t took the ret o, the ,"agon be,ore the A/een .a ,ina""y ab"e to coa: the .ho"e a$ ta"e o/t
o, ?a$y +a"ye. Hnce he ha$- he $i$ not kno. .hether to "a/gh or rage. 2Sing"e combat-1 he
repeate$. Is there no one in the Seen ,ingdoms that I can rel! upon6 Am I the onl! one in
Westeros with a pinch of wits6 2Eo/ are te""ing me Ser Ba"man cha""enge$ Bronn to single
combat61
2#e ai$ it .o/"$ be ((imp"e. 7he "ance i a kn(knight4 .eapon- he ai$- an$ B(Bronn .a
no tr/e knight. Ba"man ai$ he .o/"$ /nhore him an$ ,inih him a he "ay t(t(t/nne$.1
Bronn .a no knight- that .a tr/e. Bronn .a a batt"e(har$ene$ ki""er. &our cretin of a
husband wrote his own death warrant+ 2A p"en$i$ p"an. 5are & ak ho. it .ent a.ry61
2B(Bronn $rove hi "ance thro/gh the chet o, Ba"man4 poor h(h(h(horse+ Ba"man- he8 hi
"eg .ere cr/he$ .hen the beat ,e"". #e creame$ o piteo/"y81
Sellswords hae no pit!, Cerei might have ai$. 2& ake$ yo/ to arrange a h/nting mihap. An
arro. gone atray- a ,a"" ,rom a hore- an angry boar8 there are o many .ay a man can $ie in
the .oo$. None o, them invo"ving lances+1
+a"ye $i$ not eem to hear her. 23hen & trie$ to r/n to my Ba"man- he- he- he struck me in
the ,ace. #e ma$e my "or$ c(c(con,e. Ba"man .a crying o/t ,or Maeter +renken to atten$
him- b/t the e"".or$- he- he- he81
2Con,e61 Cerei $i$ not "ike that .or$. 2& tr/t o/r brave Ser Ba"man he"$ hi tong/e.1
2Bronn p/t a $agger in hi e!e, an$ to"$ me & ha$ bet be gone ,rom Stoke.orth be,ore the
/n .ent $o.n or &4$ get the ame. #e ai$ he4$ pa me aro/n$ to the g(g(garrion- i, any o,
them .o/"$ have me. 3hen & or$ere$ Bronn eiGe$- one o, hi knight ha$ the ino"ence to ay
that & ho/"$ $o a ?or$ Stoke.orth ai$. #e ca""e$ him "ord Stokeworth;1 ?a$y +a"ye c"/tche$
at the A/een4 han$. 2Eo/r Grace m/t give me knight. A h/n$re$ knight0 An$ crobo.men-
to take my cat"e back. Stoke.orth i mine0 7hey .o/"$ not even permit me to gather /p my
clothes; Bronn ai$ they .ere hi .i,e4 c"othe no.- a"" my (i"k an$ ve"vet.1
&our rags are the least of !our concern+ 7he A/een p/""e$ her ,inger ,ree o, the other
.oman4 c"ammy grap. 2& ake$ yo/ to n/,, o/t a can$"e to he"p protect the king. &ntea$ yo/
heave$ a pot o, .i"$,ire at it. 5i$ yo/r .it"e Ba"man bring my name into thi6 7e"" me he $i$
not.1
+a"ye "icke$ her "ip. 2#e8 he .a in pain- hi "eg .ere broken. Bronn ai$ he .o/"$ ho.
him mercy- b/t8 3hat .i"" happen to my poor m(m(mother61
I imagine she will die+ 23hat $o yo/ think61 ?a$y 7an$a might .e"" be $ea$ a"rea$y. Bronn
$i$ not eem the ort o, man .ho .o/"$ e:pen$ m/ch e,,ort n/ring an o"$ .oman .ith a
broken hip.
2Eo/ have to he"p me. 3here am & to go6 3hat .i"" & $o61
$erhaps !ou might wed *oon Bo!, Cerei a"mot ai$. 7e is nigh as big a fool as !our late
husband+ She co/"$ not rik a .ar on the very $oortep o, >ing4 ?an$ing- not no.. 27he i"ent
iter are a".ay g"a$ to .e"come .i$o.-1 he ai$. 27heir i a erene "i,e- a "i,e o, prayer an$
contemp"ation an$ goo$ .ork. 7hey bring o"ace to the "iving an$ peace to the $ea$.1 And the!
do not talk+ She co/"$ not have the .oman r/nning abo/t the Seven >ing$om prea$ing
$angero/ ta"e.
+a"ye .a $ea, to goo$ ene. 2A"" .e $i$- .e $i$ in ervice to Eo/r Grace. $roud to Be
Faithful+ Eo/ ai$81
2& reca"".1 Cerei ,orce$ a mi"e. 2Eo/ ha"" tay here .ith /- my "a$y- /nti" /ch time a .e
,in$ a .ay to .in yo/r cat"e back. ?et me po/r yo/ another c/p o, .ine. &t .i"" he"p yo/ "eep.
Eo/ are .eary an$ ick o, heart- that4 p"ain to ee. My poor $ear +a"ye. 7hat4 it- $rink /p.1
A her g/et .a .orking on the ,"agon- Cerei .ent to the $oor an$ ca""e$ her mai$. She
to"$ 5orca to ,in$ ?or$ Dyb/rn ,or her an$ bring him here at once. !oce"yn S.y,t he
$ipatche$ to the kitchen. 2Bring brea$ an$ cheee- a meat pie an$ ome app"e. An$ .ine. 3e
have a thirt.1
Dyb/rn arrive$ be,ore the ,oo$. ?a$y +a"ye ha$ p/t $o.n three more c/p by then- an$ .a
beginning to no$- tho/gh ,rom time to time he .o/"$ ro/e an$ give another ob. 7he A/een
took Dyb/rn ai$e an$ to"$ him o, Ser Ba"man4 ,o""y. 2& cannot have +a"ye prea$ing ta"e
abo/t the city. #er grie, ha ma$e her .it"e. 5o yo/ ti"" nee$ .omen ,or yo/r8 .ork61
2& $o- Eo/r Grace. 7he p/ppeteer are A/ite /e$ /p.1
27ake her an$ $o .ith her a yo/ .i""- then. B/t once he goe $o.n into the b"ack ce""8
nee$ & ay more61
2No- Eo/r Grace. & /n$ertan$.1
2Goo$.1 7he A/een $onne$ her mi"e once again. 2S.eet +a"ye- Maeter Dyb/rn4 here.
#e4"" he"p yo/ ret.1
2Hh-1 ai$ +a"ye vag/e"y. 2Hh- goo$.1
3hen the $oor c"oe$ behin$ them Cerei po/re$ here", another c/p o, .ine. 2& am
/rro/n$e$ by enemie an$ imbeci"e-1 he ai$. She co/"$ not even tr/t to her o.n b"oo$ an$
kin- nor !aime- .ho ha$ once been her other ha",. 7e was meant to be m! sword and shield, m!
strong right arm+ Wh! does he insist on e8ing me6
Bronn .a no more than an annoyance- to be /re. She ha$ never tr/"y be"ieve$ that he .a
harboring the &mp. #er t.ite$ "itt"e brother .a too c"ever to a""o. ?o""y to name her .retche$
i""(begotten batar$ a,ter him- kno.ing it .a /re to $ra. the A/een4 .roth $o.n /pon her.
?a$y Merry.eather ha$ pointe$ that o/t- an$ he .a right. 7he mockery .a a"mot certain"y
the e"".or$4 $oing. She co/"$ pict/re him .atching hi .rink"e$ re$ tepon /cking on one
o, ?o""y4 .o""en $/g- a c/p o, .ine in hi han$ an$ an ino"ent mi"e on hi ,ace. 1rin all
!ou wish, Ser Bronn, !ou/ll be screaming soon enough+ 0n9o! !our lackwit lad! and !our stolen
castle whilst !ou can+ When the time comes, I shall swat !ou as if !ou were a fl!+ 9erhap he
.o/"$ en$ ?ora 7yre"" to $o the .atting- i, the >night o, +"o.er ho/"$ omeho. ret/rn
a"ive ,rom 5ragontone. #hat would be delicious+ If the gods were good, each of them would kill
the other, like Ser Arr!k and Ser 0rr!k+ A ,or Stoke.orth8 no- he .a ick o, thinking abo/t
Stoke.orth.
7aena ha$ $ri,te$ back to "eep by the time the A/een ret/rne$ to the be$chamber- her hea$
pinning. #oo much wine and too little sleep, he to"$ here",. &t .a not every night that he .a
a.akene$ t.ice .ith /ch $eperate ti$ing. At least I could awaken+ )obert would hae been
too drunk to rise, let alone rule+ It would hae fallen to -on Arr!n to deal with all of this+ &t
p"eae$ her to think that he ma$e a better king than Robert.
7he ky o/ti$e the .in$o. .a a"rea$y beginning to "ighten. Cerei at on the be$ bei$e
?a$y Merry.eather- "itening to her o,t breathing- .atching her breat rie an$ ,a"". Does she
dream of *!r6 he .on$ere$. Or is it her loer with the scar, the dangerous dark(haired man
who would not be refused6 She .a A/ite certain 7aena .a not $reaming o, ?or$ Hrton.
Cerei c/ppe$ the other .oman4 breat. So,t"y at ,irt- har$"y to/ching- ,ee"ing the .armth o,
it beneath her pa"m- the kin a mooth a atin. She gave it a gent"e A/eeGe- then ran her
th/mbnai" "ight"y acro the big $ark nipp"e- back an$ ,orth an$ back an$ ,orth /nti" he ,e"t it
ti,,en. 3hen he g"ance$ /p- 7aena4 eye .ere open. 25oe that ,ee" goo$61 he ake$.
2Ee-1 ai$ ?a$y Merry.eather.
2An$ thi61 Cerei pinche$ the nipp"e no.- p/""ing on it har$- t.iting it bet.een her ,inger.
7he Myrih .oman gave a gap o, pain. 2Eo/4re h/rting me.1
2&t4 =/t the .ine. & ha$ a ,"agon .ith my /pper- an$ another .ith the .i$o. Stoke.orth. &
ha$ to $rink to keep her ca"m.1 She t.ite$ 7aena4 other nipp"e too- p/""ing /nti" the other
.oman gape$. 2& am the A/een. & mean to c"aim my right.1
25o .hat yo/ .i"".1 7aena4 hair .a a b"ack a Robert4- even $o.n bet.een her "eg- an$
.hen Cerei to/che$ her there he ,o/n$ her hair a"" opping .et- .here Robert4 ha$ been
coare an$ $ry. 29"eae-1 the Myrih .oman ai$- 2go on- my A/een. 5o a yo/ .i"" .ith me.
&4m yo/r.1
B/t it .a no goo$. She co/"$ not ,ee" it- .hatever Robert ,e"t on the night he took her.
7here .a no p"ea/re in it- not ,or her. +or 7aena- ye. #er nipp"e .ere t.o b"ack $iamon$-
her e: "ick an$ teamy. )obert would hae loed !ou, for an hour+ 7he A/een "i$ a ,inger into
that Myrih .amp- then another- moving them in an$ o/t- but once he spent himself inside !ou,
he would hae been hard(pressed to recall !our name+
She .ante$ to ee i, it .o/"$ be a eay .ith a .oman a it ha$ a".ay been .ith Robert. #en
thousand of !our children perished in m! palm, &our 1race, he tho/ght- "ipping a thir$ ,inger
into Myr. Whilst !ou snored, I would lick !our sons off m! face and fingers one b! one, all those
pale stick! princes+ &ou claimed !our rights, m! lord, but in the darkness I would eat !our heirs+
7aena gave a h/$$er. She gape$ ome .or$ in a ,oreign tong/e- then h/$$ere$ again an$
arche$ her back an$ creame$. She sounds as if she is being gored, the A/een tho/ght. +or a
moment he "et here", imagine that her ,inger .ere a bore4 t/k- ripping the Myrih .oman
apart ,rom groin to throat.
&t .a ti"" no goo$.
&t ha$ never been any goo$ .ith anyone b/t !aime.
3hen he trie$ to take her han$ a.ay- 7aena ca/ght it an$ kie$ her ,inger. 2S.eet A/een-
ho. ha"" & p"ea/re yo/61 She "i$ her han$ $o.n Cerei4 i$e an$ to/che$ her e:. 27e"" me
.hat yo/ .o/"$ have o, me- my "ove.1
2?eave me.1 Cerei ro""e$ a.ay an$ p/""e$ /p the be$c"othe to cover here",- hivering.
5a.n .a breaking. &t .o/"$ be morning oon- an$ a"" o, thi .o/"$ be ,orgotten.
&t ha$ never happene$.
0ON
3hen he hear$ the or$er- Ser A""ier4 mo/th t.ite$ into a emb"ance o, a mi"e- b/t hi eye
remaine$ a co"$ an$ har$ a ,"int. 2So the batar$ boy en$ me o/t to $ie.1
2Die,1 crie$ Mormont4 raven. 2Die, die, die+1
&ou are not helping+ !on .atte$ the bir$ a.ay. 27he batar$ boy i en$ing yo/ o/t to range.
7o ,in$ o/r ,oe an$ ki"" them i, nee$ be. Eo/ are ki""e$ .ith a b"a$e. Eo/ .ere mater(at(arm-
here an$ at Cat.atch.1
7horne to/che$ the hi"t o, hi "ong.or$. 2Aye. & have A/an$ere$ a thir$ o, my "i,e trying to
teach the r/$iment o, .or$p"ay to ch/r"- m/ttonhea$- an$ knave. Sma"" goo$ that .i"" $o me
in thoe .oo$.1
25y.en .i"" be .ith yo/- an$ another eaone$ ranger.1
23e4"" "earn yo/ .hat yo/ nee$ t4 kno.- er-1 5y.en to"$ 7horne- cack"ing. 27each yo/ ho.
t4 .ipe yo/r highborn are .ith "eave- =/t "ike a proper ranger.1
>e$ge 3hiteye "a/ghe$ at that- an$ B"ack !ack B/".er pat. Ser A""ier on"y ai$- 2Eo/
.o/"$ "ike me to re,/e. 7hen yo/ co/"$ hack o,, my hea$- ame a yo/ $i$ ,or S"ynt. &4"" not
give yo/ that p"ea/re- batar$. Eo/4$ bet pray that it4 a .i"$"ing b"a$e that ki"" me- tho/gh.
7he one the Hther ki"" $on4t tay $ea$8 an$ they remember+ &4m coming back- ?or$ Sno..1
2& pray yo/ $o.1 !on .o/"$ never co/nt Ser A""ier 7horne amongt hi ,rien$- b/t he .a
ti"" a brother. 2o one eer said !ou had to like !our brothers+
&t .a no eay thing to en$ men into the .i"$- kno.ing that the chance .ere goo$ that they
might never ret/rn. #he! are all seasoned men, !on to"$ hime",8 b/t hi /nc"e Ben=en an$ hi
ranger ha$ been eaone$ men a .e""- an$ the ha/nte$ ,oret ha$ .a""o.e$ them /p .itho/t a
trace. 3hen t.o o, them ,ina""y came tragg"ing back to the 3a""- it ha$ been a .ight. Not ,or
the ,irt time- or the "at- !on Sno. ,o/n$ hime", .on$ering .hat ha$ become o, Ben=en Stark.
$erhaps the rangers will come upon some sign of them, he to"$ hime",- never tr/"y be"ieving it.
5y.en .o/"$ "ea$ one ranging- B"ack !ack B/".er an$ >e$ge 3hiteye the other t.o. 7hey
at "eat .ere eager ,or the $/ty. 2+ee" goo$ to have a hore /n$er me again-1 5y.en ai$ at the
gate- /cking on hi .oo$en teeth. 2Begging yo/r par$on- m4"or$- b/t .e .ere a"" o4 / getting
p"inter /p o/r are ,rom itting abo/t.1 No man in Cat"e B"ack kne. the .oo$ a .e"" a
5y.en $i$- the tree an$ tream- the p"ant that co/"$ be eaten- the .ay o, pre$ator an$ prey.
#horne is in better hands than he deseres+
!on .atche$ the ri$er go ,rom atop the 3a""@three partie- each o, three men- each carrying
a pair o, raven. +rom on high their garron "ooke$ no "arger than ant- an$ !on co/"$ not te"" one
ranger ,rom another. #e kne. them- tho/gh. Cvery name .a graven on hi heart. 0ight good
men, he tho/ght- and one= well, we shall see+
3hen the "at o, the ri$er ha$ $iappeare$ into the tree- !on Sno. ro$e the .inch cage
$o.n .ith 5o"oro/ C$$. A ,e. cattere$ no.,"ake .ere ,a""ing a they ma$e their "o.
$ecent- $ancing on the g/ty .in$. Hne ,o""o.e$ the cage $o.n- $ri,ting =/t beyon$ the bar. &t
.a ,a""ing ,ater than they .ere $ecen$ing an$ ,rom time to time .o/"$ vanih beneath them.
7hen a g/t o, .in$ .o/"$ catch it an$ p/h it /p.ar$ once again. !on co/"$ have reache$
thro/gh the bar an$ ca/ght it i, he ha$ .ihe$.
2& ha$ a ,rightening $ream "at night- m4"or$-1 5o"oro/ C$$ con,ee$. 2Eo/ .ere my
te.ar$- ,etching my ,oo$ an$ c"eaning /p my "eaving. & .a "or$ comman$er- .ith never a
moment4 peace.1
!on $i$ not mi"e. 2Eo/r nightmare- my "i,e.1
Cotter 9yke4 ga""ey .ere reporting ever(increaing n/mber o, ,ree ,o"k a"ong the .oo$e$
hore to the north an$ eat o, the 3a"". Camp ha$ been een- ha",(b/i"t ra,t- even the h/"" o, a
broken cog that omeone ha$ beg/n repairing. 7he .i"$"ing a".ay vanihe$ into the .oo$
.hen een- no $o/bt to reemerge a oon a 9yke4 hip ha$ pae$. Mean.hi"e- Ser 5eny
Ma""iter .a ti"" eeing ,ire in the night north o, the Gorge. Both comman$er .ere aking ,or
more men.
And where am I to get more men6 !on ha$ ent ten o, the Mo"e4 7o.n .i"$"ing to each o,
them' green boy- o"$ men- ome .o/n$e$ an$ in,irm- b/t a"" capab"e o, $oing .ork o, one ort
or another. +ar ,rom being p"eae$- 9yke an$ Ma""iter ha$ both .ritten back to comp"ain.
23hen & ake$ ,or men- & ha$ in min$ men o, the Night4 3atch- traine$ an$ $icip"ine$- .hoe
"oya"ty & ho/"$ never have reaon to $o/bt-1 .rote Ser 5eny. Cotter 9yke .a b"/nter. 2& co/"$
hang them ,rom the 3a"" a a .arning to other .i"$"ing to tay a.ay- b/t & $on4t ee any other
/e ,or them-1 Maeter #arm/ne .rote ,or him. 2& .o/"$n4t tr/t /ch to c"ean my chamber pot-
an$ ten is not enough+1
7he iron cage move$ $o.n.ar$ at the en$ o, it "ong chain- creaking an$ ratt"ing- /nti" it
,ina""y =erke$ to a ha"t a ,oot above the gro/n$ at the bae o, the 3a"". 5o"oro/ C$$ p/he$
open the $oor an$ hoppe$ $o.n- hi boot breaking the cr/t o, the "at no.. !on ,o""o.e$.
H/ti$e the armory- &ron Cmmett .a ti"" /rging on hi charge in the yar$. 7he ong o, tee"
on tee" .oke a h/nger in !on. &t remin$e$ him o, .armer- imp"er $ay- .hen he ha$ been a boy
at 3inter,e"" matching b"a$e .ith Robb /n$er the .atch,/" eye o, Ser Ro$rik Cae". Ser
Ro$rik too ha$ ,a""en- "ain by 7heon 7/rnc"oak an$ hi ironmen a he4$ trie$ to retake
3inter,e"". 7he great trongho"$ o, #o/e Stark .a a corche$ $eo"ation. All m! memories are
poisoned+
3hen &ron Cmmett pie$ him- he raie$ a han$ an$ combat ceae$. 2?or$ Comman$er. #o.
may .e erve yo/61
23ith yo/r three bet.1
Cmmett grinne$. 2Arron. Cmrick. !ace.1
#ore an$ #op(Robin ,etche$ pa$$ing ,or the "or$ comman$er- a"ong .ith a ringmai" ha/berk
to go over it- an$ greave- gorget- an$ ha",he"m. A b"ack hie"$ rimme$ .ith iron ,or hi "e,t arm-
a b"/nte$ "ong.or$ ,or hi right han$. 7he .or$ g"eame$ i"very grey in the $a.n "ight- a"mot
ne.. One of the last to come from Donal/s forge+ A pit! he did not lie long enough to put an
edge on it+ 7he b"a$e .a horter than ?ongc"a. b/t ma$e o, common tee"- .hich ma$e it
heavier. #i b"o. .o/"$ be a "itt"e "o.er. 2&t .i"" erve.1 !on t/rne$ to ,ace hi ,oe. 2Come.1
23hich one $o yo/ .ant ,irt61 ake$ Arron. 2A"" three o, yo/. At once.1
27hree on one61 !ace .a incre$/"o/. 27hat .o/"$n4t be ,air.1 #e .a one o, Con.y4 "atet
b/nch- a cobb"er4 on ,rom +air &"e. Maybe that e:p"aine$ it.
27r/e. Come here.1
3hen he $i$- !on4 b"a$e "amme$ him a"ongi$e hi hea$- knocking him o,, hi ,eet. &n the
b"ink o, an eye the boy ha$ a boot on hi chet an$ a .or$point at hi throat. 23ar i never
,air-1 !on to"$ him. 2&t4 t.o on one no.- an$ yo/4re $ea$.1
3hen he hear$ grave" cr/nch- he kne. the t.in .ere coming. #hose two will make rangers
!et+ #e p/n- b"ocking Arron4 c/t .ith the e$ge o, hi hie"$ an$ meeting Cmrick4 .ith hi
.or$. 27hoe aren4t pear-1 he ho/te$. 2Get in c"oe.1 #e .ent to the attack to ho. them
ho. it .a $one. Cmrick ,irt. #e "ahe$ at hi hea$ an$ ho/"$er- right an$ "e,t an$ right
again. 7he boy got hi hie"$ /p an$ trie$ a c"/my co/nterc/t. !on "amme$ hi o.n hie"$ into
Cmrick4- an$ bro/ght him $o.n .ith a b"o. to the "o.er "eg8 none too oon- beca/e Arron
.a on him- .ith a cr/nching c/t to the back o, hi thigh that ent him to one knee. #hat will
leae a bruise+ #e ca/ght the ne:t c/t on hi hie"$- then "/rche$ back to hi ,eet an$ $rove
Arron acro the yar$. 7e/s 3uick, he tho/ght- a the "ong.or$ kie$ once an$ t.ice an$
thrice- but he needs to get stronger+ 3hen he a. re"ie, in Arron4 eye- he kne. Cmrick .a
behin$ him. #e came aro/n$ an$ $ea"t him a c/t to the back o, the ho/"$er that ent him
crahing into hi brother. By that time !ace ha$ ,o/n$ hi ,eet- o !on p/t him $o.n again. 2&
hate it .hen $ea$ men get /p. Eo/4"" ,ee" the ame the $ay yo/ meet a .ight.1 Stepping back- he
"o.ere$ hi .or$.
27he big cro. can peck the "itt"e cro.-1 gro."e$ a voice behin$ him- 2b/t ha he be""y
eno/gh to ,ight a man61
Ratt"ehirt .a "eaning againt a .a"". A coare t/bb"e covere$ hi /nken cheek- an$ thin
bro.n hair .a b"o.ing acro hi "itt"e ye""o. eye.
2Eo/ ,"atter yo/re",-1 !on ai$.
2Aye- b/t &4$ ,"atten yo/.1
2Stanni b/rne$ the .rong man.1
2No.1 7he .i"$"ing grinne$ at him thro/gh a mo/th o, bro.n an$ broken teeth. 2#e b/rne$
the man he ha$ to b/rn- ,or a"" the .or"$ to ee. 3e a"" $o .hat .e have to $o- Sno.. Cven
king.1
2Cmmett- ,in$ ome armor ,or him. & .ant him in tee"- not o"$ bone.1 Hnce c"a$ in mai" an$
p"ate- the ?or$ o, Bone eeme$ to tan$ a "itt"e traighter. #e eeme$ ta""er too- hi ho/"$er
thicker an$ more po.er,/" than !on .o/"$ have tho/ght. It/s the armor, not the man, he to"$
hime",. 0en Sam could appear almost formidable, clad head to heel in Donal 2o!e/s steel+ 7he
.i"$"ing .ave$ a.ay the hie"$ #ore o,,ere$ him. &ntea$ he ake$ ,or a t.o(han$e$ .or$.
27here4 a .eet o/n$-1 he ai$- "ahing at the air. 2+"ap c"oer- Sno.. & mean to make yo/r
,eather ,"y.1
!on r/he$ him har$.
Ratt"ehirt took a tep back.ar$ an$ met the charge .ith a t.o(han$e$ "ah. &, !on ha$ not
interpoe$ hi hie"$- it might have tave$ hi breat(p"ate in an$ broken ha", hi rib. 7he ,orce
o, the b"o. taggere$ him ,or a moment an$ ent a o"i$ =o"t /p hi arm. 7e hits harder than I
would hae thought+ #i A/ickne .a another /np"eaant /rprie. 7hey circ"e$ ro/n$ each
other- tra$ing b"o. ,or b"o.. 7he ?or$ o, Bone gave a goo$ a he .a getting. By right the
t.o(han$e$ great.or$ ho/"$ have been a $ea" more c/mberome than !on4 "ong.or$- b/t the
.i"$"ing .ie"$e$ it .ith b"in$ing pee$.
&ron Cmmett4 ,"e$g"ing cheere$ their "or$ comman$er at the tart- b/t the re"ent"e pee$ o,
Ratt"ehirt4 attack oon beat them $o.n to i"ence. 7e cannot keep this up for long, !on to"$
hime", a he toppe$ another b"o.. 7he impact ma$e him gr/nt. Cven $/""e$- the great.or$
cracke$ hi pine.oo$ hie"$ an$ bent the iron rim. 7e will tire soon+ 7e must+ !on "ahe$ at the
.i"$"ing4 ,ace- an$ Ratt"ehirt p/""e$ back hi hea$. #e hacke$ $o.n at Ratt"ehirt4 ca",- on"y
to have him $e,t"y "eap the b"a$e. 7he great.or$ crahe$ $o.n onto !on4 ho/"$er- har$
eno/gh to $ing hi po/"$ron an$ n/mb the arm beneath. !on backe$ a.ay. 7he ?or$ o, Bone
came a,ter- chort"ing. 7e has no shield, !on remin$e$ hime",- and that monster sword/s too
cumbersome for parries+ I should be landing two blows for eer! one of his+
Someho. he .an4t- tho/gh- an$ the b"o. he $i$ "an$ .ere having no e,,ect. 7he .i"$"ing
a".ay eeme$ to be moving a.ay or "i$ing i$e.ay- o !on4 "ong.or$ g"ance$ o,, a
ho/"$er or an arm. Be,ore "ong he ,o/n$ hime", giving more gro/n$- trying to avoi$ the other4
crahing c/t an$ ,ai"ing ha", the time. #i hie"$ ha$ been re$/ce$ to kin$"ing. #e hook it o,,
hi arm. S.eat .a r/nning $o.n hi ,ace an$ tinging hi eye beneath hi he"m. 7e is too
strong and too 3uick, he rea"iGe$- and with that greatsword he has weight and reach on me+ &t
.o/"$ have been a $i,,erent ,ight i, !on ha$ been arme$ .ith ?ongc"a.- b/t8
#i chance came on Ratt"ehirt4 ne:t back.ing. !on thre. hime", ,or.ar$- b/""ing into the
other man- an$ they .ent $o.n together- "eg entang"e$. Stee" "amme$ on tee". Both men "ot
their .or$ a they ro""e$ on the har$ gro/n$. 7he .i"$"ing $rove a knee bet.een !on4 "eg.
!on "ahe$ o/t .ith a mai"e$ ,it. Someho. Ratt"ehirt en$e$ /p on top- .ith !on4 hea$ in hi
han$. #e mahe$ it againt the gro/n$- then .renche$ hi vior open. 2&, & ha$ me a $agger-
yo/4$ be "e an eye by no.-1 he nar"e$- be,ore #ore an$ &ron Cmmett $ragge$ him o,, the
"or$ comman$er4 chet. 2?et go o4 me- yo/ b"oo$y cro.-1 he roare$.
!on tr/gg"e$ to one knee. #i hea$ .a ringing- an$ hi mo/th .a ,/"" o, b"oo$. #e pat it
o/t an$ ai$- 23e"" ,o/ght.1
2Eo/ ,"atter yo/re",- cro.. & never broke a .eat.1
2Ne:t time yo/ .i""-1 ai$ !on. 5o"oro/ C$$ he"pe$ him to hi ,eet an$ /nb/ck"e$ hi he"m.
&t ha$ acA/ire$ evera" $eep $ent that ha$ not been there .hen he4$ $onne$ it. 2Re"eae him.1
!on toe$ the he"m to #op(Robin- .ho $roppe$ it.
2My "or$-1 ai$ &ron Cmmett- 2he threatene$ yo/r "i,e- .e a"" hear$. #e ai$ that i, he ha$ a
$agger@1
2#e $oe have a $agger. Right there on hi be"t.1 #here is alwa!s someone 3uicker and
stronger, Ser Ro$rik ha$ once to"$ !on an$ Robb. 7e/s the man !ou want to face in the !ard
before !ou need to face his like upon a battlefield+
2?or$ Sno.61 a o,t voice ai$.
#e t/rne$ to ,in$ C"y$a tan$ing beneath the broken arch.ay- a parchment in hi han$.
2+rom Stanni61 !on ha$ been hoping ,or ome .or$ ,rom the king. 7he Night4 3atch took no
part- he kne.- an$ it ho/"$ not matter to him .hich king emerge$ tri/mphant. Someho. it $i$.
2& it 5eep.oo$61
2No- my "or$.1 C"y$a thr/t the parchment ,or.ar$. &t .a tight"y ro""e$ an$ ea"e$- .ith a
b/tton o, har$ pink .a:. Onl! the Dreadfort uses pink sealing wa8+ !on rippe$ o,, hi ga/nt"et-
took the "etter- cracke$ the ea". 3hen he a. the ignat/re- he ,orgot the battering Ratt"ehirt
ha$ given him.
)amsa! Bolton, "ord of the 7ornwood, it rea$- in a h/ge- piky han$. 7he bro.n ink came
a.ay in ,"ake .hen !on br/he$ it .ith hi th/mb. Beneath Bo"ton4 ignat/re- ?or$ 5/tin-
?a$y Cer.yn- an$ ,o/r Ry.e"" ha$ appen$e$ their o.n mark an$ ea". A cr/$er han$ ha$
$ra.n the giant o, #o/e Fmber. 2Might .e kno. .hat it ay- my "or$61 ake$ &ron Cmmett.
!on a. no reaon not to te"" him. 2Moat Cai"in i taken. 7he ,"aye$ corpe o, the ironmen
have been nai"e$ to pot a"ong the kingroa$. Rooe Bo"ton /mmon a"" "ea" "or$ to
Barro.ton- to a,,irm their "oya"ty to the &ron 7hrone an$ ce"ebrate hi on4 .e$$ing to81 #i
heart eeme$ to top ,or a moment. 2o, that is not possible+ She died in ,ing/s "anding, with
Father+
2?or$ Sno.61 C"y$a peere$ at him c"oe"y .ith hi $im pink eye. 2Are yo/8 /n.e""6 Eo/
eem81
2#e4 to marry Arya Stark. My "itt"e iter.1 !on co/"$ a"mot ee her in that moment- "ong(
,ace$ an$ ga.ky- a"" knobby knee an$ harp e"bo.- .ith her $irty ,ace an$ tang"e$ hair. 7hey
.o/"$ .ah the one an$ comb the other- he $i$ not $o/bt- b/t he co/"$ not imagine Arya in a
.e$$ing go.n- nor Ramay Bo"ton4 be$. 2o matter how afraid she is, she will not show it+ If he
tries to la! a hand on her, she/ll fight him+
2Eo/r iter-1 &ron Cmmett ai$- 2ho. o"$ i81
B! now she/d be eleen, !on tho/ght. Still a child+ 2& have no iter. Hn"y brother. Hn"y yo/.1
?a$y Cate"yn .o/"$ have re=oice$ to hear thoe .or$- he kne.. 7hat $i$ not make them eaier
to ay. #i ,inger c"oe$ aro/n$ the parchment. Would that the! could crush )amsa! Bolton/s
throat as easil!+
C"y$a c"eare$ hi throat. 23i"" there be an an.er61
!on hook hi hea$ an$ .a"ke$ a.ay.
By night,a"" the br/ie that Ratt"ehirt ha$ given him ha$ t/rne$ p/rp"e. 27hey4"" go ye""o.
be,ore they ,a$e a.ay-1 he to"$ Mormont4 raven. 2&4"" "ook a a""o. a the ?or$ o, Bone.1
2Bones,1 the bir$ agree$. 2Bones, bones+1
#e co/"$ hear the ,aint m/rm/r o, voice coming ,rom o/ti$e- a"tho/gh the o/n$ .a too
.eak to make o/t .or$. #he! sound a thousand leagues awa!+ &t .a ?a$y Me"ian$re an$ her
,o""o.er at their night,ire. Cvery night at $/k the re$ .oman "e$ her ,o""o.er in their t.i"ight
prayer- aking her re$ go$ to ee them thro/gh the $ark. For the night is dark and full of terrors+
3ith Stanni an$ mot o, the A/een4 men gone- her ,"ock .a m/ch $iminihe$I ha", a h/n$re$
o, the ,ree ,o"k /p ,rom Mo"e4 7o.n- the han$,/" o, g/ar$ the king ha$ "e,t her- perhap a
$oGen b"ack brother .ho ha$ taken her re$ go$ ,or their o.n.
!on ,e"t a ti,, a a man o, i:ty year. Dark dreams, he tho/ght- and guilt+ #i tho/ght kept
ret/rning to Arya. #here is no wa! I can help her+ I put all kin aside when I said m! words+ If
one of m! men told me his sister was in peril, I would tell him that was no concern of his+ Hnce a
man ha$ ai$ the .or$ hi b"oo$ .a b"ack. Black as a bastard/s heart+ #e4$ ha$ Mikken make
a .or$ ,or Arya once- a bravo4 b"a$e- ma$e ma"" to ,it her han$. 2eedle+ #e .on$ere$ i, he
ti"" ha$ it. Stick them with the point! end, he4$ to"$ her- b/t i, he trie$ to tick the Batar$- it
co/"$ mean her "i,e.
2Snow,1 m/ttere$ ?or$ Mormont4 raven. 2Snow, snow+1
S/$$en"y he co/"$ not /,,er it a moment "onger.
#e ,o/n$ Ghot o/ti$e hi $oor- gna.ing on the bone o, an o: to get at the marro.. 23hen
$i$ yo/ get back61 7he $ire.o", got to hi ,eet- aban$oning the bone to come pa$$ing a,ter !on.
M/""y an$ >eg too$ ini$e the $oor- "eaning on their pear. 2A cr/e" co"$ o/t there-
m4"or$-1 .arne$ M/""y thro/gh hi tang"e$ orange bear$. 23i"" yo/ be o/t "ong61
2No. & =/t nee$ a breath o, air.1 !on teppe$ o/t into the night. 7he ky .a ,/"" o, tar- an$
the .in$ .a g/ting a"ong the 3a"". Cven the moon "ooke$ co"$I there .ere gooeb/mp a""
acro it ,ace. 7hen the ,irt g/t ca/ght him- "icing thro/gh hi "ayer o, .oo" an$ "eather to
et hi teeth to chattering. #e ta"ke$ acro the yar$- into the teeth o, that .in$. #i c"oak
,"appe$ "o/$"y ,rom hi ho/"$er. Ghot came a,ter. Where am I going6 What am I doing6
Cat"e B"ack .a ti"" an$ i"ent- it ha"" an$ to.er $ark. *! seat, !on Sno. re,"ecte$. *! hall,
m! home, m! command+ A ruin+
&n the ha$o. o, the 3a""- the $ire.o", br/he$ /p againt hi ,inger. +or ha", a heartbeat the
night came a"ive .ith a tho/an$ me""- an$ !on Sno. hear$ the crack"e o, the cr/t breaking on
a patch o, o"$ no.. Someone .a behin$ him- he rea"iGe$ /$$en"y. Someone .ho me""e$
.arm a a /mmer $ay.
3hen he t/rne$ he a. Egritte.
She too$ beneath the corche$ tone o, the ?or$ Comman$er4 7o.er- c"oake$ in $arkne
an$ in memory. 7he "ight o, the moon .a in her hair- her re$ hair kie$ by ,ire. 3hen he a.
that- !on4 heart "eapt into hi mo/th. 2Egritte-1 he ai$.
2?or$ Sno..1 7he voice .a Me"ian$re4.
S/rprie ma$e him recoi" ,rom her. 2?a$y Me"ian$re.1 #e took a tep back.ar$. 2& mitook
yo/ ,or omeone e"e.1 At night all robes are gre!+ Eet /$$en"y her .ere re$. #e $i$ not
/n$ertan$ ho. he co/"$ have taken her ,or Egritte. She .a ta""er- thinner- o"$er- tho/gh the
moon"ight .ahe$ year ,rom her ,ace. Mit roe ,rom her notri"- an$ ,rom pa"e han$ nake$ to
the night. 2Eo/ .i"" ,reeGe yo/r ,inger o,,-1 !on .arne$.
2&, that i the .i"" o, R4h""or. Night4 po.er cannot to/ch one .hoe heart i bathe$ in go$4
ho"y ,ire.1
2Eo/ heart $oe not concern me. !/t yo/r han$.1
27he heart i a"" that matter. 5o not $epair- ?or$ Sno.. 5epair i a .eapon o, the enemy-
.hoe name may not be poken. Eo/r iter i not "ot to yo/.1
2& have no iter.1 7he .or$ .ere knive. What do !ou know of m! heart, priestess6 What do
!ou know of m! sister6
Me"ian$re eeme$ am/e$. 23hat i her name- thi "itt"e iter that yo/ $o not have61
2Arya.1 #i voice .a hoare. 2My ha",(iter- tr/"y81
28,or yo/ are batar$ born. & ha$ not ,orgotten. & have een yo/r iter in my ,ire- ,"eeing
,rom thi marriage they have ma$e ,or her. Coming here- to yo/. A gir" in grey on a $ying hore-
& have een it p"ain a $ay. &t ha not happene$ yet- b/t it .i"".1 She gaGe$ at Ghot. 2May & to/ch
yo/r8 .o",61
7he tho/ght ma$e !on /neay. 2Bet not.1
2#e .i"" not harm me. Eo/ ca"" him Ghot- ye61
2Ee- b/t81
21host+1 Me"ian$re ma$e the .or$ a ong.
7he $ire.o", pa$$e$ to.ar$ her. 3ary- he ta"ke$ abo/t her in a circ"e- ni,,ing. 3hen he
he"$ o/t her han$ he me""e$ that too- then hove$ hi noe againt her ,inger.
!on "et o/t a .hite breath. 2#e i not a".ay o81
28.arm6 3armth ca"" to .armth- !on Sno..1 #er eye .ere t.o re$ tar- hining in the
$ark. At her throat- her r/by g"eame$- a thir$ eye g"o.ing brighter than the other. !on ha$ een
Ghot4 eye b"aGing re$ the ame .ay- .hen they ca/ght the "ight =/t right. 21host,1 he ca""e$.
27o me.1
7he $ire.o", "ooke$ at him a i, he .ere a tranger.
!on ,ro.ne$ in $ibe"ie,. 27hat48 A/eer.1
2Eo/ think o61 She kne"t an$ cratche$ Ghot behin$ hi ear. 2Eo/r 3a"" i a A/eer p"ace-
b/t there i po.er here- i, yo/ .i"" /e it. 9o.er in yo/- an$ in thi beat. Eo/ reit it- an$ that
i yo/r mitake. Cmbrace it. Fe it.1
I am not a wolf, he tho/ght. 2An$ ho. .o/"$ & $o that61
2& can ho. yo/.1 Me"ian$re $rape$ one "en$er arm over Ghot- an$ the $ire.o", "icke$ her
,ace. 27he ?or$ o, ?ight in hi .i$om ma$e / ma"e an$ ,ema"e- t.o part o, a greater .ho"e.
&n o/r =oining there i po.er. 9o.er to make "i,e. 9o.er to make "ight. 9o.er to cat ha$o..1
2Sha$o..1 7he .or"$ eeme$ $arker .hen he ai$ it. 2Cvery man .ho .a"k the earth cat
a ha$o. on the .or"$. Some are thin an$ .eak- other "ong an$ $ark. Eo/ ho/"$ "ook behin$
yo/- ?or$ Sno.. 7he moon ha kie$ yo/ an$ etche$ yo/r ha$o. /pon the ice t.enty ,eet
ta"".1
!on g"ance$ over hi ho/"$er. 7he ha$o. .a there- =/t a he ha$ ai$- etche$ in
moon"ight againt the 3a"". A girl in gre! on a d!ing horse, he tho/ght. %oming here, to !ou+
Ar!a+ #e t/rne$ back to the re$ priete. !on co/"$ ,ee" her .armth. She has power+ 7he tho/ght
came /nbi$$en- eiGing him .ith iron teeth- b/t thi .a not a .oman he care$ to be in$ebte$ to-
not even ,or hi "itt"e iter. 25a""a to"$ me omething once. %a"4 iter- Mance Ray$er4 .i,e.
She ai$ that orcery .a a .or$ .itho/t a hi"t. 7here i no a,e .ay to grap it.1
2A .ie .oman.1 Me"ian$re roe- her re$ robe tirring in the .in$. 2A .or$ .itho/t a hi"t
i ti"" a .or$- tho/gh- an$ a .or$ i a ,ine thing to have .hen ,oe are a"" abo/t. #ear me no.-
!on Sno.. Nine cro. ,"e. into the .hite .oo$ to ,in$ yo/r ,oe ,or yo/. 7hree o, them are
$ea$. 7hey have not $ie$ yet- b/t their $eath i o/t there .aiting ,or them- an$ they ri$e to meet
it. Eo/ ent them ,orth to be yo/r eye in the $arkne- b/t they .i"" be eye"e .hen they ret/rn
to yo/. & have een their pa"e $ea$ ,ace in my ,"ame. Cmpty ocket- .eeping b"oo$.1 She
p/he$ her re$ hair back- an$ her re$ eye hone. 2Eo/ $o not be"ieve me. Eo/ .i"". 7he cot o,
that be"ie, .i"" be three "ive. A ma"" price to pay ,or .i$om- ome might ay8 b/t not one
yo/ ha$ to pay. Remember that .hen yo/ beho"$ the b"in$ an$ ravage$ ,ace o, yo/r $ea$. An$
come that $ay- take my han$.1 7he mit roe ,rom her pa"e ,"eh- an$ ,or a moment it eeme$ a
i, pa"e- orcero/ ,"ame .ere p"aying abo/t her ,inger. 27ake my han$-1 he ai$ again- 2an$
"et me ave yo/r iter.1
0ai2e
The tr/mpet ma$e a braGen b"are- an$ c/t the ti"" b"/e air o, $/k. !omyn 9eck"e$on .a on
hi ,eet at once- cramb"ing ,or hi mater4 .or$be"t.
#he bo! has good instincts+ 2H/t"a. $on4t b"o. tr/mpet to hera"$ their arriva"-1 !aime to"$
him. 2& han4t nee$ my .or$. 7hat .i"" be my co/in- the 3ar$en o, the 3et.1
7he ri$er .ere $imo/nting .hen he emerge$ ,rom hi tentI ha", a $oGen knight- an$
t.ocore mo/nte$ archer an$ men(at(arm. 4-aime;5 roare$ a haggy man c"a$ in gi"$e$
ringmai" an$ a ,o:(,/r c"oak. 2So ga/nt- an$ a"" in .hite0 An$ bear$e$ too01
27hi6 Mere t/bb"e- againt that mane o, yo/r- coG.1 Ser 5aven4 brit"ing bear$ an$ b/hy
m/tache gre. into i$e.hiker a thick a a he$gero.- an$ thoe into the tang"e$ ye""o.
thicket atop hi hea$- matte$ $o.n by the he"m he .a removing. Some.here in the mi$t o, a""
that hair "/rke$ a p/g noe an$ a pair o, "ive"y haGe" eye. 25i$ ome o/t"a. tea" yo/r raGor61
2& vo.e$ & .o/"$ not "et my hair be c/t /nti" my ,ather .a avenge$.1 +or a man .ho "ooke$
o "eonine- 5aven ?anniter o/n$e$ o$$"y heepih. 27he Eo/ng 3o", got to >artark ,irt-
tho/gh. Robbe$ me o, my vengeance.1 #e han$e$ hi he"m to a A/ire an$ p/he$ hi ,inger
thro/gh hi hair .here the .eight o, the tee" ha$ cr/he$ it $o.n. 2& "ike a bit o, hair. 7he
night gro. co"$er- an$ a "itt"e ,o"iage he"p to keep yo/r ,ace .arm. Aye- an$ A/nt Genna
a".ay ai$ & ha$ a brick ,or a chin.1 #e c"ape$ !aime by the arm. 23e ,eare$ ,or yo/ a,ter the
3hipering 3oo$. #ear$ Stark4 $ire.o", tore o/t yo/r throat.1
25i$ yo/ .eep bitter tear ,or me- coG61
2#a", o, ?anniport .a mo/rning. 7he ,ema"e ha",.1 Ser 5aven4 gaGe .ent to !aime4
t/mp. 2So it4 tr/e. 7he batar$ took yo/r .or$ han$.1
2& have a ne. one- ma$e o, go"$. 7here4 m/ch to be ai$ ,or being one(han$e$. & $rink "e
.ine ,or ,ear o, pi""ing an$ am e"$om inc"ine$ to cratch my are at co/rt.1
2Aye- there4 that. Maybe & ho/"$ have mine o,, a .e"".1 #i co/in "a/ghe$. 23a it
Cate"yn Stark .ho took it61
2%argo #oat.1 Where do these tales come from6
27he Dohorik61 Ser 5aven pat. 27hat4 ,or him an$ a"" hi Brave Companion. & to"$ yo/r
,ather & .o/"$ ,orage ,or him- b/t he re,/e$ me. Some tak are ,it ,or "ion- he ai$- b/t
,oraging i bet "e,t ,or goat an$ $og.1
?or$ 7y.in4 very .or$- !aime kne.I he co/"$ a"mot hear hi ,ather4 voice. 2Come ini$e-
coG. 3e nee$ to ta"k.1
Garrett ha$ "it the braGier- an$ their g"o.ing coa" ,i""e$ !aime4 tent .ith a r/$$y heat. Ser
5aven hr/gge$ o/t o, hi c"oak an$ toe$ it at ?itt"e ?e.. 2Eo/ a 9iper- boy61 he gro."e$.
2Eo/ have a r/nty "ook to yo/.1
2&4m ?e.y 9iper- i, it p"eae my "or$.1
2& beat yo/r brother b"oo$y in a mN"Oe once. 7he r/nty "itt"e ,oo" took o,,ene .hen & ake$
him i, that .a hi iter $ancing nake$ on hi hie"$.1
2She4 the igi" o, o/r #o/e. 3e $on4t have a iter.1
2More4 the pity. Eo/r igi" ha nice teat. 3hat ort o, man hi$e behin$ a nake$ .oman-
tho/gh6 Cvery time & th/mpe$ yo/r brother4 hie"$- & ,e"t /nchiva"ro/.1
2Cno/gh-1 ai$ !aime- "a/ghing. 2?eave him be.1 9ia .a m/""ing .ine ,or them- tirring the
kett"e .ith a poon. 2& nee$ to kno. .hat & can e:pect to ,in$ at Riverr/n.1
#i co/in hr/gge$. 27he iege $rag on. 7he B"ack,ih it ini$e the cat"e- .e it o/ti$e
in o/r camp. B"oo$y boring- i, yo/ .ant the tr/th.1 Ser 5aven eate$ hime", /pon a camp
too". 27/""y o/ght to make a ortie- to remin$ / a"" .e4re ti"" at .ar. Be nice i, he c/""e$ ome
+rey too. Ryman- ,or a tart. 7he man4 $r/nk more o,t than not. Hh- an$ C$.yn. Not a thick
a hi ,ather- b/t a ,/"" o, hate a a boi"4 ,/"" o, p/. An$ o/r o.n Ser Cmmon8 no- "ord
Cmmon- Seven ave /- m/t not ,orget hi ne. tit"e8 o/r ?or$ o, Riverr/n $oe no/ght b/t try
to te"" me ho. to r/n the iege. #e .ant me to take the cat"e .itho/t damaging it- ince it i
no. hi "or$"y eat.1
2& that .ine hot yet61 !aime ake$ 9ia.
2Ee- m4"or$.1 7he gir" covere$ her mo/th .hen he poke. 9eck erve$ the .ine on a go"$en
p"atter. Ser 5aven p/""e$ o,, hi g"ove an$ took a c/p. 27hank yo/- boy. 3ho might yo/ be61
2!omyn 9eck"e$on- i, it p"eae my "or$.1
29eck .a a hero on the B"ack.ater-1 !aime ai$. 2#e "e. t.o knight an$ capt/re$ t.o
more.1
2Eo/ m/t be more $angero/ than yo/ "ook- "a$. & that a bear$- or $i$ yo/ ,orget to .ah
the $irt o,, yo/r ,ace6 Stanni Baratheon4 .i,e ha a thicker m/tache. #o. o"$ are yo/61
2+i,teen- er.1
Ser 5aven norte$. 2Eo/ kno. the bet thing abo/t heroe- !aime6 7hey a"" $ie yo/ng an$
"eave more .omen ,or the ret o, /.1 #e toe$ the c/p back to the A/ire. 2+i"" that ,/"" again-
an$ &4"" ca"" yo/ hero too. & have a thirt.1
!aime "i,te$ hi o.n c/p "e,t(han$e$ an$ took a .a""o.. 7he .armth prea$ thro/gh hi
chet. 2Eo/ .ere peaking o, the +rey yo/ .ante$ $ea$. Ryman- C$.yn- Cmmon81
2An$ 3a"$er River-1 5aven ai$- 2that .horeon. #ate that he4 a batar$- an$ hate
everyone .ho4 not. Ser 9er.yn eem a $ecent ,e""o.- tho/gh- might a .e"" pare him. 7he
.omen too. &4m to marry one- & hear. Eo/r ,ather might have een ,it to con/"t .ith me abo/t
thi marriage- by the bye. My o.n ,ather .a treating .ith 9a:ter Re$.yne be,ore H:cro- $i$
yo/ kno.6 Re$.yne ha a nice"y $o.ere$ $a/ghter81
25emera61 !aime "a/ghe$. 2#o. .e"" $o yo/ "ike ,reck"e61
2&, my choice i +rey or ,reck"e- .e""8 ha", o, ?or$ 3a"$er4 broo$ "ook "ike toat.1
2Hn"y ha",6 Be thank,/". & a. ?ance"4 bri$e at 5arry.1
2Gateho/e Ami- go$ be goo$. & co/"$n4t be"ieve that ?ance" picke$ that one. 3hat4 .rong
.ith that boy61
2#e4 gro.n pio/-1 ai$ !aime- 2b/t it .an4t him .ho $i$ the picking. ?a$y Amerei4
mother i a 5arry. H/r /nc"e tho/ght he4$ he"p ?ance" .in the 5arry ma"",o"k.1
2#o.- by ,/cking them6 Eo/ kno. .hy they ca"" her Gateho/e Ami6 She raie her
portc/""i ,or every knight .ho happen by. ?ance" ha$ bet ,in$ an armorer to make him a
horne$ he"m.1
27hat .on4t be neceary. H/r coG i o,, to >ing4 ?an$ing to take vo. a one o, the #igh
Septon4 .or$.1
Ser 5aven co/"$ not have "ooke$ more atonihe$ i, !aime ha$ to"$ him that ?ance" ha$
$eci$e$ to become a m/mmer4 monkey. 2Not tr/"y6 Eo/ are =aping .ith me. Gateho/e Ami
m/t be more toatih than &4$ hear$ i, he co/"$ $rive the boy to that+1
3hen !aime ha$ taken hi "eave o, ?a$y Amerei- he ha$ been .eeping o,t"y at the
$io"/tion o, her marriage .hi"t "etting ?y"e Crakeha"" cono"e her. #er tear ha$ not tro/b"e$
him ha", o m/ch a the har$ "ook on the ,ace o, her kin a they too$ abo/t the yar$. 2& hope
yo/ $o not inten$ to take vo. a .e""- coG-1 he ai$ to 5aven. 27he +rey are prick"y .here
marriage contract are concerne$. & .o/"$ hate to $iappoint them again.1
Ser 5aven norte$. 2&4"" .e$ an$ be$ my toat- never ,ear. & kno. .hat happene$ to Robb
Stark. +rom .hat C$.yn te"" me- tho/gh- &4$ bet pick one .ho han4t ,"o.ere$ yet- or &4m "ike
to ,in$ that B"ack 3a"$er ha been there ,irt. &4"" .ager he4 ha$ Gateho/e Ami- an$ more than
thrice. Maybe that e:p"ain ?ance"4 go$"ine- an$ hi ,ather4 moo$.1
2Eo/ have een Ser >evan61
2Aye. #e pae$ here on hi .ay .et. & ake$ him to he"p / take the cat"e- b/t >evan
.o/"$ have none o, it. #e broo$e$ the .ho"e time he .a here. Co/rteo/ eno/gh- b/t chi""y. &
.ore to him that & never ake$ to be ma$e 3ar$en o, the 3et- that the honor ho/"$ have gone
to him- an$ he $ec"are$ that he he"$ no gr/$ge againt me- b/t yo/ .o/"$ never have kno.n it
,rom hi tone. #e taye$ three $ay an$ har$"y ai$ three .or$ to me. 3o/"$ that he4$
remaine$- & co/"$ have /e$ hi co/ne". H/r ,rien$ o, +rey .o/"$ not have $are$ ve: Ser
>evan the .ay that they4ve been ve:ing me.1
27e"" me-1 ai$ !aime.
2& .o/"$- b/t .here to begin6 3hi"t &4ve been b/i"$ing ram an$ iege to.er- Ryman +rey
ha raie$ a gibbet. Cvery $ay at $a.n he bring ,orth C$m/re 7/""y- $rape a nooe aro/n$ hi
neck- an$ threaten to hang him /n"e the cat"e yie"$. 7he B"ack,ih pay hi m/mmer4 ho.
no min$- o come even,a"" ?or$ C$m/re i taken $o.n again. #i .i,e4 .ith chi"$- $i$ yo/
kno.61
#e ha$n4t. 2C$m/re be$$e$ her- a,ter the Re$ 3e$$ing61
2#e .a be$$ing her during the Re$ 3e$$ing. Ro"in4 a pretty "itt"e thing- har$"y toatih at
a"". An$ ,on$ o, C$m/re- A/eer"y. 9er.yn te"" me he4 praying ,or a gir".1
!aime coni$ere$ that a moment. 2Hnce C$m/re4 on i born- ?or$ 3a"$er .i"" have no
more nee$ o, C$m/re.1
27hat4 ho. & ee it too. H/r goo$(/nc"e Cmm8 ah- "ord Cmmon- that i8 he .ant C$m/re
hange$ at once. 7he preence o, a 7/""y ?or$ o, Riverr/n $itree him a"mot a m/ch a the
propective birth o, yet another. 5ai"y he beeeche me to make Ser Ryman $ang"e 7/""y- never
min$ ho.. Mean.hi"e- & have ?or$ Ga.en 3eter"ing t/gging at my other "eeve. 7he B"ack,ih
ha hi "a$y .i,e ini$e the cat"e- a"ong .ith three o, hi not(noe$ .he"p. #i "or$hip ,ear
7/""y .i"" ki"" them i, the +rey hang C$m/re. Hne o, them i the Eo/ng 3o",4 "itt"e A/een.1
!aime ha$ met !eyne 3eter"ing- he tho/ght- tho/gh he co/"$ not reca"" .hat he "ooke$ "ike.
She must be fair indeed, to hae been worth a kingdom+ 2Ser Bryn$en .on4t ki"" chi"$ren-1 he
a/re$ hi co/in. 2#e4 not a b"ack a ,ih a that.1 #e .a beginning to grap .hy Riverr/n
ha$ not yet ,a""en. 27e"" me o, yo/r $ipoition- coG.1
23e have the cat"e .e"" encirc"e$. Ser Ryman an$ the +rey are north o, the 7/mb"etone.
So/th o, Re$ +ork it ?or$ Cmmon- .ith Ser +or"ey 9reter an$ .ith .hat remain o, yo/r o"$
hot- p"/ the river "or$ .ho came over to / a,ter the Re$ 3e$$ing. A /""en "ot- & $on4t min$
aying. Goo$ ,or /"king in their tent- b/t not m/ch more. Mine o.n camp i bet.een the
river- ,acing the moat an$ Riverr/n4 main gate. 3e4ve thro.n a boom acro the Re$ +ork-
$o.ntream o, the cat"e. Man,ry$ Ee. an$ Raynar$ R/ttiger have charge o, it $e,ene- o no
one can ecape by boat. & gave them net a .e""- to ,ih. &t he"p keep / ,e$.1
2Can .e tarve the cat"e o/t61
Ser 5aven hook hi hea$. 27he B"ack,ih e:pe""e$ a"" the /e"e mo/th ,rom Riverr/n an$
picke$ thi co/ntry c"ean. #e ha eno/gh tore to keep man an$ hore a"ive ,or t.o ,/"" year.1
2An$ ho. .e"" are .e proviione$61
2So "ong a there are ,ih in the river- .e .on4t tarve- tho/gh & $on4t kno. ho. .e4re going
to ,ee$ the hore. 7he +rey are ha/"ing ,oo$ an$ ,o$$er $o.n ,rom the 7.in- b/t Ser Ryman
c"aim he $oe not have eno/gh to hare- o .e m/t ,orage ,or o/re"ve. #a", the men & en$
o,, to "ook ,or ,oo$ $o not ret/rn. Some are $eerting. Hther .e ,in$ ripening /n$er tree- .ith
rope abo/t their neck.1
23e came on ome- the $ay be,ore "at-1 ai$ !aime. A$$am Marbran$4 co/t ha$ ,o/n$
them- hanging b"ack(,ace$ beneath a crabapp"e tree. 7he corpe ha$ been trippe$ nake$- an$
each man ha$ a crabapp"e hove$ bet.een hi teeth. None bore any .o/n$I p"ain"y- they ha$
yie"$e$. Strongboar ha$ gro.n ,/rio/ at that- vo.ing b"oo$y vengeance on the hea$ o, any
men .ho .o/"$ tr/ /p .arrior to $ie "ike /ck"ing pig.
2&t might have been o/t"a.-1 Ser 5aven ai$- .hen !aime to"$ the ta"e- 2or not. 7here are
ti"" ban$ o, northmen abo/t. An$ thee ?or$ o, the 7ri$ent may have bent their knee- b/t
methink their heart are ti""8 .o",ih.1
!aime g"ance$ at hi t.o yo/nger A/ire- .ho .ere hovering near the braGier preten$ing not
to "iten. ?e.y 9iper an$ Garrett 9aege .ere both the on o, river "or$. #e ha$ gro.n ,on$ o,
both o, them an$ .o/"$ hate to have to give them to Ser &"yn. 27he rope /gget 5on$arrion to
me.1
2Eo/r "ightning "or$4 not the on"y man .ho kno. ho. to tie a nooe. 5on4t get me tarte$
on ?or$ Beric. #e4 here- he4 there- he4 every.here- b/t .hen yo/ en$ men a,ter him- he
me"t a.ay "ike $e.. 7he river "or$ are he"ping him- never $o/bt it. A b"oo$y marcher "or$- i,
yo/ can be"ieve it. Hne $ay yo/ hear the man i $ea$- the ne:t they4re aying ho. he can4t be
ki""e$.1 Ser 5aven p/t hi .ine c/p $o.n. 2My co/t report ,ire in the high p"ace at night.
Signa" ,ire- they think8 a i, there .ere a ring o, .atcher a"" aro/n$ /. An$ there are ,ire in
the vi""age a .e"". Some ne. go$81
2o, an old one+ 27horo i .ith 5on$arrion- the ,at Myrih priet .ho /e$ to $rink .ith
Robert.1 #i go"$en han$ .a on the tab"e. !aime to/che$ it an$ .atche$ the go"$ g"immer in the
/""en "ight o, the braGier. 23e4"" $ea" .ith 5on$arrion i, .e have to- b/t the B"ack,ih m/t
come ,irt. #e ha to kno. hi ca/e i hope"e. #ave yo/ trie$ to treat .ith him61
2Ser Ryman $i$. Ro$e /p to the cat"e gate ha",($r/nk an$ b"/tering- making threat. 7he
B"ack,ih appeare$ on the rampart "ong eno/gh to ay that he .o/"$ not .ate ,air .or$ on
,o/" men. 7hen he p/t an arro. in the r/mp o, Ryman4 pa",rey. 7he hore reare$- +rey ,e"" into
the m/$- an$ & "a/ghe$ o har$ & a"mot pie$ mye",. &, it ha$ been me ini$e the cat"e- &
.o/"$ have p/t that arro. thro/gh Ryman4 "ying throat.1
2&4"" .ear a gorget .hen & treat .ith them-1 ai$ !aime- .ith a ha", mi"e. 2& mean to o,,er him
genero/ term.1 &, he co/"$ en$ thi iege .itho/t b"oo$he$- then it co/"$ not be ai$ that he
ha$ taken /p arm againt #o/e 7/""y.
2Eo/ are .e"come to try- my "or$- b/t & $o/bt that .or$ .i"" .in the $ay. 3e nee$ to torm
the cat"e.1
7here ha$ been a time- not o "ong ago- .hen !aime .o/"$ $o/bt"e have /rge$ the ame
co/re. #e kne. he co/"$ not it here ,or t.o year to tarve the B"ack,ih o/t. 23hatever .e $o
nee$ to be $one A/ick"y-1 he to"$ Ser 5aven. 2My p"ace i back at >ing4 ?an$ing- .ith the
king.1
2Aye-1 hi co/in ai$. 2& $on4t $o/bt yo/r iter nee$ yo/. 3hy $i$ he en$ o,, >evan6 &
tho/ght he4$ make him #an$.1
2#e .o/"$ not take it.1 7e was not as blind as I was+
2>evan ho/"$ be the 3ar$en o, the 3et. Hr yo/. &t4 not that &4m not grate,/" ,or the honor-
min$ yo/- b/t o/r /nc"e4 t.ice my age an$ ha more e:perience o, comman$. & hope he kno. &
never ake$ ,or thi.1
2#e kno..1
2#o. i Cerei6 A bea/ti,/" a ever61
2Ra$iant.1 Fickle+ 2Go"$en.1 False as fool/s gold+ ?at night he $reame$ he4$ ,o/n$ her
,/cking Moon Boy. #e4$ ki""e$ the ,oo" an$ mahe$ hi iter4 teeth to p"inter .ith hi
go"$en han$- =/t a Gregor C"egane ha$ $one to poor 9ia. &n hi $ream !aime a".ay ha$ t.o
han$I one .a ma$e o, go"$- b/t it .orke$ =/t "ike the other. 27he ooner .e are $one .ith
Riverr/n- the ooner &4"" be back at Cerei4 i$e.1 3hat !aime .o/"$ $o then he $i$ not kno..
#e ta"ke$ .ith hi co/in ,or another ho/r be,ore the 3ar$en o, the 3et ,ina""y took hi
"eave. 3hen he .a gone- !aime $onne$ hi go"$ han$ an$ bro.n c"oak to .a"k amongt the
tent.
&, tr/th be to"$- he "ike$ thi "i,e. #e ,e"t more com,ortab"e amongt o"$ier in the ,ie"$ than
he ever ha$ at co/rt. An$ hi men eeme$ com,ortab"e .ith him a .e"". At one cook,ire three
crobo.men o,,ere$ him a hare o, a hare they4$ ca/ght. At another a yo/ng knight ake$ hi
co/ne" on the bet .ay to $e,en$ againt a .arhammer. 5o.n bei$e the river- he .atche$ t.o
.aher.omen =o/ting in the ha""o.- mo/nte$ on the ho/"$er o, a pair o, men(at(arm. 7he
gir" .ere ha",($r/nk an$ ha",(nake$- "a/ghing an$ napping ro""e$(/p c"oak at one another a a
$oGen other men /rge$ them on. !aime bet a copper tar on the b"on$ gir" ri$ing Ra,, the
S.eet"ing- an$ "ot it .hen the t.o o, them .ent $o.n p"ahing amongt the ree$.
Acro the river .o"ve .ere ho."ing- an$ the .in$ .a g/ting thro/gh a tan$ o, .i""o.-
making their branche .rithe an$ .hiper. !aime ,o/n$ Ser &"yn 9ayne a"one o/ti$e hi tent-
honing hi great.or$ .ith a .hettone. 2Come-1 he ai$- an$ the i"ent knight roe- mi"ing
thin"y. 7e en9o!s this, he rea"iGe$. It pleases him to humiliate me nightl!+ It might please him
een more to kill me+ #e "ike$ to be"ieve that he .a getting better- b/t the improvement .a
"o. an$ not .itho/t cot. Fn$erneath hi tee" an$ .oo" an$ boi"e$ "eather !aime ?anniter .a
a tapetry o, c/t an$ cab an$ br/ie.
A entry cha""enge$ them a they "e$ their hore ,rom the camp. !aime c"appe$ the man4
ho/"$er .ith hi go"$en han$. 2Stay vigi"ant. 7here are .o"ve abo/t.1 7hey ro$e back a"ong
the Re$ +ork to the r/in o, a b/rne$ vi""age they ha$ pae$ that a,ternoon. &t .a there they
$ance$ their mi$night $ance- amongt b"ackene$ tone an$ o"$ co"$ cin$er. +or a "itt"e .hi"e
!aime ha$ the better o, it. 9erhap hi o"$ ki"" was coming back- he a""o.e$ hime", to think.
9erhap tonight it .o/"$ be 9ayne .ho .ent to "eep br/ie$ an$ b"oo$y.
&t .a a i, Ser &"yn hear$ hi tho/ght. #e parrie$ !aime4 "at c/t "aGi"y an$ "a/nche$ a
co/nterattack that $rove !aime back into the river- .here hi boot "ippe$ o/t ,rom /n$er him in
the m/$. #e en$e$ on hi knee- .ith the i"ent knight4 .or$ at hi throat an$ hi o.n "ot in
the ree$. &n the moon"ight the pockmark on 9ayne4 ,ace .ere "arge a crater. #e ma$e that
c"acking o/n$ that might have been a "a/gh an$ $re. hi .or$ /p !aime4 throat ti"" the point
came to ret bet.een hi "ip. Hn"y then $i$ he tep back an$ heathe hi tee".
I would hae done better to challenge )aff the Sweetling, with a whore upon m! back, !aime
tho/ght a he hook m/$ o,, hi gi"$e$ han$. 9art o, him .ante$ to tear the thing o,, an$ ,"ing it
in the river. &t .a goo$ ,or nothing- an$ the "e,t .a not m/ch better. Ser &"yn ha$ gone back to
the hore- "eaving him to ,in$ hi o.n ,eet. At least I still hae two of those+
7he "at $ay o, their =o/rney .a co"$ an$ g/ty. 7he .in$ ratt"e$ amongt the branche in the
bare bro.n .oo$ an$ ma$e the river ree$ bo. "o. a"ong the Re$ +ork. Cven mant"e$ in the
.inter .oo" o, the >ingg/ar$- !aime co/"$ ,ee" the iron teeth o, that .in$ a he ro$e bei$e hi
co/in 5aven. &t .a "ate a,ternoon .hen they ighte$ Riverr/n- riing ,rom the narro. point
.here the 7/mb"etone =oine$ the Re$ +ork. 7he 7/""y cat"e "ooke$ "ike a great tone hip .ith
it pro. pointe$ $o.nriver. &t an$tone .a"" .ere $renche$ in re$(go"$ "ight- an$ eeme$
higher an$ thicker than !aime ha$ remembere$. #his nut will not crack easil!, he tho/ght
g"oomi"y. &, the B"ack,ih .o/"$ not "iten- he .o/"$ have no choice b/t to break the vo. he4$
ma$e to Cate"yn Stark. 7he vo. he4$ .orn hi king came ,irt.
7he boom acro the river an$ the three great camp o, the beieging army .ere =/t a hi
co/in ha$ $ecribe$. Ser Ryman +rey4 encampment north o, the 7/mb"etone .a the "arget-
an$ the mot $ior$er"y. A great grey ga""o. "oome$ above the tent- a ta"" a any treb/chet.
Hn it too$ a o"itary ,ig/re .ith a rope abo/t hi neck. 0dmure #ull!+ !aime ,e"t a tab o, pity.
#o keep him standing there da! after da!, with that noose around his neck= better to hae his
head off and be done with it+
Behin$ the ga""o.- tent an$ cook,ire prea$ o/t in ragge$ $iarray. 7he +rey "or$"ing an$
their knight ha$ raie$ their pavi"ion com,ortab"y /ptream o, the "atrine trencheI $o.ntream
.ere m/$$y hove"- .ayn- an$ o:cart. 2Ser Ryman $on4t .ant hi boy getting bore$- o he
give them .hore an$ cock,ight an$ boar baiting-1 Ser 5aven ai$. 2#e4 even got hime", a
b"oo$y singer+ H/r a/nt bro/ght 3hitemi"e 3at ,rom ?anniport- i, yo/ can be"ieve it- o
Ryman ha$ to have a inger too. Co/"$n4t .e =/t $am the river an$ $ro.n the .ho"e "ot o, them-
coG61
!aime co/"$ ee archer moving behin$ the mer"on on the cat"e rampart. Above them
treame$ the banner o, #o/e 7/""y- the i"ver tro/t $e,iant on it tripe$ ,ie"$ o, re$ an$ b"/e.
B/t the highet to.er ,"e. a $i,,erent ,"agI a "ong .hite tan$ar$ emb"aGone$ .ith the $ire.o",
o, Stark. 27he ,irt time & a. Riverr/n- & .a a A/ire green a /mmer gra-1 !aime to"$ hi
co/in. 2H"$ S/mner Crakeha"" ent me to $e"iver a meage- one he .ore co/"$ not be
entr/te$ to a raven. ?or$ #oter kept me ,or a ,ortnight .hi"t m/""ing hi rep"y- an$ at me
bei$e hi $a/ghter ?ya at every mea".1
2Sma"" .on$er yo/ took the .hite. &4$ have $one the ame.1
2Hh- ?ya .a not o ,earome a a"" that.1 She ha$ been a pretty gir"- in tr/thI $imp"e$ an$
$e"icate- .ith "ong a/b/rn hair. #imid, though+ $rone to tongue(tied silences and fits of giggles,
with none of %ersei/s fire+ #er o"$er iter ha$ eeme$ more intereting- tho/gh Cate"yn .a
promie$ to ome northern boy- the heir o, 3inter,e""8 b/t at that age- no gir" interete$ !aime
ha", o m/ch a #oter4 ,amo/ brother- .ho ha$ .on reno.n ,ighting the Ninepenny >ing
/pon the Steptone. At tab"e he ha$ ignore$ poor ?ya- .hi"t preing Bryn$en 7/""y ,or ta"e
o, Mae"y the Montro/ an$ the Cbon 9rince. Ser Br!nden was !ounger then than I am now,
!aime re,"ecte$- and I was !ounger than $eck+
7he nearet ,or$ acro the Re$ +ork .a /ptream o, the cat"e. 7o reach Ser 5aven4 camp
they ha$ to ri$e thro/gh Cmmon +rey4- pat the pavi"ion o, the river "or$ .ho ha$ bent their
knee an$ been accepte$ back into the king4 peace. !aime note$ the banner o, ?ycheter an$
%ance- o, Roote an$ Goo$brook- the acorn o, #o/e Sma"",or$ an$ ?or$ 9iper4 $ancing
mai$en- b/t the banner he $i$ not ee gave him pa/e. 7he i"ver eag"e o, Ma""iter .a
no.here in evi$enceI nor the re$ hore o, Bracken- the .i""o. o, the Ryger- the t.ining nake
o, 9aege. 7ho/gh a"" ha$ rene.e$ their ,ea"ty to the &ron 7hrone- none ha$ come to =oin the
iege. 7he Bracken .ere ,ighting the B"ack.oo$- !aime kne.- .hich acco/nte$ ,or their
abence- b/t a ,or the ret8
Our new friends are no friends at all+ #heir lo!alt! goes no deeper than their skins+ Riverr/n
ha$ to be taken- an$ oon. 7he "onger the iege $ragge$ on- the more it .o/"$ hearten other
reca"citrant- "ike 7yto B"ack.oo$.
At the ,or$- Ser >enno o, >ayce b"e. the #orn o, #errock. #hat should bring the Blackfish
to the battlements+ Ser #/go an$ Ser 5ermot "e$ !aime4 .ay acro the river- p"ahing thro/gh
the m/$$y re$(bro.n .ater .ith the .hite tan$ar$ o, the >ingg/ar$ an$ 7ommen4 tag an$
"ion treaming in the .in$. 7he ret o, the co"/mn ,o""o.e$ har$ behin$ them.
7he ?anniter camp rang to the o/n$ o, .oo$en hammer .here a ne. iege to.er .a
riing. 7.o other to.er too$ comp"ete$- ha",(covere$ .ith ra. horehi$e. Bet.een them at a
ro""ing ramI a tree tr/nk .ith a ,ire(har$ene$ point /pen$e$ on chain beneath a .oo$en roo,.
*! coz has not been idle, it would seem+
2My "or$-1 9eck ake$- 2.here $o yo/ .ant yo/r tent61
27here- /pon that rie.1 #e pointe$ .ith hi go"$en han$- tho/gh it .a not .e"" /ite$ to that
tak. 2Baggage there- hore "ine there. 3e4"" /e the "atrine my co/in ha o kin$"y $/g ,or /.
Ser A$$am- inpect o/r perimeter .ith an eye ,or any .eaknee.1 !aime $i$ not anticipate an
attack- b/t he ha$ not anticipate$ the 3hipering 3oo$ either.
2Sha"" & /mmon the toat ,or a .ar co/nci"61 5aven ake$.
2Not /nti" &4ve poken to the B"ack,ih.1 !aime beckone$ to Bear$"e !on Bett"ey. 2Shake o/t
a peace banner an$ bear a meage to the cat"e. &n,orm Ser Bryn$en 7/""y that & .o/"$ have
.or$ .ith him- at ,irt "ight on the morro.. & .i"" come to the e$ge o, the moat an$ meet him
on hi $ra.bri$ge.1
9eck "ooke$ a"arme$. 2My "or$- the bo.men co/"$81
27hey .on4t.1 !aime $imo/nte$. 2Raie my tent an$ p"ant my tan$ar$.1 And we/ll see who
comes running, and how 3uickl!+
&t $i$ not reA/ire "ong. 9ia .a ,/ing at a braGier- trying to "ight the coa". 9eck .ent to he"p
her. H, "ate- !aime o,t .ent to "eep to the o/n$ o, them ,/cking in a corner o, the tent. A
Garrett .a /n$oing the c"ap on !aime4 greave- the tent ,"appe$ open. 2#ere at "at- are yo/61
boome$ hi a/nt. She ,i""e$ the $oor- .ith her +rey h/ban$ peering o/t ,rom behin$ her. 29at
time. #ave yo/ no h/g ,or yo/r o"$ ,at a/nt61 She he"$ o/t her arm an$ "e,t him no choice b/t
to embrace her.
Genna ?anniter ha$ been a hape"y .oman in her yo/th- a".ay threatening to over,"o. her
bo$ice. No. the on"y hape he ha$ .a A/are. #er ,ace .a broa$ an$ mooth- her neck a
thick pink pi""ar- her boom enormo/. She carrie$ eno/gh ,"eh to make t.o o, her h/ban$.
!aime h/gge$ her $/ti,/""y an$ .aite$ ,or her to pinch hi ear. She ha$ been pinching hi ear ,or
a "ong a he co/"$ remember- b/t to$ay he ,orbore. &ntea$- he p"ante$ o,t an$ "oppy kie
on hi cheek. 2& am orry ,or yo/r "o.1
2& ha$ a ne. han$ ma$e- o, go"$.1 #e ho.e$ her.
2%ery nice. 3i"" they make yo/ a go"$ ,ather too61 ?a$y Genna4 voice .a harp. 27y.in
.a the "o & meant.1
2A man /ch a 7y.in ?anniter come b/t once in a tho/an$ year-1 $ec"are$ her h/ban$.
Cmmon +rey .a a ,ret,/" man .ith nervo/ han$. #e might have .eighe$ ten tone8 b/t on"y
.et- an$ c"a$ in mai". #e .a a .ee$ in .oo"- .ith no chin to peak o,- a ,"a. that the
prominence o, the app"e in hi throat ma$e even more ab/r$. #a", hi hair ha$ been gone be,ore
he t/rne$ thirty. No. he .a i:ty an$ on"y a ,e. .hite .ip remaine$.
2Some A/eer ta"e have been reaching / o, "ate-1 ?a$y Genna ai$- a,ter !aime $imie$ 9ia
an$ hi A/ire. 2A .oman har$"y kno. .hat to be"ieve. Can it be tr/e that 7yrion "e. 7y.in6
Hr i that ome ca"/mny yo/r iter p/t abo/t61
2&t4 tr/e eno/gh.1 7he .eight o, hi go"$en han$ ha$ gro.n irkome. #e ,/mb"e$ at the
trap that ec/re$ it to hi .rit.
2+or a on to raie hi han$ againt a ,ather-1 Ser Cmmon ai$. 2Montro/. 7hee are $ark
$ay in 3etero. & ,ear ,or / a"" .ith ?or$ 7y.in gone.1
2Eo/ ,eare$ ,or / a"" .hen he .a here.1 Genna ett"e$ her amp"e r/mp /pon a camp too"-
.hich creake$ a"arming"y beneath her .eight. 2Nephe.- peak to / o, o/r on C"eo an$ the
manner o, hi $eath.1
!aime /n$i$ the "at ,atening an$ et hi han$ ai$e. 23e .ere et /pon by o/t"a.. Ser
C"eo cattere$ them- b/t it cot hi "i,e.1 7he "ie came eayI he co/"$ ee that it p"eae$ them.
27he boy ha$ co/rage- & a".ay ai$ o. &t .a in hi b"oo$.1 A pinkih ,roth g"itene$ on Ser
Cmmon4 "ip .hen he poke- co/rtey o, the o/r"ea, he "ike$ to che..
2#i bone ho/"$ be interre$ beneath the Rock- in the #a"" o, #eroe-1 ?a$y Genna $ec"are$.
23here .a he "ai$ to ret61
2owhere+ #he Blood! *ummers stripped his corpse and left his flesh to feast the carrion
crows+ 2Bei$e a tream-1 he "ie$. 23hen thi .ar i $one- & .i"" ,in$ the p"ace an$ en$ him
home.1 Bone .ere boneI thee $ay- nothing .a eaier to come by.
27hi .ar81 ?or$ Cmmon c"eare$ hi throat- the app"e in hi throat moving /p an$ $o.n.
2Eo/ .i"" have een the iege machine. Ram- treb/chet- to.er. &t .i"" not erve- !aime.
5aven mean to break my .a""- mah in my gate. #e ta"k o, b/rning pitch- o, etting the
cat"e a,ire. *! cat"e.1 #e reache$ /p one "eeve- bro/ght o/t a parchment- an$ thr/t it at
!aime4 ,ace. 2& have the $ecree. Signe$ by the king- by 7ommen- ee- the roya" ea"- the tag an$
"ion. & am the "a.,/" "or$ o, Riverr/n- an$ & .i"" not have it re$/ce$ to a moking r/in.1
2Hh- p/t that ,oo" thing a.ay-1 hi .i,e nappe$. 2So "ong a the B"ack,ih it ini$e
Riverr/n yo/ can .ipe yo/r are .ith that paper ,or a"" the goo$ it $oe /.1 7ho/gh he ha$
been a +rey ,or ,i,ty year- ?a$y Genna remaine$ very m/ch a ?anniter. :uite a lot of
"annister+ 2!aime .i"" $e"iver yo/ the cat"e.1
27o be /re-1 ?or$ Cmmon ai$. 2Ser !aime- yo/r "or$ ,ather4 ,aith in me .a .e"" p"ace$-
yo/ ha"" ee. & mean to be ,irm b/t ,air .ith my ne. vaa". B"ack.oo$ an$ Bracken- !aon
Ma""iter- %ance an$ 9iper- they ha"" "earn that they have a =/t over"or$ in Cmmon +rey. My
,ather a .e""- ye. #e i the ?or$ o, the Croing- b/t I am the ?or$ o, Riverr/n. A on ha a
$/ty to obey hi ,ather- tr/e- b/t a bannerman m/t obey hi over"or$.1
Oh, gods be good+ 2Eo/ are not hi over"or$- er. Rea$ yo/r parchment. Eo/ .ere grante$
Riverr/n .ith it "an$ an$ income- no more. 9etyr Bae"ih i the ?or$ 9aramo/nt o, the
7ri$ent. Riverr/n .i"" be /b=ect to the r/"e o, #arrenha".1
7hat $i$ not p"eae ?or$ Cmmon. 2#arrenha" i a r/in- ha/nte$ an$ acc/re$-1 he ob=ecte$-
2an$ Bae"ih8 the man i a coin co/nter- no proper "or$- hi birth81
2&, yo/ are /nhappy .ith the arrangement- go to >ing4 ?an$ing an$ take it /p .ith my
.eet iter.1 Cerei .o/"$ $evo/r Cmmon +rey an$ pick her teeth .ith hi bone- he $i$ not
$o/bt. #hat is, if she/s not too bus! fucking Osmund ,ettleblack+
?a$y Genna gave a nort. 27here i no nee$ to tro/b"e #er Grace .ith /ch nonene. Cmm-
.hy $on4t yo/ tep o/ti$e an$ have a breath o, air61
2A breath o, air61
2Hr a goo$ "ong pi- i, yo/ pre,er. My nephe. an$ & have famil! matter to $ic/.1
?or$ Cmmon ,"/he$. 2Ee- it i .arm in here. & .i"" .ait o/ti$e- my "a$y. Ser.1 #i "or$hip
ro""e$ /p hi parchment- ketche$ a bo. to.ar$ !aime- an$ tottere$ ,rom the tent.
&t .a har$ not to ,ee" contempt/o/ o, Cmmon +rey. #e ha$ arrive$ at Cater"y Rock in hi
,o/rteenth year to .e$ a "ione ha", hi age. 7yrion /e$ to ay that ?or$ 7y.in ha$ given him a
nervo/ be""y ,or a .e$$ing gi,t. 1enna has pla!ed her part as well+ !aime remembere$ many a
,eat .here Cmmon at poking at hi ,oo$ /""en"y .hi"t hi .i,e ma$e riba"$ =et .ith
.hatever ho/eho"$ knight ha$ been eate$ to her "e,t- their converation p/nct/ate$ by "o/$
b/rt o, "a/ghter. She gae Fre! four sons, to be sure+ At least she sa!s the! are his+ No one in
Cater"y Rock ha$ the co/rage to /gget other.ie- "eat o, a"" Ser Cmmon.
No ooner .a he gone than hi "a$y .i,e ro""e$ her eye. 2My "or$ an$ mater. 3hat was
yo/r ,ather thinking- to name him ?or$ o, Riverr/n61
2& imagine he .a thinking o, yo/r on.1
2& think o, them a .e"". Cmm .i"" make a .retche$ "or$. 7y may $o better- i, he ha the
ene to "earn ,rom me an$ not hi ,ather.1 She "ooke$ abo/t the tent. 25o yo/ have .ine61
!aime ,o/n$ a ,"agon an$ po/re$ ,or her- one(han$e$. 23hy are yo/ here- my "a$y6 Eo/
ho/"$ have remaine$ at Cater"y Rock /nti" the ,ighting4 $one.1
2Hnce Cmm hear$ he .a a "or$- he ha$ to come at once to c"aim hi eat.1 ?a$y Genna took
a $rink an$ .ipe$ her mo/th on her "eeve. 2Eo/r ,ather ho/"$ have grante$ / 5arry. C"eo
marrie$ one o, the p"o.man4 $a/ghter- yo/ .i"" reca"". #i grieving .i$o. i ,/rio/ that her
on .ere not grante$ her "or$ ,ather4 "an$. Gateho/e Ami i 5arry on"y on her mother4 i$e.
My goo$($a/ghter !eyne i her a/nt- a ,/"" iter to ?a$y Mariya.1
2A yo/nger iter-1 !aime remin$e$ her- 2an$ 7y .i"" have Riverr/n- a greater priGe than
5arry.1
2A poione$ priGe. #o/e 5arry i e:ting/ihe$ in the ma"e "ine- #o/e 7/""y i not. 7hat
m/ttonhea$ Ser Ryman p/t a nooe ro/n$ C$m/re4 neck- b/t .i"" not hang him. An$ Ro"in
+rey ha a tro/t gro.ing in her be""y. My gran$on .i"" never be ec/re in Riverr/n o "ong a
any 7/""y heir remain a"ive.1
She .a not .rong- !aime kne.. 2&, Ro"in ha a gir"@1
2@he can .e$ 7y- provi$e$ o"$ ?or$ 3a"$er .i"" conent. Ee- &4ve tho/ght o, that. A boy
i =/t a "ike"y- tho/gh- an$ hi "itt"e cock .o/"$ c"o/$ the i/e. An$ i, Ser Bryn$en ho/"$
/rvive thi iege- he might be inc"ine$ to c"aim Riverr/n in hi o.n name8 or in the name o,
yo/ng Robert Arryn.1
!aime remembere$ "itt"e Robert ,rom >ing4 ?an$ing- ti"" /cking on hi mother4 teat at
,o/r. 2Arryn .on4t "ive "ong eno/gh to bree$. An$ .hy ho/"$ the ?or$ o, the Cyrie nee$
Riverr/n61
23hy $oe a man .ith one pot o, go"$ nee$ another6 Men are gree$y. 7y.in ho/"$ have
grante$ Riverr/n to >evan an$ 5arry to Cmm. & .o/"$ have to"$ him o i, he ha$ tro/b"e$ to ak
me- b/t .hen $i$ yo/r ,ather ever con/"t .ith anyone b/t >evan61 She ighe$ $eep"y. 2& $o not
b"ame >evan ,or .anting the a,er eat ,or hi o.n boy- min$ yo/. & kno. him too .e"".1
23hat >evan .ant an$ .hat ?ance" .ant appear to be t.o $i,,erent thing.1 #e to"$ her o,
?ance"4 $eciion to reno/nce .i,e an$ "an$ an$ "or$hip to ,ight ,or the #o"y +aith. 2&, yo/ ti""
.ant 5arry- .rite to Cerei an$ make yo/r cae.1
?a$y Genna .ave$ her c/p in $imia". 2No- that hore ha "e,t the yar$. Cmm ha it in hi
pointe$ hea$ that he .i"" r/"e the river"an$. An$ ?ance"8 & /ppoe .e ho/"$ have een thi
coming ,rom a,ar. A "i,e protecting the #igh Septon i not o $i,,erent ,rom a "i,e protecting the
king- a,ter a"". >evan .i"" be .roth- & ,ear. A .roth a 7y.in .a .hen yo/ got it in yo/r hea$
to take the .hite. At "eat >evan ti"" ha Martyn ,or an heir. #e can marry him to Gateho/e
Ami in ?ance"4 p"ace. Seven ave / a"".1 #i a/nt gave a igh. 2An$ peaking o, the Seven-
.hy .o/"$ Cerei permit the +aith to arm again61
!aime hr/gge$. 2& am certain he ha$ reaon.1
2Reaon61 ?a$y Genna ma$e a r/$e noie. 27hey ha$ bet be good reaon. 7he S.or$ an$
Star tro/b"e$ even the 7argaryen. 7he ConA/eror hime", trea$ care,/""y .ith the +aith- o they
.o/"$ not oppoe him. An$ .hen Aegon $ie$ an$ the "or$ roe /p againt hi on- both or$er
.ere in the thick o, that rebe""ion. 7he more pio/ "or$ /pporte$ them- an$ many o, the
ma"",o"k. >ing Maegor ,ina""y ha$ to p/t a bo/nty on them. #e pai$ a $ragon ,or the hea$ o,
any /nrepentant 3arrior4 Son- an$ a i"ver tag ,or the ca"p o, a 9oor +e""o.- i, & reca"" my
hitory. 7ho/an$ .ere "ain- b/t nigh a many ti"" roame$ the rea"m- $e,iant- /nti" the &ron
7hrone "e. Maegor an$ >ing !aehaery agree$ to par$on a"" thoe .ho .o/"$ et ai$e their
.or$.1
2&4$ ,orgotten mot o, that-1 !aime con,ee$.
2Eo/ an$ yo/r iter both.1 She took another .a""o. o, her .ine. 2& it tr/e that 7y.in .a
mi"ing on hi bier61
2#e .a rotting on hi bier. &t ma$e hi mo/th t.it.1
23a that a"" it .a61 7hat eeme$ to a$$en her. 2Men ay that 7y.in never mi"e$- b/t he
mi"e$ .hen he .e$ yo/r mother- an$ .hen Aery ma$e him #an$. 3hen 7arbeck #a"" came
crahing $o.n on ?a$y C""yn- that cheming bitch- 7yg c"aime$ he mi"e$ then. An$ he mi"e$
at yo/r birth- !aime- & a. that .ith mine o.n eye. Eo/ an$ Cerei- pink an$ per,ect- a a"ike a
t.o pea in a po$8 .e""- e:cept bet.een the "eg. 3hat lungs yo/ ha$01
2#ear / roar.1 !aime grinne$. 2Ne:t yo/4"" be te""ing me ho. m/ch he "ike$ to "a/gh.1
2No. 7y.in mitr/te$ "a/ghter. #e hear$ too many peop"e "a/ghing at yo/r gran$ire.1 She
,ro.ne$. 2& promie yo/- thi m/mmer4 ,arce o, a iege .o/"$ not have am/e$ him. #o. $o
yo/ mean to en$ it- no. that yo/4re here61
27reat .ith the B"ack,ih.1
27hat .on4t .ork.1
2& mean to o,,er him goo$ term.1
27erm reA/ire tr/t. 7he +rey m/r$ere$ g/et beneath their roo,- an$ yo/- .e""8 & mean
no o,,ene- my "ove- b/t yo/ did ki"" a certain king yo/ ha$ .orn to protect.1
2An$ &4"" ki"" the B"ack,ih i, he $oe not yie"$.1 #i tone .a harher than he4$ inten$e$- b/t
he .a in no moo$ ,or having Aery 7argaryen thro.n in hi ,ace.
2#o.- .ith yo/r tong/e61 #er voice .a corn,/". 2& may be an o"$ ,at .oman- b/t & $o not
have cheee bet.een my ear- !aime. Neither $oe the B"ack,ih. Cmpty threat .on4t $a/nt
him.1
23hat .o/"$ yo/ co/ne"61
She gave a pon$ero/ hr/g. 2Cmm .ant C$m/re4 hea$ o,,. +or once- he may be right. Ser
Ryman ha ma$e / a "a/ghingtock .ith that gibbet o, hi. Eo/ nee$ to ho. Ser Bryn$en that
yo/r threat have teeth.1
2>i""ing C$m/re might har$en Ser Bryn$en4 reo"ve.1
2Reo"ve i one thing Bryn$en B"ack,ih never "acke$ ,or. #oter 7/""y co/"$ have to"$ yo/
that.1 ?a$y Genna ,inihe$ her .ine. 23e""- & .o/"$ never pre/me to te"" yo/ ho. to ,ight a
.ar. & kno. my p"ace8 /n"ike yo/r iter. & it tr/e that Cerei b/rne$ the Re$ >eep61
2Hn"y the 7o.er o, the #an$.1
#i a/nt ro""e$ her eye. 2She .o/"$ have $one better to "eave the to.er an$ b/rn her #an$.
#ary Sw!ft6 &, ever a man $eerve$ hi arm- it i Ser #ary. An$ Gy"e Roby- Seven ave /-
& tho/ght he $ie$ year ago. Merry.eather8 yo/r ,ather /e$ to ca"" hi gran$ire Jthe
Ch/ck"er-4 &4"" have yo/ kno.. 7y.in c"aime$ the on"y thing Merry.eather .a goo$ ,or .a
ch/ck"ing at the king4 .itticim. #i "or$hip ch/ck"e$ hime", right into e:i"e- a & reca"".
Cerei ha p/t ome batar$ on the co/nci" too- an$ a kett"e in the >ingg/ar$. She ha the +aith
arming an$ the Braavoi ca""ing in "oan a"" over 3etero. None o, .hich .o/"$ be happening
i, he4$ ha$ the imp"e ene to make yo/r /nc"e the >ing4 #an$.1
2Ser >evan re,/e$ the o,,ice.1
2So he ai$. #e $i$ not ay .hy. 7here .a m/ch he $i$ not ay. Would not ay.1 ?a$y
Genna ma$e a ,ace. 2>evan alwa!s $i$ .hat .a ake$ o, him. &t i not "ike him to t/rn a.ay
,rom any $/ty. Something i a.ry here- & can me"" it.1
2#e ai$ that he .a tire$.1 7e knows, Cerei ha$ ai$- a they too$ above their ,ather4
corpe. 7e knows about us+
27ire$61 #i a/nt p/re$ her "ip. 2& /ppoe he ha a right to be. &t ha been har$ ,or >evan-
"iving a"" hi "i,e in 7y.in4 ha$o.. &t .a har$ ,or a"" my brother. 7hat ha$o. 7y.in cat
.a "ong an$ b"ack- an$ each o, them ha$ to tr/gg"e to ,in$ a "itt"e /n. 7ygett trie$ to be hi
o.n man- b/t he co/"$ never match yo/r ,ather- an$ that =/t ma$e him angrier a the year .ent
by. Gerion ma$e =ape. Better to mock the game than to p"ay an$ "oe. B/t >evan a. ho.
thing too$ ear"y on- o he ma$e hime", a p"ace by yo/r ,ather4 i$e.1
2An$ yo/61 !aime ake$ her.
2&t .a not a game ,or gir". & .a my ,ather4 precio/ prince8 an$ 7y.in4 too- /nti" &
$iappointe$ him. My brother never "earne$ to "ike the tate o, $iappointment.1 She p/he$
here", to her ,eet. 2&4ve ai$ .hat & came to ay- & han4t take any more o, yo/r time. 5o .hat
7y.in .o/"$ have $one.1
25i$ yo/ "ove him61 !aime hear$ hime", ak.
#i a/nt "ooke$ at him trange"y. 2& .a even .hen 3a"$er +rey per/a$e$ my "or$ ,ather to
give my han$ to Cmm. #i second on- not even hi heir. +ather .a hime", a thir$born on- an$
yo/nger chi"$ren crave the approva" o, their e"$er. +rey ene$ that .eakne in him- an$ +ather
agree$ ,or no better reaon than to p"eae him. My betrotha" .a anno/nce$ at a ,eat .ith ha",
the .et in atten$ance. C""yn 7arbeck "a/ghe$ an$ the Re$ ?ion .ent angry ,rom the ha"". 7he
ret at on their tong/e. Hn"y 7y.in $are$ peak againt the match. A boy o, ten. +ather t/rne$
a .hite a mare4 mi"k- an$ 3a"$er +rey .a 3uiering+1 She mi"e$. 2#o. co/"$ & not "ove
him- a,ter that6 7hat i not to ay that & approve$ o, a"" he $i$- or m/ch en=oye$ the company o,
the man that he became8 b/t every "itt"e gir" nee$ a big brother to protect her. 7y.in .a big
even .hen he .a "itt"e.1 She gave a igh. 23ho .i"" protect / no.61
!aime kie$ her cheek. 2#e "e,t a on.1
2Aye- he $i$. 7hat i .hat & ,ear the mot- in tr/th.1
7hat .a a A/eer remark. 23hy ho/"$ yo/ ,ear61
2!aime-1 he ai$- t/gging on hi ear- 2.eet"ing- & have kno.n yo/ ince yo/ .ere a babe at
!oanna4 breat. Eo/ mi"e "ike Gerion an$ ,ight "ike 7yg- an$ there4 ome o, >evan in yo/-
e"e yo/ .o/"$ not .ear that c"oak8 b/t #!rion i 7y.in4 on- not yo/. & ai$ o once to yo/r
,ather4 ,ace- an$ he .o/"$ not peak to me ,or ha", a year. Men are /ch th/n$ering great ,oo".
Cven the ort .ho come a"ong once in a tho/an$ year.1
DA%OS
Cven in the g"oom o, the 3o",4 5en- 5avo Sea.orth co/"$ ene that omething .a a.ry
thi morning.
#e .oke to the o/n$ o, voice an$ crept to the $oor o, hi ce""- b/t the .oo$ .a too thick
an$ he co/"$ not make o/t the .or$. 5a.n ha$ come- b/t not the porri$ge Garth bro/ght him
every morn to break hi ,at. 7hat ma$e him an:io/. A"" the $ay .ere m/ch the ame ini$e the
3o",4 5en- an$ any change .a //a""y ,or the .ore. #his ma! be the da! I die+ 1arth ma! be
sitting with a whetstone een now, to put an edge on "ad! "u+
7he onion knight ha$ not ,orgotten 3yman Man$er"y4 "at .or$ to him. #ake this creature
to the Wolf/s Den and cut off head and hands, the ,at "or$ ha$ comman$e$. I shall not be able to
eat a bite until I see this smuggler/s head upon a spike, with an onion shoed between his l!ing
teeth+ Cvery night 5avo .ent to "eep .ith thoe .or$ in hi hea$- an$ every morn he .oke to
them. An$ ho/"$ he ,orget- Garth .a a".ay p"eae$ to remin$ him. 5ea$ man .a hi name
,or 5avo. 3hen he came by in the morning- it .a a".ay- 2#ere- porri$ge ,or the $ea$ man.1
At night it .a- 2B"o. o/t the can$"e- $ea$ man.1
Hnce Garth bro/ght hi "a$ie by to intro$/ce them to the $ea$ man. 27he 3hore $on4t "ook
"ike m/ch-1 he ai$- ,on$"ing a ro$ o, co"$ b"ack iron- 2b/t .hen & heat her /p re$(hot an$ "et her
to/ch yo/r cock- yo/4"" cry ,or mother. An$ thi here4 my ?a$y ?/. &t4 her .ho4"" take yo/r
hea$ an$ han$- .hen ?or$ 3yman en$ $o.n .or$.1 5avo ha$ never een a bigger a:e than
?a$y ?/- nor one .ith a harper e$ge. Garth pent hi $ay honing her- the other keeper ai$. I
will not plead for merc!, 5avo reo"ve$. #e .o/"$ go to hi $eath a knight- aking on"y that
they take hi hea$ be,ore hi han$. Cven Garth .o/"$ not be o cr/e" a to $eny him that- he
hope$.
7he o/n$ coming thro/gh the $oor .ere ,aint an$ m/,,"e$. 5avo roe an$ pace$ hi ce"".
A ce"" .ent- it .a "arge an$ A/eer"y com,ortab"e. #e /pecte$ it might once have been ome
"or$"ing4 be$chamber. &t .a thrice the iGe o, hi captain4 cabin on Black Bessa, an$ even
"arger than the cabin Sa""a$hor Saan en=oye$ on hi .al!rian+ 7ho/gh it on"y .in$o. ha$ been
bricke$ in year be,ore- one .a"" ti"" boate$ a hearth big eno/gh to ho"$ a kett"e- an$ there .a
an act/a" privy b/i"t into a corner nook. 7he ,"oor .a ma$e o, .arpe$ p"ank ,/"" o, p"inter-
an$ hi "eeping pa""et me""e$ o, mi"$e.- b/t thoe $icom,ort .ere mi"$ compare$ to .hat
5avo ha$ e:pecte$.
7he ,oo$ ha$ come a a /rprie a .e"". &n p"ace o, gr/e" an$ ta"e brea$ an$ rotten meat- the
//a" $/ngeon ,are- hi keeper bro/ght him ,reh(ca/ght ,ih- brea$ ti"" .arm ,rom the oven-
pice$ m/tton- t/rnip- carrot- even crab. Garth .a none too p"eae$ by that. 27he $ea$ ho/"$
not eat better than the "iving-1 he comp"aine$- more than once. 5avo ha$ ,/r to keep him .arm
by night- .oo$ to ,ee$ hi ,ire- c"ean c"othing- a greay ta""o. can$"e. 3hen he ake$ ,or paper-
A/i""- an$ ink- 7herry bro/ght them the ne:t $ay. 3hen he ake$ ,or a book- o he might keep at
hi rea$ing- 7herry t/rne$ /p .ith #he Seen($ointed Star+
+or a"" it com,ort- tho/gh- hi ce"" remaine$ a ce"". &t .a"" .ere o"i$ tone- o thick that
he co/"$ hear nothing o, the o/ti$e .or"$. 7he $oor .a oak an$ iron- an$ hi keeper kept it
barre$. +o/r et o, heavy iron ,etter $ang"e$ ,rom the cei"ing- .aiting ,or the $ay ?or$
Man$er"y $eci$e$ to chain him /p an$ give him over to the 3hore. #oda! ma! be that da!+ #he
ne8t time 1arth opens m! door, it ma! not be to bring me porridge+
#i be""y .a r/mb"ing- a /re ign that the morning .a creeping pat- an$ ti"" no ign o,
,oo$. #he worst part is not the d!ing, it/s not knowing when or how+ #e ha$ een the ini$e o, a
,e. gao" an$ $/ngeon in hi m/gg"ing $ay- b/t thoe he4$ hare$ .ith other prioner- o
there .a a".ay omeone to ta"k .ith- to hare yo/r ,ear an$ hope. Not here. Ai$e ,rom hi
keeper- 5avo Sea.orth ha$ the 3o",4 5en to hime",.
#e kne. there .ere tr/e $/ngeon $o.n in the cat"e ce""ar@ o/b"iette an$ tort/re
chamber an$ $ank pit .here h/ge b"ack rat crabb"e$ in the $arkne. #i gao"er c"aime$ a""
o, them .ere /nocc/pie$ at preent. 2Hn"y / here- Hnion-1 Ser Bartim/ ha$ to"$ him. #e .a
the chie, gao"er- a ca$avero/ one("egge$ knight- .ith a carre$ ,ace an$ a b"in$ eye. 3hen Ser
Bartim/ .a in hi c/p ;an$ Ser Bartim/ .a in hi c/p mot every $ay<- he "ike$ to boat o,
ho. he ha$ ave$ ?or$ 3yman4 "i,e at the Batt"e o, the 7ri$ent. 7he 3o",4 5en .a hi
re.ar$.
7he ret o, 2/1 conite$ o, a cook 5avo never a.- i: g/ar$men in the gro/n$(,"oor
barrack- a pair o, .aher.omen- an$ the t.o t/rnkey .ho "ooke$ a,ter the prioner. 7herry
.a the yo/ng one- the on o, one o, the .aher.omen- a boy o, ten(an$(,o/r. 7he o"$ one .a
Garth- h/ge an$ ba"$ an$ tacit/rn- .ho .ore the ame greay "eather =erkin every $ay an$ a".ay
eeme$ to have a g"o.er on hi ,ace.
#i year a a m/gg"er ha$ given 5avo Sea.orth a ene o, .hen a man .a .rong- an$
Garth .a .rong. 7he onion knight took care to ho"$ hi tong/e in Garth4 preence. 3ith
7herry an$ Ser Bartim/ he .a "e reticent. #e thanke$ them ,or hi ,oo$- enco/rage$ them to
ta"k abo/t their hope an$ hitorie- an.ere$ their A/etion po"ite"y- an$ never pree$ too har$
.ith A/erie o, hi o.n. 3hen he ma$e reA/et- they .ere ma"" one' a bain o, .ater an$ a bit
o, oap- a book to rea$- more can$"e. Mot /ch ,avor .ere grante$- an$ 5avo .a $/"y
grate,/".
Neither man .o/"$ peak abo/t ?or$ Man$er"y or >ing Stanni or the +rey- b/t they .o/"$
ta"k o, other thing. 7herry .ante$ to go o,, to .ar .hen he .a o"$ eno/gh- to ,ight in batt"e
an$ become a knight. #e "ike$ to comp"ain abo/t hi mother too. She .a be$$ing t.o o, the
g/ar$men- he con,i$e$. 7he men .ere on $i,,erent .atche an$ neither kne. abo/t the other-
b/t one $ay one man or t4other .o/"$ p/GG"e it o/t- an$ then there .o/"$ be b"oo$. Some night
the boy .o/"$ even bring a kin o, .ine to the ce"" an$ ak 5avo abo/t the m/gg"er4 "i,e a
they $rank.
Ser Bartim/ ha$ no interet in the .or"$ o/ti$e- or in$ee$ anything that ha$ happene$ ince
he "ot hi "eg to a ri$er"e hore an$ a maeter4 a.. #e ha$ come to "ove the 3o",4 5en-
ho.ever- an$ "ike$ nothing more than to ta"k abo/t it "ong an$ b"oo$y hitory. 7he 5en .a
m/ch o"$er than 3hite #arbor- the knight to"$ 5avo. &t ha$ been raie$ by >ing !on Stark to
$e,en$ the mo/th o, the 3hite >ni,e againt rai$er ,rom the ea. Many a yo/nger on o, the
>ing in the North ha$ ma$e hi eat there- many a brother- many an /nc"e- many a co/in. Some
pae$ the cat"e to their o.n on an$ gran$on- an$ o,,hoot branche o, #o/e Stark ha$
arienI the Greytark ha$ "ate$ the "onget- ho"$ing the 3o",4 5en ,or ,ive cent/rie- /nti" they
pre/me$ to =oin the 5rea$,ort in rebe""ion againt the Stark o, 3inter,e"".
A,ter their ,a""- the cat"e ha$ pae$ thro/gh many other han$. #o/e +"int he"$ it ,or a
cent/ry- #o/e ?ocke ,or a"mot t.o. S"ate- ?ong- #o"t- an$ Ah.oo$ ha$ he"$ .ay here-
charge$ by 3inter,e"" to keep the river a,e. Reaver ,rom the 7hree Siter took the cat"e once-
making it their toeho"$ in the north. 5/ring the .ar bet.een 3inter,e"" an$ the %a"e- it .a
beiege$ by Hgoo$ Arryn- the H"$ +a"con- an$ b/rne$ by hi on- the one remembere$ a the
7a"on. 3hen o"$ >ing C$rick Stark ha$ gro.n too ,eeb"e to $e,en$ hi rea"m- the 3o",4 5en
.a capt/re$ by "aver ,rom the Steptone. 7hey .o/"$ bran$ their captive .ith hot iron an$
break them to the .hip be,ore hipping them o,, acro the ea- an$ thee ame b"ack tone .a""
bore .itne.
27hen a "ong cr/e" .inter ,e""-1 ai$ Ser Bartim/. 27he 3hite >ni,e ,roGe har$- an$ even the
,irth .a icing /p. 7he .in$ came ho."ing ,rom the north an$ $rove them "aver ini$e to
h/$$"e ro/n$ their ,ire- an$ .hi"t they .arme$ theme"ve the ne. king come $o.n on them.
Brandon Stark thi .a- C$rick Sno.bear$4 great(gran$on- him that men ca""e$ &ce Cye. #e
took the 3o",4 5en back- trippe$ the "aver nake$- an$ gave them to the "ave he4$ ,o/n$
chaine$ /p in the $/ngeon. &t4 ai$ they h/ng their entrai" in the branche o, the heart tree- a
an o,,ering to the go$. 7he old go$- not thee ne. one ,rom the o/th. Eo/r Seven $on4t
kno. .inter- an$ .inter $on4t kno. them.1
5avo co/"$ not arg/e .ith the tr/th o, that. +rom .hat he ha$ een at Cat.atch(by(the(Sea-
he $i$ not care to kno. .inter either. 23hat go$ $o yo/ keep61 he ake$ the one("egge$ knight.
27he o"$ one.1 3hen Ser Bartim/ grinne$- he "ooke$ =/t "ike a k/"". 2Me an$ mine .ere
here be,ore the Man$er"y. ?ike a not- my o.n ,orebear tr/ng thoe entrai" thro/gh the tree.1
2& never kne. that northmen ma$e b"oo$ acri,ice to their heart tree.1
27here4 m/ch an$ more yo/ o/thron $o not kno. abo/t the north-1 Ser Bartim/ rep"ie$.
#e .a not .rong. 5avo at bei$e hi can$"e an$ "ooke$ at the "etter he ha$ cratche$ o/t
.or$ by .or$ $/ring the $ay o, hi con,inement. I was a better smuggler than a knight, he ha$
.ritten to hi .i,e- a better knight than a ,ing/s 7and, a better ,ing/s 7and than a husband+ I
am so sorr!+ *ar!a, I hae loed !ou+ $lease forgie the wrongs I did !ou+ Should Stannis lose
his war, our lands will be lost as well+ #ake the bo!s across the narrow sea to Braaos and teach
them to think kindl! of me, if !ou would+ Should Stannis gain the Iron #hrone, 7ouse Seaworth
will surie and Dean will remain at court+ 7e will help !ou place the other bo!s with noble
lords, where the! can sere as pages and s3uires and win their knighthoods+ &t .a the bet
co/ne" he ha$ ,or her- tho/gh he .ihe$ it o/n$e$ .ier.
#e ha$ .ritten to each o, hi three /rviving on a .e""- to he"p them remember the ,ather
.ho ha$ bo/ght them name .ith hi ,ingertip. #i note to Ste,,on an$ yo/ng Stanni .ere
hort an$ ti,, an$ a.k.ar$I i, tr/th be to"$- he $i$ not kno. them ha", a .e"" a he ha$ hi
o"$er boy- the one .ho4$ b/rne$ or $ro.ne$ /pon the B"ack.ater. 7o 5evan he .rote more-
te""ing him ho. pro/$ he .a to ee hi o.n on a a king4 A/ire an$ remin$ing him that a the
e"$et it .a hi $/ty to protect hi "a$y mother an$ hi yo/nger brother. #ell 7is 1race I did
m! best, he en$e$. I am sorr! that I failed him+ I lost m! luck when I lost m! finger(bones, the
da! the rier burned below ,ing/s "anding+
5avo h/,,"e$ thro/gh the "etter "o."y- rea$ing each one over evera" time- .on$ering
.hether he ho/"$ change a .or$ here or a$$ one there. A man ho/"$ have more to ay .hen
taring at the en$ o, hi "i,e- he tho/ght- b/t the .or$ came har$. I did not do so ill, he trie$ to
te"" hime",. I rose up from Flea Bottom to be a ,ing/s 7and, and I learned to read and write+
#e .a ti"" h/nche$ over the "etter .hen he hear$ the o/n$ o, iron key ratt"ing on a ring.
#a", a heartbeat "ater- the $oor to hi ce"" came .inging open.
7he man .ho teppe$ thro/gh the $oor .a not one o, hi gao"er. #e .a ta"" an$ haggar$-
.ith a $eep"y "ine$ ,ace an$ a hock o, grey(bro.n hair. A "ong.or$ h/ng ,rom hi hip- an$ hi
$eep($ye$ car"et c"oak .a ,atene$ at the ho/"$er .ith a heavy i"ver brooch in the hape o, a
mai"e$ ,it. 2?or$ Sea.orth-1 he ai$- 2.e $o not have m/ch time. 9"eae- come .ith me.1
5avo eye$ the tranger .ari"y. 7he 2p"eae1 con,/e$ him. Men abo/t to "oe their hea$ an$
han$ .ere not o,t accor$e$ /ch co/rteie. 23ho are yo/61
2Robett G"over- i, it p"eae- my "or$.1
2G"over. Eo/r eat .a 5eep.oo$ Motte.1
2My brother Ga"bart4 eat. &t .a an$ i- thank to yo/r >ing Stanni. #e ha taken
5eep.oo$ back ,rom the iron bitch .ho to"e it an$ o,,er to retore it to it right,/" o.ner.
M/ch an$ more ha happene$ .hi"t yo/ have been con,ine$ .ithin thee .a""- ?or$ 5avo.
Moat Cai"in ha ,a""en- an$ Rooe Bo"ton ha ret/rne$ to the north .ith Ne$ Stark4 yo/nger
$a/ghter. A hot o, +rey came .ith him. Bo"ton ha ent ,orth raven- /mmoning a"" the "or$
o, the north to Barro.ton. #e $eman$ homage an$ hotage8 an$ .itnee to the .e$$ing o,
Arya Stark an$ hi batar$ Ramay Sno.- by .hich match the Bo"ton mean to "ay c"aim to
3inter,e"". No.- .i"" yo/ come .ith me- or no61
23hat choice $o & have- my "or$6 Come .ith yo/- or remain .ith Garth an$ ?a$y ?/61
23ho i ?a$y ?/6 Hne o, the .aher.omen61 G"over .a gro.ing impatient. 2A"" .i"" be
e:p"aine$ i, yo/ .i"" come.1
5avo roe to hi ,eet. 2&, & ho/"$ $ie- & beeech my "or$ to ee that my "etter are $e"ivere$.1
2Eo/ have my .or$ on that8 tho/gh i, yo/ $ie- it .i"" not be at G"over4 han$- nor ?or$
3yman4. D/ick"y no.- .ith me.1
G"over "e$ him a"ong a $arkene$ ha"" an$ $o.n a ,"ight o, .orn tep. 7hey croe$ the
cat"e4 go$.oo$- .here the heart tree ha$ gro.n o h/ge an$ tang"e$ that it ha$ choke$ o/t a""
the oak an$ e"m an$ birch an$ ent it thick- pa"e "imb crahing thro/gh the .a"" an$
.in$o. that "ooke$ $o.n on it. &t root .ere a thick aro/n$ a a man4 .ait- it tr/nk o
.i$e that the ,ace carve$ into it "ooke$ ,at an$ angry. Beyon$ the .eir.oo$- G"over opene$ a
r/te$ iron gate an$ pa/e$ to "ight a torch. 3hen it .a b"aGing re$ an$ hot- he took 5avo
$o.n more tep into a barre"(va/"te$ ce""ar .here the .eeping .a"" .ere cr/te$ .hite .ith
a"t- an$ ea.ater "ohe$ beneath their ,eet .ith every tep. 7hey pae$ thro/gh evera" ce""ar-
an$ ro. o, ma""- $amp- ,o/"(me""ing ce"" very $i,,erent ,rom the room .here 5avo ha$ been
con,ine$. 7hen there .a a b"ank tone .a"" that t/rne$ .hen G"over p/he$ on it. Beyon$ .a a
"ong narro. t/nne" an$ ti"" more tep. 7hee "e$ /p.
23here are .e61 ake$ 5avo a they c"imbe$. #i .or$ echoe$ ,aint"y tho/gh the $arkne.
27he tep beneath the tep. 7he paage r/n beneath the Cat"e Stair /p to the Ne. Cat"e.
A ecret .ay. &t .o/"$ not $o ,or yo/ to be een- my "or$. Eo/ are /ppoe$ to be $ea$.1
$orridge for the dead man+ 5avo c"imbe$.
7hey emerge$ thro/gh another .a""- b/t thi one .a "ath an$ p"ater on the ,ar i$e. 7he
room beyon$ .a n/g an$ .arm an$ com,ortab"y ,/rnihe$- .ith a Myrih carpet on the ,"oor
an$ bee.a: can$"e b/rning on a tab"e. 5avo co/"$ hear pipe an$ ,i$$"e p"aying- not ,ar
a.ay. Hn the .a"" h/ng a heepkin .ith a map o, the north painte$ acro it in ,a$e$ co"or.
Beneath the map at 3yman Man$er"y- the co"oa" ?or$ o, 3hite #arbor.
29"eae it.1 ?or$ Man$er"y .a rich"y garbe$. #i ve"vet $o/b"et .a a o,t b"/e(green-
embroi$ere$ .ith go"$en threa$ at hem an$ "eeve an$ co""ar. #i mant"e .a ermine- pinne$ at
the ho/"$er .ith a go"$en tri$ent. 2Are yo/ h/ngry61
2No- my "or$. Eo/r gao"er have ,e$ me .e"".1
27here i .ine- i, yo/ have a thirt.1
2& .i"" treat .ith yo/- my "or$. My king comman$e$ that o, me. & $o not have to $rink .ith
yo/.1
?or$ 3yman ighe$. 2& have treate$ yo/ mot hame,/""y- & kno.. & ha$ my reaon- b/t8
p"eae- it an$ $rink- & beg yo/. 5rink to my boy4 a,e ret/rn. 3y"i- my e"$et on an$ heir. #e
i home. 7hat i the .e"coming ,eat yo/ hear. &n the Merman4 Co/rt they are eating "amprey
pie an$ venion .ith roate$ chetn/t. 3yna,ry$ i $ancing .ith the +rey he i to marry. 7he
other +rey are raiing c/p o, .ine to toat o/r ,rien$hip.1
Beneath the m/ic- 5avo co/"$ hear the m/rm/r o, many voice- the c"atter o, c/p an$
p"atter. #e ai$ nothing.
2& have =/t come ,rom the high tab"e-1 ?or$ 3yman .ent on. 2& have eaten too m/ch- a
ever- an$ a"" 3hite #arbor kno. my bo.e" are ba$. My ,rien$ o, +rey .i"" not A/etion a
"engthy viit to the privy- .e hope.1 #e t/rne$ hi c/p over. 27here. Eo/ .i"" $rink an$ & .i""
not. Sit. 7ime i hort- an$ there i m/ch .e nee$ to ay. Robett- .ine ,or the #an$- i, yo/ .i""
be o goo$. ?or$ 5avo- yo/ .i"" not kno.- b/t yo/ are $ea$.1
Robett G"over ,i""e$ a .ine c/p an$ o,,ere$ it to 5avo. #e took it- ni,,e$ it- $rank. 2#o.
$i$ & $ie- i, & may ak61
2By the a:e. Eo/r hea$ an$ han$ .ere mo/nte$ above the Sea" Gate- .ith yo/r ,ace t/rne$
o yo/r eye "ooke$ o/t acro the harbor. By no. yo/ are .e"" rotte$- tho/gh .e $ippe$ yo/r
hea$ in tar be,ore .e et it /pon the pike. Carrion cro. an$ eabir$ A/abb"e$ over yo/r eye-
they ay.1
5avo hi,te$ /ncom,ortab"y. &t .a a A/eer ,ee"ing- being $ea$. 2&, it p"eae my "or$- .ho
$ie$ in my p"ace61
25oe it matter6 Eo/ have a common ,ace- ?or$ 5avo. & hope my aying o $oe not o,,en$
yo/. 7he man ha$ yo/r co"oring- a noe o, the ame hape- t.o ear that .ere not $iimi"ar- a
"ong bear$ that co/"$ be trimme$ an$ hape$ "ike yo/r. Eo/ can be /re .e tarre$ him .e""- an$
the onion hove$ bet.een hi teeth erve$ to t.it the ,eat/re. Ser Bartim/ a. that the ,inger
o, hi "e,t han$ .ere hortene$- the ame a yo/r. 7he man .a a crimina"- i, that give yo/ any
o"ace. #i $ying may accomp"ih more goo$ than anything he ever $i$ .hi"t "iving. My "or$- &
bear yo/ no i"" .i"". 7he rancor & ho.e$ yo/ in the Merman4 Co/rt .a a m/mmer4 ,arce p/t
on to p"eae o/r ,rien$ o, +rey.1
2My "or$ ho/"$ take /p a "i,e o, m/mmery-1 ai$ 5avo. 2Eo/ an$ yo/r .ere mot
convincing. Eo/r goo$($a/ghter eeme$ to .ant me $ea$ mot earnet"y- an$ the "itt"e gir"81
23y""a.1 ?or$ 3yman mi"e$. 25i$ yo/ ee ho. brave he .a6 Cven .hen & threatene$ to
have her tong/e o/t- he remin$e$ me o, the $ebt 3hite #arbor o.e to the Stark o, 3inter,e""-
a $ebt that can never be repai$. 3y""a poke ,rom the heart- a $i$ ?a$y ?eona. +orgive her i,
yo/ can- my "or$. She i a ,oo"ih- ,rightene$ .oman- an$ 3y"i i her "i,e. Not every man ha it
in him to be 9rince Aemon the 5ragonknight or Symeon Star(Cye- an$ not every .oman can be
a brave a my 3y""a an$ her iter 3yna,ry$8 .ho did kno.- yet p"aye$ her o.n part
,ear"e"y.
23hen treating .ith "iar- even an honet man m/t "ie. & $i$ not $are $e,y >ing4 ?an$ing o
"ong a my "at "iving on remaine$ a captive. ?or$ 7y.in ?anniter .rote me hime", to ay that
he ha$ 3y"i. &, & .o/"$ have him ,ree$ /nharme$- he to"$ me- & m/t repent my treaon- yie"$
my city- $ec"are my "oya"ty to the boy king on the &ron 7hrone8 an$ ben$ my knee to Rooe
Bo"ton- hi 3ar$en o, the North. Sho/"$ & re,/e- 3y"i .o/"$ $ie a traitor4 $eath- 3hite
#arbor .o/"$ be torme$ an$ acke$- an$ my peop"e .o/"$ /,,er the ame ,ate a the Reyne o,
Catamere.
2& am ,at- an$ many think that make me .eak an$ ,oo"ih. Mayhap 7y.in ?anniter .a
one /ch. & ent him back a raven to ay that & .o/"$ ben$ my knee an$ open my gate after my
on .a ret/rne$- b/t not be,ore. 7here the matter too$ .hen 7y.in $ie$. A,ter.ar$ the +rey
t/rne$ /p .ith 3en$e"4 bone8 to make a peace an$ ea" it .ith a marriage pact- they c"aime$-
b/t & .a not abo/t to give them .hat they .ante$ /nti" & ha$ 3y"i- a,e an$ .ho"e- an$ they
.ere not abo/t to give me 3y"i /nti" & prove$ my "oya"ty. Eo/r arriva" gave me the mean to $o
that. 7hat .a the reaon ,or the $ico/rtey & ho.e$ yo/ in the Merman4 Co/rt- an$ ,or the
hea$ an$ han$ rotting above the Sea" Gate.1
2Eo/ took a great rik- my "or$-1 5avo ai$. 2&, the +rey ha$ een thro/gh yo/r
$eception81
2& took no rik at a"". &, any o, the +rey ha$ taken it /pon theme"ve to c"imb my gate ,or a
c"oe "ook at the man .ith the onion in hi mo/th- & .o/"$ have b"ame$ my gao"er ,or the error
an$ pro$/ce$ yo/ to appeae them.1
5avo ,e"t a hiver /p hi pine. 2& ee.1
2& hope o. Eo/ have on o, yo/r o.n- yo/ ai$.1
#hree, tho/ght 5avo- though I fathered seen+ 2Soon & m/t ret/rn to the ,eat to toat my
,rien$ o, +rey-1 Man$er"y contin/e$. 27hey .atch me- er. 5ay an$ night their eye are on me-
noe ni,,ing ,or ome .hi,, o, treachery. Eo/ a. them- the arrogant Ser !are$ an$ hi nephe.
Rhaegar- that mirking .orm .ho .ear a $ragon4 name. Behin$ them both tan$ Symon$-
c"inking coin. 7hat one ha bo/ght an$ pai$ ,or evera" o, my ervant an$ t.o o, my knight.
Hne o, hi .i,e4 han$mai$ ha ,o/n$ her .ay into the be$ o, my o.n ,oo". &, Stanni .on$er
that my "etter ay o "itt"e- it i beca/e & $are not even tr/t my maeter. 7heomore i a"" hea$
an$ no heart. Eo/ hear$ him in my ha"". Maeter are /ppoe$ to p/t ai$e o"$ "oya"tie .hen
they $on their chain- b/t & cannot ,orget that 7heomore .a born a ?anniter o, ?anniport an$
c"aim ome $itant kinhip to the ?anniter o, Cater"y Rock. +oe an$ ,a"e ,rien$ are a""
aro/n$ me- ?or$ 5avo. 7hey in,et my city "ike roache- an$ at night & ,ee" them cra."ing over
me.1 7he ,at man4 ,inger coi"e$ into a ,it- an$ a"" hi chin tremb"e$. 2My on 3en$e" came to
the 7.in a g/et. #e ate ?or$ 3a"$er4 brea$ an$ a"t- an$ h/ng hi .or$ /pon the .a"" to
,eat .ith ,rien$. An$ they m/r$ere$ him. *urdered, & ay- an$ may the +rey choke /pon their
,ab"e. & $rink .ith !are$- =ape .ith Symon$- promie Rhaegar the han$ o, my o.n be"ove$
gran$$a/ghter8 b/t never think that mean & have ,orgotten. 7he north remember- ?or$ 5avo.
7he north remember- an$ the m/mmer4 ,arce i a"mot $one. My on i home.1
Something abo/t the .ay ?or$ 3yman ai$ that chi""e$ 5avo to the bone. 2&, it i =/tice
that yo/ .ant- my "or$- "ook to >ing Stanni. No man i more =/t.1
Robett G"over broke in to a$$- 2Eo/r "oya"ty $oe yo/ honor- my "or$- b/t Stanni Baratheon
remain yo/r king- not o/r o.n.1
2Eo/r o.n king i $ea$-1 5avo remin$e$ them- 2m/r$ere$ at the Re$ 3e$$ing bei$e ?or$
3yman4 on.1
27he Eo/ng 3o", i $ea$-1 Man$er"y a""o.e$- 2b/t that brave boy .a not ?or$ C$$ar$4
on"y on. Robett- bring the "a$.1
2At once- my "or$.1 G"over "ippe$ o/t the $oor.
#he lad6 3a it poib"e that one o, Robb Stark4 brother ha$ /rvive$ the r/in o,
3inter,e""6 5i$ Man$er"y have a Stark heir hi$$en a.ay in hi cat"e6 A found bo! or a feigned
bo!6 7he north .o/"$ rie ,or either- he /pecte$8 b/t Stanni Baratheon .o/"$ never make
common ca/e .ith an impoter.
7he "a$ .ho ,o""o.e$ Robett G"over thro/gh the $oor .a not a Stark- nor co/"$ he ever hope
to pa ,or one. #e .a o"$er than the Eo/ng 3o",4 m/r$ere$ brother- ,o/rteen or ,i,teen by
the "ook o, him- an$ hi eye .ere o"$er ti"". Beneath a tang"e o, $ark bro.n hair hi ,ace .a
a"mot ,era"- .ith a .i$e mo/th- harp noe- an$ pointe$ chin. 23ho are yo/61 5avo ake$.
7he boy "ooke$ to Robett G"over. 2#e i a m/te- b/t .e have been teaching him hi "etter.
#e "earn A/ick"y.1 G"over $re. a $agger ,rom hi be"t an$ gave it to the boy. 23rite yo/r name
,or ?or$ Sea.orth.1
7here .a no parchment in the chamber. 7he boy carve$ the "etter into a .oo$en beam in the
.a"". W= 0= '+ #e "eane$ har$ into the '+ 3hen he .a $one he ,"ippe$ the $agger in the air-
ca/ght it- an$ too$ a$miring hi han$i.ork.
23e: i ironborn. #e .a 7heon Grey=oy4 A/ire. 3e: .a at 3inter,e"".1 G"over at. 2#o.
m/ch $oe ?or$ Stanni kno. o, .hat tranpire$ at 3inter,e""61
5avo tho/ght back on the ta"e they4$ hear$. 23inter,e"" .a capt/re$ by 7heon Grey=oy-
.ho ha$ once been ?or$ Stark4 .ar$. #e ha$ Stark4 t.o yo/ng on p/t to $eath an$ mo/nte$
their hea$ above the cat"e .a"". 3hen the northmen came to o/t him- he p/t the entire cat"e
to .or$- $o.n to the "at chi"$- be,ore he hime", .a "ain by ?or$ Bo"ton4 batar$.1
2Not "ain-1 ai$ G"over. 2Capt/re$- an$ carrie$ back to the 5rea$,ort. 7he Batar$ ha been
,"aying him.1
?or$ 3yman no$$e$. 27he ta"e yo/ te"" i one .e a"" have hear$- a ,/"" o, "ie a a p/$$ing4
,/"" o, raiin. &t .a the Batar$ o, Bo"ton .ho p/t 3inter,e"" to the .or$8 Ramay Sno.- he
.a ca""e$ then- be,ore the boy king ma$e him a Bo"ton. Sno. $i$ not ki"" them a"". #e pare$
the .omen- rope$ them together- an$ marche$ them to the 5rea$,ort ,or hi port.1
2#i port61
2#e i a great h/nter-1 ai$ 3yman Man$er"y- 2an$ .omen are hi ,avorite prey. #e trip
them nake$ an$ et them "ooe in the .oo$. 7hey have a ha", $ay4 tart be,ore he et o/t a,ter
them .ith ho/n$ an$ horn. +rom time to time ome .ench ecape an$ "ive to te"" the ta"e.
Mot are "e ,ort/nate. 3hen Ramay catche them he rape them- ,"ay them- ,ee$ their
corpe to hi $og- an$ bring their kin back to the 5rea$,ort a trophie. &, they have given
him goo$ port- he "it their throat be,ore he kin them. C"e.ie- t4other .ay aro/n$.1
5avo pa"e$. 2Go$ be goo$. #o. co/"$ any man@1
27he evi" i in hi b"oo$-1 ai$ Robett G"over. 2#e i a batar$ born o, rape. A Snow, no
matter .hat the boy king ay.1
23a ever no. o b"ack61 ake$ ?or$ 3yman. 2Ramay took ?or$ #orn.oo$4 "an$ by
,orcib"y .e$$ing hi .i$o.- then "ocke$ her in a to.er an$ ,orgot her. &t i ai$ he ate her o.n
,inger in her e:tremity8 an$ the ?anniter notion o, king4 =/tice i to re.ar$ her ki""er .ith
Ne$ Stark4 "itt"e gir".1
27he Bo"ton have a".ay been a cr/e" a they .ere c/nning- b/t thi one eem a beat in
h/man kin-1 ai$ G"over.
7he ?or$ o, 3hite #arbor "eane$ ,or.ar$. 27he +rey are no better. 7hey peak o, .arg an$
kinchanger an$ aert that it .a Robb Stark .ho "e. my 3en$e". 7he arrogance o, it0 7hey
$o not e:pect the north to be"ieve their "ie- not tr/"y- b/t they think .e m/t preten$ to be"ieve
or $ie. Rooe Bo"ton "ie abo/t hi part in the Re$ 3e$$ing- an$ hi batar$ "ie abo/t the ,a"" o,
3inter,e"". An$ yet o "ong a they he"$ 3y"i & ha$ no choice b/t to eat a"" thi e:crement an$
praie the tate.1
2An$ no.- my "or$61 ake$ 5avo.
#e ha$ hope$ to hear ?or$ 3yman ay- And now I shall declare for ,ing Stannis, b/t intea$
the ,at man mi"e$ an o$$- t.ink"ing mi"e an$ ai$- 2An$ no. & have a .e$$ing to atten$. & am
too ,at to it a hore- a any man .ith eye can p"ain"y ee. A a boy & "ove$ to ri$e- an$ a a
yo/ng man & han$"e$ a mo/nt .e"" eno/gh to .in ome ma"" acc"aim in the "it- b/t thoe $ay
are $one. My bo$y ha become a prion more $ire than the 3o",4 5en. Cven o- & m/t go to
3inter,e"". Rooe Bo"ton .ant me on my knee- an$ beneath the ve"vet co/rtey he ho. the
iron mai". & ha"" go by barge an$ "itter- atten$e$ by a h/n$re$ knight an$ my goo$ ,rien$ ,rom
the 7.in. 7he +rey came here by ea. 7hey have no hore .ith them- o & ha"" preent each
o, them .ith a pa",rey a a g/et gi,t. 5o hot ti"" give g/et gi,t in the o/th61
2Some $o- my "or$. Hn the $ay their g/et $epart.1
29erhap yo/ /n$ertan$- then.1 3yman Man$er"y "/rche$ pon$ero/"y to hi ,eet. 2& have
been b/i"$ing .arhip ,or more than a year. Some yo/ a.- b/t there are a many more hi$$en
/p the 3hite >ni,e. Cven .ith the "oe & have /,,ere$- & ti"" comman$ more heavy hore than
any other "or$ north o, the Neck. My .a"" are trong- an$ my va/"t are ,/"" o, i"ver. H"$cat"e
an$ 3i$o.4 3atch .i"" take their "ea$ ,rom me. My bannermen inc"/$e a $oGen petty "or$ an$
a h/n$re$ "an$e$ knight. & can $e"iver >ing Stanni the a""egiance o, a"" the "an$ eat o, the
3hite >ni,e- ,rom 3i$o.4 3atch an$ Ramgate to the Sheephea$ #i"" an$ the hea$.ater o,
the Broken Branch. A"" thi & p"e$ge to $o i, yo/ .i"" meet my price.1
2& can bring yo/r term to the king- b/t@1
?or$ 3yman c/t him o,,. 2&, !ou .i"" meet my price- & ai$. Not Stanni. &t4 not a king &
nee$ b/t a m/gg"er.1
Robett G"over took /p the ta"e. 23e may never kno. a"" that happene$ at 3inter,e""- .hen
Ser Ro$rik Cae" trie$ to take the cat"e back ,rom 7heon Grey=oy4 ironmen. 7he Batar$ o,
Bo"ton c"aim that Grey=oy m/r$ere$ Ser Ro$rik $/ring a par"ey. 3e: ay no. Fnti" he "earn
more "etter .e .i"" never kno. ha", the tr/th8 b/t he came to / kno.ing !es an$ no, an$
thoe can go a "ong .ay once yo/ ,in$ the right A/etion.1
2&t .a the Batar$ .ho m/r$ere$ Ser Ro$rik an$ the men o, 3inter,e""-1 ai$ ?or$ 3yman.
2#e "e. Grey=oy4 ironmen a .e"". 3e: a. men c/t $o.n trying to yie"$. 3hen .e ake$
ho. he ecape$- he took a ch/nk o, cha"k an$ $re. a tree .ith a ,ace.1
5avo tho/ght abo/t that. 27he o"$ go$ ave$ him61
2A,ter a ,ahion. #e c"imbe$ the heart tree an$ hi$ hime", amongt the "eave. Bo"ton4 men
earche$ the go$.oo$ t.ice an$ ki""e$ the men they ,o/n$ there- b/t none tho/ght to c"amber
/p into the tree. & that ho. it happene$- 3e:61
7he boy ,"ippe$ /p G"over4 $agger- ca/ght it- no$$e$.
G"over ai$- 2#e taye$ /p in the tree a "ong time. #e "ept amongt the branche- not $aring
to $ecen$. +ina""y he hear$ voice $o.n beneath him.1
27he voice o, the $ea$-1 ai$ 3yman Man$er"y.
3e: he"$ /p ,ive ,inger- tappe$ each one .ith the $agger- then ,o"$e$ ,o/r a.ay an$ tappe$
the "at again.
2Si: o, them-1 ake$ 5avo. 27here .ere i:.1
27.o o, them Ne$ Stark4 m/r$ere$ on.1
2#o. co/"$ a m/te te"" yo/ that61
23ith cha"k. #e $re. t.o boy8 an$ t.o .o"ve.1
27he "a$ i ironborn- o he tho/ght it bet not to ho. hime",-1 ai$ G"over. 2#e "itene$.
7he i: $i$ not "inger "ong amongt the r/in o, 3inter,e"". +o/r .ent one .ay- t.o another.
3e: to"e a,ter the t.o- a .oman an$ a boy. #e m/t have taye$ $o.n.in$- o the .o", .o/"$
not catch hi cent.1
2#e kno. .here they .ent-1 ?or$ 3yman ai$.
5avo /n$ertoo$. 2Eo/ .ant the boy.1
2Rooe Bo"ton ha ?or$ C$$ar$4 $a/ghter. 7o th.art him 3hite #arbor m/t have Ne$4
on8 an$ the $ire.o",. 7he .o", .i"" prove the boy i .ho .e ay he i- ho/"$ the 5rea$,ort
attempt to $eny him. 7hat i my price- ?or$ 5avo. Sm/gg"e me back my "iege "or$- an$ & .i""
take Stanni Baratheon a my king.1
H"$ intinct ma$e 5avo Sea.orth reach ,or hi throat. #i ,ingerbone ha$ been hi "/ck- an$
omeho. he ,e"t he .o/"$ have nee$ o, "/ck to $o .hat 3yman Man$er"y .a aking o, him.
7he bone .ere gone- tho/gh- o he ai$- 2Eo/ have better men than me in yo/r ervice. >night
an$ "or$ an$ maeter. 3hy .o/"$ yo/ nee$ a m/gg"er6 Eo/ have hip.1
2Ship-1 ?or$ 3yman agree$- 2b/t my cre. are rivermen- or ,iher,o"k .ho have never
ai"e$ beyon$ the Bite. +or thi & m/t have a man .ho4 ai"e$ in $arker .ater an$ kno. ho.
to "ip pat $anger- /neen an$ /nmo"ete$.1
23here i the boy61 Someho. 5avo kne. he .o/"$ not "ike the an.er. 23here i it yo/
.ant me to go- my "or$61
Robett G"over ai$- 23e:. Sho. him.1
7he m/te ,"ippe$ the $agger- ca/ght it- then ,"/ng it en$ over en$ at the heepkin map that
a$orne$ ?or$ 3yman4 .a"". &t tr/ck A/ivering. 7hen he grinne$.
+or ha", a heartbeat 5avo coni$ere$ aking 3yman Man$er"y to en$ him back to the
3o",4 5en- to Ser Bartim/ .ith hi ta"e an$ Garth .ith hi "etha" "a$ie. &n the 5en even
prioner ate porri$ge in the morning. B/t there .ere other p"ace in thi .or"$ .here men .ere
kno.n to break their ,at on h/man ,"eh.
Cat Of The Canals
She .oke be,ore the /n came /p- in the "itt"e room beneath the eave that he hare$ .ith
Br/co4 $a/ghter.
Cat .a a".ay the ,irt to a.aken. &t .a .arm an$ n/g /n$er the b"anket .ith 7a"ea an$
Brea. She co/"$ hear the o,t o/n$ o, their breath. 3hen he tirre$- itting /p an$ ,/mb"ing
,or her "ipper- Brea m/ttere$ a "eepy comp"aint an$ ro""e$ over. 7he chi"" o,, the grey tone
.a"" gave Cat gooeprick"e. She $ree$ A/ick"y in the $arkne. A he .a "ipping her t/nic
over her hea$- 7a"ea opene$ her eye an$ ca""e$ o/t- 2Cat- be a .eet an$ bring my c"othe ,or
me.1 She .a a ga.ky gir"- a"" kin an$ bone an$ e"bo.- a".ay comp"aining he .a co"$.
Cat ,etche$ her c"othe ,or her- an$ 7a"ea A/irme$ into them /n$erneath the b"anket.
7ogether they p/""e$ her big iter ,rom the be$- a Brea m/ttere$ "eepy threat.
By the time the three o, them c"imbe$ $o.n the "a$$er ,rom the room beneath the eave-
Br/co an$ hi on .ere o/t in the boat on the "itt"e cana" behin$ the ho/e. Br/co barke$ at
the gir" to h/rry- a he $i$ every morning. #i on he"pe$ 7a"ea an$ Brea onto the boat. &t .a
Cat4 tak to /ntie them ,rom the pi"ing- to the rope to Brea- an$ hove the boat a.ay ,rom the
$ock .ith a boote$ ,oot. Br/co4 on "eane$ into their po"e. Cat ran an$ "eapt acro the
.i$ening gap bet.een $ock an$ $eck.
A,ter that- he ha$ nothing to $o b/t it an$ ya.n ,or a "ong .hi"e a Br/co an$ hi on
p/he$ them thro/gh the pre$a.n g"oom- .en$ing $o.n a con,/ion o, ma"" cana". 7he $ay
"ooke$ to be a rare one- crip an$ c"ear an$ bright. Braavo on"y ha$ three kin$ o, .eatherI ,og
.a ba$- rain .a .ore- an$ ,reeGing rain .a .ort. B/t every o o,ten .o/"$ come a morning
.hen the $a.n broke pink an$ b"/e an$ the air .a harp an$ a"ty. 7hoe .ere the $ay that Cat
"ove$ bet.
3hen they reache$ the broa$ traight .ater.ay that .a the ?ong Cana"- they t/rne$ o/th
,or the ,ihmarket. Cat at .ith her "eg croe$- ,ighting a ya.n an$ trying to reca"" the $etai"
o, her $ream. I dreamed I was a wolf again+ She co/"$ remember the me"" bet o, a""' tree an$
earth- her pack brother- the cent o, hore an$ $eer an$ man- each $i,,erent ,rom the other-
an$ the harp acri$ tang o, ,ear- a".ay the ame. Some night the .o", $ream .ere o vivi$
that he co/"$ hear her brother ho."ing even a he .oke- an$ once Brea ha$ c"aime$ that he
.a gro."ing in her "eep a he thrahe$ beneath the cover. She tho/ght that .a ome t/pi$
"ie ti"" 7a"ea ai$ it too.
I should not be dreaming wolf dreams, the gir" to"$ here",. I am a cat now, not a wolf+ I am
%at of the %anals+ 7he .o", $ream be"onge$ to Arya o, #o/e Stark. 7ry a he might- tho/gh-
he co/"$ not ri$ here", o, Arya. &t ma$e no $i,,erence .hether he "ept beneath the temp"e or
in the "itt"e room beneath the eave .ith Br/co4 $a/ghter- the .o", $ream ti"" ha/nte$ her by
night8 an$ ometime other $ream a .e"".
7he .o", $ream .ere the goo$ one. &n the .o", $ream he .a .i,t an$ trong- r/nning
$o.n her prey .ith her pack at her hee". &t .a the other $ream he hate$- the one .here he
ha$ t.o ,eet intea$ o, ,o/r. &n that one he .a a".ay "ooking ,or her mother- t/mb"ing
thro/gh a .ate$ "an$ o, m/$ an$ b"oo$ an$ ,ire. &t .a a".ay raining in that $ream- an$ he
co/"$ hear her mother creaming- b/t a monter .ith a $og4 hea$ .o/"$ not "et her go ave her.
&n that $ream he .a a".ay .eeping- "ike a ,rightene$ "itt"e gir". %ats neer weep, he to"$
here",- no more than woles do+ It/s 9ust a stupid dream+
7he ?ong Cana" took Br/co4 boat beneath the green copper $ome o, the 9a"ace o, 7r/th
an$ the ta"" A/are to.er o, the 9retayn an$ Antaryon be,ore paing /n$er the immene grey
arche o, the .eet.ater river to the $itrict kno.n a Si"ty 7o.n- .here the b/i"$ing .ere
ma""er an$ "e gran$. ?ater in the $ay the cana" .o/"$ be choke$ .ith erpent boat an$ barge-
b/t in the pre$a.n $arkne they ha$ the .ater.ay a"mot to theme"ve. Br/co "ike$ to reach
the ,ihmarket =/t a the 7itan roare$ to hera"$ the coming o, the /n. 7he o/n$ .o/"$ boom
acro the "agoon- ,aint .ith $itance b/t ti"" "o/$ eno/gh to .ake the "eeping city.
By the time Br/co an$ hi on tie$ /p by the ,ihmarket- it .a .arming .ith herring
e""er an$ co$ .ive- oytermen- c"am $igger- te.ar$- cook- ma"".ive- an$ ai"or o,, the
ga""ey- a"" hagg"ing "o/$"y .ith one another a they inpecte$ the morning catch. Br/co .o/"$
.a"k ,rom boat to boat- having a "ook at a"" the he"",ih- an$ ,rom time to time tapping a cak or
crate .ith hi cane. 27hi one-1 he .o/"$ ay. 2Ee.1 #ap tap+ 27hi one.1 #ap tap+ 2No- not
that. #ere.1 #ap+ #e .a not m/ch one ,or ta"king. 7a"ea ai$ her ,ather .a a gr/$ging .ith hi
.or$ a .ith hi coin. Hyter- c"am- crab- m/e"- cock"e- ometime pra.n8 Br/co
bo/ght it a""- $epen$ing on .hat "ooke$ bet each $ay. &t .a ,or them to carry the crate an$
cak that he tappe$ back to the boat. Br/co ha$ a ba$ back- an$ co/"$ not "i,t anything heavier
than a tankar$ o, bro.n a"e.
Cat a".ay tank o, brine an$ ,ih by the time they p/he$ o,, ,or home again. She ha$ gro.n
o /e$ to it that he har$"y even me""e$ it anymore. She $i$ not min$ the .ork. 3hen her
m/c"e ache$ ,rom "i,ting- or her back got ore ,rom the .eight o, a cak- he to"$ here", that
he .a getting tronger.
Hnce a"" the cak .ere "oa$e$- Br/co hove$ them o,, again- an$ hi on po"e$ them back
/p the ?ong Cana". Brea an$ 7a"ea at at the ,ront o, the boat .hipering to one another. Cat
kne. that they .ere ta"king abo/t Brea4 boy- the one he c"imbe$ /p on the roo, to meet- a,ter
her ,ather .a a"eep.
2?earn three ne. thing be,ore yo/ come back to /-1 the kin$"y man ha$ comman$e$ Cat-
.hen he ent her ,orth into the city. She a".ay $i$. Sometime it .a no more than three ne.
.or$ o, the Braavoi tong/e. Sometime he bro/ght back ai"or4 ta"e- o, trange an$
.on$ro/ happening ,rom the .i$e .et .or"$ beyon$ the i"e o, Braavo- .ar an$ rain o,
toa$ an$ $ragon hatching. Sometime he "earne$ three ne. =ape or three ne. ri$$"e- or
trick o, thi tra$e or the other. An$ every o o,ten- he .o/"$ "earn ome ecret.
Braavo .a a city ma$e ,or ecret- a city o, ,og an$ mak an$ .hiper. &t very e:itence
ha$ been a ecret ,or a cent/ry- the gir" ha$ "earne$I it "ocation ha$ been hi$$en thrice that "ong.
27he Nine +ree Citie are the $a/ghter o, %a"yria that .a-1 the kin$"y man ta/ght her- 2b/t
Braavo i the batar$ chi"$ .ho ran a.ay ,rom home. 3e are a mongre" ,o"k- the on o, "ave
an$ .hore an$ thieve. H/r ,orebear came ,rom ha", a h/n$re$ "an$ to thi p"ace o, re,/ge- to
ecape the $ragon"or$ .ho ha$ en"ave$ them. #a", a h/n$re$ go$ came .ith them- b/t there
i one go$ a"" o, them hare$ in common.1
2#im o, Many +ace.1
2An$ many name-1 the kin$"y man ha$ ai$. 2&n Dohor he i the B"ack Goat- in Ei 7i the
?ion o, Night- in 3etero the Stranger. A"" men m/t bo. to him in the en$- no matter i, they
.orhip the Seven or the ?or$ o, ?ight- the Moon Mother or the 5ro.ne$ Go$ or the Great
Shepher$. A"" mankin$ be"ong to him8 e"e ome.here in the .or"$ .o/"$ be a ,o"k .ho "ive$
,orever. 5o yo/ kno. o, any ,o"k .ho "ive ,orever61
2No-1 he .o/"$ an.er. 2A"" men m/t $ie.1
Cat .o/"$ a".ay ,in$ the kin$"y man .aiting ,or her .hen he .ent creeping back to the
temp"e on the kno"" on the night the moon .ent b"ack. 23hat $o yo/ kno. that yo/ $i$ not kno.
.hen yo/ "e,t /61 he .o/"$ a".ay ak her.
2& kno. .hat B"in$ BeAAo p/t in the hot a/ce he /e on hi oyter-1 he .o/"$ ay. 2&
kno. the m/mmer at the B"/e ?antern are going to $o #he "ord of the Woeful %ountenance an$
the m/mmer at the Ship mean to an.er .ith Seen Drunken Oarsmen+ & kno. the booke""er
?otho ?orne" "eep in the ho/e o, 7ra$eman(Captain More$o 9retayn .henever the
honorab"e tra$eman(captain i a.ay on a voyage- an$ move o/t .henever the .i8en come
home.1
2&t i goo$ to kno. thee thing. An$ .ho are yo/61
2No one.1
2Eo/ "ie. Eo/ are Cat o, the cana"- & kno. yo/ .e"". Go an$ "eep- chi"$. Hn the morro. yo/
m/t erve.1
2A"" men m/t erve.1 An$ o he $i$- three $ay o, every thirty. 3hen the moon .a b"ack
he .a no one- a ervant o, the Many(+ace$ Go$ in a robe o, b"ack an$ .hite. She .a"ke$
bei$e the kin$"y man thro/gh the ,ragrant $arkne- carrying her iron "antern. She .ahe$ the
$ea$- .ent thro/gh their c"othe- an$ co/nte$ o/t their coin. Some $ay he ti"" he"pe$ Fmma
cook- chopping big .hite m/hroom an$ boning ,ih. B/t on"y .hen the moon .a b"ack. 7he
ret o, the time he .a an orphan gir" in a pair o, battere$ boot too big ,or her ,eet an$ a bro.n
c"oak .ith a ragge$ hem- crying 4*ussels and cockles and clams5 a he .hee"e$ her barro.
thro/gh the Ragman4 #arbor.
7he moon .o/"$ be b"ack tonight- he kne.I "at night it ha$ been no more than a "iver.
23hat $o yo/ kno. that yo/ $i$ not kno. .hen yo/ "e,t /61 the kin$"y man .o/"$ ak a oon
a he a. her. I know that Brusco/s daughter Brea meets a bo! on the roof when her father is
asleep, he tho/ght. Brea lets him touch her, #alea sa!s, een though he/s 9ust a roof rat and all
the roof rats are supposed to be thiees+ 7hat .a on"y one thing- tho/gh. Cat .o/"$ nee$ t.o
more. She .a not concerne$. 7here .ere a".ay ne. thing to "earn- $o.n by the hip.
3hen they ret/rne$ to the ho/e Cat he"pe$ Br/co4 on /n"oa$ the boat. Br/co an$ hi
$a/ghter $ivi$e$ the he"",ih amongt three barro.- arranging them on "ayere$ be$ o,
ea.ee$. 2Come back .hen a"" i o"$-1 Br/co to"$ the gir"- =/t a he $i$ every morning- an$
they et ,orth to cry the catch. Brea .o/"$ .hee" her barro. to the 9/rp"e #arbor- to e"" to the
Braavoi ai"or .hoe hip .ere anchore$ there. 7a"ea .o/"$ try the a""ey ro/n$ the Moon
9oo"- or e"" amongt the temp"e on the &"e o, the Go$. Cat hea$e$ ,or the Ragman4 #arbor-
a he $i$ nine $ay o, every ten.
Hn"y Braavoi .ere permitte$ /e o, the 9/rp"e #arbor- ,rom the 5ro.ne$ 7o.n an$ the
Sea"or$4 9a"aceI hip ,rom her iter citie an$ the ret o, the .i$e .or"$ ha$ to /e the
Ragman4 #arbor- a poorer- ro/gher- $irtier port than the 9/rp"e. &t .a noiier a .e""- a ai"or
an$ tra$er ,rom ha", a h/n$re$ "an$ cro.$e$ it .harve an$ a""ey- ming"ing .ith thoe .ho
erve$ an$ preye$ on them. Cat "ike$ it bet o, any p"ace in Braavo. She "ike$ the noie an$ the
trange me""- an$ eeing .hat hip ha$ come in on the evening ti$e an$ .hat hip ha$
$eparte$. She "ike$ the ai"or tooI the boitero/ 7yrohi .ith their booming voice an$ $ye$
.hikerI the ,air(haire$ ?yeni- a".ay trying to nigg"e $o.n her priceI the A/at- hairy ai"or
,rom the 9ort o, &bben- gro."ing c/re in "o.- rapy voice. #er ,avorite .ere the S/mmer
&"an$er- .ith their kin a mooth an$ $ark a teak. 7hey .ore ,eathere$ c"oak o, re$ an$
green an$ ye""o.- an$ the ta"" mat an$ .hite ai" o, their .an hip .ere magni,icent.
An$ ometime there .ere 3eteroi too- oarmen an$ ai"or o,, carrack o/t o, H"$to.n-
tra$ing ga""ey o/t o, 5/ken$a"e- >ing4 ?an$ing- an$ G/""to.n- big(be""ie$ .ine cog ,rom
the Arbor. Cat kne. the Braavoi .or$ ,or m/e" an$ cock"e an$ c"am- b/t a"ong the
Ragman4 #arbor he crie$ her .are in the tra$e tong/e- the "ang/age o, the .harve an$ $ock
an$ ai"or4 tavern- a coare =/mb"e o, .or$ an$ phrae ,rom a $oGen "ang/age- accompanie$
by han$ ign an$ get/re- mot o, them in/"ting. 7hoe .ere the one that Cat "ike$ bet. Any
man .ho bothere$ her .a apt to ee the ,ig- or hear hime", $ecribe$ a an a4 piGG"e or a
came"4 c/nt. 2Maybe & never a. a came"-1 he .o/"$ te"" them- 2b/t & kno. a came"4 c/nt
.hen & me"" one.1
Hnce in a great .hi"e that .o/"$ make omebo$y angry- b/t .hen it $i$ he ha$ her ,inger
kni,e. She kept it very harp- an$ kne. ho. to /e it too. Re$ Roggo ho.e$ her one a,ternoon
at the #appy 9ort- .hi"e he .a .aiting ,or ?anna to come ,ree. #e ta/ght her ho. to hi$e it /p
her "eeve an$ "ip it o/t .hen he ha$ nee$ o, it- an$ ho. to "ice a p/re o mooth an$ A/ick
the coin .o/"$ a"" be pent be,ore their o.ner ever mie$ them. 7hat .a goo$ to kno.- even
the kin$"y man agree$I epecia""y at night- .hen the bravo an$ roo, rat .ere abroa$.
Cat ha$ ma$e ,rien$ a"ong the .harveI porter an$ m/mmer- ropemaker an$ ai"men$er-
taverner- bre.er an$ baker an$ beggar an$ .hore. 7hey bo/ght c"am an$ cock"e ,rom her-
to"$ her tr/e ta"e o, Braavo an$ "ie abo/t their "ive- an$ "a/ghe$ at the .ay he ta"ke$ .hen
he trie$ to peak Braavoi. She never "et that tro/b"e her. &ntea$- he ho.e$ them a"" the ,ig-
an$ to"$ them they .ere came" c/nt- .hich ma$e them roar .ith "a/ghter. Gy"oro 5othare
ta/ght her ,i"thy ong- an$ hi brother Gy"eno to"$ her the bet p"ace to catch ee". 7he
m/mmer o,, the Ship ho.e$ her ho. a hero tan$- an$ ta/ght her peeche ,rom #he Song of
the )ho!ne, #he %on3ueror/s #wo Wies, an$ #he *erchant/s "ust! "ad!+ D/i""- the a$(eye$
"itt"e man .ho ma$e /p a"" the ba.$y ,arce ,or the Ship- o,,ere$ to teach her ho. a .oman
kie- b/t 7agganaro macke$ him .ith a co$,ih an$ p/t an en$ to that. Coomo the Con=/rer
intr/cte$ her in "eight o, han$. #e co/"$ .a""o. mice an$ p/"" them ,rom her ear. 2&t4
magic-1 he4$ ay. 2&t4 not-1 Cat ai$. 27he mo/e .a /p yo/r "eeve the .ho"e time. & co/"$
ee it moving.1
4O!sters, clams, and cockles5 .ere Cat4 magic .or$- an$ "ike a"" goo$ magic .or$ they
co/"$ take her a"mot any.here. She ha$ boar$e$ hip ,rom ?y an$ H"$to.n an$ the 9ort o,
&bben an$ o"$ her oyter right on $eck. Some $ay he ro""e$ her barro. pat the to.er o, the
mighty to o,,er bake$ c"am to the g/ar$men at their gate. Hnce he crie$ her catch on the
tep o, the 9a"ace o, 7r/th- an$ .hen another pe$$"er trie$ to r/n her o,, he t/rne$ hi cart
over an$ ent hi oyter kittering acro the cobb"e. C/tom o,,icer ,rom the CheA/y 9ort
.o/"$ b/y ,rom her- an$ pa$$"er ,rom the 5ro.ne$ 7o.n- .hoe /nken $ome an$ to.er
poke$ /p ,rom the green .ater o, the "agoon. Hne time- .hen Brea took to her be$ .ith her
moon b"oo$- Cat ha$ p/he$ her barro. to the 9/rp"e #arbor to e"" crab an$ pra.n to
oarmen o,, the Sea"or$4 p"ea/re barge- covere$ tem to tern .ith "a/ghing ,ace. Hther $ay
he ,o""o.e$ the .eet.ater river to the Moon 9oo". She o"$ to .aggering bravo in tripe$
atin- an$ to keyho"$er an$ =/ticiar in $rab coat o, bro.n an$ grey. B/t he a".ay ret/rne$
to the Ragman4 #arbor.
4O!sters, clams, and cockles,5 the gir" ho/te$ a he p/he$ her barro. a"ong the .harve.
4*ussels, prawns, and cockles+5 A $irty orange cat came pa$$ing a,ter her- $ra.n by the o/n$
o, her ca"". +arther on- a econ$ cat appeare$- a a$- be$ragg"e$ grey thing .ith a t/b tai". Cat
"ike$ the me"" o, Cat. Some $ay he .o/"$ have a $oGen trai"ing a,ter her be,ore the /n .ent
$o.n. +rom time to time the gir" .o/"$ thro. an oyter at them an$ .atch to ee .ho came
a.ay .ith it. 7he bigget tom .o/"$ e"$om .in- he notice$I o,t a not- the priGe .ent to ome
ma""er- A/icker anima"- thin an$ mean an$ h/ngry. "ike me, he to"$ here",. #er ,avorite .a a
cra.ny o"$ tom .ith a che.e$ ear .ho remin$e$ her o, a cat that he4$ once chae$ a"" aro/n$
the Re$ >eep. 2o, that was some other girl, not me+
7.o o, the hip that ha$ been here yeter$ay .ere gone- Cat a.- b/t ,ive ne. one ha$
$ocke$I a ma"" carrack ca""e$ the Brazen *onke!, a h/ge &bbenee .ha"er that reeke$ o, tar an$
b"oo$ an$ .ha"e oi"- t.o battere$ cog ,rom 9ento- an$ a "ean green ga""ey /p ,rom H"$
%o"anti. Cat toppe$ at the ,oot o, every gangp"ank to cry her c"am an$ oyter- once in the
tra$e ta"k an$ again in the Common 7ong/e o, 3etero. A cre.man on the .ha"er c/re$ at her
o "o/$"y that he care$ a.ay her cat an$ one o, the 9entohi oarman ake$ ho. m/ch he
.ante$ ,or the c"am bet.een her "eg- b/t he ,are$ better at the other hip. A mate on the green
ga""ey .o",e$ ha", a $oGen oyter an$ to"$ her ho. hi captain ha$ been ki""e$ by the ?yene
pirate .ho ha$ trie$ to boar$ them near the Steptone. 27hat batar$ Saan it .a- .ith Old
*other/s Son an$ hi big .al!rian+ 3e got a.ay- b/t =/t.1
7he "itt"e Brazen *onke! prove$ to be ,rom G/""to.n- .ith a 3eteroi cre. .ho .ere g"a$
to ta"k to omeone in the Common 7ong/e. Hne ake$ ho. a gir" ,rom >ing4 ?an$ing came to
be e""ing m/e" on the $ock o, Braavo- o he ha$ to te"" her ta"e. 23e4re here ,o/r $ay- an$
,o/r "ong night-1 another to"$ her. 23here4 a man to go to ,in$ a bit o, port61
27he m/mmer at the Ship are $oing Seen Drunken Oarsmen,1 Cat to"$ them- 2an$ there4
ee" ,ight in the Spotte$ Ce""ar- $o.n by the gate o, 5ro.ne$ 7o.n. Hr i, yo/ .ant yo/ can go
by the Moon 9oo"- .here the bravo $/e" at night.1
2Aye- that4 goo$-1 another ai"or ai$- 2b/t .hat 3at .a rea""y .anting .a a .oman.1
27he bet .hore are at the #appy 9ort- $o.n by .here the m/mmer4 Ship i moore$.1 She
pointe$. Some o, the $ocki$e .hore .ere vicio/- an$ ai"or ,reh ,rom the ea never kne.
.hich one. S4vrone .a the .ort. Cveryone ai$ he ha$ robbe$ an$ ki""e$ a $oGen men-
ro""ing the bo$ie into the cana" to ,ee$ the ee". 7he 5r/nken 5a/ghter co/"$ be .eet .hen
ober- b/t not .ith .ine in her. An$ Canker !eyne .a rea""y a man. 2Ak ,or Merry. Mera"yn i
her tr/e name- b/t everyone ca"" her Merry- an$ he i.1 Merry bo/ght a $oGen oyter every
time Cat came by the brothe" an$ hare$ them .ith her gir". She ha$ a goo$ heart- everyone
agree$. 27hat- an$ the bigget pair o, teat in a"" o, Braavo-1 Merry here", .a ,on$ o,
boating.
#er gir" .ere nice a .e""I B"/hing Bethany an$ the Sai"or4 3i,e- one(eye$ Ena .ho co/"$
te"" yo/r ,ort/ne ,rom a $rop o, b"oo$- pretty "itt"e ?anna- even Aa$ora- the &bbenee .oman
.ith the m/tache. 7hey might not be bea/ti,/"- b/t they .ere kin$ to her. 27he #appy 9ort i
.here a"" the porter go-1 Cat a/re$ the men o, the Brazen *onke!+ 2J7he boy /n"oa$ the
hip-4 Merry ay- Jan$ my gir" /n"oa$ the "a$ .ho ai" them.41
23hat abo/t them ,ancy .hore the inger ing abo/t61 ake$ the yo/nget monkey- a re$(
haire$ boy .ith ,reck"e .ho co/"$ not have been m/ch more than i:(an$(ten. 2Are they a
pretty a they ay6 3here .o/"$ & get one o4 them61
#i hipmate "ooke$ at him an$ "a/ghe$. 2Seven he""- boy-1 ai$ one o, them. 2Might be the
captain co/"$ get hie", a co/rty(an- b/t on"y i, he o"$ the b"oo$y hip. 7hat ort o4 c/nt4 ,or
"or$ an$ /ch- not ,or the "ike o4 /.1
7he co/rtean o, Braavo .ere ,ame$ acro the .or"$. Singer ang o, them- go"$mith
an$ =e.e"er ho.ere$ them .ith gi,t- cra,tmen begge$ ,or the honor o, their c/tom- merchant
prince pai$ roya" ranom to have them on their arm at ba"" an$ ,eat an$ m/mmer ho.-
an$ bravo "e. each other in their name. A he p/he$ her barro. a"ong the cana"- Cat .o/"$
ometime g"impe one o, them ,"oating by- on her .ay to an evening .ith ome "over. Cvery
co/rtean ha$ her o.n barge- an$ ervant to po"e her to her tryt. 7he 9oete a".ay ha$ a
book to han$- the Moonha$o. .ore on"y .hite an$ i"ver- an$ the Mer"ing D/een .a never
een .itho/t her Mermai$- ,o/r yo/ng mai$en in the b"/h o, their ,irt ,"o.ering .ho he"$ her
train an$ $i$ her hair. Cach co/rtean .a more bea/ti,/" than the "at. Cven the %ei"e$ ?a$y
.a bea/ti,/"- tho/gh on"y thoe he took a "over ever a. her ,ace.
2& o"$ three cock"e to a co/rtean-1 Cat to"$ the ai"or. 2She ca""e$ to me a he .a
tepping o,, her barge.1 Br/co ha$ ma$e it p"ain to her that he .a never to peak to a
co/rtean /n"e he .a poken to ,irt- b/t the .oman ha$ mi"e$ at her an$ pai$ her in i"ver-
ten time .hat the cock"e ha$ been .orth.
23hich one .a thi- no.6 7he D/een o4 Cock"e- .a it61
27he B"ack 9ear"-1 he to"$ them. Merry c"aime$ the B"ack 9ear" .a the mot ,amo/
co/rtean o, a"". 2She4 $ecen$e$ ,rom the $ragon- that one-1 the .oman ha$ to"$ Cat. 27he
,irt B"ack 9ear" .a a pirate A/een. A 3eteroi prince took her ,or a "over an$ got a $a/ghter
on her- .ho gre. /p to be a co/rtean. #er o.n $a/ghter ,o""o.e$ her- an$ her $a/ghter a,ter
her- /nti" yo/ get to thi one. 3hat $i$ he ay to yo/- Cat61
2She ai$ BI/ll take three cockles,/ an$ BDo !ou hae some hot sauce, little one6/5 the gir" ha$
an.ere$.
2An$ .hat $i$ yo/ ay61
2& ai$- J2o, m! lad!,/ an$- JDon/t call me little one+ *! name is %at+/ & ho/"$ have hot
a/ce. BeAAo $oe- an$ he e"" three time a many oyter a Br/co.1
Cat to"$ the kin$"y man abo/t the B"ack 9ear" too. 2#er tr/e name i Be""egere Hthery-1 he
in,orme$ him. &t .a one o, the three thing that he ha$ "earne$.
2&t i-1 the priet ai$ o,t"y. 2#er mother .a Be""onara- b/t the ,irt B"ack 9ear" .a a
Be""egere a .e"".1
Cat kne. that the men o,, the Brazen *onke! .o/"$ not care abo/t the name o, a co/rtean4
mother- tho/gh. &ntea$- he ake$ them ,or ti$ing o, the Seven >ing$om- an$ the .ar.
23ar61 "a/ghe$ one o, them. 23hat .ar6 7here i no .ar.1
2Not in G/""to.n-1 ai$ another. 2Not in the %a"e. 7he "itt"e "or$4 kept / o/t o, it- ame a
hi mother $i$.1
Same as his mother did+ 7he "a$y o, the %a"e .a her o.n mother4 iter. 2?a$y ?ya-1 he
ai$- 2i he 8.1
28$ea$61 ,inihe$ the ,reck"e$ boy .hoe hea$ .a ,/"" o, co/rtean. 2Aye. M/r$ere$ by
her o.n inger.1
2Hh.1 It/s nought to me+ %at of the %anals neer had an aunt+ She neer did+ Cat "i,te$ her
barro. an$ .hee"e$ a.ay ,rom the Brazen *onke!- b/mping over cobb"etone. 4O!sters,
clams, and cockles,5 he ca""e$. 4O!sters, clams, and cockles+5 She o"$ mot o, her c"am to
the porter o,,("oa$ing the big .ine cog ,rom the Arbor- an$ the ret to the men repairing a
Myrih tra$ing ga""ey that ha$ been avage$ by the torm.
+arther $o.n the $ock he came on 7agganaro itting .ith hi back againt a pi"ing- ne:t to
Cao- >ing o, Sea". #e bo/ght ome m/e" ,rom her- an$ Cao barke$ an$ "et her hake hi
,"ipper. 2Eo/ come .ork .ith me- Cat-1 /rge$ 7agganaro a he .a /cking m/e" ,rom their
he"". #e ha$ been "ooking ,or a ne. partner ever ince the 5r/nken 5a/ghter p/t her kni,e
thro/gh ?itt"e Narbo4 han$. 2& give yo/ more than Br/co- an$ yo/ .o/"$ not me"" "ike ,ih.1
2Cao "ike the .ay & me""-1 he ai$. 7he >ing o, Sea" barke$- a i, to agree. 2& Narbo4
han$ no better61
27hree ,inger $o not ben$-1 comp"aine$ 7agganaro- bet.een m/e". 23hat goo$ i a
c/tp/re .ho cannot /e hi ,inger6 Narbo .a goo$ at picking pocket- not o goo$ at picking
.hore.1
2Merry ay the ame.1 Cat .a a$. She "ike$ ?itt"e Narbo- even i, he .a a thie,. 23hat .i""
he $o61
29/"" an oar- he ay. 7.o ,inger are eno/gh ,or that- he think- an$ the Sea"or$4 a".ay
"ooking ,or more oarmen. & te"" him- JNarbo- no. 7hat ea i co"$er than a mai$en an$ cr/e"er
than a .hore. Better yo/ ho/"$ c/t o,, the han$- an$ beg.4 Cao kno. & am right. 5on4t yo/-
Cao61
7he ea" barke$- an$ Cat ha$ to mi"e. She toe$ another cock"e hi .ay be,ore he .ent o,,
on her o.n.
7he $ay .a near"y $one by the time Cat reache$ the #appy 9ort- acro the a""ey ,rom .here
the Ship .a anchore$. Some o, the m/mmer at /p atop the "iting h/"k- paing a kin o, .ine
,rom han$ to han$- b/t .hen they a. Cat4 barro. they came $o.n ,or ome oyter. She ake$
them ho. it .ent .ith Seen Drunken Oarsmen+ !o the G"oom hook hi hea$. 2D/ence ,ina""y
came on A""aA/o abe$ .ith S"oey. 7hey .ent at one another .ith m/mmer .or$- an$ both o,
them have "e,t /. 3e4"" on"y be ,ive $r/nken oarmen tonight- it .o/"$ eem.1
23e ha"" trive to make /p in $r/nkenne .hat .e "ack in oarmen-1 $ec"are$ Myrme""o. 2&
,or one am eA/a" to the tak.1
2?itt"e Narbo .ant to be an oarman-1 Cat to"$ them. 2&, yo/ got him- yo/4$ have i:.1
2Eo/ ha$ bet go ee Merry-1 !o to"$ her. 2Eo/ kno. ho. o/r he get .itho/t her
oyter.1
3hen Cat "ippe$ ini$e the brothe"- tho/gh- he ,o/n$ Merry itting in the common room
.ith her eye h/t- "itening to 5areon p"ay hi .oo$harp. Ena .a there too- brai$ing ?anna4
,ine "ong go"$en hair. Another stupid loe song+ ?anna .a a".ay begging the inger to p"ay her
t/pi$ "ove ong. She .a the yo/nget o, the .hore- on"y ten(an$(,o/r. Merry ake$ three
time a m/ch ,or her a ,or any o, the other gir"- Cat kne..
&t ma$e her angry to ee 5areon itting there o braGen- making eye at ?anna a hi ,inger
$ance$ acro the harp tring. 7he .hore ca""e$ him the b"ack inger- b/t there .a har$"y any
b"ack abo/t him no.. 3ith the coin hi inging bro/ght him- the cro. ha$ tran,orme$ hime",
into a peacock. 7o$ay he .ore a p"/h p/rp"e c"oak "ine$ .ith vair- a tripe$ .hite(an$("i"ac
t/nic- an$ the parti(co"ore$ breeche o, a bravo- b/t he o.ne$ a i"ken c"oak a .e""- an$ one
ma$e o, b/rg/n$y ve"vet that .a "ine$ .ith c"oth(o,(go"$. 7he on"y b"ack abo/t him .a hi
boot. Cat ha$ hear$ him te"" ?anna that he4$ thro.n a"" the ret in a cana". 2& am $one .ith
$arkne-1 he ha$ anno/nce$.
7e is a man of the 2ight/s Watch, he tho/ght- a he ang abo/t ome t/pi$ "a$y thro.ing
here", o,, ome t/pi$ to.er beca/e her t/pi$ prince .a $ea$. #he lad! should go kill the
ones who killed her prince+ And the singer should be on the Wall+ 3hen 5areon ha$ ,irt
appeare$ at the #appy 9ort- Arya ha$ a"mot ake$ i, he .o/"$ take her .ith him back to
Cat.atch- /nti" he hear$ him te""ing Bethany that he .a never going back. 2#ar$ be$- a"t
co$- an$ en$"e .atche- that4 the 3a""-1 he4$ ai$. 2Bei$e- there4 no one ha", a pretty a
yo/ at Cat.atch. #o. co/"$ & ever "eave yo/61 #e ha$ ai$ the ame thing to ?anna- Cat ha$
hear$- an$ to one o, the .hore at the Cattery- an$ even to the Nightinga"e the night he p"aye$ at
the #o/e o, Seven ?amp.
I wish I had been here the night the fat one hit him+ Merry4 .hore ti"" "a/ghe$ abo/t that.
Ena ai$ the ,at boy ha$ gone re$ a a beet every time he to/che$ him- b/t .hen he tarte$
tro/b"e Merry ha$ him $ragge$ o/ti$e an$ thro.n in the cana".
Cat .a thinking abo/t the ,at boy- remembering ho. he ha$ ave$ him ,rom 7erro an$
Hrbe"o- .hen the Sai"or4 3i,e appeare$ bei$e her. 2#e ing a pretty ong-1 he m/rm/re$
o,t"y- in the Common 7ong/e o, 3etero. 27he go$ m/t have "ove$ him to give him /ch a
voice- an$ that ,air ,ace a .e"".1
7e is fair of face and foul of heart, tho/ght Arya- b/t he $i$ not ay it. 5areon ha$ once .e$
the Sai"or4 3i,e- .ho .o/"$ on"y be$ .ith men .ho marrie$ her. 7he #appy 9ort ometime
ha$ three or ,o/r .e$$ing a night. H,ten the cheer,/" .ine(oake$ re$ priet CGGe"yno
per,orme$ the rite. C"e.ie it .a C/tace- .ho ha$ once been a epton at the Sept(Beyon$(
the(Sea. &, neither priet nor epton .a on han$- one o, the .hore .o/"$ r/n to the Ship an$
,etch back a m/mmer. Merry a".ay c"aime$ the m/mmer ma$e m/ch better priet than
priet- epecia""y Myrme""o.
7he .e$$ing .ere "o/$ an$ =o""y- .ith a "ot o, $rinking. 3henever Cat happene$ by .ith her
barro.- the Sai"or4 3i,e .o/"$ init that her ne. h/ban$ b/y ome oyter- to ti,,en him ,or
the con/mmation. She .a goo$ that .ay- an$ A/ick to "a/gh a .e""- b/t Cat tho/ght there .a
omething a$ abo/t her too.
7he other .hore ai$ that the Sai"or4 3i,e viite$ the &"e o, the Go$ on the $ay .hen her
,"o.er .a in b"oom- an$ kne. a"" the go$ .ho "ive$ there- even the one that Braavo ha$
,orgotten. 7hey ai$ he .ent to pray ,or her ,irt h/ban$- her tr/e h/ban$- .ho ha$ been "ot
at ea .hen he .a a gir" no o"$er than ?anna. 2She think that i, he ,in$ the right go$- maybe
he .i"" en$ the .in$ an$ b"o. her o"$ "ove back to her-1 ai$ one(eye$ Ena- .ho ha$ kno.n
her "onget- 2b/t & pray it never happen. #er "ove i $ea$- & co/"$ tate that in her b"oo$. &, he
ever ho/"$ come back to her- it .i"" be a corpe.1
5areon4 ong .a ,ina""y en$ing. A the "at note ,a$e$ in the air- ?anna gave a igh an$ the
inger p/t hi harp ai$e an$ p/""e$ her /p into hi "ap. #e ha$ =/t tarte$ to tick"e her .hen Cat
ai$ "o/$"y- 27here4 oyter- i, anyone i .anting ome-1 an$ Merry4 eye poppe$ open.
2Goo$-1 the .oman ai$. 2Bring them in- chi"$. Ena- ,etch ome brea$ an$ vinegar.1
7he .o""en re$ /n h/ng in the ky behin$ the ro. o, mat .hen Cat took her "eave o, the
#appy 9ort- .ith a p"/mp p/re o, coin an$ a barro. empty b/t ,or a"t an$ ea.ee$. 5areon
.a "eaving too. #e ha$ promie$ to ing at the &nn o, the Green Ce" thi evening- he to"$ her a
they tro""e$ a"ong together. 2Cvery time & p"ay the Ce" & come a.ay .ith i"ver-1 he boate$-
2an$ ome night there are captain there- an$ o.ner.1 7hey croe$ a "itt"e bri$ge- an$ ma$e
their .ay $o.n a crooke$ back treet a the ha$o. o, the $ay gre. "onger. 2Soon & .i"" be
p"aying in the 9/rp"e- an$ a,ter that the Sea"or$4 9a"ace-1 5areon .ent on. Cat4 empty barro.
c"attere$ over the cobb"etone- making it o.n ort o, ratt"ing m/ic. 2Eeter$ay & ate herring
.ith the .hore- b/t .ithin the year &4"" be having emperor crab .ith co/rtean.1
23hat happene$ to yo/r brother61 Cat ake$. 27he ,at one. 5i$ he ever ,in$ a hip to
H"$to.n6 #e ai$ he .a /ppoe$ to ai" on the "ad! <shanora+1
23e a"" .ere. ?or$ Sno.4 comman$. & to"$ Sam- "eave the o"$ man- b/t the ,at ,oo" .o/"$
not "iten.1 7he "at "ight o, the etting /n hone in hi hair. 23e""- it4 too "ate no..1
2!/t o-1 ai$ Cat a they teppe$ into the g"oom o, a t.ity "itt"e a""ey.
By the time Cat ret/rne$ to Br/co4 ho/e- an evening ,og .a gathering above the ma""
cana". She p/t a.ay her barro.- ,o/n$ Br/co in hi co/nting room- an$ th/mpe$ her p/re
$o.n on the tab"e in ,ront o, him. She th/mpe$ the boot $o.n too.
Br/co gave the p/re a pat. 2Goo$. B/t .hat4 thi61
2Boot.1
2Goo$ boot are har$ to ,in$-1 ai$ Br/co- 2b/t thee are too ma"" ,or my ,eet.1 #e picke$
one /p to A/int at it.
27he moon .i"" be b"ack tonight-1 he remin$e$ him.
2Bet yo/ pray- then.1 Br/co hove$ the boot ai$e an$ po/re$ o/t the coin to co/nt them.
4.alar dohaeris+5
.alar morghulis, he tho/ght.
+og roe a"" aro/n$ a he .a"ke$ thro/gh the treet o, Braavo. She .a hivering a "itt"e by
the time he p/he$ thro/gh the .eir.oo$ $oor into the #o/e o, B"ack an$ 3hite. Hn"y a ,e.
can$"e b/rne$ thi evening- ,"ickering "ike ,a""en tar. &n the $arkne a"" the go$ .ere
tranger.
5o.n in the va/"t- he /ntie$ Cat4 threa$bare c"oak- p/""e$ Cat4 ,ihy bro.n t/nic over her
hea$- kicke$ o,, Cat4 a"t(taine$ boot- c"imbe$ o/t o, Cat4 ma""c"othe- an$ bathe$ in
"emon.ater to .ah a.ay the very me"" o, Cat o, the Cana". 3hen he emerge$- oape$ an$
cr/bbe$ pink .ith her bro.n hair p"atere$ to her cheek- Cat .a gone. She $onne$ c"ean
robe an$ a pair o, o,t c"oth "ipper- an$ pa$$e$ to the kitchen to beg ome ,oo$ o, Fmma.
7he priet an$ aco"yte ha$ a"rea$y eaten- b/t the cook ha$ ave$ a piece o, nice ,rie$ co$ ,or
her- an$ ome mahe$ ye""o. t/rnip. She .o",e$ it $o.n- .ahe$ the $ih- then .ent to he"p the
.ai, prepare her potion.
#er part .a mot"y ,etching- cramb"ing /p "a$$er to ,in$ the herb an$ "eave the .ai,
reA/ire$. 2S.eet"eep i the gent"et o, poion-1 the .ai, to"$ her- a he .a grin$ing ome
.ith a mortar an$ pet"e. 2A ,e. grain .i"" "o. a po/n$ing heart an$ top a han$ ,rom haking-
an$ make a man ,ee" ca"m an$ trong. A pinch .i"" grant a night o, $eep an$ $ream"e "eep.
7hree pinche .i"" pro$/ce that "eep that $oe not en$. 7he tate i very .eet- o it i bet /e$
in cake an$ pie an$ honeye$ .ine. #ere- yo/ can me"" the .eetne.1 She "et her have a
.hi,,- then ent her /p the "a$$er to ,in$ a re$ g"a bott"e. 27hi i a cr/e"er poion- b/t
tate"e an$ o$or"e- hence eaier to hi$e. 7he tear o, ?y- men ca"" it. 5io"ve$ in .ine or
.ater- it eat at a man4 bo.e" an$ be""y- an$ ki"" a a ickne o, thoe part. Sme"".1 Arya
ni,,e$- an$ me""e$ nothing. 7he .ai, p/t the tear to one i$e an$ opene$ a ,at tone =ar. 27hi
pate i pice$ .ith bai"ik b"oo$. &t .i"" give cooke$ ,"eh a avory me""- b/t i, eaten it
pro$/ce vio"ent ma$ne- in beat a .e"" a men. A mo/e .i"" attack a "ion a,ter a tate o,
bai"ik b"oo$.1
Arya che.e$ her "ip. 23o/"$ it .ork on $og61
2Hn any anima" .ith .arm b"oo$.1 7he .ai, "appe$ her.
She raie$ her han$ to her cheek- more /rprie$ than h/rt. 23hy $i$ yo/ $o that61
2&t i Arya o, #o/e Stark .ho che. on her "ip .henever he i thinking. Are yo/ Arya o,
#o/e Stark61
2& am no one.1 She .a angry. 23ho are !ou61
She $i$ not e:pect the .ai, to an.er- b/t he $i$. 2& .a born the on"y chi"$ o, an ancient
#o/e- my nob"e ,ather4 heir-1 the .ai, rep"ie$. 2My mother $ie$ .hen & .a "itt"e- & have no
memory o, her. 3hen & .a i: my ,ather .e$ again. #i ne. .i,e treate$ me kin$"y /nti" he
gave birth to a $a/ghter o, her o.n. 7hen it .a her .ih that & ho/"$ $ie- o her o.n b"oo$
might inherit my ,ather4 .ea"th. She ho/"$ have o/ght the ,avor o, the Many(+ace$ Go$- b/t
he co/"$ not bear the acri,ice he .o/"$ ak o, her. &ntea$- he tho/ght to poion me here",. &t
"e,t me a yo/ ee me no.- b/t & $i$ not $ie. 3hen the hea"er in the #o/e o, the Re$ #an$
to"$ my ,ather .hat he ha$ $one- he came here an$ ma$e acri,ice- o,,ering /p a"" hi .ea"th
an$ me. #im o, Many +ace hear$ hi prayer. & .a bro/ght to the temp"e to erve- an$ my
,ather4 .i,e receive$ the gi,t.1
Arya coni$ere$ her .ari"y. 2& that tr/e61
27here i tr/th in it.1
2An$ "ie a .e""61
27here i an /ntr/th- an$ an e:aggeration.1
She ha$ been .atching the .ai,4 ,ace the .ho"e time he to"$ her tory- b/t the other gir" ha$
ho.n her no ign. 27he Many(+ace$ Go$ took t.o(thir$ o, yo/r ,ather4 .ea"th- not a"".1
2!/t o. 7hat .a my e:aggeration.1
Arya grinne$- rea"iGe$ he .a grinning- an$ gave her cheek a pinch. )ule !our face, he to"$
here",. *! smile is m! serant, he should come at m! command+ 23hat part .a the "ie61
2No part. & "ie$ abo/t the "ie.1
25i$ yo/6 Hr are yo/ "ying no.61
B/t be,ore the .ai, co/"$ an.er- the kin$"y man teppe$ into the chamber- mi"ing. 2Eo/
have ret/rne$ to /.1
27he moon i b"ack.1
2&t i. 3hat three ne. thing $o yo/ kno.- that yo/ $i$ not kno. .hen "at yo/ "e,t /61
I know thirt! new things, he a"mot ai$. 27hree o, ?itt"e Narbo4 ,inger .i"" not ben$. #e
mean to be an oarman.1
2&t i goo$ to kno. thi. An$ .hat e"e61
She tho/ght back on her $ay. 2D/ence an$ A"aA/o ha$ a ,ight an$ "e,t the Ship- b/t & think
that they4"" come back.1
25o yo/ on"y think- or $o yo/ know61
2& on"y think-1 he ha$ to con,e- even tho/gh he .a certain o, it. M/mmer ha$ to eat the
ame a other men- an$ D/ence an$ A"aA/o .ere not goo$ eno/gh ,or the B"/e ?antern.
2!/t o-1 ai$ the kin$"y man. 2An$ the thir$ thing61
7hi time he $i$ not heitate. 25areon i $ea$. 7he b"ack inger .ho .a "eeping at the
#appy 9ort. #e .a rea""y a $eerter ,rom the Night4 3atch. Someone "it hi throat an$ p/he$
him into a cana"- b/t they kept hi boot.1
2Goo$ boot are har$ to ,in$.1
2!/t o.1 She trie$ to keep her ,ace ti"".
23ho co/"$ have $one thi thing- & .on$er61
2Arya o, #o/e Stark.1 She .atche$ hi eye- hi mo/th- the m/c"e o, hi =a..
27hat gir"6 & tho/ght he ha$ "e,t Braavo. 3ho are yo/61
2No one.1
2Eo/ "ie.1 #e t/rne$ to the .ai,. 2My throat i $ry. 5o me a kin$ne an$ bring a c/p o, .ine
,or me an$ .arm mi"k ,or o/r ,rien$ Arya- .ho ha ret/rne$ to / o /ne:pecte$"y.1
Hn her .ay acro the city Arya ha$ .on$ere$ .hat the kin$"y man .o/"$ ay .hen he to"$
him abo/t 5areon. Maybe he .o/"$ be angry .ith her- or maybe he .o/"$ be p"eae$ that he
ha$ given the inger the gi,t o, the Many(+ace$ Go$. She ha$ p"aye$ thi ta"k o/t in her hea$
ha", a h/n$re$ time- "ike a m/mmer in a ho.. B/t he ha$ never tho/ght warm milk+
3hen the mi"k came- Arya $rank it $o.n. &t me""e$ a "itt"e b/rnt an$ ha$ a bitter a,tertate.
2Go to be$ no.- chi"$-1 the kin$"y man ai$. 2Hn the morro. yo/ m/t erve.1
7hat night he $reame$ he .a a .o", again- b/t it .a $i,,erent ,rom the other $ream. &n
thi $ream he ha$ no pack. She pro."e$ a"one- bo/n$ing over roo,top an$ pa$$ing i"ent"y
bei$e the bank o, a cana"- ta"king ha$o. thro/gh the ,og.
3hen he .oke the ne:t morning- he .a b"in$.
DAENER'S
Cach morning- ,rom her .etern rampart- the A/een .o/"$ co/nt the ai" on S"aver4 Bay.
7o$ay he co/nte$ ,ive(an$(t.enty- tho/gh ome .ere ,ar a.ay an$ moving- o it .a har$ to
be certain. Sometime he mie$ one- or co/nte$ one t.ice. What does it matter6 A strangler
onl! needs ten fingers+ A"" tra$e ha$ toppe$- an$ her ,iher,o"k $i$ not $are p/t o/t into the bay.
7he bo"$et ti"" $roppe$ a ,e. "ine into the river- tho/gh even that .a haGar$o/I more
remaine$ tie$ /p beneath Meereen4 .a"" o, many(co"ore$ brick.
7here .ere hip ,rom Meereen o/t in the bay too- .arhip an$ tra$ing ga""ey .hoe
captain ha$ taken them to ea .hen 5any4 hot ,irt "ai$ iege to the city- no. ret/rne$ to
a/gment the ,"eet ,rom Darth- 7o"o- an$ Ne. Ghi.
#er a$mira"4 co/ne" ha$ prove$ .ore than /e"e. 2?et them ee yo/r $ragon-1 Gro"eo
ai$. 2?et the E/nkihmen have a tate o, ,ire- an$ the tra$e .i"" ,"o. again.1
27hoe hip are trang"ing /- an$ a"" my a$mira" can $o i ta"k o, $ragon-1 5any ai$. 2Eo/
are my a$mira"- are yo/ not61
2An a$mira" .itho/t hip.1
2Build hip.1
23arhip cannot be ma$e ,rom brick. 7he "aver b/rne$ every tan$ o, timber .ithin
t.enty "eag/e o, here.1
27hen ri$e o/t t.o(an$(t.enty "eag/e. & .i"" give yo/ .agon- .orker- m/"e- .hatever
yo/ reA/ire.1
2& am a ai"or- not a hip.right. & .a ent to ,etch Eo/r Grace back to 9ento. &ntea$ yo/
bro/ght / here an$ tore my Saduleon to piece ,or ome nai" an$ crap o, .oo$. & .i"" never
ee her "ike again. & may never ee my home again- nor my o"$ .i,e. &t .a not me .ho re,/e$
the hip thi 5a:o o,,ere$. & cannot ,ight the Dartheen .ith ,ihing boat.1
#i bitterne $imaye$ her- o m/ch o that 5any ,o/n$ here", .on$ering i, the griGG"e$
9entohi co/"$ be one o, her three betrayer. 2o, he is onl! an old man, far from home and sick
at heart+ 27here m/t be something .e can $o.1
2Aye- an$ &4ve to"$ yo/ .hat. 7hee hip are ma$e o, rope an$ pitch an$ canva- o, Dohorik
pine an$ teak ,rom Sothoro- o"$ oak ,rom Great Norvo- ye. an$ ah an$ pr/ce. 3oo$- Eo/r
Grace. 3oo$ b/rn. 7he $ragon@1
2& .i"" hear no more abo/t my $ragon. ?eave me. Go pray to yo/r 9entohi go$ ,or a torm
to ink o/r ,oe.1
2No ai"or pray ,or torm- Eo/r Grace.1
2& am tire$ o, hearing .hat yo/ .i"" not $o. Go.1
Ser Barritan remaine$. 2H/r tore are amp"e ,or the moment-1 he remin$e$ her- 2an$ Eo/r
Grace ha p"ante$ bean an$ grape an$ .heat. Eo/r 5othraki have harrie$ the "aver ,rom the
hi"" an$ tr/ck the hack"e ,rom their "ave. 7hey are p"anting too- an$ .i"" be bringing their
crop to Meereen to market. An$ yo/ .i"" have the ,rien$hip o, ?haGar.1
Daario won that for me, for all that it is worth+ 27he ?amb Men. 3o/"$ that "amb ha$
teeth.1
27hat .o/"$ make the .o"ve more ca/tio/- no $o/bt.1
7hat ma$e her "a/gh. 2#o. ,are yo/r orphan- er61
7he o"$ knight mi"e$. 23e""- Eo/r Grace. &t i goo$ o, yo/ to ak.1 7he boy .ere hi pri$e.
2+o/r or ,ive have the making o, knight. 9erhap a many a a $oGen.1
2Hne .o/"$ be eno/gh i, he .ere a tr/e a yo/.1 7he $ay might come oon .hen he .o/"$
have nee$ o, every knight. 23i"" they =o/t ,or me6 & ho/"$ "ike that.1 %iery ha$ to"$ her
torie o, the to/rney he ha$ .itnee$ in the Seven >ing$om- b/t 5any ha$ never een a =o/t
here",.
27hey are not rea$y- Eo/r Grace. 3hen they are- they .i"" be p"eae$ to $emontrate their
pro.e.1
2& hope that $ay come A/ick"y.1 She .o/"$ have kie$ her goo$ knight on the cheek- b/t
=/t then Mian$ei appeare$ beneath the arche$ $oor.ay. 2Mian$ei61
2Eo/r Grace. SkahaG a.ait yo/r p"ea/re.1
2Sen$ him /p.1
7he Shavepate .a accompanie$ by t.o o, hi BraGen Beat. Hne .ore a ha.k mak- the
other the "ikene o, a =acka". Hn"y their eye co/"$ be een behin$ the bra. 2Eo/r Ra$iance-
#iG$ahr .a een to enter the pyrami$ o, Khak "at evening. #e $i$ not $epart /nti" .e"" a,ter
$ark.1
2#o. many pyrami$ ha he viite$61 ake$ 5any. 2C"even.1
2An$ ho. "ong ince the "at m/r$er61
2Si:(an$(t.enty $ay.1 7he Shavepate4 eye brimme$ .ith ,/ry. &t ha$ been hi notion to
have the BraGen Beat ,o""o. her betrothe$ an$ take note o, a"" hi action.
2So ,ar #iG$ahr ha ma$e goo$ on hi promie.1
27ow6 7he Son o, the #arpy have p/t $o.n their knive- b/t .hy6 Beca/e the nob"e
#iG$ahr ake$ .eet"y6 #e i one o, them- & te"" yo/. 7hat4 .hy they obey him. #e may .e"" be
the #arpy.1
2&, there i a #arpy.1 SkahaG .a convince$ that ome.here in Meereen the Son o, the
#arpy ha$ a highborn over"or$- a ecret genera" comman$ing an army o, ha$o.. 5any $i$ not
hare hi be"ie,. 7he BraGen Beat ha$ taken $oGen o, the #arpy4 Son- an$ thoe .ho ha$
/rvive$ their capt/re ha$ yie"$e$ name .hen A/etione$ harp"y8 too many name- it eeme$
to her. &t .o/"$ have been p"eaant to think that a"" the $eath .ere the .ork o, a ing"e enemy
.ho might be ca/ght an$ ki""e$- b/t 5any /pecte$ that the tr/th .a other.ie. *! enemies
are legion+ 2#iG$ahr Go ?oraA i a per/aive man .ith many ,rien$. An$ he i .ea"thy.
9erhap he ha bo/ght thi peace ,or / .ith go"$- or convince$ the other highborn that o/r
marriage i in their bet interet.1
2&, he i not the #arpy- he kno. him. & can ,in$ the tr/th o, that eay eno/gh. Give me yo/r
"eave to p/t #iG$ahr to the A/etion- an$ & .i"" bring yo/ a con,eion.1
2No-1 he ai$. 2& $o not tr/t thee con,eion. Eo/4ve bro/ght me too many o, them- a"" o,
them .orth"e.1
2Eo/r Ra$iance@1
22o, & ai$.1
7he Shavepate4 co." t/rne$ hi /g"y ,ace even /g"ier. 2A mitake. 7he Great Mater
#iG$ahr p"ay Eo/r 3orhip ,or a ,oo". 5o yo/ .ant a erpent in yo/r be$61
I want Daario in m! bed, but I sent him awa! for the sake of !ou and !ours+ 2Eo/ may
contin/e to .atch #iG$ahr Go ?oraA- b/t no harm i to come to him. & that /n$ertoo$61
2& am not $ea,- Magni,icence. & .i"" obey.1 SkahaG $re. a parchment cro"" ,rom hi "eeve.
2Eo/r 3orhip ho/"$ have a "ook at thi. A "it o, a"" the Meereenee hip in the b"ocka$e-
.ith their captain. Great Mater a"".1
5any t/$ie$ the cro"". A"" the r/"ing ,ami"ie o, Meereen .ere name$' #aGkar- MerreA-
D/aGGar- Khak- RhaG$ar- GhaGeen- 9ah"- even ReGnak an$ ?oraA. 23hat am & to $o .ith a "it o,
name61
2Cvery man on that "it ha kin .ithin the city. Son an$ brother- .ive an$ $a/ghter-
mother an$ ,ather. ?et my BraGen Beat eiGe them. 7heir "ive .i"" .in yo/ back thoe
hip.1
2&, & en$ the BraGen Beat into the pyrami$- it .i"" mean open .ar ini$e the city. & have to
tr/t in #iG$ahr. & have to hope ,or peace.1 5any he"$ the parchment above a can$"e an$ .atche$
the name go /p in ,"ame- .hi"e SkahaG g"o.ere$ at her.
A,ter.ar$- Ser Barritan to"$ her that her brother Rhaegar .o/"$ have been pro/$ o, her.
5any remembere$ the .or$ Ser !orah ha$ poken at Atapor' )haegar fought aliantl!,
)haegar fought nobl!, )haegar fought honorabl!+ And )haegar $ie$.
3hen he $ecen$e$ to the p/rp"e marb"e ha""- he ,o/n$ it a"mot empty. 2Are there no
petitioner to$ay61 5any ake$ ReGnak mo ReGnak. 2No one .ho crave =/tice or i"ver ,or a
heep61
2No- Eo/r 3orhip. 7he city i a,rai$.1
27here i nothing to ,ear.1
B/t there .a m/ch an$ more to ,ear a he "earne$ that evening. A her yo/ng hotage
Mik"aG an$ >eGmya .ere "aying o/t a imp"e /pper o, a/t/mn green an$ ginger o/p ,or her-
&rri came to te"" her that Ga"aGGa Ga"are ha$ ret/rne$- .ith three B"/e Grace ,rom the temp"e.
2Grey 3orm i come a .e""- ,haleesi+ 7hey beg .or$ .ith yo/- mot /rgent"y.1
2Bring them to my ha"". An$ /mmon ReGnak an$ SkahaG. 5i$ the Green Grace ay .hat thi
.a abo/t61
2Atapor-1 ai$ &rri.
Grey 3orm began the ta"e. 2#e came o/t o, the morning mit- a ri$er on a pa"e hore- $ying.
#i mare .a taggering a he approache$ the city gate- her i$e pink .ith b"oo$ an$ "ather-
her eye ro""ing .ith terror. #er ri$er ca""e$ o/t- JShe is burning, she is burning,4 an$ ,e"" ,rom
the a$$"e. 7hi one .a ent ,or- an$ gave or$er that the ri$er be bro/ght to the B"/e Grace.
3hen yo/r ervant carrie$ him ini$e the gate- he crie$ o/t again- JShe is burning+4 Fn$er hi
tokar he .a a ke"eton- a"" bone an$ ,evere$ ,"eh.1
Hne o, the B"/e Grace took /p the ta"e ,rom there. 27he Fn/""ie$ bro/ght thi man to the
temp"e- .here .e trippe$ him an$ bathe$ him in coo" .ater. #i c"othe .ere oi"e$- an$ my
iter ,o/n$ ha", an arro. in hi thigh. 7ho/gh he ha$ broken o,, the ha,t- the hea$ remaine$
ini$e him- an$ the .o/n$ ha$ morti,ie$- ,i""ing him .ith poion. #e $ie$ .ithin the ho/r- ti""
crying o/t that he .a b/rning.1
2 JShe i b/rning-4 1 5aenery repeate$. 23ho i she61
2Atapor- Eo/r Ra$iance-1 ai$ another o, the B"/e Grace. 2#e ai$ it- once. #e ai$
JAstapor i b/rning.4 1
2&t might have been hi ,ever ta"king.1
2Eo/r Ra$iance peak .ie"y-1 ai$ Ga"aGGa Ga"are- 2b/t CGGara a. omething e"e.1
7he B"/e Grace ca""e$ CGGara ,o"$e$ her han$. 2My A/een-1 he m/rm/re$- 2hi ,ever .a
not bro/ght on by the arro.. #e ha$ oi"e$ hime",- not once b/t many time. 7he tain reache$
to hi knee- an$ there .a $rie$ b"oo$ amongt hi e:crement.1
2#i hore .a b"ee$ing- Grey 3orm ai$.1
27hi thing i tr/e- Eo/r Grace-1 the e/n/ch con,irme$. 27he pa"e mare .a b"oo$y ,rom hi
p/r.1
27hat may be o- Eo/r Ra$iance-1 ai$ CGGara- 2b/t thi b"oo$ .a ming"e$ .ith hi too". &t
taine$ hi ma""c"othe.1
2#e .a b"ee$ing ,rom the bo.e"-1 ai$ Ga"aGGa Ga"are. 23e cannot be certain-1 ai$
CGGara- 2b/t it may be that Meereen ha more to ,ear than the pear o, the E/nkai4i.1
23e m/t pray-1 ai$ the Green Grace. 27he go$ ent thi man to /. #e come a a
harbinger. #e come a a ign.1
2A ign o, .hat61 ake$ 5any. 2A ign o, .roth an$ r/in.1
She $i$ not .ant to be"ieve that. 2#e .a one man. Hne ick man .ith an arro. in hi "eg. A
hore bro/ght him here- not a go$.1 A pale mare+ 5any roe abr/pt"y. 2& thank yo/ ,or yo/r
co/ne" an$ ,or a"" that yo/ $i$ ,or thi poor man.1
7he Green Grace kie$ 5any4 ,inger be,ore he took her "eave. 23e ha"" pray ,or
Atapor.1
And for me+ Oh, pra! for me, m! lad!+ &, Atapor ha$ ,a""en- nothing remaine$ to prevent
E/nkai ,rom t/rning north.
She t/rne$ to Ser Barritan. 2Sen$ ri$er into the hi"" to ,in$ my b"oo$ri$er. Reca"" Bro.n
Ben an$ the Secon$ Son a .e"".1
2An$ the Stormcro.- Eo/r Grace61
Daario+ 2Ee. Ee.1 !/t three night ago he ha$ $reame$ o, 5aario "ying $ea$ bei$e the
roa$- taring ight"e"y into the ky a cro. A/arre"e$ above hi corpe. Hther night he toe$
in her be$- imagining that he4$ betraye$ her- a he ha$ once betraye$ hi ,e""o. captain in the
Stormcro.. 7e brought me their heads+ 3hat i, he ha$ taken hi company back to E/nkai- to
e"" her ,or a pot o, go"$6 7e would not do that+ Would he6 27he Stormcro. too. Sen$ ri$er
a,ter them at once.1
7he Secon$ Son .ere the ,irt to ret/rn- eight $ay a,ter the A/een ent ,orth her /mmon.
3hen Ser Barritan to"$ her that her captain $eire$ .or$ .ith her- he tho/ght ,or a moment
that it .a 5aario- an$ her heart "eapt. B/t the captain that he poke o, .a Bro.n Ben 9"/mm.
Bro.n Ben ha$ a eame$ an$ .eathere$ ,ace- kin the co"or o, o"$ teak- .hite hair- an$
.rink"e at the corner o, hi eye. 5any .a o p"eae$ to ee hi "eathery bro.n ,ace that he
h/gge$ him. #i eye crink"e$ in am/ement. 2& hear$ ta"k Eo/r Grace .a going to take a
h/ban$-1 he ai$- 2b/t no one to"$ me it .a me.1 7hey "a/ghe$ together a ReGnak p/ttere$-
b/t the "a/ghter ceae$ .hen Bro.n Ben ai$- 23e ca/ght three Atapori. Eo/r 3orhip ha$
bet hear .hat they ay.1
2Bring them.1
5aenery receive$ them in the gran$e/r o, her ha"" a ta"" can$"e b/rne$ amongt the marb"e
pi""ar. 3hen he a. that the Atapori .ere ha",(tarve$- he ent ,or ,oo$ at once. 7hee three
.ere a"" that remaine$ o, a $oGen .ho ha$ et o/t together ,rom the Re$ City' a brick"ayer- a
.eaver- an$ a cobb"er. 23hat be,e"" the ret o, yo/r party61 the A/een ake$.
2S"ain-1 ai$ the cobb"er. 2E/nkai4 e"".or$ roam the hi"" north o, Atapor- h/nting $o.n
thoe .ho ,"ee the ,"ame.1
2#a the city ,a""en- then6 &t .a"" .ere thick.1
27hi i o-1 ai$ the brick"ayer- a toop(backe$ man .ith rhe/my eye- 2b/t they .ere o"$
an$ cr/mb"ing a .e"".1
7he .eaver raie$ her hea$. 2Cvery $ay .e to"$ each other that the $ragon A/een .a coming
back.1 7he .oman ha$ thin "ip an$ $/"" $ea$ eye- et in a pinche$ an$ narro. ,ace. 2C"eon ha$
ent ,or yo/- it .a ai$- an$ yo/ .ere coming.1
7e sent for me, tho/ght 5any. #hat much is true, at least+ 2H/ti$e o/r .a""- the E/nkai4i
$evo/re$ o/r crop an$ "a/ghtere$ o/r her$-1 the cobb"er .ent on. 2&ni$e .e tarve$. 3e ate
cat an$ rat an$ "eather. A horehi$e .a a ,eat. >ing C/tthroat an$ D/een 3hore acc/e$
each other o, ,eating on the ,"eh o, the "ain. Men an$ .omen gathere$ in ecret to $ra. "ot
an$ gorge /pon the ,"eh o, him .ho $re. the b"ack tone. 7he pyrami$ o, Nak"oG .a $epoi"e$
an$ et a,"ame by thoe .ho c"aime$ that >raGny mo Nak"oG .a to b"ame ,or a"" o/r .oe.1
2Hther b"ame$ 5aenery-1 ai$ the .eaver- 2b/t more o, / ti"" "ove$ yo/. JShe i on her
.ay-4 .e ai$ to one another. JShe i coming at the hea$ o, a great hot- .ith ,oo$ ,or a"".4 1
I can scarce feed m! own folk+ If I had marched to Astapor, I would hae lost *eereen+
7he cobb"er to"$ them ho. the bo$y o, the B/tcher >ing ha$ been $iinterre$ an$ c"a$ in
copper armor- a,ter the Green Grace o, Atapor ha$ a viion that he .o/"$ $e"iver them ,rom the
E/nkai4i. Armore$ an$ tinking- the corpe o, C"eon the Great .a trappe$ onto the back o, a
tarving hore to "ea$ the remnant o, hi ne. Fn/""ie$ on a ortie- b/t they ro$e right into the
iron teeth o, a "egion ,rom Ne. Ghi an$ .ere c/t $o.n to a man.
2A,ter.ar$ the Green Grace .a impa"e$ /pon a take in the 9"aGa o, 9/nihment an$ "e,t
/nti" he $ie$. &n the pyrami$ o, F""hor- the /rvivor ha$ a great ,eat that "ate$ ha", the night-
an$ .ahe$ the "at o, their ,oo$ $o.n .ith poion .ine o none nee$ .ake again come
morning. Soon a,ter came the ickne- a b"oo$y ,"/: that ki""e$ three men o, every ,o/r- /nti" a
mob o, $ying men .ent ma$ an$ "e. the g/ar$ on the main gate.1
7he o"$ brickmaker broke in to ay- 2No. 7hat .a the .ork o, hea"thy men- r/nning to
ecape the ,"/:.1
25oe it matter61 ake$ the cobb"er. 27he g/ar$ .ere torn apart an$ the gate thro.n open.
7he "egion o, Ne. Ghi came po/ring into Atapor- ,o""o.e$ by the E/nkai4i an$ the
e"".or$ on their hore. D/een 3hore $ie$ ,ighting them .ith a c/re /pon her "ip. >ing
C/tthroat yie"$e$ an$ .a thro.n into a ,ighting pit- to be torn apart by a pack o, tarving $og.1
2Cven then ome ai$ that yo/ .ere coming-1 ai$ the .eaver. 27hey .ore they ha$ een
yo/ mo/nte$ on a $ragon- ,"ying high above the camp o, the E/nkai4i. Cvery $ay .e "ooke$ ,or
yo/.1
I could not come, the A/een tho/ght. I dare not+ 2An$ .hen the city ,e""61 $eman$e$ SkahaG.
23hat then61
27he b/tchery began. 7he 7emp"e o, the Grace .a ,/"" o, the ick .ho ha$ come to ak the
go$ to hea" them. 7he "egion ea"e$ the $oor an$ et the temp"e ab"aGe .ith torche. 3ithin
the ho/r ,ire .ere b/rning in every corner o, the city. A they prea$ they =oine$ .ith one
another. 7he treet .ere ,/"" o, mob- r/nning thi .ay an$ that to ecape the ,"ame- b/t there
.a no .ay o/t. 7he E/nkai4i he"$ the gate.1
2Eet !ou ecape$-1 the Shavepate ai$. 2#o. i that61
7he o"$ man an.ere$. 2& am by tra$e a brickmaker- a my ,ather an$ hi ,ather .ere be,ore
me. My gran$,ather b/i"t o/r ho/e /p againt the city .a"". &t .a an eay thing to .ork "ooe a
,e. brick every night. 3hen & to"$ my ,rien$- they he"pe$ me hore /p the t/nne" o it .o/"$
not co""ape. 3e a"" agree$ that it might be goo$ to have o/r o.n .ay o/t.1
I left !ou with a council to rule oer !ou, 5any tho/ght- a healer, a scholar, and a priest+ She
co/"$ ti"" reca"" the Re$ City a he ha$ ,irt een it- $ry an$ $/ty behin$ it re$ brick .a""-
$reaming cr/e" $ream- yet ,/"" o, "i,e. #here were islands in the Worm where loers kissed, but
in the $laza of $unishment the! peeled the skin off men in strips and left them hanging naked for
the flies+ 2&t i goo$ that yo/ have come-1 he to"$ the Atapori. 2Eo/ .i"" be a,e in Meereen.1
7he cobb"er thanke$ her ,or that- an$ the o"$ brickmaker kie$ her ,oot- b/t the .eaver
"ooke$ at her .ith eye a har$ a "ate. She knows I lie, the A/een tho/ght. She knows I cannot
keep them safe+ Astapor is burning, and *eereen is ne8t+
27here4 more coming-1 Bro.n Ben anno/nce$ .hen the Atapori ha$ been "e$ a.ay. 27hee
three ha$ hore. Mot are a,oot.1
2#o. many are they61 ake$ ReGnak.
Bro.n Ben hr/gge$. 2#/n$re$. 7ho/an$. Some ick- ome b/rne$- ome .o/n$e$. 7he
Cat an$ the 3in$b"o.n are .arming thro/gh the hi"" .ith "ance an$ "ah- $riving them north
an$ c/tting $o.n the "aggar$.1
2Mo/th on ,eet. An$ sick, yo/ ay61 ReGnak .r/ng hi han$. 2Eo/r 3orhip m/t not
a""o. them in the city.1
2& .o/"$n4t-1 ai$ Bro.n Ben 9"/mm. 2&4m no maeter- min$ yo/- b/t & kno. yo/ got to keep
the ba$ app"e ,rom the goo$.1
27hee are not app"e- Ben-1 ai$ 5any. 27hee are men an$ .omen- ick an$ h/ngry an$
a,rai$.1 *! children+ 2& ho/"$ have gone to Atapor.1
2Eo/r Grace co/"$ not have ave$ them-1 ai$ Ser Barritan. 2Eo/ .arne$ >ing C"eon
againt thi .ar .ith E/nkai. 7he man .a a ,oo"- an$ hi han$ .ere re$ .ith b"oo$.1
And are m! hands an! cleaner6 She remembere$ .hat 5aario ha$ ai$@that a"" king m/t
be b/tcher- or meat. 2C"eon .a the enemy o, o/r enemy. &, & ha$ =oine$ him at the #orn o,
#aGGat- .e might have cr/he$ the E/nkai4i bet.een /.1
7he Shavepate $iagree$. 2&, yo/ ha$ taken the Fn/""ie$ o/th to #aGGat- the Son o, the
#arpy@1
2& kno.. & know+ &t i Croeh a"" over again.1
Bro.n Ben 9"/mm .a p/GG"e$. 23ho i Croeh61
2A gir" & tho/ght &4$ ave$ ,rom rape an$ torment. A"" & $i$ .a make it .ore ,or her in the
en$. An$ a"" & $i$ in Atapor .a make ten tho/an$ Croeh.1
2Eo/r Grace co/"$ not have kno.n@1
2& am the A/een. &t .a my p"ace to kno..1
23hat i $one i $one-1 ai$ ReGnak mo ReGnak. 2Eo/r 3orhip- & beg yo/- take the nob"e
#iG$ahr ,or yo/r king at once. #e can peak .ith the 3ie Mater- make a peace ,or /.1
2Hn .hat term61 Beware the perfumed seneschal, D/aithe ha$ ai$. 7he make$ .oman ha$
,oreto"$ the coming o, the pa"e mare- .a he right abo/t the nob"e ReGnak too6 2& may be a
yo/ng gir" innocent o, .ar- b/t & am not a "amb to .a"k b"eating into the harpy4 $en. & ti"" have
my Fn/""ie$. & have the Stormcro. an$ the Secon$ Son. & have three companie o,
,ree$men.1
27hem- an$ $ragon-1 ai$ Bro.n Ben 9"/mm- .ith a grin.
2&n the pit- in chain-1 .ai"e$ ReGnak mo ReGnak. 23hat goo$ are $ragon that cannot be
contro""e$6 Cven the Fn/""ie$ gro. ,ear,/" .hen they m/t open the $oor to ,ee$ them.1
23hat- o4 the A/een4 "itt"e pet61 Bro.n Ben4 eye crink"e$ in am/ement. 7he griGG"e$
captain o, the Secon$ Son .a a creat/re o, the ,ree companie- a mongre" .ith the b"oo$ o, a
$oGen $i,,erent peop"e ,"o.ing thro/gh hi vein- b/t he ha$ a".ay been ,on$ o, the $ragon-
an$ them o, him.
29et61 creeche$ ReGnak. 2Monter- rather. Monter that ,ee$ on chi"$ren. 3e cannot@1
2Silence,1 ai$ 5aenery. 23e .i"" not peak o, that.1
ReGnak hrank a.ay ,rom her- ,"inching ,rom the ,/ry in her tone. 2+orgive me-
Magni,icence- & $i$ not81
Bro.n Ben 9"/mm b/""e$ over him. 2Eo/r Grace- the E/nkih got three ,ree companie
againt o/r t.o- an$ there4 ta"k the E/nkihmen ent to %o"anti to ,etch back the Go"$en
Company. 7hoe batar$ ,ie"$ ten tho/an$. E/nkai4 got ,o/r Ghicari "egion too- maybe
more- an$ & hear$ it ai$ they ent ri$er acro the 5othraki ea to maybe bring ome big
khalasar $o.n on /. 3e need them $ragon- the .ay & ee it.1
5any ighe$. 2& am orry- Ben. & $are not "ooe the $ragon.1 She co/"$ ee that .a not the
an.er that he .ante$.
9"/mm cratche$ at hi peck"e$ .hiker. 2&, there4 no $ragon in the ba"ance- .e""8 .e
ho/"$ "eave be,ore them E/nkih batar$ c"oe the trap8 on"y ,irt- make the "aver pay to
ee o/r back. 7hey pay the kha" to "eave their citie be- .hy not /6 Se"" Meereen back to them
an$ tart .et .ith .agon ,/"" o4 go"$ an$ gem an$ /ch.1
2Eo/ .ant me to "oot Meereen an$ ,"ee6 No- & .i"" not $o that. Grey 3orm- are my ,ree$men
rea$y ,or batt"e61
7he e/n/ch croe$ hi arm againt hi chet. 27hey are not Fn/""ie$- b/t they .i"" not
hame yo/. 7hi one .i"" .ear to that by pear an$ .or$- Eo/r 3orhip.1
2Goo$. 7hat4 goo$.1 5aenery "ooke$ at the ,ace o, the men aro/n$ her. 7he Shavepate-
co."ing. Ser Barritan- .ith hi "ine$ ,ace an$ a$ b"/e eye. ReGnak mo ReGnak- pa"e-
.eating. Bro.n Ben- .hite(haire$- griGG"e$- to/gh a o"$ "eather. Grey 3orm- mooth(cheeke$-
to"i$- e:preion"e. Daario should be here, and m! bloodriders, he tho/ght. If there is to be a
battle, the blood of m! blood should be with me+ She mie$ Ser !orah Mormont too. 7e lied to
me, informed on me, but he loed me too, and he alwa!s gae good counsel+ 2& $e,eate$ the
E/nkai4i be,ore. & .i"" $e,eat them again. 3here- tho/gh6 #o.61
2Eo/ mean to take the ,ie"$61 7he Shavepate4 voice .a thick .ith $ibe"ie,. 27hat .o/"$ be
,o""y. H/r .a"" are ta""er an$ thicker than the .a"" o, Atapor- an$ o/r $e,en$er are more
va"iant. 7he E/nkai4i .i"" not take thi city eai"y.1
Ser Barritan $iagree$. 2& $o not think .e ho/"$ a""o. them to invet /. 7heir i a
patch.ork hot at bet. 7hee "aver are no o"$ier. &, .e take them /na.are81
2Sma"" chance o, that-1 the Shavepate ai$. 27he E/nkai4i have many ,rien$ ini$e the city.
7hey .i"" kno..1
2#o. "arge an army can .e m/ter61 5any ake$.
2Not "arge eno/gh- begging yo/r roya" par$on-1 ai$ Bro.n Ben 9"/mm. 23hat $oe Nahari
have to ay6 &, .e4re going to make a ,ight o4 thi- .e nee$ hi Stormcro..1
25aario i ti"" in the ,ie"$.1 Oh, gods, what hae I done6 7ae I sent him to his death6 2Ben-
& .i"" nee$ yo/r Secon$ Son to co/t o/r enemie. 3here they are- ho. ,at they are a$vancing-
ho. many men they have- an$ ho. they are $ipoe$.1
23e4"" nee$ proviion. +reh hore too.1
2H, co/re. Ser Barritan .i"" ee to it.1
Bro.n Ben cratche$ hi chin. 2Might be .e co/"$ get ome o4 them to come over. &, Eo/r
Grace co/"$ pare a ,e. bag o4 go"$ an$ gem8 =/t to give their captain a goo$ tate- a it
.ere8 .e""- .ho kno.61
2B/y them- .hy not61 5any ai$. 7hat ort o, thing .ent on a"" the time amongt the ,ree
companie o, the 5ip/te$ ?an$- he kne.. 2Ee- very goo$. ReGnak- ee to it. Hnce the
Secon$ Son ri$e o/t- c"oe the gate an$ $o/b"e the .atch /pon the .a"".1
2&t ha"" be $one- Magni,icence-1 ai$ ReGnak mo ReGnak. 23hat o, thee Atapori61
*! children+ 27hey are coming here ,or he"p. +or /ccor an$ protection. 3e cannot t/rn o/r
back on them.1
Ser Barritan ,ro.ne$. 2Eo/r Grace- & have kno.n the b"oo$y ,"/: to $etroy .ho"e armie
.hen "e,t to prea$ /nchecke$. 7he enecha" i right. 3e cannot have the Atapori in Meereen.1
5any "ooke$ at him he"p"e"y. &t .a goo$ that $ragon $i$ not cry. 2A yo/ ay- then. 3e
.i"" keep them o/ti$e the .a"" /nti" thi8 thi c/re ha r/n it co/re. Set /p a camp ,or them
bei$e the river- .et o, the city. 3e .i"" en$ them .hat ,oo$ .e can. 9erhap .e can eparate
the hea"thy ,rom the ick.1 A"" o, them .ere "ooking at her. 23i"" yo/ make me ay it t.ice6 Go
an$ $o a &4ve comman$e$ yo/.1 5any roe- br/he$ pat Bro.n Ben- an$ c"imbe$ the tep to
the .eet o"it/$e o, her terrace.
7.o h/n$re$ "eag/e $ivi$e$ Meereen ,rom Atapor- yet it eeme$ to her that the ky .a
$arker to the o/th.et- m/$ge$ an$ haGy .ith the moke o, the Re$ City4 paing. Brick and
blood built Astapor, and brick and blood its people+ 7he o"$ rhyme rang in her hea$. Ash and
bone is Astapor, and ash and bone its people+ She trie$ to reca"" Croeh4 ,ace- b/t the $ea$ gir"4
,eat/re kept t/rning into moke.
3hen 5aenery ,ina""y t/rne$ a.ay- Ser Barritan too$ near her- .rappe$ in hi .hite c"oak
againt the chi"" o, evening. 2Can .e make a ,ight o, thi61 he ake$ him.
2Men can a".ay ,ight- Eo/r Grace. Ak rather i, .e can .in. 5ying i eay- b/t victory
come har$. Eo/r ,ree$men are ha",(traine$ an$ /nb"oo$e$. Eo/r e"".or$ once erve$ yo/r
,oe- an$ once a man t/rn hi c"oak he .i"" not cr/p"e to t/rn it again. Eo/ have t.o $ragon
.ho cannot be contro""e$- an$ a thir$ that may be "ot to yo/. Beyon$ thee .a"" yo/r on"y
,rien$ are the ?haGarene- .ho have no tate ,or .ar.1
2My .a"" are trong- tho/gh.1
2No tronger than .hen .e at o/ti$e them. An$ the Son o, the #arpy are ini$e the .a""
.ith /. So are the Great Mater- both thoe yo/ $i$ not ki"" an$ the on o, thoe yo/ $i$.1
2& kno..1 7he A/een ighe$. 23hat $o yo/ co/ne"- er61
2Batt"e-1 ai$ Ser Barritan. 2Meereen i overcro.$e$ an$ ,/"" o, h/ngry mo/th- an$ yo/
have too many enemie .ithin. 3e cannot "ong .ithtan$ a iege- & ,ear. ?et me meet the ,oe a
he come north- on gro/n$ o, my o.n chooing.1
2Meet the ,oe-1 he echoe$- 2.ith the ,ree$men yo/4ve ca""e$ ha",(traine$ an$ /nb"oo$e$.1
23e .ere a"" /nb"oo$e$ once- Eo/r Grace. 7he Fn/""ie$ .i"" he"p ti,,en them. &, & ha$ ,ive
h/n$re$ knight81
2Hr ,ive. An$ i, & give yo/ the Fn/""ie$- & .i"" have no one b/t the BraGen Beat to ho"$
Meereen.1 3hen Ser Barritan $i$ not $ip/te her- 5any c"oe$ her eye. 1ods, he praye$- !ou
took ,hal Drogo, who was m! sun(and(stars+ &ou took our aliant son before he drew a breath+
&ou hae had !our blood of me+ 7elp me now, I pra! !ou+ 1ie me the wisdom to see the path
ahead and the strength to do what I must to keep m! children safe+
7he go$ $i$ not repon$.
3hen he opene$ her eye again- 5aenery ai$- 2& cannot ,ight t.o enemie- one .ithin an$
one .itho/t. &, & am to ho"$ Meereen- & m/t have the city behin$ me. 7he whole city. & nee$8 &
nee$81 She co/"$ not ay it.
2Eo/r Grace61 Ser Barritan prompte$- gent"y. A 3ueen belongs not to herself but to her
people+ 2& nee$ #iG$ahr Go ?oraA.1
Sa2well
The %innamon Wind .a a .an hip o/t o, 7a"" 7ree 7o.n on the S/mmer &"e- .here
men .ere b"ack- .omen .ere .anton- an$ even the go$ .ere trange. She ha$ no epton aboar$
her to "ea$ them in the prayer o, paing- o the tak ,e"" to Sam.e"" 7ar"y- ome.here o,, the
/n(corche$ o/thern coat o, 5orne.
Sam $onne$ hi b"ack to ay the .or$- tho/gh the a,ternoon .a .arm an$ m/ggy- .ith
nary a breath o, .in$. 2#e .a a goo$ man-1 he began8 b/t a oon a he ha$ ai$ the .or$ he
kne. that they .ere .rong. 2No. #e .a a great man. A maeter o, the Cita$e"- chaine$ an$
.orn- an$ S.orn Brother o, the Night4 3atch- ever ,aith,/". 3hen he .a born they name$
him ,or a hero .ho ha$ $ie$ too yo/ng- b/t tho/gh he "ive$ a "ong "ong time- hi o.n "i,e .a no
"e heroic. No man .a .ier- or gent"er- or kin$er. At the 3a""- a $oGen "or$ comman$er came
an$ .ent $/ring hi year o, ervice- b/t he .a a".ay there to co/ne" them. #e co/ne"e$
king a .e"". #e co/"$ have been a king hime",- b/t .hen they o,,ere$ him the cro.n he to"$
them they ho/"$ give it to hi yo/nger brother. #o. many men .o/"$ $o that61 Sam ,e"t the
tear .e""ing in hi eye- an$ kne. he co/"$ not go on m/ch "onger. 2#e .a the b"oo$ o, the
$ragon- b/t no. hi ,ire ha gone o/t. #e .a Aemon 7argaryen. An$ no. hi .atch i en$e$.1
2An$ no. hi .atch i en$e$-1 Gi""y m/rm/re$ a,ter him- rocking the babe in her arm. >o==a
Mo echoe$ her in the Common 7ong/e o, 3etero- then repeate$ the .or$ in the S/mmer
7ong/e ,or Lhon$o an$ her ,ather an$ the ret o, the aemb"e$ cre.. Sam h/ng hi hea$ an$
began to .eep- hi ob o "o/$ an$ .renching that they ma$e hi .ho"e bo$y hake. Gi""y came
an$ too$ bei$e him an$ "et him cry /pon her ho/"$er. 7here .ere tear in her eye a .e"".
7he air .a moit an$ .arm an$ $ea$ ca"m- an$ the %innamon Wind .a a$ri,t /pon a $eep
b"/e ea ,ar beyon$ the ight o, "an$. 2B"ack Sam ai$ goo$ .or$-1 Lhon$o ai$. 2No. .e
$rink hi "i,e.1 #e ho/te$ omething in the S/mmer 7ong/e- an$ a cak o, pice$ r/m .a
ro""e$ /p onto the a,ter$eck an$ breache$- o thoe on .atch might $o.n a c/p in the memory o,
the o"$ b"in$ $ragon. 7he cre. ha$ kno.n him on"y a hort .hi"e- b/t S/mmer &"an$er revere$
the e"$er"y an$ ce"ebrate$ their $ea$.
Sam ha$ never $r/nk r/m be,ore. 7he "iA/or .a trange an$ hea$yI .eet at ,irt- b/t .ith a
,iery a,tertate that b/rne$ hi tong/e. #e .a tire$- o tire$. Cvery m/c"e he ha$ .a aching-
an$ there .ere other ache in p"ace .here Sam ha$n4t kno.n he ha$ m/c"e. #i knee .ere
ti,,- hi han$ covere$ .ith ,reh ne. b"iter an$ ra.- ticky patche o, kin .here the o"$
b"iter ha$ b/rt. Eet bet.een them- r/m an$ a$ne eeme$ to .ah hi h/rt a.ay. 2&, on"y
.e co/"$ have gotten him to H"$to.n- the archmaeter might have ave$ him-1 he to"$ Gi""y- a
they ippe$ their r/m on the %innamon Wind4 high ,orecat"e. 27he hea"er o, the Cita$e" are
the bet in the Seven >ing$om. +or a .hi"e & tho/ght8 & hope$81
Hn Braavo- it ha$ eeme$ poib"e that Aemon might recover. Lhon$o4 ta"k o, $ragon ha$
a"mot eeme$ to retore the o"$ man to hime",. 7hat night he ate every bite Sam p/t be,ore
him. 2No one ever "ooke$ ,or a gir"-1 he ai$. 2&t .a a prince that .a promie$- not a prince.
Rhaegar- & tho/ght8 the moke .a ,rom the ,ire that $evo/re$ S/mmerha"" on the $ay o, hi
birth- the a"t ,rom the tear he$ ,or thoe .ho $ie$. #e hare$ my be"ie, .hen he .a yo/ng-
b/t "ater he became per/a$e$ that it .a hi o.n on .ho ,/",i""e$ the prophecy- ,or a comet
ha$ been een above >ing4 ?an$ing on the night Aegon .a conceive$- an$ Rhaegar .a
certain the b"ee$ing tar ha$ to be a comet. 3hat ,oo" .e .ere- .ho tho/ght o/re"ve o .ie0
7he error crept in ,rom the tran"ation. 5ragon are neither ma"e nor ,ema"e- Barth a. the tr/th
o, that- b/t no. one an$ no. the other- a changeab"e a ,"ame. 7he "ang/age mi"e$ / a"" ,or a
tho/an$ year. Daener!s i the one- born ami$t a"t an$ moke. 7he $ragon prove it.1 !/t
ta"king o, her eeme$ to make him tronger. 2& m/t go to her. & must. 3o/"$ that & .a even ten
year yo/nger.1
7he o"$ man ha$ been o $etermine$ that he ha$ even .a"ke$ /p the p"ank onto the
%innamon Wind on hi o.n t.o "eg- a,ter Sam ma$e arrangement ,or their paage. #e ha$
a"rea$y given hi .or$ an$ cabbar$ to Lhon$o- to repay the big mate ,or the ,eathere$ c"oak
he4$ r/ine$ aving Sam ,rom $ro.ning. 7he on"y thing o, va"/e that ti"" remaine$ to them .ere
the book they ha$ bro/ght ,rom the va/"t o, Cat"e B"ack. Sam parte$ .ith them g"/m"y. 27hey
.ere meant ,or the Cita$e"-1 he ai$- .hen Lhon$o ake$ him .hat .a .rong. 3hen the mate
tran"ate$ thoe .or$- the captain "a/ghe$. 2D/h/r/ Mo ay the grey men .i"" be having thee
book ti""-1 Lhon$o to"$ him- 2on"y they .i"" be b/ying them ,rom D/h/r/ Mo. 7he maeter
give goo$ i"ver ,or book they are not having- an$ ometime re$ an$ ye""o. go"$.1
7he captain .ante$ Aemon4 chain a .e""- b/t there Sam ha$ re,/e$. &t .a a great hame
,or any maeter to /rren$er hi chain- he ha$ e:p"aine$. Lhon$o ha$ to go over that part three
time be,ore D/h/r/ Mo accepte$ it. By the time the $ea"ing .a $one- Sam .a $o.n to hi
boot an$ b"ack an$ ma""c"othe- an$ the broken horn !on Sno. ha$ ,o/n$ on the +it o, +irt
Men. I had no choice, he to"$ hime",. We could not sta! on Braaos, and short of theft or
beggar!, there was no other wa! to pa! for passage+ #e .o/"$ have co/nte$ it cheap at thrice
the price i, on"y they ha$ gotten Maeter Aemon a,e to H"$to.n.
7heir paage o/th ha$ been a tormy one- ho.ever- an$ every ga"e took it to"" on the o"$
man4 trength an$ pirit. At 9ento he ake$ to be bro/ght /p onto $eck o Sam might paint a
pict/re o, the city ,or him .ith .or$- b/t that .a the "at time he "e,t the captain4 be$. Soon
a,ter that- hi .it began to .an$er once again. By the time the %innamon Wind .ept pat the
B"ee$ing 7o.er into 7yroh harbor- Aemon no "onger poke o, trying to ,in$ a hip to take him
eat. &ntea$ hi ta"k t/rne$ back to H"$to.n- an$ the archmaeter o, the Cita$e".
2Eo/ m/t te"" them- Sam-1 he ai$. 27he archmaeter. Eo/ m/t make them /n$ertan$.
7he men .ho .ere at the Cita$e" .hen & .a have been $ea$ ,or ,i,ty year. 7hee other never
kne. me. My "etter8 in H"$to.n- they m/t have rea$ "ike the raving o, an o"$ man .hoe
.it ha$ ,"e$. Eo/ m/t convince them- .here & co/"$ not. 7e"" them- Sam8 te"" them ho. it i
/pon the 3a""8 the .ight an$ the .hite .a"ker- the creeping co"$81
2& .i""-1 Sam promie$. 2& .i"" a$$ my voice to yo/r- maeter. 3e .i"" both te"" them- the
t.o o, / together.1
2No-1 the o"$ man ai$. 2&t m/t be yo/. 7e"" them. 7he prophecy8 my brother4 $ream8
?a$y Me"ian$re ha mirea$ the ign. Stanni8 Stanni ha ome o, the $ragon b"oo$ in him-
ye. #i brother $i$ a .e"". Rhae""e- Cgg4 "itt"e gir"- he .a ho. they came by it8 their
,ather4 mother8 he /e$ to ca"" me Fnc"e Maeter .hen he .a a "itt"e gir". & remembere$
that- o & a""o.e$ mye", to hope8 perhap & .ante$ to8 .e a"" $eceive o/re"ve- .hen .e
.ant to be"ieve. Me"ian$re mot o, a""- & think. 7he .or$ i .rong- he ha to kno. that8 "ight
.itho/t heat8 an empty g"amor8 the .or$ i wrong- an$ the ,a"e "ight can on"y "ea$ /
$eeper into $arkne- Sam. Daener!s i o/r hope. 7e"" them that- at the Cita$e". Make them
"iten. 7hey m/t en$ her a maeter. 5aenery m/t be co/ne"e$- ta/ght- protected+ +or a""
thee year &4ve "ingere$- .aiting- .atching- an$ no. that the $ay ha $a.ne$ & am too o"$. & am
$ying- Sam.1 7ear ran ,rom hi b"in$ .hite eye at that a$miion. 25eath ho/"$ ho"$ no ,ear
,or a man a o"$ a me- b/t it $oe. &n4t that i""y6 &t i a".ay $ark .here & am- o .hy ho/"$ &
,ear the $arkne6 Eet & cannot he"p b/t .on$er .hat .i"" ,o""o.- .hen the "at .armth "eave
my bo$y. 3i"" & ,eat ,orever in the +ather4 go"$en ha"" a the epton ay6 3i"" & ta"k .ith Cgg
again- ,in$ 5areon .ho"e an$ happy- hear my iter inging to their chi"$ren6 3hat i, the
hore"or$ have the tr/th o, it6 3i"" & ri$e thro/gh the night ky ,orever on a ta""ion ma$e o,
,"ame6 Hr m/t & ret/rn again to thi va"e o, orro.6 3ho can ay- tr/"y6 3ho ha been beyon$
the .a"" o, $eath to ee6 Hn"y the .ight- an$ .e kno. .hat they are "ike. 3e kno..1
7here .a "itt"e an$ "e that Sam co/"$ ay to that- b/t he ha$ given the o"$ man .hat "itt"e
com,ort he co/"$. An$ Gi""y came in a,ter.ar$ an$ ang a ong ,or him- a nonene ong thing
that he "earne$ ,rom ome o, Crater4 other .ive. &t ma$e the o"$ man mi"e an$ he"pe$ him
go to "eep.
7hat ha$ been one o, hi "at goo$ $ay. A,ter that the o"$ man pent more time "eeping than
a.ake- c/r"e$ /p beneath a pi"e o, ,/r in the captain4 cabin. Sometime he .o/"$ m/tter in hi
"eep. 3hen he .oke he4$ ca"" ,or Sam- initing that he ha$ to te"" him omething- b/t o,t a not
he .o/"$ have ,orgotten .hat he meant to ay by the time that Sam arrive$. Cven .hen he $i$
reca""- hi ta"k .a a"" a =/mb"e. #e poke o, $ream an$ never name$ the $reamer- o, a g"a
can$"e that co/"$ not be "it an$ egg that .o/"$ not hatch. #e ai$ the phin: .a the ri$$"e- not
the ri$$"er- .hatever that meant. #e ake$ Sam to rea$ ,or him ,rom a book by Septon Barth-
.hoe .riting ha$ been b/rne$ $/ring the reign o, Bae"or the B"ee$. Hnce he .oke /p
.eeping. 27he $ragon m/t have three hea$-1 he .ai"e$- 2b/t & am too o"$ an$ ,rai" to be one o,
them. & ho/"$ be .ith her- ho.ing her the .ay- b/t my bo$y ha betraye$ me.1
A the %innamon Wind ma$e her .ay thro/gh the Steptone- Maeter Aemon ,orgot Sam4
name o,t a not. Some $ay he took him ,or one o, hi $ea$ brother. 2#e .a too ,rai" ,or /ch a
"ong voyage-1 Sam to"$ Gi""y on the ,orecat"e- a,ter another ip o, the r/m. 2!on ho/"$ have
een that. Aemon .a a h/n$re$ an$ t.o year o"$- he ho/"$ never have been ent to ea. &, he
ha$ taye$ at Cat"e B"ack- he might have "ive$ another ten year.1
2Hr e"e he might have b/rne$ him. 7he re$ .oman.1 Cven here- a tho/an$ "eag/e ,rom
the 3a""- Gi""y .a re"/ctant to ay ?a$y Me"ian$re4 name a"o/$. 2She .ante$ king4 b"oo$
,or her ,ire. %a" kne. he $i$. ?or$ Sno. too. 7hat .a .hy they ma$e me take 5a""a4 babe
a.ay an$ "eave my o.n behin$ in hi p"ace. Maeter Aemon .ent to "eep an$ $i$n4t .ake /p-
b/t i, he ha$ taye$- he .o/"$ have b/rne$ him.1
7e will still burn, Sam tho/ght mierab"y- onl! now I hae to do it+ 7he 7argaryen a".ay
gave their ,a""en to the ,"ame. D/h/r/ Mo .o/"$ not a""o. a ,/nera" pyre aboar$ the %innamon
Wind, o Aemon4 corpe ha$ been t/,,e$ ini$e a cak o, b"ackbe""y r/m to preerve it /nti" the
hip reache$ H"$to.n.
27he night be,ore he $ie$- he ake$ i, he might ho"$ the babe-1 Gi""y .ent on. 2& .a a,rai$
he might $rop him- b/t he never $i$. #e rocke$ him an$ h/mme$ a ong ,or him- an$ 5a""a4
boy reache$ /p an$ to/che$ hi ,ace. 7he .ay he p/""e$ hi "ip & tho/ght he might be h/rting
him- b/t it on"y ma$e the o"$ man "a/gh.1 She troke$ Sam4 han$. 23e co/"$ name the "itt"e
one Maeter- i, yo/ "ike. 3hen he4 o"$ eno/gh- not no.. 3e co/"$.1
2*aester i not a name. Eo/ co/"$ ca"" him Aemon- tho/gh.1
Gi""y tho/ght abo/t that. 25a""a bro/ght him ,orth $/ring batt"e- a the .or$ ang a"" aro/n$
her. 7hat ho/"$ be hi name. Aemon Batt"eborn. Aemon Stee"ong.1
A name een m! lord father might like+ A warrior/s name+ 7he boy .a Mance Ray$er4 on
an$ Crater4 gran$on- a,ter a"". #e ha$ none o, Sam4 craven b"oo$. 2Ee. Ca"" him that.1
23hen he i t.o-1 he promie$- 2not be,ore.1
23here i the boy61 Sam tho/ght to ak. Bet.een r/m an$ orro.- it ha$ taken him that "ong
to rea"iGe that Gi""y $i$ not have the babe .ith her.
2>o==a ha him. & ake$ her to take him ,or a .hi"e.1
2Hh.1 >o==a Mo .a the captain4 $a/ghter- ta""er than Sam an$ "en$er a a pear- .ith kin
a b"ack an$ mooth a po"ihe$ =et. She captaine$ the hip4 re$ archer too- an$ p/""e$ a
$o/b"e(c/rve$ go"$enheart bo. that co/"$ en$ a ha,t ,o/r h/n$re$ yar$. 3hen the pirate ha$
attacke$ them in the Steptone- >o==a4 arro. ha$ "ain a $oGen o, them .hi"t Sam4 o.n
ha,t .ere ,a""ing in the .ater. 7he on"y thing >o==a Mo "ove$ better than her bo. .a
bo/ncing 5a""a4 boy /pon her knee an$ inging to him in the S/mmer 7ong/e. 7he .i"$"ing
prince ha$ become the $ar"ing o, a"" the .omen in the cre.- an$ Gi""y eeme$ to tr/t them .ith
him a he ha$ never tr/te$ any man.
27hat .a kin$ o, >o==a-1 Sam ai$.
2& .a a,rai$ o, her at ,irt-1 ai$ Gi""y. 2She .a o b"ack- an$ her teeth .ere o big an$
.hite- & .a a,rai$ he .a a beat"ing or a monter- b/t he4 not. She4 goo$. & "ike her.1
2& kno. yo/ $o.1 +or mot o, her "i,e the on"y man Gi""y ha$ kno.n ha$ been the terri,ying
Crater. 7he ret o, her .or"$ ha$ been ,ema"e. *en frighten her, but women don/t, Sam
rea"iGe$. #e co/"$ /n$ertan$ that. Back at #orn #i"" he ha$ pre,erre$ the company o, gir" a
.e"". #i iter ha$ been kin$ to him- an$ tho/gh the other gir" .o/"$ ometime ta/nt him-
cr/e" .or$ .ere eaier to hr/g o,, than the b"o. an$ b/,,et he got ,rom the other cat"e boy.
Cven no.- on the %innamon Wind, Sam ,e"t more com,ortab"e .ith >o==a Mo than .ith her
,ather- tho/gh that might be beca/e he poke the Common 7ong/e an$ he $i$ not.
2& "ike yo/ too- Sam-1 .hipere$ Gi""y. 2An$ & "ike thi $rink. &t tate "ike ,ire.1
&es, Sam tho/ght- a drink for dragons+ 7heir c/p .ere empty- o he .ent over to the cak
an$ ,i""e$ them once again. 7he /n .a "o. in the .et- he a.- .o""en to thrice it proper iGe.
&t r/$$y "ight ma$e Gi""y4 ,ace eem ,"/he$ an$ re$. 7hey $rank a c/p to >o==a Mo- an$ one
to 5a""a4 boy- an$ one to Gi""y4 babe back on the 3a"". An$ a,ter that nothing .o/"$ $o b/t to
$rink t.o c/p ,or Aemon o, #o/e 7argaryen. 2May the +ather =/$ge him =/t"y-1 Sam ai$-
ni,,ing. 7he /n .a a"mot gone by the time they .ere $one .ith Maeter Aemon. Hn"y a "ong
thin "ine o, re$ ti"" g"o.e$ /pon the .etern horiGon- "ike a "ah acro the ky. Gi""y ai$ that
the $rink .a making the hip pin ro/n$- o Sam he"pe$ her $o.n the "a$$er to the .omen4
A/arter in the bo. o, the hip.
7here .a a "antern hanging =/t ini$e the cabin- an$ he manage$ to bang hi hea$ on it
going in. 2H.-1 he ai$- an$ Gi""y ai$- 2Are yo/ h/rt6 ?et me ee.1 She "eane$ c"oe8
8an$ kie$ hi mo/th.
Sam ,o/n$ hime", kiing her back. I said the words, he tho/ght- b/t her han$ .ere t/gging
at hi b"ack- p/""ing at the "ace o, hi breeche. #e broke o,, the ki "ong eno/gh to ay- 23e
can4t-1 b/t Gi""y ai$- 23e can-1 an$ covere$ hi mo/th .ith her o.n again. 7he %innamon
Wind .a pinning a"" aro/n$ them an$ he co/"$ tate the r/m on Gi""y4 tong/e an$ the ne:t
thing her breat .ere bare an$ he .a to/ching them. I said the words, Sam tho/ght again- b/t
one o, her nipp"e ,o/n$ it .ay bet.een hi "ip. &t .a pink an$ har$ an$ .hen he /cke$ on it
her mi"k ,i""e$ hi mo/th- ming"ing .ith the tate o, r/m- an$ he ha$ never tate$ anything o
,ine an$ .eet an$ goo$. If I do this I am no better than Dareon, Sam tho/ght- b/t it ,e"t too
goo$ to top. An$ /$$en"y hi cock .a o/t- =/tting /p.ar$ ,rom hi breeche "ike a ,at pink
mat. &t "ooke$ o i""y tan$ing there that he might have "a/ghe$- b/t Gi""y p/he$ him back
onto her pa""et- hike$ her kirt /p aro/n$ her thigh- an$ "o.ere$ here", onto him .ith a "itt"e
.himpery o/n$. 7hat .a even better than her nipp"e. She/s so wet, he tho/ght- gaping. I
neer knew a woman could get so wet down there+ 2& am yo/r .i,e no.-1 he .hipere$- "i$ing
/p an$ $o.n on him. An$ Sam groane$ an$ tho/ght- 2o, no, !ou can/t be, I said the words, I
said the words, b/t the on"y .or$ he ai$ .a- 2Ee.1
A,ter.ar$ he .ent to "eep .ith her arm aro/n$ him an$ her ,ace acro hi chet. Sam
nee$e$ "eep a .e""- b/t he .a $r/nk on r/m an$ mother4 mi"k an$ Gi""y. #e kne. he o/ght
to cra." back to hi o.n hammock in the men4 cabin- b/t he ,e"t o goo$ c/r"e$ /p againt him
that omeho. he co/"$ not move.
Hther came in- men an$ .omen both- an$ he "itene$ to them kiing an$ "a/ghing an$
mating .ith one another. Summer Islanders+ #hat/s how the! mourn+ #he! answer death with
life+ Sam ha$ rea$ that ome.here- a "ong time ago. #e .on$ere$ i, Gi""y kne.- i, >o==a Mo ha$
to"$ her .hat to $o.
#e breathe$ the ,ragrance o, her hair an$ tare$ at the "antern .inging overhea$. 0en the
%rone herself could not lead me safel! out of this+ 7he bet thing he co/"$ $o .o/"$ be to "ip
a.ay an$ =/mp into the ea. If I/m drowned, no one need eer know that I shamed m!self and
broke m! ows, and 1ill! can find herself a better man, one who is not some big fat coward+
#e a.oke the ne:t morning in hi o.n hammock in the men4 cabin- .ith Lhon$o be""o.ing
abo/t the .in$. 4Wind is up,5 the mate kept ho/ting. 4Wake and work, Black Sam+ Wind is
up+5 3hat Lhon$o "acke$ in vocab/"ary he ma$e /p ,or in vo"/me. Sam ro""e$ ,rom hi
hammock to hi ,eet- an$ regrette$ it at once. #i hea$ .a ,it to p"it- one o, the b"iter on hi
pa"m ha$ torn open in the night- an$ he ,e"t a i, he .ere abo/t to retch.
Lhon$o ha$ no mercy- tho/gh- o a"" that Sam co/"$ $o .a tr/gg"e back into hi b"ack. #e
,o/n$ them on the $eck beneath hi hammock- a"" b/n$"e$ /p in one $amp heap. #e ni,,e$ at
them to ee ho. ,o/" they .ere- an$ inha"e$ the me"" o, a"t an$ ea an$ tar- .et canva an$
mi"$e.- ,r/it an$ ,ih an$ b"ackbe""y r/m- trange pice an$ e:otic .oo$- an$ a hea$y bo/A/et
o, hi o.n $rie$ .eat. B/t Gi""y4 me"" .a on them too- the c"ean me"" o, her hair an$ the
.eet me"" o, her mi"k- an$ that ma$e him g"a$ to .ear them. #e .o/"$ have given m/ch an$
more ,or .arm $ry ock- tho/gh. Some ort o, ,/ng/ ha$ beg/n to gro. bet.een hi toe.
7he chet o, book ha$ not been near eno/gh to b/y paage ,or ,o/r ,rom Braavo to
H"$to.n. 7he %innamon Wind .a horthan$e$- ho.ever- o D/h/r/ Mo ha$ agree$ that he
.o/"$ take them- provi$e$ that they .orke$ their .ay. 3hen Sam ha$ protete$ that Maeter
Aemon .a too .eak- the boy a babe in arm- an$ Gi""y terri,ie$ o, the ea- Lhon$o on"y
"a/ghe$- 2B"ack Sam i big ,at man. B"ack Sam .i"" .ork ,or ,o/r.1
&, tr/th be to"$- Sam .a o ,/mb"e(,ingere$ that he $o/bte$ he .a even $oing the .ork o,
one goo$ man- b/t he $i$ try. #e cr/bbe$ $eck an$ r/bbe$ them mooth .ith tone- he ha/"e$
on anchor chain- he coi"e$ rope an$ h/nte$ rat- he e.e$ /p torn ai"- patche$ "eak .ith
b/bb"ing hot tar- bone$ ,ih an$ choppe$ ,r/it ,or the cook. Gi""y trie$ a .e"". She .a better in
the rigging than Sam .a- tho/gh ,rom time to time the ight o, o m/ch empty .ater ti"" ma$e
her c"oe her eye.
1ill!, Sam tho/ght- what am I going to do with 1ill!6
&t .a a "ong hot ticky $ay- ma$e "onger by hi po/n$ing hea$. Sam b/ie$ hime", .ith
rope an$ ai" an$ the other tak that Lhon$o et him- an$ trie$ not to "et hi eye .an$er to the
cak o, r/m that he"$ o"$ Maeter Aemon4 bo$y8 or to Gi""y. #e co/"$ not ,ace the .i"$"ing
gir" right no.- not a,ter .hat they4$ $one "at night. 3hen he came /p on $eck he .ent be"o..
3hen he .ent ,or.ar$ he .ent a,t. 3hen he mi"e$ at him he t/rne$ a.ay- ,ee"ing .retche$. I
should hae 9umped into the sea whilst she was still asleep, he tho/ght. I hae alwa!s been a
craen, but I was neer an oathbreaker till now+
&, Maeter Aemon ha$ not $ie$- Sam co/"$ have ake$ him .hat to $o. &, !on Sno. ha$ been
aboar$- or even 9yp an$ Grenn- he might have t/rne$ to them. &ntea$ he ha$ Lhon$o. 'hondo
would not understand what I was sa!ing+ Or if he did, he/d 9ust tell me to fuck the girl again+
2+/ck1 ha$ been the ,irt .or$ o, the Common 7ong/e that Lhon$o ha$ "earne$- an$ he .a
very ,on$ o, it.
#e .a ,ort/nate that the %innamon Wind .a o big. Aboar$ the Blackbird Gi""y co/"$ have
r/n him $o.n in har$"y any time at a"". 2S.an hip-1 the great vee" ,rom the S/mmer &"e
.ere ca""e$ in the Seven >ing$om- ,or their bi""o.ing .hite ai" an$ ,or their ,ig/rehea$-
mot o, .hich $epicte$ bir$. ?arge a they .ere- they ro$e the .ave .ith a grace that .a a""
their o.n. 3ith a goo$ brik .in$ behin$ them- the %innamon Wind co/"$ o/tr/n any ga""ey-
tho/gh he .a he"p"e .hen beca"me$. An$ he o,,ere$ p"enty o, p"ace ,or a craven to hi$e.
Near the en$ o, Sam4 .atch- he .a ,ina""y cornere$. #e .a c"imbing $o.n a "a$$er .hen
Lhon$o eiGe$ him by the co""ar. 4Black Sam come with 'hondo,5 he ai$- $ragging him acro
the $eck an$ $/mping him at the ,eet o, >o==a Mo.
+ar o,, to the north- a haGe .a viib"e "o. on the horiGon. >o==a pointe$ at it. 27here i the
coat o, 5orne. San$ an$ rock an$ corpion- an$ no goo$ anchorage ,or h/n$re$ o, "eag/e.
Eo/ can .im there i, yo/ "ike- an$ .a"k to H"$to.n. Eo/ .i"" nee$ to cro the $eep $eert an$
c"imb ome mo/ntain an$ .im the 7orentine. Hr e"e yo/ co/"$ go to Gi""y.1
2Eo/ $o not /n$ertan$. ?at night .e81
28honore$ yo/r $ea$- an$ the go$ .ho ma$e yo/ both. Lhon$o $i$ the ame. & ha$ the
chi"$- e"e & .o/"$ have been .ith him. A"" yo/ 3eteroi make a hame o, "oving. 7here i no
hame in "oving. &, yo/r epton ay there i- yo/r even go$ m/t be $emon. &n the i"e .e
kno. better. H/r go$ gave / "eg to r/n .ith- noe to me"" .ith- han$ to to/ch an$ ,ee".
3hat ma$ cr/e" go$ .o/"$ give a man eye an$ te"" him he m/t ,orever keep them h/t- an$
never "ook at a"" the bea/ty in the .or"$6 Hn"y a monter go$- a $emon o, the $arkne.1 >o==a
p/t her han$ bet.een Sam4 "eg. 27he go$ gave yo/ thi ,or a reaon too- ,or8 .hat i yo/r
3eteroi .or$61
4Fucking,5 Lhon$o o,,ere$ he"p,/""y.
2Ee- ,or ,/cking. +or the giving o, p"ea/re an$ the making o, chi"$ren. 7here i no hame in
that.1
Sam backe$ a.ay ,rom her. 2& took a vo.. I will take no wife, and father no children+ & ai$
the .or$.1
2She kno. the .or$ yo/ ai$. She i a chi"$ in ome .ay- b/t he i not b"in$. She kno.
.hy yo/ .ear the b"ack- .hy yo/ go to H"$to.n. She kno. he cannot keep yo/. She .ant
yo/ ,or a "itt"e .hi"e- i a"". She "ot her ,ather an$ her h/ban$- her mother an$ her iter- her
home- her world+ A"" he ha i yo/- an$ the babe. So yo/ go to her- or .im.1
Sam "ooke$ $epairing"y at the haGe that marke$ the $itant hore"ine. #e co/"$ never .im
o ,ar- he kne..
#e .ent to Gi""y. 23hat .e $i$8 i, & co/"$ take a .i,e- & .o/"$ ooner have yo/ than any
prince or highborn mai$en- b/t & can4t. & am ti"" a cro.. & ai$ the .or$- Gi""y. & .ent .ith
!on into the .oo$ an$ ai$ the .or$ be,ore a heart tree.1
27he tree .atch over /-1 Gi""y .hipere$- br/hing the tear ,rom hi cheek. 2&n the ,oret-
they ee a""8 b/t there are no tree here. Hn"y .ater- Sam. Hn"y .ater.1
ME&ISANDRE
&t .a never tr/"y $ark in Me"ian$re4 chamber.
7hree ta""o. can$"e b/rne$ /pon her .in$o.i"" to keep the terror o, the night at bay. +o/r
more ,"ickere$ bei$e her be$- t.o to either i$e. &n the hearth a ,ire .a kept b/rning $ay an$
night. 7he ,irt "eon thoe .ho .o/"$ erve her ha$ to "earn .a that the ,ire m/t never- ever
be a""o.e$ to go o/t.
7he re$ priete c"oe$ her eye an$ ai$ a prayer- then opene$ them once more to ,ace the
hearth,ire. One more time+ She ha$ to be certain. Many a priet an$ priete be,ore her ha$ been
bro/ght $o.n by ,a"e viion- by eeing .hat they .ihe$ to ee intea$ o, .hat the ?or$ o,
?ight ha$ ent. Stanni .a marching o/th into peri"- the king .ho carrie$ the ,ate o, the .or"$
/pon hi ho/"$er- AGor Ahai reborn. S/re"y R4h""or .o/"$ vo/cha,e her a g"impe o, .hat
a.aite$ him. Show me Stannis, "ord, he praye$. Show me !our king, !our instrument+
%iion $ance$ be,ore her- go"$ an$ car"et- ,"ickering- ,orming an$ me"ting an$ $io"ving
into one another- hape trange an$ terri,ying an$ e$/ctive. She a. the eye"e ,ace again-
taring o/t at her ,rom ocket .eeping b"oo$. 7hen the to.er by the ea- cr/mb"ing a the $ark
ti$e came .eeping over them- riing ,rom the $epth. Sha$o. in the hape o, k/""- k/"" that
t/rne$ to mit- bo$ie "ocke$ together in "/t- .rithing an$ ro""ing an$ c"a.ing. 7hro/gh c/rtain
o, ,ire great .inge$ ha$o. .hee"e$ againt a har$ b"/e ky.
#he girl+ I must find the girl again, the gre! girl on the d!ing horse+ !on Sno. .o/"$ e:pect
that o, her- an$ oon. &t .o/"$ not be eno/gh to ay the gir" .a ,"eeing. #e .o/"$ .ant more- he
.o/"$ .ant the .hen an$ .here- an$ he $i$ not have that ,or him. She ha$ een the gir" on"y
once. A girl as gre! as ash, and een as I watched she crumbled and blew awa!+
A ,ace took hape .ithin the hearth. Stannis6 he tho/ght- ,or =/t a moment8 b/t no- thee
.ere not hi ,eat/re. A wooden face, corpse white+ 3a thi the enemy6 A tho/an$ re$ eye
,"oate$ in the riing ,"ame. 7e sees me+ Bei$e him- a boy .ith a .o",4 ,ace thre. back hi
hea$ an$ ho."e$.
7he re$ priete h/$$ere$. B"oo$ trick"e$ $o.n her thigh- b"ack an$ moking. 7he ,ire .a
ini$e her- an agony- an ectay- ,i""ing her- earing her- tran,orming her. Shimmer o, heat
trace$ pattern on her kin- initent a a "over4 han$. Strange voice ca""e$ to her ,rom $ay
"ong pat. 2Me"ony-1 he hear$ a .oman cry. A man4 voice ca""e$- 2?ot Seven.1 She .a
.eeping- an$ her tear .ere ,"ame. An$ ti"" he $rank it in.
Sno.,"ake .ir"e$ ,rom a $ark ky an$ ahe roe to meet them- the grey an$ the .hite
.hir"ing aro/n$ each other a ,"aming arro. arce$ above a .oo$en .a"" an$ $ea$ thing
hamb"e$ i"ent thro/gh the co"$- beneath a great grey c"i,, .here ,ire b/rne$ ini$e a h/n$re$
cave. 7hen the .in$ roe an$ the .hite mit came .eeping in- impoib"y co"$- an$ one by one
the ,ire .ent o/t. A,ter.ar$ on"y the k/"" remaine$.
Death, tho/ght Me"ian$re. #he skulls are death+
7he ,"ame crack"e$ o,t"y- an$ in their crack"ing he hear$ the .hipere$ name -on Snow+
#i "ong ,ace ,"oate$ be,ore her- "imne$ in tong/e o, re$ an$ orange- appearing an$
$iappearing again- a ha$o. ha",(een behin$ a ,"/ttering c/rtain. No. he .a a man- no. a
.o",- no. a man again. B/t the k/"" .ere here a .e""- the k/"" .ere a"" aro/n$ him.
Me"ian$re ha$ een hi $anger be,ore- ha$ trie$ to .arn the boy o, it. 0nemies all around him,
daggers in the dark+ #e .o/"$ not "iten.
Fnbe"iever never "itene$ /nti" it .a too "ate.
23hat $o yo/ ee- my "a$y61 the boy ake$- o,t"y.
Skulls+ A thousand skulls, and the bastard bo! again+ -on Snow+ 3henever he .a ake$
.hat he a. .ithin her ,ire- Me"ian$re .o/"$ an.er- 2M/ch an$ more-1 b/t eeing .a
never a imp"e a thoe .or$ /ggete$. &t .a an art- an$ "ike a"" art it $eman$e$ matery-
$icip"ine- t/$y. $ain+ #hat too+ R4h""or poke to hi choen one thro/gh b"ee$ ,ire- in a
"ang/age o, ah an$ cin$er an$ t.iting ,"ame that on"y a go$ co/"$ tr/"y grap. Me"ian$re ha$
practice$ her art ,or year beyon$ co/nt- an$ he ha$ pai$ the price. 7here .a no one- even in
her or$er- .ho ha$ her ki"" at eeing the ecret ha",(revea"e$ an$ ha",(concea"e$ .ithin the
acre$ ,"ame.
Eet no. he co/"$ not even eem to ,in$ her king. I pra! for a glimpse of Azor Ahai, and
)/hllor shows me onl! Snow+ 25evan-1 he ca""e$- 2a $rink.1 #er throat .a ra. an$ parche$.
2Ee- my "a$y.1 7he boy po/re$ her a c/p o, .ater ,rom the tone =/g by the .in$o. an$
bro/ght it to her.
27hank yo/.1 Me"ian$re took a ip- .a""o.e$- an$ gave the boy a mi"e. 7hat ma$e him
b"/h. 7he boy .a ha", in "ove .ith her- he kne.. 7e fears me, he wants me, and he worships
me+
A"" the ame- 5evan .a not p"eae$ to be here. 7he "a$ ha$ taken great pri$e in erving a a
king4 A/ire- an$ it ha$ .o/n$e$ him .hen Stanni comman$e$ him to remain at Cat"e B"ack.
?ike any boy hi age- hi hea$ .a ,/"" o, $ream o, g"oryI no $o/bt he ha$ been pict/ring the
pro.e he .o/"$ $ip"ay at 5eep.oo$ Motte. Hther boy hi age ha$ gone o/th- to erve a
A/ire to the king4 knight an$ ri$e into batt"e at their i$e. 5evan4 e:c"/ion m/t have
eeme$ a reb/ke- a p/nihment ,or ome ,ai"/re on hi part- or perhap ,or ome ,ai"/re o, hi
,ather.
&n tr/th- he .a here beca/e Me"ian$re ha$ ake$ ,or him. 7he ,o/r e"$et on o, 5avo
Sea.orth ha$ perihe$ in the batt"e on the B"ack.ater- .hen the king4 ,"eet ha$ been con/me$
by green ,ire. 5evan .a the ,i,thborn an$ a,er here .ith her than at the king4 i$e. ?or$ 5avo
.o/"$ not thank her ,or it- no more than the boy hime",- b/t it eeme$ to her that Sea.orth ha$
/,,ere$ eno/gh grie,. Mig/i$e$ a he .a- hi "oya"ty to Stanni co/"$ not be $o/bte$. She ha$
een that in her ,"ame.
5evan .a A/ick an$ mart an$ ab"e too- .hich .a more than co/"$ be ai$ abo/t mot o,
her atten$ant. Stanni ha$ "e,t a $oGen o, hi men behin$ to erve her .hen he marche$ o/th-
b/t mot o, them .ere /e"e. #i Grace ha$ nee$ o, every .or$- o a"" he co/"$ pare .ere
greybear$ an$ cripp"e. Hne man ha$ been b"in$e$ by a b"o. to hi hea$ in the batt"e by the
3a""- another "ame$ .hen hi ,a""ing hore cr/he$ hi "eg. #er er=eant ha$ "ot an arm to a
giant4 c"/b. 7hree o, her g/ar$ .ere ge"$ing that Stanni ha$ catrate$ ,or raping .i"$"ing
.omen. She ha$ t.o $r/nkar$ an$ a craven too. 7he "at ho/"$ have been hange$- a the king
hime", a$mitte$- b/t he came ,rom a nob"e ,ami"y- an$ hi ,ather an$ brother ha$ been ta".art
,rom the ,irt.
#aving g/ar$ abo/t her .o/"$ no $o/bt he"p keep the b"ack brother proper"y repect,/"- the
re$ priete kne.- b/t none o, the men that Stanni ha$ given her .ere "ike to be m/ch he"p
ho/"$ he ,in$ here", in peri". &t ma$e no matter. Me"ian$re o, Ahai $i$ not ,ear ,or here",.
R4h""or .o/"$ protect her.
She took another ip o, .ater- "ai$ her c/p ai$e- b"inke$ an$ tretche$ an$ roe ,rom her
chair- her m/c"e ore an$ ti,,. A,ter gaGing into the ,"ame o "ong- it took her a ,e. moment
to a$=/t to the $imne. #er eye .ere $ry an$ tire$- b/t i, he r/bbe$ them- it .o/"$ on"y make
them .ore.
#er ,ire ha$ b/rne$ "o.- he a.. 25evan- more .oo$. 3hat ho/r i it61
2A"mot $a.n- my "a$y.1
Dawn+ Another da! is gien us, )/hllor be praised+ #he terrors of the night recede+
Me"ian$re ha$ pent the night in her chair by the ,ire- a he o,ten $i$. 3ith Stanni gone- her
be$ a. "itt"e /e. She ha$ no time ,or "eep- .ith the .eight o, the .or"$ /pon her ho/"$er.
An$ he ,eare$ to $ream. Sleep is a little death, dreams the whisperings of the Other, who would
drag us all into his eternal night+ She .o/"$ ooner it bathe$ in the r/$$y g"o. o, her re$ "or$4
b"ee$ ,"ame- her cheek ,"/he$ by the .ah o, heat a i, by a "over4 kie. Some night he
$ro.e$- b/t never ,or more than an ho/r. Hne $ay- Me"ian$re praye$- he .o/"$ not "eep at
a"". Hne $ay he .o/"$ be ,ree o, $ream. *elon!, he tho/ght. "ot Seen+
5evan ,e$ ,reh "og to the ,ire /nti" the ,"ame "eapt /p again- ,ierce an$ ,/rio/- $riving the
ha$o. back into the corner o, the room- $evo/ring a"" her /n.ante$ $ream. #he dark
recedes again= for a little while+ But be!ond the Wall, the enem! grows stronger, and should he
win the dawn will neer come again+ She .on$ere$ i, it ha$ been hi ,ace that he ha$ een-
taring o/t at her ,rom the ,"ame. 2o+ Surel! not+ 7is isage would be more frightening than
that, cold and black and too terrible for an! man to gaze upon and lie+ 7he .oo$en man he
ha$ g"impe$- tho/gh- an$ the boy .ith the .o",4 ,ace8 they .ere hi ervant- /re"y8 hi
champion- a Stanni .a her.
Me"ian$re .ent to her .in$o.- p/he$ open the h/tter. H/ti$e the eat ha$ =/t beg/n to
"ighten- an$ the tar o, morning ti"" h/ng in a pitch(b"ack ky. Cat"e B"ack .a a"rea$y
beginning to tir a men in b"ack c"oak ma$e their .ay acro the yar$ to break their ,at .ith
bo." o, porri$ge be,ore they re"ieve$ their brother atop the 3a"". A ,e. no.,"ake $ri,te$ by
the open .in$o.- ,"oating on the .in$.
25oe my "a$y .ih to break her ,at61 ake$ 5evan.
Food+ &es, I should eat+ Some $ay he ,orgot. R4h""or provi$e$ her .ith a"" the no/rihment
her bo$y nee$e$- b/t that .a omething bet concea"e$ ,rom morta" men.
&t .a !on Sno. he nee$e$- not ,rie$ brea$ an$ bacon- b/t it .a no /e en$ing 5evan to
the "or$ comman$er. #e .o/"$ not come to her /mmon. Sno. ti"" choe to $.e"" behin$ the
armory- in a pair o, mo$et room previo/"y occ/pie$ by the 3atch4 "ate b"ackmith. 9erhap
he $i$ not think hime", .orthy o, the >ing4 7o.er- or perhap he $i$ not care. 7hat .a hi
mitake- the ,a"e h/mi"ity o, yo/th that i ite", a ort o, pri$e. &t .a never .ie ,or a r/"er to
eche. the trapping o, po.er- ,or po.er ite", ,"o. in no ma"" mea/re ,rom /ch trapping.
7he boy .a not entire"y naive- ho.ever. #e kne. better than to come to Me"ian$re4
chamber "ike a /pp"icant- initing he come to him intea$ ho/"$ he have nee$ o, .or$
.ith him. An$ o,t a not- .hen he $i$ come- he .o/"$ keep her .aiting or re,/e to ee her.
7hat m/ch- at "eat- .a hre.$.
2& .i"" have nett"e tea- a boi"e$ egg- an$ brea$ .ith b/tter. +reh brea$- i, yo/ p"eae- not
,rie$. Eo/ may ,in$ the .i"$"ing a .e"". 7e"" him that & m/t peak .ith him.1
2Ratt"ehirt- my "a$y61
2An$ A/ick"y.1
3hi"e the boy .a gone- Me"ian$re .ahe$ here", an$ change$ her robe. #er "eeve .ere
,/"" o, hi$$en pocket- an$ he checke$ them care,/""y a he $i$ every morning to make certain
a"" her po.$er .ere in p"ace. 9o.$er to t/rn ,ire green or b"/e or i"ver- po.$er to make a
,"ame roar an$ hi an$ "eap /p higher than a man i ta""- po.$er to make moke. A moke ,or
tr/th- a moke ,or "/t- a moke ,or ,ear- an$ the thick b"ack moke that co/"$ ki"" a man o/tright.
7he re$ priete arme$ here", .ith a pinch o, each o, them.
7he carve$ chet that he ha$ bro/ght acro the narro. ea .a more than three(A/arter
empty no.. An$ .hi"e Me"ian$re ha$ the kno."e$ge to make more po.$er- he "acke$ many
rare ingre$ient. *! spells should suffice+ She .a tronger at the 3a""- tronger even than in
Ahai. #er every .or$ an$ get/re .a more potent- an$ he co/"$ $o thing that he ha$ never
$one be,ore. Such shadows as I bring forth here will be terrible, and no creature of the dark will
stand before them+ 3ith /ch orcerie at her comman$- he ho/"$ oon have no more nee$ o,
the ,eeb"e trick o, a"chemit an$ pyromancer.
She h/t the chet- t/rne$ the "ock- an$ hi$ the key ini$e her kirt in another ecret pocket.
7hen came a rapping at her $oor. #er one(arme$ er=eant- ,rom the trem/"o/ o/n$ o, hi
knock. 2?a$y Me"ian$re- the ?or$ o4 Bone i come.1
2Sen$ him in.1 Me"ian$re ett"e$ here", back into the chair bei$e the hearth.
7he .i"$"ing .ore a "eeve"e =erkin o, boi"e$ "eather $otte$ .ith bronGe t/$ beneath a
.orn c"oak mott"e$ in ha$e o, green an$ bro.n. 2o bones+ #e .a c"oake$ in ha$o. too- in
.ip o, ragge$ grey mit- ha",(een- "i$ing acro hi ,ace an$ ,orm .ith every tep he took.
<gl! things+ As ugl! as his bones+ A .i$o.4 peak- c"oe(et $ark eye- pinche$ cheek- a
m/tache .rigg"ing "ike a .orm above a mo/th,/" o, broken bro.n teeth.
Me"ian$re ,e"t the .armth in the ho""o. o, her throat a her r/by tirre$ at the c"oene o,
it "ave. 2Eo/ have p/t ai$e yo/r /it o, bone-1 he oberve$.
27he c"acking .a "ike to $rive me ma$.1
27he bone protect yo/-1 he remin$e$ him. 27he b"ack brother $o not "ove yo/. 5evan te""
me that on"y yeter$ay yo/ ha$ .or$ .ith ome o, them over /pper.1
2A ,e.. & .a eating bean(an$(bacon o/p .hi"t Bo.en Marh .a going on abo/t the high
gro/n$. 7he H"$ 9omegranate tho/ght that & .a pying on him an$ anno/nce$ that he .o/"$
not /,,er m/r$erer "itening to their co/nci". & to"$ him that i, that .a tr/e- maybe they
ho/"$n4t have them by the ,ire. Bo.en t/rne$ re$ an$ ma$e ome choking o/n$- b/t that .a
a ,ar a it .ent.1 7he .i"$"ing at on the e$ge o, the .in$o.- "i$ hi $agger ,rom it heath. 2&,
ome cro. .ant to "ip a kni,e bet.een my rib .hi"t &4m pooning /p ome /pper- he4
.e"come to try. #obb4 gr/e" .o/"$ tate better .ith a $rop o, b"oo$ to pice it.1
Me"ian$re pai$ the nake$ tee" no min$. &, the .i"$"ing ha$ meant her harm- he .o/"$ have
een it in her ,"ame. 5anger to her o.n peron .a the ,irt thing he ha$ "earne$ to ee- back
.hen he .a ti"" ha", a chi"$- a "ave gir" bo/n$ ,or "i,e to the great re$ temp"e. &t .a ti"" the
,irt thing he "ooke$ ,or .henever he gaGe$ into a ,ire. 2&t i their eye that ho/"$ concern yo/-
not their knive-1 he .arne$ him.
27he g"amor- aye.1 &n the b"ack iron ,etter abo/t hi .rit- the r/by eeme$ to p/"e. #e
tappe$ it .ith the e$ge o, hi b"a$e. 7he tee" ma$e a ,aint click againt the tone. 2& ,ee" it .hen
& "eep. 3arm againt my kin- even thro/gh the iron. So,t a a .oman4 ki. &our ki. B/t
ometime in my $ream it tart to b/rn- an$ yo/r "ip t/rn into teeth. Cvery $ay & think ho.
eay it .o/"$ be to pry it o/t- an$ every $ay & $on4t. M/t & .ear the b"oo$y bone a .e""61
27he pe"" i ma$e o, ha$o. an$ /ggetion. Men ee .hat they e:pect to ee. 7he bone are
part o, that.1 Was I wrong to spare this one6 2&, the g"amor ,ai"- they .i"" ki"" yo/.1
7he .i"$"ing began to crape the $irt o/t ,rom beneath hi nai" .ith the point o, hi $agger.
2&4ve /ng my ong- ,o/ght my batt"e- $r/nk /mmer .ine- tate$ the 5ornihman4 .i,e. A
man ho/"$ $ie the .ay he4 "ive$. +or me that4 tee" in han$.1
Does he dream of death6 %ould the enem! hae touched him6 Death is his domain, the dead
his soldiers+ 2Eo/ ha"" have .ork ,or yo/r tee" oon eno/gh. 7he enemy i moving- the tr/e
enemy. An$ ?or$ Sno.4 ranger .i"" ret/rn be,ore the $ay i $one- .ith their b"in$ an$ b"oo$y
eye.1
7he .i"$"ing4 o.n eye narro.e$. Grey eye- bro.n eyeI Me"ian$re co/"$ ee the co"or
change .ith each p/"e o, the r/by. 2C/tting o/t the eye- that4 the 3eeper4 .ork. 7he bet
cro.4 a b"in$ cro.- he "ike to ay. Sometime & think he4$ "ike to c/t o/t hi o.n eye- the .ay
they4re a".ay .atering an$ itching. Sno.4 been a/ming the ,ree ,o"k .o/"$ t/rn to 7orm/n$
to "ea$ them- beca/e that4 .hat he .o/"$ $o. #e "ike$ 7orm/n$- an$ the o"$ ,ra/$ "ike$ him
too. &, it4 the 3eeper- tho/gh8 that4 not goo$. Not ,or him- an$ not ,or /.1
Me"ian$re no$$e$ o"emn"y- a i, he ha$ taken hi .or$ to heart- b/t thi 3eeper $i$ not
matter. None o, hi ,ree ,o"k mattere$. 7hey .ere a "ot peop"e- a $oome$ peop"e- $etine$ to
vanih ,rom the earth- a the chi"$ren o, the ,oret ha$ vanihe$. 7hoe .ere not .or$ he .o/"$
.ih to hear- tho/gh- an$ he co/"$ not rik "oing him- not no.. 2#o. .e"" $o yo/ kno. the
north61
#e "ippe$ hi b"a$e a.ay. 2A .e"" a any rai$er. Some part more than other. 7here4 a "ot
o, north. 3hy61
27he gir"-1 he ai$. 2A gir" in grey on a $ying hore. !on Sno.4 iter.1 3ho e"e co/"$ it
be6 She .a racing to him ,or protection- that m/ch Me"ian$re ha$ een c"ear"y. 2& have een
her in my ,"ame- b/t on"y once. 3e m/t .in the "or$ comman$er4 tr/t- an$ the on"y .ay to
$o that i to ave her.1
2Me ave her- yo/ mean6 7he ?or$ o4 Bone61 #e "a/ghe$. 2No one ever tr/te$ Ratt"ehirt
b/t ,oo". Sno.4 not that. &, hi iter nee$ aving- he4"" en$ hi cro.. & .o/"$.1
2#e i not yo/. #e ma$e hi vo. an$ mean to "ive by them. 7he Night4 3atch take no
part. B/t yo/ are not Night4 3atch. Eo/ can $o .hat he cannot.1
2&, yo/r ti,,(necke$ "or$ comman$er .i"" a""o. it. 5i$ yo/r ,ire ho. yo/ .here to ,in$ thi
gir"61
2& a. .ater. 5eep an$ b"/e an$ ti""- .ith a thin coat o, ice =/t ,orming on it. &t eeme$ to
go on an$ on ,orever.1
2?ong ?ake. 3hat e"e $i$ yo/ ee aro/n$ thi gir"61
2#i"". +ie"$. 7ree. A $eer- once. Stone. She i taying .e"" a.ay ,rom vi""age. 3hen he
can he ri$e a"ong the be$ o, "itt"e tream- to thro. h/nter o,, her trai".1
#e ,ro.ne$. 27hat .i"" make it $i,,ic/"t. She .a coming north- yo/ ai$. 3a the "ake to her
eat or to her .et61
Me"ian$re c"oe$ her eye- remembering. 23et.1
2She i not coming /p the kingroa$- then. C"ever gir". 7here are ,e.er .atcher on the other
i$e- an$ more cover. An$ ome hi$ey(ho"e & have /e$ mye", ,rom time@1 #e broke o,, at
the o/n$ o, a .arhorn an$ roe .i,t"y to hi ,eet. A"" over Cat"e B"ack- Me"ian$re kne.- the
ame /$$en h/h ha$ ,a""en- an$ every man an$ boy t/rne$ to.ar$ the 3a""- "itening- .aiting.
Hne "ong b"at o, the horn meant ranger ret/rning- b/t t.o8
#he da! has come, the re$ priete tho/ght. "ord Snow will hae to listen to me now+
A,ter the "ong mo/rn,/" cry o, the horn ha$ ,a$e$ a.ay- the i"ence eeme$ to tretch o/t to
an ho/r. 7he .i"$"ing ,ina""y broke the pe"". 2Hn"y one- then. Ranger.1
25ea$ ranger.1 Me"ian$re roe to her ,eet a .e"". 2Go p/t on yo/r bone an$ .ait. & .i""
ret/rn.1
2& ho/"$ go .ith yo/.1
25o not be ,oo"ih. Hnce they ,in$ .hat they .i"" ,in$- the ight o, any .i"$"ing .i"" in,"ame
them. Stay here /nti" their b"oo$ ha time to coo".1
5evan .a coming /p the tep o, the >ing4 7o.er a Me"ian$re ma$e her $ecent- ,"anke$
by t.o o, the g/ar$ Stanni ha$ "e,t her. 7he boy .a carrying her ha",(,orgotten break,at on a
tray. 2& .aite$ ,or #obb to p/"" the ,reh "oave ,rom the oven- my "a$y. 7he brea$4 ti"" hot.1
2?eave it in my chamber.1 7he .i"$"ing .o/"$ eat it- "ike a not. 2?or$ Sno. ha nee$ o,
me- beyon$ the 3a"".1 7e does not know it !et, but soon =
H/ti$e- a "ight no. ha$ beg/n to ,a"". A cro.$ o, cro. ha$ gathere$ aro/n$ the gate by the
time Me"ian$re an$ her ecort arrive$- b/t they ma$e .ay ,or the re$ priete. 7he "or$
comman$er ha$ prece$e$ her thro/gh the ice- accompanie$ by Bo.en Marh an$ t.enty
pearmen. Sno. ha$ a"o ent a $oGen archer to the top o, the 3a""- ho/"$ any ,oe be hi$$en
in the nearby .oo$. 7he g/ar$ on the gate .ere not A/een4 men- b/t they pae$ her a"" the
ame.
&t .a co"$ an$ $ark beneath the ice- in the narro. t/nne" that crooke$ an$ "ithere$ thro/gh
the 3a"". Morgan .ent be,ore her .ith a torch an$ Merre" came behin$ her .ith an a:e. Both
men .ere hope"e $r/nkar$- b/t they .ere ober at thi ho/r o, the morning. D/een4 men- at
"eat in name- both ha$ a hea"thy ,ear o, her- an$ Merre" co/"$ be ,ormi$ab"e .hen he .a not
$r/nk. She .o/"$ have no nee$ o, them to$ay- b/t Me"ian$re ma$e it a point to keep a pair o,
g/ar$ abo/t her every.here he .ent. &t ent a certain meage. #he trappings of power+
By the time the three o, them emerge$ north o, the 3a"" the no. .a ,a""ing tea$i"y. A
ragge$ b"anket o, .hite covere$ the torn an$ tort/re$ earth that tretche$ ,rom the 3a"" to the
e$ge o, the ha/nte$ ,oret. !on Sno. an$ hi b"ack brother .ere gathere$ aro/n$ three pear-
ome t.enty yar$ a.ay.
7he pear .ere eight ,eet "ong an$ ma$e o, ah. 7he one on the "e,t ha$ a "ight crook- b/t
the other t.o .ere mooth an$ traight. At the top o, each .a impa"e$ a evere$ hea$. 7heir
bear$ .ere ,/"" o, ice- an$ the ,a""ing no. ha$ given them .hite hoo$. 3here their eye ha$
been- on"y empty ocket remaine$- b"ack an$ b"oo$y ho"e that tare$ $o.n in i"ent acc/ation.
23ho .ere they61 Me"ian$re ake$ the cro.. 2B"ack !ack B/".er- #airy #a"- an$ Garth
Grey,eather-1 Bo.en Marh ai$ o"emn"y. 27he gro/n$ i ha",(,roGen. &t m/t have taken the
.i"$"ing ha", the night to $rive the pear o $eep. 7hey co/"$ ti"" be c"oe. 3atching /.1 7he
?or$ Ste.ar$ A/inte$ at the "ine o, tree.
2Co/"$ be a h/n$re$ o, them o/t there-1 ai$ the b"ack brother .ith the $o/r ,ace. 2Co/"$ be a
tho/an$.1
2No-1 ai$ !on Sno.. 27hey "e,t their gi,t in the b"ack o, night- then ran.1 #i h/ge .hite
$ire.o", pro."e$ aro/n$ the ha,t- ni,,ing- then "i,te$ hi "eg an$ pie$ on the pear that he"$
the hea$ o, B"ack !ack B/".er. 2Ghot .o/"$ have their cent i, they .ere ti"" o/t there.1
2& hope the 3eeper b/rne$ the bo$ie-1 ai$ the $o/r man- the one ca""e$ 5o"oro/ C$$.
2C"e.ie they might come "ooking ,or their hea$.1
!on Sno. grape$ the pear that bore Garth Grey,eather4 hea$ an$ .renche$ it vio"ent"y
,rom the gro/n$. 29/"" $o.n the other t.o-1 he comman$e$- an$ ,o/r o, the cro. h/rrie$ to
obey.
Bo.en Marh4 cheek .ere re$ .ith co"$. 23e ho/"$ never have ent o/t ranger.1
27hi i not the time an$ p"ace to pick at that .o/n$. Not here- my "or$. Not no..1 7o the
men tr/gg"ing .ith the pear Sno. ai$- 27ake the hea$ an$ b/rn them. ?eave nothing b/t
bare bone.1 Hn"y then $i$ he eem to notice Me"ian$re. 2My "a$y. 3a"k .ith me- i, yo/
.o/"$.1
At last+ 2&, it p"eae the "or$ comman$er.1
A they .a"ke$ beneath the 3a""- he "ippe$ her arm thro/gh hi. Morgan an$ Merre" .ent
be,ore them- Ghot came pro."ing at their hee". 7he priete $i$ not peak- b/t he "o.e$ her
pace $e"iberate"y- an$ .here he .a"ke$ the ice began to $rip. 7e will not fail to notice that+
Beneath the iron grating o, a m/r$er ho"e Sno. broke the i"ence- a he ha$ kno.n he
.o/"$. 23hat o, the other i:61
2& have not een them-1 Me"ian$re ai$.
23i"" yo/ "ook61
2H, co/re- my "or$.1
23e4ve ha$ a raven ,rom Ser 5eny Ma""iter at the Sha$o. 7o.er-1 !on Sno. to"$ her. 2#i
men have een ,ire in the mo/ntain on the ,ar i$e o, the Gorge. 3i"$"ing maing- Ser 5eny
be"ieve. #e think they are going to try to ,orce the Bri$ge o, Sk/"" again.1
2Some may.1 Co/"$ the k/"" in her viion have igni,ie$ thi bri$ge6 Someho. Me"ian$re
$i$ not think o. 2&, it come- that attack .i"" be no more than a $iverion. & a. to.er by the
ea- /bmerge$ beneath a b"ack an$ b"oo$y ti$e. 7hat i .here the heaviet b"o. .i"" ,a"".1
2Cat.atch61
Was it6 Me"ian$re ha$ een Cat.atch(by(the(Sea .ith >ing Stanni. 7hat .a .here #i
Grace "e,t D/een Se"ye an$ their $a/ghter Shireen .hen he aemb"e$ hi knight ,or the march
to Cat"e B"ack. 7he to.er in her ,ire ha$ been $i,,erent- b/t that .a o,t the .ay .ith viion.
2Ee. Cat.atch- my "or$.1
23hen61
She prea$ her han$. 2Hn the morro.. &n a moon4 t/rn. &n a year. An$ it may be that i, yo/
act- yo/ may avert .hat & have een entire"y.1 0lse what would be the point of isions6
2Goo$-1 ai$ Sno..
7he cro.$ o, cro. beyon$ the gate ha$ .o""en to t.o core by the time they emerge$ ,rom
beneath the 3a"". 7he men pree$ c"oe abo/t them. Me"ian$re kne. a ,e. by name' the cook
7hree(+inger #obb- M/""y .ith hi greay orange hair- the $im(.itte$ boy ca""e$ H.en the Ha,-
the $r/nkar$ Septon Ce""a$ar.
2& it tr/e- m4"or$61 ai$ 7hree(+inger #obb. 23ho i it61 ake$ H.en the Ha,. 2Not 5y.en-
i it61
2Nor Garth-1 ai$ the A/een4 man he kne. a A", o, R/nnym/$$- one o, the ,irt to
e:change hi even ,a"e go$ ,or the tr/th o, R4h""or. 2Garth4 too c"ever ,or them .i"$"ing.1
2#o. many61 M/""y ake$.
27hree-1 !on to"$ them. 2B"ack !ack- #airy #a"- an$ Garth.1
A", o, R/nnym/$$ "et o/t a ho." "o/$ eno/gh to .ake "eeper in the Sha$o. 7o.er. 29/t
him to be$ an$ get ome m/""e$ .ine into him-1 !on to"$ 7hree(+inger #obb.
2?or$ Sno.-1 Me"ian$re ai$ A/iet"y. 23i"" yo/ come .ith me to the >ing4 7o.er6 & have
more to hare .ith yo/.1
#e "ooke$ at her ,ace ,or a "ong moment .ith thoe co"$ grey eye o, hi. #i right han$
c"oe$- opene$- c"oe$ again. 2A yo/ .ih. C$$- take Ghot back to my chamber.1
Me"ian$re took that a a ign an$ $imie$ her o.n g/ar$ a .e"". 7hey croe$ the yar$
together- =/t the t.o o, them. 7he no. ,e"" a"" aro/n$ them. She .a"ke$ a c"oe to !on Sno.
a he $are$- c"oe eno/gh to ,ee" the mitr/t po/ring o,, him "ike a b"ack ,og. 7e does not loe
me, will neer loe me, but he will make use of me+ Well and good+ Me"ian$re ha$ $ance$ the
ame $ance .ith Stanni Baratheon- back in the beginning. &n tr/th- the yo/ng "or$ comman$er
an$ her king ha$ more in common than either one .o/"$ ever be .i""ing to a$mit. Stanni ha$
been a yo/nger on "iving in the ha$o. o, hi e"$er brother- =/t a !on Sno.- batar$(born- ha$
a".ay been ec"ipe$ by hi tr/eborn ib"ing- the ,a""en hero men ha$ ca""e$ the Eo/ng 3o",.
Both men .ere /nbe"iever by nat/re- mitr/t,/"- /picio/. 7he on"y go$ they tr/"y
.orhipe$ .ere honor an$ $/ty.
2Eo/ have not ake$ abo/t yo/r iter-1 Me"ian$re ai$- a they c"imbe$ the pira" tep o,
the >ing4 7o.er.
2& to"$ yo/. & have no iter. 3e p/t ai$e o/r kin .hen .e ay o/r .or$. & cannot he"p Arya-
m/ch a &@1
#e broke o,, a they teppe$ ini$e her chamber. 7he .i"$"ing .a .ithin- eate$ at her
boar$- prea$ing b/tter on a ragge$ ch/nk o, .arm bro.n brea$ .ith hi $agger. #e ha$ $onne$
the bone armor- he .a p"eae$ to ee. 7he broken giant4 k/"" that .a hi he"m rete$ on the
.in$o. eat behin$ him.
!on Sno. tene$. 2Eo/.1
2?or$ Sno..1 7he .i"$"ing grinne$ at them thro/gh a mo/th o, bro.n an$ broken teeth. 7he
r/by on hi .rit g"immere$ in the morning "ight "ike a $im re$ tar.
23hat are yo/ $oing here61
2Breaking my ,at. Eo/4re .e"come to hare.1
2&4"" not break brea$ .ith yo/.1
2Eo/r "o. 7he "oa,4 ti"" .arm. #obb can $o that m/ch- at "eat.1 7he .i"$"ing rippe$ o,, a
bite. 2& co/"$ viit yo/ a eai"y- my "or$. 7hoe g/ar$ at yo/r $oor are a ba$ =ape. A man .ho
ha c"imbe$ the 3a"" ha", a h/n$re$ time can c"imb in a .in$o. eay eno/gh. B/t .hat goo$
.o/"$ come o, ki""ing yo/6 7he cro. .o/"$ on"y chooe omeone .ore.1 #e che.e$-
.a""o.e$. 2& hear$ abo/t yo/r ranger. Eo/ ho/"$ have ent me .ith them.1
2So yo/ co/"$ betray them to the 3eeper61
2Are .e ta"king abo/t betraya"6 3hat .a the name o, that .i"$"ing .i,e o, yo/r- Sno.6
Egritte- .an4t it61 7he .i"$"ing t/rne$ to Me"ian$re. 2& .i"" nee$ hore. #a", a $oGen goo$
one. An$ thi i nothing & can $o a"one. Some o, the pear.ive penne$ /p at Mo"e4 7o.n
ho/"$ erve. 3omen .o/"$ be bet ,or thi. 7he gir"4 more "ike to tr/t them- an$ they .i""
he"p me carry o,, a certain p"oy & have in min$.1
23hat i he ta"king abo/t61 ?or$ Sno. ake$ her.
2Eo/r iter.1 Me"ian$re p/t her han$ on hi arm. 2Eo/ cannot he"p her- b/t he can.1
Sno. .renche$ hi arm a.ay. 2& think not. Eo/ $o not kno. thi creat/re. Ratt"ehirt co/"$
.ah hi han$ a h/n$re$ time a $ay an$ he4$ ti"" have b"oo$ beneath hi nai". #e4$ be more
"ike to rape an$ m/r$er Arya than to ave her. No. &, thi .a .hat yo/ have een in yo/r ,ire-
my "a$y- yo/ m/t have ahe in yo/r eye. &, he trie to "eave Cat"e B"ack .itho/t my "eave-
&4"" take hi hea$ o,, mye",.1
7e leaes me no choice+ So be it+ 25evan- "eave /-1 he ai$- an$ the A/ire "ippe$ a.ay an$
c"oe$ the $oor behin$ him.
Me"ian$re to/che$ the r/by at her neck an$ poke a .or$.
7he o/n$ echoe$ A/eer"y ,rom the corner o, the room an$ t.ite$ "ike a .orm ini$e their
ear. 7he .i"$"ing hear$ one .or$- the cro. another. Neither .a the .or$ that "e,t her "ip. 7he
r/by on the .i"$"ing4 .rit $arkene$- an$ the .ip o, "ight an$ ha$o. aro/n$ him .rithe$ an$
,a$e$.
7he bone remaine$@the ratt"ing rib- the c"a. an$ teeth a"ong hi arm an$ ho/"$er- the
great ye""o.e$ co""arbone acro hi ho/"$er. 7he broken giant4 k/"" remaine$ a broken
giant4 k/""- ye""o.e$ an$ cracke$- grinning it taine$ an$ avage grin.
B/t the .i$o.4 peak $io"ve$. 7he bro.n m/tache- the knobby chin- the a""o. ye""o.e$
,"eh an$ ma"" $ark eye- a"" me"te$. Grey ,inger crept thro/gh "ong bro.n hair. ?a/gh "ine
appeare$ at the corner o, hi mo/th. A"" at once he .a bigger than be,ore- broa$er in the chet
an$ ho/"$er- "ong("egge$ an$ "ean- hi ,ace c"ean(have$ an$ .in$(b/rnt.
!on Sno.4 grey eye gre. .i$er. 2Mance61
2?or$ Sno..1 Mance Ray$er $i$ not mi"e.
2She burned !ou+1
2She b/rne$ the ?or$ o, Bone.1
!on Sno. t/rne$ to Me"ian$re. 23hat orcery i thi61
2Ca"" it .hat yo/ .i"". G"amor- eeming- i""/ion. R4h""or i ?or$ o, ?ight- !on Sno.- an$ it i
given to hi ervant to .eave .ith it- a other .eave .ith threa$.1
Mance Ray$er ch/ck"e$. 2& ha$ my $o/bt a .e""- Sno.- b/t .hy not "et her try6 &t .a that-
or "et Stanni roat me.1
27he bone he"p-1 ai$ Me"ian$re. 27he bone remember. 7he tronget g"amor are b/i"t o,
/ch thing. A $ea$ man4 boot- a hank o, hair- a bag o, ,ingerbone. 3ith .hipere$ .or$ an$
prayer- a man4 ha$o. can be $ra.n ,orth ,rom /ch an$ $rape$ abo/t another "ike a c"oak. 7he
.earer4 eence $oe not change- on"y hi eeming.1
She ma$e it o/n$ a imp"e thing- an$ eay. 7hey nee$ never kno. ho. $i,,ic/"t it ha$ been-
or ho. m/ch it ha$ cot her. 7hat .a a "eon Me"ian$re ha$ "earne$ "ong be,ore AhaiI the
more e,,ort"e the orcery appear- the more men ,ear the orcerer. 3hen the ,"ame ha$ "icke$
at Ratt"ehirt- the r/by at her throat ha$ gro.n o hot that he ha$ ,eare$ her o.n ,"eh might
tart to moke an$ b"acken. 7hank,/""y ?or$ Sno. ha$ $e"ivere$ her ,rom that agony .ith hi
arro.. 3hi"t Stanni ha$ eethe$ at the $e,iance- he ha$ h/$$ere$ .ith re"ie,.
2H/r ,a"e king ha a prick"y manner-1 Me"ian$re to"$ !on Sno.- 2b/t he .i"" not betray yo/.
3e ho"$ hi on- remember. An$ he o.e yo/ hi very "i,e.1
2Me61 Sno. o/n$e$ tart"e$.
23ho e"e- my "or$6 Hn"y hi "i,e4 b"oo$ co/"$ pay ,or hi crime- yo/r "a. ai$- an$
Stanni Baratheon i not a man to go againt the "a.8 b/t a yo/ ai$ o age"y- the "a. o, men
en$ at the 3a"". & to"$ yo/ that the ?or$ o, ?ight .o/"$ hear yo/r prayer. Eo/ .ante$ a .ay to
ave yo/r "itt"e iter an$ ti"" ho"$ ,at to the honor that mean o m/ch to yo/- to the vo. yo/
.ore be,ore yo/r .oo$en go$.1 She pointe$ .ith a pa"e ,inger. 27here he tan$- ?or$ Sno..
Arya4 $e"iverance. A gi,t ,rom the ?or$ o, ?ight8 an$ me.1
Cersei
The $ay ha$ been co"$ an$ grey an$ .et. &t ha$ po/re$ a"" morning- an$ even .hen the rain
toppe$ that a,ternoon the c"o/$ re,/e$ to part. 7hey never a. the /n. S/ch .retche$
.eather .a eno/gh to $ico/rage even the "itt"e A/een. &ntea$ o, ri$ing .ith her hen an$ their
retin/e o, g/ar$men an$ a$mirer- he pent a"" $ay in the Mai$enva/"t .ith her hen- "itening
to the B"/e Bar$ ing.
Cerei4 o.n $ay .a "itt"e better- ti"" even,a"". A the grey ky began to ,a$e to b"ack- they
to"$ her that the Sweet %ersei ha$ come in on the evening ti$e- an$ that A/rane 3ater .a
.itho/t- begging a/$ience.
7he A/een ent ,or him at once. A oon a he tro$e into her o"ar- he kne. hi ti$ing .ere
goo$. 2Eo/r Grace-1 he ai$ .ith a broa$ mi"e- 25ragontone i yo/r.1
2#o. p"en$i$.1 She took hi han$ an$ kie$ him on the cheek. 2& kno. 7ommen .i"" be
p"eae$ a .e"". 7hi .i"" mean that .e can re"eae ?or$ Re$.yne4 ,"eet- an$ $rive the ironmen
,rom the Shie"$.1 7he ne. ,rom the Reach eeme$ to gro. more $ire .ith every raven. 7he
ironmen ha$ not been content .ith their ne. rock- it eeme$. 7hey .ere rai$ing /p the Man$er
in trength- an$ ha$ gone o ,ar a to attack the Arbor an$ the ma""er i"an$ that /rro/n$e$ it.
7he Re$.yne ha$ kept no more than a $oGen .arhip in their home .ater- an$ a"" thoe ha$
been over.he"me$- taken- or /nk. An$ no. there .ere report that thi ma$man .ho ca""e$
hime", C/ron Cro.4 Cye .a even en$ing "onghip /p 3hipering So/n$ to.ar$ H"$to.n.
2?or$ 9a:ter .a taking on proviion ,or the voyage home .hen Sweet %ersei raie$ ai"-1
?or$ 3ater reporte$. 2& .o/"$ imagine that by no. hi main ,"eet ha p/t to ea.1
2?et / hope they en=oy a .i,t voyage- an$ better .eather than to$ay.1 7he A/een $re.
3ater $o.n into the .in$o. eat bei$e her. 25o .e have Ser ?ora to thank ,or thi tri/mph61
#i mi"e vanihe$. 2Some .i"" ay o- Eo/r Grace.1
2Some61 She gave him a A/iGGica" "ook. 2Not yo/61
2& never a. a braver knight-1 3ater ai$- 2b/t he t/rne$ .hat co/"$ have been a b"oo$"e
victory into a "a/ghter. A tho/an$ men are $ea$- or near eno/gh to make no matter. Mot o,
them o/r o.n. An$ not =/t common men- Eo/r Grace- b/t knight an$ yo/ng "or$- the bet an$
the bravet.1
2An$ Ser ?ora hime",61
2#e .i"" make a tho/an$ an$ one. 7hey carrie$ him ini$e the cat"e a,ter the batt"e- b/t hi
.o/n$ are grievo/. #e ha "ot o m/ch b"oo$ that the maeter .i"" not even "eech him.1
2Hh- ho. a$. 7ommen .i"" be heartbroken. #e $i$ o a$mire o/r ga""ant >night o, +"o.er.1
27he ma"",o"k too-1 her a$mira" ai$. 23e4"" have mai$en .eeping into their .ine a"" acro
the rea"m .hen ?ora $ie.1
#e .a not .rong- the A/een kne.. 7hree tho/an$ ma"",o"k ha$ cro.$e$ thro/gh the M/$
Gate to ee Ser ?ora o,, the $ay he ai"e$- an$ three o, every ,o/r .ere .omen. 7he ight ha$
on"y erve$ to ,i"" her .ith contempt. She ha$ .ante$ to cream at them that they .ere heep- to
te"" them that a"" that they co/"$ ever hope to get ,rom ?ora 7yre"" .a a mi"e an$ a ,"o.er.
&ntea$ he ha$ proc"aime$ him the bo"$et knight in the Seven >ing$om- an$ mi"e$ a
7ommen preente$ him .ith a =e.e"e$ .or$ to carry into batt"e. 7he king ha$ given him a h/g
a .e""- .hich ha$ not been part o, Cerei4 p"an- b/t it ma$e no matter no.. She co/"$ a,,or$
to be genero/. ?ora 7yre"" .a $ying.
27e"" me-1 Cerei comman$e$. 2& .ant to kno. a"" o, it- ,rom the beginning to the en$.1
7he room ha$ gro.n $ark by the time that he .a $one. 7he A/een "it ome can$"e an$ ent
5orca to the kitchen to bring them /p ome brea$ an$ cheee an$ a bit o, boi"e$ bee, .ith
horera$ih. A they /ppe$- he bi$ A/rane to te"" the ta"e again- o he .o/"$ remember a"" the
$etai" correct"y. 2& $o not .ant o/r precio/ Margaery to hear thee ti$ing ,rom a tranger- a,ter
a""-1 he ai$. 2& .i"" te"" her mye",.1
2Eo/r Grace i kin$-1 ai$ 3ater .ith a mi"e. A wicked smile, the A/een tho/ght. A/rane
$i$ not reemb"e 9rince Rhaegar a m/ch a he ha$ tho/ght. 7e has the hair, but so do half the
whores in "!s, if the tales are true+ )haegar was a man+ #his is a sl! bo!, no more+ <seful in his
wa!, though+
Margaery .a in the Mai$enva/"t- ipping .ine an$ trying to p/GG"e o/t ome ne. game ,rom
%o"anti .ith her three co/in. 7ho/gh the ho/r .a "ate- the g/ar$ a$mitte$ Cerei at once.
2Eo/r Grace-1 he began- 2it i bet yo/ hear the ne. ,rom me. A/rane i back ,rom
5ragontone. Eo/r brother i a hero.1
2& a".ay kne. he .a.1 Margaery $i$ not eem /rprie$. Wh! should she6 She e8pected
this, from the moment "oras begged for the command+ Eet by the time Cerei ha$ ,inihe$ .ith
her ta"e- tear g"itene$ on the cheek o, the yo/nger A/een. 2Re$.yne ha$ miner .orking to
$rive a t/nne" /n$erneath the cat"e .a""- b/t that .a too "o. ,or the >night o, +"o.er. No
$o/bt he .a thinking o, yo/r "or$ ,ather4 peop"e /,,ering on the Shie"$. ?or$ 3ater ay he
or$ere$ the aa/"t not ha", a $ay a,ter taking comman$- a,ter ?or$ Stanni4 cate""an re,/e$
hi o,,er to ett"e the iege bet.een them in ing"e combat. ?ora .a the ,irt one thro/gh the
breach .hen the ram broke the cat"e gate. #e ro$e traight into the $ragon4 mo/th- they ay-
a"" in .hite an$ .inging hi morningtar abo/t hi hea$- "aying "e,t an$ right.1
Megga 7yre"" .a obbing open"y by then. 2#o. $i$ he $ie61 he ake$. 23ho ki""e$ him61
2No one man ha that honor-1 ai$ Cerei. 2Ser ?ora took a A/arre" thro/gh the thigh an$
another thro/gh the ho/"$er- b/t he ,o/ght on ga""ant"y- tho/gh the b"oo$ .a treaming ,rom
him. ?ater he /,,ere$ a mace b"o. that broke ome rib. A,ter that8 b/t no- & .o/"$ pare yo/
the .ort o, it.1
27e"" me-1 ai$ Margaery. 2& comman$ it.1
%ommand it6 Cerei pa/e$ a moment- then $eci$e$ he .o/"$ "et that pa. 27he $e,en$er
,e"" back to an inner keep once the c/rtain .a"" .a taken. ?ora "e$ the attack there a .e"". #e
.a $o/e$ .ith boi"ing oi".1
?a$y A""a t/rne$ .hite a cha"k- an$ ran ,rom the room.
27he maeter are $oing a"" they can- ?or$ 3ater a/re me- b/t & ,ear yo/r brother i too
ba$"y b/rne$.1 Cerei took Margaery in her arm to com,ort her. 2#e ave$ the rea"m.1 3hen
he kie$ the "itt"e A/een /pon the cheek- he co/"$ tate the a"t o, her tear. 2!aime .i"" enter
a"" hi $ee$ in the 3hite Book- an$ the inger .i"" ing o, him ,or a tho/an$ year.1
Margaery .renche$ ,ree o, her embrace- o vio"ent"y that Cerei a"mot ,e"". 25ying i not
$ea$-1 he ai$.
2No- b/t the maeter ay@1
4D!ing is not dead;5
2& on"y .ant to pare yo/@1
2& kno. .hat yo/ .ant. Get o/t.1
2ow !ou know how I felt, the night m! -offre! died+ She bo.e$- her ,ace a mak o, coo"
co/rtey. 2S.eet $a/ghter. & am o a$ ,or yo/. & .i"" "eave yo/ .ith yo/r grie,.1
?a$y Merry.eather $i$ not appear that night- an$ Cerei ,o/n$ here", too ret"e to "eep. If
"ord #!win could see me now, he would know he had his heir, an heir worth! of the )ock, he
tho/ght a he "ay abe$ .ith !oce"yn S.y,t noring o,t"y into the other pi""o.. Margaery .o/"$
oon be .eeping the bitter tear he ho/"$ have .ept ,or !o,,rey. Mace 7yre"" might .eep a
.e""- b/t he ha$ given him no ca/e to break .ith her. 3hat ha$ he $one- a,ter a""- b/t honor
?ora .ith her tr/t6 #e ha$ reA/ete$ the comman$ on ben$e$ knee .hi"t ha", her co/rt "ooke$
on.
When he dies I must raise a statue of him somewhere, and gie him a funeral such as ,ing/s
"anding has neer seen+ 7he ma"",o"k .o/"$ "ike that. So .o/"$ 7ommen. *ace ma! een
thank me, poor man+ As for his lad! mother, if the gods are good this news will kill her+
7he /nrie .a the prettiet that Cerei ha$ een in year. 7aena appeare$ oon therea,ter-
an$ con,ee$ to having pent the night cono"ing Margaery an$ her "a$ie- $rinking .ine an$
crying an$ te""ing ta"e o, ?ora. 2Margaery i ti"" convince$ he .i"" not $ie-1 he reporte$- a
the A/een .a $ree$ ,or co/rt. 2She p"an to en$ her o.n maeter to "ook a,ter him. 7he
co/in are praying ,or the Mother4 mercy.1
2& ha"" pray a .e"". Hn the morro.- come .ith me to Bae"or4 Sept- an$ .e .i"" "ight a
h/n$re$ can$"e ,or o/r ga""ant >night o, +"o.er.1 She t/rne$ to her han$mai$. 25orca- bring
my cro.n. 7he ne. one- i, yo/ p"eae.1 &t .a "ighter than the o"$- pa"e p/n go"$ et .ith
emera"$ that park"e$ .hen he t/rne$ her hea$.
27here are ,o/r come abo/t the &mp thi morning-1 Ser Hm/n$ ai$- .hen !oce"yn a$mitte$
him.
2+o/r61 7he A/een .a p"eaant"y /rprie$. A tea$y tream o, in,ormer ha$ been making
their .ay to the Re$ >eep- c"aiming kno."e$ge o, 7yrion- b/t ,o/r in one $ay .a /n//a".
2Aye-1 ai$ Hm/n$. 2Hne bro/ght a hea$ ,or yo/.1
2& .i"" ee him ,irt. Bring him to my o"ar.1 #his time, let there be no mistakes+ "et me be
aenged at long last, so -off can rest in peace+ 7he epton ai$ that the n/mber even .a
acre$ to the go$. &, o- perhap thi eventh hea$ .o/"$ bring her the ba"m her o/" $eire$.
7he man prove$ to be 7yrohiI hort an$ to/t an$ .eaty- .ith an /nct/o/ mi"e that
remin$e$ her o, %ary an$ a ,orke$ bear$ $ye$ green an$ pink. Cerei mi"ike$ him on ight- b/t
.a .i""ing to over"ook hi ,"a. i, he act/a""y ha$ 7yrion4 hea$ ini$e the chet he carrie$. &t
.a ce$ar- in"ai$ .ith ivory in a pattern o, vine an$ ,"o.er- .ith hinge an$ c"ap o, .hite
go"$. A "ove"y thing- b/t the A/een4 on"y interet "ay in .hat might be .ithin. It is big enough,
at least+ #!rion had a grotes3uel! large head, for one so small and stunted+
2Eo/r Grace-1 the 7yrohi m/rm/re$- bo.ing "o.- 2& ee yo/ are a "ove"y a the ta"e. Cven
beyon$ the narro. ea .e have hear$ o, yo/r great bea/ty- an$ the grie, that tear yo/r gent"e
heart. No man can retore yo/r brave yo/ng on to yo/- b/t it i my hope & can at "eat o,,er yo/
ome ba"m ,or yo/r pain.1 #e "ai$ hi han$ /pon hi chet. 2& bring yo/ =/tice. & bring yo/ the
hea$ o, yo/r alon3ar.1
7he o"$ %a"yrian .or$ ent a chi"" thro/gh her- tho/gh it a"o gave her a ting"e o, hope. 27he
&mp i no "onger my brother- i, he ever .a-1 he $ec"are$. 2Nor .i"" & ay hi name. &t .a a
pro/$ name once- be,ore he $ihonore$ it.1
2&n 7yroh .e name him Re$han$- ,or the b"oo$ r/nning ,rom hi ,inger. A king4 b"oo$-
an$ a ,ather4. Some ay he "e. hi mother too- ripping hi .ay ,rom her .omb .ith avage
c"a..1
What nonsense, Cerei tho/ght. 247i tr/e-1 he ai$. 2&, the &mp4 hea$ i in that chet- & ha""
raie yo/ to "or$hip an$ grant yo/ rich "an$ an$ keep.1 7it"e .ere cheaper than $irt- an$ the
river"an$ .ere ,/"" o, r/ine$ cat"e- tan$ing $eo"ate ami$t /nten$e$ ,ie"$ an$ b/rne$
vi""age. 2My co/rt a.ait. Hpen the bo: an$ "et / ee.1
7he 7yrohi thre. open the bo: .ith a ,"o/rih- an$ teppe$ back mi"ing. 3ithin- the hea$ o,
a $.ar, repoe$ /pon a be$ o, o,t b"/e ve"vet- taring /p at her.
Cerei took a "ong "ook. 27hat i not my brother.1 7here .a a o/r tate in her mo/th. I
suppose it was too much to hope for, especiall! after "oras+ #he gods are neer that good+ 27hi
man ha bro.n eye. 7yrion ha$ one b"ack eye an$ one green.1
27he eye- =/t o8 Eo/r Grace- yo/r brother4 o.n eye ha$8 ome.hat $ecaye$. & took
the "iberty o, rep"acing them .ith g"a8 b/t o, the .rong co"or- a yo/ ay.1
7hat on"y annoye$ her ,/rther. 2Eo/r hea$ may have g"a eye- b/t & $o not. 7here are
gargoy"e on 5ragontone that "ook more "ike the &mp than thi creat/re. #e4 bald, an$ t.ice
my brother4 age. 3hat happene$ to hi teeth61
7he man hrank be,ore the ,/ry in her voice. 2#e ha$ a ,ine et o, go"$ teeth- Eo/r Grace- b/t
.e8 & regret81
2Hh- not yet. B/t yo/ .i"".1 I ought to hae him strangled+ "et him gasp for breath until his
face turns black, the wa! m! sweet son did+ 7he .or$ .ere on her "ip.
2An honet mitake. Hne $.ar, "ook o m/ch "ike another- an$8 Eo/r Grace .i"" oberve-
he ha no noe81
2#e ha no noe beca/e yo/ cut it off+1
2No01 7he .eat on hi bro. gave the "ie to hi $enia".
2Ee.1 A poiono/ .eetne crept into Cerei4 tone. 2At "eat yo/ ha$ that m/ch ene.
7he "at ,oo" trie$ to te"" me that a he$ge .iGar$ ha$ regro.n it. Sti""- it eem to me that yo/
o.e thi $.ar, a noe. #o/e ?anniter pay it $ebt- an$ o ha"" yo/. Ser Meryn- take thi
,ra/$ to Dyb/rn.1
Ser Meryn 7rant took the 7yrohi by the arm an$ ha/"e$ him o,,- ti"" proteting. 3hen they
.ere gone- Cerei t/rne$ to Hm/n$ >ett"eb"ack. 2Ser Hm/n$- get thi thing o/t o, my ight-
an$ bring in the other three .ho c"aim kno."e$ge o, the &mp.1
2Aye- Eo/r Grace.1
Sa$ to ay- the three .o/"$(be in,ormer prove$ no more /e,/" than the 7yrohi. Hne ai$
that the &mp .a hi$ing in an H"$to.n brothe"- p"ea/ring men .ith hi mo/th. &t ma$e ,or a
$ro"" pict/re- b/t Cerei $i$ not be"ieve it ,or an intant. 7he econ$ c"aime$ to have een the
$.ar, in a m/mmer4 ho. in Braavo. 7he thir$ inite$ 7yrion ha$ become a hermit in the
river"an$- "iving on ome ha/nte$ hi"". 7he A/een ma$e the ame repone to each. 2&, yo/ .i""
be o goo$ a to "ea$ ome o, my brave knight to thi $.ar,- yo/ ha"" be rich"y re.ar$e$-1 he
promie$. 29rovi$e$ that it is the &mp. &, not8 .e""- my knight have "itt"e patience ,or
$eception- nor ,oo" .ho en$ them chaing a,ter ha$o.. A man co/"$ "oe hi tong/e.1 An$
A/ick a that- a"" three in,ormer /$$en"y "ot ,aith- an$ a""o.e$ that perhap it might have been
ome other $.ar, they a..
Cerei ha$ never rea"iGe$ there .ere o many $.ar,. 2& the .ho"e .or"$ overr/n .ith thee
t.ite$ "itt"e monter61 he comp"aine$- .hi"t the "at o, the in,ormer .a being /here$ o/t.
2#o. many o, them can there be61
2+e.er than there .ere-1 ai$ ?a$y Merry.eather. 2May & have the honor o, accompanying
Eo/r Grace to co/rt61
2&, yo/ can bear the te$i/m-1 ai$ Cerei. 2Robert .a a ,oo" abo/t mot thing- b/t he .a
right in one regar$. &t i .eariome .ork to r/"e a king$om.1
2&t a$$en me to ee Eo/r Grace o care.orn. & ay- r/n o,, an$ p"ay an$ "eave the >ing4
#an$ to hear thee tireome petition. 3e co/"$ $re a erving gir" an$ pen$ the $ay amongt
the ma"",o"k- to hear .hat they are aying o, the ,a"" o, 5ragontone. & kno. the inn .here the
B"/e Bar$ p"ay .hen he i not inging atten$ance on the "itt"e A/een- an$ a certain ce""ar .here
a con=/rer t/rn "ea$ into go"$- .ater into .ine- an$ gir" into boy. 9erhap he .o/"$ .ork hi
pe"" on the t.o o, /. 3o/"$ it am/e Eo/r Grace to be a man one night61
If I were a man I would be -aime, the A/een tho/ght. If I were a man I could rule this realm in
m! own name in place of #ommen/s+ 2Hn"y i, yo/ remaine$ a .oman-1 he ai$- kno.ing that
.a .hat 7aena .ante$ to hear. 2Eo/ are a .icke$ thing to tempt me o- b/t .hat ort o, A/een
.o/"$ & be i, & p/t my rea"m in the tremb"ing han$ o, #ary S.y,t61
7aena po/te$. 2Eo/r Grace i too $i"igent.1
2& am-1 Cerei a""o.e$- 2an$ by $ay4 en$ & ha"" r/e it.1 She "ippe$ her arm thro/gh ?a$y
Merry.eather4. 2Come.1
!a"abhar Lho .a the ,irt to petition her that $ay- a be,it hi rank a a prince in e:i"e.
Sp"en$i$ a he "ooke$ in hi bright ,eathere$ c"oak- he ha$ on"y come to beg. Cerei "et him
make hi //a" p"ea ,or men an$ arm to he"p him regain Re$ +"o.er %a"e- then ai$- 2#i Grace
i ,ighting hi o.n .ar- 9rince !a"abhar. #e ha no men to pare ,or yo/r =/t no.. Ne:t year-
perhap.1 7hat .a .hat Robert a".ay to"$ him. Ne:t year he .o/"$ te"" him neer- b/t not
to$ay. 5ragontone .a her.
?or$ #a""yne o, the G/i"$ o, A"chemit preente$ hime",- to ak that hi pyromancer be
a""o.e$ to hatch any $ragon4 egg that might t/rn /p /pon 5ragontone- no. that the i"e .a
a,e"y back in roya" han$. 2&, any /ch egg remaine$- Stanni .o/"$ have o"$ them to pay ,or
hi rebe""ion-1 the A/een to"$ him. She re,raine$ ,rom aying that the p"an .a ma$. Cver ince
the "at 7argaryen $ragon ha$ $ie$- a"" /ch attempt ha$ en$e$ in $eath- $iater- or $igrace.
A gro/p o, merchant appeare$ be,ore her to beg the throne to interce$e ,or them .ith the
&ron Bank o, Braavo. 7he Braavoi .ere $eman$ing repayment o, their o/ttan$ing $ebt- it
eeme$- an$ re,/ing a"" ne. "oan. We need our own bank, Cerei $eci$e$- the 1olden Bank of
"annisport+ 9erhap .hen 7ommen4 throne .a ec/re- he co/"$ make that happen. +or the
nonce- a"" he co/"$ $o .a te"" the merchant to pay the Braavoi //rer their $/e.
7he $e"egation ,rom the +aith .a hea$e$ by her o"$ ,rien$ Septon Raynar$. Si: o, the
3arrior4 Son ecorte$ him acro the cityI together they .ere even- a ho"y an$ propitio/
n/mber. 7he ne. #igh Septon@or #igh Sparro.- a Moon Boy ha$ $/bbe$ him@$i$
everything by even. 7he knight .ore .or$be"t tripe$ in the even co"or o, the +aith.
Cryta" a$orne$ the pomme" o, their "ong.or$ an$ the cret o, their greathe"m. 7hey
carrie$ kite hie"$ o, a ty"e not common ince the ConA/et- $ip"aying a $evice not een in the
Seven >ing$om ,or cent/rie' a rainbo. .or$ hining bright /pon a ,ie"$ o, $arkne. C"oe to
a h/n$re$ knight ha$ a"rea$y come ,orth to p"e$ge their "ive an$ .or$ to the 3arrior4 Son-
Dyb/rn c"aime$- an$ more t/rne$ /p every $ay. Drunk on the gods, the lot of them+ Who would
hae thought the realm contained so man! of them6
Mot ha$ been ho/eho"$ knight an$ he$ge knight- b/t a han$,/" .ere o, high birthI
yo/nger on- petty "or$- o"$ men .anting to atone ,or the o"$ in. An$ then there .a ?ance".
She ha$ tho/ght Dyb/rn m/t be =aping .hen he ha$ to"$ her that her moonca", co/in ha$
,oraken cat"e- "an$- an$ .i,e an$ .an$ere$ back to the city to =oin the Nob"e an$ 9/iant
Hr$er o, the 3arrior4 Son- yet there he too$ .ith the other pio/ ,oo".
Cerei "ike$ that not at a"". Nor .a he p"eae$ by the #igh Sparro.4 en$"e tr/c/"ence an$
ingratit/$e. 23here i the #igh Septon61 he $eman$e$ o, Raynar$. 2&t .a him & /mmone$.1
Septon Raynar$ a/me$ a regret,/" tone. 2#i #igh #o"ine ent me in hi tea$- an$ ba$e
me te"" Eo/r Grace that the Seven have ent him ,orth to batt"e .icke$ne.1
2#o.6 By preaching chatity a"ong the Street o, Si"k6 5oe he think praying over .hore .i""
t/rn them back to virgin61
2H/r bo$ie .ere hape$ by o/r +ather an$ Mother o .e might =oin ma"e to ,ema"e an$
beget tr/eborn chi"$ren-1 Raynar$ rep"ie$. 2&t i bae an$ in,/" ,or .omen to e"" their ho"y part
,or coin.1
7he pio/ entiment .o/"$ have been more convincing i, the A/een ha$ not kno.n that
Septon Raynar$ ha$ pecia" ,rien$ in every brothe" on the Street o, Si"k. No $o/bt he ha$
$eci$e$ that echoing the #igh Sparro.4 t.ittering .a pre,erab"e to cr/bbing ,"oor. 25o not
pre/me to preach at me-1 he to"$ him. 27he brothe" keeper have been comp"aining- an$ right"y
o.1
2&, inner peak- .hy ho/"$ the righteo/ "iten61
27hee inner ,ee$ the roya" co,,er-1 the A/een ai$ b"/nt"y- 2an$ their pennie he"p pay the
.age o, my go"$ c"oak an$ b/i"$ ga""ey to $e,en$ o/r hore. 7here i tra$e to be coni$ere$
a .e"". &, >ing4 ?an$ing ha$ no brothe"- the hip .o/"$ go to 5/ken$a"e or G/""to.n. #i
#igh #o"ine promie$ me peace in my treet. 3horing he"p to keep that peace. Common
men $eprive$ o, .hore are apt to t/rn to rape. #ence,orth "et #i #igh #o"ine $o hi praying
in the ept .here it be"ong.1
7he A/een ha$ e:pecte$ to hear ,rom ?or$ Gy"e a .e""- b/t intea$ Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e
appeare$- grey(,ace$ an$ apo"ogetic- to te"" her that Roby .a too .eak to "eave hi be$. 2Sa$
to ay- & ,ear ?or$ Gy"e m/t =oin hi nob"e ,orebear oon. May the +ather =/$ge him =/t"y.1
If )osb! dies, *ace #!rell and the little 3ueen will tr! and force 1arth the 1ross on me
again+ 2?or$ Gy"e ha ha$ that co/gh ,or !ears, an$ it never ki""e$ him be,ore-1 he
comp"aine$. 2#e co/ghe$ thro/gh ha", o, Robert4 reign an$ a"" o, !o,,rey4. &, he i $ying no.-
it can on"y be beca/e omeone .ant him $ea$.1
Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e b"inke$ in $ibe"ie,. 2Eo/r Grace6 3h(.ho .o/"$ .ant ?or$ Gy"e
$ea$61
2#i heir- perhap.1 Or the little 3ueen+ 2Some .oman he once corne$.1 *argaer! and
*ace and the :ueen of #horns, wh! not6 1!les is in their wa!+ 2An o"$ enemy. A ne. one.
Eo/.1
7he o"$ man b"anche$. 2E(yo/r Grace =ape. &8 & have p/rge$ hi "or$hip- b"e$ him- treate$
him .ith po/"tice an$ in,/ion8 the mit give him ome re"ie, an$ .eet"eep he"p .ith the
vio"ence o, hi co/ghing- b/t he i bringing /p bit o, "/ng .ith the b"oo$ no.- & ,ear.1
2Be that a it may. Eo/ .i"" ret/rn to ?or$ Gy"e an$ in,orm him that he $oe not have my
"eave to $ie.1
2&, it p"eae Eo/r Grace.1 9yce""e bo.e$ ti,,"y.
7here .a more- an$ more- an$ more- each petitioner more boring than the "at. An$ that
evening- .hen the "at o, them ha$ ,ina""y gone an$ he .a eating a imp"e /pper .ith her on-
he to"$ him- 27ommen- .hen yo/ ay yo/r prayer be,ore be$- te"" the Mother an$ the +ather
that yo/ are thank,/" yo/ are ti"" a chi"$. Being king i har$ .ork. & promie yo/- yo/ .i"" not
"ike it. 7hey peck at yo/ "ike a m/r$er o, cro.. Cvery one .ant a piece o, yo/r ,"eh.1
2Ee- Mother-1 ai$ 7ommen- in a a$ tone. 7he "itt"e A/een ha$ to"$ him o, Ser ?ora- he
/n$ertoo$. Ser Hm/n$ ai$ the boy ha$ .ept. 7e is !oung+ B! the time he is -off/s age he will
not recall what "oras looked like+ 2& .o/"$n4t min$ them pecking- tho/gh-1 her on .ent on to
ay. 2& ho/"$ go to co/rt .ith yo/ every $ay- to "iten. Margaery ay@1
2@a $ea" too m/ch-1 Cerei nappe$. 2+or ha", a groat &4$ g"a$"y have her tong/e torn o/t.1
4Don/t !ou sa! that,5 7ommen ho/te$ /$$en"y- hi ro/n$ "itt"e ,ace t/rning re$. 2Eo/ "eave
her tong/e a"one. 5on4t yo/ to/ch her. &4m the king- not yo/.1
She tare$ at him- incre$/"o/. 23hat $i$ yo/ ay61
2&4m the king. & get to ay .ho ha their tong/e torn o/t- not yo/. & .on4t "et yo/ h/rt
Margaery. & won/t. & ,orbi$ it.1
Cerei took him by the ear an$ $ragge$ him A/ea"ing to the $oor- .here he ,o/n$ Ser Boro
B"o/nt tan$ing g/ar$. 2Ser Boro- #i Grace ha ,orgotten hime",. >in$"y ecort him to hi
be$chamber an$ bring /p 9ate. 7hi time & .ant 7ommen to .hip the boy hime",. #e i to
contin/e /nti" the boy i b"ee$ing ,rom both cheek. &, #i Grace re,/e- or ay one .or$ o,
protet- /mmon Dyb/rn an$ te"" him to remove 9ate4 tong/e- o #i Grace can "earn the cot o,
ino"ence.1
2A yo/ comman$-1 Ser Boro h/,,e$- g"ancing at the king /neai"y. 2Eo/r Grace- p"eae
come .ith me.1
A night ,e"" over the Re$ >eep- !oce"yn kin$"e$ a ,ire in the A/een4 hearth .hi"t 5orca "it
the be$i$e can$"e. Cerei opene$ the .in$o. ,or a breath o, air- an$ ,o/n$ that the c"o/$ ha$
ro""e$ back in to hi$e the tar. 2S/ch a $ark night- Eo/r Grace-1 m/rm/re$ 5orca.
A!e, he tho/ght- but not so dark as in the *aidenault, or on Dragonstone where "oras
#!rell lies burned and bleeding, or down in the black cells beneath the castle+ 7he A/een $i$ not
kno. .hy that occ/rre$ to her. She ha$ reo"ve$ not to give +a"ye another tho/ght. Single
combat+ Fal!se should hae known better than to marr! such a fool+ 7he .or$ ,rom Stoke.orth
.a that ?a$y 7an$a ha$ $ie$ o, a chi"" in the chet- bro/ght on by her broken hip. ?o""y
?ack.it ha$ been proc"aime$ ?a$y Stoke.orth- .ith Ser Bronn her "or$. #anda dead and 1!les
d!ing+ It is well that we hae *oon Bo!, or the court would be entirel! bereft of fools+ 7he A/een
mi"e$ a he "ay her hea$ /pon the pi""o.. When I kissed her cheek, I could taste the salt of her
tears+
She $reamt an o"$ $ream- o, three gir" in bro.n c"oak- a .att"e$ crone- an$ a tent that
me""e$ o, $eath.
7he crone4 tent .a $ark- .ith a ta"" peake$ roo,. She $i$ not .ant to go in- no more than he
ha$ .ante$ to at ten- b/t the other gir" .ere .atching her- o he co/"$ not t/rn a.ay. 7hey
.ere three in the $ream- a they ha$ been in "i,e. +at !eyne +arman h/ng back a he a".ay $i$.
&t .a a .on$er he ha$ come thi ,ar. Me"ara #etherpoon .a bo"$er- o"$er- an$ prettier- in a
,reck"y ort o, .ay. 3rappe$ in ro/ghp/n c"oak .ith their hoo$ p/""e$ /p- the three o, them
ha$ to"en ,rom their be$ an$ croe$ the to/rney gro/n$ to eek the orcere. Me"ara ha$
hear$ the erving gir" .hipering ho. he co/"$ c/re a man or make him ,a"" in "ove- /mmon
$emon an$ ,orete"" the ,/t/re.
&n "i,e the gir" ha$ been breath"e an$ gi$$y- .hipering to each other a they .ent- a
e:cite$ a they .ere a,rai$. 7he $ream .a $i,,erent. &n the $ream the pavi"ion .ere ha$o.e$-
an$ the knight an$ erving men they pae$ .ere ma$e o, mit. 7he gir" .an$ere$ ,or a "ong
.hi"e be,ore they ,o/n$ the crone4 tent. By the time they $i$ a"" the torche .ere g/ttering o/t.
Cerei .atche$ the gir" h/$$"ing- .hipering to one another. 1o back, he trie$ to te"" them.
#urn awa!+ #here is nothing here for !ou+ B/t tho/gh he move$ her mo/th- no .or$ came o/t.
?or$ 7y.in4 $a/ghter .a the ,irt thro/gh the ,"ap- .ith Me"ara c"oe behin$ her. !eyne
+arman came "at- an$ trie$ to hi$e behin$ the other t.o- the .ay he a".ay $i$.
7he ini$e o, the tent .a ,/"" o, me"". Cinnamon an$ n/tmeg. 9epper- re$ an$ .hite an$
b"ack. A"mon$ mi"k an$ onion. C"ove an$ "emongra an$ precio/ a,,ron- an$ tranger
pice- rarer ti"". 7he on"y "ight came ,rom an iron braGier hape$ "ike a bai"ik4 hea$- a $im
green "ight that ma$e the .a"" o, the tent "ook co"$ an$ $ea$ an$ rotten. #a$ it been that .ay in
"i,e a .e""6 Cerei co/"$ not eem to remember.
7he orcere .a "eeping in the $ream- a once he4$ "ept in "i,e. "eae her be, the A/een
.ante$ to cry o/t. &ou little fools, neer wake a sleeping sorceress+ 3itho/t a tong/e- he co/"$
on"y .atch a the gir" thre. o,, her c"oak- kicke$ the .itch4 be$- an$ ai$- 23ake /p- .e .ant
o/r ,/t/re to"$.1
3hen Maggy the +rog opene$ her eye- !eyne +arman gave a ,rightene$ A/eak an$ ,"e$ the
tent- p"/nging hea$"ong back into the night. 9"/mp t/pi$ timi$ "itt"e !eyne- paty(,ace$ an$ ,at
an$ care$ o, every ha$o.. She was the wise one, though+ !eyne "ive$ on +air &"e ti"". She ha$
marrie$ one o, her "or$ brother4 bannermen an$ .he"pe$ a $oGen chi"$ren.
7he o"$ .oman4 eye .ere ye""o.- an$ cr/te$ a"" abo/t .ith omething vi"e. &n ?anniport
it .a ai$ that he ha$ been yo/ng an$ bea/ti,/" .hen her h/ban$ ha$ bro/ght her back ,rom
the eat .ith a "oa$ o, pice- b/t age an$ evi" ha$ "e,t their mark on her. She .a hort- A/at-
an$ .arty- .ith pebb"y greenih =o.". #er teeth .ere gone an$ her $/g h/ng $o.n to her
knee. Eo/ co/"$ me"" ickne on her i, yo/ too$ too c"oe- an$ .hen he poke her breath
.a trange an$ trong an$ ,o/". 2Begone-1 he to"$ the gir"- in a croaking .hiper.
23e came ,or a ,orete""ing-1 yo/ng Cerei to"$ her.
2Begone-1 croake$ the o"$ .oman- a econ$ time.
23e hear$ that yo/ can ee into the morro.-1 ai$ Me"ara. 23e =/t .ant to kno. .hat men
.e4re going to marry.1
2Begone-1 croake$ Maggy- a thir$ time.
"isten to her, the A/een .o/"$ have crie$ i, he ha$ her tong/e. &ou still hae time to flee+
)un, !ou little fools;
7he gir" .ith the go"$en c/r" p/t her han$ /pon her hip. 2Give / o/r ,orete""ing- or &4"" go
to my "or$ ,ather an$ have yo/ .hippe$ ,or ino"ence.1
29"eae-1 begge$ Me"ara. 2!/t te"" / o/r ,/t/re- then .e4"" go.1
2Some are here .ho have no ,/t/re-1 Maggy m/ttere$ in her terrib"e $eep voice. She p/""e$
her robe abo/t her ho/"$er an$ beckone$ the gir" c"oer. 2Come- i, yo/ .i"" not go. +oo".
Come- ye. & m/t tate yo/r b"oo$.1
Me"ara pa"e$- b/t not Cerei. A "ione $oe not ,ear a ,rog- no matter ho. o"$ an$ /g"y he
might be. She ho/"$ have gone- he ho/"$ have "itene$- he ho/"$ have r/n a.ay. &ntea$ he
took the $agger Maggy o,,ere$ her- an$ ran the t.ite$ iron b"a$e acro the ba"" o, her th/mb.
7hen he $i$ Me"ara too.
&n the $im green tent- the b"oo$ eeme$ more b"ack than re$. Maggy4 tooth"e mo/th
tremb"e$ at the ight o, it. 2#ere-1 he .hipere$- 2give it here.1 3hen Cerei o,,ere$ her han$-
he /cke$ a.ay the b"oo$ .ith g/m a o,t a a ne.born babe4. 7he A/een co/"$ ti""
remember ho. A/eer an$ co"$ her mo/th ha$ been.
27hree A/etion may yo/ ak-1 the crone ai$- once he4$ ha$ her $rink. 2Eo/ .i"" not "ike
my an.er. Ak- or begone .ith yo/.1
1o, the $reaming A/een tho/ght- hold !our tongue, and flee+ B/t the gir" $i$ not have ene
eno/gh to be a,rai$.
23hen .i"" & .e$ the prince61 he ake$.
2Never. Eo/ .i"" .e$ the king.1
Beneath her go"$en c/r"- the gir"4 ,ace .rink"e$ /p in p/GG"ement. +or year a,ter- he took
thoe .or$ to mean that he .o/"$ not marry Rhaegar /nti" a,ter hi ,ather Aery ha$ $ie$. 2&
will be A/een- tho/gh61 ake$ the yo/nger her.
2Aye.1 Ma"ice g"eame$ in Maggy4 ye""o. eye. 2D/een yo/ ha"" be8 /nti" there come
another- yo/nger an$ more bea/ti,/"- to cat yo/ $o.n an$ take a"" that yo/ ho"$ $ear.1
Anger ,"ahe$ acro the chi"$4 ,ace. 2&, he trie & .i"" have my brother ki"" her.1 Cven then
he .o/"$ not top- .i"",/" chi"$ a he .a. She ti"" ha$ one more A/etion $/e her- one more
g"impe into her "i,e to come. 23i"" the king an$ & have chi"$ren61 he ake$.
2Hh- aye. Si:(an$(ten ,or him- an$ three ,or yo/.1
7hat ma$e no ene to Cerei. #er th/mb .a throbbing .here he4$ c/t it- an$ her b"oo$ .a
$ripping on the carpet. 7ow could that be6 he .ante$ to ak- b/t he .a $one .ith her
A/etion.
7he o"$ .oman .a not $one .ith her- ho.ever. 2Go"$ ha"" be their cro.n an$ go"$ their
hro/$-1 he ai$. 2An$ .hen yo/r tear have $ro.ne$ yo/- the alon3ar ha"" .rap hi han$
abo/t yo/r pa"e .hite throat an$ choke the "i,e ,rom yo/.1
23hat i a alon3ar6 Some monter61 7he go"$en gir" $i$ not "ike that ,orete""ing. 2Eo/4re a
"iar an$ a .arty ,rog an$ a me""y o"$ avage- an$ & $on4t be"ieve a .or$ o, .hat yo/ ay. Come
a.ay- Me"ara. She i not .orth hearing.1
2& get three A/etion too-1 her ,rien$ inite$. An$ .hen Cerei t/gge$ /pon her arm- he
.rigg"e$ ,ree an$ t/rne$ back to the crone. 23i"" & marry !aime61 he b"/rte$ o/t.
&ou stupid girl, the A/een tho/ght- angry even no.. -aime does not een know !ou are alie+
Back then her brother "ive$ on"y ,or .or$ an$ $og an$ hore8 an$ ,or her- hi t.in.
2Not !aime- nor any other man-1 ai$ Maggy. 23orm .i"" have yo/r mai$enhea$. Eo/r
$eath i here tonight- "itt"e one. Can yo/ me"" her breath6 She i very c"oe.1
27he on"y breath .e me"" i yo/r-1 ai$ Cerei. 7here .a a =ar o, ome thick potion by her
e"bo.- itting on a tab"e. She natche$ it /p an$ thre. it into the o"$ .oman4 eye. &n "i,e the
crone ha$ creame$ at them in ome A/eer ,oreign tong/e- an$ c/re$ them a they ,"e$ her tent.
B/t in the $ream her ,ace $io"ve$- me"ting a.ay into ribbon o, grey mit /nti" a"" that
remaine$ .ere t.o A/inting ye""o. eye- the eye o, $eath.
#he va"onAar shall wrap his hands about !our throat, the A/een hear$- b/t the voice $i$ not
be"ong to the o"$ .oman. 7he han$ emerge$ ,rom the mit o, her $ream an$ coi"e$ aro/n$ her
neckI thick han$- an$ trong. Above them ,"oate$ hi ,ace- "eering $o.n at her .ith hi
mimatche$ eye. 2o- the A/een trie$ to cry o/t- b/t the $.ar,4 ,inger $/g $eep into her neck-
choking o,, her protet. She kicke$ an$ creame$ to no avai". Be,ore "ong he .a making the
ame o/n$ her on ha$ ma$e- the terrib"e thin /cking o/n$ that marke$ !o,,4 "at breath on
earth.
She .oke gaping in the $ark .ith her b"anket .o/n$ abo/t her neck. Cerei .renche$ it o,,
o vio"ent"y that it tore- an$ at /p .ith her breat heaving. A dream, he to"$ here",- an old
dream and a tangled coerlet, that/s all it was+
7aena .a pen$ing the night .ith the "itt"e A/een again- o it .a 5orca a"eep bei$e her.
7he A/een hook the gir" ro/gh"y by the ho/"$er. 23ake /p- an$ ,in$ 9yce""e. #e4"" be .ith
?or$ Gy"e- & e:pect. +etch him here at once.1 Sti"" ha", a"eep- 5orca t/mb"e$ ,rom the be$
an$ .ent campering acro the chamber ,or her c"othing- her bare ,eet r/t"ing on the r/he.
Age "ater- Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e entere$ h/,,"ing- an$ too$ be,ore her .ith bo.e$ hea$-
b"inking hi heavy("i$$e$ eye an$ tr/gg"ing not to ya.n. #e "ooke$ a i, the .eight o, the h/ge
maeter4 chain abo/t hi .att"e$ neck .a $ragging him $o.n to the ,"oor. 9yce""e ha$ been o"$
a ,ar back a Cerei co/"$ remember- b/t there .a a time .hen he ha$ a"o been magni,icent'
rich"y c"a$- $igni,ie$- e:A/iite"y co/rteo/. #i immene .hite bear$ ha$ given him an air o,
.i$om. 7yrion ha$ have$ hi bear$ o,,- tho/gh- an$ .hat ha$ gro.n back .a piti,/"- a ,e.
patchy t/,t o, thin- britt"e hair that $i$ "itt"e to hi$e the "ooe pink ,"eh beneath hi agging
chin. #his is no man, he tho/ght- onl! the ruins of one+ #he black cells robbed him of whateer
strength he had+ #hat, and the Imp/s razor+
2#o. o"$ are yo/61 Cerei ake$- abr/pt"y.
2+o/r(an$(eighty- i, it p"eae Eo/r Grace.1
2A yo/nger man .o/"$ p"eae me more.1
#i tong/e ,"icke$ acro hi "ip. 2& .a b/t t.o(an$(,orty .hen the Conc"ave ca""e$ me.
>aeth .a eighty .hen they choe him- an$ C""en$or .a nigh on ninety. 7he care o, o,,ice
cr/he$ them- an$ both .ere $ea$ .ithin a year o, being raie$. Merion came ne:t- on"y i:(an$(
i:ty- b/t he $ie$ o, a chi"" on hi .ay to >ing4 ?an$ing. A,ter.ar$ >ing Aegon ake$ the
Cita$e" to en$ a yo/nger man. #e .a the ,irt king & erve$.1
And #ommen shall be the last+ 2& nee$ a potion ,rom yo/. Something to he"p me "eep.1
2A c/p o, .ine be,ore be$ .i"" o,t@1
2& drink .ine- yo/ .it"e cretin. & reA/ire omething tronger. Something that .i"" not "et me
$ream.1
2Eo/8 Eo/r Grace $oe not .ih to $ream61
23hat $i$ & =/t ay6 #ave yo/r ear gro.n a ,eeb"e a yo/r cock6 Can yo/ make me /ch a
potion- or m/t & comman$ ?or$ Dyb/rn to recti,y another o, yo/r ,ai"/re61
2No. 7here i no nee$ to invo"ve that8 to invo"ve Dyb/rn. 5ream"e "eep. Eo/ ha"" have
yo/r potion.1
2Goo$. Eo/ may go.1 A he t/rne$ to.ar$ the $oor- tho/gh- he ca""e$ him back. 2Hne more
thing. 3hat $oe the Cita$e" teach concerning prophecy6 Can o/r morro. be ,oreto"$61
7he o"$ man heitate$. Hne .rink"e$ han$ grope$ b"in$"y at hi chet- a i, to troke the bear$
that .a not there. 2Can o/r morro. be ,oreto"$61 he repeate$ "o."y. 2Mayhap. 7here are
certain pe"" in the o"$ book8 b/t Eo/r Grace might ak intea$- JShould o/r morro. be
,oreto"$64 An$ to that & ho/"$ an.er- JNo.4 Some $oor are bet "e,t c"oe$.1
2See that yo/ c"oe mine a yo/ "eave.1 She ho/"$ have kno.n that he .o/"$ give her an
an.er a /e"e a he .a.
7he ne:t morning he broke her ,at .ith 7ommen. 7he boy eeme$ m/ch /b$/e$I
minitering to 9ate ha$ erve$ it p/rpoe- it .o/"$ eem. 7hey ate ,rie$ egg- ,rie$ brea$-
bacon- an$ ome b"oo$ orange ne."y come by hip ,rom 5orne. #er on .a atten$e$ by hi
kitten. A he .atche$ the cat ,ro"ic abo/t hi ,eet- Cerei ,e"t a "itt"e better. 2o harm will eer
come to #ommen whilst I still lie+ She .o/"$ ki"" ha", the "or$ in 3etero an$ a"" the common
peop"e- i, that .a .hat it took to keep him a,e. 2Go .ith !oce"yn-1 he to"$ the boy a,ter they
ha$ eaten.
7hen he ent ,or Dyb/rn. 2& ?a$y +a"ye ti"" a"ive61
2A"ive- ye. 9erhap not entire"y8 com,ortab"e.1
2& ee.1 Cerei coni$ere$ a moment. 27hi man Bronn8 & cannot ay & "ike the notion o, an
enemy o c"oe. #i po.er a"" $erive ,rom ?o""y. &, .e .ere to pro$/ce her e"$er iter81
2A"a-1 ai$ Dyb/rn. 2& ,ear that ?a$y +a"ye i no "onger capab"e o, r/"ing Stoke.orth. Hr-
in$ee$- o, ,ee$ing here",. & have "earne$ a great $ea" ,rom her- & am p"eae$ to ay- b/t the
"eon have not been entire"y .itho/t cot. & hope & have not e:cee$e$ Eo/r Grace4
intr/ction.1
2No.1 3hatever he ha$ inten$e$- it .a too "ate. 7here .a no ene $.e""ing on /ch
thing. It is better if she dies- he to"$ here",. She would not want to go on liing without her
husband+ Oaf that he was, the fool seemed fond of him+ 27here i another matter. ?at night & ha$
a $rea$,/" $ream.1
2A"" men are o a,,"icte$- ,rom time to time.1
27hi $ream concerne$ a .itch .oman & viite$ a a chi"$.1
2A .oo$ .itch6 Mot are harm"e creat/re. 7hey kno. a "itt"e herb(cra,t an$ ome
mi$.i,ery- b/t e"e.ie81
2She .a more than that. #a", o, ?anniport /e$ to go to her ,or charm an$ potion. She
.a mother to a petty "or$- a .ea"thy merchant /p=/mpe$ by my gran$ire. 7hi "or$4 ,ather ha$
,o/n$ her .hi"t tra$ing in the eat. Some ay he cat a pe"" on him- tho/gh more "ike the on"y
charm he nee$e$ .a the one bet.een her thigh. She .a not a".ay hi$eo/- or o they ai$. &
$on4t reca"" the .oman4 name. Something "ong an$ eatern an$ o/t"an$ih. 7he ma"",o"k /e$
to ca"" her Maggy.1
4*aegi65
2& that ho. yo/ ay it6 7he .oman .o/"$ /ck a $rop o, b"oo$ ,rom yo/r ,inger- an$ te""
yo/ .hat yo/r morro. he"$.1
2B"oo$magic i the $arket kin$ o, orcery. Some ay it i the mot po.er,/" a .e"".1
Cerei $i$ not .ant to hear that. 27hi maegi ma$e certain prophecie. & "a/ghe$ at them at
,irt- b/t8 he ,oreto"$ the $eath o, one o, my be$mai$. At the time he ma$e the prophecy- the
gir" .a one(an$(ten- hea"thy a a "itt"e hore an$ a,e .ithin the Rock. Eet he oon ,e"" $o.n a
.e"" an$ $ro.ne$.1 Me"ara ha$ begge$ her never to peak o, the thing they hear$ that night in
the maegi4 tent. If we neer talk about it we/ll soon forget, and then it will be 9ust a bad dream
we had, Me"ara ha$ ai$. Bad dreams neer come true+ 7he both o, them ha$ been o yo/ng- that
ha$ o/n$e$ a"mot .ie.
25o yo/ ti"" grieve ,or thi ,rien$ o, yo/r chi"$hoo$61 Dyb/rn ake$. 2& that .hat tro/b"e
yo/- Eo/r Grace61
2Me"ara6 No. & can har$"y reca"" .hat he "ooke$ "ike. &t i =/t8 the maegi kne. ho. many
chi"$ren & .o/"$ have- an$ he kne. o, Robert4 batar$. Eear be,ore he4$ ire$ even the ,irt
o, them- he kne.. She promie$ me & ho/"$ be A/een- b/t ai$ another A/een .o/"$ come81
&ounger and more beautiful, she said+ 28another A/een- .ho .o/"$ take ,rom me a"" & "ove$.1
2An$ yo/ .ih to ,oreta"" thi prophecy61
*ore than an!thing, he tho/ght. 2%an it be ,oreta""e$61
2Hh- ye. Never $o/bt that.1
2#o.61
2& think Eo/r Grace kno. ho..1
She $i$. I knew it all along, he tho/ght. 0en in the tent+ 4If she tries I will hae m! brother
kill her+5
>no.ing .hat nee$e$ to be $one .a one thing- tho/ghI kno.ing ho. to $o it .a another.
!aime co/"$ no "onger be re"ie$ on. A /$$en ickne .o/"$ be bet- b/t the go$ .ere e"$om
o ob"iging. 7ow then6 A knife, a pillow, a cup of heart/s bane6 A"" o, thoe poe$ prob"em.
3hen an o"$ man $ie$ in hi "eep no one tho/ght t.ice o, it- b/t a gir" o, i:(an$(ten ,o/n$
$ea$ in be$ .a certain to raie a.k.ar$ A/etion. Bei$e- Margaery never "ept a"one. Cven
.ith Ser ?ora $ying- there .ere .or$ abo/t her night an$ $ay.
Swords hae two edges, though+ #he er! men who guard her could be used to bring her
down+ 7he evi$ence .o/"$ nee$ to be o over.he"ming that even Margaery4 o.n "or$ ,ather
.o/"$ have no choice b/t to conent to her e:ec/tion. 7hat .o/"$ not be eay. 7er loers are
not like to confess, knowing it would mean their heads as well as hers+ <nless=
7he ne:t $ay the A/een came on Hm/n$ >ett"eb"ack in the yar$- a he .a parring .ith one
o, the Re$.yne t.in. 3hich one he co/"$ not ayI he ha$ never been ab"e to te"" the t.o o,
them apart. She .atche$ the .or$p"ay ,or a .hi"e- then ca""e$ Ser Hm/n$ ai$e. 23a"k .ith
me a bit-1 he ai$- 2an$ te"" me tr/e. & .ant no empty boating no.- no ta"k o, ho. a
>ett"eb"ack i thrice a goo$ a any other knight. M/ch may ri$e /pon yo/r an.er. Eo/r brother
Hney. #o. goo$ a .or$ i he61
2Goo$. Eo/4ve een him. #e4 not a trong a me nor H,ry$- b/t he4 A/ick to the ki"".1
2&, it came to it- co/"$ he $e,eat Ser Boro B"o/nt61
2Boro the Be""y61 Ser Hm/n$ chort"e$. 2#e4 .hat- ,orty6 +i,ty6 #a",($r/nk ha", the time-
,at even .hen he4 ober. &, he ever ha$ a tate ,or batt"e- he4 "ot it. Aye- Eo/r Grace- i, Ser
Boro .ant ,or ki""ing- Hney co/"$ $o it eay eno/gh. 3hy6 #a Boro $one ome treaon61
2No-1 he ai$. But Osne! has+
REE5
#e hear$ the gir" ,irt- barking a they race$ ,or home. 7he $r/m o, hoo,beat echoing o,,
,"agtone =erke$ him to hi ,eet- chain ratt"ing. 7he one bet.een hi ank"e .a no more than a
,oot "ong- hortening hi tri$e to a h/,,"e. &t .a har$ to move A/ick"y that .ay- b/t he trie$ a
bet he co/"$- hopping an$ c"anking ,rom hi pa""et. Ramay Bo"ton ha$ ret/rne$ an$ .o/"$
.ant hi Reek on han$ to erve him.
H/ti$e- beneath a co"$ a/t/mna" ky- the h/nter .ere po/ring thro/gh the gate. Ben Bone
"e$ the .ay- .ith the gir" baying an$ barking a"" aro/n$ him. Behin$ came Skinner- So/r A"yn-
an$ 5amon 5ance(,or(Me .ith hi "ong greae$ .hip- then the 3a"$er ri$ing the grey co"t
?a$y 5/tin ha$ given them. #i "or$hip hime", ro$e B"oo$- a re$ ta""ion .ith a temper to
match hi o.n. #e .a "a/ghing. 7hat co/"$ be very goo$ or very ba$- Reek kne..
7he $og .ere on him be,ore he co/"$ p/GG"e o/t .hich- $ra.n to hi cent. 7he $og .ere
,on$ o, ReekI he "ept .ith them o,t a not- an$ ometime Ben Bone "et him hare their /pper.
7he pack race$ acro the ,"agtone barking- circ"ing him- =/mping /p to "ick hi ,i"thy ,ace-
nipping at hi "eg. #e"icent ca/ght hi "e,t han$ bet.een her teeth an$ .orrie$ it o ,ierce"y
Reek ,eare$ he might "oe t.o more ,inger. Re$ !eyne "amme$ into hi chet an$ knocke$ him
o,, hi ,eet. She .a "ean- har$ m/c"e- .here Reek .a "ooe- grey kin an$ britt"e bone- a
.hite(haire$ tarve"ing.
7he ri$er .ere $imo/nting by the time he p/he$ Re$ !eyne o,, an$ tr/gg"e$ to hi knee.
7.o $oGen horemen ha$ gone o/t an$ t.o $oGen ha$ ret/rne$- .hich meant the earch ha$
been a ,ai"/re. 7hat .a ba$. Ramay $i$ not "ike the tate o, ,ai"/re. 7e will want to hurt
someone+
H, "ate- hi "or$ ha$ been ,orce$ to retrain hime",- ,or Barro.ton .a ,/"" o, men #o/e
Bo"ton nee$e$- an$ Ramay kne. to be care,/" aro/n$ the 5/tin an$ Ry.e"" an$ hi ,e""o.
"or$"ing. 3ith them he .a a".ay co/rteo/ an$ mi"ing. 3hat he .a behin$ c"oe$ $oor
.a omething e"e.
Ramay Bo"ton .a attire$ a be,it the "or$ o, the #orn.oo$ an$ heir to the 5rea$,ort. #i
mant"e .a titche$ together ,rom .o",kin an$ c"ape$ againt the a/t/mn chi"" by the
ye""o.e$ teeth o, the .o",4 hea$ on hi right ho/"$er. Hn one hip he .ore a ,a"chion- it b"a$e
a thick an$ heavy a a c"eaverI on the other a "ong $agger an$ a ma"" c/rve$ ,"aying kni,e .ith
a hooke$ point an$ a raGor(harp e$ge. A"" three b"a$e ha$ matche$ hi"t o, ye""o. bone.
2Reek-1 hi "or$hip ca""e$ $o.n ,rom B"oo$4 high a$$"e- 2yo/ tink. & can me"" yo/ c"ear
acro the yar$.1
2& kno.- my "or$-1 Reek ha$ to ay. 2& beg yo/r par$on.1
2& bro/ght yo/ a gi,t.1 Ramay t.ite$- reache$ behin$ him- p/""e$ omething ,rom hi
a$$"e- an$ ,"/ng it. 2Catch01
Bet.een the chain- the ,etter- an$ hi miing ,inger- Reek .a c"/mier than he ha$ been
be,ore he "earne$ hi name. 7he hea$ tr/ck hi maime$ han$- bo/nce$ a.ay ,rom the t/mp
o, hi ,inger- an$ "an$e$ at hi ,eet- raining maggot. &t .a o cr/te$ .ith $rie$ b"oo$ a to be
/nrecogniGab"e.
2& to"$ yo/ to catch it-1 ai$ Ramay. 29ick it /p.1
Reek trie$ to "i,t the hea$ /p by the ear. &t .a no goo$. 7he ,"eh .a green an$ rotting- an$
the ear tore o,, bet.een hi ,inger. ?itt"e 3a"$er "a/ghe$- an$ a moment "ater a"" the other men
.ere "a/ghing too. 2Hh- "eave him be-1 ai$ Ramay. 2!/t ee to B"oo$. & ro$e the batar$ har$.1
2Ee- my "or$. & .i"".1 Reek h/rrie$ to the hore- "eaving the evere$ hea$ ,or the $og.
2Eo/ me"" "ike pighit to$ay- Reek-1 ai$ Ramay.
2Hn him- that4 an improvement-1 ai$ 5amon 5ance(,or(Me- mi"ing a he coi"e$ hi .hip.
?itt"e 3a"$er ./ng $o.n ,rom the a$$"e. 2Eo/ can ee to my hore too- Reek. An$ to my
"itt"e co/in4.1
2& can ee to my o.n hore-1 ai$ Big 3a"$er. ?itt"e 3a"$er ha$ become ?or$ Ramay4 bet
boy an$ gre. more "ike him every $ay- b/t the ma""er +rey .a ma$e o, $i,,erent t/,, an$
e"$om took part in hi co/in4 game an$ cr/e"tie.
Reek pai$ the A/ire no min$. #e "e$ B"oo$ o,, to.ar$ the tab"e- hopping ai$e .hen the
ta""ion trie$ to kick him. 7he h/nter tro$e into the ha""- a"" b/t Ben Bone- .ho .a c/ring at
the $og to top them ,ighting over the evere$ hea$.
Big 3a"$er ,o""o.e$ him into the tab"e- "ea$ing hi o.n mo/nt. Reek to"e a "ook at him a
he remove$ B"oo$4 bit. 23ho .a he61 he ai$ o,t"y- o the other tab"ehan$ .o/"$ not hear.
2No one.1 Big 3a"$er p/""e$ the a$$"e o,, hi grey. 2An o"$ man .e met on the roa$- i a"".
#e .a $riving an o"$ nanny goat an$ ,o/r ki$.1
2#i "or$hip "e. him ,or hi goat61
2#i "or$hip "e. him ,or ca""ing him ?or$ Sno.. 7he goat .ere goo$- tho/gh. 3e mi"ke$
the mother an$ roate$ /p the ki$.1
"ord Snow+ Reek no$$e$- hi chain c"inking a he .ret"e$ .ith B"oo$4 a$$"e trap. B!
an! name, )amsa!/s no man to be around when he is in a rage+ Or when he/s not+ 25i$ yo/ ,in$
yo/r co/in- my "or$61
2No. & never tho/ght .e .o/"$. 7hey4re $ea$. ?or$ 3yman ha$ them ki""e$. 7hat4 .hat &
.o/"$ have $one i, & .a him.1
Reek ai$ nothing. Some thing .ere not a,e to ay- not even in the tab"e .ith hi "or$hip
in the ha"". Hne .rong .or$ co/"$ cot him another toe- even a ,inger. 2ot m! tongue, though+
7e will neer take m! tongue+ 7e likes to hear me plead with him to spare me from the pain+ 7e
likes to make me sa! it+
7he ri$er ha$ been i:teen $ay on the h/nt- .ith on"y har$ brea$ an$ a"t bee, to eat- ai$e
,rom the occaiona" to"en ki$- o that night ?or$ Ramay comman$e$ that a ,eat be "ai$ to
ce"ebrate hi ret/rn to Barro.ton. 7heir hot- a griGG"e$ one(arme$ petty "or$ by the name o,
#ar.oo$ Sto/t- kne. better than to re,/e him- tho/gh by no. hi "ar$er m/t be .e"" nigh
e:ha/te$. Reek ha$ hear$ Sto/t4 ervant m/ttering at ho. the Batar$ an$ hi men .ere
eating thro/gh the .inter tore. 2#e4"" be$ ?or$ C$$ar$4 "itt"e gir"- they ay-1 Sto/t4 cook
comp"aine$ .hen he $i$ not kno. that Reek .a "itening- 2b/t .e4re the one .ho4"" be
,/cke$ .hen the no. come- yo/ mark my .or$.1
Eet ?or$ Ramay ha$ $ecree$ a ,eat- o ,eat they m/t. 7ret"e tab"e .ere et /p in Sto/t4
ha""- an o: .a "a/ghtere$- an$ that night a the /n .ent $o.n the empty(han$e$ h/nter ate
roat an$ rib- bar"ey brea$- a mah o, carrot an$ peae- .ahing it a"" $o.n .ith pro$igio/
A/antitie o, a"e.
&t ,e"" to ?itt"e 3a"$er to keep ?or$ Ramay4 c/p ,i""e$- .hi"t Big 3a"$er po/re$ ,or the
other at the high tab"e. Reek .a chaine$ /p bei$e the $oor "et hi o$or p/t the ,eater o,,
their appetite. #e .o/"$ eat "ater- o,, .hatever crap ?or$ Ramay tho/ght to en$ him. 7he
$og en=oye$ the r/n o, the ha""- ho.ever- an$ provi$e$ the night4 bet entertainment- .hen
Ma/$e an$ Grey !eyne tore into one o, ?or$ Sto/t4 ho/n$ over an epecia""y meaty bone that
3i"" Short ha$ toe$ them. Reek .a the on"y man in the ha"" .ho $i$ not .atch the three $og
,ight. #e kept hi eye on Ramay Bo"ton.
7he ,ight $i$ not en$ /nti" their hot4 $og .a $ea$. Sto/t4 o"$ ho/n$ never too$ a
m/mmer4 chance. #e ha$ been one againt t.o- an$ Ramay4 bitche .ere yo/ng- trong- an$
avage. Ben Bone- .ho "ike$ the $og better than their mater- ha$ to"$ Reek they .ere a""
name$ a,ter peaant gir" Ramay ha$ h/nte$- rape$- an$ ki""e$ back .hen he4$ ti"" been a
batar$- r/nning .ith the ,irt Reek. 27he one .ho give him goo$ port- any.ie. 7he one .ho
.eep an$ beg an$ .on4t r/n $on4t get to come back a bitche.1 7he ne:t "itter to come o/t o,
the 5rea$,ort4 kenne" .o/"$ inc"/$e a >yra- Reek $i$ not $o/bt. 2#e4 traine$ 4em to ki""
.o"ve a .e""-1 Ben Bone ha$ con,i$e$. Reek ai$ nothing. #e kne. .hich .o"ve the gir"
.ere meant to ki""- b/t he ha$ no .ih to .atch the gir" ,ighting over hi evere$ toe.
7.o erving men .ere carrying o,, the $ea$ $og4 carca an$ an o"$ .oman ha$ ,etche$ o/t
a mop an$ rake an$ b/cket to $ea" .ith the b"oo$(oake$ r/he .hen the $oor to the ha"" ,"e.
open in a .ah o, .in$- an$ a $oGen men in grey mai" an$ iron ha",he"m ta"ke$ thro/gh-
ho/"$ering pat Sto/t4 paty(,ace$ yo/ng g/ar$ in their "eather brigan$ine an$ c"oak o, go"$
an$ r/et. A /$$en i"ence eiGe$ the ,eater8 a"" b/t ?or$ Ramay- .ho toe$ ai$e the
bone he ha$ been gna.ing- .ipe$ hi mo/th on hi "eeve- mi"e$ a greay- .et("ippe$ mi"e-
an$ ai$- 2+ather.1
7he ?or$ o, the 5rea$,ort g"ance$ i$"y at the remnant o, the ,eat- at the $ea$ $og- at the
hanging on the .a""- at Reek in hi chain an$ ,etter. 2H/t-1 he to"$ the ,eater- in a voice a
o,t a a m/rm/r. 2No.. 7he "ot o, yo/.1
?or$ Ramay4 men p/he$ back ,rom the tab"e- aban$oning c/p an$ trencher. Ben Bone
ho/te$ at the gir"- an$ they trotte$ a,ter him- ome .ith bone ti"" in their =a.. #ar.oo$ Sto/t
bo.e$ ti,,"y an$ re"inA/ihe$ hi ha"" .itho/t a .or$. 2Fnchain Reek an$ take him .ith yo/-1
Ramay gro."e$ at So/r A"yn- b/t hi ,ather .ave$ a pa"e han$ an$ ai$- 2No- "eave him.1
Cven ?or$ Rooe4 o.n g/ar$ retreate$- p/""ing the $oor h/t behin$ them. 3hen the echo
$ie$ a.ay- Reek ,o/n$ hime", a"one in the ha"" .ith the t.o Bo"ton- ,ather an$ on.
2Eo/ $i$ not ,in$ o/r miing +rey.1 7he .ay Rooe Bo"ton ai$ it- it .a more a tatement
than a A/etion.
23e ro$e back to .here ?or$ ?amprey c"aim they parte$ .ay- b/t the gir" co/"$ not ,in$ a
trai".1
2Eo/ ake$ a,ter them in vi""age an$ ho"$,at.1
2A .ate o, .or$. 7he peaant might a .e"" be b"in$ ,or a"" they ever ee.1 Ramay
hr/gge$. 25oe it matter6 7he .or"$ .on4t mi a ,e. +rey. 7here4 p"enty more $o.n at the
7.in ho/"$ .e ever have nee$ o, one.1
?or$ Rooe tore a ma"" piece o,, a hee" o, brea$ an$ ate it. 2#oteen an$ Aeny are
$itree$.1
2?et them go "ooking- i, they "ike.1
2?or$ 3yman b"ame hime",. 7o hear him te"" it- he ha$ become epecia""y ,on$ o,
Rhaegar.1
?or$ Ramay .a t/rning .roth. Reek co/"$ ee it in hi mo/th- the c/r" o, thoe thick "ip-
the .ay the cor$ too$ /p in hi neck. 27he ,oo" ho/"$ have taye$ .ith Man$er"y.1
Rooe Bo"ton hr/gge$. 2?or$ 3yman4 "itter move at a nai"4 pace8 an$ o, co/re hi
"or$hip4 hea"th an$ girth $o not permit him to trave" more than a ,e. ho/r a $ay- .ith ,reA/ent
top ,or mea". 7he +rey .ere an:io/ to reach Barro.ton an$ be re/nite$ .ith their kin. Can
yo/ b"ame them ,or ri$ing on ahea$61
2&, that4 .hat they $i$. 5o yo/ be"ieve Man$er"y61
#i ,ather4 pa"e eye g"ittere$. 25i$ & give yo/ that impreion6 Sti"". #i "or$hip i mot
$itra/ght.1
2Not o $itra/ght that he can4t eat. ?or$ 9ig m/t have bro/ght ha", the ,oo$ in 3hite
#arbor .ith him.1
2+orty .ayn ,/"" o, ,oo$t/,,. Cak o, .ine an$ hippocra- barre" o, ,reh(ca/ght
"amprey- a her$ o, goat- a h/n$re$ pig- crate o, crab an$ oyter- a montro/ co$,ih8
?or$ 3yman "ike to eat. Eo/ may have notice$.1
23hat & notice$ .a that he bro/ght no hotage.1
2& notice$ that a .e"".1
23hat $o yo/ mean to $o abo/t it61
2&t i a A/an$ary.1 ?or$ Rooe ,o/n$ an empty c/p- .ipe$ it o/t on the tab"ec"oth- an$ ,i""e$ it
,rom a ,"agon. 2Man$er"y i not a"one in thro.ing ,eat- it .o/"$ eem.1
2&t ho/"$ have been yo/ .ho thre. the ,eat- to .e"come me back-1 Ramay comp"aine$-
2an$ it ho/"$ have been in Barro. #a""- not thi pipot o, a cat"e.1
2Barro. #a"" an$ it kitchen are not mine to $ipoe o,-1 hi ,ather ai$ mi"$"y. 2& am on"y a
g/et there. 7he cat"e an$ the to.n be"ong to ?a$y 5/tin- an$ he cannot abi$e yo/.1
Ramay4 ,ace $arkene$. 2&, & c/t o,, her teat an$ ,ee$ them to my gir"- .i"" he abi$e me
then6 3i"" he abi$e me i, & trip o,, her kin to make mye", a pair o, boot61
2Fn"ike"y. An$ thoe boot .o/"$ come $ear. 7hey .o/"$ cot / Barro.ton- #o/e 5/tin-
an$ the Ry.e"".1 Rooe Bo"ton eate$ hime", acro the tab"e ,rom hi on. 2Barbrey 5/tin i
my econ$ .i,e4 yo/nger iter- Ro$rik Ry.e""4 $a/ghter- iter to Roger- Rickar$- an$ mine
o.n nameake- Rooe- co/in to the other Ry.e"". She .a ,on$ o, my "ate on an$ /pect
yo/ o, having ome part in hi $emie. ?a$y Barbrey i a .oman .ho kno. ho. to n/re a
grievance. Be grate,/" ,or that. Barro.ton i ta/nch ,or Bo"ton "arge"y beca/e he ti"" ho"$
Ne$ Stark to b"ame ,or her h/ban$4 $eath.1
2Staunch61 Ramay eethe$. 2A"" he $oe i pit on me. 7he $ay .i"" come .hen &4"" et her
precio/ .oo$en to.n a,ire. ?et her pit on that- ee i, it p/t o/t the ,"ame.1
Rooe ma$e a ,ace- a i, the a"e he .a ipping ha$ /$$en"y gone o/r. 27here are time yo/
make me .on$er i, yo/ tr/"y are my ee$. My ,orebear .ere many thing- b/t never ,oo". No-
be A/iet no.- & have hear$ eno/gh. 3e appear trong ,or the moment- ye. 3e have po.er,/"
,rien$ in the ?anniter an$ +rey- an$ the gr/$ging /pport o, m/ch o, the north8 b/t .hat $o
yo/ imagine i going to happen .hen one o, Ne$ Stark4 on t/rn /p61
2ed Stark/s sons are all dead, Reek tho/ght. )obb was murdered at the #wins, and Bran and
)ickon= we dipped the heads in tar= #i o.n hea$ .a po/n$ing. #e $i$ not .ant to think
abo/t anything that ha$ happene$ be,ore he kne. hi name. 7here .ere thing too h/rt,/" to
remember- tho/ght a"mot a pain,/" a Ramay4 ,"aying kni,e8
2Stark4 "itt"e .o","ing are $ea$-1 ai$ Ramay- "ohing ome more a"e into hi c/p- 2an$
they4"" tay $ea$. ?et them ho. their /g"y ,ace- an$ my gir" .i"" rip thoe .o"ve o, their to
piece. 7he ooner they t/rn /p- the ooner & ki"" them again.1
7he e"$er Bo"ton ighe$. 2Again6 S/re"y yo/ mipeak. Eo/ never "e. ?or$ C$$ar$4 on-
thoe t.o .eet boy .e "ove$ o .e"". 7hat .a 7heon 7/rnc"oak4 .ork- remember6 #o.
many o, o/r gr/$ging ,rien$ $o yo/ imagine .e4$ retain i, the tr/th .ere kno.n6 Hn"y ?a$y
Barbrey- .hom yo/ .o/"$ t/rn into a pair o, boot8 inferior boot. #/man kin i not a to/gh
a co.hi$e an$ .i"" not .ear a .e"". By the king4 $ecree yo/ are no. a Bo"ton. 7ry an$ act
"ike one. 7a"e are to"$ o, yo/- Ramay. & hear them every.here. 9eop"e ,ear yo/.1
2Goo$.1
2Eo/ are mitaken. &t i not goo$. No ta"e .ere ever to"$ o, me. 5o yo/ think & .o/"$ be
itting here i, it .ere other.ie6 Eo/r am/ement are yo/r o.n- & .i"" not chi$e yo/ on that
co/nt- b/t yo/ m/t be more $icreet. A peace,/" "an$- a A/iet peop"e. 7hat ha a".ay been my
r/"e. Make it yo/r.1
2& thi .hy yo/ "e,t ?a$y 5/tin an$ yo/r ,at pig .i,e6 So yo/ co/"$ come $o.n here an$
te"" me to be 3uiet61
2Not at a"". 7here are ti$ing that yo/ nee$ to hear. ?or$ Stanni ha ,ina""y "e,t the 3a"".1
7hat got Ramay ha",.ay to hi ,eet- a mi"e g"itening on hi .i$e- .et "ip. 2& he marching
on the 5rea$,ort61
2#e i not- a"a. Arno", $oe not /n$ertan$ it. #e .ear that he $i$ a"" he co/"$ to bait the
trap.1
2& .on$er. Scratch a >artark an$ yo/4"" ,in$ a Stark.1
2A,ter the cratch the Eo/ng 3o", gave ?or$ Rickar$- that may be ome.hat "e tr/e than
,ormer"y. Be that a it may. ?or$ Stanni ha taken 5eep.oo$ Motte ,rom the ironmen an$
retore$ it to #o/e G"over. 3ore- the mo/ntain c"an have =oine$ him- 3/"" an$ Norrey an$
?i$$"e an$ the ret. #i trength i gro.ing.1
2H/r i greater.1
2No. it i.1
2No. i the time to mah him. ?et me march on 5eep.oo$.1
2A,ter yo/ are .e$.1
Ramay "amme$ $o.n hi c/p- an$ the $reg o, hi a"e er/pte$ acro the tab"ec"oth. 2&4m
ick o, .aiting. 3e have a gir"- .e have a tree- an$ .e have "or$ eno/gh to .itne. &4"" .e$ her
on the morro.- p"ant a on bet.een her "eg- an$ march be,ore her mai$en4 b"oo$ ha $rie$.1
She/ll pra! for !ou to march, Reek tho/ght- and she/ll pra! that !ou neer come back to her
bed+
2Eo/ .i"" p"ant a on in her-1 Rooe Bo"ton ai$- 2b/t not here. &4ve $eci$e$ yo/ ha"" .e$
the gir" at 3inter,e"".1
7hat propect $i$ not appear to p"eae ?or$ Ramay. 2& "ai$ .ate to 3inter,e""- or ha$ yo/
,orgotten61
2No- b/t it appear yo/ have8 the ironmen "ai$ .ate to 3inter,e""- an$ b/tchere$ a"" it
peop"e. 7heon 7/rnc"oak.1
Ramay gave Reek a /picio/ g"ance. 2Aye- o he $i$- b/t ti""8 a .e$$ing in that r/in61
2Cven r/ine$ an$ broken- 3inter,e"" remain ?a$y Arya4 home. 3hat better p"ace to .e$
her- be$ her- an$ take yo/r c"aim6 7hat i on"y ha", o, it- ho.ever. 3e .o/"$ be ,oo" to march
on Stanni. ?et Stanni march on /. #e i too ca/tio/ to come to Barro.ton8 b/t he must
come to 3inter,e"". #i c"anmen .i"" not aban$on the $a/ghter o, their precio/ Ne$ to /ch a
yo/. Stanni m/t march or "oe them8 an$ being the care,/" comman$er that he i- he .i""
/mmon a"" hi ,rien$ an$ a""ie .hen he marche. #e .i"" /mmon Arno", >artark.1
Ramay "icke$ hi chappe$ "ip. 2An$ .e4"" have him.1
2&, the go$ .i"" it.1 Rooe roe to hi ,eet. 2Eo/4"" .e$ at 3inter,e"". & ha"" in,orm the "or$
that .e march in three $ay an$ invite them to accompany /.1
2Eo/ are the 3ar$en o, the North. Comman$ them.1
2An invitation .i"" accomp"ih the ame thing. 9o.er tate bet .hen .eetene$ by co/rtey.
Eo/ ha$ bet "earn that i, yo/ ever hope to r/"e.1 7he ?or$ o, the 5rea$,ort g"ance$ at Reek.
2Hh- an$ /nchain yo/r pet. & am taking him.1
27aking him6 3here6 #e4 mine. Eo/ cannot have him.1
Rooe eeme$ am/e$ by that. 2A"" yo/ have & gave yo/. Eo/ .o/"$ $o .e"" to remember
that- batar$. A ,or thi8 Reek8 i, yo/ have not r/ine$ him beyon$ re$emption- he may yet be
o, ome /e to /. Get the key an$ remove thoe chain ,rom him- be,ore yo/ make me r/e the
$ay & rape$ yo/r mother.1
Reek a. the .ay Ramay4 mo/th t.ite$- the pitt"e g"itening bet.een hi "ip. #e ,eare$
he might "eap the tab"e .ith hi $agger in hi han$. &ntea$ he ,"/he$ re$- t/rne$ hi pa"e eye
,rom hi ,ather4 pa"er one- an$ .ent to ,in$ the key. B/t a he kne"t to /n"ock the ,etter
aro/n$ Reek4 .rit an$ ank"e- he "eane$ c"oe an$ .hipere$- 27e"" him nothing an$
remember every .or$ he ay. &4"" have yo/ back- no matter .hat that 5/tin bitch may te"" yo/.
3ho are yo/61
2Reek- my "or$. Eo/r man. &4m Reek- it rhyme .ith neak.1
2&t $oe. 3hen my ,ather bring yo/ back- &4m going to take another ,inger. &4"" "et yo/
chooe .hich one.1
Fnbi$$en- tear began to trick"e $o.n hi cheek. 2Wh!61 he crie$- hi voice breaking. 2&
never ake$ ,or him to take me ,rom yo/. &4"" $o .hatever yo/ .ant- erve- obey- &8 p"eae-
no81
Ramay "appe$ hi ,ace. 27ake him-1 he to"$ hi ,ather. 2#e4 not even a man. 7he .ay he
me"" $ig/t me.1
7he moon .a riing over the .oo$en .a"" o, Barro.ton .hen they teppe$ o/ti$e. Reek
co/"$ hear the .in$ .eeping acro the ro""ing p"ain beyon$ the to.n. &t .a "e than a mi"e
,rom Barro. #a"" to #ar.oo$ Sto/t4 mo$et keep bei$e the eatern gate. ?or$ Bo"ton o,,ere$
him a hore. 2Can yo/ ri$e61
2&8 my "or$- &8 & think o.1
23a"ton- he"p him mo/nt.1
Cven .ith the ,etter gone- Reek move$ "ike an o"$ man. #i ,"eh h/ng "ooe"y on hi bone-
an$ So/r A"yn an$ Ben Bone ai$ he t.itche$. An$ hi me""8 even the mare they4$ bro/ght
,or him hie$ a.ay .hen he trie$ to mo/nt.
She .a a gent"e hore- tho/gh- an$ he kne. the .ay to Barro. #a"". ?or$ Bo"ton ,e"" in
bei$e him a they ro$e o/t the gate. 7he g/ar$ ,e"" back to a $icreet $itance. 23hat .o/"$
yo/ have me ca"" yo/61 the "or$ ake$- a they trotte$ $o.n the broa$ traight treet o,
Barro.ton.
)eek, I/m )eek, it rh!mes with wreak+ 2Reek-1 he ai$- 2i, it p"eae my "or$.1
2*/lord+1 Bo"ton4 "ip parte$ =/t eno/gh to ho. a A/arter inch o, teeth. &t might have been
a mi"e.
#e $i$ not /n$ertan$. 2My "or$6 & ai$@1
2@m! lord, .hen yo/ ho/"$ have ai$ m/lord+ Eo/r tong/e betray yo/r birth .ith every
.or$ yo/ ay. &, yo/ .ant to o/n$ a proper peaant- ay it a i, yo/ ha$ m/$ in yo/r mo/th- or
.ere too t/pi$ to rea"iGe it .a t.o .or$- not =/t one.1
2&, it p"eae my@m4"or$.1
2Better. Eo/r tench is A/ite appa""ing.1
2Ee- m4"or$. & beg yo/r par$on- m4"or$.1
23hy6 7he .ay yo/ me"" i my on4 $oing- not yo/r o.n. & am .e"" a.are o, that.1 7hey
ro$e pat a tab"e an$ a h/ttere$ inn .ith a .heat hea, painte$ on it ign. Reek hear$ m/ic
coming thro/gh it .in$o.. 2& kne. the ,irt Reek. #e tank- tho/gh not ,or .ant o, .ahing. &
have never kno.n a c"eaner creat/re- tr/th be to"$. #e bathe$ thrice a $ay an$ .ore ,"o.er in
hi hair a i, he .ere a mai$en. Hnce- .hen my econ$ .i,e .a ti"" a"ive- he .a ca/ght
tea"ing cent ,rom her be$chamber. & ha$ him .hippe$ ,or that- a $oGen "ahe. Cven hi b"oo$
me""e$ .rong. 7he ne:t year he trie$ it again. 7hi time he $rank the per,/me an$ a"mot $ie$
o, it. &t ma$e no matter. 7he me"" .a omething he .a born .ith. A c/re- the ma"",o"k ai$.
7he go$ ha$ ma$e him tink o that men .o/"$ kno. hi o/" .a rotting. My o"$ maeter
inite$ it .a a ign o, ickne- yet the boy .a other.ie a trong a a yo/ng b/"". No one
co/"$ tan$ to be near him- o he "ept .ith the pig8 /nti" the $ay that Ramay4 mother
appeare$ at my gate to $eman$ that & provi$e a ervant ,or my batar$- .ho .a gro.ing /p
.i"$ an$ /nr/"y. & gave her Reek. &t .a meant to be am/ing- b/t he an$ Ramay became
ineparab"e. & $o .on$er- tho/gh8 .a it Ramay .ho corr/pte$ Reek- or Reek Ramay61 #i
"or$hip g"ance$ at the ne. Reek .ith eye a pa"e an$ trange a t.o .hite moon. 23hat .a
he .hipering .hi"t he /nchaine$ yo/61
2#e8 he ai$81 7e said to tell !ou nothing+ 7he .or$ ca/ght in hi throat- an$ he began to
co/gh an$ choke.
2Breathe $eep. & kno. .hat he ai$. Eo/4re to py on me an$ keep hi ecret.1 Bo"ton
ch/ck"e$. 2A i, he ha$ ecret. So/r A"yn- ?/ton- Skinner- an$ the ret- .here $oe he think
they came ,rom6 Can he tr/"y be"ieve they are his men61
2#i men-1 Reek echoe$. Some comment eeme$ to be e:pecte$ o, him- b/t he $i$ not kno.
.hat to ay.
2#a my batar$ ever to"$ yo/ ho. & got him61
7hat he did kno.- to hi re"ie,. 2Ee- my8 m/lord+ Eo/ met hi mother .hi"t o/t ri$ing an$
.ere mitten by her bea/ty.1
2Smitten61 Bo"ton "a/ghe$. 25i$ he /e that .or$6 3hy- the boy ha a inger4 o/"8
tho/gh i, yo/ be"ieve that ong- yo/ may .e"" be $immer than the ,irt Reek. Cven the ri$ing part
i .rong. & .a h/nting a ,o: a"ong the 3eeping 3ater .hen & chance$ /pon a mi"" an$ a. a
yo/ng .oman .ahing c"othe in the tream. 7he o"$ mi""er ha$ gotten hime", a ne. yo/ng
.i,e- a gir" not ha", hi age. She .a a ta""- .i""o.y creat/re- very health!("ooking. ?ong "eg
an$ ma"" ,irm breat- "ike t.o ripe p"/m. 9retty- in a common ort o, .ay. 7he moment that &
et eye on her & .ante$ her. S/ch .a my $/e. 7he maeter .i"" te"" yo/ that >ing !aehaery
abo"ihe$ the "or$4 right to the ,irt night to appeae hi hre.ih A/een- b/t .here the o"$ go$
r/"e- o"$ c/tom "inger. 7he Fmber keep the ,irt night too- $eny it a they may. Certain o, the
mo/ntain c"an a .e""- an$ on Skago8 .e""- on"y heart tree ever ee ha", o, .hat they $o on
Skago.
27hi mi""er4 marriage ha$ been per,orme$ .itho/t my "eave or kno."e$ge. 7he man ha$
cheate$ me. So & ha$ him hange$- an$ c"aime$ my right beneath the tree .here he .a .aying.
&, tr/th be to"$- the .ench .a har$"y .orth the rope. 7he ,o: ecape$ a .e""- an$ on o/r .ay
back to the 5rea$,ort my ,avorite co/rer came /p "ame- o a"" in a"" it .a a $ima" $ay.
2A year "ater thi ame .ench ha$ the imp/$ence to t/rn /p at the 5rea$,ort .ith a A/a""ing-
re$(,ace$ monter that he c"aime$ .a my o.n get. & ho/"$4ve ha$ the mother .hippe$ an$
thro.n her chi"$ $o.n a .e""8 b/t the babe did have my eye. She to"$ me that .hen her $ea$
h/ban$4 brother a. thoe eye- he beat her b"oo$y an$ $rove her ,rom the mi"". 7hat annoye$
me- o & gave her the mi"" an$ ha$ the brother4 tong/e c/t o/t- to make certain he $i$ not go
r/nning to 3inter,e"" .ith ta"e that might $it/rb ?or$ Rickar$. Cach year & ent the .oman
ome pig"et an$ chicken an$ a bag o, tar- on the /n$ertan$ing that he .a never to te"" the
boy .ho ha$ ,athere$ him. A peace,/" "an$- a A/iet peop"e- that ha a".ay been my r/"e.1
2A ,ine r/"e- m4"or$.1
27he .oman $iobeye$ me- tho/gh. Eo/ ee .hat Ramay i. She ma$e him- her an$ Reek-
a".ay .hipering in hi ear abo/t hi right. #e ho/"$ have been content to grin$ corn. 5oe
he tr/"y think that he can ever r/"e the north61
2#e ,ight ,or yo/-1 Reek b"/rte$ o/t. 2#e4 trong.1
2B/"" are trong. Bear. & have een my batar$ ,ight. #e i not entire"y to b"ame. Reek .a
hi t/tor- the ,irt Reek- an$ Reek .a never traine$ at arm. Ramay i ,erocio/- & .i"" grant
yo/- b/t he .ing that .or$ "ike a b/tcher hacking meat.1
2#e4 not a,rai$ o, anyone- m4"or$.1
2#e ho/"$ be. +ear i .hat keep a man a"ive in thi .or"$ o, treachery an$ $eceit. Cven here
in Barro.ton the cro. are circ"ing- .aiting to ,eat /pon o/r ,"eh. 7he Cer.yn an$ the
7a""hart are not to be re"ie$ on- my ,at ,rien$ ?or$ 3yman p"ot betraya"- an$ 3horebane8
the Fmber may eem imp"e- b/t they are not .itho/t a certain "o. c/nning. Ramay ho/"$
,ear them a""- a & $o. 7he ne:t time yo/ ee him- te"" him that.1
27e"" him8 te"" him to be a,rai$61 Reek ,e"t i"" at the very tho/ght o, it. 2M4"or$- &8 i, & $i$
that- he4$81
2& kno..1 ?or$ Bo"ton ighe$. 2#i b"oo$ i ba$. #e nee$ to be "eeche$. 7he "eeche /ck
a.ay the ba$ b"oo$- a"" the rage an$ pain. No man can think o ,/"" o, anger. Ramay- tho/gh8
hi tainte$ b"oo$ .o/"$ poion even "eeche- & ,ear.1
2#e i yo/r on"y on.1
2+or the moment. & ha$ another- once. 5omeric. A A/iet boy- b/t mot accomp"ihe$. #e
erve$ ,o/r year a ?a$y 5/tin4 page- an$ three in the %a"e a a A/ire to ?or$ Re$,ort. #e
p"aye$ the high harp- rea$ hitorie- an$ ro$e "ike the .in$. #ore8 the boy .a ma$ ,or
hore- ?a$y 5/tin .i"" te"" yo/. Not even ?or$ Rickar$4 $a/ghter co/"$ o/trace him- an$ that
one .a ha", a hore here",. Re$,ort ai$ he ho.e$ great promie in the "it. A great =o/ter
m/t be a great horeman ,irt.1
2Ee- m4"or$. 5omeric. &8 & have hear$ hi name81
2Ramay ki""e$ him. A ickne o, the bo.e"- Maeter Fthor ay- b/t & ay poion. &n the
%a"e- 5omeric ha$ en=oye$ the company o, Re$,ort4 on. #e .ante$ a brother by hi i$e- o
he ro$e /p the 3eeping 3ater to eek my batar$ o/t. & ,orba$e it- b/t 5omeric .a a man
gro.n an$ tho/ght that he kne. better than hi ,ather. No. hi bone "ie beneath the 5rea$,ort
.ith the bone o, hi brother- .ho $ie$ ti"" in the cra$"e- an$ & am "e,t .ith Ramay. 7e"" me-
my "or$8 i, the kin"ayer i acc/re$- .hat i a ,ather to $o .hen one on "ay another61
7he A/etion ,rightene$ him. Hnce he ha$ hear$ Skinner ay that the Batar$ ha$ ki""e$ hi
tr/eborn brother- b/t he ha$ never $are$ to be"ieve it. 7e could be wrong+ Brothers die
sometimes, it does not mean that the! were killed+ *! brothers died, and I neer killed them+
2My "or$ ha a ne. .i,e to give him on.1
2An$ .on4t my batar$ "ove that6 ?a$y 3a"$a is a +rey- an$ he ha a ,erti"e ,ee" to her. &
have become o$$"y ,on$ o, my ,at "itt"e .i,e. 7he t.o be,ore her never ma$e a o/n$ in be$- b/t
thi one A/ea" an$ h/$$er. & ,in$ that A/ite en$earing. &, he pop o/t on the .ay he pop
in tart- the 5rea$,ort .i"" oon be overr/n .ith Bo"ton. Ramay .i"" ki"" them a""- o, co/re.
7hat4 ,or the bet. & .i"" not "ive "ong eno/gh to ee ne. on to manhoo$- an$ boy "or$ are the
bane o, any #o/e. 3a"$a .i"" grieve to ee them $ie- tho/gh.1
Reek4 throat .a $ry. #e co/"$ hear the .in$ ratt"ing the bare branche o, the e"m that "ine$
the treet. 2My "or$- &@1
2*/lord, remember61
2M4"or$. &, & might ak8 .hy $i$ yo/ .ant me6 &4m no /e to anyone- &4m not even a man-
&4m broken- an$8 the me""81
2A bath an$ change o, c"othe .i"" make yo/ me"" .eeter.1
2A bath61 Reek ,e"t a c"enching in hi g/t. 2&8 & .o/"$ ooner not- m4"or$. 9"eae. & have8
.o/n$- &8 an$ thee c"othe- ?or$ Ramay gave them to me- he8 he ai$ that & .a never to
take them o,,- ave at hi comman$81
2Eo/ are .earing rag-1 ?or$ Bo"ton ai$- A/ite patient"y. 2+i"thy thing- torn an$ taine$ an$
tinking o, b"oo$ an$ /rine. An$ thin. Eo/ m/t be co"$. 3e4"" p/t yo/ in "amb.oo"- o,t an$
.arm. 9erhap a ,/r("ine$ c"oak. 3o/"$ yo/ "ike that61
2No.1 #e co/"$ not "et them take the c"othe ?or$ Ramay gave him. #e co/"$ not "et them
see him.
23o/"$ yo/ pre,er to $re in i"k an$ ve"vet6 7here .a a time .hen yo/ .ere ,on$ o, /ch-
& $o reca"".1
22o,1 he inite$- hri""y. 2No- & on"y .ant thee c"othe. Reek4 c"othe. &4m Reek- it rhyme
.ith peek.1 #i heart .a beating "ike a $r/m- an$ hi voice roe to a ,rightene$ A/eak. 2& $on4t
.ant a bath. 9"eae- m4"or$- $on4t take my c"othe.1
23i"" yo/ "et / .ah them- at "eat61
2No. No- m4"or$. $lease+1 #e c"/tche$ hi t/nic to hi chet .ith both han$ an$ h/nche$
$o.n in the a$$"e- ha",(a,rai$ that Rooe Bo"ton might comman$ hi g/ar$men to tear the
c"othe o,, him right there in the treet.
2A yo/ .ih.1 Bo"ton4 pa"e eye "ooke$ empty in the moon"ight- a i, there .ere no one
behin$ them at a"". 2& mean yo/ no harm- yo/ kno.. & o.e yo/ m/ch an$ more.1
2Eo/ $o61 Some part o, him .a creaming- #his is a trap, he is pla!ing with !ou, the son is
9ust the shadow of the father+ ?or$ Ramay p"aye$ .ith hi hope a"" the time. 23hat8 .hat $o
yo/ o.e me- m4"or$61
27he north. 7he Stark .ere $one an$ $oome$ the night that yo/ took 3inter,e"".1 #e .ave$
a pa"e han$- $imiive. 2A"" thi i on"y A/abb"ing over poi".1
7heir hort =o/rney reache$ it en$ at the .oo$en .a"" o, Barro. #a"". Banner ,"e. ,rom it
A/are to.er- ,"apping in the .in$' the ,"aye$ man o, the 5rea$,ort- the batt"ea:e o, Cer.yn-
7a""hart4 pine- the merman o, Man$er"y- o"$ ?or$ ?ocke4 croe$ key- the Fmber giant an$
the tony han$ o, +"int- the #orn.oo$ mooe. +or the Sto/t- chevrony r/et an$ go"$- ,or S"ate-
a grey ,ie"$ .ithin a $o/b"e tre/re .hite. +o/r horehea$ proc"aime$ the ,o/r Ry.e"" o, the
Ri""@one grey- one b"ack- one go"$- one bro.n. 7he =ape .a that the Ry.e"" co/"$ not even
agree /pon the co"or o, their arm. Above them treame$ the tag(an$("ion o, the boy .ho at
/pon the &ron 7hrone a tho/an$ "eag/e a.ay.
Reek "itene$ to the vane t/rning on the o"$ .in$mi"" a they ro$e beneath the gateho/e into
a gray co/rtyar$ .here tab"eboy ran o/t to take their hore. 27hi .ay- i, yo/ p"eae.1 ?or$
Bo"ton "e$ him to.ar$ the keep- .here the banner .ere thoe o, the "ate ?or$ 5/tin an$ hi
.i$o.e$ .i,e. #i ho.e$ a pike$ cro.n above croe$ "onga:eI her A/artere$ thoe ame
arm .ith Ro$rik Ry.e""4 go"$en horehea$.
A he c"imbe$ a .i$e ,"ight o, .oo$en tep to the ha""- Reek4 "eg began to hake. #e ha$ to
top to tea$y them- taring /p at the gray "ope o, the Great Barro.. Some c"aime$ it .a the
grave o, the +irt >ing- .ho ha$ "e$ the +irt Men to 3etero. Hther arg/e$ that it m/t be
ome >ing o, the Giant .ho .a b/rie$ there- to acco/nt ,or it iGe. A ,e. ha$ even been
kno.n to ay it .a no barro.- =/t a hi""- b/t i, o it .a a "one"y hi""- ,or mot o, the
barro."an$ .ere ,"at an$ .in$.ept.
&ni$e the ha""- a .oman too$ bei$e the hearth- .arming thin han$ above the ember o, a
$ying ,ire. She .a c"a$ a"" in b"ack- ,rom hea$ to hee"- an$ .ore no go"$ nor gem- b/t he .a
highborn- that .a p"ain to ee. 7ho/gh there .ere .rink"e at the corner o, her mo/th an$
more aro/n$ her eye- he ti"" too$ ta""- /nbent- an$ han$ome. #er hair .a bro.n an$ grey in
eA/a" part an$ he .ore it tie$ behin$ her hea$ in a .i$o.4 knot.
23ho i thi61 he ai$. 23here i the boy6 5i$ yo/r batar$ re,/e to give him /p6 & thi
o"$ man hi8 oh- go$ be goo$- .hat i that smell6 #a thi creat/re oi"e$ hime",61
2#e ha been .ith Ramay. ?a$y Barbrey- a""o. me to preent the right,/" ?or$ o, the &ron
&"an$- 7heon o, #o/e Grey=oy.1
2o, he tho/ght- no, don/t sa! that name, )amsa! will hear !ou, he/ll know, he/ll know, he/ll
hurt me+
#er mo/th p/re$. 2#e i not .hat & e:pecte$.1
2#e i .hat .e have.1
23hat $i$ yo/r batar$ $o to him61
2Remove$ ome kin- & .o/"$ imagine. A ,e. ma"" part. Nothing too eentia".1
2& he ma$61
2#e may be. 5oe it matter61
Reek co/"$ hear no more. 29"eae- m4"or$- m4"a$y- there4 been ome mitake.1 #e ,e"" to hi
knee- tremb"ing "ike a "ea, in a .inter torm- tear treaming $o.n hi ravage$ cheek. 2&4m not
him- &4m not the t/rnc"oak- he $ie$ at 3inter,e"". My name i Reek.1 #e ha$ to remember hi
name+ 2&t rhyme .ith ,reak.1
!rienne
They came /pon the ,irt corpe a mi"e ,rom the croroa$.
#e ./ng beneath the "imb o, a $ea$ tree .hoe b"ackene$ tr/nk ti"" bore the car o, the
"ightning that ha$ ki""e$ it. 7he carrion cro. ha$ been at .ork on hi ,ace- an$ .o"ve ha$
,eate$ on hi "o.er "eg .here they $ang"e$ near the gro/n$. Hn"y bone an$ rag remaine$
be"o. hi knee8 a"ong .ith one .e""(che.e$ hoe- ha",(covere$ by m/$ an$ mo"$.
23hat $oe he have in hi mo/th61 ake$ 9o$rick.
Brienne ha$ to tee" here", to "ook. #i ,ace .a grey an$ green an$ ghat"y- hi mo/th open
an$ $iten$e$. Someone ha$ hove$ a =agge$ .hite rock bet.een hi teeth. A rock- or8
2Sa"t-1 ai$ Septon Meriba"$.
+i,ty yar$ ,arther on they pie$ the econ$ bo$y. 7he cavenger ha$ torn him $o.n- o .hat
remaine$ o, him .a tre.n on the gro/n$ beneath a ,raye$ rope "oope$ abo/t the "imb o, an
e"m. Brienne might have ri$$en pat him- /na.are- i, 5og ha$ not ni,,e$ him o/t an$ "ope$
into the .ee$ ,or a c"oer me"".
23hat $o yo/ have there- 5og61 Ser #y"e $imo/nte$- tro$e a,ter the $og- an$ came /p .ith
a ha",he"m. 7he $ea$ man4 k/"" .a ti"" ini$e it- a"ong .ith ome .orm an$ beet"e. 2Goo$
tee"-1 he prono/nce$- 2an$ not too ba$"y $inte$- tho/gh the "ion4 "ot hi hea$. 9o$- .o/"$ yo/
"ike a he"m61
2Not that one. &t4 got .orm in it.1
23orm .ah o/t- "a$. Eo/4re A/eamih a a gir".1
Brienne co."e$ at him. 2&t i too big ,or him.1
2#e4"" gro. into it.1
2& $on4t .ant to-1 ai$ 9o$rick. Ser #y"e hr/gge$- an$ toe$ the broken he"m back into the
.ee$- "ion cret an$ a"". 5og barke$ an$ .ent to "i,t hi "eg againt the tree.
A,ter that- har$"y a h/n$re$ yar$ .ent by .itho/t a corpe. 7hey $ang"e$ /n$er ah an$
a"$er- beech an$ birch- "arch an$ e"m- hoary o"$ .i""o. an$ tate"y chetn/t tree. Cach man
.ore a nooe aro/n$ hi neck- an$ ./ng ,rom a "ength o, hempen rope- an$ each man4 mo/th
.a packe$ .ith a"t. Some .ore c"oak o, grey or b"/e or crimon- tho/gh rain an$ /n ha$
,a$e$ them o ba$"y that it .a har$ to te"" one co"or ,rom another. Hther ha$ ba$ge e.n on
their breat. Brienne pie$ a:e- arro.- evera" a"mon- a pine tree- an oak "ea,- beet"e-
bantam- a boar4 hea$- ha", a $oGen tri$ent. Broken men, he rea"iGe$- dregs from a dozen
armies, the leaings of the lords+
Some o, the $ea$ men ha$ been ba"$ an$ ome bear$e$- ome yo/ng an$ ome o"$- ome
hort- ome ta""- ome ,at- ome thin. S.o""en in $eath- .ith ,ace gna.e$ an$ rotten- they a""
"ooke$ the ame. On the gallows tree, all men are brothers+ Brienne ha$ rea$ that in a book-
tho/gh he co/"$ not reca"" .hich one.
&t .a #y"e #/nt .ho ,ina""y p/t .or$ to .hat a"" o, them ha$ rea"iGe$. 27hee are the men
.ho rai$e$ Sa"tpan.1
2May the +ather =/$ge them harh"y-1 ai$ Meriba"$- .ho ha$ been a ,rien$ to the to.n4
age$ epton.
3ho they .ere $i$ not concern Brienne ha", o m/ch a .ho ha$ hange$ them. 7he nooe
.a the pre,erre$ metho$ o, e:ec/tion ,or Beric 5on$arrion an$ hi ban$ o, o/t"a.- it .a ai$.
&, o- the o(ca""e$ "ightning "or$ might .e"" be near.
5og barke$- an$ Septon Meriba"$ g"ance$ abo/t an$ ,ro.ne$. 2Sha"" .e keep a briker pace6
7he /n .i"" oon be etting- an$ corpe make poor company by night. 7hee .ere $ark an$
$angero/ men- a"ive. & $o/bt that $eath .i"" have improve$ them.1
27here .e $iagree-1 ai$ Ser #y"e. 27hee are =/t the ort o, ,e""o. .ho are mot
improve$ by $eath.1 A"" the ame- he p/t hi hee" into hi hore- an$ they move$ a "itt"e ,ater.
+arther on the tree began to thin- tho/gh not the corpe. 7he .oo$ gave .ay to m/$$y
,ie"$- tree "imb to gibbet. C"o/$ o, cro. roe creeching ,rom the bo$ie a the trave"er
came near- an$ ett"e$ again once they ha$ pae$. #hese were eil men, Brienne remin$e$
here",- yet the ight ti"" ma$e her a$. She ,orce$ here", to "ook at every man in t/rn- earching
,or ,ami"iar ,ace. A ,e. he tho/ght he recogniGe$ ,rom #arrenha"- b/t their con$ition ma$e it
har$ to be certain. None ha$ a ho/n$4 hea$ he"m- b/t ,e. ha$ he"m o, any ort. Mot ha$ been
trippe$ o, arm- armor- an$ boot be,ore they .ere tr/ng /p.
3hen 9o$rick ake$ the name o, the inn .here they hope$ to pen$ the night- Septon
Meriba"$ eiGe$ /pon the A/etion eager"y- perhap to take their min$ o,, the gri"y entine"
a"ong the roa$i$e. 27he H"$ &nn- ome ca"" it. 7here ha been an inn there ,or many h/n$re$ o,
year- tho/gh this inn .a on"y raie$ $/ring the reign o, the ,irt !aehaery- the king .ho b/i"t
the kingroa$. !aehaery an$ hi A/een "ept there $/ring their =o/rney- it i ai$. +or a time the
inn .a kno.n a the 7.o Cro.n in their honor- /nti" one innkeep b/i"t a be"" to.er- an$
change$ it to the Be""ringer &nn. ?ater it pae$ to a cripp"e$ knight name$ ?ong !on #e$$"e-
.ho took /p iron.orking .hen he gre. too o"$ to ,ight. #e ,orge$ a ne. ign ,or the yar$- a
three(hea$e$ $ragon o, b"ack iron that he h/ng ,rom a .oo$en pot. 7he beat .a o big it ha$
to be ma$e in a $oGen piece- =oine$ .ith rope an$ .ire. 3hen the .in$ b"e. it .o/"$ c"ank an$
c"atter- o the inn became kno.n ,ar an$ .i$e a the C"anking 5ragon.1
2& the $ragon ign ti"" there61 ake$ 9o$rick.
2No-1 ai$ Septon Meriba"$. 23hen the mith4 on .a an o"$ man- a batar$ on o, the
,o/rth Aegon roe /p in rebe""ion againt hi tr/eborn brother an$ took ,or hi igi" a b"ack
$ragon. 7hee "an$ be"onge$ to ?or$ 5arry then- an$ hi "or$hip .a ,ierce"y "oya" to the king.
7he ight o, the b"ack iron $ragon ma$e him .roth- o he c/t $o.n the pot- hacke$ the ign into
piece- an$ cat them into the river. Hne o, the $ragon4 hea$ .ahe$ /p on the D/iet &"e many
year "ater- tho/gh by that time it .a re$ .ith r/t. 7he innkeep never h/ng another ign- o
men ,orgot the $ragon an$ took to ca""ing the p"ace the River &nn. &n thoe $ay- the 7ri$ent
,"o.e$ beneath it back $oor- an$ ha", it room .ere b/i"t o/t over the .ater. G/et co/"$
thro. a "ine o/t their .in$o. an$ catch tro/t- it4 ai$. 7here .a a ,erry "an$ing here a .e""- o
trave"er co/"$ cro to ?or$ #arro.ay4 7o.n an$ 3hite.a"".1
23e "e,t the 7ri$ent o/th o, here- an$ have been ri$ing north an$ .et8 not to.ar$ the river
b/t a.ay ,rom it.1
2Aye- my "a$y-1 the epton ai$. 27he river move$. Seventy year ago- it .a. Hr .a it
eighty6 &t .a .hen o"$ Maha #e$$"e4 gran$,ather kept the p"ace. &t .a her .ho to"$ me a""
thi hitory. A kin$"y .oman- Maha- ,on$ o, o/r"ea, an$ honey cake. 3hen he $i$ not have a
room ,or me- he .o/"$ "et me "eep bei$e the hearth- an$ he never ent me on my .ay .itho/t
ome brea$ an$ cheee an$ a ,e. ta"e cake.1
2& he the innkeep no.61 ake$ 9o$rick.
2No. 7he "ion hange$ her. A,ter they move$ on- & hear$ that one o, her nephe. trie$
opening the inn again- b/t the .ar ha$ ma$e the roa$ too $angero/ ,or common ,o"k to trave"-
o there .a "itt"e c/tom. #e bro/ght in .hore- b/t even that co/"$ not ave him. Some "or$
ki""e$ him a .e""- & hear.1
Ser #y"e ma$e a .ry ,ace. 2& never $reame$ that keeping an inn co/"$ be o $ea$"y
$angero/.1
2&t i being common(born that i $angero/- .hen the great "or$ p"ay their game o, throne-1
ai$ Septon Meriba"$. 2&n4t that o- 5og61 5og barke$ agreement.
2So-1 ai$ 9o$rick- 2$oe the inn have a name now61
27he ma"",o"k ca"" it the croroa$ inn. C"$er Brother to"$ me that t.o o, Maha #e$$"e4
niece have opene$ it to tra$e once again.1 #e raie$ hi ta,,. 2&, the go$ are goo$- that moke
riing beyon$ the hange$ men .i"" be ,rom it chimney.1
27hey co/"$ ca"" the p"ace the Ga""o. &nn-1 Ser #y"e ai$.
By any name the inn .a "arge- riing three torie above the m/$$y roa$- it .a"" an$
t/rret an$ chimney ma$e o, ,ine .hite tone that g"immere$ pa"e an$ ghot"y againt the grey
ky. &t o/th .ing ha$ been b/i"t /pon heavy .oo$en pi"ing above a cracke$ an$ /nken
e:pane o, .ee$ an$ $ea$ bro.n gra. A thatch(roo,e$ tab"e an$ a be"" to.er .ere attache$ to
the north i$e. 7he .ho"e pra." .a /rro/n$e$ by a "o. .a"" o, broken .hite tone
overgro.n by mo.
At least no one has burned it down+ At Sa"tpan- they ha$ ,o/n$ on"y $eath an$ $eo"ation. By
the time Brienne an$ her companion .ere ,errie$ over ,rom the D/iet &"e- the /rvivor ha$
,"e$ an$ the $ea$ ha$ been given to the gro/n$- b/t the corpe o, the to.n ite", remaine$- ahen
an$ /nb/rie$. 7he air ti"" me""e$ o, moke- an$ the crie o, the eag/"" ,"oating overhea$
o/n$e$ a"mot h/man- "ike the "amentation o, "ot chi"$ren. Cven the cat"e ha$ eeme$ ,or"orn
an$ aban$one$. Grey a the ahe o, the to.n aro/n$ it- the cat"e conite$ o, a A/are keep
gir$e$ by a c/rtain .a""- b/i"t o a to over"ook the harbor. &t .a c"oe$ tight a Brienne an$ the
other "e$ their hore o,, the ,erry- nothing moving on it batt"ement b/t banner. &t took a
A/arter ho/r o, 5og barking an$ Septon Meriba"$ knocking on the ,ront gate .ith hi
A/arterta,, be,ore a .oman appeare$ above them to $eman$ their b/ine.
By that time the ,erry ha$ $eparte$ an$ it ha$ beg/n to rain. 2& am a ho"y epton- goo$ "a$y-1
Meriba"$ ha$ ho/te$ /p- 2an$ thee are honet trave"er. 3e eek he"ter ,rom the rain- an$ a
p"ace by yo/r ,ire ,or the night.1 7he .oman ha$ been /nmove$ by hi appea". 27he c"oet inn
i at the croroa$- to the .et-1 he rep"ie$. 23e .ant no tranger here. Begone.1 Hnce he
vanihe$- neither Meriba"$4 prayer- 5og4 bark- nor Ser #y"e4 c/re co/"$ bring her back. &n
the en$ they ha$ pent the night in the .oo$- beneath a he"ter ma$e o, .oven branche.
7here .a "i,e at the croroa$ inn- tho/gh. Cven be,ore they reache$ the gate- Brienne hear$
the o/n$' a hammering- ,aint b/t tea$y. &t ha$ a tee"y ring.
2A ,orge-1 Ser #y"e ai$. 2Cither they have theme"ve a mith- or the o"$ innkeep4 ghot i
making another iron $ragon.1 #e p/t hi hee" into hi hore. 2& hope they have a ghot"y cook a
.e"". A crip roat chicken .o/"$ et the .or"$ aright.1
7he inn4 yar$ .a a ea o, bro.n m/$ that /cke$ at the hoove o, the hore. 7he c"ang o,
tee" .a "o/$er here- an$ Brienne a. the re$ g"o. o, the ,orge $o.n pat the ,ar en$ o, the
tab"e- behin$ an o:cart .ith a broken .hee". She co/"$ ee hore in the tab"e too- an$ a
ma"" boy .a .inging ,rom the r/te$ chain o, the .eathere$ gibbet that "oome$ above the
yar$. +o/r gir" too$ on the inn4 porch- .atching him. 7he yo/nget .a no more than t.o-
an$ nake$. 7he o"$et- nine or ten- too$ .ith her arm protective"y abo/t the "itt"e one. 2Gir"-1
Ser #y"e ca""e$ to them- 2r/n an$ ,etch yo/r mother.1
7he boy $roppe$ ,rom the chain an$ $ahe$ o,, to.ar$ the tab"e. 7he ,o/r gir" too$
,i$geting. A,ter a moment one ai$- 23e have no mother-1 an$ another a$$e$- 2& ha$ one b/t
they ki""e$ her.1 7he o"$et o, the ,o/r teppe$ ,or.ar$- p/hing the "itt"e one behin$ her kirt.
23ho are yo/61 he $eman$e$.
2#onet trave"er eeking he"ter. My name i Brienne- an$ thi i Septon Meriba"$- .ho i
.e""(kno.n thro/gh the river"an$. 7he boy i my A/ire- 9o$rick 9ayne- the knight Ser #y"e
#/nt.1
7he hammering toppe$ /$$en"y. 7he gir" on the porch "ooke$ them over- .ary a on"y a
ten(year(o"$ can be. 2&4m 3i""o.. 3i"" yo/ be .anting be$61
2Be$- an$ a"e- an$ hot ,oo$ to ,i"" o/r be""ie-1 ai$ Ser #y"e #/nt a he $imo/nte$. 2Are
yo/ the innkeep61
She hook her hea$. 27hat4 my iter !eyne. She4 not here. A"" .e have to eat i hore meat.
&, yo/ come ,or .hore- there are none. My iter r/n them o,,. 3e have be$- tho/gh. Some
,eatherbe$- b/t more are tra..1
2An$ a"" have ,"ea- & $on4t $o/bt-1 ai$ Ser #y"e.
25o yo/ have coin to pay6 Si"ver61
Ser #y"e "a/ghe$. 2Si"ver6 +or a night4 be$ an$ a ha/nch o, hore6 5o yo/ mean to rob /-
chi"$61
23e4"" have i"ver. C"e yo/ can "eep in the .oo$ .ith the $ea$ men.1 3i""o. g"ance$
to.ar$ the $onkey- an$ the cak an$ b/n$"e on hi back. 2& that ,oo$6 3here $i$ yo/ get it61
2Mai$enpoo"-1 ai$ Meriba"$. 5og barke$.
25o yo/ A/etion a"" yo/r g/et thi .ay61 ake$ Ser #y"e.
23e $on4t have o many g/et. Not "ike be,ore the .ar. &t4 mot"y parro. on the roa$
thee $ay- or .ore.1
23ore61 Brienne ake$.
27hieve-1 ai$ a boy4 voice ,rom the tab"e. 2Robber.1
Brienne t/rne$- an$ a. a ghot.
)enl!+ No hammerb"o. to the heart co/"$ have ,e""e$ her ha", o har$. 2My "or$61 he
gape$.
2?or$61 7he boy p/he$ back a "ock o, b"ack hair that ha$ ,a""en acro hi eye. 2&4m =/t a
mith.1
7e is not )enl!, Brienne rea"iGe$. )enl! is dead+ )enl! died in m! arms, a man of one(and(
twent!+ #his is a onl! a bo!+ A boy .ho "ooke$ a Ren"y ha$- the ,irt time he came to 7arth. 2o,
!ounger+ 7is 9aw is s3uarer, his brows bushier+ Ren"y ha$ been "ean an$ "ithe- .herea thi boy
ha$ the heavy ho/"$er an$ m/c/"ar right arm o o,ten een on mith. #e .ore a "ong "eather
apron- b/t /n$er it hi chet .a bare. A $ark t/bb"e covere$ hi cheek an$ chin- an$ hi hair
.a a thick b"ack mop that gre. $o.n pat hi ear. >ing Ren"y4 hair ha$ been that ame coa"
b"ack- b/t hi ha$ a".ay been .ahe$ an$ br/he$ an$ combe$. Sometime he c/t it hort- an$
ometime he "et it ,a"" "ooe to hi ho/"$er- or tie$ it back behin$ hi hea$ .ith a go"$en
ribbon- b/t it .a never tang"e$ or matte$ .ith .eat. An$ tho/gh hi eye ha$ been that ame
$eep b"/e- ?or$ Ren"y4 eye ha$ a".ay been .arm an$ .e"coming- ,/"" o, "a/ghter- .herea
thi boy4 eye brimme$ .ith anger an$ /picion.
Septon Meriba"$ a. it too. 23e mean no harm- "a$. 3hen Maha #e$$"e o.ne$ thi inn he
a".ay ha$ a honey cake ,or me. Sometime he even "et me have a be$- i, the inn .a not ,/"".1
2She4 $ea$-1 the boy ai$. 27he "ion hange$ her.1
2#anging eem yo/r ,avorite port in thee part-1 ai$ Ser #y"e #/nt. 23o/"$ that & ha$
ome "an$ hereabo/t. &4$ p"ant hemp- e"" rope- an$ make my ,ort/ne.1
2A"" thee chi"$ren-1 Brienne ai$ to the gir" 3i""o.. 2Are they yo/r8 iter6 Brother6 >in
an$ co/in61
2No.1 3i""o. .a taring at her- in a .ay that he kne. .e"". 27hey4re =/t8 & $on4t kno.8
the parro. bring them here- ometime. Hther ,in$ their o.n .ay. &, yo/4re a .oman- .hy
are yo/ $ree$ /p "ike a man61
Septon Meriba"$ an.ere$. 2?a$y Brienne i a .arrior mai$ /pon a A/et. !/t no.- tho/gh-
he i in nee$ o, a $ry be$ an$ a .arm ,ire. A are .e a"". My o"$ bone ay it4 going to rain
again- an$ oon. 5o yo/ have room ,or /61
2No-1 ai$ the boy mith. 2Ee-1 ai$ the gir" 3i""o..
7hey g"are$ at one another. 7hen 3i""o. tompe$ her ,oot. 27hey have food, Gen$ry. 7he
"itt"e one are h/ngry.1 She .hit"e$- an$ more chi"$ren appeare$ a i, by magicI ragge$ boy
.ith /nhorn "ock crept ,rom /n$er the porch- an$ ,/rtive gir" appeare$ in the .in$o.
over"ooking the yar$. Some c"/tche$ crobo.- .o/n$ an$ "oa$e$.
27hey co/"$ ca"" it Crobo. &nn-1 Ser #y"e /ggete$.
Orphan Inn would be more apt, tho/ght Brienne.
23at- yo/ he"p them .ith thoe hore-1 ai$ 3i""o.. 23i""- p/t $o.n that rock- they4ve not
come to h/rt /. 7any- 9ate- r/n get ome .oo$ to ,ee$ the ,ire. !on 9enny- yo/ he"p the epton
.ith thoe b/n$"e. &4"" ho. them to ome room.1
&n the en$ they took three room a$=oining one another- each boating a ,eatherbe$- a chamber
pot- an$ a .in$o.. Brienne4 room ha$ a hearth a .e"". She pai$ a ,e. pennie more ,or ome
.oo$. 23i"" & "eep in yo/r room- or Ser #y"e461 9o$rick ake$ a he .a opening the h/tter.
27hi i not the D/iet &"e-1 he to"$ him. 2Eo/ can tay .ith me.1 Come the morro. he meant
,or the t.o o, them to trike o/t on their o.n. Septon Meriba"$ .a going on to N/tten-
Riverben$- an$ ?or$ #arro.ay4 7o.n- b/t Brienne a. no ene in ,o""o.ing him any ,arther.
#e ha$ 5og to keep him company- an$ the C"$er Brother ha$ per/a$e$ her that he .o/"$ not
,in$ Sana Stark a"ong the 7ri$ent. 2& mean to rie be,ore the /n come /p- .hi"t Ser #y"e i
ti"" "eeping.1 Brienne ha$ not ,orgiven him ,or #ighgar$en8 an$ a he hime", ha$ ai$- #/nt
ha$ .orn no vo. concerning Sana.
23here .i"" .e go- er6 & mean- my "a$y61
Brienne ha$ no rea$y an.er ,or him. 7hey ha$ come to the croroa$- A/ite "itera""yI the
p"ace .here the kingroa$- the river roa$- an$ the high roa$ a"" came together. 7he high roa$
.o/"$ take them eat thro/gh the mo/ntain to the %a"e o, Arryn- .here ?a$y Sana4 a/nt ha$
r/"e$ /nti" her $eath. 3et ran the river roa$- .hich ,o""o.e$ the co/re o, the Re$ +ork to
Riverr/n an$ Sana4 great(/nc"e- .ho .a beiege$ b/t ti"" a"ive. Hr they co/"$ ri$e the
kingroa$ north- pat the 7.in an$ thro/gh the Neck .ith it bog an$ marhe. &, he co/"$
,in$ a .ay pat Moat Cai"in an$ .hoever he"$ it no.- the kingroa$ .o/"$ bring them a"" the
.ay to 3inter,e"".
Hr & co/"$ take the kingroa$ o/th- Brienne tho/ght. I could slink back to ,ing/s "anding,
confess m! failure to Ser -aime, gie him back his sword, and find a ship to carr! me home to
#arth, as the 0lder Brother urged+ 7he tho/ght .a a bitter one- yet there .a part o, her that
yearne$ ,or Cven,a"" an$ her ,ather- an$ another part that .on$ere$ i, !aime .o/"$ com,ort her
ho/"$ he .eep /pon hi ho/"$er. 7hat .a .hat men .ante$- .an4t it6 So,t he"p"e .omen
that they nee$e$ to protect6
2Ser6 My "a$y6 & ake$- .here are .e going61
25o.n to the common room- to /pper.1
7he common room .a cra."ing .ith chi"$ren. Brienne trie$ to co/nt them- b/t they .o/"$
not tan$ ti"" even ,or an intant- o he co/nte$ ome o, them t.ice or thrice an$ other not at
a""- /nti" he ,ina""y gave it /p. 7hey ha$ p/he$ the tab"e together in three "ong ro.- an$ the
o"$er boy .ere .ret"ing benche ,rom the back. Older here meant ten or t.e"ve. Gen$ry .a
the c"oet thing to a man gro.n- b/t it .a 3i""o. ho/ting a"" the or$er- a i, he .ere a
A/een in her cat"e an$ the other chi"$ren .ere no more than ervant.
If she were highborn, command would come naturall! to her, and deference to them+ Brienne
.on$ere$ .hether 3i""o. might be more than he appeare$. 7he gir" .a too yo/ng an$ too
p"ain to be Sana Stark- b/t he .a o, the right age to be the yo/nger iter- an$ even ?a$y
Cate"yn ha$ ai$ that Arya "acke$ her iter4 bea/ty. Brown hair, brown e!es, skinn!= could it
be6 Arya Stark4 hair .a bro.n- he reca""e$- b/t Brienne .a not /re o, the co"or o, her eye.
Brown and brown, was that it6 %ould it be that she did not die at Saltpans after all6
H/ti$e- the "at "ight o, $ay .a ,a$ing. &ni$e- 3i""o. ha$ ,o/r greay ta""o. can$"e "it an$
to"$ the gir" to keep the hearth,ire b/rning high an$ hot. 7he boy he"pe$ 9o$rick 9ayne /npack
the $onkey an$ carrie$ in the a"t co$- m/tton- vegetab"e- n/t- an$ .hee" o, cheee- .hi"t
Septon Meriba"$ repaire$ to the kitchen to take charge o, the porri$ge. 2A"a- my orange are
gone- an$ & $o/bt that & ha"" ee another ti"" the pring-1 he to"$ one ma"" boy. 2#ave yo/ ever
ha$ an orange- "a$6 SA/eeGe$ one an$ /cke$ $o.n that ,ine =/ice61 3hen the boy hook hi
hea$ no- the epton m/e$ hi hair. 27hen &4"" bring yo/ one- come pring- i, yo/ .i"" be a goo$
"a$ an$ he"p me tir the porri$ge.1
Ser #y"e p/""e$ o,, hi boot to .arm hi ,eet by the ,ire. 3hen Brienne at $o.n ne:t to him-
he no$$e$ at the ,ar en$ o, the room. 27here are b"oo$tain on the ,"oor over there .here 5og i
ni,,ing. 7hey4ve been cr/bbe$- b/t the b"oo$ oake$ $eep into the .oo$- an$ there4 no getting
it o/t.1
27hi i the inn .here San$or C"egane ki""e$ three o, hi brother4 men-1 he remin$e$ him.
247i that-1 #/nt agree$- 2b/t .ho i to ay that they .ere the ,irt to $ie here8 or that they4""
be the "at.1
2Are yo/ a,rai$ o, a ,e. chi"$ren61
2+o/r .o/"$ be a ,e.. 7en .o/"$ be a /r,eit. 7hi i a cacophony. Chi"$ren ho/"$ be
.rappe$ in .a$$"ing c"othe an$ h/ng /pon the .a"" /nti" the gir" gro. breat an$ the boy
are o"$ eno/gh to have.1
2& ,ee" orry ,or them. A"" o, them have "ot their mother an$ ,ather. Some have een them
"ain.1
#/nt ro""e$ hi eye. 2& ,orgot that & .a ta"king to a .oman. Eo/r heart i a m/hy a o/r
epton4 porri$ge. Can it be6 Some.here ini$e o/r .or$.ench i a mother =/t A/irming to
give birth. 3hat yo/ rea""y .ant i a .eet pink babe to /ck"e at yo/r teat.1 Ser #y"e grinne$.
2Eo/ nee$ a man ,or that- & hear. A h/ban$- pre,erab"y. 3hy not me61
2&, yo/ ti"" hope to .in yo/r .ager@1
23hat & .ant to .in i yo/- ?or$ Se".yn4 on"y "iving chi"$. &4ve kno.n men to .e$ "ack.it
an$ /ck"ing babe ,or priGe a tenth the iGe o, 7arth. & am not Ren"y Baratheon- & con,e it- b/t
& have the virt/e o, being ti"" amongt the "iving. Some .o/"$ ay that i my on"y virt/e.
Marriage .o/"$ erve the both o, /. ?an$ ,or me- an$ a cat"e ,/"" o, thee ,or yo/.1 #e .ave$
hi han$ at the chi"$ren. 2& am capab"e- & a/re yo/. &4ve ire$ at "eat one batar$ that & kno.
o,. #ave no ,ear- & han4t in,"ict her /pon yo/. 7he "at time & .ent to ee her- her mother $o/e$
me .ith a kett"e o, o/p.1
A ,"/h crept /p her neck. 2My ,ather4 on"y ,o/r(an$(,i,ty. Not too o"$ to .e$ again an$ get
a on by hi ne. .i,e.1
27hat4 a rik8 if yo/r ,ather .e$ again an$ if hi bri$e prove ,erti"e an$ if the babe4 a
boy. &4ve ma$e .ore .ager.1
2An$ "ot them. 9"ay yo/r game .ith omeone e"e- er.1
2So peak a mai$ .ho ha never p"aye$ the game .ith anyone. Hnce yo/ $o yo/4"" take a
$i,,erent vie.. &n the $ark yo/4$ be a bea/ti,/" a any other .oman. Eo/r "ip .ere ma$e ,or
kiing.1
27hey are "ip-1 ai$ Brienne. 2A"" "ip are the ame.1
2An$ a"" "ip are ma$e ,or kiing-1 #/nt agree$ p"eaant"y. 2?eave yo/r chamber $oor
/nbarre$ tonight- an$ & .i"" tea" into yo/r be$ an$ prove the tr/th o, .hat & ay.1
2&, yo/ $o- yo/4"" be a e/n/ch .hen yo/ "eave.1 Brienne got /p an$ .a"ke$ a.ay ,rom him.
Septon Meriba"$ ake$ i, he might "ea$ the chi"$ren in a grace- ignoring the ma"" gir"
cra."ing nake$ acro the tab"e. 2Aye-1 ai$ 3i""o.- natching /p the cra."er be,ore he
reache$ the porri$ge. So they bo.e$ their hea$ together an$ thanke$ the +ather an$ the Mother
,or their bo/nty8 a"" b/t the b"ack(haire$ boy ,rom the ,orge- .ho croe$ hi arm againt hi
chet an$ at g"o.ering a the other praye$. Brienne .a not the on"y one to notice. 3hen the
prayer .a $one Septon Meriba"$ "ooke$ acro the tab"e- an$ ai$- 25o yo/ have no "ove ,or the
go$- on61
2Not ,or yo/r go$.1 Gen$ry too$ abr/pt"y. 2& have .ork to $o.1 #e ta"ke$ o/t .itho/t a
bite o, ,oo$.
2& there ome other go$ he "ove61 ake$ #y"e #/nt.
27he ?or$ o, ?ight-1 pipe$ one cra.ny boy- nigh to i:.
3i""o. hit him .ith her poon. 2Ben Big Mo/th. 7here4 food. Eo/ ho/"$ be eating it- not
bothering m4"or$ .ith ta"k.1
7he chi"$ren ,e"" /pon the /pper "ike .o"ve /pon a .o/n$e$ $eer- A/arre"ing over co$,ih-
tearing the bar"ey brea$ to piece- an$ getting porri$ge every.here. Cven the h/ge .hee" o,
cheee $i$ not "ong /rvive. Brienne contente$ here", .ith ,ih an$ brea$ an$ carrot- .hi"t
Septon Meriba"$ ,e$ t.o more" to 5og ,or every one he ate hime",. H/ti$e- a rain began to
,a"". &ni$e- the ,ire crack"e$- an$ the common room .a ,i""e$ by the o/n$ o, che.ing- an$
3i""o. macking chi"$ren .ith her poon. 2Hne $ay that "itt"e gir" .i"" make ome man a
,right,/" .i,e-1 Ser #y"e oberve$. 27hat poor 4prentice boy- mot "ike.1
2Someone ho/"$ take him ome ,oo$ be,ore it4 a"" gone.1
2Eo/4re omeone.1
She .rappe$ a .e$ge o, cheee- a hee" o, brea$- a $rie$ app"e- an$ t.o ch/nk o, ,"aky ,rie$
co$ in a A/are o, c"oth. 3hen 9o$rick got /p to ,o""o. her o/ti$e- he to"$ him to it back
$o.n an$ eat. 2& .i"" not be "ong.1
7he rain .a coming $o.n heavy in the yar$. Brienne covere$ the ,oo$ .ith a ,o"$ o, her
c"oak. Some o, the hore .hinnie$ at her a he ma$e her .ay pat the tab"e. #he! are hungr!
too+
Gen$ry .a at hi ,orge- bare(chete$ beneath hi "eather apron. #e .a beating on a .or$ a
i, he .ihe$ it .ere a ,oe- hi .eat(oake$ hair ,a""ing acro hi bro.. She .atche$ him ,or a
moment. 7e has )enl!/s e!es and )enl!/s hair, but not his build+ "ord )enl! was more lithe than
brawn!= not like his brother )obert, whose strength was fabled+
&t .a not /nti" he toppe$ to .ipe hi bro. that Gen$ry a. her tan$ing there. 23hat $o
!ou .ant61
2& bro/ght /pper.1 She opene$ the c"oth ,or him to ee.
2&, & .ante$ ,oo$- & .o/"$ have eaten ome.1
2A mith nee$ to eat to keep hi trength /p.1
2Are yo/ my mother61
2No.1 She p/t $o.n the ,oo$. 23ho .a yo/r mother61
23hat4 that to yo/61
2Eo/ .ere born in >ing4 ?an$ing.1 7he .ay he poke ma$e her certain o, it.
2Me an$ many more.1 #e p"/nge$ the .or$ into a t/b o, rain.ater to A/ench it. 7he hot tee"
hie$ angri"y.
2#o. o"$ are yo/61 Brienne ake$. 2& yo/r mother ti"" a"ive6 An$ yo/r ,ather- .ho .a
he61
2Eo/ ak too many A/etion.1 #e et $o.n the .or$. 2My mother4 $ea$ an$ & never kne.
my ,ather.1
2Eo/4re a batar$.1
#e took it ,or an in/"t. 2&4m a knight. 7hat .or$ .i"" be mine o.n- once it4 $one.1
What would a knight be doing working at a smith!6 2Eo/ have b"ack hair an$ b"/e eye- an$
yo/ .ere born in the ha$o. o, the Re$ >eep. #a no one ever remarke$ /pon yo/r ,ace61
23hat4 .rong .ith my ,ace6 &t4 not a /g"y a yo/r.1
2&n >ing4 ?an$ing yo/ m/t have een >ing Robert.1
#e hr/gge$. 2Sometime. At to/rney- ,rom a,ar. Hnce at Bae"or4 Sept. 7he go"$ c"oak
hove$ / ai$e o he co/"$ pa. Another time & .a p"aying near the M/$ Gate .hen he come
back ,rom a h/nt. #e .a o $r/nk he a"mot ro$e me $o.n. A big ,at ot- he .a- b/t a better
king than thee on o, hi.1
#he! are not his sons+ Stannis told it true, that da! he met with )enl!+ -offre! and #ommen
were neer )obert/s sons+ #his bo!, though= 2?iten to me-1 Brienne began. 7hen he hear$
5og barking- "o/$ an$ ,rantic. 2Someone i coming.1
2+rien$-1 ai$ Gen$ry- /nconcerne$.
23hat ort o, ,rien$61 Brienne move$ to the $oor o, the mithy to peer o/t thro/gh the rain.
#e hr/gge$. 2Eo/4"" meet them oon eno/gh.1
I ma! not want to meet them, Brienne tho/ght- a the ,irt ri$er came p"ahing thro/gh the
p/$$"e into the yar$. Beneath the patter o, the rain an$ 5og4 barking- he co/"$ hear the ,aint
c"ink o, .or$ an$ mai" ,rom beneath their ragge$ c"oak. She co/nte$ them a they came. #wo,
four, si8, seen+ Some o, them .ere .o/n$e$- =/$ging ,rom the .ay they ro$e. 7he "at man .a
maive an$ h/"king- a big a t.o o, the other. #i hore .a b"o.n an$ b"oo$y- taggering
beneath hi .eight. A"" the ri$er ha$ their hoo$ /p againt the "ahing rain- ave him a"one. #i
,ace .a broa$ an$ hair"e- maggot .hite- hi ro/n$ cheek covere$ .ith .eeping ore.
Brienne /cke$ in her breath an$ $re. Hathkeeper. #oo man!, he tho/ght- .ith a tart o,
,ear- the! are too man!+ 2Gen$ry-1 he ai$ in a "o. voice- 2yo/4"" .ant a .or$- an$ armor.
7hee are not yo/r ,rien$. 7hey4re no one4 ,rien$.1
23hat are yo/ ta"king abo/t61 7he boy came an$ too$ bei$e her- hi hammer in hi han$.
?ightning cracke$ to the o/th a the ri$er ./ng $o.n o,, their hore. +or ha", a heartbeat
$arkne t/rne$ to $ay. An a:e g"eame$ i"very b"/e- "ight himmere$ o,, mai" an$ p"ate- an$
beneath the $ark hoo$ o, the "ea$ ri$er Brienne g"impe$ an iron no/t an$ ro. o, tee" teeth-
nar"ing.
Gen$ry a. it too. 2#im.1
2Not him. #i he"m.1 Brienne trie$ to keep the ,ear ,rom her voice- b/t her mo/th .a $ry a
$/t. She ha$ a pretty goo$ notion .ho .ore the #o/n$4 he"m. #he children, he tho/ght.
7he $oor to the inn bange$ open. 3i""o. teppe$ o/t into the rain- a crobo. in her han$.
7he gir" .a ho/ting at the ri$er- b/t a c"ap o, th/n$er ro""e$ acro the yar$- $ro.ning o/t her
.or$. A it ,a$e$- Brienne hear$ the man in the #o/n$4 he"m ay- 2?ooe a A/arre" at me an$
&4"" hove that crobo. /p yo/r c/nt an$ ,/ck yo/ .ith it. 7hen &4"" pop yo/r ,/cking eye o/t
an$ make yo/ eat them.1 7he ,/ry in the man4 voice $rove 3i""o. back a tep- tremb"ing.
Seen, Brienne tho/ght again- $epairing. She ha$ no chance againt even- he kne.. 2o
chance, and no choice+
She teppe$ o/t into the rain- Hathkeeper in han$. 2"eae her be+ &, yo/ .ant to rape
omeone- try me.1
7he o/t"a. t/rne$ a one. Hne "a/ghe$- an$ another ai$ omething in a tong/e Brienne $i$
not kno.. 7he h/ge one .ith the broa$ .hite ,ace gave a ma"evo"ent hissssssssssssssss+ 7he man
in the #o/n$4 he"m began to "a/gh. 2Eo/4re even /g"ier than & remembere$. &4$ ooner rape
yo/r hore.1
2#ore- that4 .hat .e .ant-1 one o, the .o/n$e$ men ai$. 2+reh hore- an$ ome ,oo$.
7here are o/t"a. a,ter /. Give / yo/r hore an$ .e4"" be gone. 3e .on4t $o yo/ harm.1
2+/ck that.1 7he o/t"a. in the #o/n$4 he"m yanke$ a batt"e a:e o,, hi a$$"e. 2& .ant to c/t
her b"oo$y "eg o,,. &4"" et her on her t/mp o he can .atch me ,/ck the crobo. gir".1
23ith .hat61 ta/nte$ Brienne. 2Shag.e"" ai$ they c/t yo/r manhoo$ o,, .hen they took
yo/r noe.1
She meant it to provoke him- an$ it $i$. Be""o.ing c/re- he came at her- hi ,eet en$ing /p
p"ahe o, b"ack .ater a he charge$. 7he other too$ back to .atch the ho.- a he ha$
praye$ they might. Brienne taye$ a ti"" a tone- .aiting. 7he yar$ .a $ark- the m/$ "ippery
/n$er,oot. Better to let him come to me+ If the gods are good, he/ll slip and fall+
7he go$ .ere not that goo$- b/t her .or$ .a. Fie steps, four steps, now, Brienne co/nte$-
an$ Hathkeeper .ept /p to meet hi r/h. Stee" crahe$ againt tee" a her b"a$e bit thro/gh hi
rag an$ opene$ a gah in hi chainmai"- even a hi a:e came crahing $o.n at her. She t.ite$
ai$e- "ahing at hi chet again a he retreate$.
#e ,o""o.e$- taggering an$ b"ee$ing- roaring rage. 4Whore;5 he boome$. 4Freak; Bitch; I/ll
gie !ou to m! dog to fuck, !ou blood! bitch;5 #i a:e .hir"e$ in m/r$ero/ arc- a br/ta" b"ack
ha$o. that t/rne$ i"ver every time the "ightning ,"ahe$. Brienne ha$ no hie"$ to catch the
b"o.. A"" he co/"$ $o .a "i$e back a.ay ,rom him- $arting thi .ay an$ that a the a:ehea$
,"e. at her. Hnce the m/$ gave .ay /n$er her hee" an$ he a"mot ,e""- b/t omeho. he
recovere$ here",- tho/gh the a:e graGe$ her "e,t ho/"$er that time an$ "e,t a b"aGe o, pain in it
.ake. 2Eo/ got the bitch01 one o, the other ca""e$- an$ another ai$- 2?et4 ee her $ance a.ay
,rom that one.1
5ance he $i$- re"ieve$ that they .ere .atching. Better that than have them inter,ere. She
co/"$ not ,ight even- not a"one- even i, one or t.o .ere .o/n$e$. H"$ Ser Goo$.in .a "ong in
hi grave- yet he co/"$ hear him .hipering in her ear. *en will alwa!s underestimate !ou, he
ai$- and their pride will make them want to an3uish !ou 3uickl!, lest it be said that a woman
tried them sorel!+ "et them spend their strength in furious attacks, whilst !ou consere !our own+
Wait and watch, girl, wait and watch+ She .aite$- .atching- moving i$e.ay- then back.ar$-
then i$e.ay again- "ahing no. at hi ,ace- no. at hi "eg- no. at hi arm. #i b"o. came
more "o."y a hi a:e gre. heavier. Brienne t/rne$ him o the rain .a in hi eye- an$ teppe$
back t.o A/ick tep. #e .renche$ hi a:e /p once more- c/ring- an$ "/rche$ a,ter her- one ,oot
"i$ing in the m/$8
8an$ he "eapt to meet hi r/h- both han$ on her .or$ hi"t. #i hea$"ong charge bro/ght
him right onto her point- an$ Hathkeeper p/nche$ thro/gh c"oth an$ mai" an$ "eather an$ more
c"oth- $eep into hi bo.e" an$ o/t hi back- raping a it crape$ a"ong hi pine. #i a:e ,e""
,rom "imp ,inger- an$ the t.o o, them "amme$ together- Brienne4 ,ace mahe$ /p againt the
$og4 hea$ he"m. She ,e"t the co"$ .et meta" againt her cheek. Rain ran $o.n the tee" in river-
an$ .hen the "ightning ,"ahe$ again he a. pain an$ ,ear an$ rank $ibe"ie, thro/gh the eye
"it. 4Sapphires,5 he .hipere$ at him- a he gave her b"a$e a har$ t.it that ma$e him
h/$$er. #i .eight agge$ heavi"y againt her- an$ a"" at once it .a a corpe that he
embrace$- there in the b"ack rain. She teppe$ back an$ "et him ,a""8
8an$ Biter crahe$ into her- hrieking.
#e ,e"" on her "ike an ava"anche o, .et .oo" an$ mi"k(.hite ,"eh- "i,ting her o,, her ,eet an$
"amming her $o.n into the gro/n$. She "an$e$ in a p/$$"e .ith a p"ah that ent .ater /p her
noe an$ into her eye. A"" the air .a $riven o/t o, her- an$ her hea$ nappe$ $o.n againt
ome ha",(b/rie$ tone .ith a crack+ 2No-1 .a a"" that he ha$ time to ay be,ore he ,e"" on top
o, her- hi .eight $riving her $eeper into the m/$. Hne o, hi han$ .a in her hair- p/""ing her
hea$ back. 7he other grope$ ,or her throat. Hathkeeper .a gone- torn ,rom her grap. She ha$
on"y her han$ to ,ight him o,,- b/t .hen he "amme$ a ,it into hi ,ace it .a "ike p/nching a
ba"" o, .et .hite $o/gh. #e hissed at her.
She hit him again- again- again, mahing the hee" o, her han$ into hi eye- b/t he $i$ not
eem to ,ee" her b"o.. She c"a.e$ at hi .rit- b/t hi grip =/t gre. tighter- tho/gh b"oo$ ran
,rom the go/ge .here he cratche$ him. #e .a cr/hing her- mothering her. She p/he$ at
hi ho/"$er to get him o,, her- b/t he .a heavy a a hore- impoib"e to move. 3hen he trie$
to knee him in the groin- a"" he $i$ .a $rive her knee into hi be""y. Gr/nting- Biter tore o/t a
han$,/" o, her hair.
*! dagger+ Brienne c"/tche$ at the tho/ght- $eperate. She .orke$ her han$ $o.n bet.een
them- ,inger A/irming /n$er hi o/r- /,,ocating ,"eh- earching /nti" they ,ina""y ,o/n$ the
hi"t. Biter "ocke$ both hi han$ abo/t her neck an$ began to "am her hea$ againt the gro/n$.
7he "ightning ,"ahe$ again- thi time ini$e her k/""- yet omeho. her ,inger tightene$- p/""e$
the $agger ,rom it heath. 3ith him on top o, her- he co/"$ not raie the b"a$e to tab- o he
$re. it har$ acro hi be""y. Something .arm an$ .et g/he$ bet.een her ,inger. Biter hissed
again- "o/$er than be,ore- an$ "et go o, her throat =/t "ong eno/gh to mah her in the ,ace. She
hear$ bone crack- an$ the pain b"in$e$ her ,or an intant. 3hen he trie$ to "ah at him again-
he .renche$ the $agger ,rom her ,inger an$ "amme$ a knee $o.n onto her ,orearm- breaking
it. 7hen he eiGe$ her hea$ again an$ re/me$ trying to tear it o,, her ho/"$er.
Brienne co/"$ hear 5og barking- an$ men .ere ho/ting a"" abo/t her- an$ bet.een the c"ap
o, th/n$er he hear$ the c"ah o, tee" on tee". Ser 7!le, he tho/ght- Ser 7!le has 9oined the
fight, b/t a"" that eeme$ ,ar a.ay an$ /nimportant. #er .or"$ .a no "arger than the han$ at
her throat an$ the ,ace that "oome$ above her. 7he rain ran o,, hi hoo$ a he "eane$ c"oer. #i
breath tank "ike cheee gone rotten.
Brienne4 chet .a b/rning- an$ the torm .a behin$ her eye- b"in$ing her. Bone gro/n$
againt each other ini$e o, her. Biter4 mo/th gape$ open- impoib"y .i$e. She a. hi teeth-
ye""o. an$ crooke$- ,i"e$ into point. 3hen they c"oe$ on the o,t meat o, her cheek- he har$"y
,e"t it. She co/"$ ,ee" here", pira"ing $o.n into the $ark. I cannot die !et, he to"$ here",- there
is something I still need to do+
Biter4 mo/th tore ,ree- ,/"" o, b"oo$ an$ ,"eh. #e pat- grinne$- an$ ank hi pointe$ teeth
into her ,"eh again. 7hi time he che.e$ an$ .a""o.e$. 7e is eating me, he rea"iGe$- b/t he
ha$ no trength "e,t to ,ight him any "onger. She ,e"t a i, he .ere ,"oating above here",-
.atching the horror a i, it .ere happening to ome other .oman- to ome t/pi$ gir" .ho
tho/ght he .a a knight. It will be finished soon, he to"$ here",. #hen it will not matter if he
eats me+ Biter thre. back hi hea$ an$ opene$ hi mo/th again- ho."ing- an$ t/ck hi tong/e
o/t at her. &t .a harp"y pointe$- $ripping b"oo$- "onger than any tong/e ho/"$ be. S"i$ing ,rom
hi mo/th- o/t an$ o/t an$ o/t- re$ an$ .et an$ g"itening- it ma$e a hi$eo/ ight- obcene. 7is
tongue is a foot long, Brienne tho/ght- =/t be,ore the $arkne took her. Wh!, it looks almost
like a sword+
T'RION
7he Selaesori :horan .a even $ay ,rom %o"anti .hen 9enny ,ina""y emerge$ ,rom her
cabin- creeping /p on $eck "ike ome timi$ .oo$"an$ creat/re emerging ,rom a "ong .inter4
"eep.
&t .a $/k an$ the re$ priet ha$ "it hi night,ire in the great iron braGier ami$hip a the
cre. gathere$ ro/n$ to pray. MoAorro4 voice .a a ba $r/m that eeme$ to boom ,rom
ome.here $eep .ithin hi maive toro. 2We thank !ou for !our sun that keeps us warm,1 he
praye$. 2We thank !ou for !our stars that watch oer us as we sail this cold black sea+1 A h/ge
man- ta""er than Ser !orah an$ .i$e eno/gh to make t.o o, him- the priet .ore car"et robe
embroi$ere$ at "eeve an$ hem an$ co""ar .ith orange atin ,"ame. #i kin .a b"ack a pitch-
hi hair a .hite a no.I the ,"ame tattooe$ acro hi cheek an$ bro. ye""o. an$ orange. #i
iron ta,, .a a ta"" a he .a an$ cro.ne$ .ith a $ragon4 hea$I .hen he tampe$ it b/tt /pon
the $eck- the $ragon4 ma. pat crack"ing green ,"ame.
#i g/ar$men- ,ive "ave .arrior o, the +iery #an$- "e$ the repone. 7hey chante$ in the
tong/e o, H"$ %o"anti- b/t 7yrion ha$ hear$ the prayer eno/gh to grap the eence. "ight our
fire and protect us from the dark, blah blah, light our wa! and keep us toast! warm, the night is
dark and full of terrors, sae us from the scar! things, and blah blah blah some more+
#e kne. better than to voice /ch tho/ght a"o/$. 7yrion ?anniter ha$ no /e ,or any go$-
b/t on thi hip it .a .ie to ho. a certain repect ,or re$ R4h""or. !orah Mormont ha$
remove$ 7yron4 chain an$ ,etter once they .ere a,e"y /n$er .ay- an$ the $.ar, $i$ not .ih
to give him ca/e to c"ap them on again.
7he Selaesori :horan .a a .a""o.ing t/b o, ,ive h/n$re$ ton- .ith a $eep ho"$- high
cat"e ,ore an$ a,t- an$ a ing"e mat bet.een. At her ,orecat"e too$ a groteA/e ,ig/rehea$-
ome .orm(eaten .oo$en eminence .ith a contipate$ "ook an$ a cro"" t/cke$ /p /n$er one
arm. 7yrion ha$ never een an /g"ier hip. #er cre. .a no prettier. #er captain- a mean(
mo/the$- ,"inty- kett"e(be""ie$ man .ith c"oe(et- gree$y eye- .a a ba$ c!asse p"ayer an$ a
.ore "oer. Fn$er him erve$ ,o/r mate- ,ree$men a""- an$ ,i,ty "ave bo/n$ to the hip- each
.ith a cr/$e verion o, the cog4 ,ig/rehea$ tattooe$ /pon one cheek. 2o(2ose, the ai"or "ike$
to ca"" 7yrion- no matter ho. many time he to"$ them hi name .a #/gor #i"".
7hree o, the mate an$ more than three(A/arter o, the cre. .ere ,ervent .orhiper o, the
?or$ o, ?ight. 7yrion .a "e certain abo/t the captain- .ho a".ay emerge$ ,or the evening
prayer b/t took no other part in them. B/t MoAorro .a the tr/e mater o, the Selaesori
:horan, at "eat ,or thi voyage.
2"ord of "ight, bless !our slae *o3orro, and light his wa! in the dark places of the world, 1
the re$ priet boome$. 2And defend !our righteous slae Benerro+ 1rant him courage+ 1rant
him wisdom+ Fill his heart with fire+1
7hat .a .hen 7yrion notice$ 9enny- .atching the m/mmery ,rom the teep .oo$en tair
that "e$ $o.n beneath the terncat"e. She too$ on one o, the "o.er tep- o on"y the top o, her
hea$ .a viib"e. Beneath her hoo$ her eye hone big an$ .hite in the "ight o, the night,ire. She
ha$ her $og .ith her- the big grey ho/n$ he ro$e in the mock =o/t.
2My "a$y-1 7yrion ca""e$ o,t"y. &n tr/th- he .a no "a$y- b/t he co/"$ not bring hime", to
mo/th that i""y name o, her- an$ he .a not abo/t to ca"" her girl or dwarf+
She cringe$ back. 2&8 & $i$ not ee yo/.1
23e""- & am ma"".1
2&8 & .a /n.e""81 #er $og barke$.
Sick with grief, !ou mean+ 2&, & can be o, he"p81
2No.1 An$ A/ick a that he .a gone again- retreating back be"o. to the cabin he hare$
.ith her $og an$ o.. 7yrion co/"$ not ,a/"t her. 7he cre. o, the Selaesori :horan ha$ been
p"eae$ eno/gh .hen he ,irt came on boar$I a $.ar, .a goo$ "/ck- a,ter a"". #i hea$ ha$ been
r/bbe$ o o,ten an$ o vigoro/"y that it .a a .on$er he .an4t ba"$. B/t 9enny ha$ met .ith a
more mi:e$ reaction. She might be a $.ar,- b/t he .a a"o a .oman- an$ .omen .ere ba$
"/ck aboar$ hip. +or every man .ho trie$ to r/b her hea$- there .ere three .ho m/ttere$
ma"e$iction /n$er their breath .hen he .ent by.
And the sight of me can onl! be salt in her wound+ #he! hacked off her brother/s head in the
hope that it was mine, !et here I sit like some blood! gargo!le, offering empt! consolations+ If I
were her, I/d want nothing more than to shoe me into the sea+
#e ,e"t nothing b/t pity ,or the gir". She $i$ not $eerve the horror viite$ on her in %o"anti-
any more than her brother ha$. 7he "at time he ha$ een her- =/t be,ore they "e,t port- her eye
ha$ been ra. ,rom crying- t.o ghat"y re$ ho"e in a .an- pa"e ,ace. By the time they raie$ ai"
he ha$ "ocke$ here", in her cabin .ith her $og an$ her pig- b/t at night they co/"$ hear her
.eeping. Hn"y yeter$ay he ha$ hear$ one o, the mate ay that they o/ght to thro. her
overboar$ be,ore her tear co/"$ .amp the hip. 7yrion .a not entire"y /re he ha$ been
=aping.
3hen the evening prayer ha$ en$e$ an$ the hip4 cre. ha$ once again $ipere$- ome to
their .atch an$ other to ,oo$ an$ r/m an$ hammock- MoAorro remaine$ bei$e hi night,ire-
a he $i$ every night. 7he re$ priet rete$ by $ay b/t kept vigi" thro/gh the $ark ho/r- to ten$
hi acre$ ,"ame o that the /n might ret/rn to them at $a.n.
7yrion A/atte$ acro ,rom him an$ .arme$ hi han$ againt the night4 chi"". MoAorro
took no notice o, him ,or evera" moment. #e .a taring into the ,"ickering ,"ame- "ot in
ome viion. Does he see da!s !et to come, as he claims6 &, o- that .a a ,earome gi,t. A,ter a
time the priet raie$ hi eye to meet the $.ar,4. 2#/gor #i""-1 he ai$- inc"ining hi hea$ in a
o"emn no$. 2#ave yo/ come to pray .ith me61
2Someone to"$ me that the night i $ark an$ ,/"" o, terror. 3hat $o yo/ ee in thoe ,"ame61
25ragon-1 MoAorro ai$ in the Common 7ong/e o, 3etero. #e poke it very .e""- .ith
har$"y a trace o, accent. No $o/bt that .a one reaon the high priet Benerro ha$ choen him to
bring the ,aith o, R4h""or to 5aenery 7argaryen. 25ragon o"$ an$ yo/ng- tr/e an$ ,a"e- bright
an$ $ark. An$ yo/. A ma"" man .ith a big ha$o.- nar"ing in the mi$t o, a"".1
2Snar"ing6 An amiab"e ,e""o. "ike me61 7yrion .a a"mot ,"attere$. And no doubt that is 9ust
what he intends+ 0er! fool loes to hear that he/s important+ 29erhap it .a 9enny yo/ a..
3e4re a"mot o, a iGe.1
2No- my ,rien$.1
*! friend6 When did that happen, I wonder6 25i$ yo/ ee ho. "ong it .i"" take / to reach
Meereen61
2Eo/ are eager to beho"$ the .or"$4 $e"iverer61
&es and no+ #he world/s delierer ma! snick off m! head or gie me to her dragons as a
saor!+ 2Not me-1 ai$ 7yrion. 2+or me- it i a"" abo/t the o"ive. 7ho/gh & ,ear & may gro. o"$
an$ $ie be,ore & tate one. & co/"$ $og(pa$$"e ,ater than .e4re ai"ing. 7e"" me- .a Selaesori
:horan a triarch or a t/rt"e61
7he re$ priet ch/ck"e$. 2Neither. :horan i8 not a r/"er- b/t one .ho erve an$ co/ne"
/ch- an$ he"p con$/ct hi b/ine. Eo/ o, 3etero might ay steward or magister+1
,ing/s 7and6 7hat am/e$ him. 2An$ selaesori61
MoAorro to/che$ hi noe. 2&mb/e$ .ith a p"eaant aroma. +ragrant- .o/"$ yo/ ay6
+"o.ery61
2So Selaesori :horan mean Stink! Steward, more or "e61
2Fragrant Steward, rather.1
7yrion gave a crooke$ grin. 2& be"ieve & .i"" tay .ith Stink!+ B/t & $o thank yo/ ,or the
"eon.1
2& am p"eae$ to have en"ightene$ yo/. 9erhap ome$ay yo/ .i"" "et me teach yo/ the tr/th
o, R4h""or a .e"".1
2Some$ay.1 When I am a head on a spike+
7he A/arter he hare$ .ith Ser !orah .ere a cabin on"y by co/rteyI the $ank- $ark- ,o/"(
me""ing c"oet ha$ bare"y eno/gh pace to hang a pair o, "eeping hammock- one above the
other. #e ,o/n$ Mormont tretche$ o/t in the "o.er one- .aying "o."y .ith the motion o, the
hip. 27he gir" ,ina""y poke$ her noe above$eck-1 7yrion to"$ him. 2Hne "ook at me an$ he
c/rrie$ right back $o.n be"o..1
2Eo/4re not a pretty ight.1
2Not a"" o, / can be a come"y a yo/. 7he gir" i "ot. &t .o/"$ not /rprie me i, the poor
creat/re .an4t neaking /p to =/mp over the i$e an$ $ro.n here",.1
27he poor creat/re4 name i 9enny.1
2& kno. her name.1 #e hate$ her name. #er brother ha$ gone by the name o, Groat- tho/gh
hi tr/e name ha$ been Hppo. 1roat and $enn!+ #he smallest coins, worth the least, and what/s
worse, the! chose the names themseles+ &t "e,t a ba$ tate in 7yrion4 mo/th. 2By any name- he
nee$ a ,rien$.1
Ser !orah at /p in hi hammock. 2Be,rien$ her- then. Marry her- ,or a"" & care.1
7hat "e,t a ba$ tate in hi mo/th a .e"". 2?ike .ith "ike- i that yo/r notion6 5o yo/ mean to
,in$ a he(bear ,or yo/re",- er61
2Eo/ .ere the one .ho inite$ that .e bring her.1
2& ai$ .e co/"$ not aban$on her in %o"anti. 7hat $oe not mean & .ant to ,/ck her. She
.ant me $ea$- have yo/ ,orgotten6 &4m the "at peron he4 "ike to .ant a a ,rien$.1
2Eo/4re both $.ar,.1
2Ee- an$ o .a her brother- .ho .a ki""e$ beca/e ome $r/nken ,oo" took him ,or me.1
2+ee"ing g/i"ty- are yo/61
2No.1 7yrion brit"e$. 2& have in eno/gh to an.er ,orI &4"" have no part o, thi one. & might
have n/rt/re$ ome i"" .i"" to.ar$ her an$ her brother ,or the part they p"aye$ the night o,
!o,,rey4 .e$$ing- b/t & never .ihe$ them harm.1
2Eo/ are a harm"e creat/re- to be /re. &nnocent a a "amb.1 Ser !orah got to hi ,eet. 27he
$.ar, gir" i yo/r b/r$en. >i her- ki"" her- or avoi$ her- a yo/ "ike. &t4 na/ght to me.1 #e
ho/"$ere$ pat 7yrion an$ o/t o, the cabin.
#wice e8iled, and small wonder, 7yrion tho/ght. I/d e8ile him too if I could+ #he man is cold,
brooding, sullen, deaf to humor+ And those are his good points+ Ser !orah pent mot o, hi
.aking ho/r pacing the ,orecat"e or "eaning on the rai"- gaGing o/t to ea. "ooking for his siler
3ueen+ "ooking for Daener!s, willing the ship to sail faster+ Well, I might do the same if #!sha
waited in *eereen+
Co/"$ S"aver4 Bay be .here .hore .ent6 &t eeme$ /n"ike"y. +rom .hat he4$ rea$- the
"aver citie .ere the p"ace .here .hore .ere ma$e. *ormont should hae bought one for
himself+ A pretty "ave gir" might have $one .on$er to improve hi temper8 partic/"ar"y one
.ith i"very hair- "ike the .hore .ho ha$ been itting on hi cock back in Se"hory.
Hn the river 7yrion ha$ to en$/re Gri,,- b/t there ha$ at "eat been the mytery o, the
captain4 tr/e i$entity to $ivert him an$ the more congenia" companionhip o, the ret o, the
po"eboat4 "itt"e company. Hn the cog- a"a- everyone .a =/t .ho they appeare$ to be- no one
.a partic/"ar"y congenia"- an$ on"y the re$ priet .a intereting. 7im, and ma!be $enn!+ But
the girl hates me, and she should+
?i,e aboar$ the Selaesori :horan .a nothing i, not te$io/- 7yrion ha$ ,o/n$. 7he mot
e:citing part o, hi $ay .a pricking hi toe an$ ,inger .ith a kni,e. Hn the river there ha$
been .on$er to beho"$' giant t/rt"e- r/ine$ citie- tone men- nake$ epta. Hne never kne.
.hat might be "/rking aro/n$ the ne:t ben$. 7he $ay an$ night at ea .ere a"" the ame.
?eaving %o"anti- the cog ha$ ai"e$ .ithin ight o, "an$ at ,irt- o 7yrion co/"$ gaGe at paing
hea$"an$- .atch c"o/$ o, eabir$ rie ,rom tony c"i,, an$ cr/mb"ing .atchto.er- co/nt
bare bro.n i"an$ a they "ippe$ pat. #e a. many other hip a .e""' ,ihing boat-
"/mbering merchantmen- pro/$ ga""ey .ith their oar "ahing the .ave into .hite ,oam. B/t
once they tr/ck o/t into $eeper .ater- there .a on"y ea an$ ky- air an$ .ater. 7he .ater
"ooke$ "ike .ater. 7he ky "ooke$ "ike ky. Sometime there .a a c"o/$. #oo much blue+
An$ the night .ere .ore. 7yrion "ept ba$"y at the bet o, time- an$ thi .a ,ar ,rom that.
S"eep meant $ream a "ike a not- an$ in hi $ream the Sorro. .aite$- an$ a tony king .ith
hi ,ather4 ,ace. 7hat "e,t him .ith the beggar4 choice o, c"imbing /p into hi hammock an$
"itening to !orah Mormont nore beneath him- or remaining above$eck to contemp"ate the ea.
Hn moon"e night the .ater .a a b"ack a maeter4 ink- ,rom horiGon to horiGon. 5ark an$
$eep an$ ,orbi$$ing- bea/ti,/" in a chi""y ort o, .ay- b/t .hen he "ooke$ at it too "ong 7yrion
,o/n$ hime", m/ing on ho. eay it .o/"$ be to "ip over the g/n.a"e an$ $rop $o.n into that
$arkne. Hne very ma"" p"ah- an$ the pathetic "itt"e ta"e that .a hi "i,e .o/"$ oon be $one.
But what if there is a hell and m! father/s waiting for me6
7he bet part o, each evening .a /pper. 7he ,oo$ .a not epecia""y goo$- b/t it .a
p"enti,/"- o that .a .here the $.ar, .ent ne:t. 7he ga""ey .here he took hi mea" .a a
crampe$ an$ /ncom,ortab"e pace- .ith a cei"ing o "o. that the ta""er paenger .ere a".ay in
$anger o, cracking their hea$- a haGar$ the trapping "ave o"$ier o, the +iery #an$ eeme$
partic/"ar"y prone to. A m/ch a 7yrion en=oye$ niggering at that- he ha$ come to pre,er taking
hi mea" a"one. Sitting at a cro.$e$ tab"e .ith men .ho $i$ not hare a common "ang/age .ith
yo/- "itening to them ta"k an$ =ape .hi"t /n$ertan$ing none o, it- ha$ A/ick"y gro.n
.eariome. 9artic/"ar"y ince he a".ay ,o/n$ hime", .on$ering i, the =ape an$ "a/ghter .ere
$irecte$ at him.
7he ga""ey .a a"o .here the hip4 book .ere kept. #er captain being an epecia""y
bookih man- he carrie$ three@a co""ection o, na/tica" poetry that .ent ,rom ba$ to .ore- a
.e""(th/mbe$ tome abo/t the erotic a$vent/re o, a yo/ng "ave gir" in a ?yene pi""o. ho/e-
an$ the ,o/rth an$ ,ina" vo"/me o, #he "ife of the #riarch Belicho, a ,amo/ %o"antene patriot
.hoe /nbroken /cceion o, conA/et an$ tri/mph en$e$ rather abr/pt"y .hen he .a eaten
by giant. 7yrion ha$ ,inihe$ them a"" by their thir$ $ay at ea. 7hen- ,or "ack o, any other
book- he tarte$ rea$ing them again. 7he "ave gir"4 tory .a the .ort .ritten b/t the mot
engroing- an$ that .a the one he took $o.n thi evening to ee him thro/gh a /pper o,
b/ttere$ beet- co"$ ,ih te.- an$ bic/it that co/"$ have been /e$ to $rive nai".
#e .a rea$ing the gir"4 acco/nt o, the $ay he an$ her iter .ere taken by "aver .hen
9enny entere$ the ga""ey. 2Hh-1 he ai$- 2& tho/ght8 & $i$ not mean to $it/rb m4"or$- &81
2Eo/ are not $it/rbing me. Eo/4re not going to try to ki"" me again- & hope.1
2No.1 She "ooke$ a.ay- her ,ace re$$ening. 2&n that cae- & .o/"$ .e"come ome company.
7here4 "itt"e eno/gh aboar$ thi hip.1 7yrion c"oe$ the book. 2Come. Sit. Cat.1 7he gir" ha$
"e,t mot o, her mea" /nto/che$ o/ti$e her cabin $oor. By no. he m/t be tarving. 27he te.
i a"mot e$ib"e. 7he ,ih i ,reh- at "eat.1
2No- &8 & choke$ on a ,ih bone once- & can4t eat ,ih.1
2#ave ome .ine- then.1 #e ,i""e$ a c/p an$ "i$ it to.ar$ her. 2Comp"iment o, o/r captain.
C"oer to pi than Arbor go"$- i, tr/th be to"$- b/t even pi tate better than the b"ack tar r/m
the ai"or $rink. &t might he"p yo/ "eep.1
7he gir" ma$e no move to to/ch the c/p. 27hank yo/- m4"or$- b/t no.1 She backe$ a.ay. 2&
ho/"$ not be bothering yo/.1
25o yo/ mean to pen$ yo/r .ho"e "i,e r/nning a.ay61 7yrion ake$ be,ore he co/"$ "ip
back o/t the $oor.
7hat toppe$ her. #er cheek t/rne$ a bright pink- an$ he .a a,rai$ he .a abo/t to tart
.eeping again. &ntea$ he thr/t o/t her "ip $e,iant"y an$ ai$- 2Eo/4re r/nning too.1
2& am-1 he con,ee$- 2b/t & am r/nning to an$ yo/ are r/nning from, an$ there4 a .or"$ o,
$i,,erence there.1
23e .o/"$ never have ha$ to r/n at a"" b/t ,or yo/.1
It took some courage to sa! that to m! face+ 2Are yo/ peaking o, >ing4 ?an$ing or
%o"anti61
2Both.1 7ear g"itene$ in her eye. 2Cverything. 3hy co/"$n4t yo/ =/t come =o/t .ith /-
the .ay the king .ante$6 Eo/ .o/"$n4t have gotten h/rt. 3hat .o/"$ that have cot m4"or$- to
c"imb /p on o/r $og an$ ri$e a ti"t to p"eae the boy6 &t .a =/t a bit o, ,/n. 7hey .o/"$ have
"a/ghe$ at yo/- that4 a"".1
27hey .o/"$ have "a/ghe$ at me-1 ai$ 7yrion. I made them laugh at -off instead+ And wasn/t
that a cleer plo!6
2My brother ay that i a goo$ thing- making peop"e "a/gh. A noble thing- an$ honorab"e.
My brother ay8 he81 7he tear ,e"" then- ro""ing $o.n her ,ace.
2& am orry abo/t yo/r brother.1 7yrion ha$ ai$ the ame .or$ to her be,ore- back in
%o"anti- b/t he .a o ,ar gone in grie, back there that he $o/bte$ he ha$ hear$ them.
She hear$ them no.. 2Sorry. Eo/ are orry.1 #er "ip .a tremb"ing- her cheek .ere .et- her
eye .ere re$(rimme$ ho"e. 23e "e,t >ing4 ?an$ing that very night. My brother ai$ it .a ,or
the bet- be,ore omeone .on$ere$ i, .e4$ ha$ ome part in the king4 $eath an$ $eci$e$ to
tort/re / to ,in$ o/t. 3e .ent to 7yroh ,irt. My brother tho/ght that .o/"$ be ,ar eno/gh- b/t
it .an4t. 3e kne. a =/gg"er there. +or year an$ year he .o/"$ =/gg"e every $ay by the
+o/ntain o, the 5r/nken Go$. #e .a o"$- o hi han$ .ere not a $e,t a they ha$ been- an$
ometime he .o/"$ $rop hi ba"" an$ chae them acro the A/are- b/t the 7yrohi .o/"$
"a/gh an$ thro. him coin a"" the ame. 7hen one morning .e hear$ that hi bo$y ha$ been
,o/n$ at the 7emp"e o, 7rio. 7rio ha three hea$- an$ there4 a big tat/e o, him bei$e the
temp"e $oor. 7he o"$ man ha$ been c/t into three part an$ p/he$ ini$e the three,o"$ mo/th
o, 7rio. Hn"y .hen the part .ere e.n back together- hi hea$ .a gone.1
2A gi,t ,or my .eet iter. #e .a another $.ar,.1
2A "itt"e man- aye. ?ike yo/- an$ Hppo. Groat. Are yo/ orry abo/t the =/gg"er too61
2& never kne. yo/r =/gg"er e:ite$ /nti" thi very moment8 b/t ye- & am orry he i $ea$.1
2#e $ie$ ,or yo/. #i b"oo$ i on yo/r han$.1
7he acc/ation t/ng- coming o har$ on the hee" o, !orah Mormont4 .or$. 2#i b"oo$ i
on my iter4 han$- an$ the han$ o, the br/te .ho ki""e$ him. My han$81 7yrion t/rne$
them over- inpecte$ them- coi"e$ them into ,it. 28my han$ are cr/te$ .ith o"$ b"oo$- aye.
Ca"" me kin"ayer- an$ yo/ .on4t be .rong. >ing"ayer- &4"" an.er to that one a .e"". & have
ki""e$ mother- ,ather- nephe.- "over- men an$ .omen- king an$ .hore. A inger once
annoye$ me- o & ha$ the batar$ te.e$. B/t & have never ki""e$ a =/gg"er- nor a $.ar,- an$ & am
not to b"ame ,or .hat happene$ to yo/r b"oo$y brother.1
9enny picke$ the c/p o, .ine he4$ po/re$ ,or her an$ thre. it in hi ,ace. -ust like m! sweet
sister+ #e hear$ the ga""ey $oor "am b/t never a. her "eave. #i eye .ere tinging- an$ the
.or"$ .a a b"/r. So much for befriending her+
7yrion ?anniter ha$ cant e:perience .ith other $.ar,. #i "or$ ,ather ha$ not .e"come$
any remin$er o, hi on4 $e,ormitie- an$ /ch m/mmer a ,eat/re$ "itt"e ,o"k in their tro/pe
oon "earne$ to tay a.ay ,rom ?anniport an$ Cater"y Rock- at the rik o, hi $ip"ea/re.
Gro.ing /p- 7yrion hear$ report o, a $.ar, =eter at the eat o, the 5ornih ?or$ +o."er- a
$.ar, maeter in ervice on the +inger- an$ a ,ema"e $.ar, amongt the i"ent iter- b/t he
never ,e"t the "eat nee$ to eek them o/t. ?e re"iab"e ta"e a"o reache$ hi ear- o, a $.ar,
.itch .ho ha/nte$ a hi"" in the river"an$- an$ a $.ar, .hore in >ing4 ?an$ing reno.ne$ ,or
co/p"ing .ith $og. #i o.n .eet iter ha$ to"$ him o, the "at- even o,,ering to ,in$ him a
bitch in heat i, he care$ to try it o/t. 3hen he ake$ po"ite"y i, he .ere re,erring to here",-
Cerei ha$ thro.n a c/p o, .ine in hi ,ace. #hat was red, as I recall, and this is gold+ 7yrion
moppe$ at hi ,ace .ith a "eeve. #i eye ti"" t/ng.
#e $i$ not ee 9enny again /nti" the $ay o, the torm.
7he a"t air "ay ti"" an$ heavy that morning- b/t the .etern ky .a a ,iery re$- treake$ .ith
"o.ering c"o/$ that g"o.e$ a bright a ?anniter crimon. Sai"or .ere $ahing abo/t battening
hatche- r/nning "ine- c"earing the $eck- "ahing $o.n everything that .a not a"rea$y "ahe$
$o.n. 2Ba$ .in$ coming-1 one .arne$ him. 2No(Noe ho/"$ get be"o..1
7yrion remembere$ the torm he4$ /,,ere$ croing the narro. ea- the .ay the $eck ha$
=/mpe$ beneath hi ,eet- the hi$eo/ creaking o/n$ the hip ha$ ma$e- the tate o, .ine an$
vomit. 2No(Noe .i"" tay /p here.1 &, the go$ .ante$ him- he .o/"$ ooner $ie by $ro.ning
than choking on hi o.n vomit. An$ overhea$ the cog4 canva ai" ripp"e$ "o."y- "ike the ,/r
o, ome great beat tirring ,rom a "ong "eep- then ,i""e$ .ith a /$$en crack that t/rne$ every
hea$ on the hip.
7he .in$ $rove the cog be,ore them- ,ar o,, her choen co/re. Behin$ them b"ack c"o/$
pi"e$ one atop another againt a b"oo$(re$ ky. By mi$morning they co/"$ ee "ightning
,"ickering to the .et- ,o""o.e$ by the $itant crah o, th/n$er. 7he ea gre. ro/gher- an$ $ark
.ave roe /p to mah againt the h/"" o, the Stink! Steward+ &t .a abo/t then that the cre.
tarte$ ha/"ing $o.n the canva. 7yrion .a /n$er,oot ami$(hip- o he c"imbe$ the ,orecat"e
an$ h/nkere$ $o.n- avoring the "ah o, co"$ rain on hi cheek. 7he cog .ent /p an$ $o.n-
b/cking more .i"$"y than any hore he4$ ever ri$$en- "i,ting .ith each .ave be,ore "i$ing $o.n
into the tro/gh bet.een- =arring him to the bone. Cven o- it .a better here .here he co/"$ ee
than $o.n be"o. "ocke$ in ome air"e cabin.
By the time the torm broke- evening .a /pon them an$ 7yrion ?anniter .a oake$
thro/gh to the ma""c"othe- yet omeho. he ,e"t e"ate$8 an$ even more o "ater- .hen he ,o/n$
a $r/nken !orah Mormont in a poo" o, vomit in their cabin.
7he $.ar, "ingere$ in the ga""ey a,ter /pper- ce"ebrating hi /rviva" by haring a ,e. tot o,
b"ack tar r/m .ith the hip4 cook- a great greay "o/tih %o"antene .ho poke on"y one .or$ o,
the Common 7ong/e ;fuck<- b/t p"aye$ a ,erocio/ game o, c!asse, partic/"ar"y .hen $r/nk.
7hey p"aye$ three game that night. 7yrion .on the ,irt- then "ot the other t.o. A,ter that he
$eci$e$ that he4$ ha$ eno/gh an$ t/mb"e$ back /p on $eck to c"ear hi hea$ o, r/m an$
e"ephant a"ike.
#e ,o/n$ 9enny on the ,orecat"e- .here he ha$ o o,ten ,o/n$ Ser !orah- tan$ing by the rai"
bei$e the cog4 hi$eo/ ha",(rotte$ ,ig/rehea$ an$ gaGing o/t acro the inky ea. +rom behin$-
he "ooke$ a ma"" an$ v/"nerab"e a a chi"$.
7yrion tho/ght it bet to "eave her /n$it/rbe$- b/t it .a too "ate. She ha$ hear$ him. 2#/gor
#i"".1
2&, yo/ "ike.1 We both know better+ 2& am orry to intr/$e on yo/. & .i"" retire.1
2No.1 #er ,ace .a pa"e an$ a$- b/t he $i$ not "ook to have been crying. 2&4m orry too.
Abo/t the .ine. &t .an4t yo/ .ho ki""e$ my brother or that poor o"$ man in 7yroh.1
2& p"aye$ a part- tho/gh not by choice.1
2& mi him o m/ch. My brother. &81
2& /n$ertan$.1 #e ,o/n$ hime", thinking o, !aime. %ount !ourself luck!+ &our brother died
before he could betra! !ou+
2& tho/ght & .ante$ to $ie-1 he ai$- 2b/t to$ay .hen the torm came an$ & tho/ght the hip
.o/"$ ink- &8 &81
2Eo/ rea"iGe$ that yo/ .ante$ to "ive a,ter a"".1 I hae been there too+ Something else we
hae in common+
#er teeth .ere crooke$- .hich ma$e her hy .ith her mi"e- b/t he mi"e$ no.. 25i$ yo/
tr/"y cook a inger in a te.61
23ho- me6 No. & $o not cook.1
3hen 9enny gigg"e$- he o/n$e$ "ike the .eet yo/ng gir" he .a8 eventeen- eighteen-
no more than nineteen. 23hat $i$ he $o- thi inger61
2#e .rote a ong abo/t me.1 For she was his secret treasure, she was his shame and his
bliss+ And a chain and a keep are nothing, compared to a woman/s kiss+ &t .a A/eer ho. A/ick
the .or$ came back to him. 9erhap they ha$ never "e,t him. 7ands of gold are alwa!s cold,
but a woman/s hands are warm+
2&t m/t have been a very ba$ ong.1
2Not rea""y. &t .a no JRain o, Catamere-4 min$ yo/- b/t ome part .ere8 .e""81
2#o. $i$ it go61
#e "a/ghe$. 2No. Eo/ $o not .ant to hear me ing.1
2My mother /e$ to ing to / .hen .e .ere chi"$ren. My brother an$ me. She a".ay ai$
that it $i$n4t matter .hat yo/r voice .a "ike o "ong a yo/ "ove$ the ong.1
23a he8 61
28a "itt"e peron6 No- b/t o/r ,ather .a. #i o.n ,ather o"$ him to a "aver .hen he .a
three- b/t he gre. /p to be /ch a ,amo/ m/mmer that he bo/ght hi ,ree$om. #e trave"e$ to a""
the +ree Citie- an$ 3etero a .e"". &n H"$to.n they /e$ to ca"" him #op(Bean.1
Of course the! did+ 7yrion trie$ not to .ince. 2#e4 $ea$ no.-1 9enny .ent on. 2My mother
too. Hppo8 he .a my "at ,ami"y- an$ no. he4 gone too.1 She t/rne$ her hea$ a.ay an$
gaGe$ o/t acro the ea. 23hat .i"" & $o6 3here .i"" & go6 & have no tra$e- =/t the =o/ting
ho.- an$ that nee$ t.o.1
2o, tho/ght 7yrion. #hat is not a place !ou want to go, girl+ Do not ask that of me+ Do not
een think it+ 2+in$ yo/re", ome "ike"y orphan boy-1 he /ggete$.
9enny $i$ not eem to hear that. 2&t .a +ather4 i$ea to $o the ti"t. #e even traine$ the ,irt
pig- b/t by then he .a too ick to ri$e her- o Hppo took hi p"ace. & a".ay ro$e the $og. 3e
per,orme$ ,or the Sea"or$ o, Braavo once- an$ he "a/ghe$ o har$ that a,ter.ar$ he gave each
o, / a8 a gran$ gi,t.1
2& that .here my iter ,o/n$ yo/6 &n Braavo61
2Eo/r iter61 7he gir" "ooke$ "ot.
2D/een Cerei.1
9enny hook her hea$. 2She never8 it .a a man .ho came to /- in 9ento. Hm/n$. No-
H.a"$. Something "ike that. Hppo met .ith him- not me. Hppo ma$e a"" o, o/r arrangement.
My brother a".ay kne. .hat to $o- .here .e ho/"$ go ne:t.1
2Meereen i .here .e4re going ne:t.1
She gave him a p/GG"e$ "ook. 2Darth- yo/ mean. 3e4re bo/n$ ,or Darth- by .ay o, Ne.
Ghi.1
2Meereen. Eo/4"" ri$e yo/r $og ,or the $ragon A/een an$ come a.ay .ith yo/r .eight in
go"$. Bet tart eating more- o yo/4"" be nice an$ p"/mp .hen yo/ =o/t be,ore #er Grace.1
9enny $i$ not ret/rn the mi"e. 2By mye",- a"" & can $o i ri$e aro/n$ in circ"e. An$ even i,
the A/een ho/"$ "a/gh- .here .i"" & go a,ter.ar$6 3e never tay in one p"ace "ong. 7he ,irt
time they ee / they "a/gh an$ "a/gh- b/t by the ,o/rth or ,i,th time- they kno. .hat .e4re
going to $o be,ore .e $o it. 7hen they top "a/ghing- o .e have to go ome.here ne.. 3e
make the mot coin in the big citie- b/t & a".ay "ike$ the "itt"e to.n the bet. 9"ace "ike that-
the peop"e have no i"ver- b/t they ,ee$ / at their o.n tab"e- an$ the chi"$ren ,o""o. /
every.here.1
#hat/s because the! hae neer seen a dwarf before, in their wretched pisspot towns, 7yrion
tho/ght. #he blood! brats would follow around a two(headed goat if one turned up+ <ntil the!
got bored with its bleating and slaughtered it for supper+ B/t he ha$ no .ih to make her .eep
again- o intea$ he ai$- 25aenery ha a kin$ heart an$ a genero/ nat/re.1 &t .a .hat he
nee$e$ to hear. 2She .i"" ,in$ a p"ace ,or yo/ at her co/rt- & $on4t $o/bt. A a,e p"ace- beyon$
my iter4 reach.1
9enny t/rne$ back to him. 2An$ yo/ .i"" be there too.1
<nless Daener!s decides she needs some "annister blood, to pa! for the #argar!en blood m!
brother shed+ 2& .i"".1
A,ter that- the $.ar, gir" .a een more ,reA/ent"y above $eck. 7he ne:t $ay 7yrion
enco/ntere$ her an$ her potte$ o. ami$hip in mi$a,ternoon- .hen the air .a .arm an$ the
ea ca"m. 2#er name i 9retty-1 the gir" to"$ him- hy"y.
$rett! the pig and $enn! the girl, he tho/ght. Someone has a deal to answer for+ 9enny gave
7yrion ome acorn- an$ he "et 9retty eat them ,rom hi han$. Do not think I don/t see what !ou
are doing, girl, he tho/ght- a the big o. n/,,"e$ an$ A/ea"e$.
Soon they began to take their mea" together. Some night it .a =/t the t.o o, themI at other
mea" they cro.$e$ in .ith MoAorro4 g/ar$. #he fingers, 7yrion ca""e$ themI they .ere men
o, the +iery #an$- a,ter a""- an$ there .ere ,ive o, them. 9enny "a/ghe$ at that- a .eet o/n$-
tho/gh not one that he hear$ o,ten. #er .o/n$ .a too ,reh- her grie, too $eep.
#e oon ha$ her ca""ing the hip the Stink! Steward, tho/gh he got ome.hat .roth .ith him
.henever he ca""e$ 9retty Bacon+ 7o atone ,or that 7yrion ma$e an attempt to teach her c!asse,
tho/gh he oon rea"iGe$ that .a a "ot ca/e. 2No-1 he ai$- a $oGen time- 2the $ragon ,"ie- not
the e"ephant.1
7hat ame night- he came right o/t an$ ake$ him i, he .o/"$ "ike to ti"t .ith her. 2No-1 he
an.ere$. Hn"y "ater $i$ it occ/r to him that perhap tilt $i$ not mean ti"t. #i an.er .o/"$ ti""
have been no- b/t he might not have been o br/A/e.
Back in the cabin he hare$ .ith !orah Mormont- 7yrion t.ite$ in hi hammock ,or ho/r-
"ipping in an$ o/t o, "eep. #i $ream .ere ,/"" o, grey- tony han$ reaching ,or him ,rom o/t
o, the ,og- an$ a tair that "e$ /p to hi ,ather.
+ina""y he gave it /p an$ ma$e hi .ay /p top ,or a breath o, night air. 7he Selaesori :horan
ha$ ,/r"e$ her big tripe$ ai" ,or the night- an$ her $eck .ere a"" b/t $eerte$. Hne o, the mate
.a on the terncat"e- an$ ami$hip MoAorro at by hi braGier- .here a ,e. ma"" ,"ame ti""
$ance$ amongt the ember.
Hn"y the brightet tar .ere viib"e- a"" to the .et. A $/"" re$ g"o. "it the ky to the
northeat- the co"or o, a b"oo$ br/ie. 7yrion ha$ never een a bigger moon. Montro/- .o""en-
it "ooke$ a i, it ha$ .a""o.e$ the /n an$ .oken .ith a ,ever. &t t.in- ,"oating on the ea
beyon$ the hip- himmere$ re$ .ith every .ave. 23hat ho/r i thi61 he ake$ MoAorro. 27hat
cannot be /nrie /n"e the eat ha move$. 3hy i the ky re$61
27he ky i a".ay re$ above %a"yria- #/gor #i"".1
A co"$ chi"" .ent $o.n hi back. 2Are .e c"oe61
2C"oer than the cre. .o/"$ "ike-1 MoAorro ai$ in hi $eep voice. 25o yo/ kno. the torie-
in yo/r S/net >ing$om61
2& kno. ome ai"or ay that any man .ho "ay eye /pon that coat i $oome$.1 #e $i$ not
be"ieve /ch ta"e hime",- no more than hi /nc"e ha$. Gerion ?anniter ha$ et ai" ,or %a"yria
.hen 7yrion .a eighteen- intent on recovering the "ot ancetra" b"a$e o, #o/e ?anniter an$
any other trea/re that might have /rvive$ the 5oom. 7yrion ha$ .ante$ $eperate"y to go
.ith them- b/t hi "or$ ,ather ha$ $/bbe$ the voyage a 2,oo"4 A/et-1 an$ ,orbi$$en him to take
part.
And perhaps he was not so wrong+ A"mot a $eca$e ha$ pae$ ince the "aughing "ion
hea$e$ o/t ,rom ?anniport- an$ Gerion ha$ never ret/rne$. 7he men ?or$ 7y.in ent to eek
a,ter him ha$ trace$ hi co/re a ,ar a %o"anti- .here ha", hi cre. ha$ $eerte$ him an$ he
ha$ bo/ght "ave to rep"ace them. No ,ree man .o/"$ .i""ing"y ign aboar$ a hip .hoe
captain poke open"y o, hi intent to ai" into the Smoking Sea. 2So thoe are ,ire o, the
+o/rteen +"ame .e4re eeing- re,"ecte$ on the c"o/$61
2+o/rteen or ,o/rteen tho/an$. 3hat man $are co/nt them6 &t i not .ie ,or morta" to "ook
too $eep"y at thoe ,ire- my ,rien$. 7hoe are the ,ire o, go$4 o.n .rath- an$ no h/man ,"ame
can match them. 3e are ma"" creat/re- men.1
2Some ma""er than other.1 .al!ria+ &t .a .ritten that on the $ay o, 5oom every hi"" ,or ,ive
h/n$re$ mi"e ha$ p"it a/n$er to ,i"" the air .ith ah an$ moke an$ ,ire- b"aGe o hot an$
h/ngry that even the $ragon in the ky .ere eng/",e$ an$ con/me$. Great rent ha$ opene$ in
the earth- .a""o.ing pa"ace- temp"e- entire to.n. ?ake boi"e$ or t/rne$ to aci$- mo/ntain
b/rt- ,iery ,o/ntain pe.e$ mo"ten rock a tho/an$ ,eet into the air- re$ c"o/$ raine$ $o.n
$ragong"a an$ the b"ack b"oo$ o, $emon- an$ to the north the gro/n$ p"intere$ an$ co""ape$
an$ ,e"" in on ite", an$ an angry ea came r/hing in. 7he pro/$et city in a"" the .or"$ .a gone
in an intant- it ,ab"e$ empire vanihe$ in a $ay- the ?an$ o, the ?ong S/mmer corche$ an$
$ro.ne$ an$ b"ighte$.
An empire built on blood and fire+ #he .al!rians reaped the seed the! had sown+ 25oe o/r
captain mean to tet the c/re61
2H/r captain .o/"$ pre,er to be ,i,ty "eag/e ,arther o/t to ea- .e"" a.ay ,rom that acc/re$
hore- b/t & have comman$e$ him to teer the hortet co/re. Hther eek 5aenery too.1
1riff, with his !oung prince+ Co/"$ a"" that ta"k o, the Go"$en Company ai"ing .et have
been a ,eint6 7yrion coni$ere$ aying omething- then tho/ght better. &t eeme$ to him that the
prophecy that $rove the re$ priet ha$ room ,or =/t one hero. A econ$ 7argaryen .o/"$ on"y
erve to con,/e them. 2#ave yo/ een thee other in yo/r ,ire61 he ake$- .ari"y.
2Hn"y their ha$o.-1 MoAorro ai$. 2Hne mot o, a"". A ta"" an$ t.ite$ thing .ith one b"ack
eye an$ ten "ong arm- ai"ing on a ea o, b"oo$.1
0ai2e
The brooch that ,atene$ Ser Bryn$en 7/""y4 c"oak .a a b"ack ,ih- .ro/ght in =et an$ go"$.
#i ringmai" .a grim an$ grey. Hver it he .ore greave- gorget- ga/nt"et- pa/"$ron- an$
po"eyn o, b"ackene$ tee"- none ha", o $ark a the "ook /pon hi ,ace a he .aite$ ,or !aime
?anniter at the en$ o, the $ra.bri$ge- a"one atop a chetn/t co/rer caparione$ in re$ an$ b"/e.
7e loes me not+ 7/""y ha$ a craggy ,ace- $eep"y "ine$ an$ .in$b/rnt beneath a hock o, ti,,
grey hair- b/t !aime co/"$ ti"" ee the great knight .ho ha$ once enthra""e$ a A/ire .ith ta"e o,
the Ninepenny >ing. #onor4 hoove c"attere$ againt the p"ank o, the $ra.bri$ge. !aime ha$
tho/ght "ong an$ har$ abo/t .hether to .ear hi go"$ armor or hi .hite to thi meetingI in the
en$- he4$ choen a "eather =ack an$ a crimon c"oak.
#e $re. /p a yar$ ,rom Ser Bryn$en- an$ inc"ine$ hi hea$ to the o"$er man. 2>ing"ayer-1
ai$ 7/""y.
7hat he .o/"$ make that name the ,irt .or$ ,rom hi mo/th poke vo"/me- b/t !aime .a
reo"ve$ to keep hi temper. 2B"ack,ih-1 he repon$e$. 27hank yo/ ,or coming.1
2& a/me yo/ have ret/rne$ to ,/",i"" the oath yo/ .ore my niece-1 Ser Bryn$en ai$. 2A &
reca""- yo/ promie$ Cate"yn her $a/ghter in ret/rn ,or yo/r ,ree$om.1 #i mo/th tightene$.
2Eet & $o not ee the gir". 3here are they61
*ust he make me sa! it6 2& $o not have them.1
29ity. 5o yo/ .ih to re/me yo/r captivity6 Eo/r o"$ ce"" i ti"" avai"ab"e. 3e have p/t
,reh r/he on the ,"oor.1
And a nice new pail for me to shit in, I don/t doubt+ 27hat .a tho/ght,/" o, yo/- er- b/t &
,ear & m/t $ec"ine. & pre,er the com,ort o, my pavi"ion.1
23hi"t Cate"yn en=oy the com,ort o, her grave.1
I had no hand in "ad! %atel!n/s death, he might have ai$- and her daughters were gone
before I reached ,ing/s "anding+ &t .a on hi tong/e to peak o, Brienne an$ the .or$ he4$
given her- b/t the B"ack,ih .a "ooking at him the .ay that C$$ar$ Stark ha$ "ooke$ at him
.hen he4$ ,o/n$ him on the &ron 7hrone .ith the Ma$ >ing4 b"oo$ /pon hi b"a$e. 2& came to
peak o, the "iving- not the $ea$. H, thoe .ho nee$ not $ie- b/t ha""81
28/n"e & han$ yo/ Riverr/n. & thi .here yo/ threaten to hang C$m/re61 Beneath hi
b/hy bro.- 7/""y4 eye .ere tone. 2My nephe. i marke$ ,or $eath no matter .hat & $o. So
hang him an$ be $one .ith it. & e:pect that C$m/re i a .eary o, tan$ing on thoe ga""o. a &
am o, eeing him there.1
)!man Fre! is a blood! fool+ #i m/mmer4 ho. .ith C$m/re an$ the ga""o. ha$ on"y
ma$e the B"ack,ih more ob$/rate- that .a p"ain. 2Eo/ ho"$ ?a$y Sybe""e 3eter"ing an$ three
o, her chi"$ren. &4"" ret/rn yo/r nephe. in e:change ,or them.1
2A yo/ ret/rne$ ?a$y Cate"yn4 $a/ghter61
!aime $i$ not a""o. hime", to be provoke$. 2An o"$ .oman an$ three chi"$ren ,or yo/r "iege
"or$. 7hat4 a better bargain than yo/ co/"$ have hope$ ,or.1
Ser Bryn$en mi"e$ a har$ mi"e. 2Eo/ $o not "ack ,or ga""- >ing"ayer. Bargaining .ith
oathbreaker i "ike b/i"$ing on A/ickan$- tho/gh. Cat ho/"$ have kno.n better than to tr/t
the "ike o, yo/.1
It was #!rion she trusted in, !aime a"mot ai$. #he Imp deceied her too+ 27he promie &
ma$e to ?a$y Cate"yn .ere .r/ng ,rom me at .or$point.1
2An$ the oath yo/ .ore to Aery61
#e ,e"t hi phantom ,inger t.itching. 2Aery i no part o, thi. 3i"" yo/ e:change the
3eter"ing ,or C$m/re61
2No. My king entr/te$ hi A/een to my keeping- an$ & .ore to keep her a,e. & .i"" not han$
her over to a +rey nooe.1
27he gir" ha been par$one$. No harm .i"" come to her. Eo/ have my .or$ on that.1
2Eo/r .or$ o, honor61 Ser Bryn$en raie$ an eyebro.. 25o yo/ even kno. .hat honor i61
A horse+ 2& .i"" .ear any oath that yo/ reA/ire.1
2Spare me- >ing"ayer.1
2& .ant to. Strike yo/r banner an$ open yo/r gate an$ &4"" grant yo/r men their "ive. 7hoe
.ho .ih to remain at Riverr/n in ervice to ?or$ Cmmon may $o o. 7he ret ha"" be ,ree to go
.here they .i""- tho/gh & .i"" reA/ire them to /rren$er their arm an$ armor.1
2& .on$er- ho. ,ar .i"" they get- /narme$- be,ore Jo/t"a.4 et /pon them6 Eo/ $are not
a""o. them to =oin ?or$ Beric- .e both kno. that. An$ .hat o, me6 3i"" & be para$e$ thro/gh
>ing4 ?an$ing to $ie "ike C$$ar$ Stark61
2& .i"" permit yo/ to take the b"ack. Ne$ Stark4 batar$ i the ?or$ Comman$er on the 3a"".1
7he B"ack,ih narro.e$ hi eye. 25i$ yo/r ,ather arrange ,or that a .e""6 Cate"yn never
tr/te$ the boy- a & reca""- no more than he ever tr/te$ 7heon Grey=oy. &t .o/"$ eem he .a
right abo/t them both. No- er- & think not. &4"" $ie .arm- i, yo/ p"eae- .ith a .or$ in han$
r/nning re$ .ith "ion b"oo$.1
27/""y b"oo$ r/n =/t a re$-1 !aime remin$e$ him. 2&, yo/ .i"" not yie"$ the cat"e- & m/t
torm it. #/n$re$ .i"" $ie.1
2#/n$re$ o, mine. 7ho/an$ o, yo/r.1
2Eo/r garrion .i"" perih to a man.1
2& kno. that ong. 5o yo/ ing it to the t/ne o, J7he Rain o, Catamere46 My men .o/"$
ooner $ie /pon their ,eet ,ighting than on their knee beneath a hea$man4 a:e.1
#his is not going well+ 27hi $e,iance erve no p/rpoe- er. 7he .ar i $one- an$ yo/r
Eo/ng 3o", i $ea$.1
2M/r$ere$ in breach o, a"" the acre$ "a. o, hopita"ity.1
2+rey4 .ork- not mine.1
2Ca"" it .hat yo/ .i"". &t tink o, 7y.in ?anniter.1
!aime co/"$ not $eny that. 2My ,ather i $ea$ a .e"".1
2May the +ather =/$ge him =/t"y.1
2ow, there/s an awful prospect+ 2& .o/"$ have "ain Robb Stark in the 3hipering 3oo$- i, &
co/"$ have reache$ him. Some ,oo" got in my .ay. 5oe it matter ho. the boy perihe$6 #e4
no "e $ea$- an$ hi king$om $ie$ .hen he $i$.1
2Eo/ m/t be b"in$ a .e"" a maime$- er. ?i,t yo/r eye- an$ yo/ .i"" ee that the $ire.o",
ti"" ,"ie above o/r .a"".1
2&4ve een him. #e "ook "one"y. #arrenha" ha ,a""en. Seagar$ an$ Mai$enpoo". 7he
Bracken have bent the knee- an$ they4ve got 7yto B"ack.oo$ penne$ /p in Raventree. 9iper-
%ance- Mooton- a"" yo/r bannermen have yie"$e$. Hn"y Riverr/n remain. 3e have t.enty time
yo/r n/mber.1
27.enty time the men reA/ire t.enty time the ,oo$. #o. .e"" are yo/ proviione$- my
"or$61
23e"" eno/gh to it here ti"" the en$ o, $ay i, nee$ be- .hi"t yo/ tarve ini$e yo/r .a"".1
#e to"$ the "ie a bo"$"y a he co/"$ an$ hope$ hi ,ace $i$ not betray him.
7he B"ack,ih .a not $eceive$. 27he en$ o, yo/r $ay- perhap. H/r o.n /pp"ie are amp"e-
tho/gh & ,ear .e $i$ not "eave m/ch in the ,ie"$ ,or viitor.1
23e can bring ,oo$ $o.n ,rom the 7.in-1 ai$ !aime- 2or over the hi"" ,rom the .et- i, it
come to that.1
2&, yo/ ay o. +ar be it ,rom me to A/etion the .or$ o, /ch an honorab"e knight.1
7he corn in hi voice ma$e !aime brit"e. 27here i a A/icker .ay to $eci$e the matter. A
ing"e combat. My champion againt yo/r.1
2& .a .on$ering .hen yo/ .o/"$ get to that.1 Ser Bryn$en "a/ghe$. 23ho .i"" it be6
Strongboar6 A$$am Marbran$6 B"ack 3a"$er +rey61 #e "eane$ ,or.ar$. 23hy not yo/ an$ me-
er61
#hat would hae been a sweet fight once, !aime tho/ght- fine fodder for the singers+ 23hen
?a$y Cate"yn ,ree$ me- he ma$e me .ear not to take arm again againt the Stark or 7/""y.1
2A mot convenient oath- er.1
#i ,ace $arkene$. 2Are yo/ ca""ing me a co.ar$61
2No. & am ca""ing yo/ a cripp"e.1 7he B"ack,ih no$$e$ at !aime4 go"$en han$. 23e both
kno. yo/ cannot ,ight .ith that.1
2& ha$ t.o han$.1 Would !ou throw !our life awa! for pride6 a voice ini$e him .hipere$.
2Some might ay a cripp"e an$ an o"$ man are .e"" matche$. +ree me ,rom my vo. to ?a$y
Cate"yn an$ & .i"" meet yo/ .or$ to .or$. &, & .in- Riverr/n i o/r. &, yo/ "ay me- .e4"" "i,t
the iege.1
Ser Bryn$en "a/ghe$ again. 2M/ch a & .o/"$ .e"come the chance to take that go"$en .or$
a.ay ,rom yo/ an$ c/t o/t yo/r b"ack heart- yo/r promie are .orth"e. & .o/"$ gain nothing
,rom yo/r $eath b/t the p"ea/re o, ki""ing yo/- an$ & .i"" not rik my o.n "i,e ,or that8 a
ma"" a rik a that may be.1
&t .a a goo$ thing that !aime .ore no .or$I e"e.ie he .o/"$ have rippe$ hi b"a$e o/t-
an$ i, Ser Bryn$en $i$ not "ay him- the archer on the .a"" mot /re"y .o/"$. 2Are there any
term yo/ .i"" accept61 he $eman$e$ o, the B"ack,ih.
2+rom yo/61 Ser Bryn$en hr/gge$. 2No.1
23hy $i$ yo/ even come to treat .ith me61
2A iege i $ea$"y $/"". & .ante$ to ee thi t/mp o, yo/r an$ hear .hatever e:c/e yo/
care$ to o,,er /p ,or yo/r "atet enormitie. 7hey .ere ,eeb"er than &4$ hope$. Eo/ a".ay
$iappoint- >ing"ayer.1 7he B"ack,ih .hee"e$ hi mare an$ trotte$ back to.ar$ Riverr/n. 7he
portc/""i $ecen$e$ .ith a r/h- it iron pike biting $eep into the m/$$y gro/n$.
!aime t/rne$ #onor4 hea$ abo/t ,or the "ong ri$e back to the ?anniter iege "ine. #e co/"$
,ee" the eye on himI the 7/""y men /pon their batt"ement- the +rey acro the river. If the! are
not blind, the!/ll all know he threw m! offer in m! teeth+ #e .o/"$ nee$ to torm the cat"e.
Well, what/s one more broken ow to the ,ingsla!er6 -ust more shit in the bucket+ !aime
reo"ve$ to be the ,irt man on the batt"ement. And with this golden hand of mine, most like the
first to fall+
Back at camp- ?itt"e ?e. he"$ hi bri$"e .hi"t 9eck gave him a han$ $o.n ,rom the a$$"e.
Do the! think I/m such a cripple that I cannot dismount b! m!self6 2#o. $i$ yo/ ,are- my "or$61
ake$ hi co/in Ser 5aven.
2No one p/t an arro. in my hore4 r/mp. C"e.ie- there .a "itt"e to $iting/ih me ,rom
Ser Ryman.1 #e grimace$. 2So no. he m/t nee$ t/rn the Re$ +ork re$$er.1 Blame !ourself
for that, Blackfish+ &ou left me little choice+ 2Aemb"e a .ar co/nci". Ser A$$am- Strongboar-
+or"ey 9reter- thoe river "or$ o, o/r8 an$ o/r ,rien$ o, +rey. Ser Ryman- ?or$ Cmmon-
.hoever e"e they care to bring.1
7hey gathere$ A/ick"y. ?or$ 9iper an$ both ?or$ %ance came to peak ,or the repentant
"or$ o, the 7ri$ent- .hoe "oya"tie .o/"$ hort"y be p/t to the tet. 7he .et .a repreente$
by Ser 5aven- Strongboar- A$$am Marbran$- an$ +or"ey 9reter. ?or$ Cmmon +rey =oine$
them- .ith hi .i,e. ?a$y Genna c"aime$ her too" .ith a "ook that $are$ any man there to
A/etion her preence. None $i$. 7he +rey ent Ser 3a"$er River- ca""e$ 2Batar$ 3a"$er-1
an$ Ser Ryman4 ,irtborn C$.yn- a pa""i$- "en$er man .ith a pinche$ noe an$ "ank $ark hair.
Fn$er a b"/e "amb.oo" c"oak- C$.yn .ore a =erkin o, ,ine"y too"e$ grey ca",kin .ith ornate
cro"".ork .orke$ into the "eather. 2& peak ,or #o/e +rey-1 he anno/nce$. 2My ,ather i
in$ipoe$ thi morning.1
Ser 5aven gave a nort. 2& he $r/nk- or =/t greenick ,rom "at night4 .ine61
C$.yn ha$ the har$ mean mo/th o, a mier. 2?or$ !aime-1 he ai$- 2m/t & /,,er /ch
$ico/rtey61
2& it tr/e61 !aime ake$ him. 2& yo/r ,ather $r/nk61
+rey pree$ hi "ip together an$ eye$ Ser &"yn 9ayne- .ho .a tan$ing bei$e by the tent
,"ap in hi r/te$ mai"- hi .or$ poking /p above one bony ho/"$er. 2#e8 my ,ather ha a ba$
be""y- my "or$. Re$ .ine he"p .ith hi $igetion.1
2#e m/t be $igeting a b"oo$y mammoth-1 ai$ Ser 5aven. Strongboar "a/ghe$- an$ ?a$y
Genna ch/ck"e$.
2Cno/gh-1 ai$ !aime. 23e have a cat"e to .in.1 3hen hi ,ather at in co/nci"- he "et hi
captain peak ,irt. #e .a reo"ve$ to $o the ame. 2#o. ha"" .e procee$61
27ang C$m/re 7/""y- ,or a tart-1 /rge$ ?or$ Cmmon +rey. 27hat .i"" teach Ser Bryn$en that
.e mean .hat .e ay. &, .e en$ Ser C$m/re4 hea$ to hi /nc"e- it may move him to yie"$.1
2Bryn$en B"ack,ih i not move$ o eai"y.1 >ary" %ance- the ?or$ o, 3ay,arer4 Ret- ha$ a
me"ancho"y "ook. A .inetain birthmark covere$ ha", hi neck an$ one i$e o, hi ,ace. 2#i o.n
brother co/"$ not move him to a marriage be$.1
Ser 5aven hook hi haggy hea$. 23e have to torm the .a""- a &4ve been aying a"" a"ong.
Siege to.er- ca"ing "a$$er- a ram to break the gate- that4 .hat4 nee$e$ here.1
2& .i"" "ea$ the aa/"t-1 ai$ Strongboar. 2Give the ,ih a tate o, tee" an$ ,ire- that4 .hat &
ay.1
27hey are m! .a""-1 protete$ ?or$ Cmmon- 2an$ that i my gate yo/ .o/"$ break.1 #e $re.
hi parchment o/t o, hi "eeve again. 2>ing 7ommen hime", ha grante$ me@1
23e4ve a"" een yo/r paper- n/nc"e-1 nappe$ C$.yn +rey. 23hy $on4t yo/ go .ave it at the
B"ack,ih ,or a change61
2Storming the .a"" .i"" be a b"oo$y b/ine-1 ai$ A$$am Marbran$. 2& propoe .e .ait ,or
a moon"e night an$ en$ a $oGen picke$ men acro the river in a boat .ith m/,,"e$ oar. 7hey
can ca"e the .a"" .ith rope an$ grapne"- an$ open the gate ,rom the ini$e. & .i"" "ea$ them-
i, the co/nci" .ihe.1
2+o""y-1 $ec"are$ the batar$- 3a"$er River. 2Ser Bryn$en i no man to be coGene$ by /ch
trick.1
27he B"ack,ih i the obtac"e-1 agree$ C$.yn +rey. 2#i he"m bear a b"ack tro/t on it cret
that make him eay to pick o/t ,rom a,ar. & propoe that .e move o/r iege to.er c"oe- ,i""
them ,/"" o, bo.men- an$ ,eign an attack /pon the gate. 7hat .i"" bring Ser Bryn$en to the
batt"ement- cret an$ a"". ?et every archer mear hi ha,t .ith night oi"- an$ make that cret
hi mark. Hnce Ser Bryn$en $ie- Riverr/n i o/r.1
2Mine-1 pipe$ ?or$ Cmmon. 2Riverr/n i mine.1
?or$ >ary"4 birthmark $arkene$. 23i"" the night oi" be yo/r o.n contrib/tion- C$.yn6 A
morta" poion- & $on4t $o/bt.1
27he B"ack,ih $eerve a nob"er $eath- an$ &4m the man to give it to him.1 Strongboar
th/mpe$ hi ,it on the tab"e. 2& .i"" cha""enge him to ing"e combat. Mace or a:e or "ong.or$-
make no matter. 7he o"$ man .i"" be my meat.1
23hy .o/"$ he $eign to accept yo/r cha""enge- er61 ake$ Ser +or"ey 9reter. 23hat co/"$
he gain ,rom /ch a $/e"6 3i"" .e "i,t the iege i, he ho/"$ .in6 & $o not be"ieve that. Nor .i""
he. A ing"e combat .o/"$ accomp"ih no/ght.1
2& have kno.n Bryn$en 7/""y ince .e .ere A/ire together- in ervice to ?or$ 5arry-1 ai$
Norbert %ance- the b"in$ ?or$ o, Atranta. 2&, it p"eae my "or$- "et me go an$ peak .ith him
an$ try to make him /n$ertan$ the hope"ene o, hi poition.1
2#e /n$ertan$ that .e"" eno/gh-1 ai$ ?or$ 9iper. #e .a a hort- rot/n$- bo."egge$ man
.ith a b/h o, .i"$ re$ hair- the ,ather o, one o, !aime4 A/ireI the reemb"ance to the boy .a
/nmitakeab"e. 27he man4 not b"oo$y stupid, Norbert. #e ha eye8 an$ too m/ch ene to
yie"$ to /ch a thee.1 #e ma$e a r/$e get/re in the $irection o, C$.yn +rey an$ 3a"$er
River.
C$.yn brit"e$. 2&, my "or$ o, 9iper mean to imp"y@1
2& $on4t impl!, +rey. & ay .hat & mean traight o/t- "ike an honet man. B/t .hat .o/"$ !ou
kno. o, the .ay o, honet men6 Eo/4re a treachero/ "ying .eae"- "ike a"" yo/r kin. &4$ ooner
$rink a pint o, pi than take the .or$ o, any +rey.1 #e "eane$ acro the tab"e. 23here i MarA-
an.er me that6 3hat have yo/ $one .ith my on6 #e .a a guest at yo/r b"oo$y .e$$ing.1
2An$ o/r honore$ g/et he ha"" remain-1 ai$ C$.yn- 2/nti" yo/ prove yo/r "oya"ty to #i
Grace- >ing 7ommen.1
2+ive knight an$ t.enty men(at(arm .ent .ith MarA to the 7.in-1 ai$ 9iper. 2Are they
yo/r g/et a .e""- +rey61
2Some o, the knight- perhap. 7he other .ere erve$ no more than they $eerve$. Eo/4$ $o
.e"" to g/ar$ yo/r traitor4 tong/e- 9iper- /n"e yo/ .ant yo/r heir ret/rne$ in piece.1
*! father/s councils neer went like this, !aime tho/ght- a 9iper came "/rching to hi ,eet.
2Say that .ith a .or$ in yo/r han$- +rey-1 the ma"" man nar"e$. 2Hr $o yo/ on"y ,ight .ith
mear o, hit61
+rey4 pinche$ ,ace .ent pa"e. Bei$e him 3a"$er River roe. 2C$.yn i no man o, the
.or$8 b/t & am- 9iper. &, yo/ have more remark to make- come o/ti$e an$ make them.1
27hi i a .ar co/nci"- not a .ar-1 !aime remin$e$ them. 2Sit $o.n- the both o, yo/.1 Neither
man move$. 42ow;5
3a"$er River eate$ hime",. ?or$ 9iper .a not o eay to co.. #e m/ttere$ a c/re an$
tro$e ,rom the tent. 2Sha"" & en$ men a,ter him to $rag him back- my "or$61 Ser 5aven ake$
!aime.
2Sen$ Ser &"yn-1 /rge$ C$y.n +rey. 23e on"y nee$ hi hea$.1
>ary" %ance t/rne$ to !aime. 2?or$ 9iper poke ,rom grie,. MarA i hi ,irtborn on. 7hoe
knight .ho accompanie$ him to the 7.in .ere nephe. an$ co/in a"".1
27raitor an$ rebe" a""- yo/ mean-1 ai$ C$.yn +rey.
!aime gave him a co"$ "ook. 27he 7.in took /p the Eo/ng 3o",4 ca/e a .e""-1 he
remin$e$ the +rey. 27hen yo/ betraye$ him. 7hat make yo/ t.ice a treachero/ a 9iper.1 #e
en=oye$ eeing C$.yn4 thin mi"e c/r$"e /p an$ $ie. I hae endured sufficient counsel for one
da!, he $eci$e$. 23e4re $one. See to yo/r preparation- my "or$. 3e attack at ,irt "ight.1
7he .in$ .a b"o.ing ,rom the north a the "or$ ,i"e$ ,rom the tent. !aime co/"$ me"" the
tink o, the +rey encampment beyon$ the 7/mb"etone. Acro the .ater C$m/re 7/""y too$
,or"orn atop the ta"" grey ga""o.- .ith a rope aro/n$ hi neck.
#i a/nt $eparte$ "at- her h/ban$ at her hee". 2?or$ nephe.-1 Cmmon protete$- 2thi
aa/"t on my eat8 yo/ m/t not $o thi.1 3hen he .a""o.e$- the app"e in hi throat move$
/p an$ $o.n. 2Eo/ m/t not+ &8 & ,orbi$ it.1 #e ha$ been che.ing o/r"ea, againI pinkih ,roth
g"itene$ on hi "ip. 27he cat"e i mine- & have the parchment. Signe$ by the king- by "itt"e
7ommen. & am the "a.,/" "or$ o, Riverr/n- an$81
2Not o "ong a C$m/re 7/""y "ive-1 ai$ ?a$y Genna. 2#e i o,t o, heart an$ o,t o, hea$- &
kno.- b/t a"ive- the man i ti"" a $anger. 3hat $o yo/ mean to $o abo/t that- !aime61
It/s the Blackfish who is the danger, not 0dmure+ 2?eave C$m/re to me. Ser ?y"e- Ser &"yn.
Atten$ me- i, yo/ .o/"$. &t4 time & pai$ a viit to thoe ga""o..1
7he 7/mb"etone .a $eeper an$ .i,ter than the Re$ +ork- an$ the nearet ,or$ .a "eag/e
/ptream. 7he ,erry ha$ =/t tarte$ acro .ith 3a"$er River an$ C$.yn +rey .hen !aime an$
hi men arrive$ at the river. A they a.aite$ it ret/rn- !aime to"$ them .hat he .ante$. Ser &"yn
pat into the river.
3hen the three o, them teppe$ o,, the ,erry on the north bank- a $r/nken camp ,o""o.er
o,,ere$ to p"ea/re Strongboar .ith her mo/th. 2#ere- p"ea/re my ,rien$-1 Ser ?y"e ai$-
hoving her to.ar$ Ser &"yn. ?a/ghing- the .oman move$ to ki 9ayne on the "ip- then a. hi
eye an$ hrank a.ay.
7he path bet.een the cook,ire .ere ra. bro.n m/$- mi:e$ .ith hore $/ng an$ torn /p by
hoove an$ boot a"ike. Cvery.here !aime a. the t.in to.er o, #o/e +rey $ip"aye$ on
hie"$ an$ banner- b"/e on grey- a"ong .ith the arm o, "eer #o/e .orn to the Croing' the
heron o, Cren,or$- the pitch,ork o, #aigh- ?or$ Char"ton4 three prig o, mit"etoe. 7he arriva"
o, the >ing"ayer $i$ not go /nnotice$. An o"$ .oman e""ing pig"et ,rom a baket toppe$ to
tare at him- a knight .ith a ha",(,ami"iar ,ace .ent to one knee- an$ t.o men(at(arm piing in
a $itch t/rne$ an$ praye$ each other. 2Ser !aime-1 omeone ca""e$ a,ter him- b/t he tro$e on
.itho/t t/rning. Aro/n$ him he g"impe$ the ,ace o, men he4$ $one hi bet to ki"" in the
3hipering 3oo$- .here the +rey ha$ ,o/ght beneath the $ire.o", banner o, Robb Stark. #i
go"$en han$ h/ng heavy at hi i$e.
Ryman +rey4 great rectang/"ar pavi"ion .a the "arget in the campI it grey canva .a""
.ere ma$e o, e.n A/are to reemb"e tone.ork- an$ it t.o peak evoke$ the 7.in. +ar
,rom being in$ipoe$- Ser Ryman .a en=oying ome entertainment. 7he o/n$ o, a .oman4
$r/nken "a/ghter $ri,te$ ,rom .ithin the tent- ming"e$ .ith the train o, a .oo$harp an$ a
inger4 voice. I will deal with !ou later, ser, !aime tho/ght. 3a"$er River too$ be,ore hi o.n
mo$et tent- ta"king .ith t.o men(at(arm. #i hie"$ bore the arm o, #o/e +rey .ith the
co"or revere$- an$ a re$ ben$ initer acro the to.er. 3hen the batar$ a. !aime- he
,ro.ne$. #here/s a cold suspicious look if eer I saw one+ #hat one is more dangerous than an!
of his trueborn brothers+
7he ga""o. ha$ been raie$ ten ,eet o,, the gro/n$. 7.o pearmen .ere pote$ at the ,oot o,
the tep. 2Eo/ can4t go /p .itho/t Ser Ryman4 "eave-1 one to"$ !aime.
27hi ay & can.1 !aime tappe$ hi .or$ hi"t .ith a ,inger. 27he A/etion i- .i"" & nee$ to
tep over yo/r corpe61
7he pearmen move$ ai$e.
Atop the ga""o.- the ?or$ o, Riverr/n too$ taring at the trap beneath him. #i ,eet .ere
b"ack an$ cake$ .ith m/$- hi "eg bare. C$m/re .ore a oi"e$ i"ken t/nic tripe$ in 7/""y re$
an$ b"/e- an$ a nooe o, hempen rope. At the o/n$ o, !aime4 ,oottep- he raie$ hi hea$ an$
"icke$ hi $ry- cracke$ "ip. 4,ingsla!er65 7he ight o, Ser &"yn .i$ene$ hi eye. 2Better a
.or$ than a rope. 5o it- 9ayne.1
2Ser &"yn-1 ai$ !aime. 2Eo/ hear$ ?or$ 7/""y. 5o it.1
7he i"ent knight grippe$ hi great.or$ .ith both han$. ?ong an$ heavy it .a- harp a
common tee" co/"$ be. C$m/re4 cracke$ "ip move$ o/n$"e"y. A Ser &"yn $re. the b"a$e
back- he c"oe$ hi eye. 7he troke ha$ a"" 9ayne4 .eight behin$ it.
42o; Stop+ 2O;5 C$.yn +rey came panting into vie.. 2My ,ather come. +at a he can.
!aime- yo/ m/t81
2*! lord .o/"$ /it me better- +rey-1 ai$ !aime. 2An$ yo/ .o/"$ $o .e"" to omit must ,rom
any peech $irecte$ at me.1
Ser Ryman came tomping /p the ga""o. tep in company .ith a tra.(haire$ "attern a
$r/nk a he .a. #er go.n "ace$ /p the ,ront- b/t omeone ha$ /n$one the "ace to the nave"- o
her breat .ere pi""ing o/t. 7hey .ere "arge an$ heavy- .ith big bro.n nipp"e. Hn her hea$ a
circ"et o, hammere$ bronGe at ake.- graven .ith r/ne an$ ringe$ .ith ma"" b"ack .or$.
3hen he a. !aime- he "a/ghe$. 23ho in even he"" i thi one61
27he ?or$ Comman$er o, the >ingg/ar$-1 !aime ret/rne$ .ith co"$ co/rtey. 2& might ak
the ame o, yo/- my "a$y.1
2?a$y6 &4m no "a$y. &4m the A/een.1
2My iter .i"" be /rprie$ to hear that.1
2?or$ Ryman cro.ne$ me hi very e",.1 She gave a hake o, her amp"e hip. 2&4m the A/een
o4 .hore.1
No- !aime tho/ght- my .eet iter ho"$ that tit"e too.
Ser Ryman ,o/n$ hi tong/e. 2Sh/t yo/r mo/th- "/t- ?or$ !aime $oen4t .ant to hear ome
har"ot4 nonene.1 7hi +rey .a a thicket man .ith a broa$ ,ace- ma"" eye- an$ a o,t ,"ehy
et o, chin. #i breath tank o, .ine an$ onion.
2Making A/een- Ser Ryman61 !aime ake$ o,t"y. 2St/pi$. A t/pi$ a thi b/ine .ith
?or$ C$m/re.1
2& gave the B"ack,ih .arning. & to"$ him C$m/re .o/"$ $ie /n"e the cat"e yie"$e$. & ha$
thi ga""o. b/i"t- to ho. them that Ser Ryman +rey $oe not make i$"e threat. At Seagar$ my
on 3a"$er $i$ the ame .ith 9atrek Ma""iter an$ ?or$ !aon bent the knee- b/t8 the B"ack,ih
i a co"$ man. #e re,/e$ /- o81
28yo/ hange$ ?or$ C$m/re61
7he man re$$ene$. 2My "or$ gran$,ather8 i, .e hang the man .e have no hostage, er.
#ave yo/ coni$ere$ that61
2Hn"y a ,oo" make threat he4 not prepare$ to carry o/t. &, & .ere to threaten to hit yo/
/n"e yo/ h/t yo/r mo/th- an$ yo/ pre/me$ to peak- .hat $o yo/ think &4$ $o61
2Ser- yo/ $o not /n$er@1
!aime hit him. &t .a a backhan$ b"o. $e"ivere$ .ith hi go"$en han$- b/t the ,orce o, it ent
Ser Ryman t/mb"ing back.ar$ into the arm o, hi .hore. 2Eo/ have a ,at hea$- Ser Ryman-
an$ a thick neck a .e"". Ser &"yn- ho. many troke .o/"$ it take yo/ to c/t thro/gh that neck61
Ser &"yn "ai$ a ing"e ,inger againt hi noe.
!aime "a/ghe$. 2An empty boat. & ay three.1
Ryman +rey .ent to hi knee. 2& have $one nothing81
28b/t $rink an$ .hore. & kno..1
2& am heir to the Croing. Eo/ can4t81
2& .arne$ yo/ abo/t ta"king.1 !aime .atche$ the man t/rn .hite. A sot, a fool, and a craen+
"ord Walder had best outlie this one, or the Fre!s are done+ 2Eo/ are $imie$- er.1
25imie$61
2Eo/ hear$ me. Go a.ay.1
2B/t8 .here ho/"$ & go61
27o he"" or home- a yo/ pre,er. See that yo/ are not in camp .hen the /n come /p. Eo/
may take yo/r A/een o, .hore- b/t not that cro.n o, her.1 !aime t/rne$ ,rom Ser Ryman to hi
on. 2C$.yn- & am giving yo/ yo/r ,ather4 comman$. 7ry not to be o t/pi$ a yo/r ire.1
27hat o/ght not poe m/ch $i,,ic/"ty- my "or$.1
2Sen$ .or$ to ?or$ 3a"$er. 7he cro.n reA/ire a"" hi prioner.1 !aime .ave$ hi go"$en
han$. 2Ser ?y"e- bring him.1
C$m/re 7/""y ha$ co""ape$ ,ace$o.n on the ca,,o"$ .hen Ser &"yn4 b"a$e heare$ the rope
in t.o. A ,oot o, hemp ti"" $ang"e$ ,rom the nooe abo/t hi neck. Strongboar grabbe$ the en$
o, it an$ p/""e$ him to hi ,eet. 2A ,ih on a "eah-1 he ai$- chort"ing. 27here4 a ight & never
a. be,ore.1
7he +rey teppe$ ai$e to "et them pa. A cro.$ ha$ gathere$ be"o. the ca,,o"$- inc"/$ing
a $oGen camp ,o""o.er in vario/ tate o, $iarray. !aime notice$ one man ho"$ing a .oo$harp.
2Eo/. Singer. Come .ith me.1
7he man $o,,e$ hi hat. 2A my "or$ comman$.1
No one ai$ a .or$ a they .a"ke$ back to the ,erry- .ith Ser Ryman4 inger trai"ing a,ter
them. B/t a they hove$ o,, ,rom the riverbank an$ ma$e ,or the o/th i$e o, the 7/mb"etone-
C$m/re 7/""y grabbe$ !aime by the arm. 4Wh!65
A ?anniter pay hi $ebt- he tho/ght- an$ yo/4re the on"y coin that4 "e,t to me. 2Coni$er it
a .e$$ing gi,t.1
C$m/re tare$ at him .ith .ary eye. 28. .e$$ing gi,t61
2& am to"$ yo/r .i,e i pretty. She4$ have to be- ,or yo/ to be$ her .hi"e yo/r iter an$ yo/r
king .ere being m/r$ere$.1
2& never kne..1 C$m/re "icke$ hi cracke$ "ip. 27here .ere ,i$$"er o/ti$e the
be$chamber81
2An$ ?a$y Ro"in .a $itracting yo/.1
2She8 they ma$e her $o it- ?or$ 3a"$er an$ the ret. Ro"in never .ante$8 he .ept- b/t &
tho/ght it .a81
27he ight o, yo/r rampant manhoo$6 Aye- that .o/"$ make any .oman .eep- &4m /re.1
2She i carrying my chi"$.1
2o, !aime tho/ght- that/s !our death she has growing in her bell!+ Back at hi pavi"ion- he
$imie$ Strongboar an$ Ser &"yn- b/t not the inger. 2& may have nee$ o, a ong hort"y-1 he
to"$ the man. 2?e.- heat ome bath.ater ,or my g/et. 9ia- ,in$ him ome c"ean c"othing.
Nothing .ith "ion on it- i, yo/ p"eae. 9eck- .ine ,or ?or$ 7/""y. Are yo/ h/ngry- my "or$61
C$m/re no$$e$- b/t hi eye .ere ti"" /picio/.
!aime ett"e$ on a too" .hi"e 7/""y ha$ hi bath. 7he ,i"th came o,, in grey c"o/$. 2Hnce
yo/4ve eaten- my men .i"" ecort yo/ to Riverr/n. 3hat happen a,ter that i /p to yo/.1
23hat $o yo/ mean61
2Eo/r /nc"e i an o"$ man. %a"iant- ye- b/t the bet part o, hi "i,e i $one. #e ha no bri$e to
grieve ,or him- no chi"$ren to $e,en$. A goo$ $eath i a"" the B"ack,ih can hope ,or8 b/t yo/
have year remaining- C$m/re. An$ !ou are the right,/" "or$ o, #o/e 7/""y- not him. Eo/r
/nc"e erve at yo/r p"ea/re. 7he ,ate o, Riverr/n i in yo/r han$.1
C$m/re tare$. 27he ,ate o, Riverr/n81
2Eie"$ the cat"e an$ no one $ie. Eo/r ma"",o"k may go in peace or tay to erve ?or$
Cmmon. Ser Bryn$en .i"" be a""o.e$ to take the b"ack- a"ong .ith a many o, the garrion a
chooe to =oin him. Eo/ a .e""- i, the 3a"" appea" to yo/. Hr yo/ may go to Cater"y Rock a
my captive an$ en=oy a"" the com,ort an$ co/rtey that be,it a hotage o, yo/r rank. &4"" en$
yo/r .i,e to =oin yo/- i, yo/ "ike. &, her chi"$ i a boy- he .i"" erve #o/e ?anniter a a page
an$ a A/ire- an$ .hen he earn hi knighthoo$ .e4"" beto. ome "an$ /pon him. Sho/"$
Ro"in give yo/ a $a/ghter- &4"" ee her .e"" $o.ere$ .hen he4 o"$ eno/gh to .e$. Eo/
yo/re", may even be grante$ paro"e- once the .ar i $one. A"" yo/ nee$ $o i yie"$ the cat"e.1
C$m/re raie$ hi han$ ,rom the t/b an$ .atche$ the .ater r/n bet.een hi ,inger. 2An$ i,
& .i"" not yie"$61
*ust !ou make me sa! the words6 9ia .a tan$ing by the ,"ap o, the tent .ith her arm ,/""
o, c"othe. #i A/ire .ere "itening a .e""- an$ the inger. "et them hear, !aime tho/ght. "et
the world hear+ It makes no matter+ #e ,orce$ hime", to mi"e- 2Eo/4ve een o/r n/mber-
C$m/re. Eo/4ve een the "a$$er- the to.er- the treb/chet- the ram. &, & peak the comman$-
my coG .i"" bri$ge yo/r moat an$ break yo/r gate. #/n$re$ .i"" $ie- mot o, them yo/r o.n.
Eo/r ,ormer bannermen .i"" make /p the ,irt .ave o, attacker- o yo/4"" tart yo/r $ay by
ki""ing the ,ather an$ brother o, men .ho $ie$ ,or yo/ at the 7.in. 7he econ$ .ave .i"" be
+rey- & have no "ack o, thoe. My .etermen .i"" ,o""o. .hen yo/r archer are hort o, arro.
an$ yo/r knight o .eary they can har$"y "i,t their b"a$e. 3hen the cat"e ,a""- a"" thoe ini$e
.i"" be p/t to the .or$. Eo/r her$ .i"" be b/tchere$- yo/r go$.oo$ .i"" be ,e""e$- yo/r keep
an$ to.er .i"" b/rn. &4"" p/"" yo/r .a"" $o.n- an$ $ivert the 7/mb"etone over the r/in. By
the time &4m $one no man .i"" ever kno. that a cat"e once too$ here.1 !aime got to hi ,eet.
2Eo/r .i,e may .he"p be,ore that. Eo/4"" .ant yo/r chi"$- & e:pect. &4"" en$ him to yo/ .hen
he4 born. 3ith a treb/chet.1
Si"ence ,o""o.e$ hi peech. C$m/re at in hi bath. 9ia c"/tche$ the c"othing to her breat.
7he inger tightene$ a tring on hi harp. ?itt"e ?e. ho""o.e$ o/t a "oa, o, ta"e brea$ to make a
trencher- preten$ing that he ha$ not hear$. With a trebuchet, !aime tho/ght. &, hi a/nt ha$ been
there- .o/"$ he ti"" ay 7yrion .a 7y.in4 on6
C$m/re 7/""y ,ina""y ,o/n$ hi voice. 2& co/"$ c"imb o/t o, thi t/b an$ ki"" yo/ .here yo/
tan$- >ing"ayer.1
2Eo/ co/"$ try.1 !aime .aite$. 3hen C$m/re ma$e no move to rie- he ai$- 2&4"" "eave yo/
to en=oy yo/r ,oo$. Singer- p"ay ,or o/r g/et .hi"t he eat. Eo/ kno. the ong- & tr/t.1
27he one abo/t the rain6 Aye- my "or$. & kno. it.1
C$m/re eeme$ to ee the man ,or the ,irt time. 2No. Not him. Get him a.ay ,rom me.1
23hy- it4 =/t a ong-1 ai$ !aime. 2#e cannot have that ba$ a voice.1
!RAN
7he moon .a a crecent- thin an$ harp a the b"a$e o, a kni,e. A pa"e /n roe an$ et an$
roe again. Re$ "eave .hipere$ in the .in$. 5ark c"o/$ ,i""e$ the kie an$ t/rne$ to torm.
?ightning ,"ahe$ an$ th/n$er r/mb"e$- an$ $ea$ men .ith b"ack han$ an$ bright b"/e eye
h/,,"e$ ro/n$ a c"e,t in the hi""i$e b/t co/"$ not enter. Fn$er the hi""- the broken boy at /pon a
.eir.oo$ throne- "itening to .hiper in the $ark a raven .a"ke$ /p an$ $o.n hi arm.
2Eo/ .i"" never .a"k again-1 the three(eye$ cro. ha$ promie$- 2b/t yo/ .i"" ,"y.1
Sometime the o/n$ o, ong .o/"$ $ri,t /p ,rom omep"ace ,ar be"o.. #he children of the
forest, H"$ Nan .o/"$ have ca""e$ the inger- b/t those who sing the song of earth .a their
o.n name ,or theme"ve- in the 7r/e 7ong/e that no h/man man co/"$ peak. 7he raven co/"$
peak it- tho/gh. 7heir ma"" b"ack eye .ere ,/"" o, ecret- an$ they .o/"$ caw at him an$ peck
hi kin .hen they hear$ the ong.
7he moon .a ,at an$ ,/"". Star .hee"e$ acro a b"ack ky. Rain ,e"" an$ ,roGe- an$ tree
"imb nappe$ ,rom the .eight o, the ice. Bran an$ Meera ma$e /p name ,or thoe .ho ang
the ong o, earth' Ah an$ ?ea, an$ Sca"e- B"ack >ni,e an$ Sno.y"ock an$ Coa". 7heir tr/e
name .ere too "ong ,or h/man tong/e- ai$ ?ea,. Hn"y he co/"$ peak the Common 7ong/e-
o .hat the other tho/ght o, their ne. name Bran never "earne$.
A,ter the bone(grin$ing co"$ o, the "an$ beyon$ the 3a""- the cave .ere b"ee$"y .arm-
an$ .hen the chi"" crept o/t o, the rock the inger .o/"$ "ight ,ire to $rive it o,, again. 5o.n
here there .a no .in$- no no.- no ice- no $ea$ thing reaching o/t to grab yo/- on"y $ream
an$ r/h"ight an$ the kie o, the raven. An$ the .hiperer in $arkne.
#he last greenseer, the inger ca""e$ him- b/t in Bran4 $ream he .a ti"" a three(eye$
cro.. 3hen Meera Ree$ ha$ ake$ him hi tr/e name- he ma$e a ghat"y o/n$ that might have
been a ch/ck"e. 2& .ore many name .hen & .a A/ick- b/t even & once ha$ a mother- an$ the
name he gave me at her breat .a Bryn$en.1
2& have an /nc"e Bryn$en-1 Bran ai$. 2#e4 my mother4 /nc"e- rea""y. Bryn$en B"ack,ih-
he4 ca""e$.1
2Eo/r /nc"e may have been name$ ,or me. Some are- ti"". Not o many a be,ore. Men
,orget. Hn"y the tree remember.1 #i voice .a o o,t that Bran ha$ to train to hear.
2Mot o, him ha gone into the tree-1 e:p"aine$ the inger Meera ca""e$ ?ea,. 2#e ha "ive$
beyon$ hi morta" pan- an$ yet he "inger. +or /- ,or yo/- ,or the rea"m o, men. Hn"y a "itt"e
trength remain in hi ,"eh. #e ha a tho/an$ eye an$ one- b/t there i m/ch to .atch. Hne
$ay yo/ .i"" kno..1
23hat .i"" & kno.61 Bran ake$ the Ree$ a,ter.ar$- .hen they came .ith torche b/rning
bright"y in their han$- to carry him back to a ma"" chamber o,, the big cavern .here the inger
ha$ ma$e be$ ,or them to "eep. 23hat $o the tree remember61
27he ecret o, the o"$ go$-1 ai$ !o=en Ree$. +oo$ an$ ,ire an$ ret ha$ he"pe$ retore him
a,ter the or$ea" o, their =o/rney- b/t he eeme$ a$$er no.- /""en- .ith a .eary- ha/nte$ "ook
abo/t the eye. 27r/th the +irt Men kne.- ,orgotten no. in 3inter,e""8 b/t not in the .et
.i"$. 3e "ive c"oer to the green in o/r bog an$ crannog- an$ .e remember. Carth an$ .ater-
oi" an$ tone- oak an$ e"m an$ .i""o.- they .ere here be,ore / a"" an$ .i"" ti"" remain
.hen .e are gone.1
2So .i"" yo/-1 ai$ Meera. 7hat ma$e Bran a$. What if I don/t want to remain when !ou are
gone6 he a"mot ake$- b/t he .a""o.e$ the .or$ /npoken. #e .a a"mot a man gro.n- an$
he $i$ not .ant Meera to think he .a ome .eepy babe. 2Maybe yo/ co/"$ be greeneer too-1
he ai$ intea$.
2No- Bran.1 No. Meera o/n$e$ a$. 2&t i given to a ,e. to $rink o, that green ,o/ntain
.hi"t ti"" in morta" ,"eh- to hear the .hipering o, the "eave an$ ee a the tree ee- a the
go$ ee-1 ai$ !o=en. 2Mot are not o b"ee$. 7he go$ gave me on"y green$ream. My tak
.a to get yo/ here. My part in thi i $one.1
7he moon .a a b"ack ho"e in the ky. 3o"ve ho."e$ in the .oo$- ni,,ing thro/gh the
no.$ri,t a,ter $ea$ thing. A m/r$er o, raven er/pte$ ,rom the hi""i$e- creaming their harp
crie- b"ack .ing beating above a .hite .or"$. A re$ /n roe an$ et an$ roe again- painting
the no. in ha$e o, roe an$ pink. Fn$er the hi""- !o=en broo$e$- Meera ,rette$- an$ #o$or
.an$ere$ thro/gh $ark t/nne" .ith a .or$ in hi right han$ an$ a torch in hi "e,t. Hr .a it
Bran .an$ering6
2o one must eer know+
7he great cavern that opene$ on the aby .a a b"ack a pitch- b"ack a tar- b"acker than the
,eather o, a cro.. ?ight entere$ a a trepaer- /n.ante$ an$ /n.e"come- an$ oon .a gone
againI cook,ire- can$"e- an$ r/he b/rne$ ,or a "itt"e .hi"e- then g/ttere$ o/t again- their brie,
"ive at an en$.
7he inger ma$e Bran a throne o, hi o.n- "ike the one ?or$ Bryn$en at- .hite .eir.oo$
,"ecke$ .ith re$- $ea$ branche .oven thro/gh "iving root. 7hey p"ace$ it in the great cavern by
the aby- .here the b"ack air echoe$ to the o/n$ o, r/nning .ater ,ar be"o.. H, o,t grey mo
they ma$e hi eat. Hnce he ha$ been "o.ere$ into p"ace- they covere$ him .ith .arm ,/r.
7here he at- "itening to the hoare .hiper o, hi teacher. 2Never ,ear the $arkne- Bran.1
7he "or$4 .or$ .ere accompanie$ by a ,aint r/t"ing o, .oo$ an$ "ea,- a "ight t.iting o, hi
hea$. 27he tronget tree are roote$ in the $ark p"ace o, the earth. 5arkne .i"" be yo/r c"oak-
yo/r hie"$- yo/r mother4 mi"k. 5arkne .i"" make yo/ trong.1
7he moon .a a crecent- thin an$ harp a the b"a$e o, a kni,e. Sno.,"ake $ri,te$ $o.n
o/n$"e"y to c"oak the o"$ier pine an$ entine" in .hite. 7he $ri,t gre. o $eep that they
covere$ the entrance to the cave- "eaving a .hite .a"" that S/mmer ha$ to $ig thro/gh .henever
he .ent o/ti$e to =oin hi pack an$ h/nt. Bran $i$ not o,t range .ith them in thoe $ay- b/t
ome night he .atche$ them ,rom above.
+"ying .a even better than c"imbing.
S"ipping into S/mmer4 kin ha$ become a eay ,or him a "ipping on a pair o, breeche
once ha$ been- be,ore hi back .a broken. Changing hi o.n kin ,or a raven4 night(b"ack
,eather ha$ been har$er- b/t not a har$ a he ha$ ,eare$- not .ith these raven. 2A .i"$ ta""ion
.i"" b/ck an$ kick .hen a man trie to mo/nt him- an$ try to bite the han$ that "ip the bit
bet.een hi teeth-1 ?or$ Bryn$en ai$- 2b/t a hore that ha kno.n one ri$er .i"" accept another.
Eo/ng or o"$- thee bir$ have a"" been ri$$en. Chooe one no.- an$ ,"y.1
#e choe one bir$- an$ then another- .itho/t /cce- b/t the thir$ raven "ooke$ at him .ith
hre.$ b"ack eye- ti"te$ it hea$- an$ gave a 3uork, an$ A/ick a that he .a not a boy "ooking
at a raven b/t a raven "ooking at a boy. 7he ong o, the river /$$en"y gre. "o/$er- the torche
b/rne$ a "itt"e brighter than be,ore- an$ the air .a ,/"" o, trange me"". 3hen he trie$ to peak
it came o/t in a cream- an$ hi ,irt ,"ight en$e$ .hen he crahe$ into a .a"" an$ en$e$ back
ini$e hi o.n broken bo$y. 7he raven .a /nh/rt. &t ,"e. to him an$ "an$e$ on hi arm- an$
Bran troke$ it ,eather an$ "ippe$ ini$e o, it again. Be,ore "ong he .a ,"ying aro/n$ the
cavern- .eaving thro/gh the "ong tone teeth that h/ng $o.n ,rom the cei"ing- even ,"apping o/t
over the aby an$ .ooping $o.n into it co"$ b"ack $epth.
7hen he rea"iGe$ he .a not a"one. 2Someone e"e .a in the raven-1 he to"$ ?or$ Bryn$en-
once he ha$ ret/rne$ to hi o.n kin. 2Some gir". & ,e"t her.1
2A .oman- o, thoe .ho ing the ong o, earth-1 hi teacher ai$. 2?ong $ea$- yet a part o,
her remain- =/t a a part o, yo/ .o/"$ remain in S/mmer i, yo/r boy4 ,"eh .ere to $ie /pon
the morro.. A ha$o. on the o/". She .i"" not harm yo/.1
25o a"" the bir$ have inger in them61
2A""-1 ?or$ Bryn$en ai$. 2&t .a the inger .ho ta/ght the +irt Men to en$ meage by
raven8 b/t in thoe $ay- the bir$ .o/"$ peak the .or$. 7he tree remember- b/t men ,orget-
an$ o no. they .rite the meage on parchment an$ tie them ro/n$ the ,eet o, bir$ .ho have
never hare$ their kin.1
H"$ Nan ha$ to"$ him the ame tory once- Bran remembere$- b/t .hen he ake$ Robb i, it
.a tr/e- hi brother "a/ghe$ an$ ake$ him i, he be"ieve$ in gr/mkin too. #e .ihe$ Robb
.ere .ith them no.. I/d tell him I could fl!, but he wouldn/t beliee, so I/d hae to show him+ I
bet that he could learn to fl! too, him and Ar!a and Sansa, een bab! )ickon and -on Snow+ We
could all be raens and lie in *aester "uwin/s rooker!+
7hat .a =/t another i""y $ream- tho/gh. Some $ay Bran .on$ere$ i, a"" o, thi .an4t =/t
ome $ream. Maybe he ha$ ,a""en a"eep o/t in the no. an$ $reame$ hime", a a,e- .arm
p"ace. &ou hae to wake, he .o/"$ te"" hime",- !ou hae to wake right now, or !ou/ll go
dreaming into death+ Hnce or t.ice he pinche$ hi arm .ith hi ,inger- rea""y har$- b/t the on"y
thing that $i$ .a make hi arm h/rt. &n the beginning he ha$ trie$ to co/nt the $ay by making
note o, .hen he .oke an$ "ept- b/t $o.n here "eeping an$ .aking ha$ a .ay o, me"ting into
one another. 5ream became "eon- "eon became $ream- thing happene$ a"" at once or not
at a"". #a$ he $one that or on"y $reame$ it6
2Hn"y one man in a tho/an$ i born a kinchanger-1 ?or$ Bryn$en ai$ one $ay- a,ter Bran
ha$ "earne$ to ,"y- 2an$ on"y one kinchanger in a tho/an$ can be a greeneer.1
2& tho/ght the greeneer .ere the .iGar$ o, the chi"$ren-1 Bran ai$. 27he inger- & mean.1
2&n a ene. 7hoe yo/ ca"" the chi"$ren o, the ,oret have eye a go"$en a the /n- b/t once
in a great .hi"e one i born amongt them .ith eye a re$ a b"oo$- or green a the mo on a
tree in the heart o, the ,oret. By thee ign $o the go$ mark thoe they have choen to receive
the gi,t. 7he choen one are not rob/t- an$ their A/ick year /pon the earth are ,e.- ,or every
ong m/t have it ba"ance. B/t once ini$e the .oo$ they "inger "ong in$ee$. A tho/an$ eye- a
h/n$re$ kin- .i$om $eep a the root o, ancient tree. 1reenseers+1
Bran $i$ not /n$ertan$- o he ake$ the Ree$. 25o yo/ "ike to rea$ book- Bran61 !o=en
ake$ him.
2Some book. & "ike the ,ighting torie. My iter Sana "ike the kiing torie- b/t thoe are
t/pi$.1
2A rea$er "ive a tho/an$ "ive be,ore he $ie-1 ai$ !o=en. 27he man .ho never rea$ "ive
on"y one. 7he inger o, the ,oret ha$ no book. No ink- no parchment- no .ritten "ang/age.
&ntea$ they ha$ the tree- an$ the .eir.oo$ above a"". 3hen they $ie$- they .ent into the
.oo$- into "ea, an$ "imb an$ root- an$ the tree remembere$. A"" their ong an$ pe""- their
hitorie an$ prayer- everything they kne. abo/t thi .or"$. Maeter .i"" te"" yo/ that the
.eir.oo$ are acre$ to the o"$ go$. 7he inger be"ieve they are the o"$ go$. 3hen inger
$ie they become part o, that go$hoo$.1
Bran4 eye .i$ene$. 27hey4re going to kill me61
2No-1 Meera ai$. 2!o=en- yo/4re caring him.1
2#e i not the one .ho nee$ to be a,rai$.1
7he moon .a ,at an$ ,/"". S/mmer pro."e$ thro/gh the i"ent .oo$- a "ong grey ha$o.
that gre. more ga/nt .ith every h/nt- ,or "iving game co/"$ not be ,o/n$. 7he .ar$ /pon the
cave mo/th ti"" he"$I the $ea$ men co/"$ not enter. 7he no. ha$ b/rie$ mot o, them again-
b/t they .ere ti"" there- hi$$en- ,roGen- .aiting. Hther $ea$ thing came to =oin them- thing that
ha$ once been men an$ .omen- even chi"$ren. 5ea$ raven at on bare bro.n branche- .ing
cr/te$ .ith ice. A no. bear crahe$ thro/gh the br/h- h/ge an$ ke"eta"- ha", it hea$
"o/ghe$ a.ay to revea" the k/"" beneath. S/mmer an$ hi pack ,e"" /pon it an$ tore it into
piece. A,ter.ar$ they gorge$- tho/gh the meat .a rotte$ an$ ha",(,roGen- an$ move$ even a
they ate it.
Fn$er the hi"" they ti"" ha$ ,oo$ to eat. A h/n$re$ kin$ o, m/hroom gre. $o.n here.
B"in$ .hite ,ih .am in the b"ack river- b/t they tate$ =/t a goo$ a ,ih .ith eye once yo/
cooke$ them /p. 7hey ha$ cheee an$ mi"k ,rom the goat that hare$ the cave .ith the inger-
even ome oat an$ bar"eycorn an$ $rie$ ,r/it "ai$ by $/ring the "ong /mmer. An$ a"mot every
$ay they ate b"oo$ te.- thickene$ .ith bar"ey an$ onion an$ ch/nk o, meat. !o=en tho/ght it
might be A/irre" meat- an$ Meera ai$ that it .a rat. Bran $i$ not care. &t .a meat an$ it .a
goo$. 7he te.ing ma$e it ten$er.
7he cave .ere time"e- vat- i"ent. 7hey .ere home to more than three core "iving inger
an$ the bone o, tho/an$ $ea$- an$ e:ten$e$ ,ar be"o. the ho""o. hi"". 2Men ho/"$ not go
.an$ering in thi p"ace-1 ?ea, .arne$ them. 27he river yo/ hear i .i,t an$ b"ack- an$ ,"o.
$o.n an$ $o.n to a /n"e ea. An$ there are paage that go even $eeper- bottom"e pit an$
/$$en ha,t- ,orgotten .ay that "ea$ to the very center o, the earth. Cven my peop"e have not
e:p"ore$ them a""- an$ .e have "ive$ here ,or a tho/an$ tho/an$ o, yo/r man(year.1
7ho/gh the men o, the Seven >ing$om might ca"" them the children of the forest, ?ea, an$
her peop"e .ere ,ar ,rom chi"$"ike. "ittle wise men of the forest .o/"$ have been c"oer. 7hey
.ere ma"" compare$ to men- a a .o", i ma""er than a $ire.o",. 7hat $oe not mean it i a p/p.
7hey ha$ n/t(bro.n kin- $app"e$ "ike a $eer4 .ith pa"er pot- an$ "arge ear that co/"$ hear
thing that no man co/"$ hear. 7heir eye .ere big too- great go"$en cat4 eye that co/"$ ee
$o.n paage .here a boy4 eye a. on"y b"ackne. 7heir han$ ha$ on"y three ,inger an$ a
th/mb- .ith harp b"ack c"a. intea$ o, nai".
An$ they did ing. 7hey ang in 7r/e 7ong/e- o Bran co/"$ not /n$ertan$ the .or$- b/t
their voice .ere a p/re a .inter air. 23here are the ret o, yo/61 Bran ake$ ?ea,- once.
2Gone $o.n into the earth-1 he an.ere$. 2&nto the tone- into the tree. Be,ore the +irt
Men came a"" thi "an$ that yo/ ca"" 3etero .a home to /- yet even in thoe $ay .e .ere
,e.. 7he go$ gave / "ong "ive b/t not great n/mber- "et .e overr/n the .or"$ a $eer .i""
overr/n a .oo$ .here there are no .o"ve to h/nt them. 7hat .a in the $a.n o, $ay- .hen o/r
/n .a riing. No. it ink- an$ thi i o/r "ong $.in$"ing. 7he giant are a"mot gone a .e""-
they .ho .ere o/r bane an$ o/r brother. 7he great "ion o, the .etern hi"" have been "ain- the
/nicorn are a"" b/t gone- the mammoth $o.n to a ,e. h/n$re$. 7he $ire.o"ve .i"" o/t"at /
a""- b/t their time .i"" come a .e"". &n the .or"$ that men have ma$e- there i no room ,or them-
or /.1
She eeme$ a$ .hen he ai$ it- an$ that ma$e Bran a$ a .e"". &t .a on"y "ater that he
tho/ght- *en would not be sad+ *en would be wroth+ *en would hate and swear a blood!
engeance+ #he singers sing sad songs, where men would fight and kill+
Hne $ay Meera an$ !o=en $eci$e$ to go ee the river- $epite ?ea,4 ca/tion. 2& .ant to come
too-1 Bran ai$.
Meera gave him a mo/rn,/" "ook. 7he river .a i: h/n$re$ ,eet be"o.- $o.n teep "ope
an$ t.ity paage- he e:p"aine$- an$ the "at part reA/ire$ c"imbing $o.n a rope. 2#o$or
co/"$ never make the c"imb .ith yo/ on hi back. &4m orry- Bran.1
Bran remembere$ a time .hen no one co/"$ c"imb a goo$ a him- not even Robb or !on. 9art
o, him .ante$ to ho/t at them ,or "eaving him- an$ another part .ante$ to cry. #e .a a"mot a
man gro.n- tho/gh- o he ai$ nothing. B/t a,ter they .ere gone- he "ippe$ ini$e #o$or4 kin
an$ ,o""o.e$ them.
7he big tab"eboy no "onger ,o/ght him a he ha$ the ,irt time- back in the "ake to.er $/ring
the torm. ?ike a $og .ho ha ha$ a"" the ,ight .hippe$ o/t o, him- #o$or .o/"$ c/r" /p an$
hi$e .henever Bran reache$ o/t ,or him. #i hi$ing p"ace .a ome.here $eep .ithin him- a pit
.here not even Bran co/"$ to/ch him. 2o one wants to hurt !ou, 7odor, he ai$ i"ent"y- to the
chi"$(man .hoe ,"eh he4$ taken. I 9ust want to be strong again for a while+ I/ll gie it back, the
wa! I alwa!s do+
No one ever kne. .hen he .a .earing #o$or4 kin. Bran on"y ha$ to mi"e- $o a he .a
to"$- an$ m/tter 2#o$or1 ,rom time to time- an$ he co/"$ ,o""o. Meera an$ !o=en- grinning
happi"y- .itho/t anyone /pecting it .a rea""y him. #e o,ten tagge$ a"ong- .hether he .a
.ante$ or not. &n the en$- the Ree$ .ere g"a$ he came. !o=en ma$e it $o.n the rope eai"y
eno/gh- b/t a,ter Meera ca/ght a b"in$ .hite ,ih .ith her ,rog pear an$ it .a time to c"imb
back /p- hi arm began to tremb"e an$ he co/"$ not make it to the top- o they ha$ to tie the rope
aro/n$ him an$ "et #o$or ha/" him /p. 2#o$or-1 he gr/nte$ every time he gave a p/"". 2#o$or-
ho$or- ho$or.1
7he moon .a a crecent- thin an$ harp a the b"a$e o, a kni,e. S/mmer $/g /p a evere$
arm- b"ack an$ covere$ .ith hoar,rot- it ,inger opening an$ c"oing a it p/""e$ ite", acro
the ,roGen no.. 7here .a ti"" eno/gh meat on it to ,i"" hi empty be""y- an$ a,ter that .a $one
he cracke$ the arm bone ,or the marro.. Hn"y then $i$ the arm remember it .a $ea$.
Bran ate .ith S/mmer an$ hi pack- a a .o",. A a raven he ,"e. .ith the m/r$er- circ"ing
the hi"" at /net- .atching ,or ,oe- ,ee"ing the icy to/ch o, the air. A #o$or he e:p"ore$ the
cave. #e ,o/n$ chamber ,/"" o, bone- ha,t that p"/nge$ $eep into the earth- a p"ace .here
the ke"eton o, gigantic bat h/ng /pi$e $o.n ,rom the cei"ing. #e even croe$ the "en$er
tone bri$ge that arche$ over the aby an$ $icovere$ more paage an$ chamber on the ,ar
i$e. Hne .a ,/"" o, inger- enthrone$ "ike Bryn$en in net o, .eir.oo$ root that .ove /n$er
an$ thro/gh an$ aro/n$ their bo$ie. Mot o, them "ooke$ $ea$ to him- b/t a he croe$ in ,ront
o, them their eye .o/"$ open an$ ,o""o. the "ight o, hi torch- an$ one o, them opene$ an$
c"oe$ a .rink"e$ mo/th a i, he .ere trying to peak. 2#o$or-1 Bran ai$ to him- an$ he ,e"t the
rea" #o$or tir $o.n in hi pit.
Seate$ on hi throne o, root in the great cavern- ha",(corpe an$ ha",(tree- ?or$ Bryn$en
eeme$ "e a man than ome ghat"y tat/e ma$e o, t.ite$ .oo$- o"$ bone- an$ rotte$ .oo".
7he on"y thing that "ooke$ a"ive in the pa"e r/in that .a hi ,ace .a hi one re$ eye- b/rning
"ike the "at coa" in a $ea$ ,ire- /rro/n$e$ by t.ite$ root an$ tatter o, "eathery .hite kin
hanging o,, a ye""o.e$ k/"".
7he ight o, him ti"" ,rightene$ Bran@the .eir.oo$ root naking in an$ o/t o, hi .ithere$
,"eh- the m/hroom pro/ting ,rom hi cheek- the .hite .oo$en .orm that gre. ,rom the
ocket .here one eye ha$ been. #e "ike$ it better .hen the torche .ere p/t o/t. &n the $ark he
co/"$ preten$ that it .a the three(eye$ cro. .ho .hipere$ to him an$ not ome gri"y ta"king
corpe.
One da! I will be like him+ 7he tho/ght ,i""e$ Bran .ith $rea$. Ba$ eno/gh that he .a
broken- .ith hi /e"e "eg. 3a he $oome$ to "oe the ret too- to pen$ a"" o, hi year .ith a
.eir.oo$ gro.ing in him an$ thro/gh him6 ?or$ Bryn$en $re. hi "i,e ,rom the tree- ?ea, to"$
them. #e $i$ not eat- he $i$ not $rink. #e "ept- he $reame$- he .atche$. I was going to be a
knight, Bran remembere$. I used to run and climb and fight+ &t eeme$ a tho/an$ year ago.
3hat .a he no.6 Hn"y Bran the broken boy- Bran$on o, #o/e Stark- prince o, a "ot
king$om- "or$ o, a b/rne$ cat"e- heir to r/in. #e ha$ tho/ght the three(eye$ cro. .o/"$ be a
orcerer- a .ie o"$ .iGar$ .ho co/"$ ,i: hi "eg- b/t that .a ome t/pi$ chi"$4 $ream- he
rea"iGe$ no.. I am too old for such fancies, he to"$ hime",. A thousand e!es, a hundred skins,
wisdom deep as the roots of ancient trees+ 7hat .a a goo$ a being a knight. Almost as good,
an!wa!+
7he moon .a a b"ack ho"e in the ky. H/ti$e the cave the .or"$ .ent on. H/ti$e the cave
the /n roe an$ et- the moon t/rne$- the co"$ .in$ ho."e$. Fn$er the hi""- !o=en Ree$ gre.
ever more /""en an$ o"itary- to hi iter4 $itre. She .o/"$ o,ten it .ith Bran bei$e their
"itt"e ,ire- ta"king o, everything an$ nothing- petting S/mmer .here he "ept bet.een them-
.hi"t her brother .an$ere$ the cavern by hime",. !o=en ha$ even taken to c"imbing /p to the
cave4 mo/th .hen the $ay .a bright. #e .o/"$ tan$ there ,or ho/r- "ooking o/t over the
,oret- .rappe$ in ,/r yet hivering a"" the ame.
2#e .ant to go home-1 Meera to"$ Bran. 2#e .i"" not even try an$ ,ight hi ,ate. #e ay the
green$ream $o not "ie.1
2#e4 being brave-1 ai$ Bran. #he onl! time a man can be brae is when he is afraid, hi
,ather ha$ to"$ him once- "ong ago- on the $ay they ,o/n$ the $ire.o", p/p in the /mmer
no.. #e ti"" remembere$.
2#e4 being t/pi$-1 Meera ai$. 2&4$ hope$ that .hen .e ,o/n$ yo/r three(eye$ cro.8 no.
& .on$er .hy .e ever came.1
For me, Bran tho/ght. 2#i green$ream-1 he ai$.
2#i green$ream.1 Meera4 voice .a bitter.
2#o$or-1 ai$ #o$or.
Meera began to cry.
Bran hate$ being cripp"e$ then. 25on4t cry-1 he ai$. #e .ante$ to p/t hi arm aro/n$ her-
ho"$ her tight the .ay hi mother /e$ to ho"$ him back at 3inter,e"" .hen he4$ h/rt hime",.
She .a right there- on"y a ,e. ,eet ,rom him- b/t o ,ar o/t o, reach it might have been a
h/n$re$ "eag/e. 7o to/ch her he .o/"$ nee$ to p/"" hime", a"ong the gro/n$ .ith hi han$-
$ragging hi "eg behin$ him. 7he ,"oor .a ro/gh an$ /neven- an$ it .o/"$ be "o. going- ,/""
o, crape an$ b/mp. I could put on 7odor/s skin, he tho/ght. 7odor could hold her and pat
her on the back+ 7he tho/ght ma$e Bran ,ee" trange- b/t he .a ti"" thinking it .hen Meera
bo"te$ ,rom the ,ire- back o/t into the $arkne o, the t/nne". #e hear$ her tep rece$e /nti"
there .a nothing b/t the voice o, the inger.
7he moon .a a crecent- thin an$ harp a the b"a$e o, a kni,e. 7he $ay marche$ pat- one
a,ter the other- each horter than the one be,ore. 7he night gre. "onger. No /n"ight ever
reache$ the cave beneath the hi"". No moon"ight ever to/che$ thoe tony ha"". Cven the tar
.ere tranger there. 7hoe thing be"onge$ to the .or"$ above- .here time ran in it iron
circ"e- $ay to night to $ay to night to $ay.
2&t i time-1 ?or$ Bryn$en ai$.
Something in hi voice ent icy ,inger r/nning /p Bran4 back. 27ime ,or .hat61
2+or the ne:t tep. +or yo/ to go beyon$ kinchanging an$ "earn .hat it mean to be a
greeneer.1
27he tree .i"" teach him-1 ai$ ?ea,. She beckone$- an$ another o, the inger pa$$e$
,or.ar$- the .hite(haire$ one that Meera ha$ name$ Sno.y "ock. She ha$ a .eir.oo$ bo." in
her han$- carve$ .ith a $oGen ,ace- "ike the one the heart tree .ore. &ni$e .a a .hite pate-
thick an$ heavy- .ith $ark re$ vein r/nning thro/gh it. 2Eo/ m/t eat o, thi-1 ai$ ?ea,. She
han$e$ Bran a .oo$en poon.
7he boy "ooke$ at the bo." /ncertain"y. 23hat i it61
2A pate o, .eir.oo$ ee$.1
Something abo/t the "ook o, it ma$e Bran ,ee" i"". 7he re$ vein .ere on"y .eir.oo$ ap- he
/ppoe$- b/t in the torch"ight they "ooke$ remarkab"y "ike b"oo$. #e $ippe$ the poon into the
pate- then heitate$. 23i"" thi make me a greeneer61
2Eo/r b"oo$ make yo/ a greeneer-1 ai$ ?or$ Bryn$en. 27hi .i"" he"p a.aken yo/r gi,t
an$ .e$ yo/ to the tree.1
Bran $i$ .ant to be marrie$ to a tree8 b/t .ho e"e .o/"$ .e$ a broken boy "ike him6 A
thousand e!es, a hundred skins, wisdom deep as the roots of ancient trees+ A greenseer+
#e ate.
&t ha$ a bitter tate- tho/gh not o bitter a acorn pate. 7he ,irt poon,/" .a the har$et to
get $o.n. #e a"mot retche$ it right back /p. 7he econ$ tate$ better. 7he thir$ .a a"mot
.eet. 7he ret he poone$ /p eager"y. 3hy ha$ he tho/ght that it .a bitter6 &t tate$ o, honey-
o, ne.(,a""en no.- o, pepper an$ cinnamon an$ the "at ki hi mother ever gave him. 7he
empty bo." "ippe$ ,rom hi ,inger an$ c"attere$ on the cavern ,"oor. 2& $on4t ,ee" any $i,,erent.
3hat happen ne:t61
?ea, to/che$ hi han$. 27he tree .i"" teach yo/. 7he tree remember.1 #e raie$ a han$- an$
the other inger began to move abo/t the cavern- e:ting/ihing the torche one by one. 7he
$arkne thickene$ an$ crept to.ar$ them.
2C"oe yo/r eye-1 ai$ the three(eye$ cro.. 2S"ip yo/r kin- a yo/ $o .hen yo/ =oin .ith
S/mmer. B/t thi time- go into the root intea$. +o""o. them /p thro/gh the earth- to the tree
/pon the hi""- an$ te"" me .hat yo/ ee.1
Bran c"oe$ hi eye an$ "ippe$ ,ree o, hi kin. Into the roots, he tho/ght. Into the
weirwood+ Become the tree+ +or an intant he co/"$ ee the cavern in it b"ack mant"e- co/"$ hear
the river r/hing by be"o..
7hen a"" at once he .a back home again.
?or$ C$$ar$ Stark at /pon a rock bei$e the $eep b"ack poo" in the go$ .oo$- the pa"e root
o, the heart tree t.iting aro/n$ him "ike an o"$ man4 gnar"e$ arm. 7he great.or$ &ce "ay
acro ?or$ C$$ar$4 "ap- an$ he .a c"eaning the b"a$e .ith an oi"c"oth.
2Winterfell,1 Bran .hipere$.
#i ,ather "ooke$ /p. 23ho4 there61 he ake$- t/rning8 8 an$ Bran- ,rightene$- p/""e$
a.ay. #i ,ather an$ the b"ack poo" an$ the go$.oo$ ,a$e$ an$ .ere gone an$ he .a back in
the cavern- the pa"e thick root o, hi .eir.oo$ throne cra$"ing hi "imb a a mother $oe a
chi"$. A torch ,"are$ to "i,e be,ore him.
27e"" / .hat yo/ a..1 +rom ,ar a.ay ?ea, "ooke$ a"mot a gir"- no o"$er than Bran or one
o, hi iter- b/t c"oe at han$ he eeme$ ,ar o"$er. She c"aime$ to have een t.o h/n$re$
year.
Bran4 throat .a very $ry. #e .a""o.e$. 23inter,e"". & .a back in 3inter,e"". & a. my
,ather. #e4 not $ea$- he4 not, & a. him- he4 back at 3inter,e""- he4 ti"" a"ive.1
2No-1 ai$ ?ea,. 2#e i gone- boy. 5o not eek to ca"" him back ,rom $eath.1
2& saw him.1 Bran co/"$ ,ee" ro/gh .oo$ preing againt one cheek. 2#e .a c"eaning &ce.1
2Eo/ a. .hat yo/ .ihe$ to ee. Eo/r heart yearn ,or yo/r ,ather an$ yo/r home- o that i
.hat yo/ a..1
2A man m/t kno. ho. to "ook be,ore he can hope to ee-1 ai$ ?or$ Bryn$en. 27hoe .ere
ha$o. o, $ay pat that yo/ a.- Bran. Eo/ .ere "ooking thro/gh the eye o, the heart tree in
yo/r go$.oo$. 7ime i $i,,erent ,or a tree than ,or a man. S/n an$ oi" an$ .ater- thee are the
thing a .eir.oo$ /n$ertan$- not $ay an$ year an$ cent/rie. +or men- time i a river. 3e
are trappe$ in it ,"o.- h/rt"ing ,rom pat to preent- a".ay in the ame $irection. 7he "ive o,
tree are $i,,erent. 7hey root an$ gro. an$ $ie in one p"ace- an$ that river $oe not move them.
7he oak i the acorn- the acorn i the oak. An$ the .eir.oo$8 a tho/an$ h/man year are a
moment to a .eir.oo$- an$ thro/gh /ch gate yo/ an$ & may gaGe into the pat.1
2B/t-1 ai$ Bran- 2he heard me.1
2#e hear$ a .hiper on the .in$- a r/t"ing amongt the "eave. Eo/ cannot peak to him- try
a yo/ might. & kno.. & have my o.n ghot- Bran. A brother that & "ove$- a brother that & hate$-
a .oman & $eire$. 7hro/gh the tree- & ee them ti""- b/t no .or$ o, mine ha ever reache$
them. 7he pat remain the pat. 3e can "earn ,rom it- b/t .e cannot change it.1
23i"" & ee my ,ather again61
2Hnce yo/ have matere$ yo/r gi,t- yo/ may "ook .here yo/ .i"" an$ ee .hat the tree
have een- be it yeter$ay or "at year or a tho/an$ age pat. Men "ive their "ive trappe$ in an
eterna" preent- bet.een the mit o, memory an$ the ea o, ha$o. that i a"" .e kno. o, the
$ay to come. Certain moth "ive their .ho"e "ive in a $ay- yet to them that "itt"e pan o, time
m/t eem a "ong a year an$ $eca$e $o to /. An oak may "ive three h/n$re$ year- a
re$.oo$ tree three tho/an$. A .eir.oo$ .i"" "ive ,orever i, "e,t /n$it/rbe$. 7o them eaon
pa in the ,"/tter o, a moth4 .ing- an$ pat- preent- an$ ,/t/re are one. Nor .i"" yo/r ight be
"imite$ to yo/r go$.oo$. 7he inger carve$ eye into their heart tree to a.aken them- an$
thoe are the ,irt eye a ne. greeneer "earn to /e8 b/t in time yo/ .i"" ee .e"" beyon$ the
tree theme"ve.1
23hen61 Bran .ante$ to kno..
2&n a year- or three- or ten. 7hat & have not g"impe$. &t .i"" come in time- & promie yo/. B/t &
am tire$ no.- an$ the tree are ca""ing me. 3e .i"" re/me on the morro..1
#o$or carrie$ Bran back to hi chamber- m/ttering 2#o$or1 in a "o. voice a ?ea, .ent
be,ore them .ith a torch. #e ha$ hope$ that Meera an$ !o=en .o/"$ be there- o he co/"$ te""
them .hat he ha$ een- b/t their n/g a"cove in the rock .a co"$ an$ empty. #o$or eae$ Bran
$o.n onto hi be$- covere$ him .ith ,/r- an$ ma$e a ,ire ,or them. A thousand e!es, a hundred
skins, wisdom deep as the roots of ancient trees+
3atching the ,"ame- Bran $eci$e$ he .o/"$ tay a.ake ti"" Meera came back. !o=en .o/"$
be /nhappy- he kne.- b/t Meera .o/"$ be g"a$ ,or him- #e $i$ not remember c"oing hi eye.
8b/t then omeho. he .a back at 3inter,e"" again- in the go$.oo$ "ooking $o.n /pon hi
,ather. ?or$ C$$ar$ eeme$ m/ch yo/nger thi time. #i hair .a bro.n- .ith no hint o, grey in
it- hi hea$ bo.e$. 28"et them gro. /p c"oe a brother- .ith on"y "ove bet.een them-1 he
praye$- 2an$ "et my "a$y .i,e ,in$ it in her heart to ,orgive81
2+ather.1 Bran4 voice .a a .hiper in the .in$- a r/t"e in the "eave. 2+ather- it4 me. &t4
Bran. Bran$on.1
C$$ar$ Stark "i,te$ hi hea$ an$ "ooke$ "ong at the .eir.oo$- ,ro.ning- b/t he $i$ not peak.
7e cannot see me, Bran rea"iGe$- $epairing. #e .ante$ to reach o/t an$ to/ch him- b/t a"" that
he co/"$ $o .a .atch an$ "iten. I am in the tree+ I am inside the heart tree, looking out of its
red e!es, but the weirwood cannot talk, so I can/t+
C$$ar$ Stark re/me$ hi prayer. Bran ,e"t hi eye ,i"" /p .ith tear. B/t .ere they hi o.n
tear- or the .eir.oo$46 If I cr!, will the tree begin to weep6
7he ret o, hi ,ather4 .or$ .ere $ro.ne$ o/t by a /$$en c"atter o, .oo$ on .oo$. C$$ar$
Stark $io"ve$- "ike mit in a morning /n. No. t.o chi"$ren $ance$ acro the go$.oo$-
hooting at one another a they $/e"e$ .ith broken branche. 7he gir" .a the o"$er an$ ta""er o,
the t.o. Ar!a; Bran tho/ght eager"y- a he .atche$ her "eap /p onto a rock an$ c/t at the boy.
B/t that co/"$n4t be right. &, the gir" .a Arya- the boy .a Bran hime",- an$ he ha$ never .orn
hi hair o "ong. And Ar!a neer beat me pla!ing swords, the wa! that girl is beating him+ She
"ahe$ the boy acro hi thigh- o har$ that hi "eg .ent o/t ,rom /n$er him an$ he ,e"" into the
poo" an$ began to p"ah an$ ho/t. 2Eo/ be A/iet- t/pi$-1 the gir" ai$- toing her o.n branch
ai$e. 2&t4 =/t water+ 5o yo/ .ant H"$ Nan to hear an$ r/n te"" +ather61 She kne"t an$ p/""e$
her brother ,rom the poo"- b/t be,ore he got him o/t again- the t.o o, them .ere gone.
A,ter that the g"impe came ,ater an$ ,ater- ti"" Bran .a ,ee"ing "ot an$ $iGGy. #e a. no
more o, hi ,ather- nor the gir" .ho "ooke$ "ike Arya- b/t a .oman heavy .ith chi"$ emerge$
nake$ an$ $ripping ,rom the b"ack poo"- kne"t be,ore the tree- an$ begge$ the o"$ go$ ,or a on
.ho .o/"$ avenge her. 7hen there came a bro.n(haire$ gir" "en$er a a pear .ho too$ on the
tip o, her toe to ki the "ip o, a yo/ng knight a ta"" a #o$or. A $ark(eye$ yo/th- pa"e an$
,ierce- "ice$ three branche o,, the .eir.oo$ an$ hape$ them into arro.. 7he tree ite", .a
hrinking- gro.ing ma""er .ith each viion- .hi"t the "eer tree $.in$"e$ into ap"ing an$
vanihe$- on"y to be rep"ace$ by other tree that .o/"$ $.in$"e an$ vanih in their t/rn. An$
no. the "or$ Bran g"impe$ .ere ta"" an$ har$- tern men in ,/r an$ chain mai". Some .ore
,ace he remembere$ ,rom the tat/e in the crypt- b/t they .ere gone be,ore he co/"$ p/t a
name to them.
7hen- a he .atche$- a bear$e$ man ,orce$ a captive $o.n onto hi knee be,ore the heart
tree. A .hite(haire$ .oman teppe$ to.ar$ them thro/gh a $ri,t o, $ark re$ "eave- a bronGe
ick"e in her han$.
2No-1 ai$ Bran- 2no, don/t,1 b/t they co/"$ not hear him- no more than hi ,ather ha$. 7he
.oman grabbe$ the captive by the hair- hooke$ the ick"e ro/n$ hi throat- an$ "ahe$. An$
thro/gh the mit o, cent/rie the broken boy co/"$ on"y .atch a the man4 ,eet $r/mme$
againt the earth8 b/t a hi "i,e ,"o.e$ o/t o, him in a re$ ti$e- Bran$on Stark co/"$ tate the
b"oo$.
Cersei
Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e ha$ been o"$ ,or a "ong a he ha$ kno.n him- b/t he eeme$ to have
age$ another h/n$re$ year in the pat three night. &t took him an eternity to ben$ hi creaky
knee be,ore her- an$ once he ha$ he co/"$ not rie again /nti" Ser Hm/n$ =erke$ him to hi ,eet.
Cerei t/$ie$ him .ith $ip"ea/re. 2?or$ Dyb/rn in,orm me that ?or$ Gy"e ha co/ghe$
hi "at.1
2Ee- Eo/r Grace. & $i$ my bet to eae hi paing.1
25i$ yo/61 7he A/een t/rne$ to ?a$y Merry.eather. 2& did ay & .ante$ Roby a"ive- $i$ &
not61
2Eo/ $i$- Eo/r Grace.1
2Ser Hm/n$- .hat i yo/r reco""ection o, the converation61
2Eo/ comman$e$ Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e to ave the man- Eo/r Grace. 3e a"" hear$.1
9yce""e4 mo/th opene$ an$ c"oe$. 2Eo/r Grace m/t kno.- & $i$ a"" that co/"$ be $one ,or
the poor man.1
2A yo/ $i$ ,or !o,,rey6 An$ hi ,ather- my o.n be"ove$ h/ban$6 Robert .a a trong a
any man in the Seven >ing$om- yet yo/ "ot him to a boar. Hh- an$ "et / not ,orget !on Arryn.
No $o/bt yo/ .o/"$ have ki""e$ Ne$ Stark a .e""- i, & ha$ "et yo/ keep him "onger. 7e"" me-
maeter- .a it at the Cita$e" that yo/ "earne$ to .ring yo/r han$ an$ make e:c/e61
#er voice ma$e the o"$ man ,"inch. 2No man co/"$ have $one more- Eo/r Grace. &8 & have
a".ay given "ea" ervice.1
23hen yo/ co/ne"e$ >ing Aery to open hi gate a my ,ather4 hot approache$- .a that
yo/r notion o, "ea" ervice61
27hat8 & mi=/$ge$ the81
23a that goo$ co/ne"61
2Eo/r Grace m/t /re"y kno.81
23hat & know i that .hen my on .a poione$ yo/ prove$ to be o, "e /e than Moon Boy.
3hat & know i that the cro.n ha $eperate nee$ o, go"$- an$ o/r "or$ trea/rer i $ea$.1
7he o"$ ,oo" eiGe$ /pon that. 28. & ha"" $ra. /p a "it o, men /itab"e to take ?or$ Gy"e4
p"ace /pon the co/nci".1
2A "it.1 Cerei .a am/e$ by hi pre/mption. 2& can .e"" imagine the ort o, "it yo/ .o/"$
provi$e me. Greybear$ an$ graping ,oo" an$ Garth the Gro.1 #er "ip tightene$. 2Eo/ have
been m/ch in ?a$y Margaery4 company o, "ate.1
2Ee. Ee- &8 D/een Margaery ha been mot $itra/ght abo/t Ser ?ora. & provi$e #er
Grace .ith "eeping $ra/ght an$8 other ort o, potion.1
2No $o/bt. 7e"" me- .a it o/r "itt"e A/een .ho comman$e$ yo/ to ki"" ?or$ Gy"e61
2>(ki""61 Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e4 eye gre. a big a boi"e$ egg. 2Eo/r Grace cannot
be"ieve8 it .a hi co/gh- by a"" the go$- &8 #er Grace .o/"$ not8 he bore ?or$ Gy"e no
i"" .i""- .hy .o/"$ D/een Margaery .ant him81
28$ea$6 3hy- to p"ant another roe on 7ommen4 co/nci". Are yo/ b"in$ or bo/ght6 Roby
too$ in her .ay- o he p/t him in hi grave. 3ith yo/r connivance.1
2Eo/r Grace- & .ear to yo/- ?or$ Gy"e perihe$ ,rom hi co/gh.1 #i mo/th .a A/ivering.
2My "oya"ty ha a".ay been to the cro.n- to the rea"m8 t(to #o/e ?anniter.1
In that order6 9yce""e4 ,ear .a pa"pab"e. 7e is ripe enough+ #ime to s3ueeze the fruit and
taste the 9uice+ 2&, yo/ are a "ea" a yo/ c"aim- .hy are yo/ "ying to me6 5o not tro/b"e to $eny
it. Eo/ began to $ance atten$ance on Mai$ Margaery before Ser ?ora .ent to 5ragontone- o
pare me ,/rther ,ab"e abo/t ho. yo/ .ant on"y to cono"e o/r goo$($a/ghter in her grie,. 3hat
bring yo/ to the Mai$enva/"t o o,ten6 Not Margaery4 vapi$ converation- /re"y6 Are yo/
co/rting that po:(,ace$ epta o, her6 5i$$"ing "itt"e ?a$y B/".er6 5o yo/ p"ay the py ,or her-
in,orming on me to erve her p"ot61
28. & obey. A maeter take an oath o, ervice81
2A gran$ maeter .ear to erve the realm+1
2Eo/r Grace- he8 he i the A/een81
2I am the A/een.1
2& meant8 he i the king4 .i,e- an$81
2& kno. .ho he i. 3hat & .ant to kno. i .hy he ha nee$ o, !ou+ & my goo$($a/ghter
/n.e""61
2Fn.e""61 7he o"$ man p"/cke$ at the thing he ca""e$ a bear$- that patche$ gro.th o, thin
.hite hair pro/ting ,rom the "ooe pink .att"e /n$er hi chin. 2N(not /n.e""- Eo/r Grace- not
a /ch. My oath ,orbi$ me to $iv/"ge81
2Eo/r oath .i"" be o, ma"" com,ort in the b"ack ce""-1 he .arne$ him. 2&4"" hear the tr/th-
or yo/4"" .ear chain.1
9yce""e co""ape$ to hi knee. 2& beg yo/8 & .a yo/r "or$ ,ather4 man- an$ a ,rien$ to yo/
in the matter o, ?or$ Arryn. & co/"$ not /rvive the $/ngeon- not again81
23hy $oe Margaery en$ ,or yo/61
2She $eire8 he8 he81
2Say it01
#e cringe$. 2Moon tea-1 he .hipere$. 2Moon tea- ,or81
2& kno. .hat moon tea i ,or.1 #here it is+ 2%ery .e"". Get o,, thoe aggy knee an$ try to
remember .hat it .a to be a man.1 9yce""e tr/gg"e$ to rie- b/t took o "ong abo/t it that he
ha$ to te"" Hm/n$ >ett"eb"ack to give him another yank. 2A to ?or$ Gy"e- no $o/bt o/r
+ather Above .i"" =/$ge him =/t"y. #e "e,t no chi"$ren61
2No chi"$ren o, hi bo$y- b/t there i a .ar$81
28not o, hi b"oo$.1 Cerei $imie$ that annoyance .ith a ,"ick o, her han$. 2Gy"e kne.
o, o/r $ire nee$ ,or go"$. No $o/bt he to"$ yo/ o, hi .ih to "eave a"" hi "an$ an$ .ea"th to
7ommen.1 Roby4 go"$ .o/"$ he"p re,reh their co,,er- an$ Roby4 "an$ an$ cat"e co/"$ be
beto.e$ /pon one o, her o.n a a re.ar$ ,or "ea" ervice. "ord Waters, perhaps+ A/rane ha$
been hinting at hi nee$ ,or a eatI hi "or$hip .a on"y an empty honor .itho/t one. #e ha$ hi
eye on 5ragontone- Cerei kne.- b/t there he aime$ too high. Roby .o/"$ be more /itab"e to
hi birth an$ tation.
2?or$ Gy"e "ove$ #i Grace .ith a"" hi heart-1 9yce""e .a aying- 2b/t8 hi .ar$81
28.i"" $o/bt"e /n$ertan$- once he hear yo/ peak o, ?or$ Gy"e4 $ying .ih. Go- an$
ee it $one.1
2&, it p"eae Eo/r Grace.1 Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e a"mot trippe$ over hi o.n robe in hi
hate to "eave.
?a$y Merry.eather c"oe$ the $oor behin$ him. 2Moon tea-1 he ai$- a he t/rne$ back to
the A/een. 2#o. ,oo"ih o, her. 3hy .o/"$ he $o /ch a thing- take /ch a rik61
27he "itt"e A/een ha appetite that 7ommen i a yet too yo/ng to ati,y.1 7hat .a a".ay a
$anger- .hen a gro.n .oman .a marrie$ to a chi"$. 0en more so with a widow+ She ma!
claim that )enl! neer touched her, but I will not beliee it+ 3omen on"y $rank moon tea ,or one
reaonI mai$en ha$ no nee$ ,or it at a"". 2My on ha been betraye$. Margaery ha a "over. 7hat
i high treaon- p/nihab"e by $eath.1 She co/"$ on"y hope that Mace 7yre""4 pr/ne(,ace$
harri$an o, a mother "ive$ "ong eno/gh to ee the tria". By initing that 7ommen an$ Margaery
be .e$ at once- ?a$y H"enna ha$ con$emne$ her precio/ roe to a hea$man4 .or$. 2!aime
ma$e o,, .ith Ser &"yn 9ayne. & /ppoe & ha"" nee$ to ,in$ a ne. >ing4 !/tice to nick her
hea$ o,,.1
2&4"" $o it-1 o,,ere$ Hm/n$ >ett"eb"ack- .ith an eay grin. 2Margaery4 got a pretty "itt"e
neck. A goo$ harp .or$ .i"" go right thro/gh it.1
2&t .o/"$-1 ai$ 7aena- 2b/t there i a 7yre"" army at Storm4 Cn$ an$ another at Mai$enpoo".
7hey have harp .or$ a .e"".1
I am awash in roses+ &t .a ve:ing. She ti"" ha$ nee$ o, Mace 7yre""- i, not hi $a/ghter. At
least until such time as Stannis is defeated+ #hen I shan/t need an! of them+ B/t ho. co/"$ he
ri$ here", o, the $a/ghter .itho/t "oing the ,ather6 27reaon i treaon-1 he ai$- 2b/t .e m/t
have proo,- omething more /btantia" than moon tea. &, he i proed to be /ntr/e- even her
o.n "or$ ,ather m/t con$emn her- or her hame become hi o.n.1
>ett"eb"ack che.e$ on one en$ o, hi m/tache. 23e nee$ to catch them $/ring the $ee$.1
2#o.6 Dyb/rn ha eye on her $ay an$ night. #er erving men take my coin- b/t bring /
on"y tri,"e. Eet no one ha een thi "over. 7he ear o/ti$e her $oor hear inging- "a/ghter-
goip- nothing o, any /e.1
2Margaery i too hre.$ to be ca/ght o eai"y-1 ai$ ?a$y Merry.eather. 2#er .omen are
her cat"e .a"". 7hey "eep .ith her- $re her- pray .ith her- rea$ .ith her- e. .ith her. 3hen
he i not ha.king or ri$ing he i p"aying come(into(my(cat"e .ith "itt"e A"yanne B/".er.
3henever men are abo/t- her epta .i"" be .ith her- or her co/in.1
2She m/t ri$ here", o, her hen sometime,1 the A/een inite$. A tho/ght tr/ck her. 2Fn"e
her "a$ie are part o, it a .e""8 not a"" o, them- perhap- b/t ome.1
27he co/in61 Cven 7aena o/n$e$ $o/bt,/". 2A"" three are yo/nger than the "itt"e A/een-
an$ more innocent.1
23anton c"a$ in mai$en4 .hite. 7hat on"y make their in more hocking. 7heir name
.i"" "ive in hame.1 S/$$en"y the A/een co/"$ a"mot tate it. 27aena- yo/r "or$ h/ban$ i my
=/ticiar. 7he t.o o, yo/ m/t /p .ith me- thi very night.1 She .ante$ thi $one A/ick"y-
be,ore Margaery took it in her "itt"e hea$ to ret/rn to #ighgar$en- or ai" to 5ragontone to be
.ith her .o/n$e$ brother at $eath4 $oor. 2& ha"" comman$ the cook to roat a boar ,or /. An$
o, co/re .e m/t have ome m/ic- to he"p .ith o/r $igetion.1
7aena .a very A/ick. 2M/ic. !/t o.1
2Go an$ te"" yo/r "or$ h/ban$ an$ make arrangement ,or the inger-1 Cerei /rge$. 2Ser
Hm/n$- yo/ may remain. 3e have m/ch an$ more to $ic/. & ha"" have nee$ o, Dyb/rn too.1
Sa$ to ay- the kitchen prove$ to have no .i"$ boar on han$- an$ there .a not time eno/gh
to en$ o/t h/nter. &ntea$- the cook b/tchere$ one o, the cat"e o.- an$ erve$ them ham
t/$$e$ .ith c"ove an$ bate$ .ith honey an$ $rie$ cherrie. &t .a not .hat Cerei .ante$- b/t
he ma$e $o. A,ter.ar$ they ha$ bake$ app"e .ith a harp .hite cheee. ?a$y 7aena avore$
every bite. Not o Hrton Merry.eather- .hoe ro/n$ ,ace remaine$ b"otche$ an$ pa"e ,rom broth
to cheee. #e $rank heavi"y an$ kept tea"ing g"ance at the inger.
2A great pity abo/t ?or$ Gy"e-1 Cerei ai$ at "at. 2& $areay none o, / .i"" mi hi
co/ghing- tho/gh.1
2No. No- &4$ think not.1
23e ha"" have nee$ o, a ne. "or$ trea/rer. &, the %a"e .ere not o /nett"e$- & .o/"$ bring
back 9etyr Bae"ih- b/t8 & am min$e$ to try Ser #ary in the o,,ice. #e can $o no .ore than
Gy"e- an$ at "eat he $oe not co/gh.1
2Ser #ary i the >ing4 #an$-1 ai$ 7aena.
Ser 7ar!s is a hostage, and feeble een at that+ 2&t i time that 7ommen ha$ a more ,orce,/"
#an$.1
?or$ Hrton "i,te$ hi gaGe ,rom hi .ine c/p. 2+orce,/". 7o be /re.1 #e heitate$. 23ho 8.1
2Eo/- my "or$. &t i in yo/r b"oo$. Eo/r gran$ire took my o.n ,ather4 p"ace a #an$ to
Aery.1 Rep"acing 7y.in ?anniter .ith H.en Merry.eather ha$ prove$ to be akin to rep"acing
a $etrier .ith a $onkey- to be /re- b/t H.en ha$ been an o"$ $one man .hen Aery raie$ him-
amiab"e i, ine,,ect/a". #i gran$on .a yo/nger- an$8 Well, he has a strong wife+ &t .a a pity
7aena co/"$ not erve a #an$. She .a thrice the man her h/ban$ .a- an$ ,ar more am/ing.
She .a a"o Myrih(born an$ ,ema"e- ho.ever- o Hrton m/t nee$ /,,ice. 2& have no $o/bt
that yo/ are more ab"e than Ser #ary.1 #he contents of m! chamber pot are more able than Ser
7ar!s+ 23i"" yo/ conent to erve61
28. ye- o, co/re. Eo/r Grace $oe me great honor.1
A greater one than !ou desere+ 2Eo/ have erve$ me ab"y a =/ticiar- my "or$. An$ .i""
contin/e to $o o thro/gh thee8 trying time ahea$.1 3hen he a. that Merry.eather ha$
grape$ her meaning- the A/een t/rne$ to mi"e at the inger. 2An$ yo/ m/t be re.ar$e$ a
.e""- ,or a"" the .eet ong yo/ have p"aye$ ,or / .hi"t .e ate. 7he go$ have given yo/ a
gi,t.1
7he inger bo.e$. 2Eo/r Grace i kin$ to ay o.1
2Not kin$-1 ai$ Cerei- 2mere"y tr/th,/". 7aena te"" me that yo/ are ca""e$ the B"/e Bar$.1
2& am- Eo/r Grace.1 7he inger4 boot .ere /pp"e b"/e ca",kin- hi breeche ,ine b"/e
.oo". 7he t/nic he .ore .a pa"e b"/e i"k "ahe$ .ith hiny b"/e atin. #e ha$ even gone o
,ar a to $ye hi hair b"/e- in the 7yrohi ,ahion. ?ong an$ c/r"y- it ,e"" to hi ho/"$er an$
me""e$ a i, it ha$ been .ahe$ in roe.ater. From blue roses, no doubt+ At least his teeth are
white+ 7hey .ere goo$ teeth- not the "eat bit crooke$.
2Eo/ have no other name61
A hint o, pink /,,/e$ hi cheek. 2A a boy- & .a ca""e$ 3at. A ,ine name ,or a p"o.boy-
"e ,itting ,or a inger.1
7he B"/e Bar$4 eye .ere the ame co"or a Robert4. +or that a"one- he hate$ him. 2&t i
eay to ee .hy yo/ are ?a$y Margaery4 ,avorite.1
2#er Grace i kin$. She ay & give her p"ea/re.1
2Hh- &4m certain o, it. Might & ee yo/r "/te61
2&, it p"eae Eo/r Grace.1 Beneath the co/rtey- there .a a ,aint hint o, /neae- b/t he
han$e$ her the "/te a"" the ame. Hne $oe not re,/e the A/een4 reA/et.
Cerei p"/cke$ a tring an$ mi"e$ at the o/n$. 2S.eet an$ a$ a "ove. 7e"" me- 3at8 the
,irt time yo/ took Margaery to be$- .a that be,ore he .e$ my on- or a,ter61
+or a moment he $i$ not eem to /n$ertan$. 3hen he $i$- hi eye gre. "arge. 2Eo/r Grace
ha been miin,orme$. & .ear to yo/- & never@1
4"iar;5 Cerei mahe$ the "/te acro the inger4 ,ace o har$ the painte$ .oo$ e:p"o$e$
into har$ an$ p"inter. 2?or$ Hrton- /mmon my g/ar$ an$ take thi creat/re to the
$/ngeon.1
Hrton Merry.eather4 ,ace .a $amp .ith ,ear. 27hi8 oh- in,amy8 he $are$ e$/ce the
3ueen61
2& ,ear it .a the other .ay aro/n$- b/t he i a traitor a"" the ame. ?et him ing ,or ?or$
Dyb/rn.1
7he B"/e Bar$ .ent .hite. 2No.1 B"oo$ $rippe$ ,rom hi "ip .here the "/te ha$ torn it. 2&
never81 3hen Merry.eather eiGe$ him by the arm- he creame$- 4*other hae merc!, no+5
2& am not yo/r mother-1 Cerei to"$ him.
Cven in the b"ack ce""- a"" they got ,rom him .ere $enia"- prayer- an$ p"ea ,or mercy.
Be,ore "ong- b"oo$ .a treaming $o.n hi chin ,rom a"" hi broken teeth- an$ he .et hi $ark
b"/e breeche three time over- yet ti"" the man perite$ in hi "ie. 2& it poib"e .e have the
.rong inger61 Cerei ake$.
2A"" thing are poib"e- Eo/r Grace. #ave no ,ear. 7he man .i"" con,e be,ore the night i
$one.1 5o.n here in the $/ngeon- Dyb/rn .ore ro/ghp/n .oo" an$ a b"ackmith4 "eather
apron. 7o the B"/e Bar$ he ai$- 2& am orry i, the g/ar$ .ere ro/gh .ith yo/. 7heir co/rteie
are a$"y "acking.1 #i voice .a kin$- o"icito/. 2A"" .e .ant ,rom yo/ i the tr/th.1
2&4ve to"$ yo/ the tr/th-1 the inger obbe$. &ron hack"e he"$ him har$ againt the co"$ tone
.a"".
23e kno. better.1 Dyb/rn ha$ a raGor in hi han$- it e$ge g"eaming ,aint"y in the torch"ight.
#e c/t a.ay the B"/e Bar$4 c"othing- /nti" the man .a nake$ b/t ,or hi high b"/e boot. 7he
hair bet.een hi "eg .a bro.n- Cerei .a am/e$ to ee. 27e"" / ho. yo/ p"ea/re$ the "itt"e
A/een-1 he comman$e$.
2& never8 & ang- .a a""- & ang an$ p"aye$. #er "a$ie .i"" te"" yo/. 7hey .ere a".ay .ith
/. #er co/in.1
2#o. many o, them $i$ yo/ have carna" kno."e$ge o,61
2None o, them. &4m =/t a inger. 9"eae.1
Dyb/rn ai$- 2Eo/r Grace- mayhap thi poor man on"y p"aye$ ,or Margaery .hi"t he
entertaine$ other "over.1
2No. $lease+ She never8 & sang, & on"y sang=5
?or$ Dyb/rn ran a han$ /p the B"/e Bar$4 chet. 25oe he take yo/r nipp"e in her mo/th
$/ring yo/r "ove p"ay61 #e took one bet.een hi th/mb an$ ,ore,inger- an$ t.ite$. 2Some men
en=oy that. 7heir nipp"e are a enitive a a .oman4.1 7he raGor ,"ahe$- the inger hrieke$.
Hn hi chet a .et re$ eye .ept b"oo$. Cerei ,e"t i"". 9art o, her .ante$ to c"oe her eye- to t/rn
a.ay- to make it top. B/t he .a the A/een an$ thi .a treaon. "ord #!win would not hae
turned awa!+
&n the en$ the B"/e Bar$ to"$ them hi .ho"e "i,e- back to hi ,irt name $ay. #i ,ather ha$
been a chan$"er an$ 3at .a raie$ to that tra$e- b/t a a boy he ,o/n$ he ha$ more ki"" at
making "/te than barre". 3hen he .a t.e"ve he ran o,, to =oin a tro/pe o, m/ician he ha$
hear$ per,orming at a ,air. #e ha$ .an$ere$ ha", the Reach be,ore coming to >ing4 ?an$ing in
hope o, ,in$ing ,avor at co/rt.
2+avor61 Dyb/rn ch/ck"e$. 2& that .hat .omen ca"" it no.6 & ,ear yo/ ,o/n$ too m/ch o, it-
my ,rien$8 an$ ,rom the .rong A/een. 7he tr/e one tan$ be,ore yo/.1
&es+ Cerei b"ame$ Margaery 7yre"" ,or thi. &, not ,or her- 3at might have "ive$ a "ong an$
,r/it,/" "i,e- inging hi "itt"e ong an$ be$$ing pig gir" an$ cro,ter4 $a/ghter. 7er scheming
forced this on me+ She has soiled me with her treacher!+
By $a.n the inger4 high b"/e boot .ere ,/"" o, b"oo$- an$ he ha$ to"$ them ho. Margaery
.o/"$ ,on$"e here", a he .atche$ her co/in p"ea/ring him .ith their mo/th. At other
time he .o/"$ ing ,or her .hi"t he ate$ her "/t .ith other "over. 23ho .ere they61 the
A/een $eman$e$- an$ the .retche$ 3at name$ Ser 7a""a$ the 7a""- ?ambert 7/rnberry- !a"abhar
Lho- the Re$.yne t.in- Hney >ett"eb"ack- #/gh C"i,ton- an$ the >night o, +"o.er.
7hat $ip"eae$ her. She $are not bemirch the name o, the hero o, 5ragontone. Bei$e- no
one .ho kne. Ser ?ora .o/"$ ever be"ieve it. 7he Re$.yne co/"$ not be a part o, it either.
3itho/t the Arbor an$ it ,"eet- the rea"m co/"$ never hope to ri$ ite", o, thi C/ron Cro.4 Cye
an$ hi acc/re$ ironmen. 2A"" yo/ are $oing i pitting /p the name o, men yo/ a. abo/t her
chamber. 3e .ant the truth;1
27he tr/th.1 3at "ooke$ at her .ith the one b"/e eye that Dyb/rn ha$ "e,t him. B"oo$ b/bb"e$
thro/gh the ho"e .here hi ,ront teeth ha$ been. 2& might have8 miremembere$.1
2#ora an$ #obber ha$ no part o, thi- $i$ they61
2No-1 he a$mitte$. 2Not them.1
2A ,or Ser ?ora- & am certain Margaery took pain to hi$e .hat he .a $oing ,rom her
brother.1
2She $i$. & remember no.. Hnce & ha$ to hi$e /n$er the be$ .hen Ser ?ora came to ee her.
7e must neer know, he ai$.1
2& pre,er thi ong to the other.1 ?eave the great "or$ o/t o, it- that .a ,or the bet. 7he
other- tho/gh8 Ser 7a""a$ ha$ been a he$ge knight- !a"abhar Lho .a an e:i"e an$ a beggar-
C"i,ton .a the on"y one o, the "itt"e A/een4 g/ar$man. And Osne! is the plum that makes the
pudding+ 2& kno. yo/ ,ee" better ,or having to"$ the tr/th. Eo/ .i"" .ant to remember that .hen
Margaery come to tria". &, yo/ .ere to tart "ying again81
2& .on4t. &4"" te"" it tr/e. An$ a,ter81
28yo/ .i"" be a""o.e$ to take the b"ack. Eo/ have my .or$ on that.1 Cerei t/rne$ to
Dyb/rn. 2See that hi .o/n$ are c"eane$ an$ $ree$- an$ give him mi"k o, the poppy ,or the
pain.1
2Eo/r Grace i goo$.1 Dyb/rn $roppe$ the b"oo$y raGor into a pai" o, vinegar. 2Margaery
may .on$er .here her bar$ ha gone.1
2Singer come an$ go- they are in,amo/ ,or it.1
7he c"imb /p the $ark tone tep ,rom the b"ack ce"" "e,t Cerei ,ee"ing breath"e. I must
rest+ Getting to the tr/th .a .eariome .ork- an$ he $rea$e$ .hat m/t ,o""o.. I must be
strong+ What I must do I do for #ommen and the realm+ &t .a a pity that Maggy the +rog .a
$ea$. $iss on !our prophec!, old woman+ #he little 3ueen ma! be !ounger than I, but she has
neer been more beautiful, and soon she will be dead+
?a$y Merry.eather .a .aiting in her be$chamber. &t .a the b"ack o, night- c"oer to $a.n
than to $/k. !oce"yn an$ 5orca .ere both a"eep- b/t not 7aena. 23a it terrib"e61 he ake$.
2Eo/ cannot kno.. & nee$ to "eep- b/t ,ear to $ream.1
7aena troke$ her hair. 2&t .a a"" ,or 7ommen.1
2&t .a. & kno. it .a.1 Cerei h/$$ere$. 2My throat i ra.. Be a .eet an$ po/r me ome
.ine.1
2&, it p"eae yo/. 7hat i a"" that & $eire.1
"iar+ She kne. .hat 7aena $eire$. So be it. &, the .oman .a beotte$ .ith her- that .o/"$
he"p en/re that he an$ her h/ban$ remaine$ "oya". &n a .or"$ o ,/"" o, treachery- that .a
.orth a ,e. kie. She is no worse than most men+ At least there is no danger of her eer
getting me with child+
7he .ine he"pe$- b/t not eno/gh. 2& ,ee" oi"e$-1 the A/een comp"aine$ a he too$ bei$e
her .in$o.- c/p in han$.
2A bath .i"" et yo/ right- my .eet.1 ?a$y Merry.eather .oke 5orca an$ !oce"yn an$ ent
them ,or hot .ater. A the t/b .a ,i""e$- he he"pe$ the A/een $irobe- /n$oing her "ace .ith
$e,t ,inger an$ eaing the go.n o,, her ho/"$er. 7hen he "ippe$ o/t o, her o.n $re an$ "et
it p/$$"e on the ,"oor.
7he t.o o, them hare$ the bath together- .ith Cerei "ying back in 7aena4 arm. 27ommen
m/t be pare$ the .ort o, thi-1 he to"$ the Myrih .oman. 2Margaery ti"" take him to the
ept every $ay- o they can ak the go$ to hea" her brother.1 Ser ?ora ti"" c"/ng to "i,e-
annoying"y. 2#e i ,on$ o, her co/in a .e"". &t .i"" go har$ on him- to "oe them a"".1
2A"" three may not be g/i"ty-1 /ggete$ ?a$y Merry.eather. 23hy- it might .e"" be that one
o, them took no part. &, he .a hame$ an$ ickene$ by the thing he a.81
28he might be per/a$e$ to bear .itne againt the other. Ee- very goo$- b/t .hich one
i the innocent61
2A""a.1
27he hy one61
2So he eem- b/t there i more o, sl! than sh! in her. ?eave her to me- my .eet.1
2G"a$"y.1 A"one- the B"/e Bar$4 con,eion .o/"$ never /,,ice. Singer "ie$ ,or their "iving-
a,ter a"". A""a 7yre"" .o/"$ be o, great he"p- i, 7aena co/"$ $e"iver her. 2Ser Hney ha"" con,e
a .e"". 7he other m/t be ma$e to /n$ertan$ that on"y thro/gh con,eion can they earn the
king4 ,orgivene- an$ the 3a"".1 !a"abhar Lho .o/"$ ,in$ the tr/th attractive. Abo/t the ret
he .a "e certain- b/t Dyb/rn .a per/aive8
5a.n .a breaking over >ing4 ?an$ing .hen they c"imbe$ ,rom the t/b. 7he A/een4 kin
.a .hite an$ .rink"e$ ,rom her "ong immerion. 2Stay .ith me-1 he to"$ 7aena. 2& $o not
.ant to "eep a"one.1 She even ai$ a prayer be,ore he cra."e$ beneath her cover"et- beeeching
the Mother ,or .eet $ream.
&t prove$ a .ate o, breathI a ever- the go$ .ere $ea,. Cerei $reamt that he .a $o.n in
the b"ack ce"" once again- on"y thi time it .a her chaine$ to the .a"" in p"ace o, the inger. She
.a nake$- an$ b"oo$ $rippe$ ,rom the tip o, her breat .here the &mp ha$ torn o,, her nipp"e
.ith hi teeth. 29"eae-1 he begge$- 2p"eae- not my chi"$ren- $o not harm my chi"$ren.1 7yrion
on"y "eere$ at her. #e .a nake$ too- covere$ .ith coare hair that ma$e him "ook more "ike a
monkey than a man. 2Eo/ ha"" ee them cro.ne$-1 he ai$- 2an$ yo/ ha"" ee them $ie.1 7hen
he took her b"ee$ing breat into hi mo/th an$ began to /ck- an$ pain a.e$ thro/gh her "ike a
hot kni,e.
She .oke h/$$ering in 7aena4 arm. 2A ba$ $ream-1 he ai$ .eak"y. 25i$ & cream6 &4m
orry.1
25ream t/rn to $/t in "ight o, $ay. 3a it the $.ar, again6 3hy $oe he ,righten yo/ o-
thi i""y "itt"e man61
2#e i going to ki"" me. &t .a ,oreeen .hen & .a ten. & .ante$ to kno. .ho & .o/"$ marry-
b/t he ai$81
2She61
27he maegi+1 7he .or$ came t/mb"ing o/t o, her. She co/"$ ti"" hear Me"ara #etherpoon
initing that i, they never poke abo/t the prophecie- they .o/"$ not come tr/e. She was not so
silent in the well, though+ She screamed and shouted+ 27yrion i the alon3ar,1 he ai$. 25o yo/
/e that .or$ in Myr6 &t4 #igh %a"yrian- it mean little brother+1 She ha$ ake$ Septa Sarane""a
abo/t the .or$- a,ter Me"ara $ro.ne$.
7aena took her han$ an$ troke$ it. 27hi .a a hate,/" .oman- o"$ an$ ick an$ /g"y. Eo/
.ere yo/ng an$ bea/ti,/"- ,/"" o, "i,e an$ pri$e. She "ive$ in ?anniport- yo/ ai$- o he .o/"$
have kno.n o, the $.ar, an$ ho. he ki""e$ yo/r "a$y mother. 7hi creat/re $are$ not trike yo/-
beca/e o, .ho yo/ .ere- o he o/ght to .o/n$ yo/ .ith her viper4 tong/e.1
%ould it be6 Cerei .ante$ to be"ieve it. 2Me"ara $ie$- tho/gh- =/t a he ,oreto"$. & never
.e$ 9rince Rhaegar. An$ !o,,rey8 the $.ar, ki""e$ my on be,ore my eye.1
2Hne on-1 ai$ ?a$y Merry.eather- 2b/t yo/ have another- .eet an$ trong- an$ no harm
.i"" ever come to him.1
2Never- .hi"t & "ive.1 Saying it he"pe$ her be"ieve that it .a o. Dreams turn to dust in light
of da!, !es+ H/ti$e the morning /n .a hining thro/gh a haGe o, c"o/$. Cerei "ippe$ o/t
,rom /n$er the b"anket. 2& .i"" break my ,at .ith the king thi morning. & .ant to ee my on.1
All I do, I do for him+
7ommen he"pe$ retore her to here",. #e ha$ never been more precio/ to her than he .a
that morning- chattering abo/t hi kitten a he $ribb"e$ honey onto a ch/nk o, hot b"ack brea$
,reh ,rom the oven. 2Ser 9o/nce ca/ght a mo/e-1 he to"$ her- 2b/t ?a$y 3hiker to"e it
,rom him.1
I was neer so sweet and innocent, Cerei tho/ght. 7ow can he eer hope to rule in this cruel
realm6 7he mother in her .ante$ on"y to protect himI the A/een in her kne. he m/t gro.
har$er- or the &ron 7hrone .a certain to $evo/r him. 2Ser 9o/nce m/t "earn to $e,en$ hi
right-1 he to"$ him. 2&n thi .or"$ the .eak are a".ay the victim o, the trong.1
7he king coni$ere$ that- "icking honey o,, hi ,inger. 23hen Ser ?ora come back &4m
going to "earn to ,ight .ith "ance an$ .or$ an$ morningtar- the ame .ay he $oe.1
2Eo/ .i"" "earn to ,ight-1 the A/een promie$- 2b/t not ,rom Ser ?ora. #e .i"" not be coming
back- 7ommen.1
2Margaery ay he .i"". 3e pray ,or him. 3e ak ,or the Mother4 mercy- an$ ,or the 3arrior
to give him trength. C"inor ay that thi i Ser ?ora4 har$et batt"e.1
She moothe$ hi hair back- the o,t go"$en c/r" that remin$e$ her o m/ch o, !o,,. 23i""
yo/ be pen$ing the a,ternoon .ith yo/r .i,e an$ her co/in61
2Not to$ay. She ha to ,at an$ p/ri,y here",- he ai$.1
Fast and purif!= oh, for *aiden/s Da!+ &t ha$ been year ince Cerei ha$ been reA/ire$ to
oberve that partic/"ar ho"y $ay. #hrice wed, !et she still would hae us beliee she is a maid+
5em/re in .hite- the "itt"e A/een .o/"$ "ea$ her hen to Bae"or4 Sept to "ight ta"" .hite can$"e
at the Mai$en4 ,eet an$ hang parchment gar"an$ abo/t her ho"y neck. A few of her hens, at
least+ Hn Mai$en4 5ay .i$o.- mother- an$ .hore a"ike .ere barre$ ,rom the ept- a"ong
.ith men- "et they pro,ane the acre$ ong o, innocence. Hn"y virgin mai$ co/"$8
2Mother6 5i$ & ay omething .rong61
Cerei kie$ her on4 bro.. 2Eo/ ai$ omething very .ie- .eet"ing. No. r/n a"ong an$
p"ay .ith yo/r kitten.1
A,ter.ar$ he /mmone$ Ser Hney >ett"eb"ack to her o"ar. #e came in .eaty ,rom the
yar$ an$ .aggering- an$ a he took a knee he /n$ree$ her .ith hi eye- the .ay he a".ay
$i$.
2Rie- er- an$ it here ne:t to me. Eo/ $i$ me a va"iant ervice once- b/t no. & have a har$er
tak ,or yo/.1
2Aye- an$ & have omething har$ ,or yo/.1
27hat m/t .ait.1 She trace$ hi car "ight"y .ith the tip o, her ,inger. 25o yo/ reca"" the
.hore .ho gave thee to yo/6 &4"" give her to yo/ .hen yo/ come back ,rom the 3a"". 3o/"$
yo/ "ike that61
2&t4 yo/ & .ant.1
7hat .a the right an.er. 2+irt yo/ m/t con,e yo/r treaon. A man4 in can poion hi
o/" i, "e,t to ,eter. & kno. it m/t be har$ ,or yo/ to "ive .ith .hat yo/4ve $one. &t i pat time
that yo/ ri$ yo/re", o, yo/r hame.1
2Shame61 Hney o/n$e$ ba,,"e$. 2& to"$ Hm/n$- Margaery =/t teae. She never "et me $o
any more than81
2&t i chiva"ro/ o, yo/ to protect her-1 Cerei broke in- 2b/t yo/ are too goo$ a knight to go
on "iving .ith yo/r crime. No- yo/ m/t take yo/re", to the Great Sept o, Bae"or thi very night
an$ peak .ith the #igh Septon. 3hen a man4 in are o b"ack- on"y #i #igh #o"ine
hime", can ave him ,rom he""4 torment. 7e"" him ho. yo/ be$$e$ Margaery an$ her co/in.1
Hney b"inke$. 23hat- the co/in too61
2Megga an$ C"inor-1 he $eci$e$- 2never A""a.1 7hat "itt"e $etai" .o/"$ make the .ho"e tory
more p"a/ib"e. 2A""a .o/"$ it .eeping- an$ p"ea$ .ith the other to top their inning.1
2!/t Megga an$ C"inor6 Hr Margaery too61
2Margaery- mot certain"y. She .a the one behin$ it a"".1
She to"$ him a"" he ha$ in min$. A Hney "itene$- apprehenion "o."y prea$ acro hi
,ace. 3hen he ,inihe$ he ai$- 2A,ter yo/ c/t her hea$ o,,- & .ant to take that ki he never
gave me.1
2Eo/ may take a"" the kie yo/ "ike.1
2An$ then the 3a""61
2+or =/t a "itt"e .hi"e. 7ommen i a ,orgiving king.1
Hney cratche$ at hi carre$ cheek. 2F/a""y i, & "ie abo/t ome .oman- it4 me aying ho.
& never ,/cke$ them an$ them aying ho. & $i$. 7hi8 & never "ie$ to no 7igh Septon be,ore. &
think yo/ go to ome he"" ,or that. Hne o4 the ba$ one.1
7he A/een .a taken aback. 7he "at thing he e:pecte$ .a piety ,rom a >ett"eb"ack. 2Are
yo/ re,/ing to obey me61
2No.1 Hney to/che$ her go"$en hair. 27he thing i- the bet "ie have ome tr/th in 4em8 to
give 4em ,"avor- a it .ere. An$ yo/ .ant me to go te"" ho. & ,/cke$ a A/een81
She a"mot "appe$ hi ,ace. A"mot. B/t he ha$ gone too ,ar- an$ too m/ch .a at take. All
I do, I do for #ommen+ She t/rne$ her hea$ an$ ca/ght Ser Hney4 han$ .ith her o.n- kiing
hi ,inger. 7hey .ere ro/gh an$ har$- ca""/e$ ,rom the .or$. )obert had hands like that, he
tho/ght.
Cerei .rappe$ her arm abo/t hi neck. 2& .o/"$ not .ant it ai$ & ma$e a "iar o, yo/-1 he
.hipere$ in a h/ky voice. 2Give me an ho/r- an$ meet me in my be$chamber.1
23e .aite$ "ong eno/gh.1 #e thr/t hi ,inger ini$e the bo$ice o, her go.n an$ yanke$-
an$ the i"k parte$ .ith a ripping o/n$ o "o/$ that Cerei .a a,rai$ that ha", o, the Re$ >eep
m/t have hear$ it. 27ake o,, the ret be,ore & tear that too-1 he ai$. 2Eo/ can keep the cro.n
on. & "ike yo/ in the cro.n.1
0ON
7he /n ha$ broken thro/gh near mi$$ay- a,ter even $ay o, $ark kie an$ no. ,"/rrie.
Some o, the $ri,t .ere higher than a man- b/t the te.ar$ ha$ been hove"ing a"" $ay an$ the
path .ere a c"ean a they .ere "ike to get. Re,"ection g"immere$ o,, the 3a""- every crack an$
crevice g"ittering pa"e b"/e.
Seven h/n$re$ ,eet /p- !on Sno. too$ "ooking $o.n /pon the ha/nte$ ,oret. A north .in$
.ir"e$ thro/gh the tree be"o.- en$ing thin .hite p"/me o, no. cryta" ,"ying ,rom the
highet branche- "ike icy banner. C"e.ie nothing move$. 2ot a sign of life+ 7hat .a not
entire"y rea/ring. &t .a not the "iving that he ,eare$. Cven o8
#he sun is out+ #he snow has stopped+ It ma! be a moon/s turn before we hae another chance
as good+ It ma! be a season+ 2#ave Cmmett aemb"e hi recr/it-1 he to"$ 5o"oro/ C$$. 23e4""
.ant an ecort. 7en ranger- arme$ .ith $ragong"a. & .ant them rea$y to "eave .ithin the
ho/r.1
2Aye- m4"or$. An$ to comman$61
27hat .o/"$ be me.1
C$$4 mo/th t/rne$ $o.n even more than //a". 2Some might think it better i, the "or$
comman$er taye$ a,e an$ .arm o/th o, the 3a"". Not that &4$ ay /ch mye",- b/t ome
might.1
!on mi"e$. 2Some ha$ bet not ay o in my preence.1
A /$$en g/t o, .in$ et C$$4 c"oak to ,"apping noii"y. 2Bet go $o.n- m4"or$. 7hi
.in$4 "ike to p/h / o,, the 3a""- an$ & never $i$ "earn the knack o, ,"ying.1
7hey ro$e the .inch "i,t back to the gro/n$. 7he .in$ .a g/ting- co"$ a the breath o, the
ice $ragon in the ta"e H"$ Nan ha$ to"$ .hen !on .a a boy. 7he heavy cage .a .aying.
+rom time to time it crape$ againt the 3a""- tarting ma"" cryta""ine ho.er o, ice that
park"e$ in the /n"ight a they ,e""- "ike har$ o, broken g"a.
1lass, !on m/e$- might be of use here+ %astle Black needs its own glass gardens, like the
ones at Winterfell+ We could grow egetables een in the deep of winter+ 7he bet g"a came
,rom Myr- b/t a goo$ c"ear pane .a .orth it .eight in pice- an$ green an$ ye""o. g"a .o/"$
not .ork a .e"". What we need is gold+ With enough coin, we could bu! /prentice glass(blowers
and glaziers in *!r, bring them north, offer them their freedom for teaching their art to some of
our recruits+ 7hat .o/"$ be the .ay to go abo/t it. If we had the gold+ Which we do not+
At the bae o, the 3a"" he ,o/n$ Ghot ro""ing in a no.bank. 7he big .hite $ire.o", eeme$
to "ove ,reh no.. 3hen he a. !on he bo/n$e$ back onto hi ,eet an$ hook hime", o,,.
5o"oro/ C$$ ai$- 2#e4 going .ith yo/61
2#e i.1
2A c"ever .o",- him. An$ me61
2Eo/4re not.1
2A c"ever "or$- yo/. Ghot4 the better choice. & $on4t have the teeth ,or biting .i"$"ing
anymore.1
2&, the go$ are goo$- .e .on4t enco/nter any .i"$"ing. &4"" .ant the grey ge"$ing.1
3or$ prea$ ,at at Cat"e B"ack. C$$ .a ti"" a$$"ing the grey .hen Bo.en Marh
tompe$ acro the yar$ to con,ront !on at the tab"e. 2My "or$- & .ih yo/ .o/"$ reconi$er.
7he ne. men can take their vo. in the ept a eai"y.1
27he ept i home to the ne. go$. 7he o"$ go$ "ive in the .oo$- an$ thoe .ho honor them
ay their .or$ amongt the .eir.oo$. Eo/ kno. that a .e"" a &.1
2Satin come ,rom H"$to.n- an$ Arron an$ Cmrick ,rom the .eter"an$. 7he o"$ go$ are
not their go$.1
2& $o not te"" men .hich go$ to .orhip. 7hey .ere ,ree to chooe the Seven or the re$
.oman4 ?or$ o, ?ight. 7hey choe the tree intea$- .ith a"" the peri" that entai".1
27he 3eeping Man may ti"" be o/t there- .atching.1
27he grove i no more than t.o ho/r4 ri$e- even .ith the no.. 3e ho/"$ be back by
mi$night.1
27oo "ong. 7hi i not .ie.1
2Fn.ie-1 ai$ !on- 2b/t neceary. 7hee men are abo/t to p"e$ge their "ive to the Night4
3atch- =oining a brotherhoo$ that tretche back in an /nbroken "ine ,or tho/an$ o, year. 7he
.or$ matter- an$ o $o thee tra$ition. 7hey bin$ / a"" together- highborn an$ "o.- yo/ng an$
o"$- bae an$ nob"e. 7hey make / brother.1 #e c"appe$ Marh on hi ho/"$er. 2& promie yo/-
.e ha"" ret/rn.1
2Aye- my "or$-1 ai$ the ?or$ Ste.ar$- 2b/t .i"" it be a "iving men or hea$ on pear .ith
yo/r eye coope$ o/t6 Eo/ .i"" be ret/rning thro/gh the b"ack o, night. 7he no.$ri,t are
.ait $eep in p"ace. & ee that yo/ are taking eaone$ men .ith yo/- that i goo$- b/t B"ack
!ack B/".er kne. thee .oo$ a .e"". Cven Ben=en Stark- yo/r o.n /nc"e- he@1
2& have omething they $i$ not.1 !on t/rne$ hi hea$ an$ .hit"e$. 21host+ 7o me.1 7he
$ire.o", hook the no. ,rom hi back an$ trotte$ to !on4 i$e. 7he ranger parte$ to "et him
thro/gh- tho/gh one mare .hinnie$ an$ hie$ a.ay ti"" Rory gave her rein a harp t/g. 27he
3a"" i yo/r- ?or$ Bo.en.1 #e took hi hore by the bri$"e an$ .a"ke$ him to the gate an$ the
icy t/nne" that nake$ beneath the 3a"".
Beyon$ the ice- the tree too$ ta"" an$ i"ent- h/$$"e$ in the thick .hite c"oak. Ghot ta"ke$
bei$e !on4 hore a the ranger an$ recr/it ,orme$ /p- then toppe$ an$ ni,,e$- hi breath
,roting in the air. 23hat i it61 !on ake$. 2& omeone there61 7he .oo$ .ere empty a ,ar a
he co/"$ ee- b/t that .a not very ,ar.
Ghot bo/n$e$ to.ar$ the tree- "ippe$ bet.een t.o .hite(c"oake$ pine- an$ vanihe$ in a
c"o/$ o, no.. 7e wants to hunt, but what6 !on $i$ not ,ear ,or the $ire.o", o m/ch a ,or any
.i"$"ing he might enco/nter. A white wolf in a white wood, silent as a shadow+ #he! will neer
know he/s coming+ #e kne. better than to go chaing him. Ghot .o/"$ ret/rn .hen he .ante$
to an$ not be,ore. !on p/t hi hee" into hi hore. #i men ,e"" in aro/n$ them- the hoove o,
their garron breaking thro/gh the icy cr/t to the o,ter no. beneath. &nto the .oo$ they .ent-
at a tea$y .a"king pace- a the 3a"" $.in$"e$ behin$ them.
7he o"$ier pine an$ entine" .ore thick .hite coat- an$ icic"e $rape$ the bare bro.n
"imb o, the broa$"ea,. !on ent 7om Bar"eycorn ahea$ to co/t ,or them- tho/gh the .ay to the
.hite grove .a o,t tro$ an$ ,ami"iar. Big ?i$$"e an$ ?/ke o, ?ongto.n "ippe$ into the br/h
to eat an$ .et. 7hey .o/"$ ,"ank the co"/mn to give .arning o, any approach. A"" .ere
eaone$ ranger- arme$ .ith obi$ian a .e"" a tee"- .arhorn "/ng acro their a$$"e
ho/"$ they nee$ to /mmon he"p.
7he other .ere goo$ men too. 1ood men in a fight, at least, and lo!al to their brothers+ !on
co/"$ not peak ,or .hat they might have been be,ore they reache$ the 3a""- b/t he $i$ not
$o/bt that mot ha$ pat a b"ack a their c"oak. Fp here- they .ere the ort o, men he .ante$
at hi back. 7heir hoo$ .ere raie$ againt the biting .in$- an$ ome ha$ carve .rappe$
abo/t their ,ace- hi$ing their ,eat/re. !on kne. them- tho/gh. Cvery name .a graven on hi
heart. 7hey .ere hi men- hi brother.
Si: more ro$e .ith them@a mi: o, yo/ng an$ o"$- "arge an$ ma""- eaone$ an$ ra.. Si8 to
sa! the words+ #ore ha$ been born an$ raie$ in Mo"e4 7o.n- Arron an$ Cmrick came ,rom
+air &"e- Satin ,rom the brothe" o, H"$to.n at the other en$ o, 3etero. A"" o, them .ere
boy. ?eather an$ !a: .ere o"$er men- .e"" pat ,orty- on o, the ha/nte$ ,oret- .ith on an$
gran$on o, their o.n. 7hey ha$ been t.o o, the i:ty(three .i"$"ing .ho ha$ ,o""o.e$ !on
Sno. back to the 3a"" the $ay he ma$e hi appea"- o ,ar the on"y t.o to $eci$e they .ante$ a
b"ack c"oak. &ron Cmmett ai$ they a"" .ere rea$y- or a rea$y a they .ere ever going to be. #e
an$ !on an$ Bo.en Marh ha$ .eighe$ each man in t/rn an$ aigne$ him to an or$er' ?eather-
!a:- an$ Cmrick to the ranger- #ore to the b/i"$er- Arron an$ Satin to the te.ar$. 7he time
ha$ come ,or them to take their vo..
&ron Cmmett ro$e at the hea$ o, the co"/mn- mo/nte$ on the /g"iet hore !on ha$ ever een-
a haggy beat that "ooke$ to be a"" hair an$ hoove. 27a"k i there .a ome tro/b"e at #ar"ot4
7o.er "at night-1 the mater(at(arm ai$.
2#ar$in4 7o.er.1 H, the i:ty(three .ho ha$ come back .ith him ,rom Mo"e4 7o.n-
nineteen ha$ been .omen an$ gir". !on ha$ ho/e$ them in the ame aban$one$ to.er .here he
ha$ once "ept .hen he ha$ been ne. to the 3a"". 7.e"ve .ere pear.ive- more than capab"e
o, $e,en$ing both theme"ve an$ the yo/nger gir" ,rom the /n.ante$ attention o, b"ack
brother. &t .a ome o, the men they4$ t/rne$ a.ay .ho4$ given #ar$in4 7o.er it ne.-
in,"ammatory name. !on .a not abo/t to con$one the mockery. 27hree $r/nken ,oo" mitook
#ar$in4 ,or a brothe"- that4 a"". 7hey are in the ice ce"" no.- contemp"ating their mitake.1
&ron Cmmett grimace$. 2Men are men- vo. are .or$- an$ .or$ are .in$. Eo/ ho/"$ p/t
g/ar$ aro/n$ the .omen.1
2An$ .ho .i"" g/ar$ the g/ar$61 &ou know nothing, -on Snow+ #e ha$ "earne$- tho/gh- an$
Egritte ha$ been hi teacher. &, he co/"$ not ho"$ to hi o.n vo.- ho. co/"$ he e:pect more o,
hi brother6 B/t there .ere $anger in tri,"ing .ith .i"$"ing .omen. A man can own a woman,
and a man can own a knife, Egritte ha$ to"$ him once- but no man can own both+ Bo.en Marh
ha$ not been a"" .rong. #ar$in4 7o.er .a tin$er .aiting ,or a park. 2& mean to open three
more cat"e-1 !on ai$. 25eep ?ake- Sab"e #a""- an$ the ?ong Barro.. A"" garrione$ .ith ,ree
,o"k- /n$er the comman$ o, o/r o.n o,,icer. 7he ?ong Barro. .i"" be a"" .omen- ai$e ,rom
the comman$er an$ chie, te.ar$.1 7here .o/"$ be ome ming"ing- he $i$ not $o/bt- b/t the
$itance .ere great eno/gh to make that $i,,ic/"t- at "eat.
2An$ .hat poor ,oo" .i"" get that choice comman$61
2& am ri$ing bei$e him.1
7he "ook o, ming"e$ horror an$ $e"ight that pae$ acro &ron Cmmett4 ,ace .a .orth more
than a ack o, go"$. 23hat have & $one to make yo/ hate me o- my "or$61
!on "a/ghe$. 2#ave no ,ear- yo/ .on4t be a"one. & mean to give yo/ 5o"oro/ C$$ a yo/r
econ$ an$ yo/r te.ar$.1
27he pear.ive .i"" be o happy. Eo/ might $o .e"" to beto. a cat"e on the Magnar.1
!on4 mi"e $ie$. 2& might i, & co/"$ tr/t him. Sigorn b"ame me ,or hi ,ather4 $eath- & ,ear.
3ore- he .a bre$ an$ traine$ to give or$er- not to take them. 5o not con,/e the 7henn .ith
,ree ,o"k. *agnar mean lord in the H"$ 7ong/e- & am to"$- b/t Styr .a c"oer to a go$ to hi
peop"e- an$ hi on i c/t ,rom the ame kin. & $o not reA/ire men to knee"- b/t they $o nee$ to
obey.1
2Aye- m4"or$- b/t yo/ ha$ bet $o omething .ith the Magnar. Eo/4"" have tro/b"e .ith the
7henn i, yo/ ignore them.1
#rouble is the lord commander/s lot, !on might have ai$. #i viit to Mo"e4 7o.n .a
giving him p"enty- a it happene$- an$ the .omen .ere the "eat o, it. #a""eck .a proving to be
=/t a tr/c/"ent a he ha$ ,eare$- an$ there .ere ome amongt the b"ack brother .hoe hatre$
o, the ,ree ,o"k .a bone $eep. Hne o, #a""eck4 ,o""o.er ha$ a"rea$y c/t o,, a b/i"$er4 ear in
the yar$- an$ "ike a not that .a =/t a tate o, the b"oo$he$ to come. #e ha$ to get the o"$ ,ort
open oon- o #arma4 brother co/"$ be ent o,, to garrion 5eep ?ake or Sab"e #a"". !/t no.-
tho/gh- neither o, thoe .a ,it ,or h/man habitation- an$ Hthe"" Ear.yck an$ hi b/i"$er .ere
ti"" o,, trying to retore the Night,ort. 7here .ere night .hen !on Sno. .on$ere$ i, he ha$ not
ma$e a grievo/ mitake by preventing Stanni ,rom marching a"" the .i"$"ing o,, to be
"a/ghtere$. I know nothing, &gritte, he tho/ght- and perhaps I neer will+
#a", a mi"e ,rom the grove- "ong re$ ha,t o, a/t/mn /n"ight .ere "anting $o.n bet.een
the branche o, the "ea,"e tree- taining the no.$ri,t pink. 7he ri$er croe$ a ,roGen
tream- bet.een t.o =agge$ rock armore$ in ice- then ,o""o.e$ a t.iting game trai" to the
northeat. 3henever the .in$ kicke$ /p- pray o, "ooe no. ,i""e$ the air an$ t/ng their eye.
!on p/""e$ hi car, /p over hi mo/th an$ noe an$ raie$ the hoo$ on hi c"oak. 2Not ,ar no.-1
he to"$ the men. No one rep"ie$.
!on me""e$ 7om Bar"eycorn be,ore he a. him. Hr .a it Ghot .ho me""e$ him6 H, "ate-
!on Sno. ometime ,e"t a i, he an$ the $ire.o", .ere one- even a.ake. 7he great .hite .o",
appeare$ ,irt- haking o,, the no.. A ,e. moment "ater 7om .a there. 23i"$"ing-1 he to"$
!on- o,t"y. 2&n the grove.1
!on bro/ght the ri$er to a ha"t. 2#o. many61
2& co/nte$ nine. No g/ar$. Some $ea$- might be- or "eeping. Mot "ook to be .omen. Hne
chi"$- b/t there4 a giant too. !/t the one that & a.. 7hey got a ,ire b/rning- moke $ri,ting
thro/gh the tree. +oo".1
2ine, and I hae seen(and(ten+ +o/r o, hi .ere green boy- tho/gh- an$ none .ere giant.
!on .a not o, a min$ to ,a"" back to the 3a""- ho.ever. If the wildlings are still alie, it ma!
be we can bring them in+ And if the! are dead, well= a corpse or two could be of use+ 23e4""
contin/e on ,oot-1 he ai$- $ropping "ight"y to the ,roGen gro/n$. 7he no. .a ank"e $eep.
2Rory- 9ate- tay .ith the hore.1 #e might have given that $/ty to the recr/it- b/t they .o/"$
nee$ to be b"oo$e$ oon eno/gh. 7hi .a a goo$ a time a any. 2Sprea$ o/t an$ ,orm a
crecent. & .ant to c"oe in on the grove ,rom three i$e. >eep the men to yo/r right an$ "e,t in
ight- o the gap $o not .i$en. 7he no. ho/"$ m/,,"e o/r tep. ?e chance o, b"oo$ i, .e
take them /na.are.1
Night .a ,a""ing ,at. 7he ha,t o, /n"ight ha$ vanihe$ .hen the "at thin "ice o, the /n
.a .a""o.e$ beneath the .etern .oo$. 7he pink no. $ri,t .ere going .hite again- the
co"or "eaching o/t o, them a the .or"$ $arkene$. 7he evening ky ha$ t/rne$ the ,a$e$ grey o,
an o"$ c"oak that ha$ been .ahe$ too many time- an$ the ,irt hy tar .ere coming o/t.
Ahea$ he g"impe$ a pa"e .hite tr/nk that co/"$ on"y be a .eir.oo$- cro.ne$ .ith a hea$ o,
$ark re$ "eave. !on Sno. reache$ back an$ p/""e$ ?ongc"a. ,rom hi heath. #e "ooke$ to right
an$ "e,t- gave Satin an$ #ore a no$- .atche$ them pa it on to the men beyon$. 7hey r/he$
the grove together- kicking thro/gh $ri,t o, o"$ no. .ith no o/n$ b/t their breathing. Ghot
ran .ith them- a .hite ha$o. at !on4 i$e.
7he .eir.oo$ roe in a circ"e aro/n$ the e$ge o, the c"earing. 7here .ere nine- a"" ro/gh"y
o, the ame age an$ iGe. Cach one ha$ a ,ace carve$ into it- an$ no t.o ,ace .ere a"ike. Some
.ere mi"ing- ome .ere creaming- ome .ere ho/ting at him. &n the $eepening g"o. their
eye "ooke$ b"ack- b/t in $ay"ight they .o/"$ be b"oo$(re$- !on kne.. 0!es like 1host/s+
7he ,ire in the center o, the grove .a a ma"" a$ thing- ahe an$ ember an$ a ,e. broken
branche b/rning "o. an$ moky. Cven then- it ha$ more "i,e than the .i"$"ing h/$$"e$ near it.
Hn"y one o, them reacte$ .hen !on teppe$ ,rom the br/h. 7hat .a the chi"$- .ho began to
.ai"- c"/tching at hi mother4 ragge$ c"oak. 7he .oman raie$ her eye an$ gape$. By then the
grove .a ringe$ by ranger- "i$ing pat the bone(.hite tree- tee" g"inting in b"ack(g"ove$
han$- poie$ ,or "a/ghter.
7he giant .a the "at to notice them. #e ha$ been a"eep- c/r"e$ /p by the ,ire- b/t omething
.oke him@the chi"$4 cry- the o/n$ o, no. cr/nching beneath b"ack boot- a /$$en in$ra.n
breath. 3hen he tirre$ it .a a i, a bo/"$er ha$ come to "i,e. #e heave$ hime", into a itting
poition .ith a nort- pa.ing at hi eye .ith han$ a big a ham to r/b the "eep a.ay8 /nti"
he a. &ron Cmmett- hi .or$ hining in hi han$. Roaring- he came "eaping to hi ,eet- an$ one
o, thoe h/ge han$ c"oe$ aro/n$ a ma/" an$ =erke$ it /p.
Ghot ho.e$ hi teeth in an.er. !on grabbe$ the .o", by the cr/,, o, the neck. 23e .ant
no batt"e here.1 #i men co/"$ bring the giant $o.n- he kne.- b/t not .itho/t cot. Hnce b"oo$
.a he$- the .i"$"ing .o/"$ =oin the ,ray. Mot or a"" .o/"$ $ie here- an$ ome o, hi o.n
brother too. 27hi i a ho"y p"ace. Eie"$- an$ .e@1
7he giant be""o.e$ again- a o/n$ that hook the "eave in the tree- an$ "amme$ hi ma/"
againt the gro/n$. 7he ha,t o, it .a i: ,eet o, gnar"e$ oak- the hea$ a tone a big a a "oa, o,
brea$. 7he impact ma$e the gro/n$ hake. Some o, the other .i"$"ing .ent cramb"ing ,or their
o.n .eapon.
!on Sno. .a abo/t to reach ,or ?ongc"a. .hen ?eather poke- ,rom the ,ar i$e o, the
grove. #i .or$ o/n$e$ gr/,, an$ g/tt/ra"- b/t !on hear$ the m/ic in it an$ recogniGe$ the
H"$ 7ong/e. ?eather poke ,or a "ong .hi"e. 3hen he .a $one- the giant an.ere$. &t o/n$e$
"ike gro."ing- interpere$ .ith gr/nt- an$ !on co/"$ not /n$ertan$ a .or$ o, it. B/t ?eather
pointe$ at the tree an$ ai$ omething e"e- an$ the giant pointe$ at the tree- gro/n$ hi teeth-
an$ $roppe$ hi ma/".
2&t4 $one-1 ai$ ?eather. 27hey .ant no ,ight.1
23e"" $one. 3hat $i$ yo/ te"" him61
27hat they .ere o/r go$ too. 7hat .e came to pray.1
23e ha"". 9/t a.ay yo/r tee"- a"" o, yo/. 3e .i"" have no b"oo$ he$ here tonight.1
Nine- 7om Bar"eycorn ha$ ai$- an$ nine there .ere- b/t t.o .ere $ea$ an$ one o .eak he
might have $ie$ by morning. 7he i: .ho remaine$ inc"/$e$ a mother an$ chi"$- t.o o"$ men- a
.o/n$e$ 7henn in battere$ bronGe- an$ one o, the #orn,oot ,o"k- hi bare ,eet o ba$"y
,rotbitten that !on kne. at a g"ance he .o/"$ never .a"k again. Mot ha$ been tranger to one
another .hen they came to the grove- he "earne$ /beA/ent"yI .hen Stanni broke Mance
Ray$er4 hot- they ha$ ,"e$ into the .oo$ to ecape the carnage- .an$ere$ ,or a time- "ot
,rien$ an$ kin to co"$ an$ tarvation- an$ ,ina""y .ahe$ /p here- too .eak an$ .eary to go on.
27he go$ are here-1 one o, the o"$ men ai$. 27hi .a a goo$ a p"ace to $ie a any.1
27he 3a"" i on"y a ,e. ho/r o/th o, here-1 ai$ !on. 23hy not eek he"ter there6 Hther
yie"$e$. Cven Mance.1
7he .i"$"ing e:change$ "ook. +ina""y one ai$- 23e hear$ torie. 7he cro. b/rne$ a""
them that yie"$e$.1
2Cven Mance hie",-1 the .oman a$$e$.
*elisandre, !on tho/ght- !ou and !our red god hae much and more to answer for+ 2A"" thoe
.ho .ih are .e"come to ret/rn .ith /. 7here i ,oo$ an$ he"ter at Cat"e B"ack- an$ the 3a""
to keep yo/ a,e ,rom the thing that ha/nt thee .oo$. Eo/ have my .or$- no one .i"" b/rn.1
2A cro.4 .or$-1 the .oman ai$- h/gging her chi"$ c"oe- 2b/t .ho4 to ay that yo/ can
keep it6 3ho are yo/61
2?or$ Comman$er o, the Night4 3atch- an$ a on o, C$$ar$ Stark o, 3inter,e"".1 !on t/rne$
to 7om Bar"eycorn. 2#ave Rory an$ 9ate bring /p the hore. & $o not mean to tay here one
moment "onger than .e m/t.1
2A yo/ ay- m4"or$.1
Hne "at thing remaine$ be,ore they co/"$ $epart' the thing that they ha$ come ,or. &ron
Cmmett ca""e$ ,orth hi charge- an$ a the ret o, the company .atche$ ,rom a repect,/"
$itance- they kne"t be,ore the .eir.oo$. 7he "at "ight o, $ay .a gone by thenI the on"y "ight
came ,rom the tar above an$ the ,aint re$ g"o. o, the $ying ,ire in the center o, the grove.
3ith their b"ack hoo$ an$ thick b"ack co."- the i: might have been carve$ ,rom ha$o..
7heir voice roe together- ma"" againt the vatne o, the night. 2Night gather- an$ no. my
.atch begin-1 they ai$- a tho/an$ ha$ ai$ be,ore them. Satin4 voice .a .eet a ong-
#ore4 hoare an$ ha"ting- Arron4 a nervo/ A/eak. 2&t ha"" not en$ /nti" my $eath.1
*a! those deaths be long in coming+ !on Sno. ank to one knee in the no.. 1ods of m!
fathers, protect these men+ And Ar!a too, m! little sister, whereer she might be+ I pra! !ou, let
*ance find her and bring her safe to me+
2& ha"" take no .i,e- ho"$ no "an$- ,ather no chi"$ren-1 the recr/it promie$- in voice that
echoe$ back thro/gh year an$ cent/rie. 2& ha"" .ear no cro.n an$ .in no g"ory. & ha"" "ive
an$ $ie at my pot.1
1ods of the wood, grant me the strength to do the same, !on Sno. praye$ i"ent"y. 1ie me
the wisdom to know what must be done and the courage to do it+
2& am the .or$ in the $arkne-1 ai$ the i:- an$ it eeme$ to !on a tho/gh their voice
.ere changing- gro.ing tronger- more certain. 2& am the .atcher on the .a"". & am the ,ire that
b/rn againt the co"$- the "ight that bring the $a.n- the horn that .ake the "eeper- the hie"$
that g/ar$ the rea"m o, men.1
#he shield that guards the realms of men+ Ghot n/GG"e$ /p againt hi ho/"$er- an$ !on
$rape$ an arm aro/n$ him. #e co/"$ me"" #ore4 /n.ahe$ breeche- the .eet cent Satin
combe$ into hi bear$- the rank harp me"" o, ,ear- the giant4 overpo.ering m/k. #e co/"$
hear the beating o, hi o.n heart. 3hen he "ooke$ acro the grove at the .oman .ith her chi"$-
the t.o greybear$- the #orn,oot man .ith hi maime$ ,eet- a"" he a. .a men.
2& p"e$ge my "i,e an$ honor to the Night4 3atch- ,or thi night an$ a"" the night to come.1
!on Sno. .a the ,irt onto hi ,eet. 2Rie no. a men o, the Night4 3atch.1 #e gave #ore
a han$ to p/"" him /p.
7he .in$ .a riing. &t .a time to go.
7he =o/rney back took m/ch "onger than the =o/rney to the grove. 7he giant4 pace .a a
pon$ero/ one- $epite the "ength an$ girth o, thoe "eg- an$ he .a ,orever topping to knock
no. o,, "o.(hanging "imb .ith hi ma/". 7he .oman ro$e $o/b"e .ith Rory- her on .ith
7om Bar"eycorn- the o"$ men .ith #ore an$ Satin. 7he 7henn .a ,rightene$ o, the hore-
ho.ever- an$ pre,erre$ to "imp a"ong $epite hi .o/n$. 7he #orn,oot man co/"$ not it a
a$$"e an$ ha$ to be tie$ over the back o, a garron "ike a ack o, grainI o too the pa"e(,ace$
crone .ith the tick(thin "imb- .hom they ha$ not been ab"e to ro/e.
7hey $i$ the ame .ith the t.o corpe- to the p/GG"ement o, &ron Cmmett. 27hey .i"" on"y
"o. /- my "or$-1 he ai$ to !on. 23e ho/"$ chop them /p an$ b/rn them.1
2No-1 ai$ !on. 2Bring them. & have a /e ,or them.1
7hey ha$ no moon to g/i$e them home- an$ on"y no. an$ then a patch o, tar. 7he .or"$
.a b"ack an$ .hite an$ ti"". &t .a a "ong- "o.- en$"e trek. 7he no. c"/ng to their boot an$
breeche- an$ the .in$ ratt"e$ the pine an$ ma$e their c"oak nap an$ .ir". !on g"impe$ the
re$ .an$erer above- .atching them thro/gh the "ea,"e branche o, great tree a they ma$e
their .ay beneath. #he #hief, the ,ree ,o"k ca""e$ it. 7he bet time to tea" a .oman .a .hen the
7hie, .a in the Moonmai$- Egritte ha$ a".ay c"aime$. She never mentione$ the bet time to
tea" a giant. Or two dead men+
&t .a a"mot $a.n be,ore they a. the 3a"" again.
A entry4 horn greete$ them a they approache$- o/n$ing ,rom on high "ike the cry o, ome
h/ge- $eep(throate$ bir$- a ing"e "ong b"at that meant rangers returning+ Big ?i$$"e /n"/ng
hi o.n .arhorn an$ gave an.er. At the gate- they ha$ to .ait a ,e. moment be,ore 5o"oro/
C$$ 7o""ett appeare$ to "i$e back the bo"t an$ .ing open the iron bar. 3hen C$$ ca/ght ight
o, the ragge$ ban$ o, .i"$"ing- he p/re$ hi "ip an$ gave the giant a "ong "ook. 2Might nee$
ome b/tter to "i$e that one thro/gh the t/nne"- m4"or$. Sha"" & en$ omeone to the "ar$er61
2Hh- & think he4"" ,it. Fnb/ttere$.1
So he $i$8 on han$ an$ knee- cra."ing. A big bo!, this one+ Fourteen feet, at least+ 0en
bigger than *ag the *ight!+ Mag ha$ $ie$ beneath thi very ice- "ocke$ in morta" tr/gg"e .ith
5ona" Noye. A good man+ #he Watch has lost too man! good men+ !on took ?eather ai$e.
27ake charge o, him. Eo/ peak hi tong/e. See that he i ,e$ an$ ,in$ him a .arm p"ace by the
,ire. Stay .ith him. See that no one provoke him.1
2Aye.1 ?eather heitate$. 2M4"or$.1
7he "iving .i"$"ing !on ent o,, to have their .o/n$ an$ ,rotbite ten$e$. Some hot ,oo$
an$ .arm c"othe .o/"$ retore mot o, them- he hope$- tho/gh the #orn,oot man .a "ike to
"oe both ,eet. 7he corpe he conigne$ to the ice ce"".
C"y$a ha$ come an$ gone- !on note$ a he .a hanging hi c"oak on the peg bei$e the $oor.
A "etter ha$ been "e,t on the tab"e in hi o"ar. 0astwatch or the Shadow #ower, he a/me$ at
,irt g"ance. B/t the .a: .a go"$- not b"ack. 7he ea" ho.e$ a tag4 hea$ .ithin a ,"aming
heart. Stannis+ !on cracke$ the har$ene$ .a:- ,"attene$ the ro"" o, parchment- rea$. A maester/s
hand, but the king/s words+
Stanni ha$ taken 5eep.oo$ Motte- an$ the mo/ntain c"an ha$ =oine$ him. +"int- Norrey-
3/""- ?i$$"e- a"".
And we had other help, une8pected but most welcome, from a daughter of Bear Island+
Al!sane *ormont, whose men name her the She(Bear, hid fighters inside a gaggle of
fishing sloops and took the ironmen unawares where the! la! off the strand+ 1re!9o!/s
longships are burned or taken, her crews slain or surrendered+ #he captains, knights,
notable warriors, and others of high birth we shall ransom or make other use of, the rest I
mean to hang=
7he Night4 3atch .a .orn to take no i$e in the A/arre" an$ con,"ict o, the rea"m.
Nonethe"e- !on Sno. co/"$ not he"p b/t ,ee" a certain ati,action. #e rea$ on.
=more northmen coming in as word spreads of our ictor!+ Fisherfolk, freeriders,
hillmen, crofters from the deep of the wolfswood and illagers who fled their homes along
the ston! shore to escape the ironmen, suriors from the battle outside the gates of
Winterfell, men once sworn to the 7ornwoods, the %erw!ns, and the #allharts+ We are fie
thousand strong as I write, our numbers swelling eer! da!+ And word has come to us that
)oose Bolton moes toward Winterfell with all his power, there to wed his bastard to !our
half sister+ 7e must not be allowed to restore the castle to its former strength+ We march
against him+ Arnolf ,arstark and *ors <mber will 9oin us+ I will sae !our sister if I can,
and find a better match for her than )amsa! Snow+ &ou and !our brothers must hold the
Wall until I can return+
&t .a igne$- in a $i,,erent han$-
Done in the "ight of "ord, under the sign and seal of Stannis of 7ouse Baratheon, the First
of 7is 2ame, ,ing of the Andals, the )ho!nar, and the First *en, "ord of the Seen
,ingdoms, and $rotector of the )ealm+
7he moment !on et the "etter ai$e- the parchment c/r"e$ /p again- a i, eager to protect it
ecret. #e .a not at a"" /re ho. he ,e"t abo/t .hat he ha$ =/t rea$. Batt"e ha$ been ,o/ght at
3inter,e"" be,ore- b/t never one .itho/t a Stark on one i$e or the other. 27he cat"e i a he""-1
he ai$- 2not 3inter,e""- b/t the ghot o, 3inter,e"".1 &t .a pain,/" =/t to think o, it- m/ch "e
ay the .or$ a"o/$. An$ ti""8
#e .on$ere$ ho. many men o"$ Cro.,oo$ .o/"$ bring to the ,ray- an$ ho. many .or$
Arno", >artark .o/"$ be ab"e to con=/re /p. #a", the Fmber .o/"$ be acro the ,ie"$ .ith
3horebane- ,ighting beneath the ,"aye$ man o, the 5rea$,ort- an$ the greater part o, the
trength o, both ho/e ha$ gone o/th .ith Robb- never to ret/rn. Cven r/ine$- 3inter,e"" ite",
.o/"$ con,er a coni$erab"e a$vantage on .hoever he"$ it. Robert Baratheon .o/"$ have een
that at once an$ move$ .i,t"y to ec/re the cat"e- .ith the ,orce$ marche an$ mi$night ri$e
,or .hich he ha$ been ,amo/. 3o/"$ hi brother be a bo"$6
2ot likel!+ Stanni .a a $e"iberate comman$er- an$ hi hot .a a ha",($igete$ te. o,
c"anmen- o/thron knight- king4 men an$ A/een4 men- a"te$ .ith a ,e. northern "or$. 7e
should moe on Winterfell swiftl!, or not at all, !on tho/ght. &t .a not hi p"ace to a$vie the
king- b/t8
#e g"ance$ at the "etter again. I will sae !our sister if I can+ A /rpriing"y ten$er entiment
,rom Stanni- tho/gh /n$erc/t by that ,ina"- br/ta" if I can an$ the a$$en$/m and find a better
match for her than )amsa! Snow+ B/t .hat i, Arya .a not there to be ave$6 3hat i, ?a$y
Me"ian$re4 ,"ame ha$ to"$ it tr/e6 Co/"$ hi iter tr/"y have ecape$ /ch captor6 7ow
would she do that6 Ar!a was alwa!s 3uick and cleer, but in the end she/s 9ust a little girl, and
)oose Bolton is not the sort who would be careless with a prize of such great worth+
3hat i, Bo"ton never ha$ hi iter6 7hi .e$$ing co/"$ .e"" be =/t ome r/e to "/re Stanni
into a trap. C$$ar$ Stark ha$ never ha$ any reaon to comp"ain o, the ?or$ o, the 5rea$,ort- o
,ar a !on kne.- b/t even o he ha$ never tr/te$ him- .ith hi .hipery voice an$ hi pa"e- pa"e
eye.
A gre! girl on a d!ing horse, fleeing from her marriage+ Hn the trength o, thoe .or$ he
ha$ "ooe$ Mance Ray$er an$ i: pear.ive on the north. 2Eo/ng one- an$ pretty-1 Mance ha$
ai$. 7he /nb/rnt king /pp"ie$ ome name- an$ 5o"oro/ C$$ ha$ $one the ret- m/gg"ing
them ,rom Mo"e4 7o.n. &t eeme$ "ike ma$ne no.. #e might have $one better to trike $o.n
Mance the moment he revea"e$ hime",. !on ha$ a certain gr/$ging a$miration ,or the "ate >ing(
Beyon$(the(3a""- b/t the man .a an oathbreaker an$ a t/rnc"oak. #e ha$ even "e tr/t in
Me"ian$re. Eet omeho. here he .a- pinning hi hope on them. All to sae m! sister+ But the
men of the 2ight/s Watch hae no sisters+
3hen !on ha$ been a boy at 3inter,e""- hi hero ha$ been the Eo/ng 5ragon- the boy king
.ho ha$ conA/ere$ 5orne at the age o, ,o/rteen. 5epite hi batar$ birth- or perhap beca/e o,
it- !on Sno. ha$ $reame$ o, "ea$ing men to g"ory =/t a >ing 5aeron ha$- o, gro.ing /p to be a
conA/eror. No. he .a a man gro.n an$ the 3a"" .a hi- yet a"" he ha$ .ere $o/bt. #e co/"$
not even eem to conA/er thoe.
The +rincess In The Tower
Her .a a gent"e prion.
Arianne took o"ace ,rom that. 3hy .o/"$ her ,ather go to /ch great pain to provi$e ,or her
com,ort in captivity i, he ha$ marke$ her ,or a traitor4 $eath6 7e cannot mean to kill me, he
to"$ here", a h/n$re$ time. 7e does not hae it in him to be so cruel+ I am his blood and seed,
his heir, his onl! daughter+ &, nee$ be- he .o/"$ thro. here", beneath the .hee" o, hi chair-
a$mit her ,a/"t- an$ beg him ,or hi par$on. An$ he .o/"$ .eep. 3hen he a. tear ro""ing
$o.n her ,ace- he .o/"$ ,orgive her.
She .a "e certain .hether he .o/"$ ,orgive here",.
2Areo-1 he ha$ p"ea$e$ .ith her captor $/ring the "ong $ry ri$e ,rom the Greenb"oo$ back to
S/npear- 2& never .ante$ the gir" to come to harm. Eo/ m/t be"ieve me.1
#otah ma$e no rep"y- e:cept to gr/nt. Arianne co/"$ ,ee" hi anger. 5arktar ha$ ecape$
him- the mot $angero/ o, a"" her "itt"e gro/p o, p"otter. #e ha$ o/trace$ a"" hi p/r/er an$
vanihe$ into the $eep $eert- .ith b"oo$ /pon hi b"a$e.
2Eo/ kno. me- captain-1 Arianne ha$ ai$- a the "eag/e ro""e$ pat. 2Eo/ have kno.n me
ince & .a "itt"e. Eo/ a".ay kept me a,e- a yo/ kept my "a$y mother a,e .hen yo/ came
.ith her ,rom Great Norvo to be her hie"$ in a trange "an$. & nee$ yo/ no.. & nee$ yo/r he"p. &
never meant@1
23hat yo/ meant $oe not matter- "itt"e prince-1 Areo #otah ai$. 2Hn"y .hat yo/ $i$.1 #i
co/ntenance .a tony. 2& am orry. &t i ,or my prince to comman$- ,or #otah to obey.1
Arianne e:pecte$ to be bro/ght be,ore her ,ather4 high eat beneath the $ome o, "ea$e$ g"a
in the 7o.er o, the S/n. &ntea$- #otah $e"ivere$ her to the Spear 7o.er- an$ the c/to$y o, her
,ather4 enecha" Ricao an$ Ser Man,rey Marte""- the cate""an. 29rince-1 Ricao ai$- 2yo/
.i"" ,orgive an o"$ b"in$ man i, he $oe not make the c"imb .ith yo/. 7hee "eg are not eA/a" to
o many tep. A chamber ha been prepare$ ,or yo/. Ser Man,rey ha"" ecort yo/ there- to
a.ait the prince4 p"ea/re.1
27he prince4 $ip"ea/re- yo/ mean. 3i"" my ,rien$ be con,ine$ here a .e""61 Arianne ha$
been parte$ ,rom Garin- 5rey- an$ the other a,ter capt/re- an$ #otah ha$ re,/e$ to ay .hat
.o/"$ be $one .ith them. 27hat i ,or the prince to $eci$e-1 .a a"" the captain ha$ to ay /pon
the /b=ect. Ser Man,rey prove$ a bit more ,orthcoming. 27hey .ere taken to the 9"anky 7o.n
an$ .i"" be conveye$ by hip to Ghaton Grey- /nti" /ch time a 9rince 5oran $eci$e their
,ate.1
Ghaton Grey .a a cr/mb"ing o"$ cat"e perche$ on a rock in the Sea o, 5orne- a $rear an$
$rea$,/" prion .here the vi"et o, crimina" .ere ent to rot an$ $ie. 25oe my ,ather mean to
kill them61 Arianne co/"$ not be"ieve it. 2A"" they $i$ they $i$ ,or "ove ,or me. &, my ,ather m/t
have b"oo$- it ho/"$ be mine.1
2A yo/ ay- prince.1
2& .ant to peak .ith him.1
2#e tho/ght yo/ might.1 Ser Man,rey took her arm an$ marche$ her /p the tep- /p an$ /p
/nti" her breath gre. hort. 7he Spear 7o.er too$ a h/n$re$ an$ a ha", ,eet high- an$ her ce""
.a near"y at the top. Arianne eye$ every $oor they pae$- .on$ering i, one o, the San$ Snake
might be "ocke$ .ithin.
3hen her o.n $oor ha$ been c"oe$ an$ barre$- Arianne e:p"ore$ her ne. home. #er ce""
.a "arge an$ airy- an$ $i$ not "ack ,or com,ort. 7here .ere Myrih carpet on the ,"oor- re$
.ine to $rink- book to rea$. &n one corner too$ an ornate c!asse tab"e .ith piece carve$ o,
ivory an$ ony:- tho/gh he ha$ no one to p"ay .ith even i, he ha$ been o inc"ine$. She ha$ a
,eatherbe$ to "eep in- an$ a privy .ith a marb"e eat- .eetene$ by a baket,/" o, herb. 7hi
high /p- the vie. .ere p"en$i$. Hne .in$o. opene$ to the eat- o he co/"$ .atch the /n
rie above the ea. 7he other a""o.e$ her to "ook $o.n /pon the 7o.er o, the S/n- an$ the
3in$ing 3a"" an$ 7hree,o"$ Gate beyon$.
7he e:p"oration took "e time than it .o/"$ have taken her to "ace a pair o, an$a"- b/t at
"eat it erve$ to keep the tear at bay ,or a time. Arianne ,o/n$ a bain an$ a ,"agon o, coo"
.ater an$ .ahe$ her han$ an$ ,ace- b/t no amo/nt o, cr/bbing co/"$ c"eane her o, her grie,.
Ar!s- he tho/ght- m! white knight+ 7ear ,i""e$ her eye- an$ /$$en"y he .a .eeping- her
.ho"e bo$y .racke$ by ob. She remembere$ ho. #otah4 heavy a:e ha$ c"eave$ thro/gh hi
,"eh an$ bone- the .ay hi hea$ ha$ gone pinning thro/gh the air. Wh! did !ou do it6 Wh!
throw !our life awa!6 I neer told !ou to, I neer wanted that, I onl! wanted= I wanted= I
wanted=
7hat night he crie$ here", to "eep8 ,or the ,irt time- i, not the "at. Cven in her $ream he
,o/n$ no peace. She $reamt o, Ary Hakheart careing her- mi"ing at her- te""ing her that he
"ove$ her8 b/t a"" the .hi"e the A/arre" .ere in him an$ hi .o/n$ .ere .eeping- t/rning hi
.hite to re$. 9art o, her kne. it .a a nightmare- even a he $reamt it. %ome morning all of
this will anish, the prince to"$ here",- b/t .hen morning came- he .a ti"" in her ce""- Ser
Ary .a ti"" $ea$- an$ Myrce""a8 I neer wanted that, neer+ I meant the girl no harm+ All I
wanted was for her to be a 3ueen+ If we had not been betra!ed=
2Someone to"$-1 #otah ha$ ai$. 7he memory ti"" ma$e her angry. Arianne c"/ng to that-
,ee$ing the ,"ame .ithin her heart. Anger .a better than tear- better than grie,- better than g/i"t.
Someone to"$- omeone he ha$ tr/te$. Ary Hakheart ha$ $ie$ beca/e o, that- "ain by the
traitor4 .hiper a m/ch a by the captain4 a:e. 7he b"oo$ that ha$ treame$ $o.n Myrce""a4
,ace- that .a the betrayer4 .ork a .e"". Someone to"$- omeone he ha$ "ove$. 7hat .a the
cr/e"et c/t o, a"".
She ,o/n$ a ce$ar chet ,/"" o, her c"othe at the ,oot o, her be$- o he trippe$ o/t o, the
trave"(taine$ garb he ha$ "ept in an$ $onne$ the mot revea"ing garment he co/"$ ,in$-
.ip o, i"k that covere$ everything an$ hi$ nothing. 9rince 5oran might treat her "ike a chi"$-
b/t he re,/e$ to $re "ike one. She kne. /ch garb .o/"$ $icom,it her ,ather .hen he came
to chatie her ,or making o,, .ith Myrce""a. She co/nte$ on it. If I must crawl and weep, let him
be uncomfortable as well+
She e:pecte$ him that $ay- b/t .hen the $oor ,ina""y opene$ it prove$ to be on"y the ervant
.ith her mi$$ay mea". 23hen might & ee my ,ather61 he ake$- b/t none o, them .o/"$
an.er. 7he ki$ ha$ been roate$ .ith "emon an$ honey. 3ith it .ere grape "eave t/,,e$ .ith
a mO"ange o, raiin- onion- m/hroom- an$ ,iery $ragon pepper. 2& am not h/ngry-1 Arianne
ai$. #er ,rien$ .o/"$ be eating hip4 bic/it an$ a"t bee, on their .ay to Ghaton Grey.
27ake thi a.ay an$ bring me 9rince 5oran.1 B/t they "e,t the ,oo$- an$ her ,ather $i$ not come.
A,ter a .hi"e- h/nger .eakene$ her reo"ve- o he at an$ ate.
Hnce the ,oo$ .a gone- there .a nothing e"e ,or Arianne to $o. She pace$ aro/n$ her
to.er- t.ice an$ thrice an$ three time thrice. She at bei$e the c!asse tab"e an$ i$"y move$ an
e"ephant. She c/r"e$ /p in the .in$o. eat an$ trie$ to rea$ a book- /nti" the .or$ became a
b"/r an$ he rea"iGe$ that he .a crying again. Ar!s, m! sweet, m! white knight, wh! did !ou do
it6 &ou should hae !ielded+ I tried to tell !ou, but the words caught in m! mouth+ &ou gallant
fool, I neer meant for !ou to die, or for *!rcella= oh, gods be good, that little girl=
+ina""y- he cra."e$ back onto the ,eatherbe$. 7he .or"$ ha$ gro.n $ark- an$ there .a "itt"e
he co/"$ $o b/t "eep. Someone told, he tho/ght. Someone told+ Garin- 5rey- an$ Spotte$ Sy"va
.ere ,rien$ o, her gir"hoo$- a $ear to her a her co/in 7yene. She co/"$ not be"ieve they
.o/"$ in,orm on her8 b/t that "e,t on"y 5arktar- an$ i, he .a the betrayer- .hy ha$ he t/rne$
hi .or$ on poor Myrce""a6 7e wanted to kill her instead of crowning her, he said as much at
Shand!stone+ 7e said that was how I/d get the war I wanted+ B/t it ma$e no ene ,or 5ayne to
be the traitor. &, Ser Gero"$ ha$ been the .orm in the app"e- .hy .o/"$ he have t/rne$ hi .or$
/pon Myrce""a6
Someone told+ Co/"$ it have been Ser Ary6 #a$ the .hite knight4 g/i"t .on o/t over hi
"/t6 #a$ he "ove$ Myrce""a more than her an$ betraye$ hi ne. prince to atone ,or hi
betraya" o, the o"$6 3a he o ahame$ o, .hat he4$ $one that he thre. hi "i,e a.ay at the
Greenb"oo$ rather than "ive to ,ace $ihonor6
Someone told+ 3hen her ,ather came to ee her- he .o/"$ "earn .hich one. 9rince 5oran $i$
not come the ne:t $ay- tho/gh. Nor the $ay a,ter. 7he prince .a "e,t a"one to pace- an$ .eep-
an$ n/re her .o/n$. 5/ring the $ay"ight ho/r he .o/"$ try to rea$- b/t the book that they
ha$ given her .ere $ea$"y $/""' pon$ero/ o"$ hitorie an$ geographie- annotate$ map- a $ry(
a($/t t/$y o, the "a. o, 5orne- #he Seen($ointed Star an$ "ies of the 7igh Septons, a h/ge
tome abo/t $ragon that omeho. ma$e them abo/t a intereting a ne.t. Arianne .o/"$ have
given m/ch an$ more ,or a copy o, #en #housand Ships or #he "oes of :ueen 2!meria,
anything to occ/py her tho/ght an$ "et her ecape her to.er ,or an ho/r or t.o- b/t /ch
am/ement .ere $enie$ her.
+rom her .in$o. eat- he ha$ on"y to g"ance o/t to ee the great $ome o, go"$ an$ co"ore$
g"a be"o. her- .here her ,ather at in tate. 7e will summon me soon, he to"$ here",.
No viitor .ere permitte$ her beyon$ the ervantI Bor .ith hi t/bb"y =a.- ta"" 7imoth
$ripping $ignity- the iter Morra an$ Me""ei- pretty "itt"e Ce$ra- o"$ Be"an$ra .ho ha$ been her
mother4 be$mai$. 7hey bro/ght her mea"- change$ her be$- an$ emptie$ the chamber pot
beneath her privy- b/t none .o/"$ peak .ith her. 3hen he reA/ire$ more .ine- 7imoth .o/"$
,etch it. &, he $eire$ ome ,avorite ,oo$- ,ig or o"ive or pepper t/,,e$ .ith cheee- he nee$
on"y te"" Be"an$ra- an$ it .o/"$ appear. Morra an$ Me""ei took a.ay her $irty c"othe an$
ret/rne$ them c"ean an$ ,reh. Cvery econ$ $ay a bath .a bro/ght ,or her- an$ hy "itt"e Ce$ra
.o/"$ oap her back an$ he"p her br/h her hair.
Eet none o, them ha$ a .or$ ,or her- nor .o/"$ they $eign to te"" her .hat .a happening in
the .or"$ o/ti$e her an$tone cage. 2#a 5arktar been capt/re$61 he ake$ Bor one $ay.
2Are they ti"" h/nting ,or him61 7he man on"y t/rne$ hi back on her an$ .a"ke$ a.ay. 2#ave
yo/ gone $ea,61 Arianne nappe$ at him. 2Come back here an$ an.er me. & comman$ it.1 #er
on"y rep"y .a the o/n$ o, a $oor c"oing.
27imoth-1 he trie$- another $ay- 2.hat ha become o, 9rince Myrce""a6 & never meant ,or
harm to come to her.1 7he "at he ha$ een o, the other prince ha$ been on their ri$e back to
S/npear. 7oo .eak to it a hore- Myrce""a ha$ trave"e$ in a "itter- her hea$ bo/n$ /p in i"ken
ban$age .here 5arktar "ahe$ at her- her green eye bright .ith ,ever. 27e"" me that he ha
not $ie$- & beg yo/. 3hat harm co/"$ come o, my kno.ing that6 7e"" me ho. he ,are.1 7imoth
.o/"$ not.
2Be"an$ra-1 Arianne ai$- a ,e. $ay "ater- 2i, yo/ ever "ove$ my "a$y mother- take pity on
her poor $a/ghter an$ te"" me .hen my ,ather mean to come an$ ee me. 9"eae. 9"eae.1 B/t
Be"an$ra ha$ "ot her tong/e a .e"".
Is this m! father/s notion of torment6 2ot hot irons or the rack, but simple silence6 7hat .a
o very "ike 5oran Marte"" that Arianne ha$ to "a/gh. 7e thinks he is being subtle when he is
onl! being feeble+ She reo"ve$ to en=oy the A/iet- to /e the time to hea" an$ ,orti,y here", ,or
.hat m/t come.
&t .a no goo$ $.e""ing en$"e"y on Ser Ary- he kne.. &ntea$- he ma$e here", think
abo/t the San$ Snake- 7yene epecia""y. Arianne "ove$ a"" her batar$ co/in- ,rom prick"y-
hot(tempere$ Hbara to "itt"e ?oreGa- the yo/nget- on"y i: year o"$. 7yene ha$ a".ay been the
one he "ove$ the mot- tho/ghI the .eet iter that he never ha$. 7he prince ha$ never been
c"oe to her brotherI D/entyn .a o,, at Eron.oo$- an$ 7rytane .a too yo/ng. No- it ha$
a".ay been her an$ 7yene- .ith Garin an$ 5rey an$ Spotte$ Sy"va. Nym .o/"$ ometime =oin
them in their port- an$ Sare""a .a ,orever p/hing in .here he $i$n4t be"ong- b/t ,or the mot
part they ha$ been a company o, ,ive. 7hey p"ahe$ in the poo" an$ ,o/ntain o, the 3ater
Gar$en- an$ ro$e into batt"e perche$ on one another4 nake$ back. She an$ 7yene ha$ "earne$
to rea$ together- "earne$ to ri$e together- "earne$ to $ance together. 3hen they .ere ten Arianne
ha$ to"en a ,"agon o, .ine- an$ the t.o o, them ha$ gotten $r/nk together. 7hey hare$ mea"
an$ be$ an$ =e.e"ry. 7hey .o/"$ have hare$ their ,irt man a .e""- b/t 5rey got too e:cite$
an$ p/rte$ a"" over 7yene4 ,inger the moment he $re. him ,rom hi breeche. 7er hands are
dangerous+ 7he memory ma$e her mi"e.
7he more he tho/ght abo/t her co/in- the more the prince mie$ them. For all I know,
the! might be right below me+ 7hat night Arianne trie$ po/n$ing on the ,"oor .ith the hee" o, her
an$a". 3hen no one an.ere$- he "eane$ o/t a .in$o. an$ peere$ $o.n. She co/"$ ee other
.in$o. be"o.- ma""er than her o.n- ome no more than arro. "oop. 4#!ene;5 he ca""e$.
4#!ene, are !ou there6 Obara, 2!m6 %an !ou hear me6 0llaria6 An!one6 #&02065 7he
prince pent ha", the night hanging o/t the .in$o.- ca""ing ti"" her throat .a ra.- b/t no
an.ering ho/t came back to her. 7hat ,rightene$ her more than he co/"$ ay. &, the San$
Snake .ere imprione$ in the Spear 7o.er- they /re"y .o/"$ have hear$ her ho/ting. 3hy
$i$n4t they an.er6 If Father has done them harm, I will neer forgie him, neer, he to"$
here",.
By the time a ,ortnight ha$ pae$- her patience ha$ .orn paper(thin. 2& .i"" peak .ith my
,ather no.-1 he to"$ Bor- in her mot comman$ing voice. 2Eo/ .i"" take me to him.1 #e $i$
not take her to him. 2& am rea$y to ee the prince-1 he to"$ 7imoth- b/t he t/rne$ a.ay a i, he
ha$ not hear$. 7he ne:t morning- Arianne .a .aiting bei$e the $oor .hen it opene$. She
bo"te$ pat Be"an$ra- en$ing a p"atter o, pice$ egg to crah againt the .a""- b/t the g/ar$
ca/ght her be,ore he4$ gone three yar$. She kne. them too- b/t they .ere $ea, to her
entreatie. 7hey $ragge$ her back to her ce""- kicking an$ A/irming.
Arianne $eci$e$ that he m/t nee$ be more /bt"e. Ce$ra .a her bet hopeI the gir" .a
yo/ng- naive- an$ g/""ib"e. Garin ha$ boate$ o, be$$ing her once- the prince reca""e$. 7he
ne:t time he bathe$- a Ce$ra oape$ her ho/"$er- he began to ta"k o, everything an$ nothing.
2& kno. yo/ have been comman$e$ not to peak to me-1 he ai$- 2b/t no one to"$ me not to
peak to yo/.1 She poke abo/t the heat o, the $ay- an$ .hat he4$ ha$ "at night ,or /pper- an$
ho. "o. an$ ti,, poor Be"an$ra .a becoming. 9rince Hberyn ha$ arme$ each o, his $a/ghter
o they nee$ never be $e,ene"e- b/t Arianne Marte"" ha$ no .eapon b/t her g/i"e. An$ o he
mi"e$ an$ charme$- an$ ake$ nothing in ret/rn o, Ce$ra- neither .or$ nor no$.
7he ne:t $ay at /pper- he nattere$ at the gir" again a he .a erving. 7hi time he
contrive$ to mention Garin. Ce$ra g"ance$ /p hy"y at hi name an$ a"mot pi""e$ the .ine that
he .a po/ring. So it is that wa!, is it6 tho/ght Arianne.
5/ring her ne:t bath- he poke o, her imprione$ ,rien$- epecia""y Garin. 2#e4 the one &
,ear ,or mot-1 he con,i$e$ to the erving gir". 27he orphan are ,ree pirit- they "ive to .an$er.
Garin nee$ /nhine an$ ,reh air. &, they "ock him a.ay in ome $ank tone ce""- ho. .i"" he
/rvive6 #e .i"" not "at a year at Ghaton Grey.1 Ce$ra $i$ not rep"y- b/t her ,ace .a pa"e
.hen Arianne roe ,rom the .ater- an$ he .a A/eeGing the ponge o tight"y that oap .a
$ripping on the Myrih carpet.
Cven o- it .a ,o/r more $ay an$ t.o more bath be,ore the gir" .a her. 29"eae-1 Ce$ra
,ina""y .hipere$- a,ter Arianne ha$ painte$ a vivi$ pict/re o, Garin thro.ing hime", ,rom the
.in$o. o, hi ce""- to tate ,ree$om one "at time be,ore he $ie$. 2Eo/ have to he"p him. 9"eae
$on4t "et him $ie.1
2& can $o "itt"e an$ "e o "ong a & am "ocke$ /p here-1 he .hipere$ back. 2My ,ather .i""
not ee me. &ou are the on"y one .ho can ave Garin. 5o yo/ "ove him61
2Ee-1 Ce$ra .hipere$- b"/hing. 2B/t ho. can & he"p61
2Eo/ can m/gg"e o/t a "etter ,or me-1 ai$ the prince. 23i"" $o yo/ that6 3i"" yo/ take the
rik8 ,or Garin61
Ce$ra4 eye got big. She no$$e$.
I hae a raen, Arianne tho/ght- tri/mphant"y- but who to send her to6 7he on"y one o, her
conpirator to ecape her ,ather4 net .a 5arktar. By no. Ser Gero"$ might .e"" have been
taken- ho.everI i, not- he .o/"$ /re"y have ,"e$ 5orne. #er ne:t tho/ght .a o, Garin4 mother
an$ the orphan o, the Greenb"oo$. 2o, not them+ It must be someone with real power, someone
who had no part of our plot !et might hae reason to be s!mpathetic to us+ She coni$ere$
appea"ing to her o.n mother- b/t ?a$y Me""ario .a ,ar a.ay in Norvo. Bei$e- 9rince 5oran
ha$ not "itene$ to hi "a$y .i,e ,or many year. 2ot her either+ I need a lord, one great enough
to cow m! father into releasing me+
7he mot po.er,/" o, the 5ornih "or$ .a An$er Eron.oo$- the B"oo$roya"- ?or$ o,
Eron.oo$ an$ 3ar$en o, the Stone 3ay- b/t Arianne kne. better than to "ook ,or he"p ,rom the
man .ho ha$ ,otere$ her brother D/entyn. 2o+ 5rey4 brother Ser 5eGie" 5a"t ha$ once apire$
to marry her- b/t he .a m/ch too $/ti,/" to go againt hi prince. Bei$e- .hi"t the >night o,
?emon.oo$ might intimi$ate a petty "or$- he $i$ not have the trength to .ay the 9rince o,
5orne. 2o+ 7he ame .a tr/e o, Spotte$ Sy"va4 ,ather. 2o+ Arianne ,ina""y $eci$e$ that he ha$
b/t t.o rea" hope' #armen F""er- ?or$ o, #e""ho"t- an$ +rank"yn +o."er- ?or$ o, Skyreach an$
3ar$en o, the 9rince4 9a.
7alf of the <llers are half(mad, the aying .ent- and the other half are worse+ C""aria San$
.a ?or$ #armen4 nat/ra" $a/ghter. She an$ her "itt"e one ha$ been "ocke$ a.ay .ith the ret
o, the San$ Snake. 7hat .o/"$ have ma$e ?or$ #armen .roth- an$ the F""er .ere $angero/
.hen .roth. #oo dangerous, perhaps+ 7he prince $i$ not .ant to p/t any more "ive in $anger.
?or$ +o."er might be a a,er choice. 7he H"$ #a.k- he .a ca""e$. #e ha$ never gotten on
.ith An$er Eron.oo$I there .a ba$ b"oo$ bet.een their #o/e going back a tho/an$ year-
,rom .hen the +o."er ha$ choen Marte"" over Eron.oo$ $/ring Nymeria4 3ar. 7he +o."er
t.in .ere ,amo/ ,rien$ o, ?a$y Nym a .e""- b/t ho. m/ch .eight .o/"$ that carry .ith the
H"$ #a.k6
+or $ay Arianne .avere$ a he compoe$ her ecret "etter. 2Give the man .ho bring thi to
yo/ a h/n$re$ i"ver tag-1 he began. 7hat ho/"$ en/re that the meage .a $e"ivere$. She
.rote .here he .a- an$ p"ea$e$ ,or rec/e. 23hoever ha"" $e"iver me ,rom thi ce""- he ha""
not be ,orgotten .hen & .e$.1 #hat should bring the heroes running+ Fn"e 9rince 5oran ha$
attainte$ her- he remaine$ the "a.,/" heir to S/npearI the man .ho marrie$ her .o/"$ one $ay
r/"e 5orne by her i$e. Arianne co/"$ on"y pray that her rec/er .o/"$ prove yo/nger than the
greybear$ her ,ather ha$ o,,ere$ her over the year. 2& .ant a conort .ith teeth-1 he ha$ to"$
him .hen he re,/e$ the "at.
She $are not ak ,or parchment ,or ,ear o, ro/ing the /picion o, her captor- o he .rote
the "etter on the bottom o, a page torn ,rom #he Seen($ointed Star, an$ pree$ it into Ce$ra4
han$ on her ne:t bath $ay. 27here4 a p"ace bei$e the 7hree,o"$ Gate .here the caravan take
on /pp"ie be,ore croing the $eep an$-1 Arianne to"$ her. 2+in$ ome trave"er hea$e$ ,or the
9rince4 9a- an$ promie him a h/n$re$ i"ver tag i, he .i"" p/t thi in ?or$ +o."er4 han$.1
2& .i"".1 Ce$ra hi$ the meage in her bo$ice. 2&4"" ,in$ omeone be,ore the /n goe $o.n-
prince.1
2Goo$-1 he ai$. 27e"" me ho. it .ent on the morro..1
7he gir" $i$ not ret/rn /pon the morro.- ho.ever. Nor on the $ay that ,o""o.e$. 3hen it .a
time ,or Arianne to bathe- it .a Morra an$ Me""ei .ho ,i""e$ her t/b- an$ taye$ to .ah her
back an$ br/h her hair. 2#a Ce$ra taken i""61 the prince ake$ them- b/t neither .o/"$ rep"y.
She has been caught .a a"" that he co/"$ think. What else could it be6 7hat night he har$"y
"ept- ,or ,ear o, .hat might come ne:t.
3hen 7imoth bro/ght her break,at the ne:t morning- Arianne ake$ to ee Ricao rather
than her ,ather. 9"ain"y he co/"$ not compe" 9rince 5oran to atten$ her- b/t /re"y a mere
enecha" .o/"$ not ignore a /mmon ,rom the right,/" heir to S/npear.
#e $i$- tho/gh. 25i$ yo/ te"" Ricao .hat & ai$61 he $eman$e$ the ne:t time he a.
7imoth. 25i$ yo/ te"" him & ha$ nee$ o, him61 3hen the man re,/e$ to an.er her- Arianne
eiGe$ a ,"agon o, re$ .ine an$ /pen$e$ it over hi hea$. 7he erving man retreate$ $ripping- hi
,ace a mak o, .o/n$e$ $ignity. *! father means to leae me here to rot, the prince $eci$e$.
Or else he is making plans to marr! me off to some disgusting old fool and intends to keep me
locked awa! until the bedding+
Arianne Marte"" ha$ gro.n /p e:pecting that one $ay he .o/"$ .e$ ome great "or$ o, her
,ather4 chooing. 7hat .a .hat princee .ere ,or- he ha$ been ta/ght8 tho/gh- a$mitte$"y-
her /nc"e Hberyn ha$ taken a $i,,erent vie. o, matter. 2&, yo/ .o/"$ .e$- .e$-1 the Re$ %iper
ha$ to"$ hi o.n $a/ghter. 2&, not- take yo/r p"ea/re .here yo/ ,in$ it. 7here4 "itt"e eno/gh o,
it in thi .or"$. Chooe .e""- tho/gh. &, yo/ a$$"e yo/re", .ith a ,oo" or a br/te- $on4t "ook to
me to ri$ yo/ o, him. & gave yo/ the too" to $o that ,or yo/re",.1
7he ,ree$om that 9rince Hberyn a""o.e$ hi batar$ $a/ghter ha$ never been hare$ by
9rince 5oran4 "a.,/" heir. Arianne m/t .e$I he ha$ accepte$ that. 5rey ha$ .ante$ her- he
kne.I o ha$ hi brother 5eGie"- the >night o, ?emon.oo$. 5aemon San$ ha$ gone o ,ar a to
ak ,or her han$. 5aemon .a batar$(born- ho.ever- an$ 9rince 5oran $i$ not mean ,or her to
.e$ a 5ornihman.
Arianne ha$ accepte$ that a .e"". Hne year >ing Robert4 brother came to viit an$ he $i$
her bet to e$/ce him- b/t he .a ha", a gir" an$ ?or$ Ren"y eeme$ more bem/e$ than
in,"ame$ by her overt/re. ?ater- .hen #oter 7/""y ake$ her to come to Riverr/n an$ meet hi
heir- he "it can$"e to the Mai$ in thank- b/t 9rince 5oran ha$ $ec"ine$ the invitation. 7he
prince might even have coni$ere$ 3i""a 7yre""- cripp"e$ "eg an$ a""- b/t her ,ather re,/e$ to
en$ her to #ighgar$en to meet him. She trie$ to go $epite him- .ith 7yene4 he"p8 b/t 9rince
Hberyn ca/ght them at %aith an$ bro/ght them back. 7hat ame year- 9rince 5oran trie$ to
betroth her to Ben Beeb/ry- a minor "or$"ing .ho .a eighty i, he .a a $ay- an$ a b"in$ a he
.a tooth"e.
Beeb/ry $ie$ a ,e. year "ater. 7hat gave her ome ma"" com,ort in her preent paI he
co/"$ not be ,orce$ to marry him i, he .a $ea$. An$ the ?or$ o, the Croing ha$ .e$ again- o
he .a a,e ,rom him a .e"". 0lden 0stermont is still alie and unwed, though+ "ord )osb! and
"ord 1randison as well+ Gran$ion .a ca""e$ the Greybear$- b/t by the time he4$ met him hi
bear$ ha$ gone no. .hite. At the .e"coming ,eat- he ha$ gone to "eep bet.een the ,ih
co/re an$ the meat. 5rey ca""e$ that apt- ince hi igi" .a a "eeping "ion. Garin cha""enge$
her to ee i, he co/"$ tie a knot in hi bear$ .itho/t .aking him- b/t Arianne re,raine$.
Gran$ion ha$ eeme$ a p"eaant ,e""o.- "e A/er/"o/ than Ctermont an$ more rob/t than
Roby. She .o/"$ never marry him- ho.ever. 2ot een if 7otah stands behind me with his a8e+
No one came to marry her the ne:t $ay- nor the $ay a,ter. Nor $i$ Ce$ra ret/rn. Arianne trie$
to .in Morra an$ Me""ei the ame .ay- b/t it .a no goo$. &, he ha$ been ab"e to get either one
a"one he might have ome hope- b/t together the iter .ere a .a"". By that time- the prince
.o/"$ have .e"come$ a to/ch o, a hot iron- or an evening on the rack. 7he "one"ine .a "ike to
$rive her ma$. I desere a headsman/s a8e for what I did, but he will not een gie me that+ 7e
would sooner shut me awa! and forget I eer lied+ She .on$ere$ i, Maeter Ca"eotte .a
$ra.ing a proc"amation to name her brother D/entyn heir to 5orne.
5ay came an$ .ent- one a,ter the other- o many that Arianne "ot co/nt o, ho. "ong he ha$
been imprione$. She ,o/n$ here", pen$ing more an$ more time abe$- /nti" he reache$ the
point .here he $i$ not rie at a"" e:cept to /e her privy. 7he mea" the ervant bro/ght gre.
co"$- /nto/che$. Arianne "ept an$ .oke an$ "ept again- an$ ti"" ,e"t too .eary to rie. She
praye$ to the Mother ,or mercy an$ to the 3arrior ,or co/rage- then "ept ome more. +reh
mea" rep"ace$ the o"$ one- b/t he $i$ not eat them either. Hnce- .hen he ,e"t epecia""y
trong- he carrie$ a"" the ,oo$ to the .in$o. an$ ,"/ng it o/t into the yar$- o it .o/"$ not tempt
her. 7he e,,ort e:ha/te$ her- o a,ter.ar$ he cra."e$ back into be$ an$ "ept ,or ha", a $ay.
7hen came a $ay .hen a ro/gh han$ .oke her- haking her by the ho/"$er. 2?itt"e prince-1
ai$ a voice he4$ kno.n ,rom chi"$hoo$. 2Fp an$ $re. 7he prince ha ca""e$ ,or yo/.1 Areo
#otah too$ over her- her o"$ ,rien$ an$ protector. #e .a talking to her. Arianne mi"e$
"eepi"y. &t .a goo$ to ee that eame$- carre$ ,ace- an$ hear hi gr/,,- $eep voice an$ thick
Norvohi accent. 23hat $i$ yo/ $o .ith Ce$ra61
27he prince ent her to the 3ater Gar$en-1 #otah ai$. 2#e .i"" te"" yo/. +irt yo/ m/t
.ah- an$ eat.1
She m/t "ook a .retche$ creat/re. Arianne cra."e$ ,rom the be$- .eak a a kitten. 2#ave
Morra an$ Me""ei prepare a bath-1 he to"$ him- 2an$ te"" 7imoth to bring me /p ome ,oo$.
Nothing heavy. Some co"$ broth an$ a bit o, brea$ an$ ,r/it.1
2Aye-1 ai$ #otah. Never ha$ he hear$ a .eeter o/n$.
7he captain .aite$ .itho/t .hi"t the prince bathe$ an$ br/he$ her hair an$ ate paring"y
o, the cheee an$ ,r/it they4$ bro/ght her. She $rank a "itt"e .ine to ett"e her tomach. I am
frightened, he rea"iGe$- for the first time in m! life, I am frightened of m! father+ 7hat ma$e her
"a/gh /nti" the .ine came o/t her noe. 3hen it .a time to $re- he choe a imp"e go.n o,
ivory "inen- .ith vine an$ p/rp"e grape embroi$ere$ aro/n$ the "eeve an$ bo$ice. She .ore
no =e.e". I must be chaste and humble and contrite+ I must throw m!self at his feet and beg
forgieness, or I ma! neer hear another human oice again+
By the time he .a rea$y- $/k ha$ ,a""en. Arianne ha$ tho/ght that #otah .o/"$ ecort her
to the 7o.er o, the S/n to hear her ,ather4 =/$gment. &ntea$ he $e"ivere$ her to the prince4
o"ar- .here they ,o/n$ 5oran Marte"" eate$ behin$ a c!asse tab"e- hi go/ty "eg /pporte$ by
a c/hione$ ,oottoo". #e .a toying .ith an ony: e"ephant- t/rning it in hi re$$ene$- .o""en
han$. 7he prince "ooke$ .ore than he ha$ ever een him. #i ,ace .a pa"e an$ p/,,y- hi
=oint o in,"ame$ that it h/rt her =/t to "ook at them. Seeing him thi .ay ma$e Arianne4 heart
go o/t to him8 yet omeho. he co/"$ not bring here", to knee" an$ beg- a he ha$ p"anne$.
2+ather-1 he ai$ intea$.
3hen he raie$ hi hea$ to "ook at her- hi $ark eye .ere c"o/$e$ .ith pain. Is that the gout6
Arianne .on$ere$. Or is it me6 2A trange an$ /bt"e ,o"k- the %o"antene-1 he m/ttere$- a he
p/t the e"ephant ai$e. 2& a. %o"anti once- on my .ay to Norvo- .here & ,irt met Me""ario.
7he be"" .ere ringing- an$ the bear $ance$ $o.n the tep. Areo .i"" reca"" the $ay.1
2& remember-1 echoe$ Areo #otah in hi $eep voice. 27he bear $ance$ an$ the be"" rang-
an$ the prince .ore re$ an$ go"$ an$ orange. My "a$y ake$ me .ho it .a .ho hone o
bright.1
9rince 5oran mi"e$ .an"y. 2?eave /- captain.1
#otah tampe$ the b/tt o, hi "onga:e on the ,"oor- t/rne$ on hi hee"- an$ took hi "eave.
2& to"$ them to p"ace a c!asse tab"e in yo/r chamber-1 her ,ather ai$ .hen the t.o o, them
.ere a"one.
23ho .a & /ppoe$ to p"ay .ith61 Wh! is he talking about a game6 7as the gout robbed
him of his wits6
2Eo/re",. Sometime it i bet to t/$y a game be,ore yo/ attempt to p"ay it. #o. .e"" $o
yo/ kno. the game- Arianne61
23e"" eno/gh to p"ay.1
2B/t not to .in. My brother "ove$ the ,ight ,or it o.n ake- b/t & on"y p"ay /ch game a &
can .in. %!asse i not ,or me.1 #e t/$ie$ her ,ace ,or a "ong moment be,ore he ai$- 23hy6
7e"" me that- Arianne. 7e"" me .hy.1
2+or the honor o, o/r #o/e.1 #er ,ather4 voice ma$e her angry. #e o/n$e$ o a$- o
e:ha/te$- o weak+ &ou are a prince; he .ante$ to ho/t. &ou should be raging; 2Eo/r
meekne hame a"" 5orne- +ather. Eo/r brother .ent to >ing4 ?an$ing in yo/r p"ace- an$
the! killed him01
25o yo/ think & $o not kno. that6 Hberyn i .ith me every time & c"oe my eye.1
27e""ing yo/ to open them- no $o/bt.1 She eate$ here", acro the c!asse tab"e ,rom her
,ather.
2& $i$ not give yo/ "eave to it.1
27hen ca"" #otah back an$ .hip me ,or my ino"ence. Eo/ are the 9rince o, 5orne. Eo/ can
$o that.1 She to/che$ one o, the c!asse piece- the heavy hore. 2#ave yo/ ca/ght Ser Gero"$61
#e hook hi hea$. 23o/"$ that .e ha$. Eo/ .ere a ,oo" to make him part o, thi. 5arktar i
the mot $angero/ man in 5orne. Eo/ an$ he have $one / a"" great harm.1
Arianne .a a"mot a,rai$ to ak. 2Myrce""a. & he 8.1
28$ea$6 No- tho/gh 5arktar $i$ hi bet. A"" eye .ere on yo/r .hite knight o no one
eem A/ite certain =/t .hat happene$- b/t it .o/"$ appear that her hore hie$ a.ay ,rom hi at
the "at intant- e"e he .o/"$ have taken o,, the top o, the gir"4 k/"". A it i- the "ah opene$
her cheek $o.n to the bone an$ "ice$ o,, her right ear. Maeter Ca"eotte .a ab"e to ave her
"i,e- b/t no po/"tice nor potion .i"" ever retore her ,ace. She .a my ward, Arianne. Betrothe$
to yo/r o.n brother an$ /n$er my protection. Eo/ have $ihonore$ a"" o, /.1
2& never meant her harm-1 Arianne inite$. 2&, #otah ha$ not inter,ere$81
28yo/ .o/"$ have cro.ne$ Myrce""a A/een- to raie a rebe""ion againt her brother. &ntea$
o, an ear- he .o/"$ have "ot her "i,e.1
2Hn"y i, .e "ot.1
2If6 7he .or$ i when+ 5orne i the "eat pop/"o/ o, the Seven >ing$om. &t p"eae$ the
Eo/ng 5ragon to make a"" o/r armie "arger .hen he .rote that book o, hi- o a to make hi
conA/et that m/ch more g"orio/- an$ it ha p"eae$ / to .ater the ee$ he p"ante$ an$ "et o/r
,oe think / more po.er,/" than .e are- b/t a prince o/ght to kno. the tr/th. %a"or i a poor
/btit/te ,or n/mber. 5orne cannot hope to .in a .ar againt the &ron 7hrone- not a"one. An$
yet that may .e"" be .hat yo/ have given /. Are yo/ pro/$61 7he prince $i$ not a""o. her time
to an.er. 23hat am & to $o .ith yo/- Arianne61
Forgie me, part o, her .ante$ to ay- b/t hi .or$ ha$ c/t her too $eep"y. 23hy- $o .hat
yo/ a".ay $o. 5o nothing.1
2Eo/ make it $i,,ic/"t ,or a man to .a""o. hi anger.1
2Bet top .a""o.ing- yo/4re "ike to choke on it.1 7he prince $i$ not an.er. 27e"" me ho.
yo/ kne. my p"an.1
2& am the 9rince o, 5orne. Men eek my ,avor.1
Someone told+ 2Eo/ kne.- an$ yet yo/ ti"" a""o.e$ / to make o,, .ith Myrce""a. 3hy61
27hat .a my mitake- an$ it ha prove$ a grievo/ one. Eo/ are my $a/ghter- Arianne. 7he
"itt"e gir" .ho /e$ to r/n to me .hen he kinne$ her knee. & ,o/n$ it har$ to be"ieve that yo/
.o/"$ conpire againt me. & ha$ to "earn the tr/th.1
2No. yo/ have. & .ant to kno. .ho in,orme$ on me.1
2& .o/"$ a .e""- in yo/r p"ace.1
23i"" yo/ te"" me61
2& can think o, no reaon .hy & ho/"$.1
2Eo/ think & cannot $icover the tr/th on my o.n61
2Eo/ are .e"come to try. Fnti" /ch time yo/ m/t mitr/t them a""8 an$ a "itt"e mitr/t i
a goo$ thing in a prince.1 9rince 5oran ighe$. 2Eo/ $iappoint me- Arianne.1
2Sai$ the cro. to the raven. Eo/ have been $iappointing me ,or year- +ather.1 She ha$ not
meant to be o b"/nt .ith him- b/t the .or$ came pi""ing o/t. #here, now I hae said it+
2& kno.. & am too meek an$ .eak an$ ca/tio/- too "enient to o/r enemie. !/t no.- tho/gh-
yo/ are in nee$ o, ome o, that "eniency- it eem to me. Eo/ o/ght to be p"ea$ing ,or my
,orgivene rather than eeking to provoke me ,/rther.1
2& ak "eniency on"y ,or my ,rien$.1
2#o. nob"e o, yo/.1
23hat they $i$ they $i$ ,or "ove ,or me. 7hey $o not $eerve to $ie on Ghaton Grey.1
2A it happen- & agree. Ai$e ,rom 5arktar- yo/r ,e""o. p"otter .ere no more than ,oo"ih
chi"$ren. Sti""- thi .a no harm"e game o, c!asse+ Eo/ an$ yo/r ,rien$ .ere p"aying at
treaon. & might have ha$ their hea$ o,,.1
2Eo/ might have- b/t yo/ $i$n4t. 5ayne- 5a"t- Santagar8 no- yo/ .o/"$ never $are make
enemie o, /ch #o/e.1
2& $are more than yo/ $ream8 b/t "eave that ,or the nonce. Ser An$rey ha been ent to
Norvo to erve yo/r "a$y mother ,or three year. Garin .i"" pen$ hi ne:t t.o year in 7yroh.
+rom hi kin amongt the orphan- & took coin an$ hotage. ?a$y Sy"va receive$ no p/nihment
,rom me- b/t he .a o, an age to marry. #er ,ather ha hippe$ her to Greentone to .e$ ?or$
Ctermont. A ,or Ary Hakheart- he choe hi o.n ,ate an$ met it brave"y. A knight o, the
>ingg/ar$8 .hat $i$ yo/ do to him61
2& ,/cke$ him- +ather. Eo/ $i$ comman$ me to entertain o/r nob"e viitor- a & reca"".1
#i ,ace gre. ,"/he$. 23a that a"" that .a reA/ire$61
2& to"$ him that once Myrce""a .a the A/een he .o/"$ give / "eave to marry. #e .ante$ me
,or hi .i,e.1
2Eo/ $i$ everything yo/ co/"$ to top him ,rom $ihonoring hi vo.- & am certain-1 her
,ather ai$.
&t .a her t/rn to ,"/h. #er e$/ction o, Ser Ary ha$ reA/ire$ ha", a year. 7ho/gh he
c"aime$ to have kno.n other .omen be,ore taking the .hite- he .o/"$ never have kno.n that
,rom the .ay he acte$. #i caree ha$ been c"/my- hi kie nervo/- an$ the ,irt time they
.ere abe$ together he pent hi ee$ on her thigh a he .a g/i$ing him ini$e her .ith her
han$. 3ore- he ha$ been con/me$ by hame. &, he on"y ha$ a $ragon ,or every time he ha$
.hipere$- 23e ho/"$ not be $oing thi-1 he .o/"$ be richer than the ?anniter. Did he
charge at Areo 7otah in hopes of saing me6 Arianne .on$ere$. Or did he do it to escape me,
to wash out his dishonor with his life/s blood6 2#e $i$ "ove me-1 he hear$ here", ay. 2#e $ie$
,or me.1
2&, o- he may .e"" be b/t the ,irt o, many. Eo/ an$ yo/r co/in .ante$ .ar. Eo/ may get
yo/r .ih. Another >ingg/ar$ knight creep to.ar$ S/npear even a .e peak. Ser Ba"on
S.ann i bringing me the Mo/ntain4 hea$. My bannermen have been $e"aying him- to p/rchae
me ome time. 7he 3y" kept him h/nting an$ ha.king ,or eight $ay on the Bone.ay- an$
?or$ Eron.oo$ ,eate$ him ,or a ,ortnight .hen he emerge$ ,rom the mo/ntain. At preent he
i at the 7or- .here ?a$y !or$ayne ha arrange$ game in hi honor. 3hen he reache Ghot #i""
he .i"" ,in$ ?a$y 7o"an$ intent on o/t$oing her. Soon or "ate- ho.ever- Ser Ba"on m/t arrive at
S/npear- an$ .hen he $oe he .i"" e:pect to ee 9rince Myrce""a8 an$ Ser Ary- hi S.orn
Brother. 3hat ha"" .e te"" him- Arianne6 Sha"" & ay that Hakheart perihe$ in a h/nting
acci$ent- or ,rom a t/mb"e $o.n ome "ippery tep6 9erhap Ary .ent .imming at the 3ater
Gar$en- "ippe$ /pon the marb"e- hit hi hea$- an$ $ro.ne$61
2No-1 Arianne ai$. 2Say that he $ie$ $e,en$ing hi "itt"e prince. 7e"" Ser Ba"on that
5arktar trie$ to ki"" her an$ Ser Ary teppe$ bet.een them an$ ave$ her "i,e.1 7hat .a ho.
the .hite knight o, the >ingg/ar$ .ere /ppoe$ to $ie- giving /p their o.n "ive ,or thoe
that they ha$ .orn to protect. 2Ser Ba"on may be /picio/- a yo/ .ere .hen the ?anniter
ki""e$ yo/r iter an$ her chi"$ren- b/t he .i"" have no proo,81
28/nti" he peak .ith Myrce""a. Hr m/t that brave chi"$ /,,er a tragic acci$ent a .e""6 &,
o- it .i"" mean .ar. No "ie .i"" ave 5orne ,rom the A/een4 .roth i, her $a/ghter ho/"$ perih
.hi"t in my care.1
7e needs me, Arianne rea"iGe$. #hat/s wh! he sent for me+
2& co/"$ te"" Myrce""a .hat to ay- b/t .hy ho/"$ &61
A pam o, anger ripp"e$ acro her ,ather4 ,ace. 2& .arn yo/- Arianne- & am o/t o, patience.1
23ith me61 #hat is so like him+ 2+or ?or$ 7y.in an$ the ?anniter yo/ a".ay ha$ the
,orbearance o, Bae"or the B"ee$- b/t ,or yo/r o.n b"oo$- none.1
2Eo/ mitake patience ,or ,orbearance. & have .orke$ at the $o.n,a"" o, 7y.in ?anniter
ince the $ay they to"$ me o, C"ia an$ her chi"$ren. &t .a my hope to trip him o, a"" that he he"$
mot $ear be,ore & ki""e$ him- b/t it .o/"$ eem hi $.ar, on ha robbe$ me o, that p"ea/re. &
take ome ma"" o"ace in kno.ing that he $ie$ a cr/e" $eath at the han$ o, the monter that he
hime", begot. Be that a it may. ?or$ 7y.in i ho."ing $o.n in he""8 .here tho/an$ more
.i"" oon be =oining him- i, yo/r ,o""y t/rn to .ar.1 #er ,ather grimace$- a i, the very .or$
.ere pain,/" to him. 2& that .hat yo/ .ant61
7he prince re,/e$ to be co.e$. 2& .ant my co/in ,ree$. & .ant my /nc"e avenge$. & .ant
my right.1
2Eo/r rights61
25orne.1
2Eo/ .i"" have 5orne a,ter & am $ea$. Are yo/ o an:io/ to be ri$ o, me61
2& ho/"$ t/rn that A/etion back on yo/- +ather. Eo/ have been trying to ri$ yo/re", o, me
,or year.1
27hat i not tr/e.1
2No6 Sha"" .e ak my brother61
27rytane61
4:uent!n+5
23hat o, him61
23here i he61
2#e i .ith ?or$ Eron.oo$4 hot in the Bone.ay.1
2Eo/ $o "ie .e""- +ather- & .i"" grant yo/ that. Eo/ $i$ not o m/ch a b"ink. D/entyn ha
gone to ?y.1
23here $i$ yo/ get that notion61
2A ,rien$ to"$ me.1 She co/"$ have ecret too.
2Eo/r ,rien$ "ie$. Eo/ have my .or$- yo/r brother ha not gone to ?y. & .ear it by /n an$
pear an$ Seven.1
Arianne co/"$ not be ,oo"e$ o eai"y. 2& it Myr- then6 7yroh6 & kno. he i ome.here
acro the narro. ea- hiring e"".or$ to tea" a.ay my birthright.1
#er ,ather4 ,ace $arkene$. 27hi mitr/t $oe yo/ no honor- Arianne. D/entyn ho/"$ be the
one conpiring againt me. & ent him a.ay .hen he .a =/t a chi"$- too yo/ng to /n$ertan$
the nee$ o, 5orne. An$er Eron.oo$ ha been more a ,ather to him than & have- yet yo/r
brother remain ,aith,/" an$ obe$ient.1
23hy not6 Eo/ ,avor him an$ a".ay have. #e "ook "ike yo/- he think "ike yo/- an$ yo/
mean to give him 5orne- $on4t tro/b"e to $eny it. & rea$ yo/r "etter.1 7he .or$ ti"" b/rne$ a
bright a ,ire in her memory. 2JOne da! !ou will sit where I sit and rule all Dorne,4 yo/ .rote
him. 7e"" me- +ather- .hen $i$ yo/ $eci$e to $iinherit me6 3a it the $ay that D/entyn .a
born- or the $ay that I .a born6 3hat $i$ & ever $o to make yo/ hate me o61 7o her ,/ry- there
.ere tear in her eye.
2& never hate$ yo/.1 9rince 5oran4 voice .a parchment(thin- an$ ,/"" o, grie,. 2Arianne-
yo/ $o not /n$ertan$.1
25o yo/ $eny yo/ .rote thoe .or$61
2No. 7hat .a .hen D/entyn ,irt .ent to Eron.oo$. & $i$ inten$ ,or him to ,o""o. me- ye.
& ha$ other p"an ,or yo/.1
2Hh- ye-1 he ai$ corn,/""y- 2/ch p"an. Gy"e Roby. B"in$ Ben Beeb/ry. Greybear$
Gran$ion. 7hey .ere yo/r plans+1
She gave him no chance to rep"y. 2& kno. it i my $/ty to provi$e an heir ,or 5orne- & have
neer been ,orget,/" o, that. & .o/"$ have .e$- an$ g"a$"y- b/t the matche that yo/ bro/ght to
me .ere in/"t. 3ith every one yo/ pit on me. &, yo/ ever ,e"t any "ove ,or me at a""- .hy o,,er
me to Walder Fre!61
2Beca/e & kne. that yo/ .o/"$ p/rn him. & ha$ to be een to tr! to ,in$ a conort ,or yo/
once yo/4$ reache$ a certain age- e"e it .o/"$ have raie$ /picion- b/t & $are$ not bring yo/
any man yo/ might accept. Eo/ .ere promie$- Arianne.1
$romised6 Arianne tare$ at him incre$/"o/"y. 23hat are yo/ aying6 & thi another "ie6
Eo/ never ai$81
27he pact .a ea"e$ in ecret. & meant to te"" yo/ .hen yo/ .ere o"$ eno/gh8 .hen yo/
came o, age- & tho/ght- b/t81
2& am three(an$(t.enty- ,or even year a .oman gro.n.1
2& kno.. &, & kept yo/ ignorant too "ong- it .a on"y to protect yo/. Arianne- yo/r nat/re8 to
yo/- a ecret .a on"y a choice ta"e to .hiper to Garin an$ 7yene in yo/r be$ o, a night. Garin
goip a on"y the orphan can- an$ 7yene keep nothing ,rom Hbara an$ the ?a$y Nym. An$ i,
they kne.8 Hbara i too ,on$ o, .ine- an$ Nym i too c"oe to the +o."er t.in. An$ .ho
might the +o."er t.in con,i$e in6 I could not take the risk+1
She .a "ot- con,o/n$e$. $romised+ I was promised+ 23ho i it6 3ho have & been betrothe$
to- a"" thee year61
2&t make no matter. #e i $ea$.1
7hat "e,t her more ba,,"e$ than ever. 27he o"$ one are o ,rai". 3a it a broken hip- a chi""-
the go/t61
2&t .a a pot o, mo"ten go"$. 3e prince make o/r care,/" p"an an$ the go$ mah them a""
a.ry.1 9rince 5oran ma$e a .eary get/re .ith a cha,e$ re$ han$. 25orne .i"" be yo/r. Eo/
have my .or$ on that- i, my .or$ ti"" ha any meaning ,or yo/. Eo/r brother D/entyn ha a
har$er roa$ to .a"k.1
23hat roa$61 Arianne regar$e$ him /picio/"y. 23hat are yo/ ho"$ing back6 Seven ave
me- b/t & am ick o, ecret. 7e"" me the ret- +ather8 or e"e name D/entyn yo/r heir an$ en$
,or #otah an$ hi a:e- an$ "et me $ie bei$e my co/in.1
25o yo/ tr/"y be"ieve & .o/"$ harm my brother4 chi"$ren61 #er ,ather grimace$. 2Hbara-
Nym- an$ 7yene "ack ,or nothing b/t their ,ree$om- an$ C""aria an$ her $a/ghter are happi"y
enconce$ at the 3ater Gar$en. 5orea ta"k abo/t knocking orange o,, the tree .ith her
morningtar- an$ C"ia an$ Hbe""a have become the terror o, the poo".1 #e ighe$. 2&t ha not
been o "ong ince yo/ .ere p"aying in thoe poo". Eo/ /e$ to ri$e the ho/"$er o, an o"$er
gir"8 a ta"" gir" .ith .ipy ye""o. hair81
2!eyne +o."er- or her iter !enne"yn.1 &t ha$ been year ince Arianne ha$ tho/ght o, that.
2Hh- an$ +rynne- her ,ather .a a mith. #er hair .a bro.n. Garin .a my ,avorite- tho/gh.
3hen & ro$e Garin no one co/"$ $e,eat /- not even Nym an$ that green(haire$ 7yrohi gir".1
27hat green(haire$ gir" .a the Archon4 $a/ghter. & .a to have ent yo/ to 7yroh in her
p"ace. Eo/ .o/"$ have erve$ the Archon a a c/pbearer an$ met .ith yo/r betrothe$ in ecret-
b/t yo/r mother threatene$ to harm here", i, & to"e another o, her chi"$ren- an$ &8 & co/"$ not
$o that to her.1
7is tale grows eer stranger+ 2& that .here D/entyn4 gone6 7o 7yroh- to co/rt the
Archon4 green(haire$ $a/ghter61
#er ,ather p"/cke$ /p a c!asse piece. 2& m/t kno. ho. yo/ "earne$ that D/entyn .a
abroa$. Eo/r brother .ent .ith C"et/ Eron.oo$- Maeter >e$ry- an$ three o, ?or$
Eron.oo$4 bet yo/ng knight on a "ong an$ peri"o/ voyage- .ith an /ncertain .e"come at it
en$. #e ha gone to bring / back o/r heart4 $eire.1
She narro.e$ her eye. 23hat i o/r heart4 $eire61
2%engeance.1 #i voice .a o,t- a i, he .ere a,rai$ that omeone might be "itening.
2!/tice.1 9rince 5oran pree$ the ony: $ragon into her pa"m .ith hi .o""en- go/ty ,inger-
an$ .hipere$- 4Fire and blood+5
DAENER'S
7he tench o, the camp .a o appa""ing it .a a"" that 5any co/"$ $o not to gag.
Ser Barritan .rink"e$ /p hi noe- an$ ai$- 2Eo/r Grace ho/"$ not be here- breathing thee
b"ack h/mor.1
2& am the b"oo$ o, the $ragon-1 5any remin$e$ him. 2#ave yo/ ever een a $ragon .ith the
,"/:61 %iery ha$ o,t c"aime$ that 7argaryen .ere /ntro/b"e$ by the peti"ence that a,,"icte$
common men- an$ o ,ar a he co/"$ te""- it .a tr/e. She co/"$ remember being co"$ an$
h/ngry an$ a,rai$- b/t never ick.
2Cven o-1 the o"$ knight ai$- 2& .o/"$ ,ee" better i, Eo/r Grace .o/"$ ret/rn to the city.1
7he many(co"ore$ brick .a"" o, Meereen .ere ha", a mi"e back. 27he b"oo$y ,"/: ha been the
bane o, every army ince the 5a.n Age. ?et / $itrib/te the ,oo$- Eo/r Grace.1
2Hn the morro.. & am here no.. & .ant to ee.1 She p/t her hee" into her i"ver. 7he other
trotte$ a,ter her. !hogo ro$e be,ore her- Aggo an$ Rakharo =/t behin$- "ong 5othraki .hip in
han$ to keep a.ay the ick an$ $ying. Ser Barritan .a at her right- mo/nte$ on a $app"e grey.
7o her "e,t .a Symon Stripeback o, the +ree Brother an$ Mare"en o, the Mother4 Men. 7hree
core o"$ier ,o""o.e$ c"oe behin$ the captain- to protect the ,oo$ .agon. Mo/nte$ men a""-
5othraki an$ BraGen Beat an$ ,ree$men- they .ere /nite$ on"y by their $itate ,or thi $/ty.
7he Atapori t/mb"e$ a,ter them in a ghat"y proceion that gre. "onger .ith every yar$
they croe$. Some poke tong/e he $i$ not /n$ertan$. Hther .ere beyon$ peaking. Many
"i,te$ their han$ to 5any- or kne"t a her i"ver .ent by. 2Mother-1 they ca""e$ to her- in the
$ia"ect o, Atapor- ?y- an$ H"$ %o"anti- in g/tt/ra" 5othraki an$ the "iA/i$ y""ab"e o, Darth-
even in the Common 7ong/e o, 3etero. 2Mother- p"eae8 mother- he"p my iter- he i
ick8 give me ,oo$ ,or my "itt"e one8 p"eae- my o"$ ,ather8 he"p him8 he"p her8 he"p
me81
I hae no more help to gie, 5any tho/ght- $epairing. 7he Atapori ha$ no p"ace to go.
7ho/an$ remaine$ o/ti$e Meereen4 thick .a""@ men an$ .omen an$ chi"$ren- o"$ men
an$ "itt"e gir" an$ ne.born babe. Many .ere ick- mot .ere tarve$- an$ a"" .ere $oome$ to
$ie. 5aenery $are not open her gate to "et them in. She ha$ trie$ to $o .hat he co/"$ ,or them.
She ha$ ent them hea"er- B"/e Grace an$ pe""(inger an$ barber(/rgeon- b/t ome o, thoe
ha$ ickene$ a .e""- an$ none o, their art ha$ "o.e$ the ga""oping progreion o, the ,"/: that
ha$ come on the pa"e mare. Separating the hea"thy ,rom the ick ha$ prove$ impractica" a .e"".
#er Sta".art Shie"$ ha$ trie$- p/""ing h/ban$ a.ay ,rom .ive an$ chi"$ren ,rom their
mother- even a the Atapori .ept an$ kicke$ an$ pe"te$ them .ith tone. A ,e. $ay "ater- the
ick .ere $ea$ an$ the hea"thy one .ere ick. 5ivi$ing the one ,rom the other ha$
accomp"ihe$ nothing.
Cven ,ee$ing them ha$ gro.n $i,,ic/"t. Cvery $ay he ent them .hat he co/"$- b/t every
$ay there .ere more o, them an$ "e ,oo$ to give them. &t .a gro.ing har$er to ,in$ $river
.i""ing to $e"iver the ,oo$ a .e"". 7oo many o, the men they ha$ ent into the camp ha$ been
tricken by the ,"/: theme"ve. Hther ha$ been attacke$ on the .ay back to the city. Eeter$ay
a .agon ha$ been overt/rne$ an$ t.o o, her o"$ier ki""e$- o to$ay the A/een ha$ $etermine$
that he .o/"$ bring the ,oo$ here",. Cvery one o, her a$vior ha$ arg/e$ ,ervent"y againt it-
,rom ReGnak an$ the Shavepate to Ser Barritan- b/t 5aenery .o/"$ not be move$. 2& .i"" not
t/rn a.ay ,rom them-1 he ai$ t/bborn"y. 2A A/een m/t kno. the /,,ering o, her peop"e.1
S/,,ering .a the on"y thing they $i$ not "ack. 27here i carce"y a hore or m/"e "e,t- tho/gh
many ro$e ,rom Atapor-1 Mare"en reporte$ to her. 27hey4ve eaten every one- Eo/r Grace-
a"ong .ith every rat an$ cavenger $og that they co/"$ catch. No. ome have beg/n to eat their
o.n $ea$.1
2Man m/t not eat the ,"eh o, man-1 ai$ Aggo.
2&t i kno.n-1 agree$ Rahkaro. 27hey .i"" be c/re$.1
27hey4re pat c/ring-1 ai$ Symon Stripeback.
?itt"e chi"$ren .ith .o""en tomach trai"e$ a,ter them- too .eak or care$ to beg. Ga/nt
men .ith /nken eye A/atte$ ami$t an$ an$ tone- hitting o/t their "ive in tinking tream
o, bro.n an$ re$. Many hat .here they "ept no.- too ,eeb"e to cra." to the $itche he4$
comman$e$ them to $ig. 7.o .omen ,o/ght over a charre$ bone. Nearby a boy o, ten too$
eating a rat. #e ate one(han$e$- the other c"/tching a harpene$ tick "et anyone try to .ret
a.ay hi priGe. Fnb/rie$ $ea$ "ay every.here. 5any a. one man pra."e$ in the $irt /n$er a
b"ack c"oak- b/t a he ro$e pat hi c"oak $io"ve$ into a tho/an$ ,"ie. Ske"eta" .omen at
/pon the gro/n$ c"/tching $ying in,ant. 7heir eye ,o""o.e$ her. 7hoe .ho ha$ the trength
ca""e$ o/t. 2Mother8 p"eae- Mother8 b"e yo/- Mother81
Bless me, 5any tho/ght bitter"y. &our cit! is gone to ash and bone, !our people are d!ing all
around !ou+ I hae no shelter for !ou, no medicine, no hope+ Onl! stale bread and worm! meat,
hard cheese, a little milk+ Bless me, bless me+
3hat kin$ o, mother ha no mi"k to ,ee$ her chi"$ren6
27oo many $ea$-1 Aggo ai$. 27hey ho/"$ be b/rne$.1
23ho .i"" b/rn them61 ake$ Ser Barritan. 27he b"oo$y ,"/: i every.here. A h/n$re$ $ie
each night.1
2&t i not goo$ to to/ch the $ea$-1 ai$ !hogo.
27hi i kno.n-1 Aggo an$ Rakharo ai$- together.
27hat may be o-1 ai$ 5any- 2b/t thi thing m/t be $one- a"" the ame.1 She tho/ght a
moment. 27he Fn/""ie$ have no ,ear o, corpe. & ha"" peak to Grey 3orm.1
2Eo/r Grace-1 ai$ Ser Barritan- 2the Fn/""ie$ are yo/r bet ,ighter. 3e $are not "ooe thi
p"ag/e amongt them. ?et the Atapori b/ry their o.n $ea$.1
27hey are too ,eeb"e-1 ai$ Symon Stripeback.
5any ai$- 2More ,oo$ might make them tronger.1
Symon hook hi hea$. 2+oo$ ho/"$ not be .ate$ on the $ying- Eo/r 3orhip. 3e $o not
have eno/gh to ,ee$ the "iving.1
#e .a not .rong- he kne.- b/t that $i$ not make the .or$ any eaier to hear. 27hi i ,ar
eno/gh-1 the A/een $eci$e$. 23e4"" ,ee$ them here.1 She raie$ a han$. Behin$ her the .agon
b/mpe$ to a ha"t- an$ her ri$er prea$ o/t aro/n$ them- to keep the Atapori ,rom r/hing at the
,oo$. No ooner ha$ they toppe$ than the pre began to thicken aro/n$ them- a more an$
more o, the a,,"icte$ came "imping an$ hamb"ing to.ar$ the .agon. 7he ri$er c/t them o,,.
23ait yo/r t/rn-1 they ho/te$. 2No p/hing. Back. Stay back. Brea$ ,or everyone. 3ait yo/r
t/rn.1
5any co/"$ on"y it an$ .atch. 2Ser-1 he ai$ to Barritan Se"my- 2i there no more .e can
$o6 Eo/ have proviion.1
29roviion ,or Eo/r Grace4 o"$ier. 3e may .e"" nee$ to .ithtan$ a "ong iege. 7he
Stormcro. an$ the Secon$ Son can harry the E/nkihmen- b/t they cannot hope to t/rn them.
&, Eo/r Grace .o/"$ a""o. me to aemb"e an army81
2&, there m/t be a batt"e- & .o/"$ ooner ,ight it ,rom behin$ the .a"" o, Meereen. ?et the
E/nkai4i try an$ torm my batt"ement.1 7he A/een /rveye$ the cene aro/n$ her. 2&, .e .ere
to hare o/r ,oo$ eA/a""y81
28the Atapori .o/"$ eat thro/gh their portion in $ay- an$ .e .o/"$ have that m/ch "e
,or the iege.1
5any gaGe$ acro the camp- to the many(co"ore$ brick .a"" o, Meereen. 7he air .a thick
.ith ,"ie an$ crie. 27he go$ have ent thi peti"ence to h/mb"e me. So many $ea$8 & .i""
not have them eating corpe.1 She beckone$ Aggo c"oer. 2Ri$e to the gate an$ bring me Grey
3orm an$ ,i,ty o, hi Fn/""ie$.1
2,haleesi+ 7he b"oo$ o, yo/r b"oo$ obey.1 Aggo to/che$ hi hore .ith hi hee" an$
ga""ope$ o,,.
Ser Barritan .atche$ .ith i""(concea"e$ apprehenion. 2Eo/ ho/"$ not "inger here over"ong-
Eo/r Grace. 7he Atapori are being ,e$- a yo/ comman$e$. 7here4 no more .e can $o ,or the
poor .retche. 3e ho/"$ repair back to the city.1
2Go i, yo/ .ih- er. & .i"" not $etain yo/. & .i"" not $etain any o, yo/.1 5any va/"te$ $o.n
,rom the hore. 2& cannot hea" them- b/t & can ho. them that their Mother care.1
!hogo /cke$ in hi breath. 2,haleesi, no.1 7he be"" in hi brai$ rang o,t"y a he $imo/nte$.
2Eo/ m/t not get any c"oer. 5o not "et them to/ch yo/0 5o not01
5any .a"ke$ right pat him. 7here .a an o"$ man on the gro/n$ a ,e. ,eet a.ay- moaning
an$ taring /p at the grey be""y o, the c"o/$. She kne"t bei$e him- .rink"ing her noe at the
me""- an$ p/he$ back hi $irty grey hair to ,ee" hi bro.. 2#i ,"eh i on ,ire. & nee$ .ater to
bathe him. Sea.ater .i"" erve. Mare"en- .i"" yo/ ,etch ome ,or me6 & nee$ oi" a .e""- ,or the
pyre. 3ho .i"" he"p me b/rn the $ea$61
By the time Aggo ret/rne$ .ith Grey 3orm an$ ,i,ty o, the Fn/""ie$ "oping behin$ hi
hore- 5any ha$ hame$ a"" o, them into he"ping her. Symon Stripeback an$ hi men .ere
p/""ing the "iving ,rom the $ea$ an$ tacking /p the corpe- .hi"e !hogo an$ Rakharo an$ their
5othraki he"pe$ thoe .ho co/"$ ti"" .a"k to.ar$ the hore to bathe an$ .ah their c"othe.
Aggo tare$ at them a i, they ha$ a"" gone ma$- b/t Grey 3orm kne"t bei$e the A/een an$ ai$-
27hi one .o/"$ be o, he"p.1
Be,ore mi$$ay a $oGen ,ire .ere b/rning. Co"/mn o, greay b"ack moke roe /p to tain a
merci"e b"/e ky. 5any4 ri$ing c"othe .ere taine$ an$ ooty a he teppe$ back ,rom the
pyre. 23orhip-1 Grey 3orm ai$- 2thi one an$ hi brother beg yo/r "eave to bathe in the a"t
ea .hen o/r .ork here i $one- that .e might be p/ri,ie$ accor$ing to the "a. o, o/r great
go$$e.1
7he A/een ha$ not kno.n that the e/n/ch ha$ a go$$e o, their o.n. 23ho i thi go$$e6
Hne o, the go$ o, Ghi61
Grey 3orm "ooke$ tro/b"e$. 27he go$$e i ca""e$ by many name. She i the ?a$y o,
Spear- the Bri$e o, Batt"e- the Mother o, #ot- b/t her tr/e name be"ong on"y to thee poor
one .ho have b/rne$ their manhoo$ /pon her a"tar. 3e may not peak o, her to other. 7hi
one beg yo/r ,orgivene.1
2A yo/ .ih. Ee- yo/ may bathe i, that i yo/r $eire. 7hank yo/ ,or yo/r he"p.1
27hee one "ive to erve yo/.1
3hen 5aenery ret/rne$ to her pyrami$- ore o, "imb an$ ick o, heart- he ,o/n$ Mian$ei
rea$ing ome o"$ cro"" .hi"t &rri an$ !hiA/i arg/e$ abo/t Rakharo. 2Eo/ are too kinny ,or
him-1 !hiA/i .a aying. 2Eo/ are a"mot a boy. Rakharo $oe not be$ .ith boy. 7hi i
kno.n.1 &rri brit"e$ back. 2&t i kno.n that yo/ are a"mot a co.. Rakharo $oe not be$ .ith
co..1
2Rakharo i b"oo$ o, my b"oo$. #i "i,e be"ong to me- not yo/-1 5any to"$ the t.o o, them.
Rakharo ha$ gro.n a"mot ha", a ,oot $/ring hi time a.ay ,rom Meereen an$ ret/rne$ .ith
arm an$ "eg thick .ith m/c"e an$ ,o/r be"" in hi hair. #e to.ere$ over Aggo an$ !hogo
no.- a her han$mai$ ha$ both notice$. 2No. be A/iet. & nee$ to bathe.1 She ha$ never ,e"t
more oi"e$. 2!hiA/i- he"p me ,rom thee c"othe- then take them a.ay an$ b/rn them. &rri- te""
DeGGa to ,in$ me omething "ight an$ coo" to .ear. 7he $ay .a very hot.1
A coo" .in$ .a b"o.ing on her terrace. 5any ighe$ .ith p"ea/re a he "ippe$ into the
.ater o, her poo". At her comman$- Mian$ei trippe$ o,, her c"othe an$ c"imbe$ in a,ter her.
27hi one hear$ the Atapori cratching at the .a"" "at night-1 the "itt"e cribe ai$ a he .a
.ahing 5any4 back.
&rri an$ !hiA/i e:change$ a "ook. 2No one .a cratching-1 ai$ !hiA/i. 2Scratching8 ho.
co/"$ they cratch61
23ith their han$-1 ai$ Mian$ei. 27he brick are o"$ an$ cr/mb"ing. 7hey are trying to
c"a. their .ay into the city.1
27hi .o/"$ take them many year-1 ai$ &rri. 27he .a"" are very thick. 7hi i kno.n.1
2&t i kno.n-1 agree$ !hiA/i.
2& $ream o, them a .e"".1 5any took Mian$ei4 han$. 27he camp i a goo$ ha",(mi"e ,rom
the city- my .eet"ing. No one .a cratching at the .a"".1
2Eo/r Grace kno. bet-1 ai$ Mian$ei. 2Sha"" & .ah yo/r hair6 &t i a"mot time. ReGnak
mo ReGnak an$ the Green Grace are coming to $ic/@1
2@the .e$$ing preparation.1 5any at /p .ith a p"ah. 2& ha$ a"mot ,orgotten.1 $erhaps I
wanted to forget+ 2An$ a,ter them- & am to $ine .ith #iG$ahr.1 She ighe$. 2&rri- bring the green
tokar, the i"k one ,ringe$ .ith Myrih "ace.1
27hat one i being repaire$- ,haleesi+ 7he "ace .a torn. 7he b"/e tokar ha been c"eane$.1
2B"/e- then. 7hey .i"" be =/t a p"eae$.1
She .a on"y ha",(.rong. 7he priete an$ the enecha" .ere happy to ee her garbe$ in a
tokar, a proper Meereenee "a$y ,or once- b/t .hat they rea""y .ante$ .a to trip her bare.
5aenery hear$ them o/t- incre$/"o/. 3hen they .ere $one- he ai$- 2& have no .ih to give
o,,ene- b/t & .i"" not preent mye", nake$ to #iG$ahr4 mother an$ iter.1
2B/t-1 ai$ ReGnak mo ReGnak- b"inking- 2b/t yo/ m/t- Eo/r 3orhip. Be,ore a marriage it
i tra$itiona" ,or the .omen o, the man4 ho/e to e:amine the bri$e4 .omb an$- ah8 her
,ema"e part. 7o acertain that they are .e"" ,orme$ an$- ah81
28,erti"e-1 ,inihe$ Ga"aGGa Ga"are. 2An ancient rit/a"- Eo/r Ra$iance. 7hree Grace ha"" be
preent to .itne the e:amination an$ ay the proper prayer.1
2Ee-1 ai$ ReGnak- 2an$ a,ter.ar$ there i a pecia" cake. A .omen4 cake- bake$ on"y ,or
betrotha". Men are not a""o.e$ to tate it. & am to"$ it i $e"icio/. Magica".1
And if m! womb is withered and m! female parts accursed, is there a special cake for that as
well6 2#iG$ahr Go ?oraA may inpect my .omen4 part a,ter .e are .e$.1 ,hal Drogo found
no fault with them, wh! should he6 2?et hi mother an$ hi iter e:amine one another an$ hare
the pecia" cake. & ha"" not be eating it. Nor ha"" & .ah the nob"e #iG$ahr4 nob"e ,eet.1
2Magni,icence- yo/ $o not /n$ertan$-1 protete$ ReGnak. 27he .ahing o, the ,eet i
ha""o.e$ by tra$ition. &t igni,ie that yo/ ha"" be yo/r h/ban$4 han$mai$. 7he .e$$ing garb
i ,ra/ght .ith meaning too. 7he bri$e i $ree$ in $ark re$ vei" above a tokar o, .hite i"k-
,ringe$ .ith baby pear".1
#he 3ueen of the rabbits must not be wed without her flopp! ears+ 2A"" thoe pear" .i"" make
me ratt"e .hen & .a"k.1
27he pear" ymbo"iGe ,erti"ity. 7he more pear" Eo/r 3orhip .ear- the more hea"thy
chi"$ren he .i"" bear.1
23hy .o/"$ & .ant a h/n$re$ chi"$ren61 5any t/rne$ to the Green Grace. 2&, .e ho/"$ .e$
by 3eteroi rite81
27he go$ o, Ghi .o/"$ $eem it no tr/e /nion.1 Ga"aGGa Ga"are4 ,ace .a hi$$en behin$ a
vei" o, green i"k. Hn"y her eye ho.e$- green an$ .ie an$ a$. 2&n the eye o, the city yo/
.o/"$ be the nob"e #iG$ahr4 conc/bine- not hi "a.,/" .e$$e$ .i,e. Eo/r chi"$ren .o/"$ be
batar$. Eo/r 3orhip m/t marry #iG$ahr in the 7emp"e o, the Grace- .ith a"" the nobi"ity o,
Meereen on han$ to bear .itne to yo/r /nion.1
1et the heads of all the noble houses out of their p!ramids on some prete8t, 5aario ha$ ai$.
#he dragon/s words are fire and blood+ 5any p/he$ the tho/ght ai$e. &t .a not .orthy o, her.
2A yo/ .ih-1 he ighe$. 2& ha"" marry #iG$ahr in the 7emp"e o, the Grace .rappe$ in a
.hite tokar ,ringe$ .ith baby pear". & there anything e"e61
2Hne more ma"" matter- Eo/r 3orhip-1 ai$ ReGnak. 27o ce"ebrate yo/r n/ptia"- it .o/"$
be mot ,itting i, yo/ .o/"$ a""o. the ,ighting pit to open once again. &t .o/"$ be yo/r .e$$ing
gi,t to #iG$ahr an$ to yo/r "oving peop"e- a ign that yo/ ha$ embrace$ the ancient .ay an$
c/tom o, Meereen.1
2An$ mot p"eaing to the go$ a .e""-1 the Green Grace a$$e$ in her o,t an$ kin$"y voice.
A bride price paid in blood+ 5aenery .a .eary o, ,ighting thi batt"e. Cven Ser Barritan
$i$ not think he co/"$ .in. 2No r/"er can make a peop"e goo$-1 Se"my ha$ to"$ her. 2Bae"or the
B"ee$ praye$ an$ ,ate$ an$ b/i"t the Seven a p"en$i$ a temp"e a any go$ co/"$ .ih ,or-
yet he co/"$ not p/t an en$ to .ar an$ .ant.1 A 3ueen must listen to her people, 5any remin$e$
here",. 2A,ter the .e$$ing #iG$ahr .i"" be king. ?et him reopen the ,ighting pit i, he .ihe. &
.ant no part o, it.1 "et the blood be on his hands, not mine+ She roe. 2&, my h/ban$ .ihe me
to .ah hi ,eet- he m/t ,irt .ah mine. & .i"" te"" him o thi evening.1 She .on$ere$ ho. her
betrothe$ .o/"$ take that.
She nee$ not have been concerne$. #iG$ahr Go ?oraA arrive$ an ho/r a,ter the /n ha$ et.
#i o.n tokar .a b/rg/n$y- .ith a go"$en tripe an$ a ,ringe o, go"$en bea$. 5any to"$ him o,
her meeting .ith ReGnak an$ the Green Grace a he .a po/ring .ine ,or him. 27hee rit/a"
are empty-1 #iG$ahr $ec"are$- 2=/t the ort o, thing .e m/t .eep ai$e. Meereen ha been
teepe$ in thee ,oo"ih o"$ tra$ition ,or too "ong.1 #e kie$ her han$ an$ ai$- 25aenery- my
A/een- & .i"" g"a$"y .ah yo/ ,rom hea$ to hee" i, that i .hat & m/t $o to be yo/r king an$
conort.1
27o be my king an$ conort- yo/ nee$ on"y bring me peace. SkahaG te"" me yo/ have ha$
meage o, "ate.1
2& have.1 #iG$ahr croe$ hi "ong "eg. #e "ooke$ p"eae$ .ith hime",. 2E/nkai .i"" give /
peace- b/t ,or a price. 7he $ir/ption o, the "ave tra$e ha ca/e$ great in=/ry thro/gho/t the
civi"iGe$ .or"$. E/nkai an$ her a""ie .i"" reA/ire an in$emnity o, /- to be pai$ in go"$ an$
gemtone.1
Go"$ an$ gem .ere eay. 23hat e"e61
27he E/nkai4i .i"" re/me "aving- a be,ore. Atapor .i"" be reb/i"t- a a "ave city. Eo/ .i""
not inter,ere.1
27he E/nkai4i re/me$ their "aving be,ore & .a t.o "eag/e ,rom their city. 5i$ & t/rn
back6 >ing C"eon begge$ me to =oin .ith him againt them- an$ & t/rne$ a $ea, ear to hi p"ea. I
want no war with &unkai+ #o. many time m/t & ay it6 3hat promie $o they reA/ire61
2Ah- there i the thorn in the bo.er- my A/een-1 ai$ #iG$ahr Go ?oraA. 2Sa$ to ay- E/nkai
ha no ,aith in yo/r promie. 7hey keep p"/cking the ame tring on the harp- abo/t ome envoy
that yo/r $ragon et on ,ire.1
2Hn"y hi tokar .a b/rne$-1 ai$ 5any corn,/""y.
2Be that a it may- they $o not tr/t yo/. 7he men o, Ne. Ghi ,ee" the ame. 3or$ are
.in$- a yo/ yo/re", have o o,t ai$. No .or$ o, yo/r .i"" ec/re thi peace ,or Meereen.
Eo/r ,oe reA/ire $ee$. 7hey .o/"$ ee / .e$- an$ they .o/"$ ee me cro.ne$ a king- to
r/"e bei$e yo/.1
5any ,i""e$ hi .ine c/p again- .anting nothing o m/ch a to po/r the ,"agon over hi hea$
an$ $ro.n hi comp"acent mi"e. 2Marriage or carnage. A .e$$ing or a .ar. Are thoe my
choice61
2& ee on"y one choice- Eo/r Ra$iance. ?et / ay o/r vo. be,ore the go$ o, Ghi an$ make
a ne. Meereen together.1
7he A/een .a ,raming her repone .hen he hear$ a tep behin$ her. #he food, he tho/ght.
#er cook ha$ promie$ her to erve the nob"e #iG$ahr4 ,avorite mea"- $og in honey- t/,,e$
.ith pr/ne an$ pepper. B/t .hen he t/rne$ to "ook- it .a Ser Barritan tan$ing there-
,reh"y bathe$ an$ c"a$ in .hite- hi "ong.or$ at hi i$e. 2Eo/r Grace-1 he ai$- bo.ing- 2& am
orry to $it/rb yo/- b/t & tho/ght that yo/ .o/"$ .ant to kno. at once. 7he Stormcro. have
ret/rne$ to the city- .ith .or$ o, the ,oe. 7he E/nkihmen are on the march- =/t a .e ha$
,eare$.1
A ,"icker o, annoyance croe$ the nob"e ,ace o, #iG$ahr Go ?oraA. 27he A/een i at her
/pper. 7hee e"".or$ can .ait.1
Ser Barritan ignore$ him. 2& ake$ ?or$ 5aario to make hi report to me- a Eo/r Grace ha$
comman$e$. #e "a/ghe$ an$ ai$ that he .o/"$ .rite it o/t in hi o.n b"oo$ i, Eo/r Grace
.o/"$ en$ yo/r "itt"e cribe to ho. him ho. to make the "etter.1
2B"oo$61 ai$ 5any- horri,ie$. 2& that a =ape6 No. No- $on4t te"" me- & m/t ee him ,or
mye",.1 She .a a yo/ng gir"- an$ a"one- an$ yo/ng gir" can change their min$. 2Convene my
captain an$ comman$er. #iG$ahr- & kno. yo/ .i"" ,orgive me.1
2Meereen m/t come ,irt.1 #iG$ahr mi"e$ genia""y. 23e .i"" have other night. A tho/an$
night.1
2Ser Barritan .i"" ho. yo/ o/t.1 5any h/rrie$ o,,- ca""ing ,or her han$mai$. She .o/"$
not .e"come her captain home in a tokar+ &n the en$ he trie$ a $oGen go.n be,ore he ,o/n$
one he "ike$- b/t he re,/e$ the cro.n that !hiA/i o,,ere$ her.
A 5aario Nahari took a knee be,ore her- 5any4 heart gave a "/rch. #i hair .a matte$
.ith $rie$ b"oo$- an$ on hi temp"e a $eep c/t g"itene$ re$ an$ ra.. #i right "eeve .a b"oo$y
a"mot to the e"bo.. 2Eo/4re h/rt-1 he gape$.
27hi61 5aario to/che$ hi temp"e. 2A crobo.man trie$ to p/t a A/arre" thro/gh my eye-
b/t & o/tro$e it. & .a h/rrying home to my A/een- to bak in the .armth o, her mi"e.1 #e hook
hi "eeve- pattering re$ $rop"et. 27hi b"oo$ i not mine. Hne o, my er=eant ai$ .e ho/"$
go over to the E/nkai4i- o & reache$ $o.n hi throat an$ p/""e$ hi heart o/t. & meant to bring it
to yo/ a a gi,t ,or my i"ver A/een- b/t ,o/r o, the Cat c/t me o,, an$ came nar"ing an$
pitting a,ter me. Hne a"mot ca/ght me- o & thre. the heart into hi ,ace.1
2%ery ga""ant-1 ai$ Ser Barritan- in a tone that /ggete$ it .a anything b/t- 2b/t $o yo/
have ti$ing ,or #er Grace61
2#ar$ ti$ing- Ser Gran$,ather. Atapor i gone- an$ the "aver are coming north in
trength.1
27hi i o"$ ne.- an$ ta"e-1 gro."e$ the Shavepate.
2Eo/r mother ai$ the ame o, yo/r ,ather4 kie-1 5aario rep"ie$. 2S.eet A/een- & .o/"$
have been here ooner- b/t the hi"" are a.arm .ith E/nkih e"".or$. +o/r ,ree companie.
Eo/r Stormcro. ha$ to c/t their .ay thro/gh a"" o, them. 7here i more- an$ .ore. 7he
E/nkai4i are marching their hot /p the coat roa$- =oine$ by ,o/r "egion o/t o, Ne. Ghi. 7hey
have e"ephant- a h/n$re$- armore$ an$ to.ere$. 7o"oi "inger too- an$ a corp o, Dartheen
came"ry. 7.o more Ghicari "egion took hip at Atapor. &, o/r captive to"$ it tr/e- they .i"" be
"an$e$ beyon$ the SkahaGa$han to c/t / o,, ,rom the 5othraki ea.1
A he to"$ hi ta"e- ,rom time to time a $rop o, bright re$ b"oo$ .o/"$ patter againt the
marb"e ,"oor- an$ 5any .o/"$ .ince. 2#o. many men .ere ki""e$61 he ake$ .hen he .a
$one.
2H, o/r6 & $i$ not top to co/nt. 3e gaine$ more than .e "ot- tho/gh.1
2More t/rnc"oak61
2More brave men $ra.n to yo/r nob"e ca/e. My A/een .i"" "ike them. Hne i an a:eman
,rom the Bai"ik &"e- a br/te- bigger than Be".a. Eo/ ho/"$ ee him. Some 3eteroi too- a
core or more. 5eerter ,rom the 3in$b"o.n- /nhappy .ith the E/nkai4i. 7hey4"" make goo$
Stormcro..1
2&, yo/ ay.1 5any .o/"$ not A/ibb"e. Meereen might oon have nee$ o, every .or$.
Ser Barritan ,ro.ne$ at 5aario. 2Captain- yo/ ma$e mention o, four ,ree companie. 3e
kno. o, on"y three. 7he 3in$b"o.n- the ?ong ?ance- an$ the Company o, the Cat.1
2Ser Gran$,ather kno. ho. to co/nt. 7he Secon$ Son have gone over to the E/nkai4i.1
5aario t/rne$ hi hea$ an$ pat. 27hat4 ,or Bro.n Ben 9"/mm. 3hen ne:t & ee hi /g"y ,ace &
.i"" open him ,rom throat to groin an$ rip o/t hi b"ack heart.1
5any trie$ to peak an$ ,o/n$ no .or$. She remembere$ Ben4 ,ace the "at time he ha$
een it. It was a warm face, a face I trusted+ 5ark kin an$ .hite hair- the broken noe- the
.rink"e at the corner o, hi eye. Cven the $ragon ha$ been ,on$ o, o"$ Bro.n Ben- .ho "ike$
to boat that he ha$ a $rop o, $ragon b"oo$ hime",. #hree treasons will !ou know+ Once for gold
and once for blood and once for loe+ 3a 9"/mm the thir$ treaon- or the econ$6 An$ .hat $i$
that make Ser !orah- her gr/,, o"$ bear6 3o/"$ he never have a ,rien$ that he co/"$ tr/t6
What good are prophecies if !ou cannot make sense of them6 If I marr! 7izdahr before the sun
comes up, will all these armies melt awa! like morning dew and let me rule in peace6
5aario4 anno/ncement ha$ parke$ an /proar. ReGnak .a .ai"ing- the Shavepate .a
m/ttering $ark"y- her b"oo$ri$er .ere .earing vengeance. Strong Be".a th/mpe$ hi carre$
be""y .ith hi ,it an$ .ore to eat Bro.n Ben4 heart .ith p"/m an$ onion. 29"eae-1 5any
ai$- b/t on"y Mian$ei eeme$ to hear. 7he A/een got to her ,eet. 2Be 3uiet; & have hear$
eno/gh.1
2Eo/r Grace.1 Ser Barritan .ent to one knee. 23e are yo/r to comman$. 3hat .o/"$ yo/
have / $o61
2Contin/e a .e p"anne$. Gather ,oo$- a m/ch a yo/ can.1 If I look back I am lost+ 23e
m/t c"oe the gate an$ p/t every ,ighting man /pon the .a"". No one enter- no one "eave.1
7he ha"" .a A/iet ,or a moment. 7he men "ooke$ at one another. 7hen ReGnak ai$- 23hat o,
the Atapori61
She .ante$ to cream- to gnah her teeth an$ tear her c"othe an$ beat /pon the ,"oor. &ntea$
he ai$- 2%lose the gates+ 3i"" yo/ make me ay it thrice61 7hey .ere her chi"$ren- b/t he
co/"$ not he"p them no.. 2?eave me. 5aario- remain. 7hat c/t ho/"$ be .ahe$- an$ & have
more A/etion ,or yo/.1
7he other bo.e$ an$ .ent. 5any took 5aario Nahari /p the tep to her be$chamber- .here
&rri .ahe$ hi c/t .ith vinegar an$ !hiA/i .rappe$ it in .hite "inen. 3hen that .a $one he
ent her han$mai$ o,, a .e"". 2Eo/r c"othe are taine$ .ith b"oo$-1 he to"$ 5aario. 27ake
them o,,.1
2Hn"y i, yo/ $o the ame.1 #e kie$ her.
#i hair me""e$ o, b"oo$ an$ moke an$ hore- an$ hi mo/th .a har$ an$ hot on her.
5any tremb"e$ in hi arm. 3hen they broke apart- he ai$- 2& tho/ght yo/ .o/"$ be the one to
betray me. Hnce ,or b"oo$ an$ once ,or go"$ an$ once ,or "ove- the .ar"ock ai$. & tho/ght8 &
never tho/ght Bro.n Ben. Cven my $ragon eeme$ to tr/t him.1 She c"/tche$ her captain by
the ho/"$er. 29romie me that yo/ .i"" never t/rn againt me. & co/"$ not bear that. 9romie
me.1
2Never- my "ove.1
She be"ieve$ him. 2& .ore that & ho/"$ .e$ #iG$ahr Go ?oraA i, he gave me ninety $ay o,
peace- b/t no.8 & .ante$ yo/ ,rom the ,irt time that & a. yo/- b/t yo/ .ere a e"".or$-
,ick"e- treacherous+ Eo/ boate$ that yo/4$ ha$ a h/n$re$ .omen.1
2A h/n$re$61 5aario ch/ck"e$ thro/gh hi p/rp"e bear$. 2& "ie$- .eet A/een. &t .a a
tho/an$. B/t never once a $ragon.1
She raie$ her "ip to hi. 23hat are yo/ .aiting ,or61
Ala4ne
She t/rne$ the iron ring an$ p/he$ the $oor open- =/t a crack. 2S.eetrobin61 he ca""e$.
2May & enter61
2#ave a care- m4"a$y-1 .arne$ o"$ Gretche"- .ringing her han$. 2#i "or$hip thre. hi
chamber pot at the maeter.1
27hen he ha none to thro. at me. &n4t there ome .ork yo/ ho/"$ be $oing6 An$ yo/-
Ma$$y8 are a"" the .in$o. c"oe$ an$ h/ttere$6 #ave a"" the ,/rnihing been covere$61
2A"" o, them- m4"a$y-1 ai$ Ma$$y.
2Bet make certain o, it.1 A"ayne "ippe$ into the $arkene$ be$chamber. 2&t4 on"y me-
S.eetrobin.1
Someone ni,,"e$ in the $arkne. 2Are yo/ a"one61
2& am- my "or$.1
2Come c"oe- then. !/t yo/.1
A"ayne h/t the $oor ,irm"y behin$ her. &t .a o"i$ oak- ,o/r inche thickI Ma$$y an$
Gretche" might "iten a"" they .ihe$- b/t they .o/"$ hear nothing. 7hat .a =/t a .e"".
Gretche" co/"$ ho"$ her tong/e- b/t Ma$$y goipe$ hame"e"y.
25i$ Maeter Co"emon en$ yo/61 the boy ake$.
2No-1 he "ie$. 2& hear$ my S.eetrobin .a ai"ing.1 A,ter hi enco/nter .ith the chamber pot
the maeter ha$ come r/nning to Ser ?othor- an$ Br/ne ha$ come to her. 2&, m4"a$y can ta"k him
o/t o, be$ nice-1 the knight ai$- 2& .on4t have to $rag him o/t.1
We can/t hae that, he to"$ here",. 3hen Robert .a han$"e$ ro/gh"y he .a apt to go into
a haking ,it. 2Are yo/ h/ngry- my "or$61 he ake$ the "itt"e "or$. 2Sha"" & en$ Ma$$y $o.n ,or
berrie an$ cream- or ome .arm brea$ an$ b/tter61 7oo "ate he remembere$ that there .a no
.arm brea$I the kitchen .ere c"oe$- the oven co"$. If it gets )obert out of bed, it would be
worth the bother of lighting a fire, he to"$ here",.
2& $on4t .ant ,oo$-1 the "itt"e "or$ ai$- in a ree$y- pet/"ant voice. 2&4m going to tay in be$
to$ay. Eo/ co/"$ rea$ to me i, yo/ .ant.1
2&t i too $ark in here ,or rea$ing.1 7he heavy c/rtain $ra.n acro the .in$o. ma$e the
be$chamber b"ack a night. 2#a my S.eetrobin ,orgotten .hat $ay thi i61
2No-1 he ai$- 2b/t &4m not going. & .ant to tay in be$. Eo/ co/"$ rea$ to me abo/t the
3inge$ >night.1
7he 3inge$ >night .a Ser Arty Arryn. ?egen$ ai$ that he ha$ $riven the +irt Men ,rom
the %a"e an$ ,"o.n to the top o, the Giant4 ?ance on a h/ge ,a"con to "ay the Gri,,in >ing.
7here .ere a h/n$re$ ta"e o, hi a$vent/re. ?itt"e Robert kne. them a"" o .e"" he co/"$ have
recite$ them ,rom memory- b/t he "ike$ to have them rea$ to him a"" the ame. 2S.eet"ing- .e
have to go-1 he to"$ the boy- 2b/t & promie- &4"" rea$ yo/ two ta"e o, the 3inge$ >night .hen
.e reach the Gate o, the Moon.1
27hree-1 he ai$ at once. No matter .hat yo/ o,,ere$ him- Robert a".ay .ante$ more.
27hree-1 he agree$. 2Might & "et ome /n in61
2No. 7he "ight h/rt my eye. Come to be$- A"ayne.1
She .ent to the .in$o. any.ay- e$ging aro/n$ the broken chamber pot. She co/"$ me"" it
better than he a. it. 2& han4t open them very .i$e. Hn"y eno/gh to ee my S.eetrobin4 ,ace.1
#e ni,,"e$. 2&, yo/ m/t.1
7he c/rtain .ere o, p"/h b"/e ve"vet. She p/""e$ one back a ,inger4 "ength an$ tie$ it o,,.
5/t mote $ance$ in a ha,t o, pa"e morning "ight. 7he ma"" $iamon$(hape$ pane o, the
.in$o. .ere obc/re$ by ,rot. A"ayne r/bbe$ at one .ith the hee" o, her han$- eno/gh to
g"impe a bri""iant b"/e ky an$ a b"aGe o, .hite ,rom the mo/ntaini$e. 7he Cyrie .a .rappe$
in an icy mant"e- the Giant4 ?ance above b/rie$ in .ait($eep no..
3hen he t/rne$ back- Robert Arryn .a proppe$ /p againt the pi""o. "ooking at her. #he
"ord of the 0!rie and Defender of the .ale+ A .oo"en b"anket covere$ him be"o. the .ait.
Above it he .a nake$- a paty boy .ith hair a "ong a any gir"4. Robert ha$ pin$"y arm an$
"eg- a o,t concave chet an$ "itt"e be""y- an$ eye that .ere a".ay re$ an$ r/nny. 7e cannot
help the wa! he is+ 7e was born small and sickl!+ 2Eo/ "ook very trong thi morning- my "or$.1
#e "ove$ to be to"$ ho. trong he .a. 2Sha"" & have Ma$$y an$ Gretche" ,etch hot .ater ,or
yo/r bath6 Ma$$y .i"" cr/b yo/r back ,or yo/ an$ .ah yo/r hair- to make yo/ c"ean an$ "or$"y
,or yo/r =o/rney. 3on4t that be nice61
2No. & hate Ma$$y. She ha a .art on her eye- an$ he cr/b o har$ it h/rt. My mommy
never h/rt me cr/bbing.1
2& .i"" te"" Ma$$y not to cr/b my S.eetrobin o har$. Eo/4"" ,ee" better .hen yo/4re ,reh
an$ c"ean.1
2No bath- & told yo/- my hea$ h/rt mot a.,/""y.1
2Sha"" & bring yo/ a .arm c"oth ,or yo/r bro.6 Hr a c/p o, $ream.ine6 Hn"y a "itt"e one-
tho/gh. Mya Stone i .aiting $o.n at Sky- an$ he4"" be h/rt i, yo/ go to "eep on her. Eo/
kno. ho. m/ch he "ove yo/.1
2& $on4t "ove her+ She4 =/t the m/"e gir".1 Robert ni,,"e$. 2Maeter Co"emon p/t omething
vi"e in my mi"k "at night- & co/"$ tate it. & to"$ him & .ante$ .eetmi"k- b/t he .o/"$n4t bring
me any. Not even .hen & commanded him. & am the "or$- he ho/"$ $o .hat & ay. No one $oe
.hat & sa!.1
2&4"" peak to him-1 A"ayne promie$- 2b/t on"y i, yo/ get /p o/t o, be$. &t4 bea/ti,/" o/ti$e-
S.eetrobin. 7he /n i hining bright- a per,ect $ay ,or going $o.n the mo/ntain. 7he m/"e are
.aiting $o.n at Sky .ith Mya81
#i mo/th A/ivere$. 2& hate thoe me""y m/"e. Hne trie$ to bite me once0 Eo/ te"" that Mya
that &4m taying here.1 #e o/n$e$ a i, he .ere abo/t to cry. 2No one can h/rt me o "ong a &
tay here. 7he Cyrie i impregnab"e.1
23ho .o/"$ .ant to h/rt my S.eetrobin6 Eo/r "or$ an$ knight a$ore yo/- an$ the
ma"",o"k cheer yo/r name.1 7e is afraid, he tho/ght- and with good reason+ Since hi "a$y
mother ha$ ,a""en- the boy .o/"$ not even tan$ /pon a ba"cony- an$ the .ay ,rom the Cyrie to
the Gate o, the Moon .a peri"o/ eno/gh to $a/nt anyone. A"ayne4 heart ha$ been in her
throat .hen he ma$e her o.n acent .ith ?a$y ?ya an$ ?or$ 9etyr- an$ everyone agree$ that
the $ecent .a even more harro.ing- ince yo/ .ere "ooking $o.n the .ho"e time. Mya co/"$
te"" o, great "or$ an$ bo"$ knight .ho ha$ gone pa"e an$ .et their ma""c"othe on the
mo/ntain. And none of them had the shaking sickness either+
Sti""- it .o/"$ not erve. Hn the va""ey ,"oor a/t/mn ti"" "ingere$- .arm an$ go"$en- b/t
.inter ha$ c"oe$ aro/n$ the mo/ntain peak. 7hey ha$ .eathere$ three no.torm- an$ an ice
torm that tran,orme$ the cat"e into cryta" ,or a ,ortnight. 7he Cyrie might be impregnab"e- b/t
it .o/"$ oon be inacceib"e a .e""- an$ the .ay $o.n gre. more haGar$o/ every $ay. Mot
o, the cat"e4 ervant an$ o"$ier ha$ a"rea$y ma$e the $ecent. Hn"y a $oGen ti"" "ingere$ /p
here- to atten$ ?or$ Robert.
2S.eetrobin-1 he ai$ gent"y- 2the $ecent .i"" be ever o =o""y- yo/4"" ee. Ser ?othor .i"" be
.ith /- an$ Mya. #er m/"e have gone /p an$ $o.n thi o"$ mo/ntain a tho/an$ time.1
2& hate m/"e-1 he inite$. 2M/"e are naty. & told yo/- one trie$ to bite me .hen & .a
"itt"e.1
Robert ha$ never "earne$ to ri$e proper"y- he kne.. M/"e- hore- $onkey- it ma$e no
matterI to him they .ere a"" ,earome beat- a terri,ying a $ragon or gri,,in. #e ha$ been
bro/ght to the %a"e at i:- ri$ing .ith hi hea$ cra$"e$ bet.een hi mother4 mi"ky breat- an$
ha$ never "e,t the Cyrie ince.
Sti""- they ha$ to go- be,ore the ice c"oe$ abo/t the cat"e ,or goo$. 7here .a no te""ing ho.
"ong the .eather .o/"$ ho"$. 2Mya .i"" keep the m/"e ,rom biting-1 A"ayne ai$- 2an$ &4"" be
ri$ing =/t behin$ yo/. &4m on"y a gir"- not a brave or trong a yo/. &, & can $o it- & kno. yo/
can- S.eetrobin.1
2& could $o it-1 ?or$ Robert ai$- 2b/t & $on4t chooe to.1 #e .ipe$ at hi r/nny noe .ith
the back o, hi han$. 27e"" Mya & am going to tay abe$. 9erhap & .i"" come $o.n on the
morro.- i, & ,ee" better. 7o$ay i too co"$ o/t- an$ my hea$ h/rt. Eo/ can have ome .eetmi"k
too- an$ &4"" te"" Gretche" to bring / ome honeycomb to eat. 3e4"" "eep an$ ki an$ p"ay
game- an$ yo/ can rea$ me abo/t the 3inge$ >night.1
2& .i"". 7hree ta"e- a & promie$8 .hen .e reach the Gate o, the Moon.1 A"ayne .a
r/nning hort o, patience. We hae to go, he remin$e$ here",- or we/ll still be aboe the snow
line when the sun goes down+ 2?or$ Netor ha prepare$ a ,eat to .e"come yo/- m/hroom o/p
an$ venion an$ cake. Eo/ $on4t .ant to $iappoint him- $o yo/61
23i"" they be "emon cake61 ?or$ Robert "ove$ "emon cake- perhap beca/e A"ayne $i$.
2?emony "emony "emon cake-1 he a/re$ him- 2an$ yo/ can have a many a yo/ "ike.1
2A h/n$re$61 he .ante$ to kno.. 2Co/"$ & have a hundred61
2&, it p"eae yo/.1 She at on the be$ an$ moothe$ hi "ong- ,ine hair. 7e does hae prett!
hair+ ?a$y ?ya ha$ br/he$ it here", every night- an$ c/t it .hen it .ante$ c/tting. A,ter he
ha$ ,a""en Robert ha$ /,,ere$ terrib"e haking ,it .henever anyone came near him .ith a b"a$e-
o 9etyr ha$ comman$e$ that hi hair be a""o.e$ to gro.. A"ayne .o/n$ a "ock aro/n$ her
,inger- an$ ai$- 2No.- .i"" yo/ get o/t o, be$ an$ "et / $re yo/61
2& .ant a h/n$re$ "emon cake an$ fie ta"e01
I/d like to gie !ou a hundred spankings and fie slaps+ &ou would not dare behae like this if
$et!r were here+ 7he "itt"e "or$ ha$ a goo$ hea"thy ,ear o, hi tep,ather. A"ayne ,orce$ a mi"e.
2A my "or$ $eire. B/t nothing ti"" yo/4re .ahe$ an$ $ree$ an$ on yo/r .ay. Come- be,ore
the morning4 gone.1 She took him ,irm"y by the han$- an$ $re. him o/t o, be$.
Be,ore he co/"$ /mmon the ervant- ho.ever- S.eetrobin thre. hi kinny arm aro/n$
her an$ kie$ her. &t .a a "itt"e boy4 ki- an$ c"/my. Cverything Robert Arryn $i$ .a
c"/my. If I close m! e!es I can pretend he is the ,night of Flowers+ Ser ?ora ha$ given Sana
Stark a re$ roe once- b/t he ha$ never kie$ her8 an$ no 7yre"" .o/"$ ever ki A"ayne Stone.
9retty a he .a- he ha$ been born on the .rong i$e o, the b"anket.
A the boy4 "ip to/che$ her o.n he ,o/n$ here", thinking o, another ki. She co/"$ ti""
remember ho. it ,e"t- .hen hi cr/e" mo/th pree$ $o.n on her o.n. #e ha$ come to Sana in
the $arkne a green ,ire ,i""e$ the ky. 7e took a song and a kiss, and left me nothing but a
blood! cloak+
&t ma$e no matter. 7hat $ay .a $one- an$ o .a Sana.
A"ayne p/he$ her "itt"e "or$ a.ay. 27hat4 eno/gh. Eo/ can ki me again .hen .e reach the
Gate- i, yo/ keep yo/r .or$.1
Ma$$y an$ Gretche" .ere .aiting o/ti$e .ith Maeter Co"emon. 7he maeter ha$ .ahe$
the night oi" ,rom hi hair an$ change$ hi robe. Robert4 A/ire ha$ t/rne$ /p a .e"".
7errance an$ Gy"e co/"$ a".ay ni,, o/t tro/b"e.
2?or$ Robert i ,ee"ing tronger-1 A"ayne to"$ the erving .omen. 2+etch hot .ater ,or hi
bath- b/t ee yo/ $on4t ca"$ him. An$ $o not p/"" on hi hair .hen yo/ br/h o/t the tang"e- he
hate that.1 Hne o, the A/ire niggere$- /nti" he ai$- 27errance- "ay o/t hi "or$hip4 ri$ing
c"othe an$ hi .armet c"oak. Gy"e- yo/ may c"ean /p that broken chamber pot.1
Gy"e Gra,ton ma$e a ,ace. 2&4m no cr/b.oman.1
25o a ?a$y A"ayne comman$- or ?othor Br/ne .i"" hear o, it-1 ai$ Maeter Co"emon. #e
,o""o.e$ her a"ong the ha"".ay an$ $o.n the t.iting tair. 2& am grate,/" ,or yo/r interceion-
my "a$y. Eo/ have a .ay .ith him.1 #e heitate$. 25i$ yo/ oberve any haking .hi"e yo/ .ere
.ith him61
2#i ,inger tremb"e$ a "itt"e bit .hen & he"$ hi han$- that4 a"". #e ay yo/ p/t omething
vi"e in hi mi"k.1
2%i"e61 Co"emon b"inke$ at her- an$ the app"e in hi throat move$ /p an$ $o.n. 2& mere"y8
i he b"ee$ing ,rom the noe61
2No.1
2Goo$. 7hat i goo$.1 #i chain c"inke$ o,t"y a he bobbe$ hi hea$- atop a ri$ic/"o/"y "ong
an$ kinny neck. 27hi $ecent8 my "a$y- it might be a,et i, & mi:e$ hi "or$hip ome mi"k o,
the poppy. Mya Stone co/"$ "ah him over the back o, her mot /re,oote$ m/"e .hi"t he
"/mbere$.1
27he ?or$ o, the Cyrie cannot $ecen$ ,rom hi mo/ntain tie$ /p "ike a ack o, bar"eycorn.1
H, that A"ayne .a certain. 7hey $are not "et the ,/"" e:tent o, Robert4 ,rai"ty an$ co.ar$ice
become too .i$e"y kno.n- her ,ather ha$ .arne$ her. I wish he were here+ 7e would know what
to do+
9etyr Bae"ih .a c"ear acro the %a"e- tho/gh- atten$ing ?or$ ?yone" Corbray at hi
.e$$ing. A .i$o.er o, ,orty(o$$ year- an$ chi"$"e- ?or$ ?yone" .a to .e$ the trapping
i:teen(year(o"$ $a/ghter o, a rich G/""to.n merchant. 9etyr ha$ brokere$ the match hime",.
7he bri$e4 $o.er .a ai$ to be taggeringI it ha$ to be- ince he .a o, common birth.
Corbray4 vaa" .o/"$ be there- .ith the ?or$ 3a:"ey- Gra,ton- ?yn$er"y- ome petty "or$
an$ "an$e$ knight8 an$ ?or$ Be"more- .ho ha$ "ate"y reconci"e$ .ith her ,ather. 7he other
?or$ 5ec"arant .ere e:pecte$ to h/n the n/ptia"- o 9etyr4 preence .a eentia".
A"ayne /n$ertoo$ a"" that .e"" eno/gh- b/t it meant that the b/r$en o, getting S.eetrobin
a,e"y $o.n the mo/ntain ,e"" on her. 2Give hi "or$hip a c/p o, .eetmi"k-1 he to"$ the
maeter. 27hat .i"" top him ,rom haking on the =o/rney $o.n.1
2#e ha$ a c/p not three $ay pat-1 Co"emon ob=ecte$.
2An$ .ante$ another "at night- .hich yo/ re,/e$ him.1
2&t .a too oon. My "a$y- yo/ $o not /n$ertan$. A &4ve to"$ the ?or$ 9rotector- a pinch o,
.eet"eep .i"" prevent the haking- b/t it $oe not "eave the ,"eh- an$ in time81
27ime .i"" not matter i, hi "or$hip ha a haking ,it an$ ,a"" o,, the mo/ntain. &, my ,ather
.ere here- & kno. he .o/"$ te"" yo/ to keep ?or$ Robert ca"m at a"" cot.1
2& try- my "a$y- yet hi ,it gro. ever more vio"ent- an$ hi b"oo$ i o thin & $are not "eech
him any more. S.eet"eep8 yo/ are certain he .a not b"ee$ing ,rom the noe61
2#e .a ni,,"ing-1 A"ayne a$mitte$- 2b/t & a. no b"oo$.1
2& m/t peak to the ?or$ 9rotector. 7hi ,eat8 i that .ie- & .on$er- a,ter the train o, the
$ecent61
2&t .i"" not be a "arge ,eat-1 he a/re$ him. 2No more than ,orty g/et. ?or$ Netor an$
hi ho/eho"$- the >night o, the Gate- a ,e. "eer "or$ an$ their retainer81
2?or$ Robert mi"ike tranger- yo/ kno. that- an$ there .i"" be $rinking- noie8 music+
M/ic ,righten him.1
2M/ic oothe him-1 he correcte$- 2the high harp epecia""y. &t4 singing he can4t abi$e-
ince Mari""ion ki""e$ hi mother.1 A"ayne ha$ to"$ the "ie o many time that he remembere$ it
that .ay more o,t than notI the other eeme$ no more than a ba$ $ream that ometime tro/b"e$
her "eep. 2?or$ Netor .i"" have no inger at the ,eat- on"y ,"/te an$ ,i$$"e ,or the $ancing.1
3hat .o/"$ he $o .hen the m/ic began to p"ay6 &t .a a ve:ing A/etion- to .hich her heart
an$ hea$ gave $i,,erent an.er. Sana "ove$ to $ance- b/t A"ayne8 2!/t give him a c/p o, the
.eetmi"k be,ore .e go- an$ another at the ,eat- an$ there ho/"$ be no tro/b"e.1
2%ery .e"".1 7hey pa/e$ at the ,oot o, the tair. 2B/t thi m/t be the "at. +or ha", a year-
or "onger.1
2Eo/ ha$ bet take that /p .ith the ?or$ 9rotector.1 She p/he$ thro/gh the $oor an$ croe$
the yar$. Co"emon on"y .ante$ the bet ,or hi charge- A"ayne kne.- b/t .hat .a bet ,or
Robert the boy an$ .hat .a bet ,or ?or$ Arryn .ere not a".ay the ame. 9etyr ha$ ai$ a
m/ch- an$ it .a tr/e. *aester %olemon cares onl! for the bo!, though+ Father and I hae
larger concerns+
H"$ no. c"oake$ the co/rtyar$- an$ icic"e h/ng $o.n "ike cryta" pear ,rom the terrace
an$ to.er. 7he Cyrie .a b/i"t o, ,ine .hite tone- an$ .inter4 mant"e ma$e it .hiter ti"". So
beautiful, A"ayne tho/ght- so impregnable+ She co/"$ not "ove thi p"ace- no matter ho. he
trie$. Cven be,ore the g/ar$ an$ erving men ha$ ma$e their $ecent- the cat"e ha$ eeme$ a
empty a a tomb- an$ more o .hen 9etyr Bae"ih .a a.ay. No one ang /p there- not ince
Mari""ion. No one ever "a/ghe$ too "o/$. Cven the go$ .ere i"ent. 7he Cyrie boate$ a ept-
b/t no eptonI a go$.oo$- b/t no heart tree. 2o pra!ers are answered here, he o,ten tho/ght-
tho/gh ome $ay he ,e"t o "one"y he ha$ to try. Hn"y the .in$ an.ere$ her- ighing
en$"e"y aro/n$ the even "im .hite to.er an$ ratt"ing the Moon 5oor every time it g/te$. It
will be een worse in winter, he kne.. In winter this will be a cold white prison+
An$ yet the tho/ght o, "eaving ,rightene$ her a"mot a m/ch a it ,rightene$ Robert. She
on"y hi$ it better. #er ,ather ai$ there .a no hame in being a,rai$- on"y in ho.ing yo/r ,ear.
2A"" men "ive .ith ,ear-1 he ai$. A"ayne .a not certain he be"ieve$ that. Nothing ,rightene$
9etyr Bae"ih. 7e onl! said that to make me brae+ She .o/"$ nee$ to be brave $o.n be"o.-
.here the chance o, being /nmake$ .a o m/ch greater. 9etyr4 ,rien$ at co/rt ha$ ent him
.or$ that the A/een ha$ men o/t "ooking ,or the &mp an$ Sana Stark. It will mean m! head if I
am found, he remin$e$ here", a he $ecen$e$ a ,"ight o, icy tone tep. I must be Ala!ne all
the time, inside and out+
?othor Br/ne .a in the .inch room- he"ping the gao"er Mor$ an$ t.o erving men .ret"e
chet o, c"othe an$ ba"e o, c"oth into i: h/ge oaken b/cket- each big eno/gh aro/n$ to ho"$
three men. 7he great chain .inche .ere the eaiet .ay to reach the .aycat"e Sky- i: h/n$re$
,eet be"o. themI e"e.ie yo/ ha$ to $ecen$ the nat/ra" tone chimney ,rom the /n$erce""ar. Or
go the wa! *arillion went, and "ad! "!sa before him+
2Boy o/t o, be$61 Ser ?othor ake$.
27hey4re bathing him. #e .i"" be rea$y .ithin the ho/r.1
23e bet hope he i. Mya .on4t .ait pat mi$$ay.1 7he .inch room .a /nheate$- o hi
breath mite$ .ith every .or$.
2She4"" .ait-1 A"ayne ai$. 2She ha to .ait.1
25on4t be o certain- m4"a$y. She4 ha", m/"e here",- that one. & think he4$ "eave / a"" to
tarve be,ore he4$ p/t thoe anima" at rik.1 #e mi"e$ .hen he ai$ it. 7e alwa!s smiles when
he speaks of *!a Stone+ Mya .a m/ch yo/nger than Ser ?othor- b/t .hen her ,ather ha$ been
brokering the marriage bet.een ?or$ Corbray an$ hi merchant4 $a/ghter- he4$ to"$ her that
yo/ng gir" .ere a".ay happiet .ith o"$er men. 2&nnocence an$ e:perience make ,or a per,ect
marriage-1 he ha$ ai$.
A"ayne .on$ere$ .hat Mya ma$e o, Ser ?othor. 3ith hi A/ahe$ noe- A/are =a.- an$ nap
o, .oo""y grey hair- Br/ne co/"$ not be ca""e$ come"y- b/t he .a not ugl! either. It is a common
face but an honest one+ 7ho/gh he ha$ rien to knighthoo$- Ser ?othor4 birth ha$ been very
"o.. Hne night he ha$ to"$ her that he .a kin to the Br/ne o, Bro.nho""o.- an o"$ knight"y
,ami"y ,rom Crackc"a. 9oint. 2& .ent to them .hen my ,ather $ie$-1 he con,ee$- 2b/t they
hat on me- an$ ai$ & .a no b"oo$ o, their.1 #e .o/"$ not peak o, .hat happene$ a,ter that-
e:cept to ay that he ha$ "earne$ a"" he kne. o, arm the har$ .ay. Sober- he .a a A/iet man-
b/t a trong one. And $et!r sa!s he/s lo!al+ 7e trusts him as much as he trusts an!one+ Br/ne
.o/"$ be a goo$ match ,or a batar$ gir" "ike Mya Stone- he tho/ght. It might be different if her
father had acknowledged her, but he neer did+ And *add! sa!s that she/s no maid either+
Mor$ took /p hi .hip an$ cracke$ it- an$ the ,irt pair o, o:en began to "/mber in a circ"e-
t/rning the .inch. 7he chain /ncoi"e$- ratt"ing a it crape$ acro the tone- the oaken b/cket
.aying a it began it "ong $ecent to Sky. $oor o8en, tho/ght A"ayne. Mor$ .o/"$ c/t their
throat an$ b/tcher them be,ore he "e,t- an$ "eave them ,or the ,a"con. 3hatever part remaine$
.hen the Cyrie .a reopene$ .o/"$ be roate$ /p ,or the pring ,eat- i, it ha$ not poi"e$. A
goo$ /pp"y o, har$ ,roGen meat ,oreto"$ a /mmer o, p"enty- o"$ Gretche" c"aime$.
2M4"a$y-1 Ser ?othor ai$- 2yo/4$ bet kno.. Mya $i$n4t come /p a"one. ?a$y Myran$a4
.ith her.1
2Hh.1 Wh! would she ride all the wa! up the mountain, 9ust to ride back down again6
Myran$a Royce .a the ?or$ Netor4 $a/ghter. 7he one time that Sana ha$ viite$ the Gate
o, the Moon- on the .ay /p to the Cyrie .ith her a/nt ?ya an$ ?or$ 9etyr- he ha$ been a.ay-
b/t A"ayne ha$ hear$ m/ch o, her ince ,rom the Cyrie4 o"$ier an$ erving gir". #er mother
.a "ong $ea$- o ?a$y Myran$a kept her ,ather4 cat"e ,or himI it .a a m/ch "ive"ier co/rt
.hen he .a home than .hen he .a a.ay- accor$ing to r/mor. 2Soon or "ate yo/ m/t meet
Myran$a Royce-1 9etyr ha$ .arne$ her. 23hen yo/ $o- be care,/". She "ike to p"ay the merry
,oo"- b/t /n$erneath he4 hre.$er than her ,ather. G/ar$ yo/r tong/e aro/n$ her.1
I will, he tho/ght- but I did not know I/d need to start so soon+ 2Robert .i"" be p"eae$.1 #e
"ike$ Myran$a Royce. 2Eo/ m/t e:c/e me- er. & nee$ to ,inih packing.1 A"one- he c"imbe$
the tep back to her room ,or one "at time. 7he .in$o. ha$ been ea"e$ an$ h/ttere$- the
,/rnihing covere$. A ,e. o, her thing ha$ a"rea$y been remove$- the ret tore$ a.ay. A"" o,
?a$y ?ya4 i"k an$ amite .ere to be "e,t behin$. #er heeret "inen an$ p"/het ve"vet-
the rich embroi$ery an$ ,ine Myrih "aceI a"" .o/"$ remain. 5o.n be"o.- A"ayne m/t $re
mo$et"y- a be,it a gir" o, mo$et birth. It makes no matter, he to"$ here",. I dared not wear
the best clothes een here+
Gretche" ha$ trippe$ the be$ an$ "ai$ o/t the ret o, her c"othing. A"ayne .a a"rea$y
.earing .oo"en hoe beneath her kirt- over a $o/b"e "ayer o, ma""c"othe. No. he $onne$ a
"amb.oo" overt/nic an$ a hoo$e$ ,/r c"oak- ,atening it .ith an ename"e$ mockingbir$ that ha$
been a gi,t ,rom 9etyr. 7here .a a car, a .e""- an$ a pair o, "eather g"ove "ine$ .ith ,/r to
match her ri$ing boot. 3hen he4$ $onne$ it a""- he ,e"t a ,at an$ ,/rry a a bear c/b. I will be
glad of it on the mountain, he ha$ to remin$ here",. She took one "at "ook at her room be,ore
he "e,t. I was safe here, he tho/ght- but down below=
3hen A"ayne ret/rne$ to the .inch room- he ,o/n$ Mya Stone .aiting impatient"y .ith
?othor Br/ne an$ Mor$. She must hae come up in the bucket to see what was taking us so long+
S"im an$ ine.y- Mya "ooke$ a to/gh a the o"$ ri$ing "eather he .ore beneath her i"very
ringmai" hirt. #er hair .a b"ack a a raven4 .ing- o hort an$ haggy that A"ayne /pecte$
that he c/t it .ith a $agger. Mya4 eye .ere her bet ,eat/re- big an$ b"/e. She could be prett!,
if she would dress up like a girl+ A"ayne ,o/n$ here", .on$ering .hether Ser ?othor "ike$ her
bet in her iron an$ "eather- or $reame$ o, her go.ne$ in "ace an$ i"k. Mya "ike$ to ay that her
,ather ha$ been a goat an$ her mother an o."- b/t A"ayne ha$ gotten the tr/e tory ,rom Ma$$y.
&es, he tho/ght- "ooking at her no.- those are his e!es, and she has his hair too, the thick black
hair he shared with )enl!+
23here i he61 the batar$ gir" $eman$e$.
2#i "or$hip i being bathe$ an$ $ree$.1
2#e nee$ to make ome hate. &t4 getting co"$er- can4t yo/ ,ee" it6 3e nee$ to get be"o.
Sno. be,ore the /n goe $o.n.1
2#o. ba$ i the .in$61 A"ayne ake$ her.
2&t co/"$ be .ore8 an$ .i"" be- a,ter $ark.1 Mya p/he$ a "ock o, hair ,rom her eye. 2&, he
bathe m/ch "onger- .e4"" be trappe$ /p here a"" .inter .ith nothing to eat e:cept each other.1
A"ayne $i$ not kno. .hat to ay to that. 7hank,/""y- he .a pare$ by the arriva" o, Robert
Arryn. 7he "itt"e "or$ .ore ky(b"/e ve"vet- a chain o, go"$ an$ apphire- an$ a .hite bearkin
c"oak. #i A/ire each he"$ an en$- to keep the c"oak ,rom $ragging on the ,"oor. Maeter
Co"emon accompanie$ them- in a threa$bare grey c"oak "ine$ .ith A/irre" ,/r. Gretche" an$
Ma$$y .ere not ,ar behin$.
3hen he ,e"t the co"$ .in$ on hi ,ace- Robert A/ai"e$- b/t 7errance an$ Gy"e .ere behin$
him- o he co/"$ not ,"ee. 2My "or$-1 ai$ Mya- 2.i"" yo/ ri$e $o.n .ith me61
#oo brus3ue, A"ayne tho/ght. She should hae greeted him with a smile, told him how strong
and brae he looks+
2& .ant A"ayne-1 ?or$ Robert ai$. 2&4"" on"y go .ith her.1
27he b/cket can ho"$ a"" three o, /.1
2& =/t .ant A"ayne. Eo/ me"" a"" tinky- "ike a m/"e.1
2A yo/ .ih.1 Mya4 ,ace ho.e$ no emotion.
Some o, the .inch chain .ere ,i:e$ to .icker baket- other to to/t oaken b/cket. 7he
"arget o, thoe .a ta""er than A"ayne- .ith iron ban$ gir$ing it $ark bro.n tave. Cven o-
her heart .a in her throat a he took Robert4 han$ an$ he"pe$ him in. Hnce the hatch .a
c"oe$ behin$ them- the .oo$ /rro/n$e$ them on a"" i$e. Hn"y the top .a open. It is best
that wa!, he to"$ here",- we can/t look down+ Be"o. them .a on"y Sky an$ ky. Si: h/n$re$
,eet o, ky. +or a moment he ,o/n$ here", .on$ering ho. "ong it ha$ taken her a/nt to ,a"" that
$itance- an$ .hat her "at tho/ght ha$ been a the mo/ntain r/he$ /p to meet her. 2o, I
mustn/t think of that+ I mustn/t;
2A3AE01 came Ser ?othor4 ho/t. Someone hove$ the b/cket har$. &t .aye$ an$ tippe$-
crape$ againt the ,"oor- then ./ng ,ree. She hear$ the crack o, Mor$4 .hip an$ the ratt"e o,
the chain. 7hey began to $ecen$- by =erk an$ tart at ,irt- then more mooth"y. Robert4 ,ace
.a pa"e an$ hi eye p/,,y- b/t hi han$ .ere ti"". 7he Cyrie hrank above them. 7he ky ce""
on the "o.er "eve" ma$e the cat"e "ook omething "ike a honeycomb ,rom be"o.. A hone!comb
made of ice, A"ayne tho/ght- a castle made of snow+ She co/"$ hear the .in$ .hit"ing ro/n$ the
b/cket.
A h/n$re$ ,eet $o.n- a /$$en g/t ca/ght ho"$ o, them. 7he b/cket .aye$ i$e.ay-
pinning in the air- then b/mpe$ har$ againt the rock ,ace behin$ them. Shar$ o, ice an$ no.
raine$ $o.n on them- an$ the oak creake$ an$ traine$. Robert gave a gap an$ c"/ng to her-
b/rying hi ,ace bet.een her breat.
2My "or$ i brave-1 A"ayne ai$- .hen he ,e"t him haking. 2&4m o ,rightene$ & can har$"y
ta"k- b/t not yo/.1
She ,e"t him no$. 27he 3inge$ >night .a brave- an$ o am &-1 he boate$ to her bo$ice.
2&4m an Arr!n.1
23i"" my S.eetrobin ho"$ me tight61 he ake$- tho/gh he .a a"rea$y ho"$ing her o tight"y
that he co/"$ carce"y breathe.
2&, yo/ "ike-1 he .hipere$. An$ c"inging har$ to one another- they contin/e$ on traight
$o.n to Sky.
%alling this a castle is like calling a puddle on a pri! floor a lake, A"ayne tho/ght- .hen the
b/cket .a opene$ o they might emerge .ithin the .aycat"e. Sky .a no more than a crecent(
hape$ .a"" o, o"$ /nmortare$ tone- enc"oing a tony "e$ge an$ the ya.ning mo/th o, a
cavern. &ni$e .ere toreho/e an$ tab"e- a "ong nat/ra" ha""- an$ the chie"e$ han$ho"$ that
"e$ /p to the Cyrie. H/ti$e- the gro/n$ .a tre.n by broken tone an$ bo/"$er. Carthen
ramp gave acce to the .a"". Si: h/n$re$ ,eet above- the Cyrie .a o ma"" he co/"$ hi$e it
.ith her han$- b/t ,ar be"o. the %a"e tretche$ green an$ go"$en.
7.enty m/"e a.aite$ them .ithin the .aycat"e- a"ong .ith t.o m/"e(.a"ker an$ the ?a$y
Myran$a Royce. ?or$ Netor4 $a/ghter prove$ to be a hort- ,"ehy .oman- o, an age .ith Mya
Stone- b/t .here Mya .a "im an$ ine.y- Myran$a .a o,t(bo$ie$ an$ .eet(me""ing- broa$
o, hip- thick o, .ait- an$ e:treme"y b/:om. #er thick chetn/t c/r" ,rame$ ro/n$ re$ cheek- a
ma"" mo/th- an$ a pair o, "ive"y bro.n eye. 3hen Robert c"imbe$ ginger"y ,rom the b/cket-
he kne"t in a patch o, no. to ki hi han$ an$ cheek. 2My "or$-1 he ai$- 2yo/4ve gro.n o
big01
2#ave &61 ai$ Robert- p"eae$.
2Eo/ .i"" be ta""er than me oon-1 the "a$y "ie$. She got to her ,eet an$ br/he$ the no.
,rom her kirt. 2An$ yo/ m/t be the ?or$ 9rotector4 $a/ghter-1 he a$$e$- a the b/cket .ent
ratt"ing back /p to the Cyrie. 2& ha$ hear$ that yo/ .ere bea/ti,/". & ee that it i tr/e.1
A"ayne c/rtie$. 2My "a$y i kin$ to ay o.1
2>in$61 7he o"$er gir" gave a "a/gh. 2#o. boring that .o/"$ be. & apire to be .icke$. Eo/
m/t te"" me a"" yo/r ecret on the ri$e $o.n. May & ca"" yo/ A"ayne61
2&, yo/ .ih- my "a$y.1 But !ou/ll get no secrets from me+
2& am Jmy "a$y4 at the Gate- b/t /p here on the mo/ntain yo/ may ca"" me Ran$a. #o. many
year have yo/- A"ayne61
2+o/r(an$(ten- my "a$y.1 She ha$ $eci$e$ that A"ayne Stone ho/"$ be o"$er than Sana
Stark.
2)anda+ &t eem a h/n$re$ year ince & .a ,o/r(an$(ten. #o. innocent & .a. Are yo/ ti""
innocent- A"ayne61
She b"/he$. 2Eo/ ho/"$ not8 ye- o, co/re.1
2Saving yo/re", ,or ?or$ Robert61 ?a$y Myran$a teae$. 2Hr i there ome ar$ent A/ire
$reaming o, yo/r ,avor61
2No-1 ai$ A"ayne- even a Robert ai$- 2She4 m! ,rien$. 7errance an$ Gy"e can4t have her.1
A econ$ b/cket ha$ arrive$ by then- th/mping $o.n o,t"y on a mo/n$ o, ,roGen no..
Maeter Co"emon emerge$ .ith the A/ire 7errance an$ Gy"e. 7he ne:t .inch $e"ivere$
Ma$$y an$ Gretche"- .ho ro$e .ith Mya Stone. 7he batar$ gir" .ate$ no time taking charge.
23e $on4t .ant to get b/nche$ /p on the mo/ntain-1 he to"$ the other m/"e han$"er. 2&4"" take
?or$ Robert an$ hi companion. Hy- yo/4"" bring $o.n Ser ?othor an$ the ret- b/t give me
an ho/r4 "ea$. Carrot- yo/4"" have charge o, their chet an$ bo:e.1 She t/rne$ to Robert Arryn-
her b"ack hair b"o.ing. 23hich m/"e .i"" yo/ ri$e to$ay- my "or$61
27hey4re a"" tinky. &4"" have the grey one- .ith the ear che.e$ o,,. & .ant A"ayne to ri$e .ith
me. An$ Myran$a too.1
23here the .ay i .i$e eno/gh. Come- my "or$- "et4 get yo/ on yo/r m/"e. 7here4 a me""
o, no. in the air.1
&t .a another ha", ho/r be,ore they .ere rea$y to et o/t. 3hen a"" o, them .ere mo/nte$
/p- Mya Stone gave a crip comman$- an$ t.o o, Sky4 men(at(arm ./ng the gate open. Mya
"e$ them o/t- .ith ?or$ Robert =/t behin$ her- .a$$"e$ in hi bearkin c"oak. A"ayne an$
Myran$a Royce ,o""o.e$- then Gretche" an$ Ma$$y- then 7errance ?yn$er"y an$ Gy"e Gra,ton.
Maeter Co"emon bro/ght /p the rear- "ea$ing a econ$ m/"e "a$en .ith hi chet o, herb an$
potion.
Beyon$ the .a""- the .in$ picke$ /p harp"y. 7hey .ere above the tree "ine here- e:poe$ to
the e"ement. A"ayne .a thank,/" that he4$ $ree$ o .arm"y. #er c"oak .a ,"apping noii"y
behin$ her- an$ a /$$en g/t b"e. back her hoo$. She "a/ghe$- b/t a ,e. yar$ ahea$ ?or$
Robert A/irme$- an$ ai$- 2&t4 too co"$. 3e ho/"$ go back an$ .ait /nti" it4 .armer.1
2&t .i"" be .armer on the va""ey ,"oor- my "or$-1 ai$ Mya. 2Eo/4"" ee .hen .e get $o.n
there.1
2& $on4t want to ee-1 ai$ Robert- b/t Mya pai$ no min$.
7heir roa$ .a a crooke$ erie o, tone tep carve$ into the mo/ntaini$e- b/t the m/"e
kne. every inch o, it. A"ayne .a g"a$ o, that. #ere an$ there the tone .a hattere$ ,rom the
train o, co/nt"e eaon- .ith a"" their tha. an$ ,reeGe. 9atche o, no. c"/ng to the rock on
either i$e o, the path- b"in$ing .hite. 7he /n .a bright- the ky .a b"/e- an$ there .ere
,a"con circ"ing overhea$- ri$ing on the .in$.
Fp here .here the "ope .a teepet- the tep .o/n$ back an$ ,orth rather than p"/nging
traight $o.n. Sansa Stark went up the mountain, but Ala!ne Stone is coming down+ &t .a a
trange tho/ght. Coming /p- Mya ha$ .arne$ her to keep her eye on the path ahea$- he
remembere$. 2?ook /p- not $o.n-1 he ai$8 b/t that .a not poib"e on the $ecent. I could
close m! e!es+ #he mule knows the wa!, he has no need of me+ B/t that eeme$ more omething
Sana .o/"$ have $one- that ,rightene$ gir". A"ayne .a an o"$er .oman- an$ batar$ brave.
At ,irt they ro$e in ing"e ,i"e- b/t ,arther $o.n the path .i$ene$ eno/gh ,or t.o to ri$e
abreat- an$ Myran$a Royce came /p bei$e her. 23e have ha$ a "etter ,rom yo/r ,ather-1 he
ai$- a ca/a""y a i, they .ere itting .ith their epta- $oing nee$"e.ork. 2#e i on hi .ay
home- he ay- an$ hope to ee hi $ar"ing $a/ghter oon. #e .rite that ?yone" Corbray eem
.e"" p"eae$ .ith hi bri$e- an$ even more o .ith her $o.ry. & do hope ?or$ ?yone" remember
.hich one he nee$ to be$. ?a$y 3ayn.oo$ t/rne$ /p .ith the >night o, Ninetar ,or the
.e$$ing ,eat- ?or$ 9etyr ay- to everyone4 atonihment.1
2Anya 3ayn.oo$6 7r/"y61 7he ?or$ 5ec"arant .ere $o.n ,rom i: to three- it .o/"$ eem.
7he $ay he4$ $eparte$ the mo/ntain- 9etyr Bae"ih ha$ been con,i$ent o, .inning Symon$
7emp"eton to hi i$e- b/t not o ?a$y 3ayn.oo$. 23a there more61 he ake$. 7he Cyrie .a
/ch a "one"y p"ace that he .a eager ,or any bit o, ne. ,rom the .or"$ beyon$- ho.ever
trivia" or inigni,icant.
2Not ,rom yo/r ,ather- no- b/t .e4ve ha$ other bir$. 7he .ar goe on- every.here b/t here.
Riverr/n ha yie"$e$- b/t 5ragontone an$ Storm4 Cn$ ti"" ho"$ ,or ?or$ Stanni.1
2?a$y ?ya .a o .ie- to keep / o/t o, it.1
Myran$a gave her a hre.$ "itt"e mi"e. 2Ee- he .a the very o/" o, .i$om- that goo$
"a$y.1 She hi,te$ her eat. 23hy m/t m/"e be o bony an$ i""(tempere$6 Mya $oe not ,ee$
them eno/gh. A nice ,at m/"e .o/"$ be more com,ortab"e to ri$e. 7here4 a ne. #igh Septon-
$i$ yo/ kno.6 Hh- an$ the Night4 3atch ha a boy comman$er- ome batar$ on o, C$$ar$
Stark4.1
2!on Sno.61 he b"/rte$ o/t- /rprie$.
2Sno.6 Ee- it .o/"$ be Sno.- & /ppoe.1
She ha$ not tho/ght o, !on in age. #e .a on"y her ha", brother- b/t ti""8 .ith Robb an$
Bran an$ Rickon $ea$- !on Sno. .a the on"y brother that remaine$ to her. I am a bastard too
now, 9ust like him+ Oh, it would be so sweet, to see him once again+ B/t o, co/re that co/"$
never be. A"ayne Stone ha$ no brother- baeborn or other.ie.
2H/r co/in BronGe Eohn ha$ hime", a mN"Oe at R/netone-1 Myran$a Royce .ent on-
ob"ivio/- 2a ma"" one- =/t ,or A/ire. &t .a meant ,or #arry the #eir to .in the honor- an$
o he $i$.1
2#arry the #eir61
2?a$y 3ayn.oo$4 .ar$. #arro"$ #ar$yng. & /ppoe .e m/t ca"" him Ser #arry no..
BronGe Eohn knighte$ him.1
2Hh.1 A"ayne .a con,/e$. 3hy ho/"$ ?a$y 3ayn.oo$4 .ar$ be her heir6 She ha$ on
o, her o.n b"oo$. Hne .a the >night o, the B"oo$y Gate- Ser 5onne". She $i$ not .ant to "ook
t/pi$- tho/gh- o a"" he ai$ .a- 2& pray he prove a .orthy knight.1
?a$y Myran$a norte$. 2& pray he get the po:. #e ha a batar$ $a/ghter by ome common
gir"- yo/ kno.. My "or$ ,ather ha$ hope$ to marry me to #arry- b/t ?a$y 3ayn.oo$ .o/"$ not
hear o, it. & $o not kno. .hether it .a me he ,o/n$ /n/itab"e- or =/t my $o.ry.1 She gave a
igh. 2& $o nee$ another h/ban$. & ha$ one once- b/t & ki""e$ him.1
2Eo/ $i$61 A"ayne ai$- hocke$.
2Hh- ye. #e $ie$ on top o, me. In me- i, tr/th be to"$. Eo/ $o kno. .hat goe on in a
marriage be$- & hope61
She tho/ght o, 7yrion- an$ o, the #o/n$ an$ ho. he4$ kie$ her- an$ gave a no$. 27hat m/t
have been $rea$,/"- my "a$y. #im $ying. #here, & mean- .hi"t8 .hi"t he .a81
28,/cking me61 She hr/gge$. 2&t .a $iconcerting- certain"y. Not to mention $ico/rteo/.
#e $i$ not even have the common $ecency to p"ant a chi"$ in me. H"$ men have .eak ee$. So
here & am- a .i$o.- b/t carce /e$. #arry co/"$ have $one m/ch .ore. & $areay that he .i"".
?a$y 3ayn.oo$ .i"" mot "ike marry him to one o, her gran$$a/ghter- or one o, BronGe
Eohn4.1
2A yo/ ay- my "a$y.1 A"ayne remembere$ 9etyr4 .arning.
2)anda+ Come no.- yo/ can ay it. Ran. 5a.1
2Ran$a.1
2M/ch better. & ,ear & m/t apo"ogiGe to yo/. Eo/ .i"" think me a $rea$,/" "/t- & kno.- b/t &
be$$e$ that pretty boy Mari""ion. & $i$ not kno. he .a a monter. #e ang bea/ti,/""y- an$
co/"$ $o the .eetet thing .ith hi ,inger. & .o/"$ never have taken him to be$ i, & ha$ kno.n
he .a going to p/h ?a$y ?ya thro/gh the Moon 5oor. & $o not be$ monter- a a r/"e.1 She
t/$ie$ A"ayne4 ,ace an$ chet. 2Eo/ are prettier than me- b/t my breat are "arger. 7he
maeter ay "arge breat pro$/ce no more mi"k than ma"" one- b/t & $o not be"ieve it. #ave
yo/ ever kno.n a .et n/re .ith ma"" teat6 Eo/r are amp"e ,or a gir" yo/r age- b/t a they are
batar$ breat- & han4t concern mye", .ith them.1 Myran$a e$ge$ her m/"e c"oer. 2Eo/ kno.
o/r Mya4 not a mai$- & tr/t61
She $i$. +at Ma$$y ha$ .hipere$ it to her- one time .hen Mya bro/ght /p their /pp"ie.
2Ma$$y to"$ me.1
2H, co/re he $i$. She ha a mo/th a big a her thigh- an$ her thigh are enormous+
Myche" Re$,ort .a the one. #e /e$ to be ?yn Corbray4 A/ire. A real A/ire- not "ike that
"o/tih "a$ Ser ?yn4 got A/iring ,or him no.. #e on"y took that one on ,or coin- they ay.
Myche" .a the bet yo/ng .or$man in the %a"e- an$ ga""ant8 or o poor Mya tho/ght- ti"" he
.e$ one o, BronGe Eohn4 $a/ghter. ?or$ #orton gave him no choice in the matter- & am /re-
b/t it .a ti"" a cr/e" thing to $o to Mya.1
2Ser ?othor i ,on$ o, her.1 A"ayne g"ance$ $o.n at the m/"e gir"- t.enty tep be"o.. 2More
than ,on$.1
2?othor Brune61 Myran$a raie$ an eyebro.. 25oe he kno.61 She $i$ not .ait ,or an
an.er. 2#e ha no hope- poor man. My ,ather4 trie$ to make a match ,or Mya- b/t he4"" have
none o, them. She is ha", m/"e- that one.1
5epite here",- A"ayne ,o/n$ here", .arming to the o"$er gir". She ha$ not ha$ a ,rien$ to
goip .ith ince poor !eyne 9oo"e. 25o yo/ think Ser ?othor "ike her a he i- in mai" an$
"eather61 he ake$ the o"$er gir"- .ho eeme$ o .or"$"y(.ie. 2Hr $oe he $ream o, her $rape$
in i"k an$ ve"vet61
2#e4 a man. #e $ream o, her nake$.1
She is tr!ing to make me blush again+
?a$y Myran$a m/t have hear$ her tho/ght. 2Eo/ $o t/rn /ch a pretty ha$e o, pink. 3hen
& b"/h & "ook A/ite "ike an app"e. & have not b"/he$ ,or year- tho/gh.1 She "eane$ c"oer. 25oe
yo/r ,ather p"an to .e$ again61
2My ,ather61 A"ayne ha$ never coni$ere$ that. Someho. the notion ma$e her A/irm. She
,o/n$ here", remembering the "ook on ?ya Arryn4 ,ace a he4$ t/mb"e$ thro/gh the Moon
5oor.
23e a"" kno. ho. $evote$ he .a to ?a$y ?ya-1 ai$ Myran$a- 2b/t he cannot mo/rn
,orever. #e nee$ a pretty yo/ng .i,e to .ah a.ay hi grie,. & imagine he co/"$ have hi pick o,
ha", the nob"e mai$en in the %a"e. 3ho co/"$ be a better h/ban$ than o/r o.n bo"$ ?or$
9rotector6 7ho/gh & $o .ih he ha$ a better name than "ittlefinger+ #o. "itt"e i it- $o yo/
kno.61
2#i ,inger61 She b"/he$ again. 2& $on4t8 & never81
?a$y Myran$a "a/ghe$ o "o/$ that Mya Stone g"ance$ back at them. 2Never yo/ min$-
A"ayne- &4m /re it4 "arge eno/gh.1
7hey pae$ beneath a .in$(carve$ arch- .here "ong icic"e c"/ng to the pa"e tone- $ripping
$o.n on them. Hn the ,ar i$e the path narro.e$ an$ p"/nge$ $o.n harp"y ,or a h/n$re$ ,eet or
more. Myran$a .a ,orce$ to $rop back. A"ayne gave the m/"e hi hea$. 7he teepne o, thi
part o, the $ecent ma$e her c"ing tight"y to her a$$"e. 7he tep here ha$ been .orn mooth by
the iron(ho$ hoove o, a"" the m/"e .ho4$ pae$ thi .ay- /nti" they reemb"e$ a erie o,
ha""o. tone bo.". 3ater ,i""e$ the bottom o, the bo."- g"immering go"$en in the a,ternoon
/n. It is water now, A"ayne tho/ght- but come dark, all of it will turn to ice+ She rea"iGe$ that
he .a ho"$ing her breath- an$ "et it o/t. Mya Stone an$ ?or$ Robert ha$ a"mot reache$ the
rock pire .here the "ope "eve"e$ o,, again. She trie$ to "ook at them- an$ on"y them. I will not
fall, he to"$ here",. *!a/s mule will see me through+ 7he .in$ kir"e$ aro/n$ her- a he
b/mpe$ an$ crape$ her .ay $o.n tep by tep. &t eeme$ to take a "i,etime.
7hen a"" at once he .a at the bottom .ith Mya an$ her "itt"e "or$- h/$$"e$ beneath a t.ite$-
rocky pire. Ahea$ tretche$ a high tone a$$"e- narro. an$ icy. A"ayne co/"$ hear the .in$
hrieking- an$ ,ee" it p"/cking at her c"oak. She remembere$ thi p"ace ,rom her acent. &t ha$
,rightene$ her then- an$ it ,rightene$ her no.. 2&t i .i$er than it "ook-1 Mya .a te""ing ?or$
Robert in a cheer,/" voice. 2A yar$ acro- an$ no more than eight yar$ "ong- that4 nothing.1
2Nothing-1 Robert ai$. #i han$ .a haking.
Oh, no, A"ayne tho/ght. $lease+ 2ot here+ 2ot now+
2&t4 bet to "ea$ the m/"e acro-1 Mya ai$. 2&, it p"eae my "or$- &4"" take mine over ,irt-
then come back ,or yo/r.1 ?or$ Robert $i$ not an.er. #e .a taring at the narro. a$$"e .ith
hi re$$ene$ eye. 2& han4t be "ong- my "or$-1 Mya promie$- b/t A"ayne $o/bte$ that the boy
co/"$ even hear her.
3hen the batar$ gir" "e$ her m/"e o/t ,rom beneath the he"ter o, the pire- the .in$ ca/ght
her in it teeth. #er c"oak "i,te$- t.iting an$ ,"apping in the air. Mya taggere$- an$ ,or ha", a
heartbeat it eeme$ a i, he .o/"$ be b"o.n over the precipice- b/t omeho. he regaine$ her
ba"ance an$ .ent on.
A"ayne took Robert4 g"ove$ han$ in her o.n to top hi haking. 2S.eetrobin-1 he ai$-
2&4m care$. #o"$ my han$- an$ he"p me get acro. & kno. !ou/re not a,rai$.1
#e "ooke$ at her- hi p/pi" ma"" $ark pinprick in eye a big an$ .hite a egg. 2&4m not61
2Not yo/. Eo/4re my .inge$ knight- Ser S.eetrobin.1
27he 3inge$ >night co/"$ ,"y-1 Robert .hipere$.
2#igher than the mo/ntain.1 She gave hi han$ a A/eeGe.
?a$y Myran$a ha$ =oine$ them by the pire. 2#e co/"$-1 he echoe$- .hen he a. .hat .a
happening.
2Ser S.eetrobin-1 ?or$ Robert ai$- an$ A"ayne kne. that he $are not .ait ,or Mya to
ret/rn. She he"pe$ the boy $imo/nt- an$ han$ in han$ they .a"ke$ o/t onto the bare tone
a$$"e- their c"oak napping an$ ,"apping behin$ them. A"" aro/n$ .a empty air an$ ky- the
gro/n$ ,a""ing a.ay harp"y to either i$e. 7here .a ice /n$er,oot- an$ broken tone =/t
.aiting to t/rn an ank"e- an$ the .in$ .a ho."ing ,ierce"y. It sounds like a wolf, tho/ght Sana.
A ghost wolf, big as mountains+
An$ then they .ere on the other i$e- an$ Mya Stone .a "a/ghing an$ "i,ting Robert ,or a
h/g. 2Be care,/"-1 A"ayne to"$ her. 2#e can h/rt yo/- ,"ai"ing. Eo/ .o/"$n4t think o- b/t he
can.1 7hey ,o/n$ a p"ace ,or him- a c"e,t in the rock to keep him o/t o, the co"$ .in$. A"ayne
ten$e$ him /nti" the haking pae$- .hi"t Mya .ent back to he"p the other cro.
+reh m/"e a.aite$ them at Sno.- an$ a hot mea" o, te.e$ goat an$ onion. She ate .ith
Mya an$ Myran$a. 2So yo/4re brave a .e"" a bea/ti,/"-1 Myran$a ai$ to her.
2No.1 7he comp"iment ma$e her b"/h. 2&4m not. & .a o care$. & $on4t think & co/"$ have
croe$ .itho/t ?or$ Robert.1 She t/rne$ to Mya Stone. 2Eo/ a"mot ,e"".1
2Eo/4re mitaken. & never ,a"".1 Mya4 hair ha$ t/mb"e$ acro her cheek- hi$ing one eye.
2A"mot- & ai$. & a. yo/. 3eren4t yo/ a,rai$61
Mya hook her hea$. 2& remember a man thro.ing me in the air .hen & .a very "itt"e. #e
tan$ a ta"" a the ky- an$ he thro. me /p o high it ,ee" a tho/gh &4m ,"ying. 3e4re both
"a/ghing- "a/ghing o m/ch that & can har$"y catch a breath- an$ ,ina""y & "a/gh o har$ & .et
mye",- b/t that on"y make him "a/gh the "o/$er. & .a never a,rai$ .hen he .a thro.ing me. &
kne. that he .o/"$ a".ay be there to catch me.1 She p/he$ her hair back. 27hen one $ay he
.an4t. Men come an$ go. 7hey "ie- or $ie- or "eave yo/. A mo/ntain i not a man- tho/gh- an$ a
tone i a mo/ntain4 $a/ghter. & tr/t my ,ather- an$ & tr/t my m/"e. & .on4t ,a"".1 She p/t her
han$ on a =agge$ p/r o, rock- an$ got to her ,eet. 2Bet ,inih. 3e have a "ong .ay yet to go-
an$ & can me"" a torm.1
7he no. began to ,a"" a they .ere "eaving Stone- the "arget an$ "o.et o, the three
.aycat"e that $e,en$e$ the approache to the Cyrie. 5/k .a ett"ing by then. ?a$y Myran$a
/ggete$ that perhap they might t/rn back- pen$ the night at Stone- an$ re/me their $ecent
.hen the /n came /p- b/t Mya .o/"$ not hear o, it. 27he no. might be ,ive ,eet $eep by then-
an$ the tep treachero/ even ,or my m/"e-1 he ai$. 23e .i"" $o better to pre on. 3e4""
take it "o..1
An$ o they $i$. Be"o. Stone the tep .ere broa$er an$ "e teep- .in$ing in an$ o/t o, the
ta"" pine an$ grey(green entine" that c"oake$ the "o.er "ope o, the Giant4 ?ance. Mya4
m/"e kne. every root an$ rock on the .ay $o.n- it eeme$- an$ any they ,orgot the batar$ gir"
remembere$. #a", the night .a gone be,ore they ighte$ the "ight o, the Gate o, the Moon
thro/gh the ,a""ing no.. 7he "at part o, their =o/rney .a the mot peace,/". 7he no. ,e""
tea$i"y- c"oaking a"" the .or"$ in .hite. S.eetrobin $ri,te$ to "eep in the a$$"e- .aying back
an$ ,orth .ith the motion o, hi m/"e. Cven ?a$y Myran$a began to ya.n an$ comp"ain o, being
.eary. 23e have apartment prepare$ ,or a"" o, yo/-1 he to"$ A"ayne- 2b/t i, yo/ "ike yo/ may
hare my be$ tonight. &t4 "arge eno/gh ,or ,o/r.1
2& ho/"$ be honore$- my "a$y.1
2Ran$a. Co/nt yo/re", ,ort/nate that &4m o tire$. A"" & .ant to $o i c/r" /p an$ go to "eep.
F/a""y .hen "a$ie hare my be$ they have to pay a pi""o. ta: an$ te"" me a"" abo/t the .icke$
thing they4ve $one.1
23hat i, they haven4t $one any .icke$ thing61
23hy- then they m/t con,e a"" the .icke$ thing they want to $o. Not yo/- o, co/re. & can
ee ho. virt/o/ yo/ are =/t by "ooking at thoe roy cheek an$ big b"/e eye o, yo/r.1 She
ya.ne$ again. 2& hope yo/r ,eet are .arm. & $o hate be$mai$ .ith co"$ ,eet.1
By the time they ,ina""y reache$ her ,ather4 cat"e- ?a$y Myran$a .a $ro.ing too- an$
A"ayne .a $reaming o, her be$. It will be a featherbed, he to"$ here",- soft and warm and
deep, piled high with furs+ I will dream a sweet dream, and when I wake there will be dogs
barking, women gossiping beside the well, swords ringing in the !ard+ And later there will be a
feast, with music and dancing+ A,ter the $eath"y i"ence o, the Cyrie- he yearne$ ,or ho/t an$
"a/ghter.
A the ri$er .ere c"imbing o,, their m/"e- ho.ever- one o, 9etyr4 g/ar$men emerge$
,rom .ithin the keep. 2?a$y A"ayne-1 he ai$- 2the ?or$ 9rotector ha been .aiting ,or yo/.1
2#e4 back61 he ai$- tart"e$.
2At even,a"". Eo/4"" ,in$ him in the .et to.er.1
7he ho/r .a c"oer to $a.n than to $/k- an$ mot o, the cat"e .a a"eep- b/t not 9etyr
Bae"ih. A"ayne ,o/n$ him eate$ by a crack"ing ,ire- $rinking hot m/""e$ .ine .ith three men
he $i$ not kno.. 7hey a"" roe .hen he entere$- an$ 9etyr mi"e$ .arm"y. 2A"ayne. Come-
give yo/r ,ather a ki.1
She h/gge$ him $/ti,/""y an$ kie$ him on the cheek. 2& am orry to intr/$e- +ather. No one
to"$ me yo/ ha$ company.1
2Eo/ are never an intr/ion- .eet"ing. & .a =/t no. te""ing thee goo$ knight .hat a
$/ti,/" $a/ghter & ha$.1
25/ti,/" an$ bea/ti,/"-1 ai$ an e"egant yo/ng knight .hoe thick b"on$ mane caca$e$ $o.n
.e"" pat hi ho/"$er.
2Aye-1 ai$ the econ$ knight- a b/r"y ,e""o. .ith a thick a"t(an$(pepper bear$- a re$ noe
b/"bo/ .ith broken vein- an$ gnar"e$ han$ a "arge a ham. 2Eo/ "e,t o/t that part- m4"or$.1
2& .o/"$ $o the ame i, he .ere my $a/ghter-1 ai$ the "at knight- a hort- .iry man .ith a
.ry mi"e- pointe$ noe- an$ brit"y orange hair. 29artic/"ar"y aro/n$ "o/t "ike /.1
A"ayne "a/ghe$. 2Are yo/ "o/t61 he ai$- teaing. 23hy- & took the three o, yo/ ,or ga""ant
knight.1
2>night they are-1 ai$ 9etyr. 27heir ga""antry ha yet to be $emontrate$- b/t .e may hope.
A""o. me to preent Ser Byron- Ser Morgarth- an$ Ser Sha$rich. Ser- the ?a$y A"ayne- my
nat/ra" an$ very c"ever $a/ghter8 .ith .hom & m/t nee$ con,er- i, yo/ .i"" be o goo$ a to
e:c/e /.1
7he three knight bo.e$ an$ .ith$re.- tho/gh the ta"" one .ith the b"on$ hair kie$ her
han$ be,ore taking hi "eave.
2#e$ge knight61 ai$ A"ayne- .hen the $oor ha$ c"oe$.
2#/ngry knight. & tho/ght it bet that .e have a ,e. more .or$ abo/t /. 7he time gro.
ever more intereting- my .eet- an$ .hen the time are intereting yo/ can never have too many
.or$. 7he *erling ,ing4 ret/rne$ to G/""to.n- an$ o"$ H.e"" ha$ ome ta"e to te"".1
She kne. better than to ak .hat ort o, ta"e. &, 9etyr ha$ .ante$ her to kno.- he .o/"$
have to"$ her. 2& $i$ not e:pect yo/ back o oon-1 he ai$. 2& am g"a$ yo/4ve come.1
2& .o/"$ never have kno.n it ,rom the ki yo/ gave me.1 #e p/""e$ her c"oer- ca/ght her
,ace bet.een hi han$- an$ kie$ her on the "ip ,or a "ong time. 2No. that4 the ort o, ki
that ay welcome home. See that yo/ $o better ne:t time.1
2Ee- +ather.1 She co/"$ ,ee" here", b"/hing.
#e $i$ not ho"$ her ki againt her. 2Eo/ .o/"$ not be"ieve ha", o, .hat i happening in
>ing4 ?an$ing- .eet"ing. Cerei t/mb"e ,rom one i$iocy to the ne:t- he"pe$ a"ong by her
co/nci" o, the $ea,- the $im- an$ the b"in$. & a".ay anticipate$ that he .o/"$ beggar the rea"m
an$ $etroy here",- b/t & never e:pecte$ he .o/"$ $o it A/ite o fast. &t i A/ite ve:ing. & ha$
hope$ to have ,o/r or ,ive A/iet year to p"ant ome ee$ an$ a""o. ome ,r/it to ripen- b/t
no.8 it i a goo$ thing that & thrive on chao. 3hat "itt"e peace an$ or$er the ,ive king "e,t /
.i"" not "ong /rvive the three A/een- & ,ear.1
27hree A/een61 She $i$ not /n$ertan$.
Nor $i$ 9etyr chooe to e:p"ain. &ntea$- he mi"e$ an$ ai$- 2& have bro/ght my .eet gir"
back a gi,t.1
A"ayne .a a p"eae$ a he .a /rprie$. 2& it a go.n61 She ha$ hear$ there .ere ,ine
eamtree in G/""to.n- an$ he .a o tire$ o, $reing $rab"y.
2Something better. G/e again.1
2!e.e"61
2No =e.e" co/"$ hope to match my $a/ghter4 eye.1
2?emon6 5i$ yo/ ,in$ ome "emon61 She ha$ promie$ S.eetrobin "emon cake- an$ ,or
"emon cake yo/ nee$e$ "emon.
9etyr Bae"ih took her by the han$ an$ $re. her $o.n onto hi "ap. 2& have ma$e a marriage
contract ,or yo/.1
2A marriage81 #er throat tightene$. She $i$ not .ant to .e$ again- not no.- perhap not
ever. 2& $o not8 & cannot marry. +ather- &81 A"ayne "ooke$ to the $oor- to make certain it .a
c"oe$. 2& am marrie$-1 he .hipere$. 2Eo/ kno..1
9etyr p/t a ,inger to her "ip to i"ence her. 27he $.ar, .e$ Ne$ Stark4 $a/ghter- not mine.
Be that a it may. 7hi i on"y a betrotha". 7he marriage m/t nee$ .ait /nti" Cerei i $one an$
Sana4 a,e"y .i$o.e$. An$ yo/ m/t meet the boy an$ .in hi approva". ?a$y 3ayn.oo$
.i"" not make him marry againt hi .i""- he .a A/ite ,irm on that.1
2?a$y Wa!nwood61 A"ayne co/"$ har$"y be"ieve it. 23hy .o/"$ he marry one o, her on
to8 to a81
28batar$6 +or a tart- yo/ are the "ord $rotector/ batar$- never ,orget. 7he 3ayn.oo$
are very o"$ an$ very pro/$- b/t not a rich a one might think- a & $icovere$ .hen & began
b/ying /p their $ebt. Not that ?a$y Anya .o/"$ ever e"" a on ,or go"$. A .ar$- ho.ever8
yo/ng #arry4 on"y a co/in- an$ the $o.er that & o,,ere$ her "a$yhip .a even "arger than the
one that ?yone" Corbray =/t co""ecte$. &t ha$ to be- ,or her to rik BronGe Eohn4 .roth. 7hi
.i"" p/t a"" hi p"an a.ry. Eo/ are promie$ to #arro"$ #ar$yng- .eet"ing- provi$e$ yo/ can
.in hi boyih heart8 .hich ho/"$ not be har$- ,or yo/.1
2#arry the #eir61 A"ayne trie$ to reca"" .hat Myran$a ha$ to"$ her abo/t him on the
mo/ntain. 2#e .a =/t knighte$. An$ he ha a batar$ $a/ghter by ome common gir".1
2An$ another on the .ay by a $i,,erent .ench. #arry can be a beg/i"ing one- no $o/bt. So,t
an$y hair- $eep b"/e eye- an$ $imp"e .hen he mi"e. An$ er! ga""ant- & am to"$.1 #e teae$
her .ith a mi"e. 2Batar$(born or no- .eet"ing- .hen thi match i anno/nce$ yo/ .i"" be the
envy o, every highborn mai$en in the %a"e- an$ a ,e. ,rom the river"an$ an$ the Reach a
.e"".1
23hy61 A"ayne .a "ot. 2& Ser #arro"$8 ho. co/"$ he be ?a$y 3ayn.oo$4 heir6
5oen4t he have on o, her o.n b"oo$61
27hree-1 9etyr a""o.e$. She co/"$ me"" the .ine on hi breath- the c"ove an$ n/tmeg.
25a/ghter too- an$ gran$on.1
23on4t they come be,ore #arry6 & $on4t /n$ertan$.1
2Eo/ .i"". ?iten.1 9etyr took her han$ in hi o.n an$ br/he$ hi ,inger "ight"y $o.n the
ini$e o, her pa"m. 2?or$ !aper Arryn- begin .ith him. !on Arryn4 ,ather. #e begot three
chi"$ren- t.o on an$ a $a/ghter. !on .a the e"$et- o the Cyrie an$ the "or$hip pae$ to
him. #i iter A"y .e$ Ser C"y 3ayn.oo$- /nc"e to the preent ?a$y 3ayn.oo$.1 #e ma$e
a .ry ,ace. 2C"y an$ A"y- in4t that precio/6 ?or$ !aper4 yo/nger on- Ser Ronne" Arryn-
.e$ a Be"more gir"- b/t on"y rang her once or t.ice be,ore $ying o, a ba$ be""y. 7heir on C"bert
.a being born in one be$ even a poor Ronne" .a $ying in another $o.n the ha"". Are yo/
paying c"oe attention- .eet"ing61
2Ee. 7here .a !on an$ A"y an$ Ronne"- b/t Ronne" $ie$.1
2Goo$. No.- !on Arryn marrie$ thrice- b/t hi ,irt t.o .ive gave him no chi"$ren- o ,or
"ong year hi nephe. C"bert .a hi heir. Meantime- C"y .a p"o.ing A"y A/ite $/ti,/""y- an$
he .a .he"ping once a year. She gave him nine chi"$ren- eight gir" an$ one precio/ "itt"e boy-
another !aper- a,ter .hich he $ie$ e:ha/te$. Boy !aper- inconi$erate o, the heroic e,,ort
that ha$ gone into begetting him- got hime", kicke$ in the hea$ by a hore .hen he .a three
year o"$. A po: took t.o o, hi iter oon a,ter- "eaving i:. 7he e"$et marrie$ Ser 5eny
Arryn- a $itant co/in to the ?or$ o, the Cyrie. 7here are evera" branche o, #o/e Arryn
cattere$ acro the %a"e- a"" a pro/$ a they are pen/rio/- ave ,or the G/""to.n Arryn- .ho
ha$ the rare goo$ ene to marry merchant. 7hey4re rich- b/t "e than co/th- o no one ta"k
abo/t them. Ser 5eny hai"e$ ,rom one o, the poor- pro/$ branche8 b/t he .a a"o a
reno.ne$ =o/ter- han$ome an$ ga""ant an$ brimming .ith co/rtey. An$ he ha$ that magic
Arryn name- .hich ma$e him i$ea" ,or the e"$et 3ayn.oo$ gir". 7heir chi"$ren .o/"$ be
Arryn- an$ the ne:t heir to the %a"e ho/"$ any i"" be,a"" C"bert. 3e""- a it happene$- Ma$
>ing Aery be,e"" C"bert. Eo/ kno. that tory61
She $i$. 27he Ma$ >ing m/r$ere$ him.1
2#e $i$ in$ee$. An$ oon a,ter- Ser 5eny "e,t hi pregnant 3ayn.oo$ .i,e to ri$e to .ar.
#e $ie$ $/ring the Batt"e o, the Be""- o, an e:ce o, ga""antry an$ an a:e. 3hen they to"$ hi
"a$y o, hi $eath he perihe$ o, grie,- an$ her ne.born on oon ,o""o.e$. No matter. !on Arryn
ha$ gotten hime", a yo/ng .i,e $/ring the .ar- one he ha$ reaon to be"ieve ,erti"e. #e .a very
hope,/"- &4m /re- b/t yo/ an$ & kno. that a"" he ever got ,rom ?ya .ere ti""birth-
micarriage- an$ poor S.eetrobin.
23hich bring / back to the ,ive remaining $a/ghter o, C"y an$ A"y. 7he e"$et ha$ been
"e,t terrib"y carre$ by the ame po: that ki""e$ her iter- o he became a epta. Another .a
e$/ce$ by a e"".or$. Ser C"y cat her o/t- an$ he =oine$ the i"ent iter a,ter her batar$
$ie$ in in,ancy. 7he thir$ .e$ the ?or$ o, the 9ap- b/t prove$ barren. 7he ,o/rth .a on her
.ay to the river"an$ to marry ome Bracken .hen B/rne$ Men carrie$ her o,,. 7hat "e,t the
yo/nget- .ho .e$ a "an$e$ knight .orn to the 3ayn.oo$- gave him a on that he name$
#arro"$- an$ perihe$.1 #e t/rne$ her han$ over an$ "ight"y kie$ her .rit. 2So te"" me-
.eet"ing@.hy i #arry the #eir61
#er eye .i$ene$. 2#e i not ?a$y 3ayn.oo$4 heir. #e4 )obert/ heir. &, Robert .ere to
$ie81
9etyr arche$ an eyebro.. 2When Robert $ie. H/r poor brave S.eetrobin i /ch a ick"y boy-
it i on"y a matter o, time. When Robert $ie- #arry the #eir become ?or$ #arro"$- 5e,en$er o,
the %a"e an$ ?or$ o, the Cyrie. !on Arryn4 bannermen .i"" never "ove me- nor o/r i""y- haking
Robert- b/t they .i"" "ove their Eo/ng +a"con8 an$ .hen they come together ,or hi .e$$ing-
an$ yo/ come o/t .ith yo/r "ong a/b/rn hair- c"a$ in a mai$en4 c"oak o, .hite an$ grey .ith a
$ire.o", emb"aGone$ on the back8 .hy- every knight in the %a"e .i"" p"e$ge hi .or$ to .in
yo/ back yo/r birthright. So thoe are yo/r gi,t ,rom me- my .eet Sana8 #arry- the Cyrie-
an$ 3inter,e"". 7hat4 .orth another ki no.- $on4t yo/ think61
THE +RINCE OF WINTERFE&&
7he hearth .a cake$ .ith co"$ b"ack ah- the room /nheate$ b/t ,or can$"e. Cvery time a
$oor opene$ their ,"ame .o/"$ .ay an$ hiver. 7he bri$e .a hivering too. 7hey ha$ $ree$
her in .hite "amb(.oo" trimme$ .ith "ace. #er "eeve an$ bo$ice .ere e.n .ith ,reh.ater
pear"- an$ on her ,eet .ere .hite $oekin "ipper@pretty- b/t not .arm. #er ,ace .a pa"e-
b"oo$"e.
A face cared of ice, 7heon Grey=oy tho/ght a he $rape$ a ,/r(trimme$ c"oak abo/t her
ho/"$er. A corpse buried in the snow+ 2My "a$y. &t i time.1 Beyon$ the $oor- the m/ic ca""e$
them- "/te an$ pipe an$ $r/m.
7he bri$e raie$ her eye. Bro.n eye- hining in the can$"e"ight. 2& .i"" be a goo$ .i,e to
him- an$ t(tr/e. &8 & .i"" p"eae him an$ give him on. & .i"" be a better .i,e than the rea" Arya
co/"$ have been- he4"" ee.1
#alk like that will get !ou killed, or worse+ 7hat "eon he ha$ "earne$ a Reek. 2Eo/ are the
rea" Arya- my "a$y. Arya o, #o/e Stark- ?or$ C$$ar$4 $a/ghter- heir to 3inter,e"".1 #er name-
he ha$ to kno. her name+ 2Arya Fn$er,oot. Eo/r iter /e$ to ca"" yo/ Arya #ore,ace.1
2&t .a me ma$e /p that name. #er ,ace .a "ong an$ horey. Mine in4t. & .a pretty.1 7ear
pi""e$ ,rom her eye at "at. 2& .a never bea/ti,/" "ike Sana- b/t they a"" ai$ & .a pretty.
5oe ?or$ Ramay think & am pretty61
2Ee-1 he "ie$. 2#e4 to"$ me o.1
2#e kno. .ho & am- tho/gh. 3ho & rea""y am. & ee it .hen he "ook at me. #e "ook o
angry- even .hen he mi"e- b/t it4 not my ,a/"t. 7hey ay he "ike to h/rt peop"e.1
2My "a$y ho/"$ not "iten to /ch8 "ie.1
27hey ay that he h/rt yo/. Eo/r han$- an$81
#i mo/th .a $ry. 2&8 & $eerve$ it. & ma$e him angry. Eo/ m/t not make him angry. ?or$
Ramay i a8 a .eet man- an$ kin$"y. 9"eae him- an$ he .i"" be goo$ to yo/. Be a goo$
.i,e.1
2#e"p me.1 She c"/tche$ at him. 29"eae. & /e$ to .atch yo/ in the yar$- p"aying .ith yo/r
.or$. Eo/ .ere o han$ome.1 She A/eeGe$ hi arm. 2&, .e ran a.ay- & co/"$ be yo/r .i,e-
or yo/r8 yo/r .hore8 .hatever yo/ .ante$. Eo/ co/"$ be my man.1
7heon .renche$ hi arm a.ay ,rom her. 2&4m no8 &4m no one4 man.1 A man would help
her+ 2!/t8 =/t be Arya- be hi .i,e. 9"eae him- or8 =/t p"eae him- an$ top thi ta"k abo/t
being omeone e"e.1 -e!ne, her name is -e!ne, it rh!mes with pain+ 7he m/ic .a gro.ing
more initent. 2&t i time. 3ipe thoe tear ,rom yo/r eye.1 Brown e!es+ #he! should be gre!+
Someone will see+ Someone will remember+ 2Goo$. No. mi"e.1
7he gir" trie$. #er "ip- tremb"ing- t.itche$ /p an$ ,roGe- an$ he co/"$ ee her teeth. $rett!
white teeth, he tho/ght- but if she angers him, the! will not be prett! long+ 3hen he p/he$ the
$oor open- three o, the ,o/r can$"e ,"/ttere$ o/t. #e "e$ the bri$e into the mit- .here the
.e$$ing g/et .ere .aiting.
23hy me61 he ha$ ake$ .hen ?a$y 5/tin to"$ him he m/t give the bri$e a.ay.
2#er ,ather i $ea$ an$ a"" her brother. #er mother perihe$ at the 7.in. #er /nc"e are "ot
or $ea$ or captive.1
2She ha a brother ti"".1 She has three brothers still, he might have ai$. 2!on Sno. i .ith
the Night4 3atch.1
2A ha",(brother- batar$(born- an$ bo/n$ to the 3a"". Eo/ .ere her ,ather4 .ar$- the nearet
thing he ha to "iving kin. &t i on"y ,itting that yo/ give her han$ in marriage.1
#he nearest thing she has to liing kin+ 7heon Grey=oy ha$ gro.n /p .ith Arya Stark. 7heon
.o/"$ have kno.n an impoter. &, he .a een to accept Bo"ton4 ,eigne$ gir" a Arya- the
northern "or$ .ho ha$ gathere$ to bear .itne to the match .o/"$ have no gro/n$ to A/etion
her "egitimacy. Sto/t an$ S"ate- 3horebane Fmber- the A/arre"ome Ry.e""- #orn.oo$ men
an$ Cery.n co/in- ,at ?or$ 3yman Man$er"y8 not one o, them ha$ kno.n Ne$ Stark4
$a/ghter ha", o .e"" a he. An$ i, a ,e. entertaine$ private $o/bt- /re"y they .o/"$ be .ie
eno/gh to keep thoe migiving to theme"ve.
#he! are using me to cloak their deception, putting mine own face on their lie+ 7hat .a .hy
Rooe Bo"ton ha$ c"othe$ him a a "or$ again- to p"ay hi part in thi m/mmer4 ,arce. Hnce that
.a $one- once their ,a"e Arya ha$ been .e$$e$ an$ be$$e$- Bo"ton .o/"$ have no more /e
,or 7heon 7/rnc"oak. 2Serve / in thi- an$ .hen Stanni i $e,eate$ .e .i"" $ic/ ho. bet to
retore yo/ to yo/r ,ather4 eat-1 hi "or$hip ha$ ai$ in that o,t voice o, hi- a voice ma$e ,or
"ie an$ .hiper. 7heon never be"ieve$ a .or$ o, it. #e .o/"$ $ance thi $ance ,or them
beca/e he ha$ no choice- b/t a,ter.ar$8 7e will gie me back to )amsa! then, he tho/ght- and
)amsa! will take a few more fingers and turn me into )eek once more+ Fn"e the go$ .ere
goo$- an$ Stanni Baratheon $ecen$e$ on 3inter,e"" an$ p/t a"" o, them to the .or$- hime",
inc"/$e$. 7hat .a the bet he co/"$ hope ,or.
&t .a .armer in the go$.oo$- trange to ay. Beyon$ it con,ine- a har$ .hite ,rot
grippe$ 3inter,e"". 7he path .ere treachero/ .ith b"ack ice- an$ hoar,rot park"e$ in the
moon"ight on the broken pane o, the G"a Gar$en. 5ri,t o, $irty no. ha$ pi"e$ /p againt
the .a""- ,i""ing every nook an$ corner. Some .ere o high they hi$ the $oor behin$ them.
Fn$er the no. "ay grey ah an$ cin$er- an$ here an$ there a b"ackene$ beam or a pi"e o, bone
a$orne$ .ith crap o, kin an$ hair. &cic"e "ong a "ance h/ng ,rom the batt"ement an$
,ringe$ the to.er "ike an o"$ man4 ti,, .hite .hiker. B/t ini$e the go$.oo$- the gro/n$
remaine$ /n,roGen- an$ team roe o,, the hot poo"- a .arm a baby4 breath.
7he bri$e .a garbe$ in .hite an$ grey- the co"or the tr/e Arya .o/"$ have .orn ha$ he
"ive$ "ong eno/gh to .e$. 7heon .ore b"ack an$ go"$- hi c"oak pinne$ to hi ho/"$er by a
cr/$e iron kraken that a mith in Barro.ton ha$ hammere$ together ,or him. B/t /n$er the hoo$-
hi hair .a .hite an$ thin- an$ hi ,"eh ha$ an o"$ man4 greyih /n$ertone. A Stark at last, he
tho/ght. Arm in arm- the bri$e an$ he pae$ thro/gh an arche$ tone $oor- a .ip o, ,og
tirre$ ro/n$ their "eg. 7he $r/m .a a trem/"o/ a a mai$en4 heart- the pipe high an$ .eet
an$ beckoning. Fp above the treetop- a crecent moon .a ,"oating in a $ark ky- ha",(obc/re$
by mit- "ike an eye peering thro/gh a vei" o, i"k.
7heon Grey=oy .a no tranger to thi go$.oo$. #e ha$ p"aye$ here a a boy- kipping
tone acro the co"$ b"ack poo" beneath the .eir.oo$- hi$ing hi trea/re in the bo"e o, an
ancient oak- ta"king A/irre" .ith a bo. he ma$e hime",. ?ater- o"$er- he ha$ oake$ hi
br/ie in the hot pring a,ter many a eion in the yar$ .ith Robb an$ !ory an$ !on Sno.. &n
amongt thee chetn/t an$ e"m an$ o"$ier pine he ha$ ,o/n$ ecret p"ace .here he co/"$
hi$e .hen he .ante$ to be a"one. 7he ,irt time he ha$ ever kie$ a gir" ha$ been here. ?ater- a
$i,,erent gir" ha$ ma$e a man o, him /pon a ragge$ A/i"t in the ha$e o, that ta"" grey(green
entine".
#e ha$ never een the go$.oo$ "ike thi- tho/gh@grey an$ ghot"y- ,i""e$ .ith .arm mit
an$ ,"oating "ight an$ .hipere$ voice that eeme$ to come ,rom every.here an$ no.here.
Beneath the tree- the hot pring teame$. 3arm vapor roe ,rom the earth- hro/$ing the tree
in their moit breath- creeping /p the .a"" to $ra. grey c/rtain acro the .atching .in$o..
7here .a a path o, ort- a mean$ering ,ootpath o, cracke$ tone overgro.n .ith mo-
ha",(b/rie$ beneath b"o.n $irt an$ ,a""en "eave an$ ma$e treachero/ by thick bro.n root
p/hing /p ,rom /n$erneath. #e "e$ the bri$e a"ong it. -e!ne, her name is -e!ne, it rh!mes with
pain+ #e m/t not think that- tho/gh. Sho/"$ that name pa hi "ip- it might cot him a ,inger or
an ear. #e .a"ke$ "o."y- .atching every tep. #i miing toe ma$e him hobb"e .hen he
h/rrie$- an$ it .o/"$ not $o to t/mb"e. Mar ?or$ Ramay4 .e$$ing .ith a mitep- an$ ?or$
Ramay might recti,y /ch c"/mine by ,"aying the o,,en$ing ,oot.
7he mit .ere o thick that on"y the nearet tree .ere viib"eI beyon$ them too$ ta""
ha$o. an$ ,aint "ight. Can$"e ,"ickere$ bei$e the .an$ering path an$ back amongt the
tree- pa"e ,ire,"ie ,"oating in a .arm grey o/p. &t ,e"t "ike ome trange /n$er.or"$- ome
time"e p"ace bet.een the .or"$- .here the $amne$ .an$ere$ mo/rn,/""y ,or a time be,ore
,in$ing their .ay $o.n to .hatever he"" their in ha$ earne$ them. Are we all dead, then6 Did
Stannis come and kill us in our sleep6 Is the battle !et to come, or has it been fought and lost6
#ere an$ there a torch b/rne$ h/ngri"y- cating it r/$$y g"o. over the ,ace o, the .e$$ing
g/et. 7he .ay the mit thre. back the hi,ting "ight ma$e their ,eat/re eem betia"- ha",(
h/man- t.ite$. ?or$ Sto/t became a mati,,- o"$ ?or$ ?ocke a v/"t/re- 3horebane Fmber a
gargoy"e- Big 3a"$er +rey a ,o:- ?itt"e 3a"$er a re$ b/""- "acking on"y a ring ,or hi noe. Rooe
Bo"ton4 o.n ,ace .a a pa"e grey mak- .ith t.o chip o, $irty ice .here hi eye ho/"$ be.
Above their hea$ the tree .ere ,/"" o, raven- their ,eather ,"/,,e$ a they h/nche$ on bare
bro.n branche- taring $o.n at the pageantry be"o.. *aester "uwin/s birds+ ?/.in .a $ea$-
an$ hi maeter4 to.er ha$ been p/t to the torch- yet the raven "ingere$. #his is their home+
7heon .on$ere$ .hat that .o/"$ be "ike- to have a home.
7hen the mit parte$- "ike the c/rtain opening at a m/mmer ho. to revea" ome ne.
tab"ea/. 7he heart tree appeare$ in ,ront o, them- it bony "imb prea$ .i$e. +a""en "eave "ay
abo/t the .i$e .hite tr/nk in $ri,t o, re$ an$ bro.n. 7he raven .ere the thicket here-
m/ttering to one another in the m/r$erer4 ecret tong/e. Ramay Bo"ton too$ beneath them-
c"a$ in high boot o, o,t grey "eather an$ a b"ack ve"vet $o/b"et "ahe$ .ith pink i"k an$
g"ittering .ith garnet tear$rop. A mi"e $ance$ acro hi ,ace. 23ho come61 #i "ip .ere
moit- hi neck re$ above hi co""ar. 23ho come be,ore the go$61
7heon an.ere$. 2Arya o, #o/e Stark come here to be .e$. A .oman gro.n an$ ,"o.ere$-
tr/eborn an$ nob"e- he come to beg the b"eing o, the go$. 3ho come to c"aim her61
2Me-1 ai$ Ramay. 2Ramay o, #o/e Bo"ton- ?or$ o, the #orn.oo$- heir to the 5rea$,ort.
& c"aim her. 3ho give her61
27heon o, #o/e Grey=oy- .ho .a her ,ather4 .ar$.1 #e t/rne$ to the bri$e. 2?a$y Arya-
.i"" yo/ take thi man61
She raie$ her eye to hi. Brown e!es, not gre!+ Are all of them so blind6 +or a "ong moment
he $i$ not peak- b/t thoe eye .ere begging. #his is !our chance, he tho/ght. #ell them+ #ell
them now+ Shout out !our name before them all, tell them that !ou are not Ar!a Stark, let all the
north hear how !ou were made to pla! this part+ &t .o/"$ mean her $eath- o, co/re- an$ hi o.n
a .e""- b/t Ramay in hi .roth might ki"" them A/ick"y. 7he o"$ go$ o, the north might grant
them that ma"" boon.
2& take thi man-1 the bri$e ai$ in a .hiper.
A"" aro/n$ them "ight g"immere$ thro/gh the mit- a h/n$re$ can$"e pa"e a hro/$e$ tar.
7heon teppe$ back- an$ Ramay an$ hi bri$e =oine$ han$ an$ kne"t be,ore the heart tree-
bo.ing their hea$ in token o, /bmiion. 7he .eir.oo$4 carve$ re$ eye tare$ $o.n at
them- it great re$ mo/th open a i, to "a/gh. &n the branche overhea$ a raven 3uorke$.
A,ter a moment o, i"ent prayer- the man an$ .oman roe again. Ramay /n$i$ the c"oak that
7heon ha$ "ippe$ abo/t hi bri$e4 ho/"$er moment be,ore- the heavy .hite .oo" c"oak
bor$ere$ in grey ,/r- emb"aGone$ .ith the $ire.o", o, #o/e Stark. &n it p"ace he ,atene$ a
pink c"oak- pattere$ .ith re$ garnet "ike thoe /pon hi $o/b"et. Hn it back .a the ,"aye$
man o, the 5rea$,ort $one in ti,, re$ "eather- grim an$ gri"y.
D/ick a that- it .a $one. 3e$$ing .ent more A/ick"y in the north. &t came o, not having
priet- 7heon /ppoe$- b/t .hatever the reaon it eeme$ to him a mercy. Ramay Bo"ton
coope$ hi .i,e /p in hi arm an$ tro$e thro/gh the mit .ith her. ?or$ Bo"ton an$ hi ?a$y
3a"$a ,o""o.e$- then the ret. 7he m/ician began to p"ay again- an$ the bar$ Abe" began to
ing 27.o #eart 7hat Beat a Hne.1 7.o o, hi .omen =oine$ their voice to hi o.n to make a
.eet harmony.
7heon ,o/n$ hime", .on$ering i, he ho/"$ ay a prayer. Will the old gods hear me if I do6
7hey .ere not hi go$- ha$ never been hi go$. #e .a ironborn- a on o, 9yke- hi go$ .a
the 5ro.ne$ Go$ o, the i"an$8 b/t 3inter,e"" .a "ong "eag/e ,rom the ea. &t ha$ been a
"i,etime ince any go$ ha$ hear$ him. #e $i$ not kno. .ho he .a- or .hat he .a- .hy he .a
ti"" a"ive- .hy he ha$ ever been born.
27heon-1 a voice eeme$ to .hiper.
#i hea$ nappe$ /p. 23ho ai$ that61 A"" he co/"$ ee .ere the tree an$ the ,og that
covere$ them. 7he voice ha$ been a ,aint a r/t"ing "eave- a co"$ a hate. A god/s oice, or a
ghost/s+ #o. many $ie$ the $ay that he took 3inter,e""6 #o. many more the $ay he "ot it6 #he
da! that #heon 1re!9o! died, to be reborn as )eek+ )eek, )eek, it rh!mes with shriek+
S/$$en"y he $i$ not .ant to be here.
Hnce o/ti$e the go$.oo$ the co"$ $ecen$e$ on him "ike a ravening .o", an$ ca/ght him in
it teeth. #e "o.ere$ hi hea$ into the .in$ an$ ma$e ,or the Great #a""- hatening a,ter the "ong
"ine o, can$"e an$ torche. &ce cr/nche$ beneath hi boot- an$ a /$$en g/t p/he$ back hi
hoo$- a i, a ghot ha$ p"/cke$ at him .ith ,roGen ,inger- h/ngry to gaGe /pon hi ,ace.
3inter,e"" .a ,/"" o, ghot ,or 7heon Grey=oy.
7hi .a not the cat"e he remembere$ ,rom the /mmer o, hi yo/th. 7hi p"ace .a carre$
an$ broken- more r/in than re$o/bt- a ha/nt o, cro. an$ corpe. 7he great $o/b"e c/rtain .a""
ti"" too$- ,or granite $oe not yie"$ eai"y to ,ire- b/t mot o, the to.er an$ keep .ithin .ere
roo,"e. A ,e. ha$ co""ape$. 7he thatch an$ timber ha$ been con/me$ by ,ire- in .ho"e or in
part- an$ /n$er the hattere$ pane o, the G"a Gar$en the ,r/it an$ vegetab"e that .o/"$ have
,e$ the cat"e $/ring the .inter .ere $ea$ an$ b"ack an$ ,roGen. 7ent ,i""e$ the yar$- ha",(b/rie$
in the no.. Rooe Bo"ton ha$ bro/ght hi hot ini$e the .a""- a"ong .ith hi ,rien$ the +reyI
tho/an$ h/$$"e$ amongt the r/in- cro.$ing every co/rt- "eeping in ce""ar va/"t an$ /n$er
top"e to.er- an$ in b/i"$ing aban$one$ ,or cent/rie.
9"/me o, grey moke nake$ /p ,rom the reb/i"t kitchen an$ reroo,e$ barrack keep. 7he
batt"ement an$ crene""ation .ere cro.ne$ .ith no. an$ h/ng .ith icic"e. A"" the co"or ha$
been "eache$ ,rom 3inter,e"" /nti" on"y grey an$ .hite remaine$. #he Stark colors+ 7heon $i$
not kno. .hether he o/ght to ,in$ that omino/ or rea/ring. Cven the ky .a grey. 1re! and
gre! and gre!er+ #he whole world gre!, eer!where !ou look, eer!thing gre! e8cept the e!es of
the bride+ 7he eye o, the bri$e .ere bro.n. Big and brown and full of fear+ &t .a not right that
he ho/"$ "ook to him ,or rec/e. 3hat ha$ he been thinking- that he .o/"$ .hit"e /p a
.inge$ hore an$ ,"y her o/t o, here- "ike ome hero in the torie he an$ Sana /e$ to "ove6
#e co/"$ not even he"p hime",. )eek, )eek, it rh!mes with meek+
A"" abo/t the yar$- $ea$ men h/ng ha",(,roGen at the en$ o, hempen rope- .o""en ,ace
.hite .ith hoar,rot. 3inter,e"" ha$ been cra."ing .ith A/atter .hen Bo"ton4 van ha$ reache$
the cat"e. More than t.o $oGen ha$ been $riven at pearpoint ,rom the net they ha$ ma$e
amongt the cat"e4 ha",(r/ine$ keep an$ to.er. 7he bo"$et an$ mot tr/c/"ent ha$ been
hange$- the ret p/t to .ork. Serve .e""- ?or$ Bo"ton to"$ them- an$ he .o/"$ be merci,/". Stone
an$ timber .ere p"enti,/" .ith the .o",.oo$ o c"oe at han$. Sto/t ne. gate ha$ gone /p
,irt- to rep"ace thoe that ha$ been b/rne$. 7hen the co""ape$ roo, o, the Great #a"" ha$ been
c"eare$ a.ay an$ a ne. one raie$ h/rrie$"y in it tea$. 3hen the .ork .a $one- ?or$ Bo"ton
hange$ the .orker. 7r/e to hi .or$- he ho.e$ them mercy an$ $i$ not ,"ay a one.
By that time- the ret o, Bo"ton4 army ha$ arrive$. 7hey raie$ >ing 7ommen4 tag an$ "ion
above the .a"" o, 3inter,e"" a the .in$ came ho."ing ,rom the north- an$ be"o. it the ,"aye$
man o, the 5rea$,ort. 7heon arrive$ in Barbrey 5/tin4 train- .ith her "a$yhip here",- her
Barro.ton "evie- an$ the bri$e(to(be. ?a$y 5/tin ha$ inite$ that he ho/"$ have c/to$y o,
?a$y Arya /nti" /ch time a he .a .e$- b/t no. that time .a $one. She belongs to )amsa!
now+ She said the words+ By thi marriage Ramay .o/"$ be ?or$ o, 3inter,e"". So "ong a
!eyne took care not to anger him- he ho/"$ have no ca/e to harm her. Ar!a+ 7er name is Ar!a+
Cven ini$e ,/r("ine$ g"ove- 7heon4 han$ ha$ beg/n to throb .ith pain. &t .a o,ten hi
han$ that h/rt the .ort- epecia""y hi miing ,inger. #a$ there tr/"y been a time .hen
.omen yearne$ ,or hi to/ch6 I made m!self the $rince of Winterfell, he tho/ght- and from that
came all of this+ #e ha$ tho/ght that men .o/"$ ing o, him ,or a h/n$re$ year an$ te"" ta"e o,
hi $aring. B/t i, anyone poke o, him no.- it .a a 7heon 7/rnc"oak- an$ the ta"e they to"$
.ere o, hi treachery. #his was neer m! home+ I was a hostage here+ ?or$ Stark ha$ not treate$
him cr/e""y- b/t the "ong tee" ha$o. o, hi great.or$ ha$ a".ay been bet.een them. 7e was
kind to me, but neer warm+ 7e knew that one da! he might need to put me to death+
7heon kept hi eye $o.ncat a he croe$ the yar$- .eaving bet.een the tent. I learned to
fight in this !ard, he tho/ght- remembering .arm /mmer $ay pent parring .ith Robb an$ !on
Sno. /n$er the .atch,/" eye o, o"$ Ser Ro$rik. 7hat .a back .hen he .a .ho"e- .hen he
co/"$ grap a .or$ hi"t a .e"" a any man. B/t the yar$ he"$ $arker memorie a .e"". 7hi .a
.here he ha$ aemb"e$ Stark4 peop"e the night Bran an$ Rickon ,"e$ the cat"e. Ramay .a
Reek then- tan$ing at hi i$e- .hipering that he ho/"$ ,"ay a ,e. o, hi captive to make them
te"" him .here the boy ha$ gone. #here will be no fla!ing here whilst I am $rince of Winterfell,
7heon ha$ repon$e$- "itt"e $reaming ho. hort hi r/"e .o/"$ prove. 2one of them would help
me+ I had known them all for half m! life, and not one of them would help me+ Cven o- he ha$
$one hi bet to protect them- b/t once Ramay p/t Reek4 ,ace ai$e he4$ "ain a"" the men- an$
7heon4 ironborn a .e"". 7e set m! horse afire+ 7hat .a the "at ight he ha$ een the $ay the
cat"e ,e""' Smi"er b/rning- the ,"ame "eaping ,rom hi mane a he reare$ /p- kicking- creaming-
hi eye .hite .ith terror. 7ere in this er! !ard+
7he $oor o, the Great #a"" "oome$ /p in ,ront o, himI ne.(ma$e- to rep"ace the $oor that
b/rne$- they eeme$ cr/$e an$ /g"y to him- ra. p"ank hati"y =oine$. A pair o, pearmen
g/ar$e$ them- h/nche$ an$ hivering /n$er thick ,/r c"oak- their bear$ cr/ty .ith ice. 7hey
eye$ 7heon reent,/""y a he hobb"e$ /p the tep- p/he$ againt the right(han$ $oor- an$
"ippe$ ini$e.
7he ha"" .a b"ee$"y .arm an$ bright .ith torch"ight- a cro.$e$ a he ha$ ever een it.
7heon "et the heat .ah over him- then ma$e hi .ay to.ar$ the ,ront o, the ha"". Men at
cramme$ knee to knee a"ong the benche- o tight"y packe$ that the erver ha$ to A/irm
bet.een them. Cven the knight an$ "or$ above the a"t en=oye$ "e pace than //a".
Fp near the $ai- Abe" .a p"/cking at hi "/te an$ inging 2+air Mai$ o, S/mmer.1 7e calls
himself a bard+ In truth he/s more a pander+ ?or$ Man$er"y ha$ bro/ght m/ician ,rom 3hite
#arbor- b/t none .ere inger- o .hen Abe" t/rne$ /p at the gate .ith a "/te an$ i: .omen-
he ha$ been ma$e .e"come. 27.o iter- t.o $a/ghter- one .i,e- an$ my o"$ mother-1 the
inger c"aime$- tho/gh not one "ooke$ "ike him. 2Some $ance- ome ing- one p"ay the pipe an$
one the $r/m. Goo$ .aher.omen too.1
Bar$ or pan$er- Abe"4 voice .a paab"e- hi p"aying ,air. #ere amongt the r/in- that .a
a m/ch a anyone might e:pect.
A"ong the .a"" the banner h/ng' the horehea$ o, the Ry.e"" in go"$- bro.n- grey- an$
b"ackI the roaring giant o, #o/e FmberI the tone han$ o, #o/e +"int o, +"int4 +ingerI the
mooe o, #orn.oo$ an$ the merman o, Man$er"yI Cer.yn4 b"ack batt"e(a:e an$ the 7a""hart
pine. Eet their bright co"or co/"$ not entire"y cover the b"ackene$ .a"" behin$ them- nor the
boar$ that c"oe$ the ho"e .here .in$o. once ha$ been. Cven the roo, .a .rong- it ra.
ne. timber "ight an$ bright- .here the o"$ ra,ter ha$ been taine$ a"mot b"ack by cent/rie o,
moke.
7he "arget banner .ere behin$ the $ai- .here the $ire.o", o, 3inter,e"" an$ the ,"aye$ man
o, the 5rea$,ort h/ng back o, the bri$e an$ groom. 7he ight o, the Stark banner hit 7heon
har$er than he ha$ e:pecte$. Wrong, it/s wrong, as wrong as her e!es+ 7he arm o, #o/e 9oo"e
.ere a b"/e p"ate on .hite- ,rame$ by a grey tre/re. 7hoe .ere the arm they ho/"$ have
h/ng.
27heon 7/rnc"oak-1 omeone ai$ a he pae$. Hther men t/rne$ a.ay at the ight o, him.
Hne pat. And wh! not6 #e .a the traitor .ho ha$ taken 3inter,e"" by treachery- "ain hi ,oter
brother- $e"ivere$ hi o.n peop"e to be ,"aye$ at Moat Cai"in- an$ given hi ,oter iter to ?or$
Ramay4 be$. Rooe Bo"ton might make /e o, him- b/t tr/e northmen m/t $epie him.
7he miing toe on hi "e,t ,oot ha$ "e,t him .ith a crabbe$- a.k.ar$ gait- comica" to "ook
/pon. Back behin$ him- he hear$ a .oman "a/gh. Cven here in thi ha",(,roGen "ichyar$ o, a
cat"e- /rro/n$e$ by no. an$ ice an$ $eath- there .ere .omen. Washerwomen+ 7hat .a the
po"ite .ay o, aying camp follower, .hich .a the po"ite .ay o, aying whore+
3here they came ,rom 7heon co/"$ not ay. 7hey =/t eeme$ to appear- "ike maggot on a
corpe or raven a,ter a batt"e. Cvery army $re. them. Some .ere har$ene$ .hore .ho co/"$
,/ck t.enty men in a night an$ $rink them a"" b"in$. Hther "ooke$ a innocent a mai$- b/t that
.a =/t a trick o, their tra$e. Some .ere camp bri$e- bo/n$ to the o"$ier they ,o""o.e$ .ith
.or$ .hipere$ to one go$ or another b/t $oome$ to be ,orgotten once the .ar .a $one. 7hey
.o/"$ .arm a man4 be$ by night- patch the ho"e in hi boot at morning- cook hi /pper come
$/k- an$ "oot hi corpe a,ter the batt"e. Some even $i$ a bit o, .ahing. 3ith them- o,t a not-
came batar$ chi"$ren- .retche$- ,i"thy creat/re born in one camp or the other. An$ even /ch
a thee ma$e mock o, 7heon 7/rnc"oak. "et them laugh+ #i pri$e ha$ perihe$ here in
3inter,e""I there .a no p"ace ,or /ch in the $/ngeon o, the 5rea$,ort. 3hen yo/ have kno.n
the ki o, a ,"aying kni,e- a "a/gh "oe a"" it po.er to h/rt yo/.
Birth an$ b"oo$ accor$e$ him a eat /pon the $ai at the en$ o, the high tab"e- bei$e a .a"".
7o hi "e,t at ?a$y 5/tin- c"a$ a ever in b"ack .oo"- evere in c/t an$ /na$orne$. 7o hi right
at no one. #he! are all afraid the dishonor might rub off on them+ &, he ha$ $are$- he .o/"$
have "a/ghe$.
7he bri$e ha$ the p"ace o, highet honor- bet.een Ramay an$ hi ,ather. She at .ith eye
$o.ncat a Rooe Bo"ton bi$ them $rink to ?a$y Arya. 2&n her chi"$ren o/r t.o ancient ho/e
.i"" become a one-1 he ai$- 2an$ the "ong enmity bet.een Stark an$ Bo"ton .i"" be en$e$.1 #i
voice .a o o,t that the ha"" gre. h/he$ a men traine$ to hear. 2& am orry that o/r goo$
,rien$ Stanni ha not een ,it to =oin / yet-1 he .ent on- to a ripp"e o, "a/ghter- 2a & kno.
Ramay ha$ hope$ to preent hi hea$ to ?a$y Arya a a .e$$ing gi,t.1 7he "a/gh gre. "o/$er.
23e ha"" give him a p"en$i$ .e"come .hen he arrive- a .e"come .orthy o, tr/e northmen.
Fnti" that $ay- "et / eat an$ $rink an$ make merry8 ,or .inter i a"mot /pon /- my ,rien$-
an$ many o, / here ha"" not "ive to ee the pring.1
7he ?or$ o, 3hite #arbor ha$ ,/rnihe$ the ,oo$ an$ $rink- b"ack to/t an$ ye""o. beer an$
.ine re$ an$ go"$ an$ p/rp"e- bro/ght /p ,rom the .arm o/th on ,at(bottome$ hip an$ age$
in hi $eep ce""ar. 7he .e$$ing g/et gorge$ on co$ cake an$ .inter A/ah- hi"" o, neep
an$ great ro/n$ .hee" o, cheee- on moking "ab o, m/tton an$ bee, rib charre$ a"mot
b"ack- an$ "at"y on three great .e$$ing pie- a .i$e acro a .agon .hee"- their ,"aky cr/t
t/,,e$ to b/rting .ith carrot- onion- t/rnip- parnip- m/hroom- an$ ch/nk o, eaone$
pork .imming in a avory bro.n gravy. Ramay hacke$ o,, "ice .ith hi ,a"chion an$
3yman Man$er"y hime", erve$- preenting the ,irt teaming portion to Rooe Bo"ton an$ hi
,at +rey .i,e- the ne:t to Ser #oteen an$ Ser Aeny- the on o, 3a"$er +rey. 27he bet pie yo/
have ever tate$- my "or$-1 the ,at "or$ $ec"are$. 23ah it $o.n .ith Arbor go"$ an$ avor
every bite. & kno. & ha"".1
7r/e to hi .or$- Man$er"y $evo/re$ i: portion- t.o ,rom each o, the three pie- macking
hi "ip an$ "apping hi be""y an$ t/,,ing hime", /nti" the ,ront o, hi t/nic .a ha",(bro.n
.ith gravy tain an$ hi bear$ .a ,"ecke$ .ith cr/mb o, cr/t. Cven +at 3a"$a +rey co/"$ not
match hi g"/ttony- tho/gh he $i$ manage three "ice here",. Ramay ate hearti"y a .e""-
tho/gh hi pa"e bri$e $i$ no more than tare at the portion et be,ore her. 3hen he raie$ her
hea$ an$ "ooke$ at 7heon- he co/"$ ee the ,ear behin$ her big bro.n eye.
No "ong.or$ ha$ been a""o.e$ .ithin the ha""- b/t every man there .ore a $agger- even
7heon Grey=oy. #o. e"e to c/t hi meat6 Cvery time he "ooke$ at the gir" .ho ha$ been !eyne
9oo"e- he ,e"t the preence o, that tee" at hi i$e. I hae no wa! to sae her, he tho/ght- but I
could kill her eas! enough+ 2o one would e8pect it+ I could beg her for the honor of a dance and
cut her throat+ #hat would be a kindness, wouldn/t it6 And if the old gods hear m! pra!er,
)amsa! in his wroth might strike me dead as well+ 7heon .a not a,rai$ to $ie. Fn$erneath the
5rea$,ort- he ha$ "earne$ there .ere ,ar .ore thing than $eath. Ramay ha$ ta/ght him that
"eon- ,inger by ,inger an$ toe by toe- an$ it .a not one that he .a ever "ike to ,orget.
2Eo/ $o not eat-1 oberve$ ?a$y 5/tin.
2No.1 Cating .a har$ ,or him. Ramay ha$ "e,t him .ith o many broken teeth that che.ing
.a an agony. 5rinking .a eaier- tho/gh he ha$ to grap the .ine c/p .ith both han$ to keep
,rom $ropping it.
2No tate ,or pork pie- my "or$6 7he bet pork pie .e ever tate$- o/r ,at ,rien$ .o/"$ have /
be"ieve.1 She get/re$ to.ar$ ?or$ Man$er"y .ith her .ine c/p. 2#ave yo/ ever een a ,at man
o happy6 #e i a"mot $ancing. Serving .ith hi o.n han$.1
&t .a tr/e. 7he ?or$ o, 3hite #arbor .a the very pict/re o, the =o""y ,at man- "a/ghing an$
mi"ing- =aping .ith the other "or$ an$ "apping them on the back- ca""ing o/t to the m/ician
,or thi t/ne or that t/ne. 2Give / J7he Night 7hat Cn$e$-4 inger-1 he be""o.e$. 27he bri$e .i""
"ike that one- & kno.. Hr ing to / o, brave yo/ng 5anny +"int an$ make / .eep.1 7o "ook at
him- yo/ .o/"$ have tho/ght that he .a the one ne."y .e$.
2#e4 $r/nk-1 ai$ 7heon.
25ro.ning hi ,ear. #e i craven to the bone- that one.1
3a he6 7heon .a not certain. #i on ha$ been ,at a .e""- b/t they ha$ not hame$
theme"ve in batt"e. 2&ronborn .i"" ,eat be,ore a batt"e too. A "at tate o, "i,e- ho/"$ $eath
a.ait. &, Stanni come81
2#e .i"". #e m/t.1 ?a$y 5/tin ch/ck"e$. 2An$ .hen he $oe- the ,at man .i"" pi hime",.
#i on $ie$ at the Re$ 3e$$ing- yet he4 hare$ hi brea$ an$ a"t .ith +rey- .e"come$ them
beneath hi roo,- promie$ one hi gran$$a/ghter. #e even erve them pie. 7he Man$er"y ran
,rom the o/th once- ho/n$e$ ,rom their "an$ an$ keep by enemie. B"oo$ r/n tr/e. 7he ,at
man .o/"$ "ike to ki"" / a""- & $o not $o/bt- b/t he $oe not have the be""y ,or it- ,or a"" hi girth.
Fn$er that .eaty ,"eh beat a heart a craven an$ cringing a8 .e""8 yo/r.1
#er "at .or$ .a a "ah- b/t 7heon $are$ not an.er back in kin$. Any ino"ence .o/"$ cot
him kin. 2&, my "a$y be"ieve ?or$ Man$er"y .ant to betray /- ?or$ Bo"ton i the one to te"".1
2Eo/ think Rooe $oe not kno.6 Si""y boy. 3atch him. 3atch ho. he .atche Man$er"y.
No $ih o m/ch a to/che Rooe4 "ip /nti" he ee ?or$ 3yman eat o, it ,irt. No c/p o, .ine
i ippe$ /nti" he ee Man$er"y $rink o, the ame cak. & think he .o/"$ be p"eae$ i, the ,at
man attempte$ ome betraya". &t .o/"$ am/e him. Rooe ha no ,ee"ing- yo/ ee. 7hoe
"eeche that he "ove o .e"" /cke$ a"" the paion o/t o, him year ago. #e $oe not "ove- he
$oe not hate- he $oe not grieve. 7hi i a game to him- mi"$"y $iverting. Some men h/nt- ome
ha.k- ome t/mb"e $ice. Rooe p"ay .ith men. Eo/ an$ me- thee +rey- ?or$ Man$er"y- hi
p"/mp ne. .i,e- even hi batar$- .e are b/t hi p"aything.1 A erving man .a paing by.
?a$y 5/tin he"$ o/t her .ine c/p an$ "et him ,i"" it- then get/re$ ,or him to $o the ame ,or
7heon. 27r/th be to"$-1 he ai$- 2?or$ Bo"ton apire to more than mere "or$hip. 3hy not
>ing o, the North6 7y.in ?anniter i $ea$- the >ing"ayer i maime$- the &mp i ,"e$. 7he
?anniter are a pent ,orce- an$ yo/ .ere kin$ eno/gh to ri$ him o, the Stark. H"$ 3a"$er +rey
.i"" not ob=ect to hi ,at "itt"e 3a"$a becoming a A/een. 3hite #arbor might prove tro/b"eome
ho/"$ ?or$ 3yman /rvive thi coming batt"e8 b/t & am A/ite /re that he .i"" not. No more
than Stanni. Rooe .i"" remove both o, them- a he remove$ the Eo/ng 3o",. 3ho e"e i
there61
2Eo/-1 ai$ 7heon. 27here i yo/. 7he ?a$y o, Barro.ton- a 5/tin by marriage- a Ry.e""
by birth.1
7hat p"eae$ her. She took a ip o, .ine- her $ark eye park"ing- an$ ai$- 27he widow o,
Barro.ton8 an$ ye- i, & o chooe- & co/"$ be an inconvenience. H, co/re- Rooe ee that too-
o he take care to keep me .eet.1
She might have ai$ more- b/t then he a. the maeter. 7hree o, them ha$ entere$ together
by the "or$4 $oor behin$ the $ai@one ta""- one p"/mp- one very yo/ng- b/t in their robe an$
chain they .ere three grey pea ,rom a b"ack po$. Be,ore the .ar- Me$rick ha$ erve$ ?or$
#orn.oo$- Rho$ry ?or$ Cer.yn- an$ yo/ng #en"y ?or$ S"ate. Rooe Bo"ton ha$ bro/ght them
a"" to 3inter,e"" to take charge o, ?/.in4 raven- o meage might be ent an$ receive$ ,rom
here again.
A Maeter Me$rick .ent to one knee to .hiper in Bo"ton4 ear- ?a$y 5/tin4 mo/th
t.ite$ in $itate. 2&, & .ere A/een- the ,irt thing & .o/"$ $o .o/"$ be to ki"" a"" thoe grey rat.
7hey c/rry every.here- "iving on the "eaving o, the "or$- chittering to one another- .hipering
in the ear o, their mater. B/t .ho are the mater an$ .ho are the ervant- tr/"y6 Cvery great
"or$ ha hi maeter- every "eer "or$ apire to one. &, yo/ $o not have a maeter- it i taken to
mean that yo/ are o, "itt"e coneA/ence. 7he grey rat rea$ an$ .rite o/r "etter- even ,or /ch
"or$ a cannot rea$ theme"ve- an$ .ho can ay ,or a certainty that they are not t.iting the
.or$ ,or their o.n en$6 3hat goo$ are they- & ak yo/61
27hey hea"-1 ai$ 7heon. &t eeme$ to be e:pecte$ o, him.
27hey hea"- ye. & never ai$ they .ere not /bt"e. 7hey ten$ to / .hen .e are ick an$
in=/re$- or $itra/ght over the i""ne o, a parent or a chi"$. 3henever .e are .eaket an$ mot
v/"nerab"e- there they are. Sometime they hea" /- an$ .e are $/"y grate,/". 3hen they ,ai"-
they cono"e / in o/r grie,- an$ .e are grate,/" ,or that a .e"". H/t o, gratit/$e .e give them a
p"ace beneath o/r roo, an$ make them privy to a"" o/r hame an$ ecret- a part o, every
co/nci". An$ be,ore too "ong- the r/"er ha become the r/"e$.
27hat .a ho. it .a .ith ?or$ Rickar$ Stark. Maeter 3a"y .a hi grey rat4 name. An$
in4t it c"ever ho. the maeter go by on"y one name- even thoe .ho ha$ t.o .hen they ,irt
arrive$ at the Cita$e"6 7hat .ay .e cannot kno. .ho they tr/"y are or .here they come ,rom8
b/t i, yo/ are $ogge$ eno/gh- yo/ can ti"" ,in$ o/t. Be,ore he ,orge$ hi chain- Maeter 3a"y
ha$ been kno.n a 3a"y +"o.er. +"o.er- #i""- River- Sno.8 .e give /ch name to
baeborn chi"$ren to mark them ,or .hat they are- b/t they are a".ay A/ick to he$ them. 3a"y
+"o.er ha$ a #ighto.er gir" ,or a mother8 an$ an archmaeter o, the Cita$e" ,or a ,ather- it
.a r/more$. 7he grey rat are not a chate a they .o/"$ have / be"ieve. H"$to.n maeter
are the .ort o, a"". Hnce he ,orge$ hi chain- hi ecret ,ather an$ hi ,rien$ .ate$ no time
$ipatching him to 3inter,e"" to ,i"" ?or$ Rickar$4 ear .ith poione$ .or$ a .eet a honey.
7he 7/""y marriage .a hi notion- never $o/bt it- he@1
She broke o,, a Rooe Bo"ton roe to hi ,eet- pa"e eye hining in the torch"ight. 2My
,rien$-1 he began- an$ a h/h .ept thro/gh the ha""- o pro,o/n$ that 7heon co/"$ hear the
.in$ p"/cking at the boar$ over the .in$o.. 2Stanni an$ hi knight have "e,t 5eep.oo$
Motte- ,"ying the banner o, hi ne. re$ go$. 7he c"an o, the northern hi"" come .ith him on
their haggy r/ntih hore. &, the .eather ho"$- they co/"$ be on / in a ,ortnight. An$
Cro.,oo$ Fmber marche $o.n the kingroa$- .hi"t the >artark approach ,rom the eat.
7hey mean to =oin .ith ?or$ Stanni here an$ take thi cat"e ,rom /.1
Ser #oteen +rey p/he$ to hi ,eet. 23e ho/"$ ri$e ,orth to meet them. 3hy a""o. them to
combine their trength61
Because Arnolf ,arstark awaits onl! a sign from "ord Bolton before he turns his cloak,
tho/ght 7heon- a other "or$ began to ho/t o/t co/ne". ?or$ Bo"ton raie$ hi han$ ,or
i"ence. 27he ha"" i not the p"ace ,or /ch $ic/ion- my "or$. ?et / a$=o/rn to the o"ar
.hi"t my on con/mmate hi marriage. 7he ret o, yo/- remain an$ en=oy the ,oo$ an$ $rink.1
A the ?or$ o, the 5rea$,ort "ippe$ o/t- atten$e$ by the three maeter- other "or$ an$
captain roe to ,o""o.. #other Fmber- the ga/nt o"$ man ca""e$ 3horebane- .ent grim(,ace$
an$ co."ing. ?or$ Man$er"y .a o $r/nk he reA/ire$ ,o/r trong men to he"p him ,rom the
ha"". 23e ho/"$ have a ong abo/t the Rat Cook-1 he .a m/ttering- a he taggere$ pat
7heon- "eaning on hi knight. 2Singer- give / a ong abo/t the Rat Cook.1
?a$y 5/tin .a amongt the "at to betir here",. 3hen he ha$ gone- a"" at once the ha""
eeme$ ti,"ing. &t .a not /nti" 7heon p/he$ hime", to hi ,eet that he rea"iGe$ ho. m/ch he4$
$r/nk. 3hen he t/mb"e$ ,rom the tab"e- he knocke$ a ,"agon ,rom the han$ o, a erving gir".
3ine p"ahe$ acro hi boot an$ breeche- a $ark re$ ti$e.
A han$ grabbe$ hi ho/"$er- ,ive ,inger har$ a iron $igging $eep into hi ,"eh. 2Eo/4re
.ante$- Reek-1 ai$ So/r A"yn- hi breath ,o/" .ith the me"" ,rom hi rotten teeth. Ee""o. 5ick
an$ 5amon 5ance(,or(Me .ere .ith him. 2Ramay ay yo/4re to bring hi bri$e to hi be$.1
A hiver o, ,ear .ent thro/gh him. I pla!ed m! part, he tho/ght. Wh! me6 #e kne. better
than to ob=ect- tho/gh.
?or$ Ramay ha$ a"rea$y "e,t the ha"". #i bri$e- ,or"orn an$ eeming"y ,orgotten- at h/nche$
an$ i"ent beneath the banner o, #o/e Stark- c"/tching a i"ver gob"et in both han$. !/$ging
,rom the .ay he "ooke$ at him .hen he approache$- he ha$ emptie$ that gob"et more than
once. 9erhap he hope$ that i, he $rank eno/gh- the or$ea" .o/"$ pa her by. 7heon kne.
better. 2?a$y Arya-1 he ai$. 2Come. &t i time yo/ $i$ yo/r $/ty.1
Si: o, the Batar$4 boy accompanie$ them a 7heon "e$ the gir" o/t the back o, the ha"" an$
acro the ,rigi$ yar$ to the Great >eep. &t .a /p three ,"ight o, tone tep to ?or$ Ramay4
be$chamber- one o, the room the ,ire ha$ to/che$ b/t "ight"y. A they c"imbe$- 5amon 5ance(
,or(Me .hit"e$- .hi"t Skinner boate$ that ?or$ Ramay ha$ promie$ him a piece o, the
b"oo$y heet a a mark o, pecia" ,avor.
7he be$chamber ha$ been .e"" prepare$ ,or the con/mmation. A"" the ,/rnihing .ere ne.-
bro/ght /p ,rom Barro.ton in the baggage train. 7he canopy be$ ha$ a ,eather mattre an$
$rape o, b"oo$(re$ ve"vet. 7he tone ,"oor .a covere$ .ith .o",kin. A ,ire .a b/rning in
the hearth- a can$"e on the be$i$e tab"e. Hn the i$eboar$ .a a ,"agon o, .ine- t.o c/p- an$ a
ha", .hee" o, veine$ .hite cheee.
7here .a a chair a .e""- carve$ o, b"ack oak .ith a re$ "eather eat. ?or$ Ramay .a
eate$ in it .hen they entere$. Spitt"e g"itene$ on hi "ip. 27here4 my .eet mai$. Goo$ "a$.
Eo/ may "eave / no.. Not yo/- Reek. Eo/ tay.1
)eek, )eek, it rh!mes with peek+ #e co/"$ ,ee" hi miing ,inger cramping' t.o on hi "e,t
han$- one on hi right. An$ on hi hip hi $agger rete$- "eeping in it "eather heath- b/t heavy-
oh o heavy. It is onl! m! pink! gone on m! right hand, 7heon remin$e$ hime",. I can still grip
a knife+ 2My "or$. #o. may & erve yo/61
2Eo/ gave the .ench to me. 3ho better to /n.rap the gi,t6 ?et4 have a "ook at Ne$ Stark4
"itt"e $a/ghter.1
She is no kin to "ord 0ddard, 7heon a"mot ai$. )amsa! knows, he has to know+ What new
cruel game is this6 7he gir" .a tan$ing by a be$pot- tremb"ing "ike a $oe. 2?a$y Arya- i, yo/
.i"" t/rn yo/r back- & m/t nee$ /n"ace yo/r go.n.1
2No.1 ?or$ Ramay po/re$ hime", a c/p o, .ine. 2?ace take too "ong. C/t it o,, her.1
7heon $re. the $agger. All I need do is turn and stab him+ #he knife is in m! hand+ #e kne.
the game by then. Another trap, he to"$ hime",- remembering >yra .ith her key. 7e wants me
to tr! to kill him+ And when I fail, he/ll fla! the skin from the hand I used to hold the blade+ #e
grabbe$ a han$,/" o, the bri$e4 kirt. 2Stan$ ti""- my "a$y.1 7he go.n .a "ooe be"o. the
.ait- o that .a .here he "i$ the b"a$e in- "icing /p.ar$ "o."y- o a not to c/t her. Stee"
.hipere$ thro/gh .oo" an$ i"k .ith a ,aint- o,t o/n$. 7he gir" .a haking. 7heon ha$ to
grab her arm to ho"$ her ti"". -e!ne, -e!ne, it rh!mes with pain+ #e tightene$ hi grip- a m/ch a
hi maime$ "e,t han$ .o/"$ a""o.. 2Stay ti"".1
+ina""y the go.n ,e"" a.ay- a pa"e tang"e ro/n$ her ,eet. 2#er ma""c"othe too-1 Ramay
comman$e$. Reek obeye$.
3hen it .a $one the bri$e too$ nake$- her bri$a" ,inery a heap o, .hite an$ grey rag abo/t
her ,eet. #er breat .ere ma"" an$ pointe$- her hip narro. an$ gir"ih- her "eg a kinny a a
bir$4. A child+ 7heon ha$ ,orgotten ho. yo/ng he .a. Sansa/s age+ Ar!a would be een
!ounger+ 5epite the ,ire in the hearth- the be$chamber .a chi""y. !eyne4 pa"e kin .a pebb"e$
.ith gooeprick"e. 7here .a a moment .hen her han$ roe- a i, to cover her breat- b/t
7heon mo/the$ a i"ent no an$ he a. an$ toppe$ at once.
23hat $o yo/ think o, her- Reek61 ake$ ?or$ Ramay.
2She81 What answer does he want6 3hat .a it the gir" ha$ ai$- be,ore the go$.oo$6
#he! all said that I was prett!+ She .a not pretty no.. #e co/"$ ee a pi$er.eb o, ,aint thin
"ine acro her back .here omeone ha$ .hippe$ her. 28he i bea/ti,/"- o8 o bea/ti,/".1
Ramay mi"e$ hi .et mi"e. 25oe he make yo/r cock har$- Reek6 & it training againt
yo/r "ace6 3o/"$ yo/ "ike to ,/ck her ,irt61 #e "a/ghe$. 27he 9rince o, 3inter,e"" ho/"$ have
that right- a a"" "or$ $i$ in $ay o, o"$. 7he ,irt night. B/t yo/4re no "or$- are yo/6 Hn"y Reek.
Not even a man- tr/th be to"$.1 #e took another g/"p o, .ine- then thre. the c/p acro the room
to hatter o,, a .a"". Re$ river ran $o.n acro the tone. 2?a$y Arya. Get on the be$. Ee-
againt the pi""o.- that4 a goo$ .i,e. No. prea$ yo/r "eg. ?et / ee yo/r c/nt.1
7he gir" obeye$- .or$"e. 7heon took a tep back to.ar$ the $oor. ?or$ Ramay at bei$e
hi bri$e- "i$ hi han$ a"ong her inner thigh- then =amme$ t.o ,inger /p ini$e her. 7he gir" "et
o/t a gap o, pain. 2Eo/4re $ry a an o"$ bone.1 Ramay p/""e$ hi han$ ,ree an$ "appe$ her
,ace. 2& .a to"$ that yo/4$ kno. ho. to p"eae a man. 3a that a "ie61
2N(no- my "or$. & .a t(traine$.1
Ramay roe- the ,ire"ight hining on hi ,ace. 2Reek- get over here. Get her rea$y ,or me.1
+or a moment he $i$ not /n$ertan$. 2&8 $o yo/ mean8 m4"or$- & have no8 &81
23ith yo/r mo/th-1 ?or$ Ramay ai$. 2An$ be A/ick abo/t it. &, he4 not .et by the time
&4m $one $irobing- & .i"" c/t o,, that tong/e o, yo/r an$ nai" it to the .a"".1
Some.here in the go$.oo$- a raven creame$. 7he $agger .a ti"" in hi han$.
#e heathe$ it.
)eek, m! name is )eek, it rh!mes with weak+ Reek bent to hi tak.
!rienne
This is an eil dream, he tho/ght. B/t i, he .ere $reaming- .hy $i$ it h/rt o m/ch6
7he rain ha$ toppe$ ,a""ing- b/t a"" the .or"$ .a .et. #er c"oak ,e"t a heavy a her mai".
7he rope that bo/n$ her .rit .ere oake$ thro/gh- b/t that on"y ma$e them tighter. No matter
ho. Brienne t/rne$ her han$- he co/"$ not "ip ,ree. She $i$ not /n$ertan$ .ho ha$ bo/n$
her- or .hy. She trie$ to ak the ha$o.- b/t they $i$ not an.er. 9erhap they $i$ not hear her.
9erhap they .ere not rea". Fn$er her "ayer o, .et .oo" an$ r/ting mai"- her kin .a ,"/he$
an$ ,everih. She .on$ere$ .hether a"" o, thi .a =/t a ,ever $ream.
She ha$ a hore beneath her- tho/gh he co/"$ not remember mo/nting. She "ay ,ace$o.n
acro hi hin$A/arter- "ike a ack o, oat. #er .rit an$ ank"e ha$ been "ahe$ together. 7he
air .a $amp- the gro/n$ c"oake$ in mit. #er hea$ po/n$e$ .ith every tep. She co/"$ hear
voice- b/t a"" he co/"$ ee .a the earth beneath the hore4 hoove. 7here .ere thing broken
ini$e o, her. #er ,ace ,e"t .o""en- her cheek .a ticky .ith b"oo$- an$ every =o/nce an$
bo/nce en$ a tab o, agony thro/gh her arm. She co/"$ hear 9o$rick ca""ing her- a i, ,rom ,ar
a.ay. 2Ser61 he kept aying. 2Ser6 My "a$y6 Ser6 My "a$y61 #i voice .a ,aint an$ har$ to
hear. +ina""y- there .a on"y i"ence.
She $reamt he .a at #arrenha"- $o.n in the bear pit once again. 7hi time it .a Biter
,acing her- h/ge an$ ba"$ an$ maggot(.hite- .ith .eeping ore /pon hi cheek. Nake$ he
came- ,on$"ing hi member- gnahing hi ,i"e$ teeth together. Brienne ,"e$ ,rom him. 2My
.or$-1 he ca""e$. 2Hathkeeper. 9"eae.1 7he .atcher $i$ not an.er. Ren"y .a there- .ith
Nimb"e 5ick an$ Cate"yn Stark. Shag.e""- 9yg- an$ 7imeon ha$ come- an$ the corpe ,rom the
tree .ith their /nken cheek- .o""en tong/e- an$ empty eye ocket. Brienne .ai"e$ in horror
at the ight o, them- an$ Biter grabbe$ her arm an$ yanke$ her c"oe an$ tore a ch/nk ,rom her
,ace. 2!aime-1 he hear$ here", cream- 4-aime+5
Cven in the $epth o, $ream the pain .a there. #er ,ace throbbe$. #er ho/"$er b"e$.
Breathing h/rt. 7he pain crack"e$ /p her arm "ike "ightning. She crie$ o/t ,or a maeter.
23e have no maeter-1 ai$ a gir"4 voice. 2Hn"y me.1
I am looking for a girl, Brienne remembere$. A highborn maid of three(and(ten, with blue
e!es and auburn hair+ 2My "a$y61 he ai$. 2?a$y Sana61
A man "a/ghe$. 2She think yo/4re Sana Stark.1
2She can4t go m/ch ,arther. She4"" $ie.1
2Hne "e "ion. & .on4t .eep.1
Brienne hear$ the o/n$ o, omeone praying. She tho/ght o, Septon Meriba"$- b/t a"" the
.or$ .ere .rong. #he night is dark and full of terrors, and so are dreams+
7hey .ere ri$ing thro/gh a g"oomy .oo$- a $ank- $ark- i"ent p"ace .here the pine pree$
c"oe. 7he gro/n$ .a o,t beneath her hore4 hoove- an$ the track he "e,t behin$ ,i""e$ /p
.ith b"oo$. Bei$e her ro$e ?or$ Ren"y- 5ick Crabb- an$ %argo #oat. B"oo$ ran ,rom Ren"y4
throat. 7he Goat4 torn ear ooGe$ p/. 23here are .e going61 Brienne ake$. 23here are yo/
taking me61 None o, them .o/"$ an.er. 7ow can the! answer6 All of them are dead+ 5i$ that
mean that he .a $ea$ a .e""6
?or$ Ren"y .a ahea$ o, her- her .eet mi"ing king. #e .a "ea$ing her hore thro/gh the
tree. Brienne ca""e$ o/t to te"" him ho. m/ch he "ove$ him- b/t .hen he t/rne$ to co." at her-
he a. that he .a not Ren"y a,ter a"". Ren"y never co."e$. 7e alwa!s had a smile for me, he
tho/ght8 e:cept8
2Co"$-1 her king ai$- p/GG"e$- an$ a ha$o. move$ .itho/t a man to cat it- an$ her .eet
"or$4 b"oo$ came .ahing thro/gh the green tee" o, hi gorget to $rench her han$. #e ha$
been a .arm man- b/t hi b"oo$ .a co"$ a ice. #his is not real, he to"$ here",. #his is another
bad dream, and soon I/ll wake+
#er mo/nt came to a /$$en ha"t. Ro/gh han$ eiGe$ ho"$ o, her. She a. ha,t o, re$
a,ternoon "ight "anting thro/gh the branche o, a chetn/t tree. A hore roote$ amongt the $ea$
"eave a,ter chetn/t- an$ men move$ nearby- ta"king in A/iet voice. 7en- t.e"ve- maybe more.
Brienne $i$ not recogniGe their ,ace. She .a tretche$ o/t on the gro/n$- her back againt a
tree tr/nk. 25rink thi- m4"a$y-1 ai$ the gir"4 voice. She "i,te$ a c/p to Brienne4 "ip. 7he tate
.a trong an$ o/r. Brienne pat it o/t. 23ater-1 he gape$. 29"eae. 3ater.1
23ater .on4t he"p the pain. 7hi .i"". A "itt"e.1 7he gir" p/t the c/p to Brienne4 "ip again.
&t even h/rt to $rink. 3ine ran $o.n her chin an$ $ribb"e$ on her chet. 3hen the c/p .a
empty the gir" ,i""e$ it ,rom a kin. Brienne /cke$ it $o.n /nti" he p/ttere$. 2No more.1
2More. Eo/ have a broken arm- an$ ome o, yo/r rib i cracke$. 7.o- maybe three.1
2Biter-1 Brienne ai$- remembering the .eight o, him- the .ay hi knee ha$ "amme$ into her
chet.
2Aye. A rea" monter- that one.1
&t a"" came back to herI "ightning above an$ m/$ be"o.- the rain pinging o,t"y againt the
$ark tee" o, the #o/n$4 he"m- the terrib"e trength in Biter4 han$. S/$$en"y he co/"$ not
tan$ being bo/n$. She trie$ to .rench ,ree o, her rope- b/t a"" that $i$ .a cha,e her .ore.
#er .rit .ere tie$ too tight"y. 7here .a $rie$ b"oo$ on the hemp. 2& he $ea$61 She tremb"e$.
2Biter. Is he dead61 She remembere$ hi teeth tearing into the ,"eh o, her ,ace. 7he tho/ght that
he might ti"" be o/t there ome.here- breathing- ma$e Brienne .ant to cream.
2#e4 $ea$. Gen$ry hove$ a pearpoint thro/gh the back o, hi neck. 5rink- m4"a$y- or &4""
po/r it $o.n yo/r throat.1
She $rank. 2& am "ooking ,or a gir"-1 he .hipere$- bet.een .a""o.. She a"mot ai$ m!
sister+ 2A highborn mai$ o, three(an$(ten. She ha b"/e eye an$ a/b/rn hair.1
2&4m not her.1
2o+ Brienne co/"$ ee that. 7he gir" .a thin to the point o, "ooking tarve$. She .ore her
bro.n hair in a brai$- an$ her eye .ere o"$er than her year. Brown hair, brown e!es, plain+
Willow, si8 !ears older+ 2Eo/4re the iter. 7he innkeep.1
2& might be.1 7he gir" A/inte$. 23hat i, & am61
25o yo/ have a name61 Brienne ake$. #er tomach g/rg"e$. She .a a,rai$ that he might
retch.
2#e$$"e. Same a 3i""o.. !eyne #e$$"e.1
2!eyne. Fntie my han$. 9"eae. #ave pity. 7he rope are cha,ing my .rit. &4m b"ee$ing.1
2&t4 not a""o.e$. Eo/4re to tay bo/n$- ti""81
28ti"" yo/ tan$ be,ore m4"a$y.1 Ren"y too$ behin$ the gir"- p/hing hi b"ack hair o/t o, hi
eye. 2ot )enl!+ 1endr!+ 2M4"a$y mean ,or yo/ to an.er ,or yo/r crime.1
2M4"a$y.1 7he .ine .a making her hea$ pin. &t .a har$ to think. 2Stoneheart. & that .ho
yo/ mean61 ?or$ Ran$y"" ha$ poken o, her- back at Mai$enpoo". 2?a$y Stoneheart.1
2Some ca"" her that. Some ca"" her other thing. 7he Si"ent Siter. Mother Merci"e. 7he
#ang.oman.1
#he 7angwoman+ 3hen Brienne c"oe$ her eye- he a. the corpe .aying /n$erneath the
bare bro.n "imb- their ,ace b"ack an$ .o""en. S/$$en"y he .a $eperate"y a,rai$. 29o$rick.
My A/ire. 3here i 9o$rick6 An$ the other8 Ser #y"e- Septon Meriba"$. 5og. 3hat $i$ yo/
$o .ith 5og61
Gen$ry an$ the gir" e:change$ a "ook. Brienne ,o/ght to rie- an$ manage$ to get one knee
/n$er her be,ore the .or"$ began to pin. 2&t .a yo/ ki""e$ the $og- m4"a$y-1 he hear$ Gen$ry
ay- =/t be,ore the $arkne .a""o.e$ her again.
7hen he .a back at the 3hiper- tan$ing amongt the r/in an$ ,acing C"arence Crabb.
#e .a h/ge an$ ,ierce- mo/nte$ on an a/roch haggier than he .a. 7he beat pa.e$ the
gro/n$ in ,/ry- tearing $eep ,/rro. in the earth. Crabb4 teeth ha$ been ,i"e$ into point. 3hen
Brienne .ent to $ra. her .or$- he ,o/n$ her cabbar$ empty. 2No-1 he crie$- a Ser C"arence
charge$. &t .an4t ,air. She co/"$ not ,ight .itho/t her magic .or$. Ser !aime ha$ given it to
her. 7he tho/ght o, ,ai"ing him a he ha$ ,ai"e$ ?or$ Ren"y ma$e her .ant to .eep. 2My .or$.
9"eae- & have to ,in$ my .or$.1
27he .ench .ant her .or$ back-1 a voice $ec"are$.
2An$ & .ant Cerei ?anniter to /ck my cock. So .hat61
2!aime ca""e$ it Hathkeeper. $lease+1 B/t the voice $i$ not "iten- an$ C"arence Crabb
th/n$ere$ $o.n on her an$ .ept o,, her hea$. Brienne pira"e$ $o.n into a $eeper $arkne.
She $reame$ that he .a "ying in a boat- her hea$ pi""o.e$ on omeone4 "ap. 7here .ere
ha$o. a"" aro/n$ them- hoo$e$ men in mai" an$ "eather- pa$$"ing them acro a ,oggy river
.ith m/,,"e$ oar. She .a $renche$ in .eat- b/rning- yet omeho. hivering too. 7he ,og .a
,/"" o, ,ace. 4Beaut!,5 .hipere$ the .i""o. on the bank- b/t the ree$ ai$- 4freak, freak+5
Brienne h/$$ere$. 2Stop-1 he ai$. 2Someone make them top.1
7he ne:t time he .oke- !eyne .a ho"$ing a c/p o, hot o/p to her "ip. Onion broth,
Brienne tho/ght. She $rank a m/ch o, it a he co/"$- /nti" a bit o, carrot ca/ght in her throat
an$ ma$e her choke. Co/ghing .a agony. 2Cay-1 the gir" ai$.
2Gen$ry-1 he .heeGe$. 2& have to ta"k .ith Gen$ry.1
2#e t/rne$ back at the river- m4"a$y. #e4 gone back to hi ,orge- to 3i""o. an$ the "itt"e
one- to keep them a,e.1
2o one can keep them safe+ She began to co/gh again. 2Ah- "et her choke. Save / a rope.1
Hne o, the ha$o. men hove$ the gir" ai$e. #e .a c"a$ in r/te$ ring an$ a t/$$e$ be"t. At
hi hip h/ng "ong.or$ an$ $irk. A ye""o. greatc"oak .a p"atere$ to hi ho/"$er- o$$en an$
,i"thy. +rom hi ho/"$er roe a tee" $og4 hea$- it teeth bare$ in a nar".
42o,5 Brienne moane$. 2No- yo/4re $ea$- & ki""e$ yo/.1
7he #o/n$ "a/ghe$. 2Eo/ got that back.ar$. &t4"" be me ki""ing yo/. &4$ $o it no.- b/t
m4"a$y .ant to ee yo/ hange$.1
7anged+ 7he .or$ ent a =o"t o, ,ear thro/gh her. She "ooke$ at the gir"- !eyne. She is too
!oung to be so hard+ 2Brea$ an$ a"t-1 Brienne gape$. 27he inn8 Septon Meriba"$ ,e$ the
chi"$ren8 .e broke brea$ .ith yo/r iter81
2G/et right $on4t mean o m/ch a it /e$ to-1 ai$ the gir". 2Not ince m4"a$y come back
,rom the .e$$ing. Some o4 them .inging $o.n by the river ,ig/re$ they .a g/et too.1
23e ,ig/re$ $i,,erent-1 ai$ the #o/n$. 27hey .ante$ be$. 3e gave 4em tree.1
23e got more tree- tho/gh-1 p/t in another ha$o.- one(eye$ beneath a r/ty pothe"m. 23e
a".ay got more tree.1
3hen it .a time to mo/nt again- they yanke$ a "eather hoo$ $o.n over her ,ace. 7here .ere
no eyeho"e. 7he "eather m/,,"e$ the o/n$ aro/n$ her. 7he tate o, onion "ingere$ on her
tong/e- harp a the kno."e$ge o, her ,ai"/re. #he! mean to hang me+ She tho/ght o, !aime- o,
Sana- o, her ,ather back on 7arth- an$ .a g"a$ ,or the hoo$. &t he"pe$ hi$e the tear .e""ing in
her eye. +rom time to time he hear$ the o/t"a. ta"king- b/t he co/"$ not make o/t their
.or$. A,ter a .hi"e he gave here", /p to .earine an$ the "o.- tea$y motion o, her hore.
7hi time he $reame$ that he .a home again- at Cven,a"". 7hro/gh the ta"" arche$ .in$o.
o, her "or$ ,ather4 ha"" he co/"$ ee the /n =/t going $o.n. I was safe here+ I was safe+
She .a $ree$ in i"k broca$e- a A/artere$ go.n o, b"/e an$ re$ $ecorate$ .ith go"$en /n
an$ i"ver crecent moon. Hn another gir" it might have been a pretty go.n- b/t not on her. She
.a t.e"ve- /ngain"y an$ /ncom,ortab"e- .aiting to meet the yo/ng knight her ,ather ha$
arrange$ ,or her to marry- a boy i: year her enior- /re to be a ,amo/ champion one $ay. She
$rea$e$ hi arriva". #er boom .a too ma""- her han$ an$ ,eet too big. #er hair kept ticking
/p- an$ there .a a pimp"e net"e$ in the ,o"$ bei$e her noe. 2#e .i"" bring a roe ,or yo/-1 her
,ather promie$ her- b/t a roe .a no goo$- a roe co/"$ not keep her a,e. &t .a a .or$ he
.ante$. Oathkeeper+ I hae to find the girl+ I hae to find his honor+
+ina""y the $oor opene$- an$ her betrothe$ tro$e into her ,ather4 ha"". She trie$ to greet him
a he ha$ been intr/cte$- on"y to have b"oo$ come po/ring ,rom her mo/th. She ha$ bitten her
tong/e o,, a he .aite$. She pat it at the yo/ng knight4 ,eet- an$ a. the $ig/t on hi ,ace.
2Brienne the Bea/ty-1 he ai$ in a mocking tone. 2& have een o. more bea/ti,/" than yo/.1 #e
toe$ the roe in her ,ace. A he .a"ke$ a.ay- the gri,,in on hi c"oak ripp"e$ an$ b"/rre$ an$
change$ to "ion. -aime; he .ante$ to cry. -aime, come back for me; B/t her tong/e "ay on the
,"oor by the roe- $ro.ne$ in b"oo$.
Brienne .oke /$$en"y- gaping.
She $i$ not kno. .here he .a. 7he air .a co"$ an$ heavy- an$ me""e$ o, earth an$
.orm an$ mo"$. She .a "ying on a pa""et beneath a mo/n$ o, heepkin- .ith rock above her
hea$ an$ root poking thro/gh the .a"". 7he on"y "ight came ,rom a ta""o. can$"e- moking in a
poo" o, me"te$ .a:.
She p/he$ ai$e the heepkin. Someone ha$ trippe$ her o, her c"othe an$ armor- he a..
She .a c"a$ in a bro.n .oo"en hi,t- thin b/t ,reh"y .ahe$. #er ,orearm ha$ been p"inte$
an$ bo/n$ /p .ith "inen- tho/gh. Hne i$e o, her ,ace ,e"t .et an$ ti,,. 3hen he to/che$
here",- he ,o/n$ ome ort o, $amp po/"tice covering her cheek an$ =a. an$ ear. Biter=
Brienne got to her ,eet. #er "eg ,e"t .eak a .ater- her hea$ a "ight a air. 2& anyone there61
Something move$ in one o, the ha$o.e$ a"cove behin$ the can$"eI an o"$ grey man c"a$ in
rag. 7he b"anket that ha$ covere$ him "ippe$ to the ,"oor. #e at /p an$ r/bbe$ hi eye.
2?a$y Brienne6 Eo/ gave me a ,right. & .a $reaming.1
2o, he tho/ght- that was me+ 23hat p"ace i thi6 & thi a $/ngeon61
2A cave. ?ike rat- .e m/t r/n back to o/r ho"e .hen the $og come ni,,ing a,ter /- an$
there are more $og every $ay.1 #e .a c"a$ in the ragge$ remain o, an o"$ robe- pink an$
.hite. #i hair .a "ong an$ grey an$ tang"e$- the "ooe kin o, hi cheek an$ chin .a covere$
.ith coare t/bb"e. 2Are yo/ h/ngry6 Co/"$ yo/ keep $o.n a c/p o, mi"k6 9erhap ome brea$
an$ honey61
2& .ant my c"othe. My .or$.1 She ,e"t nake$ .itho/t her mai"- an$ he .ante$ Hathkeeper
at her i$e. 27he .ay o/t. Sho. me the .ay o/t.1 7he ,"oor o, the cave .a $irt an$ tone- ro/gh
beneath the o"e o, her ,eet. Cven no. he ,e"t "ight(hea$e$- a i, he .ere ,"oating. 7he
,"ickering "ight cat A/eer ha$o.. Spirits of the slain, he tho/ght- dancing all about me,
hiding when I turn to look at them+ Cvery.here he a. ho"e an$ crack an$ crevice- b/t there
.a no .ay to kno. .hich paage "e$ o/t- .hich .o/"$ take her $eeper into the cave- an$
.hich .ent no.here. A"" .ere b"ack a pitch.
2Might & ,ee" yo/r bro.- my "a$y61 #er gao"er4 han$ .a carre$ an$ har$ .ith ca""/- yet
trange"y gent"e. 2Eo/r ,ever ha broken-1 he anno/nce$- in a voice ,"avore$ .ith the accent o,
the +ree Citie. 23e"" an$ goo$. !/t yeter$ay yo/r ,"eh ,e"t a i, it .ere on ,ire. !eyne ,eare$
that .e might "oe yo/.1
2!eyne. 7he ta"" gir"61
27he very one. 7ho/gh he i not o ta"" a yo/- my "a$y. ?ong !eyne- the men ca"" her. &t .a
he .ho et yo/r arm an$ p"inte$ it- a .e"" a any maeter. She $i$ .hat he co/"$ ,or yo/r
,ace a .e""- .ahing o/t the .o/n$ .ith boi"e$ a"e to top the morti,ication. Cven o8 a
h/man bite i a ,i"thy thing. 7hat i .here the ,ever came ,rom- & am certain.1 7he grey man
to/che$ her ban$age$ ,ace. 23e ha$ to c/t a.ay ome o, the ,"eh. Eo/r ,ace .i"" not be pretty-
& ,ear.1
It has neer been prett!+ 2Scar- yo/ mean61
2My "a$y- that creat/re che.e$ o,, ha", yo/r cheek.1
Brienne co/"$ not he"p b/t ,"inch. 0er! knight has battle scars, Ser Goo$.in ha$ .arne$
her- .hen he ake$ him to teach her the .or$. Is that what !ou want, child6 #er o"$ mater(at(
arm ha$ been ta"king abo/t .or$ c/t- tho/ghI he co/"$ never have anticipate$ Biter4 pointe$
teeth. 23hy et my bone an$ .ah my .o/n$ i, yo/ on"y mean to hang me61
23hy in$ee$61 #e g"ance$ at the can$"e- a i, he co/"$ no "onger bear to "ook at her. 2Eo/
,o/ght brave"y at the inn- they te"" me. ?em ho/"$ not have "e,t the croroa$. #e .a to"$ to
tay c"oe- hi$$en- to come at once i, he a. moke riing ,rom the chimney8 b/t .hen .or$
reache$ him that the Ma$ 5og o, Sa"tpan ha$ been een making hi .ay north a"ong the Green
+ork- he took the bait. 3e have been h/nting that "ot ,or o "ong8 ti""- he o/ght to have kno.n
better. A it .a- it .a ha", a $ay be,ore he rea"iGe$ that the m/mmer ha$ /e$ a tream to hi$e
their track an$ $o/b"e$ back behin$ him- an$ then he "ot more time circ"ing aro/n$ a co"/mn
o, +rey knight. &, not ,or yo/- on"y corpe might have remaine$ at the inn by the time that ?em
an$ hi men got back. #hat .a .hy !eyne $ree$ yo/r .o/n$- mayhap. 3hatever e"e yo/
may have $one- yo/ .on thoe .o/n$ honorab"y- in the bet o, ca/e.1
Whateer else !ou ma! hae done+ 23hat i it that yo/ think &4ve $one61 he ai$. 4Who are
!ou61
23e .ere king4 men .hen .e began-1 the man to"$ her- 2b/t king4 men m/t have a king-
an$ .e have none. 3e .ere brother too- b/t no. o/r brotherhoo$ i broken. & $o not kno. .ho
.e are- i, tr/th be to"$- nor .here .e might be going. & on"y kno. the roa$ i $ark. 7he ,ire
have not ho.n me .hat "ie at it en$.1
I know where it ends+ I hae seen the corpses in the trees+ 2+ire-1 Brienne repeate$. A"" at
once he /n$ertoo$. 2Eo/ are the Myrih priet. 7he re$ .iGar$.1
#e "ooke$ $o.n at hi ragge$ robe- an$ mi"e$ r/e,/""y. 27he pink preten$er- rather. & am
7horo- "ate o, Myr- aye8 a ba$ priet an$ a .ore .iGar$.1
2Eo/ ri$e .ith the 5on$arrion. 7he "ightning "or$.1
2?ightning come an$ goe an$ then i een no more. So too .ith men. ?or$ Beric4 ,ire ha
gone o/t o, thi .or"$- & ,ear. A grimmer ha$o. "ea$ / in hi p"ace.1
27he #o/n$61
7he priet p/re$ hi "ip. 27he #o/n$ i $ea$ an$ b/rie$.1
2& a. him. &n the .oo$.1
2A ,ever $ream- my "a$y.1
2#e ai$ that he .o/"$ hang me.1
2Cven $ream can "ie. My "a$y- ho. "ong ha it been ince yo/ have eaten6 S/re"y yo/ are
,amihe$61
She .a- he rea"iGe$. #er be""y ,e"t ho""o.. 2+oo$8 ,oo$ .o/"$ be .e"come- thank yo/.1
2A mea"- then. Sit. 3e .i"" ta"k more- b/t ,irt a mea". 3ait here.1 7horo "it a taper ,rom the
agging can$"e- an$ vanihe$ into a b"ack ho"e beneath a "e$ge o, rock. Brienne ,o/n$ here",
a"one in the ma"" cave. For how long, though6
She pro."e$ the chamber- "ooking ,or a .eapon. Any ort o, .eapon .o/"$ have erve$I a
ta,,- a c"/b- a $agger. She ,o/n$ on"y rock. Hne ,it her ,it nice"y8 b/t he remembere$ the
3hiper- an$ .hat happene$ .hen Shag.e"" trie$ to pit a tone againt a kni,e. 3hen he hear$
the priet4 ret/rning ,oottep- he "et the rock ,a"" to the cavern ,"oor an$ re/me$ her eat.
7horo ha$ brea$ an$ cheee an$ a bo." o, te.. 2& am orry-1 he ai$. 27he "at o, the mi"k
ha$ o/re$- an$ the honey i a"" gone. +oo$ gro. cant. Sti""- thi .i"" ,i"" yo/.1
7he te. .a co"$ an$ greay- the brea$ har$- the cheee har$er. Brienne ha$ never eaten
anything ha", o goo$. 2Are my companion here61 he ake$ the priet- a he .a pooning /p
the "at o, the te..
27he epton .a et ,ree to go /pon hi .ay. 7here .a no harm in him. 7he other are here-
a.aiting =/$gment.1
2!/$gment61 She ,ro.ne$. 29o$rick 9ayne i =/t a boy.1
2#e ay he i a A/ire.1
2Eo/ kno. ho. boy .i"" boat.1
27he &mp4 A/ire. #e ha ,o/ght in batt"e- by hi o.n a$miion. #e ha even ki""e$- to hear
him te"" it.1
2A boy-1 he ai$ again. 2#ave pity.1
2My "a$y-1 7horo ai$- 2& $o not $o/bt that kin$ne an$ mercy an$ ,orgivene can ti"" be
,o/n$ ome.here in thee Seven >ing$om- b/t $o not "ook ,or them here. 7hi i a cave- not a
temp"e. 3hen men m/t "ive "ike rat in the $ark beneath the earth- they oon r/n o/t o, pity- a
they $o o, mi"k an$ honey.1
2An$ =/tice6 Can that be ,o/n$ in cave61
2!/tice.1 7horo mi"e$ .an"y. 2& remember =/tice. &t ha$ a p"eaant tate. !/tice .a .hat
.e .ere abo/t .hen Beric "e$ /- or o .e to"$ o/re"ve. 3e .ere king4 men- knight- an$
heroe8 b/t ome knight are $ark an$ ,/"" o, terror- my "a$y. 3ar make monter o, / a"".1
2Are yo/ aying yo/ are monter61
2& am aying .e are h/man. Eo/ are not the on"y one .ith .o/n$- ?a$y Brienne. Some o,
my brother .ere goo$ men .hen thi began. Some .ere8 "e goo$- ha"" .e ay6 7ho/gh
there are thoe .ho ay it $oe not matter ho. a man begin- b/t on"y ho. he en$. & /ppoe it
i the ame ,or .omen.1 7he priet got to hi ,eet. 2H/r time together i at an en$- & ,ear. & hear
my brother coming. H/r "a$y en$ ,or yo/.1
Brienne hear$ their ,oottep an$ a. torch"ight ,"ickering in the paage. 2Eo/ to"$ me he
ha$ gone to +airmarket.1
2An$ o he ha$. She ret/rne$ .hi"t .e .ere "eeping. She never "eep here",.1
I will not be afraid, he to"$ here",- b/t it .a too "ate ,or that. I will not let them see m! fear,
he promie$ here", intea$. 7here .ere ,o/r o, them- har$ men .ith haggar$ ,ace- c"a$ in mai"
an$ ca"e an$ "eather. She recogniGe$ one o, themI the man .ith one eye- ,rom her $ream.
7he bigget o, the ,o/r .ore a taine$ an$ tattere$ ye""o. c"oak. 2Cn=oy the ,oo$61 he ake$.
2& hope o. &t4 the "at ,oo$ yo/4re ever "ike to eat.1 #e .a bro.n(haire$- bear$e$- bra.ny-
.ith a broken noe that ha$ hea"e$ ba$"y. I know this man, Brienne tho/ght. 2Eo/ are the
#o/n$.1
#e grinne$. #i teeth .ere a.,/"I crooke$- an$ treake$ bro.n .ith rot. 2& /ppoe & am.
Seeing a ho. m4"a$y .ent an$ ki""e$ the "at one.1 #e t/rne$ hi hea$ an$ pat.
She remembere$ "ightning ,"ahing- the m/$ beneath her ,eet. 2&t .a Rorge & ki""e$. #e took
the he"m ,rom C"egane4 grave- an$ yo/ to"e it o,, hi corpe.1
2& $i$n4t hear him ob=ecting.1
7horo /cke$ in hi breath in $imay. 2& thi tr/e6 A $ea$ man4 he"m6 #ave .e ,a""en that
"o.61
7he big man co."e$ at him. 2&t4 goo$ tee".1
27here i nothing goo$ abo/t that he"m- nor the men .ho .ore it-1 ai$ the re$ priet.
2San$or C"egane .a a man in torment- an$ Rorge a beat in h/man kin.1
2&4m not them.1
27hen .hy ho. the .or"$ their ,ace6 Savage- nar"ing- t.ite$8 i that .ho yo/ .o/"$ be-
?em61
27he ight o, it .i"" make my ,oe a,rai$.1
27he ight o, it make me a,rai$.1
2C"oe yo/r eye- then.1 7he man in the ye""o. c"oak ma$e a harp get/re. 2Bring the
.hore.1
Brienne $i$ not reit. 7here .ere ,o/r o, them- an$ he .a .eak an$ .o/n$e$- nake$
beneath the .oo"en hi,t. She ha$ to ben$ her neck to keep ,rom hitting her hea$ a they
marche$ her thro/gh the t.iting paage. 7he .ay ahea$ roe harp"y- t/rning t.ice be,ore
emerging in a m/ch "arger cavern ,/"" o, o/t"a..
A ,ire pit ha$ been $/g into the center o, the ,"oor- an$ the air .a b"/e .ith moke. Men
c"/tere$ near the ,"ame- .arming theme"ve againt the chi"" o, the cave. Hther too$ a"ong
the .a"" or at cro("egge$ on tra. pa""et. 7here .ere .omen too- an$ even a ,e. chi"$ren
peering o/t ,rom behin$ their mother4 kirt. 7he one ,ace Brienne kne. be"onge$ to ?ong
!eyne #e$$"e.
A tret"e tab"e ha$ been et /p acro the cave- in a c"e,t in the rock. Behin$ it at a .oman a""
in grey- c"oake$ an$ hoo$e$. &n her han$ .a a cro.n- a bronGe circ"et ringe$ by iron .or$.
She .a t/$ying it- her ,inger troking the b"a$e a i, to tet their harpne. #er eye
g"immere$ /n$er her hoo$.
Grey .a the co"or o, the i"ent iter- the han$mai$en o, the Stranger. Brienne ,e"t a hiver
c"imb her pine. Stoneheart+
2M4"a$y-1 ai$ the big man. 2#ere he i.1
2Aye-1 a$$e$ the one(eye$ man. 27he >ing"ayer4 .hore.1
She ,"inche$. 23hy .o/"$ yo/ ca"" me that61
2&, & ha$ a i"ver tag ,or every time yo/ ai$ hi name- &4$ be a rich a yo/r ,rien$ the
?anniter.1
27hat .a on"y8 yo/ $o not /n$ertan$81
25on4t .e- tho/gh61 7he big man "a/ghe$. 2& think .e might. 7here4 a tink o, lion abo/t
yo/- "a$y.1
27hat4 not o.1
Another o, the o/t"a. teppe$ ,or.ar$- a yo/nger man in a greay heepkin =erkin. &n hi
han$ .a Hathkeeper. 27hi ay it i.1 #i voice .a ,rote$ .ith the accent o, the north. #e
"i$ the .or$ ,rom it cabbar$ an$ p"ace$ it in ,ront o, ?a$y Stoneheart. &n the "ight ,rom the
,irepit the re$ an$ b"ack ripp"e in the b"a$e a"mot eem to move- b/t the .oman in grey ha$
eye on"y ,or the pomme"' a go"$en "ion4 hea$- .ith r/by eye that hone "ike t.o re$ tar.
27here i thi a .e"".1 7horo o, Myr $re. a parchment ,rom hi "eeve- an$ p/t it $o.n ne:t
to the .or$. 2&t bear the boy king4 ea" an$ ay the bearer i abo/t hi b/ine.1
?a$y Stoneheart et the .or$ ai$e to rea$ the "etter.
27he .or$ .a given me ,or a goo$ p/rpoe-1 ai$ Brienne. 2Ser !aime .ore an oath to
Cate"yn Stark81
28be,ore hi ,rien$ c/t her throat ,or her- that m/t have been-1 ai$ the big man in the
ye""o. c"oak. 23e a"" kno. abo/t the >ing"ayer an$ hi oath.1
It is no good, Brienne rea"iGe$. 2o words of mine will swa! them+ She p"/nge$ ahea$ $epite
that. 2#e promie$ ?a$y Cate"yn her $a/ghter- b/t by the time .e reache$ >ing4 ?an$ing they
.ere gone. !aime ent me o/t to eek the ?a$y Sana81
28an$ i, yo/ ha$ ,o/n$ the gir"-1 ake$ the yo/ng northman- 2.hat .ere yo/ to $o .ith
her61
29rotect her. 7ake her ome.here a,e.1
7he big man "a/ghe$. 23here4 that6 Cerei4 $/ngeon61
2No.1
25eny it a"" yo/ .ant. 7hat .or$ ay yo/4re a "iar. Are .e /ppoe$ to be"ieve the
?anniter are han$ing o/t go"$ an$ r/by .or$ to foes6 7hat the >ing"ayer meant ,or yo/ to
hi$e the gir" ,rom his own twin6 & /ppoe the paper .ith the boy king4 ea" .a =/t in cae yo/
nee$e$ to .ipe yo/r are6 An$ then there4 the company yo/ keep81 7he big man t/rne$ an$
beckone$- the rank o, o/t"a. parte$- an$ t.o more captive .ere bro/ght ,orth. 27he boy .a
the &mp4 o.n A/ire- m4"a$y-1 he ai$ to ?a$y Stoneheart. 274other i one o, Ran$y"" B"oo$y
7ar"y4 b"oo$y ho/eho"$ knight.1
#y"e #/nt ha$ been beaten o ba$"y that hi ,ace .a .o""en a"mot beyon$ recognition. #e
t/mb"e$ a they hove$ him- an$ a"mot ,e"". 9o$rick ca/ght him by the arm. 2Ser-1 the boy ai$
mierab"y- .hen he a. Brienne. 2My "a$y- & mean. Sorry.1
2Eo/ have nothing to be orry ,or.1 Brienne t/rne$ to ?a$y Stoneheart. 23hatever treachery
yo/ think & may have $one- my "a$y- 9o$rick an$ Ser #y"e .ere no part o, it.1
27hey4re "ion-1 ai$ the one(eye$ man. 27hat4 eno/gh. & ay they hang. 7ar"y4 hange$ a
core o4 o/r- pat time .e tr/ng /p ome o4 hi.1
Ser #y"e gave Brienne a ,aint mi"e. 2My "a$y-1 he ai$- 2yo/ ho/"$ have .e$ me .hen &
ma$e my o,,er. No. & ,ear yo/4re $oome$ to $ie a mai$- an$ me a poor man.1
4"et them go,5 Brienne p"ea$e$.
7he .oman in grey gave no an.er. She t/$ie$ the .or$- the parchment- the bronGe(an$(
iron cro.n. +ina""y he reache$ /p /n$er her =a. an$ grape$ her neck- a i, he meant to thrott"e
here",. &ntea$ he poke8 #er voice .a ha"ting- broken- tort/re$. 7he o/n$ eeme$ to come
,rom her throat- part croak- part .heeGe- part $eath ratt"e. #he language of the damned, tho/ght
Brienne. 2& $on4t /n$ertan$. 3hat $i$ he ay61
2She ake$ the name o, thi b"a$e o, yo/r-1 ai$ the yo/ng northman in the heepkin =erkin.
2Hathkeeper-1 Brienne an.ere$.
7he .oman in grey hissed thro/gh her ,inger. #er eye .ere t.o re$ pit b/rning in the
ha$o.. She poke again.
2No- he ay. Ca"" it Hathbreaker- he ay. &t .a ma$e ,or treachery an$ m/r$er. She name
it False Friend+ ?ike yo/.1
27o .hom have & been ,a"e61
27o her-1 the northman ai$. 2Can it be that my "a$y ha ,orgotten that yo/ once .ore her
yo/r ervice61
7here .a on"y one .oman that the Mai$ o, 7arth ha$ ever .orn to erve. 27hat cannot be-1
he ai$. 2She4 $ea$.1
25eath an$ g/et right-1 m/ttere$ ?ong !eyne #e$$"e. 27hey $on4t mean o m/ch a they
/e$ to- neither one.1
?a$y Stoneheart "o.ere$ her hoo$ an$ /n.o/n$ the grey .oo" car, ,rom her ,ace. #er hair
.a $ry an$ britt"e- .hite a bone. #er bro. .a mott"e$ green an$ grey- potte$ .ith the bro.n
b"oom o, $ecay. 7he ,"eh o, her ,ace c"/ng in ragge$ trip ,rom her eye $o.n to her =a..
Some o, the rip .ere cr/te$ .ith $rie$ b"oo$- b/t other gape$ open to revea" the k/""
beneath.
7er face, Brienne tho/ght. 7er face was so strong and handsome, her skin so smooth and
soft+ 2?a$y Cate"yn61 7ear ,i""e$ her eye. 27hey ai$8 they ai$ that yo/ .ere $ea$.1
2She i-1 ai$ 7horo o, Myr. 27he +rey "ahe$ her throat ,rom ear to ear. 3hen .e ,o/n$
her by the river he .a three $ay $ea$. #ar.in begge$ me to give her the ki o, "i,e- b/t it ha$
been too "ong. & .o/"$ not $o it- o ?or$ Beric p/t hi "ip to her intea$- an$ the ,"ame o, "i,e
pae$ ,rom him to her. An$8 he roe. May the ?or$ o, ?ight protect /. She rose.1
Am I dreaming still6 Brienne .on$ere$. Is this another nightmare born from Biter/s teeth6 2&
never betraye$ her. 7e"" her that. & .ear it by the Seven. & .ear it by my sword.1
7he thing that ha$ been Cate"yn Stark took ho"$ o, her throat again- ,inger pinching at the
ghat"y "ong "ah in her neck- an$ choke$ o/t more o/n$. 23or$ are .in$- he ay-1 the
northman to"$ Brienne. 2She ay that yo/ m/t prove yo/r ,aith.1
2#o.61 ake$ Brienne.
23ith yo/r .or$. Oathkeeper, yo/ ca"" it6 7hen keep yo/r oath to her- mi"a$y ay.1
23hat $oe he .ant o, me61
2She .ant her on a"ive- or the men .ho ki""e$ him $ea$-1 ai$ the big man. 2She .ant to
,ee$ the cro.- "ike they $i$ at the Re$ 3e$$ing. +rey an$ Bo"ton- aye. 3e4"" give her thoe-
a many a he "ike. A"" he ak ,rom yo/ i !aime ?anniter.1
-aime+ 7he name .a a kni,e- t.iting in her be""y. 2?a$y Cate"yn- &8 yo/ $o not /n$ertan$-
!aime8 he ave$ me ,rom being rape$ .hen the B"oo$y M/mmer took /- an$ "ater he came
back ,or me- he "eapt into the bear pit empty(han$e$8 & .ear to yo/- he i not the man he .a.
#e ent me a,ter Sana to keep her a,e- he co/"$ not have ha$ a part in the Re$ 3e$$ing.1
?a$y Cate"yn4 ,inger $/g $eep into her throat- an$ the .or$ came ratt"ing o/t- choke$ an$
broken- a tream a co"$ a ice. 7he northman ai$- 2She ay that yo/ m/t chooe. 7ake the
.or$ an$ "ay the >ing"ayer- or be hange$ ,or a betrayer. 7he .or$ or the nooe- he ay.
Chooe- he ay. %hoose+1
Brienne remembere$ her $ream- .aiting in her ,ather4 ha"" ,or the boy he .a to marry. &n
the $ream he ha$ bitten o,, her tong/e. *! mouth was full of blood+ She took a ragge$ breath
an$ ai$- 2& .i"" not make that choice.1
7here .a a "ong i"ence. 7hen ?a$y Stoneheart poke again. 7hi time Brienne /n$ertoo$
her .or$. 7here .ere on"y t.o. 47ang them,5 he croake$.
2A yo/ comman$- m4"a$y-1 ai$ the big man.
7hey bo/n$ Brienne4 .rit .ith rope again an$ "e$ her ,rom the cavern- /p a t.iting tony
path to the /r,ace. &t .a morning o/ti$e- he .a /rprie$ to ee. Sha,t o, pa"e $a.n "ight
.ere "anting thro/gh the tree. So man! trees to choose from, he tho/ght. #he! will not need to
take us far+
Nor $i$ they. Beneath a crooke$ .i""o.- the o/t"a. "ippe$ a nooe abo/t her neck- =erke$ it
tight- an$ toe$ the other en$ o, the rope over a "imb. #y"e #/nt an$ 9o$rick 9ayne .ere given
e"m. Ser #y"e .a ho/ting that he .o/"$ ki"" !aime ?anniter- b/t the #o/n$ c/,,e$ him acro
the ,ace an$ h/t him /p. #e ha$ $onne$ the he"m again. 2&, yo/ got crime to con,e to yo/r
go$- thi .o/"$ be the time to ay them.1
29o$rick ha never harme$ yo/. My ,ather .i"" ranom him. 7arth i ca""e$ the apphire i"e.
Sen$ 9o$rick .ith my bone to Cven,a""- an$ yo/4"" have apphire- i"ver- .hatever yo/ .ant.1
2& .ant my .i,e an$ $a/ghter back-1 ai$ the #o/n$. 2Can yo/r ,ather give me that6 &, not-
he can get b/ggere$. 7he boy .i"" rot bei$e yo/. 3o"ve .i"" gna. yo/r bone.1
25o yo/ mean to hang her- ?em61 ake$ the one(eye$ man. 2Hr $o yo/ ,ig/re to ta"k the
bitch to $eath61
7he #o/n$ natche$ the en$ o, the rope ,rom the man ho"$ing it. 2?et4 ee i, he can $ance-1
he ai$- an$ gave a yank.
Brienne ,e"t the hemp contricting- $igging into her kin- =erking her chin /p.ar$. Ser #y"e
.a c/ring them e"oA/ent"y- b/t not the boy. 9o$rick never "i,te$ hi eye- not even .hen hi
,eet .ere =erke$ /p o,, the gro/n$. If this is another dream, it is time for me to awaken+ If this is
real, it is time for me to die+ A"" he co/"$ ee .a 9o$rick- the nooe aro/n$ hi thin neck- hi
"eg t.itching. #er mo/th opene$. 9o$ .a kicking- choking- d!ing+ Brienne /cke$ the air in
$eperate"y- even a the rope .a trang"ing her. Nothing ha$ ever h/rt o m/ch.
She creame$ a .or$.
THE WATCHER
?et / "ook /pon thi hea$-1 hi prince comman$e$.
Areo #otah ran hi han$ a"ong the mooth ha,t o, hi "onga:e- hi ah(an$(iron .i,e- a"" the
.hi"e .atching. #e .atche$ the .hite knight- Ser Ba"on S.ann- an$ the other .ho ha$ come
.ith him. #e .atche$ the San$ Snake- each at a $i,,erent tab"e. #e .atche$ the "or$ an$
"a$ie- the erving men- the o"$ b"in$ enecha"- an$ the yo/ng maeter My"e- .ith hi i"ky
bear$ an$ ervi"e mi"e. Stan$ing ha", in "ight an$ ha", in ha$o.- he a. a"" o, them. Sere+
$rotect+ Obe!+ 7hat .a hi tak.
A"" the ret ha$ eye on"y ,or the chet. &t .a carve$ o, ebony- .ith i"ver c"ap an$ hinge.
A ,ine("ooking bo:- no $o/bt- b/t many o, thoe aemb"e$ here in the H"$ 9a"ace o, S/npear
might oon be $ea$- $epen$ing on .hat .a in that chet.
#i "ipper .hipering againt the ,"oor- Maeter Ca"eotte croe$ the ha"" to Ser Ba"on
S.ann. 7he ro/n$ "itt"e man "ooke$ p"en$i$ in hi ne. robe- .ith their broa$ ban$ o, $/n an$
b/ttern/t an$ narro. tripe o, re$. Bo.ing- he took the chet ,rom the han$ o, the .hite knight
an$ carrie$ it to the $ai- .here 5oran Marte"" at in hi ro""ing chair bet.een hi $a/ghter
Arianne an$ hi $ea$ brother4 be"ove$ paramo/r- C""aria. A h/n$re$ cente$ can$"e per,/me$
the air. Gemtone g"ittere$ on the ,inger o, the "or$ an$ the gir$"e an$ hairnet o, the "a$ie.
Areo #otah ha$ po"ihe$ hi hirt o, copper ca"e mirror(bright o he .o/"$ b"aGe in the
can$"e"ight a .e"".
A h/h ha$ ,a""en acro the ha"". Dorne holds its breath+ Maeter Ca"eotte et the bo: on the
,"oor bei$e 9rince 5oran4 chair. 7he maeter4 ,inger- norma""y o /re an$ $e,t- t/rne$
c"/my a he .orke$ the "atch an$ opene$ the "i$- to revea" the k/"" .ithin. #otah hear$
omeone c"ear hi throat. Hne o, the +o."er t.in .hipere$ omething to the other. C""aria San$
ha$ c"oe$ her eye an$ .a m/rm/ring a prayer.
Ser Ba"on S.ann .a ta/t a a $ra.n bo.- the captain o, g/ar$ oberve$. 7hi ne. .hite
knight .a not o ta"" nor come"y a the o"$ one- b/t he .a bigger acro the chet- b/r"ier- hi
arm thick .ith m/c"e. #i no.y c"oak .a c"ape$ at the throat by t.o .an on a i"ver
brooch. Hne .a ivory- the other ony:- an$ it eeme$ to Areo #otah a i, the t.o o, them .ere
,ighting. 7he man .ho .ore them "ooke$ a ,ighter too. #his one will not die so eas! as the other+
7e will not charge into m! a8e the wa! Ser Ar!s did+ 7e will stand behind his shield and make
me come at him+ &, it came to that- #otah .o/"$ be rea$y. #i "onga:e .a harp eno/gh to
have .ith.
#e a""o.e$ hime", a brie, g"ance at the chet. 7he k/"" rete$ on a be$ o, b"ack ,e"t-
grinning. A"" k/"" grinne$- b/t thi one eeme$ happier than mot. And bigger+ 7he captain o,
g/ar$ ha$ never een a "arger k/"". &t bro. he", .a thick an$ heavy- it =a. maive. 7he
bone hone in the can$"e"ight- .hite a Ser Ba"on4 c"oak. 29"ace it on the pe$eta"-1 the prince
comman$e$. #e ha$ tear g"itening in hi eye.
7he pe$eta" .a a co"/mn o, b"ack marb"e three ,eet ta""er than Maeter Ca"eotte. 7he ,at
"itt"e maeter hoppe$ /p on hi toe b/t ti"" co/"$ not A/ite reach. Areo #otah .a abo/t to go
an$ he"p him- b/t Hbara San$ move$ ,irt. Cven .itho/t her .hip an$ hie"$- he ha$ an angry
mannih "ook to her. &n p"ace o, a go.n- he .ore men4 breeche an$ a ca",("ength "inen t/nic-
cinche$ at the .ait .ith a be"t o, copper /n. #er bro.n hair .a tie$ back in a knot.
Snatching the k/"" ,rom the maeter4 o,t pink han$- he p"ace$ it /p atop the marb"e co"/mn.
27he Mo/ntain ri$e no more-1 the prince ai$- grave"y. 23a hi $ying "ong an$ har$- Ser
Ba"on61 ake$ 7yene San$- in the tone a mai$en might /e to ak i, her go.n .a pretty.
2#e creame$ ,or $ay- my "a$y-1 the .hite knight rep"ie$- tho/gh it .a p"ain that it p"eae$
him "itt"e to ay o. 23e co/"$ hear him a"" over the Re$ >eep.1
25oe that tro/b"e yo/- er61 ake$ the ?a$y Nym. She .ore a go.n o, ye""o. i"k o heer
an$ ,ine that the can$"e hone right thro/gh it to revea" the p/n go"$ an$ =e.e" beneath. So
immo$et .a her garb that the .hite knight eeme$ /ncom,ortab"e "ooking at her- b/t #otah
approve$. Nymeria .a "eat $angero/ .hen near"y nake$. C"e.ie he .a /re to have a
$oGen b"a$e concea"e$ abo/t her peron. 2Ser Gregor .a a b"oo$y br/te- a"" men agree. &, ever
a man $eerve$ to /,,er- it .a him.1
27hat i a it may be- my "a$y-1 ai$ Ba"on S.ann- 2b/t Ser Gregor .a a knight- an$ a knight
ho/"$ $ie .ith .or$ in han$. 9oion i a ,o/" an$ ,i"thy .ay to ki"".1
?a$y 7yene mi"e$ at that. #er go.n .a cream an$ green- .ith "ong "ace "eeve- o mo$et
an$ o innocent that any man .ho "ooke$ at her might think her the mot chate o, mai$. Areo
#otah kne. better. #er o,t- pa"e han$ .ere a $ea$"y a Hbara4 ca""/e$ one- i, not more o.
#e .atche$ her care,/""y- a"ert to every "itt"e ,"/tter o, her ,inger.
9rince 5oran ,ro.ne$. 27hat i o- Ser Ba"on- b/t the ?a$y Nym i right. &, ever a man
$eerve$ to $ie creaming- it .a Gregor C"egane. #e b/tchere$ my goo$ iter- mahe$ her
babe4 hea$ againt a .a"". & on"y pray that no. he i b/rning in ome he""- an$ that C"ia an$ her
chi"$ren are at peace. 7hi i the =/tice that 5orne ha h/ngere$ ,or. & am g"a$ that & "ive$ "ong
eno/gh to tate it. At "ong "at the ?anniter have prove$ the tr/th o, their boat an$ pai$ thi
o"$ b"oo$ $ebt.1
7he prince "e,t it to Ricao- hi b"in$ enecha"- to rie an$ propoe the toat. 2?or$ an$
"a$ie- "et / a"" no. $rink to 7ommen- the +irt o, #i Name- >ing o, the An$a"- the Rhoynar-
an$ the +irt Men- an$ ?or$ o, the Seven >ing$om.1
Serving men ha$ beg/n to move amongt the g/et a the enecha" .a peaking- ,i""ing
c/p ,rom the ,"agon that they bore. 7he .ine .a 5ornih trong.ine- $ark a b"oo$ an$ .eet
a vengeance. 7he captain $i$ not $rink o, it. #e never $rank at ,eat. Nor $i$ the prince
hime", partake. #e ha$ hi o.n .ine- prepare$ by Maeter My"e an$ .e"" "ace$ .ith poppy
=/ice to eae the agony in hi .o""en =oint.
7he .hite knight $i$ $rink- a .a on"y co/rteo/. #i companion "ike.ie. So $i$ the
9rince Arianne- ?a$y !or$ayne- the ?or$ o, Go$grace- the >night o, ?emon.oo$- the ?a$y o,
Ghot #i""8 even C""aria San$- 9rince Hberyn4 be"ove$ paramo/r- .ho ha$ been .ith him in
>ing4 ?an$ing .hen he $ie$. #otah pai$ more note to thoe .ho $i$ not $rink' Ser 5aemon
San$- ?or$ 7remon$ Garga"en- the +o."er t.in- 5ago Man.oo$y- the F""er o, the #e""ho"t-
the 3y" o, the Bone.ay. If there is trouble, it could start with one of them+ 5orne .a an angry
an$ $ivi$e$ "an$- an$ 9rince 5oran4 ho"$ on it .a not a ,irm a it might be. Many o, hi o.n
"or$ tho/ght him .eak an$ .o/"$ have .e"come$ open .ar .ith the ?anniter an$ the boy
king on the &ron 7hrone.
Chie, amongt thoe .ere the San$ Snake- the batar$ $a/ghter o, the prince4 "ate brother
Hberyn- the Re$ %iper- three o, .hom .ere at the ,eat. 5oran Marte"" .a the .iet o, prince-
an$ it .a not the p"ace o, hi captain o, g/ar$ to A/etion hi $eciion- b/t Areo #otah $i$
.on$er .hy he ha$ choen to re"eae the "a$ie Hbara- Nymeria- an$ 7yene ,rom their "one"y
ce"" in the Spear 7o.er.
7yene $ec"ine$ Ricao4 toat .ith a m/rm/r an$ ?a$y Nym .ith a ,"ick o, a han$. Hbara "et
them ,i"" her c/p to the brim- then /pen$e$ it to pi"" the re$ .ine on the ,"oor. 3hen a erving
gir" kne"t to .ipe /p the pi""e$ .ine- Hbara "e,t the ha"". A,ter a moment 9rince Arianne
e:c/e$ here", an$ .ent a,ter her. Obara would neer turn her rage on the little princess, #otah
kne.. #he! are cousins, and she loes her well+
7he ,eat contin/e$ "ate into the night- prei$e$ over by the grinning k/"" on it pi""ar o,
b"ack marb"e. Seven co/re .ere erve$- in honor o, the even go$ an$ the even brother o,
the >ingg/ar$. 7he o/p .a ma$e .ith egg an$ "emon- the "ong green pepper t/,,e$ .ith
cheee an$ onion. 7here .ere "amprey pie- capon g"aGe$ .ith honey- a .hiker,ih ,rom the
bottom o, the Greenb"oo$ that .a o big it took ,o/r erving men to carry it to tab"e. A,ter that
came a avory nake te.- ch/nk o, even $i,,erent ort o, nake "o.(immere$ .ith $ragon
pepper an$ b"oo$ orange an$ a $ah o, venom to give it a goo$ bite. 7he te. .a ,iery hot-
#otah kne.- tho/gh he tate$ none o, it. Sherbet ,o""o.e$- to coo" the tong/e. +or the .eet-
each g/et .a erve$ a k/"" o, p/n /gar. 3hen the cr/t .a broken- they ,o/n$ .eet
c/tar$ ini$e an$ bit o, p"/m an$ cherry.
9rince Arianne ret/rne$ in time ,or the t/,,e$ pepper. *! little princess, #otah tho/ght-
b/t Arianne .a a .oman no.. 7he car"et i"k he .ore "e,t no $o/bt o, that. H, "ate he ha$
change$ in other .ay a .e"". #er p"ot to cro.n Myrce""a ha$ been betraye$ an$ mahe$- her
.hite knight ha$ perihe$ b"oo$i"y at #otah4 han$- an$ he here", ha$ been con,ine$ to the
Spear 7o.er- con$emne$ to o"it/$e an$ i"ence. A"" o, that ha$ chatene$ her. 7here .a
omething e"e a .e""- tho/gh- ome ecret her ,ather ha$ con,i$e$ in her be,ore re"eaing her
,rom her con,inement. 3hat that .a- the captain $i$ not kno..
7he prince ha$ p"ace$ hi $a/ghter bet.een hime", an$ the .hite knight- a p"ace o, high
honor. Arianne mi"e$ a he "ippe$ into her eat again- an$ m/rm/re$ omething in Ser
Ba"on4 ear. 7he knight $i$ not chooe to repon$. #e ate "itt"e- #otah oberve$' a poon o,
o/p- a bite o, the pepper- the "eg o,, a capon- ome ,ih. #e h/nne$ the "amprey pie an$ trie$
on"y one ma"" poon,/" o, the te.. Cven that ma$e hi bro. break o/t in .eat. #otah co/"$
ympathiGe. 3hen ,irt he came to 5orne- the ,iery ,oo$ .o/"$ tie hi bo.e" in knot an$ b/rn
hi tong/e. 7hat .a year ago- ho.everI no. hi hair .a .hite- an$ he co/"$ eat anything a
5ornihman co/"$ eat.
3hen the p/n(/gar k/"" .ere erve$- Ser Ba"on4 mo/th gre. tight- an$ he gave the
prince a "ingering "ook to ee i, he .a being mocke$. 5oran Marte"" took no notice- b/t hi
$a/ghter $i$. 2&t i the cook4 "itt"e =ape- Ser Ba"on-1 ai$ Arianne. 2Cven $eath i not acre$ to a
5ornihmen. Eo/ .on4t be cro .ith /- & pray61 She br/he$ the back o, the .hite knight4
han$ .ith her ,inger. 2& hope yo/ have en=oye$ yo/r time in 5orne.1
2Cveryone ha been mot hopitab"e- my "a$y.1
Arianne to/che$ the pin that c"ape$ hi c"oak- .ith it A/arre"ing .an. 2& have a".ay been
,on$ o, .an. No other bir$ i ha", o bea/ti,/"- thi i$e o, the S/mmer &"e.1
2Eo/r peacock might $ip/te that-1 ai$ Ser Ba"on.
27hey might-1 ai$ Arianne- 2b/t peacock are vain- pro/$ creat/re- tr/tting abo/t in a""
thoe ga/$y co"or. Give me a .an erene in .hite or bea/ti,/" in b"ack.1
Ser Ba"on gave a no$ an$ ippe$ hi .ine. #his one is not so easil! seduced as was his Sworn
Brother, #otah tho/ght. Ser Ar!s was a bo!, despite his !ears+ #his one is a man, and war!+ 7he
captain ha$ on"y to "ook at him to ee that the .hite knight .a i"" at eae. #his place is strange
to him, and little to his liking+ #otah co/"$ /n$ertan$ that. 5orne ha$ eeme$ a A/eer p"ace to
him a .e"" .hen ,irt he came here .ith hi o.n prince- many year ago. 7he bear$e$ priet
ha$ $ri""e$ him on the Common Speech o, 3etero be,ore they ent him ,orth- b/t the
5ornihmen a"" poke too A/ick"y ,or him to /n$ertan$. 5ornih .omen .ere "e.$- 5ornih
.ine .a o/r- an$ 5ornih ,oo$ .a ,/"" o, A/eer hot pice. An$ the 5ornih /n .a hotter
than the pa"e- .an /n o, Norvo- g"aring $o.n ,rom a b"/e ky $ay a,ter $ay.
Ser Ba"on4 =o/rney ha$ been horter b/t tro/b"ing in it o.n .ay- the captain kne.. 7hree
knight- eight A/ire- t.enty men(at(arm- an$ /n$ry groom an$ ervant ha$ accompanie$
him ,rom >ing4 ?an$ing- b/t once they croe$ the mo/ntain into 5orne their progre ha$
been "o.e$ by a ro/n$ o, ,eat- h/nt- an$ ce"ebration at every cat"e that they chance$ to
pa. An$ no. that they ha$ reache$ S/npear- neither 9rince Myrce""a nor Ser Ary Hakheart
.a on han$ to greet them. #he white knight knows that something is amiss, #otah co/"$ te""- but
it is more than that+ 9erhap the preence o, the San$ Snake /nnerve$ him. &, o- Hbara4 ret/rn
to the ha"" m/t have been vinegar in the .o/n$. She "ippe$ back into her p"ace .itho/t a .or$-
an$ at there /""en an$ co."ing- neither mi"ing nor peaking.
Mi$night .a c"oe at han$ .hen 9rince 5oran t/rne$ to the .hite knight an$ ai$- 2Ser
Ba"on- & have rea$ the "etter that yo/ bro/ght me ,rom o/r gracio/ A/een. Might & a/me that
yo/ are ,ami"iar .ith it content- er61
#otah a. the knight tene. 2& am- my "or$. #er Grace in,orme$ me that & might be ca""e$
/pon to ecort her $a/ghter back to >ing4 ?an$ing. >ing 7ommen ha been pining ,or hi iter
an$ .o/"$ "ike 9rince Myrce""a to ret/rn to co/rt ,or a hort viit.1
9rince Arianne ma$e a a$ ,ace. 2Hh- b/t .e have a"" gro.n o ,on$ o, Myrce""a- er. She
an$ my brother 7rytane have become ineparab"e.1
29rince 7rytane .o/"$ be .e"come in >ing4 ?an$ing a .e""-1 ai$ Ba"on S.ann. 2>ing
7ommen .o/"$ .ih to meet him- & am /re. #i Grace ha o ,e. companion near hi o.n
age.1
27he bon$ ,orme$ in boyhoo$ can "at a man ,or "i,e-1 ai$ 9rince 5oran. 23hen 7rytane
an$ Myrce""a .e$- he an$ 7ommen .i"" be a brother. D/een Cerei ha the right o, it. 7he
boy ho/"$ meet- become ,rien$. 5orne .i"" mi him- to be /re- b/t it i pat time 7rytane
a. omething o, the .or"$ beyon$ the .a"" o, S/npear.1
2& kno. >ing4 ?an$ing .i"" .e"come him mot .arm"y.1
Wh! is he sweating now6 the captain .on$ere$- .atching. #he hall is cool enough, and he
neer touched the stew+
2A ,or the other matter that D/een Cerei raie-1 9rince 5oran .a aying- 2it i tr/e-
5orne4 eat /pon the ma"" co/nci" ha been vacant ince my brother4 $eath- an$ it i pat time
that it .a ,i""e$ again. & am ,"attere$ that #er Grace ,ee" my co/ne" might be o, /e to her-
tho/gh & .on$er i, & have the trength ,or /ch a =o/rney. 9erhap i, .e .ent by ea61
2By hip61 Ser Ba"on eeme$ taken aback. 27hat8 .o/"$ that be a,e- my prince6 A/t/mn i
a ba$ eaon ,or torm- or o &4ve hear$- an$8 the pirate in the Steptone- they81
27he pirate. 7o be /re. Eo/ may be right- er. Sa,er to ret/rn the .ay yo/ came.1 9rince
5oran mi"e$ p"eaant"y. 2?et / ta"k again on the morro.. 3hen .e reach the 3ater Gar$en-
.e can te"" Myrce""a. & kno. ho. e:cite$ he .i"" be. She mie her brother too- & $o not
$o/bt.1
2& am eager to ee her once again-1 ai$ Ser Ba"on. 2An$ to viit yo/r 3ater Gar$en. &4ve
hear$ they are very bea/ti,/".1
2Bea/ti,/" an$ peace,/"-1 the prince ai$. 2Coo" breeGe- park"ing .ater- an$ the "a/ghter o,
chi"$ren. 7he 3ater Gar$en are my ,avorite p"ace in thi .or"$- er. Hne o, my ancetor ha$
them b/i"t to p"eae hi 7argaryen bri$e an$ ,ree her ,rom the $/t an$ heat o, S/npear.
Daener!s .a her name. She .a iter to >ing 5aeron the Goo$- an$ it .a her marriage that
ma$e 5orne part o, the Seven >ing$om. 7he .ho"e rea"m kne. that the gir" "ove$ 5aeron4
batar$ brother 5aemon B"ack,yre- an$ .a "ove$ by him in t/rn- b/t the king .a .ie eno/gh
to ee that the goo$ o, tho/an$ m/t come be,ore the $eire o, t.o- even i, thoe t.o .ere
$ear to him. &t .a 5aenery .ho ,i""e$ the gar$en .ith "a/ghing chi"$ren. #er o.n chi"$ren at
the tart- b/t "ater the on an$ $a/ghter o, "or$ an$ "an$e$ knight .ere bro/ght in to be
companion to the boy an$ gir" o, prince"y b"oo$. An$ one /mmer4 $ay .hen it .a
corching hot- he took pity on the chi"$ren o, her groom an$ cook an$ erving men an$
invite$ them to /e the poo" an$ ,o/ntain too- a tra$ition that ha en$/re$ ti"" thi $ay.1 7he
prince grape$ the .hee" o, hi chair an$ p/he$ hime", ,rom the tab"e. 2B/t no. yo/ m/t
e:c/e me- er. A"" thi ta"k ha .earie$ me- an$ .e ho/"$ "eave at break o, $ay. Hbara- .o/"$
yo/ be o kin$ a to he"p me to my be$6 Nymeria- 7yene- come a .e""- an$ bi$ yo/r o"$ /nc"e a
,on$ goo$ night.1
So it ,e"" to Hbara San$ to ro"" the prince4 chair ,rom S/npear4 ,eat ha"" an$ $o.n a "ong
ga""ery to hi o"ar. Areo #otah ,o""o.e$ .ith her iter- a"ong .ith 9rince Arianne an$
C""aria San$. Maeter Ca"eotte h/rrie$ behin$ on "ippere$ ,eet- cra$"ing the Mo/ntain4 k/"" a
i, it .ere a chi"$.
2Eo/ cannot erio/"y inten$ to en$ 7rytane an$ Myrce""a to >ing4 ?an$ing-1 Hbara ai$
a he .a p/hing. #er tri$e .ere "ong an$ angry- m/ch too ,at- an$ the chair4 big .oo$en
.hee" clacke$ noii"y acro ro/gh(c/t tone ,"oor. 25o that- an$ .e .i"" never ee the gir"
again- an$ yo/r on .i"" pen$ hi "i,e a hotage to the &ron 7hrone.1
25o yo/ take me ,or a ,oo"- Hbara61 7he prince ighe$. 27here i m/ch yo/ $o not kno..
7hing bet not $ic/e$ here- .here anyone can hear. &, yo/ ho"$ yo/r tong/e- & may en"ighten
yo/.1 #e .ince$. 2Slower, ,or the "ove yo/ bear me. 7hat "at =o"t ent a kni,e right thro/gh my
knee.1
Hbara "o.e$ her pace by ha",. 23hat .i"" yo/ $o- then61
#er iter 7yene gave an.er. 23hat he a".ay $oe-1 he p/rre$. 25e"ay- obc/re-
prevaricate. Hh- no one $oe that ha", o .e"" a o/r brave /nc"e.1
2Eo/ $o him .rong-1 ai$ 9rince Arianne.
2Be A/iet- a"" o, yo/-1 the prince comman$e$.
Not /nti" the $oor o, hi o"ar .ere a,e"y c"oe$ behin$ them $i$ he .hee" hi chair abo/t to
,ace the .omen. Cven that e,,ort "e,t him breath"e- an$ the Myrih b"anket that covere$ hi "eg
ca/ght bet.een t.o poke a he ro""e$- o he ha$ to c"/tch it to keep it ,rom being torn a.ay.
Beneath the cover"et- hi "eg .ere pa"e- o,t- ghat"y. Both o, hi knee .ere re$ an$ .o""en-
an$ hi toe .ere a"mot p/rp"e- t.ice the iGe they ho/"$ have been. Areo #otah ha$ een them
a tho/an$ time an$ ti"" ,o/n$ them har$ to "ook /pon.
9rince Arianne came ,or.ar$. 2?et me he"p yo/- +ather.1
7he prince p/""e$ the b"anket ,ree. 2& can ti"" mater mine o.n b"anket. 7hat m/ch at "eat.1
&t .a "itt"e eno/gh. #i "eg ha$ been /e"e ,or three year- b/t there .a ti"" ome trength in
hi han$ an$ ho/"$er.
2Sha"" & ,etch my prince a thimb"e c/p o, mi"k o, the poppy61 Maeter Ca"eotte ake$.
2& .o/"$ nee$ a b/cket- .ith thi pain. 7hank yo/- b/t no. & .ant my .it abo/t me. &4"" have
no more nee$ o, yo/ tonight.1
2%ery goo$- my prince.1 Maeter Ca"eotte bo.e$- Ser Gregor4 hea$ ti"" c"/tche$ in hi o,t
pink han$.
2&4"" take that.1 Hbara San$ p"/cke$ the k/"" ,rom him an$ he"$ it at arm4 "ength. 23hat $i$
the Mo/ntain "ook "ike6 #o. $o .e kno. that thi i him6 7hey co/"$ have $ippe$ the hea$ in
tar. 3hy trip it to the bone61
27ar .o/"$ have r/ine$ the bo:-1 /ggete$ ?a$y Nym- a Maeter Ca"eotte c/rrie$ o,,. 2No
one saw the Mo/ntain $ie- an$ no one a. hi hea$ remove$. 7hat tro/b"e me- & con,e- b/t
.hat co/"$ the bitch A/een hope to accomp"ih by $eceiving /6 &, Gregor C"egane i a"ive- oon
or "ate the tr/th .i"" o/t. 7he man .a eight ,eet ta""- there i not another "ike him in a"" o,
3etero. &, any /ch appear again- Cerei ?anniter .i"" be e:poe$ a a "iar be,ore a"" the
Seven >ing$om. She .o/"$ be an /tter ,oo" to rik that. 3hat co/"$ he hope to gain61
27he k/"" i "arge eno/gh- no $o/bt-1 ai$ the prince. 2An$ .e kno. that Hberyn .o/n$e$
Gregor grievo/"y. Cvery report .e have ha$ ince c"aim that C"egane $ie$ "o."y- in great
pain.1
2!/t a +ather inten$e$-1 ai$ 7yene. 2Siter- tr/"y- & kno. the poion +ather /e$. &, hi
pear o m/ch a broke the Mo/ntain4 kin- C"egane i $ea$- & $o not care ho. big he .a.
5o/bt yo/r "itt"e iter i, yo/ "ike- b/t never $o/bt o/r ire.1
Hbara brit"e$. 2& never $i$ an$ never ha"".1 She gave the k/"" a mocking ki. 27hi i a
tart- &4"" grant.1
2A start61 ai$ C""aria San$- incre$/"o/. 2Go$ ,orbi$. & .o/"$ it .ere a ,inih. 7y.in
?anniter i $ea$. So are Robert Baratheon- Amory ?orch- an$ no. Gregor C"egane- a"" thoe
.ho ha$ a han$ in m/r$ering C"ia an$ her chi"$ren. Cven !o,,rey- .ho .a not yet born .hen
C"ia $ie$. & a. the boy perih .ith mine o.n eye- c"a.ing at hi throat a he trie$ to $ra. a
breath. 3ho e"e i there to ki""6 5o Myrce""a an$ 7ommen nee$ to $ie o the ha$e o, Rhaeny
an$ Aegon can be at ret6 3here $oe it en$61
2&t en$ in b"oo$- a it began-1 ai$ ?a$y Nym. 2&t en$ .hen Cater"y Rock i cracke$ open-
o the /n can hine on the maggot an$ the .orm .ithin. &t en$ .ith the /tter r/in o, 7y.in
?anniter an$ a"" hi .ork.1
27he man $ie$ at the han$ o, hi o.n on-1 C""aria nappe$ back. 23hat more co/"$ yo/
.ih61
2& co/"$ .ih that he $ie$ at m! han$.1 ?a$y Nym ett"e$ in a chair- her "ong b"ack brai$
,a""ing acro one ho/"$er to her "ap. She ha$ her ,ather4 .i$o.4 peak. Beneath it her eye
.ere "arge an$ "/tro/. #er .ine(re$ "ip c/r"e$ in a i"ken mi"e. 2&, he ha$- hi $ying .o/"$
not have been o eay.1
2Ser Gregor $oe "ook "one"y-1 ai$ 7yene- in her .eet epta4 voice. 2#e .o/"$ "ike ome
company- &4m certain.1
C""aria4 cheek .ere .et .ith tear- her $ark eye hining. 0en weeping, she has a strength
in her, the captain tho/ght.
2Hberyn .ante$ vengeance ,or C"ia. No. the three o, yo/ .ant vengeance ,or him. & have
,o/r $a/ghter- & remin$ yo/. Eo/r iter. My C"ia i ,o/rteen- a"mot a .oman. Hbe""a i
t.e"ve- on the brink o, mai$enhoo$. 7hey .orhip yo/- a 5orea an$ ?oreGa .orhip them. &,
yo/ ho/"$ $ie- m/t C" an$ Hbe""a eek vengeance ,or yo/- then 5orea an$ ?oree ,or them6 &
that ho. it goe- ro/n$ an$ ro/n$ ,orever6 & ak again- where does it end61 C""aria San$ "ai$ her
han$ on the Mo/ntain4 hea$. 2& a. yo/r ,ather $ie. #ere i hi ki""er. Can & take a k/"" to be$
.ith me- to give me com,ort in the night6 3i"" it make me "a/gh- .rite me ong- care ,or me
.hen & am o"$ an$ ick61
23hat .o/"$ yo/ have / $o- my "a$y61 ake$ the ?a$y Nym. 2Sha"" .e "ay $o.n o/r pear
an$ mi"e- an$ ,orget a"" the .rong that have been $one to /61
23ar .i"" come- .hether .e .ih it or not-1 ai$ Hbara. 2A boy king it the &ron 7hrone.
?or$ Stanni ho"$ the 3a"" an$ i gathering northmen to hi ca/e. 7he t.o A/een are
A/abb"ing over 7ommen "ike bitche .ith a =/icy bone. 7he ironmen have taken the Shie"$ an$
are rai$ing /p the Man$er- $eep into the heart o, the Reach- .hich mean #ighgar$en .i"" be
preocc/pie$ a .e"". H/r enemie are in $iarray. 7he time i ripe.1
2Ripe ,or .hat6 7o make more k/""61 C""aria San$ t/rne$ to the prince. 27hey .i"" not ee.
& can hear no more o, thi.1
2Go back to yo/r gir"- C""aria-1 the prince to"$ her. 2& .ear to yo/- no harm .i"" come to
them.1
2My prince.1 C""aria kie$ him on the bro. an$ took her "eave. Areo #otah .a a$ to ee
her go. She is a good woman+
3hen he ha$ gone- ?a$y Nym ai$- 2& kno. he "ove$ o/r ,ather .e""- b/t it i p"ain he
never /n$ertoo$ him.1
7he prince gave her a c/rio/ "ook. 2She /n$ertoo$ more than yo/ ever .i""- Nymeria. An$
he ma$e yo/r ,ather happy. &n the en$ a gent"e heart may be .orth more than pri$e or va"or. Be
that a it may- there are thing C""aria $oe not kno. an$ ho/"$ not kno.. 7hi .ar ha a"rea$y
beg/n.1
Hbara "a/ghe$. 2Aye- o/r .eet Arianne ha een to that.1
7he prince ,"/he$- an$ #otah a. a pam o, anger pa acro her ,ather4 ,ace. 23hat
he $i$- he $i$ a m/ch ,or yo/ a ,or here",. & .o/"$ not be o A/ick to mock.1
27hat .a praie-1 Hbara San$ inite$. 29rocratinate- obc/re- prevaricate- $iemb"e- an$
$e"ay a"" yo/ "ike- Fnc"e- Ser Ba"on m/t ti"" come ,ace(to(,ace .ith Myrce""a at the 3ater
Gar$en- an$ .hen he $oe he4 "ike to ee he4 hort an ear. An$ .hen the gir" te"" him ho.
yo/r captain c/t Ary Hakheart ,rom neck to groin .ith that tee" .i,e o, hi- .e""81
2No.1 9rince Arianne /n,o"$e$ ,rom the c/hion .here he at an$ p/t a han$ on #otah4
arm. 27hat .an4t ho. it happene$- Co/in. Ser Ary .a "ain by Gero"$ 5ayne.1
7he San$ Snake "ooke$ at one another. 25arktar61
25arktar $i$ it-1 hi "itt"e prince ai$. 2#e trie$ to ki"" 9rince Myrce""a too. A he .i""
te"" Ser Ba"on.1
Nym mi"e$. 27hat part at "eat i tr/e.1
2&t i a"" tr/e-1 ai$ the prince- .ith a .ince o, pain. Is it his gout that hurts him, or the lie6
2An$ no. Ser Gero"$ ha ,"e$ back to #igh #ermitage- beyon$ o/r reach.1
25arktar-1 7yene m/rm/re$- .ith a gigg"e. 23hy not6 &t i a"" hi $oing. B/t .i"" Ser Ba"on
be"ieve it61
2#e .i"" i, he hear it ,rom Myrce""a-1 Arianne inite$.
Hbara norte$ in $ibe"ie,. 2She may "ie to$ay an$ "ie tomorro.- b/t oon or "ate he4"" te"" the
tr/th. &, Ser Ba"on i a""o.e$ to carry ta"e back to >ing4 ?an$ing- $r/m .i"" o/n$ an$ b"oo$
.i"" ,"o.. #e ho/"$ not be a""o.e$ to "eave.1
23e co/"$ ki"" him- to be /re-1 ai$ 7yene- 2b/t then .e .o/"$ nee$ to ki"" the ret o, hi
party too- even thoe .eet yo/ng A/ire. 7hat .o/"$ be8 oh- o mess!+1
9rince 5oran h/t hi eye an$ opene$ them again. #otah co/"$ ee hi "eg tremb"ing
/n$erneath the b"anket. 2&, yo/ .ere not my brother4 $a/ghter- & .o/"$ en$ the three o, yo/
back to yo/r ce"" an$ keep yo/ there /nti" yo/r bone .ere grey. &ntea$ & mean to take yo/ .ith
/ to the 3ater Gar$en. 7here are "eon there i, yo/ have the .it to ee them.1
2?eon61 ai$ Hbara. 2A"" &4ve een are nake$ chi"$ren.1
2Aye-1 the prince ai$. 2& to"$ the tory to Ser Ba"on- b/t not a"" o, it. A the chi"$ren p"ahe$
in the poo"- 5aenery .atche$ ,rom amongt the orange tree- an$ a rea"iGation came to her. She
co/"$ not te"" the high(born ,rom the "o.. Nake$- they .ere on"y chi"$ren. A"" innocent- a""
v/"nerab"e- a"" $eerving o, "ong "i,e- "ove- protection. J#here is !our realm,4 he to"$ her on an$
heir- Jremember them, in eer!thing !ou do+4 My o.n mother ai$ thoe ame .or$ to me .hen
& .a o"$ eno/gh to "eave the poo". &t i an eay thing ,or a prince to ca"" the pear- b/t in the
en$ the chi"$ren pay the price. +or their ake- the .ie prince .i"" .age no .ar .itho/t goo$
ca/e- nor any .ar he cannot hope to .in.
2& am not b"in$- nor $ea,. & kno. that yo/ a"" be"ieve me .eak- ,rightene$- ,eeb"e. Eo/r ,ather
kne. me better. Hberyn .a ever the viper. 5ea$"y- $angero/- /npre$ictab"e. No man $are$
trea$ on him. & .a the gra. 9"eaant- comp"aiant- .eet(me""ing- .aying .ith every breeGe.
3ho ,ear to .a"k /pon the gra6 B/t it i the gra that hi$e the viper ,rom hi enemie an$
he"ter him /nti" he trike. Eo/r ,ather an$ & .orke$ more c"oe"y than yo/ kno.8 b/t no. he
i gone. 7he A/etion i- can & tr/t hi $a/ghter to erve me in hi p"ace61
#otah t/$ie$ each o, them in t/rn. Hbara- r/te$ nai" an$ boi"e$ "eather- .ith her angry-
c"oe(et eye an$ rat(bro.n hair. Nymeria- "ang/i$- e"egant- o"ive(kinne$- her "ong b"ack brai$
bo/n$ /p in re$(go"$ .ire. 7yene- b"/e(eye$ an$ b"on$- a chi"$(.oman .ith her o,t han$ an$
"itt"e gigg"e.
7yene an.ere$ ,or the three o, them. 2&t i $oing nothing that i har$- Fnc"e. Set a tak ,or
/- any tak- an$ yo/ ha"" ,in$ / a "ea" an$ obe$ient a any prince co/"$ hope ,or.1
27hat i goo$ to hear-1 the prince ai$- 2b/t .or$ are .in$. Eo/ are my brother4 $a/ghter
an$ & "ove yo/- b/t & have "earne$ & cannot tr/t yo/. & .ant yo/r oath. 3i"" yo/ .ear to erve
me- to $o a & comman$61
2&, .e m/t-1 ai$ ?a$y Nym.
27hen .ear it no.- /pon yo/r ,ather4 grave.1
Hbara4 ,ace $arkene$. 2&, yo/ .ere not my /nc"e@1
2& am yo/r /nc"e. An$ yo/r prince. S.ear- or go.1
2& .ear-1 ai$ 7yene. 2Hn my ,ather4 grave.1
2& .ear-1 ai$ ?a$y Nym. 2By Hberyn Marte""- the Re$ %iper o, 5orne- an$ a better man
than yo/.1
2Aye-1 ai$ Hbara. 2Me a .e"". By +ather. & .ear.1
Some o, the tenion .ent o/t o, the prince. #otah a. him ag back into hi chair. #e he"$
o/t hi han$- an$ 9rince Arianne move$ to hi i$e to ho"$ it. 27e"" them- +ather.1
9rince 5oran took a =agge$ breath. 25orne ti"" ha ,rien$ at co/rt. +rien$ .ho te"" / thing
.e .ere not meant to kno.. 7hi invitation Cerei ent / i a r/e. 7rytane i never meant to
reach >ing4 ?an$ing. Hn the roa$ back- ome.here in the king.oo$- Ser Ba"on4 party .i"" be
attacke$ by o/t"a.- an$ my on .i"" $ie. & am ake$ to co/rt on"y o that & may .itne thi
attack .ith my o.n eye an$ thereby abo"ve the A/een o, any b"ame. Hh- an$ thee o/t"a.6
7hey .i"" be ho/ting- J#a",man- #a",man-4 a they attack. Ser Ba"on may even catch a A/ick
g"impe o, the &mp- tho/gh no one e"e .i"".1
Areo #otah .o/"$ not have be"ieve$ it poib"e to hock the San$ Snake. #e .o/"$ have
been .rong.
2Seven ave /-1 .hipere$ 7yene. 2#r!stane6 3hy61
27he .oman m/t be ma$-1 Hbara ai$. 2#e4 =/t a boy.1
27hi i montro/-1 ai$ ?a$y Nym. 2& .o/"$ not have be"ieve$ it- not o, a >ingg/ar$
knight.1
27hey are .orn to obey- =/t a my captain i-1 the prince ai$. 2& ha$ my $o/bt a .e""- b/t
yo/ a"" a. ho. Ser Ba"on ba"ke$ .hen & /ggete$ that .e go by ea. A hip .o/"$ have
$it/rbe$ a"" the A/een4 arrangement.1
Hbara4 ,ace .a ,"/he$. 2Give me back my pear- Fnc"e. Cerei ent / a hea$. 3e ho/"$
en$ her back a bag o, them.1
9rince 5oran raie$ a han$. #i kn/ck"e .ere a $ark a cherrie an$ near a big. 2Ser Ba"on
i a g/et beneath my roo,. #e ha eaten o, my brea$ an$ a"t. & .i"" not $o him harm. No. 3e
.i"" trave" to the 3ater Gar$en- .here he .i"" hear Myrce""a4 tory an$ en$ a raven to hi
A/een. 7he gir" .i"" ak him to h/nt $o.n the man .ho h/rt her. &, he i the man & =/$ge- S.ann
.i"" not be ab"e to re,/e. Hbara- yo/ .i"" "ea$ him to #igh #ermitage to bear$ 5arktar in hi
$en. 7he time i not yet come ,or 5orne to open"y $e,y the &ron 7hrone- o .e m/t nee$ ret/rn
Myrce""a to her mother- b/t & .i"" not be accompanying her. 7hat tak .i"" be yo/r- Nymeria.
7he ?anniter .i"" not "ike it- no more than they "ike$ it .hen & ent them Hberyn- b/t they $are
not re,/e. 3e nee$ a voice in co/nci"- an ear at co/rt. Be care,/"- tho/gh. >ing4 ?an$ing i a
pit o, nake.1
?a$y Nym mi"e$. 23hy- Fnc"e- & "ove nake.1
2An$ .hat o, me61 ake$ 7yene.
2Eo/r mother .a a epta. Hberyn once to"$ me that he rea$ to yo/ in the cra$"e ,rom the
Seen($ointed Star+ & .ant yo/ in >ing4 ?an$ing too- b/t on the other hi"". 7he S.or$ an$ the
Star have been re(,orme$- an$ thi ne. #igh Septon i not the p/ppet that the other .ere. 7ry
an$ get c"oe to him.1
23hy not6 3hite /it my co"oring. & "ook o8 p/re.1
2Goo$-1 the prince ai$- 2goo$.1 #e heitate$. 2&,8 i, certain thing ho/"$ come to pa- &
.i"" en$ .or$ to each o, yo/. 7hing can change A/ick"y in the game o, throne.1
2& kno. yo/ .i"" not ,ai" /- co/in.1 Arianne .ent to each o, them in t/rn- took their han$-
kie$ them "ight"y on the "ip. 2Hbara- o ,ierce. Nymeria- my iter. 7yene- .eet"ing. & "ove
yo/ a"". 7he /n o, 5orne goe .ith yo/.1
2<nbowed, unbent, unbroken,1 the San$ Snake ai$- together. 9rince Arianne "ingere$
.hen her co/in ha$ $eparte$. Areo #otah remaine$ a .e""- a .a hi p"ace.
27hey are their ,ather4 $a/ghter-1 the prince ai$.
7he "itt"e prince mi"e$. 27hree Hberyn- .ith teat.1
9rince 5oran "a/ghe$. &t ha$ been o "ong ince #otah "at hear$ him "a/gh- he ha$ a"mot
,orgotten .hat it o/n$e$ "ike.
2& ti"" ay it ho/"$ be me .ho goe to >ing4 ?an$ing- not ?a$y Nym-1 Arianne ai$.
2&t i too $angero/. Eo/ are my heir- the ,/t/re o, 5orne. Eo/r p"ace i by my i$e. Soon
eno/gh- yo/4"" have another tak.1
27hat "at part- abo/t the meage. #ave yo/ ha$ ti$ing61
9rince 5oran hare$ hi ecret mi"e .ith her. 2+rom ?y. A great ,"eet ha p/t in there to
take on .ater. %o"antene hip chie,"y- carrying an army. No .or$ a to .ho they are- or .here
they might be bo/n$. 7here .a ta"k o, e"ephant.1
2No $ragon61
2C"ephant. Cay eno/gh to hi$e a yo/ng $ragon in a big cog4 ho"$- tho/gh. 5aenery i
mot v/"nerab"e at ea. &, & .ere her- & .o/"$ keep mye", an$ my intention hi$$en a "ong a &
co/"$- o & might take >ing4 ?an$ing /na.are.1
25o yo/ think that D/entyn .i"" be .ith them61
2#e co/"$ be. Hr not. 3e .i"" kno. by .here they "an$ i, 3etero i in$ee$ their
$etination. D/entyn .i"" bring her /p the Greenb"oo$ i, he can. B/t it $oe no goo$ to peak o,
it. >i me. 3e "eave ,or the 3ater Gar$en at ,irt "ight.1
We ma! depart b! midda!, then, #otah tho/ght.
?ater- .hen Arianne ha$ gone- he p/t $o.n hi "onga:e an$ "i,te$ 9rince 5oran into hi be$.
2Fnti" the Mo/ntain cr/he$ my brother4 k/""- no 5ornihmen ha$ $ie$ in thi 3ar o, the +ive
>ing-1 the prince m/rm/re$ o,t"y- a #otah p/""e$ a b"anket over him. 27e"" me- Captain- i
that my hame or my g"ory61
27hat i not ,or me to ay- my prince.1 Sere+ $rotect+ Obe!+ Simple ows for simple men+
7hat .a a"" he kne..
Cersei
Septa Moe""e .a a .hite(haire$ harri$an .ith a ,ace a harp a an a:e an$ "ip p/re$ in
perpet/a" $iapprova". #his one still has her maidenhead, I/ll wager, Cerei tho/ght- though b!
now it/s hard and stiff as boiled leather+ Si: o, the #igh Sparro.4 knight ecorte$ her- .ith the
rainbo. .or$ o, their reborn or$er emb"aGone$ on their kite hie"$.
2Septa.1 Cerei at beneath the &ron 7hrone- c"a$ in green i"k an$ go"$en "ace. 27e"" hi #igh
#o"ine that .e are ve:e$ .ith him. #e pre/me too m/ch.1 Cmera"$ g"immere$ on her
,inger an$ in her go"$en hair. 7he eye o, co/rt an$ city .ere /pon her- an$ he meant ,or them
to ee ?or$ 7y.in4 $a/ghter. By the time thi m/mmer4 ,arce .a $one they .o/"$ kno. they
ha$ b/t one tr/e A/een. But first we must dance the dance and neer miss a step+ 2?a$y
Margaery i my on4 tr/e an$ gent"e .i,e- hi he"pmate an$ conort. #i #igh #o"ine ha$ no
ca/e to "ay hi han$ /pon her peron- or to con,ine her an$ her yo/ng co/in- .ho are o $ear
to a"" o, /. & $eman$ that he re"eae them.1
Septa Moe""e4 tern e:preion $i$ not ,"icker. 2& ha"" convey Eo/r Grace4 .or$ to #i
#igh #o"ine- b/t it grieve me to ay that the yo/ng A/een an$ her "a$ie cannot be re"eae$
/nti" an$ /n"e their innocence ha been prove$.1
2Innocence6 3hy- yo/ nee$ on"y "ook /pon their .eet yo/ng ,ace to ee ho. innocent they
are.1
2A .eet ,ace o,t hi$e a inner4 heart.1
?or$ Merry.eather poke /p ,rom the co/nci" tab"e. 23hat o,,ene have thee yo/ng mai$
been acc/e$ o,- an$ by .hom61
7he epta ai$- 2Megga 7yre"" an$ C"inor 7yre"" tan$ acc/e$ o, "e.$ne- ,ornication- an$
conpiracy to commit high treaon. A""a 7yre"" ha been charge$ .ith .itneing their hame
an$ he"ping them concea" it. A"" thi D/een Margaery ha a"o been acc/e$ o,- a .e"" a
a$/"tery an$ high treaon.1
Cerei p/t a han$ to her breat. 27e"" me .ho i prea$ing /ch ca"/mnie abo/t my goo$(
$a/ghter0 & $o not be"ieve a .or$ o, thi. My .eet on "ove ?a$y Margaery .ith a"" hi heart-
he co/"$ never have been o cr/e" a to p"ay him ,a"e.1
27he acc/er i a knight o, yo/r o.n ho/eho"$. Ser Hney >ett"eb"ack ha con,ee$ hi
carna" kno."e$ge o, the A/een to the #igh Septon hime",- be,ore the a"tar o, the +ather.1
At the co/nci" tab"e #ary S.y,t gape$- an$ Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e t/rne$ a.ay. A b/GG
,i""e$ the air- a i, a tho/an$ .ap .ere "ooe in the throne room. Some o, the "a$ie in the
ga""erie began to "ip a.ay- ,o""o.e$ by a tream o, petty "or$ an$ knight ,rom the back o, the
ha"". 7he go"$ c"oak "et them go- b/t the A/een ha$ intr/cte$ Ser H,ry$ to make note o, a""
.ho ,"e$. Suddenl! the #!rell rose does not smell so sweet+
2Ser Hney i yo/ng an$ "/ty- & .i"" grant yo/-1 the A/een ai$- 2b/t a ,aith,/" knight ,or a""
that. &, he ay that he .a part o, thi8 no- it cannot be. Margaery i a mai$en01
2She i not. & e:amine$ her mye",- at the behet o, #i #igh #o"ine. #er mai$enhea$ i not
intact. Septa Ag"antine an$ Septa Me"icent .i"" ay the ame- a .i"" D/een Margaery4 o.n
epta- Nyterica- .ho ha been con,ine$ to a penitent4 ce"" ,or her part in the A/een4 hame.
?a$y Megga an$ ?a$y C"inor .ere e:amine$ a .e"". Both .ere ,o/n$ to have been broken.1
7he .ap .ere gro.ing o "o/$ that the A/een co/"$ har$"y hear here", think. I do hope the
little 3ueen and her cousins en9o!ed those rides of theirs+
?or$ Merry.eather th/mpe$ hi ,it on the tab"e. 2?a$y Margaery ha$ .orn o"emn oath
atteting to her mai$enhoo$- to #er Grace the A/een an$ her "ate ,ather. Many here bore .itne.
?or$ 7yre"" ha a"o teti,ie$ to her innocence- a ha the ?a$y H"enna- .hom .e a"" kno. to be
above reproach. 3o/"$ yo/ have / be"ieve that a"" o, thee nob"e peop"e lied to /61
29erhap they .ere $eceive$ a .e""- my "or$-1 ai$ Septa Moe""e. 2& cannot peak to thi. &
can on"y .ear to the tr/th o, .hat & $icovere$ ,or mye", .hen & e:amine$ the A/een.1
7he pict/re o, thi o/r o"$ crone poking her .rink"e$ ,inger /p Margaery4 "itt"e pink c/nt
.a o $ro"" that Cerei a"mot "a/ghe$. 23e init that #i #igh #o"ine a""o. o/r o.n
maeter to e:amine my goo$($a/ghter- to $etermine i, there i any hre$ o, tr/th to thee
"an$er. Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e- yo/ ha"" accompany Septa Moe""e back to Be"ove$ Bae"or4
Sept- an$ ret/rn to / .ith the tr/th abo/t o/r Margaery4 mai$enhea$.1
9yce""e ha$ gone the co"or o, c/r$"e$ .hite. At council meetings the wretched old fool cannot
sa! enough, but now that I need a few words from him he has lost the power of speech, the A/een
tho/ght- be,ore the o"$ man ,ina""y came o/t .ith- 27here i no nee$ ,or me to e:amine her8
her privy part.1 #i voice .a a A/aver. 2& grieve to ay8 D/een Margaery i no mai$en. She
ha reA/ire$ me to make her moon tea- not once- b/t many time.1
7he /proar that ,o""o.e$ that .a a"" that Cerei ?anniter co/"$ ever have hope$ ,or.
Cven the roya" hera"$ beating on the ,"oor .ith hi ta,, $i$ "itt"e to A/e"" the noie. 7he A/een
"et it .ah over her ,or a ,e. heartbeat- avoring the o/n$ o, the "itt"e A/een4 $igrace. 3hen
it ha$ gone on "ong eno/gh- he roe tone(,ace$ an$ comman$e$ that the go"$ c"oak c"ear the
ha"". *argaer! #!rell is done, he tho/ght- e:/"ting. #er .hite knight ,e"" in aro/n$ her a he
ma$e her e:it thro/gh the king4 $oor behin$ the &ron 7hroneI Boro B"o/nt- Meryn 7rant- an$
Hm/n$ >ett"eb"ack- the "at o, the >ingg/ar$ ti"" remaining in the city.
Moon Boy .a tan$ing bei$e the $oor- ho"$ing hi ratt"e in hi han$ an$ gaping at the
con,/ion .ith hi big ro/n$ eye. A fool he ma! be, but he wears his foll! honestl!+ *agg! the
Frog should hae been in motle! too, for all she knew about the morrow+ Cerei praye$ the o"$
,ra/$ .a creaming $o.n in he"". 7he yo/nger A/een .hoe coming he4$ ,oreto"$ .a
,inihe$- an$ i, that prophecy co/"$ ,ai"- o co/"$ the ret. 2o golden shrouds, no va"onAar, I am
free of !our croaking malice at last+
7he remnant o, her ma"" co/nci" ,o""o.e$ her o/t. #ary S.y,t appeare$ $aGe$. #e
t/mb"e$ at the $oor an$ might have ,a""en i, A/rane 3ater ha$ not ca/ght him by the arm.
Cven Hrton Merry.eather eeme$ an:io/. 27he ma"",o"k are ,on$ o, the "itt"e A/een-1 he ai$.
27hey .i"" not take .e"" to thi. & ,ear .hat might happen ne:t- Eo/r Grace.1
2?or$ Merry.eather i right-1 ai$ ?or$ 3ater. 2&, it p"eae Eo/r Grace- & .i"" "a/nch the
ret o, o/r ne. $romon$. 7he ight o, them /pon the B"ack.ater .ith >ing 7ommen4 banner
,"ying ,rom their mat .i"" remin$ the city .ho r/"e here- an$ keep them a,e ho/"$ the mob
$eci$e to r/n riot again.1
#e "e,t the ret /npokenI once on the B"ack.ater- hi $romon$ co/"$ top Mace 7yre"" ,rom
bringing hi army back acro the river- =/t a 7yrion ha$ once toppe$ Stanni. #ighgar$en ha$
no ea po.er o, it o.n thi i$e o, 3etero. 7hey re"ie$ /pon the Re$.yne ,"eet- preent"y on
it .ay back to the Arbor.
2A pr/$ent mea/re-1 the A/een anno/nce$. 2Fnti" thi torm ha pae$- & .ant yo/r hip
cre.e$ an$ on the .ater.1
Ser #ary S.y,t .a o pa"e an$ $amp he "ooke$ abo/t to ,aint. 23hen .or$ o, thi reache
?or$ 7yre""- hi ,/ry .i"" kno. no bo/n$. 7here .i"" be b"oo$ in the treet81
#he knight of the !ellow chicken, Cerei m/e$. &ou ought to take a worm for !our sigil, ser+
A chicken is too bold for !ou+ If *ace #!rell will not een assault Storm/s 0nd, how do !ou
imagine that he would eer dare attack the gods6 3hen he .a $one b"athering he ai$- 2&t
m/t not come to b"oo$- an$ & mean to ee that it $oe not. & .i"" go to Bae"or4 Sept mye", to
peak to D/een Margaery an$ the #igh Septon. 7ommen "ove them both- & kno.- an$ .o/"$
.ant me to make peace bet.een them.1
29eace61 Ser #ary $abbe$ at hi bro. .ith a ve"vet "eeve. 2&, peace i poib"e8 that i
very brave o, yo/.1
2Some ort o, tria" may be neceary-1 ai$ the A/een- 2to $iprove thee bae ca"/mnie an$
"ie an$ ho. the .or"$ that o/r .eet Margaery i the innocent .e a"" kno. her to be.1
2Aye-1 ai$ Merry.eather- 2b/t thi #igh Septon may .ant to try the A/een hime",- a the
+aith once trie$ men o, o"$.1
I hope so, Cerei tho/ght. S/ch a co/rt .a not "ike to "ook .ith ,avor on treaono/ A/een
.ho prea$ their "eg ,or inger an$ pro,ane$ the Mai$en4 ho"y rite to hi$e their hame. 27he
important thing i to ,in$ the tr/th- & am /re .e a"" agree-1 he ai$. 2An$ no.- my "or$- yo/
m/t e:c/e me. & m/t go ee the king. #e ho/"$ not be a"one at /ch a time.1
7ommen .a ,ihing ,or cat .hen hi mother ret/rne$ to him. 5orca ha$ ma$e him a mo/e
.ith crap o, ,/r an$ tie$ it on a "ong tring at the en$ o, an o"$ ,ihing po"e. 7he kitten "ove$
to chae it- an$ the boy "ike$ nothing better than =erking it abo/t the ,"oor a they po/nce$ a,ter
it. #e eeme$ /rprie$ .hen Cerei gathere$ him /p in her arm an$ kie$ him on hi bro..
23hat4 that ,or- Mother6 3hy are yo/ crying61
Because !ou/re safe, he .ante$ to te"" him. Because no harm will eer come to !ou+ 2Eo/ are
mitaken. A "ion never crie.1 7here .o/"$ be time "ater to te"" him abo/t Margaery an$ her
co/in. 27here are ome .arrant that & nee$ yo/ to ign.1
+or the king4 ake- the A/een ha$ "e,t the name o,, the arret .arrant. 7ommen igne$
them b"ank- an$ pree$ hi ea" into the .arm .a: happi"y- a he a".ay $i$. A,ter.ar$ he ent
him o,, .ith !oce"yn S.y,t.
Ser H,ry$ >ett"eb"ack arrive$ a the ink .a $rying. Cerei ha$ .ritten in the name here",'
Ser 7a""a$ the 7a""- !a"abhar Lho- #amih the #arper- #/gh C"i,ton- Mark M/""en$ore- Bayar$
Norcro- ?ambert 7/rnberry- #ora Re$.yne- #obber Re$.yne- an$ a certain ch/r" name$
3at- .ho ca""e$ hime", the B"/e Bar$.
2So many.1 Ser H,ry$ h/,,"e$ thro/gh the .arrant- a .ary o, the .or$ a i, they ha$
been roache cra."ing acro the parchment. None o, the >ett"eb"ack co/"$ rea$.
27en. Eo/ have i: tho/an$ go"$ c"oak. S/,,icient ,or ten- & .o/"$ think. Some o, the c"ever
one may have ,"e$- i, the r/mor reache$ their ear in time. &, o- it make no matter- their
abence on"y make them "ook that m/ch more g/i"ty. Ser 7a""a$ i a bit o, an oa, an$ may try to
reit yo/. See that he $oe not $ie be,ore con,eing- an$ $o no harm to any o, the other. A ,e.
may .e"" be innocent.1 &t .a important that the Re$.yne t.in be ,o/n$ to have been ,a"e"y
acc/e$. 7hat .o/"$ $emontrate the ,airne o, the =/$gment againt the other.
23e4"" have them a"" be,ore the /n come /p- Eo/r Grace.1 Ser H,ry$ heitate$. 27here4 a
cro.$ gathering o/ti$e the $oor o, Bae"or4 Sept.1
23hat ort o, cro.$61 Anything /ne:pecte$ ma$e her .ary. She remembere$ .hat ?or$
3ater ha$ ai$ abo/t the riot. I had not considered how the smallfolk might react to this+
*argaer! has been their little pet+ 2#o. many61
2A h/n$re$ or o. 7hey4re ho/ting ,or the #igh Septon to re"eae the "itt"e A/een. 3e can
en$ them r/nning- i, yo/ "ike.1
2No. ?et them ho/t /nti" they4re hoare- it .i"" not .ay the Sparro.. #e on"y "iten to the
go$.1 7here .a a certain irony in #i #igh #o"ine having an angry mob encampe$ /pon hi
$oortep- ince =/t /ch a mob ha$ raie$ him to the cryta" cro.n. Which he promptl! sold+
27he +aith ha it o.n knight no.. ?et them $e,en$ the ept. Hh- an$ c"oe the city gate a
.e"". No one i to enter or "eave >ing4 ?an$ing .itho/t my "eave- /nti" a"" thi i $one an$
ett"e$.1
2A yo/ comman$- Eo/r Grace.1 Ser H,ry$ bo.e$ an$ .ent o,, to ,in$ omeone to rea$ the
.arrant to him.
By the time the /n .ent $o.n that $ay- a"" o, the acc/e$ traitor .ere in c/to$y. #amih
the #arper ha$ co""ape$ .hen they came ,or him- an$ Ser 7a""a$ the 7a"" ha$ .o/n$e$ three
go"$ c"oak be,ore the other over.he"me$ him. Cerei or$ere$ that the Re$.yne t.in be given
com,ortab"e chamber in a to.er. 7he ret .ent $o.n to the $/ngeon.
2#amih i having $i,,ic/"ty breathing-1 Dyb/rn in,orme$ her .hen he came to ca"" that
night. 2#e i ca""ing ,or a maeter.1
27e"" him he can have one a oon a he con,ee.1 She tho/ght a moment. 2#e i too o"$ to
have been amongt the "over- b/t no $o/bt he .a ma$e to p"ay an$ ing ,or Margaery .hi"t
he .a entertaining other men. 3e .i"" nee$ $etai".1
2& ha"" he"p him to remember them- Eo/r Grace.1
7he ne:t $ay- ?a$y Merry.eather he"pe$ Cerei $re ,or their viit to the "itt"e A/een.
2Nothing too rich or co"or,/"-1 he ai$. 2Something /itab"y $evo/t an$ $rab ,or the #igh
Septon. #e4 "ike to make me pray .ith him.1
&n the en$- he choe a o,t .oo"en $re that covere$ her ,rom throat to ank"e- .ith on"y a
,e. ma"" vine embroi$ere$ on the bo$ice an$ the "eeve in go"$en threa$ to o,ten the everity
o, it "ine. Cven better- bro.n .o/"$ he"p concea" the $irt i, he .a ma$e to knee". 23hi"t &
am com,orting my goo$($a/ghter yo/ ha"" peak .ith the three co/in-1 he to"$ 7aena. 23in
A""a i, yo/ can- b/t be care,/" .hat yo/ ay. 7he go$ may not be the on"y one "itening.1
!aime a".ay ai$ that the har$et part o, any batt"e i =/t be,ore- .aiting ,or the carnage to
begin. 3hen he teppe$ o/ti$e- Cerei a. that the ky .a grey an$ b"eak. She co/"$ not take
the rik o, being ca/ght in a $o.npo/r an$ arriving at Bae"or4 Sept oake$ an$ be$ragg"e$. 7hat
meant the "itter. +or her ecort- he took ten ?anniter ho/e g/ar$ an$ Boro B"o/nt.
2Margaery4 mob may not have the .it to te"" one >ett"eb"ack ,rom another-1 he to"$ Ser
Hm/n$- 2an$ & cannot have yo/ c/tting thro/gh the common. Bet .e keep yo/ o/t o, ight ,or
a time.1
A they ma$e their .ay acro >ing4 ?an$ing- 7aena ha$ a /$$en $o/bt. 27hi tria"-1 he
ai$- in a A/iet voice- 2.hat i, Margaery $eman$ that her g/i"t or innocence be $etermine$ by
.ager o, batt"e61
A mi"e br/he$ Cerei4 "ip. 2A A/een- her honor m/t be $e,en$e$ by a knight o, the
>ingg/ar$. 3hy- every chi"$ in 3etero kno. ho. 9rince Aemon the 5ragonknight
champione$ hi iter D/een Naery againt Ser Morghi"4 acc/ation. 3ith Ser ?ora o
grave"y .o/n$e$- tho/gh- & ,ear 9rince Aemon4 part m/t ,a"" to one o, hi S.orn Brother.1
She hr/gge$. 23ho- tho/gh6 Ser Ary an$ Ser Ba"on are ,ar a.ay in 5orne- !aime i o,, at
Riverr/n- an$ Ser Hm/n$ i the brother o, the man acc/ing her- .hich "eave on"y8 oh-
$ear81
2Boro B"o/nt an$ Meryn 7rant.1 ?a$y 7aena "a/ghe$.
2Ee- an$ Ser Meryn ha been ,ee"ing i"" o, "ate. Remin$ me to te"" him that .hen .e ret/rn to
the cat"e.1
2& ha""- my .eet.1 7aena took her han$ an$ kie$ it. 2& pray that & never o,,en$ yo/. Eo/
are terrib"e .hen ro/e$.1
2Any mother .o/"$ $o the ame to protect her chi"$ren-1 ai$ Cerei. 23hen $o yo/ mean to
bring that boy o, yo/r to co/rt6 R/e""- .a that hi name6 #e co/"$ train .ith 7ommen.1
27hat .o/"$ thri"" the boy- & kno.8 b/t thing are o /ncertain =/t no.- & tho/ght it bet to
.ait /nti" the $anger pae$.1
2Soon eno/gh-1 promie$ Cerei. 2Sen$ .or$ to ?ongtab"e an$ have R/e"" pack hi bet
$o/b"et an$ hi .oo$en .or$. A ne. yo/ng ,rien$ .i"" be =/t the thing to he"p 7ommen ,orget
hi "o- a,ter Margaery4 "itt"e hea$ ha ro""e$.1
7hey $ecen$e$ ,rom the "itter /n$er B"ee$ Bae"or4 tat/e. 7he A/een .a p"eae$ to ee
that the bone an$ ,i"th ha$ been c"eane$ a.ay. Ser H,ry$ ha$ to"$ it tr/eI the cro.$ .a neither
a n/mero/ nor a /nr/"y a the parro. ha$ been. 7hey too$ abo/t in ma"" c"/mp- gaGing
/""en"y at the $oor o, the Great Sept- .here a "ine o, novice epton ha$ been $ra.n /p .ith
A/arterta,, in their han$. 2o steel, Cerei note$. 7hat .a either very .ie or very t/pi$- he
.a not /re .hich.
No one ma$e any attempt to hin$er her. Sma"",o"k an$ novice a"ike parte$ a they pae$.
Hnce ini$e the $oor- they .ere met by three knight in the #a"" o, ?amp- each c"a$ in the
rainbo.(tripe$ robe o, the 3arrior4 Son. 2& am here to ee my goo$($a/ghter-1 Cerei to"$
them.
2#i #igh #o"ine ha been e:pecting yo/. & am Ser 7heo$an the 7r/e- ,ormer"y Ser
7heo$an 3e"". &, Eo/r Grace .i"" come .ith me.1
7he #igh Sparro. .a on hi knee- a ever. 7hi time he .a praying be,ore the +ather4
a"tar. Nor $i$ he break o,, hi prayer .hen the A/een approache$- b/t ma$e her .ait impatient"y
/nti" he ha$ ,inihe$. Hn"y then $i$ he rie an$ bo. to her. 2Eo/r Grace. 7hi i a a$ $ay.1
2%ery a$. 5o .e have yo/r "eave to peak .ith Margaery an$ her co/in61 She choe a
meek an$ h/mb"e mannerI .ith thi man- that .a "ike to .ork the bet.
2&, that i yo/r .ih. Come to me a,ter.ar$- my chi"$. 3e m/t pray together- yo/ an$ &.1
7he "itt"e A/een ha$ been con,ine$ atop one o, the Great Sept4 "en$er to.er. #er ce"" .a
eight ,eet "ong an$ i: ,eet .i$e- .ith no ,/rnihing b/t a tra.(t/,,e$ pa""et an$ a bench ,or
prayer- a e.er o, .ater- a copy o, #he Seen($ointed Star, an$ a can$"e to rea$ it by. 7he on"y
.in$o. .a har$"y .i$er than an arro. "it.
Cerei ,o/n$ Margaery bare,oot an$ hivering- c"a$ in the ro/ghp/n hi,t o, a novice iter.
#er "ock .ere a"" a tang"e- an$ her ,eet .ere ,i"thy. 27hey took my clothes ,rom me-1 the "itt"e
A/een to"$ her once they .ere a"one. 2& .ore a go.n o, ivory "ace- .ith ,reh.ater pear" on the
bo$ice- b/t the epta "ai$ their hands on me an$ trippe$ me to the kin. My co/in too. Megga
ent one epta crahing into the can$"e an$ et her robe a,ire. & ,ear ,or A""a- tho/gh. She .ent
a .hite a mi"k- too ,rightene$ even to cry.1
29oor chi"$.1 7here .ere no chair- o Cerei at bei$e the "itt"e A/een on her pa""et. 2?a$y
7aena ha gone to peak .ith her- to "et her kno. that he i not ,orgotten.1
2#e .i"" not even "et me ee them-1 ,/me$ Margaery. 2#e keep each o, / apart ,rom the
other. Fnti" yo/ came- & .a a""o.e$ no viitor b/t epta. Hne come every ho/r to ak i, &
.ih to con,e my ,ornication. 7hey .i"" not even "et me "eep. 7hey .ake me to $eman$
con,eion. ?at night & con,ee$ to Septa Fne""a that & .ihe$ to cratch her eye o/t.1
A shame !ou did not do it, Cerei tho/ght. Blinding some poor old septa would certainl!
persuade the 7igh Sparrow of !our guilt+ 27hey are A/etioning yo/r co/in the ame .ay.1
25amn them- then-1 ai$ Margaery. 25amn them a"" to even he"". A""a i gent"e an$ hy-
ho. can they $o thi to her6 An$ Megga8 he "a/gh a "o/$ a a $ocki$e .hore- & kno.- b/t
ini$e he4 ti"" =/t a "itt"e gir". & "ove them a""- an$ they "ove me. &, thi parro. think to make
them "ie abo/t me81
27hey tan$ acc/e$ a .e""- & ,ear. A"" three.1
2My cousins61 Margaery pa"e$. 2A""a an$ Megga are har$"y more than chi"$ren. Eo/r Grace-
thi8 thi i obcene. 3i"" yo/ take / o/t o, here61
23o/"$ that & co/"$.1 #er voice .a ,/"" o, orro.. 2#i #igh #o"ine ha hi ne. knight
g/ar$ing yo/. 7o ,ree yo/ & .o/"$ nee$ to en$ the go"$ c"oak an$ pro,ane thi ho"y p"ace .ith
ki""ing.1 Cerei took Margaery4 han$ in her. 2& have not been i$"e- tho/gh. & have gathere$ /p
a"" thoe that Ser Hney name$ a yo/r "over. 7hey .i"" te"" #i #igh #o"ine o, yo/r
innocence- & am certain- an$ .ear to it at yo/r tria".1
27ria"61 7here .a rea" ,ear in the gir"4 voice no.. 2M/t there be a tria"61
2#o. e"e .i"" yo/ prove yo/r innocence61 Cerei gave Margaery4 han$ a rea/ring
A/eeGe. 2&t i yo/r right to $eci$e the manner o, the tria"- to be /re. Eo/ are the A/een. 7he
knight o, the >ingg/ar$ are .orn to $e,en$ yo/.1
Margaery /n$ertoo$ at once. 2A tria" by batt"e6 ?ora i h/rt- tho/gh- e"e.ie he81
2#e ha i: brother.1
Margaery tare$ at her- then p/""e$ her han$ a.ay. 2& that a =ape6 Boro i a craven- Meryn i
o"$ an$ "o.- yo/r brother i maime$- the other t.o are o,, in 5orne- an$ Hm/n$ i a b"oo$y
,ettleblack+ ?ora ha two brother- not i:. &, there4 to be a tria" by batt"e- & .ant Gar"an a my
champion.1
2Ser Gar"an i not a member o, the >ingg/ar$-1 the A/een ai$. 23hen the A/een4 honor i
at i/e- "a. an$ c/tom reA/ire that her champion be one o, the king4 .orn even. 7he #igh
Septon .i"" init- & ,ear.1 I will make certain of it+
Margaery $i$ not an.er at once- b/t her bro.n eye narro.e$ in /picion. 2B"o/nt or
7rant-1 he ai$ at "at. 2&t .o/"$ have to be one o, them. Eo/4$ "ike that- .o/"$n4t yo/6 Hney
>ett"eb"ack .o/"$ c/t either one to piece.1
Seen hells+ Cerei $onne$ a "ook o, h/rt. 2Eo/ .rong me- $a/ghter. A"" & .ant@1
2@i yo/r on- a"" ,or yo/re",. #e .i"" never have a .i,e that yo/ $on4t hate. An$ & am not
yo/r $a/ghter- thank the go$. ?eave me.1
2Eo/ are being ,oo"ih. & am on"y here to he"p yo/.1
27o he"p me to my grave. & ake$ ,or yo/ to "eave. 3i"" yo/ make me ca"" my gao"er an$
have yo/ $ragge$ a.ay- yo/ vi"e- cheming- evi" bitch61
Cerei gathere$ /p her kirt an$ $ignity. 27hi m/t be very ,rightening ,or yo/. & ha""
,orgive thoe .or$.1 #ere- a at co/rt- one never kne. .ho might be "itening. 2& .o/"$ be
a,rai$ a .e""- in yo/r p"ace. Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e ha a$mitte$ provi$ing yo/ .ith moon tea-
an$ yo/r B"/e Bar$8 i, & .ere yo/- my "a$y- & .o/"$ pray to the Crone ,or .i$om an$ to the
Mother ,or her mercy. & ,ear yo/ may oon be in $ire nee$ o, both.1
+o/r hrive"e$ epta ecorte$ the A/een $o.n the to.er tep. Cach o, the crone eeme$
more ,eeb"e than the "at. 3hen they reache$ the gro/n$ they contin/e$ $o.n- into the heart o,
%ienya4 #i"". 7he tep en$e$ .e"" be"o. the earth- .here a "ine o, ,"ickering torche "it a "ong
ha"".ay.
She ,o/n$ the #igh Septon .aiting ,or her in a ma"" even(i$e$ a/$ience chamber. 7he
room .a pare an$ p"ain- .ith bare tone .a""- a ro/gh(he.n tab"e- three chair- an$ a prayer
bench. 7he ,ace o, the Seven ha$ been carve$ into the .a"". Cerei tho/ght the carving cr/$e
an$ /g"y- b/t there .a a certain po.er to them- epecia""y abo/t the eye- orb o, ony:-
ma"achite- an$ ye""o. moontone that omeho. ma$e the ,ace come a"ive.
2Eo/ poke .ith the A/een-1 the #igh Septon ai$.
She reite$ the /rge to ay- I am the 3ueen+ 2& $i$.1
2A"" men in- even king an$ A/een. & have inne$ mye",- an$ been ,orgiven. 3itho/t
con,eion- tho/gh- there can be no ,orgivene. 7he A/een .i"" not con,e.1
29erhap he i innocent.1
2She i not. #o"y epta have e:amine$ her- an$ teti,y that her mai$enhea$ i broken. She
ha $r/nk o, moon tea- to m/r$er the ,r/it o, her ,ornication in her .omb. An anointe$ knight
ha .orn /pon hi .or$ to having carna" kno."e$ge o, her an$ t.o o, her three co/in.
Hther have "ain .ith her a .e""- he ay- an$ name many name o, men both great an$
h/mb"e.1
2My go"$ c"oak have taken a"" o, them to the $/ngeon-1 Cerei a/re$ him. 2Hn"y one ha
yet been A/etione$- a inger ca""e$ the B"/e Bar$. 3hat he ha$ to ay .a $it/rbing. Cven o- &
pray that .hen my goo$($a/ghter i bro/ght to tria"- her innocence may yet be prove$.1 She
heitate$. 27ommen "ove hi "itt"e A/een o m/ch- Eo/r #o"ine- & ,ear it might be har$ ,or him
or hi "or$ to =/$ge her =/t"y. 9erhap the +aith ho/"$ con$/ct the tria"61
7he #igh Sparro. teep"e$ hi thin han$. 2& have ha$ the e",ame tho/ght- Eo/r Grace. !/t
a Maegor the Cr/e" once took the .or$ ,rom the +aith- o !aehaery the Conci"iator $eprive$
/ o, the ca"e o, =/$gment. Eet .ho i tr/"y ,it to =/$ge a A/een- ave the Seven Above an$ the
go$.orn be"o.6 A acre$ co/rt o, even =/$ge ha"" it /pon thi cae. 7hree ha"" be o, yo/r
,ema"e e:. A mai$en- a mother- an$ a crone. 3ho co/"$ be more /ite$ to =/$ge the .icke$ne
o, .omen61
27hat .o/"$ be ,or the bet. 7o be /re- Margaery $oe have the right to $eman$ that her g/i"t
or innocence be proven by .ager o, batt"e. &, o- her champion m/t be one o, 7ommen4
Seven.1
27he knight o, the >ingg/ar$ have erve$ a the right,/" champion o, king an$ A/een ince
the $ay o, Aegon the ConA/eror. Cro.n an$ +aith peak a one on thi.1
Cerei covere$ her ,ace .ith her han$- a i, in grie,. 3hen he raie$ her hea$ again- a tear
g"itene$ in one eye. 27hee are a$ $ay in$ee$-1 he ai$- 2b/t & am p"eae$ to ,in$ / o m/ch
in agreement. &, 7ommen .ere here & kno. he .o/"$ thank yo/. 7ogether yo/ an$ & m/t ,in$
the tr/th.1
23e ha"".1
2& m/t ret/rn to the cat"e. 3ith yo/r "eave- & .i"" take Ser Hney >ett"eb"ack back .ith me.
7he ma"" co/nci" .i"" .ant to A/etion him- an$ hear hi acc/ation ,or theme"ve.1
2No-1 ai$ the #igh Septon.
&t .a on"y a .or$- one "itt"e .or$- b/t to Cerei it ,e"t "ike a p"ah o, icy .ater in the ,ace.
She b"inke$- an$ her certainty ,"ickere$- =/t a "itt"e. 2Ser Hney .i"" be he"$ ec/re"y- & promie
yo/.1
2#e i he"$ ec/re"y here. Come. & .i"" ho. yo/.1
Cerei co/"$ ,ee" the eye o, the Seven taring at her- eye o, =a$e an$ ma"achite an$ ony:-
an$ a /$$en hiver o, ,ear .ent thro/gh her- co"$ a ice. I am the 3ueen, he to"$ here",. "ord
#!win/s daughter+ Re"/ctant"y- he ,o""o.e$.
Ser Hney .a not ,ar. 7he chamber .a $ark- an$ c"oe$ by a heavy iron $oor. 7he #igh
Septon pro$/ce$ the key to open it- an$ took a torch $o.n ,rom the .a"" to "ight the room
.ithin. 2A,ter yo/- Eo/r Grace.1
3ithin- Hney >ett"eb"ack h/ng nake$ ,rom the cei"ing- .inging ,rom a pair o, heavy iron
chain. #e ha$ been .hippe$. #i back an$ ho/"$er been "ai$ a"mot bare- an$ c/t an$ .e"t
cricroe$ hi "eg an$ are a .e"".
7he A/een co/"$ har$"y tan$ to "ook at him. She t/rne$ back to the #igh Septon. 23hat have
yo/ done61
23e have o/ght a,ter the tr/th- mot earnet"y.1
2#e to"$ yo/ the tr/th. #e came to yo/ o, hi o.n ,ree .i"" an$ con,ee$ hi in.1
2Aye. #e $i$ that. & have hear$ many men con,e- Eo/r Grace- b/t e"$om have & hear$ a
man o p"eae$ to be o g/i"ty.1
2Eo/ whipped him01
27here can be no penance .itho/t pain. No man ho/"$ pare hime", the co/rge- a & to"$
Ser Hney. & e"$om ,ee" o c"oe to go$ a .hen & am being .hippe$ ,or mine o.n .icke$ne-
tho/gh my $arket in are no .ie near a b"ack a hi.1
2B(b/t-1 he p/ttere$- 2yo/ preach the Mother4 mercy81
2Ser Hney ha"" tate o, that .eet mi"k in the a,ter"i,e. &n #he Seen($ointed Star it i
.ritten that a"" in may be ,orgiven- b/t crime m/t ti"" be p/nihe$. Hney >ett"eb"ack i
g/i"ty o, treaon an$ m/r$er- an$ the .age o, treaon are $eath.1
7e is 9ust a priest, he cannot do this+ 2&t i not ,or the +aith to con$emn a man to $eath-
.hatever hi o,,ene.1
23hatever hi o,,ene.1 7he #igh Septon repeate$ the .or$ "o."y- .eighing them.
2Strange to ay- Eo/r Grace- the more $i"igent"y .e app"ie$ the co/rge- the more Ser Hney4
o,,ene eeme$ to change. #e .o/"$ no. have / be"ieve that he never to/che$ Margaery
7yre"". & that not o- Ser Hney61
Hney >ett"eb"ack opene$ hi eye. 3hen he a. the A/een tan$ing there be,ore him he ran
hi tong/e acro hi .o""en "ip- an$ ai$- 27he 3a"". Eo/ promie$ me the 3a"".1
2#e i ma$-1 ai$ Cerei. 2Eo/ have $riven him ma$.1
2Ser Hney-1 ai$ the #igh Septon- in a ,irm- c"ear voice- 2$i$ yo/ have carna" kno."e$ge o,
the A/een61
2Aye.1 7he chain ratt"e$ o,t"y a Hney t.ite$ in hi hack"e. 27hat one there. She4 the
A/een & ,/cke$- the one ent me to ki"" the o"$ #igh Septon. #e never ha$ no g/ar$. & =/t come
in .hen he .a "eeping an$ p/he$ a pi""o. $o.n acro hi ,ace.1
Cerei .hir"e$- an$ ran.
7he #igh Septon trie$ to eiGe her- b/t he .a ome o"$ parro. an$ he .a a "ione o, the
Rock. She p/he$ him ai$e an$ b/rt thro/gh the $oor- "amming it behin$ her .ith a clang.
#he ,ettleblacks, I need the ,ettleblacks, I will send in Osfr!d with the gold cloaks and Osmund
with the ,ingsguard, Osne! will den! it all once the! cut him free, and I/ll rid m!self of this
7igh Septon 9ust as I did the other+ 7he ,o/r o"$ epta b"ocke$ her .ay an$ c"/tche$ at her .ith
.rink"e$ han$. She knocke$ one to the ,"oor an$ c"a.e$ another acro the ,ace- an$ gaine$ the
tep. #a",.ay /p- he remembere$ 7aena Merry.eather. &t ma$e her t/mb"e- panting. Seen
sae me, he praye$. #aena knows it all+ If the! take her too, and whip her=
She ran a ,ar a the ept- b/t no ,arther. 7here .ere .omen .aiting ,or her there- more epta
an$ i"ent iter too- yo/nger than the ,o/r o"$ crone be"o.. 2& am the 3ueen,1 he ho/te$-
backing a.ay ,rom them. 2& .i"" have yo/r hea$ ,or thi- & .i"" have a"" yo/r hea$. ?et me
pa.1 &ntea$- they "ai$ han$ /pon her. Cerei ran to the a"tar o, the Mother- b/t they ca/ght her
there- a core o, them- an$ $ragge$ her kicking /p the to.er tep. &ni$e the ce"" three i"ent
iter he"$ her $o.n a a epta name$ Sco"era trippe$ her bare. She even took her ma""c"othe.
Another epta toe$ a ro/ghp/n hi,t at her. 2Eo/ cannot $o thi-1 the A/een kept creaming at
them. 2& am a ?anniter- /nhan$ me- my brother .i"" ki"" yo/- !aime .i"" "ice yo/ open ,rom
throat to c/nt- unhand me0 & am the 3ueen01
27he A/een ho/"$ pray-1 ai$ Septa Sco"era- be,ore they "e,t her nake$ in the co"$ b"eak ce"".
She .a not meek Margaery 7yre""- to $on her "itt"e hi,t an$ /bmit to /ch captivity. I will
teach them what it means to put a lion in a cage, Cerei tho/ght. She tore the hi,t into a h/n$re$
piece- ,o/n$ a e.er o, .ater an$ mahe$ it againt the .a""- then $i$ the ame .ith the
chamber pot. 3hen no one came- he began to po/n$ on the $oor .ith her ,it. #er ecort .a
be"o.- on the p"aGa' ten ?anniter g/ar$men an$ Ser Boro B"o/nt. Once the! hear the!/ll come
free me, and we/ll drag the blood! 7igh Sparrow back to the )ed ,eep in chains+
She creame$ an$ kicke$ an$ ho."e$ /nti" her throat .a ra.- at the $oor an$ at the .in$o..
No one ho/te$ back- nor came to rec/e her. 7he ce"" began to $arken. &t .a gro.ing co"$ a
.e"". Cerei began to hiver. 7ow can the! leae me like this, without so much as a fire6 I am
their 3ueen+ She began to regret tearing apart the hi,t they4$ given her. 7here .a a b"anket on
the pa""et in the corner- a threa$bare thing o, thin bro.n .oo". &t .a ro/gh an$ cratchy- b/t it
.a a"" he ha$. Cerei h/$$"e$ /n$erneath to keep ,rom hivering- an$ be,ore "ong he ha$
,a""en into an e:ha/te$ "eep.
7he ne:t he kne.- a heavy han$ .a haking her a.ake. &t .a b"ack a pitch ini$e the ce""-
an$ a h/ge /g"y .oman .a knee"ing over her- a can$"e in her han$. 23ho are yo/61 the A/een
$eman$e$. 2Are yo/ come to et me ,ree61
2& am Septa Fne""a. & am come to hear yo/ te"" o, a"" yo/r m/r$er an$ ,ornication.1
Cerei knocke$ her han$ ai$e. 2& .i"" have yo/r hea$. 5o not pre/me to to/ch me. Get
a.ay.1
7he .oman roe. 2Eo/r Grace. & .i"" be back in an ho/r. Mayhap by then yo/ .i"" be rea$y
to con,e.1
An ho/r an$ an ho/r an$ an ho/r. So pae$ the "onget night that Cerei ?anniter ha$ ever
kno.n- ave ,or the night o, !o,,rey4 .e$$ing. #er throat .a o ra. ,rom ho/ting that he
co/"$ har$"y .a""o.. 7he ce"" t/rne$ ,reeGing co"$. She ha$ mahe$ the chamber pot- o he
ha$ to A/at in a corner to make her .ater an$ .atch it trick"e acro the ,"oor. Cvery time he
c"oe$ her eye- Fne""a .a "ooming over her again- haking her an$ aking her i, he .ante$ to
con,e her in.
5ay bro/ght no re"ie,. Septa Moe""e bro/ght her a bo." o, ome .atery grey gr/e" a the /n
.a coming /p. Cerei ,"/ng it at her hea$. 3hen they bro/ght a ,reh e.er o, .ater- tho/gh- he
.a o thirty that he ha$ no choice b/t to $rink. 3hen they bro/ght another hi,t- grey an$ thin
an$ me""ing o, mi"$e.- he p/t it on over her nake$ne. An$ that evening .hen Moe""e
appeare$ again he ate the brea$ an$ ,ih an$ $eman$e$ .ine to .ah it $o.n. No .ine
appeare$- on"y Septa Fne""a- making her ho/r"y viit to ak i, the A/een .a rea$y to con,e.
What can be happening6 Cerei .on$ere$- a the thin "ice o, ky o/ti$e her .in$o. began
to $arken once again. Wh! has no one come to pr! me out of here6 She co/"$ not be"ieve that the
>ett"eb"ack .o/"$ aban$on their brother. 3hat .a her co/nci" $oing6 %raens and traitors+
When I get out of here I will hae the lot of them beheaded and find better men to take their
place+
7hrice that $ay he hear$ the o/n$ o, $itant ho/ting $ri,ting /p ,rom the p"aGa- b/t it .a
Margaery4 name that the mob .a ca""ing- not her.
&t .a near $a.n on the econ$ $ay an$ Cerei .a "icking the "at o, the porri$ge ,rom the
bottom o, the bo." .hen her ce"" $oor ./ng open /ne:pecte$"y to a$mit ?or$ Dyb/rn. &t .a
a"" he co/"$ $o not to thro. here", at him. 2Dyb/rn-1 he .hipere$- 2oh- go$- & am o g"a$ to
ee yo/r ,ace. 7ake me home.1
27hat .i"" not be a""o.e$. Eo/ are to be trie$ be,ore a ho"y co/rt o, even- ,or m/r$er-
treaon- an$ ,ornication.1
Cerei .a o e:ha/te$ that the .or$ eeme$ nonenica" to her at ,irt. 27ommen. 7e"" me
o, my on. & he ti"" king61
2#e i- Eo/r Grace. #e i a,e an$ .e""- ec/re .ithin the .a"" o, Maegor4 #o"$,at-
protecte$ by the >ingg/ar$. #e i "one"y- tho/gh. +ret,/". #e ak ,or yo/- an$ ,or hi "itt"e
A/een. A yet- no one ha to"$ him o, yo/r8 yo/r81
28$i,,ic/"tie61 he /ggete$. 23hat o, Margaery61
2She i to be trie$ a .e""- by the ame co/rt that con$/ct yo/r tria". & ha$ the B"/e Bar$
$e"ivere$ to the #igh Septon- a Eo/r Grace comman$e$. #e i here no.- ome.here $o.n
be"o. /. My .hiperer te"" me that they are .hipping him- b/t o ,ar he i ti"" inging the
ame .eet ong .e ta/ght him.1
#he same sweet song+ #er .it .ere $/"" ,or .ant o, "eep. Wat, his real name is Wat+ &, the
go$ .ere goo$- 3at might $ie beneath the "ah- "eaving Margaery .ith no .ay to $iprove hi
tetimony. 23here are my knight6 Ser H,ry$8 the #igh Septon mean to ki"" hi brother
Hney- hi go"$ c"oak m/t81
2H,ry$ >ett"eb"ack no "onger comman$ the City 3atch. 7he king ha remove$ him ,rom
o,,ice an$ raie$ the captain o, the 5ragon Gate in hi p"ace- a certain #/m,rey 3ater.1
Cerei .a o tire$- none o, thi ma$e any ene. 23hy .o/"$ 7ommen $o that61
27he boy i not to b"ame. 3hen hi co/nci" p/t a $ecree in ,ront o, him- he ign hi name
an$ tamp it .ith hi ea".1
2*! co/nci"8 .ho6 3ho .o/"$ $o that6 Not yo/61
2A"a- & have been $imie$ ,rom the co/nci"- a"tho/gh ,or the nonce they a""o. me to
contin/e my .ork .ith the e/n/ch4 .hiperer. 7he rea"m i being r/"e$ by Ser #ary S.y,t
an$ Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e. 7hey have $ipatche$ a raven to Cater"y Rock- inviting yo/r /nc"e
to ret/rn to co/rt an$ a/me the regency. &, he mean to accept- he ha$ bet make hate. Mace
7yre"" ha aban$one$ hi iege o, Storm4 Cn$ an$ i marching back to the city .ith hi army-
an$ Ran$y"" 7ar"y i reporte$ on hi .ay $o.n ,rom Mai$enpoo" a .e"".1
2#a ?or$ Merry.eather agree$ to thi61
2Merry.eather ha reigne$ hi eat on the co/nci" an$ ,"e$ back to ?ongtab"e .ith hi .i,e-
.ho .a the ,irt to bring / ne. o, the8 acc/ation8 againt Eo/r Grace.1
27hey "et 7aena go.1 7hat .a the bet thing he ha$ hear$ ince the #igh Sparro. ha$ ai$
no. 7aena co/"$ have $oome$ her. 23hat o, ?or$ 3ater6 #i hip8 i, he bring hi cre.
ahore- he ho/"$ have eno/gh men to81
2A oon a .or$ o, Eo/r Grace4 preent tro/b"e reache$ the river- ?or$ 3ater raie$ ai"-
/nhippe$ hi oar- an$ took hi ,"eet to ea. Ser #ary ,ear he mean to =oin ?or$ Stanni.
9yce""e be"ieve that he i ai"ing to the Steptone- to et hime", /p a a pirate.1
2A"" my "ove"y $romon$.1 Cerei a"mot "a/ghe$. 2My "or$ ,ather /e$ to ay that batar$
are treachero/ by nat/re. 3o/"$ that & ha$ "itene$.1 She hivere$. 2& am "ot- Dyb/rn.1
2No.1 #e took her han$. 2#ope remain. Eo/r Grace ha the right to prove yo/r innocence by
batt"e. My A/een- yo/r champion tan$ rea$y. 7here i no man in a"" the Seven >ing$om .ho
can hope to tan$ againt him. &, yo/ .i"" on"y give the comman$81
7hi time he $i$ "a/gh. &t .a ,/nny- terrib"y ,/nny- hideousl! ,/nny. 27he go$ make =ape
o, a"" o/r hope an$ p"an. & have a champion no man can $e,eat- b/t & am ,orbi$$en to make /e
o, him. & am the 3ueen, Dyb/rn. My honor can on"y be $e,en$e$ by a S.orn Brother o, the
>ingg/ar$.1
2& ee.1 7he mi"e $ie$ on Dyb/rn4 ,ace. 2Eo/r Grace- & am at a "o. & $o not kno. ho. to
co/ne" yo/81
Cven in her e:ha/te$- ,rightene$ tate- the A/een kne. he $are not tr/t her ,ate to a co/rt
o, parro.. Nor co/"$ he co/nt on Ser >evan to intervene- a,ter the .or$ that ha$ pae$
bet.een them at their "at meeting. It will hae to be a trial b! battle+ #here is no other wa!+
2Dyb/rn- ,or the "ove yo/ bear me- & beg yo/- en$ a meage ,or me. A raven i, yo/ can. A
ri$er- i, not. Eo/ m/t en$ to Riverr/n- to my brother. 7e"" him .hat ha happene$- an$ .rite8
.rite81
2Ee- Eo/r Grace61
She "icke$ her "ip- hivering. 2Come at once. #e"p me. Save me. & nee$ yo/ no. a & have
never nee$e$ yo/ be,ore. & "ove yo/. & "ove yo/. & "ove yo/. %ome at once+1
2A yo/ comman$. JI loe !ou/ thrice61
27hrice.1 She ha$ to reach him. 2#e .i"" come. & kno. he .i"". #e m/t. !aime i my on"y
hope.1
2My A/een-1 ai$ Dyb/rn- 2have yo/8 ,orgotten6 Ser !aime ha no .or$ han$. &, he ho/"$
champion yo/ an$ "oe81
We will leae this world together, as we once came into it+ 2#e .i"" not "oe. Not !aime. Not
.ith my "i,e at take.1
0ON
%a" .aite$ by the gate in the pre$a.n co"$- .rappe$ /p in a bearkin c"oak o "arge it might
.e"" have ,it Sam. Bei$e her .a a garron- a$$"e$ an$ bri$"e$- a haggy grey .ith one .hite
eye. M/""y an$ 5o"oro/ C$$ too$ .ith her- a pair o, /n"ike"y g/ar$. 7heir breath ,rote$ in
the co"$ b"ack air.
2Eo/ gave her a b"in$ hore61 !on ai$- incre$/"o/.
2#e4 on"y ha",(b"in$- m4"or$-1 o,,ere$ M/""y. 2C"e.ie he4 o/n$ eno/gh.1 #e patte$ the
garron on the neck.
27he hore may be ha",(b"in$- b/t & am not-1 ai$ %a". 2& kno. .here & m/t go.1
2My "a$y- yo/ $o not have to $o thi. 7he rik@1
2@i mine- ?or$ Sno.. An$ & am no o/thron "a$y b/t a .oman o, the ,ree ,o"k. & kno. the
,oret better than a"" yo/r b"ack(c"oake$ ranger. &t ho"$ no ghot ,or me.1
I hope not+ !on .a co/nting on that- tr/ting that %a" co/"$ /ccee$ .here B"ack !ack
B/".er an$ hi companion ha$ ,ai"e$. She nee$ ,ear no harm ,rom the ,ree ,o"k- he hope$8 b/t
both o, them kne. too .e"" that .i"$"ing .ere not the on"y one .aiting in the .oo$. 2Eo/
have /,,icient ,oo$61
2#ar$ brea$- har$ cheee- oat cake- a"t co$- a"t bee,- a"t m/tton- an$ a kin o, .eet .ine
to rine a"" that a"t o/t o, my mo/th. & .i"" not $ie o, h/nger.1
27hen it4 time yo/ .ere a.ay.1
2Eo/ have my .or$- ?or$ Sno.. & .i"" ret/rn- .ith 7orm/n$ or .itho/t him.1 %a" g"ance$ at
the ky. 7he moon .a b/t ha",(,/"". 2?ook ,or me on the ,irt $ay o, the ,/"" moon.1
2& .i"".1 Do not fail me, he tho/ght- or Stannis will hae m! head+ 25o & have yo/r .or$ that
yo/ .i"" keep o/r prince c"oe"y61 the king ha$ ai$- an$ !on ha$ promie$ that he .o/"$. .al
is no princess, though+ I told him that half a hundred times+ &t .a a ,eeb"e ort o, evaion- a a$
rag .rappe$ aro/n$ hi .o/n$e$ .or$. #i ,ather .o/"$ never have approve$. I am the sword
that guards the realm of men, !on remin$e$ hime",- and in the end, that must be worth more
than one man/s honor+
7he roa$ beneath the 3a"" .a a $ark an$ co"$ a the be""y o, an ice $ragon an$ a t.ity a
a erpent. 5o"oro/ C$$ "e$ them thro/gh .ith a torch in han$. M/""y ha$ the key ,or the three
gate- .here bar o, b"ack iron a thick a a man4 arm c"oe$ o,, the paage. Spearmen at each
gate kn/ck"e$ their ,orehea$ at !on Sno. b/t tare$ open"y at %a" an$ her garron.
3hen they emerge$ north o, the 3a""- thro/gh a thick $oor ma$e o, ,reh"y he.n green
.oo$- the .i"$"ing prince pa/e$ ,or a moment to gaGe o/t acro the no.(covere$ ,ie"$
.here >ing Stanni ha$ .on hi batt"e. Beyon$- the ha/nte$ ,oret .aite$- $ark an$ i"ent. 7he
"ight o, the ha",(moon t/rne$ %a"4 honey(b"on$ hair a pa"e i"ver an$ "e,t her cheek a .hite a
no.. She took a $eep breath. 27he air tate .eet.1
2My tong/e i too n/mb to te"". A"" & can tate i co"$.1
2Co"$61 %a" "a/ghe$ "ight"y. 2No. 3hen it i co"$ it .i"" h/rt to breathe. 3hen the Hther
come81
7he tho/ght .a a $iA/ieting one. Si: o, the ranger !on ha$ ent o/t .ere ti"" miing. It is
too soon+ #he! ma! !et be back+ B/t another part o, him inite$- #he! are dead, eer! man of
them+ &ou sent them out to die, and !ou are doing the same to .al+ 27e"" 7orm/n$ .hat &4ve
ai$.1
2#e may not hee$ yo/r .or$- b/t he .i"" hear them.1 %a" kie$ him "ight"y on the cheek.
2Eo/ have my thank- ?or$ Sno.. +or the ha",(b"in$ hore- the a"t co$- the ,ree air. +or hope.1
7heir breath ming"e$- a .hite mit in the air. !on Sno. $re. back an$ ai$- 27he on"y thank
& .ant i@1
2@7orm/n$ Giantbane. Aye.1 %a" p/""e$ /p the hoo$ o, her bearkin. 7he bro.n pe"t .a
.e"" a"te$ .ith grey. 2Be,ore & go- one A/etion. 5i$ yo/ ki"" !ar"- my "or$61
27he 3a"" ki""e$ !ar".1
2So &4$ hear$. B/t & ha$ to be /re.1
2Eo/ have my .or$. & $i$ not ki"" him.1 #hough I might hae if things had gone otherwise+
27hi i ,are.e""- then-1 he ai$- a"mot p"ay,/""y.
!on Sno. .a in no moo$ ,or it. It is too cold and dark to pla!, and the hour is too late+
2Hn"y ,or a time. Eo/ .i"" ret/rn. +or the boy- i, ,or no other reaon.1
2Crater4 on61 %a" hr/gge$. 2#e i no kin to me.1
2& have hear$ yo/ inging to him.1
2& .a inging to mye",. Am & to b"ame i, he "iten61 A ,aint mi"e br/he$ her "ip. 2&t
make him "a/gh. Hh- very .e"". #e i a .eet "itt"e monter.1
2Monter61
2#i mi"k name. & ha$ to ca"" him omething. See that he tay a,e an$ .arm. +or hi
mother4 ake- an$ mine. An$ keep him a.ay ,rom the re$ .oman. She kno. .ho he i. She
ee thing in her ,ire.1
Ar!a, he tho/ght- hoping it .a o. 2Ahe an$ cin$er.1
2>ing an$ $ragon.1
Dragons again+ +or a moment !on co/"$ a"mot ee them too- coi"ing in the night- their $ark
.ing o/t"ine$ againt a ea o, ,"ame. 2&, he kne.- he .o/"$ have taken the boy a.ay ,rom /.
5a""a4 boy- not yo/r monter. A .or$ in the king4 ear .o/"$ have been the en$ o, it.1 And of
me+ Stannis would hae taken it for treason+ 23hy "et it happen i, he kne.61
2Beca/e it /ite$ her. +ire i a ,ick"e thing. No one kno. .hich .ay a ,"ame .i"" go.1 %a"
p/t a ,oot into a tirr/p- ./ng her "eg over her hore4 back- an$ "ooke$ $o.n ,rom the a$$"e.
25o yo/ remember .hat my iter to"$ yo/61
2Ee.1 A sword without a hilt, with no safe wa! to hold it+ B/t Me"ian$re ha$ the right o, it.
Cven a .or$ .itho/t a hi"t i better than an empty han$ .hen ,oe are a"" aro/n$ yo/.
2Goo$.1 %a" .hee"e$ the garron to.ar$ the north. 27he ,irt night o, the ,/"" moon- then.1 !on
.atche$ her ri$e a.ay .on$ering i, he .o/"$ ever ee her ,ace again. I am no southron lad!, he
co/"$ hear her ay- but a woman of the free folk+
2& $on4t care .hat he ay-1 m/ttere$ 5o"oro/ C$$- a %a" vanihe$ behin$ a tan$ o,
o"$ier pine. 27he air is o co"$ it h/rt to breathe. & .o/"$ top- b/t that .o/"$ h/rt .ore.1 #e
r/bbe$ hi han$ together. 27hi i going to en$ ba$"y.1
2Eo/ ay that o, everything.1
2Aye- m4"or$. F/a""y &4m right.1
M/""y c"eare$ hi throat. 2M4"or$6 7he .i"$"ing prince- "etting her go- the men may ay@1
2@that & am ha", a .i"$"ing mye",- a t/rnc"oak .ho mean to e"" the rea"m to o/r rai$er-
canniba"- an$ giant.1 !on $i$ not nee$ to tare into a ,ire to kno. .hat .a being ai$ o, him.
7he .ort part .a- they .ere not .rong- not .ho""y. 23or$ are .in$- an$ the .in$ i a".ay
b"o.ing at the 3a"". Come.1
&t .a ti"" $ark .hen !on ret/rne$ to hi chamber behin$ the armory. Ghot .a not yet
back- he a.. Still hunting+ 7he big .hite $ire.o", .a gone more o,t than not o, "ate- ranging
,arther an$ ,arther in earch o, prey. Bet.een the men o, the 3atch an$ the .i"$"ing $o.n in
Mo"e4 7o.n- the hi"" an$ ,ie"$ near Cat"e B"ack ha$ been h/nte$ c"ean- an$ there ha$ been
"itt"e eno/gh game to begin .ith. Winter is coming, !on re,"ecte$. And soon, too soon+ #e
.on$ere$ i, they .o/"$ ever ee a pring.
5o"oro/ C$$ ma$e the trek to the kitchen an$ oon .a back .ith a tankar$ o, bro.n a"e
an$ a covere$ p"atter. Fn$er the "i$ !on $icovere$ three $/ck4 egg ,rie$ in $ripping- a trip o,
bacon- t.o a/age- a b"oo$ p/$$ing- an$ ha", a "oa, o, brea$ ti"" .arm ,rom the oven. #e ate
the brea$ an$ ha", an egg. #e .o/"$ have eaten the bacon too- b/t the raven ma$e o,, .ith it
be,ore he ha$ the chance. 27hie,-1 !on ai$- a the bir$ ,"appe$ /p to the "inte" above the $oor to
$evo/r it priGe.
2#hief,1 the raven agree$.
!on trie$ a bite o, a/age. #e .a .ahing the tate ,rom hi mo/th .ith a ip o, a"e .hen
C$$ ret/rne$ to te"" him Bo.en Marh .a .itho/t. 2Hthe""4 .ith him- an$ Septon Ce""a$or.1
#hat was 3uick+ #e .on$ere$ .ho .a te""ing ta"e an$ i, there .a more than one. 2Sen$
them in.1
2Aye- m4"or$. Eo/4"" .ant to .atch yo/r a/age .ith thi "ot- tho/gh. 7hey have a h/ngry
"ook abo/t them.1
7ungr! .a not the .or$ !on .o/"$ have /e$. Septon Ce""a$or appeare$ con,/e$ an$
groggy an$ in $ire nee$ o, ome ca"e ,rom the $ragon that ha$ ,"ame$ him- .hi"t +irt B/i"$er
Hthe"" Ear.yck "ooke$ a i, he ha$ .a""o.e$ omething he co/"$ not A/ite $iget. Bo.en
Marh .a angry. !on co/"$ ee it in hi eye- the tightne aro/n$ hi mo/th- the ,"/h to thoe
ro/n$ cheek. #hat red is not from cold+ 29"eae it-1 he ai$. 2May & o,,er yo/ ,oo$ or $rink61
23e broke o/r ,at in the common-1 ai$ Marh.
2& co/"$ $o .ith more.1 Ear.yck eae$ hime", $o.n onto a chair. 2Goo$ o, yo/ to o,,er.1
29erhap ome .ine61 ai$ Septon Ce""a$or.
2%orn,1 creame$ the raven ,rom the "inte". 2%orn, corn+1
23ine ,or the epton an$ a p"ate ,or o/r +irt B/i"$er-1 !on to"$ 5o"oro/ C$$. 2Nothing ,or
the bir$.1 #e t/rne$ back to hi viitor. 2Eo/4re here abo/t %a".1
2An$ other matter-1 ai$ Bo.en Marh. 27he men have concern- my "or$.1
And who is it who appointed !ou to speak for them6 2A $o &. Hthe""- ho. goe the .ork at
the Night,ort6 & have ha$ a "etter ,rom Ser A:e"" +"orent- .ho ty"e hime", the D/een4 #an$.
#e te"" me that D/een Se"ye i not p"eae$ .ith her A/arter at Cat.atch(by(the(Sea an$
.ihe to move into her h/ban$4 ne. eat at once. 3i"" that be poib"e61
Ear.yck hr/gge$. 23e4ve got mot o, the keep retore$ an$ p/t a roo, back on the kitchen.
She4$ nee$ ,oo$ an$ ,/rnihing an$ ,ire.oo$- min$ yo/- b/t it might erve. Not o many
com,ort a Cat.atch- to be /re. An$ a "ong .ay ,rom the hip- ho/"$ #er Grace .ih to
"eave /- b/t8 aye- he co/"$ "ive there- tho/gh it .i"" be year be,ore the p"ace "ook a proper
cat"e. Sooner i, & ha$ more b/i"$er.1
2& co/"$ o,,er yo/ a giant.1
7hat gave Hthe"" a tart. 27he monter in the yar$61
2#i name i 3/n 3eg 3/n 5ar 3/n- ?eather te"" me. A "ot to .rap a tong/e aro/n$- &
kno.. ?eather ca"" him 3/n 3/n- an$ that eem to erve.1 3/n 3/n .a very "itt"e "ike the
giant in H"$ Nan4 ta"e- thoe h/ge avage creat/re .ho mi:e$ b"oo$ into their morning
porri$ge an$ $evo/re$ .ho"e b/""- hair an$ hi$e an$ horn. 7hi giant ate no meat at a""- tho/gh
he .a a ho"y terror .hen erve$ a baket o, root- cr/nching onion an$ t/rnip an$ even ra.
har$ neep bet.een hi big A/are teeth. 2#e4 a .i""ing .orker- tho/gh getting him to
/n$ertan$ .hat yo/ .ant i not a".ay eay. #e peak the H"$ 7ong/e a,ter a ,ahion- b/t
nothing o, the Common. 7ire"e- tho/gh- an$ hi trength i pro$igio/. #e co/"$ $o the .ork
o, a $oGen men.1
2&8 my "or$- the men .o/"$ never8 giant eat h/man ,"eh- & think8 no- my "or$- & thank
yo/- b/t & $o not have the men to .atch over /ch a creat/re- he81
!on Sno. .a /n/rprie$. 2A yo/ .ih. 3e .i"" keep the giant here.1 7r/th be to"$- he
.o/"$ have been "oath to part .ith 3/n 3/n. &ou know nothing, -on Snow, Egritte might ay-
b/t !on poke .ith the giant .henever he co/"$- thro/gh ?eather or one o, the ,ree ,o"k they
ha$ bro/ght back ,rom the grove- an$ .a "earning m/ch an$ more abo/t hi peop"e an$ their
hitory. #e on"y .ihe$ that Sam .ere here to .rite the torie $o.n.
7hat .a not to ay that he .a b"in$ to the $anger 3/n 3/n repreente$. 7he giant .o/"$
"ah o/t vio"ent"y .hen threatene$- an$ thoe h/ge han$ .ere trong eno/gh to rip a man apart.
#e remin$e$ !on o, #o$or. 7odor twice as big, twice as strong, and half as cleer+ #here/s a
thought to sober een Septon %ellador+ But if #ormund has giants with him, Wun Weg Wun Dar
Wun ma! help us treat with them+
Mormont4 raven m/ttere$ hi annoyance a the $oor opene$ beneath him- hera"$ing the
ret/rn o, 5o"oro/ C$$ .ith a ,"agon o, .ine an$ a p"ate o, egg an$ a/age. Bo.en Marh
.aite$ .ith obvio/ impatience a C$$ po/re$- re/ming on"y .hen he "e,t again. 27o""ett i a
goo$ man- an$ .e"" "ike$- an$ &ron Cmmett ha been a ,ine mater(at(arm-1 he ai$ then. 2Eet
the ta"k i that yo/ mean to en$ them a.ay.1
23e nee$ goo$ men at ?ong Barro..1
23hore4 #o"e- the men have tarte$ ca""ing it-1 ai$ Marh- 2b/t be that a it may. & it tr/e
that yo/ mean to rep"ace Cmmett .ith thi avage ?eather a o/r mater(at(arm6 7hat i an
o,,ice mot o,t reerve$ ,or knight- or ranger at the "eat.1
2?eather is avage-1 !on agree$ mi"$"y. 2& can attet to that. &4ve trie$ him in the practice
yar$. #e4 a $angero/ .ith a tone a:e a mot knight are .ith cat"e(,orge$ tee". & grant yo/-
he i not a patient a &4$ "ike- an$ ome o, the boy are terri,ie$ o, him8 b/t that4 not a"" ,or
the ba$. Hne $ay they4"" ,in$ theme"ve in a rea" ,ight- an$ a certain ,ami"iarity .ith terror .i""
erve them .e"".1
2#e4 a wildling+1
2#e .a- /nti" he ai$ the .or$. No. he i o/r brother. Hne .ho can teach the boy more
than .or$cra,t. &t .o/"$ not h/rt them to "earn a ,e. .or$ o, the H"$ 7ong/e an$ omething o,
the .ay o, the ,ree ,o"k.1
2Free,1 the raven m/ttere$. 2%orn+ ,ing+1
27he men $o not tr/t him.1
Which men6 !on might have ake$. 7ow man!6 B/t that .o/"$ "ea$ him $o.n a roa$ he $i$
not mean to ri$e. 2& am orry to hear that. & there more61
Septon Ce""a$or poke /p. 27hi boy Satin. &t4 ai$ yo/ mean to make him yo/r te.ar$ an$
A/ire- in 7o""ett4 p"ace. My "or$- the boy4 a .hore8 a8 $are & ay8 a painte$ catamite ,rom
the brothe" o, H"$(to.n.1
And !ou are a drunk+ 23hat he .a in H"$to.n i none o, o/r concern. #e4 A/ick to "earn
an$ very c"ever. 7he other recr/it tarte$ o/t $epiing him- b/t he .on them over an$ ma$e
,rien$ o, them a"". #e4 ,ear"e in a ,ight an$ can even rea$ an$ .rite a,ter a ,ahion. #e ho/"$
be capab"e o, ,etching me my mea" an$ a$$"ing my hore- $on4t yo/ think61
2Mot "ike-1 ai$ Bo.en Marh- tony(,ace$- 2b/t the men $o not "ike it. 7ra$itiona""y the
"or$ comman$er4 A/ire are "a$ o, goo$ birth being groome$ ,or comman$. 5oe my "or$
be"ieve the men o, the Night4 3atch .o/"$ ever ,o""o. a .hore into batt"e61
!on4 temper ,"ahe$. 27hey have ,o""o.e$ .ore. 7he H"$ Bear "e,t a ,e. ca/tionary note
abo/t certain o, the men- ,or hi /cceor. 3e have a cook at the Sha$o. 7o.er .ho .a ,on$
o, raping epta. #e b/rne$ a even(pointe$ tar into hi ,"eh ,or every one he c"aime$. #i "e,t
arm i tar ,rom .rit to e"bo.- an$ tar mark hi ca"ve a .e"". At Cat.atch .e have a man
.ho et hi ,ather4 ho/e a,ire an$ barre$ the $oor. #i entire ,ami"y b/rne$ to $eath- a"" nine.
3hatever Satin may have $one in H"$to.n- he i o/r brother no.- an$ he will be my A/ire.1
Septon Ce""a$or $rank ome .ine. Hthe"" Ear.yck tabbe$ a a/age .ith hi $agger. Bo.er
Marh at re$(,ace$. 7he raven ,"appe$ it .ing an$ ai$- 2%orn, corn, kill+1 +ina""y the ?or$
Ste.ar$ c"eare$ hi throat. 2Eo/r "or$hip kno. bet- & am /re. Might & ak abo/t thee
corpe in the ice ce""6 7hey make the men /neay. An$ to keep them under guard6 S/re"y that
i a .ate o, t.o goo$ men- /n"e yo/ ,ear that they81
28.i"" rie6 & pray they $o.1
Septon Ce""a$or pa"e$. 2Seven ave /.1 3ine $ribb"e$ $o.n hi chin in a re$ "ine. 2?or$
Comman$er- .ight are montro/- /nnat/ra" creat/re. Abomination be,ore the eye o, the
go$. Eo/8 yo/ cannot mean to try to talk .ith them61
2%an they ta"k61 ake$ !on Sno.. 2& think not- b/t & cannot c"aim to kno.. Monter they
may be- b/t they .ere men be,ore they $ie$. #o. m/ch remain6 7he one & "e. .a intent on
ki""ing ?or$ Comman$er Mormont. 9"ain"y it remembere$ .ho he .a an$ .here to ,in$ him.1
Maeter Aemon .o/"$ have grape$ hi p/rpoe- !on $i$ not $o/btI Sam 7ar"y .o/"$ have been
terri,ie$- b/t he .o/"$ have /n$ertoo$ a .e"". 2My "or$ ,ather /e$ to te"" me that a man m/t
kno. hi enemie. 3e /n$ertan$ "itt"e o, the .ight an$ "e abo/t the Hther. 3e nee$ to
"earn.1
7hat an.er $i$ not p"eae them. Septon Ce""a$or ,ingere$ the cryta" that h/ng abo/t hi
neck an$ ai$- 2& think thi mot /n.ie- ?or$ Sno.. & ha"" pray to the Crone to "i,t her hining
"amp an$ "ea$ yo/ $o.n the path o, .i$om.1
!on Sno.4 patience .a e:ha/te$. 23e co/"$ a"" $o .ith a bit more .i$om- & am /re.1
&ou know nothing, -on Snow+ 2No.- ha"" .e peak o, %a"61
2&t i tr/e- then61 ai$ Marh. 2Eo/ have re"eae$ her.1
2Beyon$ the 3a"".1
Septon Ce""a$or /cke$ in hi breath. 27he king4 priGe. #i Grace .i"" be mot .roth to ,in$
her gone.1
2%a" .i"" ret/rn.1 Before Stannis, if the gods are good+
2#o. can yo/ kno. that61 $eman$e$ Bo.en Marh.
2She ai$ he .o/"$.1
2An$ i, he "ie$6 &, he meet .ith mia$vent/re61
23hy- then- yo/ may have a chance to chooe a "or$ comman$er more to yo/r "iking. Fnti"
/ch time- & ,ear yo/4"" ti"" nee$ to /,,er me.1 !on took a .a""o. o, a"e. 2& ent her to ,in$
7orm/n$ Giantbane an$ bring him my o,,er.1
2&, .e may kno.- .hat o,,er i thi61
27he ame o,,er & ma$e at Mo"e4 7o.n. +oo$ an$ he"ter an$ peace- i, he .i"" =oin hi
trength to o/r- ,ight o/r common enemy- he"p / ho"$ the 3a"".1
Bo.en Marh $i$ not appear /rprie$. 2Eo/ mean to "et him pa.1 #i voice /ggete$ he
ha$ kno.n a"" a"ong. 27o open the gate ,or him an$ hi ,o""o.er. #/n$re$- tho/an$.1
2&, he ha that many "e,t.1
Septon Ce""a$or ma$e the ign o, the tar. Hthe"" Ear.yck gr/nte$. Bo.en Marh ai$-
2Some might ca"" thi treaon. 7hee are .i"$"ing. Savage- rai$er- raper- more beat than
man.1
27orm/n$ i none o, thoe thing-1 ai$ !on- 2no more than Mance Ray$er. B/t even i, every
.or$ yo/ ai$ .a tr/e- they are ti"" men- Bo.en. ?iving men- h/man a yo/ an$ me. 3inter i
coming- my "or$- an$ .hen it $oe- .e "iving men .i"" nee$ to tan$ together againt the $ea$.1
2Snow,1 creame$ ?or$ Mormont4 raven. 2Snow, Snow+1
!on ignore$ him. 23e have been A/etioning the .i"$"ing .e bro/ght back ,rom the grove.
Severa" o, them to"$ an intereting ta"e- o, a .oo$ .itch ca""e$ Mother Mo"e.1
2Mother *ole61 ai$ Bo.en Marh. 2An /n"ike"y name.1
2S/ppoe$"y he ma$e her home in a b/rro. beneath a ho""o. tree. 3hatever the tr/th o,
that- he ha$ a viion o, a ,"eet o, hip arriving to carry the ,ree ,o"k to a,ety acro the narro.
ea. 7ho/an$ o, thoe .ho ,"e$ the batt"e .ere $eperate eno/gh to be"ieve her. Mother Mo"e
ha "e$ them a"" to #ar$home- there to pray an$ a.ait a"vation ,rom acro the ea.1
Hthe"" Ear.yck co."e$. 2&4m no ranger- b/t8 #ar$home i an /nho"y p"ace- it4 ai$.
C/re$. Cven yo/r /nc"e /e$ to ay a m/ch- ?or$ Sno.. 3hy .o/"$ they go there61
!on ha$ a map be,ore him on the tab"e. #e t/rne$ it o they co/"$ ee. 2#ar$home it on a
he"tere$ bay an$ ha a nat/ra" harbor $eep eno/gh ,or the bigget hip a,"oat. 3oo$ an$ tone
are p"enti,/" near there. 7he .ater teem .ith ,ih- an$ there are co"onie o, ea" an$ ea co.
c"oe at han$.1
2A"" that4 tr/e- & $on4t $o/bt-1 ai$ Ear.yck- 2b/t it4 not a p"ace &4$ .ant to pen$ a night.
Eo/ kno. the ta"e.1
#e $i$. #ar$home ha$ been ha",.ay to.ar$ becoming a to.n- the on"y tr/e to.n north o, the
3a""- /nti" the night i: h/n$re$ year ago .hen he"" ha$ .a""o.e$ it. &t peop"e ha$ been
carrie$ o,, into "avery or "a/ghtere$ ,or meat- $epen$ing on .hich verion o, the ta"e yo/
be"ieve$- their home an$ ha"" con/me$ in a con,"agration that b/rne$ o hot that .atcher on
the 3a"" ,ar to the o/th ha$ tho/ght the /n .a riing in the north. A,ter.ar$ ahe raine$
$o.n on ha/nte$ ,oret an$ Shivering Sea a"ike ,or a"mot ha", a year. 7ra$er reporte$ ,in$ing
on"y nightmarih $evatation .here #ar$home ha$ too$- a "an$cape o, charre$ tree an$
b/rne$ bone- .ater choke$ .ith .o""en corpe- b"oo$(chi""ing hriek echoing ,rom the cave
mo/th that pocke$ the great c"i,, that "oome$ above the ett"ement.
Si: cent/rie ha$ come an$ gone ince that night- b/t #ar$home .a ti"" h/nne$. 7he .i"$
ha$ rec"aime$ the ite- !on ha$ been to"$- b/t ranger c"aime$ that the overgro.n r/in .ere
ha/nte$ by gho/" an$ $emon an$ b/rning ghot .ith an /nhea"thy tate ,or b"oo$. 2&t i not
the ort o, re,/ge &4$ choe either-1 !on ai$- 2b/t Mother Mo"e .a hear$ to preach that the ,ree
,o"k .o/"$ ,in$ a"vation .here once they ,o/n$ $amnation.1
Septon Ce""a$or p/re$ hi "ip. 2Sa"vation can be ,o/n$ on"y thro/gh the Seven. 7hi .itch
ha $oome$ them a"".1
2An$ ave$ the 3a""- mayhap-1 ai$ Bo.en Marh. 27hee are enemie .e peak o,. ?et
them pray amongt the r/in- an$ i, their go$ en$ hip to carry them o,, to a better .or"$- .e""
an$ goo$. &n thi .or"$ & have no ,oo$ to ,ee$ them.1
!on ,"e:e$ the ,inger o, hi .or$ han$. 2Cotter 9yke4 ga""ey ai" pat #ar$home ,rom time
to time. #e te"" me there i no he"ter there b/t the cave. #he screaming caes, hi men ca""
them. Mother Mo"e an$ thoe .ho ,o""o.e$ her .i"" perih there- o, co"$ an$ tarvation.
#/n$re$ o, them. 7ho/an$.1
27ho/an$ o, enemie. 7ho/an$ o, wildlings+1
#housands of people, !on tho/ght. *en, women, children+ Anger roe ini$e him- b/t .hen he
poke hi voice .a A/iet an$ co"$. 2Are yo/ o b"in$- or i it that yo/ $o not .ih to ee6 3hat
$o yo/ think .i"" happen .hen a"" thee enemie are $ea$61
Above the $oor the raven m/ttere$- 2Dead, dead, dead+1
2?et me te"" yo/ .hat .i"" happen-1 !on ai$. 27he $ea$ .i"" rie again- in their h/n$re$ an$
their tho/an$. 7hey .i"" rie a .ight- .ith b"ack han$ an$ pa"e b"/e eye- an$ the! will
come for us+1 #e p/he$ hime", to hi ,eet- the ,inger o, hi .or$ han$ opening an$ c"oing.
2Eo/ have my "eave to go.1
Septon Ce""a$or roe grey(,ace$ an$ .eating- Hthe"" Ear.yck ti,,"y- Bo.en Marh tight(
"ippe$ an$ pa"e. 27hank yo/ ,or yo/r time- ?or$ Sno..1 7hey "e,t .itho/t another .or$.
0ai2e
The ne. ?or$ o, Riverr/n .a o angry that he .a haking. 23e have been $eceive$-1 he
ai$. 27hi man ha$ p"aye$ / ,a"e01 9ink pitt"e ,"e. ,rom hi "ip a he =abbe$ a ,inger at
C$m/re 7/""y. 2& .i"" have hi hea$ o,,0 & r/"e in Riverr/n- by the king4 o.n $ecree- &@1
2Cmmon-1 ai$ hi .i,e- 2the ?or$ Comman$er kno. abo/t the king4 $ecree. Ser C$m/re
kno. abo/t the king4 $ecree. 7he tab"eboy kno. abo/t the king4 $ecree.1
4I am the lord, and I will hae his head;5
2+or .hat crime61 7hin a he .a- C$m/re ti"" "ooke$ more "or$"y than Cmmon +rey. #e
.ore a A/i"te$ $o/b"et o, re$ .oo" .ith a "eaping tro/t embroi$ere$ on it chet. #i boot .ere
b"ack- hi breeche b"/e. #i a/b/rn hair ha$ been .ahe$ an$ barbere$- hi re$ bear$ neat"y
trimme$. 2& $i$ a"" that .a ake$ o, me.1
2Hh61 !aime ?anniter ha$ not "ept ince Riverr/n ha$ opene$ it gate- an$ hi hea$ .a
po/n$ing. 2& $o not reca"" aking yo/ to "et Ser Bryn$en ecape.1
2Eo/ reA/ire$ me to /rren$er my cat"e- not my /nc"e. Am & to b"ame i, yo/r men "et him
"ip thro/gh their iege "ine61
!aime .a not am/e$. 4Where is he65 he ai$- "etting hi irritation ho.. #i men ha$
earche$ Riverr/n thrice over- an$ Bryn$en 7/""y .a no.here to be ,o/n$.
2#e never to"$ me .here he meant to go.1
2An$ yo/ never ake$. #o. $i$ he get o/t61
2+ih .im. Cven b"ack one.1 C$m/re mi"e$.
!aime .a ore"y tempte$ to crack him acro the mo/th .ith hi go"$en han$. A ,e. miing
teeth .o/"$ p/t an en$ to hi mi"e. +or a man .ho .a going to pen$ the ret o, hi "i,e a
prioner- C$m/re .a entire"y too p"eae$ .ith hime",. 23e have o/b"iette beneath the
Cater"y Rock that ,it a man a tight a a /it o, armor. Eo/ can4t t/rn in them- or it- or reach
$o.n to yo/r ,eet .hen the rat tart gna.ing at yo/r toe. 3o/"$ yo/ care to reconi$er that
an.er61
?or$ C$m/re4 mi"e .ent a.ay. 2Eo/ gave me yo/r .or$ that & .o/"$ be treate$ honorab"y-
a be,it my rank.1
2So yo/ ha""-1 ai$ !aime. 2Nob"er knight than yo/ have $ie$ .himpering in thoe
o/b"iette- an$ many a high "or$ too. Cven a king or t.o- i, & reca"" my hitory. Eo/r .i,e can
have the one bei$e yo/- i, yo/ "ike. & .o/"$ not .ant to part yo/.1
2#e $i$ .im-1 ai$ C$m/re- /""en"y. #e ha$ the ame b"/e eye a hi iter Cate"yn- an$
!aime a. the ame "oathing there that he4$ once een in her. 23e raie$ the portc/""i on the
3ater Gate. Not a"" the .ay- =/t three ,eet or o. Cno/gh to "eave a gap /n$er the .ater- tho/gh
the gate ti"" appeare$ to be c"oe$. My /nc"e i a trong .immer. A,ter $ark- he p/""e$ hime",
beneath the pike.1
And he slipped under our boom the same wa!, no doubt+ A moon"e night- bore$ g/ar$- a
b"ack ,ih in a b"ack river ,"oating A/iet"y $o.ntream. &, R/ttiger or Ee. or any o, their men
hear$ a p"ah- they .o/"$ p/t it $o.n to a t/rt"e or a tro/t. C$m/re ha$ .aite$ mot o, the $ay
be,ore ha/"ing $o.n the $ire.o", o, Stark in token o, /rren$er. &n the con,/ion o, the cat"e
changing han$- it ha$ been the ne:t morning be,ore !aime ha$ been in,orme$ that the B"ack,ih
.a not amongt the prioner.
#e .ent to the .in$o. an$ gaGe$ o/t over the river. &t .a a bright a/t/mn $ay- an$ the /n
.a hining on the .ater. B! now the Blackfish could be ten leagues downstream+
2Eo/ have to ,in$ him-1 inite$ Cmmon +rey.
2#e4"" be ,o/n$.1 !aime poke .ith a certainty he $i$ not ,ee". 2& have ho/n$ an$ h/nter
ni,,ing a,ter him even no..1 Ser A$$am Marbran$ .a "ea$ing the earch on the o/th i$e o,
the river- Ser 5ermot o, the Rain.oo$ on the north. #e ha$ coni$ere$ en"iting the river"or$ a
.e""- b/t %ance an$ 9iper an$ their i"k .ere more "ike to he"p the B"ack,ih ecape than c"ap him
into ,etter. A"" in a""- he .a not hope,/". 2#e may e"/$e / ,or a time-1 he ai$- 2b/t event/a""y
he m/t /r,ace.1
23hat i, he ho/"$ try an$ take my cat"e back61
2Eo/ have a garrion o, t.o h/n$re$.1 7oo "arge a garrion- in tr/th- b/t ?or$ Cmmon ha$ an
an:io/ $ipoition. At "eat he .o/"$ have no tro/b"e ,ee$ing themI the B"ack,ih ha$ "e,t
Riverr/n amp"y proviione$- =/t a he ha$ c"aime$. 2A,ter the tro/b"e Ser Bryn$en took to "eave
/- & $o/bt that he4"" come k/"king back.1 <nless it is at the head of a band of outlaws+ #e $i$
not $o/bt that the B"ack,ih meant to contin/e the ,ight.
27hi i yo/r eat-1 ?a$y Genna to"$ her h/ban$. 2&t i ,or yo/ to ho"$ it. &, yo/ cannot $o
that- p/t it to the torch an$ r/n back to the Rock.1
?or$ Cmmon r/bbe$ hi mo/th. #i han$ came a.ay re$ an$ "imy ,rom the o/r"ea,. 27o be
/re. Riverr/n i mine- an$ no man ha"" ever take it ,rom me.1 #e gave C$m/re 7/""y one "at
/picio/ "ook- a ?a$y Genna $re. him ,rom the o"ar.
2& there any more that yo/ .o/"$ care to te"" me61 !aime ake$ C$m/re .hen the t.o o,
them .ere a"one.
27hi .a my ,ather4 o"ar-1 ai$ 7/""y. 2#e r/"e$ the river"an$ ,rom here- .ie"y an$ .e"".
#e "ike$ to it bei$e that .in$o.. 7he "ight .a goo$ there- an$ .henever he "ooke$ /p ,rom
hi .ork he co/"$ ee the river. 3hen hi eye .ere tire$ he .o/"$ have Cat rea$ to him.
?itt"e,inger an$ & b/i"t a cat"e o/t o, .oo$en b"ock once- there bei$e the $oor. Eo/ .i"" never
kno. ho. ick it make me to ee yo/ in thi room- >ing"ayer. Eo/ .i"" never kno. ho. m/ch
& $epie yo/.1
#e .a .rong abo/t that. 2& have been $epie$ by better men than yo/- C$m/re.1 !aime
ca""e$ ,or a g/ar$. 27ake hi "or$hip back to hi to.er an$ ee that he4 ,e$.1
7he ?or$ o, Riverr/n .ent i"ent"y. Hn the morro.- he .o/"$ tart .et. Ser +or"ey 9reter
.o/"$ comman$ hi ecortI a h/n$re$ men- inc"/$ing t.enty knight. Best double that+ "ord
Beric ma! tr! to free 0dmure before the! reach the 1olden #ooth+ !aime $i$ not .ant to have to
capt/re 7/""y ,or a thir$ time.
#e ret/rne$ to #oter 7/""y4 chair- p/""e$ over the map o, the 7ri$ent- an$ ,"attene$ it
beneath hi go"$en han$. Where would I go, if I were the Blackfish6
2?or$ Comman$er61 A g/ar$man too$ in the open $oor. 2?a$y 3eter"ing an$ her
$a/ghter are .itho/t- a yo/ comman$e$.1
!aime hove$ the map ai$e. 2Sho. them in.1 At least the girl did not anish too+ !eyne
3eter"ing ha$ been Robb Stark4 A/een- the gir" .ho cot him everything. 3ith a .o", in her
be""y- he co/"$ have prove$ more $angero/ than the B"ack,ih.
She $i$ not "ook $angero/. !eyne .a a .i""o.y gir"- no more than ,i,teen or i:teen- more
a.k.ar$ than grace,/". She ha$ narro. hip- breat the iGe o, app"e- a mop o, chetn/t c/r"-
an$ the o,t bro.n eye o, a $oe. $rett! enough for a child, !aime $eci$e$- but not a girl to lose
a kingdom for+ #er ,ace .a p/,,y- an$ there .a a cab on her ,orehea$- ha",(hi$$en by a "ock
o, bro.n hair. 23hat happene$ there61 he ake$ her.
7he gir" t/rne$ her hea$ a.ay. 2&t i nothing-1 inite$ her mother- a tern(,ace$ .oman in a
go.n o, green ve"vet. A neck"ace o, go"$en eahe"" "oope$ abo/t her "ong- thin neck. 2She
.o/"$ not give /p the "itt"e cro.n the rebe" gave her- an$ .hen & trie$ to take it ,rom her hea$
the .i"",/" chi"$ ,o/ght me.1
2&t .a mine.1 !eyne obbe$. 2Eo/ ha$ no right. Robb ha$ it ma$e ,or me. & loed him.1
#er mother ma$e to "ap her- b/t !aime teppe$ bet.een them. 2None o, that-1 he .arne$
?a$y Sybe"". 2Sit $o.n- both o, yo/.1 7he gir" c/r"e$ /p in her chair "ike a ,rightene$ anima"- b/t
her mother at ti,,"y- her hea$ high. 23i"" yo/ have .ine61 he ake$ them. 7he gir" $i$ not
an.er. 2No- thank yo/-1 ai$ her mother.
2A yo/ .i"".1 !aime t/rne$ to the $a/ghter. 2& am orry ,or yo/r "o. 7he boy ha$ co/rage-
&4"" give him that. 7here i a A/etion & m/t ak yo/. Are yo/ carrying hi chi"$- my "a$y61
!eyne b/rt ,rom her chair an$ .o/"$ have ,"e$ the room i, the g/ar$ at the $oor ha$ not
eiGe$ her by the arm. 2She i not-1 ai$ ?a$y Sybe""- a her $a/ghter tr/gg"e$ to ecape. 2&
ma$e certain o, that- a yo/r "or$ ,ather bi$ me.1
!aime no$$e$. 7y.in ?anniter .a not a man to over"ook /ch $etai". 2Fnhan$ the gir"-1 he
ai$- 2&4m $one .ith her ,or no..1 A !eyne ,"e$ obbing $o.n the tair- he coni$ere$ her
mother. 2#o/e 3eter"ing ha it par$on- an$ yo/r brother Ro"ph ha been ma$e ?or$ o,
Catamere. 3hat e"e .o/"$ yo/ have o, /61
2Eo/r "or$ ,ather promie$ me .orthy marriage ,or !eyne an$ her yo/nger iter. ?or$ or
heir- he .ore to me- not yo/nger on nor ho/eho"$ knight.1
"ords or heirs+ #o be sure+ 7he 3eter"ing .ere an o"$ #o/e- an$ pro/$- b/t ?a$y Sybe""
here", ha$ been born a Spicer- ,rom a "ine o, /p=/mpe$ merchant. #er gran$mother ha$ been
ome ort o, ha",(ma$ .itch .oman ,rom the eat- he eeme$ to reca"". An$ the 3eter"ing
.ere impoverihe$. Eo/nger on .o/"$ have been the bet that Sybe"" Spicer4 $a/ghter co/"$
have hope$ ,or in the or$inary co/re o, event- b/t a nice ,at pot o, ?anniter go"$ .o/"$ make
even a $ea$ rebe"4 .i$o. "ook attractive to ome "or$. 2Eo/4"" have yo/r marriage-1 ai$
!aime- 2b/t !eyne m/t .ait t.o ,/"" year be,ore he .e$ again.1 &, the gir" took another
h/ban$ too oon an$ ha$ a chi"$ by him- inevitab"y there .o/"$ come .hiper that the Eo/ng
3o", .a the ,ather.
2& have t.o on a .e""-1 ?a$y 3eter"ing remin$e$ him. 2Ro""am i .ith me- b/t Rayna"$
.a a knight an$ .ent .ith the rebe" to the 7.in. &, & ha$ kno.n .hat .a to happen there- &
.o/"$ never have a""o.e$ that.1 7here .a a hint o, reproach in her voice. 2Rayna"$ kne.
no/ght o, any8 o, the /n$ertan$ing .ith yo/r "or$ ,ather. #e may be a captive at the 7.in.1
Or he ma! be dead+ 3a"$er +rey .o/"$ not have kno.n o, the understanding either. 2& .i""
make inA/irie. &, Ser Rayna"$ i ti"" a captive- .e4"" pay hi ranom ,or yo/.1
2Mention .a ma$e o, a match ,or him a .e"". A bri$e ,rom Cater"y Rock. Eo/r "or$ ,ather
ai$ that Rayna"$ ho/"$ have =oy o, him- i, a"" .ent a .e hope$.1
0en from the grae, "ord #!win/s dead hand moes us all+ 2!oy i my "ate /nc"e Gerion4
nat/ra" $a/ghter. A betrotha" can be arrange$- i, that i yo/r .ih- b/t any marriage .i"" nee$ to
.ait. !oy .a nine or ten .hen "at & a. her.1
2#i natural $a/ghter61 ?a$y Sybe"" "ooke$ a i, he ha$ .a""o.e$ a "emon. 2Eo/ .ant a
3eter"ing to .e$ a bastard61
2No more than & .ant !oy to marry the on o, ome cheming t/rnc"oak bitch. She $eerve
better.1 !aime .o/"$ happi"y have trang"e$ the .oman .ith her eahe"" neck"ace. !oy .a a
.eet chi"$- a"beit a "one"y oneI her ,ather ha$ been !aime4 ,avorite /nc"e. 2Eo/r $a/ghter i
.orth ten o, yo/- my "a$y. Eo/4"" "eave .ith C$m/re an$ Ser +or"ey on the morro.. Fnti" then-
yo/ .o/"$ $o .e"" to tay o/t o, my ight.1 #e ho/te$ ,or a g/ar$man- an$ ?a$y Sybe"" .ent
o,, .ith her "ip pree$ prim"y together. !aime ha$ to .on$er ho. m/ch ?or$ Ga.en kne.
abo/t hi .i,e4 cheming. 7ow much do we men eer know6
3hen C$m/re an$ the 3eter"ing $eparte$- ,o/r h/n$re$ men ro$e .ith themI !aime ha$
$o/b"e$ the ecort again at the "at moment. #e ro$e .ith them a ,e. mi"e- to ta"k .ith Ser
+or"ey 9reter. 7ho/gh he bore a b/""4 hea$ /pon hi /rcoat an$ horn /pon hi he"m- Ser
+or"ey co/"$ not have been "e bovine. #e .a a hort- pare- har$(bitten man. 3ith hi pinche$
noe- ba"$ pate- an$ griGG"e$ bro.n bear$- he "ooke$ more "ike an innkeep than a knight. 23e
$on4t kno. .here the B"ack,ih i-1 !aime remin$e$ him- 2b/t i, he can c/t C$m/re ,ree- he
.i"".1
27hat .i"" not happen- my "or$.1 ?ike mot innkeep- Ser +or"ey .a no man4 ,oo". 2Sco/t
an$ o/tri$er .i"" creen o/r march- an$ .e4"" ,orti,y o/r camp by night. & have picke$ ten men
to tay .ith 7/""y $ay an$ night- my bet "ongbo.men. &, he ho/"$ ri$e o m/ch a a ,oot o,,
the roa$- they .i"" "ooe o many ha,t at him that hi o.n mother .o/"$ take him ,or a gooe.1
2Goo$.1 !aime .o/"$ a "ie, have 7/""y reach Cater"y Rock a,e"y- b/t better $ea$ than ,"e$.
2Bet keep ome archer near ?or$ 3eter"ing4 $a/ghter a .e"".1
Ser +or"ey eeme$ taken aback. 2Ga.en4 gir"6 She4@1
2@the Eo/ng 3o",4 .i$o.-1 !aime ,inihe$- 2an$ t.ice a $angero/ a C$m/re i, he .ere
ever to ecape /.1
2A yo/ ay- my "or$. She .i"" be .atche$.1
!aime ha$ to canter pat the 3eter"ing a he ro$e $o.n the co"/mn on hi .ay back to
Riverr/n. ?or$ Ga.en no$$e$ grave"y a he pae$- b/t ?a$y Sybe"" "ooke$ thro/gh him .ith
eye "ike chip o, ice. !eyne never a. him at a"". 7he .i$o. ro$e .ith $o.ncat eye- h/$$"e$
beneath a hoo$e$ c"oak. Fn$erneath it heavy ,o"$- her c"othe .ere ,ine"y ma$e- b/t torn. She
ripped them herself, as a mark of mourning, !aime rea"iGe$. #hat could not hae pleased her
mother+ #e ,o/n$ hime", .on$ering i, Cerei .o/"$ tear her go.n i, he ho/"$ ever hear that
he .a $ea$.
#e $i$ not go traight back to the cat"e b/t croe$ the 7/mb"etone once more to ca"" on
C$.yn +rey an$ $ic/ the tran,er o, hi great(gran$,ather4 prioner. 7he +rey hot ha$
beg/n to break /p .ithin ho/r o, Riverr/n4 /rren$er- a ?or$ 3a"$er4 bannermen an$
,reeri$er p/""e$ /p take to make ,or home. 7he +rey .ho ti"" remaine$ .ere triking camp-
b/t he ,o/n$ C$.yn .ith hi batar$ /nc"e in the "atter4 pavi"ion.
7he t.o o, them .ere h/$$"e$ over a map- arg/ing heate$"y- b/t they broke o,, .hen !aime
entere$. 2?or$ Comman$er-1 River ai$ .ith co"$ co/rtey- b/t C$.yn b"/rte$ o/t- 2My
,ather4 b"oo$ i on yo/r han$- er.1
7hat took !aime a bit aback. 2#o. o61
2Eo/ .ere the one .ho ent him home- .ere yo/ not61
Someone had to+ 2#a ome i"" be,a""en Ser Ryman61
2#ange$ .ith a"" hi party-1 ai$ 3a"$er River. 27he o/t"a. ca/ght them t.o "eag/e o/th
o, +airmarket.1
25on$arrion61
2#im- or 7horo- or thi .oman Stoneheart.1
!aime ,ro.ne$. Ryman +rey ha$ been a ,oo"- a craven- an$ a ot- an$ no one .a "ike to mi
him m/ch- "eat o, a"" hi ,e""o. +rey. &, C$.yn4 $ry eye .ere any c"/e- even hi o.n on
.o/"$ not mo/rn him "ong. Still= these outlaws are growing bold, if the! dare hang "ord
Walder/s heir not a da!/s ride from the #wins+ 2#o. many men $i$ Ser Ryman have .ith him61
he ake$.
27hree knight an$ a $oGen men(at(arm-1 ai$ River. 2&t i a"mot a i, they kne. that he
.o/"$ be ret/rning to the 7.in- an$ .ith a ma"" ecort.1
C$.yn4 mo/th t.ite$. 2My brother ha$ a han$ in thi- &4"" .ager. #e a""o.e$ the o/t"a. to
ecape a,ter they m/r$ere$ Merrett an$ 9etyr- an$ thi i .hy. 3ith o/r ,ather $ea$- there4 on"y
me "e,t bet.een B"ack 3a"$er an$ the 7.in.1
2Eo/ have no proo, o, thi-1 ai$ 3a"$er River.
2& $o not nee$ proo,. & kno. my brother.1
2Eo/r brother i at Seagar$-1 River inite$. 2#o. co/"$ he have kno.n that Ser Ryman .a
ret/rning to the 7.in61
2Someone to"$ him-1 ai$ C$.yn in a bitter tone. 2#e ha hi pie in o/r camp- yo/ can be
/re.1
And !ou hae !ours at Seagard+ !aime kne. that the enmity bet.een C$.yn an$ B"ack
3a"$er ran $eep- b/t care$ not a ,ig .hich o, them /ccee$e$ their great(gran$,ather a ?or$ o,
the Croing.
2&, yo/ .i"" par$on me ,or intr/$ing on yo/r grie,-1 he ai$- in a $ry tone- 2.e have other
matter to coni$er. 3hen yo/ ret/rn to the 7.in- p"eae in,orm ?or$ 3a"$er that >ing
7ommen reA/ire a"" the captive yo/ took at the Re$ 3e$$ing.1
Ser 3a"$er ,ro.ne$. 27hee prioner are va"/ab"e- er.1
2#i Grace .o/"$ not ak ,or them i, they .ere .orth"e.1
+rey an$ River e:change$ a "ook. C$.yn ai$- 2My "or$ gran$,ather .i"" e:pect recompene
,or thee prioner.1
And he/ll hae it, as soon as I grow a new hand, tho/ght !aime. 23e a"" have e:pectation-1
he ai$ mi"$"y. 27e"" me- i Ser Rayna"$ 3eter"ing amongt thee captive61
27he knight o, eahe""61 C$.yn neere$. 2Eo/4"" ,in$ that one ,ee$ing the ,ih at the
bottom o, the Green +ork.1
2#e .a in the yar$ .hen o/r men came to p/t the $ire.o", $o.n-1 ai$ 3a"$er River.
23ha"en $eman$e$ hi .or$ an$ he gave it over meek eno/gh- b/t .hen the crobo.men
began ,eathering the .o", he eiGe$ 3ha"en4 a:e an$ c/t the monter "ooe o, the net they4$
thro.n over him. 3ha"en ay he took a A/arre" in hi ho/"$er an$ another in the g/t- b/t ti""
manage$ to reach the .a"".a"k an$ thro. hime", into the river.1
2#e "e,t a trai" o, b"oo$ on the tep-1 ai$ C$.yn.
25i$ yo/ ,in$ hi corpe a,ter.ar$61 ake$ !aime.
23e ,o/n$ a tho/an$ corpe a,ter.ar$. Hnce they4ve pent a ,e. $ay in the river they a""
"ook m/ch the ame.1
2&4ve hear$ the ame i tr/e o, hange$ men-1 ai$ !aime- be,ore he took hi "eave.
By the ne:t morning "itt"e remaine$ o, the +rey encampment b/t ,"ie- hore $/ng- an$ Ser
Ryman4 ga""o.- tan$ing ,or"orn bei$e the 7/mb"etone. #i coG .ante$ to kno. .hat ho/"$
be $one .ith it- an$ .ith the iege eA/ipment he ha$ b/i"t- hi ram an$ o. an$ to.er an$
treb/chet. 5aven propoe$ that they $rag it a"" to Raventree an$ /e it there. !aime to"$ him to
p/t everything to the torch- tarting .ith the ga""o.. 2& mean to $ea" .ith ?or$ 7yto mye",. &t
.on4t reA/ire a iege to.er.1
5aven grinne$ thro/gh hi b/hy bear$. 2Sing"e combat- coG6 Scarce eem ,air. 7yto i an
o"$ grey man.1
An old gre! man with two hands+
7hat night he an$ Ser &"yn ,o/ght ,or three ho/r. &t .a one o, hi better night. &, they ha$
been in earnet- 9ayne on"y .o/"$ have ki""e$ him t.ice. #a", a $oGen $eath .ere more the
r/"e- an$ ome night .ere .ore than that. 2&, & keep at thi ,or another year- & may be a goo$
a 9eck-1 !aime $ec"are$- an$ Ser &"yn ma$e that c"acking o/n$ that meant he .a am/e$.
2Come- "et4 $rink ome more o, #oter 7/""y4 goo$ re$ .ine.1
3ine ha$ become a part o, their night"y rit/a". Ser &"yn ma$e the per,ect $rinking companion.
#e never interr/pte$- never $iagree$- never comp"aine$ or ake$ ,or ,avor or to"$ "ong
point"e torie. A"" he $i$ .a $rink an$ "iten.
2& ho/"$ have the tong/e remove$ ,rom a"" my ,rien$-1 ai$ !aime a he ,i""e$ their c/p-
2an$ ,rom my kin a .e"". A i"ent Cerei .o/"$ be .eet. 7ho/gh &4$ mi her tong/e .hen .e
kie$.1 #e $rank. 7he .ine .a a $eep re$- .eet an$ heavy. &t .arme$ him going $o.n. 2&
can4t remember .hen .e ,irt began to ki. &t .a innocent at ,irt. Fnti" it .an4t.1 #e ,inihe$
the .ine an$ et hi c/p ai$e. 27yrion once to"$ me that mot .hore .i"" not ki yo/. 7hey4""
,/ck yo/ b"in$- he ai$- b/t yo/4"" never ,ee" their "ip on yo/r. 5o yo/ think my iter kie
>ett"eb"ack61
Ser &"yn $i$ not an.er.
2& $on4t think it .o/"$ be proper ,or me to "ay mine o.n S.orn Brother. 3hat & nee$ to $o i
ge"$ him an$ en$ him to the 3a"". 7hat4 .hat they $i$ .ith ?/camore the ?/ty. Ser Hm/n$
may not take kin$"y to the ge"$ing- to be /re. An$ there are hi brother to coni$er. Brother
can be $angero/. A,ter Aegon the Fn.orthy p/t Ser 7errence 7oyne to $eath ,or "eeping .ith
hi mitre- 7oyne4 brother $i$ their bet to ki"" him. 7heir bet .a not A/ite goo$ eno/gh-
thank to the 5ragonknight- b/t it .a not ,or .ant o, trying. &t4 .ritten $o.n in the 3hite
Book. A"" o, it- ave .hat to $o .ith Cerei.1
Ser &"yn $re. a ,inger acro hi throat.
2No-1 ai$ !aime. 27ommen ha "ot a brother- an$ the man he tho/ght o, a hi ,ather. &, &
.ere to ki"" hi mother- he .o/"$ hate me ,or it8 an$ that .eet "itt"e .i,e o, hi .o/"$ ,in$ a
.ay to t/rn that hatre$ to the bene,it o, #ighgar$en.1
Ser &"yn mi"e$ in a .ay !aime $i$ not "ike. An ugl! smile+ An ugl! soul+ 2Eo/ ta"k too m/ch-1
he to"$ the man.
7he ne:t $ay Ser 5ermot o, the Rain.oo$ ret/rne$ to the cat"e- empty(han$e$. 3hen ake$
.hat he4$ ,o/n$- he an.ere$- 23o"ve. #/n$re$ o, the b"oo$y beggar.1 #e4$ "ot t.o
entrie to them. 7he .o"ve ha$ come o/t o, the $ark to avage them. 2Arme$ men in mai" an$
boi"e$ "eather- an$ yet the beat ha$ no ,ear o, them. Be,ore he $ie$- !ate ai$ the pack .a "e$
by a he(.o", o, montro/ iGe. A $ire.o",- to hear him te"" it. 7he .o"ve got in amongt o/r
hore "ine too. 7he b"oo$y batar$ ki""e$ my ,avorite bay.1
2A ring o, ,ire ro/n$ yo/r camp might keep them o,,-1 ai$ !aime- tho/gh he .on$ere$.
Co/"$ Ser 5ermot4 $ire.o", be the ame beat that ha$ ma/"e$ !o,,rey near the croroa$6
3o"ve or no- Ser 5ermot took ,reh hore an$ more men an$ .ent o/t again the ne:t
morning- to re/me the earch ,or Bryn$en 7/""y. 7hat ame a,ternoon- the "or$ o, the 7ri$ent
came to !aime aking hi "eave to ret/rn to their o.n "an$. #e grante$ it. ?or$ 9iper a"o .ante$
to kno. abo/t hi on MarA. 2A"" the captive .i"" be ranome$-1 !aime promie$. A the
river"or$ took their "eave- ?or$ >ary" %ance "ingere$ to ay- 2?or$ !aime- yo/ m/t go to
Raventree. So "ong a it i !ono at hi gate 7yto .i"" never yie"$- b/t & kno. he .i"" ben$ hi
knee ,or yo/.1 !aime thanke$ him ,or hi co/ne".
Strongboar .a the ne:t to $epart. #e .ante$ to ret/rn to 5arry a he4$ promie$ an$ ,ight
the o/t"a.. 23e ro$e acro ha", the b"oo$y rea"m an$ ,or .hat6 So yo/ co/"$ make C$m/re
7/""y pi hi breeche6 7here4 no ong in that. & nee$ a fight+ & .ant the #o/n$- !aime. #im- or
the marcher "or$.1
27he #o/n$4 hea$ i yo/r i, yo/ can take it-1 !aime ai$- 2b/t Beric 5on$arrion i to be
capt/re$ a"ive- o he can be bro/ght back to >ing4 ?an$ing. A tho/an$ peop"e nee$ to ee him
$ie- or e"e he .on4t tay $ea$.1 Strongboar gr/mb"e$ at that- b/t ,ina""y agree$. 7he ne:t $ay he
$eparte$ .ith hi A/ire an$ men(at(arm- p"/ Bear$"e !on Bett"ey- .ho ha$ $eci$e$ that
h/nting o/t"a. .a pre,erab"e to ret/rning to hi ,amo/"y home"y .i,e. S/ppoe$"y he ha$
the bear$ that Bett"ey "acke$.
!aime ti"" ha$ the garrion to $ea" .ith. 7o a man- they .ore that they kne. nothing o, Ser
Bryn$en4 p"an or .here he might have gone. 27hey are "ying-1 Cmmon +rey inite$- b/t
!aime tho/ght not. 2&, yo/ hare yo/r p"an .ith no one- no one can betray yo/-1 he pointe$ o/t.
?a$y Genna /ggete$ that a ,e. o, the men might be p/t to the A/etion. #e re,/e$. 2& gave
C$m/re my .or$ that i, he yie"$e$- the garrion co/"$ "eave /nharme$.1
27hat .a chiva"ro/ o, yo/-1 hi a/nt ai$- 2b/t it4 trength that4 nee$e$ here- not
chiva"ry.1
Ask 0dmure how chialrous I am, tho/ght !aime. Ask him about the trebuchet+ Someho. he
$i$ not think the maeter .ere "ike to con,/e him .ith 9rince Aemon the 5ragonknight .hen
they .rote their hitorie. Sti""- he ,e"t c/rio/"y content. 7he .ar .a a"" b/t .on. 5ragontone
ha$ ,a""en an$ Storm4 Cn$ .o/"$ oon eno/gh- he co/"$ not $o/bt- an$ Stanni .a .e"come to
the 3a"". 7he northmen .o/"$ "ove him no more than the torm "or$ ha$. &, Rooe Bo"ton $i$
not $etroy him- .inter .o/"$.
An$ he ha$ $one hi o.n part here at Riverr/n .itho/t act/a""y ever taking /p arm againt
the Stark or 7/""y. Hnce he ,o/n$ the B"ack,ih- he .o/"$ be ,ree to ret/rn to >ing4 ?an$ing-
.here he be"onge$. *! place is with m! king+ With m! son+ 3o/"$ 7ommen .ant to kno. that6
7he tr/th co/"$ cot the boy hi throne. Would !ou sooner hae a father or a chair, lad6 !aime
.ihe$ he kne. the an.er. 7e does like stamping papers with his seal+ 7he boy might not even
be"ieve him- to be /re. Cerei .o/"$ ay it .a a "ie. *! sweet sister, the deceier+ #e .o/"$
nee$ to ,in$ ome .ay to .ink"e 7ommen ,rom her c"/tche be,ore the boy became another
!o,,rey. An$ .hi"t at that- he ho/"$ ,in$ the "a$ a ne. ma"" co/nci" too. If %ersei can be put
aside, Ser ,ean ma! agree to sere as #ommen/s 7and+ An$ i, not- .e""- the Seven >ing$om
$i$ not "ack ,or ab"e men. +or"ey 9reter .o/"$ make a goo$ choice- or Ro"an$ Crakeha"". &,
omeone other than a .eterman .a nee$e$ to appeae the 7yre""- there .a a".ay Mathi
Ro.an8 or even 9etyr Bae"ih. ?itt"e,inger .a a amiab"e a he .a c"ever- b/t too "o.born to
threaten any o, the great "or$- .ith no .or$ o, hi o.n. #he perfect 7and+
7he 7/""y garrion $eparte$ the ne:t morning- trippe$ o, a"" their arm an$ armor. Cach man
.a a""o.e$ three $ay4 ,oo$ an$ the c"othing on hi back- a,ter he .ore a o"emn oath never to
take /p arm againt ?or$ Cmmon or #o/e ?anniter. 2&, yo/4re ,ort/nate- one man in ten may
keep that vo.-1 ?a$y Genna ai$.
2Goo$. &4$ ooner ,ace nine men than ten. 7he tenth might have been the one .ho .o/"$ have
ki""e$ me.1
27he other nine .i"" ki"" yo/ =/t a A/ick.1
2Better that than $ie in be$.1 Or on the pri!+
7.o men $i$ not chooe to $epart .ith the other. Ser 5emon$ Gre""- ?or$ #oter4 o"$
mater(at(arm- pre,erre$ to take the b"ack. So $i$ Ser Robin Ryger- Riverr/n4 captain o,
g/ar$. 27hi cat"e4 been my home ,or ,orty year-1 ai$ Gre"". 2Eo/ ay &4m ,ree to go- b/t
.here6 &4m too o"$ an$ too to/t to make a he$ge knight. B/t men are a".ay .e"come at the
3a"".1
2A yo/ .ih-1 ai$ !aime- tho/gh it .a a b"oo$y n/iance. #e a""o.e$ them to keep their
arm an$ armor- an$ aigne$ a $oGen o, Gregor C"egane4 men to ecort the t.o o, them to
Mai$enpoo". 7he comman$ he gave to Ra,,or$- the one they ca""e$ the S.eet"ing. 2See to it that
the prioner reach Mai$enpoo" /npoi"e$-1 he to"$ the man- 2or .hat Ser Gregor $i$ to the Goat
.i"" eem a =o""y "ark compare$ to .hat &4"" $o to yo/.1
More $ay pae$. ?or$ Cmmon aemb"e$ a"" o, Riverr/n in the yar$- ?or$ C$m/re4 peop"e
an$ hi o.n- an$ poke to them ,or c"oe on three ho/r abo/t .hat .o/"$ be e:pecte$ o, them
no. that he .a their "or$ an$ mater. +rom time to time he .ave$ hi parchment- a tab"eboy
an$ erving gir" an$ mith "itene$ in a /""en i"ence an$ a "ight rain ,e"" $o.n /pon them a"".
7he inger .a "itening too- the one that !aime ha$ taken ,rom Ser Ryman +rey. !aime came
/pon him tan$ing ini$e an open $oor- .here it .a $ry. 2#i "or$hip ho/"$ have been a
inger-1 the man ai$. 27hi peech i "onger than a marcher ba""a$- an$ & $on4t think he4
toppe$ ,or breath.1
!aime ha$ to "a/gh. 2?or$ Cmmon $oe not nee$ to breathe- o "ong a he can che.. Are yo/
going to make a ong o, it61
2A ,/nny one. &4"" ca"" it J7a"king to the +ih.41
2!/t $on4t p"ay it .here my a/nt can hear.1 !aime ha$ never pai$ the man m/ch min$ be,ore.
#e .a a ma"" ,e""o.- garbe$ in ragge$ green breeche an$ a ,raye$ t/nic o, a "ighter ha$e o,
green- .ith bro.n "eather patche covering the ho"e. #i noe .a "ong an$ harp- hi mi"e big
an$ "ooe. 7hin bro.n hair ,e"" to hi co""ar- nagg"e$ an$ /n.ahe$. Fift! if he/s a da!, tho/ght
!aime- a hedge harp, and hard used b! life+ 23eren4t yo/ Ser Ryman4 man .hen & ,o/n$ yo/61
he ake$.
2Hn"y ,or a ,ortnight.1
2& .o/"$ have e:pecte$ yo/ to $epart .ith the +rey.1
27hat one /p there4 a +rey-1 the inger ai$- no$$ing at ?or$ Cmmon- 2an$ thi cat"e eem
a nice n/g p"ace to pa the .inter. 3hitemi"e 3at .ent home .ith Ser +or"ey- o & tho/ght &4$
ee i, & co/"$ .in hi p"ace. 3at4 got that high .eet voice that the "ike o4 me can4t hope to
match. B/t & kno. t.ice a many ba.$y ong a he $oe. Begging my "or$4 par$on.1
2Eo/ ho/"$ get on ,amo/"y .ith my a/nt-1 ai$ !aime. 2&, yo/ hope to .inter here- ee that
yo/r p"aying p"eae ?a$y Genna. She4 the one that matter.1
2Not yo/61
2My p"ace i .ith the king. & ha"" not tay here "ong.1
2&4m orry to hear that- my "or$. & kno. better ong than J7he Rain o, Catamere.4 & co/"$
have p"aye$ yo/8 oh- a"" ort o4 thing.1
2Some other time-1 ai$ !aime. 25o yo/ have a name61
27om o, Seventream- i, it p"eae my "or$.1 7he inger $o,,e$ hi hat. 2Mot ca"" me 7om o4
Seven- tho/gh.1
2Sing .eet"y- 7om o4 Seven.1
7hat night he $reamt that he .a back in the Great Sept o, Bae"or- ti"" tan$ing vigi" over hi
,ather4 corpe. 7he ept .a ti"" an$ $ark- /nti" a .oman emerge$ ,rom the ha$o. an$
.a"ke$ "o."y to the bier. 2Siter61 he ai$.
B/t it .a not Cerei. She .a a"" in grey- a i"ent iter. A hoo$ an$ vei" concea"e$ her
,eat/re- b/t he co/"$ ee the can$"e b/rning in the green poo" o, her eye. 2Siter-1 he ai$-
2.hat .o/"$ yo/ have o, me61 #i "at .or$ echoe$ /p an$ $o.n the ept-
mememememememememememe+
2& am not yo/r iter- !aime.1 She raie$ a pa"e o,t han$ an$ p/he$ her hoo$ back. 2#ave
yo/ ,orgotten me61
%an I forget someone I neer knew6 7he .or$ ca/ght in hi throat. #e did kno. her- b/t it
ha$ been o "ong8
23i"" yo/ ,orget yo/r o.n "or$ ,ather too6 & .on$er i, yo/ ever kne. him- tr/"y.1 #er eye
.ere green- her hair p/n go"$. #e co/"$ not te"" ho. o"$ he .a. Fifteen, he tho/ght- or fift!+
She c"imbe$ the tep to tan$ above the bier. 2#e co/"$ never abi$e being "a/ghe$ at. 7hat .a
the thing he hate$ mot.1
23ho are yo/61 #e ha$ to hear her ay it.
27he A/etion i- .ho are yo/61
27hi i a $ream.1
2& it61 She mi"e$ a$"y. 2Co/nt yo/r han$- chi"$.1
One+ Hne han$- c"ape$ tight aro/n$ the .or$ hi"t. Hn"y one. 2&n my $ream & a".ay have
t.o han$.1 #e raie$ hi right arm an$ tare$ /ncomprehen$ing at the /g"ine o, hi t/mp.
23e a"" $ream o, thing .e cannot have. 7y.in $reame$ that hi on .o/"$ be a great knight-
that hi $a/ghter .o/"$ be a A/een. #e $reame$ they .o/"$ be o trong an$ brave an$ bea/ti,/"
that no one .o/"$ ever "a/gh at them.1
2& am a knight-1 he to"$ her- 2an$ Cerei i a A/een.1
A tear ro""e$ $o.n her cheek. 7he .oman raie$ her hoo$ again an$ t/rne$ her back on him.
!aime ca""e$ a,ter her- b/t a"rea$y he .a moving a.ay- her kirt .hipering "/""abie a it
br/he$ acro the ,"oor. Don/t leae me, he .ante$ to ca""- b/t o, co/re he4$ "e,t them "ong
ago.
#e .oke in $arkne- hivering. 7he room ha$ gro.n co"$ a ice. !aime ,"/ng ai$e the cover
.ith the t/mp o, hi .or$ han$. 7he ,ire in the hearth ha$ $ie$- he a.- an$ the .in$o. ha$
b"o.n open. #e croe$ the pitch($ark chamber to ,/mb"e .ith the h/tter- b/t .hen he reache$
the .in$o. hi bare ,oot came $o.n in omething .et. !aime recoi"e$- tart"e$ ,or a moment.
#i ,irt tho/ght .a o, b"oo$- b/t b"oo$ .o/"$ not have been o co"$.
&t .a no.- $ri,ting thro/gh the .in$o..
&ntea$ o, c"oing the h/tter he thre. them .i$e. 7he yar$ be"o. .a covere$ by a thin
.hite b"anket- gro.ing thicker even a he .atche$. 7he mer"on on the batt"ement .ore .hite
co.". 7he ,"ake ,e"" i"ent"y- a ,e. $ri,ting in the .in$o. to me"t /pon hi ,ace. !aime co/"$
ee hi o.n breath.
Snow in the rierlands+ &, it .a no.ing here- it co/"$ .e"" be no.ing on ?anniport a
.e""- an$ on >ing4 ?an$ing. Winter is marching south, and half our granaries are empt!+ Any
crop ti"" in the ,ie"$ .ere $oome$. 7here .o/"$ be no more p"anting- no more hope o, one
"at harvet. #e ,o/n$ hime", .on$ering .hat hi ,ather .o/"$ $o to ,ee$ the rea"m- be,ore he
remembere$ that 7y.in ?anniter .a $ea$.
3hen morning broke the no. .a ank"e $eep- an$ $eeper in the go$.oo$- .here $ri,t ha$
pi"e$ /p /n$er the tree. SA/ire- tab"eboy- an$ highborn page t/rne$ to chi"$ren again /n$er
it co"$ .hite pe""- an$ ,o/ght a no.ba"" .ar /p an$ $o.n the .ar$ an$ a"" a"ong the
batt"ement. !aime hear$ them "a/ghing. 7here .a a time- not "ong ago- .hen he might have
been o/t making no.ba"" .ith the bet o, them- to ,"ing at 7yrion .hen he .a$$"e$ by- or "ip
$o.n the back o, Cerei4 go.n. &ou need two hands to make a decent snowball, though+
7here .a a rap /pon hi $oor. 2See .ho that i- 9eck.1
&t .a Riverr/n4 o"$ maeter- .ith a meage c"/tche$ in hi "ine$ an$ .rink"e$ han$.
%yman4 ,ace .a a pa"e a the ne.(,a""en no.. 2& kno.-1 !aime ai$- 2there ha been a .hite
raven ,rom the Cita$e". 3inter ha come.1
2No- my "or$. 7he bir$ .a ,rom >ing4 ?an$ing. & took the "iberty8 & $i$ not kno.81 #e
he"$ the "etter o/t.
!aime rea$ it in the .in$o. eat- bathe$ in the "ight o, that co"$ .hite morning. Dyb/rn4
.or$ .ere tere an$ to the point- Cerei4 ,evere$ an$ ,ervent. %ome at once, he ai$. 7elp me+
Sae me+ I need !ou now as I hae neer needed !ou before+ I loe !ou+ I loe !ou+ I loe !ou+
%ome at once+
%yman .a hovering by the $oor- .aiting- an$ !aime ene$ that 9eck .a .atching too.
25oe my "or$ .ih to an.er61 the maeter ake$- a,ter a "ong i"ence.
A no.,"ake "an$e$ on the "etter. A it me"te$- the ink began to b"/r. !aime ro""e$ the
parchment /p again- a tight a one han$ .o/"$ a""o.- an$ han$e$ it to 9eck. 2No-1 he ai$. 29/t
thi in the ,ire.1
T'RION
7he o. ha$ a .eeter temper than ome hore he ha$ ri$$en. 9atient an$ /re(,oote$- he
accepte$ 7yrion .ith har$"y a A/ea" .hen he c"ambere$ onto her back- an$ remaine$
motion"e a he reache$ ,or hie"$ an$ "ance. Eet .hen he gathere$ /p her rein an$ pree$ hi
,eet into her i$e- he move$ at once. #er name .a 9retty- hort ,or 9retty 9ig- an$ he ha$ been
traine$ to a$$"e an$ bri$"e ince he .a a pig"et.
7he painte$ .oo$en armor c"attere$ a 9retty trotte$ acro the $eck. 7yrion4 armpit .ere
prick"y .ith perpiration- an$ a bea$ o, .eat .a trick"ing $o.n hi car beneath the overiGe$-
i""(,itting he"m- yet ,or one ab/r$ moment he ,e"t a"mot "ike !aime- ri$ing o/t onto a to/rney
,ie"$ .ith "ance in han$- hi go"$en armor ,"ahing in the /n.
3hen the "a/ghter began- the $ream $io"ve$. #e .a no champion- =/t a $.ar, on a pig
c"/tching a tick- capering ,or the am/ement o, ome ret"e r/m(oake$ ai"or in hope o,
.eetening their moo$. Some.here $o.n in he"" hi ,ather .a eething an$ !o,,rey .a
ch/ck"ing. 7yrion co/"$ ,ee" their co"$ $ea$ eye .atching thi m/mmer4 ,ace- a avi$ a the
cre. o, the Selaesori :horan+
An$ no. here came hi ,oe. 9enny ro$e her big grey $og- her tripe$ "ance .aving $r/nken"y
a the beat bo/n$e$ acro the $eck. #er hie"$ an$ armor ha$ been painte$ re$- tho/gh the
paint .a chippe$ an$ ,a$ingI hi o.n armor .a b"/e. 2ot mine+ 1roat/s+ 2eer mine, I pra!+
7yrion kicke$ at 9retty4 ha/nche to pee$ her to a charge a the ai"or /rge$ him on .ith
hoot an$ ho/t. 3hether they .ere ho/ting enco/ragement or mocking him he co/"$ not have
ai$ ,or certain- tho/gh he ha$ a ,air notion. Wh! did I eer allow m!self to be talked into this
farce6
#e kne. the an.er- tho/gh. +or t.e"ve $ay no. the hip ha$ ,"oate$ beca"me$ in the G/",
o, Grie,. 7he moo$ o, the cre. .a /g"y- an$ "ike to t/rn /g"ier .hen their $ai"y r/m ration .ent
$ry. 7here .ere on"y o many ho/r a man co/"$ $evote to men$ing ai"- ca/"king "eak- an$
,ihing. !orah Mormont ha$ hear$ the m/ttering abo/t ho. $.ar, "/ck ha$ ,ai"e$ them. 3hi"t
the hip4 cook ti"" gave 7yrion4 hea$ a r/b ,rom time to time- in hope that it might tir a
.in$- the ret ha$ taken to giving him venomo/ "ook .henever he croe$ their path. 9enny4
"ot .a even .ore- ince the cook ha$ p/t abo/t the notion that A/eeGing a $.ar, gir"4 breat
might be =/t the thing to .in their "/ck back. #e ha$ a"o tarte$ re,erring to 9retty 9ig a
Bacon, a =ape that ha$ eeme$ m/ch ,/nnier .hen 7yrion ha$ ma$e it.
23e have to make them "a/gh-1 9enny ha$ ai$- p"ea$ing. 23e have to make them "ike /. &,
.e give them a ho.- it .i"" he"p them ,orget. $lease, m4"or$.1 An$ omeho.- ome.ie-
ome.ay he ha$ conente$. It must hae been the rum+ 7he captain4 .ine ha$ been the ,irt
thing to r/n o/t. Eo/ co/"$ get $r/nk m/ch A/icker on r/m than on .ine- 7yrion ?anniter ha$
$icovere$.
So he ,o/n$ hime", c"a$ in Groat4 painte$ .oo$en armor- atri$e Groat4 o.- .hi"t
Groat4 iter intr/cte$ him in the ,iner point o, the m/mmer4 =o/t that ha$ been their brea$
an$ a"t. &t ha$ a certain $e"icio/ irony to it- coni$ering that 7yrion ha$ a"mot "ot hi hea$
once by re,/ing to mo/nt the $og ,or hi nephe.4 t.ite$ am/ement. Eet omeho. he ,o/n$
it $i,,ic/"t to appreciate the h/mor o, it a"" ,rom o.back.
9enny4 "ance $ecen$e$ =/t in time ,or it b"/nte$ point to br/h hi ho/"$erI hi o.n "ance
.obb"e$ a he bro/ght it $o.n an$ bange$ it noii"y o,, a corner o, her hie"$. She kept her eat.
#e "ot hi. B/t then- he .a /ppoe$ to.
0as! as falling off a pig8 tho/gh ,a""ing o,, thi partic/"ar pig .a har$er than it "ooke$.
7yrion c/r"e$ into a ba"" a he $roppe$- remembering hi "eon- b/t even o- he hit the $eck .ith
a o"i$ thump an$ bit hi tong/e o har$ he tate$ b"oo$. #e ,e"t a i, he .ere t.e"ve again-
cart.hee"ing acro the /pper tab"e in Cater"y Rock4 great ha"". Back then hi /nc"e Gerion
ha$ been on han$ to praie hi e,,ort- in p"ace o, /r"y ai"or. 7heir "a/ghter eeme$ pare an$
traine$ compare$ to the great ga"e that ha$ greete$ Groat4 an$ 9enny4 antic at !o,,rey4
.e$$ing ,eat- an$ ome hie$ at him in anger. 2No(Noe- yo/ ri$e ame .ay yo/ "ook- /g"y-1
one man ho/te$ ,rom the terncat"e. 2M/t have no ba""- "et gir" beat yo/.1 7e wagered coin
on me, 7yrion $eci$e$. #e "et the in/"t .ah right over him. #e ha$ hear$ .ore in hi time.
7he .oo$en armor ma$e riing a.k.ar$. #e ,o/n$ hime", ,"ai"ing "ike a t/rt"e on it back.
7hat- at "eat- et a ,e. o, the ai"or to "a/ghing. A shame I did not break m! leg, that would
hae left them howling+ And if the! had been in that pri! when I shot m! father through the
bowels, the! might hae laughed hard enough to shit their breeches right along with him+ But
an!thing to keep the blood! bastards sweet+
!orah Mormont ,ina""y took pity on 7yrion4 tr/gg"e an$ p/""e$ him to hi ,eet. 2Eo/ "ooke$
a ,oo".1
#hat was the intent+ 2&t i har$ to "ook a hero .hen mo/nte$ on a pig.1
27hat m/t be .hy & tay o,, pig.1
7yrion /nb/ck"e$ hi he"m- t.ite$ it o,,- an$ pat a gobbet o, b"oo$y pink ph"egm over the
i$e. 2&t ,ee" a tho/gh & bit thro/gh ha", my tong/e.1
2Ne:t time bite har$er.1 Ser !orah hr/gge$. 27r/th be to"$- &4ve een .ore =o/ter.1
Was that praise6 2& ,e"" o,, the b"oo$y pig an$ bit my tong/e. 3hat co/"$ poib"y be .ore
than that61
2Getting a p"inter thro/gh yo/r eye an$ $ying.1
9enny ha$ va/"te$ o,, her $og- a big grey br/te ca""e$ Cr/nch. 27he thing i not to =o/t .e""-
#/gor.1 She .a a".ay care,/" to ca"" him #/gor .here anyone might hear. 27he thing i to
make them "a/gh an$ thro. coin.1
$oor pa!ment for the blood and bruises, 7yrion tho/ght- b/t he kept that to hime", a .e"".
23e ,ai"e$ at that a .e"". No one thre. coin.1 2ot a penn!, not a groat+
27hey .i"" .hen .e get better.1 9enny p/""e$ o,, her he"m. Mo/e(bro.n hair pi""e$ $o.n
to her ear. #er eye .ere bro.n too- beneath a heavy he", o, bro.- her cheek mooth an$
,"/he$. She p/""e$ ome acorn ,rom a "eather bag ,or 9retty 9ig. 7he o. ate them ,rom her
han$- A/ea"ing happi"y. 23hen .e per,orm ,or D/een 5aenery the i"ver .i"" rain $o.n- yo/4""
ee.1
Some o, the ai"or .ere ho/ting at them an$ "amming their hee" againt the $eck-
$eman$ing another ti"t. 7he hip4 cook .a the "o/$et- a a".ay. 7yrion ha$ "earne$ to
$epie that man- even i, he .a the on"y ha",($ecent c!asse p"ayer on the cog. 2Eo/ ee- they
"ike$ /-1 9enny ai$- .ith a hope,/" "itt"e mi"e. 2Sha"" .e go again- #/gor61
#e .a on the point o, re,/ing .hen a ho/t ,rom one o, the mate pare$ him the neceity.
&t .a mi$morning- an$ the captain .ante$ the boat o/t again. 7he cog4 h/ge tripe$ ai" h/ng
"imp"y ,rom her mat- a it ha$ ,or $ay- b/t he .a hope,/" that they co/"$ ,in$ a .in$
ome.here to the north. 7hat meant ro.ing. 7he boat .ere ma""- ho.ever- an$ the cog .a
"argeI to.ing it .a hot- .eaty- e:ha/ting .ork that "e,t the han$ b"itere$ an$ the back
aching- an$ accomp"ihe$ nothing. 7he cre. hate$ it. 7yrion co/"$ not b"ame them. 27he .i$o.
ho/"$ have p/t / on a ga""ey-1 he m/ttere$ o/r"y. 2&, omeone co/"$ he"p me o/t o, thee
b"oo$y p"ank- & .o/"$ be grate,/". & think & may have a p"inter thro/gh my crotch.1
Mormont $i$ the $/ty- a"beit .ith poor grace. 9enny co""ecte$ her $og an$ pig an$ "e$ them
both be"o.. 2Eo/ might .ant to te"" yo/r "a$y to keep her $oor c"oe$ an$ barre$ .hen he4
ini$e-1 Ser !orah ai$ a he .a /n$oing the b/ck"e on the trap that =oine$ the .oo$en
breatp"ate to the backp"ate. 2&4m hearing too m/ch ta"k abo/t rib an$ ham an$ bacon.1
27hat pig i ha", her "ive"ihoo$.1
2A Ghicari cre. .o/"$ eat the $og a .e"".1 Mormont p/""e$ the breatp"ate an$ backp"ate
apart. 2!/t te"" her.1
2A yo/ .ih.1 #i t/nic .a oake$ .ith .eat an$ c"inging to hi chet. 7yrion p"/cke$ at
it- .ihing ,or a bit o, breeGe. 7he .oo$en armor .a a hot an$ heavy a it .a /ncom,ortab"e.
#a", o, it "ooke$ to be o"$ paint- "ayer on "ayer on "ayer o, it- ,rom a h/n$re$ pat repainting. At
!o,,rey4 .e$$ing ,eat- he reca""e$- one ri$er ha$ $ip"aye$ the $ire.o", o, Robb Stark- the
other the arm an$ co"or o, Stanni Baratheon. 23e .i"" nee$ both anima" i, .e4re to ti"t ,or
D/een 5aenery-1 he ai$. &, the ai"or took it in their hea$ to b/tcher 9retty 9ig- neither he nor
9enny co/"$ hope to top them8 b/t Ser !orah4 "ong.or$ might give them pa/e- at "eat.
2& that ho. yo/ hope to keep yo/r hea$- &mp61
2Ser &mp- i, yo/ p"eae. An$ ye. Hnce #er Grace kno. my tr/e .orth- he4"" cherih me. &
am a "ovab"e "itt"e ,e""o.- a,ter a""- an$ & kno. many /e,/" thing abo/t my kin. B/t /nti" /ch
time & ha$ bet keep her am/e$.1
2Caper a yo/ "ike- it .on4t .ah o/t yo/r crime. 5aenery 7argaryen i no i""y chi"$ to be
$iverte$ by =ape an$ t/mb"e. She .i"" $ea" .ith yo/ =/t"y.1
Oh, I hope not+ 7yrion t/$ie$ Mormont .ith hi mimatche$ eye. 2An$ ho. .i"" he
.e"come yo/- thi =/t A/een6 A .arm embrace- a gir"ih titter- a hea$man4 a:e61 #e grinne$
at the knight4 obvio/ $icom,it. 25i$ yo/ tr/"y e:pect me to be"ieve yo/ .ere abo/t the
A/een4 b/ine in that .horeho/e6 5e,en$ing her ,rom ha", a .or"$ a.ay6 Hr co/"$ it be that
yo/ .ere r/nning- that yo/r $ragon A/een ent yo/ ,rom her i$e6 B/t .hy .o/"$ he8 oh-
.ait- yo/ .ere sp!ing on her.1 7yrion ma$e a c"/cking o/n$. 2Eo/ hope to b/y yo/r .ay back
into her ,avor by preenting her .ith me. An i""(coni$ere$ cheme- &4$ ay. Hne might even ay
an act o, $r/nken $eperation. 9erhap i, & .ere !aime8 b/t !aime ki""e$ her ,ather- & on"y ki""e$
my o.n. Eo/ think 5aenery .i"" e:ec/te me an$ par$on yo/- b/t the revere i =/t a "ike"y.
Maybe yo/ should hop /p on that pig- Ser !orah. 9/t on a /it o, iron mot"ey- "ike +"orian the@1
7he b"o. the big knight gave him cracke$ hi hea$ aro/n$ an$ knocke$ him i$e.ay- o
har$ that hi hea$ bo/nce$ o,, the $eck. B"oo$ ,i""e$ hi mo/th a he taggere$ back onto one
knee. #e pat o/t a broken tooth. 1rowing prettier eer! da!, but I do beliee I poked a wound+
25i$ the $.ar, ay omething to o,,en$ yo/- er61 7yrion ake$ innocent"y- .iping b/bb"e o,
b"oo$ o,, hi broken "ip .ith the back o, hi han$.
2& am ick o, yo/r mo/th- $.ar,-1 ai$ Mormont. 2Eo/ ti"" have a ,e. teeth "e,t. &, yo/ .ant
to keep them- tay a.ay ,rom me ,or the ret o, thi voyage.1
27hat co/"$ be $i,,ic/"t. 3e hare a cabin.1
2Eo/ can ,in$ ome.here e"e to "eep. 5o.n in the ho"$- /p on $eck- it make no matter.
!/t keep o/t o, my ight.1
7yrion p/""e$ hime", back to hi ,eet. 2A yo/ .ih-1 he an.ere$- thro/gh a mo/th,/" o,
b"oo$- b/t the big knight .a a"rea$y gone- hi boot po/n$ing on the $eckboar$.
Be"o.- in the ga""ey- 7yrion .a rining o/t hi mo/th .ith r/m an$ .ater an$ .incing at the
ting .hen 9enny ,o/n$ him. 2& hear$ .hat happene$. Hh- are yo/ h/rt61
#e hr/gge$. 2A bit o, b"oo$ an$ a broken tooth.1 But I beliee I hurt him more+ 2An$ him a
knight. Sa$ to ay- & .o/"$ not co/nt on Ser !orah ho/"$ .e nee$ protection.1
23hat $i$ yo/ $o6 Hh- yo/r "ip i b"ee$ing.1 She "ippe$ a A/are ,rom her "eeve an$ $abbe$
at it. 23hat $i$ yo/ ay61
2A ,e. tr/th Ser BeGoar $i$ not care to hear.1
2Eo/ m/tn4t mock him. 5on4t yo/ kno. an!thing6 Eo/ can4t ta"k that .ay to a big peron.
7hey can hurt yo/. Ser !orah co/"$ have toe$ yo/ in the ea. 7he ai"or .o/"$ have "a/ghe$ to
ee yo/ $ro.n. Eo/ have to be care,/" aro/n$ big peop"e. Be =o""y an$ p"ay,/" .ith them- keep
them mi"ing- make them "a/gh- that4 .hat my ,ather a".ay ai$. 5i$n4t yo/r ,ather ever te""
yo/ ho. to act .ith big peop"e61
2My ,ather ca""e$ them ma"",o"k-1 ai$ 7yrion- 2an$ he .a not .hat yo/4$ ca"" a =o""y man.1
#e took another ip o, .atere$ r/m- "ohe$ it aro/n$ hi mo/th- pat it o/t. 2Sti""- & take yo/r
point. & have a $ea" to "earn abo/t being a $.ar,. 9erhap yo/ .i"" be goo$ eno/gh to teach me-
in bet.een the =o/ting an$ the pig(ri$ing.1
2& .i""- m4"or$. G"a$"y. B/t8 .hat .ere thee tr/th6 3hy $i$ Ser !orah hit yo/ o har$61
23hy- ,or "ove. 7he ame reaon that & te.e$ that inger.1 #e tho/ght o, Shae an$ the "ook
in her eye a he tightene$ the chain abo/t her throat- t.iting it in hi ,it. A chain o, go"$en
han$. For hands of gold are alwa!s gold, but a woman/s hands are warm+ 2Are yo/ a mai$-
9enny61
She b"/he$. 2Ee. H, co/re. 3ho .o/"$ have@1
2Stay that .ay. ?ove i ma$ne- an$ "/t i poion. >eep yo/r mai$enhea$. Eo/4"" be
happier ,or it- an$ yo/4re "e "ike to ,in$ yo/re", in ome $ingy brothe" on the Rhoyne .ith a
.hore .ho "ook a bit "ike yo/r "ot "ove.1 Or chasing across half the world, hoping to find
whereer whores go+ 2Ser !orah $ream o, rec/ing hi $ragon A/een an$ baking in her
gratit/$e- b/t & kno. a thing or t.o abo/t the gratit/$e o, king- an$ &4$ ooner have a pa"ace in
%a"yria.1 #e broke o,, /$$en"y. 25i$ yo/ ,ee" that6 7he hip move$.1
2&t $i$.1 9enny4 ,ace "it /p .ith =oy. 23e4re moving again. 7he .in$81 She r/he$ to the
$oor. 2& .ant to ee. Come- &4"" race yo/ /p.1 H,, he .ent.
She is !oung, 7yrion ha$ to remin$ hime",- a 9enny cramb"e$ ,rom the ga""ey an$ /p the
teep .oo$en tep a ,at a her hort "eg .o/"$ a""o.. Almost a child+ Sti""- it tick"e$ him to
ee her e:citement. #e ,o""o.e$ her topi$e.
7he ai" ha$ come to "i,e again- bi""o.ing- emptying- then bi""o.ing again- the re$ tripe on
the canva .rigg"ing "ike nake. Sai"or $ahe$ acro the $eck an$ ha/"e$ on "ine a the
mate be""o.e$ or$er in the tong/e o, H"$ %o"anti. 7he ro.er in the hip4 boat ha$ "ooe$
their to. rope an$ t/rne$ back to.ar$ the cog- troking har$. 7he .in$ .a b"o.ing ,rom the
.et- .ir"ing an$ g/ting- c"/tching at rope an$ c"oak "ike a michievo/ chi"$. 7he Selaesori
:horan .a /n$er .ay.
*ight be we/ll make *eereen after all, 7yrion tho/ght.
B/t .hen he c"ambere$ /p the "a$$er to the terncat"e an$ "ooke$ o,, ,rom the tern- hi
mi"e ,a"tere$. Blue sk! and blue sea here, but off west= I hae neer seen a sk! that color+ A
thick ban$ o, c"o/$ ran a"ong the horiGon. 2A bar initer-1 he ai$ to 9enny- pointing.
23hat $oe that mean61 he ake$. 2&t mean ome big batar$ i creeping /p behin$ /.1
#e .a /rprie$ to ,in$ that MoAorro an$ t.o o, hi ,iery ,inger ha$ =oine$ them on the
terncat"e. &t .a on"y mi$$ay- an$ the re$ priet an$ hi men $i$ not norma""y emerge ti"" $/k.
7he priet gave him a o"emn no$. 27here yo/ ee it- #/gor #i"". Go$4 .roth. 7he ?or$ o,
?ight .i"" not be mocke$.1
7yrion ha$ a ba$ ,ee"ing abo/t thi. 27he .i$o. ai$ thi hip .o/"$ never reach her
$etination. & took that to mean that once .e .ere o/t to ea beyon$ the reach o, triarch- the
captain .o/"$ change co/re ,or Meereen. Hr perhap that yo/ .o/"$ eiGe the hip .ith yo/r
+iery #an$ an$ take / to 5aenery. B/t that in4t .hat yo/r high priet a. at a""- i it61
2No.1 MoAorro4 $eep voice to""e$ a o"emn"y a a ,/nera" be"". 27hi i .hat he a..1 7he
re$ priet "i,te$ hi ta,,- an$ inc"ine$ it hea$ to.ar$ the .et.
9enny .a "ot. 2& $on4t /n$ertan$. 3hat $oe it mean61
2&t mean .e ha$ bet get be"o.. Ser !orah ha e:i"e$ me ,rom o/r cabin. Might & hi$e in
yo/r .hen the time come61
2Ee-1 he ai$. 2Eo/ .o/"$ be8 oh81
+or the better part o, three ho/r they ran be,ore the .in$- a the torm gre. c"oer. 7he
.etern ky .ent green- then grey- then b"ack. A .a"" o, $ark c"o/$ "oome$ /p behin$ them-
ch/rning "ike a kett"e o, mi"k "e,t on the ,ire too "ong. 7yrion an$ 9enny .atche$ ,rom the
,orecat"e- h/$$"e$ by the ,ig/rehea$ an$ ho"$ing han$- care,/" to tay o/t o, the .ay o, captain
an$ cre..
7he "at torm ha$ been thri""ing- into:icating- a /$$en A/a"" that ha$ "e,t him ,ee"ing
c"eane$ an$ re,rehe$. 7hi one ,e"t $i,,erent right ,rom the ,irt. 7he captain ene$ it too. #e
change$ their co/re to north by northeat to try an$ get o/t o, the torm4 path.
&t .a a ,/ti"e e,,ort. 7hi torm .a too big. 7he ea aro/n$ them gre. ro/gher. 7he .in$
began to ho.". 7he Stink! Steward roe an$ ,e"" a .ave mahe$ againt her h/"". Behin$ them
"ightning tabbe$ $o.n ,rom the ky- b"in$ing p/rp"e bo"t that $ance$ acro the ea in .eb o,
"ight. 7h/n$er ,o""o.e$. 27he time ha come to hi$e.1 7yrion took 9enny by the arm an$ "e$ her
be"o.$eck.
9retty an$ Cr/nch .ere .ere both ha",(ma$ .ith ,ear. 7he $og .a barking- barking- barking.
#e knocke$ 7yrion right o,, hi ,eet a they entere$. 7he o. ha$ been hitting every.here.
7yrion c"eane$ that /p a bet he co/"$ .hi"t 9enny trie$ to ca"m the anima". 7hen they tie$
$o.n or p/t a.ay anything that .a ti"" "ooe. 2&4m ,rightene$-1 9enny con,ee$. 7he cabin
ha$ beg/n to ti"t an$ =/mp- going thi .ay an$ that a the .ave hammere$ at the h/"" o, the
hip.
#here are worse wa!s to die than drowning+ &our brother learned that, and so did m! lord
father+ And Shae, that l!ing cunt+ 7ands of gold are alwa!s cold, but a woman/s hands are
warm+ 23e ho/"$ p"ay a game-1 7yrion /ggete$. 27hat might he"p take o/r tho/ght o,, the
torm.1
2Not c!asse,1 he ai$ at once. 2Not c!asse,1 7yrion agree$- a the $eck roe /n$er him.
7hat .o/"$ on"y "ea$ to piece ,"ying vio"ent"y acro the cabin an$ raining $o.n on o. an$
$og. 23hen yo/ .ere a "itt"e gir"- $i$ yo/ ever p"ay come(into(my(cat"e61
2No. Can yo/ teach me61
Co/"$ he6 7yrion heitate$. Fool of a dwarf+ Of course she/s neer pla!ed come(into(m!(
castle+ She neer had a castle+ Come(into(my(cat"e .a a game ,or highborn chi"$ren- one
meant to teach them co/rtey- hera"$ry- an$ a thing or t.o abo/t their "or$ ,ather4 ,rien$ an$
,oe. 27hat .on4t81 he tarte$. 7he $eck gave another vio"ent heave- "amming the t.o o, them
together. 9enny gave a A/eak o, ,right. 27hat game .on4t $o-1 7yrion to"$ her- gritting hi
teeth. 2Sorry. & $on4t kno. .hat game@1
2& $o.1 9enny kie$ him.
&t .a an a.k.ar$ ki- r/he$- c"/my. B/t it took him /tter"y by /rprie. #i han$ =erke$
/p an$ grabbe$ ho"$ o, her ho/"$er to hove her a.ay. &ntea$ he heitate$- then p/""e$ her
c"oer- gave her a A/eeGe. #er "ip .ere $ry- har$- c"oe$ /p tighter than a mier4 p/re. A
small merc!, tho/ght 7yrion. 7hi .a nothing he ha$ .ante$. #e "ike$ 9enny- he pitie$ 9enny-
he even a$mire$ 9enny in a .ay- b/t he $i$ not $eire her. #e ha$ no .ih to h/rt her- tho/ghI
the go$ an$ hi .eet iter ha$ given her eno/gh pain. So he "et the ki go on- ho"$ing her
gent"y by the ho/"$er. #i o.n "ip taye$ ,irm"y h/t. 7he Selaesori :horan ro""e$ an$
h/$$ere$ aro/n$ them.
+ina""y he p/""e$ back an inch or t.o. 7yrion co/"$ ee hi o.n re,"ection hining in her
eye. $rett! e!es, he tho/ght- b/t he a. other thing a .e"". A lot of fear, a little hope= but not
a bit of lust+ She does not want me, no more than I want her+
3hen he "o.ere$ her hea$- he took her /n$er the chin an$ raie$ it /p again. 23e cannot
p"ay that game- my "a$y.1 Above the th/n$er boome$- c"oe at han$ no..
2& never meant8 & never kie$ a boy be,ore- b/t8 & on"y tho/ght- .hat i, .e $ro.n- an$ &8
&81
2&t .a .eet-1 "ie$ 7yrion- 2b/t & am marrie$. She .a .ith me at the ,eat- yo/ may
remember her. ?a$y Sana.1
23a he yo/r .i,e6 She8 he .a very bea/ti,/"81
And false+ Sansa, Shae, all m! women= #!sha was the onl! one who eer loed me+ Where do
whores go6 2A "ove"y gir"-1 ai$ 7yrion- 2an$ .e .ere =oine$ beneath the eye o, go$ an$ men.
&t may be that he i "ot to me- b/t /nti" & kno. that ,or a certainty & m/t be tr/e to her.1
2& /n$ertan$.1 9enny t/rne$ her ,ace a.ay ,rom hi.
*! perfect woman, 7yrion tho/ght bitter"y. One still !oung enough to beliee such blatant
lies+
7he h/"" .a creaking- the $eck moving- an$ 9retty .a A/ea"ing in $itre. 9enny cra."e$
acro the cabin ,"oor on her han$ an$ knee- .rappe$ her arm aro/n$ the o.4 hea$- an$
m/rm/re$ rea/rance to her. ?ooking at the t.o o, them- it .a har$ to kno. .ho .a
com,orting .hom. 7he ight .a o groteA/e it ho/"$ have been hi"ario/- b/t 7yrion co/"$
not even ,in$ a mi"e. #he girl deseres better than a pig, he tho/ght. An honest kiss, a little
kindness, eer!one deseres that much, howeer big or small+ #e "ooke$ abo/t ,or hi .ine c/p-
b/t .hen he ,o/n$ it a"" the r/m ha$ pi""e$. Drowning is bad enough, he re,"ecte$ o/r"y- but
drowning sad and sober, that/s too cruel+
&n the en$- they $i$ not $ro.n8 tho/gh there .ere time .hen the propect o, a nice-
peace,/" $ro.ning ha$ a certain appea". 7he torm rage$ ,or the ret o, that $ay an$ .e"" into the
night. 3et .in$ ho."e$ aro/n$ them an$ .ave roe "ike the ,it o, $ro.ne$ giant to mah
$o.n on their $eck. Above- they "earne$ "ater- a mate an$ t.o ai"or .ere .ept overboar$- the
hip4 cook .a b"in$e$ .hen a kett"e o, hot greae ,"e. /p into hi ,ace- an$ the captain .a
thro.n ,rom the terncat"e to the main $eck o vio"ent"y he broke both "eg. Be"o.- Cr/nch
ho."e$ an$ barke$ an$ nappe$ at 9enny- an$ 9retty 9ig began to hit again- t/rning the
crampe$- $amp cabin into a ty. 7yrion manage$ to avoi$ retching hi .ay thro/gh a"" o, thi-
chie,"y thank to the "ack o, .ine. 9enny .a not o ,ort/nate- b/t he he"$ her any.ay a the
hip4 h/"" creake$ an$ groane$ a"arming"y aro/n$ them- "ike a cak abo/t to b/rt.
Nearby mi$night the .in$ ,ina""y $ie$ a.ay- an$ the ea gre. ca"m eno/gh ,or 7yrion to
make hi .ay back /p onto $eck. 3hat he a. there $i$ not rea/re him. 7he cog .a $ri,ting
on a ea o, $ragong"a beneath a bo." o, tar- b/t a"" aro/n$ the torm rage$ on. Cat- .et-
north- o/th- every.here he "ooke$- the c"o/$ roe /p "ike b"ack mo/ntain- their t/mb"e$
"ope an$ co""oa" c"i,, a"ive .ith b"/e an$ p/rp"e "ightning. No rain .a ,a""ing- b/t the $eck
.ere "ick an$ .et /n$er,oot.
7yrion co/"$ hear omeone creaming ,rom be"o.- a thin- high voice hyterica" .ith ,ear. #e
co/"$ hear MoAorro too. 7he re$ priet too$ on the ,orecat"e ,acing the torm- hi ta,, raie$
above hi hea$ a he boome$ a prayer. Ami$hip- a $oGen ai"or an$ t.o o, the ,iery ,inger
.ere tr/gg"ing .ith tang"e$ "ine an$ o$$en canva- b/t .hether they .ere trying to raie the
ai" again or p/"" it $o.n he never kne.. 3hatever they .ere $oing- it eeme$ to him a very ba$
i$ea. An$ o it .a.
7he .in$ ret/rne$ a a .hipere$ threat- co"$ an$ $amp- br/hing over hi cheek- ,"apping the
.et ai"- .ir"ing an$ t/gging at MoAorro4 car"et robe. Some intinct ma$e 7yrion grab ho"$
o, the nearet rai"- =/t in time. &n the pace o, three heartbeat the "itt"e breeGe became a ho."ing
ga"e. MoAorro ho/te$ omething- an$ green ,"ame "eapt ,rom the $ragon4 ma. atop hi ta,,
to vanih in the night. 7hen the rain came- b"ack an$ b"in$ing- an$ ,orecat"e an$ terncat"e
both vanihe$ behin$ a .a"" o, .ater. Something h/ge ,"appe$ overhea$- an$ 7yrion g"ance$ /p
in time to ee the ai" taking .ing- .ith t.o men ti"" $ang"ing ,rom the "ine. 7hen he hear$ a
crack+ Oh, blood! hell, he ha$ time to think- that had to be the mast+
#e ,o/n$ a "ine an$ p/""e$ on it- ,ighting to.ar$ the hatch to get hime", be"o. o/t o, the
torm- b/t a g/t o, .in$ knocke$ hi ,eet ,rom /n$er him an$ a econ$ "amme$ him into the
rai" an$ there he c"/ng. Rain "ahe$ at hi ,ace- b"in$ing him. #i mo/th .a ,/"" o, b"oo$ again.
7he hip groane$ an$ gro."e$ beneath him "ike a contipate$ ,at man training to hit.
7hen the mat b/rt.
7yrion never a. it- b/t he hear$ it. 7hat cracking o/n$ again an$ then a cream o, tort/re$
.oo$- an$ /$$en"y the air .a ,/"" o, har$ an$ p"inter. Hne mie$ hi eye by ha", an inch- a
econ$ ,o/n$ hi neck- a thir$ .ent thro/gh hi ca",- boot an$ breeche an$ a"". #e creame$.
B/t he he"$ on to the "ine- he"$ on .ith a $eperate trength he $i$ not kno. he ha$. #he widow
said this ship would neer reach her destination, he remembere$. 7hen he "a/ghe$ an$ "a/ghe$-
.i"$ an$ hyterica"- a th/n$er boome$ an$ timber moane$ an$ .ave crahe$ a"" aro/n$ him.
By the time the torm abate$ an$ the /rviving paenger an$ cre. came cra."ing back on
$eck- "ike pa"e pink .orm .rigg"ing to the /r,ace a,ter a rain- the Selaesori :horan .a a
broken thing- ,"oating "o. in the .ater an$ "iting ten $egree to port- her h/"" pr/ng in ha", a
h/n$re$ p"ace- her ho"$ a.ah in ea.ater- her mat a p"intere$ r/in no ta""er than a $.ar,.
Cven her ,ig/rehea$ ha$ not ecape$I one o, hi arm ha$ broken o,,- the one .ith a"" hi cro"".
Nine men ha$ been "ot- inc"/$ing a mate- t.o o, the ,iery ,inger- an$ MoAorro hime",.
Did Benerro see this in his fires6 7yrion .on$ere$- .hen he rea"iGe$ the h/ge re$ priet .a
gone. Did *o3orro6
29rophecy i "ike a ha",(traine$ m/"e-1 he comp"aine$ to !orah Mormont. 2&t "ook a tho/gh
it might be /e,/"- b/t the moment yo/ tr/t in it- it kick yo/ in the hea$. 7hat b"oo$y .i$o.
kne. the hip .o/"$ never reach her $etination- he .arne$ / o, that- ai$ Benerro a. it in hi
,ire- on"y & took that to mean8 .e""- .hat $oe it matter61 #i mo/th t.ite$. 23hat it rea""y
meant .a that ome b"oo$y big torm .o/"$ t/rn o/r mat to kin$"ing o .e co/"$ $ri,t
aim"e"y acro the G/", o, Grie, /nti" o/r ,oo$ ran o/t an$ .e tarte$ eating one another. 3ho
$o yo/ /ppoe they4"" carve /p ,irt8 the pig- the $og- or me61
27he noiiet- &4$ ay.1
7he captain $ie$ the ,o""o.ing $ay- the hip4 cook three night "ater. &t .a a"" that the
remaining cre. co/"$ $o to keep the .reck a,"oat. 7he mate .ho ha$ a/me$ comman$
reckone$ that they .ere ome.here o,, the o/thern en$ o, the &"e o, Ce$ar. 3hen he "o.ere$
the hip4 boat to to. them to.ar$ the nearet "an$- one ank an$ the men in the other c/t the
"ine an$ ro.e$ o,, north- aban$oning the cog an$ a"" their hipmate.
2S"ave-1 ai$ !orah Mormont- contempt/o/.
7he big knight ha$ "ept thro/gh the torm- to hear him te"" it. 7yrion ha$ hi $o/bt- b/t he
kept them to hime",. Hne $ay he might .ant to bite omeone in the "eg- an$ ,or that yo/ nee$e$
teeth. Mormont eeme$ content to ignore their $iagreement- o 7yrion $eci$e$ to preten$ it ha$
not happene$.
+or nineteen $ay they $ri,te$- a ,oo$ an$ .ater $.in$"e$. 7he /n beat $o.n on them-
re"ent"e. 9enny h/$$"e$ in her cabin .ith her $og an$ her pig- an$ 7yrion bro/ght her ,oo$-
"imping on hi ban$age$ ca", an$ ni,,ing at the .o/n$ by night. 3hen he ha$ nothing e"e to
$o- he pricke$ hi toe an$ ,inger too. Ser !orah ma$e a point o, harpening hi .or$ each $ay-
honing the point /nti" it g"eame$. 7he three remaining ,iery ,inger "it the night,ire a the /n
.ent $o.n- b/t they .ore their ornate armor a they "e$ the cre. in prayer- an$ their pear .ere
c"oe at han$. An$ not a ing"e ai"or trie$ to r/b the hea$ o, either $.ar,.
2Sho/"$ .e =o/t ,or them again61 9enny ake$ one night.
2Bet not-1 ai$ 7yrion. 27hat .o/"$ on"y erve to remin$ them .e have a nice p"/mp pig.1
7ho/gh 9retty .a gro.ing "e p"/mp .ith every paing $ay- an$ Cr/nch .a ,/r an$ bone.
7hat night he $reame$ that he .a back in >ing4 ?an$ing again- a crobo. in hi han$.
23herever .hore go-1 ?or$ 7y.in ai$- b/t .hen 7yrion4 ,inger c"enche$ an$ the bo.tring
thrumme$- it .a 9enny .ith the A/arre" b/rie$ in her be""y.
#e .oke to the o/n$ o, ho/ting.
7he $eck .a moving /n$er him- an$ ,or ha", a heartbeat he .a o con,/e$ he tho/ght he
.a back on the Sh! *aid+ A .hi,, o, pighit bro/ght him to hi ene. 7he Sorro. .ere
behin$ him- ha", a .or"$ a.ay- an$ the =oy o, that time a .e"". #e remembere$ ho. .eet
?emore ha$ "ooke$ a,ter her morning .im- .ith bea$ o, .ater g"itening on her nake$ kin-
b/t the on"y mai$en here .a hi poor 9enny- the t/nte$ "itt"e $.ar, gir".
Something .a a,oot- tho/gh. 7yrion "ippe$ ,rom the hammock- ya.ning- an$ "ooke$ abo/t
,or hi boot. An$ ma$ tho/gh it .a- he "ooke$ ,or the crobo. a .e""- b/t o, co/re there .a
none /ch to be ,o/n$. A pit!, he m/e$- it might hae been some use when the big folk come to
eat me+ #e p/""e$ hi boot on an$ c"imbe$ on $eck to ee .hat the ho/ting .a abo/t. 9enny
.a there be,ore him- her eye .i$e .ith .on$er. 2A ai"-1 he ho/te$- 2there- there- $o yo/
ee6 A ai"- an$ they4ve een /- they have. A sail+1
7hi time he kie$ her8 once on each cheek- once on the bro.- an$ one "at one on the
mo/th. She .a ,"/he$ an$ "a/ghing by the "at ki- /$$en"y hy again- b/t it ma$e no matter.
7he other hip .a c"oing. A big ga""ey- he a.. #er oar "e,t a "ong .hite .ake behin$ her.
23hat hip i that61 he ake$ Ser !orah Mormont. 2Can yo/ rea$ her name61
2& $on4t nee$ to rea$ her name. 3e4re $o.n.in$. & can me"" her.1 Mormont $re. hi .or$.
27hat4 a "aver.1
Sa2well
The mot peri"o/ part o, the voyage .a the "at. 7he Re$.yne Strait .ere .arming .ith
"onghip- a they ha$ been .arne$ in 7yroh. 3ith the main trength o, the Arbor4 ,"eet on the
,ar i$e o, 3etero- the ironmen ha$ acke$ Ryamport an$ taken %ineto.n an$ Star,ih
#arbor ,or their o.n- /ing them a bae to prey on hipping bo/n$ ,or H"$to.n.
7hrice "onghip .ere ighte$ by the cro.4 net. 7.o .ere .e"" atern- ho.ever- an$ the
%innamon Wind oon o/t$itance$ them. 7he thir$ appeare$ near /net- to c/t them o,, ,rom
3hipering So/n$. 3hen they a. her oar riing an$ ,a""ing- "ahing the copper .ater .hite-
>o==a Mo ent her archer to the cat"e .ith their great bo. o, go"$enheart that co/"$ en$ a
ha,t ,arther an$ tr/er than even 5ornih ye.. She .aite$ ti"" the "onghip came .ithin t.o
h/n$re$ yar$ be,ore he gave the comman$ to "ooe. Sam "ooe$ .ith them- an$ thi time he
tho/ght hi arro. reache$ the hip. Hne vo""ey .a a"" it took. 7he "onghip veere$ o/th in
earch o, tamer prey.
A $eep b"/e $/k .a ,a""ing a they entere$ 3hipering So/n$. Gi""y too$ bei$e the pro.
.ith the babe- gaGing /p at a cat"e on the c"i,,. 27hree 7o.er-1 Sam to"$ her- 2the eat o,
#o/e Cotayne.1 Ctche$ againt the evening tar .ith torch"ight ,"ickering ,rom it .in$o.-
the cat"e ma$e a p"en$i$ ight- b/t he .a a$ to ee it. 7heir voyage .a a"mot at it en$.
2&t4 very ta""-1 ai$ Gi""y.
23ait /nti" yo/ ee the #ighto.er.1
5a""a4 babe began to cry. Gi""y p/""e$ open her t/nic an$ gave the boy her breat. She mi"e$
a he n/re$- an$ troke$ hi o,t bro.n hair. She has come to loe this one as much as the one
she left behind, Sam rea"iGe$. #e hope$ that the go$ .o/"$ be kin$ to both o, the chi"$ren.
7he ironmen ha$ penetrate$ even to the he"tere$ .ater o, 3hipering So/n$. Come
morning- a the %innamon Wind contin/e$ on to.ar$ H"$to.n- he began to b/mp /p againt
corpe $ri,ting $o.n to the ea. Some o, the bo$ie carrie$ comp"ement o, cro.- .ho roe
into the air comp"aining noii"y .hen the .an hip $it/rbe$ their groteA/e"y .o""en ra,t.
Scorche$ ,ie"$ an$ b/rne$ vi""age appeare$ on the bank- an$ the ha""o. an$ an$bar .ere
tre.n .ith hattere$ hip. Merchanter an$ ,ihing boat .ere the mot common- b/t they a.
aban$one$ "onghip too- an$ the .reckage o, t.o big $romon$. Hne ha$ been b/rne$ $o.n to
the .ater"ine- .hi"t the other ha$ a gaping p"intere$ ho"e in her i$e .here her h/"" ha$ been
ramme$.
2Batt"e here-1 ai$ Lhon$o. 2Not o "ong.1
23ho .o/"$ be o ma$ a to rai$ thi c"oe to H"$to.n61
Lhon$o pointe$ at a ha",(/nken "onghip in the ha""o.. 7he remnant o, a banner $roope$
,rom her tern- moke(taine$ an$ ragge$. 7he charge .a one Sam ha$ never een be,ore' a re$
eye .ith a b"ack p/pi"- beneath a b"ack iron cro.n /pporte$ by t.o cro.. 23hoe banner i
that61 Sam ake$. Lhon$o on"y hr/gge$.
7he ne:t $ay .a co"$ an$ mity. A the %innamon Wind .a creeping pat another
p"/n$ere$ ,ihing vi""age- a .ar ga""ey came "i$ing ,rom the ,og- troking "o."y to.ar$ them.
7untress .a the name he bore- behin$ a ,ig/rehea$ o, a "en$er mai$en c"a$ in "eave an$
bran$ihing a pear. A heartbeat "ater- t.o ma""er ga""ey appeare$ on either i$e o, her- "ike a
pair o, matche$ greyho/n$ ta"king at their mater4 hee". 7o Sam4 re"ie,- they ,"e. >ing
7ommen4 tag(an$("ion banner above the teppe$ .hite to.er o, H"$to.n- .ith it cro.n o,
,"ame.
7he captain o, the 7untress .a a ta"" man in a moke(grey c"oak .ith a bor$er o, re$ atin
,"ame. #e bro/ght hi ga""ey in a"ongi$e the %innamon Wind, raie$ hi oar- an$ ho/te$ that
he .a coming aboar$. A hi crobo.men an$ >o==a Mo4 archer eye$ each other acro the
narro. pan o, .ater- he croe$ over .ith ha", a $oGen knight- gave D/h/r/ Mo a no$- an$
ake$ to ee hi ho"$. +ather an$ $a/ghter con,erre$ brie,"y- then agree$.
2My apo"ogie-1 the captain ai$ .hen hi inpection .a comp"ete. 2&t grieve me that honet
men m/t /,,er /ch $ico/rtey- b/t ooner that than ironmen in H"$to.n. Hn"y a ,ortnight ago
ome o, thoe b"oo$y batar$ capt/re$ a 7yrohi merchantman in the trait. 7hey ki""e$ her
cre.- $onne$ their c"othe- an$ /e$ the $ye they ,o/n$ to co"or their .hiker ha", a h/n$re$
co"or. Hnce ini$e the .a"" they meant to et the port ab"aGe an$ open a gate ,rom .ithin .hi"t
.e ,o/ght the ,ire. Might have .orke$- b/t they ran a,o/" o, the "ad! of the #ower, an$ her
oarmater ha a 7yrohi .i,e. 3hen he a. a"" the green an$ p/rp"e bear$ he hai"e$ them in
the tong/e o, 7yroh- an$ not one o, them ha$ the .or$ to hai" him back.1
Sam .a aghat. 27hey cannot mean to rai$ Oldtown+1
7he captain o, the 7untress gave him a c/rio/ "ook. 27hee are no mere reaver. 7he
ironmen have a".ay rai$e$ .here they co/"$. 7hey .o/"$ trike /$$en ,rom the ea- carry o,,
ome go"$ an$ gir"- an$ ai" a.ay- b/t there .ere e"$om more than one or t.o "onghip- an$
never more than ha", a $oGen. #/n$re$ o, their hip a,,"ict / no.- ai"ing o/t o, the Shie"$
&"an$ an$ ome o, the rock aro/n$ the Arbor. 7hey have taken Stonecrab Cay- the &"e o, 9ig-
an$ the Mermai$4 9a"ace- an$ there are other net on #orehoe Rock an$ Batar$4 Cra$"e.
3itho/t ?or$ Re$.yne4 ,"eet- .e "ack the hip to come to grip .ith them.1
23hat i ?or$ #ighto.er $oing61 Sam b"/rte$. 2My ,ather a".ay ai$ he .a a .ea"thy a
the ?anniter- an$ co/"$ comman$ thrice a many .or$ a any o, #ighgar$en4 other
bannermen.1
2More- i, he .eep the cobb"etone-1 the captain ai$- 2b/t .or$ are no goo$ againt the
ironmen- /n"e the men .ho .ie"$ them kno. ho. to .a"k on .ater.1
27he #ighto.er m/t be $oing something+1
27o be /re. ?or$ ?eyton4 "ocke$ atop hi to.er .ith the Ma$ Mai$- con/"ting book o,
pe"". Might be he4"" raie an army ,rom the $eep. Hr not. Bae"or4 b/i"$ing ga""ey- G/nthor
ha charge o, the harbor- Garth i training ne. recr/it- an$ #/m,rey4 gone to ?y to hire
e""ai". &, he can .ink"e a proper ,"eet o/t o, hi .hore o, a iter- .e can tart paying back the
ironmen .ith ome o, their o.n coin. 7i"" then- the bet .e can $o i g/ar$ the o/n$ an$ .ait
,or the bitch A/een in >ing4 ?an$ing to "et ?or$ 9a:ter o,, hi "eah.1
7he bitterne o, the captain4 ,ina" .or$ hocke$ Sam a m/ch a the thing he ai$. If
,ing/s "anding loses Oldtown and the Arbor, the whole realm will fall to pieces, he tho/ght a
he .atche$ the 7untress an$ her iter moving o,,.
&t ma$e him .on$er i, even #orn #i"" .a tr/"y a,e. 7he 7ar"y "an$ "ay in"an$ ami$t
thick"y .oo$e$ ,oothi""- a h/n$re$ "eag/e northeat o, H"$to.n an$ a "ong .ay ,rom any
coat. 7hey ho/"$ be .e"" beyon$ the reach o, ironmen an$ "onghip- even .ith hi "or$ ,ather
o,, ,ighting in the river"an$ an$ the cat"e "ight"y he"$. 7he Eo/ng 3o", ha$ no $o/bt tho/ght
the ame .a tr/e o, 3inter,e"" /nti" the night that 7heon 7/rnc"oak ca"e$ hi .a"". Sam co/"$
not bear the tho/ght that he might have bro/ght Gi""y an$ her babe a"" thi "ong .ay to keep
them o/t o, harm- on"y to aban$on them in the mi$t o, .ar.
#e .ret"e$ .ith hi $o/bt thro/gh the ret o, the voyage- .on$ering .hat to $o. #e co/"$
keep Gi""y .ith him in H"$to.n- he /ppoe$. 7he city4 .a"" .ere m/ch more ,ormi$ab"e than
thoe o, hi ,ather4 cat"e- an$ ha$ tho/an$ o, men to $e,en$ them- a oppoe$ to the han$,/"
?or$ Ran$y"" .o/"$ have "e,t at #orn #i"" .hen he marche$ to #ighgar$en to an.er hi "iege
"or$4 /mmon. &, he $i$- tho/gh- he .o/"$ nee$ to hi$e her omeho.I the Cita$e" $i$ not
permit it novice to keep .ive or paramo/r- at "eat not open"y. Besides, if I sta! with 1ill!
er! much longer, how will I eer find the strength to leae her6 #e had to "eave her- or $eert. I
said the words, Sam remin$e$ hime",. If I desert, it will mean m! head, and how will that help
1ill!6
#e coni$ere$ begging >o==a Mo an$ her ,ather to take the .i"$"ing gir" .ith them to the
S/mmer &"e. 7hat path ha$ it peri" too- ho.ever. 3hen the %innamon Wind "e,t H"$to.n- he
.o/"$ nee$ to cro the Re$.yne Strait again- an$ thi time he might not be o ,ort/nate. 3hat
i, the .in$ $ie$- an$ the S/mmer &"an$er ,o/n$ theme"ve beca"me$6 &, the ta"e he4$ hear$
.ere tr/e- Gi""y .o/"$ be carrie$ o,, ,or a thra"" or a"t .i,e- an$ the babe .a "ike to be ch/cke$
into the ea a a n/iance.
It has to be 7orn 7ill, Sam ,ina""y $eci$e$. Once we reach Oldtown I/ll hire a wagon and
some horses and take her there m!self+ 7hat .ay he co/"$ make certain o, the cat"e an$ it
garrion- an$ i, any part o, .hat he a. or hear$ gave him pa/e- he co/"$ =/t t/rn aro/n$ an$
bring Gi""y back to H"$to.n.
7hey reache$ H"$to.n on a co"$ $amp morning- .hen the ,og .a o thick that the beacon o,
the #ighto.er .a the on"y part o, the city to be een. A boom tretche$ acro the harbor-
"inking t.o $oGen rotte$ h/"k. !/t behin$ it too$ a "ine o, .arhip- anchore$ by three big
$romon$ an$ ?or$ #ighto.er4 to.ering ,o/r($ecke$ banner hip- the 7onor of Oldtown+ Hnce
again the %innamon Wind ha$ to /bmit to inpection. 7hi time it .a ?or$ ?eyton4 on
G/nthor .ho came aboar$- in a c"oth(o,(i"ver c"oak an$ a /it o, grey ename"e$ ca"e. Ser
G/nthor ha$ t/$ie$ at the Cita$e" ,or evera" year an$ poke the S/mmer 7ong/e- o he an$
D/h/r/ Mo a$=o/rne$ to the captain4 cabin ,or a privy con,erence.
Sam /e$ the time to e:p"ain hi p"an to Gi""y. 2+irt the Cita$e"- to preent !on4 "etter an$
te"" them o, Maeter Aemon4 $eath. & e:pect the archmaeter .i"" en$ a cart ,or hi bo$y.
7hen & .i"" arrange ,or hore an$ a .agon to take yo/ to my mother at #orn #i"". & .i"" be back
a oon a & can- b/t it may not be /nti" the morro..1
27he morro.-1 he repeate$- an$ gave him a ki ,or "/ck.
At "ength Ser G/nthor reemerge$ an$ gave the igna" ,or the chain to be opene$ o the
%innamon Wind co/"$ "ip thro/gh the boom to $ock. Sam =oine$ >o==a Mo an$ three o, her
archer near the gangp"ank a the .an hip .a tying /p- the S/mmer &"an$er rep"en$ent in
the ,eathere$ c"oak they on"y .ore ahore. #e ,e"t a habby thing bei$e them in hi baggy
b"ack- ,a$e$ c"oak- an$ a"t(taine$ boot. 2#o. "ong .i"" yo/ remain in port61
27.o $ay- ten $ay- .ho can ay6 #o.ever "ong it take to empty o/r ho"$ an$ ,i"" them
again.1 >o==a grinne$. 2My ,ather m/t viit the grey maeter a .e"". #e ha book to e"".1
2Can Gi""y tay aboar$ ti"" & ret/rn61
2Gi""y can tay a "ong a he "ike.1 She poke$ Sam in the be""y .ith a ,inger. 2She $oe not
eat o m/ch a ome.1
2&4m not o ,at a & .a be,ore-1 Sam ai$ $e,enive"y. 7he paage o/th ha$ een to that. A""
thoe .atche- an$ nothing to eat b/t ,r/it an$ ,ih. S/mmer &"an$er "ove$ ,r/it an$ ,ih.
Sam ,o""o.e$ the archer acro the p"ank- b/t once ahore they parte$ company an$ .ent
their eparate .ay. #e hope$ he ti"" remembere$ the .ay to the Cita$e". H"$to.n .a a maGe-
an$ he ha$ no time ,or getting "ot.
7he $ay .a $amp- o the cobb"etone .ere .et an$ "ippery /n$er,oot- the a""ey hro/$e$
in mit an$ mytery. Sam avoi$e$ them a bet he co/"$ an$ taye$ on the river roa$ that .o/n$
a"ong bei$e the #oney.ine thro/gh the heart o, the o"$ city. &t ,e"t goo$ to have o"i$ gro/n$
beneath hi ,eet again intea$ o, a ro""ing $eck- b/t the .a"k ma$e him ,ee" /ncom,ortab"e a"" the
ame. #e co/"$ ,ee" eye on him- peering $o.n ,rom ba"conie an$ .in$o.- .atching him ,rom
the $arkene$ $oor.ay. Hn the %innamon Wind he ha$ kno.n every ,ace. #ere- every.here he
t/rne$ he a. another tranger. Cven .ore .a the tho/ght o, being een by omeone .ho
kne. him. ?or$ Ran$y"" 7ar"y .a kno.n in H"$to.n- b/t "itt"e "ove$. Sam $i$ not kno. .hich
.o/"$ be .ore' to be recogniGe$ by one o, hi "or$ ,ather4 enemie or by one o, hi ,rien$. #e
p/""e$ hi c"oak /p an$ A/ickene$ hi pace.
7he gate o, the Cita$e" .ere ,"anke$ by a pair o, to.ering green phin:e .ith the bo$ie o,
"ion- the .ing o, eag"e- an$ the tai" o, erpent. Hne ha$ a man4 ,ace- one a .oman4. !/t
beyon$ too$ Scribe4 #earth- .here H"$to.ner came in earch o, aco"yte to .rite their .i""
an$ rea$ their "etter. #a", a $oGen bore$ cribe at in open ta""- .aiting ,or ome c/tom. At
other ta"" book .ere being bo/ght an$ o"$. Sam toppe$ at one that o,,ere$ map- an$ "ooke$
over a han$($ra.n map o, Cita$e" to acertain the hortet .ay to the Senecha"4 Co/rt.
7he path $ivi$e$ .here the tat/e o, >ing 5aeron the +irt at atri$e hi ta"" tone hore- hi
.or$ "i,te$ to.ar$ 5orne. A eag/"" .a perche$ on the Eo/ng 5ragon4 hea$- an$ t.o more
on the b"a$e. Sam took the "e,t ,ork- .hich ran bei$e the river. At the 3eeping 5ock- he
.atche$ t.o aco"yte he"p an o"$ man into a boat ,or the hort voyage to the B"oo$y &"e. A
yo/ng mother c"imbe$ in a,ter him- a babe not m/ch o"$er than Gi""y4 A/a""ing in her arm.
Beneath the $ock- ome cook4 boy .a$e$ in the ha""o.- gathering ,rog. A tream o, pink(
cheeke$ novice h/rrie$ by him to.ar$ the eptry. I should hae come here when I was their
age, Sam tho/ght. If I had run off and taken a false name, I could hae disappeared amongst the
other noices+ Father could hae pretended that Dickon was his onl! son+ I doubt he would een
hae troubled to search for me, unless I took a mule to ride+ #hen he would hae hunted me
down, but onl! for the mule+
H/ti$e the Senecha"4 Co/rt- the rector .ere "ocking an o"$er novice into the tock.
2Stea"ing ,oo$ ,rom the kitchen-1 one e:p"aine$ to the aco"yte .ho .ere .aiting to pe"t the
captive .ith rotting vegetab"e. 7hey a"" gave Sam c/rio/ "ook a he tro$e pat- hi b"ack
c"oak bi""o.ing behin$ him "ike a ai".
Beyon$ the $oor he ,o/n$ a ha"" .ith a tone ,"oor an$ high- arche$ .in$o.. At the ,ar en$
a man .ith a pinche$ ,ace at /pon a raie$ $ai- cratching in a "e$ger .ith a A/i"". 7ho/gh the
man .a c"a$ in a maeter4 robe- there .a no chain abo/t hi neck. Sam c"eare$ hi throat.
2Goo$ morro..1
7he man g"ance$ /p an$ $i$ not appear to approve o, .hat he a.. 2Eo/ me"" o, novice.1
2& hope to be one oon.1 Sam $re. o/t the "etter !on Sno. ha$ given him. 2& came ,rom the
3a"" .ith Maeter Aemon- b/t he $ie$ $/ring the voyage. &, & co/"$ peak .ith the Senecha"81
2Eo/r name61
2Sam.e"". Sam.e"" 7ar"y.1
7he man .rote the name in hi "e$ger an$ .ave$ hi A/i"" at a bench a"ong the .a"". 2Sit.
Eo/4"" be ca""e$ .hen .ante$.1
Sam took a eat on the bench.
Hther came an$ .ent. Some $e"ivere$ meage an$ took their "eave. Some poke to the man
on the $ai an$ .ere ent thro/gh the $oor behin$ him an$ /p a t/rnpike tair. Some =oine$ Sam
on the benche- .aiting ,or their name to be ca""e$. A ,e. o, thoe .ho .ere /mmone$ ha$
come in a,ter him- he .a a"mot certain. A,ter the ,o/rth or ,i,th time that happene$- he roe an$
croe$ the room again. 2#o. m/ch "onger .i"" it be61
27he Senecha" i an important man.1
2& came a"" the .ay ,rom the 3a"".1
27hen yo/ .i"" have no tro/b"e going a bit ,arther.1 #e .ave$ hi A/i"". 27o that bench =/t
there- beneath the .in$o..1
Sam ret/rne$ to the bench. Another ho/r pae$. Hther entere$- poke to the man on the $ai-
.aite$ a ,e. moment- an$ .ere /here$ on.ar$. 7he gatekeeper $i$ not o m/ch a g"ance at
Sam in a"" that time. 7he ,og o/ti$e gre. thinner a the $ay .ore on- an$ pa"e /n"ight "ante$
$o.n thro/gh the .in$o.. #e ,o/n$ hime", .atching $/t mote $ance in the "ight. A ya.n
ecape$ him- then another. #e picke$ at a broken b"iter on hi pa"m- then "eane$ hi hea$ back
an$ c"oe$ hi eye.
#e m/t have $ro.e$. 7he ne:t he kne.- the man behin$ the $ai .a ca""ing o/t a name.
Sam came "/rching to hi ,eet- then at back $o.n again .hen he rea"iGe$ it .a not hi name.
2Eo/ nee$ to "ip ?orca a penny- or yo/4"" be .aiting here three $ay-1 a voice bei$e him
ai$. 23hat bring the Night4 3atch to the Cita$e"61
7he peaker .a a "im- "ight- come"y yo/th- c"a$ in $oekin breeche an$ a n/g green
brigan$ine .ith iron t/$. #e ha$ kin the co"or o, a "ight bro.n a"e an$ a cap o, tight b"ack
c/r" that came to a .i$o.4 peak above hi big b"ack eye. 27he ?or$ Comman$er i retoring
the aban$one$ cat"e-1 Sam e:p"aine$. 23e nee$ more maeter- ,or the raven8 $i$ yo/ ay- a
penny61
2A penny .i"" erve. +or a i"ver tag ?orca .i"" carry yo/ /p to the Senecha" on hi back.
#e ha been ,i,ty year an aco"yte. #e hate novice- partic/"ar"y novice o, nob"e birth.1
2#o. co/"$ yo/ te"" & .a o, nob"e birth61
27he ame .ay yo/ can te"" that &4m ha", 5ornih.1 7he tatement .a $e"ivere$ .ith a mi"e-
in a o,t 5ornih $ra.".
Sam ,/mb"e$ ,or a penny. 2Are yo/ a novice61
2An aco"yte. A""era- by ome ca""e$ Sphin:.1
7he name gave Sam a =o"t. 27he phin: i the ri$$"e- not the ri$$"er-1 he b"/rte$. 25o yo/
kno. .hat that mean61
2No. & it a ri$$"e61
2& .ih & kne.. &4m Sam.e"" 7ar"y. Sam.1
23e"" met. An$ .hat b/ine $oe Sam.e"" 7ar"y have .ith Archmaeter 7heoba"$61
2& he the Senecha"61 ai$ Sam- con,/e$. 2Maeter Aemon ai$ hi name .a Norren.1
2Not ,or the pat t.o t/rn. 7here i a ne. one every year. 7hey ,i"" the o,,ice by "ot ,rom
amongt the archmaeter- mot o, .hom regar$ it a a thank"e tak that take them a.ay ,rom
their tr/e .ork. 7hi year the b"ack tone .a $ra.n by Archmaeter 3a"grave- b/t 3a"grave4
.it are prone to .an$er- o 7heoba"$ teppe$ /p an$ ai$ he4$ erve hi term. #e4 a gr/,, man-
b/t a goo$ one. 5i$ yo/ ay Maeter Aemon61
2Aye.1
2Aemon #argar!en61
2Hnce. Mot =/t ca""e$ him Maeter Aemon. #e $ie$ $/ring o/r voyage o/th. #o. i it that
yo/ kno. o, him61
2#o. not6 #e .a more than =/t the o"$et "iving maeter. #e .a the o"$et man in
3etero- an$ "ive$ thro/gh more hitory than Archmaeter 9eretan ha ever "earne$. #e co/"$
have to"$ / m/ch an$ more abo/t hi ,ather4 reign- an$ hi /nc"e4. #o. o"$ .a he- $o yo/
kno.61
2Hne h/n$re$ an$ t.o.1
23hat .a he $oing at ea- at hi age61
Sam che.e$ on the A/etion ,or a moment- .on$ering ho. m/ch he o/ght to ay. #he sphin8
is the riddle, not the riddler+ Co/"$ Maeter Aemon have meant this Sphin:6 &t eeme$ /n"ike"y.
2?or$ Comman$er Sno. ent him a.ay to ave hi "i,e-1 he began- heitant"y. #e poke
a.k.ar$"y o, >ing Stanni an$ Me"ian$re o, Ahai- inten$ing to top at that- b/t one thing "e$
to another an$ he ,o/n$ hime", peaking o, Mance Ray$er an$ hi .i"$"ing- king4 b"oo$ an$
$ragon- an$ be,ore he kne. .hat .a happening- a"" the ret came pi""ing o/tI the .ight at the
+it o, +irt Men- the Hther on hi $ea$ hore- the m/r$er o, the H"$ Bear at Crater4 >eep-
Gi""y an$ their ,"ight- 3hitetree an$ Sma"" 9a/"- Co"$han$ an$ the raven- !on4 becoming "or$
comman$er- the Blackbird, 5areon- Braavo- the $ragon Lhon$o a. in Darth- the %innamon
Wind an$ a"" that Maeter Aemon .hipere$ to.ar$ the en$. #e he"$ back on"y the ecret that
he .a .orn to keep- abo/t Bran Stark an$ hi companion an$ the babe !on Sno. ha$
.appe$. 25aenery i the on"y hope-1 he conc"/$e$. 2Aemon ai$ the Cita$e" m/t en$ her a
maeter at once- to bring her home to 3etero be,ore it i too "ate.1
A""era "itene$ intent"y. #e b"inke$ ,rom time to time- b/t he never "a/ghe$ an$ never
interr/pte$. 3hen Sam .a $one he to/che$ him "ight"y on the ,orearm .ith a "im bro.n han$
an$ ai$- 2Save yo/r penny- Sam. 7heoba"$ .i"" not be"ieve ha", o, that- b/t there are thoe .ho
might. 3i"" yo/ come .ith me61
23here61
27o peak .ith an archmaeter.1
&ou must tell them, Sam, Maeter Aemon ha$ ai$. &ou must tell the archmaesters+ 2%ery
.e"".1 #e co/"$ a".ay ret/rn to the Senecha" on the morro.- .ith a penny in hi han$. 2#o.
,ar $o .e have to go61
2Not ,ar. 7he &"e o, Raven.1
7hey $i$ not nee$ a boat to reach the &"e o, RavenI a .eathere$ .oo$en $ra.bri$ge "inke$
it to the eatern bank. 27he Ravenry i the o"$et b/i"$ing at the Cita$e"-1 A""era to"$ him- a
they croe$ over the "o.(,"o.ing .ater o, the #oney.ine. 2&n the Age o, #eroe it .a
/ppoe$"y the trongho"$ o, a pirate "or$ .ho at here robbing hip a they came $o.n the
river.1
Mo an$ creeping vine covere$ the .a""- Sam a.- an$ raven .a"ke$ it batt"ement in
p"ace o, archer. 7he $ra.bri$ge ha$ not been raie$ in "iving memory.
&t .a coo" an$ $im ini$e the cat"e .a"". An ancient .eir.oo$ ,i""e$ the yar$- a it ha$
ince thee tone ha$ ,irt been raie$. 7he carve$ ,ace on it tr/nk .a gro.n over by the ame
p/rp"e mo that h/ng heavy ,rom the tree4 pa"e "imb. #a", o, the branche eeme$ $ea$- b/t
e"e.here a ,e. re$ "eave ti"" r/t"e$- an$ it .a there the raven "ike$ to perch. 7he tree .a
,/"" o, them- an$ there .ere more in the arche$ .in$o. overhea$- a"" aro/n$ the yar$. 7he
gro/n$ .a peck"e$ by their $ropping. A they croe$ the yar$- one ,"appe$ overhea$ an$ he
hear$ the other 3uorking to each other. 2Archmaeter 3a"grave ha hi chamber in the .et
to.er- be"o. the .hite rookery-1 A""era to"$ him. 27he .hite raven an$ the b"ack one A/arre"
"ike 5ornihmen an$ Marcher- o they keep them apart.1
23i"" Archmaeter 3a"grave /n$ertan$ .hat & am te""ing him61 .on$ere$ Sam. 2Eo/ ai$
hi .it .ere prone to .an$er.1
2#e ha goo$ $ay an$ ba$ one-1 ai$ A""era- 2b/t it i not 3a"grave yo/4re going to ee.1
#e opene$ the $oor to the north to.er an$ began to c"imb. Sam c"ambere$ /p the tep behin$
him. 7here .ere ,"/ttering an$ m/ttering ,rom above- an$ here an$ there an angry cream- a
the raven comp"aine$ o, being .oken.
At the top o, the tep- a pa"e b"on$ yo/th abo/t Sam4 age at o/ti$e a $oor o, oak an$ iron-
taring intent"y into a can$"e ,"ame .ith hi right eye. #i "e,t .a hi$$en beneath a ,a"" o, ah
b"on$ hair. 23hat are yo/ "ooking ,or61 A""era ake$ him. 2Eo/r $etiny6 Eo/r $eath61
7he b"on$ yo/th t/rne$ ,rom the can$"e- b"inking. 2Nake$ .omen-1 he ai$. 23ho4 thi
no.61
2Sam.e"". A ne. novice- come to ee the Mage.1
27he Cita$e" i not .hat it .a-1 comp"aine$ the b"on$. 27hey .i"" take anything thee $ay.
5/ky $og an$ 5ornihmen- pig boy- cripp"e- cretin- an$ no. a b"ack(c"a$ .ha"e. An$ here &
tho/ght "eviathan .ere grey.1 A ha", cape tripe$ in green an$ go"$ $rape$ one ho/"$er. #e
.a very han$ome- tho/gh hi eye .ere "y an$ hi mo/th cr/e".
Sam kne. him. 2?eo 7yre"".1 Saying the name ma$e him ,ee" a i, he .ere ti"" a boy o,
even- abo/t to .et hi ma""c"othe. 2& am Sam- ,rom #orn #i"". ?or$ Ran$y"" 7ar"y4 on.1
27r/"y61 ?eo gave him another "ook. 2& /ppoe yo/ are. Eo/r ,ather to"$ / a"" that yo/ .ere
$ea$. Hr .a it on"y that he .ihe$ yo/ .ere61 #e grinne$. 2Are yo/ ti"" a craven61
2No-1 "ie$ Sam. !on ha$ ma$e it a comman$. 2& .ent beyon$ the 3a"" an$ ,o/ght in batt"e.
7hey ca"" me Sam the S"ayer.1 #e $i$ not kno. .hy he ai$ it. 7he .or$ =/t t/mb"e$ o/t.
?eo "a/ghe$- b/t be,ore he co/"$ rep"y the $oor behin$ him opene$. 2Get in here- S"ayer-1
gro."e$ the man in the $oor.ay. 2An$ yo/- Sphin:. No..1
2Sam-1 ai$ A""era- 2thi i Archmaeter Mar.yn.1
Mar.yn .ore a chain o, many meta" aro/n$ hi b/""4 neck. Save ,or that- he "ooke$ more
"ike a $ocki$e th/g than a maeter. #i hea$ .a too big ,or hi bo$y- an$ the .ay it thr/t
,or.ar$ ,rom hi ho/"$er- together .ith that "ab o, =a.- ma$e him "ook a i, he .ere abo/t to
tear o,, omeone4 hea$. 7ho/gh hort an$ A/at- he .a heavy in the chet an$ ho/"$er- .ith a
ro/n$- rock(har$ a"e be""y training at the "ace o, the "eather =erkin he .ore in p"ace o, robe.
Brit"y .hite hair pro/te$ ,rom hi ear an$ notri". #i bro. beet"e$- hi noe ha$ been broken
more than once- an$ o/r"ea, ha$ taine$ hi teeth a mott"e$ re$. #e ha$ the bigget han$ that
Sam ha$ ever een.
3hen Sam heitate$- one o, thoe han$ grabbe$ him by the arm an$ yanke$ him thro/gh the
$oor. 7he room beyon$ .a "arge an$ ro/n$. Book an$ cro"" .ere every.here- tre.n acro
the tab"e an$ tacke$ /p on the ,"oor in pi"e ,o/r ,eet high. +a$e$ tapetrie an$ ragge$ map
covere$ the tone .a"". A ,ire .a b/rning in the hearth- beneath a copper kett"e. 3hatever .a
ini$e o, it me""e$ b/rne$. Ai$e ,rom that- the on"y "ight came ,rom a ta"" b"ack can$"e in the
center o, the room.
7he can$"e .a /np"eaant"y bright. 7here .a omething A/eer abo/t it. 7he ,"ame $i$ not
,"icker- even .hen Archmaeter Mar.yn c"oe$ the $oor o har$ that paper b"e. o,, a nearby
tab"e. 7he "ight $i$ omething trange to co"or too. 3hite .ere bright a ,reh(,a""en no.-
ye""o. hone "ike go"$- re$ t/rne$ to ,"ame- b/t the ha$o. .ere o b"ack they "ooke$ "ike
ho"e in the .or"$. Sam ,o/n$ hime", taring. 7he can$"e ite", .a three ,eet ta"" an$ "en$er a
a .or$- ri$ge$ an$ t.ite$- g"ittering b"ack. 2& that 8.1
28obi$ian-1 ai$ the other man in the room- a pa"e- ,"ehy- paty(,ace$ yo/ng ,e""o. .ith
ro/n$ ho/"$er- o,t han$- c"oe(et eye- an$ ,oo$ tain on hi robe.
2Ca"" it $ragong"a.1 Archmaeter Mar.yn g"ance$ at the can$"e ,or a moment. 2&t b/rn b/t
i not con/me$.1
23hat ,ee$ the ,"ame61 ake$ Sam.
23hat ,ee$ a $ragon4 ,ire61 Mar.yn eate$ hime", /pon a too". 2A"" %a"yrian orcery .a
roote$ in b"oo$ or ,ire. 7he orcerer o, the +reeho"$ co/"$ ee acro mo/ntain- ea- an$
$eert .ith one o, thee g"a can$"e. 7hey co/"$ enter a man4 $ream an$ give him viion-
an$ peak to one another ha", a .or"$ apart- eate$ be,ore their can$"e. 5o yo/ think that might
be /e,/"- S"ayer61
23e .o/"$ have no more nee$ o, raven.1
2Hn"y a,ter batt"e.1 7he archmaeter pee"e$ a o/r"ea, o,, a ba"e- hove$ it in hi mo/th- an$
began to che. it. 27e"" me a"" yo/ to"$ o/r 5ornih phin:. & kno. m/ch o, it an$ more- b/t
ome ma"" part may have ecape$ my notice.1
#e .a not a man to be re,/e$. Sam heitate$ a moment- then to"$ hi ta"e again a Mar.yn-
A""era- an$ the other novice "itene$. 2Maeter Aemon be"ieve$ that 5aenery 7argaryen .a
the ,/",i""ment o, a prophecy8 her- not Stanni- nor 9rince Rhaegar- nor the prince"ing .hoe
hea$ .a $ahe$ againt the .a"".1
2Born ami$t a"t an$ moke- beneath a b"ee$ing tar. & kno. the prophecy.1 Mar.yn t/rne$
hi hea$ an$ pat a gob o, re$ ph"egm onto the ,"oor. 2Not that & .o/"$ tr/t it. Gorghan o, H"$
Ghi once .rote that a prophecy i "ike a treachero/ .oman. She take yo/r member in her
mo/th- an$ yo/ moan .ith the p"ea/re o, it an$ think- ho. .eet- ho. ,ine- ho. goo$ thi i8
an$ then her teeth nap h/t an$ yo/r moan t/rn to cream. 7hat i the nat/re o, prophecy- ai$
Gorghan. 9rophecy .i"" bite yo/r prick o,, every time.1 #e che.e$ a bit. 2Sti""81
A""era teppe$ /p ne:t to Sam. 2Aemon .o/"$ have gone to her i, he ha$ the trength. #e
.ante$ / to en$ a maeter to her- to co/ne" her an$ protect her an$ ,etch her a,e"y home.1
25i$ he61 Archmaeter Mar.yn hr/gge$. 29erhap it4 goo$ that he $ie$ be,ore he got to
H"$to.n. C"e.ie the grey heep might have ha$ to ki"" him- an$ that .o/"$ have ma$e the poor
o"$ $ear .ring their .rink"e$ han$.1
2>i"" him61 Sam ai$- hocke$. 23hy61
2&, & te"" yo/- they may nee$ to ki"" yo/ too.1 Mar.yn mi"e$ a ghat"y mi"e- the =/ice o, the
o/r"ea, r/nning re$ bet.een hi teeth. 23ho $o yo/ think ki""e$ a"" the $ragon the "at time
aro/n$6 Ga""ant $ragon"ayer arme$ .ith .or$61 #e pat. 27he .or"$ the Cita$e" i b/i"$ing
ha no p"ace in it ,or orcery or prophecy or g"a can$"e- m/ch "e ,or $ragon. Ak yo/re",
.hy Aemon 7argaryen .a a""o.e$ to .ate hi "i,e /pon the 3a""- .hen by right he ho/"$
have been raie$ to archmaeter. #i blood .a .hy. #e co/"$ not be tr/te$. No more than &
can.1
23hat .i"" yo/ $o61 ake$ A""era- the Sphin:.
2Get mye", to S"aver4 Bay- in Aemon4 p"ace. 7he .an hip that $e"ivere$ S"ayer ho/"$
erve my nee$ .e"" eno/gh. 7he grey heep .i"" en$ their man on a ga""ey- & $on4t $o/bt. 3ith
,air .in$ & ho/"$ reach her ,irt.1 Mar.yn g"ance$ at Sam again- an$ ,ro.ne$. 2Eo/8 yo/
ho/"$ tay an$ ,orge yo/r chain. &, & .ere yo/- & .o/"$ $o it A/ick"y. A time .i"" come .hen
yo/4"" be nee$e$ on the 3a"".1 #e t/rne$ to the paty(,ace$ novice. 2+in$ S"ayer a $ry ce"". #e4""
"eep here- an$ he"p yo/ ten$ the raven.1
2B(b(b/t-1 Sam p/ttere$- 2the other archmaeter8 the Senecha"8 .hat ho/"$ & te""
them61
27e"" them ho. .ie an$ goo$ they are. 7e"" them that Aemon comman$e$ yo/ to p/t
yo/re", into their han$. 7e"" them that yo/ have a".ay $reame$ that one $ay yo/ might be
a""o.e$ to .ear the chain an$ erve the greater goo$- that ervice i the highet honor- an$
obe$ience the highet virt/e. B/t ay nothing o, prophecie or $ragon- /n"e yo/ ,ancy poion
in yo/r porri$ge.1 Mar.yn natche$ a taine$ "eather c"oak o,, a peg near the $oor an$ tie$ it
tight. 2Sphin:- "ook a,ter thi one.1
2& .i""-1 A""era an.ere$- b/t the archmaeter .a a"rea$y gone. 7hey hear$ hi boot
tomping $o.n the tep.
23here ha he gone61 ake$ Sam- be.i"$ere$.
27o the $ock. 7he Mage i not a man .ho be"ieve in .ating time.1 A""era mi"e$. 2& have
a con,eion. H/r .a no chance enco/nter- Sam. 7he Mage ent me to natch yo/ /p be,ore
yo/ poke to 7heoba"$. #e kne. that yo/ .ere coming.1
2#o.61
A""era no$$e$ at the g"a can$"e.
Sam tare$ at the trange pa"e ,"ame ,or a moment- then b"inke$ an$ "ooke$ a.ay. H/ti$e the
.in$o. it .a gro.ing $ark.
27here4 an empty "eeping ce"" /n$er mine in the .et to.er- .ith tep that "ea$ right /p to
3a"grave4 chamber-1 ai$ the paty(,ace$ yo/th. 2&, yo/ $on4t min$ the raven 3uorking-
there4 a goo$ vie. o, the #oney.ine. 3i"" that erve61
2& /ppoe.1 #e ha$ to "eep ome.here.
2& .i"" bring yo/ ome .oo"en cover"et. Stone .a"" t/rn co"$ at night- even here.1
2My thank.1 7here .a omething abo/t the pa"e- o,t yo/th that he mi"ike$- b/t he $i$ not
.ant to eem $ico/rteo/- o he a$$e$- 2My name4 not S"ayer- tr/"y. &4m Sam. Sam.e""
7ar"y.1
2&4m 9ate-1 the other ai$- 2"ike the pig boy.1
THE T.RNC&OA5
7he ,irt ,"ake came $ri,ting $o.n a the /n .a etting in the .et. By night,a"" no. .a
coming $o.n o heavi"y that the moon roe behin$ a .hite c/rtain- /neen.
27he go$ o, the north have /n"eahe$ their .roth on ?or$ Stanni-1 Rooe Bo"ton anno/nce$
come morning a men gathere$ in 3inter,e""4 Great #a"" to break their ,at. 2#e i a tranger
here- an$ the o"$ go$ .i"" not /,,er him to "ive.1
#i men roare$ their approva"- banging their ,it on the "ong p"ank tab"e. 3inter,e"" might
be r/ine$- b/t it granite .a"" .o/"$ ti"" keep the .ort o, the .in$ an$ .eather at bay. 7hey
.ere .e"" tocke$ .ith ,oo$ an$ $rinkI they ha$ ,ire to .arm them .hen o,, $/ty- a p"ace to $ry
their c"othe- n/g corner to "ie $o.n an$ "eep. ?or$ Bo"ton ha$ "ai$ by eno/gh .oo$ to keep
the ,ire ,e$ ,or ha", a year- o the Great #a"" .a a".ay .arm an$ coGy. Stanni ha$ none o,
that.
7heon Grey=oy $i$ not =oin the /proar. Neither $i$ the men o, #o/e +rey- he $i$ not ,ai" to
note. #he! are strangers here as well, he tho/ght- .atching Ser Aeny +rey an$ hi ha",(brother
Ser #oteen. Born an$ bre$ in the river"an$- the +rey ha$ never een a no. "ike thi. #he
north has alread! claimed three of their blood, 7heon tho/ght- reca""ing the men that Ramay
ha$ earche$ ,or ,r/it"e"y- "ot bet.een 3hite #arbor an$ Barro.ton.
Hn the $ai- ?or$ 3yman Man$er"y at bet.een a pair o, hi 3hite #arbor knight- pooning
porri$ge into hi ,at ,ace. #e $i$ not eem to be en=oying it near a m/ch a he ha$ the pork pie
at the .e$$ing. C"e.here one(arme$ #ar.oo$ Sto/t ta"ke$ A/iet"y .ith the ca$avero/
3horebane Fmber.
7heon A/e/e$ /p .ith the other men ,or porri$ge- "a$"e$ into .oo$en bo." ,rom a ro. o,
copper kett"e. 7he "or$ an$ knight ha$ mi"k an$ honey an$ even a bit o, b/tter to .eeten
their portion- he a.- b/t none o, that .o/"$ be o,,ere$ him. #i reign a prince o, 3inter,e""
ha$ been a brie, one. #e ha$ p"aye$ hi part in the m/mmer4 ho.- giving the ,eigne$ Arya to
be .e$- an$ no. he .a o, no ,/rther /e to Rooe Bo"ton.
2+irt .inter & remember- the no. came over my hea$-1 ai$ a #orn.oo$ man in the A/e/e
ahea$ o, him.
2Aye- b/t yo/ .ere on"y three ,oot ta"" at the time-1 a ri$er ,rom the Ri"" rep"ie$.
?at night- /nab"e to "eep- 7heon ha$ ,o/n$ hime", broo$ing on ecape- o, "ipping a.ay
/neen .hi"t Ramay an$ hi "or$ ,ather ha$ their attention e"e.here. Cvery gate .a c"oe$
an$ barre$ an$ heavi"y g/ar$e$- tho/ghI no one .a a""o.e$ to enter or $epart the cat"e .itho/t
?or$ Bo"ton4 "eave. Cven i, he ,o/n$ ome ecret .ay o/t- 7heon .o/"$ not have tr/te$ it. #e
ha$ not ,orgotten >yra an$ her key. An$ i, he $i$ get o/t- .here .o/"$ he go6 #i ,ather .a
$ea$- an$ hi /nc"e ha$ no /e ,or him. 9yke .a "ot to him. 7he nearet thing to a home that
remaine$ to him .a here- amongt the bone o, 3inter,e"".
A ruined man, a ruined castle+ #his is m! place+
#e .a ti"" .aiting ,or hi porri$ge .hen Ramay .ept into the ha"" .ith hi Batar$4
Boy- ho/ting ,or m/ic. Abe" r/bbe$ the "eep ,rom hi eye- took /p hi "/te- an$ "a/nche$
into 27he 5ornihman4 3i,e-1 .hi"t one o, hi .aher.omen beat time on her $r/m. 7he
inger change$ the .or$- tho/gh. &ntea$ o, tating a 5ornihman4 .i,e- he ang o, tating a
northman4 $a/ghter.
7e could lose his tongue for that, 7heon tho/ght- a hi bo." .a being ,i""e$. 7e is onl! a
singer+ "ord )amsa! could fla! the skin off both his hands, and no one would sa! a word+ B/t
?or$ Bo"ton mi"e$ at the "yric an$ Ramay "a/ghe$ a"o/$. 7hen other kne. that it .a a,e to
"a/gh a .e"". Ee""o. 5ick ,o/n$ the ong o ,/nny that .ine norte$ o/t hi noe.
?a$y Arya .a not there to hare the merriment. She ha$ not been een o/ti$e her chamber
ince her .e$$ing night. So/r A"yn ha$ been aying that Ramay kept hi bri$e nake$ an$
chaine$ to a be$pot- b/t 7heon kne. that .a on"y ta"k. 7here .ere no chain- at "eat none that
men co/"$ ee. !/t a pair o, g/ar$ o/ti$e the be$chamber- to keep the gir" ,rom .an$ering.
And she is onl! naked when she bathes+
7hat he $i$ mot every night- tho/gh. ?or$ Ramay .ante$ hi .i,e c"ean. 2She ha no
han$mai$- poor thing-1 he ha$ ai$ to 7heon. 27hat "eave yo/- Reek. Sho/"$ & p/t yo/ in a
$re61 #e "a/ghe$. 29erhap i, yo/ beg it o, me. !/t no.- it .i"" /,,ice ,or yo/ to be her bath
mai$. & .on4t have her me""ing "ike yo/.1 So .henever Ramay ha$ an itch to be$ hi .i,e- it
,e"" to 7heon to borro. ome erving.omen ,rom ?a$y 3a"$a or ?a$y 5/tin an$ ,etch hot
.ater ,rom the kitchen. 7ho/gh Arya never poke to any o, them- they co/"$ not ,ai" to ee her
br/ie. It is her own fault+ She has not pleased him+ 2!/t be Ar!a,1 he to"$ the gir" once- a he
he"pe$ her into the .ater. 2?or$ Ramay $oe not .ant to h/rt yo/. #e on"y h/rt / .hen .e8
.hen .e ,orget. #e never c/t me .itho/t ca/e.1
27heon81 he .hipere$- .eeping.
2)eek+1 #e grabbe$ her arm an$ hook her. 2&n here &4m Reek. Eo/ have to remember, Arya.1
B/t the gir" .a no tr/e Stark- on"y a te.ar$4 .he"p. -e!ne, her name is -e!ne+ She should not
look to me for rescue+ 7heon Grey=oy might have trie$ to he"p her- once. B/t 7heon ha$ been
ironborn- an$ a braver man than Reek. )eek, )eek, it rh!mes with weak+
Ramay ha$ a ne. p"aything to am/e him- one .ith teat an$ a c/nny8 b/t oon !eyne4
tear .o/"$ "oe their avor- an$ Ramay .o/"$ .ant hi Reek again. 7e will fla! me inch b!
inch+ When m! fingers are gone he will take m! hands+ After m! toes, m! feet+ But onl! when I
beg for it, when the pain grows so bad that I plead for him to gie me some relief+ 7here .o/"$
be no hot bath ,or Reek. #e .o/"$ ro"" in hit again- ,orbi$$en to .ah. 7he c"othe he .ore
.o/"$ t/rn to rag- ,o/" an$ tinking- an$ he .o/"$ be ma$e to .ear them ti"" they rotte$. 7he
bet he co/"$ hope ,or .a to be ret/rne$ to the kenne" .ith Ramay4 gir" ,or company. ,!ra,
he remembere$. #he new bitch he calls ,!ra+
#e took hi bo." to the back o, the ha"" an$ ,o/n$ a p"ace on an empty bench- yar$ a.ay
,rom the nearet torch. 5ay or night- the benche be"o. the a"t .ere never "e than ha",(,/""
.ith men $rinking- $icing- ta"king- or "eeping in their c"othe in A/iet corner. 7heir er=eant
.o/"$ kick them a.ake .hen it came their t/rn to hr/g back into their c"oak an$ .a"k the
.a"". B/t no man o, them .o/"$ .e"come the company o, 7heon 7/rnc"oak- nor $i$ he have
m/ch tate ,or their.
7he gr/e" .a grey an$ .atery- an$ he p/he$ it a.ay a,ter hi thir$ poon,/" an$ "et it
congea" in the bo.". At the ne:t tab"e- men .ere arg/ing abo/t the torm an$ .on$ering a"o/$
ho. "ong the no. .o/"$ ,a"". 2A"" $ay an$ a"" night- might be even "onger-1 inite$ one big-
b"ack(bear$e$ archer .ith a Cer.yn a:e e.n on hi breat. A ,e. o, the o"$er men poke o,
other no.torm an$ inite$ thi .a no more than a "ight $/ting compare$ to .hat they4$
een in the .inter o, their yo/th. 7he river"an$er .ere aghat. #he! hae no loe of snow and
cold, these southron swords+ Men entering the ha"" h/$$"e$ by the ,ire or c"appe$ their han$
together over g"o.ing braGier a their c"oak h/ng $ripping ,rom peg ini$e the $oor.
7he air .a thick an$ moky an$ a cr/t ha$ ,orme$ atop hi porri$ge .hen a .oman4 voice
behin$ him ai$- 27heon Grey=oy.1
*! name is )eek, he a"mot ai$. 23hat $o yo/ .ant61
She at $o.n ne:t to him- tra$$"ing the bench- an$ p/he$ a .i"$ mop o, re$(bro.n hair o/t
o, her eye. 23hy $o yo/ eat a"one- m4"or$6 Come- rie- =oin the $ance.1
#e .ent back to hi porri$ge. 2& $on4t $ance.1 7he 9rince o, 3inter,e"" ha$ been a grace,/"
$ancer- b/t Reek .ith hi miing toe .o/"$ be groteA/e. 2?eave me be. & have no coin.1
7he .oman mi"e$ crooke$"y. 25o yo/ take me ,or a .hore61 She .a one o, the inger4
.aher.omen- the ta"" kinny one- too "ean an$ "eathery to be ca""e$ pretty8 tho/gh there .a a
time .hen 7heon .o/"$ have t/mb"e$ her a"" the ame- to ee ho. it ,e"t to have thoe "ong "eg
.rappe$ aro/n$ him. 23hat goo$ .o/"$ coin $o me here6 3hat .o/"$ & b/y .ith it- ome
no.61 She "a/ghe$. 2Eo/ co/"$ pay me .ith a mi"e. &4ve never een yo/ mi"e- not even
$/ring yo/r iter4 .e$$ing ,eat.1
2?a$y Arya i not my iter.1 I do not smile either, he might have to"$ her. )amsa! hated m!
smiles, so he took a hammer to m! teeth+ I can hardl! eat+ 2She never .a my iter.1
2A pretty mai$- tho/gh.1
I was neer beautiful like Sansa, but the! all said I was prett!+ !eyne4 .or$ eeme$ to echo
in hi hea$- to the beat o, the $r/m t.o o, Abe"4 other gir" .ere po/n$ing. Another one ha$
p/""e$ ?itt"e 3a"$er +rey /p onto the tab"e to teach him ho. to $ance. A"" the men .ere
"a/ghing. 2?eave me be-1 ai$ 7heon.
2Am & not to m4"or$4 tate6 & co/"$ en$ Myrt"e to yo/ i, yo/ .ant. Hr #o""y- might be yo/4$
"ike her better. A"" the men "ike #o""y. 7hey4re not my iter neither- b/t they4re .eet.1 7he
.oman "eane$ c"oe. #er breath me""e$ o, .ine. 2&, yo/ have no mi"e ,or me- te"" me ho. yo/
capt/re$ 3inter,e"". Abe" .i"" p/t it in a ong- an$ yo/ .i"" "ive ,orever.1
2A a betrayer. A 7heon 7/rnc"oak.1
23hy not 7heon the C"ever6 &t .a a $aring ,eat- the .ay .e hear$ it. #o. many men $i$
yo/ have6 A h/n$re$6 +i,ty61
Fewer+ 2&t .a ma$ne.1
2G"orio/ ma$ne. Stanni ha ,ive tho/an$- they ay- b/t Abe" c"aim ten time a many
ti"" co/"$ not breach thee .a"". So ho. $i$ !ou get in- m4"or$6 5i$ yo/ have ome ecret
.ay61
I had ropes, 7heon tho/ght. I had grapnels+ I had darkness on m! side, and surprise+ #he
castle was but lightl! held, and I took them unawares+ B/t he ai$ none o, that. &, Abe" ma$e a
ong abo/t him- "ike a not Ramay .o/"$ prick hi ear$r/m to make certain that he never hear$
it.
2Eo/ can tr/t me- m4"or$. Abe" $oe.1 7he .aher.oman p/t her han$ /pon hi o.n. #i
han$ .ere g"ove$ in .oo" an$ "eather. #er .ere bare- "ong(,ingere$- ro/gh- .ith nai" che.e$
to the A/ick. 2Eo/ never ake$ my name. &t4 Ro.an.1
7heon .renche$ a.ay. 7hi .a a p"oy- he kne. it. )amsa! sent her+ She/s another of his
9apes, like ,!ra with the ke!s+ A 9oll! 9ape, that/s all+ 7e wants me to run, so he can punish me+
#e .ante$ to hit her- to mah that mocking mi"e o,, her ,ace. #e .ante$ to ki her- to ,/ck
her right there on the tab"e an$ make her cry hi name. B/t he kne. he $are not to/ch her- in
anger or in "/t. )eek, )eek, m! name is )eek+ I must not forget m! name+ #e =erke$ to hi ,eet
an$ ma$e hi .ay .or$"e"y to the $oor- "imping on hi maime$ ,eet.
H/ti$e the no. .a ,a""ing ti"". 3et- heavy- i"ent- it ha$ a"rea$y beg/n to cover the
,oottep "e,t by the men coming an$ going ,rom the ha"". 7he $ri,t came a"mot to the top o, hi
boot. It will be deeper in the wolfswood= and out on the kingsroad, where the wind is blowing,
there will be no escape from it+ A batt"e .a being ,o/ght in the yar$I Ry.e"" pe"ting
Barro.ton boy .ith no.ba"". Above- he co/"$ ee ome A/ire b/i"$ing no.men a"ong the
batt"ement. 7hey .ere arming them .ith pear an$ hie"$- p/tting iron ha",he"m on their
hea$- an$ arraying them a"ong the inner .a""- a rank o, no.y entine". 2?or$ 3inter ha
=oine$ / .ith hi "evie-1 one o, the entrie o/ti$e the Great #a"" =ape$8 /nti" he a. 7heon4
,ace an$ rea"iGe$ .ho he .a ta"king to. 7hen he t/rne$ hi hea$ an$ pat.
Beyon$ the tent the big $etrier o, the knight ,rom 3hite #arbor an$ the 7.in .ere
hivering in their hore "ine. Ramay ha$ b/rne$ the tab"e .hen he acke$ 3inter,e""- o hi
,ather ha$ thro.n /p ne. one t.ice a "arge a the o"$- to accommo$ate the .arhore an$
pa",rey o, hi "or$4 bannermen an$ knight. 7he ret o, the hore .ere tethere$ in the .ar$.
#oo$e$ groom move$ amongt them- covering them .ith b"anket to keep them .arm.
7heon ma$e hi .ay $eeper into the r/ine$ part o, the cat"e. A he picke$ thro/gh the
hattere$ tone that ha$ once been Maeter ?/.in4 t/rret- raven "ooke$ $o.n ,rom the gah in
the .a"" above- m/ttering to one another. +rom time to time one .o/"$ "et o/t a ra/co/ cream.
#e too$ in the $oor.ay o, a be$chamber that ha$ once been hi o.n ;ank"e $eep in no. that
ha$ b"o.n in thro/gh a hattere$ .in$o.<- viite$ the r/in o, Mikken4 ,orge an$ ?a$y
Cate"yn4 ept. Beneath the B/rne$ 7o.er- he pae$ Rickar$ Ry.e"" n/GG"ing at the neck o,
another one o, Abe"4 .aher.omen- the p"/mp one .ith the app"e cheek an$ p/g noe. 7he
gir" .a bare,oot in the no.- b/n$"e$ /p in a ,/r c"oak. #e tho/ght he might be nake$
/n$erneath. 3hen he a. him- he ai$ omething to Ry.e"" that ma$e him "a/gh a"o/$.
7heon tr/$ge$ a.ay ,rom them. 7here .a a tair beyon$ the me.- e"$om /e$I it .a
there hi ,eet took him. 7he tep .ere teep an$ treachero/. #e c"imbe$ care,/""y an$ ,o/n$
hime", a"one on the batt"ement o, the inner .a""- .e"" a.ay ,rom the A/ire an$ their
no.men. No one ha$ given him ,ree$om o, the cat"e- b/t no one ha$ $enie$ it to him either.
#e co/"$ go .here he .o/"$ .ithin the .a"".
3inter,e""4 inner .a"" .a the o"$er an$ ta""er o, the t.o- it ancient grey crene""ation riing
one h/n$re$ ,eet high- .ith A/are to.er at every corner. 7he o/ter .a""- raie$ many cent/rie
"ater- .a t.enty ,eet "o.er- b/t thicker an$ in better repair- boating octagona" to.er in p"ace
o, A/are one. Bet.een the t.o .a"" .a the moat- $eep an$ .i$e8 an$ ,roGen. 5ri,t o, no.
ha$ beg/n to creep acro it icy /r,ace. Sno. .a b/i"$ing /p a"ong the batt"ement too- ,i""ing
the gap bet.een the mer"on an$ p/tting pa"e- o,t cap on every to.er top.
Beyon$ the .a""- a ,ar a he co/"$ ee- the .or"$ .a t/rning .hite. 7he .oo$- the ,ie"$-
the kingroa$@the no. .ere covering a"" o, them beneath a pa"e o,t mant"e- b/rying the
remnant o, the .inter to.n- hi$ing the b"ackene$ .a"" Ramay4 men ha$ "e,t behin$ .hen
they p/t the ho/e to the torch. #he wounds Snow made, snow conceals, b/t that .a .rong.
Ramay .a a Bo"ton no.- not a Sno.- never a Sno..
+arther o,,- the r/tte$ kingroa$ ha$ vanihe$- "ot ami$t the ,ie"$ an$ ro""ing hi""- a"" one
vat e:pane o, .hite. An$ ti"" the no. .a ,a""ing- $ri,ting $o.n in i"ence ,rom a .in$"e
ky. Stannis Baratheon is out there somewhere, freezing+ 3o/"$ ?or$ Stanni try to take
3inter,e"" by torm6 If he does, his cause is doomed+ 7he cat"e .a too trong. Cven .ith the
moat ,roGen over- 3inter,e""4 $e,ene remaine$ ,ormi$ab"e. 7heon ha$ capt/re$ the cat"e by
tea"th- en$ing hi bet men to ca"e the .a"" an$ .im the moat /n$er the cover o, $arkne.
7he $e,en$er ha$ not even kno.n they .ere /n$er attack /nti" it .a too "ate. No /ch
/bter,/ge .a poib"e ,or Stanni.
#e might pre,er to c/t the cat"e o,, ,rom the o/ti$e .or"$ an$ tarve o/t it $e,en$er.
3inter,e""4 toreroom an$ ce""ar va/"t .ere empty. A "ong /pp"y train ha$ come .ith Bo"ton
an$ hi ,rien$ o, +rey /p thro/gh the Neck- ?a$y 5/tin ha$ bro/ght ,oo$ an$ ,o$$er ,rom
Barro.ton- an$ ?or$ Man$er"y ha$ arrive$ .e"" proviione$ ,rom 3hite #arbor8 b/t the hot
.a "arge. 3ith o many mo/th to ,ee$- their tore co/"$ not "at ,or "ong. "ord Stannis and
his men will be 9ust as hungr!, though+ And cold and footsore as well, in no condition for a
fight= but the storm will make them desperate to get inside the castle+
Sno. .a ,a""ing on the go$.oo$ too- me"ting .hen it to/che$ the gro/n$. Beneath the
.hite(c"oake$ tree the earth ha$ t/rne$ to m/$. 7en$ri" o, mit h/ng in the air "ike ghot"y
ribbon. Wh! did I come here6 #hese are not m! gods+ #his is not m! place+ 7he heart tree too$
be,ore him- a pa"e giant .ith a carve$ ,ace an$ "eave "ike b"oo$y han$.
A thin ,i"m o, ice covere$ the /r,ace o, the poo" beneath the .eir.oo$. 7heon ank to hi
knee bei$e it. 29"eae-1 he m/rm/re$ thro/gh hi broken teeth- 2& never meant81 7he .or$
ca/ght in hi throat. 2Save me-1 he ,ina""y manage$. 2Give me81 What6 Strength6 %ourage6
*erc!6 Sno. ,e"" aro/n$ him- pa"e an$ i"ent- keeping it o.n co/ne". 7he on"y o/n$ .a a
,aint o,t obbing. -e!ne, he tho/ght. It is her, sobbing in her bridal bed+ Who else could it be6
Go$ $o not .eep. Or do the!6
7he o/n$ .a too pain,/" to en$/re. 7heon grabbe$ ho"$ o, a branch an$ p/""e$ hime", back
to hi ,eet- knocke$ the no. o,, hi "eg- an$ "impe$ back to.ar$ the "ight. #here are ghosts in
Winterfell, he tho/ght- and I am one of them+
More no.men ha$ rien in the yar$ by the time 7heon Grey=oy ma$e hi .ay back. 7o
comman$ the no.y entine" on the .a""- the A/ire ha$ erecte$ a $oGen no.y "or$. Hne
.a p"ain"y meant to be ?or$ Man$er"yI it .a the ,attet no.man that 7heon ha$ ever een.
7he one(arme$ "or$ co/"$ on"y be #ar.oo$ Sto/t- the no. "a$y Barbrey 5/tin. An$ the one
c"oet to the $oor .ith the bear$ ma$e o, icic"e ha$ to be o"$ 3horebane Fmber.
&ni$e- the cook .ere "a$"ing o/t bee,(an$(bar"ey te.- thick .ith carrot an$ onion- erve$
in trencher ho""o.e$ ,rom "oave o, yeter$ay4 brea$. Scrap .ere thro.n onto the ,"oor to be
gobb"e$ /p by Ramay4 gir" an$ the other $og.
7he gir" .ere g"a$ to ee him. 7hey kne. him by hi me"". Re$ !eyne "ope$ over to "ick at
hi han$- an$ #e"icent "ippe$ /n$er the tab"e an$ c/r"e$ /p by hi ,eet- gna.ing at a bone. 7hey
.ere goo$ $og. &t .a eay to ,orget that every one .a name$ ,or a gir" that Ramay ha$
h/nte$ an$ ki""e$.
3eary a he .a- 7heon ha$ appetite eno/gh to eat a "itt"e te.- .ahe$ $o.n .ith a"e. By
then the ha"" ha$ gro.n ra/co/. 7.o o, Rooe Bo"ton4 co/t ha$ come tragg"ing back
thro/gh the #/nter4 Gate to report that ?or$ Stanni4 a$vance ha$ "o.e$ to a cra.". #i
knight ro$e $etrier- an$ the big .arhore .ere ,o/n$ering in the no.. 7he ma""- /re(
,oote$ garron o, the hi"" c"an .ere ,aring better- the co/t ai$- b/t the c"anmen $are$ not
pre too ,ar ahea$ or the .ho"e hot .o/"$ come apart. ?or$ Ramay comman$e$ Abe" to give
them a marching ong in honor o, Stanni tr/$ging thro/gh the no.- o the bar$ took /p hi
"/te again- .hi"t one o, hi .aher.omen coa:e$ a .or$ ,rom So/r A"yn an$ mime$ Stanni
"ahing at the no.,"ake.
7heon .a taring $o.n into the "at $reg o, hi thir$ tankar$ .hen ?a$y Barbrey 5/tin
.ept into the ha"" an$ ent t.o o, her .orn .or$ to bring him to her. 3hen he too$ be"o.
the $ai- he "ooke$ him /p an$ $o.n- an$ ni,,e$. 27hoe are the ame c"othe yo/ .ore ,or the
.e$$ing.1
2Ee- my "a$y. 7hey are the c"othe & .a given.1 7hat .a one o, the "eon he ha$ "earne$
at the 5rea$,ort' to take .hat he .a given an$ never ak ,or more.
?a$y 5/tin .ore b"ack- a ever- tho/gh her "eeve .ere "ine$ .ith vair. #er go.n ha$ a
high ti,, co""ar that ,rame$ her ,ace. 2Eo/ kno. thi cat"e.1
2Hnce.1
2Some.here beneath / are the crypt .here the o"$ Stark king it in $arkne. My men have
not been ab"e to ,in$ the .ay $o.n into them. 7hey have been thro/gh a"" the /n$ercro,t an$
ce""ar- even the $/ngeon- b/t81
27he crypt cannot be accee$ ,rom the $/ngeon- my "a$y.1
2Can yo/ ho. me the .ay $o.n61
27here4 nothing $o.n there b/t@1
2@$ea$ Stark6 Aye. An$ a"" my ,avorite Stark are $ea$- a it happen. 5o yo/ kno. the
.ay or not61
2& $o.1 #e $i$ not "ike the crypt- ha$ never "ike$ the crypt- b/t he .a no tranger to them.
2Sho. me. Ser=eant- ,etch a "antern.1
2My "a$y .i"" .ant a .arm c"oak-1 ca/tione$ 7heon. 23e .i"" nee$ to go o/ti$e.1
7he no. .a coming $o.n heavier than ever .hen they "e,t the ha""- .ith ?a$y 5/tin
.rappe$ in ab"e. #/$$"e$ in their hoo$e$ c"oak- the g/ar$ o/ti$e .ere a"mot
in$iting/ihab"e ,rom the no.men. Hn"y their breath ,ogging the air gave proo, that they ti""
"ive$. +ire b/rne$ a"ong the batt"ement- a vain attempt to $rive the g"oom a.ay. 7heir ma""
party ,o/n$ theme"ve "ogging thro/gh a mooth- /nbroken e:pane o, .hite that came
ha",.ay /p their ca"ve. 7he tent in the yar$ .ere ha",(b/rie$- agging /n$er the .eight o, the
acc/m/"ation.
7he entrance to the crypt .a in the o"$et ection o, the cat"e- near the ,oot o, the +irt
>eep- .hich ha$ at /n/e$ ,or h/n$re$ o, year. Ramay ha$ p/t it to the torch .hen he
acke$ 3inter,e""- an$ m/ch o, .hat ha$ not b/rne$ ha$ co""ape$. Hn"y a he"" remaine$- one
i$e open to the e"ement an$ ,i""ing /p .ith no.. R/bb"e .a tre.n a"" abo/t it' great ch/nk
o, hattere$ maonry- b/rne$ beam- broken gargoy"e. 7he ,a""ing no. ha$ covere$ a"mot a""
o, it- b/t part o, one gargoy"e ti"" poke$ above the $ri,t- it groteA/e ,ace nar"ing ight"e at
the ky.
#his is where the! found Bran when he fell+ 7heon ha$ been o/t h/nting that $ay- ri$ing .ith
?or$ C$$ar$ an$ >ing Robert- .ith no hint o, the $ire ne. that a.aite$ them back at the cat"e.
#e remembere$ Robb4 ,ace .hen they to"$ him. No one ha$ e:pecte$ the broken boy to "ive.
#he gods could not kill Bran, no more than I could+ &t .a a trange tho/ght- an$ tranger ti"" to
remember that Bran might ti"" be a"ive.
27here.1 7heon pointe$ to .here a no.bank ha$ crept /p the .a"" o, the keep. 2Fn$er there.
3atch ,or broken tone.1
&t took ?a$y 5/tin4 men the better part o, ha", an ho/r to /ncover the entrance- hove"ing
thro/gh the no. an$ hi,ting r/bb"e. 3hen they $i$- the $oor .a ,roGen h/t. #er er=eant ha$
to go ,in$ an a:e be,ore he co/"$ p/"" it open- hinge creaming- to revea" tone tep pira"ing
$o.n into $arkne.
2&t i a "ong .ay $o.n- my "a$y-1 7heon ca/tione$.
?a$y 5/tin .a /n$eterre$. 2Beron- the "ight.1
7he .ay .a narro. an$ teep- the tep .orn in the center by cent/rie o, ,eet. 7hey .ent
ing"e ,i"e@the er=eant .ith the "antern- then 7heon an$ ?a$y 5/tin- her other man behin$
them. #e ha$ a".ay tho/ght o, the crypt a co"$- an$ o they eeme$ in /mmer- b/t no. a
they $ecen$e$ the air gre. .armer. Not warm, never .arm- b/t .armer than above. 5o.n
there be"o. the earth- it .o/"$ eem- the chi"" .a contant- /nchanging.
27he bri$e .eep-1 ?a$y 5/tin ai$- a they ma$e their .ay $o.n- tep by care,/" tep. 2H/r
"itt"e ?a$y Arya.1
#ake care now+ #ake care, take care+ #e p/t one han$ on the .a"". 7he hi,ting torch"ight
ma$e the tep eem to move beneath hi ,eet. 2A8 a yo/ ay- m4"a$y.1
2Rooe i not p"eae$. 7e"" yo/r batar$ that.1
7e is not m! bastard, he .ante$ to ay- b/t another voice ini$e him ai$- 7e is, he is+ )eek
belongs to )amsa!, and )amsa! belongs to )eek+ &ou must not forget !our name+
25reing her in grey an$ .hite erve no goo$ i, the gir" i "e,t to ob. 7he +rey may not
care- b/t the northmen8 they ,ear the 5rea$,ort- b/t they "ove the Stark.1
2Not yo/-1 ai$ 7heon.
2Not me-1 the ?a$y o, Barro.ton con,ee$- 2b/t the ret- ye. H"$ 3horebane i on"y here
beca/e the +rey ho"$ the Great=on captive. An$ $o yo/ imagine the #orn.oo$ men have
,orgotten the Batar$4 "at marriage- an$ ho. hi "a$y .i,e .a "e,t to tarve- che.ing her o.n
,inger6 3hat $o yo/ think pae thro/gh their hea$ .hen they hear the ne. bri$e .eeping6
%a"iant Ne$4 precio/ "itt"e gir".1
2o, he tho/ght. She is not of "ord 0ddard/s blood, her name is -e!ne, she is onl! a steward/s
daughter+ #e $i$ not $o/bt that ?a$y 5/tin /pecte$- b/t even o8
2?a$y Arya4 ob $o / more harm than a"" o, ?or$ Stanni4 .or$ an$ pear. &, the
Batar$ mean to remain ?or$ o, 3inter,e""- he ha$ bet teach hi .i,e to "a/gh.1
2My "a$y-1 7heon broke in. 2#ere .e are.1
27he tep go ,arther $o.n-1 oberve$ ?a$y 5/tin.
27here are "o.er "eve". H"$er. 7he "o.et "eve" i part"y co""ape$- & hear. & have never been
$o.n there.1 #e p/he$ the $oor open an$ "e$ them o/t into a "ong va/"te$ t/nne"- .here mighty
granite pi""ar marche$ t.o by t.o into b"ackne.
?a$y 5/tin4 er=eant raie$ the "antern. Sha$o. "i$ an$ hi,te$. A small light in a great
darkness+ 7heon ha$ never ,e"t com,ortab"e in the crypt. #e co/"$ ,ee" the tone king taring
$o.n at him .ith their tone eye- tone ,inger c/r"e$ aro/n$ the hi"t o, r/te$ "ong.or$.
None ha$ any "ove ,or ironborn. A ,ami"iar ene o, $rea$ ,i""e$ him.
2So many-1 ?a$y 5/tin ai$. 25o yo/ kno. their name61
2Hnce8 b/t that .a a "ong time ago.1 7heon pointe$. 27he one on thi i$e .ere >ing in
the North. 7orrhen .a the "at.1
27he >ing 3ho >ne"t.1
2Aye- my "a$y. A,ter him they .ere on"y "or$.1
2Fnti" the Eo/ng 3o",. 3here i Ne$ Stark4 tomb61
2At the en$. 7hi .ay- my "a$y.1
7heir ,oottep echoe$ thro/gh the va/"t a they ma$e their .ay bet.een the ro. o, pi""ar.
7he tone eye o, the $ea$ men eeme$ to ,o""o. them- an$ the eye o, their tone $ire.o"ve a
.e"". 7he ,ace tirre$ ,aint memorie. A ,e. name came back to him- /nbi$$en- .hipere$ in
the ghot"y voice o, Maeter ?/.in. >ing C$rick Sno.bear$- .ho ha$ r/"e$ the north ,or a
h/n$re$ year. Bran$on the Ship.right- .ho ha$ ai"e$ beyon$ the /net. 7heon Stark- the
#/ngry 3o",. *! namesake+ ?or$ Beron Stark- .ho ma$e common ca/e .ith Cater"y Rock to
.ar againt 5agon Grey=oy- ?or$ o, 9yke- in the $ay .hen the Seven >ing$om .ere r/"e$ in
a"" b/t name by the batar$ orcerer men ca""e$ B"oo$raven.
27hat king i miing hi .or$-1 ?a$y 5/tin oberve$.
&t .a tr/e. 7heon $i$ not reca"" .hich king it .a- b/t the "ong.or$ he ho/"$ have he"$
.a gone. Streak o, r/t remaine$ to ho. .here it ha$ been. 7he ight $iA/iete$ him. #e ha$
a".ay hear$ that the iron in the .or$ kept the pirit o, the $ea$ "ocke$ .ithin their tomb. &, a
.or$ .a miing8
#here are ghosts in Winterfell+ And I am one of them+
7hey .a"ke$ on. Barbrey 5/tin4 ,ace eeme$ to har$en .ith every tep. She likes this place
no more than I do+ 7heon hear$ hime", ay- 2My "a$y- .hy $o yo/ hate the Stark61
She t/$ie$ him. 2+or the ame reaon yo/ "ove them.1
7heon t/mb"e$. 2?ove them6 & never8 & took thi cat"e ,rom them- my "a$y. & ha$8 ha$
Bran an$ Rickon p/t to $eath- mo/nte$ their hea$ on pike- &81
28ro$e o/th .ith Robb Stark- ,o/ght bei$e him at the 3hipering 3oo$ an$ Riverr/n-
ret/rne$ to the &ron &"an$ a hi envoy to treat .ith yo/r o.n ,ather. Barro.ton ent men .ith
the Eo/ng 3o", a .e"". & gave him a ,e. men a & $are$- b/t & kne. that & m/t nee$ give him
ome or rik the .roth o, 3inter,e"". So & ha$ my o.n eye an$ ear in that hot. 7hey kept me
.e"" in,orme$. & kno. .ho yo/ are. & kno. .hat yo/ are. No. an.er my A/etion. 3hy $o yo/
"ove the Stark61
2&81 7heon p/t a g"ove$ han$ againt a pi""ar. 28& .ante$ to be one o, them81
2An$ never co/"$. 3e have more in common than yo/ kno.- my "or$. B/t come.1
Hn"y a "itt"e ,arther on- three tomb .ere c"oe"y gro/pe$ together. 7hat .a .here they
ha"te$. 2?or$ Rickar$-1 ?a$y 5/tin oberve$- t/$ying the centra" ,ig/re. 7he tat/e "oome$
above them@ "ong(,ace$- bear$e$- o"emn. #e ha$ the ame tone eye a the ret- b/t hi
"ooke$ a$. 2#e "ack a .or$ a .e"".1
&t .a tr/e. 2Someone ha been $o.n here tea"ing .or$. Bran$on4 i gone a .e"".1
2#e .o/"$ hate that.1 She p/""e$ o,, her g"ove an$ to/che$ hi knee- pa"e ,"eh againt $ark
tone. 2Bran$on "ove$ hi .or$. #e "ove$ to hone it. J& .ant it harp eno/gh to have the hair
,rom a .oman4 c/nt-4 he /e$ to ay. An$ ho. he "ove$ to /e it. JA b"oo$y .or$ i a bea/ti,/"
thing-4 he to"$ me once.1
2Eo/ kne. him-1 7heon ai$.
7he "antern "ight in her eye ma$e them eem a i, they .ere a,ire. 2Bran$on .a ,otere$ at
Barro.ton .ith o"$ ?or$ 5/tin- the ,ather o, the one &4$ "ater .e$- b/t he pent mot o, hi time
ri$ing the Ri"". #e "ove$ to ri$e. #i "itt"e iter took a,ter him in that. A pair o, centa/r- thoe
t.o. An$ my "or$ ,ather .a a".ay p"eae$ to p"ay hot to the heir to 3inter,e"". My ,ather ha$
great ambition ,or #o/e Ry.e"". #e .o/"$ have erve$ /p my mai$enhea$ to any Stark .ho
happene$ by- b/t there .a no nee$. Bran$on .a never hy abo/t taking .hat he .ante$. & am
o"$ no.- a $rie$(/p thing- too "ong a .i$o.- b/t & ti"" remember the "ook o, my mai$en4 b"oo$
on hi cock the night he c"aime$ me. & think Bran$on "ike$ the ight a .e"". A b"oo$y .or$ i a
bea/ti,/" thing- ye. &t h/rt- b/t it .a a .eet pain.
27he $ay & "earne$ that Bran$on .a to marry Cate"yn 7/""y- tho/gh8 there .a nothing
.eet abo/t that pain. #e never .ante$ her- & promie yo/ that. #e to"$ me o- on o/r "at night
together8 b/t Rickar$ Stark ha$ great ambition too. Southron ambition that .o/"$ not be
erve$ by having hi heir marry the $a/ghter o, one o, hi o.n vaa". A,ter.ar$ my ,ather
n/re$ ome hope o, .e$$ing me to Bran$on4 brother C$$ar$- b/t Cate"yn 7/""y got that one a
.e"". & .a "e,t .ith yo/ng ?or$ 5/tin- /nti" Ne$ Stark took him ,rom me.1
2Robert4 Rebe""ion81
2?or$ 5/tin an$ & ha$ not been marrie$ ha", a year .hen Robert roe an$ Ne$ Stark ca""e$
hi banner. & begge$ my h/ban$ not to go. #e ha$ kin he might have ent in hi tea$. An /nc"e
,ame$ ,or hi pro.e .ith an a:e- a great(/nc"e .ho ha$ ,o/ght in the 3ar o, the Ninepenny
>ing. B/t he .a a man an$ ,/"" o, pri$e- nothing .o/"$ erve b/t that he "ea$ the Barro.ton
"evie hime",. & gave him a hore the $ay he et o/t- a re$ ta""ion .ith a ,iery mane- the pri$e o,
my "or$ ,ather4 her$. My "or$ .ore that he .o/"$ ri$e him home .hen the .ar .a $one.
2Ne$ Stark ret/rne$ the hore to me on hi .ay back home to 3inter,e"". #e to"$ me that my
"or$ ha$ $ie$ an honorab"e $eath- that hi bo$y ha$ been "ai$ to ret beneath the re$ mo/ntain o,
5orne. #e bro/ght hi iter4 bone back north- tho/gh- an$ there he ret8 b/t & promie yo/-
?or$ C$$ar$4 bone .i"" never ret bei$e her. & mean to ,ee$ them to my $og.1
7heon $i$ not /n$ertan$. 2#i8 hi bone8 61
#er "ip t.ite$. &t .a an /g"y mi"e- a mi"e that remin$e$ him o, Ramay4. 2Cate"yn 7/""y
$ipatche$ ?or$ C$$ar$4 bone north be,ore the Re$ 3e$$ing- b/t yo/r iron /nc"e eiGe$ Moat
Cai"in an$ c"oe$ the .ay. & have been .atching ever ince. Sho/"$ thoe bone ever emerge
,rom the .amp- they .i"" get no ,arther than Barro.ton.1 She thre. one "at "ingering "ook at
the "ikene o, C$$ar$ Stark. 23e are $one here.1
7he no.torm .a ti"" raging .hen they emerge$ ,rom the crypt. ?a$y 5/tin .a i"ent
$/ring their acent- b/t .hen they too$ beneath the r/in o, the +irt >eep again he hivere$
an$ ai$- 2Eo/ .o/"$ $o .e"" not to repeat anything & might have ai$ $o.n there. & that
/n$ertoo$61
&t .a. 2#o"$ my tong/e or "oe it.1
2Rooe ha traine$ yo/ .e"".1 She "e,t him there.
THE 5ING1S +RI8E
7he king4 hot $eparte$ 5eep.oo$ Motte by the "ight o, a go"$en $a.n- /ncoi"ing ,rom
behin$ the "og pa"ia$e "ike a "ong- tee" erpent emerging ,rom it net.
7he o/thron knight ro$e o/t in p"ate an$ mai"- $inte$ an$ carre$ by the batt"e they ha$
,o/ght- b/t ti"" bright eno/gh to g"itter .hen they ca/ght the riing /n. +a$e$ an$ taine$- torn
an$ men$e$- their banner an$ /rcoat ti"" ma$e a riot o, co"or ami$t the .inter .oo$@aG/re
an$ orange- re$ an$ green- p/rp"e an$ b"/e an$ go"$- g"immering amongt bare bro.n tr/nk-
grey(green pine an$ entine"- $ri,t o, $irty no..
Cach knight ha$ hi A/ire- ervant- an$ men(at(arm. Behin$ them came armorer- cook-
groomI rank o, pearmen- a:emen- archerI griGG"e$ veteran o, a h/n$re$ batt"e an$ green
boy o,, to ,ight their ,irt. Be,ore them marche$ the c"anmen ,rom the hi""I chie, an$
champion atri$e haggy garron- their hir/te ,ighter trotting bei$e them- c"a$ in ,/r an$
boi"e$ "eather an$ o"$ mai". Some painte$ their ,ace bro.n an$ green an$ tie$ b/n$"e o, br/h
abo/t them- to hi$e amongt the tree.
Back o, the main co"/mn the baggage train ,o""o.e$' m/"e- hore- o:en- a mi"e o, .ayn
an$ cart "a$en .ith ,oo$- ,o$$er- tent- an$ other proviion. ?at the rear g/ar$@more knight
in p"ate an$ mai"- .ith a creening o, o/tri$er ,o""o.ing ha",(hi$$en to make certain no ,oe
co/"$ tea" /p on them /na.are.
Aha Grey=oy ro$e in the baggage train- in a covere$ .ayn .ith t.o h/ge iron(rimme$
.hee"- ,ettere$ at .rit an$ ank"e an$ .atche$ over $ay an$ night by a She(Bear .ho nore$
.ore than any man. #i Grace >ing Stanni .a taking no chance on hi priGe ecaping
captivity. #e meant to carry her to 3inter,e""- to $ip"ay her there in chain ,or the "or$ o, the
north to ee- the kraken4 $a/ghter bo/n$ an$ broken- proo, o, hi po.er.
7r/mpet a. the co"/mn on it .ay. Spearpoint hone in the "ight o, the riing /n- an$ a""
a"ong the verge the gra g"itene$ .ith the morning ,rot. Bet.een 5eep.oo$ Motte an$
3inter,e"" "ay one h/n$re$ "eag/e o, ,oret. 7hree h/n$re$ mi"e a the raven ,"ie. 2+i,teen
$ay-1 the knight to"$ each other.
2Robert .o/"$ have $one it in ten-1 Aha hear$ ?or$ +e"" boating. #i gran$ire ha$ been
"ain by Robert at S/mmerha""I omeho. thi ha$ e"evate$ hi "ayer to go$"ike pro.e in the
gran$on4 eye. 2Robert .o/"$ have been ini$e 3inter,e"" a ,ortnight ago- th/mbing hi noe
at Bo"ton ,rom the batt"ement.1
2Bet not mention that to Stanni-1 /ggete$ !/tin Maey- 2or he4"" have / marching
night a .e"" a $ay.1
#his king lies in his brother/s shadow, Aha tho/ght.
#er ank"e ti"" gave a tab o, pain .henever he trie$ to p/t her .eight on it. Something .a
broken $o.n ini$e- Aha $i$ not $o/bt. 7he .e""ing ha$ gone $o.n at 5eep.oo$- b/t the pain
remaine$. A prain .o/"$ /re"y have hea"e$ by no.. #er iron clacke$ every time he move$.
7he ,etter cha,e$ at her .rit an$ at her pri$e. B/t that .a the cot o, /bmiion.
2No man ha ever $ie$ ,rom ben$ing hi knee-1 her ,ather ha$ once to"$ her. 2#e .ho knee"
may rie again- b"a$e in han$. #e .ho .i"" not knee" tay $ea$- ti,, "eg an$ a"".1 Ba"on
Grey=oy ha$ prove$ the tr/th o, hi o.n .or$ .hen hi ,irt rebe""ion ,ai"e$I the kraken bent the
knee to tag an$ $ire.o",- on"y to rie again .hen Robert Baratheon an$ C$$ar$ Stark .ere
$ea$.
An$ o at 5eep.oo$ the kraken4 $a/ghter ha$ $one the ame .hen he .a $/mpe$ be,ore
the king- bo/n$ an$ "imping ;tho/gh b"ee$"y /nrape$<- her ank"e a b"aGe o, pain. 2& yie"$- Eo/r
Grace. 5o a yo/ .ih .ith me. & ak on"y that yo/ pare my men.1 Dar" an$ 7ri an$ the ret
.ho ha$ /rvive$ the .o",.oo$ .ere a"" he ha$ to care abo/t. Hn"y nine remaine$. We ragged
nine, Cromm name$ them. #e .a the .ort .o/n$e$.
Stanni ha$ given her their "ive. Eet he ene$ no tr/e mercy in the man. #e .a
$etermine$- beyon$ a $o/bt. Nor $i$ he "ack ,or co/rage. Men ai$ he .a =/t8 an$ i, hi .a
a harh- har$(han$e$ ort o, =/tice- .e""- "i,e on the &ron &"an$ ha$ acc/tome$ Aha Grey=oy
to that. A"" the ame- he co/"$ not "ike thi king. 7hoe $eep(et b"/e eye o, hi eeme$ a".ay
"itte$ in /picion- co"$ ,/ry boi"ing =/t be"o. their /r,ace. #er "i,e meant "itt"e an$ "e to
him. She .a on"y hi hotage- a priGe to ho. the north that he co/"$ vanA/ih the ironborn.
*ore fool him+ Bringing $o.n a .oman .a not "ike to a.e any northmen- i, he kne. the
bree$- an$ her .orth a a hotage .a "e than na/ght. #er /nc"e r/"e$ the &ron &"an$ no.- an$
the Cro.4 Cye .o/"$ not care i, he "ive$ or $ie$. &t might matter ome to the .retche$ r/in o,
a h/ban$ that C/ron ha$ in,"icte$ /pon her- b/t Cric &ronmaker $i$ not have coin eno/gh to
ranom her. B/t there .a no e:p"aining /ch thing to Stanni Baratheon. #er very .omanhoo$
eeme$ to o,,en$ him. Men ,rom the green "an$ "ike$ their .omen o,t an$ .eet in i"k- he
kne.- not c"a$ in mai" an$ "eather .ith a thro.ing a:e in each han$. B/t her hort acA/aintance
.ith the king at 5eep.oo$ Motte convince$ her that he .o/"$ have been no more ,on$ o, her in
a go.n. Cven .ith Ga"bart G"over4 .i,e- the pio/ ?a$y Sybe""e- he ha$ been correct an$
co/rteo/ b/t p"ain"y /ncom,ortab"e. 7hi o/thron king eeme$ to be one o, thoe men to .hom
.omen are another race- a trange an$ /n,athomab"e a giant an$ gr/mkin an$ the chi"$ren o,
the ,oret. 7he She(Bear ma$e him grin$ hi teeth a .e"".
7here .a on"y one .oman that Stanni "itene$ to- an$ he ha$ "e,t her on the 3a"". 27ho/gh
& .o/"$ ooner he .a .ith /-1 con,ee$ Ser !/tin Maey- the ,air(haire$ knight .ho
comman$e$ the baggage train. 27he "at time .e .ent into batt"e .itho/t ?a$y Me"ian$re .a
the B"ack.ater- .hen ?or$ Ren"y4 ha$e came $o.n /pon / an$ $rove ha", o/r hot into the
bay.1
27he "at time61 Aha ai$. 23a thi orcere at 5eep.oo$ Motte6 & $i$ not ee her.1
2#ar$"y a batt"e-1 Ser !/tin ai$- mi"ing. 2Eo/r ironmen ,o/ght brave"y- my "a$y- b/t .e
ha$ many time yo/r n/mber- an$ .e took yo/ /na.are. 3inter,e"" .i"" kno. that .e are
coming. An$ Rooe Bo"ton ha a many men a .e $o.1
Or more, tho/ght Aha.
Cven prioner have ear- an$ he ha$ hear$ a"" the ta"k at 5eep.oo$ Motte- .hen >ing
Stanni an$ hi captain .ere $ebating thi march. Ser !/tin ha$ oppoe$ it ,rom the tart- a"ong
.ith many o, the knight an$ "or$ .ho ha$ come .ith Stanni ,rom the o/th. B/t the .o"ve
inite$I Rooe Bo"ton co/"$ not be /,,ere$ to ho"$ 3inter,e""- an$ the Ne$4 gir" m/t be
rec/e$ ,rom the c"/tche o, hi batar$. So ai$ Morgan ?i$$"e- Bran$on Norrey- Big B/cket
3/""- the +"int- even the She(Bear. 2Hne h/n$re$ "eag/e ,rom 5eep.oo$ Motte to 3inter,e""-1
ai$ Arto +"int- the night the arg/ment boi"e$ to a hea$ in Ga"bart G"over4 "ongha"". 27hree
h/n$re$ mi"e a the raven ,"ie.1
2A "ong march-1 a knight name$ Cor"i 9enny ai$.
2Not o "ong a that-1 inite$ Ser Go$ry- the big knight the other ca""e$ the Giant"ayer.
23e have come a ,ar a"rea$y. 7he ?or$ o, ?ight .i"" b"aGe a path ,or /.1
2An$ .hen .e arrive be,ore 3inter,e""61 ai$ !/tin Maey. 27.o .a"" .ith a moat
bet.een them- an$ the inner .a"" a h/n$re$ ,eet high. Bo"ton .i"" never march o/t to ,ace / in
the ,ie"$- an$ .e $o not have the proviion to mo/nt a iege.1
2Arno", >artark .i"" =oin hi trength to o/r- never ,orget-1 ai$ #ar.oo$ +e"". 2Mor
Fmber a .e"". 3e .i"" have a many northmen a ?or$ Bo"ton. An$ the .oo$ are thick north
o, the cat"e. 3e .i"" raie iege to.er- b/i"$ ram81
And die b! the thousands, Aha tho/ght.
23e might $o bet to .inter here-1 /ggete$ ?or$ 9eaeb/ry.
2Winter here61 Big B/cket roare$. 2#o. m/ch ,oo$ an$ ,o$$er $o yo/ think Ga"bart G"over
ha "ai$ by61
7hen Ser Richar$ #orpe- the knight .ith the ravage$ ,ace an$ the $eath4(hea$ moth on hi
/rcoat- t/rne$ to Stanni an$ ai$- 2Eo/r Grace- yo/r brother@1
7he king c/t him o,,. 23e a"" kno. .hat my brother .o/"$ $o. Robert .o/"$ ga""op /p to the
gate o, 3inter,e"" a"one- break them .ith hi .arhammer- an$ ri$e thro/gh the r/bb"e to "ay
Rooe Bo"ton .ith hi "e,t han$ an$ the Batar$ .ith hi right.1 Stanni roe to hi ,eet. 2& am
not Robert. B/t .e .i"" march- an$ .e .i"" ,ree 3inter,e""8 or $ie in the attempt.1
3hatever $o/bt hi "or$ might n/re- the common men eeme$ to have ,aith in their king.
Stanni ha$ mahe$ Mance Ray$er4 .i"$"ing at the 3a"" an$ c"eane$ Aha an$ her ironborn
o/t o, 5eep.oo$ MotteI he .a Robert4 brother- victor in a ,amo/ ea batt"e o,, +air &"e- the
man .ho ha$ he"$ Storm4 Cn$ a"" thro/gh Robert4 Rebe""ion. An$ he bore a hero4 .or$- the
enchante$ b"a$e ?ightbringer- .hoe g"o. "it /p the night.
2H/r ,oe are not a ,ormi$ab"e a they appear-1 Ser !/tin a/re$ Aha on the ,irt $ay o,
the march. 2Rooe Bo"ton i ,eare$- b/t "itt"e "ove$. An$ hi ,rien$ the +rey8 the north ha not
,orgotten the Re$ 3e$$ing. Cvery "or$ at 3inter,e"" "ot kinmen there. Stanni nee$ on"y
b"oo$y Bo"ton- an$ the northmen .i"" aban$on him.1
So !ou hope, tho/ght Aha- but first the king must blood! him+ Onl! a fool deserts the winning
side+
Ser !/tin ca""e$ /pon her cart ha", a $oGen time that ,irt $ay- to bring her ,oo$ an$ $rink
an$ ti$ing o, the march. A man o, eay mi"e an$ en$"e =ape- "arge an$ .e"" ,"ehe$- .ith
pink cheek- b"/e eye- an$ a .in$(toe$ tang"e o, .hite(b"on$ hair a pa"e a ,"a:- he .a a
coni$erate gao"er- ever o"icito/ o, hi captive4 com,ort.
2#e .ant yo/-1 ai$ the She(Bear- a,ter hi thir$ viit.
#er proper name .a A"yane o, #o/e Mormont- b/t he .ore the other name a eai"y a
he .ore her mai". Short- ch/nky- m/c/"ar- the heir to Bear &"an$ ha$ big thigh- big breat-
an$ big han$ ri$ge$ .ith ca""/. Cven in "eep he .ore ringmai" /n$er her ,/r- boi"e$ "eather
/n$er that- an$ an o"$ heepkin /n$er the "eather- t/rne$ ini$e o/t ,or .armth. A"" thoe "ayer
ma$e her "ook a"mot a .i$e a he .a ta"". And ferocious+ Sometime it .a har$ ,or Aha
Grey=oy to remember that he an$ the She(Bear .ere a"mot o, an age.
2#e .ant my "an$-1 Aha rep"ie$. 2#e .ant the &ron &"an$.1 She kne. the ign. She ha$
een the ame be,ore in other /itor. Maey4 o.n ancetra" ho"$ing- ,ar to the o/th- .ere
"ot to him- o he m/t nee$ make an a$vantageo/ marriage or reign hime", to being no more
than a knight o, the king4 ho/eho"$. Stanni ha$ ,r/trate$ Ser !/tin4 hope o, marrying the
.i"$"ing prince that Aha ha$ hear$ o m/ch o,- o no. he ha$ et hi ight on her. No $o/bt
he $reame$ o, p/tting her in the Seatone Chair on 9yke an$ r/"ing thro/gh her- a her "or$ an$
mater. 7hat .o/"$ reA/ire ri$$ing her o, her preent "or$ an$ mater- to be /re8 not to
mention the /nc"e .ho ha$ marrie$ her to him. 2ot likel!, Aha =/$ge$. #he %row/s 0!e could
eat Ser -ustin to break his fast and neer een belch+
&t ma$e no matter. #er ,ather4 "an$ .o/"$ never be her- no matter .hom he marrie$. 7he
ironborn .ere not a ,orgiving peop"e- an$ Aha ha$ been $e,eate$ t.ice. Hnce at the kingmoot
by her /nc"e C/ron- an$ again at 5eep.oo$ Motte by Stanni. More than eno/gh to tamp her a
/n,it to r/"e. 3e$$ing !/tin Maey- or any o, Stanni Baratheon4 "or$"ing- .o/"$ h/rt more
than it he"pe$. #he kraken/s daughter turned out to be 9ust a woman after all, the captain an$
the king .o/"$ ay. See how she spreads her legs for this soft green land lord+
Sti""- i, Ser !/tin .ihe$ to co/rt her ,avor .ith ,oo$ an$ .ine an$ .or$- Aha .a not "ike
to $ico/rage him. #e ma$e ,or better company than the tacit/rn She(Bear- an$ he .a e"e.ie
a"one amongt ,ive tho/an$ ,oe. 7ri Bot"ey- Dar" the Mai$- Cromm- Roggon- an$ the ret o,
her b"oo$ie$ ban$ ha$ been "e,t behin$ at 5eep.oo$ Motte- in Ga"bart G"over4 $/ngeon.
7he army covere$ t.enty(t.o mi"e the ,irt $ay- by the reckoning o, the g/i$e ?a$y Sybe""e
ha$ given them- tracker an$ h/nter .orn to 5eep.oo$ .ith c"an name "ike +orreter an$
3oo$- Branch an$ Bo"e. 7he econ$ $ay the hot ma$e t.enty(,o/r- a their vang/ar$ pae$
beyon$ the G"over "an$ into the thick o, the .o",.oo$. 2)/hllor, send !our light to lead us
through this gloom,1 the ,aith,/" praye$ that night a they gathere$ abo/t a roaring b"aGe o/ti$e
the king4 pavi"ion. So/thron knight an$ men(at(arm- the "ot o, them. Aha .o/"$ have ca""e$
them king4 men- b/t the other torm"an$er an$ cro.n"an$ men name$ them A/een4 men8
tho/gh the A/een they ,o""o.e$ .a the re$ one at Cat"e B"ack- not the .i,e that Stanni
Baratheon ha$ "e,t behin$ at Cat.atch(by(the(Sea. 2Oh, "ord of "ight, we beseech !ou, cast
!our fier! e!e upon us and keep us safe and warm,1 they ang to the ,"ame- 2for the night is
dark and full of terrors+1
A big knight name$ Ser Go$ry +arring "e$ them. 1odr! the 1iantsla!er+ A big name for a
small man+ +arring .a broa$(chete$ an$ .e"" m/c"e$ /n$er hi p"ate an$ mai". #e .a a"o
arrogant an$ vain- it eeme$ to Aha- h/ngry ,or g"ory- $ea, to ca/tion- a g"/tton ,or praie- an$
contempt/o/ o, ma"",o"k- .o"ve- an$ .omen. &n the "at- he .a not /n"ike hi king.
2?et me have a hore-1 Aha ake$ Ser !/tin- .hen he ro$e /p to the .ayn .ith ha", a ham.
2& am going ma$ in thee chain. & .i"" not attempt ecape. Eo/ have my .or$ on that.1
23o/"$ that & co/"$- my "a$y. Eo/ are the king4 captive- not mine o.n.1
2Eo/r king .i"" not take a .oman4 .or$.1
7he She(Bear gro."e$. 23hy ho/"$ .e tr/t the .or$ o, any ironman a,ter .hat yo/r
brother $i$ at 3inter,e""61
2& am not 7heon-1 Aha inite$8 b/t the chain remaine$.
A Ser !/tin ga""ope$ $o.n the co"/mn- he ,o/n$ here", remembering the "at time he ha$
een her mother. &t ha$ been on #ar"a.- at 7en 7o.er. A can$"e ha$ been ,"ickering in her
mother4 chamber- b/t her great carve$ be$ .a empty beneath it $/ty canopy. ?a$y A"anny
at bei$e a .in$o.- taring o/t acro the ea. 25i$ yo/ bring my baby boy61 he4$ ake$-
mo/th tremb"ing. 27heon co/"$ not come-1 Aha ha$ to"$ her- "ooking $o.n /pon the r/in o, the
.oman .ho ha$ given her birth- a mother .ho ha$ "ot t.o o, her on. An$ the thir$8
I send !ou each a piece of prince+
3hatever be,e"" .hen batt"e .a =oine$ at 3inter,e""- Aha Grey=oy $i$ not think her brother
"ike"y to /rvive it. #heon #urncloak+ 0en the She(Bear wants his head on a spike+
25o yo/ have brother61 Aha ake$ her keeper.
2Siter-1 A"yane Mormont rep"ie$- gr/,, a ever. 2+ive- .e .ere. A"" gir". ?yanna i back
on Bear &"an$. ?yra an$ !ory are .ith o/r mother. 5acey .a m/r$ere$.1
27he Re$ 3e$$ing.1
2Aye.1 A"yane tare$ at Aha ,or a moment. 2& have a on. #e4 on"y t.o. My $a/ghter4
nine.1
2Eo/ tarte$ yo/ng.1
27oo yo/ng. B/t better that than .ait too "ate.1
A stab at me, Aha tho/ght- but let it be+ 2Eo/ are .e$.1
2No. My chi"$ren .ere ,athere$ by a bear.1 A"yane mi"e$. #er teeth .ere crooke$- b/t there
.a omething ingratiating abo/t that mi"e. 2Mormont .omen are kinchanger. 3e t/rn into
bear an$ ,in$ mate in the .oo$. Cveryone kno..1
Aha mi"e$ back. 2Mormont .omen are a"" ,ighter too.1
7he other .oman4 mi"e ,a$e$. 23hat .e are i .hat yo/ ma$e /. Hn Bear &"an$ every
chi"$ "earn to ,ear kraken riing ,rom the ea.1
#he Old Wa!+ Aha t/rne$ a.ay- chain clinking ,aint"y. Hn the thir$ $ay the ,oret pree$
c"oe aro/n$ them- an$ the r/tte$ roa$ $.in$"e$ $o.n to game trai" that oon prove$ to be too
narro. ,or their "arger .agon. #ere an$ there they .o/n$ their .ay pat ,ami"iar "an$mark' a
tony hi"" that "ooke$ a bit "ike a .o",4 hea$ .hen een ,rom a certain ang"e- a ha",(,roGen
.ater,a""- a nat/ra" tone arch bear$e$ .ith grey(green mo. Aha kne. them a"". She ha$ come
thi .ay be,ore- ri$ing to 3inter,e"" to per/a$e her brother 7heon to aban$on hi conA/et an$
ret/rn .ith her to the a,ety o, 5eep.oo$ Motte. I failed in that as well+
7hat $ay they ma$e ,o/rteen mi"e- an$ .ere g"a$ o, it.
3hen $/k ,e""- the $river p/""e$ the .ayn o,, /n$er the tree. A he .a "ooing the hore
,rom the trace- Ser !/tin trotte$ /p an$ /n$i$ the ,etter aro/n$ Aha4 ank"e. #e an$ the She(
Bear ecorte$ her thro/gh the camp to the king4 tent. A captive he might be- b/t he .a ti"" a
Grey=oy o, 9yke- an$ it p"eae$ Stanni Baratheon to ,ee$ her crap ,rom hi o.n tab"e- .here
he /ppe$ .ith hi captain an$ comman$er.
7he king4 pavi"ion .a near a "arge a the "ongha"" back at 5eep.oo$ Motte- b/t there .a
"itt"e gran$ abo/t it beyon$ it iGe. &t ti,, .a"" o, heavy ye""o. canva .ere ba$"y ,a$e$-
taine$ by m/$ an$ .ater- .ith pot o, mi"$e. ho.ing. Atop it center po"e ,"e. the roya"
tan$ar$- go"$en- .ith a tag4 hea$ .ithin a b/rning heart. Hn three i$e the pavi"ion o, the
o/thron "or$"ing .ho ha$ come north .ith Stanni /rro/n$e$ it. Hn the ,o/rth i$e the
night,ire roare$- "ahing at the $arkening ky .ith .ir" o, ,"ame.
A $oGen men .ere p"itting "og to ,ee$ the b"aGe .hen Aha came "imping /p .ith her
keeper. :ueen/s men+ 7heir go$ .a Re$ R4h""or- an$ a =ea"o/ go$ he .a. #er o.n go$- the
5ro.ne$ Go$ o, the &ron &"e- .a a $emon to their eye- an$ i, he $i$ not embrace thi ?or$
o, ?ight- he .o/"$ be $amne$ an$ $oome$. #he! would as gladl! burn me as those logs and
broken branches+ Some ha$ /rge$ that very thing .ithin her hearing a,ter the batt"e in the .oo$.
Stanni ha$ re,/e$.
7he king too$ o/ti$e hi tent- taring into the night,ire. What does he see there6 .ictor!6
Doom6 #he face of his red and hungr! god6 #i eye .ere /nk in $eep pit- hi c"oe(croppe$
bear$ no more than a ha$o. acro hi ho""o. cheek an$ bony =a.bone. Eet there .a po.er
in hi tare- an iron ,erocity that to"$ Aha thi man .o/"$ never- ever t/rn back ,rom hi co/re.
She .ent to one knee be,ore him. 2Sire.1 Am I humbled enough for !ou, &our 1race6 Am I
beaten, bowed, and broken sufficientl! for !our liking6 2Strike thee chain ,rom my .rit- &
beg yo/. ?et me ri$e. & .i"" attempt no ecape.1
Stanni "ooke$ at her a he might "ook at a $og .ho pre/me$ to h/mp againt hi "eg. 2Eo/
earne$ thoe iron.1
2& $i$. No. & o,,er yo/ my men- my hip- my .it.1
2Eo/r hip are mine- or b/rnt. Eo/r men8 ho. many are "e,t6 7en6 7.e"ve61
2ine+ Si8, if !ou count onl! those strong enough to fight+ 25agmer C"e,t=a. ho"$ 7orrhen4
SA/are. A ,ierce ,ighter- an$ a "ea" ervant o, #o/e Grey=oy. & can $e"iver that cat"e to yo/- an$
it garrion a .e"".1 $erhaps, he might have a$$e$- b/t it .o/"$ not erve her ca/e to ho.
$o/bt be,ore thi king.
27orrhen4 SA/are i not .orth the m/$ beneath my hee". &t i 3inter,e"" that matter.1
2Strike o,, thee iron an$ "et me he"p yo/ take it- Sire. Eo/r Grace4 roya" brother .a
reno.ne$ ,or t/rning ,a""en ,oe into ,rien$. Make me yo/r man.1
27he go$ $i$ not make yo/ a man. #o. can &61 Stanni t/rne$ back to the night,ire an$
.hatever he a. $ancing there amongt the orange ,"ame.
Ser !/tin Maey grape$ Aha by the arm an$ p/""e$ her ini$e the roya" tent. 27hat .a i""
=/$ge$- my "a$y-1 he to"$ her. 2Never peak to him o, Robert.1
I should hae known better+ Aha kne. ho. it .ent .ith "itt"e brother. She remembere$
7heon a a boy- a hy chi"$ .ho "ive$ in a.e- an$ ,ear- o, Ro$rik an$ Maron. #he! neer grow
out of it, he $eci$e$. A little brother ma! lie to be a hundred, but he will alwa!s be a little
brother+ She ratt"e$ her iron =e.e"ry an$ imagine$ ho. p"eaant it .o/"$ be to tep /p behin$
Stanni an$ thrott"e him .ith the chain that bo/n$ her .rit.
7hey /ppe$ that night on a venion te. ma$e ,rom a cra.ny hart that a co/t ca""e$
Ben=icot Branch ha$ bro/ght $o.n. B/t on"y in the roya" tent. Beyon$ thoe canva .a""- each
man got a hee" o, brea$ an$ a ch/nk o, b"ack a/age no "onger than a ,inger- .ahe$ $o.n .ith
the "at o, Ga"bart G"over4 a"e.
Hne h/n$re$ "eag/e ,rom 5eep.oo$ Motte to 3inter,e"". 7hree h/n$re$ mi"e a the raven
,"ie. 23o/"$ that .e .ere raven-1 !/tin Maey ai$ on the ,o/rth $ay o, the march- the $ay
the no. began to ,a"". Hn"y a ,e. ma"" ,"/rrie at ,irt. Co"$ an$ .et- b/t nothing they co/"$
not p/h thro/gh eai"y.
B/t it no.e$ again the ne:t $ay- an$ the $ay a,ter- an$ the $ay a,ter that. 7he thick bear$ o,
the .o"ve .ere oon cake$ .ith ice .here their breath ha$ ,roGen- an$ every c"ean(have$
o/thron boy .a "etting hi .hiker gro. o/t to keep hi ,ace .arm. Be,ore "ong the gro/n$
ahea$ o, the co"/mn .a b"ankete$ in .hite- concea"ing tone an$ t.ite$ root an$ $ea$,a""-
t/rning every tep into an a$vent/re. 7he .in$ picke$ /p a .e""- $riving the no. be,ore it. 7he
king4 hot became a co"/mn o, no.men- taggering thro/gh knee(high $ri,t.
Hn the thir$ $ay o, no.- the king4 hot began to come apart. 3hi"t the o/thron knight
an$ "or$"ing tr/gg"e$- the men o, the northern hi"" ,are$ better. 7heir garron .ere /re(,oote$
beat that ate "e than pa",rey- an$ m/ch "e than the big $etrier- an$ the men .ho ro$e
them .ere at home in the no.. Many o, the .o"ve $onne$ c/rio/ ,oot.ear. Bear(pa.- they
ca""e$ them- A/eer e"ongate$ thing ma$e .ith bent .oo$ an$ "eather trip. ?ahe$ onto the
bottom o, their boot- the thing omeho. a""o.e$ them to .a"k on top o, the no. .itho/t
breaking thro/gh the cr/t an$ inking $o.n to their thigh.
Some ha$ bear(pa. ,or their hore too- an$ the haggy "itt"e garron .ore them a eai"y a
other mo/nt .ore iron horehoe8 b/t the pa",rey an$ $etrier .ante$ no part o, them.
3hen a ,e. o, the king4 knight trappe$ them onto their ,eet nonethe"e- the big o/thern
hore ba"ke$ an$ re,/e$ to move- or trie$ to hake the thing o,, their ,eet. Hne $etrier broke
an ank"e trying to .a"k in them.
7he northmen on their bear(pa. oon began to o/t$itance the ret o, the hot. 7hey
overtook the knight in the main co"/mn- then Ser Go$ry +arring an$ hi vang/ar$. An$
mean.hi"e- the .ayn an$ .agon o, the baggage train .ere ,a""ing ,arther an$ ,arther behin$-
o m/ch o that the men o, the rear g/ar$ .ere contant"y chivvying them to keep /p a ,ater
pace.
Hn the ,i,th $ay o, the torm- the baggage train croe$ a ripp"ing e:pane o, .ait(high
no.$ri,t that concea"e$ a ,roGen pon$. 3hen the hi$$en ice cracke$ beneath the .eight o, the
.agon- three teamter an$ ,o/r hore .ere .a""o.e$ /p by the ,reeGing .ater- a"ong .ith
t.o o, the men .ho trie$ to rec/e them. Hne .a #ar.oo$ +e"". #i knight p/""e$ him o/t
be,ore he $ro.ne$- b/t not be,ore hi "ip t/rne$ b"/e an$ hi kin a pa"e a mi"k. Nothing they
$i$ co/"$ eem to .arm him a,ter.ar$. #e hivere$ vio"ent"y ,or ho/r- even .hen they c/t him
o/t o, hi o$$en c"othe- .rappe$ him in .arm ,/r- an$ at him by the ,ire. 7hat ame night he
"ippe$ into a ,everih "eep. #e never .oke.
7hat .a the night that Aha ,irt hear$ the A/een4 men m/ttering abo/t a acri,ice@an
o,,ering to their re$ go$- o he might en$ the torm. 27he go$ o, the north have /n"eahe$ thi
torm on /-1 Ser Cor"i 9enny ai$.
2+a"e go$-1 inite$ Ser Go$ry- the Giant"ayer.
2R4h""or i .ith /-1 ai$ Ser C"ayton S/gg.
2Me"ian$re i not-1 ai$ !/tin Maey.
7he king ai$ nothing. B/t he hear$. Aha .a certain o, that. #e at at the high tab"e a a
$ih o, onion o/p coo"e$ be,ore him- har$"y tate$- taring at the ,"ame o, the nearet can$"e
.ith thoe hoo$e$ eye- ignoring the ta"k aro/n$ him. 7he econ$(in(comman$- the "ean ta""
knight name$ Richar$ #orpe- poke ,or him. 27he torm m/t break oon-1 he $ec"are$.
B/t the torm on"y .orene$. 7he .in$ became a "ah a cr/e" a any "aver4 .hip. Aha
tho/ght he ha$ kno.n co"$ on 9yke- .hen the .in$ came ho."ing o,, the ea- b/t that .a
nothing compare$ to thi. #his is a cold that dries men mad+
Cven .hen the ho/t came $o.n the "ine to make camp ,or the night- it .a no eay thing to
.arm yo/re",. 7he tent .ere $amp an$ heavy- har$ to raie- har$er to take $o.n- an$ prone to
/$$en co""ape i, too m/ch no. acc/m/"ate$ on top o, them. 7he king4 hot .a creeping
thro/gh the heart o, the "arget ,oret in the Seven >ing$om- yet $ry .oo$ became $i,,ic/"t to
,in$. Cvery camp a. ,e.er ,ire b/rning- an$ thoe that .ere "it thre. o,, more moke than
heat. H,t a not ,oo$ .a eaten co"$- even ra..
Cven the night,ire hrank an$ gre. ,eeb"e- to the $imay o, the A/een4 men. 2"ord of "ight,
presere us from this eil,1 they praye$- "e$ by the $eep voice o, Ser Go$ry the Giant"ayer.
2Show us !our bright sun again, still these winds, and melt these snows, that we ma! reach !our
foes and smite them+ #he night is dark and cold and full of terrors, but !ours is the power and
glor! and the light+ )/hllor, fill us with !our fire+1
?ater- .hen Ser Cor"i 9enny .on$ere$ a"o/$ .hether an entire army ha$ ever ,roGen to
$eath in a .inter torm- the .o"ve "a/ghe$. 27hi i no .inter-1 $ec"are$ Big B/cket 3/"". 2Fp
in the hi"" .e ay that a/t/mn kie yo/- b/t .inter ,/ck yo/ har$. 7hi i on"y a/t/mn4
ki.1
1od grant that I neer know true winter, then+ Aha here", .a pare$ the .ort o, itI he
.a the king4 priGe- a,ter a"". 3hi"t other h/ngere$- he .a ,e$. 3hi"t other hivere$- he
.a .arm. 3hi"t other tr/gg"e$ thro/gh the no. atop .eary hore- he ro$e /pon a be$ o,
,/r ini$e a .ayn- .ith a ti,, canva roo, to keep the no. o,,- com,ortab"e in her chain.
7he hore an$ the common men ha$ it har$et. 7.o A/ire ,rom the torm"an$ tabbe$ a
man(at(arm to $eath in a A/arre" over .ho .o/"$ it c"oet to the ,ire. 7he ne:t night ome
archer $eperate ,or .armth omeho. manage$ to et their tent a,ire- .hich ha$ at "eat the
virt/e o, heating the a$=acent tent. 5etrier began to perih o, e:ha/tion an$ e:po/re. 23hat
i a knight .itho/t a hore61 men ri$$"e$. 2A no.man .ith a .or$.1 Any hore that .ent
$o.n .a b/tchere$ on the pot ,or meat. 7heir proviion ha$ beg/n to r/n "o. a .e"".
9eaeb/ry- Cobb- +o:g"ove- an$ other o/thron "or$ /rge$ the king to make camp /nti" the
torm ha$ pae$. Stanni .o/"$ have none o, that. Nor .o/"$ he hee$ the A/een4 men .hen
they came to /rge him to make an o,,ering to their h/ngry re$ go$.
7hat ta"e he ha$ ,rom !/tin Maey- .ho .a "e $evo/t than mot. 2A acri,ice .i"" prove
o/r ,aith ti"" b/rn tr/e- Sire-1 C"ayton S/gg ha$ to"$ the king. An$ Go$ry the Giant"ayer ai$-
27he o"$ go$ o, the north have ent thi torm /pon /. Hn"y R4h""or can en$ it. 3e m/t give
him an /nbe"iever.1
2#a", my army i ma$e /p o, /nbe"iever-1 Stanni ha$ rep"ie$. 2& .i"" have no b/rning. 9ray
har$er.1
2o burnings toda!, and none tomorrow= but if the snows continue, how long before the
king/s resole begins to weaken6 Aha ha$ never hare$ her /nc"e Aeron4 ,aith in the 5ro.ne$
Go$- b/t that night he praye$ a ,ervent"y to #e 3ho 5.e"" Beneath the 3ave a ever the
5amphair ha$. 7he torm $i$ not abate. 7he march contin/e$- "o.ing to a tagger- then a cra.".
+ive mi"e .a a goo$ $ay. 7hen three. 7hen t.o.
By the ninth $ay o, the torm- every camp a. the captain an$ comman$er entering the
king4 tent .et an$ .eary- to ink to one knee an$ report their "oe ,or the $ay.
2Hne man $ea$- three miing.1
2Si: hore "ot- one o, them mine o.n.1
27.o $ea$ men- one a knight. +o/r hore $o.n. 3e got one /p again. 7he other are "ot.
5etrier- an$ one pa",rey.1
#he cold count, Aha hear$ it name$. 7he baggage train /,,ere$ the .ort' $ea$ hore- "ot
men- .ayn overt/rne$ an$ broken. 27he hore ,o/n$er in the no.-1 !/tin Maey to"$ the
king. 2Men .an$er o,, or =/t it $o.n to $ie.1
2?et them-1 >ing Stanni nappe$. 23e pre on.1
7he northmen ,are$ m/ch better- .ith their garron an$ their bear(pa.. B"ack 5onne" +"int
an$ hi ha",(brother Arto on"y "ot one man bet.een them. 7he ?i$$"e- the 3/""- an$ the
Norrey "ot none at a"". Hne o, Morgan ?i$$"e4 m/"e ha$ gone atray- b/t he eeme$ to think
the +"int ha$ to"en him.
One hundred leagues from Deepwood *otte to Winterfell+ #hree hundred miles as the raen
flies+ Fifteen da!s+ 7he ,i,teenth $ay o, the march came an$ .ent- an$ they ha$ croe$ "e than
ha", the $itance. A trai" o, broken .ayn an$ ,roGen corpe tretche$ back behin$ them- b/rie$
beneath the b"o.ing no.. 7he /n an$ moon an$ tar ha$ been gone o "ong that Aha .a
tarting to .on$er .hether he ha$ $reame$ them.
&t .a the t.entieth $ay o, the a$vance .hen he ,ina""y .on ,ree o, her ank"e chain. ?ate
that a,ternoon- one o, the hore $ra.ing her .ayn $ie$ in the trace. No rep"acement co/"$ be
,o/n$I .hat $ra,t hore remaine$ .ere nee$e$ to p/"" the .agon that he"$ their ,oo$ an$
,o$$er. 3hen Ser !/tin Maey ro$e /p- he to"$ them to b/tcher the $ea$ hore ,or meat an$
break /p the .agon ,or ,ire.oo$. 7hen he remove$ the ,etter aro/n$ Aha4 ank"e- r/bbing the
ti,,ne ,rom her ca"ve. 2& have no mo/nt to give yo/- my "a$y-1 he ai$- 2an$ i, .e trie$ to
ri$e $o/b"e- it .o/"$ be the en$ o, my hore a .e"". Eo/ m/t .a"k.1
Aha4 ank"e throbbe$ beneath her .eight .ith every tep. #he cold will numb it soon
enough, he to"$ here",. In an hour I won/t feel m! feet at all+ She .a on"y part .rongI it took
"e time than that. By the time $arkne ha"te$ the co"/mn- he .a t/mb"ing an$ yearning ,or
the com,ort o, her ro""ing prion. #he irons made me weak+ S/pper ,o/n$ her o e:ha/te$ that
he ,e"" a"eep at the tab"e.
Hn the t.enty(i:th $ay o, the ,i,teen($ay march- the "at o, the vegetab"e .a con/me$. Hn
the thirty(econ$ $ay- the "at o, the grain an$ ,o$$er. Aha .on$ere$ ho. "ong a man co/"$ "ive
on ra.- ha",(,roGen hore meat.
2Branch .ear .e are on"y three $ay ,rom 3inter,e""-1 Ser Richar$ #orpe to"$ the king that
night a,ter the co"$ co/nt.
2If .e "eave the .eaket men behin$-1 ai$ Cor"i 9enny.
27he .eaket men are beyon$ aving-1 inite$ #orpe. 27hoe ti"" trong eno/gh m/t reach
3inter,e"" or $ie a .e"".1
27he ?or$ o, ?ight .i"" $e"iver / the cat"e-1 ai$ Ser Go$ry +arring. 2&, ?a$y Me"ian$re
.ere .ith /@1
+ina""y- a,ter a nightmarih $ay .hen the co"/mn a$vance$ a bare mi"e an$ "ot a $oGen
hore an$ ,o/r men- ?or$ 9eaeb/ry t/rne$ againt the northmen. 27hi march .a ma$ne.
More $ying every $ay- an$ ,or .hat6 Some gir"61
2Ne$4 gir"-1 ai$ Morgan ?i$$"e. #e .a the econ$ o, three on- o the other .o"ve ca""e$
him Mi$$"e ?i$$"e- tho/gh not o,ten in hi hearing. &t .a Morgan .ho ha$ a"mot "ain Aha in
the ,ight by 5eep.oo$ Motte. #e ha$ come to her "ater- on the march- to beg her par$on8 ,or
ca""ing her cunt in hi batt"e "/t- not ,or trying to p"it her hea$ open .ith an a:e.
2Ne$4 gir"-1 echoe$ Big B/cket 3/"". 2An$ .e ho/"$ have ha$ her an$ the cat"e both i,
yo/ prancing o/thron =ackanape $i$n4t pi yo/r atin breeche at a "itt"e no..1
2A little no.61 9eaeb/ry4 o,t gir"ih mo/th t.ite$ in ,/ry. 2Eo/r i"" co/ne" ,orce$ thi
march /pon /- 3/"". & am tarting to /pect yo/ have been Bo"ton4 creat/re a"" a"ong. & that
the .ay o, it6 5i$ he en$ yo/ to / to .hiper poion in the king4 ear61
Big B/cket "a/ghe$ in hi ,ace. 2?or$ 9ea 9o$. &, yo/ .ere a man- & .o/"$ ki"" yo/ ,or that-
b/t my .or$ i ma$e o, too ,ine a tee" to bemirch .ith craven4 b"oo$.1 #e took a $rink o, a"e
an$ .ipe$ hi mo/th. 2Aye- men are $ying. More .i"" $ie be,ore .e ee 3inter,e"". 3hat o, it6
7hi i .ar. Men $ie in .ar. 7hat i a it ho/"$ be. A it ha a".ay been.1
Ser Cor"i 9enny gave the c"an chie, an incre$/"o/ "ook. 25o yo/ want to $ie- 3/""61
7hat eeme$ to am/e the northman. 2& .ant to "ive ,orever in a "an$ .here /mmer "at a
tho/an$ year. & .ant a cat"e in the c"o/$ .here & can "ook $o.n over the .or"$. & .ant to be
i:(an$(t.enty again. 3hen & .a i:(an$(t.enty & co/"$ ,ight a"" $ay an$ ,/ck a"" night. 3hat
men .ant $oe not matter.
23inter i a"mot /pon /- boy. An$ .inter i $eath. & .o/"$ ooner my men $ie ,ighting ,or
the Ne$4 "itt"e gir" than a"one an$ h/ngry in the no.- .eeping tear that ,reeGe /pon their
cheek. No one ing ong o, men .ho $ie "ike that. A ,or me- & am o"$. 7hi .i"" be my "at
.inter. ?et me bathe in Bo"ton b"oo$ be,ore & $ie. & .ant to ,ee" it patter acro my ,ace .hen
my a:e bite $eep into a Bo"ton k/"". & .ant to "ick it o,, my "ip an$ $ie .ith the tate o, it on
my tong/e.1
2A!e;1 ho/te$ Morgan ?i$$"e. 2Blood and battle;1 7hen a"" the hi""(men .ere ho/ting-
banging their c/p an$ $rinking horn on the tab"e- ,i""ing the king4 tent .ith the c"angor.
Aha Grey=oy .o/"$ have .e"come$ a ,ight here",. One battle, to put an end to this miser!+
Steel on steel, pink snow, broken shields and seered limbs, and it would all be done+
7he ne:t $ay the king4 co/t chance$ /pon an aban$one$ cro,ter4 vi""age bet.een t.o
"ake@a mean an$ meagre p"ace- no more than a ,e. h/t- a "ongha""- an$ a .atchto.er. Richar$
#orpe comman$e$ a ha"t- tho/gh the army ha$ a$vance$ no more than a ha",(mi"e that $ay an$
they .ere ho/r hy o, $ark. &t .a .e"" pat moonrie be,ore the baggage train an$ rear g/ar$
tragg"e$ in. Aha .a amongt them.
27here are ,ih in thoe "ake-1 #orpe to"$ the king. 23e4"" c/t ho"e in the ice. 7he northmen
kno. ho. it4 $one.1
Cven in hi b/"ky ,/r c"oak an$ heavy armor- Stanni "ooke$ "ike a man .ith one ,oot in the
grave. 3hat "itt"e ,"eh he4$ carrie$ on hi ta""- pare ,rame at 5eep.oo$ Motte ha$ me"te$ a.ay
$/ring the march. 7he hape o, hi k/"" co/"$ be een /n$er hi kin- an$ hi =a. .a c"enche$
o har$ Aha ,eare$ hi teeth might hatter. 2+ih- then-1 he ai$- biting o,, each .or$ .ith a
nap. 2B/t .e march at ,irt "ight.1
Eet .hen "ight came- the camp .oke to no. an$ i"ence. 7he ky t/rne$ ,rom b"ack to
.hite- an$ eeme$ no brighter. Aha Grey=oy a.oke crampe$ an$ co"$ beneath the pi"e o,
"eeping ,/r- "itening to the She(Bear4 nore. She ha$ never kno.n a .oman to nore o
"o/$"y- b/t he ha$ gro.n /e$ to it .hi"t on the march- an$ even took ome com,ort in it no..
&t .a the i"ence that tro/b"e$ her. No tr/mpet b"e. to ro/e the men to mo/nt /p- ,orm
co"/mn- prepare to march. No .arhorn /mmone$ ,orth the northmen. Something is wrong+
Aha cra."e$ o/t ,rom /n$er her "eeping ,/r an$ p/he$ her .ay o/t o, the tent- knocking
ai$e the .a"" o, no. that ha$ ea"e$ them in $/ring the night. #er iron clanke$ a he c"imbe$
to her ,eet an$ took a breath o, the icy morning air. 7he no. .a ti"" ,a""ing- even more heavi"y
than .hen he4$ cra."e$ ini$e the tent. 7he "ake ha$ vanihe$- an$ the .oo$ a .e"". She
co/"$ ee the hape o, other tent an$ "ean(to an$ the ,/GGy orange g"o. o, the beacon ,ire
b/rning atop the .atchto.er- b/t not the to.er ite",. 7he torm ha$ .a""o.e$ the ret.
Some.here ahea$ Rooe Bo"ton a.aite$ them behin$ the .a"" o, 3inter,e""- b/t Stanni
Baratheon4 hot at no.bo/n$ an$ /nmoving- .a""e$ in by ice an$ no.- tarving.
DAENER'S
7he can$"e .a a"mot gone. ?e than an inch remaine$- =/tting ,rom a poo" o, .arm me"te$
.a: to cat it "ight over the A/een4 be$. 7he ,"ame ha$ beg/n to g/tter.
It will go out before much longer, 5any rea"iGe$- and when it does another night will be at its
end+
5a.n a".ay came too oon.
She ha$ not "ept- co/"$ not "eep- .o/"$ not "eep. She ha$ not even $are$ to c"oe her eye-
,or ,ear it .o/"$ be morning .hen he opene$ them again. &, on"y he ha$ the po.er- he .o/"$
have ma$e their night go on ,orever- b/t the bet that he co/"$ $o .a tay a.ake to try an$
avor every "at .eet moment be,ore $aybreak t/rne$ them into no more than ,a$ing memorie.
Bei$e her- 5aario Nahari .a "eeping a peace,/""y a a ne.born babe. #e ha$ a gi,t ,or
"eeping- he4$ boate$- mi"ing in that cock/re .ay o, hi. &n the ,ie"$- he .o/"$ "eep in the
a$$"e o,t a not- he c"aime$- o a to be .e"" rete$ ho/"$ he come /pon a batt"e. S/n or torm-
it ma$e no matter. 2A .arrior .ho cannot "eep oon ha no trength to ,ight-1 he ai$. #e .a
never ve:e$ by nightmare either. 3hen 5any to"$ him ho. Ser.yn o, the Mirror Shie"$ .a
ha/nte$ by the ghot o, a"" the knight he4$ ki""e$- 5aario on"y "a/ghe$. 2&, the one & ki""e$
come bother me- & .i"" ki"" them a"" again.1 7e has a sellsword/s conscience, he rea"iGe$ then.
#hat is to sa!, none at all+
5aario "ay /pon hi tomach- the "ight "inen cover"et tang"e$ abo/t hi "ong "eg- hi ,ace
ha",(b/rie$ in the pi""o..
5any ran her han$ $o.n hi back- tracing the "ine o, hi pine. #i kin .a mooth beneath
her to/ch- a"mot hair"e. 7is skin is silk and satin+ She "ove$ the ,ee" o, him beneath her
,inger. She "ove$ to r/n her ,inger thro/gh hi hair- to knea$ the ache ,rom hi ca"ve a,ter a
"ong $ay in the a$$"e- to c/p hi cock an$ ,ee" it har$en againt her pa"m.
&, he ha$ been ome or$inary .oman- he .o/"$ g"a$"y have pent her .ho"e "i,e to/ching
5aario- tracing hi car an$ making him te"" her ho. he4$ come by every one. I would gie up
m! crown if he asked it of me, 5any tho/ght8 b/t he ha$ not ake$ it- an$ never .o/"$. 5aario
might .hiper .or$ o, "ove .hen the t.o o, them .ere a one- b/t he kne. it .a the $ragon
A/een he "ove$. If I gae up m! crown, he would not want me+ Bei$e- king .ho "ot their
cro.n o,t "ot their hea$ a .e""- an$ he co/"$ ee no reaon .hy it .o/"$ be any $i,,erent ,or
a A/een.
7he can$"e ,"ickere$ one "at time an$ $ie$- $ro.ne$ in it o.n .a:. 5arkne .a""o.e$ the
,eather be$ an$ it t.o occ/pant- an$ ,i""e$ every corner o, the chamber. 5any .rappe$ her
arm aro/n$ her captain an$ pree$ here", againt hi back. She $rank in the cent o, him-
avoring the .armth o, hi ,"eh- the ,ee" o, hi kin againt her o.n. )emember, he to"$
here",. )emember how he felt+ She kie$ him on hi ho/"$er.
5aario ro""e$ to.ar$ her- hi eye open. 25aenery.1 #e mi"e$ a "aGy mi"e. 7hat .a
another o, hi ta"entI he .oke a"" at once- "ike a cat. 2& it $a.n61
2Not yet. 3e have a .hi"e ti"".1
2?iar. & can ee yo/r eye. Co/"$ & $o that i, it .ere the b"ack o, night61 5aario kicke$ "ooe
o, the cover"et an$ at /p. 27he ha",("ight. 5ay .i"" be here oon.1
2& $o not .ant thi night to en$.1
2No6 An$ .hy i that- my A/een61
2Eo/ kno..1
27he .e$$ing61 #e "a/ghe$. 2Marry me intea$.1
2Eo/ kno. & cannot $o that.1
2Eo/ are a A/een. Eo/ can $o .hat yo/ "ike.1 #e "i$ a han$ a"ong her "eg. 2#o. many
night remain to /61
#wo+ Onl! two+ 2Eo/ kno. a .e"" a &. 7hi night an$ the ne:t- an$ .e m/t en$ thi.1
2Marry me- an$ .e can have a"" the night ,orever.1
If I could, I would+ >ha" 5rogo ha$ been her /n(an$(tar- b/t he ha$ been $ea$ o "ong that
5aenery ha$ a"mot ,orgotten ho. it ,e"t to "ove an$ be "ove$. 5aario ha$ he"pe$ her to
remember. I was dead and he brought me back to life+ I was asleep and he woke me+ *! brae
captain+ Cven o- o, "ate he gre. too bo"$. Hn the $ay that he ret/rne$ ,rom hi "atet ortie- he
ha$ toe$ the hea$ o, a E/nkih "or$ at her ,eet an$ kie$ her in the ha"" ,or a"" the .or"$ to
ee- /nti" Barritan Se"my p/""e$ the t.o o, them apart. Ser Gran$,ather ha$ been o .roth that
5any ,eare$ b"oo$ might be he$. 23e cannot .e$- my "ove. Eo/ kno. .hy.1
#e c"imbe$ ,rom her be$. 2Marry #iG$ahr- then. & .i"" give him a nice et o, horn ,or hi
.e$$ing gi,t. Ghicari men "ike to prance abo/t in horn. 7hey make them ,rom their o.n hair-
.ith comb an$ .a: an$ iron.1 5aario ,o/n$ hi breeche an$ p/""e$ them on. #e $i$ not
tro/b"e hime", .ith ma""c"othe.
2Hnce & am .e$ it .i"" be high treaon to $eire me.1 5any p/""e$ the cover"et /p over her
breat.
27hen & m/t be a traitor.1 #e "ippe$ a b"/e i"k t/nic over hi hea$ an$ traightene$ the
prong o, hi bear$ .ith hi ,inger. #e ha$ $ye$ it a,reh ,or her- taking it ,rom p/rp"e back to
b"/e- a it ha$ been .hen ,irt he met him. 2& me"" o, yo/-1 he ai$- ni,,ing at hi ,inger an$
grinning.
5any "ove$ the .ay hi go"$ tooth g"eame$ .hen he grinne$. She "ove$ the ,ine hair on hi
chet. She "ove$ the trength in hi arm- the o/n$ o, hi "a/ghter- the .ay he .o/"$ a".ay
"ook into her eye an$ ay her name a he "i$ hi cock ini$e her. 2Eo/ are bea/ti,/"-1 he
b"/rte$ a he .atche$ him $on hi ri$ing boot an$ "ace them /p. Some $ay he "et her $o that
,or him- b/t not to$ay- it eeme$. #hat/s done with too+
2Not bea/ti,/" eno/gh to marry.1 5aario took hi .or$ be"t o,, the peg .here he ha$ h/ng it.
23here are yo/ going61
2H/t into yo/r city-1 he ai$- 2to $rink a keg or t.o an$ pick a A/arre". &t ha been too "ong
ince &4ve ki""e$ a man. Might be & ho/"$ eek o/t yo/r betrothe$.1
5any thre. a pi""o. at him. 2Eo/ .i"" "eave #iG$ahr be01
2A my A/een comman$. 3i"" yo/ ho"$ co/rt to$ay61
2No. Hn the morro. & .i"" be a .oman .e$- an$ #iG$ahr .i"" be king. ?et him ho"$ co/rt.
7hee are hi peop"e.1
2Some are hi- ome are yo/r. 7he one yo/ ,ree$.1
2Are yo/ chi$ing me61
27he one yo/ ca"" yo/r chi"$ren. 7hey .ant their mother.1
2Eo/ are. Eo/ are chiding me.1
2Hn"y a "itt"e- bright heart. 3i"" yo/ come ho"$ co/rt61
2A,ter my .e$$ing- perhap. A,ter the peace.1
27hi after that yo/ peak o, never come. Eo/ ho/"$ ho"$ co/rt. My ne. men $o not
be"ieve that yo/ are rea". 7he one .ho came over ,rom the 3in$b"o.n. Bre$ an$ born in
3etero- mot o, them- ,/"" o, ta"e abo/t 7argaryen. 7hey .ant to ee one .ith their o.n
eye. 7he +rog ha a gi,t ,or yo/.1
27he +rog61 he ai$- gigg"ing. 2An$ .ho i he61
#e hr/gge$. 2Some 5ornih boy. #e A/ire ,or the big knight they ca"" Greeng/t. & to"$
him he co/"$ give hi gi,t to me an$ &4$ $e"iver it- b/t he .o/"$n4t have it.1
2Hh- a c"ever ,rog. J1ie the gift to me+41 She thre. the other pi""o. at him. 23o/"$ & have
ever een it61
5aario troke$ hi gi"$e$ m/tachio. 23o/"$ & tea" ,rom my .eet A/een6 &, it .ere a gi,t
.orthy o, yo/- & .o/"$ have p/t it into yo/r o,t han$ mye",.1
2A a token o, yo/r "ove61
2A to that & .i"" not ay- b/t & to"$ him that he co/"$ give it to yo/. Eo/ .o/"$ not make a
"iar o, 5aario Nahari61
5any .a he"p"e to re,/e. 2A yo/ .ih. Bring yo/r ,rog to co/rt tomorro.. 7he other
too. 7he 3eteroi.1 &t .o/"$ be nice to hear the Common 7ong/e ,rom omeone bei$e Ser
Barritan.
2A my A/een comman$.1 5aario bo.e$ $eep"y- grinne$- an$ took hi "eave- hi c"oak
.ir"ing behin$ him.
5any at amongt the r/mp"e$ be$c"othe .ith her arm abo/t her knee- o ,or"orn that he
$i$ not hear .hen Mian$ei came creeping in .ith brea$ an$ mi"k an$ ,ig. 2Eo/r Grace6 Are
yo/ /n.e""6 &n the b"ack o, night thi one hear$ yo/ cream.1
5any took a ,ig. &t .a b"ack an$ p"/mp- ti"" moit .ith $e.. Will 7izdahr eer make me
scream6 2&t .a the .in$ that yo/ hear$ creaming.1 She took a bite- b/t the ,r/it ha$ "ot it
avor no. that 5aario .a gone. Sighing- he roe an$ ca""e$ to &rri ,or a robe- then .an$ere$
o/t onto her terrace.
#er ,oe .ere a"" abo/t her. 7here .ere never "e than a $oGen hip $ra.n /p on the hore.
Some $ay there .ere a many a a h/n$re$- .hen the o"$ier .ere $iembarking. 7he E/nkai4i
.ere even bringing in .oo$ by ea. Behin$ their $itche- they .ere b/i"$ing catap/"t- corpion-
ta"" treb/chet. Hn ti"" night he co/"$ hear the hammer ringing thro/gh the .arm- $ry air. 2o
siege towers, though+ 2o battering rams+ 7hey .o/"$ not try to take Meereen by torm. 7hey
.o/"$ .ait behin$ their iege "ine- ,"inging tone at her /nti" ,amine an$ $ieae ha$ bro/ght
her peop"e to their knee.
7izdahr will bring me peace+ 7e must+
7hat night her cook roate$ her a ki$ .ith $ate an$ carrot- b/t 5any co/"$ on"y eat a bite o,
it. 7he propect o, .ret"ing .ith Meereen once more "e,t her ,ee"ing .eary. S"eep came har$-
even .hen 5aario came back- o $r/nk that he co/"$ har$"y tan$. Beneath her cover"et he
toe$ an$ t/rne$- $reaming that #iG$ahr .a kiing her8 b/t hi "ip .ere b"/e an$ br/ie$-
an$ .hen he thr/t hime", ini$e her- hi manhoo$ .a co"$ a ice. She at /p .ith her hair
$iheve"e$ an$ the be$(c"othe atang"e. #er captain "ept bei$e her- yet he .a a"one. She
.ante$ to hake him- .ake him- make him ho"$ her- ,/ck her- he"p her ,orget- b/t he kne. that
i, he $i$- he .o/"$ on"y mi"e an$ ya.n an$ ay- 2&t .a =/t a $ream- my A/een. Go back to
"eep.1
&ntea$ he "ippe$ into a hoo$e$ robe an$ teppe$ o/t onto her terrace. She .ent to the
parapet an$ too$ there gaGing $o.n /pon the city a he ha$ $one a h/n$re$ time be,ore. It
will neer be m! cit!+ It will neer be m! home+
7he pa"e pink "ight o, $a.n ,o/n$ her ti"" o/t on her terrace- a"eep /pon the gra beneath a
b"anket o, ,ine $e.. 2& promie$ 5aario that & .o/"$ ho"$ co/rt to$ay-1 5aenery to"$ her
han$mai$ .hen they .oke her. 2#e"p me ,in$ my cro.n. Hh- an$ ome c"othe to .ear-
omething "ight an$ coo".1
She ma$e her $ecent an ho/r "ater. 2All kneel for Daener!s Stormborn, the <nburnt, :ueen
of *eereen, :ueen of the Andals and the )ho!nar and the First *en, >ha"eei of 1reat 1rass
Sea, Breaker of Shackles and *other of Dragons,1 Mian$ei ca""e$.
ReGnak mo ReGnak bo.e$ an$ beame$. 2Magni,icence- every $ay yo/ gro. more bea/ti,/". &
think the propect o, yo/r .e$$ing ha given yo/ a g"o.. Hh- my hining A/een01
5any ighe$. 2S/mmon the ,irt petitioner.1
&t ha$ been o "ong ince he "at he"$ co/rt that the cr/h o, cae .a a"mot over.he"ming.
7he back o, the ha"" .a a o"i$ pre o, peop"e- an$ c/,,"e broke o/t over prece$ence.
&nevitab"y it .a Ga"aGGa Ga"are .ho teppe$ ,or.ar$- her hea$ he"$ high- her ,ace hi$$en
behin$ a himmering green vei". 2Eo/r Ra$iance- it might be bet .ere .e to peak in private.1
23o/"$ that & ha$ the time-1 ai$ 5any .eet"y. 2& am to be .e$ /pon the morro..1 #er "at
meeting .ith the Green Grace ha$ not gone .e"". 23hat .o/"$ yo/ have o, me61
2& .o/"$ peak to yo/ abo/t the pre/mption o, a certain e"".or$ captain.1
She dares sa! that in open court6 5any ,e"t a b"aGe o, anger. She has courage, I grant that,
but if she thinks I am about to suffer another scolding, she could not be more wrong+ 27he
treachery o, Bro.n Ben 9"/mm ha hocke$ / a""-1 he ai$- 2b/t yo/r .arning come too "ate.
An$ no. & kno. yo/ .i"" .ant to ret/rn to yo/r temp"e to pray ,or peace.1
7he Green Grace bo.e$. 2& ha"" pray ,or yo/ a .e"".1
Another slap, tho/ght 5any- co"or riing to her ,ace.
7he ret .a a te$i/m the A/een kne. .e"". She at /pon her c/hion- "itening- one ,oot
=igg"ing .ith impatience. !hiA/i bro/ght a p"atter o, ,ig an$ ham at mi$$ay. 7here eeme$ to be
no en$ to the petitioner. +or every t.o he ent o,, mi"ing- one "e,t re$(eye$ or m/ttering.
&t .a c"oe to /net be,ore 5aario Nahari appeare$ .ith hi ne. Stormcro.- the
3eteroi .ho ha$ come over to him ,rom the 3in$b"o.n. 5any ,o/n$ here", g"ancing at them
a yet another petitioner $rone$ on an$ on. #hese are m! people+ I am their rightful 3ueen+ 7hey
eeme$ a cr/,,y b/nch- b/t that .a on"y to be e:pecte$ o, e"".or$. 7he yo/nget co/"$ not
have been more than a year o"$er than herI the o"$et m/t have een i:ty name$ay. A ,e.
porte$ ign o, .ea"th' go"$ arm ring- i"ken t/nic- i"ver(t/$$e$ .or$ be"t. $lunder+ +or
the mot part- their c"othe .ere p"ain"y ma$e an$ ho.e$ ign o, har$ .ear.
3hen 5aario bro/ght them ,or.ar$- he a. that one o, them .a a .oman- big an$ b"on$
an$ a"" in mai". 29retty Meri-1 her captain name$ her- tho/gh prett! .a the "at thing 5any
.o/"$ have ca""e$ her. She .a i: ,eet ta"" an$ ear"e- .ith a "it noe- $eep car in both
cheek- an$ the co"$et eye the A/een ha$ ever een. A ,or the ret8
#/gh #/nger,or$ .a "im an$ at/rnine- "ong("egge$- "ong(,ace$- c"a$ in ,a$e$ ,inery.
3ebber .a hort an$ m/c/"ar- .ith pi$er tattooe$ acro hi hea$ an$ chet an$ arm. Re$(
,ace$ Hron Stone c"aime$ to be a knight- a $i$ "anky ?/ci,er ?ong. 3i"" o, the 3oo$ "eere$ at
her even a he took a knee. 5ick Stra. ha$ corn,"o.er(b"/e eye- hair a .hite a ,"a:- an$ an
/nett"ing mi"e. Ginger !ack4 ,ace .a hi$$en behin$ a brit"y orange bear$- an$ hi peech
.a /ninte""igib"e. 2#e bit o,, ha", hi tong/e in hi ,irt batt"e-1 #/nger,or$ e:p"aine$ to her.
7he 5ornihmen eeme$ $i,,erent. 2&, it p"eae Eo/r Grace-1 ai$ 5aario- 2thee three are
Greeng/t- Gerro"$- an$ +rog.1
Greeng/t .a h/ge an$ ba"$ a a tone- .ith arm thick eno/gh to riva" even Strong Be".a.
Gerro"$ .a a "ean- ta"" yo/th .ith /n treak in hi hair an$ "a/ghing b"/e(green eye. #hat
smile has won man! a maiden/s heart, I/ll wager+ #i c"oak .a ma$e o, o,t bro.n .oo" "ine$
.ith an$i"k- a goo$"y garment.
+rog- the A/ire- .a the yo/nget o, the three- an$ the "eat impreive- a o"emn- tocky "a$-
bro.n o, hair an$ eye. #i ,ace .a A/arih- .ith a high ,orehea$- heavy =a.- an$ broa$ noe.
7he t/bb"e on hi cheek an$ chin ma$e him "ook "ike a boy trying to gro. hi ,irt bear$. 5any
ha$ no ink"ing .hy anyone .o/"$ ca"" him +rog. $erhaps he can 9ump farther than the others+
2Eo/ may rie-1 he ai$. 25aario te"" me yo/ come to / ,rom 5orne. 5ornihmen .i""
a".ay have a .e"come at my co/rt. S/npear taye$ "oya" to my ,ather .hen the F/rper to"e
hi throne. Eo/ m/t have ,ace$ many peri" to reach me.1
27oo many-1 ai$ Gerro"$- the han$ome one .ith the /n(treake$ hair. 23e .ere i: .hen
.e "e,t 5orne- Eo/r Grace.1
2& am orry ,or yo/r "oe.1 7he A/een t/rne$ to hi "arge companion. 2Greeng/t i a A/eer
ort o, name.1
2A =ape- Eo/r Grace. +rom the hip. & .a greenick the .ho"e .ay ,rom %o"anti. #eaving
an$8 .e""- & ho/"$n4t ay.1
5any gigg"e$. 2& think that & can g/e- er. &t i ser, i it not6 5aario te"" me that yo/ are a
knight.1
2&, it p"eae Eo/r Grace- .e are a"" three knight.1
5any g"ance$ at 5aario an$ a. anger ,"ah acro hi ,ace. 7e did not know+ 2& have nee$ o,
knight-1 he ai$.
Ser Barritan4 /picion ha$ a.akene$. 2>nighthoo$ i eai"y c"aime$ thi ,ar ,rom
3etero. Are yo/ prepare$ to $e,en$ that boat .ith .or$ or "ance61
2&, nee$ be-1 ai$ Gerro"$- 2tho/gh & .i"" not c"aim that any o, / i the eA/a" o, Barritan the
Bo"$. Eo/r Grace- & beg yo/r par$on- b/t .e have come be,ore yo/ /n$er ,a"e name.1
2& kne. omeone e"e .ho $i$ that once-1 ai$ 5any- 2a man ca""e$ Artan 3hitebear$. 7e""
me yo/r tr/e name- then.1
2G"a$"y8 b/t i, .e may beg the A/een4 in$/"gence- i there ome p"ace .ith ,e.er eye an$
ear61
1ames within games+ 2A yo/ .ih. SkahaG- c"ear my co/rt.1
7he Shavepate roare$ o/t or$er. #i BraGen Beat $i$ the ret- her$ing the other 3eteroi
an$ the ret o, the $ay4 petitioner ,rom the ha"". #er co/ne"or remaine$.
2No.-1 5any ai$- 2yo/r name.1
#an$ome yo/ng Gerro"$ bo.e$. 2Ser Gerri 5rink.ater- Eo/r Grace. My .or$ i yo/r.1
Greeng/t croe$ hi arm againt hi chet. 2An$ my .arhammer. &4m Ser Archiba"$
Eron.oo$.1
2An$ yo/- er61 the A/een ake$ the boy ca""e$ +rog.
2&, it p"eae Eo/r Grace- may & ,irt preent my gi,t61
2&, yo/ .ih-1 5aenery ai$- c/rio/- b/t a +rog tarte$ ,or.ar$ 5aario Nahari teppe$ in
,ront o, him an$ he"$ o/t a g"ove$ han$. 2Give thi gi,t to me.1
Stone(,ace$- the tocky "a$ bent- /n"ace$ hi boot- an$ $re. a ye""o.e$ parchment ,rom a
hi$$en ,"ap .ithin.
27hi i yo/r gi,t6 A crap o, .riting61 5aario natche$ the parchment o/t o, the
5ornihman4 han$ an$ /nro""e$ it- A/inting at the ea" an$ ignat/re. 2%ery pretty- a"" the
go"$ an$ ribbon- b/t & $o not rea$ yo/r 3eteroi cratching.1
2Bring it to the A/een-1 Ser Barritan comman$e$. 2No..1
5any co/"$ ,ee" the anger in the ha"". 2& am on"y a yo/ng gir"- an$ yo/ng gir" m/t have their
gi,t-1 he ai$ "ight"y. 25aario- p"eae- yo/ m/t not teae me. Give it here.1
7he parchment .a .ritten in the Common 7ong/e. 7he A/een /nro""e$ it "o."y- t/$ying
the ea" an$ ignat/re. 3hen he a. the name Ser 3i""em 5arry- her heart beat a "itt"e ,ater.
She rea$ it over once- an$ then again.
2May .e kno. .hat it ay- Eo/r Grace61 ake$ Ser Barritan.
2&t i a ecret pact-1 5any ai$- 2ma$e in Braavo .hen & .a =/t a "itt"e gir". Ser 3i""em
5arry igne$ ,or /- the man .ho pirite$ my brother an$ mye", a.ay ,rom 5ragontone be,ore
the F/rper4 men co/"$ take /. 9rince Hberyn Marte"" igne$ ,or 5orne- .ith the Sea"or$ o,
Braavo a .itne.1 She han$e$ the parchment to Ser Barritan- o he might rea$ it ,or hime",.
27he a""iance i to be ea"e$ by a marriage- it ay. &n ret/rn ,or 5orne4 he"p overthro.ing the
F/rper- my brother %iery i to take 9rince 5oran4 $a/ghter Arianne ,or hi A/een.1
7he o"$ knight rea$ the pact "o."y. 2&, Robert ha$ kno.n o, thi- he .o/"$ have mahe$
S/npear a he once mahe$ 9yke- an$ c"aime$ the hea$ o, 9rince 5oran an$ the Re$ %iper8
an$ "ike a not- the hea$ o, thi 5ornih prince too.1
2No $o/bt that .a .hy 9rince 5oran choe to keep the pact a ecret-1 /ggete$ 5aenery.
2&, my brother %iery ha$ kno.n that he ha$ a 5ornih prince .aiting ,or him- he .o/"$ have
croe$ to S/npear a oon a he .a o"$ eno/gh to .e$.1
2An$ thereby bro/ght Robert4 .arhammer $o.n /pon hime",- an$ 5orne a .e""-1 ai$
+rog. 2My ,ather .a content to .ait ,or the $ay that 9rince %iery ,o/n$ hi army.1
2Eo/r ,ather61
29rince 5oran.1 #e ank back onto one knee. 2Eo/r Grace- & have the honor to be D/entyn
Marte""- a prince o, 5orne an$ yo/r mot "ea" /b=ect.1
5any "a/ghe$.
7he 5ornih prince ,"/he$ re$- .hi"t her o.n co/rt an$ co/ne"or gave her p/GG"e$ "ook.
2Ra$iance61 ai$ SkahaG Shavepate- in the Ghicari tong/e. 23hy $o yo/ "a/gh61
27hey ca"" him frog,1 he ai$- 2an$ .e have =/t "earne$ .hy. &n the Seven >ing$om there
are chi"$ren4 ta"e o, ,rog .ho t/rn into enchante$ prince .hen kie$ by their tr/e "ove.1
Smi"ing at the 5ornih knight- he .itche$ back to the Common 7ong/e. 27e"" me- 9rince
D/entyn- are yo/ enchante$61
2No- Eo/r Grace.1
2& ,eare$ a m/ch.1 2either enchanted nor enchanting, alas+ A pit! he/s the prince, and not
the one with the wide shoulders and the sand! hair+ 2Eo/ have come ,or a ki- ho.ever. Eo/
mean to marry me. & that the .ay o, it6 7he gi,t yo/ bring me i yo/r o.n .eet e",. &ntea$ o,
%iery an$ yo/r iter- yo/ an$ & m/t ea" thi pact i, & .ant 5orne.1
2My ,ather hope$ that yo/ might ,in$ me acceptab"e.1
5aario Nahari gave a corn,/" "a/gh. 2& ay yo/ are a p/p. 7he A/een nee$ a man bei$e
her- not a me."ing boy. Eo/ are no ,it h/ban$ ,or a .oman /ch a her. 3hen yo/ "ick yo/r
"ip- $o yo/ ti"" tate yo/r mother4 mi"k61
Ser Gerri 5rink.ater $arkene$ at hi .or$. 2Min$ yo/r tong/e- e"".or$. Eo/ are
peaking to a prince o, 5orne.1
2An$ to hi .et n/re- & am thinking.1 5aario br/he$ hi th/mb acro hi .or$ hi"t an$
mi"e$ $angero/"y.
SkahaG co."e$- a on"y he co/"$ co.". 27hi boy might erve ,or 5orne- b/t Meereen nee$
a king o, Ghicari b"oo$.1
2& kno. o, thi 5orne-1 ai$ ReGnak mo ReGnak. 25orne i an$ an$ corpion- an$ b"eak re$
mo/ntain baking in the /n.1
9rince D/entyn an.ere$ him. 25orne i ,i,ty tho/an$ pear an$ .or$- p"e$ge$ to o/r
A/een4 ervice.1
2+i,ty tho/an$61 mocke$ 5aario. 2& co/nt three.1
20nough,1 5aenery ai$. 29rince D/entyn ha croe$ ha", the .or"$ to o,,er me hi gi,t- &
.i"" not have him treate$ .ith $ico/rtey.1 She t/rne$ to the 5ornihmen. 23o/"$ that yo/ ha$
come a year ago. & am p"e$ge$ to .e$ the nob"e #iG$ahr Go ?oraA.1
Ser Gerri ai$- 2&t i not too "ate@1
2& .i"" be the =/$ge o, that-1 5aenery ai$. 2ReGnak- ee that the prince an$ hi companion
are given A/arter /itab"e to their high birth- an$ that their .ant are atten$e$ to.1
2A yo/ .ih- Eo/r Ra$iance.1
7he A/een roe. 27hen .e are $one ,or no..1
5aario an$ Ser Barritan ,o""o.e$ her /p the tep to her apartment. 27hi change
everything-1 the o"$ knight ai$.
27hi change nothing-1 5any ai$- a &rri remove$ her cro.n. 23hat goo$ are three men61
27hree knight-1 ai$ Se"my.
27hree "iar-1 5aario ai$ $ark"y. 27hey $eceive$ me.1
2An$ bo/ght yo/ too- & $o not $o/bt.1 #e $i$ not tro/b"e to $eny it. 5any /nro""e$ the
parchment an$ e:amine$ it again. Braaos+ #his was done in Braaos, while we were liing in
the house with the red door+ 3hy $i$ that make her ,ee" o trange6
She ,o/n$ here", remembering her nightmare. Sometimes there is truth in dreams+ Co/"$
#iG$ahr Go ?oraA be .orking ,or the .ar"ock- .a that .hat the $ream ha$ meant6 Co/"$ the
$ream have been a en$ing6 3ere the go$ te""ing her to p/t #iG$ahr ai$e an$ .e$ thi 5ornih
prince intea$6 Something tick"e$ at her memory. 2Ser Barritan- .hat are the arm o, #o/e
Marte""61
2A /n in p"en$or- tran,i:e$ by a pear.1
#he sun/s son+ A hiver .ent thro/gh her. 2Sha$o. an$ .hiper.1 3hat e"e ha$ D/aithe
ai$6 #he pale mare and the sun/s son+ #here was a lion in it too, and a dragon+ Or am I the
dragon6 2Be.are the per,/me$ enecha".1 7hat he remembere$. 25ream an$ prophecie.
3hy m/t they a".ay be in ri$$"e6 & hate thi. Hh- "eave me- er. 7omorro. i my .e$$ing
$ay.1
7hat night 5aario ha$ her every .ay a man can have a .oman- an$ he gave here", to him
.i""ing"y. 7he "at time- a the /n .a coming /p- he /e$ her mo/th to make him har$ again-
a 5oreah ha$ ta/ght her "ong ago- then ro$e him o .i"$"y that hi .o/n$ began to b"ee$ again-
an$ ,or one .eet heartbeat he co/"$ not te"" .hether he .a ini$e o, her- or her ini$e o, him.
B/t .hen the /n roe /pon her .e$$ing $ay o $i$ 5aario Nahari- $onning hi c"othe an$
b/ck"ing on hi .or$ be"t .ith it g"eaming go"$en .anton. 23here are yo/ going61 5any
ake$ him. 2& ,orbi$ yo/ to make a ortie to$ay.1
2My A/een i cr/e"-1 her captain ai$. 2&, & cannot "ay yo/r ,oe- ho. ha"" & am/e mye",
.hi"t yo/ are being .e$61
2By night,a"" & ha"" have no ,oe.1
2&t i on"y $a.n- .eet A/een. 7he $ay i "ong. 7ime eno/gh ,or one "at ortie. & .i"" bring
yo/ back the hea$ o, Bro.n Ben 9"/mm ,or a .e$$ing gi,t.1
2No hea$-1 5any inite$. 2Hnce yo/ bro/ght me ,"o.er.1
2?et #iG$ahr bring yo/ ,"o.er. #e i not one to toop an$ p"/ck a $an$e"ion- tr/e- b/t he ha
ervant .ho .i"" be p"eae$ to $o it ,or him. 5o & have yo/r "eave to go61
2No.1 She .ante$ him to tay an$ ho"$ her. One da! he will go and not return, he tho/ght.
One da! some archer will put an arrow through his chest, or ten men will fall on him with spears
and swords and a8es, ten would(be heroes+ +ive o, them .o/"$ $ie- b/t that .o/"$ not make her
grie, eaier to bear. One da! I will lose him, as I lost m! sun(and(stars+ But please gods, not
toda!+ 2Come back to be$ an$ ki me.1 No one ha$ ever kie$ her "ike 5aario Nahari. 2& am
yo/r A/een- an$ & comman$ yo/ to ,/ck me.1
She ha$ meant it p"ay,/""y- b/t 5aario4 eye har$ene$ at her .or$. 2+/cking A/een i
king4 .ork. Eo/r nob"e #iG$ahr can atten$ to that- once yo/4re .e$. An$ i, he prove to be too
highborn ,or /ch .eaty .ork- he ha ervant .ho .i"" be p"eae$ to $o that ,or him a .e"".
Hr perhap yo/ can ca"" the 5ornih boy into yo/r be$- an$ hi pretty ,rien$ a .e""- .hy not61
#e tro$e ,rom the be$chamber.
7e is going to make a sortie, 5any rea"iGe$- and if he takes Ben $lumm/s head, he/ll walk
into the wedding feast and throw it at m! feet+ Seen sae me+ Wh! couldn/t he be better born6
3hen he .a gone- Mian$ei bro/ght the A/een a imp"e mea" o, goat cheee an$ o"ive-
.ith raiin ,or a .eet. 2Eo/r Grace nee$ more than .ine to break her ,at. Eo/ are /ch a tiny
thing- an$ yo/ .i"" /re"y nee$ yo/r trength to$ay.1
7hat ma$e 5aenery "a/gh- coming ,rom a gir" o ma"". She re"ie$ o m/ch on the "itt"e
cribe that he o,t ,orgot that Mian$ei ha$ on"y t/rne$ e"even. 7hey hare$ the ,oo$ together
on her terrace. A 5any nibb"e$ on an o"ive- the Naathi gir" gaGe$ at her .ith eye "ike mo"ten
go"$ an$ ai$- 2&t i not too "ate to te"" them that yo/ have $eci$e$ not to .e$.1
It is, though, the A/een tho/ght- a$"y. 2#iG$ahr4 b"oo$ i ancient an$ nob"e. H/r =oining .i""
=oin my ,ree$men to hi peop"e. 3hen .e become a one- o .i"" o/r city.1
2Eo/r Grace $oe not "ove the nob"e #iG$ahr. 7hi one think yo/ .o/"$ ooner have another
,or yo/r h/ban$.1
I must not think of Daario toda!+ 2A A/een "ove .here he m/t- not .here he .i"".1 #er
appetite ha$ "e,t her. 27ake thi ,oo$ a.ay-1 he to"$ Mian$ei. 2&t i time & bathe$.1
A,ter.ar$- a !hiA/i .a patting 5aenery $ry- &rri approache$ .ith her tokar+ 5any envie$
the 5othraki mai$ their "ooe an$i"k tro/er an$ painte$ vet. 7hey .o/"$ be m/ch coo"er
than her in her tokar, .ith it heavy ,ringe o, baby pear". 2#e"p me .in$ thi ro/n$ mye",-
p"eae. & cannot manage a"" thee pear" by mye",.1
She ho/"$ be eager .ith anticipation ,or her .e$$ing an$ the night that .o/"$ ,o""o.- he
kne.. She remembere$ the night o, her ,irt .e$$ing- .hen >ha" 5rogo ha$ c"aime$ her
mai$enhea$ beneath the tranger tar. She remembere$ ho. ,rightene$ he ha$ been- an$ ho.
e:cite$. 3o/"$ it be the ame .ith #iG$ahr6 2o+ I am not the girl I was, and he is not m! sun(
and(stars+
Mian$ei reemerge$ ,rom ini$e the pyrami$. 2ReGnak an$ SkahaG beg the honor o,
ecorting Eo/r Grace to the 7emp"e o, the Grace. ReGnak ha or$ere$ yo/r pa"anA/in ma$e
rea$y.1
Meereenee e"$om ro$e .ithin their city .a"". 7hey pre,erre$ pa"anA/in- "itter- an$ e$an
chair- borne /pon the ho/"$er o, their "ave. 2#ore be,o/" the treet-1 one man o, Kakh
ha$ to"$ her- 2"ave $o not.1 5any ha$ ,ree$ the "ave- yet pa"anA/in- "itter- an$ e$an chair
ti"" choke$ the treet a be,ore- an$ none o, them ,"oate$ magica""y thro/gh the air.
27he $ay i too hot to be h/t /p in a pa"anA/in-1 ai$ 5any. 2#ave my i"ver a$$"e$. &
.o/"$ not go to my "or$ h/ban$ /pon the back o, bearer.1
2Eo/r Grace-1 ai$ Mian$ei- 2thi one i o orry- b/t yo/ cannot ri$e in a tokar+1
7he "itt"e cribe .a right- a he o o,ten .a. 7he tokar .a not a garment meant ,or
horeback. 5any ma$e a ,ace. 2A yo/ ay. Not the pa"anA/in- tho/gh. & .o/"$ /,,ocate behin$
thoe $rape. #ave them rea$y a e$an chair.1 &, he m/t .ear her ,"oppy ear- "et a"" the rabbit
ee her.
3hen 5any ma$e her $ecent- ReGnak an$ SkahaG $roppe$ to their knee. 2Eo/r 3orhip
hine o bright"y- yo/ .i"" b"in$ every man .ho $are to "ook /pon yo/-1 ai$ ReGnak. 7he
enecha" .ore a tokar o, maroon amite .ith go"$en ,ringe. 2#iG$ahr Go ?oraA i mot
,ort/nate in yo/8 an$ yo/ in him- i, & may be o bo"$ a to ay. 7hi match .i"" ave o/r city-
yo/ .i"" ee.1
2So .e pray. & .ant to p"ant my o"ive tree an$ ee them ,r/it.1 Does it matter that 7izdahr/s
kisses do not please me6 $eace will please me+ Am I a 3ueen or 9ust a woman6
27he cro.$ .i"" be thick a ,"ie to$ay.1 7he Shavepate .a c"a$ in a p"eate$ b"ack kirt an$
a m/c"e$ breatp"ate- .ith a braGen he"m hape$ "ike a erpent4 hea$ beneath one arm.
2Sho/"$ & be a,rai$ o, ,"ie6 Eo/r BraGen Beat .i"" keep me a,e ,rom any harm.1
&t .a a".ay $/k ini$e the bae o, the Great 9yrami$. 3a"" thirty ,eet thick m/,,"e$ the
t/m/"t o, the treet an$ kept the heat o/ti$e- o it .a coo" an$ $im .ithin. #er ecort .a
,orming /p ini$e the gate. #ore- m/"e- an$ $onkey .ere tab"e$ in the .etern .a""-
e"ephant in the eatern. 5any ha$ acA/ire$ three o, thoe h/ge- A/eer beat .ith her pyrami$.
7hey remin$e$ her o, hair"e grey mammoth- tho/gh their t/k ha$ been bobbe$ an$ gi"$e$-
an$ their eye .ere a$.
She ,o/n$ Strong Be".a eating grape- a Barritan Se"my .atche$ a tab"eboy cinch the
girth on hi $app"e grey. 7he three 5ornihmen .ere .ith him- ta"king- b/t they broke o,, .hen
the A/een appeare$. 7heir prince .ent to one knee. 2Eo/r Grace- & m/t entreat yo/. My ,ather4
trength i ,ai"ing- b/t hi $evotion to yo/r ca/e i a trong a ever. &, my manner or my peron
have $ip"eae$ yo/- that i my orro.- b/t@1
2&, yo/ .o/"$ p"eae me- er- be happy ,or me-1 5aenery ai$. 27hi i my .e$$ing $ay.
7hey .i"" be $ancing in the Ee""o. City- & $o not $o/bt.1 She ighe$. 2Rie- my prince- an$
mi"e. Hne $ay & ha"" ret/rn to 3etero to c"aim my ,ather4 throne- an$ "ook to 5orne ,or he"p.
B/t on thi $ay the E/nkai4i have my city ringe$ in tee". & may $ie be,ore & ee my Seven
>ing$om. #iG$ahr may $ie. 3etero may be .a""o.e$ by the .ave.1 5any kie$ hi cheek.
2Come. &t4 time & .e$.1
Ser Barritan he"pe$ her /p onto her e$an chair. D/entyn re=oine$ hi ,e""o. 5ornihmen.
Strong Be".a be""o.e$ ,or the gate to be opene$- an$ 5aenery 7argaryen .a carrie$ ,orth
into the /n. Se"my ,e"" in bei$e her on hi $app"e grey.
27e"" me-1 5any ai$- a the proceion t/rne$ to.ar$ the 7emp"e o, the Grace- 2i, my ,ather
an$ my mother ha$ been ,ree to ,o""o. their o.n heart- .hom .o/"$ they have .e$61
2&t .a "ong ago. Eo/r Grace .o/"$ not kno. them.1
2Eo/ kno.- tho/gh. 7e"" me.1
7he o"$ knight inc"ine$ hi hea$. 27he A/een yo/r mother .a a".ay min$,/" o, her $/ty.1
#e .a han$ome in hi go"$(an$(i"ver armor- hi .hite c"oak treaming ,rom hi ho/"$er- b/t
he o/n$e$ "ike a man in pain- a i, every .or$ .ere a tone he ha$ to pa. 2A a gir"- tho/gh8
he .a once mitten .ith a yo/ng knight ,rom the torm"an$ .ho .ore her ,avor at a to/rney
an$ name$ her A/een o, "ove an$ bea/ty. A brie, thing.1
23hat happene$ to thi knight61
2#e p/t a.ay hi "ance the $ay yo/r "a$y mother .e$ yo/r ,ather. A,ter.ar$ he became mot
pio/- an$ .a hear$ to ay that on"y the Mai$en co/"$ rep"ace D/een Rhae""a in hi heart. #i
paion .a impoib"e- o, co/re. A "an$e$ knight i no ,it conort ,or a prince o, roya"
b"oo$.1
And Daario 2aharis is onl! a sellsword, not fit to buckle on the golden spurs of een a landed
knight+ 2An$ my ,ather6 3a there ome .oman he "ove$ better than hi A/een61
Ser Barritan hi,te$ in the a$$"e. 2Not8 not "ove$. Mayhap wanted i a better .or$- b/t8
it .a on"y kitchen goip- the .hiper o, .aher(.omen an$ tab"eboy81
2& .ant to kno.. & never kne. my ,ather. & .ant to kno. everything abo/t him. 7he goo$
an$8 the ret.1
2A yo/ comman$.1 7he .hite knight choe hi .or$ .ith care. 29rince Aery8 a a yo/th-
he .a taken .ith a certain "a$y o, Cater"y Rock- a co/in o, 7y.in ?anniter. 3hen he an$
7y.in .e$- yo/r ,ather $rank too m/ch .ine at the .e$$ing ,eat an$ .a hear$ to ay that it
.a a great pity that the "or$4 right to the ,irt night ha$ been abo"ihe$. A $r/nken =ape- no
more- b/t 7y.in ?anniter .a not a man to ,orget /ch .or$- or the8 the "ibertie yo/r ,ather
took $/ring the be$$ing.1 #i ,ace re$$ene$. 2& have ai$ too m/ch- Eo/r Grace. &@1
41racious 3ueen, well met;5 Another proceion ha$ come /p bei$e her o.n- an$ #iG$ahr
Go ?oraA .a mi"ing at her ,rom hi o.n e$an chair. *! king+ 5any .on$ere$ .here 5aario
Nahari .a- .hat he .a $oing. If this were a stor!, he would gallop up 9ust as we reached the
temple, to challenge 7izdahr for m! hand+
Si$e by i$e the A/een4 proceion an$ #iG$ahr Go ?oraA4 ma$e their "o. .ay acro
Meereen- /nti" ,ina""y the 7emp"e o, the Grace "oome$ /p be,ore them- it go"$en $ome
,"ahing in the /n. 7ow beautiful, the A/een trie$ to te"" here",- b/t ini$e her .a ome ,oo"ih
"itt"e gir" .ho co/"$ not he"p b/t "ook abo/t ,or 5aario. If he loed !ou, he would come and
carr! !ou off at swordpoint, as )haegar carried off his northern girl, the gir" in her inite$- b/t
the A/een kne. that .a ,o""y. Cven i, her captain .a ma$ eno/gh to attempt it- the BraGen
Beat .o/"$ c/t him $o.n be,ore he got .ithin a h/n$re$ yar$ o, her.
Ga"aGGa Ga"are a.aite$ them o/ti$e the temp"e $oor- /rro/n$e$ by her iter in .hite an$
pink an$ re$- b"/e an$ go"$ an$ p/rp"e. #here are fewer than there were+ 5any "ooke$ ,or CGGara
an$ $i$ not ee her. 7as the blood! flu8 taken een her6 7ho/gh the A/een ha$ "et the Atapori
tarve o/ti$e her .a"" to keep the b"oo$y ,"/: ,rom prea$ing- it .a prea$ing nonethe"e.
Many ha$ been tricken' ,ree$men- e"".or$- BraGen Beat- even 5othraki- tho/gh a yet
none o, the Fn/""ie$ ha$ been to/che$. She praye$ the .ort .a pat.
7he Grace bro/ght ,orth an ivory chair an$ a go"$en bo.". #o"$ing her tokar $ainti"y o a
not to trea$ /pon it ,ringe- 5aenery 7argaryen eae$ here", onto the chair4 p"/h ve"vet eat-
an$ #iG$ahr Go ?oraA .ent to hi knee- /n"ace$ her an$a"- an$ .ahe$ her ,eet .hi"t ,i,ty
e/n/ch ang an$ ten tho/an$ eye "ooke$ on. 7e has gentle hands, he m/e$- a .arm
,ragrant oi" ran bet.een her toe. If he has a gentle heart as well, I ma! grow fond of him in
time+
3hen her ,eet .ere c"ean- #iG$ahr $rie$ them .ith a o,t to.e"- "ace$ her an$a" on again-
an$ he"pe$ her tan$. #an$ in han$- they ,o""o.e$ the Green Grace ini$e the temp"e- .here the
air .a thick .ith incene an$ the go$ o, Ghi too$ c"oake$ in ha$o. in their a"cove.
+o/r ho/r "ater- they emerge$ again a man an$ .i,e- bo/n$ together .rit an$ ank"e .ith
chain o, ye""o. go"$.
0ON
D/een Se"ye $ecen$e$ /pon Cat"e B"ack .ith her $a/ghter an$ her $a/ghter4 ,oo"- her
erving gir" an$ "a$y companion- an$ a retin/e o, knight- .orn .or$- an$ men(at(arm ,i,ty
trong. :ueen/s men all, !on Sno. kne.. #he! ma! attend Sel!se, but it is *elisandre the!
sere+ 7he re$ priete ha$ .arne$ him o, their coming a"mot a $ay be,ore the raven arrive$
,rom Cat.atch .ith the ame meage.
#e met the A/een4 party by the tab"e- accompanie$ by Satin- Bo.en Marh- an$ ha", a
$oGen g/ar$ in "ong b"ack c"oak. &t .o/"$ never $o to come be,ore thi A/een .itho/t a retin/e
o, hi o.n- i, ha", o, .hat they ai$ o, her .a tr/e. She might mitake him ,or a tab"eboy an$
han$ him the rein o, her hore.
7he no. ha$ ,ina""y move$ o,, to the o/th an$ given them a repite. 7here .a even a hint
o, .armth in the air a !on Sno. took a knee be,ore thi o/thron A/een. 2Eo/r Grace. Cat"e
B"ack .e"come yo/ an$ yo/r.1
D/een Se"ye "ooke$ $o.n at him. 2My thank. 9"eae ecort me to yo/r "or$ comman$er.1
2My brother choe me ,or that honor. & am !on Sno..1
2Eo/6 7hey ai$ yo/ .ere yo/ng- b/t81 D/een Se"ye4 ,ace .a pinche$ an$ pa"e. She
.ore a cro.n o, re$ go"$ .ith point in the hape o, ,"ame- a t.in to that .orn by Stanni. 28
yo/ may rie- ?or$ Sno.. 7hi i my $a/ghter- Shireen.1
29rince.1 !on inc"ine$ hi hea$. Shireen .a a home"y chi"$- ma$e even /g"ier by the
greyca"e that ha$ "e,t her neck an$ part o, her cheek ti,, an$ grey an$ cracke$. 2My brother
an$ & are at yo/r ervice-1 he to"$ the gir".
Shireen re$$ene$. 27hank yo/- my "or$.1
2& be"ieve yo/ are acA/ainte$ .ith my kinman- Ser A:e"" +"orent61 the A/een .ent on.
2Hn"y by raven.1 And report+ 7he "etter he4$ receive$ ,rom Cat.atch(by(the(Sea ha$ a $ea"
to ay o, A:e"" +"orent- very "itt"e o, it goo$. 2Ser A:e"".1
2?or$ Sno..1 A to/t man- +"orent ha$ hort "eg an$ a thick chet. Coare hair covere$ hi
cheek an$ =o." an$ poke$ ,rom hi ear an$ notri".
2My "oya" knight-1 D/een Se"ye .ent on. 2Ser Narbert- Ser Benethon- Ser Br/- Ser 9atrek-
Ser 5or$en- Ser Ma"egorn- Ser ?ambert- Ser 9erkin.1 Cach .orthy bo.e$ in t/rn. She $i$ not
tro/b"e to name her ,oo"- b/t the co.be"" on hi ant"ere$ hat an$ the mot"ey tattooe$ acro hi
p/,,y cheek ma$e him har$ to over"ook. $atchface+ Cotter 9yke4 "etter ha$ ma$e mention o,
him a .e"". 9yke c"aime$ he .a a imp"eton.
7hen the A/een beckone$ to another c/rio/ member o, her ento/rage' a ta"" ga/nt tick o, a
man- hi height accent/ate$ by an o/t"an$ih three(tiere$ hat o, p/rp"e ,e"t. 2An$ here .e have
the honorab"e 7ycho Netori- an emiary o, the &ron Bank o, Braavo- come to treat .ith #i
Grace >ing Stanni.1
7he banker $o,,e$ hi hat an$ ma$e a .eeping bo.. 2?or$ Comman$er. & thank yo/ an$
yo/r brother ,or yo/r hopita"ity.1 #e poke the Common 7ong/e ,"a."e"y- .ith on"y the
"ightet hint o, accent. #a", a ,oot ta""er than !on- the Braavoi porte$ a bear$ a thin a a rope
pro/ting ,rom hi chin an$ reaching a"mot to hi .ait. #i robe .ere a omber p/rp"e-
trimme$ .ith ermine. A high ti,, co""ar ,rame$ hi narro. ,ace. 2& hope .e ha"" not
inconvenience yo/ too great"y.1
2Not at a""- my "or$. Eo/ are mot .e"come.1 *ore welcome than this 3ueen, if truth be told+
Cotter 9yke ha$ ent a raven ahea$ to a$vie them o, the banker4 coming. !on Sno. ha$
tho/ght o, "itt"e ince.
!on t/rne$ back to the A/een. 27he roya" chamber in the >ing4 7o.er have been prepare$
,or Eo/r Grace ,or o "ong a yo/ .ih to remain .ith /. 7hi i o/r ?or$ Ste.ar$- Bo.en
Marh. #e .i"" ,in$ A/arter ,or yo/r men.1
2#o. kin$ o, yo/ to make room ,or /.1 7he A/een4 .or$ .ere co/rteo/ eno/gh- tho/gh
her tone ai$- It is no more than !our dut!, and !ou had best hope these 3uarters please me+ 23e
.i"" not be .ith yo/ "ong. A ,e. $ay at the mot. &t i o/r intent to pre on to o/r ne. eat at
the Night,ort a oon a .e are rete$. 7he =o/rney ,rom Cat.atch .a .eariome.1
2A yo/ ay- Eo/r Grace-1 ai$ !on. 2Eo/ .i"" be co"$ an$ h/ngry- & am /re. A hot mea"
a.ait yo/ in o/r common room.1
2%ery goo$.1 7he A/een g"ance$ abo/t the yar$. 2+irt- tho/gh- .e .ih to con/"t .ith the
?a$y Me"ian$re.1
2H, co/re- Eo/r Grace. #er apartment are in the >ing4 7o.er a .e"". 7hi .ay- i, yo/
.i""61 D/een Se"ye no$$e$- took her $a/ghter by the han$- an$ permitte$ him to "ea$ them
,rom the tab"e. Ser A:e""- the Braavoi banker- an$ the ret o, her party ,o""o.e$- "ike o many
$/ck"ing $one /p in .oo" an$ ,/r.
2Eo/r Grace-1 ai$ !on Sno.- 2my b/i"$er have $one a"" they can to make the Night,ort
rea$y to receive yo/8 yet m/ch o, it remain in r/in. &t i a "arge cat"e- the "arget on the 3a""-
an$ .e have on"y been ab"e to retore a part o, it. Eo/ might be more com,ortab"e back at
Cat.atch(by(the(Sea.1
D/een Se"ye ni,,e$. 23e are $one .ith Cat.atch. 3e $i$ not "ike it there. A A/een ho/"$
be mitre beneath her o.n roo,. 3e ,o/n$ yo/r Cotter 9yke to be an /nco/th an$ /np"eaant
man- A/arre"ome an$ niggar$"y.1
&ou should hear what %otter sa!s of !ou+ 2& am orry ,or that- b/t & ,ear Eo/r Grace .i"" ,in$
con$ition at the Night,ort even "e to yo/r "iking. 3e peak o, a ,ortre- not a pa"ace. A grim
p"ace- an$ co"$. 3herea Cat.atch@1
2Cat.atch is not safe+1 7he A/een p/t a han$ on her $a/ghter4 ho/"$er. 27hi i the king4
tr/e heir. Shireen .i"" one $ay it the &ron 7hrone an$ r/"e the Seven >ing$om. She m/t be
kept ,rom harm- an$ Cat.atch i .here the attack .i"" come. 7hi Night,ort i the p"ace my
h/ban$ ha choen ,or o/r eat- an$ there .e ha"" abi$e. 3eC oh;1
An enormo/ ha$o. emerge$ ,rom behin$ the he"" o, the ?or$ Comman$er4 7o.er.
9rince Shireen gave a hriek- an$ three o, the A/een4 knight gape$ in harmony. Another
.ore. 2Seen sae us,1 he ai$- A/ite ,orgetting hi ne. re$ go$ in hi hock.
25on4t be a,rai$-1 !on to"$ them. 27here4 no harm in him- Eo/r Grace. 7hi i 3/n 3/n.1
23/n 3eg 3/n 5ar 3/n.1 7he giant4 voice r/mb"e$ "ike a bo/"$er crahing $o.n a
mo/ntaini$e. #e ank to hi knee be,ore them. Cven knee"ing- he "oome$ over them. 2>nee"
A/een. ?itt"e A/een.1 3or$ that ?eather ha$ ta/ght him- no $o/bt.
9rince Shireen4 eye .ent .i$e a $inner p"ate. 2#e4 a giant0 A rea" tr/e giant- "ike ,rom
the torie. B/t .hy $oe he ta"k o ,/nny61
2#e on"y kno. a ,e. .or$ o, the Common 7ong/e a yet-1 ai$ !on. 2&n their o.n "an$-
giant peak the H"$ 7ong/e.1
2Can & to/ch him61
2Bet not-1 her mother .arne$. 2?ook at him. A ,i"thy creat/re.1 7he A/een t/rne$ her ,ro.n
on !on. 2?or$ Sno.- .hat i thi betia" creat/re $oing on o/r i$e o, the 3a""61
23/n 3/n i a g/et o, the Night4 3atch- a yo/ are.1
7he A/een $i$ not "ike that an.er. Nor $i$ her knight. Ser A:e"" grimace$ in $ig/t- Ser
Br/ gave a nervo/ titter- Ser Narbert ai$- 2& ha$ been to"$ a"" the giant .ere $ea$.1
2A"mot a"".1 &gritte wept for them+
2&n the $ark the $ea$ are $ancing.1 9atch,ace h/,,"e$ hi ,eet in a groteA/e $ance tep. 2&
kno.- & kno.- oh oh oh.1 At Cat.atch omeone ha$ e.n him a mot"ey c"oak o, beaver pe"t-
heepkin- an$ rabbit ,/r. #i hat porte$ ant"er h/ng .ith be"" an$ "ong bro.n ,"ap o,
A/irre" ,/r that h/ng $o.n over hi ear. Cvery tep he took et him to ringing.
3/n 3/n gape$ at him .ith ,acination- b/t .hen the giant reache$ ,or him the ,oo" hoppe$
back a.ay- =ing"ing. 2Hh no- oh no- oh no.1 7hat bro/ght 3/n 3/n "/rching to hi ,eet. 7he
A/een grabbe$ ho"$ o, 9rince Shireen an$ p/""e$ her back- her knight reache$ ,or their
.or$- an$ 9atch,ace ree"e$ a.ay in a"arm- "ot hi ,ooting- an$ p"oppe$ $o.n on hi are in a
no.$ri,t.
3/n 3/n began to "a/gh. A giant4 "a/ghter co/"$ p/t to hame a $ragon4 roar. 9atch,ace
covere$ hi ear- 9rince Shireen pree$ her ,ace into her mother4 ,/r- an$ the bo"$et o, the
A/een4 knight move$ ,or.ar$- tee" in han$. !on raie$ an arm to b"ock hi path. 2Eo/ $o not
.ant to anger him. Sheathe yo/r tee"- er. ?eather- take 3/n 3/n back to #ar$in4.1
2Cat no.- 3/n 3/n61 ake$ the giant. 2Cat no.-1 !on agree$. 7o ?eather he ai$- 2&4"" en$
o/t a b/he" o, vegetab"e ,or him an$ meat ,or yo/. Start a ,ire.1
?eather grinne$. 2& .i""- m4"or$- b/t #ar$in4 i bone co"$. 9erhap m4"or$ co/"$ en$ o/t
ome .ine to .arm /61
2+or yo/. Not him.1 3/n 3/n ha$ never tate$ .ine /nti" he came to Cat"e B"ack- b/t once
he ha$- he ha$ taken a gigantic "iking to it. #oo much a liking+ !on ha$ eno/gh to conten$ .ith
=/t no. .itho/t a$$ing a $r/nken giant to the mi:. #e t/rne$ back to the A/een4 knight. 2My
"or$ ,ather /e$ to ay a man ho/"$ never $ra. hi .or$ /n"e he mean to /e it.1
2Fing it .a my intent.1 7he knight .a c"ean(have$ an$ .in$b/rntI beneath a c"oak o,
.hite ,/r he .ore a c"oth(o,(i"ver /rcoat emb"aGone$ .ith a b"/e ,ive(pointe$ tar. 2& ha$ been
given to /n$ertan$ that the Night4 3atch $e,en$e$ the rea"m againt /ch monter. No one
mentione$ keeping them a pet.1
Another blood! southron fool+ 2Eo/ are8 61
2Ser 9atrek o, >ing4 Mo/ntain- i, it p"eae my "or$.1
2& $o not kno. ho. yo/ oberve g/et right on yo/r mo/ntain- er. &n the north .e ho"$ it
acre$. 3/n 3/n i a g/et here.1
Ser 9atrek mi"e$. 27e"" me- ?or$ Comman$er- ho/"$ the Hther t/rn /p- $o yo/ p"an to
o,,er hopita"ity to them a .e""61 7he knight t/rne$ to hi A/een. 2Eo/r Grace- that i the
>ing4 7o.er there- i, & am not mitaken. &, & may have the honor61
2A yo/ .ih.1 7he A/een took hi arm an$ .ept pat the men o, the Night4 3atch .ith
never a econ$ g"ance.
#hose flames on her crown are the warmest thing about her+ 2?or$ 7ycho-1 !on ca""e$. 2A
moment- p"eae.1
7he Braavoi ha"te$. 2No "or$ &. Hn"y a imp"e ervant o, the &ron Bank o, Braavo.1
2Cotter 9yke in,orm me that yo/ came to Cat.atch .ith three hip. A ga""ea- a ga""ey- an$
a cog.1
2!/t o- my "or$. 7he croing can be peri"o/ in thi eaon. Hne hip a"one may ,o/n$er-
.here three together may ai$ one another. 7he &ron Bank i a".ay pr/$ent in /ch matter.1
29erhap be,ore yo/ "eave .e might have a A/iet .or$61
2& am at yo/r ervice- ?or$ Comman$er. An$ in Braavo .e ay there i no time "ike the
preent. 3i"" that /it61
2A goo$ a any. Sha"" .e repair to my o"ar- or .o/"$ yo/ "ike to ee the top o, the 3a""61
7he banker g"ance$ /p- to .here the ice "oome$ vat an$ pa"e againt the ky. 2& ,ear it .i"" be
bitter co"$ /p top.1
27hat- an$ .in$y. Eo/ "earn to .a"k .e"" a.ay ,rom the e$ge. Men have been b"o.n o,,.
Sti"". 7he 3a"" i "ike nothing e"e on earth. Eo/ may never have another chance to ee it.1
2No $o/bt & ha"" r/e my ca/tion /pon my $eathbe$- b/t a,ter a "ong $ay in the a$$"e- a
.arm room o/n$ pre,erab"e to me.1
2My o"ar- then. Satin- ome m/""e$ .ine- i, yo/ .o/"$.1
!on4 room behin$ the armory .ere A/iet eno/gh- i, not epecia""y .arm. #i ,ire ha$ gone
o/t ome time agoI Satin .a not a $i"igent in ,ee$ing it a 5o"oro/ C$$ ha$ been. Mormont4
raven greete$ them .ith a hriek o, 2%orn;1 !on h/ng /p hi c"oak. 2Eo/ come eeking Stanni-
i that correct61
2&t i- my "or$. D/een Se"ye ha /ggete$ that .e might en$ .or$ to 5eep.oo$ Motte by
raven- to in,orm #i Grace that & a.ait hi p"ea/re at the Night,ort. 7he matter that & mean to
p/t to him i too $e"icate to entr/t to "etter.1
2A $ebt.1 What else could it be6 2#i o.n $ebt6 Hr hi brother461
7he banker pree$ hi ,inger together. 2&t .o/"$ not be proper ,or me to $ic/ ?or$
Stanni4 in$ebte$ne or "ack o, ame. A to >ing Robert8 it .a in$ee$ o/r p"ea/re to ait
#i Grace in hi nee$. +or o "ong a Robert "ive$- a"" .a .e"". No.- ho.ever- the &ron 7hrone
ha ceae$ a"" repayment.1
%ould the "annisters trul! be so foolish6 2Eo/ cannot mean to ho"$ Stanni reponib"e ,or
hi brother4 $ebt.1
27he $ebt be"ong to the &ron 7hrone-1 7ycho $ec"are$- 2an$ .hooever it on that chair
m/t pay them. Since yo/ng >ing 7ommen an$ hi co/ne""or have become o ob$/rate- .e
mean to broach the /b=ect .ith >ing Stanni. Sho/"$ he prove hime", more .orthy o, o/r tr/t-
it .o/"$ o, co/re be o/r great p"ea/re to "en$ him .hatever he"p he nee$.1
27elp,1 the raven creame$. 47elp, help, help+5
M/ch o, thi !on ha$ /rmie$ the moment he "earne$ that the &ron Bank ha$ ent an envoy to
the 3a"". 23hen "at .e hear$- #i Grace .a marching on 3inter,e"" to con,ront ?or$ Bo"ton
an$ hi a""ie. Eo/ may eek him there i, yo/ .ih- tho/gh that carrie a rik. Eo/ co/"$ ,in$
yo/re", ca/ght /p in hi .ar.1
7ycho bo.e$ hi hea$. 23e .ho erve the &ron Bank ,ace $eath ,/"" a o,ten a yo/ .ho
erve the &ron 7hrone.1
Is that whom I sere6 !on Sno. .a no "onger certain. 2& can provi$e yo/ .ith hore-
proviion- g/i$e- .hatever i reA/ire$ to get yo/ a ,ar a 5eep.oo$ Motte. +rom there yo/
.i"" nee$ to make yo/r o.n .ay to Stanni.1 And !ou ma! well find his head upon a spike+
27here .i"" be a price.1
2$rice,1 creame$ Mormont4 raven. 4$rice, price+5 27here i a".ay a price- i there not61
7he Braavoi mi"e$. 23hat $oe the 3atch reA/ire61
2Eo/r hip- ,or a tart. 3ith their cre..1
2A"" three6 #o. .i"" & ret/rn to Braavo61
2& on"y nee$ them ,or a ing"e voyage.1
2A haGar$o/ voyage- & a/me. For a start, yo/ ai$61
23e nee$ a "oan a .e"". Go"$ eno/gh to keep / ,e$ ti"" pring. 7o b/y ,oo$ an$ hire hip to
bring it to /.1
2Spring61 7ycho ighe$. 2&t i not poib"e- my "or$.1
3hat .a it Stanni ha$ ai$ to him6 &ou haggle like a crone with a codfish, "ord Snow+ Did
"ord 0ddard father !ou on a fishwife6 9erhap he ha$ at that.
&t took the better part o, an ho/r be,ore the impoib"e became poib"e- an$ another ho/r
be,ore they co/"$ agree on term. 7he ,"agon o, m/""e$ .ine that Satin $e"ivere$ he"pe$ them
ett"e the more nett"eome point. By the time !on Sno. igne$ the parchment the Braavoi $re.
/p- both o, them .ere ha",($r/nk an$ A/ite /nhappy. !on tho/ght that a goo$ ign.
7he three Braavoi hip .o/"$ bring the ,"eet at Cat.atch /p to e"even- inc"/$ing the
&bbenee .ha"er that Cotter 9yke ha$ comman$eere$ on !on4 or$er- a tra$ing ga""ey o/t o,
9ento imi"ar"y impree$- an$ three battere$ ?yene .arhip- remnant o, Sa""a$hor Saan4
,ormer ,"eet $riven back north by the a/t/mn torm. A"" three o, Saan4 hip ha$ been in $ire
nee$ o, re,itting- b/t by no. the .ork ho/"$ be comp"ete.
C"even hip .a no .ie eno/gh- b/t i, he .aite$ any "onger- the ,ree ,o"k at #ar$home
.o/"$ be $ea$ by the time the rec/e ,"eet arrive$. Sail now or not at all+ 3hether Mother Mo"e
an$ her peop"e .o/"$ be $eperate eno/gh to entr/t their "ive to the Night4 3atch- tho/gh8
7he $ay ha$ $arkene$ by the time he an$ 7ycho Netori "e,t the o"ar. Sno. ha$ beg/n to
,a"". 2H/r repite .a a brie, one- it .o/"$ eem.1 !on $re. hi c"oak abo/t hime", more tight"y.
23inter i nigh /pon /. 7he $ay & "e,t Braavo- there .a ice on the cana".1
27hree o, my men pae$ thro/gh Braavo not "ong ago-1 !on to"$ him. 2An o"$ maeter- a
inger- an$ a yo/ng te.ar$. 7hey .ere ecorting a .i"$"ing gir" an$ her chi"$ to H"$to.n. & $o
not /ppoe yo/ chance$ to enco/nter them61
2& ,ear not- my "or$. 3eteroi pa thro/gh Braavo every $ay- b/t mot come an$ go ,rom
the Ragman4 #arbor. 7he hip o, the &ron Bank moor at the 9/rp"e #arbor. &, yo/ .ih- & can
make inA/irie a,ter them .hen & ret/rn home.1
2No nee$. By no. they ho/"$ be a,e in H"$to.n.1
2?et / hope o. 7he narro. ea i peri"o/ thi time o, year- an$ o, "ate there have been
tro/b"ing report o, trange hip een amongt the Steptone.1
2Sa""a$hor Saan61
27he ?yene pirate6 Some ay he ha ret/rne$ to hi o"$ ha/nt- thi i o. An$ ?or$
Re$.yne4 .ar ,"eet creep thro/gh the Broken Arm a .e"". Hn it .ay home- no $o/bt. B/t
thee men an$ their hip are .e""(kno.n to /. No- thee other ai"8 ,rom ,arther eat-
perhap8 one hear A/eer ta"k o, $ragon.1
23o/"$ that .e ha$ one here. A $ragon might .arm thing /p a bit.1
2My "or$ =et. Eo/ .i"" ,orgive me i, & $o not "a/gh. 3e Braavoi are $ecen$e$ ,rom thoe
.ho ,"e$ %a"yria an$ the .roth o, it $ragon"or$. 3e $o not =ape o, $ragon.1
2o, I suppose not+ 2My apo"ogie- ?or$ 7ycho.1
2None i reA/ire$- ?or$ Comman$er. No. & ,in$ that & am h/ngry. ?en$ing /ch "arge /m
o, go"$ .i"" give a man an appetite. 3i"" yo/ be o goo$ a to point me to yo/r ,eat ha""61
2& .i"" take yo/ there mye",.1 !on get/re$. 27hi .ay.1
Hnce there- it .o/"$ have been $ico/rteo/ not to break brea$ .ith the banker- o !on ent
Satin o,, to ,etch them ,oo$. 7he nove"ty o, ne.comer ha$ bro/ght o/t a"mot a"" the men .ho
.ere not on $/ty or a"eep- o the ce""ar .a cro.$e$ an$ .arm.
7he A/een here", .a abent- a .a her $a/ghter. By no. pre/mab"y they .ere ett"ing
into the >ing4 7o.er. B/t Ser Br/ an$ Ser Ma"egorn .ere on han$- entertaining /ch brother
a ha$ gathere$ .ith the "atet ti$ing ,rom Cat.atch an$ beyon$ the ea. 7hree o, the A/een4
"a$ie at together- atten$e$ by their erving mai$ an$ a $oGen a$miring men o, the Night4
3atch.
Nearer the $oor- the D/een4 #an$ .a attacking a brace o, capon- /cking the meat o,, the
bone an$ .ahing $o.n each bite .ith a"e. 3hen he epie$ !on Sno.- A:e"" +"orent toe$ a
bone ai$e- .ipe$ hi mo/th .ith the back o, hi han$- an$ a/ntere$ over. 3ith hi bo.e$ "eg-
barre" chet- an$ prominent ear- he preente$ a comica" appearance- b/t !on kne. better than to
"a/gh at him. #e .a an /nc"e to D/een Se"ye an$ ha$ been among the ,irt to ,o""o. her in
accepting Me"ian$re4 re$ go$. If he is not a kinsla!er, he is the ne8t best thing+ A:e"" +"orent4
brother ha$ been b/rne$ by Me"ian$re- Maeter Aemon ha$ in,orme$ him- yet Ser A:e"" ha$
$one "itt"e an$ "e to top it. What sort of man can stand b! idl! and watch his own brother
being burned alie6
2Netori-1 ai$ Ser A:e""- 2an$ the "or$ comman$er. Might & =oin yo/61 #e "o.ere$ hime",
to the bench be,ore they co/"$ rep"y. 2?or$ Sno.- i, & may ak8 thi .i"$"ing prince #i
Grace >ing Stanni .rote o,8 .here might he be- my "or$61
"ong leagues from here, !on tho/ght. If the gods are good, b! now she has found #ormund
1iantsbane+ 2%a" i the yo/nger iter o, 5a""a- .ho .a Mance Ray$er4 .i,e an$ mother to hi
on. >ing Stanni took %a" an$ the chi"$ captive a,ter 5a""a $ie$ in chi"$be$- b/t he i no
prince- not a yo/ mean it.1
Ser A:e"" hr/gge$. 23hatever he may be- at Cat.atch men c"aime$ the .ench .a ,air. &4$
"ike to ee .ith mine o.n eye. Some o, thee .i"$"ing .omen- .e""- a man .o/"$ nee$ to t/rn
them over to $o hi $/ty a a h/ban$. &, it p"eae the "or$ comman$er- bring her o/t- "et / have
a "ook.1
2She i not a hore to be para$e$ ,or inpection- er.1
2& promie not to co/nt her teeth.1 +"orent grinne$. 2Hh- never ,ear- &4"" treat her .ith a"" the
co/rtey he i $/e.1
7e knows I do not hae her+ A vi""age ha no ecret- an$ no more $i$ Cat"e B"ack. %a"4
abence .a not poken o, open"y- b/t ome men kne.- an$ in the common ha"" at night the
brother ta"ke$. What has he heard6 !on .on$ere$. 7ow much does he beliee6 2+orgive me-
er- b/t %a" .i"" not be =oining /.1
2&4"" go to her. 3here $o yo/ keep the .ench61
Awa! from !ou+ 2Some.here a,e. Cno/gh- er.1
7he knight4 ,ace gre. ,"/he$. 2My "or$- have yo/ ,orgotten .ho & am61 #i breath me""e$
o, a"e an$ onion. 2M/t & peak to the A/een6 A .or$ ,rom #er Grace an$ & can have thi
.i"$"ing gir" $e"ivere$ nake$ to the ha"" ,or o/r inpection.1
#hat would be a prett! trick, een for a 3ueen+ 27he A/een .o/"$ never pre/me /pon o/r
hopita"ity-1 !on ai$- hoping that .a tr/e. 2No. & ,ear & m/t take my "eave- be,ore & ,orget the
$/tie o, a hot. ?or$ 7ycho- pray e:c/e me.1
2Ee- o, co/re-1 the banker ai$. 2A p"ea/re.1
H/ti$e- the no. .a coming $o.n more heavi"y. Acro the yar$ the >ing4 7o.er ha$
t/rne$ into a h/"king ha$o.- the "ight in it .in$o. obc/re$ by ,a""ing no..
Back in hi o"ar- !on ,o/n$ the H"$ Bear4 raven perche$ on the back o, the oak(an$("eather
chair behin$ the tret"e tab"e. 7he bir$ began to cream ,or ,oo$ the moment he entere$. !on took
a ,it,/" o, $rie$ kerne" ,rom the ack by the $oor an$ cattere$ them on the ,"oor- then c"aime$
the chair.
7ycho Netori ha$ "e,t behin$ a copy o, their agreement. !on rea$ it over thrice. #hat was
simple, he re,"ecte$. Simpler than I dared hope+ Simpler than it should hae been+
&t gave him an /neay ,ee"ing. Braavoi coin .o/"$ a""o. the Night4 3atch to b/y ,oo$ ,rom
the o/th .hen their o.n tore ran hort- ,oo$ eno/gh to ee them thro/gh the .inter- ho.ever
"ong it might prove to be. A long hard winter will leae the Watch so deep in debt that we will
neer climb out, !on remin$e$ hime",- but when the choice is debt or death, best borrow+
#e $i$ not have to "ike it- tho/gh. An$ come pring- .hen the time came to repay a"" that
go"$- he .o/"$ "ike it even "e. 7ycho Netori ha$ impree$ him a c/"t/re$ an$ co/rteo/-
b/t the &ron Bank o, Braavo ha$ a ,earome rep/tation .hen co""ecting $ebt. Cach o, the Nine
+ree Citie ha$ it bank- an$ ome ha$ more than one- ,ighting over every coin "ike $og over a
bone- b/t the &ron Bank .a richer an$ more po.er,/" than a"" the ret combine$. 3hen prince
$e,a/"te$ on their $ebt to "eer bank- r/ine$ banker o"$ their .ive an$ chi"$ren into "avery
an$ opene$ their o.n vein. 3hen prince ,ai"e$ to repay the &ron Bank- ne. prince prang /p
,rom no.here an$ took their throne.
As poor plump #ommen ma! be about to learn+ No $o/bt the ?anniter ha$ goo$ reaon ,or
re,/ing to honor >ing Robert4 $ebt- b/t it .a ,o""y a"" the ame. &, Stanni .a not too ti,,(
necke$ to accept their term- the Braavoi .o/"$ give him a"" the go"$ an$ i"ver he reA/ire$-
coin eno/gh to b/y a $oGen e"".or$ companie- to bribe a h/n$re$ "or$- to keep hi men pai$-
,e$- c"othe$- an$ arme$. <nless Stannis is l!ing dead beneath the walls of Winterfell, he ma! 9ust
hae won the Iron #hrone+ #e .on$ere$ i, Me"ian$re ha$ een that in her ,ire.
!on at back- ya.ne$- tretche$. Hn the morro. he .o/"$ $ra,t or$er ,or Cotter 9yke. 0leen
ships to 7ardhome+ Bring back as man! as !ou can, women and children first+ &t .a time they
et ai". Should I go m!self, though, or leae it to %otter6 7he H"$ Bear ha$ "e$ a ranging. A!e+
And neer returned+
!on c"oe$ hi eye. !/t ,or a moment8 8 an$ .oke- ti,, a a boar$- .ith the H"$ Bear4
raven m/ttering- 2Snow, Snow,1 an$ M/""y haking him. 2M4"or$- yo/4re .ante$. Beg par$on-
m4"or$. A gir"4 been ,o/n$.1
2A gir"61 !on at- r/bbing the "eep ,rom hi eye .ith the back o, hi han$. 2%a"6 #a %a"
ret/rne$61
2Not %a"- m4"or$. 7hi i$e o, the 3a""- it .ere.1
Ar!a+ !on traightene$. &t ha$ to be her. 2Gir"-1 creame$ the raven. 41irl, girl+5 27y an$
5anne" came on her t.o "eag/e o/th o, Mo"e4 7o.n. 7hey .ere chaing $o.n ome
.i"$"ing .ho campere$ o,, $o.n the kingroa$. Bro/ght them back a .e""- b/t then they
come on the gir". She4 highborn- m4"or$- an$ he4 been aking ,or yo/.1
2#o. many .ith her61 #e move$ to hi bain- p"ahe$ .ater on hi ,ace. Go$- b/t he .a
tire$.
2None- m4"or$. She come a"one. #er hore .a $ying /n$er her. A"" kin an$ rib it .a- "ame
an$ "athere$. 7hey c/t it "ooe an$ took the gir" ,or A/etioning.1
A gre! girl on a d!ing horse+ Me"ian$re4 ,ire ha$ not "ie$- it .o/"$ eem. B/t .hat ha$
become o, Mance Ray$er an$ hi pear.ive6 23here i the gir" no.61
2Maeter Aemon4 chamber- m4"or$.1 7he men o, Cat"e B"ack ti"" ca""e$ it that- tho/gh by
no. the o"$ maeter ho/"$ be .arm an$ a,e in H"$to.n. 2Gir" .a b"/e ,rom the co"$-
hivering "ike a"" get o/t- o 7y .ante$ C"y$a to have a "ook at her.1
27hat4 goo$.1 !on ,e"t ,i,teen year o"$ again. "ittle sister+ #e roe an$ $onne$ hi c"oak.
7he no. .a ti"" ,a""ing a he croe$ the yar$ .ith M/""y. A go"$en $a.n .a breaking in
the eat- b/t behin$ ?a$y Me"ian$re4 .in$o. in the >ing4 7o.er a re$$ih "ight ti""
,"ickere$. Does she neer sleep6 What game are !ou pla!ing, priestess6 Did !ou hae some
other task for *ance6
#e .ante$ to be"ieve it .o/"$ be Arya. #e .ante$ to ee her ,ace again- to mi"e at her an$
m/ her hair- to te"" her he .a a,e. She won/t be safe, though+ Winterfell is burned and
broken and there are no more safe places+
#e co/"$ not keep her here .ith him- no matter ho. m/ch he might .ant to. 7he 3a"" .a no
p"ace ,or a .oman- m/ch "e a gir" o, nob"e birth. Nor .a he abo/t to t/rn her over to Stanni
or Me"ian$re. 7he king .o/"$ on"y .ant to marry her to one o, hi o.n men- #orpe or Maey
or Go$ry Giant"ayer- an$ the go$ a"one kne. .hat /e the re$ .oman might .ant to make o,
her.
7he bet o"/tion he co/"$ ee .o/"$ mean $ipatching her to Cat.atch an$ aking Cotter
9yke to p/t her on a hip to omep"ace acro the ea- beyon$ the reach o, a"" thee A/arre"ome
king. &t .o/"$ nee$ to .ait /nti" the hip ret/rne$ ,rom #ar$home- to be /re. She could return
to Braaos with #!cho 2estoris+ $erhaps the Iron Bank could help find some noble famil! to
foster her+ Braavo .a the nearet o, the +ree Citie- tho/gh8 .hich ma$e it both the bet an$
the .ort choice. "orath or the $ort of Ibben might be safer+ 3herever he might en$ her-
tho/gh- Arya .o/"$ nee$ i"ver to /pport her- a roo, above her hea$- omeone to protect her.
She .a on"y a chi"$.
Maeter Aemon4 o"$ chamber .ere o .arm that the /$$en c"o/$ o, team .hen M/""y
p/""e$ the $oor open .a eno/gh to b"in$ the both o, them. 3ithin- a ,reh ,ire .a b/rning in
the hearth- the "og crack"ing an$ pitting. !on teppe$ over a p/$$"e o, $amp c"othing. 2Snow,
Snow, Snow,1 the raven ca""e$ $o.n ,rom above. 7he gir" .a c/r"e$ /p near the ,ire- .rappe$
in a b"ack .oo"en c"oak three time her iGe an$ ,at a"eep.
She "ooke$ eno/gh "ike Arya to give him pa/e- b/t on"y ,or a moment. A ta""- kinny- co"tih
gir"- a"" "eg an$ e"bo.- her bro.n hair .a .oven in a thick brai$ an$ bo/n$ abo/t .ith trip
o, "eather. She ha$ a "ong ,ace- a pointy chin- ma"" ear.
B/t he .a too o"$- ,ar too o"$. #his girl is almost of an age with me+ 2#a he eaten61 !on
ake$ M/""y.
2Hn"y brea$ an$ broth- my "or$.1 C"y$a roe ,rom a chair. 2&t i bet to go "o.- Maeter
Aemon a".ay ai$. Any more an$ he might not have been ab"e to $iget it.1
M/""y no$$e$. 25anne" ha$ one o4 #obb4 a/age an$ o,,ere$ her a bite- b/t he .o/"$n4t
to/ch it.1
!on co/"$ not b"ame her ,or that. #obb4 a/age .ere ma$e o, greae an$ a"t an$ thing
that $i$ not bear thinking abo/t. 29erhap .e ho/"$ =/t "et her ret.1
7hat .a .hen the gir" at /p- c"/tching the c"oak to her ma""- pa"e breat. She "ooke$
con,/e$. 23here8 61
2Cat"e B"ack- my "a$y.1
27he 3a"".1 #er eye ,i""e$ /p .ith tear. 2&4m here.1
C"y$a move$ c"oer. 29oor chi"$. #o. o"$ are yo/61
2Si:teen on my ne:t name$ay. An$ no chi"$- b/t a .oman gro.n an$ ,"o.ere$.1 She ya.ne$-
covere$ her mo/th .ith the c"oak. Hne bare knee peeke$ thro/gh it ,o"$. 2Eo/ $o not .ear a
chain. Are yo/ a maeter61
2No-1 ai$ C"y$a- 2b/t & have erve$ one.1
She does look a bit like Ar!a, !on tho/ght. Stared and skinn!, but her hair/s the same color,
and her e!es+ 2& am to"$ yo/ have been aking a,ter me. & am@1
2@!on Sno..1 7he gir" toe$ her brai$ back. 2My ho/e an$ yo/r are bo/n$ in b"oo$ an$
honor. #ear me- kinman. My /nc"e Cregan i har$ /pon my trai". Eo/ m/t not "et him take me
back to >arho"$.1
!on .a taring. I know this girl+ 7here .a omething abo/t her eye- the .ay he he"$
here",- the .ay he ta"ke$. +or a moment the memory e"/$e$ him. 7hen it came. 2A"y
>artark.1
7hat bro/ght the ghot o, a mi"e to her "ip. 2& .a not /re yo/ .o/"$ remember. & .a i:
the "at time yo/ a. me.1
2Eo/ came to 3inter,e"" .ith yo/r ,ather.1 #he father )obb beheaded+ 2& $on4t reca"" .hat
,or.1
She b"/he$. 2So & co/"$ meet yo/r brother. Hh- there .a ome other prete:t- b/t that .a
the rea" reaon. & .a a"mot o, an age .ith Robb- an$ my ,ather tho/ght .e might make a
match. 7here .a a ,eat. & $ance$ .ith yo/ an$ yo/r brother both. 7e .a very co/rteo/ an$
ai$ that & $ance$ bea/ti,/""y. Eo/ .ere /""en. My ,ather ai$ that .a to be e:pecte$ in a
batar$.1
2& remember.1 &t .a on"y ha", a "ie.
2Eo/4re ti"" a "itt"e /""en-1 the gir" ai$- 2b/t & .i"" ,orgive yo/ that i, yo/ .i"" ave me ,rom
my /nc"e.1
2Eo/r /nc"e8 .o/"$ that be ?or$ Arno",61
2#e i no "or$-1 A"y ai$ corn,/""y. 2My brother #arry i the right,/" "or$- an$ by "a. & am
hi heir. A $a/ghter come be,ore an /nc"e. Fnc"e Arno", i on"y cate""an. #e4 my great(/nc"e-
act/a""y- my father/s /nc"e. Cregan i hi on. & /ppoe that make him a co/in- b/t .e a".ay
ca""e$ him /nc"e. No. they mean to make me ca"" him h/ban$.1 She ma$e a ,it. 2Be,ore the
.ar & .a betrothe$ to 5aryn #orn.oo$. 3e .ere on"y .aiting ti"" & ,"o.ere$ to be .e$- b/t the
>ing"ayer ki""e$ 5aryn in the 3hipering 3oo$. My ,ather .rote that he .o/"$ ,in$ ome
o/thron "or$ to .e$ me- b/t he never $i$. Eo/r brother Robb c/t o,, hi hea$ ,or ki""ing
?anniter.1 #er mo/th t.ite$. 2& tho/ght the .ho"e reaon they marche$ o/th .a to ki""
ome ?anniter.1
2&t .a8 not o imp"e a that. ?or$ >artark "e. t.o prioner- my "a$y. Fnarme$ boy-
A/ire in a ce"".1
7he gir" $i$ not eem /rprie$. 2My ,ather never be""o.e$ "ike the Great=on- b/t he .a no
"e $angero/ in hi .roth. #e i $ea$ no. too- tho/gh. So i yo/r brother. B/t yo/ an$ & are
here- ti"" "iving. & there b"oo$ ,e/$ bet.een /- ?or$ Sno.61
23hen a man take the b"ack he p/t hi ,e/$ behin$ him. 7he Night4 3atch ha no A/arre"
.ith >arho"$- nor .ith yo/.1
2Goo$. & .a a,rai$8 & begge$ my ,ather to "eave one o, my brother a cate""an- b/t none
o, them .ihe$ to mi the g"ory an$ ranom to be .on in the o/th. No. 7orr an$ C$$ are
$ea$. #arry .a a prioner at Mai$enpoo" .hen "at .e hear$- b/t that .a a"mot a year ago.
#e may be $ea$ a .e"". & $i$ not kno. .here e"e to t/rn b/t to the "at on o, C$$ar$ Stark.1
23hy not the king6 >arho"$ $ec"are$ ,or Stanni.1
2My uncle $ec"are$ ,or Stanni- in hope it might provoke the ?anniter to take poor #arry4
hea$. Sho/"$ my brother $ie- >arho"$ ho/"$ pa to me- b/t my /nc"e .ant my birthright ,or
their o.n. Hnce Cregan get a chi"$ by me they .on4t nee$ me anymore. #e4 b/rie$ t.o .ive
a"rea$y.1 She r/bbe$ a.ay a tear angri"y- the .ay Arya might have $one it. 23i"" yo/ he"p me61
2Marriage an$ inheritance are matter ,or the king- my "a$y. & .i"" .rite to Stanni on yo/r
beha",- b/t@1
A"y >artark "a/ghe$- b/t it .a the "a/ghter o, $epair. 23rite- b/t $o not "ook ,or a rep"y.
Stanni .i"" be $ea$ be,ore he get yo/r meage. My /nc"e .i"" ee to that.1
23hat $o yo/ mean61
2Arno", i r/hing to 3inter,e""- 4ti tr/e- b/t on"y o he might p/t hi $agger in yo/r king4
back. #e cat hi "ot .ith Rooe Bo"ton "ong ago8 ,or go"$- the promie o, a par$on- an$ poor
#arry4 hea$. ?or$ Stanni i marching to a "a/ghter. So he cannot he"p me- an$ .o/"$ not even
i, he co/"$.1 A"y kne"t be,ore him- c"/tching the b"ack c"oak. 2Eo/ are my on"y hope- ?or$
Sno.. &n yo/r ,ather4 name- & beg yo/. 9rotect me.1
THE !&IND GIR&
#er night .ere "it by $itant tar an$ the himmer o, moon"ight on no.- b/t every $a.n
he .oke to $arkne.
She opene$ her eye an$ tare$ /p b"in$ at the b"ack that hro/$e$ her- her $ream a"rea$y
,a$ing. So beautiful+ She "icke$ her "ip- remembering. 7he b"eating o, the heep- the terror in the
hepher$4 eye- the o/n$ the $og ha$ ma$e a he ki""e$ them one by one- the nar"ing o, her
pack. Game ha$ become carcer ince the no. began to ,a""- b/t "at night they ha$ ,eate$.
?amb an$ $og an$ m/tton an$ the ,"eh o, man. Some o, her "itt"e grey co/in .ere a,rai$ o,
men- even $ea$ men- b/t not her. Meat .a meat- an$ men .ere prey. She .a the night .o",.
B/t on"y .hen he $reame$.
7he b"in$ gir" ro""e$ onto her i$e- at /p- prang to her ,eet- tretche$. #er be$ .a a rag(
t/,,e$ mattre on a he", o, co"$ tone- an$ he .a a".ay ti,, an$ tight .hen he a.akene$.
She pa$$e$ to her bain on ma""- bare- ca""/e$ ,eet- i"ent a a ha$o.- p"ahe$ coo" .ater on
her ,ace- patte$ here", $ry. Ser 1regor, he tho/ght. Dunsen, )aff the Sweetling+ Ser Il!n, Ser
*er!n, :ueen %ersei+ #er morning prayer. Hr .a it6 2o, he tho/ght- not mine+ I am no one+
#hat is the night wolf/s pra!er+ Someda! she will find them, hunt them, smell their fear, taste
their blood+ Someda!+
She ,o/n$ her ma""c"othe in a pi"e- ni,,e$ at them to make /re they .ere ,reh eno/gh to
.ear- $onne$ them in her $arkne. #er ervant4 garb .a .here he4$ h/ng it@a "ong t/nic o,
/n$ye$ .oo"- ro/ghp/n an$ cratchy. She nappe$ it o/t an$ p/""e$ it $o.n over her hea$ .ith
one mooth practice$ motion. Sock came "at. Hne b"ack- one .hite. 7he b"ack one ha$
titching ro/n$ the top- the .hite noneI he co/"$ ,ee" .hich .a .hich- make /re he got each
ock on the right "eg. Skinny a they .ere- her "eg .ere trong an$ pringy an$ gro.ing "onger
every $ay.
She .a g"a$ o, that. A .ater $ancer nee$ goo$ "eg. B"in$ Beth .a no .ater $ancer- b/t
he .o/"$ not be Beth ,orever.
She kne. the .ay to the kitchen- b/t her noe .o/"$ have "e$ her there even i, he ha$n4t.
7ot peppers and fried fish, he $eci$e$- ni,,ing $o.n the ha""- and bread fresh from <mma/s
oen+ 7he me"" ma$e her be""y r/mb"e. 7he night .o", ha$ ,eate$- b/t that .o/"$ not ,i"" the
b"in$ gir"4 be""y. 5ream meat co/"$ not no/rih her- he ha$ "earne$ that ear"y on.
She broke her ,at on ar$ine- ,rie$ crip in pepper oi" an$ erve$ o hot they b/rne$ her
,inger. She moppe$ /p the "e,tover oi" .ith a ch/nk o, brea$ torn o,, the en$ o, Fmma4
morning "oa, an$ .ahe$ it a"" $o.n .ith a c/p o, .atere$ .ine- avoring the tate an$ the
me""- the ro/gh ,ee" o, the cr/t beneath her ,inger- the "ickne o, the oi"- the ting o, the hot
pepper .hen it got into the ha",(hea"e$ crape on the back o, the han$. 7ear, smell, taste, feel,
he remin$e$ here",. #here are man! wa!s to know the world for those who cannot see+
Someone ha$ entere$ the room behin$ her- moving on o,t pa$$e$ "ipper A/iet a a mo/e.
#er notri" ,"are$. #he kindl! man+ Men ha$ a $i,,erent me"" than .omen- an$ there .a a hint
o, orange in the air a .e"". 7he priet .a ,on$ o, che.ing orange rin$ to .eeten hi breath-
.henever he co/"$ get them.
2An$ .ho are yo/ thi morning61 he hear$ him ak- a he took hi eat at the hea$ o, the
tab"e. #ap, tap, he hear$- then a tiny crack"ing o/n$. Breaking his first egg+
2No one-1 he rep"ie$.
2A "ie. & kno. yo/. Eo/ are that b"in$ beggar gir".1
2Beth.1 She ha$ kno.n a Beth once- back at 3inter,e"" .hen he .a Arya Stark. Maybe that
.a .hy he4$ picke$ the name. Hr maybe it .a =/t beca/e it .ent o .e"" .ith blind+
29oor chi"$-1 ai$ the kin$"y man. 23o/"$ yo/ "ike to have yo/r eye back6 Ak- an$ yo/
ha"" ee.1
#e ake$ the ame A/etion every morning. 2& may .ant them on the morro.. Not to$ay.1
#er ,ace .a ti"" .ater- hi$ing a""- revea"ing nothing.
2A yo/ .i"".1 She co/"$ hear him pee"ing the egg- then a ,aint i"very clink a he picke$ /p
the a"t poon. #e "ike$ hi egg .e"" a"te$. 23here $i$ my poor b"in$ gir" go begging "at
night61
27he &nn o, the Green Ce".1
2An$ .hat three ne. thing $o yo/ kno. that yo/ $i$ not kno. .hen "at yo/ "e,t /61
27he Sea"or$ i ti"" ick.1
27hi i no ne. thing. 7he Sea"or$ .a ick yeter$ay- an$ he .i"" ti"" be ick /pon the
morro..1
2Hr $ea$.1
23hen he i $ea$- that .i"" be a ne. thing.1
When he is dead, there will be a choosing, and the knies will come out+ 7hat .a the .ay o,
it in Braavo. &n 3etero- a $ea$ king .a ,o""o.e$ by hi e"$et on- b/t the Braavoi ha$ no
king. 27ormo +regar .i"" be the ne. ea"or$.1
2& that .hat they are aying at the &nn o, the Green Ce"61
2Ee.1
7he kin$"y man took a bite o, hi egg. 7he gir" hear$ him che.ing. #e never poke .ith hi
mo/th ,/"". #e .a""o.e$- an$ ai$- 2Some men ay there i .i$om in .ine. S/ch men are
,oo". At other inn other name are being br/ite$ abo/t- never $o/bt.1 #e took another bite o,
egg- che.e$- .a""o.e$. 23hat three ne. thing $o yo/ know, that yo/ $i$ not kno. be,ore61
2& know that ome men are sa!ing that 7ormo +regar .i"" /re"y be the ne. ea"or$-1 he
an.ere$. 2Some $r/nken men.1
2Better. An$ .hat e"e $o yo/ kno.61
It is snowing in the rierlands, in Westeros, he a"mot ai$. B/t he .o/"$ have ake$ her
ho. he kne. that- an$ he $i$ not think that he .o/"$ "ike her an.er. She che.e$ her "ip-
thinking back to "at night. 27he .hore S4vrone i .ith chi"$. She i not certain o, the ,ather- b/t
think it might have been that 7yrohi e"".or$ that he ki""e$.1
27hi i goo$ to kno.. 3hat e"e61
27he Mer"ing D/een ha choen a ne. Mermai$ to take the p"ace o, the one that $ro.ne$.
She i the $a/ghter o, a 9retayn erving mai$- thirteen an$ penni"e- b/t "ove"y.1
2So are they a""- at the beginning-1 ai$ the priet- 2b/t yo/ cannot kno. that he i "ove"y
/n"e yo/ have een her .ith yo/r o.n eye- an$ yo/ have none. 3ho are yo/- chi"$61
2No one.1
2B"in$ Beth the beggar gir" i .ho & ee. She i a .retche$ "iar- that one. See to yo/r $/tie.
.alar morghulis+1
4.alar dohaeris+5 She gathere$ /p her bo." an$ c/p- kni,e an$ poon- an$ p/he$ to her ,eet.
?at o, a"" he grape$ her tick. &t .a ,ive ,eet "ong- "en$er an$ /pp"e- thick a her th/mb-
.ith "eather .rappe$ aro/n$ the ha,t a ,oot ,rom the top. Better than e!es, once !ou learn how
to use it, the .ai, ha$ to"$ her.
7hat .a a "ie. 7hey o,ten "ie$ to her- to tet her. No tick .a better than a pair o, eye. &t
.a goo$ to have- tho/gh- o he a".ay kept it c"oe. Fmma ha$ taken to ca""ing her Stick- b/t
name $i$ not matter. She .a her. 2o one+ I am no one+ -ust a blind girl, 9ust a serant of 7im
of *an! Faces+
Cach night at /pper the .ai, bro/ght her a c/p o, mi"k an$ to"$ her to $rink it $o.n. 7he
$rink ha$ a A/eer- bitter tate that the b"in$ gir" oon "earne$ to "oathe. Cven the ,aint me"" that
.arne$ her .hat it .a be,ore it to/che$ her tong/e oon ma$e her ,ee" "ike retching- b/t he
$raine$ the c/p a"" the ame.
2#o. "ong m/t & be b"in$61 he .o/"$ ak.
2Fnti" $arkne i a .eet to yo/ a "ight-1 the .ai, .o/"$ ay- 2or /nti" yo/ ak / ,or yo/r
eye. Ak an$ yo/ ha"" ee.1
And then !ou will send me awa!+ Better b"in$ than that. 7hey .o/"$ not make her yie"$.
Hn the $ay he ha$ .oken b"in$- the .ai, took her by the han$ an$ "e$ her thro/gh the va/"t
an$ t/nne" o, the rock on .hich the #o/e o, B"ack an$ 3hite .a b/i"t- /p the teep tone
tep into the temp"e proper. 2Co/nt the tep a yo/ c"imb-1 he ha$ ai$. 2?et yo/r ,inger
br/h the .a"". 7here are marking there- inviib"e to the eye- p"ain to the to/ch.1
7hat .a her ,irt "eon. 7here ha$ been many more.
9oion an$ potion .ere ,or the a,ternoon. She ha$ me"" an$ to/ch an$ tate to he"p her-
b/t to/ch an$ tate co/"$ be peri"o/ .hen grin$ing poion- an$ .ith ome o, the .ai,4 more
to:ic concoction even me"" .a "e than a,e. B/rne$ pinky tip an$ b"itere$ "ip became
,ami"iar to her- an$ once he ma$e here", o ick he co/"$ not keep $o.n any ,oo$ ,or $ay.
S/pper .a ,or "ang/age "eon. 7he b"in$ gir" /n$ertoo$ Braavoi an$ co/"$ peak it
paab"y- he ha$ even "ot mot o, her barbaric accent- b/t the kin$"y man .a not content. #e
.a initing that he improve her #igh %a"yrian an$ "earn the tong/e o, ?y an$ 9ento too.
&n the evening he p"aye$ the "ying game .ith the .ai,- b/t .itho/t eye to ee the game .a
very $i,,erent. Sometime a"" he ha$ to go on .a tone an$ choice o, .or$I other time the
.ai, a""o.e$ her to "ay han$ /pon her ,ace. At ,irt the game .a m/ch- m/ch har$er- the ne:t
thing to impoib"e8 b/t =/t .hen he .a near the point o, creaming .ith ,r/tration- it a""
became m/ch eaier. She "earne$ to hear the "ie- to ,ee" them in the p"ay o, the m/c"e aro/n$
the mo/th an$ eye.
Many o, her other $/tie ha$ remaine$ the ame- b/t a he .ent abo/t them he t/mb"e$
over ,/rnihing- .a"ke$ into .a""- $roppe$ tray- got hope"e"y he"p"e"y "ot ini$e the
temp"e. Hnce he a"mot ,e"" hea$"ong $o.n the tep- b/t Syrio +ore" ha$ ta/ght her ba"ance in
another "i,etime- .hen he .a the gir" ca""e$ Arya- an$ omeho. he recovere$ an$ ca/ght
here", in time.
Some night he might have crie$ here", to "eep i, he ha$ ti"" been Arry or 3eae" or Cat-
or even Arya o, #o/e Stark8 b/t no one ha$ no tear. 3itho/t eye- even the imp"et tak .a
peri"o/. She b/rne$ here", a $oGen time a he .orke$ .ith Fmma in the kitchen. Hnce-
chopping onion- he c/t her ,inger $o.n to the bone. 7.ice he co/"$ not even ,in$ her o.n
room in the ce""ar an$ ha$ to "eep on the ,"oor at the bae o, the tep. A"" the nook an$ a"cove
ma$e the temp"e treachero/- even a,ter the b"in$ gir" ha$ "earne$ to /e her earI the .ay her
,oottep bo/nce$ o,, the cei"ing an$ echoe$ ro/n$ the "eg o, the thirty ta"" tone go$ ma$e the
.a"" theme"ve eem to move- an$ the poo" o, ti"" b"ack .ater $i$ trange thing to o/n$ a
.e"".
2Eo/ have ,ive ene-1 the kin$"y man ai$. 2?earn to /e the other ,o/r- yo/ .i"" have ,e.er
c/t an$ crape an$ cab.1
She co/"$ ,ee" air c/rrent on her kin no.. She co/"$ ,in$ the kitchen by their me""- te""
men ,rom .omen by their cent. She kne. Fmma an$ the ervant an$ the aco"yte by the
pattern o, their ,oot,a""- co/"$ te"" one ,rom the other be,ore they got c"oe eno/gh to me"" ;b/t
not the .ai, or the kin$"y man- .ho har$"y ma$e a o/n$ at a"" /n"e they .ante$ to<. 7he
can$"e b/rning in the temp"e ha$ cent a .e""I even the /ncente$ one gave o,, ,aint .ip o,
moke ,rom their .ick. 7hey ha$ a .e"" been ho/ting- once he ha$ "earne$ to /e her noe.
7he $ea$ men ha$ their o.n me"" too. Hne o, her $/tie .a to ,in$ them in the temp"e every
morning- .herever they ha$ choen to "ie $o.n an$ c"oe their eye a,ter $rinking ,rom the poo".
7hi morning he ,o/n$ t.o.
Hne man ha$ $ie$ at the ,eet o, the Stranger- a ing"e can$"e ,"ickering above him. She co/"$
,ee" it heat- an$ the cent that it gave o,, tick"e$ her noe. 7he can$"e b/rne$ .ith a $ark re$
,"ame- he kne.I ,or thoe .ith eye- the corpe .o/"$ have eeme$ a.ah in a r/$$y g"o..
Be,ore /mmoning the erving men to carry him a.ay- he kne"t an$ ,e"t hi ,ace- tracing the
"ine o, hi =a.- br/hing her ,inger acro hi cheek an$ noe- to/ching hi hair. %url! hair,
and thick+ A handsome face, unlined+ 7e was !oung+ She .on$ere$ .hat ha$ bro/ght him here to
eek the gi,t o, $eath. 5ying bravo o,t ,o/n$ their .ay to the #o/e o, B"ack an$ 3hite- to
haten their en$- b/t thi man ha$ no .o/n$ that he co/"$ ,in$.
7he econ$ bo$y .a that o, an o"$ .oman. She ha$ gone to "eep /pon a $reaming co/ch- in
one o, the hi$$en a"cove .here pecia" can$"e con=/re$ viion o, thing "ove$ an$ "ot. A
.eet $eath an$ a gent"e one- the kin$"y man .a ,on$ o, aying. #er ,inger to"$ her that the o"$
.oman ha$ $ie$ .ith a mi"e on her ,ace. She ha$ not been $ea$ "ong. #er bo$y .a ti"" .arm
to the to/ch. 7er skin is so soft, like old thin leather that/s been folded and wrinkled a thousand
times+
3hen the erving men arrive$ to bear the corpe a.ay- the b"in$ gir" ,o""o.e$ them. She "et
their ,oottep be her g/i$e- b/t .hen they ma$e their $ecent he co/nte$. She kne. the co/nt
o, a"" the tep by heart. Fn$er the temp"e .a a maGe o, va/"t an$ t/nne" .here even men .ith
t.o goo$ eye .ere o,ten "ot- b/t the b"in$ gir" ha$ "earne$ every inch o, it- an$ he ha$ her
tick to he"p her ,in$ her .ay ho/"$ her memory ,a"ter.
7he corpe .ere "ai$ o/t in the va/"t. 7he b"in$ gir" .ent to .ork in the $ark- tripping the
$ea$ o, boot an$ c"othe an$ other poeion- emptying their p/re an$ co/nting o/t their
coin. 7e""ing one coin ,rom another by to/ch a"one .a one o, the ,irt thing the .ai, ha$
ta/ght her- a,ter they took a.ay her eye. 7he Braavoi coin .ere o"$ ,rien$I he nee$ on"y
br/h her ,ingertip acro their ,ace to recogniGe them. Coin ,rom other "an$ an$ citie .ere
har$er- epecia""y thoe ,rom ,ar a.ay. %o"antene honor .ere mot common- "itt"e coin no
bigger than a penny .ith a cro.n on one i$e an$ a k/"" on the other. ?yene coin .ere ova"
an$ ho.e$ a nake$ .oman. Hther coin ha$ hip tampe$ onto them- or e"ephant- or goat.
7he 3eteroi coin ho.e$ a king4 hea$ on the ,ront an$ a $ragon on the back.
7he o"$ .oman ha$ no p/re- no .ea"th at a"" b/t ,or a ring on one thin ,inger. Hn the
han$ome man he ,o/n$ ,o/r go"$en $ragon o/t o, 3etero. She .a r/nning the ba"" o, her
th/mb acro the mot .orn o, them- trying to $eci$e .hich king it ho.e$- .hen he hear$ the
$oor opening o,t"y behin$ her.
23ho i there61 he ake$.
2No one.1 7he voice .a $eep- harh- co"$.
An$ moving. She teppe$ to one i$e- grabbe$ ,or her tick- nappe$ it /p to protect her ,ace.
3oo$ clacked againt .oo$. 7he ,orce o, the b"o. a"mot knocke$ the tick ,rom her han$. She
he"$ on- "ahe$ back8 an$ ,o/n$ on"y empty air .here he ho/"$ have been. 2Not there-1 the
voice ai$. 2Are yo/ b"in$61
She $i$ not an.er. 7a"king .o/"$ on"y m/$$"e any o/n$ he might be making. #e .o/"$
be moving- he kne.. "eft or right6 She =/mpe$ "e,t- ./ng right- hit nothing. A tinging c/t
,rom behin$ her ca/ght her in the back o, the "eg. 2Are yo/ $ea,61 She p/n- the tick in her "e,t
han$- .hir"ing- miing. +rom the "e,t he hear$ the o/n$ o, "a/ghter. She "ahe$ right.
7hi time he connecte$. #er tick macke$ o,, hi o.n. 7he impact ent a =o"t /p her arm.
2Goo$-1 the voice ai$.
7he b"in$ gir" $i$ not kno. .hom the voice be"onge$ to. Hne o, the aco"yte- he /ppoe$.
She $i$ not remember ever hearing hi voice be,ore- b/t .hat .a there to ay that the ervant
o, the Many(+ace$ Go$ co/"$ not change their voice a eai"y a they $i$ their ,ace6 Bei$e
her- the #o/e o, B"ack an$ 3hite .a home to t.o erving men- three aco"yte- Fmma the
cook- an$ the t.o priet that he ca""e$ the .ai, an$ the kin$"y man. Hther came an$ .ent-
ometime by ecret .ay- b/t thoe .ere the on"y one .ho "ive$ here. #er nemei co/"$ be
any o, them.
7he gir" $arte$ i$e.ay- her tick pinning- hear$ a o/n$ behin$ her- .hir"e$ in that
$irection- tr/ck at air. An$ a"" at once hi o.n tick .a bet.een her "eg- tang"ing them a he
trie$ to t/rn again- craping $o.n her hin. She t/mb"e$ an$ .ent $o.n to one knee- o har$
he bit her tong/e.
7here he toppe$. Still as stone+ Where is he6
Behin$ her- he "a/ghe$. #e rappe$ her mart"y on one ear- then cracke$ her kn/ck"e a he
.a cramb"ing to her ,eet. #er tick ,e"" c"attering to the tone. She hie$ in ,/ry.
2Go on. 9ick it /p. & am $one beating yo/ ,or to$ay.1
2No one beat me.1 7he gir" cra."e$ on a"" ,o/r /nti" he ,o/n$ her tick- then prang back to
her ,eet- br/ie$ an$ $irty. 7he va/"t .a ti"" an$ i"ent. #e .a gone. Hr .a he6 #e co/"$ be
tan$ing right bei$e her- he .o/"$ never kno.. "isten for his breathing, he to"$ here",- b/t
there .a nothing. She gave it another moment- then p/t her tick ai$e an$ re/me$ her .ork. If
I had m! e!es, I could beat him blood!+ Hne $ay the kin$"y man .o/"$ give them back- an$ he
.o/"$ ho. them a"".
7he o"$ .oman4 corpe .a coo" by no.- the bravo4 bo$y ti,,ening. 7he gir" .a /e$ to
that. Mot $ay- he pent more time .ith the $ea$ than .ith the "iving. She mie$ the ,rien$
he4$ ha$ .hen he .a Cat o, the Cana"I H"$ Br/co .ith hi ba$ back- hi $a/ghter 7a"ea
an$ Brea- the m/mmer ,rom the Ship- Merry an$ her .hore at the #appy 9ort- a"" the other
rog/e an$ .har,i$e c/m. She mie$ Cat here", the mot o, a""- even more than he mie$
her eye. She ha$ "ike$ being Cat- more than he ha$ ever "ike$ being Sa"ty or SA/ab or 3eae"
or Arry. I killed %at when I killed that singer+ 7he kin$"y man ha$ to"$ her that they .o/"$ have
taken her eye ,rom her any.ay- to he"p her to "earn to /e her other ene- b/t not ,or ha", a
year. B"in$ aco"yte .ere common in the #o/e o, B"ack an$ 3hite- b/t ,e. a yo/ng a he.
7he gir" .a not orry- tho/gh. 5areon ha$ been a $eerter ,rom the Night4 3atchI he ha$
$eerve$ to $ie.
She ha$ ai$ a m/ch to the kin$"y man. 2An$ are yo/ a go$- to $eci$e .ho ho/"$ "ive an$
.ho ho/"$ $ie61 he ake$ her. 23e give the gi,t to thoe marke$ by #im o, Many +ace- a,ter
prayer an$ acri,ice. So ha it a".ay been- ,rom the beginning. & have to"$ yo/ o, the ,o/n$ing
o, o/r or$er- o, ho. the ,irt o, / an.ere$ the prayer o, "ave .ho .ihe$ ,or $eath. 7he gi,t
.a given on"y to thoe .ho yearne$ ,or it- in the beginning8 b/t one $ay- the ,irt o, / hear$ a
"ave praying not ,or hi o.n $eath b/t ,or hi mater4. So ,ervent"y $i$ he $eire thi that he
o,,ere$ a"" he ha$- that hi prayer might be an.ere$. An$ it eeme$ to o/r ,irt brother that thi
acri,ice .o/"$ be p"eaing to #im o, Many +ace- o that night he grante$ the prayer. 7hen he
.ent to the "ave an$ ai$- JEo/ o,,ere$ a"" yo/ ha$ ,or thi man4 $eath- b/t "ave have nothing
b/t their "ive. 7hat i .hat the go$ $eire o, yo/. +or the ret o, yo/r $ay on earth- yo/ .i""
erve him.4 An$ ,rom that moment- .e .ere t.o.1 #i han$ c"oe$ aro/n$ her arm- gent"y b/t
,irm"y. 2A"" men m/t $ie. 3e are b/t $eath4 intr/ment- not $eath hime",. 3hen yo/ "e. the
inger- yo/ took go$4 po.er on yo/re",. 3e ki"" men- b/t .e $o not pre/me to =/$ge them.
5o yo/ /n$ertan$61
2o, he tho/ght. 2Ee-1 he ai$.
2Eo/ "ie. An$ that i .hy yo/ m/t no. .a"k in $arkne /nti" yo/ ee the .ay. Fn"e yo/
.ih to "eave /. Eo/ nee$ on"y ak- an$ yo/ may have yo/r eye back.1
2o, he tho/ght. 2No-1 he ai$.
7hat evening- a,ter /pper an$ a hort eion o, the "ying game- the b"in$ gir" tie$ a trip o,
rag aro/n$ her hea$ to hi$e her /e"e eye- ,o/n$ her begging bo."- an$ ake$ the .ai, to he"p
her $on Beth4 ,ace. 7he .ai, ha$ have$ her hea$ ,or her .hen they took her eyeI a m/mmer4
c/t- he ca""e$ it- ince many m/mmer $i$ the ame o their .ig might ,it them better. B/t it
.orke$ ,or beggar too an$ he"pe$ to keep their hea$ ,ree ,rom ,"ea an$ "ice. More than a .ig
.a nee$e$- tho/gh. 2& co/"$ cover yo/ .ith .eeping ore-1 the .ai, ai$- 2b/t then innkeep
an$ taverner .o/"$ chae yo/ ,rom their $oor.1 &ntea$ he gave her po: car an$ a
m/mmer4 mo"e on one cheek .ith a $ark hair gro.ing ,rom it. 2& it /g"y61 the b"in$ gir" ake$.
2&t i not pretty.1
2Goo$.1 She ha$ never care$ i, he .a pretty- even .hen he .a t/pi$ Arya Stark. Hn"y
her ,ather ha$ ever ca""e$ her that. 7im, and -on
Snow, sometimes+ #er mother /e$ to ay he could be pretty i, he .o/"$ =/t .ah an$ br/h
her hair an$ take more care .ith her $re- the .ay her iter $i$. 7o her iter an$ iter4
,rien$ an$ a"" the ret- he ha$ =/t been Arya #ore,ace. B/t they .ere a"" $ea$ no.- even
Arya- everyone b/t her ha",(brother- !on. Some night he hear$ ta"k o, him- in the tavern an$
brothe" o, the Ragman4 #arbor. 7he B"ack Batar$ o, the 3a""- one man ha$ ca""e$ him. 0en
-on would neer know Blind Beth, I bet+ 7hat ma$e her a$.
7he c"othe he .ore .ere rag- ,a$e$ an$ ,raying- b/t .arm c"ean rag ,or a"" that. Fn$er
them he hi$ three knive@one in a boot- one /p a "eeve- one heathe$ at the ma"" o, her back.
Braavoi .ere a kin$"y ,o"k- by an$ "arge- more "ike to he"p the poor b"in$ beggar gir" than try to
$o her harm- b/t there .ere a".ay a ,e. ba$ one .ho might ee her a omeone they co/"$
a,e"y rob or rape. 7he b"a$e .ere ,or them- tho/gh o ,ar the b"in$ gir" ha$ not been ,orce$ to
/e them. A cracke$ .oo$en begging bo." an$ be"t o, hempen rope comp"ete$ her garb.
She et o/t a the 7itan roare$ the /net- co/nting her .ay $o.n the tep ,rom the temp"e
$oor- then tapping to the bri$ge that took her over the cana" to the &"e o, the Go$. She co/"$ te""
that the ,og .a thick ,rom the c"ammy .ay her c"othe c"/ng to her an$ the $amp ,ee"ing o, the
air on her bare han$. 7he mit o, Braavo $i$ A/eer thing to o/n$ a .e""- he ha$ ,o/n$.
7alf the cit! will be half(blind tonight+
A he ma$e her .ay pat the temp"e- he co/"$ hear the aco"yte o, the C/"t o, Starry
3i$om atop their crying to.er- inging to the evening tar. A .ip o, cente$ moke h/ng in
the air- $ra.ing her $o.n the .in$ing path to .here the re$ priet ha$ ,ire$ the great iron
braGier o/ti$e the ho/e o, the ?or$ o, ?ight. Soon he co/"$ even ,ee" the heat in the air- a
re$ R4h""or4 .orhiper "i,te$ their voice in prayer. 2For the night is dark and full of terrors,1
they praye$.
2ot for me+ #er night .ere bathe$ in moon"ight an$ ,i""e$ .ith the ong o, her pack- .ith
the tate o, re$ meat torn o,, the bone- .ith the .arm ,ami"iar me"" o, her grey co/in. Hn"y
$/ring the $ay .a he a"one an$ b"in$.
She .a no tranger to the .ater,ront. Cat /e$ to pro." the .harve an$ a""ey o, the
Ragman4 #arbor e""ing m/e" an$ oyter an$ c"am ,or Br/co. 3ith her rag an$ her have$
hea$ an$ her m/mmer4 mo"e- he $i$ not "ook the ame a he ha$ then- b/t =/t to be a,e he
taye$ a.ay ,rom the Ship an$ the #appy 9ort an$ the other p"ace .here Cat ha$ been bet
kno.n.
She kne. each inn an$ tavern by it cent. 7he B"ack Bargeman ha$ a briny me"". 9ynto4
tank o, o/r .ine- tinky cheee- an$ 9ynto hime",- .ho never change$ hi c"othe or .ahe$
hi hair. At the Sai"men$er4 the moky air .a a".ay pice$ .ith the cent o, roating meat.
7he #o/e o, Seven ?amp .a ,ragrant .ith incene- the Satin 9a"ace .ith the per,/me o,
pretty yo/ng gir" .ho $reame$ o, being co/rtean.
Cach p"ace ha$ it o.n o/n$ too. Moroggo4 an$ the &nn o, the Green Ce" ha$ inger
per,orming mot night. At the H/tcat &nn the patron theme"ve $i$ the inging- in $r/nken
voice an$ ha", a h/n$re$ tong/e. 7he +ogho/e .a a".ay cro.$e$ .ith po"emen o,, the
erpent boat- arg/ing abo/t go$ an$ co/rtean an$ .hether or not the Sea"or$ .a a ,oo". 7he
Satin 9a"ace .a m/ch A/ieter- a p"ace o, .hipere$ en$earment- the o,t r/t"e o, i"k go.n-
an$ the gigg"ing o, gir".
Beth $i$ her begging at a $i,,erent p"ace every night. She ha$ "earne$ ear"y on that innkeep
an$ taverner .ere more apt to to"erate her preence i, it .a not a ,reA/ent occ/rrence. ?at
night he ha$ pent o/ti$e the &nn o, the Green Ce"- o tonight he t/rne$ right intea$ o, "e,t
a,ter the B"oo$y Bri$ge an$ ma$e her .ay to 9ynto4 at the other en$ o, Ragman4 #arbor- right
on the e$ge o, the 5ro.ne$ 7o.n. ?o/$ an$ me""y he might be- b/t 9ynto ha$ a o,t heart
/n$er a"" hi /n.ahe$ c"othe an$ b"/ter. H,t a not- he .o/"$ "et her come ini$e .here it .a
.arm i, the p"ace .a not too cro.$e$- an$ no. an$ again he might even "et her have a m/g o,
a"e an$ a cr/t o, ,oo$ .hi"t rega"ing her .ith hi torie. &n hi yo/nger $ay 9ynto ha$ been
the mot notorio/ pirate in the Steptone- to hear him te"" itI he "ove$ nothing better than to
peak at great "ength abo/t hi e:p"oit.
She .a in "/ck tonight. 7he tavern .a near empty- an$ he .a ab"e to c"aim a A/iet corner
not ,ar ,rom the ,ire. No ooner ha$ he ett"e$ there an$ croe$ her "eg than omething
br/he$ /p againt her thigh. 2Eo/ again61 ai$ the b"in$ gir". She cratche$ hi hea$ behin$ one
ear- an$ the cat =/mpe$ /p into her "ap an$ began to p/rr. Braavo .a ,/"" o, cat- an$ no p"ace
more than 9ynto4. 7he o"$ pirate be"ieve$ they bro/ght goo$ "/ck an$ kept hi tavern ,ree o,
vermin. 2Eo/ kno. me- $on4t yo/61 he .hipere$. Cat .ere not ,oo"e$ by a m/mmer4 mo"e.
7hey remembere$ Cat o, the Cana".
&t .a a goo$ night ,or the b"in$ gir". 9ynto .a in a =o""y moo$ an$ gave her a c/p o, .atere$
.ine- a ch/nk o, tinky cheee- an$ ha", o, an ee" pie. 29ynto i a very goo$ man-1 he
anno/nce$- then ett"e$ $o.n to te"" her o, the time he eiGe$ the pice hip- a ta"e he ha$ hear$
a $oGen time be,ore.
A the ho/r pae$ the tavern ,i""e$. 9ynto .a oon too b/y to pay her any min$- b/t
evera" o, hi reg/"ar $roppe$ coin into her begging bo.". Hther tab"e .ere occ/pie$ by
tranger' &bbenee .ha"er .ho reeke$ o, b"oo$ an$ b"/bber- a pair o, bravo .ith cente$ oi" in
their hair- a ,at man o/t o, ?orath .ho comp"aine$ that 9ynto4 booth .ere too ma"" ,or hi
be""y. An$ "ater three ?yeni- ai"or o,, the 1oodheart, a torm(.racke$ ga""ey that ha$ "impe$
into Braavo "at night an$ been eiGe$ thi morning by the Sea"or$4 g/ar$.
7he ?yeni took the tab"e nearet to the ,ire an$ poke A/iet"y over c/p o, b"ack tar r/m-
keeping their voice "o. o no one co/"$ overhear. B/t he .a no one an$ he hear$ mot every
.or$. An$ ,or a time it eeme$ that he co/"$ ee them too- thro/gh the "itte$ ye""o. eye o, the
tomcat p/rring in her "ap. Hne .a o"$ an$ one .a yo/ng an$ one ha$ "ot an ear- b/t a"" three
ha$ the .hite(b"on$ hair an$ mooth ,air kin o, ?y- .here the b"oo$ o, the o"$ +reeho"$ ti""
ran trong.
7he ne:t morning- .hen the kin$"y man ake$ her .hat three thing he kne. that he ha$
not kno.n be,ore- he .a rea$y.
2& kno. .hy the Sea"or$ eiGe$ the 1oodheart+ She .a carrying "ave. #/n$re$ o, "ave-
.omen an$ chi"$ren- rope$ together in her ho"$.1 Braavo ha$ been ,o/n$e$ by ecape$ "ave-
an$ the "ave tra$e .a ,orbi$$en here.
2& kno. .here the "ave came ,rom. 7hey .ere .i"$"ing ,rom 3etero- ,rom a p"ace ca""e$
#ar$home. An o"$ r/ine$ p"ace- acc/re$.1 H"$ Nan ha$ to"$ her ta"e o, #ar$home- back at
3inter,e"" .hen he ha$ ti"" been Arya Stark. 2A,ter the big batt"e .here the >ing(Beyon$(the(
3a"" .a ki""e$- the .i"$"ing ran a.ay- an$ thi .oo$ .itch ai$ that i, they .ent to
#ar$home- hip .o/"$ come an$ carry them a.ay to omep"ace .arm. B/t no hip came-
e:cept thee t.o ?yeni pirate- 1oodheart an$ 0lephant, that ha$ been $riven north by a torm.
7hey $roppe$ anchor o,, #ar$home to make repair- an$ a. the .i"$"ing- b/t there .ere
tho/an$ an$ they $i$n4t have room ,or a"" o, them- o they ai$ they4$ =/t take the .omen an$
the chi"$ren. 7he .i"$"ing ha$ nothing to eat- o the men ent o/t their .ive an$ $a/ghter- b/t
a oon a the hip .ere o/t to ea- the ?yeni $rove them be"o. an$ rope$ them /p. 7hey
meant to e"" them a"" in ?y. Hn"y then they ran into another torm an$ the hip .ere parte$.
7he 1oodheart .a o $amage$ her captain ha$ no choice b/t to p/t in here- b/t the 0lephant
may have ma$e it back to ?y. 7he ?yeni at 9ynto4 think that he4"" ret/rn .ith more hip.
7he price o, "ave i riing- they ai$- an$ there are tho/an$ more .omen an$ chi"$ren at
#ar$home.1
2&t i goo$ to kno.. 7hi i t.o. & there a thir$61
2Ee. & kno. that yo/4re the one .ho ha been hitting me.1 #er tick ,"ahe$ o/t- an$ cracke$
againt hi ,inger- en$ing hi o.n tick c"attering to the ,"oor.
7he priet .ince$ an$ natche$ hi han$ back. 2An$ ho. co/"$ a b"in$ gir" kno. that61
I saw !ou+ 2& gave yo/ three. & $on4t nee$ to give yo/ ,o/r.1 Maybe on the morro. he .o/"$
te"" him abo/t the cat that ha$ ,o""o.e$ her home "at night ,rom 9ynto4- the cat that .a hi$ing
in the ra,ter- "ooking $o.n on them. Or ma!be not+ &, he co/"$ have ecret- o co/"$ he.
7hat evening Fmma erve$ a"t(cr/te$ crab ,or /pper. 3hen her c/p .a preente$ to her-
the b"in$ gir" .rink"e$ her noe an$ $rank it $o.n in three "ong g/"p. 7hen he gape$ an$
$roppe$ the c/p. #er tong/e .a on ,ire- an$ .hen he g/"pe$ a c/p o, .ine the ,"ame prea$
$o.n her throat an$ /p her noe.
23ine .i"" not he"p- an$ .ater .i"" =/t ,an the ,"ame-1 the .ai, to"$ her. 2Cat thi.1 A hee"
o, brea$ .a pree$ into her han$. 7he gir" t/,,e$ it in her mo/th- che.e$- .a""o.e$. &t
he"pe$. A econ$ ch/nk he"pe$ more.
An$ come the morning- .hen the night .o", "e,t her an$ he opene$ her eye- he a. a
ta""o. can$"e b/rning .here no can$"e ha$ been the night be,ore- it /ncertain ,"ame .aying
back an$ ,orth "ike a .hore at the #appy 9ort. She ha$ never een anything o bea/ti,/".
A GHOST IN WINTERFE&&
7he $ea$ man .a ,o/n$ at the bae o, the inner .a""- .ith hi neck broken an$ on"y hi "e,t
"eg ho.ing above the no. that ha$ b/rie$ him $/ring the night.
&, Ramay4 bitche ha$ not $/g him /p- he might have taye$ b/rie$ ti"" pring. By the time
Ben Bone p/""e$ them o,,- Grey !eyne ha$ eaten o m/ch o, the $ea$ man4 ,ace that ha", the
$ay .a gone be,ore they kne. ,or certain .ho he4$ been' a man(at(arm o, ,o/r(an$(,orty year
.ho ha$ marche$ north .ith Roger Ry.e"". 2A $r/nk-1 Ry.e"" $ec"are$. 29iing o,, the .a""-
&4"" .ager. #e "ippe$ an$ ,e"".1 No one $iagree$. B/t 7heon Grey=oy ,o/n$ hime", .on$ering
.hy any man .o/"$ c"imb the no.("ick tep to the batt"ement in the b"ack o, night =/t to
take a pi.
A the garrion broke it ,at that morning on ta"e brea$ ,rie$ in bacon greae ;the "or$ an$
knight ate the bacon<- the ta"k a"ong the benche .a o, "itt"e b/t the corpe.
2Stanni ha ,rien$ ini$e the cat"e-1 7heon hear$ one er=eant m/tter. #e .a an o"$
7a""hart man- three tree e.n on hi ragge$ /rcoat. 7he .atch ha$ =/t change$. Men .ere
coming in ,rom the co"$- tomping their ,eet to knock the no. o,, their boot an$ breeche a
the mi$$ay mea" .a erve$@b"oo$ a/age- "eek- an$ bro.n brea$ ti"" .arm ,rom the oven.
2Stanni61 "a/ghe$ one o, Rooe Ry.e""4 ri$er. 2Stanni i no.e$ to $eath by no.. C"e
he4 r/n back to the 3a"" .ith hi tai" ,roGe bet.een hi "eg.1
2#e co/"$ be campe$ ,ive ,eet ,rom o/r .a"" .ith a h/n$re$ tho/an$ men-1 ai$ an archer
.earing Cer.yn co"or. 23e4$ never ee a one o4 them thro/gh thi torm.1
Cn$"e- ceae"e- merci"e- the no. ha$ ,a""en $ay an$ night. 5ri,t c"imbe$ the .a"" an$
,i""e$ the crene" a"ong the batt"ement- .hite b"anket covere$ every roo,- tent agge$ beneath
the .eight. Rope .ere tr/ng ,rom ha"" to ha"" to he"p men keep ,rom getting "ot a they
croe$ the yar$. Sentrie cro.$e$ into the g/ar$ t/rret to .arm ha",(,roGen han$ over
g"o.ing braGier- "eaving the .a"".a"k to the no.y entine" the A/ire ha$ thro.n /p- .ho
gre. "arger an$ tranger every night a .in$ an$ .eather .orke$ their .i"" /pon them. Ragge$
bear$ o, ice gre. $o.n the pear c"ape$ in their no.y ,it. No "e a man than #oteen
+rey- .ho ha$ been hear$ gro."ing that he $i$ not ,ear a "itt"e no.- "ot an ear to ,rotbite.
7he hore in the yar$ /,,ere$ mot. 7he b"anket thro.n over them to keep them .arm
oake$ thro/gh an$ ,roGe i, not change$ reg/"ar"y. 3hen ,ire .ere "it to keep the co"$ at bay-
they $i$ more harm then goo$. 7he .arhore ,eare$ the ,"ame an$ ,o/ght to get a.ay- in=/ring
theme"ve an$ other hore a they t.ite$ at their "ine. Hn"y the hore in the tab"e .ere a,e
an$ .arm- b/t the tab"e .ere a"rea$y overcro.$e$.
27he go$ have t/rne$ againt /-1 o"$ ?or$ ?ocke .a hear$ to ay in the Great #a"". 27hi
i their .roth. A .in$ a co"$ a he"" ite", an$ no. that never en$. 3e are c/re$.1
2Stannis i c/re$-1 a 5rea$,ort man inite$. 2#e i the one o/t there in the torm.1
2?or$ Stanni might be .armer than .e kno.-1 one ,oo"ih ,reeri$er arg/e$. 2#i orcere
can /mmon ,ire. Might be her re$ go$ can me"t thee no..1
#hat was unwise, 7heon kne. at once. 7he man poke too "o/$"y- an$ in the hearing o,
Ee""o. 5ick an$ So/r A"yn an$ Ben Bone. 3hen the ta"e reache$ ?or$ Ramay- he ent hi
Batar$4 Boy to eiGe the man an$ $rag him o/t into the no.. 2A yo/ eem o ,on$ o,
Stanni- .e .i"" en$ yo/ to him-1 he ai$. 5amon 5ance(,or(Me gave the ,reeri$er a ,e. "ahe
.ith hi "ong greae$ .hip. 7hen- .hi"t Skinner an$ Ee""o. 5ick ma$e .ager on ho. ,at hi
b"oo$ .o/"$ ,reeGe- Ramay ha$ the man $ragge$ /p to the Batt"ement Gate.
3inter,e""4 great main gate .ere c"oe$ an$ barre$- an$ o choke$ .ith ice an$ no. that
the portc/""i .o/"$ nee$ to be chippe$ ,ree be,ore it co/"$ be raie$. M/ch the ame .a tr/e o,
the #/nter4 Gate- tho/gh there at "eat ice .a not a prob"em- ince the gate ha$ een recent /e.
7he >ingroa$ Gate ha$ not- an$ ice ha$ ,roGen thoe $ra.bri$ge chain rock har$. 3hich "e,t
the Batt"ement Gate- a ma"" arche$ potern in the inner .a"". Hn"y ha", a gate- in tr/th- it ha$ a
$ra.bri$ge that panne$ the ,roGen moat b/t no correpon$ing gate.ay thro/gh the o/ter .a""-
o,,ering acce to the o/ter rampart b/t not the .or"$ beyon$.
7he b"ee$ing ,reeri$er .a carrie$ acro the bri$ge an$ /p the tep- ti"" proteting. 7hen
Skinner an$ So/r A"yn eiGe$ hi arm an$ "eg an$ toe$ him ,rom the .a"" to the gro/n$
eighty ,eet be"o.. 7he $ri,t ha$ c"imbe$ o high that they .a""o.e$ the man bo$i"y8 b/t
bo.men on the batt"ement c"aime$ they g"impe$ him ometime "ater- $ragging a broken "eg
thro/gh the no.. Hne ,eathere$ hi r/mp .ith an arro. a he .rigg"e$ a.ay. 2#e .i"" be $ea$
.ithin the ho/r-1 ?or$ Ramay promie$.
2Hr he4"" be /cking ?or$ Stanni4 cock be,ore the /n goe $o.n-1 3horebane Fmber
thre. back.
2#e bet take care it $on4t break o,,-1 "a/ghe$ Rickar$ Ry.e"". 2Any man o/t there in thi-
hi cock i ,roGen har$.1
2?or$ Stanni i "ot in the torm-1 ai$ ?a$y 5/tin. 2#e4 "eag/e a.ay- $ea$ or $ying. ?et
.inter $o it .ort. A ,e. more $ay an$ the no. .i"" b/ry him an$ hi army both.1
And us as well, tho/ght 7heon- marve"ing at her ,o""y. ?a$y Barbrey .a o, the north an$
ho/"$ have kno.n better. 7he o"$ go$ might be "itening.
S/pper .a peae porri$ge an$ yeter$ay4 brea$- an$ that ca/e$ m/ttering amongt the
common men a .e""I above the a"t- the "or$ an$ knight .ere een to be eating ham.
7heon .a bent over a .oo$en bo." ,inihing the "at o, hi o.n portion o, peae porri$ge
.hen a "ight to/ch on hi ho/"$er ma$e him $rop hi poon. 2Never to/ch me-1 he ai$- t.iting
$o.n to natch the ,a""en /teni" o,, the ,"oor be,ore one o, Ramay4 gir" co/"$ get ho"$ o, it.
22eer to/ch me.1
She at $o.n ne:t to him- too c"oe- another o, Abe"4 .aher.omen. 7hi one .a yo/ng-
,i,teen or maybe i:teen- .ith haggy b"on$ hair in nee$ o, a goo$ .ah an$ a pair o, po/ty "ip
in nee$ o, a goo$ ki. 2Some gir" "ike to to/ch-1 he ai$- .ith a "itt"e ha",(mi"e. 2&, it p"eae
m4"or$- &4m #o""y.1
7oll! the whore, he tho/ght- b/t he .a pretty eno/gh. Hnce he might have "a/ghe$ an$
p/""e$ her into hi "ap- b/t that $ay .a $one. 23hat $o yo/ .ant61
27o ee thee crypt. 3here are they- m4"or$6 3o/"$ yo/ ho. me61 #o""y toye$ .ith a
tran$ o, her hair- coi"ing it aro/n$ her "itt"e ,inger. 25eep an$ $ark- they ay. A goo$ p"ace ,or
to/ching. A"" the $ea$ king .atching.1
25i$ Abe" en$ yo/ to me61
2Might be. Might be & ent mye",. B/t i, it4 Abe" yo/4re .anting- & co/"$ bring him. #e4""
ing m4"or$ a .eet ong.1
Cvery .or$ he ai$ per/a$e$ 7heon that thi .a a"" ome p"oy. But whose, and to what
end6 3hat co/"$ Abe" .ant o, him6 7he man .a =/t a inger- a pan$er .ith a "/te an$ a ,a"e
mi"e. 7e wants to know how I took the castle, but not to make a song of it+ 7he an.er came to
him. 7e wants to know how we got in so he can get out+ ?or$ Bo"ton ha$ 3inter,e"" e.n /p
tight a a babe4 .a$$"ing c"othe. No one co/"$ come or go .itho/t hi "eave. 7e wants to flee,
him and his washerwoman+ 7heon co/"$ not b"ame him- b/t even o he ai$- 2& .ant no part o,
Abe"- or yo/- or any o, yo/r iter. !/t "eave me be.1
H/ti$e the no. .a .ir"ing- $ancing. 7heon grope$ hi .ay to the .a""- then ,o""o.e$ it to
the Batt"ement Gate. #e might have taken the g/ar$ ,or a pair o, ?itt"e 3a"$er4 no.men i,
he ha$ not een the .hite p"/me o, their breath. 2& .ant to .a"k the .a""-1 he to"$ them- hi
o.n breath ,roting in the air.
2B"oo$y co"$ /p there-1 one .arne$. 2B"oo$y co"$ $o.n here-1 the other ai$- 2b/t yo/ $o a
yo/ "ike- t/rnc"oak.1 #e .ave$ 7heon thro/gh the gate.
7he tep .ere no.(packe$ an$ "ippery- treachero/ in the $ark. Hnce he reache$ the
.a"".a"k- it $i$ not take him "ong to ,in$ the p"ace .here they4$ thro.n $o.n the ,reeri$er. #e
knocke$ ai$e the .a"" o, ,reh(,a""en no. ,i""ing /p the crene" an$ "eane$ o/t bet.een the
mer"on. I could 9ump, he tho/ght. 7e lied, wh! shouldn/t I6 #e co/"$ =/mp- an$8 And what6
Break a leg and die beneath the snow6 %reep awa! to freeze to death6
&t .a ma$ne. Ramay .o/"$ h/nt him $o.n- .ith the gir". Re$ !eyne an$ !eG an$
#e"icent .o/"$ tear him to piece i, the go$ .ere goo$. Hr .ore- he might be taken back a"ive.
2& have to remember my name,1 he .hipere$.
7he ne:t morning Ser Aeny +rey4 griGG"e$ A/ire .a ,o/n$ nake$ an$ $ea$ o, e:po/re in
the o"$ cat"e "ichyar$- hi ,ace o obc/re$ by hoar,rot that he appeare$ to be .earing a mak.
Ser Aeny p/t it ,orth that the man ha$ $r/nk too m/ch an$ gotten "ot in the torm- tho/gh no
one co/"$ e:p"ain .hy he ha$ taken o,, hi c"othe to go o/ti$e. Another drunkard, 7heon
tho/ght. 3ine co/"$ $ro.n a hot o, /picion.
7hen- be,ore the $ay .a $one- a crobo.man .orn to the +"int t/rne$ /p in the tab"e
.ith a broken k/"". >icke$ by a hore- ?or$ Ramay $ec"are$. A club, more like, 7heon $eci$e$.
&t a"" eeme$ o ,ami"iar- "ike a m/mmer ho. that he ha$ een be,ore. Hn"y the m/mmer
ha$ change$. Rooe Bo"ton .a p"aying the part that 7heon ha$ p"aye$ the "at time ro/n$- an$
the $ea$ men .ere p"aying the part o, Aggar- Gynir Re$noe- an$ Ge"marr the Grim. )eek was
there too, he remembere$- but he was a different )eek, a )eek with blood! hands and lies
dripping from his lips, sweet as hone!+ )eek, )eek, it rh!mes with sneak+
7he $eath et Rooe Bo"ton4 "or$ to A/arre"ing open"y in the Great #a"". Some .ere
r/nning hort o, patience. 2#o. "ong m/t .e it here .aiting ,or thi king .ho never come61
Ser #oteen +rey $eman$e$. 23e ho/"$ take the ,ight to Stanni an$ make an en$ to him.1
2?eave the cat"e61 croake$ one(arme$ #ar.oo$ Sto/t. #i tone /ggete$ he .o/"$ ooner
have hi remaining arm hacke$ o,,. 23o/"$ yo/ have / charge b"in$"y into the no.61
27o ,ight ?or$ Stanni .e .o/"$ ,irt nee$ to ,in$ him-1 Rooe Ry.e"" pointe$ o/t. 2H/r
co/t go o/t the #/nter4 Gate- b/t o, "ate- none o, them ret/rn.1
?or$ 3yman Man$er"y "appe$ hi maive be""y. 23hite #arbor $oe not ,ear to ri$e .ith
yo/- Ser #oteen. ?ea$ / o/t- an$ my knight .i"" ri$e behin$ yo/.1
Ser #oteen t/rne$ on the ,at man. 2C"oe eno/gh to $rive a "ance thro/gh my back- aye.
3here are my kin- Man$er"y6 7e"" me that. Eo/r g/et- .ho bro/ght yo/r on back to yo/.1
2#i bone- yo/ mean.1 Man$er"y peare$ a ch/nk o, ham .ith hi $agger. 2& reca"" them
.e"". Rhaegar o, the ro/n$ ho/"$er- .ith hi g"ib tong/e. Bo"$ Ser !are$- o .i,t to $ra. hi
tee". Symon$ the pymater- a".ay c"inking coin. 7hey bro/ght home 3en$e"4 bone. &t .a
7y.in ?anniter .ho ret/rne$ 3y"i to me- a,e an$ .ho"e- a he ha$ promie$. A man o, hi
.or$- ?or$ 7y.in- Seven ave hi o/".1 ?or$ 3yman poppe$ the meat into hi mo/th- che.e$
it noii"y- macke$ hi "ip- an$ ai$- 27he roa$ ha many $anger- er. & gave yo/r brother g/et
gi,t .hen .e took o/r "eave o, 3hite #arbor. 3e .ore .e .o/"$ meet again at the .e$$ing.
Many an$ more bore .itne to o/r parting.1
2Many an$ more61 mocke$ Aeny +rey. 2Hr yo/ an$ yo/r61
23hat are yo/ /ggeting- +rey61 7he ?or$ o, 3hite #arbor .ipe$ hi mo/th .ith hi "eeve.
2& $o not "ike yo/r tone- er. No- not one b"oo$y bit.1
2Step o/t into the yar$- yo/ ack o, /et- an$ &4"" erve yo/ a"" the b"oo$y bit that yo/ can
tomach-1 Ser #oteen ai$.
3yman Man$er"y "a/ghe$- b/t ha", a $oGen o, hi knight .ere on their ,eet at once. &t ,e"" to
Roger Ry.e"" an$ Barbrey 5/tin to ca"m them .ith A/iet .or$. Rooe Bo"ton ai$ nothing at
a"". B/t 7heon Grey=oy a. a "ook in hi pa"e eye that he ha$ never een be,ore@an /neaine-
even a hint o, ,ear.
7hat night the ne. tab"e co""ape$ beneath the .eight o, the no. that ha$ b/rie$ it. 7.enty(
i: hore an$ t.o groom $ie$- cr/he$ beneath the ,a""ing roo, or mothere$ /n$er the no..
&t took the bet part o, the morning to $ig o/t the bo$ie. ?or$ Bo"ton appeare$ brie,"y in the
o/ter .ar$ to inpect the cene- then or$ere$ the remaining hore bro/ght ini$e- a"ong .ith the
mo/nt ti"" tethere$ in the o/ter .ar$. An$ no ooner ha$ the men ,inihe$ $igging o/t the $ea$
men an$ b/tchering the hore than another corpe .a ,o/n$.
7hi one co/"$ not be .ave$ a.ay a ome $r/nken t/mb"e or the kick o, a hore. 7he $ea$
man .a one o, Ramay4 ,avorite- the A/at- cro,/"o/- i""(,avore$ man(at(arm ca""e$ Ee""o.
5ick. 3hether hi $ick ha$ act/a""y been ye""o. .a har$ to $etermine- a omeone ha$ "ice$ it
o,, an$ t/,,e$ it into hi mo/th o ,orce,/""y they ha$ broken three o, hi teeth. 3hen the cook
,o/n$ him o/ti$e the kitchen- b/rie$ /p to hi neck in a no.$ri,t- both $ick an$ man .ere
b"/e ,rom co"$. 2B/rn the bo$y-1 Rooe Bo"ton or$ere$- 2an$ ee that yo/ $o not peak o, thi.
&4"" not have thi ta"e prea$.1
7he ta"e prea$ nonethe"e. By mi$$ay mot o, 3inter,e"" ha$ hear$- many ,rom the "ip o,
Ramay Bo"ton- .hoe 2boy1 Ee""o. 5ick ha$ been. 23hen .e ,in$ the man .ho $i$ thi-1
?or$ Ramay promie$- 2& .i"" ,"ay the kin o,, him- cook it crip a crack"ing- an$ make him eat
it- every bite.1 3or$ .ent o/t that the ki""er4 name .o/"$ be .orth a go"$en $ragon.
7he reek .ithin the Great #a"" .a pa"pab"e by eventi$e. 3ith h/n$re$ o, hore- $og- an$
men A/eeGe$ /n$erneath one roo,- the ,"oor "imy .ith m/$ an$ me"ting no.- horehit- $og
t/r$- an$ even h/man ,ece- the air re$o"ent .ith the me"" o, .et $og- .et .oo"- an$ o$$en
hore b"anket- there .a no com,ort to be ,o/n$ amongt the cro.$e$ benche- b/t there .a
,oo$. 7he cook erve$ /p great "ab o, ,reh horemeat- charre$ o/ti$e an$ b"oo$y re$ .ithin-
.ith roat onion an$ neep8 an$ ,or once- the common o"$ier ate a .e"" a the "or$ an$
knight.
7he horemeat .a too to/gh ,or the r/in o, 7heon4 teeth. #i attempt to che. gave him
e:cr/ciating pain. So he mahe$ the neep an$ onion /p together .ith the ,"at o, hi $agger an$
ma$e a mea" o, that- then c/t the hore /p very ma""- /cke$ on each piece- an$ pat it o/t. 7hat
.ay at "eat he ha$ the tate- an$ ome no/rihment ,rom the greae an$ b"oo$. 7he bone .a
beyon$ him- tho/gh- o he toe$ it to the $og an$ .atche$ Grey !eyne make o,, .ith it .hi"t
Sara an$ 3i""o. nappe$ at her hee".
?or$ Bo"ton comman$e$ Abe" to p"ay ,or them a they ate. 7he bar$ ang 2&ron ?ance-1 then
27he 3inter Mai$.1 3hen Barbrey 5/tin ake$ ,or omething more cheer,/"- he gave them
27he D/een 7ook H,, #er San$a"- the >ing 7ook H,, #i Cro.n-1 an$ 27he Bear an$ the
Mai$en +air.1 7he +rey =oine$ the inging- an$ even a ,e. northmen "amme$ their ,it on the
tab"e to the chor/- be""o.ing- 2A bear; A bear;1 B/t the noie ,rightene$ the hore- o the
inger oon "et o,, an$ the m/ic $ie$ a.ay.
7he Batar$4 Boy gathere$ beneath a .a"" conce .here a torch .a ,"aming moki"y. ?/ton
an$ Skinner .ere thro.ing $ice. Gr/nt ha$ a .oman in hi "ap- a breat in hi han$. 5amon
5ance(,or(Me at greaing /p hi .hip. 2)eek,1 he ca""e$. #e tappe$ the .hip againt hi ca", a
a man might $o to /mmon hi $og. 2Eo/ are tarting to tink again- Reek.1
7heon ha$ no rep"y ,or that beyon$ a o,t 2Ee.1
2?or$ Ramay mean to c/t yo/r "ip o,, .hen a"" thi i $one-1 ai$ 5amon- troking hi
.hip .ith a greay rag.
*! lips hae been between his lad!/s legs+ #hat insolence cannot go unpunished+ 2A yo/
ay.1
?/ton g/,,a.e$. 2& think he .ant it.1
2Go a.ay- Reek-1 Skinner ai$. 27he me"" o, yo/ t/rn my tomach.1 7he other "a/ghe$.
#e ,"e$ A/ick"y- be,ore they change$ their min$. #i tormentor .o/"$ not ,o""o. him
o/ti$e. Not o "ong a there .a ,oo$ an$ $rink .ithin- .i""ing .omen an$ .arm ,ire. A he
"e,t the ha""- Abe" .a inging 27he Mai$ 7hat B"oom in Spring.1
H/ti$e the no. .a coming $o.n o heavi"y that 7heon co/"$ not ee more than three ,eet
ahea$ o, him. #e ,o/n$ hime", a"one in a .hite .i"$erne- .a"" o, no. "ooming /p to either
i$e o, him chet high. 3hen he raie$ hi hea$- the no.,"ake br/he$ hi cheek "ike co"$ o,t
kie. #e co/"$ hear the o/n$ o, m/ic ,rom the ha"" behin$ him. A o,t ong no.- an$ a$.
+or a moment he ,e"t a"mot at peace.
+arther on- he came /pon a man tri$ing in the oppoite $irection- a hoo$e$ c"oak ,"apping
behin$ him. 3hen they ,o/n$ theme"ve ,ace(to(,ace their eye met brie,"y. 7he man p/t a han$
on hi $agger. 27heon 7/rnc"oak. 7heon >in"ayer.1
2&4m not. & never8 & .a ironborn.1
2+a"e i a"" yo/ .ere. #o. i it yo/ ti"" breathe61
27he go$ are not $one .ith me-1 7heon an.ere$- .on$ering i, thi co/"$ be the ki""er- the
night .a"ker .ho ha$ t/,,e$ Ee""o. 5ick4 cock into hi mo/th an$ p/he$ Roger Ry.e""4
groom o,, the batt"ement. H$$"y- he .a not a,rai$. #e p/""e$ the g"ove ,rom hi "e,t han$.
2?or$ Ramay i not $one .ith me.1
7he man "ooke$- an$ "a/ghe$. 2& "eave yo/ to him- then.1
7heon tr/$ge$ thro/gh the torm /nti" hi arm an$ "eg .ere cake$ .ith no. an$ hi han$
an$ ,eet ha$ gone n/mb ,rom co"$- then c"imbe$ to the batt"ement o, the inner .a"" again. Fp
here- a h/n$re$ ,eet high- a "itt"e .in$ .a b"o.ing- tirring the no.. A"" the crene" ha$ ,i""e$
/p. 7heon ha$ to p/nch thro/gh a .a"" o, no. to make a ho"e8 on"y to ,in$ that he co/"$ not
ee beyon$ the moat. H, the o/ter .a""- nothing remaine$ b/t a vag/e ha$o. an$ a ,e. $im
"ight ,"oating in the $ark.
#he world is gone+ >ing4 ?an$ing- Riverr/n- 9yke- an$ the &ron &"an$- a"" the Seven
>ing$om- every p"ace that he ha$ ever kno.n- every p"ace that he ha$ ever rea$ abo/t or
$reame$ o,- a"" gone. Hn"y 3inter,e"" remaine$.
#e .a trappe$ here- .ith the ghot. 7he o"$ ghot ,rom the crypt an$ the yo/nger one
that he ha$ ma$e hime",- Mikken an$ +ar"en- Gynir Re$noe- Aggar- Ge"marr the Grim- the
mi""er4 .i,e ,rom Acorn 3ater an$ her t.o yo/ng on- an$ a"" the ret. *! work+ *! ghosts+
#he! are all here, and the! are angr!+ #e tho/ght o, the crypt an$ thoe miing .or$.
7heon ret/rne$ to hi o.n chamber. #e .a tripping o,, hi .et c"othe .hen Stee"hank
3a"ton ,o/n$ him. 2Come .ith me- t/rnc"oak. #i "or$hip .ant .or$ .ith yo/.1
#e ha$ no c"ean $ry c"othe- o he .rigg"e$ back into the ame $amp rag an$ ,o""o.e$.
Stee"hank "e$ him back to the Great >eep an$ the o"ar that ha$ once been C$$ar$ Stark4.
?or$ Bo"ton .a not a"one. ?a$y 5/tin at .ith him- pa"e(,ace$ an$ evereI an iron horehea$
brooch c"ape$ Roger Ry.e""4 c"oakI Aeny +rey too$ near the ,ire- pinche$ cheek ,"/he$
.ith co"$.
2& am to"$ yo/ have been .an$ering the cat"e-1 ?or$ Bo"ton began. 2Men have reporte$
eeing yo/ in the tab"e- in the kitchen- in the barrack- on the batt"ement. Eo/ have been
oberve$ near the r/in o, co""ape$ keep- o/ti$e ?a$y Cate"yn4 o"$ ept- coming an$ going
,rom the go$.oo$. 5o yo/ $eny it61
2No- m4"or$.1 7heon ma$e /re to m/$$y /p the .or$. #e kne. that p"eae$ ?or$ Bo"ton. 2&
cannot "eep- m4"or$. & .a"k.1 #e kept hi hea$ $o.n- ,i:e$ /pon the o"$ ta"e r/he cattere$
on the ,"oor. &t .a not .ie to "ook hi "or$hip in the ,ace. 2& .a a boy here be,ore the .ar. A
.ar$ o, C$$ar$ Stark.1
2Eo/ .ere a hotage-1 Bo"ton ai$.
2Ee- m4"or$. A hotage.1 It was m! home, though+ 2ot a true home, but the best I eer knew+
2Someone ha been ki""ing my men.1
2Ee- m4"or$.1
2Not yo/- & tr/t61 Bo"ton4 voice gre. even o,ter. 2Eo/ .o/"$ not repay a"" my kin$nee
.ith /ch treachery.1
2No- m4"or$- not me. & .o/"$n4t. &8 on"y .a"k- i a"".1
?a$y 5/tin poke /p. 27ake o,, yo/r g"ove.1
7heon g"ance$ /p harp"y. 29"eae- no. &8 &81
25o a he ay-1 Ser Aeny ai$. 2Sho. / yo/r han$.1
7heon pee"e$ hi g"ove o,, an$ he"$ hi han$ /p ,or them to ee. It is not as if I stand before
them naked+ It is not so bad as that+ #i "e,t han$ ha$ three ,inger- hi right ,o/r. Ramay ha$
taken on"y the pinky o,, the one- the ring ,inger an$ ,ore,inger ,rom the other.
27he Batar$ $i$ thi to yo/-1 ?a$y 5/tin ai$.
2&, it p"eae m4"a$y- &8 & ake$ it o, him.1 Ramay a".ay ma$e him ak. )amsa! alwa!s
makes me beg+
23hy .o/"$ yo/ $o that61
2&8 & $i$ not nee$ o many ,inger.1
2+o/r i eno/gh.1 Ser Aeny +rey ,ingere$ the .ipy bro.n bear$ that pro/te$ ,rom hi
.eak chin "ike a rat4 tai". 2+o/r on hi right han$. #e co/"$ ti"" ho"$ a .or$. A $agger.1
?a$y 5/tin "a/ghe$. 2Are a"" +rey /ch ,oo"6 ?ook at him. #o"$ a $agger6 #e har$"y ha
the trength to ho"$ a poon. 5o yo/ tr/"y think he co/"$ have overcome the Batar$4 $ig/ting
creat/re an$ hove$ hi manhoo$ $o.n hi throat61
27hee $ea$ .ere a"" trong men-1 ai$ Roger Ry.e""- 2an$ none o, them .ere tabbe$. 7he
t/rnc"oak4 not o/r ki""er.1
Rooe Bo"ton4 pa"e eye .ere ,i:e$ on 7heon- a harp a Skinner4 ,"aying kni,e. 2& am
inc"ine$ to agree. Strength ai$e- he $oe not have it in him to betray my on.1
Roger Ry.e"" gr/nte$. 2&, not him- .ho6 Stanni ha ome man ini$e the cat"e- that4
p"ain.1
)eek is no man+ 2ot )eek+ 2ot me+ #e .on$ere$ i, ?a$y 5/tin ha$ to"$ them abo/t the
crypt- the miing .or$.
23e m/t "ook at Man$er"y-1 m/ttere$ Ser Aeny +rey. 2?or$ 3yman "ove / not.1
Ry.e"" .a not convince$. 2#e "ove hi teak an$ chop an$ meat pie- tho/gh. 9ro."ing
the cat"e by $ark .o/"$ reA/ire him to "eave the tab"e. 7he on"y time he $oe that i .hen he
eek the privy ,or one o, hi ho/r"ong A/at.1
2& $o not c"aim ?or$ 3yman $oe the $ee$ hime",. #e bro/ght three h/n$re$ men .ith
him. A h/n$re$ knight. Any o, them might have@1
2Night .ork i not knight4 .ork-1 ?a$y 5/tin ai$. 2An$ ?or$ 3yman i not the on"y man
.ho "ot kin at yo/r Re$ 3e$$ing- +rey. 5o yo/ imagine 3horebane "ove yo/ any better6 &,
yo/ $i$ not ho"$ the Great=on- he .o/"$ p/"" o/t yo/r entrai" an$ make yo/ eat them- a ?a$y
#orn.oo$ ate her ,inger. +"int- Cer.yn- 7a""hart- S"ate8 they a"" ha$ men .ith the Eo/ng
3o",.1
2#o/e Ry.e"" too-1 ai$ Roger Ry.e"".
2Cven 5/tin o/t o, Barro.ton.1 ?a$y 5/tin parte$ her "ip in a thin- ,era" mi"e. 27he
north remember- +rey.1
Aeny +rey4 mo/th A/ivere$ .ith o/trage. 2Stark $ihonore$ /. 7hat i .hat yo/ northmen
ha$ bet remember.1
Rooe Bo"ton r/bbe$ at hi chappe$ "ip. 27hi A/abb"ing .i"" not erve.1 #e ,"icke$ hi
,inger at 7heon. 2Eo/ are ,ree to go. 7ake care .here yo/ .an$er. C"e it might be yo/ .e ,in$
/pon the morro.- mi"ing a re$ mi"e.1
2A yo/ ay- m4"or$.1 7heon $re. hi g"ove on over hi maime$ han$ an$ took hi "eave-
"imping on hi maime$ ,oot.
7he ho/r o, the .o", ,o/n$ him ti"" a.ake- .rappe$ in "ayer o, heavy .oo" an$ greay ,/r-
.a"king yet another circ/it o, the inner .a""- hoping to e:ha/t hime", eno/gh to "eep. #i
"eg .ere cake$ .ith no. to the knee- hi hea$ an$ ho/"$er hro/$e$ in .hite. Hn thi tretch
o, the .a"" the .in$ .a in hi ,ace- an$ me"ting no. ran $o.n hi cheek "ike icy tear.
7hen he hear$ the horn.
A "ong "o. moan- it eeme$ to hang above the batt"ement- "ingering in the b"ack air- oaking
$eep into the bone o, every man .ho hear$ it. A"" a"ong the cat"e .a""- entrie t/rne$ to.ar$
the o/n$- their han$ tightening aro/n$ the ha,t o, their pear. &n the r/ine$ ha"" an$ keep
o, 3inter,e""- "or$ h/he$ other "or$- hore nickere$- an$ "eeper tirre$ in their $ark corner.
No ooner ha$ the o/n$ o, the .arhorn $ie$ a.ay than a $r/m began to beat' BOO* doom
BOO* doom BOO* doom+ An$ a name pae$ ,rom the "ip o, each man to the ne:t- .ritten in
ma"" .hite p/,, o, breath. Stannis, they .hipere$- Stannis is here, Stannis is come, Stannis,
Stannis, Stannis+
7heon hivere$. Baratheon or Bo"ton- it ma$e no matter to him. Stanni ha$ ma$e common
ca/e .ith !on Sno. at the 3a""- an$ !on .o/"$ take hi hea$ o,, in a heartbeat. $lucked from
the clutches of one bastard to die at the hands of another, what a 9ape+ 7heon .o/"$ have
"a/ghe$ a"o/$ i, he4$ remembere$ ho..
7he $r/mming eeme$ to be coming ,rom the .o",.oo$ beyon$ the #/nter4 Gate. #he! are
9ust outside the walls+ 7heon ma$e hi .ay a"ong the .a"".a"k- one more man amongt a core
$oing the ame. B/t even .hen they reache$ the to.er that ,"anke$ the gate ite",- there .a
nothing to be een beyon$ the vei" o, .hite.
25o they mean to try an$ blow o/r .a"" $o.n61 =ape$ a +"int .hen the .arhorn o/n$e$
once again. 2Mayhap he think he4 ,o/n$ the #orn o, !oram/n.1
2& Stanni ,oo" eno/gh to torm the cat"e61 a entry ake$.
2#e4 not Robert-1 $ec"are$ a Barro.ton man. 2#e4"" it- ee i, he $on4t. 7ry an$ tarve /
o/t.1
2#e4"" ,reeGe hi ba"" o,, ,irt-1 another entry ai$.
23e ho/"$ take the ,ight to him-1 $ec"are$ a +rey.
Do that, 7heon tho/ght. )ide out into the snow and die+ "eae Winterfell to me and the
ghosts+ Rooe Bo"ton .o/"$ .e"come /ch a ,ight- he ene$. 7e needs an end to this+ 7he cat"e
.a too cro.$e$ to .ithtan$ a "ong iege- an$ too many o, the "or$ here .ere o, /ncertain
"oya"ty. +at 3yman Man$er"y- 3horebane Fmber- the men o, #o/e #orn.oo$ an$ #o/e
7a""hart- the ?ocke an$ +"int an$ Ry.e""- a"" o, them .ere northmen, .orn to #o/e Stark
,or generation beyon$ co/nt. &t .a the gir" .ho he"$ them here- ?or$ C$$ar$4 b"oo$- b/t the
gir" .a =/t a m/mmer4 p"oy- a "amb in a $ire.o",4 kin. So .hy not en$ the northmen ,orth
to batt"e Stanni be,ore the ,arce /nrave"e$6 Slaughter in the snow+ And eer! man who falls is
one less foe for the Dreadfort+
7heon .on$ere$ i, he might be a""o.e$ to ,ight. 7hen at "eat he might $ie a man4 $eath-
.or$ in han$. 7hat .a a gi,t Ramay .o/"$ never give him- b/t ?or$ Rooe might. If I beg
him+ I did all he asked of me, I pla!ed m! part, I gae the girl awa!+
5eath .a the .eetet $e"iverance he co/"$ hope ,or.
&n the go$.oo$ the no. .a ti"" $io"ving a it to/che$ the earth. Steam roe o,, the hot
poo"- ,ragrant .ith the me"" o, mo an$ m/$ an$ $ecay. A .arm ,og h/ng in the air- t/rning
the tree into entine"- ta"" o"$ier hro/$e$ in c"oak o, g"oom. 5/ring $ay"ight ho/r- the
teamy .oo$ .a o,ten ,/"" o, northmen come to pray to the o"$ go$- b/t at thi ho/r 7heon
Grey=oy ,o/n$ he ha$ it a"" to hime",.
An$ in the heart o, the .oo$ the .eir.oo$ .aite$ .ith it kno.ing re$ eye. 7heon toppe$
by the e$ge o, the poo" an$ bo.e$ hi hea$ be,ore it carve$ re$ ,ace. Cven here he co/"$ hear
the $r/mming- boom DOO* boom DOO* boom DOO* boom DOO*+ ?ike $itant th/n$er-
the o/n$ eeme$ to come ,rom every.here at once.
7he night .a .in$"e- the no. $ri,ting traight $o.n o/t o, a co"$ b"ack ky- yet the "eave
o, the heart tree .ere r/t"ing hi name. 27heon-1 they eeme$ to .hiper- 27heon.1
#he old gods, he tho/ght. #he! know me+ #he! know m! name+ I was #heon of 7ouse 1re!9o!+
I was a ward of 0ddard Stark, a friend and brother to his children+ 29"eae.1 #e ,e"" to hi knee.
2A .or$- that4 a"" & ak. ?et me $ie a 7heon- not a Reek.1 7ear trick"e$ $o.n hi cheek-
impoib"y .arm. 2& .a ironborn. A on8 a on o, 9yke- o, the i"an$.1
A "ea, $ri,te$ $o.n ,rom above- br/he$ hi bro.- an$ "an$e$ in the poo". &t ,"oate$ on the
.ater- re$- ,ive(,ingere$- "ike a b"oo$y han$. 28Bran-1 the tree m/rm/re$.
#he! know+ #he gods know+ #he! saw what I did+ An$ ,or one trange moment it eeme$ a i,
it .ere Bran4 ,ace carve$ into the pa"e tr/nk o, the .eir.oo$- taring $o.n at him .ith eye re$
an$ .ie an$ a$. Bran/s ghost, he tho/ght- b/t that .a ma$ne. 3hy ho/"$ Bran .ant to
ha/nt him6 #e ha$ been ,on$ o, the boy- ha$ never $one him any harm. It was not Bran we
killed+ It was not )ickon+ #he! were onl! miller/s sons, from the mill b! the Acorn Water+ 2& ha$
to have t.o hea$- e"e they .o/"$ have mocke$ me8 "a/ghe$ at me8 they81
A voice ai$- 23ho are yo/ ta"king to61
7heon p/n- terri,ie$ that Ramay ha$ ,o/n$ him- b/t it .a =/t the .aher.omen@#o""y-
Ro.an- an$ one .hoe name he $i$ not kno.. 27he ghot-1 he b"/rte$. 27hey .hiper to me.
7hey8 they kno. my name.1
27heon 7/rnc"oak.1 Ro.an grabbe$ hi ear- t.iting. 2Eo/ ha$ to have t.o hea$- $i$ yo/61
2C"e.ie men .o/"$ have laughed at him-1 ai$ #o""y.
#he! do not understand+ 7heon .renche$ ,ree. 23hat $o yo/ .ant61 he ake$.
2Eo/-1 ai$ the thir$ .aher.oman- an o"$er .oman- $eep(voice$- .ith grey treak in her
hair.
2& to"$ yo/. & .ant to to/ch yo/- t/rnc"oak.1 #o""y mi"e$. &n her han$ a b"a$e appeare$.
I could scream, 7heon tho/ght. Someone will hear+ #he castle is full of armed men+ #e .o/"$
be $ea$ be,ore he"p reache$ him- to be /re- hi b"oo$ oaking into the gro/n$ to ,ee$ the heart
tree. And what would be so wrong with that6 27o/ch me-1 he ai$. 2>i"" me.1 7here .a more
$epair than $e,iance in hi voice. 2Go on. 5o me- the .ay yo/ $i$ the other. Ee""o. 5ick an$
the ret. &t .a yo/.1
#o""y "a/ghe$. 2#o. co/"$ it be /6 3e4re .omen. 7eat an$ c/nnie. #ere to be ,/cke$- not
,eare$.1
25i$ the Batar$ h/rt yo/61 Ro.an ake$. 2Choppe$ o,, yo/r ,inger- $i$ he6 Skinne$ yo/r
.i$$"e toe6 >nocke$ yo/r teeth o/t6 9oor "a$.1 She patte$ hi cheek. 27here .i"" be no more o4
that- & promie. Eo/ praye$- an$ the go$ ent /. Eo/ .ant to $ie a 7heon6 3e4"" give yo/
that. A nice A/ick $eath- 4t.i"" har$"y h/rt at a"".1 She mi"e$. 2B/t not ti"" yo/4ve /ng ,or Abe".
#e4 .aiting ,or yo/.1
T'RION
?ot ninety(even.1 7he a/ctioneer nappe$ hi .hip. 2A pair o, $.ar,- .e"" traine$ ,or yo/r
am/ement.1
7he a/ction b"ock ha$ been thro.n /p .here the broa$ bro.n SkahaGa$han ,"o.e$ into
S"aver4 Bay. 7yrion ?anniter co/"$ me"" the a"t in the air- ming"e$ .ith the tink ,rom the
"atrine $itche behin$ the "ave pen. #e $i$ not min$ the heat o m/ch a he $i$ the $amp. 7he
very air eeme$ to .eigh him $o.n- "ike a .arm .et b"anket acro hi hea$ an$ ho/"$er.
25og an$ pig inc"/$e$ in "ot-1 the a/ctioneer anno/nce$. 27he $.ar, ri$e them. 5e"ight the
g/et at yo/r ne:t ,eat or /e them ,or a ,o""y.1
7he bi$$er at on .oo$en benche ipping ,r/it $rink. A ,e. .ere being ,anne$ by "ave.
Many .ore tokar- that pec/"iar garment be"ove$ by the o"$ b"oo$ o, S"aver4 Bay- a e"egant a
it .a impractica". Hther $ree$ more p"ain"y@men in t/nic an$ hoo$e$ c"oak- .omen in
co"ore$ i"k. 3hore or prietee- mot "ikeI thi ,ar eat it .a har$ to te"" the t.o apart.
Back behin$ the benche- tra$ing =ape an$ making mock o, the procee$ing- too$ a c"ot o,
.eterner. Sellswords, 7yrion kne.. #e pie$ "ong.or$- $irk an$ $agger- a brace o,
thro.ing a:e- mai" beneath their c"oak. 7heir hair an$ bear$ an$ ,ace marke$ mot ,or men
o, the +ree Citie- b/t here an$ there .ere a ,e. .ho might have been 3eteroi. Are the!
bu!ing6 Or did the! 9ust turn up for the show6
23ho .i"" open ,or thi pair61
27hree h/n$re$-1 bi$ a matron on an antiA/e pa"anA/in. 2+o/r-1 ca""e$ a montro/"y ,at
E/nkihman ,rom the "itter .here he pra."e$ "ike a "eviathan. Covere$ a"" in ye""o. i"k ,ringe$
.ith go"$- he "ooke$ a "arge a ,o/r &""yrio. 7yrion pitie$ the "ave .ho ha$ to carry him. At
least we will be spared that dut!+ What 9o! to be a dwarf+
2An$ one-1 ai$ a crone in a vio"et tokar+ 7he a/ctioneer gave her a o/r "ook b/t $i$ not
$ia""o. the bi$.
7he "ave ai"or o,, the Selaesori :horan, o"$ ing"y- ha$ gone ,or price ranging ,rom ,ive
h/n$re$ to nine h/n$re$ piece o, i"ver. Seaone$ eamen .ere a va"/ab"e commo$ity. None
ha$ p/t /p any ort o, ,ight .hen the "aver boar$e$ their cripp"e$ cog. +or them thi .a =/t a
change o, o.ner. 7he hip4 mate ha$ been ,ree men- b/t the .i$o. o, the .ater,ront ha$
.ritten them a bin$er- promiing to tan$ their ranom in /ch a cae a thi. 7he three /rviving
,iery ,inger ha$ not been o"$ yet- b/t they .ere chatte" o, the ?or$ o, ?ight an$ co/"$ co/nt
on being bo/ght back by ome re$ temp"e. 7he ,"ame tattooe$ /pon their ,ace .ere their
bin$er.
7yrion an$ 9enny ha$ no /ch rea/rance. 2+o/r(,i,ty-1 came the bi$. 2+o/r(eighty.1
2+ive h/n$re$.1
Some bi$ .ere ca""e$ o/t in #igh %a"yrian- ome in the mongre" tong/e o, Ghi. A ,e.
b/yer igna"e$ .ith a ,inger- the t.it o, a .rit- or the .ave o, a painte$ ,an.
2&4m g"a$ they are keeping / together-1 9enny .hipere$.
7he "ave tra$er hot them a "ook. 2No ta"k.1
7yrion gave 9enny4 ho/"$er a A/eeGe. Stran$ o, hair- pa"e b"on$ an$ b"ack- c"/ng to hi
bro.- the rag o, hi t/nic to hi back. Some o, that .a .eat- ome $rie$ b"oo$. #e ha$ not
been o ,oo"ih a to ,ight the "aver- a !orah Mormont ha$- b/t that $i$ not mean he ha$
ecape$ p/nihment. &n hi cae it .a hi mo/th that earne$ him "ahe.
2Cight h/n$re$.1
2An$ ,i,ty.1
2An$ one.1
We/re worth as much as a sailor, 7yrion m/e$. 7ho/gh perhap it .a 9retty 9ig the b/yer
.ante$. A well(trained pig is hard to find+ 7hey certain"y .ere not bi$$ing by the po/n$.
At nine h/n$re$ piece o, i"ver- the bi$$ing began to "o.. At nine h/n$re$ ,i,ty(one ;,rom
the crone<- it toppe$. 7he a/ctioneer ha$ the cent- tho/gh- an$ nothing .o/"$ $o b/t that the
$.ar, give the cro.$ a tate o, their ho.. Cr/nch an$ 9retty 9ig .ere "e$ /p onto the p"at,orm.
3itho/t a$$"e or bri$"e- mo/nting them prove$ tricky. 7he moment the o. began to move
7yrion "i$ o,, her r/mp an$ "an$e$ on hi o.n- provoking ga"e o, "a/ghter ,rom the bi$$er.
2Hne tho/an$-1 bi$ the groteA/e ,at man.
2An$ one.1 7he crone again.
9enny4 mo/th .a ,roGen in a rict/ o, a mi"e. Well trained for !our amusement+ #er ,ather
ha$ a $ea" to an.er ,or- in .hatever ma"" he"" .a reerve$ ,or $.ar,.
27.e"ve h/n$re$.1 7he "eviathan in ye""o.. A "ave bei$e him han$e$ him a $rink. "emon,
no doubt+ 7he .ay thoe ye""o. eye .ere ,i:e$ /pon the b"ock ma$e 7yrion /ncom,ortab"e.
27hirteen h/n$re$.1
2An$ one.1 7he crone.
*! father alwa!s said a "annister was worth ten times as much as an! common man+
At i:teen h/n$re$ the pace began to ,"ag again- o the "ave tra$er invite$ ome o, the b/yer
to come /p ,or a c"oer "ook at the $.ar,. 27he ,ema"e4 yo/ng-1 he promie$. 2Eo/ co/"$
bree$ the t.o o, them- get goo$ coin ,or the .he"p.1
2#a", hi noe i gone-1 comp"aine$ the crone once he4$ ha$ a goo$ c"oe "ook. #er .rink"e$
,ace p/ckere$ .ith $ip"ea/re. #er ,"eh .a maggot .hiteI .rappe$ in the vio"et tokar, he
"ooke$ "ike a pr/ne gone to mo"$. 2#i eye $on4t match neither. An i""(,avore$ thing.1
2My "a$y han4t een my bet part yet.1 7yrion grabbe$ hi crotch- in cae he mie$ hi
meaning.
7he hag hie$ in o/trage- an$ 7yrion got a "ick o, the .hip acro hi back- a tinging c/t
that $rove him to hi knee. 7he tate o, b"oo$ ,i""e$ hi mo/th. #e grinne$ an$ pat.
27.o tho/an$-1 ca""e$ a ne. voice- back o, the benche.
And what would a sellsword want with a dwarf6 7yrion p/he$ hime", back to hi ,eet to get
a better "ook. 7he ne. bi$$er .a an o"$er man- .hite(haire$ yet ta"" an$ ,it- .ith "eathery bro.n
kin an$ a c"oe(croppe$ a"t(an$(pepper bear$. #a",(hi$$en /n$er a ,a$e$ p/rp"e c"oak .ere a
"ong.or$ an$ a brace o, $agger.
27.enty(,ive h/n$re$.1 A ,ema"e voice thi timeI a gir"- hort- .ith a thick .ait an$ heavy
boom- c"a$ in ornate armor. #er c/"pte$ b"ack tee" breatp"ate .a in"ai$ in go"$ an$ ho.e$ a
harpy riing .ith chain $ang"ing ,rom her c"a.. A pair o, "ave o"$ier "i,te$ her to ho/"$er
height on a hie"$.
27hree tho/an$.1 7he bro.n(kinne$ man p/he$ thro/gh the cro.$- hi ,e""o. e"".or$
hoving b/yer ai$e to c"ear a path. &es+ %ome closer+ 7yrion kne. ho. to $ea" .ith e"".or$.
#e $i$ not think ,or a moment that thi man .ante$ him to ,ro"ic at ,eat. 7e knows me+ 7e
means to take me back to Westeros and sell me to m! sister+ 7he $.ar, r/bbe$ hi mo/th to hi$e
hi mi"e. Cerei an$ the Seven >ing$om .ere ha", a .or"$ a.ay. M/ch an$ more co/"$ happen
be,ore he got there. I turned Bronn+ 1ie me half a chance, might be I could turn this one too+
7he crone an$ the gir" on the hie"$ gave /p the chae at three tho/an$- b/t not the ,at man in
ye""o.. #e .eighe$ the e"".or$ .ith hi ye""o. eye- ,"icke$ hi tong/e acro hi ye""o.
teeth- an$ ai$- 2+ive tho/an$ i"ver ,or the "ot.1
7he e"".or$ ,ro.ne$- hr/gge$- t/rne$ a.ay.
Seen hells+ 7yrion .a A/ite certain that he $i$ not .ant to become the property o, the
immene ?or$ Ee""o.be""y. !/t the ight o, him agging acro hi "itter- a mo/ntain o, a""o.
,"eh .ith piggy ye""o. eye an$ breat big a 9retty 9ig p/hing at the i"k o, hi tokar .a
eno/gh to make the $.ar,4 kin cra.". An$ the me"" .a,ting o,, him .a pa"pab"e even on the
b"ock.
2&, there are no ,/rther bi$@1
2Seven tho/an$-1 ho/te$ 7yrion.
?a/ghter ripp"e$ acro the benche. 27he $.ar, .ant to b/y hime",-1 the gir" on the hie"$
oberve$.
7yrion gave her a "acivio/ grin. 2A c"ever "ave $eerve a c"ever mater- an$ yo/ "ot a""
"ook "ike ,oo".1
7hat provoke$ more "a/ghter ,rom the bi$$er- an$ a co." ,rom the a/ctioneer- .ho .a
,ingering hi .hip in$eciive"y a he trie$ to p/GG"e o/t .hether thi .o/"$ .ork to hi bene,it.
2+ive tho/an$ i an in/"t01 7yrion ca""e$ o/t. 2& =o/t- & ing- & ay am/ing thing. &4"" ,/ck
yo/r .i,e an$ make her cream. Hr yo/r enemy4 .i,e i, yo/ pre,er- .hat better .ay to hame
him6 &4m m/r$er .ith a crobo.- an$ men three time my iGe A/ai" an$ tremb"e .hen .e meet
acro a c!asse tab"e. & have even been kno.n to cook ,rom time to time. & bi$ ten tho/an$
i"ver ,or mye",0 &4m goo$ ,or it- & am- & am. My ,ather to"$ me & m/t a".ay pay my $ebt.1
7he e"".or$ in the p/rp"e c"oak t/rne$ back. #i eye met 7yrion4 acro the ro. o, other
bi$$er- an$ he mi"e$. A warm smile, that, the $.ar, re,"ecte$. Friendl!+ But m!, those e!es are
cold+ *ight be I don/t want him to bu! us after all+
7he ye""o. enormity .a A/irming in hi "itter- a "ook o, annoyance on hi h/ge pie ,ace. #e
m/ttere$ omething o/r in Ghicari that 7yrion $i$ not /n$ertan$- b/t the tone o, it .a p"ain
eno/gh. 23a that another bi$61 7he $.ar, cocke$ hi hea$. 2& o,,er a"" the go"$ o, Cater"y
Rock.1
#e hear$ the .hip be,ore he ,e"t it- a .hit"e in the air- thin an$ harp. 7yrion gr/nte$ /n$er
the b"o.- b/t thi time he manage$ to tay on hi ,eet. #i tho/ght ,"ahe$ back to the
beginning o, hi =o/rney- .hen hi mot preing prob"em ha$ been $eci$ing .hich .ine to
$rink .ith hi mi$morning nai". See what comes of chasing dragons+ A "a/gh b/rt ,rom hi
"ip- pattering the ,irt ro. o, b/yer .ith b"oo$ an$ pit.
2Eo/ are o"$-1 the a/ctioneer anno/nce$. 7hen he hit him again- =/t beca/e he co/"$. 7hi
time 7yrion .ent $o.n.
Hne o, the g/ar$ yanke$ him back to hi ,eet. Another pro$$e$ 9enny $o.n o,, the p"at,orm
.ith the b/tt o, hi pear. 7he ne:t piece o, chatte" .a a"rea$y being "e$ /p to take their p"ace.
A gir"- ,i,teen or i:teen- not o,, the Selaesori :horan thi time. 7yrion $i$ not kno. her. #he
same age as Daener!s #argar!en, or near enough+ 7he "aver oon ha$ her nake$. At least we
were spared that humiliation+
7yrion gaGe$ acro the E/nkih camp to the .a"" o, Meereen. 7hoe gate "ooke$ o
c"oe8 an$ i, the ta"k in the "ave pen co/"$ be be"ieve$- Meereen remaine$ a ,ree city ,or the
nonce. 3ithin thoe cr/mb"ing .a""- "avery an$ the "ave tra$e .ere ti"" ,orbi$$en. A"" he ha$
to $o .a reach thoe gate an$ pa beyon$- an$ he .o/"$ be a ,ree man again.
B/t that .a har$"y poib"e /n"e he aban$one$ 9enny. She/d want to take the dog and the
pig along+
2&t .on4t be o terrib"e- .i"" it61 9enny .hipere$. 2#e pai$ o m/ch ,or /. #e4"" be kin$-
.on4t he61
So long as we amuse him+ 23e4re too va"/ab"e to mitreat-1 he rea/re$ her- .ith b"oo$ ti""
trick"ing $o.n hi back ,rom thoe "at t.o "ahe. When our show grows stale, howeer= and
it does, it does grow stale =
7heir mater4 overeer .a .aiting to take charge o, them- .ith a m/"e cart an$ t.o o"$ier.
#e ha$ a "ong narro. ,ace an$ a chin bear$ bo/n$ abo/t .ith go"$en .ire- an$ hi ti,, re$(b"ack
hair .ept o/t ,rom hi temp"e to ,orm a pair o, ta"one$ han$. 23hat $ar"ing "itt"e creat/re
yo/ are-1 he ai$. 2Eo/ remin$ me o, my o.n chi"$ren8 or .o/"$- i, my "itt"e one .ere not
$ea$. & ha"" take goo$ care o, yo/. 7e"" me yo/r name.1
29enny.1 #er voice .a a .hiper- ma"" an$ care$.
#!rion, of 7ouse "annister, rightful lord of %asterl! )ock, !ou snieling worm+ 2Eo""o.1
2Bo"$ Eo""o. Bright 9enny. Eo/ are the property o, the nob"e an$ va"oro/ EeGGan Go
DaggaG- cho"ar an$ .arrior- revere$ amongt the 3ie Mater o, E/nkai. Co/nt yo/re"ve
,ort/nate- ,or EeGGan i a kin$"y an$ benevo"ent mater. 7hink o, him a yo/ .o/"$ yo/r ,ather.1
1ladl!, tho/ght 7yrion- b/t thi time he he"$ hi tong/e. 7hey .o/"$ have to per,orm ,or their
ne. mater oon eno/gh- he $i$ not $o/bt- an$ he co/"$ not take another "ah.
2Eo/r ,ather "ove hi pecia" trea/re bet o, a""- an$ he .i"" cherih yo/-1 the overeer .a
aying. 2An$ me- think o, me a yo/ .o/"$ the n/re .ho care$ ,or yo/ .hen yo/ .ere ma"".
N/re i .hat a"" my chi"$ren ca"" me.1
2?ot ninety(nine-1 the a/ctioneer ca""e$. 2A .arrior.1
7he gir" ha$ o"$ A/ick"y an$ .a being b/n$"e$ o,, to her ne. o.ner- c"/tching her c"othing
to ma""- pink(tippe$ breat. 7.o "aver $ragge$ !orah Mormont onto the b"ock to take her
p"ace. 7he knight .a nake$ b/t ,or a breechc"o/t- hi back ra. ,rom the .hip- hi ,ace o
.o""en a to be a"mot /nrecogniGab"e. Chain bo/n$ hi .rit an$ ank"e. A little taste of the
meal he cooked for me, 7yrion tho/ght- yet he ,o/n$ that he co/"$ take no p"ea/re ,rom the big
knight4 mierie.
Cven in chain- Mormont "ooke$ $angero/- a h/"king br/te .ith big- thick arm an$ "ope$
ho/"$er. A"" that coare $ark hair on hi chet ma$e him "ook more beat than man. Both hi
eye .ere b"ackene$- t.o $ark pit in that groteA/e"y .o""en ,ace. Fpon one cheek he bore a
bran$' a $emon4 mak.
3hen the "aver ha$ .arme$ aboar$ the Selaesori :horan, Ser !orah ha$ met them .ith
"ong.or$ in han$- "aying three be,ore they over.he"me$ him. 7heir hipmate .o/"$ g"a$"y
have ki""e$ him- b/t the captain ,orba$e itI a ,ighter .a a".ay .orth goo$ i"ver. So Mormont
ha$ been chaine$ to an oar- beaten .ithin an inch o, hi "i,e- tarve$- an$ bran$e$.
2Big an$ trong- thi one-1 the a/ctioneer $ec"are$. 29"enty o, pi in him. #e4"" give a goo$
ho. in the ,ighting pit. 3ho .i"" tart me o/t at three h/n$re$61
No one .o/"$.
Mormont pai$ no min$ to the mongre" cro.$I hi eye .ere ,i:e$ beyon$ the iege "ine- on
the $itant city .ith it ancient .a"" o, many(co"ore$ brick. 7yrion co/"$ rea$ that "ook a eay
a a book' so near and !et so distant+ 7he poor .retch ha$ ret/rne$ too "ate. 5aenery 7argaryen
.a .e$- the g/ar$ on the pen ha$ to"$ them- "a/ghing. She ha$ taken a Meereenee "aver a
her king- a .ea"thy a he .a nob"e- an$ .hen the peace .a igne$ an$ ea"e$ the ,ighting pit
o, Meereen .o/"$ open once again. Hther "ave inite$ that the g/ar$ .ere "ying- that
5aenery 7argaryen .o/"$ never make peace .ith "aver. *h!sa, they ca""e$ her. Someone to"$
him that meant *other+ Soon the i"ver A/een .o/"$ come ,orth ,rom her city- mah the
E/nkai4i- an$ break their chain- they .hipere$ to one another.
And then she/ll bake us all a lemon pie and kiss our widdle wounds and make them better, the
$.ar, tho/ght. #e ha$ no ,aith in roya" rec/e. &, nee$ be- he .o/"$ ee to their $e"iverance
hime",. 7he m/hroom =amme$ into the toe o, hi boot ho/"$ be /,,icient ,or both him an$
9enny. Cr/nch an$ 9retty 9ig .o/"$ nee$ to ,en$ ,or theme"ve.
N/re .a ti"" "ect/ring hi mater4 ne. priGe. 25o a"" yo/ are to"$ an$ nothing more- an$
yo/ ha"" "ive "ike "itt"e "or$- pampere$ an$ a$ore$-1 he promie$. 25iobey8 b/t yo/ .o/"$
never $o that- .o/"$ yo/6 Not my .eet"ing.1 #e reache$ $o.n an$ pinche$ 9enny on her
cheek.
27.o h/n$re$- then-1 the a/ctioneer ai$. 2A big br/te "ike thi- he4 .orth three time a
m/ch. 3hat a bo$yg/ar$ he .i"" make0 No enemy .i"" $are mo"et yo/01
2Come- my "itt"e ,rien$-1 N/re ai$- 2& .i"" ho. yo/ to yo/r ne. home. &n E/nkai yo/ .i""
$.e"" in the go"$en pyrami$ o, DaggaG an$ $ine o,, i"ver p"ate- b/t here .e "ive imp"y- in the
h/mb"e tent o, o"$ier.1
23ho .i"" give me one h/n$re$61 crie$ the a/ctioneer.
7hat $re. a bi$ at "at- tho/gh it .a on"y ,i,ty i"ver. 7he bi$$er .a a thin man in a "eather
apron.
2An$ one-1 ai$ the crone in the vio"et tokar+
Hne o, the o"$ier "i,te$ 9enny onto the back o, the m/"e cart. 23ho i the o"$ .oman61 the
$.ar, ake$ him.
2Kahrina-1 the man ai$. 2Cheap ,ighter- her. Meat ,or heroe. Eo/r ,rien$ $ea$ oon.1
7e was no friend to me+ Eet 7yrion ?anniter ,o/n$ hime", t/rning to N/re an$ aying-
2Eo/ cannot "et her have him.1
N/re A/inte$ at him. 23hat i thi noie yo/ make61
7yrion pointe$. 27hat one i part o, o/r ho.. 7he bear an$ the mai$en ,air. !orah i the bear-
9enny i the mai$en- & am the brave knight .ho rec/e her. & $ance abo/t an$ hit him in the
ba"". %ery ,/nny.1
7he overeer A/inte$ at the a/ction b"ock. 2#im61 7he bi$$ing ,or !orah Mormont ha$
reache$ t.o h/n$re$ i"ver.
2An$ one-1 ai$ the crone in the vio"et tokar+
2Eo/r bear. & ee.1 N/re .ent c/tt"ing o,, thro/gh the cro.$- bent over the h/ge ye""o.
E/nkihman in hi "itter- .hipere$ in hi ear. #i mater no$$e$- chin .obb"ing- then raie$
hi ,an. 27hree h/n$re$-1 he ca""e$ o/t in a .heeGy voice.
7he crone ni,,e$ an$ t/rne$ a.ay. 23hy $i$ yo/ $o that61 9enny ake$- in the Common
7ong/e.
A fair 3uestion, tho/ght 7yrion. Wh! did I6 2Eo/r ho. .a gro.ing $/"". Cvery m/mmer
nee$ a $ancing bear.1
She gave him a reproach,/" "ook- then retreate$ to the back o, the cart an$ at .ith her arm
aro/n$ Cr/nch- a i, the $og .a her "at tr/e ,rien$ in the .or"$. $erhaps he is+
N/re ret/rne$ .ith !orah Mormont. 7.o o, their mater4 "ave o"$ier ,"/ng him into the
back o, the m/"e cart bet.een the $.ar,. 7he knight $i$ not tr/gg"e. All the fight went out of
him when he heard that his 3ueen had wed, 7yrion rea"iGe$. Hne .hipere$ .or$ ha$ $one .hat
,it an$ .hip an$ c"/b co/"$ notI it ha$ broken him. I should hae let the crone hae him+
7e/s going to be as useful as nipples on a breastplate+
N/re c"imbe$ onto the ,ront o, the m/"e cart an$ took /p the rein- an$ they et o,, thro/gh
the iege camp to the compo/n$ o, their ne. mater- the nob"e EeGGan Go DaggaG. +o/r "ave
o"$ier marche$ bei$e them- t.o on either i$e o, the cart.
9enny $i$ not .eep- b/t her eye .ere re$ an$ mierab"e- an$ he never "i,te$ them ,rom
Cr/nch. Does she think all this might fade awa! if she does not look at it6 Ser !orah Mormont
"ooke$ at no one an$ nothing. #e at h/$$"e$- broo$ing in hi chain.
7yrion "ooke$ at everything an$ everyone.
7he E/nkih encampment .a not one camp b/t a h/n$re$ camp raie$ /p cheek by =o." in
a crecent aro/n$ the .a"" o, Meereen- a city o, i"k an$ canva .ith it o.n aven/e an$ a""ey-
tavern an$ tro""op- goo$ $itrict an$ ba$. Bet.een the iege "ine an$ the bay- tent ha$
pro/te$ /p "ike ye""o. m/hroom. Some .ere ma"" an$ mean- no more than a ,"ap o, o"$
taine$ canva to keep o,, the rain an$ /n- b/t bei$e them too$ barrack tent "arge eno/gh to
"eep a h/n$re$ men an$ i"ken pavi"ion a big a pa"ace .ith harpie g"eaming atop their roo,
po"e. Some camp .ere or$er"y- .ith the tent arraye$ aro/n$ a ,ire pit in concentric circ"e-
.eapon an$ armor tacke$ aro/n$ the inner ring- hore "ine o/ti$e. C"e.here- p/re chao
eeme$ to reign.
7he $ry- corche$ p"ain aro/n$ Meereen .ere ,"at an$ bare an$ tree"e ,or "ong "eag/e- b/t
the E/nkih hip ha$ bro/ght "/mber an$ hi$e /p ,rom the o/th- eno/gh to raie i: h/ge
treb/chet. 7hey .ere arraye$ on three i$e o, the city- a"" b/t the river i$e- /rro/n$e$ by
pi"e o, broken tone an$ cak o, pitch an$ rein =/t .aiting ,or a torch. Hne o, the o"$ier
.a"king a"ong bei$e the cart a. .here 7yrion .a "ooking an$ pro/$"y to"$ him that each o,
the treb/chet ha$ been given a name' 5ragonbreaker- #arri$an- #arpy4 5a/ghter- 3icke$
Siter- Ghot o, Atapor- MaG$han4 +it. 7o.ering above the tent to a height o, ,orty ,eet- the
treb/chet .ere the iege camp4 chie, "an$mark. 2!/t the ight o, them $rove the $ragon
A/een to her knee-1 he boate$. 2An$ there he .i"" tay- /cking #iG$ahr4 nob"e cock- e"e .e
mah her .a"" to r/bb"e.1
7yrion a. a "ave being .hippe$- b"o. a,ter b"o.- /nti" hi back .a nothing b/t b"oo$ an$
ra. meat. A ,i"e o, men marche$ pat in iron- c"anking .ith every tepI they carrie$ pear an$
.ore hort .or$- b/t chain "inke$ them .rit to .rit an$ ank"e to ank"e. 7he air me""e$ o,
roating meat- an$ he a. one man kinning a $og ,or hi te.pot.
#e a. the $ea$ a .e""- an$ hear$ the $ying. Fn$er the $ri,ting moke- the me"" o, hore-
an$ the harp a"t tang o, the bay .a a tink o, b"oo$ an$ hit. Some flu8, he rea"iGe$- a he
.atche$ t.o e"".or$ carry the corpe o, a thir$ ,rom one o, the tent. 7hat ma$e hi ,inger
t.itch. 5ieae co/"$ .ipe o/t an army A/icker than any batt"e- he ha$ hear$ hi ,ather ay once.
All the more reason to escape, and soon+
A A/arter mi"e on- he ,o/n$ goo$ reaon to reconi$er. A cro.$ ha$ ,orme$ aro/n$ three
"ave taken .hi"t trying to ecape. 2& kno. my "itt"e trea/re .i"" be .eet an$ obe$ient-1
N/re ai$. 2See .hat be,a"" one .ho try to r/n.1
7he captive ha$ been tie$ to a ro. o, crobeam- an$ a pair o, "inger .ere /ing them to
tet their ki"". 27o"oi-1 one o, the g/ar$ to"$ them. 27he bet "inger in the .or"$. 7hey
thro. o,t "ea$ ba"" in p"ace o, tone.1
7yrion ha$ never een the point o, "ing- .hen bo. ha$ o m/ch better range8 b/t he ha$
never een 7o"oi at .ork be,ore. 7heir "ea$ ba"" $i$ vat"y more $amage then the mooth
tone other "inger /e$- an$ more than any bo. a .e"". Hne tr/ck the knee o, one o, the
captive- an$ it b/rt apart in a go/t o, b"oo$ an$ bone that "e,t the man4 "o.er "eg $ang"ing by a
rope o, $ark re$ ten$on. Well, he won/t run again, 7yrion a""o.e$- a the man began to cream.
#i hriek ming"e$ in the morning air .ith the "a/ghter o, camp ,o""o.er an$ the c/re o,
thoe .ho4$ .agere$ goo$ coin that the "inger .o/"$ mi. 9enny "ooke$ a.ay- b/t N/re
grape$ her /n$er the chin an$ t.ite$ her hea$ back aro/n$. 23atch-1 he comman$e$. 2Eo/
too- bear.1
!orah Mormont raie$ hi hea$ an$ tare$ at N/re. 7yrion co/"$ ee the tightne in hi arm.
7e/s going to throttle him, and that will be the end for all of us+ B/t the knight on"y grimace$-
then t/rne$ to .atch the b"oo$y ho..
7o the eat the maive brick .a"" o, Meereen himmere$ thro/gh the morning heat. 7hat
.a the re,/ge thee poor ,oo" ha$ hope$ to reach. 7ow long will it remain a refuge, though6
A"" three o, the .o/"$(be ecapee .ere $ea$ be,ore N/re gathere$ /p the rein again. 7he
m/"e cart r/mb"e$ on.
7heir mater4 camp .a o/th an$ eat o, the #arri$an- a"mot in it ha$o.- an$ prea$
over evera" acre. 7he h/mb"e tent o, EeGGan Go DaggaG prove$ to be a pa"ace o, "emon(co"ore$
i"k. Gi"$e$ harpie too$ atop the center po"e o, each o, it nine peake$ roo,- hining in the
/n. ?eer tent ringe$ it on a"" i$e. 27hoe are the $.e""ing o, o/r nob"e mater4 cook-
conc/bine- an$ .arrior- an$ a ,e. "e(,avore$ kinmen-1 N/re to"$ them- 2b/t yo/ "itt"e
$ar"ing ha"" have the rare privi"ege o, "eeping .ithin EeGGan4 o.n pavi"ion. &t p"eae him to
keep hi trea/re c"oe.1 #e ,ro.ne$ at Mormont. 2Not yo/- bear. Eo/ are big an$ /g"y- yo/
.i"" be chaine$ o/ti$e.1 7he knight $i$ not repon$. 2+irt- a"" o, yo/ m/t be ,itte$ ,or co""ar.1
7he co""ar .ere ma$e o, iron- "ight"y gi"$e$ to make them g"itter in the "ight. EeGGan4 name
.a incie$ into the meta" in %a"yrian g"yph- an$ a pair o, tiny be"" .ere a,,i:e$ be"o. the
ear- o the .earer4 every tep pro$/ce$ a merry "itt"e tink"ing o/n$. !orah Mormont accepte$
hi co""ar in a /""en i"ence- b/t 9enny began to cry a the armorer .a ,atening her o.n into
p"ace. 2&t4 o heavy-1 he comp"aine$.
7yrion A/eeGe$ her han$. 2&t4 o"i$ go"$-1 he "ie$. 2&n 3etero- high(born "a$ie $ream o,
/ch a neck"ace.1 Better a collar than a brand+ A collar can be remoed+ #e remembere$ Shae-
an$ the .ay the go"$en chain ha$ g"immere$ a he t.ite$ it tighter an$ tighter abo/t her throat.
A,ter.ar$- N/re ha$ Ser !orah4 chain ,atene$ to a take near the cook,ire .hi"t he
ecorte$ the t.o $.ar, ini$e the mater4 pavi"ion an$ ho.e$ them .here they .o/"$ "eep-
in a carpete$ a"cove eparate$ ,rom the main tent by .a"" o, ye""o. i"k. 7hey .o/"$ hare thi
pace .ith EeGGan4 other trea/re' a boy .ith t.ite$- hairy 2goat "eg-1 a t.o(hea$e$ gir" o/t
o, Mantary- a bear$e$ .oman- an$ a .i""o.y creat/re ca""e$ S.eet .ho $ree$ in
moontone an$ Myrih "ace. 2Eo/ are trying to $eci$e i, &4m a man or .oman-1 S.eet ai$-
.hen he .a bro/ght be,ore the $.ar,. 7hen he "i,te$ her kirt an$ ho.e$ them .hat .a
/n$erneath. 2&4m both- an$ mater "ove me bet.1
A grotes3uerie, 7yrion rea"iGe$. Somewhere some god is laughing+ 2?ove"y-1 he ai$ to
S.eet- .ho ha$ p/rp"e hair an$ vio"et eye- 2b/t .e .ere hoping to be the pretty one ,or
once.1
S.eet niggere$- b/t N/re .a not am/e$. 2Save yo/r =ape ,or thi evening- .hen yo/
per,orm ,or o/r nob"e mater. &, yo/ p"eae him- yo/ .i"" be .e"" re.ar$e$. &, not81 #e "appe$
7yrion acro the ,ace.
2Eo/ .i"" .ant to be care,/" .ith N/re-1 ai$ S.eet .hen the overeer ha$ $eparte$. 2#e i
the on"y tr/e monter here.1 7he bear$e$ .oman poke an incomprehenib"e variety o, Ghicari-
the goat boy ome g/tt/ra" ai"or4 pi$gin ca""e$ the tra$e ta"k. 7he t.o(hea$e$ gir" .a ,eeb"e(
min$e$I one hea$ .a no bigger than an orange an$ $i$ not peak at a""- the other ha$ ,i"e$ teeth
an$ .a "ike to gro." at anyone .ho came too c"oe to her cage. B/t S.eet .a ,"/ent in ,o/r
tong/e- one o, them #igh %a"yrian.
23hat i the mater "ike61 9enny ake$- an:io/"y.
2#i eye are ye""o.- an$ he tink-1 ai$ S.eet. 27en year ago he .ent to Sothoro- an$ he
ha been rotting ,rom the ini$e o/t ever ince. Make him ,orget that he i $ying- even ,or a "itt"e
.hi"e- an$ he can be mot genero/. 5eny him nothing.1
7hey ha$ on"y the a,ternoon to "earn the .ay o, chatte". EeGGan4 bo$y "ave ,i""e$ a t/b
.ith hot .ater- an$ the $.ar, .ere a""o.e$ to bathe@ 9enny ,irt- then 7yrion. A,ter.ar$
another "ave prea$ a tinging ointment acro the c/t on hi back to keep them ,rom
morti,ying- then covere$ them .ith a coo" po/"tice. 9enny4 hair .a c/t- an$ 7yrion4 bear$ got
a trim. 7hey .ere given o,t "ipper an$ ,reh c"othing- p"ain b/t c"ean.
A evening ,e""- N/re ret/rne$ to te"" them that it .a time to $on their m/mmer4 p"ate.
EeGGan .o/"$ be hoting the E/nkih /preme comman$er- the nob"e E/rkhaG Go E/nGak- an$
they .o/"$ be e:pecte$ to per,orm. 2Sha"" .e /nchain yo/r bear61
2Not thi night-1 7yrion ai$. 2?et / =o/t ,or o/r mater ,irt an$ ave the bear ,or ome
other time.1
2!/t o. A,ter yo/r caper are conc"/$e$- yo/ .i"" he"p erve an$ po/r. See that yo/ $o not
pi"" on the g/et- or it .i"" go i"" ,or yo/.1
A =/gg"er began the evening4 ,ro"ic. 7hen came a trio o, energetic t/mb"er. A,ter them the
goat("egge$ boy came o/t an$ $i$ a groteA/e =ig .hi"t one o, E/rkhaG4 "ave p"aye$ on a
bone ,"/te. 7yrion ha$ ha", a min$ to ak him i, he kne. 27he Rain o, Catamere.1 A they
.aite$ their o.n t/rn to per,orm- he .atche$ EeGGan an$ hi g/et. 7he h/man pr/ne in the
p"ace o, honor .a evi$ent"y the E/nkih /preme comman$er- .ho "ooke$ abo/t a ,ormi$ab"e
a a "ooe too". A $oGen other E/nkih "or$ atten$e$ him. 7.o e"".or$ captain .ere on
han$ a .e""- each accompanie$ by a $oGen men o, hi company. Hne .a an e"egant 9entohi-
grey(haire$ an$ c"a$ in i"k b/t ,or hi c"oak- a ragge$ thing e.n ,rom $oGen o, trip o, torn-
b"oo$taine$ c"oth. 7he other captain .a the man .ho4$ trie$ to b/y them that morning- the
bro.n(kinne$ bi$$er .ith the a"t(an$(pepper bear$. 2Bro.n Ben 9"/mm-1 S.eet name$ him.
2Captain o, the Secon$ Son.1
A Westerosi, and a $lumm+ Better and better+ 2Eo/ are ne:t-1 N/re in,orme$ them. 2Be
am/ing- my "itt"e $ar"ing- or yo/ .i"" .ih yo/ ha$.1
7yrion ha$ not matere$ ha", o, Groat4 o"$ trick- b/t he co/"$ ri$e the o.- ,a"" o,, .hen he
.a meant to- ro""- an$ pop back onto hi ,eet. A"" o, that prove$ .e"" receive$. 7he ight o, "itt"e
peop"e r/nning abo/t $r/nken"y an$ .hacking at one another .ith .oo$en .eapon appeare$ to
be =/t a hi"ario/ in a iege camp by S"aver4 Bay a at !o,,rey4 .e$$ing ,eat in >ing4
?an$ing. %ontempt, tho/ght 7yrion- the uniersal tongue+
7heir mater EeGGan "a/ghe$ "o/$et an$ "onget .henever one o, hi $.ar, /,,ere$ a ,a""
or took a b"o.- hi .ho"e vat bo$y haking "ike /et in an earthA/akeI hi g/et .aite$ to ee
ho. E/rkhaG no E/nGak repon$e$ be,ore =oining in. 7he /preme comman$er appeare$ o ,rai"
that 7yrion .a a,rai$ "a/ghing might ki"" him. 3hen 9enny4 he"m .a tr/ck o,, an$ ,"e. into
the "ap o, a o/r(,ace$ E/nkihman in a tripe$ green(an$(go"$ tokar, E/rkhaG cack"e$ "ike a
chicken. 3hen ai$ "or$ reache$ ini$e the he"m an$ $re. o/t a "arge p/rp"e me"on $ribb"ing
p/"p- he .heeGe$ /nti" hi ,ace t/rne$ the ame co"or a the ,r/it. #e t/rne$ to hi hot an$
.hipere$ omething that ma$e their mater chort"e an$ "ick hi "ip8 tho/gh there .a a hint o,
anger in thoe "itte$ ye""o. eye- it eeme$ to 7yrion.
A,ter.ar$ the $.ar, trippe$ o,, their .oo$en armor an$ the .eat(oake$ c"othing beneath
an$ change$ into the ,reh ye""o. t/nic that ha$ been provi$e$ them ,or erving. 7yrion .a
given a ,"agon o, p/rp"e .ine- 9enny a ,"agon o, .ater. 7hey move$ abo/t the tent ,i""ing c/p-
their "ippere$ ,eet .hipering over thick carpet. &t .a har$er .ork than it appeare$. Be,ore
"ong hi "eg .ere cramping ba$"y- an$ one o, the c/t on hi back ha$ beg/n to b"ee$ again- the
re$ eeping thro/gh the ye""o. "inen o, hi t/nic. 7yrion bit hi tong/e an$ kept on po/ring.
Mot o, the g/et pai$ them no more min$ than they $i$ the other "ave8 b/t one
E/nkihman $ec"are$ $r/nken"y that EeGGan ho/"$ make the t.o $.ar, ,/ck- an$ another
$eman$e$ to kno. ho. 7yrion ha$ "ot hi noe. I shoed it up !our wife/s cunt and she bit it
off, he a"mot rep"ie$8 b/t the torm ha$ per/a$e$ him that he $i$ not .ant to $ie a yet- o
intea$ he ai$- 2&t .a c/t o,, to p/nih me ,or ino"ence- "or$.1
7hen a "or$ in a b"/e tokar ,ringe$ .ith tiger4 eye reca""e$ that 7yrion ha$ boate$ o, hi
ki"" at c!asse on the a/ction b"ock. 2?et / p/t him to the tet-1 he ai$. A tab"e an$ et o,
piece .a $/"y pro$/ce$. A cant ,e. moment "ater- the re$(,ace$ "or$ hove$ the tab"e over in
,/ry- cattering the piece acro the carpet to the o/n$ o, E/nkih "a/ghter.
2Eo/ ho/"$ have "et him .in-1 9enny .hipere$.
Bro.n Ben 9"/mm "i,te$ the ,a""en tab"e- mi"ing. 27ry me ne:t- $.ar,. 3hen & .a yo/nger-
the Secon$ Son took contract .ith %o"anti. & "earne$ the game there.1
2& am on"y a "ave. My nob"e mater $eci$e .hen an$ .ho & p"ay.1 7yrion t/rne$ to EeGGan.
2Mater61
7he ye""o. "or$ eeme$ am/e$ by the notion. 23hat take $o yo/ propoe- Captain61
2&, & .in- give thi "ave to me-1 ai$ 9"/mm.
2No-1 EeGGan Go DaggaG ai$. 2B/t i, yo/ can $e,eat my $.ar,- yo/ may have the price & pai$
,or him- in go"$.1
25one-1 the e"".or$ ai$. 7he cattere$ piece .ere picke$ /p o,, the carpet- an$ they at
$o.n to p"ay.
7yrion .on the ,irt game. 9"/mm took the econ$- ,or $o/b"e the take. A they et /p ,or
their thir$ contet- the $.ar, t/$ie$ hi opponent. Bro.n(kinne$- hi cheek an$ =a. covere$
by a c"oe(croppe$ brit"y bear$ o, grey an$ .hite- hi ,ace creae$ by a tho/an$ .rink"e an$ a
,e. o"$ car- 9"/mm ha$ an amiab"e "ook to him- epecia""y .hen he mi"e$. #he faithful
retainer, 7yrion $eci$e$. 0er! man/s faorite nuncle, full of chuckles and old sa!ings and
roughspun wisdom+ &t .a a"" ham. 7hoe mi"e never to/che$ 9"/mm4 eye- .here gree$ hi$
behin$ a vei" o, ca/tion. 7ungr!, but war!, this one+
7he e"".or$ .a near"y a ba$ a p"ayer a the E/nkih "or$ ha$ been- b/t hi p"ay .a to"i$
an$ tenacio/ rather than bo"$. #i opening array .ere $i,,erent every time- yet a"" the ame@
conervative- $e,enive- paive. 7e does not pla! to win, 7yrion rea"iGe$. 7e pla!s so as not to
lose+ &t .orke$ in their econ$ game- .hen the "itt"e man overreache$ hime", .ith an /no/n$
aa/"t. &t $i$ not .ork in the thir$ game- nor the ,o/rth- nor the ,i,th- .hich prove$ to be their
"at.
Near the en$ o, that ,ina" contet- .ith hi ,ortre in r/in- hi $ragon $ea$- e"ephant be,ore
him an$ heavy hore circ"ing ro/n$ hi rear- 9"/mm "ooke$ /p mi"ing an$ ai$- 2Eo""o .in
again. 5eath in ,o/r.1
27hree.1 7yrion tappe$ hi $ragon. 2& .a "/cky. 9erhap yo/ ho/"$ give my hea$ a goo$
r/b be,ore o/r ne:t game- Captain. Some o, that "/ck might r/b o,, on yo/r ,inger.1 &ou will
still lose, but !ou might gie me a better game+ Grinning- he p/he$ back ,rom the c!asse tab"e-
picke$ /p hi .ine ,"agon- an$ ret/rne$ to po/ring .ith EeGGan Go DaggaG coni$erab"y richer
an$ Bro.n Ben 9"/mm coni$erab"y impoverihe$. #i gargant/an mater ha$ ,a""en o,, into
$r/nken "eep $/ring the thir$ game- hi gob"et "ipping ,rom hi ye""o.e$ ,inger to pi"" it
content on the carpet- b/t perhap he .o/"$ be p"eae$ .hen he a.akene$.
3hen the /preme comman$er E/rkhaG Go E/nGak $eparte$- /pporte$ by a pair o, b/r"y
"ave- that eeme$ to be a genera" igna" ,or the other g/et to take their "eave a .e"". A,ter
the tent ha$ emptie$ o/t- N/re reappeare$ to te"" the erver that they might make their o.n
,eat ,rom the "eaving. 2Cat A/ick"y. A"" thi m/t be c"ean again be,ore yo/ "eep.1
7yrion .a on hi knee- hi "eg aching an$ hi b"oo$y back creaming .ith pain- trying to
cr/b o/t the tain that the nob"e EeGGan4 pi""e$ .ine ha$ "e,t /pon the nob"e EeGGan4 carpet-
.hen the overeer tappe$ hi cheek gent"y .ith the en$ o, hi .hip. 2Eo""o. Eo/ have $one .e"".
Eo/ an$ yo/r .i,e.1
2She i not my .i,e.1
2Eo/r .hore- then. Hn yo/r ,eet- both o, yo/.1
7yrion roe /ntea$i"y- one "eg tremb"ing beneath him. #i thigh .ere knot- o crampe$ that
9enny ha$ to "en$ him a han$ to p/"" him to hi ,eet. 23hat have .e $one61
2M/ch an$ more-1 ai$ the overeer. 2N/re ai$ yo/ .o/"$ be re.ar$e$ i, yo/ p"eae$ yo/r
,ather- $i$ he not6 7ho/gh the nob"e EeGGan i "oath to "oe hi "itt"e trea/re- a yo/ have een-
E/rkhaG Go E/nGak per/a$e$ him that it .o/"$ be e",ih to keep /ch $ro"" antic to hime",.
Re=oice0 7o ce"ebrate the igning o, the peace- yo/ ha"" have the honor o, =o/ting in the Great
9it o, 5aGnak. 7ho/an$ .i"" come ee yo/0 7en o, tho/an$0 An$- oh- ho. .e ha"" "a/gh01
0AIME
Raventree #a"" .a o"$. Mo gre. thick bet.een it ancient tone- pi$er.ebbing /p it
.a"" "ike the vein in a crone4 "eg. 7.o h/ge to.er ,"anke$ the cat"e4 main gate- an$
ma""er one $e,en$e$ every ang"e o, it .a"". A"" .ere A/are. 5r/m to.er an$ ha",(moon
he"$ /p better againt catap/"t- ince thro.n tone .ere more apt to $e,"ect o,, a c/rve$ .a""-
b/t Raventree pre$ate$ that partic/"ar bit o, b/i"$er4 .i$om.
7he cat"e $ominate$ the broa$ ,erti"e va""ey that map an$ men a"ike ca""e$ B"ack.oo$ %a"e.
A va"e it .a- beyon$ a $o/bt- b/t no .oo$ ha$ gro.n here ,or evera" tho/an$ year- be it
b"ack or bro.n or green. Hnce- ye- b/t a:e ha$ "ong ince c"eare$ the tree a.ay. #ome an$
mi"" an$ ho"$,at ha$ rien .here once the oak too$ ta"". 7he gro/n$ .a bare an$ m/$$y-
an$ $otte$ here an$ there .ith $ri,t o, me"ting no..
&ni$e the cat"e .a""- ho.ever- a bit o, the ,oret ti"" remaine$. #o/e B"ack.oo$ kept the
o"$ go$- an$ .orhipe$ a the +irt Men ha$ in the $ay be,ore the An$a" came to 3etero.
Some o, the tree in their go$.oo$ .ere ai$ to be a o"$ a Raventree4 A/are to.er-
epecia""y the heart tree- a .eir.oo$ o, co"oa" iGe .hoe /pper branche co/"$ be een ,rom
"eag/e a.ay- "ike bony ,inger cratching at the ky.
A !aime ?anniter an$ hi ecort .o/n$ thro/gh the ro""ing hi"" into the va"e- "itt"e remaine$
o, the ,ie"$ an$ ,arm an$ orchar$ that ha$ once /rro/n$e$ Raventree@on"y m/$ an$ ahe-
an$ here an$ there the b"ackene$ he"" o, home an$ mi"". 3ee$ an$ thorn an$ nett"e gre.
in that .ate"an$- b/t nothing that co/"$ be ca""e$ a crop. Cvery.here !aime "ooke$ he a. hi
,ather4 han$- even in the bone they ometime g"impe$ bei$e the roa$. Mot .ere heep
bone- b/t there .ere hore too- an$ catt"e- an$ no. an$ again a h/man k/""- or a hea$"e
ke"eton .ith .ee$ poking /p thro/gh it rib cage.
No great hot encirc"e$ Raventree- a Riverr/n ha$ been encirc"e$. 7hi iege .a a more
intimate a,,air- the "atet tep in a $ance that .ent back many cent/rie. At bet !ono Bracken
ha$ ,ive h/n$re$ men abo/t the cat"e. !aime a. no iege to.er- no battering ram- no
catap/"t. Bracken $i$ not mean to break the gate o, Raventree nor torm it high- thick .a"".
3ith no propect o, re"ie, in ight- he .a content to tarve hi riva" o/t. No $o/bt there ha$
been ortie an$ kirmihe at the tart o, the iege- an$ arro. ,"ying back an$ ,orthI ha", a year
into it- everyone .a too tire$ ,or /ch nonene. Bore$om an$ ro/tine ha$ taken over- the
enemie o, $icip"ine.
$ast time this was ended, tho/ght !aime ?anniter. 3ith Riverr/n no. a,e"y in ?anniter
han$- Raventree .a the remnant o, the Eo/ng 3o",4 hort("ive$ king$om. Hnce it yie"$e$- hi
.ork a"ong the 7ri$ent .o/"$ be $one- an$ he .o/"$ be ,ree to ret/rn to >ing4 ?an$ing. #o the
king, he to"$ hime",- b/t another part o, him .hipere$- to %ersei+
#e .o/"$ have to ,ace her- he /ppoe$. A/ming the #igh Septon ha$ not p/t her to $eath
by the time he got back to the city. 2%ome at once,1 he ha$ .ritten- in the "etter he4$ ha$ 9eck
b/rn at Riverr/n. 47elp me+ Sae me+ I need !ou now as I hae neer needed !ou before+ I loe
!ou+ I loe !ou+ I loe !ou+ %ome at once+5 #er nee$ .a rea" eno/gh- !aime $i$ not $o/bt. A
,or the ret8 she/s been fucking "ancel and Osmund ,ettleblack and *oon Bo! for all I know=
Cven i, he ha$ gone back- he co/"$ not hope to ave her. She .a g/i"ty o, every treaon "ai$
againt her- an$ he .a hort a .or$ han$.
3hen the co"/mn came trotting ,rom the ,ie"$- the entrie tare$ at them .ith more c/rioity
than ,ear. No one o/n$e$ the a"arm- .hich /ite$ !aime .e"" eno/gh. ?or$ Bracken4 pavi"ion
$i$ not prove $i,,ic/"t to ,in$. &t .a the "arget in the camp- an$ the bet ite$I itting atop a "o.
rie bei$e a tream- it comman$e$ a c"ear vie. o, t.o o, Raventree4 gate.
7he tent .a bro.n- "ike the tan$ar$ ,"apping ,rom it center po"e- .here the re$ ta""ion o,
#o/e Bracken reare$ /pon it go"$ ec/tcheon. !aime gave the or$er to $imo/nt an$ to"$ hi
men that they might ming"e i, they "ike$. 2Not yo/ t.o-1 he ai$ to hi banner(bearer. 2Stay
c"oe. 7hi .i"" not keep me "ong.1 !aime va/"te$ $o.n o,, #onor an$ tro$e to Bracken4 tent-
hi .or$ ratt"ing in it cabbar$.
7he g/ar$ o/ti$e the tent ,"ap e:change$ an an:io/ "ook at hi approach. 2My "or$-1 ai$
one. 2Sha"" .e anno/nce yo/61
2&4"" anno/nce mye",.1 !aime p/he$ ai$e the ,"ap .ith hi go"$en han$ an$ $/cke$ ini$e.
7hey .ere .e"" an$ tr/"y at it .hen he entere$- o intent on their r/tting that neither took any
note o, hi arriva". 7he .oman ha$ her eye c"oe$. #er han$ c"/tche$ the coare bro.n hair on
Bracken4 back. She gape$ every time he $rove into her. #i "or$hip4 hea$ .a b/rie$ in her
breat- hi han$ "ocke$ aro/n$ her hip. !aime c"eare$ hi throat. 2?or$ !ono.1
7he .oman4 eye ,"e. open- an$ he gave a tart"e$ hriek. !ono Bracken ro""e$ o,, her-
grabbe$ ,or hi cabbar$- an$ came /p .ith nake$ tee" in han$- c/ring. 2Seen blood! hells,1
he tarte$- 2who daresC1 7hen he a. !aime4 .hite c"oak an$ go"$en breatp"ate. #i
.or$point $roppe$. 2?anniter61
2& am orry to $it/rb yo/ at yo/r p"ea/re- my "or$-1 ai$ !aime- .ith a ha",(mi"e- 2b/t & am
in ome hate. May .e ta"k61
27a"k. Aye.1 ?or$ !ono heathe$ hi .or$. #e .a not A/ite o ta"" a !aime- b/t he .a
heavier- .ith thick ho/"$er an$ arm that .o/"$ have ma$e a b"ackmith envio/. Bro.n
t/bb"e covere$ hi cheek an$ chin. #i eye .ere bro.n a .e""- the anger in them poor"y
hi$$en. 2Eo/ took me /na.are- my "or$. & .a not to"$ o, yo/r coming.1
2An$ & eem to have prevente$ yo/r.1 !aime mi"e$ at the .oman in the be$. She ha$ one
han$ over her "e,t breat an$ the other bet.een her "eg- .hich "e,t her right breat e:poe$. #er
nipp"e .ere $arker than Cerei4 an$ thrice the iGe. 3hen he ,e"t !aime4 gaGe he covere$ her
right nipp"e- b/t that revea"e$ her mo/n$. 2Are a"" camp ,o""o.er o mo$et61 he .on$ere$. 2&,
a man .ant to e"" hi t/rnip- he nee$ to et them o/t.1
2Eo/ been "ooking at my t/rnip ince yo/ came in- er.1 7he .oman ,o/n$ the b"anket an$
p/""e$ it /p high eno/gh to cover here", to the .ait- then raie$ one han$ to p/h her hair back
,rom her eye. 2An$ they4re not ,or a"e- neither.1
!aime gave a hr/g. 2My apo"ogie i, & mitook yo/ ,or omething yo/4re not. My "itt"e
brother ha kno.n a h/n$re$ .hore- &4m /re- b/t &4ve on"y ever be$$e$ one.1
2She4 a priGe o, .ar.1 Bracken retrieve$ hi breeche ,rom the ,"oor an$ hook them o/t.
2She be"onge$ to one o, B"ack.oo$4 .orn .or$ ti"" & p"it hi hea$ in t.o. 9/t yo/r han$
$o.n- .oman. My "or$ o, ?anniter .ant a proper "ook at thoe teat.1
!aime ignore$ that. 2Eo/ are p/tting thoe breeche on back.ar$- my "or$-1 he to"$ Bracken.
A !ono c/re$- the .oman "ippe$ o,, the be$ to natch /p her cattere$ c"othing- her ,inger
,"/ttering nervo/"y bet.een her breat an$ c"e,t a he bent an$ t/rne$ an$ reache$. #er e,,ort
to concea" here", .ere o$$"y provocative- ,ar more o than i, he4$ imp"y gone abo/t the
b/ine nake$. 25o yo/ have a name- .oman61 he ake$ her.
2My mother name$ me #i"$y- er.1 She p/""e$ a oi"e$ hi,t $o.n over her hea$ an$ hook
her hair o/t. #er ,ace .a a"mot a $irty a her ,eet an$ he ha$ eno/gh hair bet.een her "eg to
pa ,or Bracken4 iter- b/t there .a omething appea"ing abo/t her a"" the ame. 7hat p/g
noe- her haggy mane o, hair8 or the .ay he $i$ a "itt"e c/rty a,ter he ha$ teppe$ into her
kirt. 2#ave yo/ een my other hoe- m4"or$61
7he A/etion eeme$ to ve: ?or$ Bracken. 2Am & a b"oo$y han$mai$- to ,etch yo/ hoe6 Go
bare,oot i, yo/ m/t. !/t go.1
25oe that mean m4"or$ .on4t be taking me home .ith him- to pray .ith hi "itt"e .i,e61
?a/ghing- #i"$y gave !aime a braGen "ook. 25o yo/ have a "itt"e .i,e- er61
2o, I hae a sister+ 23hat co"or i my c"oak61
23hite-1 he ai$- 2b/t yo/r han$ i o"i$ go"$. & "ike that in a man. An$ .hat i it yo/ "ike in
a .oman- m4"or$61
2&nnocence.1
2&n a .oman- & ai$. Not a $a/ghter.1
#e tho/ght o, Myrce""a. I will need to tell her too+ 7he 5ornihmen might not "ike that. 5oran
Marte"" ha$ betrothe$ her to hi on in the be"ie, that he .a Robert4 b"oo$. ,nots and tangles,
!aime tho/ght- .ihing he co/"$ c/t thro/gh a"" o, it .ith one .i,t troke o, hi .or$. 2& have
.orn a vo.-1 he to"$ #i"$y .eari"y.
2No t/rnip ,or yo/- then-1 the gir" ai$- a/ci"y.
21et out,1 ?or$ !ono roare$ at her.
She $i$. B/t a he "ippe$ pat !aime- c"/tching one hoe an$ a pi"e o, her c"othe- he
reache$ $o.n an$ gave hi cock a A/eeGe thro/gh hi breeche. 27ild!,1 he remin$e$ him-
be,ore he $arte$ ha",(c"othe$ ,rom the tent.
7ild!, !aime m/e$. 2An$ ho. ,are yo/r "a$y .i,e61 he ake$ ?or$ !ono .hen the gir" .a
gone.
2#o. .o/"$ & kno.6 Ak her epton. 3hen yo/r ,ather b/rne$ o/r cat"e- he $eci$e$ the
go$ .ere p/nihing /. No. a"" he $oe i pray.1 !ono ha$ ,ina""y gotten hi breeche t/rne$
the right .ay ro/n$ an$ .a "acing them /p the ,ront. 23hat bring yo/ here- my "or$6 7he
B"ack,ih6 3e hear$ ho. he ecape$.1
25i$ yo/61 !aime ett"e$ on a camp too". 2+rom the man hime",- perchance61
2Ser Bryn$en kno. better than to come r/nning to me. & am ,on$ o, the man- & .on4t $eny
that. 7hat .on4t top me c"apping him in chain i, he ho. hi ,ace near me or mine. #e kno.
&4ve bent the knee. #e ho/"$ have $one the ame- b/t he a".ay .a a t/bborn one. #i brother
co/"$ have to"$ yo/ that.1
27yto B"ack.oo$ ha not bent the knee-1 !aime pointe$ o/t. 2Might the B"ack,ih eek
re,/ge at Raventree61
2#e might eek it- b/t to ,in$ it he4$ nee$ to get pat my iege "ine- an$ "at & hear$ he ha$n4t
gro.n .ing. 7yto .i"" be nee$ing re,/ge hime", be,ore m/ch "onger. 7hey4re $o.n to rat
an$ root in there. #e4"" yie"$ be,ore the ne:t ,/"" moon.1
2#e4"" yie"$ be,ore the /n goe $o.n. & mean to o,,er him term an$ accept him back into the
king4 peace.1
2& ee.1 ?or$ !ono hr/gge$ into a bro.n .oo"en t/nic .ith the re$ ta""ion o, Bracken
embroi$ere$ on the ,ront. 23i"" my "or$ take a horn o, a"e61
2No- b/t $on4t go $ry on my acco/nt.1
Bracken ,i""e$ a horn ,or hime",- $rank ha", o, it- an$ .ipe$ hi mo/th. 2Eo/ poke o, term.
3hat ort o, term61
27he //a" ort. ?or$ B"ack.oo$ ha"" be reA/ire$ to con,e hi treaon an$ ab=/re hi
a""egiance to the Stark an$ 7/""y. #e .i"" .ear o"emn"y be,ore go$ an$ men to hence,orth
remain a "ea" vaa" o, #arrenha" an$ the &ron 7hrone- an$ & .i"" give him par$on in the king4
name. 3e .i"" take a pot or t.o o, go"$- o, co/re. 7he price o, rebe""ion. &4"" c"aim a hotage a
.e""- to en/re that Raventree $oe not rie again.1
2#i $a/ghter-1 /ggete$ Bracken. 2B"ack.oo$ ha i: on- b/t on"y the one $a/ghter. #e
$ote on her. A not(noe$ "itt"e creat/re- co/"$n4t be more than even.1
2Eo/ng- b/t he might erve.1
?or$ !ono $raine$ the "at o, hi a"e an$ toe$ the horn ai$e. 23hat o, the "an$ an$ cat"e
.e .ere promie$61
23hat "an$ .ere thee61
27he eat bank o, the 3i$o.4 3ah- ,rom Crobo. Ri$ge to R/tting Mea$o.- an$ a"" the
i"an$ in the tream. Grin$corn Mi"" an$ ?or$4 Mi""- the r/in o, M/$$y #a""- the Ravihment-
Batt"e %a""ey- H"$,orge- the vi""age o, B/ck"e- B"ackb/ck"e- Cairn- an$ C"aypoo"- an$ the
market to.n at M/$grave. 3ap.oo$- ?orgen4 3oo$- Greenhi""- an$ Barba4 7eat. Miy4
7eat- the B"ack.oo$ ca"" them- b/t they .ere Barba4 ,irt. #oneytree an$ a"" the hive. #ere-
&4ve marke$ them o/t i, my "or$ .o/"$ "ike a "ook.1 #e roote$ abo/t on a tab"e an$ pro$/ce$ a
parchment map.
!aime took it .ith hi goo$ han$- b/t he ha$ to /e the go"$ to open it an$ ho"$ it ,"at. 27hi i
a $ea" o, "an$-1 he oberve$. 2Eo/ .i"" be increaing yo/r $omain by a A/arter.1
Bracken4 mo/th et t/bborn"y. 2A"" thee "an$ be"onge$ to Stone #e$ge once. 7he
B"ack.oo$ to"e them ,rom /.1
23hat abo/t thi vi""age here- bet.een the 7eat61 !aime tappe$ the map .ith a gi"$e$
kn/ck"e.
29ennytree. 7hat .a o/r once too- b/t it4 been a roya" ,ie, ,or a h/n$re$ year. ?eave that
o/t. 3e ak on"y ,or the "an$ to"en by the B"ack.oo$. Eo/r "or$ ,ather promie$ to retore
them to / i, .e .o/"$ /b$/e ?or$ 7yto ,or him.1
2Eet a & .a ri$ing /p- & a. 7/""y banner ,"ying ,rom the cat"e .a""- an$ the $ire.o", o,
Stark a .e"". 7hat .o/"$ eem to /gget that ?or$ 7yto ha not been /b$/e$.1
23e4ve $riven him an$ hi ,rom the ,ie"$ an$ penne$ them /p ini$e Raventree. Give me
/,,icient men to torm hi .a""- my "or$- an$ & .i"" /b$/e the .ho"e "ot o, them to their
grave.1
2&, & gave yo/ /,,icient men- they .o/"$ be $oing the /b$/ing- not yo/. &n .hich cae &
ho/"$ re.ar$ mye",.1 !aime "et the map ro"" /p again. 2&4"" keep thi i, & might.1
27he map i yo/r. 7he "an$ are o/r. &t4 ai$ that a ?anniter a".ay pay hi $ebt. 3e
,o/ght ,or yo/.1
2Not ha", a "ong a yo/ ,o/ght againt /.1
27he king ha par$one$ / ,or that. & "ot my nephe. to yo/r .or$- an$ my nat/ra" on.
Eo/r Mo/ntain to"e my harvet an$ b/rne$ everything he co/"$ not carry o,,. #e p/t my cat"e
to the torch an$ rape$ one o, my $a/ghter. & .i"" have recompene.1
27he Mo/ntain4 $ea$- a i my ,ather-1 !aime to"$ him- 2an$ ome might ay yo/r hea$ .a
recompene eno/gh. Eo/ did $ec"are ,or Stark- an$ kept ,aith .ith him /nti" ?or$ 3a"$er ki""e$
him.1
2M/r$ere$ him- an$ a $oGen goo$ men o, my o.n b"oo$.1 ?or$ !ono t/rne$ hi hea$ an$
pat. 2Aye- & kept ,aith .ith the Eo/ng 3o",. A &4"" keep ,aith .ith yo/- o "ong a yo/ treat me
,air. & bent the knee beca/e & a. no ene in $ying ,or the $ea$ nor he$$ing Bracken b"oo$ in
a "ot ca/e.1
2A pr/$ent man.1 #hough some might sa! that "ord Blackwood has been more honorable+
2Eo/4"" get yo/r "an$. Some o, them- at "eat. Since yo/ part"y /b$/e$ the B"ack.oo$.1
7hat eeme$ to ati,y ?or$ !ono. 23e .i"" be content .ith .hatever portion my "or$ think
,air. &, & may o,,er yo/ ome co/ne"- tho/gh- it $oe not erve to be too gent"e .ith thee
B"ack.oo$. 7reachery r/n in their b"oo$. Be,ore the An$a" came to 3etero- #o/e Bracken
r/"e$ thi river. 3e .ere king an$ the B"ack.oo$ .ere o/r vaa"- b/t they betraye$ / an$
//rpe$ the cro.n. Cvery B"ack.oo$ i born a t/rnc"oak. Eo/ .o/"$ $o .e"" to remember that
.hen yo/ are making term.1
2Hh- & ha""-1 !aime promie$.
3hen he ro$e ,rom Bracken4 iege camp to the gate o, Raventree- 9eck .ent be,ore him
.ith a peace banner. Be,ore they reache$ the cat"e- t.enty pair o, eye .ere .atching them
,rom the gateho/e rampart. #e $re. #onor to a ha"t at the e$ge o, the moat- a $eep trench
"ine$ .ith tone- it green .ater choke$ by c/m. !aime .a abo/t to comman$ Ser >enno to
o/n$ the #orn o, #errock .hen the $ra.bri$ge began to $ecen$.
?or$ 7yto B"ack.oo$ met him in the o/ter .ar$- mo/nte$ on a $etrier a ga/nt a hime",.
%ery ta"" an$ very thin- the ?or$ o, Raventree ha$ a hook noe- "ong hair- an$ a ragge$ a"t(an$(
pepper bear$ that ho.e$ more a"t than pepper. &n i"ver in"ay on the breatp"ate o, hi
b/rnihe$ car"et armor .a a .hite tree bare an$ $ea$- /rro/n$e$ by a ,"ock o, ony: raven
taking ,"ight. A c"oak o, raven ,eather ,"/ttere$ ,rom hi ho/"$er.
2?or$ 7yto-1 !aime ai$.
2Ser.1
27hank yo/ ,or a""o.ing me to enter.1
2& .i"" not ay that yo/ are .e"come. Nor .i"" & $eny that & have hope$ that yo/ might come.
Eo/ are here ,or my .or$.1
2& am here to make an en$ o, thi. Eo/r men have ,o/ght va"iant"y- b/t yo/r .ar i "ot. Are
yo/ prepare$ to yie"$61
27o the king. Not to !ono Bracken.1
2& /n$ertan$.1
B"ack.oo$ heitate$ a moment. 2& it yo/r .ih that & $imo/nt an$ knee" be,ore yo/ here
an$ no.61
A h/n$re$ eye .ere "ooking on. 27he .in$ i co"$ an$ the yar$ i m/$$y-1 ai$ !aime. 2Eo/
can $o yo/r knee"ing on the carpet in yo/r o"ar once .e4ve agree$ on term.1
27hat i chiva"ro/ o, yo/-1 ai$ ?or$ 7yto. 2Come- er. My ha"" might "ack ,or ,oo$- b/t
never ,or co/rtey.1
B"ack.oo$4 o"ar .a on the econ$ ,"oor o, a caverno/ timber keep. 7here .a a ,ire
b/rning in the hearth .hen they entere$. 7he room .a "arge an$ airy- .ith great beam o, $ark
oak /pporting the high cei"ing. 3oo"en tapetrie covere$ the .a""- an$ a pair o, .i$e
"attice.ork $oor "ooke$ o/t /pon the go$.oo$. 7hro/gh their thick- $iamon$(hape$ pane o,
ye""o. g"a !aime g"impe$ the gnar"e$ "imb o, the tree ,rom .hich the cat"e took it name. &t
.a a .eir.oo$ ancient an$ co"oa"- ten time the iGe o, the one in the Stone Gar$en at
Cater"y Rock. 7hi tree .a bare an$ $ea$- tho/gh.
27he Bracken poione$ it-1 ai$ hi hot. 2+or a tho/an$ year it ha not ho.n a "ea,. &n
another tho/an$ it .i"" have t/rne$ to tone- the maeter ay. 3eir.oo$ never rot.1
2An$ the raven61 ake$ !aime. 23here are they61
27hey come at $/k an$ root a"" night. #/n$re$ o, them. 7hey cover the tree "ike b"ack
"eave- every "imb an$ every branch. 7hey have been coming ,or tho/an$ o, year. #o. or
.hy- no man can ay- yet the tree $ra. them every night.1 B"ack.oo$ ett"e$ in a high(backe$
chair. 2+or honor4 ake & m/t ak abo/t my "iege "or$.1
2Ser C$m/re i on hi .ay to Cater"y Rock a my captive. #i .i,e .i"" remain at the 7.in
/nti" their chi"$ i born. 7hen he an$ the babe .i"" =oin him. So "ong a he $oe not attempt
ecape or p"ot rebe""ion- C$m/re .i"" "ive a "ong "i,e.1
2?ong an$ bitter. A "i,e .itho/t honor. Fnti" hi $ying $ay- men .i"" ay he .a a,rai$ to
,ight.1
<n9ustl!, !aime tho/ght. It was his child he feared for+ 7e knew whose son I am, better than
mine own aunt+ 27he choice .a hi. #i /nc"e .o/"$ have ma$e / b"ee$.1
23e agree on that m/ch.1 B"ack.oo$4 voice gave nothing a.ay. 23hat have yo/ $one .ith
Ser Bryn$en- i, & may ak61
2& o,,ere$ to "et him take the b"ack. &ntea$ he ,"e$.1 !aime mi"e$. 25o yo/ have him here-
perchance61
2No.1
23o/"$ yo/ te"" me i, yo/ $i$61
&t .a 7yto B"ack.oo$4 t/rn to mi"e.
!aime bro/ght hi han$ together- the go"$ ,inger ini$e the ,"ehy one. 29erhap it i time
.e ta"ke$ o, term.1
2& thi .here & get $o.n on my knee61
2&, it p"eae yo/. Hr .e can ay yo/ $i$.1
?or$ B"ack.oo$ remaine$ eate$. 7hey oon reache$ agreement on the ma=or point'
con,eion- ,ea"ty- par$on- a certain /m o, go"$ an$ i"ver to be pai$. 23hat "an$ .i"" yo/
reA/ire61 ?or$ 7yto ake$. 3hen !aime han$e$ him the map- he took one "ook an$ ch/ck"e$.
27o be /re. 7he t/rnc"oak m/t be given hi re.ar$.1
2Ee- b/t a ma""er one than he imagine- ,or a ma""er ervice. 3hich o, thee "an$ .i"" yo/
conent to part .ith61
?or$ 7yto coni$ere$ ,or a moment. 23oo$he$ge- Crobo. Ri$ge- an$ B/ck"e.1
2A r/in- a ri$ge- an$ a ,e. hove"6 Come- my "or$. Eo/ m/t /,,er ,or yo/r treaon. #e .i""
.ant one o, the mi""- at "eat.1 Mi"" .ere a va"/ab"e o/rce o, ta:. 7he "or$ receive$ a tenth o,
a"" the grain they gro/n$.
2?or$4 Mi""- then. Grin$corn i o/r.1
2An$ another vi""age. Cairn61
2& have ,orebear b/rie$ beneath the rock o, Cairn.1 #e "ooke$ at the map again. 2Give him
#oneytree an$ it hive. A"" that .eet .i"" make him ,at an$ rot hi teeth.1
25one- then. B/t ,or one "at thing.1
2A hotage.1
2Ee- my "or$. Eo/ have a $a/ghter- & be"ieve.1
2Bethany.1 ?or$ 7yto "ooke$ tricken. 2& a"o have t.o brother an$ a iter. A pair o,
.i$o.e$ a/nt. Niece- nephe.- co/in. & ha$ tho/ght yo/ might conent81
2&t m/t be a chi"$ o, yo/r b"oo$.1
2Bethany i on"y eight. A gent"e gir"- ,/"" o, "a/ghter. She ha never been more than a $ay4
ri$e ,rom my ha"".1
23hy not "et her ee >ing4 ?an$ing6 #i Grace i a"mot o, an age .ith her. #e .o/"$ be
p"eae$ to have another ,rien$.1
2Hne he can hang i, the ,rien$4 ,ather ho/"$ $ip"eae him61 ake$ ?or$ 7yto. 2& have ,o/r
on. 3o/"$ yo/ coni$er one o, them intea$6 Ben i t.e"ve an$ thirty ,or a$vent/re. #e co/"$
A/ire ,or yo/ i, it p"eae my "or$.1
2& have more A/ire than & kno. .hat to $o .ith. Cvery time & take a pi- they ,ight ,or the
right to ho"$ my cock. An$ yo/ have i: on- my "or$- not ,o/r.1
2Hnce. Robert .a my yo/nget an$ never trong. #e $ie$ nine $ay ago- o, a "ooene o,
the bo.e". ?/ca .a m/r$ere$ at the Re$ 3e$$ing. 3a"$er +rey4 ,o/rth .i,e .a a
B"ack.oo$- b/t kinhip co/nt ,or no more than g/et right at the 7.in. & ho/"$ "ike to b/ry
?/ca beneath the tree- b/t the +rey have not yet een ,it to ret/rn hi bone to me.1
2&4"" ee that they $o. 3a ?/ca yo/r e"$et on61
2My econ$. Bryn$en i my e"$et- an$ my heir. Ne:t come #oter. A bookih boy- & ,ear.1
27hey have book in >ing4 ?an$ing too. & reca"" my "itt"e brother rea$ing them ,rom time to
time. 9erhap yo/r on .o/"$ "ike a "ook at them. & .i"" accept #oter a o/r hotage.1
B"ack.oo$4 re"ie, .a pa"pab"e. 27hank yo/- my "or$.1 #e heitate$ a moment. 2&, & may be
o bo"$- yo/ .o/"$ $o .e"" to reA/ire a hotage ,rom ?or$ !ono too. Hne o, hi $a/ghter. +or
a"" hi r/tting- he ha not prove$ man eno/gh to ,ather on.1
2#e ha$ a batar$ on ki""e$ in the .ar.1
25i$ he6 #arry .a a batar$- tr/e eno/gh- b/t .hether !ono ire$ him i a thornier A/etion.
A ,air(haire$ boy- he .a- an$ come"y. !ono i neither.1 ?or$ 7yto got to hi ,eet. 23i"" yo/ $o
me the honor o, taking /pper .ith me61
2Some other time- my "or$.1 7he cat"e .a tarvingI no goo$ .o/"$ be erve$ by !aime
tea"ing ,oo$ ,rom their mo/th. 2& cannot "inger. Riverr/n a.ait.1
2Riverr/n6 Hr >ing4 ?an$ing61
2Both.1
?or$ 7yto $i$ not attempt to $i/a$e him. 2#oter can be rea$y to $epart .ithin the ho/r.1
#e .a. 7he boy met !aime by the tab"e- .ith a be$ro"" "/ng over one ho/"$er an$ a
b/n$"e o, cro"" beneath hi arm. #e co/"$ not have been any o"$er than i:teen- yet he .a
even ta""er than hi ,ather- a"mot even ,eet o, "eg an$ hin an$ e"bo.- a gang"ing- ga.ky boy
.ith a co."ick. 2?or$ Comman$er. &4m yo/r hotage- #oter. #o- they ca"" me.1 #e grinne$.
Does he think this is a lark6 29ray- .ho are the!61
2My ,rien$. My brother.1
2& am not yo/r ,rien$ an$ & am not yo/r brother.1 7hat c"eane$ the grin o,, the boy4 ,ace.
!aime t/rne$ to ?or$ 7yto. 2My "or$- "et there be no mi/n$ertan$ing here. ?or$ Beric
5on$arrion- 7horo o, Myr- San$or C"egane- Bryn$en 7/""y- thi .oman Stoneheart8 a"" thee
are o/t"a. an$ rebe"- enemie to the king an$ a"" hi "ea" /b=ect. &, & ho/"$ "earn that yo/ or
yo/r are hi$ing them- protecting them- or aiting them in any .ay- & .i"" not heitate to en$
yo/ yo/r on4 hea$. & hope yo/ /n$ertan$ that. Fn$ertan$ thi a .e""' & am not Ryman +rey.1
2No.1 A"" trace o, .armth ha$ "e,t ?or$ B"ack.oo$4 mo/th. 2& kno. .ho & am $ea"ing .ith.
>ing"ayer.1
2Goo$.1 !aime mo/nte$ an$ .hee"e$ #onor to.ar$ the gate. 2& .ih yo/ a goo$ harvet an$
the =oy o, the king4 peace.1
#e $i$ not ri$e ,ar. ?or$ !ono Bracken .a .aiting ,or him o/ti$e Raventree- =/t beyon$
the range o, a goo$ crobo.. #e .a mo/nte$ on an armore$ $etrier an$ ha$ $onne$ hi p"ate
an$ mai"- an$ a grey tee" greathe"m .ith a horehair cret. 2& a. them p/"" the $ire.o", banner
$o.n-1 he ai$ .hen !aime reache$ him. 2& it $one61
25one an$ $one. Go home an$ p"ant yo/r ,ie"$.1
?or$ Bracken raie$ hi vior. 2& tr/t & have more ,ie"$ to p"ant than .hen yo/ .ent into that
cat"e.1
2B/ck"e- 3oo$he$ge- #oneytree an$ a"" it hive.1 #e .a ,orgetting one. 2Hh- an$
Crobo. Ri$ge.1
2A mi""-1 ai$ Bracken. 2& m/t have a mi"".1
2?or$4 Mi"".1
?or$ !ono norte$. 2Aye- that .i"" erve. +or no..1 #e pointe$ at #oter B"ack.oo$- ri$ing
back .ith 9eck. 2& thi .hat he gave yo/ ,or a hotage6 Eo/ .ere coGene$- er. A .eak"ing-
thi one. 3ater ,or b"oo$. Never min$ ho. ta"" he i- any one o, my gir" co/"$ nap him "ike a
rotten t.ig.1
2#o. many $a/ghter $o yo/ have- my "or$61 !aime ake$ him.
2+ive. 7.o by my ,irt .i,e an$ three by my thir$.1 7oo "ate- he eeme$ to rea"iGe that he
might have ai$ too m/ch.
2Sen$ one o, them to co/rt. She .i"" have the privi"ege o, atten$ing the D/een Regent.1
Bracken4 ,ace gre. $ark a he rea"iGe$ the import o, thoe .or$. 2& thi ho. yo/ repay the
,rien$hip o, Stone #e$ge61
2&t i a great honor to .ait /pon the A/een-1 !aime remin$e$ hi "or$hip. 2Eo/ might .ant to
impre that on her. 3e4"" "ook ,or the gir" be,ore the year i o/t.1 #e $i$ not .ait ,or ?or$
Bracken to rep"y b/t to/che$ #onor "ight"y .ith hi go"$en p/r an$ trotte$ o,,. #i men
,orme$ /p an$ ,o""o.e$- banner treaming. Cat"e an$ camp .ere oon "ot behin$ them-
obc/re$ by the $/t o, their hoove.
Neither o/t"a. nor .o"ve ha$ tro/b"e$ them on their .ay to Raventree- o !aime $eci$e$ to
ret/rn by a $i,,erent ro/te. &, the go$ .ere goo$- he might t/mb"e on the B"ack,ih- or "/re
Beric 5on$arrion into an /n.ie attack.
7hey .ere ,o""o.ing the 3i$o.4 3ah .hen they ran o/t o, $ay. !aime ca""e$ hi hotage
,or.ar$ an$ ake$ him .here to ,in$ the nearet ,or$- an$ the boy "e$ them there. A the co"/mn
p"ahe$ acro the ha""o. .ater- the /n .a etting behin$ a pair o, gray hi"". 27he 7eat-1
ai$ #oter B"ack.oo$.
!aime reca""e$ ?or$ Bracken4 map. 27here4 a vi""age bet.een thoe hi"".1
29ennytree-1 the "a$ con,irme$. 23e4"" camp there ,or the night.1 &, there .ere vi""ager
abo/t- they might have kno."e$ge o, Ser Bryn$en or the o/t"a.. 2?or$ !ono ma$e ome
remark abo/t .hoe teat they .ere-1 he reca""e$ to the B"ack.oo$ boy a they ro$e to.ar$ the
$arkening hi"" an$ the "at "ight o, the $ay. 27he Bracken ca"" them by one name an$ the
B"ack.oo$ by another.1
2Aye- my "or$. +or a h/n$re$ year or o. Be,ore that- they .ere the Mother4 7eat- or =/t
the 7eat. 7here are t.o o, them- an$ it .a tho/ght that they reemb"e$81
2& can ee .hat they reemb"e.1 !aime ,o/n$ hime", thinking back on the .oman in the tent
an$ the .ay he4$ trie$ to hi$e her "arge- $ark nipp"e. 23hat change$ a h/n$re$ year ago61
2Aegon the Fn.orthy took Barba Bracken a hi mitre-1 the bookih boy rep"ie$. 2She .a
a very b/:om .ench- they ay- an$ one $ay .hen the king .a viiting at the Stone #e$ge he
.ent o/t h/nting an$ a. the 7eat an$81
28name$ them ,or hi mitre.1 Aegon the +o/rth ha$ $ie$ "ong be,ore !aime ha$ been
born- b/t he reca""e$ eno/gh o, the hitory o, hi reign to g/e .hat m/t have happene$ ne:t.
2Hn"y "ater he p/t the Bracken gir" ai$e an$ took /p .ith a B"ack.oo$- .a that the .ay o, it61
2?a$y Me"ia-1 #oter con,irme$. 2Miy- they ca""e$ her. 7here4 a tat/e o, her in o/r
go$.oo$. She .a much more bea/ti,/" than Barba Bracken- b/t "en$er- an$ Barba .a hear$
to ay that Miy .a ,"at a a boy. 3hen >ing Aegon hear$- he81
28gave her Barba4 teat.1 !aime "a/ghe$. 2#o. $i$ a"" thi begin- bet.een B"ack.oo$ an$
Bracken6 & it .ritten $o.n61
2&t i- my "or$-1 the boy ai$- 2b/t ome o, the hitorie .ere penne$ by their maeter an$
ome by o/r- cent/rie a,ter the event that they p/rport to chronic"e. &t goe back to the Age o,
#eroe. 7he B"ack.oo$ .ere king in thoe $ay. 7he Bracken .ere petty "or$- reno.ne$ ,or
bree$ing hore. Rather than pay their king hi =/t $/e- they /e$ the go"$ their hore bro/ght
them to hire .or$ an$ cat him $o.n.1
23hen $i$ a"" thi happen61
2+ive h/n$re$ year be,ore the An$a". A tho/an$- i, the #rue 7istor! i to be be"ieve$. Hn"y
no one kno. .hen the An$a" croe$ the narro. ea. 7he #rue 7istor! ay ,o/r tho/an$
year have pae$ ince then- b/t ome maeter c"aim that it .a on"y t.o. 9at a certain point-
a"" the $ate gro. haGy an$ con,/e$- an$ the c"arity o, hitory become the ,og o, "egen$.1
#!rion would like this one+ #he! could talk from dusk to dawn, arguing about books+ +or a
moment hi bitterne to.ar$ hi brother .a ,orgotten- /nti" he remembere$ .hat the &mp ha$
$one. 2So yo/ are ,ighting over a cro.n that one o, yo/ took ,rom the other back .hen the
Cater"y ti"" he"$ Cater"y Rock- i that the root o, it6 7he cro.n o, a king$om that ha not
e:ite$ ,or tho/an$ o, year61 #e ch/ck"e$. 2So many year- o many .ar- o many king8
yo/4$ think omeone .o/"$ have ma$e a peace.1
2Someone $i$- my "or$. Many omeone. 3e4ve ha$ a h/n$re$ peace .ith the Bracken-
many ea"e$ .ith marriage. 7here4 B"ack.oo$ b"oo$ in every Bracken- an$ Bracken b"oo$ in
every B"ack.oo$. 7he H"$ >ing4 9eace "ate$ ha", a cent/ry. B/t then ome ,reh A/arre" broke
o/t- an$ the o"$ .o/n$ opene$ an$ began to b"ee$ again. 7hat4 ho. it a".ay happen- my
,ather ay. So "ong a men remember the .rong $one to their ,orebear- no peace .i"" ever "at.
So .e go on cent/ry a,ter cent/ry- .ith / hating the Bracken an$ them hating /. My ,ather
ay there .i"" never be an en$ to it.1
27here co/"$ be.1
2#o.- my "or$6 7he o"$ .o/n$ never hea"- my ,ather ay.1
2My ,ather ha$ a aying too. Never .o/n$ a ,oe .hen yo/ can ki"" him. 5ea$ men $on4t
c"aim vengeance.1
27heir on $o-1 ai$ #oter- apo"ogetica""y.
2Not i, yo/ ki"" the on a .e"". Ak the Cater"y abo/t that i, yo/ $o/bt me. Ak ?or$ an$
?a$y 7arbeck- or the Reyne o, Catamere. Ak the 9rince o, 5ragontone.1 +or an intant- the
$eep re$ c"o/$ that cro.ne$ the .etern hi"" remin$e$ him o, Rhaegar4 chi"$ren- a"" .rappe$
/p in crimon c"oak.
2& that .hy yo/ ki""e$ a"" the Stark61
2Not a""-1 ai$ !aime. 2?or$ C$$ar$4 $a/ghter "ive. Hne ha =/t been .e$. 7he other81
Brienne, where are !ou6 7ae !ou found her6 28i, the go$ are goo$- he4"" ,orget he .a a
Stark. She4"" .e$ ome b/r"y b"ackmith or ,at(,ace$ innkeep- ,i"" hi ho/e .ith chi"$ren- an$
never nee$ to ,ear that ome knight might come a"ong to mah their hea$ againt a .a"".1
27he go$ are goo$-1 hi hotage ai$- /ncertain"y.
&ou go on belieing that+ !aime "et #onor ,ee" hi p/r.
9ennytree prove$ to be a m/ch "arger vi""age than he ha$ anticipate$. 7he .ar ha$ been here
tooI b"ackene$ orchar$ an$ the corche$ he"" o, broken ho/e teti,ie$ to that. B/t ,or every
home in r/in three more ha$ been reb/i"t. 7hro/gh the gathering b"/e $/k !aime g"impe$
,reh thatch /pon a core o, roo,- an$ $oor ma$e o, ra. green .oo$. Bet.een a $/ck pon$ an$
a b"ackmith4 ,orge- he came /pon the tree that gave the p"ace it name- an oak ancient an$ ta"".
&t gnar"e$ root t.ite$ in an$ o/t o, the earth "ike a net o, "o. bro.n erpent- an$ h/n$re$
o, o"$ copper pennie ha$ been nai"e$ to it h/ge tr/nk.
9eck tare$ at the tree- then at the empty ho/e. 23here are the peop"e61
2#i$ing-1 !aime to"$ him.
&ni$e the home a"" the ,ire ha$ been p/t o/t- b/t ome ti"" moke$- an$ none o, them .ere
co"$. 7he nanny goat that #ot #arry Merre"" ,o/n$ rooting thro/gh a vegetab"e gar$en .a the
on"y "iving creat/re to be een8 b/t the vi""age ha$ a ho"$,at a trong a any in the river"an$-
.ith thick tone .a"" t.e"ve ,eet high- an$ !aime kne. that .a .here he4$ ,in$ the vi""ager.
#he! hid behind those walls when raiders came, that/s wh! there/s still a illage here+ And the!
are hiding there again, from me+
#e ro$e #onor /p to the ho"$,at gate. 2Eo/ in the ho"$,at. 3e mean yo/ no harm. 3e4re
king4 men.1
+ace appeare$ on the .a"" above the gate. 27hey .a king4 men b/rne$ o/r vi""age-1 one
man ca""e$ $o.n. 2Be,ore that- ome other king4 men took o/r heep. 7hey .ere ,or a $i,,erent
king- b/t that $i$n4t matter none to o/r heep. >ing4 men ki""e$ #ar"ey an$ Ser Hrmon$- an$
rape$ ?acey ti"" he $ie$.1
2Not my men-1 !aime ai$. 23i"" yo/ open yo/r gate61
23hen yo/4re gone .e .i"".1
Ser >enno ro$e c"oe to him. 23e co/"$ break that gate $o.n eay eno/gh- or p/t it to the
torch.1
23hi"e they $rop tone on / an$ ,eather / .ith arro..1 !aime hook hi hea$. 2&t .o/"$
be a b"oo$y b/ine- an$ ,or .hat6 7hee peop"e have $one / no harm. 3e4"" he"ter in the
ho/e- b/t &4"" have no tea"ing. 3e have o/r o.n proviion.1
A a ha",(moon crept /p the ky- they take$ their hore o/t in the vi""age common an$
/ppe$ on a"te$ m/tton- $rie$ app"e- an$ har$ cheee. !aime ate paring"y an$ hare$ a kin o,
.ine .ith 9eck an$ #o the hotage. #e trie$ to co/nt the pennie nai"e$ to the o"$ oak- b/t there
.ere too many o, them an$ he kept "oing co/nt. What/s that all about6 7he B"ack.oo$ boy
.o/"$ te"" him i, he ake$- b/t that .o/"$ poi" the mytery.
#e pote$ entrie to ee that no one "e,t the con,ine o, the vi""age. #e ent o/t co/t a
.e""- to make certain no enemy took them /na.are. &t .a near mi$night .hen t.o came ri$ing
back .ith a .oman they ha$ taken captive. 2She ro$e /p bo"$ a yo/ p"eae- m4"or$- $eman$ing
.or$ .ith yo/.1
!aime cramb"e$ to hi ,eet. 2My "a$y. & ha$ not tho/ght to ee yo/ again o oon.1 1ods be
good, she looks ten !ears older than when I saw her last+ And what/s happened to her face6
27hat ban$age8 yo/4ve been .o/n$e$81
2A bite.1 She to/che$ the hi"t o, her .or$- the .or$ that he ha$ given her. Oathkeeper+ 2My
"or$- yo/ gave me a A/et.1
27he gir". #ave yo/ ,o/n$ her61
2& have-1 ai$ Brienne- Mai$ o, 7arth. 23here i he61
2A $ay4 ri$e. & can take yo/ to her- er8 b/t yo/ .i"" nee$ to come a"one. C"e.ie- the
#o/n$ .i"" ki"" her.1
0ON
R4h""or-1 ang Me"ian$re- her arm /praie$ againt the ,a""ing no.- 2yo/ are the "ight in
o/r eye- the ,ire in o/r heart- the heat in o/r "oin. Eo/r i the /n that .arm o/r $ay- yo/r
the tar that g/ar$ / in the $ark o, night.1
2All praise )/hllor, the "ord of "ight,1 the .e$$ing g/et an.ere$ in ragge$ chor/ be,ore
a g/t o, ice(co"$ .in$ b"e. their .or$ a.ay. !on Sno. raie$ the hoo$ o, hi c"oak.
7he no.,a"" .a "ight to$ay- a thin cattering o, ,"ake $ancing in the air- b/t the .in$ .a
b"o.ing ,rom the eat a"ong the 3a""- co"$ a the breath o, the ice $ragon in the ta"e H"$ Nan
/e$ to te"". Cven Me"ian$re4 ,ire .a hiveringI the ,"ame h/$$"e$ $o.n in the $itch-
crack"ing o,t"y a the re$ priete ang. Hn"y Ghot eeme$ not to ,ee" the chi"".
A"y >artark "eane$ c"oe to !on. 2Sno. $/ring a .e$$ing mean a co"$ marriage. My "a$y
mother a".ay ai$ o.1
#e g"ance$ at D/een Se"ye. #here must hae been a blizzard the da! she and Stannis wed+
#/$$"e$ beneath her ermine mant"e an$ /rro/n$e$ by her "a$ie- erving gir"- an$ knight- the
o/thron A/een eeme$ a ,rai"- pa"e- hr/nken thing. A traine$ mi"e .a ,roGen into p"ace on
her thin "ip- b/t her eye brimme$ .ith reverence. She hates the cold but loes the flames+ #e
ha$ on"y to "ook at her to ee that. A word from *elisandre, and she would walk into the fire
willingl!, embrace it like a loer+
Not a"" her A/een4 men eeme$ to hare her ,ervor. Ser Br/ appeare$ ha",($r/nk- Ser
Ma"egorn4 g"ove$ han$ .a c/ppe$ ro/n$ the are o, the "a$y bei$e him- Ser Narbert .a
ya.ning- an$ Ser 9atrek o, >ing4 Mo/ntain "ooke$ angry. !on Sno. ha$ beg/n to /n$ertan$
.hy Stanni ha$ "e,t them .ith hi A/een.
27he night i $ark an$ ,i""e$ .ith terror-1 Me"ian$re ang. 2A"one .e are born an$ a"one .e
$ie- b/t a .e .a"k thro/gh thi b"ack va"e .e $ra. trength ,rom one another- an$ ,rom yo/-
o/r "or$.1 #er car"et i"k an$ atin .ir"e$ .ith every g/t o, .in$. 27.o come ,orth to$ay to
=oin their "ive- o they may ,ace thi .or"$4 $arkne together. +i"" their heart .ith ,ire- my
"or$- o they may .a"k yo/r hining path han$ in han$ ,orever.1
2"ord of "ight, protect us,1 crie$ D/een Se"ye. Hther voice echoe$ the repone.
Me"ian$re4 ,aith,/"' pa""i$ "a$ie- hivering erving gir"- Ser A:e"" an$ Ser Narbert an$ Ser
?ambert- men(at(arm in iron mai" an$ 7henn in bronGe- even a ,e. o, !on4 b"ack brother.
4"ord of "ight, bless !our children+5
Me"ian$re4 back .a to the 3a""- on one i$e o, the $eep $itch .here her ,ire b/rne$. 7he
co/p"e to be =oine$ ,ace$ her acro the $itch. Behin$ them too$ the A/een- .ith her $a/ghter
an$ her tattooe$ ,oo". 9rince Shireen .a .rappe$ in o many ,/r that he "ooke$ ro/n$-
breathing in .hite p/,, thro/gh the car, that covere$ mot o, her ,ace. Ser A:e"" +"orent an$
hi A/een4 men /rro/n$e$ the roya" party.
7ho/gh on"y a ,e. men o, the Night4 3atch ha$ gathere$ abo/t the $itch,ire- more "ooke$
$o.n ,rom roo,top an$ .in$o. an$ the tep o, the great .itchback tair. !on took care,/"
note o, .ho .a there an$ .ho .a not. Some men ha$ the $/tyI many =/t o,, .atch .ere ,at
a"eep. B/t other ha$ choen to abent theme"ve to ho. their $iapprova". Hthe"" Ear.yck
an$ Bo.en Marh .ere amongt the miing. Septon Chay"e ha$ emerge$ brie,"y ,rom the ept-
,ingering the even(i$e$ cryta" on the thong abo/t hi neck- on"y to retreat ini$e again once
the prayer began.
Me"ian$re raie$ her han$- an$ the $itch,ire "eapt /p.ar$ to.ar$ her ,inger- "ike a great re$
$og pringing ,or a treat. A .ir" o, park roe to meet the no.,"ake coming $o.n. 2Hh- ?or$
o, ?ight- .e thank yo/-1 he ang to the h/ngry ,"ame. 23e thank yo/ ,or brave Stanni- by
yo/r grace o/r king. G/i$e him an$ $e,en$ him- R4h""or. 9rotect him ,rom the treacherie o, evi"
men an$ grant him trength to mite the ervant o, the $ark.1
21rant him strength,1 an.ere$ D/een Se"ye an$ her knight an$ "a$ie. 41rant him
courage+ 1rant him wisdom+5
A"y >artark "ippe$ her arm thro/gh !on4. 2#o. m/ch "onger- ?or$ Sno.6 &, &4m to be
b/rie$ beneath thi no.- &4$ "ike to $ie a .oman .e$.1
2Soon- my "a$y-1 !on a/re$ her. 2Soon.1
2We thank !ou for the sun that warms us,1 chante$ the A/een. 4We thank !ou for the stars
that watch oer us in the black of night+ We thank !ou for our hearths and for our torches that
keep the saage dark at ba!+ We thank !ou for our bright spirits, the fires in our loins and in our
hearts+5
An$ Me"ian$re ai$- 2?et them come ,orth- .ho .o/"$ be =oine$.1 7he ,"ame cat her
ha$o. on the 3a"" behin$ her- an$ her r/by g"eame$ againt the pa"ene o, her throat.
!on t/rne$ to A"y >artark. 2My "a$y. Are yo/ rea$y61
2Ee. Hh- ye.1
2Eo/4re not care$61
7he gir" mi"e$ in a .ay that remin$e$ !on o m/ch o, hi "itt"e iter that it a"mot broke hi
heart. 2?et him be care$ o, me.1 7he no.,"ake .ere me"ting on her cheek- b/t her hair .a
.rappe$ in a .ir" o, "ace that Satin ha$ ,o/n$ ome.here- an$ the no. ha$ beg/n to co""ect
there- giving her a ,roty cro.n. #er cheek .ere ,"/he$ an$ re$- an$ her eye park"e$.
23inter4 "a$y.1 !on A/eeGe$ her han$.
7he Magnar o, 7henn too$ .aiting by the ,ire- c"a$ a i, ,or batt"e- in ,/r an$ "eather an$
bronGe ca"e- a bronGe .or$ at hi hip. #i rece$ing hair ma$e him "ook o"$er than hi year-
b/t a he t/rne$ to .atch hi bri$e approach- !on co/"$ ee the boy in him. #i eye .ere big a
.a"n/t- tho/gh .hether it .a the ,ire- the priete- or the .oman that ha$ p/t the ,ear in him
!on co/"$ not ay. Al!s was more right than she knew+
23ho bring thi .oman to be .e$61 ake$ Me"ian$re.
2& $o-1 ai$ !on. 2No. come A"y o, #o/e >artark- a .oman gro.n an$ ,"o.ere$- o,
nob"e b"oo$ an$ birth.1 #e gave her han$ one "at A/eeGe an$ teppe$ back to =oin the other.
23ho come ,orth to c"aim thi .oman61 ake$ Me"ian$re.
2Me.1 Sigorn "appe$ hi chet. 2Magnar o, 7henn.1
2Sigorn-1 ake$ Me"ian$re- 2.i"" yo/ hare yo/r ,ire .ith A"y- an$ .arm her .hen the night
i $ark an$ ,/"" o, terror61
2& .ear me.1 7he Magnar4 promie .a a .hite c"o/$ in the air. Sno. $app"e$ hi
ho/"$er. #i ear .ere re$. 2By the re$ go$4 ,"ame- & .arm her a"" her $ay.1
2A"y- $o yo/ .ear to hare yo/r ,ire .ith Sigorn- an$ .arm him .hen the night i $ark an$
,/"" o, terror61
27i"" hi b"oo$ i boi"ing.1 #er mai$en4 c"oak .a the b"ack .oo" o, the Night4 3atch. 7he
>artark /nb/rt e.n on it back .a ma$e o, the ame .hite ,/r that "ine$ it.
Me"ian$re4 eye hone a bright a the r/by at her throat. 27hen come to me an$ be a one.1
A he beckone$- a .a"" o, ,"ame roare$ /p.ar$- "icking at the no.,"ake .ith hot orange
tong/e. A"y >artark took her Magnar by the han$.
Si$e by i$e they "eapt the $itch. 27.o .ent into the ,"ame.1 A g/t o, .in$ "i,te$ the re$
.oman4 car"et kirt ti"" he pree$ them $o.n again. 2Hne emerge.1 #er coppery hair
$ance$ abo/t her hea$. 23hat ,ire =oin- none may p/t a/n$er.1
2What fire 9oins, none ma! put asunder,1 came the echo- ,rom A/een4 men an$ 7henn an$
even a ,e. o, the b"ack brother.
08cept for kings and uncles, tho/ght !on Sno..
Cregan >artark ha$ t/rne$ /p a $ay behin$ hi niece. 3ith him came ,o/r mo/nte$ men(at(
arm- a h/ntman- an$ a pack o, $og- ni,,ing a,ter ?a$y A"y a i, he .ere a $eer. !on Sno.
met them on the kingroa$ ha", a "eag/e o/th o, Mo"e4 7o.n- be,ore they co/"$ t/rn /p at
Cat"e B"ack- c"aim g/et right- or ca"" ,or par"ey. Hne o, >artark4 men ha$ "ooe$ a crobo.
A/arre" at 7y an$ $ie$ ,or it. 7hat "e,t ,o/r- an$ Cregan hime",.
+ort/nate"y they ha$ a $oGen ice ce"". )oom for all+
?ike o m/ch e"e- hera"$ry en$e$ at the 3a"". 7he 7henn ha$ no ,ami"y arm a .a
c/tomary amongt the nob"e o, the Seven >ing$om- o !on to"$ the te.ar$ to improvie. #e
tho/ght they ha$ $one .e"". 7he bri$e4 c"oak Sigorn ,atene$ abo/t ?a$y A"y4 ho/"$er
ho.e$ a bronGe $ik on a ,ie"$ o, .hite .oo"- /rro/n$e$ by ,"ame ma$e .ith .ip o,
crimon i"k. 7he echo o, the >artark /nb/rt .a there ,or thoe .ho care$ to "ook- b/t
$i,,erence$ to make the arm appropriate ,or #o/e 7henn.
7he Magnar a"" b/t rippe$ the mai$en4 c"oak ,rom A"y4 ho/"$er- b/t .hen he ,atene$
her bri$e4 c"oak abo/t her he .a a"mot ten$er. A he "eane$ $o.n to ki her cheek- their
breath ming"e$. 7he ,"ame roare$ once again. 7he A/een4 men began to ing a ong o, praie.
2& it $one61 !on hear$ Satin .hiper.
25one an$ $one-1 m/ttere$ M/""y- 2an$ a goo$ thing. 7hey4re .e$ an$ &4m ha",(,roGe.1 #e
.a m/,,"e$ /p in hi bet b"ack- .oo"en o ne. that they ha$ har$"y ha$ a chance to ,a$e yet-
b/t the .in$ ha$ t/rne$ hi cheek a re$ a hi hair. 2#obb4 m/""e$ ome .ine .ith cinnamon
an$ c"ove. 7hat4"" .arm / ome.1
23hat4 c"ove61 ake$ H.en the Ha,.
7he no. ha$ tarte$ to $ecen$ more heavi"y an$ the ,ire in the $itch .a g/ttering o/t. 7he
cro.$ began to break apart an$ tream ,rom the yar$- A/een4 men- king4 men- an$ ,ree ,o"k
a"ike- a"" an:io/ to get o/t o, the .in$ an$ the co"$. 23i"" my "or$ be ,eating .ith /61 M/""y
ake$ !on Sno..
2Short"y.1 Sigorn might take it a a "ight i, he $i$ not appear. And this marriage is mine own
work, after all+ 2& have other matter to atten$ to ,irt- ho.ever.1
!on croe$ to D/een Se"ye- .ith Ghot bei$e him. #i boot cr/nche$ thro/gh pi"e o, o"$
no.. &t .a gro.ing ever more time(con/ming to hove" o/t the path ,rom one b/i"$ing to
anotherI more an$ more- the men .ere reorting to the /n$ergro/n$ paage they ca""e$
.orm.ay.
28/ch a bea/ti,/" rite-1 the A/een .a aying. 2& co/"$ ,ee" o/r "or$4 ,iery gaGe /pon /.
Hh- yo/ cannot kno. ho. many time & have begge$ Stanni to "et / be .e$ again- a tr/e
=oining o, bo$y an$ pirit b"ee$ by the ?or$ o, ?ight. & kno. that & co/"$ give #i Grace more
chi"$ren i, .e .ere bo/n$ in ,ire.1
#o gie him more children !ou would first need to get him into !our bed+ Cven at the 3a""- it
.a common kno."e$ge that Stanni Baratheon ha$ h/nne$ hi .i,e ,or year. Hne co/"$ on"y
imagine ho. #i Grace ha$ repon$e$ to the notion o, a econ$ .e$$ing in the mi$t o, hi .ar.
!on bo.e$. 2&, it p"eae Eo/r Grace- the ,eat a.ait.1
7he A/een g"ance$ at Ghot /picio/"y- then raie$ her hea$ to !on. 27o be /re. ?a$y
Me"ian$re kno. the .ay.1
7he re$ priete poke /p. 2& m/t atten$ my ,ire- Eo/r Grace. 9erhap R4h""or .i""
vo/cha,e me a g"impe o, #i Grace. A g"impe o, ome great victory- mayhap.1
2Hh.1 D/een Se"ye "ooke$ tricken. 27o be /re8 "et / pray ,or a viion ,rom o/r "or$81
2Satin- ho. #er Grace to her p"ace-1 ai$ !on.
Ser Ma"egorn teppe$ ,or.ar$. 2& .i"" ecort #er Grace to the ,eat. 3e ha"" not reA/ire
yo/r8 te.ar$.1 7he .ay the man $re. o/t the "at .or$ to"$ !on that he ha$ been coni$ering
aying omething e"e. Bo!6 $et6 Whore6
!on bo.e$ again. 2A yo/ .ih. & ha"" =oin yo/ hort"y.1
Ser Ma"egorn o,,ere$ hi arm- an$ D/een Se"ye took it ti,,"y. #er other han$ ett"e$ on her
$a/ghter4 ho/"$er. 7he roya" $/ck"ing ,e"" in behin$ them a they ma$e their .ay acro the
yar$- marching to the m/ic o, the be"" on the ,oo"4 hat. 2Fn$er the ea the mermen ,eat on
tar,ih o/p- an$ a"" the erving men are crab-1 9atch,ace proc"aime$ a they .ent. 2& kno.- &
kno.- oh- oh- oh.1
Me"ian$re4 ,ace $arkene$. 27hat creat/re i $angero/. Many a time & have g"impe$ him in
my ,"ame. Sometime there are k/"" abo/t him- an$ hi "ip are re$ .ith b"oo$.1
A wonder !ou haen/t had the poor man burned+ A"" it .o/"$ take .a a .or$ in the A/een4
ear- an$ 9atch,ace .o/"$ ,ee$ her ,ire. 2Eo/ ee ,oo" in yo/r ,ire- b/t no hint o, Stanni61
23hen & earch ,or him a"" & ee i no..1
#he same useless answer+ C"y$a ha$ $ipatche$ a raven to 5eep.oo$ Motte to .arn the king
o, Arno", >artark4 treachery- b/t .hether the bir$ ha$ reache$ #i Grace in time !on $i$ not
kno.. 7he Braavoi banker .a o,, in earch o, Stanni a .e""- accompanie$ by the g/i$e that
!on ha$ given him- b/t bet.een the .ar an$ .eather- it .o/"$ be a .on$er i, he ,o/n$ him.
23o/"$ yo/ kno. i, the king .a $ea$61 !on ake$ the re$ priete.
2#e i not $ea$. Stanni i the ?or$4 choen- $etine$ to "ea$ the ,ight againt the $ark. &
have een it in the ,"ame- rea$ o, it in ancient prophecy. 3hen the re$ tar b"ee$ an$ the
$arkne gather- AGor Ahai ha"" be born again ami$t moke an$ a"t to .ake $ragon o/t o,
tone. 5ragontone i the p"ace o, moke an$ a"t.1
!on ha$ hear$ a"" thi be,ore. 2Stanni Baratheon .a the ?or$ o, 5ragontone- b/t he .a not
born there. #e .a born at Storm4 Cn$- "ike hi brother.1 #e ,ro.ne$. 2An$ .hat o, Mance6 &
he "ot a .e""6 3hat $o yo/r ,ire ho.61
27he ame- & ,ear. Hn"y no..1
Snow+ &t .a no.ing heavi"y to the o/th- !on kne.. Hn"y t.o $ay4 ri$e ,rom here- the
kingroa$ .a ai$ to be impaab"e. *elisandre knows that too+ An$ to the eat- a avage torm
.a raging on the Bay o, Sea". At "at report- the ragtag ,"eet they ha$ aemb"e$ to rec/e the
,ree ,o"k ,rom #ar$home ti"" h/$$"e$ at Cat.atch(by(the(Sea- con,ine$ to port by the ro/gh
ea. 2Eo/ are eeing cin$er $ancing in the /p$ra,t.1
2& am eeing k/"". An$ yo/. & ee yo/r ,ace every time & "ook into the ,"ame. 7he $anger
that & .arne$ yo/ o, gro. very c"oe no..1
25agger in the $ark. & kno.. Eo/ .i"" ,orgive my $o/bt- my "a$y. A gre! girl on a d!ing
horse, fleeing from a marriage, that .a .hat yo/ ai$.1
2& .a not .rong.1
2Eo/ .ere not right. A"y i not Arya.1
27he viion .a a tr/e one. &t .a my rea$ing that .a ,a"e. & am a morta" a yo/- !on
Sno.. A"" morta" err.1
2Cven "or$ comman$er.1 Mance Ray$er an$ hi pear.ive ha$ not ret/rne$- an$ !on co/"$
not he"p b/t .on$er .hether the re$ .oman ha$ "ie$ o, a p/rpoe. Is she pla!ing her own game6
2Eo/ .o/"$ $o .e"" to keep yo/r .o", bei$e yo/- my "or$.1
2Ghot i e"$om ,ar.1 7he $ire.o", raie$ hi hea$ at the o/n$ o, hi name. !on cratche$
him behin$ the ear. 2B/t no. yo/ m/t e:c/e me. Ghot- .ith me.1
Carve$ ,rom the bae o, the 3a"" an$ c"oe$ .ith heavy .oo$en $oor- the ice ce"" range$
,rom ma"" to ma""er. Some .ere big eno/gh to a""o. a man to pace- other o ma"" that
prioner .ere ,orce$ to itI the ma""et .ere too crampe$ to a""o. even that.
!on ha$ given hi chie, captive the "arget ce""- a pai" to hit in- eno/gh ,/r to keep him ,rom
,reeGing- an$ a kin o, .ine. &t took the g/ar$ ome time to open hi ce""- a ice ha$ ,orme$
ini$e the "ock. R/te$ hinge creame$ "ike $amne$ o/" .hen 3ick 3hitt"etick yanke$ the
$oor .i$e eno/gh ,or !on to "ip thro/gh. A ,aint ,eca" o$or greete$ him- tho/gh "e
overpo.ering than he4$ e:pecte$. Cven hit ,roGe o"i$ in /ch bitter co"$. !on Sno. co/"$ ee
hi o.n re,"ection $im"y ini$e the icy .a"".
&n one corner o, the ce"" a heap o, ,/r .a pi"e$ /p a"mot to the height o, a man. 2>artark-1
ai$ !on Sno.. 23ake /p.1
7he ,/r tirre$. Some ha$ ,roGen together- an$ the ,rot that covere$ them g"ittere$ .hen
they move$. An arm emerge$- then a ,ace@bro.n hair- tang"e$ an$ matte$ an$ treake$ .ith
grey- t.o ,ierce eye- a noe- a mo/th- a bear$. &ce cake$ the prioner4 m/tache- c"/mp o,
,roGen not. 2Sno..1 #i breath teame$ in the air- ,ogging the ice behin$ hi hea$. 2Eo/ have
no right to ho"$ me. 7he "a. o, hopita"ity@1
2Eo/ are no g/et o, mine. Eo/ came to the 3a"" .itho/t my "eave- arme$- to carry o,, yo/r
niece againt her .i"". ?a$y A"y .a given brea$ an$ a"t. She i a g/et. Eo/ are a prioner.1
!on "et that hang ,or a moment- then ai$- 2Eo/r niece i .e$.1
Cregan >artark4 "ip kinne$ back ,rom hi teeth. 2A"y .a promie$ to me.1 7ho/gh pat
,i,ty- he ha$ been a trong man .hen he .ent into the ce"". 7he co"$ ha$ robbe$ him o, that
trength an$ "e,t him ti,, an$ .eak. 2My "or$ ,ather@1
2Eo/r ,ather i a cate""an- not a "or$. An$ a cate""an ha no right to make marriage pact.1
2My ,ather- Arno",- i ?or$ o, >arho"$.1
2A on come be,ore an /nc"e by a"" the "a. & kno..1
Cregan p/he$ hime", to hi ,eet an$ kicke$ ai$e the ,/r c"inging to hi ank"e. 2#arrion i
$ea$.1
Or will be soon+ 2A $a/ghter come be,ore an /nc"e too. &, her brother i $ea$- >arho"$
be"ong to ?a$y A"y. An$ he ha given her han$ in marriage to Sigorn- Magnar o, 7henn.1
2A .i"$"ing. A ,i"thy- m/r$ering .i"$"ing.1 Cregan4 han$ c"oe$ into ,it. 7he g"ove that
covere$ them .ere "eather- "ine$ .ith ,/r to match the c"oak that h/ng matte$ an$ ti,, ,rom hi
broa$ ho/"$er. #i b"ack .oo" /rcoat .a emb"aGone$ .ith the .hite /nb/rt o, hi ho/e. 2&
ee .hat yo/ are- Sno.. #a", a .o", an$ ha", a .i"$"ing- baeborn get o, a traitor an$ a .hore.
Eo/ .o/"$ $e"iver a highborn mai$ to the be$ o, ome tinking avage. 5i$ yo/ amp"e her
yo/re", ,irt61 #e "a/ghe$. 2&, yo/ mean to ki"" me- $o it an$ be $amne$ ,or a kin"ayer. Stark
an$ >artark are one b"oo$.1
2My name i Sno..1
4Bastard+5
2G/i"ty. H, that- at "eat.1
2?et thi Magnar come to >arho"$. 3e4"" hack o,, hi hea$ an$ t/,, it in a privy- o .e can
pi into hi mo/th.1
2Sigorn "ea$ t.o h/n$re$ 7henn-1 !on pointe$ o/t- 2an$ ?a$y A"y be"ieve >arho"$ .i""
open it gate to her. 7.o o, yo/r men have a"rea$y .orn her their ervice an$ con,irme$ a""
he ha$ to ay concerning the p"an yo/r ,ather ma$e .ith Ramay Sno.. Eo/ have c"oe kin at
>arho"$- & am to"$. A .or$ ,rom yo/ co/"$ ave their "ive. Eie"$ the cat"e. ?a$y A"y .i""
par$on the .omen .ho betraye$ her an$ a""o. the men to take the b"ack.1
Cregan hook hi hea$. Ch/nk o, ice ha$ ,orme$ abo/t the tang"e in hi hair- an$ clicke$
together o,t"y .hen he move$. 2Never-1 he ai$. 2Never- never- never.1
I should make his head a wedding gift for "ad! Al!s and her *agnar, !on tho/ght- b/t $are
not take the rik. 7he Night4 3atch took no part in the A/arre" o, the rea"mI ome .o/"$ ay he
ha$ a"rea$y given Stanni too m/ch he"p. Behead this fool, and the! will claim I am killing
northmen to gie their lands to wildlings+ )elease him, and he will do his best to rip apart all
I/e done with "ad! Al!s and the *agnar+ !on .on$ere$ .hat hi ,ather .o/"$ $o- ho. hi /nc"e
might $ea" .ith thi. B/t C$$ar$ Stark .a $ea$- Ben=en Stark "ot in the ,roGen .i"$ beyon$
the 3a"". &ou know nothing, -on Snow+
2Never i a "ong time-1 !on ai$. 2Eo/ may ,ee" $i,,erent"y on the morro.- or a year ,rom
no.. Soon or "ate >ing Stanni .i"" ret/rn to the 3a""- ho.ever. 3hen he $oe he .i"" have yo/
p/t to $eath8 /n"e it happen that yo/ are .earing a b"ack c"oak. 3hen a man take the b"ack-
hi crime are .ipe$ a.ay.1 0en such a man as !ou+ 2No. pray e:c/e me. & have a ,eat to
atten$.1
A,ter the biting co"$ o, the ice ce""- the cro.$e$ ce""ar .a o hot that !on ,e"t /,,ocate$
,rom the moment he came $o.n the tep. 7he air me""e$ o, moke an$ roating meat an$
m/""e$ .ine. A:e"" +"orent .a making a toat a !on took hi p"ace /pon the $ai. 27o >ing
Stanni an$ hi .i,e- D/een Se"ye- ?ight o, the North01 Ser A:e"" be""o.e$. 27o R4h""or- the
?or$ o, ?ight- may he $e,en$ / a""0 Hne "an$- one go$- one king01
2One land, one god, one king;1 the A/een4 men echoe$.
!on $rank .ith the ret. 3hether A"y >artark .o/"$ ,in$ any =oy in her marriage he co/"$
not ay- b/t thi one night at "eat ho/"$ be one o, ce"ebration.
7he te.ar$ began to bring o/t the ,irt $ih- an onion broth ,"avore$ .ith bit o, goat an$
carrot. Not precie"y roya" ,are- b/t no/rihingI it tate$ goo$ eno/gh an$ .arme$ the be""y.
H.en the Ha, took /p hi ,i$$"e- an$ evera" o, the ,ree ,o"k =oine$ in .ith pipe an$ $r/m. #he
same pipes and drums the! pla!ed to sound *ance )a!der/s attack upon the Wall+ !on tho/ght
they o/n$e$ .eeter no.. 3ith the broth came "oave o, coare bro.n brea$- .arm ,rom the
oven. Sa"t an$ b/tter at /pon the tab"e. 7he ight ma$e !on g"oomy. 7hey .ere .e"" provi$e$
.ith a"t- Bo.en Marh ha$ to"$ him- b/t the "at o, the b/tter .o/"$ be gone .ithin a moon4
t/rn.
H"$ +"int an$ 7he Norrey ha$ been given p"ace o, high honor =/t be"o. the $ai. Both men
ha$ been too o"$ to march .ith StanniI they ha$ ent their on an$ gran$on in their tea$. B/t
they ha$ been A/ick eno/gh to $ecen$ on Cat"e B"ack ,or the .e$$ing. Cach ha$ bro/ght a .et
n/re to the 3a"" a .e"". 7he Norrey .oman .a ,orty- .ith the bigget breat !on Sno. ha$
ever een. 7he +"int gir" .a ,o/rteen an$ ,"at(chete$ a a boy- tho/gh he $i$ not "ack ,or mi"k.
Bet.een the t.o o, them- the chi"$ %a" ca""e$ Monter eeme$ to be thriving.
+or that m/ch !on .a grate,/"8 b/t he $i$ not be"ieve ,or a moment that t.o /ch hoary o"$
.arrior .o/"$ have hie$ $o.n ,rom their hi"" ,or that a"one. Cach ha$ bro/ght a tai" o, ,ighting
men@,ive ,or H"$ +"int- t.e"ve ,or 7he Norrey- a"" c"a$ in ragge$ kin an$ t/$$e$ "eather-
,earome a the ,ace o, .inter. Some ha$ "ong bear$- ome ha$ car- ome ha$ bothI a""
.orhipe$ the o"$ go$ o, the north- thoe ame go$ .orhipe$ by the ,ree ,o"k beyon$ the
3a"". Eet here they at- $rinking to a marriage ha""o.e$ by ome A/eer re$ go$ ,rom beyon$ the
ea.
Better that than refuse to drink+ Neither +"int nor Norrey ha$ t/rne$ their c/p over to pi""
their .ine /pon the ,"oor. 7hat might betoken a certain acceptance. Or perhaps the! 9ust hate to
waste good southron wine+ #he! will not hae tasted much of it up in those ston! hills of theirs+
Bet.een co/re- Ser A:e"" +"orent "e$ D/een Se"ye o/t onto the ,"oor to $ance. Hther
,o""o.e$@the A/een4 knight ,irt- partnere$ .ith her "a$ie. Ser Br/ gave 9rince Shireen
her ,irt $ance- then took a t/rn .ith her mother. Ser Narbert $ance$ .ith each o, Se"ye4 "a$y
companion in t/rn.
7he A/een4 men o/tn/mbere$ the A/een4 "a$ie three to one- o even the h/mb"et erving
gir" .ere pree$ into the $ance. A,ter a ,e. ong ome b"ack brother remembere$ ki""
"earne$ at the co/rt an$ cat"e o, their yo/th- be,ore their in ha$ ent them to the 3a""- an$
took the ,"oor a .e"". 7hat o"$ rog/e F"mer o, the >ing.oo$ prove$ a a$ept at $ancing a he
.a at archery- no $o/bt rega"ing hi partner .ith hi ta"e o, the >ing.oo$ Brotherhoo$-
.hen he ro$e .ith Simon 7oyne an$ Big Be""y Ben an$ he"pe$ 3en$a the 3hite +a.n b/rn her
mark in the b/ttock o, her highborn captive. Satin .a a"" grace- $ancing .ith three erving
gir" in t/rn b/t never pre/ming to approach a highborn "a$y. !on =/$ge$ that .ie. #e $i$ not
"ike the .ay ome o, the A/een4 knight .ere "ooking at the te.ar$- partic/"ar"y Ser 9atrek o,
>ing4 Mo/ntain. #hat one wants to shed a bit of blood, he tho/ght. 7e is looking for some
proocation+
3hen H.en the Ha, began to $ance .ith 9atch,ace the ,oo"- "a/ghter echoe$ o,, the va/"te$
cei"ing. 7he ight ma$e ?a$y A"y mi"e. 25o yo/ $ance o,ten- here at Cat"e B"ack61
2Cvery time .e have a .e$$ing- my "a$y.1
2Eo/ co/"$ $ance .ith me- yo/ kno.. &t .o/"$ be on"y co/rteo/. Eo/ $ance$ .ith me
anon.1
2Anon61 teae$ !on.
23hen .e .ere chi"$ren.1 She tore o,, a bit o, brea$ an$ thre. it at him. 2A yo/ kno.
.e"".1
2My "a$y ho/"$ $ance .ith her h/ban$.1
2My Magnar i not one ,or $ancing- & ,ear. &, yo/ .i"" not $ance .ith me- at "eat po/r me
ome o, the m/""e$ .ine.1
2A yo/ comman$.1 #e igna"e$ ,or a ,"agon.
2So-1 ai$ A"y- a !on po/re$- 2& am no. a .oman .e$. A .i"$"ing h/ban$ .ith hi o.n
"itt"e .i"$"ing army.1
2+ree ,o"k i .hat they ca"" theme"ve. Mot- at "eat. 7he 7henn are a peop"e apart- tho/gh.
%ery o"$.1 Egritte ha$ to"$ him that. &ou know nothing, -on Snow+ 27hey come ,rom a hi$$en
va"e at the north en$ o, the +rot,ang- /rro/n$e$ by high peak- an$ ,or tho/an$ o, year
they4ve ha$ more tr/ck .ith the giant than .ith other men. &t ma$e them $i,,erent.1
25i,,erent-1 he ai$- 2b/t more "ike /.1
2Aye- my "a$y. 7he 7henn have "or$ an$ "a..1 #he! know how to kneel+ 27hey mine tin
an$ copper ,or bronGe- ,orge their o.n arm an$ armor intea$ o, tea"ing it. A pro/$ ,o"k- an$
brave. Mance Ray$er ha$ to bet the o"$ Magnar thrice be,ore Styr .o/"$ accept him a >ing(
Beyon$(the(3a"".1
2An$ no. they are here- on o/r i$e o, the 3a"". 5riven ,rom their mo/ntain ,atne an$ into
my be$chamber.1 She mi"e$ a .ry mi"e. 2&t i my o.n ,a/"t. My "or$ ,ather to"$ me & m/t
charm yo/r brother Robb- b/t & .a on"y i: an$ $i$n4t kno. ho..1
A!e, but now !ou/re almost si8(and(ten, and we must pra! !ou will know how to charm !our
new husband+ 2My "a$y- ho. $o thing tan$ at >arho"$ .ith yo/r ,oo$ tore61
2Not .e"".1 A"y ighe$. 2My ,ather took o many o, o/r men o/th .ith him that on"y the
.omen an$ yo/ng boy .ere "e,t to bring the harvet in. 7hem- an$ the men too o"$ or cripp"e$
to go o,, to .ar. Crop .ithere$ in the ,ie"$ or .ere po/n$e$ into the m/$ by a/t/mn rain.
An$ no. the no. are come. 7hi .inter .i"" be har$. +e. o, the o"$ peop"e .i"" /rvive it- an$
many chi"$ren .i"" perih a .e"".1
&t .a a ta"e that any northmen kne. .e"". 2My ,ather4 gran$mother .a a +"int o, the
mo/ntain- on hi mother4 i$e-1 !on to"$ her. 27he +irt +"int- they ca"" theme"ve. 7hey ay
the other +"int are the b"oo$ o, yo/nger on- .ho ha$ to "eave the mo/ntain to ,in$ ,oo$ an$
"an$ an$ .ive. &t ha a".ay been a harh "i,e /p there. 3hen the no. ,a"" an$ ,oo$ gro.
carce- their yo/ng m/t trave" to the .inter to.n or take ervice at one cat"e or the other. 7he
o"$ men gather /p .hat trength remain in them an$ anno/nce that they are going h/nting.
Some are ,o/n$ come pring. More are never een again.1
2&t i m/ch the ame at >arho"$.1
7hat $i$ not /rprie him. 23hen yo/r tore begin to $.in$"e- my "a$y- remember /. Sen$
yo/r o"$ men to the 3a""- "et them ay o/r .or$. #ere at "eat they .i"" not $ie a"one in the
no.- .ith on"y memorie to .arm them. Sen$ / boy a .e""- i, yo/ have boy to pare.1
2A yo/ ay.1 She to/che$ hi han$. 2>arho"$ remember.1
7he e"k .a being carve$. &t me""e$ better than !on ha$ any reaon to e:pect. #e $ipatche$
a portion to ?eather o/t at #ar$in4 7o.er- a"ong .ith three big p"atter o, roat vegetab"e ,or
3/n 3/n- then ate a hea"thy "ice hime",. #hree(Finger 7obb/s ac3uitted himself well+ 7hat
ha$ been a concern. #obb ha$ come to him t.o night ago comp"aining that he4$ =oine$ the
Night4 3atch to ki"" .i"$"ing- not to cook ,or them. 2Bei$e- & never $one no .e$$ing ,eat-
m4"or$. B"ack brother $on4t never take no .i,e. &t4 in the b"oo$y vo.- & .ear 4ti.1
!on .a .ahing the roat $o.n .ith a ip o, m/""e$ .ine .hen C"y$a appeare$ at hi
e"bo.. 2A bir$-1 he anno/nce$- an$ "ippe$ a parchment into !on4 han$. 7he note .a ea"e$
.ith a $ot o, har$ b"ack .a:. 0astwatch, !on kne.- even be,ore he broke the ea". 7he "etter ha$
been .ritten by Maeter #arm/neI Cotter 9yke co/"$ neither rea$ nor .rite. B/t the .or$ .ere
9yke4- et $o.n a he ha$ poken them- b"/nt an$ to the point.
%alm seas toda!+ 0leen ships set sail for 7ardhome on the morning tide+ #hree Braaosi,
four "!seni, four of ours+ #wo of the "!seni barel! seaworth!+ We ma! drown more
wildlings than we sae+ &our command+ #went! raens aboard, and *aester 7armune+
Will send reports+ I command from 7a"on, #attersalt second on B"ackbir$, Ser 1lendon
holds 0astwatch+
25ark .ing- $ark .or$61 ake$ A"y >artark.
2No- my "a$y. 7hi ne. .a "ong a.aite$.1 #hough the last part troubles me+ G"en$on
#e.ett .a a eaone$ man an$ a trong one- a enib"e choice to comman$ in Cotter 9yke4
abence. B/t he .a a"o a m/ch a ,rien$ a A""ier 7horne co/"$ boat- an$ a crony o, ort
.ith !ano S"ynt- ho.ever brie,"y. !on co/"$ ti"" reca"" ho. #e.ett ha$ $ragge$ him ,rom hi
be$- an$ the ,ee" o, hi boot "amming into hi rib. 2ot the man I would hae chosen+ #e ro""e$
the parchment /p an$ "ippe$ it into hi be"t.
7he ,ih co/re .a ne:t- b/t a the pike .a being bone$ ?a$y A"y $ragge$ the Magnar /p
onto the ,"oor. +rom the .ay he move$ it .a p"ain that Sigorn ha$ never $ance$ be,ore- b/t he
ha$ $r/nk eno/gh m/""e$ .ine o that it $i$ not eem to matter.
2A northern mai$ an$ a .i"$"ing .arrior- bo/n$ together by the ?or$ o, ?ight.1 Ser A:e""
+"orent "ippe$ into ?a$y A"y4 vacant eat. 2#er Grace approve. & am c"oe to her- my "or$- o
& kno. her min$. >ing Stanni .i"" approve a .e"".1
<nless )oose Bolton has stuck his head on a spear+ 2Not a"" agree- a"a.1 Ser A:e""4 bear$
.a a ragge$ br/h beneath hi agging chinI coare hair pro/te$ ,rom hi ear an$ notri".
2Ser 9atrek ,ee" he .o/"$ have ma$e a better match ,or ?a$y A"y. #i "an$ .ere "ot to him
.hen he came north.1
27here are many in thi ha"" .ho have "ot ,ar more than that-1 ai$ !on- 2an$ more .ho have
given /p their "ive in ervice to the rea"m. Ser 9atrek ho/"$ co/nt hime", ,ort/nate.1
A:e"" +"orent mi"e$. 27he king might ay the ame i, he .ere here. Eet ome proviion m/t
be ma$e ,or #i Grace4 "ea" knight- /re"y6 7hey have ,o""o.e$ him o ,ar an$ at /ch cot.
An$ .e m/t nee$ bin$ thee .i"$"ing to king an$ rea"m. 7hi marriage i a goo$ ,irt tep- b/t
& kno. that it .o/"$ p"eae the A/een to ee the .i"$"ing prince .e$ a .e"".1
!on ighe$. #e .a .eary o, e:p"aining that %a" .a no tr/e prince. No matter ho. o,ten he
to"$ them- they never eeme$ to hear. 2Eo/ are peritent- Ser A:e""- & grant yo/ that.1
25o yo/ b"ame me- my "or$6 S/ch a priGe i not eai"y .on. A n/bi"e gir"- & hear- an$ not har$
to "ook /pon. Goo$ hip- goo$ breat- .e"" ma$e ,or .he"ping chi"$ren.1
23ho .o/"$ ,ather thee chi"$ren6 Ser 9atrek6 Eo/61
23ho better6 3e +"orent have the b"oo$ o, the o"$ Gar$ener king in o/r vein. ?a$y
Me"ian$re co/"$ per,orm the rite- a he $i$ ,or ?a$y A"y an$ the Magnar.1
2A"" yo/ are "acking i a bri$e.1
2Cai"y reme$ie$.1 +"orent4 mi"e .a o ,a"e that it "ooke$ pain,/". 23here i he- ?or$
Sno.6 #ave yo/ move$ her to one o, yo/r other cat"e6 Greyg/ar$ or the Sha$o. 7o.er6
3hore4 B/rro.- .ith t4other .enche61 #e "eane$ c"oe. 2Some ay yo/ have her t/cke$ a.ay
,or yo/r o.n p"ea/re. &t make no matter to me- o "ong a he i not .ith chi"$. &4"" get my o.n
on on her. &, yo/4ve broken her to a$$"e- .e""8 .e are both men o, the .or"$- are .e not61
!on ha$ hear$ eno/gh. 2Ser A:e""- i, yo/ are tr/"y the D/een4 #an$- & pity #er Grace.1
+"orent4 ,ace gre. ,"/he$ .ith anger. 2So it is tr/e. Eo/ mean to keep her ,or yo/re",- & ee
it no.. 7he batar$ .ant hi ,ather4 eat.1
#he bastard refused his father/s seat+ If the bastard had wanted .al, all he had to do was ask
for her+ 2Eo/ m/t e:c/e me- er-1 he ai$. 2& nee$ a breath o, ,reh air.1 It stinks in here+ #i
hea$ t/rne$. 27hat .a a horn.1
Hther ha$ hear$ it too. 7he m/ic an$ the "a/ghter $ie$ at once. 5ancer ,roGe in p"ace-
"itening. Cven Ghot pricke$ /p hi ear. 25i$ yo/ hear that61 D/een Se"ye ake$ her knight.
2A .arhorn- Eo/r Grace-1 ai$ Ser Narbert.
7he A/een4 han$ .ent ,"/ttering to her throat. 2Are .e /n$er attack61
2No- Eo/r Grace-1 ai$ F"mer o, the >ing.oo$. 2&t4 the .atcher on the 3a""- i a"".1
One blast, tho/ght !on Sno.. )angers returning+
7hen it came again. 7he o/n$ eeme$ to ,i"" the ce""ar. 27.o b"at-1 ai$ M/""y.
B"ack brother- northmen- ,ree ,o"k- 7henn- A/een4 men- a"" o, them ,e"" A/iet- "itening.
+ive heartbeat pae$. 7en. 7.enty. 7hen H.en the Ha, tittere$- an$ !on Sno. co/"$ breathe
again. 27.o b"at-1 he anno/nce$. 23i"$"ing.1 .al+
7orm/n$ Giantbane ha$ come at "at.
DAENER'S
7he ha"" rang to E/nkih "a/ghter- E/nkih ong- E/nkih prayer. 5ancer $ance$I
m/ician p"aye$ A/eer t/ne .ith be"" an$ A/eak an$ b"a$$erI inger ang ancient "ove
ong in the incomprehenib"e tong/e o, H"$ Ghi. 3ine ,"o.e$@not the thin pa"e t/,, o,
S"aver4 Bay b/t rich .eet vintage ,rom the Arbor an$ $ream.ine ,rom Darth- ,"avore$ .ith
trange pice. 7he E/nkai4i ha$ come at >ing #iG$ahr4 invitation- to ign the peace an$
.itne the rebirth o, Meereen4 ,ar(,ame$ ,ighting pit. #er nob"e h/ban$ ha$ opene$ the
Great 9yrami$ to ,ete them.
I hate this, tho/ght 5aenery 7argaryen. 7ow did this happen, that I am drinking and smiling
with men I/d sooner fla!6
A $oGen $i,,erent ort o, meat an$ ,ih .ere erve$' came"- croco$i"e- inging A/i$-
"acA/ere$ $/ck an$ piny gr/b- .ith goat an$ ham an$ hore ,or thoe .hoe tate .ere "e
e:otic. 9"/ $og. No Ghicari ,eat .a comp"ete .itho/t a co/re o, $og. #iG$ahr4 cook
prepare$ $og ,o/r $i,,erent .ay. 2Ghicari .i"" eat anything that .im or ,"ie or cra."- b/t
,or man an$ $ragon-1 5aario ha$ .arne$ her- 2an$ &4$ .ager they4$ eat $ragon too i, given ha",
a chance.1 Meat a"one $oe not make a mea"- tho/gh- o there .ere ,r/it an$ grain an$
vegetab"e a .e"". 7he air .a re$o"ent .ith the cent o, a,,ron- cinnamon- c"ove- pepper- an$
other cot"y pice.
5any carce to/che$ a bite. #his is peace, he to"$ here",. #his is what I wanted, what I
worked for, this is wh! I married 7izdahr+ So wh! does it taste so much like defeat6
2&t i on"y ,or a "itt"e .hi"e more- my "ove-1 #iG$ahr ha$ a/re$ her. 27he E/nkai4i .i"" oon
be gone- an$ their a""ie an$ hire"ing .ith them. 3e ha"" have a"" .e $eire$. 9eace- ,oo$-
tra$e. H/r port i open once again- an$ hip are being permitte$ to come an$ go.1
27hey are permitting that- ye-1 he ha$ rep"ie$- 2b/t their .arhip remain. 7hey can c"oe
their ,inger aro/n$ o/r throat again .henever they .ih. #he! hae opened a slae market
within sight of m! walls;1
2Outside o/r .a""- .eet A/een. 7hat .a a con$ition o, the peace- that E/nkai .o/"$ be ,ree
to tra$e in "ave a be,ore- /nmo"ete$.1
2&n their o.n city. Not .here & have to ee it.1 7he 3ie Mater ha$ etab"ihe$ their "ave
pen an$ a/ction b"ock =/t o/th o, the SkahaGa$han- .here the .i$e bro.n river ,"o.e$ into
S"aver4 Bay. 27hey are mocking me to my ,ace- making a ho. o, ho. po.er"e & am to top
them.1
29oing an$ pot/ring-1 ai$ her nob"e h/ban$. 2A ho.- a yo/ have ai$. ?et them have
their m/mmery. 3hen they are gone- .e .i"" make a ,r/it market o, .hat they "eave behin$.1
23hen they are gone-1 5any repeate$. 2An$ .hen .i"" they be gone6 Ri$er have been een
beyon$ the SkahaGa$han. 5othraki co/t- Rakharo ay- .ith a khalasar behin$ them. 7hey .i""
have captive. Men- .omen- an$ chi"$ren- gi,t ,or the "aver.1 5othraki $i$ not b/y or e""- b/t
they gave gi,t an$ receive$ them. 27hat i .hy the E/nkai4i have thro.n /p thi market. 7hey
.i"" "eave here .ith tho/an$ o, ne. "ave.1
#iG$ahr Go ?oraA hr/gge$. 2B/t they .i"" "eave. 7hat i the important part- my "ove. E/nkai
.i"" tra$e in "ave- Meereen .i"" not- thi i .hat .e have agree$. Cn$/re thi ,or a "itt"e .hi"e
"onger- an$ it ha"" pa.1
So 5aenery at i"ent thro/gh the mea"- .rappe$ in a vermi"ion tokar an$ b"ack tho/ght-
peaking on"y .hen poken to- broo$ing on the men an$ .omen being bo/ght an$ o"$ o/ti$e
her .a""- even a they ,eate$ here .ithin the city. ?et her nob"e h/ban$ make the peeche an$
"a/gh at the ,eeb"e E/nkih =ape. 7hat .a a king4 right an$ a king4 $/ty.
M/ch o, the ta"k abo/t the tab"e .a o, the matche to be ,o/ght /pon the morro.. Barena
B"ackhair .a going to ,ace a boar- hi t/k againt her $agger. >hraGG .a ,ighting- a .a the
Spotte$ Cat. An$ in the $ay4 ,ina" pairing- Goghor the Giant .o/"$ go againt Be"aA/o
Bonebreaker. Hne .o/"$ be $ea$ be,ore the /n .ent $o.n. 2o 3ueen has clean hands, 5any
to"$ here",. She tho/ght o, 5oreah- o, D/aro- o, Croeh8 o, a "itt"e gir" he ha$ never met-
.hoe name ha$ been #aGGea. Better a few should die in the pit than thousands at the gates+
#his is the price of peace, I pa! it willingl!+ If I look back, I am lost+
7he E/nkih S/preme Comman$er- E/rkhaG Go E/nGak- might have been a"ive $/ring
Aegon4 ConA/et- to =/$ge by hi appearance. Bent(backe$- .rink"e$- an$ tooth"e- he .a
carrie$ to the tab"e by t.o trapping "ave. 7he other E/nkih "or$ .ere har$"y more
impreive. Hne .a ma"" an$ t/nte$- tho/gh the "ave o"$ier .ho atten$e$ him .ere
groteA/e"y ta"" an$ thin. 7he thir$ .a yo/ng- ,it- an$ $ahing- b/t o $r/nk that 5any co/"$
carce /n$ertan$ a .or$ he ai$. 7ow could I hae been brought to this pass b! creatures such
as these6
7he e"".or$ .ere a $i,,erent matter. Cach o, the ,o/r ,ree companie erving E/nkai ha$
ent it comman$er. 7he 3in$b"o.n .ere repreente$ by the 9entohi nob"eman kno.n a the
7attere$ 9rince- the ?ong ?ance by Gy"o Rhegan- .ho "ooke$ more hoemaker than o"$ier an$
poke in m/rm/r. B"oo$bear$- ,rom the Company o, the Cat- ma$e eno/gh noie ,or him an$ a
$oGen more. A h/ge man .ith a great b/h o, bear$ an$ a pro$igio/ appetite ,or .ine an$
.omen- he be""o.e$- be"che$- ,arte$ "ike a th/n$erc"ap- an$ pinche$ every erving gir" .ho
came .ithin hi reach. +rom time to time he .o/"$ p/"" one $o.n into hi "ap to A/eeGe her
breat an$ ,on$"e her bet.een the "eg.
7he Secon$ Son .ere repreente$ too. If Daario were here, this meal would end in blood+ No
promie$ peace co/"$ ever have per/a$e$ her captain to permit Bro.n Ben 9"/mm to tro""
back into Meereen an$ "eave a"ive. 5any ha$ .orn that no harm .o/"$ come to the even
envoy an$ comman$er- tho/gh that ha$ not been eno/gh ,or the E/nkai4i. 7hey ha$ reA/ire$
hotage o, her a .e"". 7o ba"ance the three E/nkih nob"e an$ ,o/r e"".or$ captain-
Meereen ent even o, it o.n o/t to the iege camp' #iG$ahr4 iter- t.o o, hi co/in- 5any4
b"oo$ri$er !hogo- her a$mira" Gro"eo- the Fn/""ie$ captain #ero- an$ 5aario Nahari.
2& .i"" "eave my gir" .ith yo/-1 her captain ha$ ai$- han$ing her hi .or$ be"t an$ it
gi"$e$ .anton. 2>eep them a,e ,or me- be"ove$. 3e .o/"$ not .ant them making b"oo$y
michie, amongt the E/nkai4i.1
7he Shavepate .a abent a .e"". 7he ,irt thing #iG$ahr ha$ $one /pon being cro.ne$ .a
to remove him ,rom comman$ o, the BraGen Beat- rep"acing him .ith hi o.n co/in- the
p"/mp an$ paty MarghaG Go ?oraA. It is for the best+ #he 1reen 1race sa!s there is blood
between "ora3 and ,anda3, and the Shaepate neer made a secret of his disdain for m! lord
husband+ And Daario =
5aario ha$ on"y gro.n .i"$er ince her .e$$ing. #er peace $i$ not p"eae him- her marriage
p"eae$ him "e- an$ he ha$ been ,/rio/ at being $eceive$ by the 5ornihmen. 3hen 9rince
D/entyn to"$ them that the other 3eteroi ha$ come over to the Stormcro. at the comman$ o,
the 7attere$ 9rince- on"y the interceion o, Grey 3orm an$ hi Fn/""ie$ prevente$ 5aario
,rom ki""ing them a"". 7he ,a"e $eerter ha$ been imprione$ a,e"y in the bo.e" o, the
pyrami$8 b/t 5aario4 rage contin/e$ to ,eter.
7e will be safer as a hostage+ *! captain was not made for peace+ 5any co/"$ not rik hi
c/tting $o.n Bro.n Ben 9"/mm- making mock o, #iG$ahr be,ore the co/rt- provoking the
E/nkai4i- or other.ie /petting the agreement that he ha$ given /p o m/ch to .in. 5aario .a
.ar an$ .oe. #ence,orth- he m/t keep him o/t o, her be$- o/t o, her heart- an$ o/t o, her. &, he
$i$ not betray her- he .o/"$ mater her. She $i$ not kno. .hich o, thoe he ,eare$ the mot.
3hen the g"/ttony .a $one an$ a"" the ha",(eaten ,oo$ ha$ been c"eare$ a.ay@ to be given
to the poor .ho gathere$ be"o.- at the A/een4 initence@ ta"" g"a ,"/te .ere ,i""e$ .ith a
pice$ "iA/e/r ,rom Darth a $ark a amber. 7hen began the entertainment.
A tro/pe o, E/nkih catrati o.ne$ by E/rkhaG Go E/nGak ang them ong in the ancient
tong/e o, the H"$ Cmpire- their voice high an$ .eet an$ impoib"y p/re. 2#ave yo/ ever
hear$ /ch inging- my "ove61 #iG$ahr ake$ her. 27hey have the voice o, go$- $o they not61
2Ee-1 he ai$- 2tho/gh & .on$er i, they might not have pre,erre$ to have the ,r/it o, men.1
A"" o, the entertainer .ere "ave. 7hat ha$ been part o, the peace- that "aveo.ner be
a""o.e$ the right to bring their chatte" into Meereen .itho/t ,ear o, having them ,ree$. &n ret/rn
the E/nkai4i ha$ promie$ to repect the right an$ "ibertie o, the ,ormer "ave that 5any ha$
,ree$. A ,air bargain- #iG$ahr ai$- b/t the tate it "e,t in the A/een4 mo/th .a ,o/". She $rank
another c/p o, .ine to .ah it o/t.
2&, it p"eae yo/- E/rkhaG .i"" be p"eae$ to give / the inger- & $o not $o/bt-1 her nob"e
h/ban$ ai$. 2A gi,t to ea" o/r peace- an ornament to o/r co/rt.1
7e will gie us these castrati, 5any tho/ght- and then he will march home and make some
more+ #he world is full of bo!s+
7he t/mb"er .ho came ne:t ,ai"e$ to move her either- even .hen they ,orme$ a h/man
pyrami$ nine "eve" high- .ith a nake$ "itt"e gir" on top. Is that meant to represent m! p!ramid6
the A/een .on$ere$. Is the girl on top meant to be me6
A,ter.ar$ her "or$ h/ban$ "e$ hi g/et onto the "o.er terrace- o the viitor ,rom the
Ee""o. City might beho"$ Meereen by night. 3ine c/p in han$- the E/nkai4i .an$ere$ the
gar$en in ma"" gro/p- beneath "emon tree an$ night(b"ooming ,"o.er- an$ 5any ,o/n$ here",
,ace(to(,ace .ith Bro.n Ben 9"/mm.
#e bo.e$ "o.. 23orhip. Eo/ "ook "ove"y. 3e""- yo/ a".ay $i$. None o, them E/nkihmen
are ha", o pretty. & tho/ght & might bring a .e$$ing gi,t ,or yo/- b/t the bi$$ing .ent too high
,or o"$ Bro.n Ben.1
2& .ant no gi,t ,rom yo/.1
27hi one yo/ might. 7he hea$ o, an o"$ ,oe.1
2Eo/r o.n61 he ai$ .eet"y. 2Eo/ betraye$ me.1
2No. that4 a harh .ay o4 p/tting it- i, yo/ $on4t min$ me aying.1 Bro.n Ben cratche$ at
hi peck"e$ grey(an$(.hite .hiker. 23e .ent over to the .inning i$e- i a"". Same a .e
$one be,ore. &t .eren4t a"" me- neither. & p/t it to my men.1
2So the! betraye$ me- i that .hat yo/ are aying6 3hy6 5i$ & mitreat the Secon$ Son6 5i$
& cheat yo/ on yo/r pay61
2Never that-1 ai$ Bro.n Ben- 2b/t it4 not a"" abo/t the coin- Eo/r #igh(an$(Mightine. &
"earne$ that a "ong time back- at my ,irt batt"e. Morning a,ter the ,ight- & .a rooting thro/gh the
$ea$- "ooking ,or the o$$ bit o4 p"/n$er- a it .ere. Came /pon thi one corpe- ome a:eman
ha$ taken hi .ho"e arm o,, at the ho/"$er. #e .a covere$ .ith ,"ie- a"" cr/ty .ith $rie$
b"oo$- might be .hy no one e"e ha$ to/che$ him- b/t /n$er them he .ore thi t/$$e$ =erkin-
"ooke$ to be goo$ "eather. & ,ig/re$ it might ,it me .e"" eno/gh- o & chae$ a.ay the ,"ie an$
c/t it o,, him. 7he $amn thing .a heavier than it ha$ any right to be- tho/gh. Fn$er the "ining-
he4$ e.n a ,ort/ne in coin. 1old, Eo/r 3orhip- .eet ye""o. go"$. Cno/gh ,or any man to "ive
"ike a "or$ ,or the ret o4 hi $ay. B/t .hat goo$ $i$ it $o him6 7here he .a .ith a"" hi coin-
"ying in the b"oo$ an$ m/$ .ith hi ,/cking arm c/t o,,. An$ that4 the "eon- ee6 Si"ver4
.eet an$ go"$4 o/r mother- b/t once yo/4re $ea$ they4re .orth "e than that "at hit yo/ take
a yo/ "ie $ying. & to"$ yo/ once- there are o"$ e"".or$ an$ there are bo"$ e"".or$- b/t there
are no o"$ bo"$ e"".or$. My boy $i$n4t care to $ie- that4 a""- an$ .hen & to"$ them that yo/
co/"$n4t /n"eah them $ragon againt the E/nkihmen- .e""81
&ou saw me as defeated, 5any tho/ght- and who am I to sa! that !ou were wrong6 2&
/n$ertan$.1 She might have en$e$ it there- b/t he .a c/rio/. 2Cno/gh go"$ to "ive "ike a
"or$- yo/ ai$. 3hat $i$ yo/ $o .ith a"" that .ea"th61
Bro.n Ben "a/ghe$. 2+oo" boy that & .a- & to"$ a man & took to be my ,rien$- an$ he to"$ o/r
er=eant- an$ my brother(in(arm come an$ re"ieve$ me o4 that b/r$en. Ser=eant ai$ & .a too
yo/ng- that &4$ on"y .ate it a"" on .hore an$ /ch. #e "et me keep the =erkin- tho/gh.1 #e pat.
2Eo/ $on4t never .ant to tr/t a e"".or$- m4"a$y.1
2& have "earne$ that m/ch. Hne $ay & m/t be /re to thank yo/ ,or the "eon.1
Bro.n Ben4 eye crink"e$ /p. 2No nee$. & kno. the ort o4 thank yo/ have in min$.1 #e
bo.e$ again an$ move$ a.ay.
5any t/rne$ to gaGe o/t over her city. Beyon$ her .a"" the ye""o. tent o, the E/nkai4i too$
in or$er"y ro. bei$e the ea- protecte$ by the $itche their "ave ha$ $/g ,or them. 7.o iron
"egion o/t o, Ne. Ghi- traine$ an$ arme$ in the ame ,ahion a Fn/""ie$- .ere encampe$
acro the river to the north. 7.o more Ghicari "egion ha$ ma$e camp to the eat- choking o,,
the roa$ to the >hyGai 9a. 7he hore "ine an$ cook,ire o, the ,ree companie "ay to the o/th.
By $ay thin p"/me o, moke h/ng againt the ky "ike ragge$ grey ribbon. By night $itant
,ire co/"$ be een. #ar$ by the bay .a the abomination- the "ave market at her $oor. She
co/"$ not ee it no.- .ith the /n et- b/t he kne. that it .a there. 7hat =/t ma$e her angrier.
2Ser Barritan61 he ai$ o,t"y.
7he .hite knight appeare$ at once. 2Eo/r Grace.1
2#o. m/ch $i$ yo/ hear61
2Cno/gh. #e .a not .rong. Never tr/t a e"".or$.1
Or a 3ueen, tho/ght 5any. 2& there ome man in the Secon$ Son .ho might be per/a$e$
to8 remove8 Bro.n Ben61
2A 5aario Nahari once remove$ the other captain o, the Stormcro.61 7he o"$ knight
"ooke$ /ncom,ortab"e. 29erhap. & .o/"$ not kno.- Eo/r Grace.1
2o, he tho/ght- !ou are too honest and too honorable+ 2&, not- the E/nkai4i emp"oy three
other companie.1
2Rog/e an$ c/tthroat- c/m o, a h/n$re$ batt"e,ie"$-1 Ser Barritan .arne$- 2.ith captain
,/"" a treachero/ a 9"/mm.1
2& am on"y a yo/ng gir" an$ kno. "itt"e o, /ch thing- b/t it eem to me that .e want them
to be treachero/. Hnce- yo/4"" reca""- & convince$ the Secon$ Son an$ Stormcro. to =oin /.1
2&, Eo/r Grace .ihe a privy .or$ .ith Gy"o Rhegan or the 7attere$ 9rince- & co/"$ bring
them /p to yo/r apartment.1
27hi i not the time. 7oo many eye- too many ear. 7heir abence .o/"$ be note$ even i,
yo/ co/"$ eparate them $icreet"y ,rom the E/nkai4i. 3e m/t ,in$ ome A/ieter .ay o,
reaching o/t to them8 not tonight- b/t oon.1
2A yo/ comman$. 7ho/gh & ,ear thi i not a tak ,or .hich & am .e"" /ite$. &n >ing4
?an$ing .ork o, thi ort .a "e,t to ?or$ ?itt"e,inger or the Spi$er. 3e o"$ knight are imp"e
men- on"y goo$ ,or ,ighting.1 #e patte$ hi .or$ hi"t.
2H/r prioner-1 /ggete$ 5any. 27he 3eteroi .ho came over ,rom the 3in$b"o.n .ith
the three 5ornihmen. 3e ti"" have them in ce""- $o .e not6 Fe them.1
2+ree them- yo/ mean6 & that .ie6 7hey .ere ent here to .orm their .ay into yo/r tr/t-
o they might betray Eo/r Grace at the ,irt chance.1
27hen they ,ai"e$. & $o not tr/t them. & .i"" never tr/t them.1 &, tr/th be to"$- 5any .a
,orgetting ho. to tr/t. 23e can ti"" /e them. Hne .a a .oman. Meri. Sen$ her back- a a8
a get/re o, my regar$. &, their captain i a c"ever man- he .i"" /n$ertan$.1
27he .oman i the .ort o, a"".1
2A"" the better.1 5any coni$ere$ a moment. 23e ho/"$ o/n$ o/t the ?ong ?ance too. An$
the Company o, the Cat.1
2B"oo$bear$.1 Ser Barritan4 ,ro.n $eepene$. 2&, it p"eae Eo/r Grace- .e .ant no part o,
him. Eo/r Grace i too yo/ng to remember the Ninepenny >ing- b/t thi B"oo$bear$ i c/t ,rom
the ame avage c"oth. 7here i no honor in him- on"y h/nger8 ,or go"$- ,or g"ory- ,or b"oo$.1
2Eo/ kno. more o, /ch men than me- er.1 &, B"oo$bear$ might be tr/"y the mot
$ihonorab"e an$ gree$y o, the e"".or$- he might be the eaiet to .ay- b/t he .a "oath to
go againt Ser Barritan4 co/ne" in /ch matter. 25o a yo/ think bet. B/t $o it oon. &,
#iG$ahr4 peace ho/"$ break- & .ant to be rea$y. & $o not tr/t the "aver.1 I do not trust m!
husband+ 27hey .i"" t/rn on / at the ,irt ign o, .eakne.1
27he E/nkai4i gro. .eaker a .e"". 7he b"oo$y ,"/: ha taken ho"$ amongt the 7o"oi- it i
ai$- an$ prea$ acro the river to the thir$ Ghicari "egion.1
#he pale mare+ 5aenery ighe$. :uaithe warned me of the pale mare/s coming+ She told me
of the Dornish prince as well, the sun/s son+ She told me much and more, but all in riddles+ 2&
cannot re"y on p"ag/e to ave me ,rom my enemie. Set 9retty Meri ,ree. At once.1
2A yo/ comman$. 7ho/gh8 Eo/r Grace- i, & may be o bo"$- there i another roa$81
27he 5ornih roa$61 5any ighe$. 7he three 5ornihmen ha$ been at the ,eat- a be,it 9rince
D/entyn4 rank- tho/gh ReGnak ha$ taken care to eat them a ,ar a poib"e ,rom her h/ban$.
#iG$ahr $i$ not eem to be o, a =ea"o/ nat/re- b/t no man .o/"$ be p"eae$ by the preence o, a
riva" /itor near hi ne. bri$e. 27he boy eem p"eaant an$ .e"" poken- b/t81
2#o/e Marte"" i ancient an$ nob"e- an$ ha been a "ea" ,rien$ to #o/e 7argaryen ,or more
than a cent/ry- Eo/r Grace. & ha$ the honor o, erving .ith 9rince D/entyn4 great(/nc"e in yo/r
,ather4 even. 9rince ?e.yn .a a va"iant a brother(in(arm a any man co/"$ .ih ,or.
D/entyn Marte"" i o, the ame b"oo$- i, it p"eae Eo/r Grace.1
2&t .o/"$ p"eae me i, he ha$ t/rne$ /p .ith thee ,i,ty tho/an$ .or$ he peak o,. &ntea$
he bring t.o knight an$ a parchment. 3i"" a parchment hie"$ my peop"e ,rom the E/nkai4i6 &,
he ha$ come .ith a ,"eet81
2S/npear ha never been a ea po.er- Eo/r Grace.1
2No.1 5any kne. eno/gh o, 3eteroi hitory to kno. that. Nymeria ha$ "an$e$ ten
tho/an$ hip /pon 5orne4 an$y hore- b/t .hen he .e$ her 5ornih prince he ha$ b/rne$
them a"" an$ t/rne$ her back /pon the ea ,orever. 25orne i too ,ar a.ay. 7o p"eae thi prince-
& .o/"$ nee$ to aban$on a"" my peop"e. Eo/ ho/"$ en$ him home.1
25ornihmen are notorio/"y t/bborn- Eo/r Grace. 9rince D/entyn4 ,orebear ,o/ght yo/r
o.n ,or the better part o, t.o h/n$re$ year. #e .i"" not go .itho/t yo/.1
#hen he will die here, 5aenery tho/ght- unless there is more to him than I can see+ 2& he ti""
.ithin61
25rinking .ith hi knight.1
2Bring him to me. &t i time he met my chi"$ren.1
A ,"icker o, $o/bt pae$ acro the "ong- o"emn ,ace o, Barritan Se"my. 2A yo/
comman$.1
#er king .a "a/ghing .ith E/rkhaG Go E/nGak an$ the other E/nkih "or$. 5any $i$ not
think that he .o/"$ mi her- b/t =/t in cae he intr/cte$ her han$mai$ to te"" him that he
.a an.ering a ca"" o, nat/re- ho/"$ he inA/ire a,ter her.
Ser Barritan .a .aiting by the tep .ith the 5ornih prince. Marte""4 A/are ,ace .a
,"/he$ an$ r/$$y. #oo much wine, the A/een conc"/$e$- tho/gh he .a $oing hi bet to concea"
that. Apart ,rom the "ine o, copper /n that ornamente$ hi be"t- the 5ornihman .a p"ain"y
$ree$. #he! call him Frog, 5any reca""e$. She co/"$ ee .hy. #e .a not a han$ome man.
She mi"e$. 2My prince. &t i a "ong .ay $o.n. Are yo/ certain that yo/ .ih to $o thi61
2&, it .o/"$ p"eae Eo/r Grace.1
27hen come.1
A pair o, Fn/""ie$ .ent $o.n the tep be,ore them- bearing torcheI behin$ came t.o
BraGen Beat- one make$ a a ,ih- the other a a ha.k. Cven here in her o.n pyrami$- on thi
happy night o, peace an$ ce"ebration- Ser Barritan inite$ on keeping g/ar$ abo/t her
every.here he .ent. 7he ma"" company ma$e the "ong $ecent in i"ence- topping thrice to
re,reh theme"ve a"ong the .ay. 27he $ragon ha three hea$-1 5any ai$ .hen they .ere on
the ,ina" ,"ight. 2My marriage nee$ not be the en$ o, a"" yo/r hope. & kno. .hy yo/ are here.1
2+or yo/-1 ai$ D/entyn- a"" a.k.ar$ ga""antry.
2No-1 ai$ 5any. 2+or ,ire an$ b"oo$.1
Hne o, the e"ephant tr/mpete$ at them ,rom hi ta"". An an.ering roar ,rom be"o. ma$e
her ,"/h .ith /$$en heat. 9rince D/entyn "ooke$ /p in a"arm. 27he $ragon kno. .hen he i
near-1 Ser Barritan to"$ him.
0er! child knows its mother, 5any tho/ght. When the seas go dr! and mountains blow in the
wind like leaes= 27hey ca"" to me. Come.1 She took 9rince D/entyn by the han$ an$ "e$ him to
the pit .here t.o o, her $ragon .ere con,ine$. 2Remain o/ti$e-1 5any to"$ Ser Barritan- a
the Fn/""ie$ .ere opening the h/ge iron $oor. 29rince D/entyn .i"" protect me.1 She $re. the
5ornih prince ini$e .ith her- to tan$ above the pit.
7he $ragon crane$ their neck aro/n$- gaGing at them .ith b/rning eye. %ierion ha$
hattere$ one chain an$ me"te$ the other. #e c"/ng to the roo, o, the pit "ike ome h/ge .hite
bat- hi c"a. $/g $eep into the b/rnt an$ cr/mb"ing brick. Rhaega"- ti"" chaine$- .a gna.ing
on the carca o, a b/"". 7he bone on the ,"oor o, the pit .ere $eeper than the "at time he ha$
been $o.n here- an$ the .a"" an$ ,"oor .ere b"ack an$ grey- more ah than brick. 7hey .o/"$
not ho"$ m/ch "onger8 b/t behin$ them .a on"y earth an$ tone. %an dragons tunnel through
rock, like the firew!rms of old .al!ria6 She hope$ not.
7he 5ornih prince ha$ gone a .hite a mi"k. 2&8 & ha$ hear$ that there .ere three.1
25rogon i h/nting.1 #e $i$ not nee$ to hear the ret. 27he .hite one i %ierion- the green i
Rhaega". & name$ them ,or my brother.1 #er voice echoe$ o,, the corche$ tone .a"". &t
o/n$e$ ma""@a gir"4 voice- not the voice o, a A/een an$ conA/eror- nor the g"a$ voice o, a
ne.(ma$e bri$e.
Rhaega" roare$ in an.er- an$ ,ire ,i""e$ the pit- a pear o, re$ an$ ye""o.. %ierion rep"ie$-
hi o.n ,"ame go"$ an$ orange. 3hen he ,"appe$ hi .ing- a c"o/$ o, grey ah ,i""e$ the air.
Broken chain c"anke$ an$ c"attere$ abo/t hi "eg. D/entyn Marte"" =/mpe$ back a ,oot.
A cr/e"er .oman might have "a/ghe$ at him- b/t 5any A/eeGe$ hi han$ an$ ai$- 27hey
,righten me a .e"". 7here i no hame in that. My chi"$ren have gro.n .i"$ an$ angry in the
$ark.1
2Eo/8 yo/ mean to ri$e them61
2Hne o, them. A"" & kno. o, $ragon i .hat my brother to"$ me .hen & .a a gir"- an$ ome
& rea$ in book- b/t it i ai$ that even Aegon the ConA/eror never $are$ mo/nt %hagar or
Mera:e- nor $i$ hi iter ri$e Ba"erion the B"ack 5rea$. 5ragon "ive "onger than men- ome
,or h/n$re$ o, year- o Ba"erion ha$ other ri$er a,ter Aegon $ie$8 b/t no ri$er ever ,"e. t.o
$ragon.1
%ierion hie$ again. Smoke roe bet.een hi teeth- an$ $eep $o.n in hi throat they co/"$
ee go"$ ,ire ch/rning.
27hey are8 they are ,earome creat/re.1
27hey are dragons, D/entyn.1 5any too$ on her toe an$ kie$ him "ight"y- once on each
cheek. 2An$ o am &.1
7he yo/ng prince .a""o.e$. 2&8 & have the b"oo$ o, the $ragon in me a .e""- Eo/r Grace. &
can trace my "ineage back to the ,irt 5aenery- the 7argaryen prince .ho .a iter to >ing
5aeron the Goo$ an$ .i,e to the 9rince o, 5orne. #e b/i"t the 3ater Gar$en ,or her.1
27he 3ater Gar$en61 She kne. "itt"e an$ "e o, 5orne or it hitory- i, tr/th be to"$.
2My ,ather4 ,avorite pa"ace. &t .o/"$ p"eae me to ho. them to yo/ one $ay. 7hey are a"" o,
pink marb"e- .ith poo" an$ ,o/ntain- over"ooking the ea.1
27hey o/n$ "ove"y.1 She $re. him a.ay ,rom the pit. 7e does not belong here+ 7e should
neer hae come+ 2Eo/ o/ght to ret/rn there. My co/rt i no a,e p"ace ,or yo/- & ,ear. Eo/ have
more enemie than yo/ kno.. Eo/ ma$e 5aario "ook a ,oo"- an$ he i not a man to ,orget /ch a
"ight.1
2& have my knight. My .orn hie"$.1
27.o knight. 5aario ha ,ive h/n$re$ Stormcro.. An$ yo/ .o/"$ $o .e"" to be.are o, my
"or$ h/ban$ too. #e eem a mi"$ an$ p"eaant man- & kno.- b/t $o not be $eceive$. #iG$ahr4
cro.n $erive ,rom mine- an$ he comman$ the a""egiance o, ome o, the mot ,earome ,ighter
in the .or"$. &, one o, them ho/"$ think to .in hi ,avor by $ipoing o, a riva"81
2& am a prince o, 5orne- Eo/r Grace. & .i"" not r/n ,rom "ave an$ e"" .or$.1
#hen !ou trul! are a fool, $rince Frog+ 5any gave her .i"$ chi"$ren one "at "ingering "ook.
She co/"$ hear the $ragon creaming a he "e$ the boy back to the $oor- an$ ee the p"ay o,
"ight againt the brick- re,"ection o, their ,ire. If I look back, I am lost+ 2Ser Barritan .i"" have
/mmone$ a pair o, e$an chair to carry / back /p to the banA/et- b/t the c"imb can ti"" be
.eariome.1 Behin$ them- the great iron $oor c"oe$ .ith a reo/n$ing clang+ 27e"" me o, thi
other 5aenery. & kno. "e than & ho/"$ o, the hitory o, my ,ather4 king$om. & never ha$ a
maeter gro.ing /p.1 Onl! a brother+
2&t .o/"$ be my p"ea/re- Eo/r Grace-1 ai$ D/entyn.
&t .a .e"" pat mi$night be,ore the "at o, their g/et took their "eave an$ 5any retire$ to
her o.n apartment to =oin her "or$ an$ king. #iG$ahr at "eat .a happy- i, ome.hat $r/nk. 2&
keep my promie-1 he to"$ her- a &rri an$ !hiA/i .ere robing them ,or be$. 2Eo/ .ihe$ ,or
peace- an$ it i yo/r.1
And !ou wished for blood, and soon enough I must gie it to !ou, 5any tho/ght- b/t .hat he
ai$ .a- 2& am grate,/".1
7he e:citement o, the $ay ha$ in,"ame$ her h/ban$4 paion. No ooner ha$ her
han$mai$ retire$ ,or the night than he tore the robe ,rom her an$ t/mb"e$ her back.ar$ into
be$. 5any "i$ her arm aro/n$ him an$ "et him have hi .ay. 5r/nk a he .a- he kne. he
.o/"$ not be ini$e her "ong.
Nor .a he. A,ter.ar$ he n/GG"e$ at her ear an$ .hipere$- 2Go$ grant that .e have ma$e a
on tonight.1
7he .or$ o, Mirri MaG 5//r rang in her hea$. When the sun rises in the west and sets in the
east+ When the seas go dr! and mountains blow in the wind like leaes+ When !our womb
3uickens again, and !ou bear a liing child+ #hen he will return, and not before+ 7he meaning
.a p"ain eno/ghI >ha" 5rogo .a a "ike to ret/rn ,rom the $ea$ a he .a to bear a "iving
chi"$. B/t there are ome ecret he co/"$ not bring here", to hare- even .ith a h/ban$- o he
"et #iG$ahr Go ?oraA keep hi hope.
#er nob"e h/ban$ .a oon ,at a"eep. 5aenery co/"$ on"y t.it an$ t/rn bei$e him. She
.ante$ to hake him- .ake him- make him ho"$ her- ki her- ,/ck her again- b/t even i, he $i$-
he .o/"$ ,a"" back to "eep again a,ter.ar$- "eaving her a"one in the $arkne. She .on$ere$
.hat 5aario .a $oing. 3a he ret"e a .e""6 3a he thinking abo/t her6 5i$ he "ove her-
tr/"y6 5i$ he hate her ,or marrying #iG$ahr6 I should neer hae taken him into m! bed+ #e .a
on"y a e"".or$- no ,it conort ,or a A/een- an$ yet8
I knew that all along, but I did it an!wa!+ 2My A/een61 ai$ a o,t voice in the $arkne.
5any ,"inche$. 23ho i there61
2Hn"y Mian$ei.1 7he Naathi cribe move$ c"oer to the be$. 27hi one hear$ yo/ crying.1
2Crying6 & .a not crying. 3hy .o/"$ & cry6 & have my peace- & have my king- & have
everything a A/een might .ih ,or. Eo/ ha$ a ba$ $ream- that .a a"".1
2A yo/ ay- Eo/r Grace.1 She bo.e$ an$ ma$e to go.
2Stay-1 ai$ 5any. 2& $o not .ih to be a"one.1
2#i Grace i .ith yo/-1 Mian$ei pointe$ o/t.
2#i Grace i $reaming- b/t & cannot "eep. Hn the morro. & m/t bathe in b"oo$. 7he price o,
peace.1 She mi"e$ .an"y an$ patte$ the be$. 2Come. Sit. 7a"k .ith me.1
2&, it p"eae yo/.1 Mian$ei at $o.n bei$e her. 23hat ha"" .e ta"k o,61
2#ome-1 ai$ 5any. 2Naath. B/tter,"ie an$ brother. 7e"" me o, the thing that make yo/
happy- the thing that make yo/ gigg"e- a"" yo/r .eetet memorie. Remin$ me that there i ti""
goo$ in the .or"$.1
Mian$ei $i$ her bet. She .a ti"" ta"king .hen 5any ,ina""y ,e"" to "eep- to $ream A/eer-
ha",(,orme$ $ream o, moke an$ ,ire.
7he morning came too oon.
THEON
5ay to"e /pon them =/t a Stanni ha$' /neen.
3inter,e"" ha$ been a.ake ,or ho/r- it batt"ement an$ to.er cramme$ .ith men in .oo"
an$ mai" an$ "eather a.aiting an attack that never came. By the time the ky began to "ighten the
o/n$ o, $r/m ha$ ,a$e$ a.ay- tho/gh .arhorn .ere hear$ thrice more- each time a "itt"e
c"oer. An$ ti"" the no. ,e"".
27he torm .i"" en$ to$ay-1 one o, the /rviving tab"eboy .a initing "o/$"y. 23hy- it
in4t even .inter.1 7heon .o/"$ have "a/ghe$ i, he ha$ $are$. #e remembere$ ta"e H"$ Nan
ha$ to"$ them o, torm that rage$ ,or ,orty $ay an$ ,orty night- ,or a year- ,or ten year8
torm that b/rie$ cat"e an$ citie an$ .ho"e king$om /n$er a h/n$re$ ,eet o, no..
#e at in the back o, the Great #a""- not ,ar ,rom the hore- .atching Abe"- Ro.an- an$ a
mo/y bro.n(haire$ .aher.oman ca""e$ SA/irre" attack "ab o, ta"e bro.n brea$ ,rie$ in
bacon greae. 7heon broke hi o.n ,at .ith a tankar$ o, $ark a"e- c"o/$y .ith yeat an$ thick
eno/gh to che. on. A ,e. more tankar$- an$ perhap Abe"4 p"an might not eem A/ite o ma$.
Rooe Bo"ton entere$- pa"e(eye$ an$ ya.ning- accompanie$ by hi p"/mp an$ pregnant .i,e-
+at 3a"$a. Severa" "or$ an$ captain ha$ prece$e$ him- amongt them 3horebane Fmber-
Aeny +rey- an$ Roger Ry.e"". +arther $o.n the tab"e 3yman Man$er"y at .o",ing $o.n
a/age an$ boi"e$ egg- .hi"t o"$ ?or$ ?ocke bei$e him poone$ gr/e" into hi tooth"e
mo/th.
?or$ Ramay oon appeare$ a .e""- b/ck"ing on hi .or$ be"t a he ma$e hi .ay to the
,ront o, the ha"". 7is mood is foul this morning+ 7heon co/"$ te"". #he drums kept him awake all
night, he g/ee$- or someone has displeased him+ Hne .rong .or$- an i""(coni$ere$ "ook- an
i""(time$ "a/gh- any o, them co/"$ provoke hi "or$hip4 .roth an$ cot a man a trip o, kin.
$lease, m/lord, don/t look this wa!+ Hne g"ance .o/"$ be a"" it .o/"$ take ,or Ramay to kno.
everything. 7e/ll see it written on m! face+ 7e/ll know+ 7e alwa!s knows+
7heon t/rne$ to Abe". 27hi .i"" not .ork.1 #i voice .a pitche$ o "o. that even the hore
co/"$ not have overhear$. 23e .i"" be ca/ght be,ore .e "eave the cat"e. Cven i, .e $o ecape-
?or$ Ramay .i"" h/nt / $o.n- him an$ Ben Bone an$ the gir".1
2?or$ Stanni i o/ti$e the .a""- an$ not ,ar by the o/n$ o, it. A"" .e nee$ $o i reach
him.1 Abe"4 ,inger $ance$ acro the tring o, hi "/te. 7he inger4 bear$ .a bro.n- tho/gh
hi "ong hair ha$ "arge"y gone to grey. 2&, the Batar$ $oe come a,ter /- he might "ive "ong
eno/gh to r/e it.1
#hink that, 7heon tho/ght. Beliee that+ #ell !ourself it/s true+ 2Ramay .i"" /e yo/r .omen
a hi prey-1 he to"$ the inger. 2#e4"" h/nt them $o.n- rape them- an$ ,ee$ their corpe to hi
$og. &, they "ea$ him a goo$ chae- he may name hi ne:t "itter o, bitche a,ter them. Eo/ he4""
,"ay. #im an$ Skinner an$ 5amon 5ance(,or(Me- they .i"" make a game o, it. Eo/4"" be begging
them to ki"" yo/.1 #e c"/tche$ the inger4 arm .ith a maime$ han$. 2Eo/ .ore yo/ .o/"$ not
"et me ,a"" into hi han$ again. & have yo/r .or$ on that.1 #e nee$e$ to hear it again.
2Abe"4 .or$-1 ai$ SA/irre". 2Strong a oak.1 Abe" hime", on"y hr/gge$. 2No matter .hat-
my prince.1
Fp on the $ai- Ramay .a arg/ing .ith hi ,ather. 7hey .ere too ,ar a.ay ,or 7heon to
make o/t any o, the .or$- b/t the ,ear on +at 3a"$a4 ro/n$ pink ,ace poke vo"/me. #e $i$
hear 3yman Man$er"y ca""ing ,or more a/age an$ Roger Ry.e""4 "a/ghter at ome =ape
,rom one(arme$ #ar.oo$ Sto/t.
7heon .on$ere$ i, he .o/"$ ever ee the 5ro.ne$ Go$4 .atery ha""- or i, hi ghot .o/"$
"inger here at 3inter,e"". Dead is dead+ Better dead than )eek+ &, Abe"4 cheme .ent a.ry-
Ramay .o/"$ make their $ying "ong an$ har$. 7e will fla! me from head to heel this time, and
no amount of begging will end the anguish+ No pain 7heon ha$ ever kno.n came c"oe to the
agony that Skinner co/"$ evoke .ith a "itt"e ,"ening b"a$e. Abe" .o/"$ "earn that "eon oon
eno/gh. An$ ,or .hat6 -e!ne, her name is -e!ne, and her e!es are the wrong color+ A m/mmer
p"aying a part. "ord Bolton knows, and )amsa!, but the rest are blind, een this blood! bard
with his sl! smiles+ #he 9ape is on !ou, Abel, !ou and !our murdering whores+ &ou/ll die for the
wrong girl+
#e ha$ come thi c"oe to te""ing them the tr/th .hen Ro.an ha$ $e"ivere$ him to Abe" in the
r/in o, the B/rne$ 7o.er- b/t at the "at intant he ha$ he"$ hi tong/e. 7he inger eeme$
intent on making o,, .ith the $a/ghter o, C$$ar$ Stark. &, he kne. that ?or$ Ramay4 bri$e
.a b/t a te.ar$4 .he"p- .e""8
7he $oor o, the Great #a"" opene$ .ith a crah.
A co"$ .in$ came .ir"ing thro/gh- an$ a c"o/$ o, ice cryta" park"e$ b"/e(.hite in the air.
7hro/gh it tro$e Ser #oteen +rey- cake$ .ith no. to the .ait- a bo$y in hi arm. A"" a"ong
the benche men p/t $o.n their c/p an$ poon to t/rn an$ gape at the gri"y pectac"e. 7he ha""
gre. A/iet.
Another murder+
Sno. "i$ ,rom Ser #oteen4 c"oak a he ta"ke$ to.ar$ the high tab"e- hi tep ringing
againt the ,"oor. A $oGen +rey knight an$ men(at(arm entere$ behin$ him. Hne .a a boy
7heon kne.@Big 3a"$er- the "itt"e one- ,o:(,ace$ an$ kinny a a tick. #i chet an$ arm an$
c"oak .ere pattere$ .ith b"oo$.
7he cent o, it et the hore to creaming. 5og "i$ o/t ,rom /n$er the tab"e- ni,,ing. Men
roe ,rom the benche. 7he bo$y in Ser #oteen4 arm park"e$ in the torch"ight- armore$ in
pink ,rot. 7he co"$ o/ti$e ha$ ,roGen hi b"oo$.
2My brother Merrett4 on.1 #oteen +rey "o.ere$ the bo$y to the ,"oor be,ore the $ai.
2B/tchere$ "ike a hog an$ hove$ beneath a no.bank. A bo!+1
"ittle Walder, tho/ght 7heon. #he big one+ #e g"ance$ at Ro.an. #here are si8 of them, he
remembere$. An! of them could hae done this+ B/t the .aher.oman ,e"t hi eye. 27hi .a
no .ork o, o/r-1 he ai$.
2Be A/iet-1 Abe" .arne$ her.
?or$ Ramay $ecen$e$ ,rom the $ai to the $ea$ boy. #i ,ather roe more "o."y- pa"e(
eye$- ti""(,ace$- o"emn. 27hi .a ,o/" .ork.1 +or once Rooe Bo"ton4 voice .a "o/$ eno/gh
to carry. 23here .a the bo$y ,o/n$61
2Fn$er that r/ine$ keep- my "or$-1 rep"ie$ Big 3a"$er. 27he one .ith the o"$ gargoy"e.1 7he
boy4 g"ove .ere cake$ .ith hi co/in4 b"oo$. 2& to"$ him not to go o/t a"one- b/t he ai$ he
ha$ to ,in$ a man .ho o.e$ him i"ver.1
23hat man61 Ramay $eman$e$. 2Give me hi name. 9oint him o/t to me- boy- an$ & .i""
make yo/ a c"oak o, hi kin.1
2#e never ai$- my "or$. Hn"y that he .on the coin at $ice.1 7he +rey boy heitate$. 2&t .a
ome 3hite #arbor men .ho ta/ght $ice. & co/"$n4t ay .hich one- b/t it .a them.1
2My "or$-1 boome$ #oteen +rey. 23e kno. the man .ho $i$ thi. >i""e$ thi boy an$ a"" the
ret. Not by hi o.n han$- no. #e i too ,at an$ craven to $o hi o.n ki""ing. B/t by hi .or$.1
#e t/rne$ to 3yman Man$er"y. 25o yo/ $eny it61
7he ?or$ o, 3hite #arbor bit a a/age in ha",. 2& con,e81 #e .ipe$ the greae ,rom hi
"ip .ith hi "eeve. 28& con,e that & kno. "itt"e o, thi poor boy. ?or$ Ramay4 A/ire- .a
he not6 #o. o"$ .a the "a$61
2Nine- on hi "at name$ay.1
2So yo/ng-1 ai$ 3yman Man$er"y. 27ho/gh mayhap thi .a a b"eing. #a$ he "ive$- he
.o/"$ have gro.n /p to be a +rey.1
Ser #oteen "amme$ hi ,oot into the tab"etop- knocking it o,, it tret"e- back into ?or$
3yman4 .o""en be""y. C/p an$ p"atter ,"e.- a/age cattere$ every.here- an$ a $oGen
Man$er"y men came c/ring to their ,eet. Some grabbe$ /p knive- p"atter- ,"agon- anything
that might erve a a .eapon.
Ser #oteen +rey rippe$ hi "ong.or$ ,rom it cabbar$ an$ "eapt to.ar$ 3yman Man$er"y.
7he ?or$ o, 3hite #arbor trie$ to =erk a.ay- b/t the tab"etop pinne$ him to hi chair. 7he b"a$e
"ahe$ thro/gh three o, hi ,o/r chin in a pray o, bright re$ b"oo$. ?a$y 3a"$a gave a hriek
an$ c"/tche$ at her "or$ h/ban$4 arm. 2Stop-1 Rooe Bo"ton ho/te$. 2Stop this madness+1 #i
o.n men r/he$ ,or.ar$ a the Man$er"y va/"te$ over the benche to get at the +rey. Hne
"/nge$ at Ser #oteen .ith a $agger- b/t the big knight pivote$ an$ took hi arm o,, at the
ho/"$er. ?or$ 3yman p/he$ to hi ,eet- on"y to co""ape. H"$ ?or$ ?ocke .a ho/ting ,or a
maeter a Man$er"y ,"oppe$ on the ,"oor "ike a c"/bbe$ .a"r/ in a prea$ing poo" o, b"oo$.
Aro/n$ him $og ,o/ght over a/age.
&t took t.o core 5rea$,ort pearmen to part the combatant an$ p/t an en$ to the carnage. By
that time i: 3hite #arbor men an$ t.o +rey "ay $ea$ /pon the ,"oor. A $oGen more .ere
.o/n$e$ an$ one o, the Batar$4 Boy- ?/ton- .a $ying noii"y- crying ,or hi mother a he
trie$ to hove a ,it,/" o, "imy entrai" back thro/gh a gaping be""y .o/n$. ?or$ Ramay
i"ence$ him- yanking a pear ,rom one o, Stee"hank4 men an$ $riving it $o.n thro/gh
?/ton4 chet. Cven then the ra,ter ti"" rang .ith ho/t an$ prayer an$ c/re- the hriek o,
terri,ie$ hore an$ the gro." o, Ramay4 bitche. Stee"hank 3a"ton ha$ to "am the b/tt o,
hi pear againt the ,"oor a $oGen time be,ore the ha"" A/iete$ eno/gh ,or Rooe Bo"ton to be
hear$.
2& ee yo/ a"" .ant b"oo$-1 the ?or$ o, the 5rea$,ort ai$. Maeter Rho$ry too$ bei$e him-
a raven on hi arm. 7he bir$4 b"ack p"/mage hone "ike coa" oi" in the torch"ight. Wet, 7heon
rea"iGe$. And in his lordship/s hand, a parchment+ #hat will be wet as well+ Dark wings, dark
words+ 2Rather than /e o/r .or$ /pon each other- yo/ might try them on ?or$ Stanni.1 ?or$
Bo"ton /nro""e$ the parchment. 2#i hot "ie not three $ay4 ri$e ,rom here- no.bo/n$ an$
tarving- an$ & ,or one am tire$ o, .aiting on hi p"ea/re. Ser #oteen- aemb"e yo/r knight
an$ men(at(arm by the main gate. A yo/ are o eager ,or batt"e- yo/ ha"" trike o/r ,irt b"o..
?or$ 3yman- gather yo/r 3hite #arbor men by the eat gate. 7hey ha"" go ,orth a .e"".1
#oteen +rey4 .or$ .a re$ a"mot to the hi"t. B"oo$ patter peck"e$ hi cheek "ike
,reck"e. #e "o.ere$ hi b"a$e an$ ai$- 2A my "or$ comman$. B/t a,ter & $e"iver yo/ the hea$
o, Stanni Baratheon- & mean to ,inih hacking o,, ?or$ ?ar$4.1
+o/r 3hite #arbor knight ha$ ,orme$ a ring aro/n$ ?or$ 3yman- a Maeter Me$rick
"abore$ over him to ta/nch hi b"ee$ing. 2+irt yo/ m/t nee$ come thro/gh /- er-1 ai$ the
e"$et o, them- a har$(,ace$ greybear$ .hoe b"oo$taine$ /rcoat ho.e$ three i"very
mermai$ /pon a vio"et ,ie"$.
2G"a$"y. Hne at a time or a"" at once- it make no matter.1
20nough,1 roare$ ?or$ Ramay- bran$ihing hi b"oo$y pear. 2Another threat- an$ &4"" g/t
yo/ a"" mye",. My "or$ ,ather ha poken0 Save yo/r .roth ,or the preten$er Stanni.1
Rooe Bo"ton gave an approving no$. 2A he ay. 7here .i"" be time eno/gh to ,ight each
other once .e are $one .ith Stanni.1 #e t/rne$ hi hea$- hi pa"e co"$ eye earching the ha""
/nti" they ,o/n$ the bar$ Abe" bei$e 7heon. 2Singer-1 he ca""e$- 2come ing / omething
oothing.1
Abe" bo.e$. 2&, it p"eae yo/r "or$hip.1 ?/te in han$- he a/ntere$ to the $ai- hopping
nimb"y over a corpe or t.o- an$ eate$ hime", cro("egge$ on the high tab"e. A he began to
p"ay@a a$- o,t ong that 7heon Grey=oy $i$ not recogniGe@Ser #oteen- Ser Aeny- an$ their
,e""o. +rey t/rne$ a.ay to "ea$ their hore ,rom the ha"".
Ro.an grape$ 7heon4 arm. 27he bath. &t m/t be no..1
#e .renche$ ,ree o, her to/ch. 2By $ay6 3e .i"" be een.1
27he no. .i"" hi$e /. Are yo/ $ea,6 Bo"ton i en$ing ,orth hi .or$. 3e have to reach
>ing Stanni be,ore they $o.1
2B/t8 Abe"81
2Abe" can ,en$ ,or hime",-1 m/rm/re$ SA/irre".
#his is madness+ 7opeless, foolish, doomed+ 7heon $raine$ the "at $reg o, hi a"e an$ roe
re"/ctant"y to hi ,eet. 2+in$ yo/r iter. &t take a $ea" o, .ater to ,i"" my "a$y4 t/b.1
SA/irre" "ippe$ a.ay- o,t(,oote$ a he a".ay .a. Ro.an .a"ke$ 7heon ,rom the ha"".
Since he an$ her iter ha$ ,o/n$ him in the go$.oo$- one o, them ha$ $ogge$ hi every tep-
never "etting him o/t o, ight. 7hey $i$ not tr/t him. Wh! should the!6 I was )eek before and
might be )eek again+ )eek, )eek, it rh!mes with sneak+
H/ti$e the no. ti"" ,e"". 7he no.men the A/ire ha$ b/i"t ha$ gro.n into montro/
giant- ten ,eet ta"" an$ hi$eo/"y mihapen. 3hite .a"" roe to either i$e a he an$ Ro.an
ma$e their .ay to the go$.oo$I the path bet.een keep an$ to.er an$ ha"" ha$ t/rne$ into a
maGe o, icy trenche- hove"e$ o/t ho/r"y to keep them c"ear. &t .a eay to get "ot in that
,roGen "abyrinth- b/t 7heon Grey=oy kne. every t.it an$ t/rning.
Cven the go$.oo$ .a t/rning .hite. A ,i"m o, ice ha$ ,orme$ /pon the poo" beneath the
heart tree- an$ the ,ace carve$ into it pa"e tr/nk ha$ gro.n a m/tache o, "itt"e icic"e. At thi
ho/r they co/"$ not hope to have the o"$ go$ to theme"ve. Ro.an p/""e$ 7heon a.ay ,rom the
northmen praying be,ore the tree- to a ec"/$e$ pot back by the barrack .a""- bei$e a poo" o,
.arm m/$ that tank o, rotten egg. Cven the m/$ .a icing /p abo/t the e$ge- 7heon a..
23inter i coming81
Ro.an gave him a har$ "ook. 2Eo/ have no right to mo/th ?or$ C$$ar$4 .or$. Not yo/.
Not ever. A,ter .hat yo/ $i$@1
2Eo/ ki""e$ a boy a .e"".1
27hat .a not /. & to"$ yo/.1
23or$ are .in$.1 #he! are no better than me+ We/re 9ust the same+ 2Eo/ ki""e$ the other-
.hy not him6 Ee""o. 5ick@1
2@tank a ba$ a yo/. A pig o, a man.1
2An$ ?itt"e 3a"$er .a a pig"et. >i""ing him bro/ght the +rey an$ Man$er"y to $agger
point- that .a c/nning- yo/@1
42ot us+5 Ro.an grabbe$ him by the throat an$ hove$ him back againt the barrack .a""-
her ,ace an inch ,rom hi. 2Say it again an$ & .i"" rip yo/r "ying tong/e o/t- kin"ayer.1
#e mi"e$ thro/gh hi broken teeth. 2Eo/ .on4t. Eo/ nee$ my tong/e to get yo/ pat the
g/ar$. Eo/ nee$ my "ie.1
Ro.an pat in hi ,ace. 7hen he "et him go an$ .ipe$ her g"ove$ han$ on her "eg- a i, =/t
to/ching him ha$ oi"e$ her.
7heon kne. he ho/"$ not goa$ her. &n her o.n .ay- thi one .a a $angero/ a Skinner or
5amon 5ance(,or(Me. B/t he .a co"$ an$ tire$- hi hea$ .a po/n$ing- he ha$ not "ept in
$ay. 2& have $one terrib"e thing8 betraye$ my o.n- t/rne$ my c"oak- or$ere$ the $eath o, men
.ho tr/te$ me8 b/t & am no kin"ayer.1
2Stark4 boy .ere never brother to yo/- aye. 3e kno..1
7hat .a tr/e- b/t it .a not .hat 7heon ha$ meant. #he! were not m! blood, but een so, I
neer harmed them+ #he two we killed were 9ust some miller/s sons+ 7heon $i$ not .ant to think
abo/t their mother. #e ha$ kno.n the mi""er4 .i,e ,or year- ha$ even be$$e$ her. Big hea!
breasts with wide dark nipples, a sweet mouth, a merr! laugh+ -o!s that I will neer taste again+
B/t there .a no /e te""ing Ro.an any o, that. She .o/"$ never be"ieve hi $enia"- any
more than he be"ieve$ her. 27here i b"oo$ on my han$- b/t not the b"oo$ o, brother-1 he ai$
.eari"y. 2An$ &4ve been p/nihe$.1
2Not eno/gh.1 Ro.an t/rne$ her back on him.
Foolish woman+ #e might .e"" be a broken thing- b/t 7heon ti"" .ore a $agger. &t .o/"$
have been a imp"e thing to "i$e it o/t an$ $rive it $o.n bet.een her ho/"$er b"a$e. 7hat
m/ch he .a ti"" capab"e o,- miing teeth an$ broken teeth an$ a"". &t might even be a kin$ne
@a A/icker- c"eaner en$ than the one he an$ her iter .o/"$ ,ace .hen Ramay ca/ght them.
Reek might have $one it. Would have $one it- in hope it might p"eae ?or$ Ramay. 7hee
.hore meant to tea" Ramay4 bri$eI Reek co/"$ not a""o. that. B/t the o"$ go$ ha$ kno.n
him- ha$ ca""e$ him 7heon. Ironborn, I was ironborn, Balon 1re!9o!/s son and rightful heir to
$!ke+ 7he t/mp o, hi ,inger itche$ an$ t.itche$- b/t he kept hi $agger in it heath.
3hen SA/irre" ret/rne$- the other ,o/r .ere .ith her' ga/nt grey(haire$ Myrt"e- 3i""o.
3itch(Cye .ith her "ong b"ack brai$- +renya o, the thick .ait an$ enormo/ breat- #o""y .ith
her kni,e. C"a$ a erving gir" in "ayer o, $rab grey ro/ghp/n- they .ore bro.n .oo"en c"oak
"ine$ .ith .hite rabbit ,/r. 2o swords, 7heon a.. 2o a8es, no hammers, no weapons but
knies+ #o""y4 c"oak .a ,atene$ .ith a i"ver c"ap- an$ +renya ha$ a gir$"e o, hempen rope
.o/n$ abo/t her mi$$"e ,rom her hip to breat. &t ma$e her "ook even more maive than he
.a.
Myrt"e ha$ ervant4 garb ,or Ro.an. 27he yar$ are cra."ing .ith ,oo"-1 he .arne$ them.
27hey mean to ri$e o/t.1
2>nee"er-1 ai$ 3i""o.- .ith a nort o, contempt. 27heir "or$"y "or$ poke- they m/t obey.1
27hey4re going to $ie-1 chirpe$ #o""y- happi"y.
27hem an$ /-1 ai$ 7heon. 2Cven i, .e $o get pat the g/ar$- ho. $o yo/ mean to get ?a$y
Arya o/t61
#o""y mi"e$. 2Si: .omen go in- i: come o/t. 3ho "ook at erving gir"6 3e4"" $re the
Stark gir" /p a SA/irre".1
7heon g"ance$ at SA/irre". #he! are almost of a size+ It might work+ 2An$ ho. $oe SA/irre"
get o/t61
SA/irre" an.ere$ ,or here",. 2H/t a .in$o.- an$ traight $o.n to the go$.oo$. & .a
t.e"ve the ,irt time my brother took me rai$ing o/th o4 yo/r 3a"". 7hat4 .here & got my
name. My brother ai$ & "ooke$ "ike a A/irre" r/nning /p a tree. &4ve $one that 3a"" i: time
ince- over an$ back again. & think & can c"imb $o.n ome tone to.er.1
2#appy- t/rnc"oak61 Ro.an ake$. 2?et4 be abo/t it.1
3inter,e""4 caverno/ kitchen occ/pie$ a b/i"$ing a"" it o.n- et .e"" apart ,rom the cat"e4
main ha"" an$ keep in cae o, ,ire. &ni$e- the me"" change$ ho/r by ho/r@an ever(changing
per,/me o, roat meat- "eek an$ onion- ,reh(bake$ brea$. Rooe Bo"ton ha$ pote$ g/ar$ at
the kitchen $oor. 3ith o many mo/th to ,ee$- every crap o, ,oo$ .a precio/. Cven the
cook an$ potboy .ere .atche$ contant"y. B/t the g/ar$ kne. Reek. 7hey "ike$ to ta/nt him
.hen he came to ,etch hot .ater ,or ?a$y Arya4 bath. None o, them $are$ go ,/rther than that-
tho/gh. Reek .a kno.n to be ?or$ Ramay4 pet.
27he 9rince o, Stink i come ,or ome hot .ater-1 one g/ar$ anno/nce$ .hen 7heon an$ hi
erving gir" appeare$ be,ore him. #e p/he$ the $oor open ,or them. 2D/ick no.- be,ore a""
that .eet .arm air ecape.1
3ithin- 7heon grabbe$ a paing potboy by the arm. 2#ot .ater ,or m4"a$y- boy-1 he
comman$e$. 2Si: pai" ,/""- an$ ee that it4 goo$ an$ hot. ?or$ Ramay .ant her pink an$
c"ean.1
2Aye- m4"or$-1 the boy ai$. 2At once- m4"or$.1
2At once1 took "onger than 7heon .o/"$ have "ike$. None o, the big kett"e .a c"ean- o the
potboy ha$ to cr/b one o/t be,ore ,i""ing it .ith .ater. 7hen it eeme$ to take ,orever to come
to a ro""ing boi" an$ t.ice ,orever to ,i"" i: .oo$en pai". A"" the .hi"e Abe"4 .omen .aite$-
their ,ace ha$o.e$ by their co.". #he! are doing it all wrong+ Rea" erving gir" .ere a".ay
teaing the potboy- ,"irting .ith the cook- .hee$"ing a tate o, thi- a bite o, that. Ro.an an$
her cheming iter $i$ not .ant to attract notice- b/t their /""en i"ence oon ha$ the g/ar$
giving them A/eer "ook. 23here4 Maiie an$ !eG an$ t4other gir"61 one ake$ 7heon. 27he
//a" one.1
2?a$y Arya .a $ip"eae$ .ith them-1 he "ie$. 2#er .ater .a co"$ be,ore it reache$ the t/b
"at time.1
7he hot .ater ,i""e$ the air .ith c"o/$ o, team- me"ting the no.,"ake a they came $ri,ting
$o.n. Back thro/gh the maGe o, ice(.a""e$ trenche .ent the proceion. 3ith every "ohing
tep the .ater coo"e$. 7he paage .ere c"ogge$ .ith troop' armore$ knight in .oo"en
/rcoat an$ ,/r c"oak- men(at(arm .ith pear acro their ho/"$er- archer carrying
/ntr/ng bo. an$ heave o, arro.- ,reeri$er- groom "ea$ing .arhore. 7he +rey men .ore
the ba$ge o, the t.o to.er- thoe ,rom 3hite #arbor $ip"aye$ merman an$ tri$ent. 7hey
ho/"$ere$ thro/gh the torm in oppoite $irection an$ eye$ each other .ari"y a they pae$-
b/t no .or$ .ere $ra.n. Not here. It ma! be different out there in the woods+
#a", a $oGen eaone$ 5rea$,ort men g/ar$e$ the $oor o, the Great >eep. 2Another b"oo$y
bath61 ai$ their er=eant .hen he a. the pai" o, teaming .ater. #e ha$ hi han$ t/cke$ /p
into hi armpit againt the co"$. 2She ha$ a bath "at night. #o. $irty can one .oman get in her
o.n be$61
Dirtier than !ou know, when !ou share that bed with )amsa!, 7heon tho/ght- remembering
the .e$$ing night an$ the thing that he an$ !eyne ha$ been ma$e to $o. 2?or$ Ramay4
comman$.1
2Get in there- then- be,ore the .ater ,reeGe-1 the er=eant ai$. 7.o o, the g/ar$ p/he$
open the $o/b"e $oor.
7he entry.ay .a nigh a co"$ a the air o/ti$e. #o""y kicke$ no. ,rom her boot an$
"o.ere$ the hoo$ o, her c"oak. 2& tho/ght that .o/"$ be har$er.1 #er breath ,rote$ the air.
27here are more g/ar$ /ptair at m4"or$4 be$chamber-1 7heon .arne$ her. 2Ramay4
men.1 #e $are not ca"" them the Batar$4 Boy- not here. Eo/ never kne. .ho might be
"itening. 2>eep yo/r hea$ $o.n an$ yo/r hoo$ /p.1
25o a he ay- #o""y-1 Ro.an ai$. 27here4 ome .i"" kno. yo/r ,ace. 3e $on4t nee$ that
tro/b"e.1
7heon "e$ the .ay /p the tair. I hae climbed these steps a thousand times before+ A a boy
he .o/"$ r/n /pI $ecen$ing- he .o/"$ take the tep three at a time- "eaping. Hnce he "eapt right
into H"$ Nan an$ knocke$ her to the ,"oor. 7hat earne$ him the .ort thrahing he ever ha$ at
3inter,e""- tho/gh it .a a"mot ten$er compare$ to the beating hi brother /e$ to give him
back on 9yke. #e an$ Robb ha$ ,o/ght many a heroic batt"e on thee tep- "ahing at one
another .ith .oo$en .or$. Goo$ training- thatI it bro/ght home ho. har$ it .a to ,ight yo/r
.ay /p a pira" tair againt $etermine$ oppoition. Ser Ro$rik "ike$ to ay that one goo$ man
co/"$ ho"$ a h/n$re$- ,ighting $o.n.
7hat .a "ong ago- tho/gh. 7hey .ere a"" $ea$ no.. !ory- o"$ Ser Ro$rik- ?or$ C$$ar$-
#ar.in an$ #/""en- Cayn an$ 5emon$ an$ +at 7om- A"yn .ith hi $ream o, knighthoo$-
Mikken .ho ha$ given him hi ,irt rea" .or$. Cven H"$ Nan- "ike a not.
An$ Robb. Robb .ho ha$ been more a brother to 7heon than any on born o, Ba"on
Grey=oy4 "oin. *urdered at the )ed Wedding, butchered b! the Fre!s+ I should hae been with
him+ Where was I6 I should hae died with him+
7heon toppe$ o /$$en"y that 3i""o. a"mot p"o.e$ into hi back. 7he $oor to Ramay4
be$chamber .a be,ore him. An$ g/ar$ing it .ere t.o o, the Batar$4 Boy- So/r A"yn an$
Gr/nt.
#he old gods must wish us well+ Gr/nt ha$ no tong/e an$ So/r A"yn ha$ no .it- ?or$
Ramay "ike$ to ay. Hne .a br/ta"- the other mean- b/t both ha$ pent mot o, their "ive in
ervice at the 5rea$,ort. 7hey $i$ a they .ere to"$.
2& have hot .ater ,or the ?a$y Arya-1 7heon to"$ them.
27ry a .ah yo/re",- Reek-1 ai$ So/r A"yn. 2Eo/ me"" "ike hore pi.1 Gr/nt gr/nte$ in
agreement. Hr perhap that noie .a meant to be a "a/gh. B/t A"yn /n"ocke$ the $oor to the
be$chamber- an$ 7heon .ave$ the .omen thro/gh.
No $ay ha$ $a.ne$ ini$e thi room. Sha$o. covere$ a"". Hne "at "og crack"e$ ,eeb"y
amongt the $ying ember in the hearth- an$ a can$"e ,"ickere$ on the tab"e bei$e a r/mp"e$-
empty be$. #he girl is gone, 7heon tho/ght. She has thrown herself out a window in despair+ B/t
the .in$o. here .ere h/ttere$ againt the torm- ea"e$ /p by cr/t o, b"o.n no. an$ ,rot.
23here i he61 #o""y ake$. #er iter emptie$ their pai" into the big ro/n$ .oo$en t/b.
+renya h/t the chamber $oor an$ p/t her back againt it. 2Where is she61 #o""y ai$ again.
H/ti$e a horn .a b"o.ing. A trumpet+ #he Fre!s, assembling for battle+ 7heon co/"$ ,ee" an
itching in hi miing ,inger.
7hen he a. her. She .a h/$$"e$ in the $arket corner o, the be$chamber- on the ,"oor-
c/r"e$ /p in a ba"" beneath a pi"e o, .o",kin. 7heon might never have potte$ her b/t ,or the
.ay he tremb"e$. !eyne ha$ p/""e$ the ,/r /p over here", to hi$e. From us6 Or was she
e8pecting her lord husband6 7he tho/ght that Ramay might be coming ma$e him .ant to
cream. 2My "a$y.1 7heon co/"$ not bring hime", to ca"" her Arya an$ $are not ca"" her !eyne.
2No nee$ to hi$e. 7hee are ,rien$.1
7he ,/r tirre$. An eye peere$ o/t- hining .ith tear. Dark, too dark+ A brown e!e+
27heon61
2?a$y Arya.1 Ro.an move$ c"oer. 2Eo/ m/t come .ith /- an$ A/ick"y. 3e4ve come to
take yo/ to yo/r brother.1
2Brother61 7he gir"4 ,ace emerge$ ,rom /n$erneath the .o",kin. 2&8 & have no brother.1
She has forgotten who she is+ She has forgotten her name+ 27hat4 o-1 ai$ 7heon- 2b/t yo/
ha$ brother once. 7hree o, them. Robb an$ Bran an$ Rickon.1
27hey4re $ea$. & have no brother no..1
2Eo/ have a ha",(brother-1 Ro.an ai$. 2?or$ Cro.- he i.1
2!on Sno.61
23e4"" take yo/ to him- b/t yo/ m/t come at once.1
!eyne p/""e$ her .o",kin /p to her chin. 2No. 7hi i ome trick. &t4 him- it4 my8 my
"or$- my .eet "or$- he ent yo/- thi i =/t ome tet to make /re that & "ove him. & $o- & $o- &
"ove him more than anything.1 A tear ran $o.n her cheek. 27e"" him- yo/ te"" him. &4"" $o .hat
he .ant8 .hatever he .ant8 .ith him or8 or .ith the $og or8 p"eae8 he $oen4t nee$ to
c/t my ,eet o,,- & .on4t try to r/n a.ay- not ever- &4"" give him on- & .ear it- & .ear it81
Ro.an .hit"e$ o,t"y. 2Go$ c/re the man.1
2&4m a good gir"-1 !eyne .himpere$. 27hey trained me.1
3i""o. co."e$. 2Someone top her crying. 7hat g/ar$ .a m/te- not $ea,. 7hey4re going to
hear.1
2Get her up, t/rnc"oak.1 #o""y ha$ her kni,e in han$. 2Get her /p or & .i"". We hae to go+ Get
the "itt"e c/nt /p on her ,eet an$ hake ome co/rage into her.1
2An$ i, he cream61 ai$ Ro.an.
We are all dead, 7heon tho/ght. I told them this was foll!, but none of them would listen+
Abe" ha$ $oome$ them. A"" inger .ere ha",(ma$. &n ong- the hero a".ay ave$ the mai$en
,rom the monter4 cat"e- b/t "i,e .a not a ong- no more than !eyne .a Arya Stark. 7er e!es
are the wrong color+ And there are no heroes here, onl! whores+ Cven o- he kne"t bei$e her-
p/""e$ $o.n the ,/r- to/che$ her cheek. 2Eo/ kno. me. &4m 7heon- yo/ remember. & kno. yo/
too. & kno. yo/r name.1
2My name61 She hook her hea$. 2My name8 it481
#e p/t a ,inger to her "ip. 23e can ta"k abo/t that "ater. Eo/ nee$ to be A/iet no.. Come
.ith /. 3ith me. 3e .i"" take yo/ a.ay ,rom here. A.ay ,rom him.1
#er eye .i$ene$. 29"eae-1 he .hipere$. 2Hh- p"eae.1
7heon "ippe$ hi han$ thro/gh her. 7he t/mp o, hi "ot ,inger ting"e$ a he $re. the gir"
to her ,eet. 7he .o",kin ,e"" a.ay ,rom her. Fn$erneath them he .a nake$- her ma"" pa"e
breat covere$ .ith teeth mark. #e hear$ one o, the .omen /ck in her breath. Ro.an thr/t a
b/n$"e o, c"othe into hi han$. 2Get her $ree$. &t4 co"$ o/ti$e.1 SA/irre" ha$ trippe$ $o.n
to her ma""c"othe- an$ .a rooting thro/gh a carve$ ce$ar chet in earch o, omething
.armer. &n the en$ he ett"e$ ,or one o, ?or$ Ramay4 A/i"te$ $o/b"et an$ a .e""(.orn pair o,
breeche that ,"appe$ abo/t her "eg "ike a hip4 ai" in a torm.
3ith Ro.an4 he"p- 7heon got !eyne 9oo"e into SA/irre"4 c"othe. If the gods are good and
the guards are blind, she ma! pass+ 2No. .e are going o/t an$ $o.n the tep-1 7heon to"$ the
gir". 2>eep yo/r hea$ $o.n an$ yo/r hoo$ /p. +o""o. #o""y. 5on4t r/n- $on4t cry- $on4t peak-
$on4t "ook anyone in the eye.1
2Stay c"oe to me-1 !eyne ai$. 25on4t "eave me.1
2& .i"" be right bei$e yo/-1 7heon promie$ a SA/irre" "ippe$ into ?a$y Arya4 be$ an$
p/""e$ the b"anket /p.
+renya opene$ the be$chamber $oor. 2Eo/ give her a goo$ .ah- Reek61 ake$ So/r A"yn a
they emerge$. Gr/nt gave 3i""o.4 breat a A/eeGe a he .ent by. 7hey .ere ,ort/nate in hi
choice. &, the man ha$ to/che$ !eyne- he might have creame$. 7hen #o""y .o/"$ have opene$
hi throat ,or him .ith the kni,e hi$$en /p her "eeve. 3i""o. imp"y t.ite$ a.ay an$ pat him.
+or a moment 7heon ,e"t a"mot gi$$y. #he! neer looked+ #he! neer saw+ We walked the
girl right b! them;
B/t on the tep the ,ear ret/rne$. 3hat i, they met Skinner or 5amon 5ance(,or(Me or
Stee"hank 3a"ton6 Hr Ramay hime",6 1ods sae me, not )amsa!, an!one but him+ 3hat /e
.a it to m/gg"e the gir" o/t o, her be$chamber6 7hey .ere ti"" ini$e the cat"e- .ith every
gate c"oe$ an$ barre$ an$ the batt"ement thick .ith entrie. ?ike a not- the g/ar$ o/ti$e the
keep .o/"$ top them. #o""y an$ her kni,e .o/"$ be o, ma"" /e againt i: men in mai" .ith
.or$ an$ pear.
B/t the g/ar$ o/ti$e .ere h/$$"e$ by the $oor- back t/rne$ againt the icy .in$ an$
b"o.n no.. Cven the er=eant $i$ not pare them more than a A/ick g"ance. 7heon ,e"t a tab o,
pity ,or him an$ hi men. Ramay .o/"$ ,"ay them a"" .hen he "earne$ hi bri$e .a gone- an$
.hat he .o/"$ $o to Gr/nt an$ So/r A"yn $i$ not bear thinking abo/t.
Not ten yar$ ,rom the $oor- Ro.an $roppe$ her empty pai"- an$ her iter $i$ "ike.ie. 7he
Great >eep .a a"rea$y "ot to ight behin$ them. 7he yar$ .a a .hite .i"$erne- ,/"" o, ha",(
hear$ o/n$ that echoe$ trange"y ami$t the torm. 7he icy trenche roe aro/n$ them- knee
high- then .ait high- then higher than their hea$. 7hey .ere in the heart o, 3inter,e"" .ith the
cat"e a"" aro/n$ them- b/t no ign o, it co/"$ be een. 7hey might have eai"y been "ot ami$t
the ?an$ o, A".ay 3inter- a tho/an$ "eag/e beyon$ the 3a"". 2&t4 co"$-1 !eyne 9oo"e
.himpere$ a he t/mb"e$ a"ong at 7heon4 i$e.
And soon to be colder+ Beyon$ the cat"e .a""- .inter .a .aiting .ith it icy teeth. If we get
that far+ 27hi .ay-1 he ai$ .hen they came to a =/nction .here three trenche croe$.
2+renya- #o""y- go .ith them-1 Ro.an ai$. 23e .i"" be a"ong .ith Abe". 5o not .ait ,or
/.1 An$ .ith that- he .hir"e$ an$ p"/nge$ into the no.- to.ar$ the Great #a"". 3i""o. an$
Myrt"e h/rrie$ a,ter her- c"oak napping in the .in$.
*adder and madder, tho/ght 7heon Grey=oy. Ccape ha$ eeme$ /n"ike"y .ith a"" i: o,
Abe"4 .omenI .ith on"y t.o- it eeme$ impoib"e. B/t they ha$ gone too ,ar to ret/rn the gir"
to her be$chamber an$ preten$ none o, thi ha$ ever happene$. &ntea$ he took !eyne by the arm
an$ $re. her $o.n the path.ay to the Batt"ement Gate. Onl! a half(gate, he remin$e$ hime",.
0en if the guards let us pass, there is no wa! through the outer wall+ Hn other night- the g/ar$
ha$ a""o.e$ 7heon thro/gh- b/t a"" thoe time he4$ come a"one. #e .o/"$ not pa o eai"y
.ith three erving gir" in to.- an$ i, the g/ar$ "ooke$ beneath !eyne4 hoo$ an$ recogniGe$
?or$ Ramay4 bri$e8
7he paage t.ite$ to the "e,t. 7here be,ore them- behin$ a vei" o, ,a""ing no.- ya.ne$ the
Batt"ement Gate- ,"anke$ by a pair o, g/ar$. &n their .oo" an$ ,/r an$ "eather- they "ooke$ a
big a bear. 7he pear they he"$ .ere eight ,eet ta"". 23ho goe there61 one ca""e$ o/t. 7heon
$i$ not recogniGe the voice. Mot o, the man4 ,eat/re .ere covere$ by the car, abo/t hi ,ace.
Hn"y hi eye co/"$ be een. 2Reek- i that yo/61
&es, he meant to ay. &ntea$ he hear$ hime", rep"y- 27heon Grey=oy. &8 & have bro/ght
ome .omen ,or yo/.1
2Eo/ poor boy m/t be ,reeGing-1 ai$ #o""y. 2#ere- "et me .arm yo/ /p.1 She "ippe$ pat
the g/ar$4 pearpoint an$ reache$ /p to hi ,ace- p/""ing "ooe the ha",(,roGen car, to p"ant a
ki /pon hi mo/th. An$ a their "ip to/che$- her b"a$e "i$ thro/gh the meat o, hi neck- =/t
be"o. the ear. 7heon a. the man4 eye .i$en. 7here .a b"oo$ on #o""y4 "ip a he teppe$
back- an$ b"oo$ $ribb"ing ,rom hi mo/th a he ,e"".
7he econ$ g/ar$ .a ti"" gaping in con,/ion .hen +renya grabbe$ the ha,t o, hi pear.
7hey tr/gg"e$ ,or a moment- t/gging- ti"" the .oman .renche$ the .eapon ,rom hi ,inger an$
c"o/te$ him acro the temp"e .ith it b/tt. A he t/mb"e$ back.ar$- he p/n the pear
aro/n$ an$ $rove it point thro/gh hi be""y .ith a gr/nt.
!eyne 9oo"e "et o/t a hri""- high cream. 2Hh- b"oo$y hit-1 ai$ #o""y. 27hat .i"" bring the
knee"er $o.n on /- an$ no mitake. )un;1
7heon c"appe$ one han$ aro/n$ !eyne4 mo/th- grabbe$ her abo/t the .ait .ith the other-
an$ p/""e$ her pat the $ea$ an$ $ying g/ar$- thro/gh the gate- an$ over the ,roGen moat. An$
perhap the o"$ go$ .ere ti"" .atching over themI the $ra.bri$ge ha$ been "e,t $o.n- to a""o.
3inter,e""4 $e,en$er to cro to an$ ,rom the o/ter batt"ement more A/ick"y. +rom behin$
them came a"ar/m an$ the o/n$ o, r/nning ,eet- then the b"at o, a tr/mpet ,rom the rampart
o, the inner .a"".
Hn the $ra.bri$ge- +renya toppe$ an$ t/rne$. 2Go on. & .i"" ho"$ the knee"er here.1 7he
b"oo$y pear .a ti"" c"/tche$ in her big han$.
7heon .a taggering by the time he reache$ the ,oot o, the tair. #e "/ng the gir" over hi
ho/"$er an$ began to c"imb. !eyne ha$ ceae$ to tr/gg"e by then- an$ he .a /ch a "itt"e thing
bei$e8 b/t the tep .ere "ick .ith ice beneath o,t po.$ery no.- an$ ha",.ay /p he "ot
hi ,ooting an$ .ent $o.n har$ on one knee. 7he pain .a o ba$ he a"mot "ot the gir"- an$ ,or
ha", a heartbeat he ,eare$ thi .a a ,ar a he .o/"$ go. B/t #o""y p/""e$ him back onto hi ,eet-
an$ bet.een the t.o o, them they ,ina""y got !eyne /p to the batt"ement.
A he "eane$ /p againt a mer"on- breathing har$- 7heon co/"$ hear the ho/ting ,rom be"o.-
.here +renya .a ,ighting ha", a $oGen g/ar$men in the no.. 23hich .ay61 he ho/te$ at
#o""y. 23here $o .e go no.6 7ow do we get out61
7he ,/ry on #o""y4 ,ace t/rne$ to horror. 2Hh- ,/ck me b"oo$y. 7he rope.1 She gave a
hyterica" "a/gh. 4Fren!a has the rope+5 7hen he gr/nte$ an$ grabbe$ her tomach. A A/arre"
ha$ pro/te$ ,rom her g/t. 3hen he .rappe$ a han$ aro/n$ it- b"oo$ "eake$ thro/gh her
,inger. 2>nee"er on the inner .a""81 he gape$- be,ore a econ$ ha,t appeare$ bet.een her
breat. #o""y grabbe$ ,or the nearet mer"on an$ ,e"". 7he no. that he4$ knocke$ "ooe b/rie$
her .ith a o,t thump+
Sho/t rang o/t ,rom their "e,t. !eyne 9oo"e .a taring $o.n at #o""y a the no.y b"anket
over her t/rne$ ,rom .hite to re$. Hn the inner .a"" the crobo.man .o/"$ be re"oa$ing-
7heon kne.. #e tarte$ right- b/t there .ere men coming ,rom that $irection too- racing to.ar$
them .ith .or$ in han$. +ar o,, to the north he hear$ a .arhorn o/n$. Stannis, he tho/ght
.i"$"y. Stannis is our onl! hope, if we can reach him+ 7he .in$ .a ho."ing- an$ he an$ the gir"
.ere trappe$.
7he crobo. nappe$. A bo"t pae$ .ithin a ,oot o, him- hattering the cr/t o, ,roGen no.
that ha$ p"/gge$ the c"oet crene". H, Abe"- Ro.an- SA/irre"- an$ the other there .a no ign.
#e an$ the gir" .ere a"one. If the! take us alie, the! will delier us to )amsa!+
7heon grabbe$ !eyne abo/t the .ait an$ =/mpe$.
DAENER'S
7he ky .a a merci"e b"/e- .itho/t a .ip o, c"o/$ in ight. #he bricks will soon be baking
in the sun, tho/ght 5any. Down on the sands, the fighters will feel the heat through the soles of
their sandals+
!hiA/i "ippe$ 5any4 i"k robe ,rom her ho/"$er an$ &rri he"pe$ her into her bathing poo".
7he "ight o, the riing /n himmere$ on the .ater- broken by the ha$o. o, the perimmon tree.
2Cven i, the pit m/t open- m/t Eo/r Grace go yo/re",61 ake$ Mian$ei a he .a .ahing
the A/een4 hair.
2#a", o, Meereen .i"" be there to ee me- gent"e heart.1
2Eo/r Grace-1 ai$ Mian$ei- 2thi one beg "eave to ay that ha", o, Meereen .i"" be there
to .atch men b"ee$ an$ $ie.1
She is not wrong, the A/een kne.- but it makes no matter+
Soon 5any .a a c"ean a he .a ever going to be. She p/he$ here", to her ,eet- p"ahing
o,t"y. 3ater ran $o.n her "eg an$ bea$e$ on her breat. 7he /n .a c"imbing /p the ky- an$
her peop"e .o/"$ oon be gathering. She .o/"$ rather have $ri,te$ in the ,ragrant poo" a"" $ay-
eating ice$ ,r/it o,, i"ver tray an$ $reaming o, a ho/e .ith a re$ $oor- b/t a A/een be"ong to
her peop"e- not to here",.
!hiA/i bro/ght a o,t to.e" to pat her $ry. 2,haleesi, .hich tokar .i"" yo/ .ant to$ay61 ake$
&rri.
27he ye""o. i"k.1 7he A/een o, the rabbit co/"$ not be een .itho/t her ,"oppy ear. 7he
ye""o. i"k .a "ight an$ coo"- an$ it .o/"$ be b"itering $o.n in the pit. #he red sands will
burn the soles of those about to die+ 2An$ over it- the "ong re$ vei".1 7he vei" .o/"$ keep the
.in$ ,rom b"o.ing an$ into her mo/th. And the red will hide an! blood spatters+
A !hiA/i br/he$ 5any4 hair an$ &rri painte$ the A/een4 nai"- they chattere$ happi"y abo/t
the $ay4 matche. Mian$ei reemerge$. 2Eo/r Grace. 7he king bi$ yo/ =oin him .hen yo/ are
$ree$. An$ 9rince D/entyn ha come .ith hi 5ornih Men. 7hey beg a .or$- i, that ho/"$
p"eae yo/.1
"ittle about this da! shall please me+ 2Some other $ay.1
At the bae o, the Great 9yrami$- Ser Barritan a.aite$ them bei$e an ornate open
pa"anA/in- /rro/n$e$ by BraGen Beat. Ser 1randfather, 5any tho/ght. 5epite hi age- he
"ooke$ ta"" an$ han$ome in the armor that he4$ given him. 2& .o/"$ be happier i, yo/ ha$
Fn/""ie$ g/ar$ abo/t yo/ to$ay- Eo/r Grace-1 the o"$ knight ai$- a #iG$ahr .ent to greet hi
co/in. 2#a", o, thee BraGen Beat are /ntrie$ ,ree$men.1 And the other half are *eereenese
of doubtful lo!alt!, he "e,t /nai$. Se"my mitr/te$ a"" the Meereenee- even havepate.
2An$ /ntrie$ they ha"" remain /n"e .e try them.1
2A mak can hi$e many thing- Eo/r Grace. & the man behin$ the o." mak the ame o."
.ho g/ar$e$ yo/ yeter$ay an$ the $ay be,ore6 #o. can .e kno.61
2#o. ho/"$ Meereen ever come to tr/t the BraGen Beat i, & $o not6 7here are goo$ brave
men beneath thoe mak. & p/t my "i,e into their han$.1 5any mi"e$ ,or him. 2Eo/ ,ret too
m/ch- er. & .i"" have yo/ bei$e me- .hat other protection $o & nee$61
2& am one o"$ man- Eo/r Grace.1
2Strong Be".a .i"" be .ith me a .e"".1
2A yo/ ay.1 Ser Barritan "o.ere$ hi voice. 2Eo/r Grace. 3e et the .oman Meri ,ree- a
yo/ comman$e$. Be,ore he .ent- he ake$ to peak .ith yo/. & met .ith her intea$. She
c"aim thi 7attere$ 9rince meant to bring the 3in$b"o.n over to yo/r ca/e ,rom the beginning.
7hat he ent her here to treat .ith yo/ ecret"y- b/t the 5ornihmen /nmake$ them an$ betraye$
them be,ore he co/"$ make her o.n approach.1
#reacher! on treacher!, the A/een tho/ght .eari"y. Is there no end to it6 2#o. m/ch o, thi
$o yo/ be"ieve- er61
2?itt"e an$ "e- Eo/r Grace- b/t thoe .ere her .or$.1
23i"" they come over to /- i, nee$ be61
2She ay they .i"". B/t ,or a price.1
29ay it.1 Meereen nee$e$ iron- not go"$.
27he 7attere$ 9rince .i"" .ant more than coin- Eo/r Grace. Meri ay that he .ant 9ento.1
29ento61 #er eye narro.e$. 2#o. can & give him 9ento6 &t i ha", a .or"$ a.ay.1
2#e .o/"$ be .i""ing to .ait- the .oman Meri /ggete$. Fnti" .e march ,or 3etero.1
And if I neer march for Westeros6 29ento be"ong to the 9entohi. An$ Magiter &""yrio i in
9ento. #e .ho arrange$ my marriage to >ha" 5rogo an$ gave me my $ragon egg. 3ho ent
me yo/- an$ Be".a- an$ Gro"eo. & o.e him m/ch an$ more. & .i"" not repay that $ebt by giving
hi city to ome e"".or$. No.1
Ser Barritan inc"ine$ hi hea$. 2Eo/r Grace i .ie.1
2#ave yo/ ever een /ch an a/picio/ $ay- my "ove61 #iG$ahr Go ?oraA commente$ .hen
he re=oine$ him. #e he"pe$ 5any /p onto the pa"anA/in- .here t.o ta"" throne too$ i$e by
i$e.
2A/picio/ ,or yo/- perhap. ?e o ,or thoe .ho m/t $ie be,ore the /n goe $o.n.1
2A"" men m/t $ie-1 ai$ #iG$ahr- 2b/t not a"" can $ie in g"ory- .ith the cheer o, the city
ringing in their ear.1 #e "i,te$ a han$ to the o"$ier on the $oor. 2Hpen.1
7he p"aGa that ,ronte$ on her pyrami$ .a pave$ .ith brick o, many co"or- an$ the heat
roe ,rom them in himmering .ave. 9eop"e .arme$ every.here. Some ro$e "itter or e$an
chair- ome ,orke$ $onkey- many .ere a,oot. Nine o, every ten .ere moving .et.ar$- $o.n
the broa$ brick thoro/gh,are to 5aGnak4 9it. 3hen they ca/ght ight o, the pa"anA/in emerging
,rom the pyrami$- a cheer .ent /p ,rom thoe nearet an$ prea$ acro the p"aGa. 7ow 3ueer,
the A/een tho/ght. #he! cheer me on the same plaza where I once impaled one hundred si8t!(
three 1reat *asters+
A great $r/m "e$ the roya" proceion to c"ear their .ay thro/gh the treet. Bet.een each
beat- a havepate hera"$ in a hirt o, po"ihe$ copper $ik crie$ ,or the cro.$ to part. BO**+
27hey come01 BO**+ 2Make .ay01 BO**+ 27he A/een01 BO**+ 27he king01 BO**+
Behin$ the $r/m marche$ BraGen Beat ,o/r abreat. Some carrie$ c/$ge"- other taveI a""
.ore p"eate$ kirt- "eathern an$a"- an$ patch.ork c"oak e.n ,rom A/are o, many co"or to
echo the many(co"ore$ brick o, Meereen. 7heir mak g"eame$ in the /n' boar an$ b/""-
ha.k an$ heron- "ion an$ tiger an$ bear- ,ork(tong/e$ erpent an$ hi$eo/ bai"ik.
Strong Be".a- .ho ha$ no "ove ,or hore- .a"ke$ in ,ront o, them in hi t/$$e$ vet- hi
carre$ bro.n be""y =igg"ing .ith every tep. &rri an$ !hiA/i ,o""o.e$ ahore- .ith Aggo an$
Rakharo- then ReGnak in an ornate e$an chair .ith an a.ning to keep the /n o,, hi hea$. Ser
Barritan Se"my ro$e at 5any4 i$e- hi armor ,"ahing in the /n. A "ong c"oak ,"o.e$ ,rom hi
ho/"$er- b"eache$ a .hite a bone. Hn hi "e,t arm .a a "arge .hite hie"$. A "itt"e ,arther
back .a D/entyn Marte""- the 5ornih prince- .ith hi t.o companion.
7he co"/mn crept "o."y $o.n the "ong brick treet. BO**+ 27hey come01 BO**+ 2H/r
A/een. H/r king.1 BO**+ 2Make .ay.1
5any co/"$ hear her han$mai$ arg/ing behin$ her- $ebating .ho .a going to .in the $ay4
,ina" match. !hiA/i ,avore$ the gigantic Goghor- .ho "ooke$ more b/"" than man- even to the
bronGe ring in hi noe. &rri inite$ that Be"aA/o Bonebreaker4 ,"ai" .o/"$ prove the giant4
/n$oing. *! handmaids are Dothraki, he to"$ here",. Death rides with eer! kha"aar. 7he $ay
he .e$ >ha" 5rogo- the arakh ha$ ,"ahe$ at her .e$$ing ,eat- an$ men ha$ $ie$ .hi"t
other $rank an$ mate$. ?i,e an$ $eath .ent han$ in han$ amongt the hore"or$- an$ a
prink"ing o, b"oo$ .a tho/ght to b"e a marriage. #er ne. marriage .o/"$ oon be $renche$
in b"oo$. #o. b"ee$ it .o/"$ be.
BO**, BO**, BO**, BO**, BO**, BO**, came the $r/mbeat- ,ater than be,ore-
/$$en"y angry an$ impatient. Ser Barritan $re. hi .or$ a the co"/mn gro/n$ to an abr/pt
ha"t bet.een the pink(an$(.hite pyrami$ o, 9ah" an$ the green(an$(b"ack o, NaAAan.
5any t/rne$. 23hy are .e toppe$61
#iG$ahr too$. 27he .ay i b"ocke$.1
A pa"anA/in "ay overt/rne$ ath.art their .ay. Hne o, it bearer ha$ co""ape$ to the brick-
overcome by heat. 2#e"p that man-1 5any comman$e$. 2Get him o,, the treet be,ore he4
teppe$ on an$ give him ,oo$ an$ .ater. #e "ook a tho/gh he ha not eaten in a ,ortnight.1
Ser Barritan g"ance$ /neai"y to "e,t an$ right. Ghicari ,ace .ere viib"e on the terrace-
"ooking $o.n .ith coo" an$ /nympathetic eye. 2Eo/r Grace- & $o not "ike thi ha"t. 7hi may
be ome trap. 7he Son o, the #arpy@1
2@have been tame$-1 $ec"are$ #iG$ahr Go ?oraA. 23hy ho/"$ they eek to harm my A/een
.hen he ha taken me ,or her king an$ conort6 No. he"p that man- a my .eet A/een ha
comman$e$.1 #e took 5any by the han$ an$ mi"e$.
7he BraGen Beat $i$ a they .ere bi$. 5any .atche$ them at their .ork. 27hoe bearer
.ere "ave be,ore & came. & ma$e them ,ree. Eet that pa"anA/in i no "ighter.1
27r/e-1 ai$ #iG$ahr- 2b/t thoe men are pai$ to bear it .eight no.. Be,ore yo/ came- that
man .ho ,e"" .o/"$ have an overeer tan$ing over him- tripping the kin o,, hi back .ith a
.hip. &ntea$ he i being given ai$.1
&t .a tr/e. A BraGen Beat in a boar mak ha$ o,,ere$ the "itter bearer a kin o, .ater. 2&
/ppoe & m/t be thank,/" ,or ma"" victorie-1 the A/een ai$.
2Hne tep- then the ne:t- an$ oon .e ha"" be r/nning. 7ogether .e ha"" make a ne.
Meereen.1 7he treet ahea$ ha$ ,ina""y c"eare$. 2Sha"" .e contin/e on61
3hat co/"$ he $o b/t no$6 One step, then the ne8t, but where is it I/m going6
At the gate o, 5aGnak4 9it t.o to.ering bronGe .arrior too$ "ocke$ in morta" combat.
Hne .ie"$e$ a .or$- the other an a:eI the c/"ptor ha$ $epicte$ them in the act o, ki""ing one
another- their b"a$e an$ bo$ie ,orming an arch.ay overhea$.
#he mortal art, tho/ght 5any.
She ha$ een the ,ighting pit many time ,rom her terrace. 7he ma"" one $otte$ the ,ace o,
Meereen "ike pockmarkI the "arger .ere .eeping ore- re$ an$ ra.. None compare$ to thi
one- tho/gh. Strong Be".a an$ Ser Barritan ,e"" in to either i$e a he an$ her "or$ h/ban$
pae$ beneath the bronGe- to emerge at the top o, a great brick bo." ringe$ by $ecen$ing tier
o, benche- each a $i,,erent co"or.
#iG$ahr Go ?oraA "e$ her $o.n- thro/gh b"ack- p/rp"e- b"/e- green- .hite- ye""o.- an$ orange
to the re$- .here the car"et brick took the co"or o, the an$ be"o.. Aro/n$ them pe$$"er .ere
e""ing $og a/age- roat onion- an$ /nborn p/ppie on a tick- b/t 5any ha$ no nee$ o, /ch.
#iG$ahr ha$ tocke$ their bo: .ith ,"agon o, chi""e$ .ine an$ .eet.ater- .ith ,ig- $ate-
me"on- an$ pomegranate- .ith pecan an$ pepper an$ a big bo." o, honeye$ "oc/t. Strong
Be".a be""o.e$- 2"ocusts;1 a he eiGe$ the bo." an$ began to cr/nch them by the han$,/".
27hoe are very taty-1 a$vie$ #iG$ahr. 2Eo/ o/ght to try a ,e. yo/re",- my "ove. 7hey are
ro""e$ in pice be,ore the honey- o they are .eet an$ hot at once.1
27hat e:p"ain the .ay Be".a i .eating-1 5any ai$. 2& be"ieve & .i"" content mye", .ith
,ig an$ $ate.1
Acro the pit the Grace at in ,"o.ing robe o, many co"or- c"/tere$ aro/n$ the a/tere
,ig/re o, Ga"aGGa Ga"are- .ho a"one amongt them .ore the green. 7he Great Mater o,
Meereen occ/pie$ the re$ an$ orange benche. 7he .omen .ere vei"e$- an$ the men ha$
br/he$ an$ "acA/ere$ their hair into horn an$ han$ an$ pike. #iG$ahr4 kin o, the ancient
"ine o, ?oraA eeme$ to ,avor tokar o, p/rp"e an$ in$igo an$ "i"ac- .hi"t thoe o, 9ah" .ere
tripe$ in pink an$ .hite. 7he envoy ,rom E/nkai .ere a"" in ye""o. an$ ,i""e$ the bo: bei$e
the king4- each o, them .ith hi "ave an$ ervant. Meereenee o, "eer birth cro.$e$ the
/pper tier- more $itant ,rom the carnage. 7he b"ack an$ p/rp"e benche- highet an$ mot
$itant ,rom the an$- .ere cro.$e$ .ith ,ree$men an$ other common ,o"k. 7he e"".or$ ha$
been p"ace$ /p there a .e""- 5aenery a.- their captain eate$ right amongt the common
o"$ier. She pie$ Bro.n Ben4 .eathere$ ,ace an$ B"oo$bear$4 ,iery re$ .hiker an$ "ong
brai$.
#er "or$ h/ban$ too$ an$ raie$ hi han$. 21reat *asters; My A/een ha come thi $ay- to
ho. her "ove ,or yo/- her peop"e. By her grace an$ .ith her "eave- & give yo/ no. yo/r morta"
art. *eereen; ?et D/een 5aenery hear yo/r "ove01
7en tho/an$ throat roare$ o/t their thankI then t.enty tho/an$I then a"". 7hey $i$ not ca""
her name- .hich ,e. o, them co/"$ prono/nce. 2*other;1 they crie$ intea$I in the o"$ $ea$
tong/e o, Ghi- the .or$ .a *h!sa; 7hey tampe$ their ,eet an$ "appe$ their be""ie an$
ho/te$- 2*h!sa, *h!sa, *h!sa,1 /nti" the .ho"e pit eeme$ to tremb"e. 5any "et the o/n$
.ah over her. I am not !our mother, he might have ho/te$- back- I am the mother of !our
slaes, of eer! bo! who eer died upon these sands whilst !ou gorged on hone!ed locusts+
Behin$ her- ReGnak "eane$ in to .hiper in her ear- 2Magni,icence- hear ho. they "ove yo/01
2o, he kne.- the! loe their mortal art+ 3hen the cheer began to ebb- he a""o.e$ to here",
to it. 7heir bo: .a in the ha$e- b/t her hea$ .a po/n$ing. 2!hiA/i-1 he ca""e$- 2.eet .ater-
i, yo/ .o/"$. My throat i very $ry.1
2>hraGG .i"" have the honor o, the $ay4 ,irt ki""-1 #iG$ahr to"$ her. 27here ha never been a
better ,ighter.1
2Strong Be".a .a better-1 inite$ Strong Be".a.
>hraGG .a Meereenee- o, h/mb"e birth@a ta"" man .ith a br/h o, ti,, re$(b"ack hair
r/nning $o.n the center o, hi hea$. #i ,oe .a an ebon(kinne$ pearman ,rom the S/mmer
&"e .hoe thr/t kept >hraGG at bay ,or a time- b/t once he "ippe$ ini$e the pear .ith hi
hort.or$- on"y b/tchery remaine$. A,ter it .a $one- >hraGG c/t the heart ,rom the b"ack man-
raie$ it above hi hea$ re$ an$ $ripping- an$ took a bite ,rom it.
2>hraGG be"ieve the heart o, brave men make him tronger-1 ai$ #iG$ahr. !hiA/i m/rm/re$
her approva". 5any ha$ once eaten a ta""ion4 heart to give trength to her /nborn on8 b/t that
ha$ not ave$ Rhaego .hen the maegi m/r$ere$ him in her .omb. #hree treasons shall !ou
know+ She was the first, -orah was the second, Brown Ben $lumm the third+ 3a he $one .ith
betraya"6
2Ah-1 ai$ #iG$ahr- p"eae$. 2No. come the Spotte$ Cat. See ho. he move- my A/een. A
poem on t.o ,eet.1
7he ,oe #iG$ahr ha$ ,o/n$ ,or the .a"king poem .a a ta"" a Goghor an$ a broa$ a
Be".a- b/t "o.. 7hey .ere ,ighting i: ,eet ,rom 5any4 bo: .hen the Spotte$ Cat hamtr/ng
him. A the man t/mb"e$ to hi knee- the Cat p/t a ,oot on hi back an$ a han$ aro/n$ hi hea$
an$ opene$ hi throat ,rom ear to ear. 7he re$ an$ $rank hi b"oo$- the .in$ hi ,ina" .or$.
7he cro.$ creame$ it approva".
2Ba$ ,ighting- goo$ $ying-1 ai$ Strong Be".a. 2Strong Be".a hate it .hen they cream.1
#e ha$ ,inihe$ a"" the honeye$ "oc/t. #e gave a be"ch an$ took a .ig o, .ine.
9a"e Dartheen- b"ack S/mmer &"an$er- copper(kinne$ 5othraki- 7yrohi .ith b"/e bear$-
?amb Men- !ogo Nhai- /""en Braavoi- brin$"e(kinne$ ha",(men ,rom the =/ng"e o, Sothoro
@,rom the en$ o, the .or"$ they came to $ie in 5aGnak4 9it. 27hi one ho. m/ch promie-
my .eet-1 #iG$ahr ai$ o, a ?yene yo/th .ith "ong b"on$ hair that ,"/ttere$ in the .in$8 b/t
hi ,oe grabbe$ a han$,/" o, that hair- p/""e$ the boy o,,(ba"ance- an$ g/tte$ him. &n $eath he
"ooke$ even yo/nger than he ha$ .ith b"a$e in han$. 2A boy-1 ai$ 5any. 2#e .a on"y a boy.1
2Si:(an$(ten-1 #iG$ahr inite$. 2A man gro.n- .ho ,ree"y choe to rik hi "i,e ,or go"$ an$
g"ory. No chi"$ren $ie to$ay in 5aGnak4- a my gent"e A/een in her .i$om ha $ecree$.1
Another small ictor!+ $erhaps I cannot make m! people good, he to"$ here",- but I should
at least tr! to make them a little less bad+ 5aenery .o/"$ have prohibite$ contet bet.een
.omen a .e""- b/t Barena B"ackhair protete$ that he ha$ a m/ch right to rik her "i,e a any
man. 7he A/een ha$ a"o .ihe$ to ,orbi$ the ,o""ie- comic combat .here cripp"e- $.ar,- an$
crone ha$ at one another .ith c"eaver- torche- an$ hammer ;the more inept the ,ighter- the
,/nnier the ,o""y- it .a tho/ght<- b/t #iG$ahr ai$ hi peop"e .o/"$ "ove her more i, he "a/ghe$
.ith them- an$ arg/e$ that .itho/t /ch ,ro"ic- the cripp"e- $.ar,- an$ crone .o/"$ tarve. So
5any ha$ re"ente$.
&t ha$ been the c/tom to entence crimina" to the pitI that practice he agree$ might
re/me- b/t on"y ,or certain crime. 2M/r$erer an$ raper may be ,orce$ to ,ight- an$ a"" thoe
.ho perit in "aving- b/t not thieve or $ebtor.1
Beat .ere ti"" a""o.e$- tho/gh. 5any .atche$ an e"ephant make hort .ork o, a pack o, i:
re$ .o"ve. Ne:t a b/"" .a et againt a bear in a b"oo$y batt"e that "e,t both anima" torn an$
$ying. 27he ,"eh i not .ate$-1 ai$ #iG$ahr. 27he b/tcher /e the carcae to make a
hea"th,/" te. ,or the h/ngry. Any man .ho preent hime", at the Gate o, +ate may have a
bo.".1
2A goo$ "a.-1 5any ai$. &ou hae so few of them+ 23e m/t make certain that thi tra$ition
i contin/e$.1
A,ter the beat ,ight came a mock batt"e- pitting i: men on ,oot againt i: horemen- the
,ormer arme$ .ith hie"$ an$ "ong.or$- the "atter .ith 5othraki arakh. 7he mock knight
.ere c"a$ in mai" ha/berk- .hi"t the mock 5othraki .ore no armor. At ,irt the ri$er eeme$
to have the a$vantage- ri$ing $o.n t.o o, their ,oe an$ "ahing the ear ,rom a thir$- b/t then
the /rviving knight began to attack the hore- an$ one by one the ri$er .ere /nmo/nte$ an$
"ain- to !hiA/i4 great $ig/t. 27hat .a no tr/e khalasar,1 he ai$.
27hee carcae are not $etine$ ,or yo/r hea"th,/" te.- & .o/"$ hope-1 5any ai$- a the
"ain .ere being remove$.
27he hore- ye-1 ai$ #iG$ahr. 27he men- no.1
2#oremeat an$ onion make yo/ trong-1 ai$ Be".a.
7he batt"e .a ,o""o.e$ by the $ay4 ,irt ,o""y- a ti"t bet.een a pair o, =o/ting $.ar,-
preente$ by one o, the E/nkih "or$ that #iG$ahr ha$ invite$ to the game. Hne ro$e a ho/n$-
the other a o.. 7heir .oo$en armor ha$ been ,reh"y painte$- o one bore the tag o, the
//rper Robert Baratheon- the other the go"$en "ion o, #o/e ?anniter. 7hat .a ,or her ake-
p"ain"y. 7heir antic oon ha$ Be".a norting "a/ghter- tho/gh 5any4 mi"e .a ,aint an$
,orce$. 3hen the $.ar, in re$ t/mb"e$ ,rom the a$$"e an$ began to chae hi o. acro the
an$- .hi"t the $.ar, on the $og ga""ope$ a,ter him- .happing at hi b/ttock .ith a .oo$en
.or$- he ai$- 27hi i .eet an$ i""y- b/t81
2Be patient- my .eet-1 ai$ #iG$ahr. 27hey are abo/t to "ooe the "ion.1
5aenery gave him a A/iGGica" "ook. 2?ion61
27hree o, them. 7he $.ar, .i"" not e:pect them.1
She ,ro.ne$. 27he $.ar, have .oo$en .or$. 3oo$en armor. #o. $o yo/ e:pect them to
,ight "ion61
2Ba$"y-1 ai$ #iG$ahr- 2tho/gh perhap they .i"" /rprie /. More "ike they .i"" hriek an$
r/n abo/t an$ try to c"imb o/t o, the pit. 7hat i .hat make thi a ,o""y.1
5any .a not p"eae$. 2& ,orbi$ it.1
2Gent"e A/een. Eo/ $o not .ant to $iappoint yo/r peop"e.1
2Eo/ .ore to me that the ,ighter .o/"$ be gro.n men .ho ha$ ,ree"y conente$ to rik
their "ive ,or go"$ an$ honor. 7hee $.ar, $i$ not conent to batt"e "ion .ith .oo$en .or$.
Eo/ .i"" top it. No..1
7he king4 mo/th tightene$. +or a heartbeat 5any tho/ght he a. a ,"ah o, anger in thoe
p"aci$ eye. 2A yo/ comman$.1 #iG$ahr beckone$ to hi pitmater. 2No "ion-1 he ai$ .hen
the man trotte$ over- .hip in han$.
2Not one- Magni,icence6 3here i the ,/n in that61
2My A/een ha poken. 7he $.ar, .i"" not be harme$.1
27he cro.$ .i"" not "ike it.1
27hen bring on Barena. 7hat ho/"$ appeae them.1
2Eo/r 3orhip kno. bet.1 7he pitmater nappe$ hi .hip an$ ho/te$ o/t comman$. 7he
$.ar, .ere her$e$ o,,- pig an$ $og an$ a""- a the pectator hie$ their $iapprova" an$ pe"te$
them .ith tone an$ rotten ,r/it.
A roar .ent /p a Barena B"ackhair tro$e onto the an$- nake$ ave ,or breechc"o/t an$
an$a". A ta""- $ark .oman o, ome thirty year- he move$ .ith the ,era" grace o, a panther.
2Barena i m/ch "ove$-1 #iG$ahr ai$- a the o/n$ .e""e$ to ,i"" the pit. 27he bravet .oman &
have ever een.1
Strong Be".a ai$- 2+ighting gir" i not o brave. +ighting Strong Be".a .o/"$ be brave.1
27o$ay he ,ight a boar-1 ai$ #iG$ahr.
A!e, tho/ght 5any- because !ou could not find a woman to face her, no matter how plump the
purse+ 2An$ not .ith a .oo$en .or$- it .o/"$ eem.1
7he boar .a a h/ge beat- .ith t/k a "ong a a man4 ,orearm an$ ma"" eye that .am
.ith rage. She .on$ere$ .hether the boar that ha$ ki""e$ Robert Baratheon ha$ "ooke$ a ,ierce.
A terrible creature and a terrible death+ +or a heartbeat he ,e"t a"mot orry ,or the F/rper.
2Barena i very A/ick-1 ReGnak ai$. 2She .i"" $ance .ith the boar- Magni,icence- an$ "ice
him .hen he pae near her. #e .i"" be a.ah in b"oo$ be,ore he ,a""- yo/ ha"" ee.1
&t began =/t a he ai$. 7he boar charge$- Barena p/n ai$e- her b"a$e ,"ahe$ i"ver in the
/n. 2She nee$ a pear-1 Ser Barritan ai$- a Barena va/"te$ over the beat4 econ$ charge.
27hat i no .ay to ,ight a boar.1 #e o/n$e$ "ike omeone4 ,/y o"$ gran$ire- =/t a 5aario
.a a".ay aying.
Barena4 b"a$e .a r/nning re$- b/t the boar oon toppe$. 7e is smarter than a bull, 5any
rea"iGe$. 7e will not charge again+ Barena came to the ame rea"iGation. Sho/ting- he e$ge$
c"oer to the boar- toing her kni,e ,rom han$ to han$. 3hen the beat backe$ a.ay- he c/re$
an$ "ahe$ at hi no/t- trying to provoke him8 an$ /ccee$ing. 7hi time her "eap came an
intant too "ate- an$ a t/k rippe$ her "e,t "eg open ,rom knee to crotch.
A moan .ent /p ,rom thirty tho/an$ throat. C"/tching at her torn "eg- Barena $roppe$ her
kni,e an$ trie$ to hobb"e o,,- b/t be,ore he ha$ gone t.o ,eet the boar .a on her once again.
5any t/rne$ her ,ace a.ay. 23a that brave eno/gh61 he ake$ Strong Be".a- a a cream
rang o/t acro the an$.
2+ighting pig i brave- b/t it i not brave to cream o "o/$. &t h/rt Strong Be".a in the
ear.1 7he e/n/ch r/bbe$ hi .o""en tomach- cricroe$ .ith o"$ .hite car. 2&t make
Strong Be".a ick in hi be""y too.1
7he boar b/rie$ hi no/t in Barena4 be""y an$ began rooting o/t her entrai". 7he me"" .a
more than the A/een co/"$ tan$. 7he heat- the ,"ie- the ho/t ,rom the cro.$8 I cannot
breathe+ She "i,te$ her vei" an$ "et it ,"/tter a.ay. She took her tokar o,, a .e"". 7he pear"
ratt"e$ o,t"y againt one another a he /n.o/n$ the i"k.
2,haleesi61 &rri ake$. 23hat are yo/ $oing61
27aking o,, my ,"oppy ear.1 A $oGen men .ith boar pear came trotting o/t onto the an$ to
$rive the boar a.ay ,rom the corpe an$ back to hi pen. 7he pitmater .a .ith them- a "ong
barbe$ .hip in hi han$. A he nappe$ it at the boar- the A/een roe. 2Ser Barritan- .i"" yo/
ee me a,e"y back to my gar$en61
#iG$ahr "ooke$ con,/e$. 27here i more to come. A ,o""y- i: o"$ .omen- an$ three more
matche. Be"aA/o an$ Goghor01
2Be"aA/o .i"" .in-1 &rri $ec"are$. 2&t i kno.n.1
2&t i not kno.n-1 !hiA/i ai$. 2Be"aA/o .i"" $ie.1
2Hne .i"" $ie- or the other .i""-1 ai$ 5any. 2An$ the one .ho "ive .i"" $ie ome other $ay.
7hi .a a mitake.1
2Strong Be".a ate too many "oc/t.1 7here .a a A/eay "ook on Be".a4 broa$ bro.n
,ace. 2Strong Be".a nee$ mi"k.1
#iG$ahr ignore$ the e/n/ch. 2Magni,icence- the peop"e o, Meereen have come to ce"ebrate
o/r /nion. Eo/ hear$ them cheering yo/. 5o not cat a.ay their "ove.1
2&t .a my ,"oppy ear they cheere$- not me. 7ake me ,rom thi abbatoir- h/ban$.1 She
co/"$ hear the boar norting- the ho/t o, the pear(men- the crack o, the pitmater4 .hip.
2S.eet "a$y- no. Stay on"y a .hi"e "onger. +or the ,o""y- an$ one "at match. C"oe yo/r eye-
no one .i"" ee. 7hey .i"" be .atching Be"aA/o an$ Ghogor. 7hi i no time ,or@1
A ha$o. ripp"e$ acro hi ,ace.
7he t/m/"t an$ the ho/ting $ie$. 7en tho/an$ voice ti""e$. Cvery eye t/rne$ ky.ar$. A
.arm .in$ br/he$ 5any4 cheek- an$ above the beating o, her heart he hear$ the o/n$ o,
.ing. 7.o pearmen $ahe$ ,or he"ter. 7he pitmater ,roGe .here he too$. 7he boar .ent
n/,,"ing back to Barena. Strong Be".a gave a moan- t/mb"e$ ,rom hi eat- an$ ,e"" to hi
knee.
Above them a"" the $ragon t/rne$- $ark againt the /n. #i ca"e .ere b"ack- hi eye an$
horn an$ pina" p"ate b"oo$ re$. Cver the "arget o, her three- in the .i"$ 5rogon ha$ gro.n
"arger ti"". #i .ing tretche$ t.enty ,eet ,rom tip to tip- b"ack a =et. #e ,"appe$ them once a
he .ept back above the an$- an$ the o/n$ .a "ike a c"ap o, th/n$er. 7he boar raie$ hi
hea$- norting8 an$ ,"ame eng/",e$ him- b"ack ,ire hot .ith re$. 5any ,e"t the .ah o, heat
thirty ,eet a.ay. 7he beat4 $ying cream o/n$e$ a"mot h/man. 5rogon "an$e$ on the carca
an$ ank hi c"a. into the moking ,"eh. A he began to ,ee$- he ma$e no $itinction bet.een
Barena an$ the boar.
2Hh- go$-1 moane$ ReGnak- 2he4 eating her01 7he enecha" covere$ hi mo/th. Strong
Be".a .a retching noii"y. A A/eer "ook pae$ acro #iG$ahr Go ?oraA4 "ong- pa"e ,ace@
part ,ear- part "/t- part rapt/re. #e "icke$ hi "ip. 5any co/"$ ee the 9ah" treaming /p the
tep- c"/tching their tokar an$ tripping over the ,ringe in their hate to be a.ay. Hther
,o""o.e$. Some ran- hoving at one another. More taye$ in their eat.
Hne man took it on hime", to be a hero.
#e .a one o, the pearmen ent o/t to $rive the boar back to hi pen. 9erhap he .a $r/nk-
or ma$. 9erhap he ha$ "ove$ Barena B"ackhair ,rom a,ar or ha$ hear$ ome .hiper o, the gir"
#aGGea. 9erhap he .a =/t ome common man .ho .ante$ bar$ to ing o, him. #e $arte$
,or.ar$- hi boar pear in hi han$. Re$ an$ kicke$ /p beneath hi hee"- an$ ho/t rang o/t
,rom the eat. 5rogon raie$ hi hea$- b"oo$ $ripping ,rom hi teeth. 7he hero "eapt onto hi
back an$ $rove the iron pearpoint $o.n at the bae o, the $ragon4 "ong ca"e$ neck.
5any an$ 5rogon creame$ a one.
7he hero "eane$ into hi pear- /ing hi .eight to t.it the point in $eeper. 5rogon arche$
/p.ar$ .ith a hi o, pain. #i tai" "ahe$ i$e.ay. She .atche$ hi hea$ crane aro/n$ at the
en$ o, that "ong erpentine neck- a. hi b"ack .ing /n,o"$. 7he $ragon"ayer "ot hi ,ooting
an$ .ent t/mb"ing to the an$. #e .a trying to tr/gg"e back to hi ,eet .hen the $ragon4 teeth
c"oe$ har$ aro/n$ hi ,orearm. 2No1 .a a"" the man ha$ time to ho/t. 5rogon .renche$ hi
arm ,rom hi ho/"$er an$ toe$ it ai$e a a $og might to a ro$ent in a rat pit.
2>i"" it-1 #iG$ahr Go ?oraA ho/te$ to the other pearmen. 4,ill the beast;5
Ser Barritan he"$ her tight"y. 2?ook a.ay- Eo/r Grace.1
2?et me go01 5any t.ite$ ,rom hi grap. 7he .or"$ eeme$ to "o. a he c"eare$ the
parapet. 3hen he "an$e$ in the pit he "ot a an$a". R/nning- he co/"$ ,ee" the an$ bet.een
her toe- hot an$ ro/gh. Ser Barritan .a ca""ing a,ter her. Strong Be".a .a ti"" vomiting.
She ran ,ater.
7he pearmen .ere r/nning too. Some .ere r/hing to.ar$ the $ragon- pear in han$.
Hther .ere r/hing a.ay- thro.ing $o.n their .eapon a they ,"e$. 7he hero .a =erking on
the an$- the bright b"oo$ po/ring ,rom the ragge$ t/mp o, hi ho/"$er. #i pear remaine$ in
5rogon4 back- .obb"ing a the $ragon beat hi .ing. Smoke roe ,rom the .o/n$. A the other
pear c"oe$ in- the $ragon pat ,ire- bathing t.o men in b"ack ,"ame. #i tai" "ahe$ i$e.ay
an$ ca/ght the pitmater creeping /p behin$ him- breaking him in t.o. Another attacker tabbe$
at hi eye /nti" the $ragon ca/ght him in hi =a. an$ tore hi be""y o/t. 7he Meereenee .ere
creaming- c/ring- ho."ing. 5any co/"$ hear omeone po/n$ing a,ter her. 25rogon-1 he
creame$. 2Drogon+1
#i hea$ t/rne$. Smoke roe bet.een hi teeth. #i b"oo$ .a moking too- .here it $rippe$
/pon the gro/n$. #e beat hi .ing again- en$ing /p a choking torm o, car"et an$. 5any
t/mb"e$ into the hot re$ c"o/$- co/ghing. #e nappe$.
2No1 .a a"" that he ha$ time to ay. 2o, not me, don/t !ou know me6 7he b"ack teeth c"oe$
inche ,rom her ,ace. 7e meant to tear m! head off+ 7he an$ .a in her eye. She t/mb"e$ over
the pitmater4 corpe an$ ,e"" on her backi$e.
5rogon roare$. 7he o/n$ ,i""e$ the pit. A ,/rnace .in$ eng/",e$ her. 7he $ragon4 "ong
ca"e$ neck tretche$ to.ar$ her. 3hen hi mo/th opene$- he co/"$ ee bit o, broken bone an$
charre$ ,"eh bet.een hi b"ack teeth. #i eye .ere mo"ten. I am looking into hell, but I dare
not look awa!+ She ha$ never been o certain o, anything. If I run from him, he will burn me and
deour me+ &n 3etero the epton poke o, even he"" an$ even heaven- b/t the Seven
>ing$om an$ their go$ .ere ,ar a.ay. &, he $ie$ here- 5any .on$ere$- .o/"$ the hore go$
o, the 5othraki part the gra an$ c"aim her ,or hi tarry khalasar, o he might ri$e the
night"an$ bei$e her /n(an$(tar6 Hr .o/"$ the angry go$ o, Ghi en$ their harpie to eiGe
her o/" an$ $rag her $o.n to torment6 5rogon roare$ ,/"" in her ,ace- hi breath hot eno/gh to
b"iter kin. H,, to her right 5any hear$ Barritan Se"my ho/ting- 2*e; 7ry me. Hver here.
*e;1
&n the mo"$ering re$ pit o, 5rogon4 eye- 5any a. her o.n re,"ection. #o. ma"" he
"ooke$- ho. .eak an$ ,rai" an$ care$. I cannot let him see m! fear+ She crabb"e$ in the an$-
p/hing againt the pitmater4 corpe- an$ her ,inger br/he$ againt the han$"e o, hi .hip.
7o/ching it ma$e her ,ee" braver. 7he "eather .a .arm- a"ive. 5rogon roare$ again- the o/n$
o "o/$ that he a"mot $roppe$ the .hip. #i teeth nappe$ at her.
5any hit him. 22o,1 he creame$- .inging the "ah .ith a"" the trength that he ha$ in her.
7he $ragon =erke$ hi hea$ back. 22o,1 he creame$ again. 42O;5 7he barb rake$ a"ong hi
no/t. 5rogon roe- hi .ing covering her in ha$o.. 5any ./ng the "ah at hi ca"e$ be""y-
back an$ ,orth /nti" her arm began to ache. #i "ong erpentine neck bent "ike an archer4 bo..
3ith a hisssssss, he pat b"ack ,ire $o.n at her. 5any $arte$ /n$erneath the ,"ame- .inging the
.hip an$ ho/ting- 22o, no, no+ 1et DOW2;1 #i an.ering roar .a ,/"" o, ,ear an$ ,/ry- ,/""
o, pain. #i .ing beat once- t.ice8
8an$ ,o"$e$. 7he $ragon gave one "at hiss an$ tretche$ o/t ,"at /pon hi be""y. B"ack b"oo$
.a ,"o.ing ,rom the .o/n$ .here the pear ha$ pierce$ him- moking .here it $rippe$ onto
the corche$ an$. 7e is fire made flesh, he tho/ght- and so am I+
5aenery 7argaryen va/"te$ onto the $ragon4 back- eiGe$ the pear- an$ rippe$ it o/t. 7he
point .a ha",(me"te$- the iron re$(hot- g"o.ing. She ,"/ng it ai$e. 5rogon t.ite$ /n$er her-
hi m/c"e ripp"ing a he gathere$ hi trength. 7he air .a thick .ith an$. 5any co/"$ not ee-
he co/"$ not breathe- he co/"$ not think. 7he b"ack .ing cracke$ "ike th/n$er- an$ /$$en"y
the car"et an$ .ere ,a""ing a.ay beneath her.
5iGGy- 5any c"oe$ her eye. 3hen he opene$ them again- he g"impe$ the Meereenee
beneath her thro/gh a haGe o, tear an$ $/t- po/ring /p the tep an$ o/t into the treet.
7he "ah .a ti"" in her han$. She ,"icke$ it againt 5rogon4 neck an$ crie$- 27igher;1 #er
other han$ c"/tche$ at hi ca"e- her ,inger crabb"ing ,or p/rchae. 5rogon4 .i$e b"ack .ing
beat the air. 5any co/"$ ,ee" the heat o, him bet.een her thigh. #er heart ,e"t a i, it .ere abo/t
to b/rt. &es, he tho/ght- !es, now, now, do it, do it, take me, take me, F"&;
0ON
#e .a not a ta"" man- 7orm/n$ Giantbane- b/t the go$ ha$ given him a broa$ chet an$
maive be""y. Mance Ray$er ha$ name$ him 7orm/n$ #orn(B"o.er ,or the po.er o, hi "/ng-
an$ .a .ont to ay that 7orm/n$ co/"$ "a/gh the no. o,, mo/ntaintop. &n hi .roth- hi
be""o. remin$e$ !on o, a mammoth tr/mpeting.
7hat $ay 7orm/n$ be""o.e$ o,ten an$ "o/$"y. #e roare$- he ho/te$- he "amme$ hi ,it
againt the tab"e o har$ that a ,"agon o, .ater overt/rne$ an$ pi""e$. A horn o, mea$ .a never
,ar ,rom hi han$- o the pitt"e he praye$ .hen making threat .a .eet .ith honey. #e ca""e$
!on Sno. a craven- a "iar- an$ a t/rnc"oak- c/re$ him ,or a b"ack(hearte$ b/ggering knee"er- a
robber- an$ a carrion cro.- acc/e$ him o, .anting to ,/ck the ,ree ,o"k /p the are. 7.ice he
,"/ng hi $rinking horn at !on4 hea$- tho/gh on"y a,ter he ha$ emptie$ it. 7orm/n$ .a not the
ort o, man to .ate goo$ mea$. !on "et it a"" .ah over him. #e never raie$ hi o.n voice nor
an.ere$ threat .ith threat- b/t neither $i$ he give more gro/n$ than he ha$ come prepare$ to
give.
+ina""y- a the ha$o. o, the a,ternoon gre. "ong o/ti$e the tent- 7orm/n$ Giantbane@
7a""(7a"ker- #orn(B"o.er- an$ Breaker o, &ce- 7orm/n$ 7h/n$er,it- #/ban$ to Bear- Mea$(
>ing o, R/$$y #a""- Speaker to Go$ an$ +ather o, #ot@thr/t o/t hi han$. 25one then- an$
may the go$ ,orgive me. 7here4 a h/n$re$ mother never .i""- & kno..1
!on c"ape$ the o,,ere$ han$. 7he .or$ o, hi oath rang thro/gh hi hea$. I am the sword in
the darkness+ I am the watcher on the walls+ I am the fire that burns against the cold, the light
that brings the dawn, the horn that wakes the sleepers, the shield that guards the realms of men+
An$ ,or him a ne. re,rain' I am the guard who opened the gates and let the foe march through+
#e .o/"$ have given m/ch an$ more to kno. that he .a $oing the right thing. B/t he ha$ gone
too ,ar to t/rn back. 25one an$ $one-1 he ai$.
7orm/n$4 grip .a bone(cr/hing. 7hat m/ch ha$ not change$ abo/t him. 7he bear$ .a the
ame a .e""- tho/gh the ,ace /n$er that thicket o, .hite hair ha$ thinne$ coni$erab"y- an$ there
.ere $eep "ine graven in thoe r/$$y cheek. 2Mance ho/"$ have ki""e$ yo/ .hen he ha$ the
chance-1 he ai$ a he $i$ hi bet to t/rn !on4 han$ to p/"p an$ bone. 2Go"$ ,or gr/e"- an$
boy8 a cr/e" price. 3hatever happene$ to that .eet "a$ & kne.61
#he! made him lord commander+ 2A ,air bargain "eave both i$e /nhappy- &4ve hear$ it ai$.
7hree $ay61
2&, & "ive that "ong. Some o4 my o.n .i"" pit on me .hen they hear thee term.1 7orm/n$
re"eae$ !on4 han$. 2Eo/r cro. .i"" gr/mb"e too- i, & kno. them. An$ & o/ght to. & have ki""e$
more o4 yo/ b"ack b/gger than & can co/nt.1
2&t might be bet i, yo/ $i$ not mention that o "o/$"y .hen yo/ come o/th o, the 3a"".1
2#ar01 7orm/n$ "a/ghe$. 7hat ha$ not change$ eitherI he ti"" "a/ghe$ eai"y an$ o,ten.
23ie .or$. &4$ not .ant yo/ cro. to peck me to $eath.1 #e "appe$ !on4 back. 23hen a""
my ,o"k are a,e behin$ yo/r 3a""- .e4"" hare a bit o4 meat an$ mea$. 7i"" then81 7he .i"$"ing
p/""e$ o,, the ban$ ,rom hi "e,t arm an$ toe$ it at !on- then $i$ the ame .ith it t.in /pon hi
right. 2Eo/r ,irt payment. #a$ thoe ,rom my ,ather an$ him ,rom hi. No. they4re yo/r- yo/
thieving b"ack batar$.1
7he armban$ .ere o"$ go"$- o"i$ an$ heavy- engrave$ .ith the ancient r/ne o, the +irt
Men. 7orm/n$ Giantbane ha$ .orn them a "ong a !on ha$ kno.n himI they ha$ eeme$ a
m/ch a part o, him a hi bear$. 27he Braavoi .i"" me"t thee $o.n ,or the go"$. 7hat eem a
hame. 9erhap yo/ o/ght to keep them.1
2No. &4"" not have it ai$ that 7orm/n$ 7h/n$er,it ma$e the ,ree ,o"k give /p their trea/re
.hi"t he kept hi o.n.1 #e grinne$. 2B/t &4"" keep the ring & .ear abo/t me member. M/ch
bigger than thoe "itt"e thing. Hn yo/ it4$ be a torA/e.1
!on ha$ to "a/gh. 2Eo/ never change.1
2Hh- & $o.1 7he grin me"te$ a.ay "ike no. in /mmer. 2& am not the man & .a at R/$$y
#a"". Seen too m/ch $eath- an$ .ore thing too. My on81 Grie, t.ite$ 7orm/n$4 ,ace.
25orm/n$ .a c/t $o.n in the batt"e ,or the 3a""- an$ him ti"" ha", a boy. Hne o4 yo/r king4
knight $i$ ,or him- ome batar$ a"" in grey tee" .ith moth /pon hi hie"$. & a. the c/t- b/t
my boy .a $ea$ be,ore & reache$ him. An$ 7or.yn$8 it .a the co"$ c"aime$ him. A".ay
ick"y- that one. #e =/t /p an$ $ie$ one night. 7he .ort o4 it- be,ore .e ever kne. he4$ $ie$ he
roe pa"e .ith them b"/e eye. #a$ to ee to him m4e",. 7hat .a har$- !on.1 7ear hone in hi
eye. 2#e .an4t m/ch o, a man- tr/th be to"$- b/t he4$ been me "itt"e boy once- an$ & "ove$
him.1
!on p/t a han$ on hi ho/"$er. 2& am o orry.1
23hy6 3eren4t yo/r $oing. 7here4 b"oo$ on yo/r han$- aye- ame a mine. B/t not hi.1
7orm/n$ hook hi hea$. 2& ti"" have t.o trong on.1
2Eo/r $a/ghter8 61
2M/n$a.1 7hat bro/ght 7orm/n$4 mi"e back. 27ook that ?ongpear Ryk to h/ban$- i, yo/
be"ieve it. Boy4 got more cock than ene- yo/ ak me- b/t he treat her .e"" eno/gh. & to"$ him
i, he ever h/rt her- &4$ yank hi member o,, an$ beat him b"oo$y .ith it.1 #e gave !on another
hearty "ap. 27ime yo/ .ere going back. >eep yo/ any "onger- they4re "ike to think .e ate yo/.1
25a.n- then. 7hree $ay ,rom no.. 7he boy ,irt.1
2& hear$ yo/ the ,irt ten time- cro.. A man4$ think there .a no tr/t bet.een /.1 #e pat.
2Boy ,irt- aye. Mammoth go the "ong .ay ro/n$. Eo/ make /re Cat.atch e:pect them. &4""
make /re there4 no ,ighting- nor r/hing at yo/r b"oo$y gate. Nice an$ or$er"y .e4"" be-
$/ck"ing in a ro.. An$ me the mother $/ck. #ar01 7orm/n$ "e$ !on ,rom hi tent.
H/ti$e the $ay .a bright an$ c"o/$"e. 7he /n ha$ ret/rne$ to the ky a,ter a ,ortnight4
abence- an$ to the o/th the 3a"" roe b"/e(.hite an$ g"ittering. 7here .a a aying !on ha$
hear$ ,rom the o"$er men at Cat"e B"ack' the Wall has more moods than *ad ,ing Aer!s,
they4$ ay- or ometime- the Wall has more moods than a woman+ Hn c"o/$y $ay it "ooke$ to
be .hite rock. Hn moon"e night it .a a b"ack a coa". &n no.torm it eeme$ carve$ o,
no.. B/t on $ay "ike thi- there .a no mitaking it ,or anything b/t ice. Hn $ay "ike thi the
3a"" himmere$ bright a a epton4 cryta"- every crack an$ crevae "imne$ by /n"ight- a
,roGen rainbo. $ance$ an$ $ie$ behin$ tran"/cent ripp"e. Hn $ay "ike thi the 3a"" .a
bea/ti,/".
7orm/n$4 e"$et on too$ near the hore- ta"king .ith ?eather. 7a"" 7oregg- he .a ca""e$
amongt the ,ree ,o"k. 7ho/gh he bare"y ha$ an inch on ?eather- he overtoppe$ hi ,ather by a
,oot. #areth- the trapping Mo"e4 7o.n boy ca""e$ #ore- h/$$"e$ near the ,ire- hi back to the
other t.o. #e an$ ?eather .ere the on"y men !on ha$ bro/ght .ith him to the par"eyI any more
might have been een a a ign o, ,ear- an$ t.enty men .o/"$ have been o, no more /e than
t.o i, 7orm/n$ ha$ been intent on b"oo$. Ghot .a the on"y protection !on nee$e$I the
$ire.o", co/"$ ni,, o/t ,oe- even thoe .ho hi$ their enmity behin$ mi"e.
Ghot .a gone- tho/gh. !on pee"e$ o,, one b"ack g"ove- p/t t.o ,inger in hi mo/th- an$
.hit"e$. 21host; 7o me.1
+rom above came the /$$en o/n$ o, .ing. Mormont4 raven ,"appe$ ,rom a "imb o, an o"$
oak to perch /pon !on4 a$$"e. 2%orn,1 it crie$. 4%orn, corn, corn+5
25i$ yo/ ,o""o. me a .e""61 !on reache$ to hoo the bir$ a.ay b/t en$e$ /p troking it
,eather. 7he raven cocke$ it eye at him. 2Snow,1 it m/ttere$- bobbing it hea$ kno.ing"y. 7hen
Ghot emerge$ ,rom bet.een t.o tree- .ith %a" bei$e him.
#he! look as though the! belong together+ %a" .a c"a$ a"" in .hiteI .hite .oo"en breeche
t/cke$ into high boot o, b"eache$ .hite "eather- .hite bearkin c"oak pinne$ at the ho/"$er
.ith a carve$ .eir.oo$ ,ace- .hite t/nic .ith bone ,atening. #er breath .a .hite a .e""8
b/t her eye .ere b"/e- her "ong brai$ the co"or o, $ark honey- her cheek ,"/he$ re$ ,rom the
co"$. &t ha$ been a "ong .hi"e ince !on Sno. ha$ een a ight o "ove"y.
2#ave yo/ been trying to tea" my .o",61 he ake$ her.
23hy not6 &, every .oman ha$ a $ire.o",- men .o/"$ be m/ch .eeter. Cven cro..1
2#ar01 "a/ghe$ 7orm/n$ Giantbane. 25on4t ban$y .or$ .ith thi one- ?or$ Sno.- he4
too c"ever ,or the "ike o4 yo/ an$ me. Bet tea" her A/ick- be,ore 7oregg .ake /p an$ take
her ,irt.1
3hat ha$ that oa, A:e"" +"orent ai$ o, %a"6 4A nubile girl, not hard to look upon+ 1ood
hips, good breasts, well made for whelping children+5 A"" tr/e eno/gh- b/t the .i"$"ing .oman
.a o m/ch more. She ha$ prove$ that by ,in$ing 7orm/n$ .here eaone$ ranger o, the
3atch ha$ ,ai"e$. She ma! not be a princess, but she would make a worth! wife for an! lord+
B/t that bri$ge ha$ been b/rne$ a "ong time ago- an$ !on hime", ha$ thro.n the torch.
27oregg i .e"come to her-1 he anno/nce$. 2& took a vo..1
2She .on4t min$. 3i"" yo/- gir"61
%a" patte$ the "ong bone kni,e on her hip. 2?or$ Cro. i .e"come to tea" into my be$ any
night he $are. Hnce he4 been ge"$e$- keeping thoe vo. .i"" come m/ch eaier ,or him.1
27ar;1 7orm/n$ norte$ again. 2Eo/ hear that- 7oregg6 Stay a.ay ,rom thi one. & have one
$a/ghter- $on4t nee$ another.1 Shaking hi hea$- the .i"$"ing chie, $/cke$ back ini$e hi tent.
A !on cratche$ Ghot behin$ the ear- 7oregg bro/ght /p %a"4 hore ,or her. She ti"" ro$e
the grey garron that M/""y ha$ given her the $ay he "e,t the 3a""- a haggy- t/nte$ thing b"in$
in one eye. A he t/rne$ it to.ar$ the 3a""- he ake$- 2#o. ,are the "itt"e monter61
27.ice a big a .hen yo/ "e,t /- an$ thrice a "o/$. 3hen he .ant the teat- yo/ can hear
him .ai" in Cat.atch.1 !on mo/nte$ hi o.n hore.
%a" ,e"" in bei$e him. 2So8 & bro/ght yo/ 7orm/n$- a & ai$ & .o/"$. 3hat no.6 Am & to
be ret/rne$ to my o"$ ce""61
2Eo/r o"$ ce"" i occ/pie$. D/een Se"ye ha c"aime$ the >ing4 7o.er- ,or her o.n. 5o yo/
remember #ar$in4 7o.er61
27he one that "ook abo/t to co""ape61
2&t4 "ooke$ that .ay ,or a h/n$re$ year. &4ve ha$ the top ,"oor ma$e rea$y ,or yo/- my "a$y.
Eo/ .i"" have more room than in the >ing4 7o.er- tho/gh yo/ may not be a com,ortab"e. No
one ha ever ca""e$ it #ar$in4 9a"ace.1
2& .o/"$ chooe ,ree$om over com,ort every time.1
2+ree$om o, the cat"e yo/ ha"" have- b/t & regret to ay yo/ m/t remain a captive. & can
promie that yo/ .i"" not be tro/b"e$ by /n.ante$ viitor- ho.ever. My o.n men g/ar$
#ar$in4 7o.er- not the A/een4. An$ 3/n 3/n "eep in the entry ha"".1
2A giant a protector6 Cven 5a""a co/"$ not boat o, that.1
7orm/n$4 .i"$"ing .atche$ them pa- peering o/t ,rom tent an$ "ean(to beneath "ea,"e
tree. +or every man o, ,ighting age- !on a. three .omen an$ a many chi"$ren- ga/nt(,ace$
thing .ith ho""o. cheek an$ taring eye. 3hen Mance Ray$er ha$ "e$ the ,ree ,o"k $o.n
/pon the 3a""- hi ,o""o.er $rove "arge her$ o, heep an$ goat an$ .ine be,ore them- b/t
no. the on"y anima" to be een .ere the mammoth. &, not ,or the ,erocity o, the giant- thoe
.o/"$ have been "a/ghtere$ too- he $i$ not $o/bt. 7here .a a "ot o, meat on a mammoth4
bone.
!on a. ign o, ickne too. 7hat $iA/iete$ him more than he co/"$ ay. &, 7orm/n$4 ban$
.ere tarve$ an$ ick- .hat o, the tho/an$ .ho ha$ ,o""o.e$ Mother Mo"e to #ar$home6
%otter $!ke should reach them soon+ If the winds were kind, his fleet might well be on its wa!
back to 0astwatch een now, with as man! of the free folk as he could cram aboard+
2#o. $i$ yo/ ,are .ith 7orm/n$61 ake$ %a".
2Ak me a year ,rom no.. 7he har$ part ti"" a.ait me. 7he part .here & convince mine o.n
to eat thi mea" &4ve cooke$ ,or them. None o, them are going to "ike the tate- & ,ear.1
2?et me he"p.1
2Eo/ have. Eo/ bro/ght me 7orm/n$.1
2& can $o more.1
Wh! not6 tho/ght !on. #he! are all coninced she is a princess+ %a" "ooke$ the part an$ ro$e
a i, he ha$ been born on horeback. A warrior princess, he $eci$e$- not some willow! creature
who sits up in a tower, brushing her hair and waiting for some knight to rescue her+ 2& m/t
in,orm the A/een o, thi agreement-1 he ai$. 2Eo/ are .e"come to come meet her- i, yo/ can
,in$ it in yo/re", to ben$ a knee.1 &t .o/"$ never $o to o,,en$ #er Grace be,ore he even opene$
hi mo/th.
2May & "a/gh .hen & knee"61
2Eo/ may not. 7hi i no game. A river o, b"oo$ r/n bet.een o/r peop"e- o"$ an$ $eep an$
re$. Stanni Baratheon i one o, the ,e. .ho ,avor a$mitting .i"$"ing to the rea"m. & nee$ hi
A/een4 /pport ,or .hat &4ve $one.1
%a"4 p"ay,/" mi"e $ie$. 2Eo/ have my .or$- ?or$ Sno.. & .i"" be a proper .i"$"ing prince
,or yo/r A/een.1
She is not m! 3ueen, he might have ai$. If truth be told, the da! of her departure cannot
come too fast for me+ And if the gods are good, she will take *elisandre with her+
7hey ro$e the ret o, the .ay in i"ence- Ghot "oping at their hee". Mormont4 raven
,o""o.e$ them a ,ar a the gate- then ,"appe$ /p.ar$ a the ret o, them $imo/nte$. #ore
.ent ahea$ .ith a bran$ to "ight the .ay thro/gh the icy t/nne".
A ma"" cro.$ o, b"ack brother .a .aiting by the gate .hen !on an$ hi companion
emerge$ o/th o, the 3a"". F"mer o, the >ing.oo$ .a amongt them- an$ it .a the o"$
archer .ho came ,or.ar$ to peak ,or the ret. 2&, it p"eae m4"or$- the "a$ .ere .on$ering.
3i"" it be peace- m4"or$6 Hr b"oo$ an$ iron61
29eace-1 !on Sno. rep"ie$. 27hree $ay hence- 7orm/n$ Giantbane .i"" "ea$ hi peop"e
thro/gh the 3a"". A ,rien$- not ,oe. Some may even .e"" o/r rank- a brother. &t .i"" be ,or
/ to make them .e"come. No. back to yo/r $/tie.1 !on han$e$ the rein o, hi hore to Satin.
2& m/t ee D/een Se"ye.1 #er Grace .o/"$ take it a a "ight i, he $i$ not come to her at once.
2A,ter.ar$ & .i"" have "etter to .rite. Bring parchment- A/i""- an$ a pot o, maeter4 b"ack to
my chamber. 7hen /mmon Marh- Ear.yck- Septon Ce""a$or- C"y$a.1 Ce""a$or .o/"$ be
ha",($r/nk- an$ C"y$a .a a poor /btit/te ,or a rea" maeter- b/t they .ere .hat he ha$. #ill
Sam returns+ 27he northmen too. +"int an$ Norrey. ?eather- yo/ ho/"$ be there a .e"".1
2#obb i baking onion pie-1 ai$ Satin. 2Sha"" & reA/et that they a"" =oin yo/ ,or /pper61
!on coni$ere$. 2No. Ak them to =oin me atop the 3a"" at /net.1 #e t/rne$ to %a". 2My
"a$y. 3ith me- i, yo/ p"eae.1
27he cro. comman$- the captive m/t obey.1 #er tone .a p"ay,/". 27hi A/een o, yo/r
m/t be ,ierce i, the "eg o, gro.n men give o/t beneath them .hen they meet her. Sho/"$ & have
$ree$ in mai" intea$ o, .oo" an$ ,/r6 7hee c"othe .ere given to me by 5a""a- & .o/"$
ooner not get b"oo$tain a"" over them.1
2&, .or$ $re. b"oo$- yo/ might have ca/e to ,ear. & think yo/r c"othe are a,e eno/gh- my
"a$y.1
7hey ma$e their .ay to.ar$ the >ing4 7o.er- a"ong ,reh(hove"e$ path.ay bet.een
mo/n$ o, $irty no.. 2& have hear$ it ai$ that yo/r A/een ha a great $ark bear$.1
!on kne. he ho/"$ not mi"e- b/t he $i$. 2Hn"y a m/tache. %ery .ipy. Eo/ can co/nt the
hair.1
2#o. $iappointing.1
+or a"" her ta"k abo/t .anting to be mitre o, her eat- Se"ye Baratheon eeme$ in no great
hate to aban$on the com,ort o, Cat"e B"ack ,or the ha$o. o, the Night,ort. She kept g/ar$-
o, co/re@,o/r men pote$ at the $oor- t.o o/ti$e on the tep- t.o ini$e by the braGier.
Comman$ing them .a Ser 9atrek o, >ing4 Mo/ntain- c"a$ in hi knight"y raiment o, .hite an$
b"/e an$ i"ver- hi c"oak a patter o, ,ive(pointe$ tar. 3hen preente$ to %a"- the knight ank
to one knee to ki her g"ove. 2Eo/ are even "ove"ier than & .a to"$- prince-1 he $ec"are$. 27he
A/een ha to"$ me m/ch an$ more o, yo/r bea/ty.1
2#o. o$$- .hen he ha never een me.1 %a" patte$ Ser 9atrek on the hea$. 2Fp .ith yo/
no.- er knee"er. Fp- /p.1 She o/n$e$ a i, he .ere ta"king to a $og.
&t .a a"" that !on co/"$ $o not to "a/gh. Stone(,ace$- he to"$ the knight that they reA/ire$
a/$ience .ith the A/een. Ser 9atrek ent one o, the men(at(arm cramb"ing /p the tep to
inA/ire a to .hether #er Grace .o/"$ receive them. 27he .o", tay here- tho/gh-1 Ser 9atrek
inite$.
!on ha$ e:pecte$ that. 7he $ire.o", ma$e D/een Se"ye an:io/- a"mot a m/ch a 3/n
3eg 3/n 5ar 3/n. 2Ghot- tay.1
7hey ,o/n$ #er Grace e.ing by the ,ire- .hi"t her ,oo" $ance$ abo/t to m/ic on"y he co/"$
hear- the co.be"" on hi ant"er clanging. 27he cro.- the cro.-1 9atch,ace crie$ .hen he a.
!on. 2Fn$er the ea the cro. are .hite a no.- & kno.- & kno.- oh- oh- oh.1 9rince Shireen
.a c/r"e$ /p in a .in$o. eat- her hoo$ $ra.n /p to hi$e the .ort o, the greyca"e that ha$
$i,ig/re$ her ,ace.
7here .a no ign o, ?a$y Me"ian$re. +or that m/ch !on .a grate,/". Soon or "ate he .o/"$
nee$ to ,ace the re$ priete- b/t he .o/"$ ooner it .a not in the A/een4 preence. 2Eo/r
Grace.1 #e took a knee. %a" $i$ "ike.ie.
D/een Se"ye et ai$e her e.ing. 2Eo/ may rie.1
2&, it p"eae Eo/r Grace- may & preent the ?a$y %a"6 #er iter 5a""a .a@1
2@mother to that A/a""ing babe .ho keep / a.ake at night. & kno. .ho he i- ?or$
Sno..1 7he A/een ni,,e$. 2Eo/ are ,ort/nate that he ret/rne$ to / be,ore the king my
h/ban$- e"e it might have gone ba$"y ,or yo/. %ery ba$"y in$ee$.1
2Are yo/ the .i"$"ing prince61 Shireen ake$ %a".
2Some ca"" me that-1 ai$ %a". 2My iter .a .i,e to Mance Ray$er- the >ing(Beyon$(the(
3a"". She $ie$ giving him a on.1
2&4m a prince too-1 Shireen anno/nce$- 2b/t & never ha$ a iter. & /e$ to have a co/in
once- be,ore he ai"e$ a.ay. #e .a =/t a batar$- b/t & "ike$ him.1
2#onet"y- Shireen-1 her mother ai$. 2& am /re the "or$ comman$er $i$ not come to hear
abo/t Robert4 by(b"o.. 9atch,ace- be a goo$ ,oo" an$ take the prince to her room.1
7he be"" on hi hat rang. 2A.ay- a.ay-1 the ,oo" ang. 2Come .ith me beneath the ea-
a.ay- a.ay- a.ay.1 #e took the "itt"e prince by one han$ an$ $re. her ,rom the room-
kipping.
!on ai$- 2Eo/r Grace- the "ea$er o, the ,ree ,o"k ha agree$ to my term.1
D/een Se"ye gave the tiniet o, no$. 2&t .a ever my "or$ h/ban$4 .ih to grant anct/ary
to thee avage peop"e. So "ong a they keep the king4 peace an$ the king4 "a.- they are
.e"come in o/r rea"m.1 She p/re$ her "ip. 2& am to"$ they have more giant .ith them.1
%a" an.ere$. 2A"mot t.o h/n$re$ o, them- Eo/r Grace. An$ more than eighty mammoth.1
7he A/een h/$$ere$. 25rea$,/" creat/re.1 !on co/"$ not te"" i, he .a peaking o, the
mammoth or the giant. 27ho/gh /ch beat might be /e,/" to my "or$ h/ban$ in hi batt"e.1
27hat may be- Eo/r Grace-1 !on ai$- 2b/t the mammoth are too big to pa thro/gh o/r
gate.1
2Cannot the gate be .i$ene$61
27hat8 that .o/"$ be /n.ie- & think.1
Se"ye ni,,e$. 2&, yo/ ay o. No $o/bt yo/ kno. abo/t /ch thing. 3here $o yo/ mean to
ett"e thee .i"$"ing6 S/re"y Mo"e4 7o.n i not "arge eno/gh to contain8 ho. many are
they61
2+o/r tho/an$- Eo/r Grace. 7hey .i"" he"p / garrion o/r aban$one$ cat"e- the better to
$e,en$ the 3a"".1
2& ha$ been given to /n$ertan$ that thoe cat"e .ere r/in. 5ima" p"ace- b"eak an$ co"$-
har$"y more than heap o, r/bb"e. At Cat.atch .e hear$ ta"k o, rat an$ pi$er.1
#he cold will hae killed the spiders b! now, tho/ght !on- and the rats ma! be a useful source
of meat come winter+ 2A"" tr/e- Eo/r Grace8 b/t even r/in o,,er ome he"ter. An$ the 3a""
.i"" tan$ bet.een them an$ the Hther.1
2& ee yo/ have coni$ere$ a"" thi care,/""y- ?or$ Sno.. & am /re >ing Stanni .i"" be
p"eae$ .hen he ret/rn tri/mphant ,rom hi batt"e.1
Assuming he returns at all+ 2H, co/re-1 the A/een .ent on- 2the .i"$"ing m/t ,irt
ackno."e$ge Stanni a their king an$ R4h""or a their go$.1
And here we are, face(to(face in the narrow passage+ 2Eo/r Grace- ,orgive me. 7hoe .ere
not the term that .e agree$ to.1
7he A/een4 ,ace har$ene$. 2A grievo/ overight.1 3hat ,aint trace o, .armth her voice
ha$ he"$ vanihe$ a"" at once.
2+ree ,o"k $o not knee"-1 %a" to"$ her.
27hen they m/t be kne"t-1 the A/een $ec"are$.
25o that- Eo/r Grace- an$ .e .i"" rie again at the ,irt chance-1 %a" promie$. 2Rie .ith
b"a$e in han$.1
7he A/een4 "ip tightene$- an$ her chin gave a ma"" A/iver. 2Eo/ are ino"ent. & /ppoe that
i on"y to be e:pecte$ o, a .i"$"ing. 3e m/t ,in$ yo/ a h/ban$ .ho can teach yo/ co/rtey.1
7he A/een t/rne$ her g"are on !on. 2& $o not approve- ?or$ Comman$er. Nor .i"" my "or$
h/ban$. & cannot prevent yo/ ,rom opening yo/r gate- a .e both kno. ,/"" .e""- b/t & promie
yo/ that yo/ ha"" an.er ,or it .hen the king ret/rn ,rom batt"e. Mayhap yo/ might .ant to
reconi$er.1
2Eo/r Grace.1 !on kne"t again. 7hi time %a" $i$ not =oin him. 2& am orry my action have
$ip"eae$ yo/. & $i$ a & tho/ght bet. 5o & have yo/r "eave to go61
2Eo/ $o. At once.1
Hnce o/ti$e an$ .e"" a.ay ,rom the A/een4 men- %a" gave vent to her .roth. 2Eo/ "ie$
abo/t her bear$. 7hat one ha more hair on her chin than & have bet.een my "eg. An$ the
$a/ghter8 her ,ace81
2Greyca"e.1
27he grey $eath i .hat .e ca"" it.1
2&t i not a".ay morta" in chi"$ren.1
2North o, the 3a"" it i. #em"ock i a /re c/re- b/t a pi""o. or a b"a$e .i"" .ork a .e"". &, &
ha$ given birth to that poor chi"$- & .o/"$ have given her the gi,t o, mercy "ong ago.1
7hi .a a %a" that !on ha$ never een be,ore. 29rince Shireen i the A/een4 on"y chi"$.1
2& pity both o, them. 7he chi"$ i not c"ean.1
2&, Stanni .in hi .ar- Shireen .i"" tan$ a heir to the &ron 7hrone.1
27hen & pity yo/r Seven >ing$om.1
27he maeter ay greyca"e i not@1
27he maeter may be"ieve .hat they .ih. Ak a .oo$ .itch i, yo/ .o/"$ kno. the tr/th.
7he grey $eath "eep- on"y to .ake again. #he child is not clean;1
2She eem a .eet gir". Eo/ cannot kno.@1
2& can. Eo/ kno. nothing- !on Sno..1 %a" eiGe$ hi arm. 2& .ant the monter o/t o, there.
#im an$ hi .et n/re. Eo/ cannot "eave them in that ame to.er a the $ea$ gir".1
!on hook her han$ a.ay. 4She is not dead+5
2She i. #er mother cannot ee it. Nor yo/- it eem. Eet $eath i there.1 She .a"ke$ a.ay
,rom him- toppe$- t/rne$ back. 2& bro/ght yo/ 7orm/n$ Giantbane. Bring me my monter.1
2&, & can- & .i"".1
25o. Eo/ o.e me a $ebt- !on Sno..1
!on .atche$ her tri$e a.ay. She is wrong+ She must be wrong+ 1re!scale is not so deadl! as
she claims, not in children+
Ghot .a gone again. 7he /n .a "o. in the .et. A cup of hot spiced wine would sere me
well 9ust now+ #wo cups would sere me een better+ B/t that .o/"$ have to .ait. #e ha$ ,oe to
,ace. +oe o, the .ort ort' brother.
#e ,o/n$ ?eather .aiting ,or him by the .inch cage. 7he t.o o, them ro$e /p together. 7he
higher they .ent- the tronger the .in$. +i,ty ,eet /p- the heavy cage began to .ay .ith every
g/t. +rom time to time it crape$ againt the 3a""- tarting ma"" cryta""ine ho.er o, ice that
park"e$ in the /n"ight a they ,e"". 7hey roe above the ta""et to.er o, the cat"e. At ,o/r
h/n$re$ ,eet the .in$ ha$ teeth- an$ tore at hi b"ack c"oak o it "appe$ noii"y at the iron bar.
At even h/n$re$ it c/t right thro/gh him. #he Wall is mine, !on remin$e$ hime", a the
.inchmen .ere .inging in the cage- for two more da!s, at least+
!on hoppe$ $o.n onto the ice- thanke$ the men on the .inch- an$ no$$e$ to the pearmen
tan$ing entry. Both .ore .oo"en hoo$ p/""e$ $o.n over their hea$- o nothing co/"$ be een
o, their ,ace b/t their eye- b/t he kne. 7y by the tang"e$ rope o, greay b"ack hair ,a""ing
$o.n hi back an$ H.en by the a/age t/,,e$ into the cabbar$ at hi hip. #e might have
kno.n them any.ay- =/t by the .ay they too$. A good lord must know his men, hi ,ather ha$
once to"$ him an$ Robb- back at 3inter,e"".
!on .a"ke$ to the e$ge o, the 3a"" an$ gaGe$ $o.n /pon the ki""ing gro/n$ .here Mance
Ray$er4 hot ha$ $ie$. #e .on$ere$ .here Mance .a no.. Did he eer find !ou, little sister6
Or were !ou 9ust a plo! he used so I would set him free6
&t ha$ been o "ong ince he ha$ "at een Arya. 3hat .o/"$ he "ook "ike no.6 3o/"$ he
even kno. her6 Ar!a <nderfoot+ 7er face was alwa!s dirt!+ 3o/"$ he ti"" have that "itt"e
.or$ he4$ ha$ Mikken ,orge ,or her6 Stick them with the point! end, he4$ to"$ her. 3i$om ,or
her .e$$ing night i, ha", o, .hat he hear$ o, Ramay Sno. .a tr/e. Bring her home, *ance+ I
saed !our son from *elisandre, and now I am about to sae four thousand of !our free folk+
&ou owe me this one little girl+
&n the ha/nte$ ,oret to the north- the ha$o. o, the a,ternoon crept thro/gh the tree. 7he
.etern ky .a a b"aGe o, re$- b/t to the eat the ,irt tar .ere peeking o/t. !on Sno. ,"e:e$
the ,inger o, hi .or$ han$- remembering a"" he4$ "ot. Sam, !ou sweet fat fool, !ou pla!ed me
a cruel 9ape when !ou made me lord commander+ A lord commander has no friends+
2?or$ Sno.61 ai$ ?eather. 27he cage i coming /p.1
2& hear it.1 !on move$ back ,rom the e$ge.
+irt to make the acent .ere the c"an chie, +"int an$ Norrey- c"a$ in ,/r an$ iron. 7he
Norrey "ooke$ "ike ome o"$ ,o:@.rink"e$ an$ "ight o, b/i"$- b/t "y(eye$ an$ pry. 7orghen
+"int .a ha", a hea$ horter b/t m/t .eigh t.ice a m/ch@a to/t gr/,, man .ith gnar"e$- re$(
kn/ck"e$ han$ a big a ham- "eaning heavi"y on a b"ackthorn cane a he "impe$ acro the ice.
Bo.en Marh came ne:t- b/n$"e$ /p in a bearkin. A,ter him Hthe"" Ear.yck. 7hen Septon
Ce""a$or- ha", in hi c/p.
23a"k .ith me-1 !on to"$ them. 7hey .a"ke$ .et a"ong the 3a""- $o.n grave"(tre.n path
to.ar$ the etting /n. 3hen they ha$ come ,i,ty yar$ ,rom the .arming he$- he ai$- 2Eo/
kno. .hy &4ve /mmone$ yo/. 7hree $ay hence at $a.n the gate .i"" open- to a""o. 7orm/n$
an$ hi peop"e thro/gh the 3a"". 7here i m/ch .e nee$ to $o in preparation.1
Si"ence greete$ hi prono/ncement. 7hen Hthe"" Ear.yck ai$- 2?or$ Comman$er- there are
thousands o,@1
2@cra.ny .i"$"ing- bone .eary- h/ngry- ,ar ,rom home.1 !on pointe$ at the "ight o, their
camp,ire. 27here they are. +o/r tho/an$- 7orm/n$ c"aim.1
27hree tho/an$- & make them- by the ,ire.1 Bo.en Marh "ive$ ,or co/nt an$ mea/re.
2More than t.ice that n/mber at #ar$home .ith the .oo$ .itch- .e are to"$. An$ Ser 5eny
.rite o, great camp in the mo/ntain beyon$ the Sha$o. 7o.er81
!on $i$ not $eny it. 27orm/n$ ay the 3eeper mean to try the Bri$ge o, Sk/"" again.1
7he H"$ 9omegranate to/che$ hi car. #e ha$ gotten it $e,en$ing the Bri$ge o, Sk/"" the
"at time the 3eeping Man ha$ trie$ to c/t hi .ay acro the Gorge. 2S/re"y the "or$
comman$er cannot mean to a""o. that8 that $emon thro/gh a .e""61
2Not g"a$"y.1 !on ha$ not ,orgotten the hea$ the 3eeping Man ha$ "e,t him- .ith b"oo$y
ho"e .here their eye ha$ been. Black -ack Bulwer, 7air! 7al, 1arth 1re!feather+ I cannot
aenge them, but I will not forget their names+ 2B/t ye- my "or$- him a .e"". 3e cannot pick
an$ chooe amongt the ,ree ,o"k- aying thi one may pa- thi one may not. 9eace mean peace
,or a"".1
7he Norrey ha.ke$ an$ pat. 2A .e"" make peace .ith .o"ve an$ carrion cro..1
2&t4 peace,/" in my $/ngeon-1 gr/mb"e$ H"$ +"int. 2Give the 3eeping Man to me.1
2#o. many ranger ha the 3eeper ki""e$61 ake$ Hthe"" Ear.yck. 2#o. many .omen ha
he rape$ or ki""e$ or to"en61
27hree o, mine o.n i"k-1 ai$ H"$ +"int. 2An$ he b"in$ the gir" he $oe not take.1
23hen a man take the b"ack- hi crime are ,orgiven-1 !on remin$e$ them. 2&, .e .ant the
,ree ,o"k to ,ight bei$e /- .e m/t par$on their pat crime a .e .o/"$ ,or o/r o.n.1
27he 3eeper .i"" not ay the .or$-1 inite$ Ear.yck. 2#e .i"" not .ear the c"oak. Cven
other rai$er $o not tr/t him.1
2Eo/ nee$ not tr/t a man to /e him.1 0lse how could I make use of all of !ou6 23e nee$ the
3eeper- an$ other "ike him. 3ho kno. the .i"$ better than a .i"$"ing6 3ho kno. o/r ,oe
better than a man .ho ha ,o/ght them61
2A"" the 3eeper kno. i rape an$ m/r$er-1 ai$ Ear.yck.
2Hnce pat the 3a""- the .i"$"ing .i"" have thrice o/r n/mber-1 ai$ Bo.en Marh. 2An$
that i on"y 7orm/n$4 ban$. A$$ the 3eeper4 men an$ thoe at #ar$home- an$ they .i"" have
the trength to en$ the Night4 3atch in a ing"e night.1
2N/mber a"one $o not .in a .ar. Eo/ have not een them. #a", o, them are $ea$ on their
,eet.1
2& .o/"$ ooner have them $ea$ in the gro/n$-1 ai$ Ear.yck. 2&, it p"eae my "or$.1
2&t $oe not p"eae me.1 !on4 voice .a a co"$ a the .in$ napping at their c"oak. 27here
are chi"$ren in that camp- h/n$re$ o, them- tho/an$. 3omen a .e"".1
2Spear.ive.1
2Some. A"ong .ith mother an$ gran$mother- .i$o. an$ mai$8 .o/"$ yo/ con$emn
them a"" to $ie- my "or$61
2Brother ho/"$ not A/abb"e-1 Septon Ce""a$or ai$. 2?et / knee" an$ pray to the Crone to
"ight o/r .ay to .i$om.1
2?or$ Sno.-1 ai$ 7he Norrey- 2.here $o yo/ mean to p/t thee .i"$"ing o4 yo/r6 Not on
m! "an$- & hope.1
2Aye-1 $ec"are$ H"$ +"int. 2Eo/ .ant them in the Gi,t- that4 yo/r ,o""y- b/t ee they $on4t
.an$er o,, or &4"" en$ yo/ back their hea$. 3inter i nigh- & .ant no more mo/th to ,ee$.1
27he .i"$"ing .i"" remain /pon the 3a""-1 !on a/re$ them. 2Mot .i"" be ho/e$ in one o,
o/r aban$one$ cat"e.1 7he 3atch no. ha$ garrion at &cemark- ?ong Barro.- Sab"e #a""-
Greyg/ar$- an$ 5eep ?ake- a"" ba$"y /n$ermanne$- b/t ten cat"e ti"" too$ empty an$
aban$one$. 2Men .ith .ive an$ chi"$ren- a"" orphan gir" an$ any orphan boy be"o. the age o,
ten- o"$ .omen- .i$o.e$ mother- any .oman .ho $oe not care to ,ight. 7he pear.ive .e4""
en$ to ?ong Barro. to =oin their iter- ing"e men to the other ,ort .e4ve reopene$. 7hoe
.ho take the b"ack .i"" remain here- or be pote$ to Cat.atch or the Sha$o. 7o.er. 7orm/n$
.i"" take Hakenhie"$ a hi eat- to keep him c"oe at han$.1
Bo.en Marh ighe$. 2&, they $o not "ay / .ith their .or$- they .i"" $o o .ith their
mo/th. 9ray- ho. $oe the "or$ comman$er propoe to ,ee$ 7orm/n$ an$ hi tho/an$61
!on ha$ anticipate$ that A/etion. 27hro/gh Cat.atch. 3e .i"" bring in ,oo$ by hip- a
m/ch a might be reA/ire$. +rom the river"an$ an$ the torm"an$ an$ the %a"e o, Arryn- ,rom
5orne an$ the Reach- acro the narro. ea ,rom the +ree Citie.1
2An$ thi ,oo$ .i"" be pai$ ,or8 ho.- i, & may ak61
With gold, from the Iron Bank of Braaos, !on might have rep"ie$. &ntea$ he ai$- 2& have
agree$ that the ,ree ,o"k may keep their ,/r an$ pe"t. 7hey .i"" nee$ thoe ,or .armth .hen
.inter come. A"" other .ea"th they m/t /rren$er. Go"$ an$ i"ver- amber- gemtone-
carving- anything o, va"/e. 3e .i"" hip it a"" acro the narro. ea to be o"$ in the +ree
Citie.1
2A"" the .ea"th o4 the .i"$"ing-1 ai$ 7he Norrey. 27hat ho/"$ b/y yo/ a b/he" o4
bar"eycorn. 7.o b/he"- might be.1
2?or$ Comman$er- .hy not $eman$ that the .i"$"ing give /p their arm a .e""61 ake$
C"y$a.
?eather "a/ghe$ at that. 2Eo/ .ant the ,ree ,o"k to ,ight bei$e yo/ againt the common ,oe.
#o. are .e to $o that .itho/t arm6 3o/"$ yo/ have / thro. no.ba"" at the .ight6 Hr .i""
yo/ give / tick to hit them .ith61
#he arms most wildlings carr! are little more than sticks, tho/ght !on. 3oo$en c"/b- tone
a:e- ma/"- pear .ith ,ire(har$ene$ point- knive o, bone an$ tone an$ $ragong"a- .icker
hie"$- bone armor- boi"e$ "eather. 7he 7henn .orke$ bronGe- an$ rai$er "ike the 3eeper
carrie$ to"en tee" an$ iron .or$ "oote$ o,, ome corpe8 b/t even thoe .ere o,t o, ancient
vintage- $inte$ ,rom year o, har$ /e an$ potte$ .ith r/t.
27orm/n$ Giantbane .i"" never .i""ing"y $iarm hi peop"e-1 !on ai$. 2#e i not the
3eeping Man- b/t he i no craven either. &, & ha$ ake$ that o, him- it .o/"$ have come to
b"oo$.1
7he Norrey ,ingere$ hi bear$. 2Eo/ may p/t yo/r .i"$"ing in thee r/ine$ ,ort- ?or$ Sno.-
b/t ho. .i"" yo/ make them tay6 3hat i there to top them moving o/th to ,airer- .armer
"an$61
2Our "an$-1 ai$ H"$ +"int.
27orm/n$ ha given me hi oath. #e .i"" erve .ith / /nti" the pring. 7he 3eeper an$ their
other captain .i"" .ear the ame or .e .i"" not "et them pa.1
H"$ +"int hook hi hea$. 27hey .i"" betray /.1
27he 3eeper4 .or$ i .orth"e-1 ai$ Hthe"" Ear.yck. 27hee are go$"e avage-1 ai$
Septon Ce""a$or. 2Cven in the o/th the treachery o, .i"$"ing i reno.ne$.1
?eather croe$ hi arm. 27hat batt"e $o.n be"o.6 & .a on t4other i$e- remember6 No. &
.ear yo/r b"ack an$ train yo/r boy to ki"". Some might ca"" me t/rnc"oak. Might be o8 b/t &
am no more avage than yo/ cro.. 3e have go$ too. 7he ame go$ they keep in 3inter,e"".1
27he go$ o, the North- ince be,ore thi 3a"" .a raie$-1 ai$ !on. 27hoe are the go$ that
7orm/n$ .ore by. #e .i"" keep hi .or$. & kno. him- a & kne. Mance Ray$er. & marche$
.ith them ,or a time- yo/ may reca"".1
2& ha$ not ,orgotten-1 ai$ the ?or$ Ste.ar$.
2o, tho/ght !on- I did not think !ou had+
2Mance Ray$er .ore an oath a .e""-1 Marh .ent on. 2#e vo.e$ to .ear no cro.n- take
no .i,e- ,ather no on. 7hen he t/rne$ hi c"oak- $i$ a"" thoe thing- an$ "e$ a ,earome hot
againt the rea"m. &t i the remnant o, that hot that .ait beyon$ the 3a"".1
2Broken remnant.1
2A broken .or$ can be re,orge$. A broken .or$ can ki"".1
27he ,ree ,o"k have neither "a. nor "or$-1 !on ai$- 2b/t they "ove their chi"$ren. 3i"" yo/
a$mit that m/ch61
2&t i not their chi"$ren .ho concern /. 3e ,ear the ,ather- not the on.1
2A $o &. So & inite$ /pon hotage.1 I am not the trusting fool !ou take me for= nor am I
half wildling, no matter what !ou beliee+ 2Hne h/n$re$ boy bet.een the age o, eight an$
i:teen. A on ,rom each o, their chie, an$ captain- the ret choen by "ot. 7he boy .i"" erve
a page an$ A/ire- ,reeing o/r o.n men ,or other $/tie. Some may chooe to take the b"ack
one $ay. D/eerer thing have happene$. 7he ret .i"" tan$ hotage ,or the "oya"ty o, their ire.1
7he northmen g"ance$ at one another. 2#otage-1 m/e$ 7he Norrey. 27orm/n$ ha agree$
to thi61
It was that, or watch his people die+ 2My b"oo$ price- he ca""e$ it-1 ai$ !on Sno.- 2b/t he
.i"" pay.1
2Aye- an$ .hy not61 H"$ +"int tompe$ hi cane againt the ice. 23ar$- .e a".ay ca""e$
them- .hen 3inter,e"" $eman$e$ boy o, /- b/t they .ere hotage- an$ none the .ore ,or it.1
2None b/t them .hoe ire $ip"eae$ the >ing o4 3inter-1 ai$ 7he Norrey. 27hoe came
home horter by a hea$. So yo/ te"" me- boy8 i, thee .i"$"ing ,rien$ o4 yo/r prove ,a"e- $o
yo/ have the be""y to $o .hat nee$ be $one61
Ask -anos Sl!nt+ 27orm/n$ Giantbane kno. better than to try me. & may eem a green boy
in yo/r eye- ?or$ Norrey- b/t & am ti"" a on o, C$$ar$ Stark.1
Eet even that $i$ not appeae hi ?or$ Ste.ar$. 2Eo/ ay thee boy .i"" erve a A/ire.
S/re"y the "or$ comman$er $oe not mean they .i"" be traine$ at arms61
!on4 anger ,"are$. 2No- my "or$- & mean to et them to e.ing "acy ma""c"othe. H, co/re
they ha"" be traine$ at arm. 7hey ha"" a"o ch/rn b/tter- he. ,ire.oo$- m/ck tab"e- empty
chamber pot- an$ r/n meage8 an$ in bet.een they .i"" be $ri""e$ .ith pear an$ .or$ an$
"ongbo..1
Marh ,"/he$ a $eeper ha$e o, re$. 27he "or$ comman$er m/t par$on my b"/ntne- b/t &
have no o,ter .ay to ay thi. 3hat yo/ propoe i nothing "e than treaon. +or eight tho/an$
year the men o, the Night4 3atch have too$ /pon the 3a"" an$ ,o/ght thee .i"$"ing. No.
yo/ mean to "et them pa- to he"ter them in o/r cat"e- to ,ee$ them an$ c"othe them an$ teach
them ho. to ,ight. ?or$ Sno.- m/t & remin$ yo/6 &ou swore an oath+1
2& kno. .hat & .ore.1 !on ai$ the .or$. 2I am the sword in the darkness+ I am the watcher
on the walls+ I am the fire that burns against the cold, the light that brings the dawn, the horn
that wakes the sleepers, the shield that guards the realms of men+ 3ere thoe the ame .or$
yo/ ai$ .hen yo/ took yo/r vo.61
27hey .ere. A the "or$ comman$er kno..1
2Are yo/ certain that & have not ,orgotten ome6 7he one abo/t the king an$ hi "a.- an$
ho. .e m/t $e,en$ every ,oot o, hi "an$ an$ c"ing to each r/ine$ cat"e6 #o. $oe that part
go61 !on .aite$ ,or an an.er. None came. 2I am the shield that guards the realms of men+
7hoe are the .or$. So te"" me- my "or$@ .hat are thee .i"$"ing- i, not men61
Bo.en Marh opene$ hi mo/th. No .or$ came o/t. A ,"/h crept /p hi neck.
!on Sno. t/rne$ a.ay. 7he "at "ight o, the /n ha$ beg/n to ,a$e. #e .atche$ the crack
a"ong the 3a"" go ,rom re$ to grey to b"ack- ,rom treak o, ,ire to river o, b"ack ice. 5o.n
be"o.- ?a$y Me"ian$re .o/"$ be "ighting her night,ire an$ chanting- "ord of "ight, defend us,
for the night is dark and full of terrors+
23inter i coming-1 !on ai$ at "at- breaking the a.k.ar$ i"ence- 2an$ .ith it the .hite
.a"ker. 7he 3a"" i .here .e top them. 7he 3a"" .a made to top them8 b/t the 3a"" m/t
be manne$. 7hi $ic/ion i at an en$. 3e have m/ch to $o be,ore the gate i opene$.
7orm/n$ an$ hi peop"e .i"" nee$ to be ,e$ an$ c"othe$ an$ ho/e$. Some are ick an$ .i"" nee$
n/ring. 7hoe .i"" ,a"" to yo/- C"y$a. Save a many a yo/ can.1
C"y$a b"inke$ hi $im pink eye. 2& .i"" $o my bet- !on. My "or$- & mean.1
23e .i"" nee$ every cart an$ .agon ma$e rea$y to tranport the ,ree ,o"k to their ne. home.
Hthe""- yo/ ha"" ee to that.1
Ear.yck grimace$. 2Aye- ?or$ Comman$er.1
2?or$ Bo.en- yo/ ha"" co""ect the to"". 7he go"$ an$ i"ver- the amber- the torA/e an$
armban$ an$ neck"ace. Sort it a""- co/nt it- ee that it reache Cat.atch a,e"y.1
2Ee- ?or$ Sno.-1 ai$ Bo.en Marh.
An$ !on tho/ght- 2Ice,1 she said, 2and daggers in the dark+ Blood frozen red and hard, and
naked steel+1 #i .or$ han$ ,"e:e$. 7he .in$ .a riing.
CERSEI
Cach night eeme$ co"$er than the "at.
7he ce"" ha$ neither ,irep"ace nor braGier. 7he on"y .in$o. .a too high to a""o. her a vie.
an$ too ma"" to A/eeGe thro/gh- b/t more than "arge eno/gh to "et in the chi"". Cerei ha$ torn
/p the ,irt hi,t they gave her- $eman$ing the ret/rn o, her o.n c"othe- b/t that on"y "e,t her
nake$ an$ hivering. 3hen they bro/ght her another hi,t- he p/""e$ it $o.n over her hea$ an$
thanke$ them- choking /pon the .or$.
7he .in$o. "et in o/n$ a .e"". 7hat .a the on"y .ay the A/een ha$ to kno. .hat might
be happening in the city. 7he epta .ho bro/ght her ,oo$ .o/"$ te"" her nothing.
She hate$ that. !aime .o/"$ be coming ,or her- b/t ho. .o/"$ he kno. .hen he arrive$6
Cerei on"y hope$ he .a not o ,oo"ih a to go racing ahea$ o, hi army. #e .o/"$ nee$ every
.or$ to $ea" .ith the ragge$ hor$e o, 9oor +e""o. /rro/n$ing the Great Sept. She ake$
abo/t her t.in o,ten- b/t her gao"er gave no an.er. She ake$ abo/t Ser ?ora too. At "at
report the >night o, +"o.er ha$ been $ying on 5ragontone o, .o/n$ receive$ .hi"t taking
the cat"e. "et him die, Cerei tho/ght- and let him be 3uick about it+ 7he boy4 $eath .o/"$
mean an empty p"ace on the >ingg/ar$- an$ that might be her a"vation. B/t the epta .ere a
c"oe(mo/the$ abo/t ?ora 7yre"" a they .ere abo/t !aime.
?or$ Dyb/rn ha$ been her "at an$ on"y viitor. #er .or"$ ha$ a pop/"ation o, ,o/r' here",
an$ her three gao"er- pio/ an$ /nyie"$ing. Septa Fne""a .a big(bone$ an$ mannih- .ith
ca""/e$ han$ an$ home"y- co."ing ,eat/re. Septa Moe""e ha$ ti,, .hite hair an$ ma"" mean
eye perpet/a""y crink"e$ in /picion- peering o/t o, a .rink"e$ ,ace a harp a the b"a$e o, an
a:e. Septa Sco"era .a thick(.aite$ an$ hort- .ith heavy breat- o"ive kin- an$ a o/r me""
to her- "ike mi"k on the verge o, going ba$. 7hey bro/ght her ,oo$ an$ .ater- emptie$ her
chamber pot- an$ took a.ay her hi,t ,or .ahing every ,e. $ay- "eaving her to h/$$"e nake$
/n$er her b"anket /nti" it .a ret/rne$ to her. Sometime Sco"era .o/"$ rea$ to her ,rom #he
Seen($ointed Star or #he Book of 7ol! $ra!er, b/t e"e.ie none o, them .o/"$ peak .ith her
or an.er any o, her A/etion.
She hate$ an$ $epie$ a"" three o, them- a"mot a m/ch a he hate$ an$ $epie$ the men
.ho ha$ betraye$ her.
+a"e ,rien$- treachero/ ervant- men .ho ha$ pro,ee$ /n$ying "ove- even her o.n
b"oo$8 a"" o, them ha$ $eerte$ her in her ho/r o, nee$. Hney >ett"eb"ack- that .eak"ing- ha$
broken beneath the "ah- ,i""ing the #igh Sparro.4 ear .ith ecret he ho/"$ have taken to hi
grave. #i brother- c/m o, the treet .hom he ha$ raie$ high- $i$ no more than it /pon
their han$. A/rane 3ater- her a$mira"- ha$ ,"e$ to ea .ith the $romon$ he ha$ b/i"t ,or him.
Hrton Merry.eather ha$ gone r/nning back to ?ongtab"e- taking hi .i,e- 7aena- .ho ha$ been
the A/een4 one tr/e ,rien$ in thee terrib"e time. #ary S.y,t an$ Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e ha$
aban$one$ her to captivity an$ o,,ere$ the rea"m to the very men .ho ha$ conpire$ againt her.
Meryn 7rant an$ Boro B"o/nt- the king4 .orn protector- .ere no.here to be ,o/n$. Cven her
co/in ?ance"- .ho once ha$ c"aime$ to "ove her- .a one o, her acc/er. #er /nc"e ha$ re,/e$
to he"p her r/"e .hen he .o/"$ have ma$e him the >ing4 #an$.
An$ !aime8
No- that he co/"$ not be"ieve- .o/"$ not be"ieve. !aime .o/"$ be here once he kne. o, her
p"ight. 2%ome at once,1 he ha$ .ritten to him. 47elp me+ Sae me+ I need !ou now as I hae
neer needed !ou before+ I loe !ou+ I loe !ou+ I loe !ou+ %ome at once+5 Dyb/rn ha$ .orn
that he .o/"$ ee that her "etter reache$ her t.in- o,, in the river"an$ .ith hi army. Dyb/rn ha$
never ret/rne$- ho.ever. +or a"" he kne.- he might be $ea$- hi hea$ impa"e$ /pon a pike
above the city >eep4 gate. Hr perhap he .a "ang/ihing in one o, the b"ack ce"" beneath the
Re$ >eep- her "etter ti"" /nent. 7he A/een ha$ ake$ a,ter him a h/n$re$ time- b/t her captor
.o/"$ not peak o, him. A"" he kne. ,or certain .a that !aime ha$ not come.
2ot !et, he to"$ here",. But soon+ And once he comes the 7igh Sparrow and his bitches will
sing a different song+
She hate$ ,ee"ing he"p"e.
She ha$ threatene$- b/t her threat ha$ been receive$ .ith tony ,ace an$ $ea, ear. She ha$
comman$e$- b/t her comman$ ha$ been ignore$. She ha$ invoke$ the Mother4 mercy-
appea"ing to the nat/ra" ympathy o, one .oman ,or another- b/t the three hrive"e$ epta m/t
have p/t their .omanhoo$ ai$e .hen they poke their vo.. She ha$ trie$ charm- peaking to
them gent"y- accepting each ne. o/trage meek"y. 7hey .ere not .aye$. She ha$ o,,ere$ them
re.ar$- promie$ "eniency- honor- go"$- poition at co/rt. 7hey treate$ her promie a they
$i$ her threat.
An$ he ha$ praye$. Hh- ho. he ha$ praye$. 9rayer .a .hat they .ante$- o he erve$ it
to them- erve$ it on her knee a i, he .ere ome common tro""op o, the treet an$ not a
$a/ghter o, the Rock. She ha$ praye$ ,or re"ie,- ,or $e"iverance- ,or !aime. ?o/$"y he ake$ the
go$ to $e,en$ her in her innocenceI i"ent"y he praye$ ,or her acc/er to /,,er /$$en- pain,/"
$eath. She praye$ /nti" her knee .ere ra. an$ b"oo$y- /nti" her tong/e ,e"t o thick an$ heavy
that he .a "ike to choke on it. A"" the prayer they ha$ ta/ght her a a gir" came back to Cerei
in her ce""- an$ he ma$e /p ne. one a nee$e$- ca""ing on the Mother an$ the Mai$en- on the
+ather an$ the 3arrior- on the Crone an$ the Smith. She ha$ even praye$ to the Stranger. An!
god in a storm+ 7he Seven prove$ a $ea, a their earth"y ervant. Cerei gave them a"" the
.or$ that he ha$ in her- gave them everything b/t tear. #hat the! will neer hae, he to"$
here",.
She hate$ ,ee"ing .eak.
&, the go$ ha$ given her the trength they gave !aime an$ that .aggering oa, Robert- he
co/"$ have ma$e her o.n ecape. Oh, for a sword and the skill to wield it+ She ha$ a .arrior4
heart- b/t the go$ in their b"in$ ma"ice ha$ given her the ,eeb"e bo$y o, a .oman. 7he A/een
ha$ trie$ to ,ight them ear"y on- b/t the epta ha$ over.he"me$ her. 7here .ere too many o,
them- an$ they .ere tronger than they "ooke$. Fg"y o"$ .omen- every one o, them- b/t a"" that
praying an$ cr/bbing an$ beating novice .ith tick ha$ "e,t them to/gh a root.
An$ they .o/"$ not "et her ret. Night or $ay- .henever the A/een c"oe$ her eye to "eep-
one o, her captor .o/"$ appear to .ake her an$ $eman$ that he con,e her in. She too$
acc/e$ o, a$/"tery- ,ornication- high treaon- even m/r$er- ,or Hney >ett"eb"ack ha$ con,ee$
to mothering the "at #igh Septon at her comman$. 2& am come to hear yo/ te"" o, a"" yo/r
m/r$er an$ ,ornication-1 Septa Fne""a .o/"$ gro." .hen he hook the A/een a.ake. Septa
Moe""e .o/"$ te"" her that it .a her in that kept her "eep"e. 2Hn"y the innocent kno. the
peace o, /ntro/b"e$ "eep. Con,e yo/r in- an$ yo/ .i"" "eep "ike a ne.born babe.1
3ake an$ "eep an$ .ake again- every night .a broken into piece by the ro/gh han$ o, her
tormentor- an$ every night .a co"$er an$ cr/e"er than the night be,ore. 7he ho/r o, the o."-
the ho/r o, the .o",- the ho/r o, the nightinga"e- moonrie an$ moonet- $/k an$ $a.n- they
taggere$ pat "ike $r/nkar$. 3hat ho/r .a it6 3hat $ay .a it6 3here .a he6 3a thi a
$ream- or ha$ he .oken6 7he "itt"e har$ o, "eep that they a""o.e$ her t/rne$ into raGor-
"icing at her .it. Cach $ay ,o/n$ her $/""er than the $ay be,ore- e:ha/te$ an$ ,everih. She
ha$ "ot a"" ene o, ho. "ong he ha$ been imprione$ in thi ce""- high /p in one o, the even
to.er o, the Great Sept o, Bae"or. I will grow old and die here, he tho/ght- $epairing.
Cerei co/"$ not a""o. that to happen. #er on ha$ nee$ o, her. 7he rea"m ha$ nee$ o, her.
She ha$ to ,ree here",- no matter .hat the rik. #er .or"$ ha$ hr/nk to a ce"" i: ,eet A/are- a
chamber pot- a "/mpy pa""et- an$ a bro.n .oo" b"anket thin a hope that ma$e her kin itch- b/t
he .a ti"" ?or$ 7y.in4 heir- a $a/ghter o, the Rock.
C:ha/te$ by her "ack o, "eep- hivering ,rom the co"$ that to"e into the to.er ce"" each
night- ,everih an$ ,amihe$ by t/rn- Cerei came at "at to kno. he m/t con,e.
7hat night- .hen Septa Fne""a came to .rench her o/t o, "eep- he ,o/n$ the A/een .aiting
on her knee. 2& have inne$-1 ai$ Cerei. #er tong/e .a thick in her mo/th- her "ip ra. an$
chappe$. 2& have inne$ mot grievo/"y. & ee that no.. #o. co/"$ & have been o b"in$ ,or o
"ong6 7he Crone came to me .ith her "amp raie$ high- an$ by it ho"y "ight & a. the roa$ that &
m/t .a"k. & .ant to be c"ean again. & .ant on"y abo"/tion. 9"eae- goo$ epta- & beg o, yo/-
take me to the #igh Septon o that & might con,e my crime an$ ,ornication.1
2& .i"" te"" him- Eo/r Grace-1 ai$ Septa Fne""a. 2#i #igh #o"ine .i"" be mot p"eae$.
Hn"y thro/gh con,eion an$ tr/e repentance may o/r immorta" o/" be ave$.1
An$ ,or the ret o, that "ong night they "et her "eep. #o/r an$ ho/r o, b"ee$ "eep. 7he
o." an$ the .o", an$ the nightinga"e "ippe$ by ,or once .ith their paage /neen an$
/nremarke$- .hi"t Cerei $reame$ a "ong .eet $ream .here !aime .a her h/ban$ an$ their
on .a ti"" a"ive.
Come morning- the A/een ,e"t a"mot "ike here", again. 3hen her captor came ,or her- he
ma$e pio/ noie at them again an$ to"$ them ho. $etermine$ he .a to con,e her in an$
be ,orgiven ,or a"" that he ha$ $one.
23e re=oice to hear it-1 ai$ Septa Moe""e. 2&t .i"" be a great .eight o,, yo/r o/"-1 ai$ Septa
Sco"era. 2Eo/ .i"" ,ee" m/ch better a,ter.ar$- Eo/r Grace.1
&our 1race+ 7hoe t.o imp"e .or$ thri""e$ her. 5/ring her "ong captivity- her gao"er ha$
not o,t bothere$ .ith even that imp"e co/rtey.
2#i #igh #o"ine a.ait-1 ai$ Septa Fne""a.
Cerei "o.ere$ her hea$- h/mb"e an$ obe$ient. 2Might & be a""o.e$ to bathe ,irt6 & am in no
,it tate to atten$ him.1
2Eo/ may .ah "ater i, #i #igh #o"ine a""o.-1 ai$ Septa Fne""a. 2&t i the c"ean"ine o,
yo/r immorta" o/" that ho/"$ concern yo/ no.- not /ch vanitie o, the ,"eh.1
7he three epta "e$ her $o.n the to.er tair- .ith Septa Fne""a going be,ore her an$ Septa
Moe""e an$ Septa Sco"era at her hee"- a i, they .ere a,rai$ that he might try to ,"ee. 2&t ha
been o "ong ince & have ha$ a viitor-1 Cerei m/rm/re$ in a A/iet voice a they ma$e their
$ecent. 2& the king .e""6 & ak on"y a a mother- ,ear,/" ,or her chi"$.1
2#i Grace i in goo$ hea"th-1 ai$ Septa Sco"era- 2an$ .e"" protecte$- $ay an$ night. 7he
A/een i .ith him- a".ay.1
I am the 3ueen; She .a""o.e$- mi"e$- an$ ai$- 27hat i goo$ to kno.. 7ommen "ove her
o. & never be"ieve$ thoe terrib"e thing that .ere being ai$ o, her.1 #a$ Margaery 7yre""
omeho. .rigg"e$ ,ree o, the acc/ation o, ,ornication- a$/"tery- an$ high treaon6 23a there
a tria"61
2Soon-1 ai$ Septa Sco"era- 2b/t her brother@1
47ush+5 Septa Fne""a t/rne$ to g"are back over her ho/"$er at Sco"era. 2Eo/ chatter too
m/ch- yo/ ,oo"ih o"$ .oman. &t i not ,or / to peak o, /ch thing.1
Sco"era "o.ere$ her hea$. 29ray ,orgive me.1
7hey ma$e the ret o, the $ecent in i"ence.
7he #igh Sparro. receive$ her in hi anct/m- an a/tere even(i$e$ chamber .here cr/$e"y
carve$ ,ace o, the Seven tare$ o/t ,rom the tone .a"" .ith e:preion a"mot a o/r an$
$iapproving a #i #igh #o"ine hime",. 3hen he entere$- he .a eate$ behin$ a ro/gh(
he.n tab"e- .riting. 7he #igh Septon ha$ not change$ ince the "at time he ha$ been in hi
preence- the $ay he ha$ her eiGe$ an$ imprione$. #e .a ti"" a cra.ny grey(haire$ man .ith
a "ean- har$- ha",(tarve$ "ook- hi ,ace harp(,eat/re$- "ine$- hi eye /picio/. &n p"ace o, the
rich robe o, hi pre$eceor- he .ore a hape"e t/nic o, /n$ye$ .oo" that ,e"" $o.n to hi
ank"e. 2Eo/r Grace-1 he ai$- by .ay o, greeting. 2& /n$ertan$ that yo/ .ih to make
con,eion.1
Cerei $roppe$ to her knee. 2& $o- #igh #o"ine. 7he Crone came to me a & "ept .ith her
"amp he"$ high@1
27o be /re. Fne""a- yo/ .i"" tay an$ make a recor$ o, #er Grace4 .or$. Sco"era- Moe""e-
yo/ have my "eave to go.1 #e pree$ the ,inger o, hi han$ together- the ame get/re he ha$
een her ,ather /e a tho/an$ time.
Septa Fne""a took a eat behin$ her- prea$ o/t a parchment- $ippe$ a A/i"" in maeter4 ink.
Cerei ,e"t a tab o, ,right. 2Hnce & have con,ee$- .i"" & be permitte$ to@1
2Eo/r Grace ha"" be $ea"t .ith accor$ing to yo/r in.1
#his man is implacable, he rea"iGe$ once again. She gathere$ here", ,or a moment. 2Mother
have mercy on me- then. & have "ain .ith men o/ti$e the bon$ o, marriage. & con,e it.1
23ho61 7he #igh Septon4 eye .ere ,i:e$ on her.
Cerei co/"$ hear Fne""a .riting behin$ her. #er A/i"" ma$e a ,aint- o,t cratching o/n$.
2?ance" ?anniter- my co/in. An$ Hney >ett"eb"ack.1 Both men ha$ con,ee$ to be$$ing her-
it .o/"$ $o her no goo$ to $eny it. 2#i brother too. Both o, them.1 She ha$ no .ay o, kno.ing
.hat H,ry$ an$ Hm/n$ might ay. Sa,er to con,e too m/ch than too "itt"e. 2&t $oe not
e:c/e my in- #igh #o"ine- b/t & .a "one"y an$ a,rai$. 7he go$ took >ing Robert ,rom me-
my "ove an$ my protector. & .a a"one- /rro/n$e$ by chemer- ,a"e ,rien$- an$ traitor .ho
.ere conpiring at the $eath o, my chi"$ren. & $i$ not kno. .ho to tr/t- o &8 & /e$ the on"y
mean that & ha$ to bin$ the >ett"eb"ack to me.1
2By .hich yo/ mean yo/r ,ema"e part61
2My ,"eh.1 She pree$ a han$ to her ,ace- h/$$ering. 3hen he "o.ere$ it again- her eye
.ere .et .ith tear. 2Ee. May the Mai$ ,orgive me. &t .a ,or my chi"$ren- tho/gh- ,or the
rea"m. & took no p"ea/re in it. 7he >ett"eb"ack8 they are har$ men- an$ cr/e"- an$ they /e$
me ro/gh"y- b/t .hat e"e .a & to $o6 7ommen nee$e$ men aro/n$ him & co/"$ tr/t.1
2#i Grace .a protecte$ by the >ingg/ar$.1
27he >ingg/ar$ too$ by /e"e a hi brother !o,,rey $ie$- m/r$ere$ at hi o.n .e$$ing
,eat. & .atche$ one on $ie- & co/"$ not bear to "oe another. & have inne$- & have committe$
.anton ,ornication- b/t & $i$ it ,or 7ommen. +orgive me- #igh #o"ine- b/t & .o/"$ open my
"eg ,or every man in >ing4 ?an$ing i, that .a .hat & ha$ to $o to keep my chi"$ren a,e.1
2+orgivene come on"y ,rom the go$. 3hat o, Ser ?ance"- .ho .a yo/r co/in an$ yo/r
"or$ h/ban$4 A/ire6 5i$ yo/ take him into yo/r be$ to .in hi "oya"ty a .e""61
2?ance".1 Cerei heitate$. %areful, he to"$ here",- "ancel will hae told him eer!thing+
2?ance" "ove$ me. #e .a ha", a boy- b/t & never $o/bte$ hi $evotion to me or my on.1
2An$ yet yo/ ti"" corr/pte$ him.1
2& .a "one"y.1 She choke$ back a ob. 2& ha$ "ot my h/ban$- my on- my "or$ ,ather. & .a
regent- b/t a A/een i ti"" a .oman- an$ .omen are .eak vee"- eai"y tempte$8 Eo/r #igh
#o"ine kno. the tr/th o, that. Cven ho"y epta have been kno.n to in. & took com,ort .ith
?ance". #e .a kin$ an$ gent"e an$ & nee$e$ omeone. &t .a .rong- & kno.- b/t & ha$ no one
e"e8 a .oman needs to be "ove$- he nee$ a man bei$e her- he8 he81 She began to ob
/ncontro""ab"y.
7he #igh Septon ma$e no move to com,ort her. #e at there .ith hi har$ eye ,i:e$ on her-
.atching her .eep- a tony a the tat/e o, the Seven in the ept above. ?ong moment pae$-
b/t ,ina""y her tear .ere a"" $rie$ /p. By then her eye .ere re$ an$ ra. ,rom crying- an$ he
,e"t a i, he might ,aint.
7he #igh Sparro. .a not $one .ith her- ho.ever. 27hee are common in-1 he ai$. 27he
.icke$ne o, .i$o. i .e""(kno.n- an$ a"" .omen are .anton at heart- given to /ing their
.i"e an$ their bea/ty to .ork their .i"" on men. 7here i no treaon here- o "ong a yo/ $i$
not tray ,rom yo/r marriage be$ .hi"t #i Grace >ing Robert .a ti"" a"ive.1
2Never-1 he .hipere$- hivering. 22eer, & .ear it.1
#e pai$ that no min$. 27here are other charge "ai$ againt Eo/r Grace- crime ,ar more
grievo/ than imp"e ,ornication. Eo/ a$mit Ser Hney >ett"eb"ack .a yo/r "over- an$ Ser
Hney init that he mothere$ my pre$eceor at yo/r behet. #e ,/rther init that he bore
,a"e .itne againt D/een Margaery an$ her co/in- te""ing ta"e o, ,ornication- a$/"tery- an$
high treaon- again at yo/r behet.1
2No-1 ai$ Cerei. 2&t i not tr/e. & "ove Margaery a & .o/"$ a $a/ghter. An$ the other8 &
comp"aine$ o, the #igh Septon- & a$mit it. #e .a 7yrion4 creat/re- .eak an$ corr/pt- a tain
/pon o/r #o"y +aith. Eo/r #igh #o"ine kno. that a .e"" a &. &t may be that Hney tho/ght
that hi $eath .o/"$ p"eae me. &, o- & bear ome part o, the b"ame8 b/t m/r$er6 No. H, that &
am innocent. 7ake me to the ept an$ & .i"" tan$ be,ore the +ather4 =/$gment eat an$ .ear
the tr/th o, that.1
2&n time-1 ai$ the #igh Septon. 2Eo/ a"o tan$ acc/e$ o, conpiring at the m/r$er o, yo/r
o.n "or$ h/ban$- o/r "ate be"ove$ >ing Robert- +irt o, #i Name.1
"ancel, Cerei tho/ght. 2Robert .a ki""e$ by a boar. 5o they ay & am a kinchanger no.6 A
.arg6 Am & acc/e$ o, ki""ing !o,,rey too- my o.n .eet on- my ,irtborn61
2No. !/t yo/r h/ban$. 5o yo/ $eny it61
2& $eny it. & $o. Be,ore go$ an$ men- & $eny it.1
#e no$$e$. 2?at o, a""- an$ .ort o, a""- there are ome .ho ay yo/r chi"$ren .ere not
,athere$ by >ing Robert- that they are batar$ born o, incet an$ a$/"tery.1
2Stanni ay that-1 Cerei ai$ at once. 2A "ie- a "ie- a pa"pab"e "ie. Stanni .ant the &ron
7hrone ,or hime",- b/t hi brother4 chi"$ren tan$ in hi .ay- o he m/t nee$ c"aim that they
are not hi brother4. 7hat ,i"thy "etter8 there i no hre$ o, tr/th to it. & $eny it.1
7he #igh Septon p"ace$ both han$ ,"at /pon the tab"e an$ p/he$ hime", to hi ,eet. 2Goo$.
?or$ Stanni ha t/rne$ ,rom the tr/th o, the Seven to .orhip a re$ $emon- an$ hi ,a"e ,aith
ha no p"ace in thee Seven >ing$om.1
7hat .a a"mot rea/ring. Cerei no$$e$.
2Cven o-1 #i #igh #o"ine .ent on- 2thee are terrib"e charge- an$ the rea"m m/t kno.
the tr/th o, them. &, Eo/r Grace ha to"$ it tr/e- no $o/bt a tria" .i"" prove yo/r innocence.1
A trial, still+ 2& have con,ee$@1
2@to certain in- aye. Hther yo/ $eny. Eo/r tria" .i"" eparate the tr/th ,rom the
,a"ehoo$. & ha"" ak the Seven to ,orgive the in yo/ have con,ee$ an$ pray that yo/ be
,o/n$ innocent o, thee other acc/ation.1
Cerei roe "o."y ,rom her knee. 2& bo. to the .i$om o, Eo/r #igh #o"ine-1 he ai$-
2b/t i, & might beg ,or =/t one $rop o, the Mother4 mercy- &8 it ha been o "ong ince & "at
a. my on- p"eae81
7he o"$ man4 eye .ere chip o, ,"int. 2&t .o/"$ not be ,itting to a""o. yo/ near the king
/nti" yo/ have been c"eane$ o, a"" yo/r .icke$ne. Eo/ have taken the ,irt tep on yo/r path
back to righteo/ne- ho.ever- an$ in "ight o, that & ha"" permit yo/ other viitor. Hne each
$ay.1
7he A/een began to .eep again. 7hi time the tear .ere tr/e. 2Eo/ are too kin$. 7hank yo/.1
27he Mother i merci,/". &t i her that yo/ ho/"$ thank.1
Moe""e an$ Sco"era .ere .aiting to "ea$ her back /p to her to.er ce"". Fne""a ,o""o.e$ c"oe
behin$ them. 23e have a"" been praying ,or Eo/r Grace-1 Septa Moe""e ai$ a they .ere
c"imbing. 2Ee-1 Septa Sco"era echoe$- 2an$ yo/ m/t ,ee" o m/ch "ighter no.- c"ean an$
innocent a a mai$ on the morning o, her .e$$ing.1
I fucked -aime on the morning of m! wedding, the A/een reca""e$. 2& $o-1 he ai$- 2& ,ee"
reborn- a i, a ,etering boi" ha been "ance$ an$ no. at "at & can begin to hea". & co/"$ a"mot
,"y.1 She imagine$ ho. .eet it .o/"$ be to "am an e"bo. into Septa Sco"era4 ,ace an$ en$
her careening $o.n the pira" tep. &, the go$ .ere goo$- the .rink"e$ o"$ c/nt might crah
into Septa Fne""a an$ take her $o.n .ith her.
2&t i goo$ to ee yo/ mi"ing again-1 Sco"era ai$.
2#i #igh #o"ine ai$ & might have viitor61
2#e $i$-1 ai$ Septa Fne""a. 2&, Eo/r Grace .i"" te"" / .hom yo/ .ih to ee- .e .i"" en$
.or$ to them.1
-aime, I need -aime+ B/t i, her t.in .a in the city- .hy ha$ he not come to her6 &t might be
.ier to .ait on !aime /nti" he ha$ a better notion o, .hat .a happening beyon$ the .a"" o,
the Great Sept o, Bae"or. 2My /nc"e-1 he ai$. 2Ser >evan ?anniter- my ,ather4 brother. & he
in the city61
2#e i-1 ai$ Septa Fne""a. 27he ?or$ Regent ha taken /p rei$ence in the Re$ >eep. 3e
.i"" en$ ,or him at once.1
27hank yo/-1 ai$ Cerei- thinking- "ord )egent, is it6 She co/"$ not preten$ to be /rprie$.
A h/mb"e an$ a contrite heart prove$ to have bene,it over an$ beyon$ c"eaning the o/" o,
in. 7hat night the A/een .a move$ to a "arger ce"" t.o ,"oor $o.n- .ith a .in$o. he co/"$
act/a""y "ook o/t o, an$ .arm- o,t b"anket ,or her be$. An$ .hen time came ,or /pper- intea$
o, ta"e brea$ an$ oaten porri$ge- he .a erve$ a roat capon- a bo." o, crip green prink"e$
.ith cr/he$ .a"n/t- an$ a mo/n$ o, mahe$ neep a.im in b/tter. 7hat night he cra."e$ into
her be$ .ith a ,/"" tomach ,or the ,irt time ince he .a taken- an$ "ept thro/gh the b"ack
.atche o, the night /n$it/rbe$.
7he ne:t morning- .ith the $a.n- there came her /nc"e.
Cerei .a ti"" at her break,at .hen the $oor ./ng open an$ Ser >evan ?anniter teppe$
thro/gh. 2?eave /-1 he to"$ her gao"er. Septa Fne""a /here$ Sco"era an$ Moe""e a.ay an$
c"oe$ the $oor behin$ them. 7he A/een roe to her ,eet.
Ser >evan "ooke$ o"$er than .hen he4$ een him "at. #e .a a big man- broa$ in the
ho/"$er an$ thick abo/t the .ait- .ith a c"oe(croppe$ b"on$ bear$ that ,o""o.e$ the "ine o, hi
heavy =a. an$ hort b"on$ hair in ,/"" retreat ,rom hi bro.. A heavy .oo"en c"oak- $ye$
crimon- .a c"ape$ at one ho/"$er .ith a go"$en brooch in the hape o, a "ion4 hea$.
27hank yo/ ,or coming-1 the A/een ai$.
#er /nc"e ,ro.ne$. 2Eo/ ho/"$ it. 7here are thing that & m/t nee$ te"" yo/@1
She $i$ not .ant to it. 2Eo/ are ti"" angry .ith me. & hear it in yo/r voice. +orgive me-
Fnc"e. &t .a .rong o, me to thro. my .ine at yo/- b/t@1
2Eo/ think & care abo/t a c/p o, .ine6 ?ance" i my son, Cerei. Eo/r o.n nephe.. &, & am
angry .ith yo/- that i the ca/e. Eo/ ho/"$ have "ooke$ a,ter him- g/i$e$ him- ,o/n$ him a
"ike"y gir" o, goo$ ,ami"y. &ntea$ yo/@1
2& kno.. & kno..1 "ancel wanted me more than I eer wanted him+ 7e still does, I will wager+
2& .a a"one- .eak. 9"eae. Fnc"e. Hh- Fnc"e. &t i o goo$ to ee yo/r ,ace- yo/r .eet .eet
,ace. & have $one .icke$ thing- & kno.- b/t & co/"$ not bear ,or yo/ to hate me.1 She thre. her
arm aro/n$ him- kie$ hi cheek. 2+orgive me. +orgive me.1
Ser >evan /,,ere$ the embrace ,or a ,e. heartbeat be,ore he ,ina""y raie$ hi o.n arm to
ret/rn it. #i h/g .a hort an$ a.k.ar$. 2Cno/gh-1 he ai$- hi voice ti"" ,"at an$ co"$. 2Eo/
are ,orgiven. No. it. & bring ome har$ ti$ing- Cerei.1
#i .or$ ,rightene$ her. 2#a omething happene$ to 7ommen6 9"eae- no. & have been o
a,rai$ ,or my on. No one .i"" te"" me anything. 9"eae te"" me that 7ommen i .e"".1
2#i Grace i .e"". #e ak abo/t yo/ o,ten.1 Ser >evan "ai$ hi han$ on her ho/"$er- he"$
her at arm4 "ength.
2!aime- then6 & it !aime61
2No. !aime i ti"" in the river"an$- ome.here.1
2Some.here61 She $i$ not "ike the o/n$ o, that.
2#e took Raventree an$ accepte$ ?or$ B"ack.oo$4 /rren$er-1 ai$ her /nc"e- 2b/t on hi
.ay back to Riverr/n he "e,t hi tai" an$ .ent o,, .ith a .oman.1
2A .oman61 Cerei tare$ at him- /ncomprehen$ing. 23hat .oman6 3hy6 3here $i$ they
go61
2No one kno.. 3e4ve ha$ no ,/rther .or$ o, him. 7he .oman may have been the
Cventar4 $a/ghter- ?a$y Brienne.1
7er+ 7he A/een remembere$ the Mai$ o, 7arth- a h/ge- /g"y- hamb"ing thing .ho $ree$ in
man4 mai". -aime would neer abandon me for such a creature+ *! raen neer reached him,
elsewise he would hae come+
23e have ha$ report o, e"".or$ "an$ing a"" over the o/th-1 Ser >evan .a aying.
27arth- the Steptone- Cape 3rath8 .here Stanni ,o/n$ the coin to hire a ,ree company &
.o/"$ $ear"y "ove to kno.. & $o not have the trength to $ea" .ith them- not here. Mace 7yre""
$oe- b/t he re,/e to betir hime", /nti" thi matter .ith hi $a/ghter ha been ett"e$.1
A headsman would settle *argaer! 3uick enough+ Cerei $i$ not care a ,ig ,or Stanni or hi
e"".or$. #he Others take him and the #!rells both+ "et them slaughter each other, the realm
will be the better for it+ 29"eae- Fnc"e- take me o/t o, here.1
2#o.6 By ,orce o, arm61 Ser >evan .a"ke$ to the .in$o. an$ gaGe$ o/t- ,ro.ning. 2&
.o/"$ nee$ to make an abbatoir o, thi ho"y p"ace. An$ & $o not have the men. 7he bet part o,
o/r ,orce .ere at Riverr/n .ith yo/r brother. & ha$ no time to raie /p a ne. hot.1 #e t/rne$
back to ,ace her. 2& have poken .ith #i #igh #o"ine. #e .i"" not re"eae yo/ /nti" yo/ have
atone$ ,or yo/r in.1
2& have con,ee$.1
2Atoned, & ai$. Be,ore the city. A .a"k@1
2No.1 She kne. .hat her /nc"e .a abo/t to ay- an$ he $i$ not .ant to hear it. 2Never. 7e""
him that- i, yo/ peak again. & am a A/een- not ome $ocki$e .hore.1
2No harm .o/"$ come to yo/. No one .i"" to/ch@1
22o,1 he ai$- more harp"y. 2& .o/"$ ooner $ie.1
Ser >evan .a /nmove$. 2&, that i yo/r .ih- yo/ may oon have it grante$. #i #igh
#o"ine i reo"ve$ that yo/ be trie$ ,or regici$e- $eici$e- incet- an$ high treaon.1
25eici$e61 She a"mot "a/ghe$. 23hen $i$ & ki"" a go$61
27he #igh Septon peak ,or the Seven here on earth. Strike at him- an$ yo/ are triking at
the go$ theme"ve.1 #er /nc"e raie$ a han$ be,ore he co/"$ protet. 2&t $oe no goo$ to peak
o, /ch thing. Not here. 7he time ,or a"" that i at tria".1 #e gaGe$ abo/t her ce"". 7he "ook on hi
,ace poke vo"/me.
Someone is listening+ Cven here- even no.- he $are not peak ,ree"y. She took a breath.
23ho .i"" try me61
27he +aith-1 her /nc"e ai$- 2/n"e yo/ init on a tria" by batt"e. &n .hich cae yo/ m/t be
champione$ by a knight o, the >ingg/ar$. 3hatever the o/tcome- yo/r r/"e i at an en$. & .i""
erve a 7ommen4 regent /nti" he come o, age. Mace 7yre"" ha been name$ >ing4 #an$.
Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e an$ Ser #ary S.y,t .i"" contin/e a be,ore- b/t 9a:ter Re$.yne i no.
"or$ a$mira" an$ Ran$y"" 7ar"y ha a/me$ the $/tie o, =/ticiar.1
#!rell bannermen, the both of them+ 7he .ho"e governance o, the rea"m .a being han$e$ to
her enemie- D/een Margaery4 kith an$ kin. 2Margaery tan$ acc/e$ a .e"". #er an$ thoe
co/in o, her. #o. i it that the parro. ,ree$ her an$ not me61
2Ran$y"" 7ar"y inite$. #e .a the ,irt to reach >ing4 ?an$ing .hen thi torm broke- an$
he bro/ght hi army .ith him. 7he 7yre"" gir" .i"" ti"" be trie$- b/t the cae againt them i
.eak- #i #igh #o"ine a$mit. A"" o, the men name$ a the A/een4 "over have $enie$ the
acc/ation or recante$- ave ,or yo/r maime$ inger- .ho appear to be ha",(ma$. So the #igh
Septon han$e$ the gir" over to 7ar"y4 c/to$y an$ ?or$ Ran$y"" .ore a ho"y oath to $e"iver
them ,or tria" .hen the time come.1
2An$ her acc/er61 the A/een $eman$e$. 23ho ho"$ them61
2Hney >ett"eb"ack an$ the B"/e Bar$ are here- beneath the ept. 7he Re$.yne t.in have
been $ec"are$ innocent- an$ #amih the #arper ha $ie$. 7he ret are in the $/ngeon /n$er the
Re$ >eep- in the charge o, yo/r man Dyb/rn.1
:!burn, tho/ght Cerei. 7hat .a goo$- one tra. at "eat that he co/"$ c"/tch. ?or$ Dyb/rn
ha$ them- an$ ?or$ Dyb/rn co/"$ $o .on$er. And horrors+ 7e can do horrors as well+
27here i more- .ore. Will yo/ it $o.n61
2Sit $o.n61 Cerei hook her hea$. 3hat co/"$ be .ore6 She .a to be trie$ ,or high
treaon .hi"t the "itt"e A/een an$ her co/in ,"e. o,, a ,ree a bir$. 27e"" me. 3hat i it61
2Myrce""a. 3e have ha$ grave ne. ,rom 5orne.1
2#!rion,1 he ai$ at once. 7yrion ha$ ent her "itt"e gir" to 5orne- an$ Cerei ha$ $ipatche$
Ser Ba"on S.ann to bring her home. A"" 5ornihmen .ere nake- an$ the Marte"" .ere the
.ort o, them. 7he Re$ %iper ha$ even trie$ to $e,en$ the &mp- ha$ come .ithin a hairbrea$th o,
a victory that .o/"$ have a""o.e$ the $.ar, to ecape the b"ame ,or !o,,rey4 m/r$er. 2&t4 him-
he4 been in 5orne a"" thi time- an$ no. he4 eiGe$ my $a/ghter.1
Ser >evan gave her another co.". 2Myrce""a .a attacke$ by a 5ornih knight name$ Gero"$
5ayne. She4 a"ive- b/t h/rt. #e "ahe$ her ,ace open- he8 &4m orry8 he "ot an ear.1
2An ear.1 Cerei tare$ at him- aghat. She was 9ust a child, m! precious princess+ She was so
prett!, too+ 2#e c/t o,, her ear. An$ 9rince 5oran an$ hi 5ornih knight- .here .ere they6
7hey co/"$ not $e,en$ one "itt"e gir"6 3here .a Ary Hakheart61
2S"ain- $e,en$ing her. 5ayne c/t him $o.n- it4 ai$.1
7he S.or$ o, the Morning ha$ been a 5ayne- the A/een reca""e$- b/t he .a "ong $ea$. 3ho
.a thi Ser Gero"$ an$ .hy .o/"$ he .ih to harm her $a/ghter6 She co/"$ not make any ene
o, thi- /n"e8 27yrion "ot ha", hi noe in the Batt"e o, the B"ack.ater. S"ahing her ,ace-
c/tting o,, an ear8 the &mp4 gr/bby "itt"e ,inger are a"" over thi.1
29rince 5oran ay nothing o, yo/r brother. An$ Ba"on S.ann .rite that Myrce""a p/t it a""
on thi Gero"$ 5ayne. 5arktar- they ca"" him.1
She gave a bitter "a/gh. 23hatever they ca"" him- he i my brother4 catpa.. 7yrion ha
,rien$ amongt the 5ornih. 7he &mp p"anne$ thi a"" a"ong. &t .a 7yrion .ho betrothe$
Myrce""a to 9rince 7rytane. No. & ee .hy.1
2Eo/ ee 7yrion in every ha$o..1
2#e i a creat/re o, the ha$o.. #e ki""e$ !o,,rey. #e ki""e$ +ather. 5i$ yo/ think he .o/"$
top there6 & ,eare$ that the &mp .a ti"" in >ing4 ?an$ing p"otting harm to 7ommen- b/t he
m/t have gone to 5orne intea$ to ki"" Myrce""a ,irt.1 Cerei pace$ the .i$th o, the ce"". 2&
nee$ to be .ith 7ommen. 7hee >ingg/ar$ knight are a /e"e a nipp"e on a breatp"ate.1
She ro/n$e$ on her /nc"e. 2Ser Ary .a ki""e$- yo/ ai$.1
2At the han$ o, thi man 5arktar- ye.1
25ea$- he4 dead, yo/ are certain o, that61
27hat i .hat .e have been to"$.1
27hen there i an empty p"ace amongt the >ingg/ar$. &t m/t be ,i""e$ at once. 7ommen
m/t be protecte$.1
2?or$ 7ar"y i $ra.ing /p a "it o, .orthy knight ,or yo/r brother to coni$er- b/t /nti" !aime
reappear81
27he king can give a man a .hite c"oak. 7ommen4 a goo$ boy. 7e"" him .ho to name an$ he
.i"" name him.1
2An$ .ho .o/"$ yo/ have him name61
She $i$ not have a rea$y an.er. *! champion will need a new name as well as a new face+
2Dyb/rn .i"" kno.. 7r/t him in thi. Eo/ an$ & have ha$ o/r $i,,erence- Fnc"e- b/t ,or the
b"oo$ .e hare an$ the "ove yo/ bore my ,ather- ,or 7ommen4 ake an$ the ake o, hi poor
maime$ iter- $o a & ak yo/. Go to ?or$ Dyb/rn on my beha",- bring him a .hite c"oak- an$
te"" him that the time ha come.1
THE 6.EENSG.ARD
Eo/ .ere the A/een4 man-1 ai$ ReGnak mo ReGnak. 27he king $eire hi o.n men abo/t
him .hen he ho"$ co/rt.1
I am the 3ueen/s man still+ #oda!, tomorrow, alwa!s, until m! last breath, or hers+ Barritan
Se"my re,/e$ to be"ieve that 5aenery 7argaryen .a $ea$.
9erhap that .a .hy he .a being p/t ai$e. One b! one, 7izdahr remoes us all+ Strong
Be".a "ingere$ at the $oor o, $eath in the temp"e- /n$er the care o, the B"/e Grace8 tho/gh
Se"my ha", /pecte$ they .ere ,inihing the =ob thoe honeye$ "oc/t ha$ beg/n. SkahaG
Shavepate ha$ been trippe$ o, hi comman$. 7he Fn/""ie$ ha$ .ith$ra.n to their barrack.
!hogo- 5aario Nahari- A$mira" Gro"eo- an$ #ero o, the Fn/""ie$ remaine$ hotage o, the
E/nkai4i. Aggo an$ Rakharo an$ the ret o, the A/een4 khalasar ha$ been $ipatche$ acro the
river to earch ,or their "ot A/een. Cven Mian$ei ha$ been rep"ace$I the king $i$ not think it
,it to /e a chi"$ a hi hera"$- an$ a onetime Naathi "ave at that. And now me+
7here .a a time .hen he might have taken thi $imia" a a b"ot /pon hi honor. B/t that
.a in 3etero. &n the viper4 pit that .a Meereen- honor eeme$ a i""y a a ,oo"4 mot"ey.
An$ thi mitr/t .a m/t/a". #iG$ahr Go ?oraA might be hi A/een4 conort- b/t he .o/"$
never be hi king. 2&, #i Grace .ihe ,or me to remove mye", ,rom co/rt81
2#i Ra$iance-1 the enecha" correcte$. 2No- no- no- yo/ mi/n$ertan$ me. #i 3orhip i
to receive a $e"egation ,rom the E/nkai4i- to $ic/ the .ith$ra.a" o, their armie. 7hey may
ak ,or8 ah8 recompene ,or thoe .ho "ot their "ive to the $ragon4 .roth. A $e"icate
it/ation. 7he king ,ee" it .i"" be better i, they ee a Meereenee king /pon the throne- protecte$
by Meereenee .arrior. S/re"y yo/ can /n$ertan$ that- er.1
I understand more than !ou know+ 2Might & kno. .hich men #i Grace ha choen to protect
him61
ReGnak mo ReGnak mi"e$ hi "imy mi"e. 2+earome ,ighter- .ho "ove #i 3orhip .e"".
Goghor the Giant. >hraGG. 7he Spotte$ Cat. Be"aA/o Bonebreaker. #eroe a"".1
$it fighters all+ Ser Barritan .a /n/rprie$. #iG$ahr Go ?oraA at /neai"y on hi ne.
throne. &t ha$ been a tho/an$ year ince Meereen "at ha$ a king- an$ there .ere ome even
amongt the o"$ b"oo$ .ho tho/ght they might have ma$e a better choice than him. H/ti$e the
city at the E/nkai4i .ith their e"".or$ an$ their a""ieI ini$e .ere the Son o, the #arpy.
An$ the king4 protector gre. ,e.er every $ay. #iG$ahr4 b"/n$er .ith Grey 3orm ha$ cot
him the Fn/""ie$. 3hen #i Grace ha$ trie$ to p/t them /n$er the comman$ o, a co/in- a he
ha$ the BraGen Beat- Grey 3orm ha$ in,orme$ the king that they .ere ,ree men .ho took
comman$ on"y ,rom their mother. A ,or the BraGen Beat- ha", .ere ,ree$men an$ the ret
havepate- .hoe tr/e "oya"ty might ti"" be to SkahaG mo >an$aA. 7he pit ,ighter .ere >ing
#iG$ahr4 on"y re"iab"e /pport- againt a ea o, enemie.
2May they $e,en$ #i Grace againt a"" threat.1 Ser Barritan4 tone gave no hint o, hi tr/e
,ee"ingI he ha$ "earne$ to hi$e /ch back in >ing4 ?an$ing year ago.
2#i *agnificence,1 ReGnak mo ReGnak tree$. 2Eo/r other $/tie ha"" remain /nchange$-
er. Sho/"$ thi peace ,ai"- #i Ra$iance .o/"$ ti"" .ih ,or yo/ to comman$ hi ,orce againt
the enemie o, o/r city.1
7e has that much sense, at least+ Be"aA/o Bonebreaker an$ Goghor the Giant might erve a
#iG$ahr4 hie"$- b/t the notion o, either "ea$ing an army into batt"e .a o "/$icro/ that the
o"$ knight a"mot mi"e$. 2& am #i Grace4 to comman$.1
2Not 1race,1 the enecha" comp"aine$. 27hat ty"e i 3eteroi. #i Magni,icence- #i
Ra$iance- #i 3orhip.1
7is .anit! would fit better+ 2A yo/ ay.1
ReGnak "icke$ hi "ip. 27hen .e are $one.1 7hi time hi oi"y mi"e betokene$ $imia". Ser
Barritan took hi "eave- grate,/" to "eave the tench o, the enecha"4 per,/me behin$ him. A
man should smell of sweat, not flowers+
7he Great 9yrami$ o, Meereen .a eight h/n$re$ ,eet high ,rom bae to point. 7he
enecha"4 chamber .ere on the econ$ "eve". 7he A/een4 apartment- an$ hi o.n- occ/pie$
the highet tep. A long climb for a man m! age, Ser Barritan tho/ght- a he tarte$ /p. #e ha$
been kno.n to make that c"imb ,ive or i: time a $ay on the A/een4 b/ine- a the ache in
hi knee an$ the ma"" o, hi back co/"$ attet. #here will come a da! when I can no longer face
these steps, he tho/ght- and that da! will be here sooner than I would like+ Be,ore it came- he
m/t make certain that at "eat a ,e. o, hi "a$ .ere rea$y to take hi p"ace at the A/een4 i$e. I
will knight them m!self when the! are worth!, and gie them each a horse and golden spurs+
7he roya" apartment .ere ti"" an$ i"ent. #iG$ahr ha$ not taken /p rei$ence there-
pre,erring to etab"ih hi o.n /ite o, room $eep in the heart o, the Great 9yrami$- .here
maive brick .a"" /rro/n$e$ him on a"" i$e. MeGGara- Mik"aG- DeGGa- an$ the ret o, the
A/een4 yo/ng c/pbearer@ hotage in tr/th- b/t both Se"my an$ the A/een ha$ become o ,on$
o, them that it .a har$ ,or him to think o, them that .ay@ ha$ gone .ith the king- .hi"t &rri
an$ !hiA/i $eparte$ .ith the other 5othraki. Hn"y Mian$ei remaine$- a ,or"orn "itt"e ghot
ha/nting the A/een4 chamber at the ape: o, the pyrami$.
Ser Barritan .a"ke$ o/t onto the terrace. 7he ky above Meereen .a the co"or o, corpe
,"eh- $/"" an$ .hite an$ heavy- a ma o, /nbroken c"o/$ ,rom horiGon to horiGon. 7he /n .a
hi$$en behin$ a .a"" o, c"o/$. &t .o/"$ et /neen- a it ha$ rien /neen that morning. 7he night
.o/"$ be hot- a .eaty- /,,ocating- ticky ort o, night .itho/t a breath o, air. +or three $ay
rain ha$ threatene$- b/t not a $rop ha$ ,a""en. )ain would come as a relief+ It might help wash
the cit! clean+
+rom here he co/"$ ee ,o/r "eer pyrami$- the city4 .etern .a""- an$ the camp o, the
E/nkihmen by the hore o, S"aver4 Bay- .here a thick co"/mn o, greay moke t.ite$
/p.ar$ "ike ome montro/ erpent. #he &unkishmen burning their dead, he rea"iGe$. #he pale
mare is galloping through their siege camps+ 5epite a"" the A/een ha$ $one- the ickne ha$
prea$- both .ithin the city .a"" an$ .itho/t. Meereen4 market .ere c"oe$- it treet empty.
>ing #iG$ahr ha$ a""o.e$ the ,ighting pit to remain open- b/t the cro.$ .ere pare. 7he
Meereenee ha$ even beg/n to h/n the 7emp"e o, the Grace- reporte$"y.
#he slaers will find some wa! to blame Daener!s for that as well, Ser Barritan tho/ght
bitter"y. #e co/"$ a"mot hear them .hipering@Great Mater- Son o, the #arpy- E/nkai4i- a""
te""ing one another that hi A/een .a $ea$. #a", o, the city be"ieve$ it- tho/gh a yet they $i$
not have the co/rage to ay /ch .or$ a"o/$. But soon, I think+
Ser Barritan ,e"t very tire$- very o"$. Where hae all the !ears gone6 H, "ate- .henever he
kne"t to $rink ,rom a ti"" poo"- he a. a tranger4 ,ace gaGing /p ,rom the .ater4 $epth. 3hen
ha$ thoe cro.4(,eet ,irt appeare$ aro/n$ hi pa"e b"/e eye6 #o. "ong ago ha$ hi hair t/rne$
,rom /n"ight into no.6 &ears ago, old man+ Decades+
Eet it eeme$ "ike on"y yeter$ay that he ha$ been raie$ to knighthoo$- a,ter the to/rney at
>ing4 ?an$ing. #e co/"$ ti"" reca"" the to/ch o, >ing Aegon4 .or$ /pon hi ho/"$er- "ight
a a mai$en4 ki. #i .or$ ha$ ca/ght in hi throat .hen he poke hi vo.. At the ,eat that
night he ha$ eaten rib o, .i"$ boar- prepare$ the 5ornih .ay .ith $ragon pepper- o hot they
b/rne$ hi mo/th. +orty(even year- an$ the tate ti"" "ingere$ in hi memory- yet he co/"$ not
have ai$ .hat he ha$ /ppe$ on ten $ay ago i, a"" even king$om ha$ $epen$e$ on it. Boiled
dog, most like+ Or some other foul dish that tasted no better+
Not ,or the ,irt time- Se"my .on$ere$ at the trange ,ate that ha$ bro/ght him here. #e .a
a knight o, 3etero- a man o, the torm"an$ an$ the 5ornih marcheI hi p"ace .a in the
Seven >ing$om- not here /pon the .e"tering hore o, S"aver4 Bay. I came to bring Daener!s
home+ Eet he ha$ "ot her- =/t a he ha$ "ot her ,ather an$ her brother. 0en )obert+ I failed him
too+
9erhap #iG$ahr .a .ier than he kne.. #en !ears ago I would hae sensed what Daener!s
meant to do+ #en !ears ago I would hae been 3uick enough to stop her+ &ntea$ he ha$ too$
be,/$$"e$ a he "eapt into the pit- ho/ting her name- then r/nning /e"e"y a,ter her acro the
car"et an$. I am become old and slow+ Sma"" .on$er Nahari mocke$ him a Ser Gran$,ather.
Would Daario hae moed more 3uickl! if he had been beside the 3ueen that da!6 Se"my
tho/ght he kne. the an.er to that- tho/gh it .a not one he "ike$.
#e ha$ $reame$ o, it again "at night' Be".a on hi knee retching /p bi"e an$ b"oo$-
#iG$ahr /rging on the $ragon"ayer- men an$ .omen ,"eeing in terror- ,ighting on the tep-
c"imbing over one another- creaming an$ ho/ting. An$ 5aenery8
7er hair was aflame+ She had the whip in her hand and she was shouting, then she was on the
dragon/s back, fl!ing+ 7he an$ that 5rogon tirre$ a he took .ing ha$ t/ng Ser Barritan4
eye- b/t thro/gh a vei" o, tear he ha$ .atche$ the beat ,"y ,rom the pit- hi great b"ack .ing
"apping at the ho/"$er o, the bronGe .arrior at the gate.
7he ret he "earne$ "ater. Beyon$ the gate ha$ been a o"i$ pre o, peop"e. Ma$$ene$ by the
me"" o, $ragon- hore be"o. reare$ in terror- "ahing o/t .ith iron(ho$ hoove. +oo$ ta"" an$
pa"anA/in a"ike .ere overt/rne$- men knocke$ $o.n an$ tramp"e$. Spear .ere thro.n- cro(
bo. .ere ,ire$. Some tr/ck home. 7he $ragon t.ite$ vio"ent"y in the air- .o/n$ moking-
the gir" c"inging to hi back. 7hen he "ooe$ the ,ire.
&t ha$ taken the ret o, the $ay an$ mot o, the night ,or the BraGen Beat to gather /p the
corpe. 7he ,ina" co/nt .a t.o h/n$re$ ,o/rteen "ain- three time a many b/rne$ or
.o/n$e$. 5rogon .a gone ,rom the city by then- "at een high over the SkahaGa$han- ,"ying
north. H, 5aenery 7argaryen- no trace ha$ been ,o/n$. Some .ore they a. her ,a"". Hther
inite$ that the $ragon ha$ carrie$ her o,, to $evo/r her. #he! are wrong+
Ser Barritan kne. no more o, $ragon than the ta"e every chi"$ hear- b/t he kne.
7argaryen. 5aenery ha$ been riding that $ragon- a Aegon ha$ once ri$$en Ba"erion o, o"$.
2She might be ,"ying home-1 he to"$ hime",- a"o/$.
2No-1 m/rm/re$ a o,t voice behin$ him. 2She .o/"$ not $o that- er. She .o/"$ not go home
.itho/t /.1
Ser Barritan t/rne$. 2Mian$ei. Chi"$. #o. "ong have yo/ been tan$ing there61
2Not "ong. 7hi one i orry i, he ha $it/rbe$ yo/.1 She heitate$. 2SkahaG mo >an$aA
.ihe .or$ .ith yo/.1
27he Shavepate6 Eo/ poke .ith him61 7hat .a rah- rah. 7he enmity ran $eep bet.een
ShakaG an$ the king- an$ the gir" .a c"ever eno/gh to kno. that. SkahaG ha$ been o/tpoken in
hi oppoition to the A/een4 marriage- a ,act #iG$ahr ha$ not ,orgotten. 2& he here6 &n the
pyrami$61
23hen he .ihe. #e come an$ goe- er.1
&es+ 7e would+ 23ho to"$ yo/ he .ant .or$ .ith me61
2A BraGen Beat. #e .ore an o." mak.1
7e wore an owl mask when he spoke to !ou+ B! now he could be a 9ackal, a tiger, a sloth+ Ser
Barritan ha$ hate$ the mak ,rom the tart an$ never more than no.. #onet men ho/"$ never
nee$ to hi$e their ,ace. An$ the Shavepate8
What could he be thinking6 A,ter #iG$ahr ha$ given comman$ o, the BraGen Beat to hi
co/in MarghaG Go ?oraA- SkahaG ha$ been name$ 3ar$en o, the River- .ith charge o, a"" the
,errie- $re$ge- an$ irrigation $itche a"ong the SkahaGa$han ,or ,i,ty "eag/e- b/t the Shavepate
ha$ re,/e$ that ancient an$ honorab"e o,,ice- a #iG$ahr ca""e$ it- pre,erring to retire to the
mo$et pyrami$ o, >an$aA. Without the 3ueen to protect him, he takes a great risk coming here+
An$ i, Ser Barritan .ere een peaking .ith him- /picion might ,a"" on the knight a .e"".
#e $i$ not "ike the tate o, thi. &t me""e$ o, $eceit- o, .hiper an$ "ie an$ p"ot hatche$ in
the $ark- a"" the thing he4$ hope$ to "eave behin$ .ith the Spi$er an$ ?or$ ?itt"e,inger an$ their
i"k. Barritan Se"my .a not a bookih man- b/t he ha$ o,ten g"ance$ thro/gh the page o, the
3hite Book- .here the $ee$ o, hi pre$eceor ha$ been recor$e$. Some ha$ been heroe-
ome .eak"ing- knave- or craven. Mot .ere on"y men@A/icker an$ tronger than mot-
more ki""e$ .ith .or$ an$ hie"$- b/t ti"" prey to pri$e- ambition- "/t- "ove- anger- =ea"o/y-
gree$ ,or go"$- h/nger ,or po.er- an$ a"" the other ,ai"ing that a,,"icte$ "eer morta". 7he bet
o, them overcame their ,"a.- $i$ their $/ty- an$ $ie$ .ith their .or$ in their han$. 7he
.ort8
#he worst were those who pla!ed the game of thrones+ 2Can yo/ ,in$ thi o." again61 he
ake$ Mian$ei.
27hi one can try- er.1
27e"" him & .i"" peak .ith8 .ith o/r ,rien$8 a,ter $ark- by the tab"e.1 7he pyrami$4
main $oor .ere c"oe$ an$ barre$ at /net. 7he tab"e .o/"$ be A/iet at that ho/r. 2Make
certain it i the ame o.".1 &t .o/"$ not erve to have the .rong BraGen Beat hear o, thi.
27hi one /n$ertan$.1 Mian$ei t/rne$ a i, to go- then pa/e$ a moment an$ ai$- 2&t i
ai$ that the E/nkai4i have ringe$ the city a"" abo/t .ith corpion- to "ooe iron bo"t into the
ky ho/"$ 5rogon ret/rn.1
Ser Barritan ha$ hear$ that too. 2&t i no imp"e thing to "ay a $ragon in the ky. &n
3etero- many trie$ to bring $o.n Aegon an$ hi iter. None /ccee$e$.1
Mian$ei no$$e$. &t .a har$ to te"" i, he .a rea/re$. 25o yo/ think that they .i"" ,in$
her- er6 7he gra"an$ are o vat- an$ $ragon "eave no track acro the ky.1
2Aggo an$ Rakharo are b"oo$ o, her b"oo$8 an$ .ho kno. the 5othraki ea better than
5othraki61 #e A/eeGe$ her ho/"$er. 27hey .i"" ,in$ her i, he can be ,o/n$.1 If she still lies+
7here .ere other kha" .ho pro."e$ the gra- hore"or$ .ith khalasar .hoe ri$er n/mbere$
in the ten o, tho/an$. B/t the gir" $i$ not nee$ to hear that. 2Eo/ "ove her .e""- & kno.. &
.ear- & ha"" keep her a,e.1
7he .or$ eeme$ to give the gir" ome com,ort. Words are wind, though, Ser Barritan
tho/ght. 7ow can I protect the 3ueen when I am not with her6
Barritan Se"my ha$ kno.n many king. #e ha$ been born $/ring the tro/b"e$ reign o,
Aegon the Fn"ike"y- be"ove$ by the common ,o"k- ha$ receive$ hi knighthoo$ at hi han$.
Aegon4 on !aehaery ha$ beto.e$ the .hite c"oak on him .hen he .a three(an$(t.enty-
a,ter he "e. Mae"y the Montro/ $/ring the 3ar o, the Ninepenny >ing. &n that ame c"oak
he ha$ too$ bei$e the &ron 7hrone a ma$ne con/me$ !aehaery4 on Aery. Stood, and
saw, and heard, and !et did nothing+
B/t no. 7hat .a not ,air. #e $i$ hi $/ty. Some night- Ser Barritan .on$ere$ i, he ha$ not
$one that $/ty too .e"". #e ha$ .orn hi vo. be,ore the eye o, go$ an$ men- he co/"$ not in
honor go againt them8 b/t the keeping o, thoe vo. ha$ gro.n har$ in the "at year o, >ing
Aery4 reign. #e ha$ een thing that it paine$ him to reca""- an$ more than once he .on$ere$
ho. m/ch o, the b"oo$ .a on hi o.n han$. &, he ha$ not gone into 5/ken$a"e to rec/e
Aery ,rom ?or$ 5ark"yn4 $/ngeon- the king might .e"" have $ie$ there a 7y.in ?anniter
acke$ the to.n. 7hen 9rince Rhaegar .o/"$ have acen$e$ the &ron 7hrone- mayhap to hea"
the rea"m. 5/ken$a"e ha$ been hi ,inet ho/r- yet the memory tate$ bitter on hi tong/e.
&t .a hi ,ai"/re that ha/nte$ him at night- tho/gh. -aehaer!s, Aer!s, )obert+ #hree dead
kings+ )haegar, who would hae been a finer king than an! of them+ $rincess 0lia and the
children+ Aegon 9ust a babe, )haen!s with her kitten+ 5ea$- every one- yet he ti"" "ive$- .ho ha$
.orn to protect them. An$ no. 5aenery- hi bright hining chi"$ A/een. She is not dead+ I will
not beliee it+
A,ternoon bro/ght Ser Barritan a brie, repite ,rom hi $o/bt. #e pent it in the training ha""
on the pyrami$4 thir$ "eve"- .orking .ith hi boy- teaching them the art o, .or$ an$ hie"$-
hore an$ "ance8 an$ chiva"ry- the co$e that ma$e a knight more than any pit ,ighter. 5aenery
.o/"$ nee$ protector her o.n age abo/t her a,ter he .a gone- an$ Ser Barritan .a
$etermine$ to give her /ch.
7he "a$ he .a intr/cting range$ in age ,rom eight to t.enty. #e ha$ tarte$ .ith more than
i:ty o, them- b/t the training ha$ prove$ too rigoro/ ,or many. ?e than ha", that n/mber no.
remaine$- b/t ome ho.e$ great promie. With no king to guard, I will hae more time to train
them now, he rea"iGe$ a he .a"ke$ ,rom pair to pair- .atching them go at one another .ith
b"/nte$ .or$ an$ pear .ith ro/n$e$ hea$. Brae bo!s+ Baseborn, a!e, but some will make
good knights, and the! loe the 3ueen+ If not for her, all of them would hae ended in the pits+
,ing 7izdahr has his pit fighters, but Daener!s will hae knights+
2>eep yo/r hie"$ /p-1 he ca""e$. 2Sho. me yo/r troke. 7ogether no.. ?o.- high- "o.-
"o.- high- "o.81
Se"my took hi imp"e /pper o/t onto the A/een4 terrace that night an$ ate it a the /n .ent
$o.n. 7hro/gh the p/rp"e t.i"ight he .atche$ ,ire .aken one by one in the great teppe$
pyrami$- a the many(co"ore$ brick o, Meereen ,a$e$ to grey an$ then to b"ack. Sha$o.
gathere$ in the treet an$ a""ey be"o.- making poo" an$ river. &n the $/k- the city eeme$ a
tranA/i" p"ace- even bea/ti,/". #hat is pestilence, not peace, the o"$ knight to"$ hime", .ith hi
"at ip o, .ine.
#e $i$ not .ih to be conpic/o/- o .hen he .a ,inihe$ .ith hi /pper he change$ o/t o,
hi co/rt c"othe- tra$ing the .hite c"oak o, the D/eeng/ar$ ,or a hoo$e$ bro.n trave"er4 c"oak
/ch a any common man might .ear. #e kept hi .or$ an$ $agger. #his could still be some
trap+ #e ha$ "itt"e tr/t in #iG$ahr an$ "e in ReGnak mo ReGnak. 7he per,/me$ enecha" co/"$
.e"" be part o, thi- trying to "/re him into a ecret meeting o he co/"$ .eep /p him an$
SkahaG both an$ charge them .ith conpiring againt the king. If the Shaepate speaks treason,
he will leae me no choice but to arrest him+ 7izdahr is m! 3ueen/s consort, howeer little I ma!
like it+ *! dut! is to him, not Skahaz+
Hr .a it6
7he ,irt $/ty o, the >ingg/ar$ .a to $e,en$ the king ,rom harm or threat. 7he .hite
knight .ere .orn to obey the king4 comman$ a .e""- to keep hi ecret- co/ne" him .hen
co/ne" .a reA/ete$ an$ keep i"ent .hen it .a not- erve hi p"ea/re an$ $e,en$ hi name
an$ honor. Strict"y peaking- it .a p/re"y the king4 choice .hether or not to e:ten$ >ingg/ar$
protection to other- even thoe o, roya" b"oo$. Some king tho/ght it right an$ proper to
$ipatch >ingg/ar$ to erve an$ $e,en$ their .ive an$ chi"$ren- ib"ing- a/nt- /nc"e- an$
co/in o, greater an$ "eer $egree- an$ occaiona""y even their "over- mitree- an$ batar$.
B/t other pre,erre$ to /e ho/eho"$ knight an$ men(at(arm ,or thoe p/rpoe- .hi"t
keeping their even a their o.n perona" g/ar$- never ,ar ,rom their i$e.
If the 3ueen had commanded me to protect 7izdahr, I would hae had no choice but to obe!+
B/t 5aenery 7argaryen ha$ never etab"ihe$ a proper D/eeng/ar$ even ,or here", nor i/e$
any comman$ in repect to her conort. #he world was simpler when I had a lord commander to
decide such matters, Se"my re,"ecte$. 2ow I am the lord commander, and it is hard to know
which path is right+
3hen at "at he came to the bottom o, the "at ,"ight o, tep- he ,o/n$ hime", a"" b/t a"one
amongt the torch"it corri$or ini$e the pyrami$4 maive brick .a"". 7he great gate .ere
c"oe$ an$ barre$- a he ha$ anticipate$. +o/r BraGen Beat too$ g/ar$ o/ti$e thoe $oor-
,o/r more .ithin. &t .a thoe that the o"$ knight enco/ntere$@big men- make$ a boar- bear-
vo"e- an$ manticore.
2A"" A/iet- er-1 the bear to"$ him.
2>eep it o.1 &t .a not /nkno.n ,or Ser Barritan to .a"k aro/n$ at night- to make certain
the pyrami$ .a ec/re.
5eeper ini$e the pyrami$- another ,o/r BraGen Beat ha$ been et to g/ar$ the iron $oor
o/ti$e the pit .here %ierion an$ Rhaega" .ere chaine$. 7he "ight o, the torche himmere$ o,,
their mak@ape- ram- .o",- croco$i"e.
2#ave they been ,e$61 Ser Barritan ake$.
2Aye- er-1 rep"ie$ the ape. 2A heep apiece.1
And how long will that suffice, I wonder6 A the $ragon gre.- o $i$ their appetite.
&t .a time to ,in$ the Shavepate. Ser Barritan ma$e hi .ay pat the e"ephant an$ the
A/een4 i"ver mare- to the back o, the tab"e. An a nickere$ a he .ent by- an$ a ,e. o, the
hore tirre$ at the "ight o, hi "antern. C"e.ie a"" .a $ark an$ i"ent.
7hen a ha$o. $etache$ ite", ,rom ini$e an empty ta"" an$ became another BraGen Beat-
c"a$ in p"eate$ b"ack kirt- greave- an$ m/c"e$ breatp"ate. 2A cat61 ai$ Barritan Se"my .hen
he a. the bra beneath the hoo$. 3hen the Shavepate ha$ comman$e$ the BraGen Beat- he
ha$ ,avore$ a erpent4(hea$ mak- imperio/ an$ ,rightening.
2Cat go every.here-1 rep"ie$ the ,ami"iar voice o, SkahaG mo >an$aA. 2No one ever "ook at
them.1
2&, #iG$ahr ho/"$ "earn that yo/ are here81
23ho .i"" te"" him6 MarghaG6 MarghaG kno. .hat & .ant him to kno.. 7he Beat are ti""
mine. 5o not ,orget it.1 7he Shavepate4 voice .a m/,,"e$ by hi mak- b/t Se"my co/"$ hear
the anger in it. 2& have the poioner.1
23ho61
2#iG$ahr4 con,ectioner. #i name .o/"$ mean nothing to yo/. 7he man .a =/t a cat pa..
7he Son o, the #arpy took hi $a/ghter an$ .ore he .o/"$ be ret/rne$ /nharme$ once the
A/een .a $ea$. Be".a an$ the $ragon ave$ 5aenery. No one ave$ the gir". She .a ret/rne$
to her ,ather in the b"ack o, night- in nine piece. Hne ,or every year he "ive$.1
23hy61 5o/bt gna.e$ at him. 27he Son ha$ toppe$ their ki""ing. #iG$ahr4 peace@1
2@i a ham. Not at ,irt- no. 7he E/nkai4i .ere a,rai$ o, o/r A/een- o, her Fn/""ie$- o, her
$ragon. 7hi "an$ ha kno.n $ragon be,ore. E/rkhaG Go E/nGak ha$ rea$ hi hitorie- he
kne.. #iG$ahr a .e"". 3hy not a peace6 5aenery .ante$ it- they co/"$ ee that. 3ante$ it too
m/ch. She ho/"$ have marche$ to Atapor.1 SkahaG move$ c"oer. 27hat .a be,ore. 7he pit
change$ a"". 5aenery gone- E/rkhaG $ea$. &n p"ace o, one o"$ "ion- a pack o, =acka".
B"oo$bear$8 that one ha no tate ,or peace. An$ there i more. 3ore. %o"anti ha "a/nche$
it ,"eet againt /.1
2%o"anti.1 Se"my4 .or$ han$ ting"e$. We made a peace with &unkai+ 2ot with .olantis+
2Eo/ are certain61
2Certain. 7he 3ie Mater kno.. So $o their ,rien$. 7he #arpy- ReGnak- #iG$ahr. 7hi
king .i"" open the city gate to the %o"antene .hen they arrive. A"" thoe 5aenery ,ree$ .i"" be
en"ave$ again. Cven ome .ho .ere never "ave .i"" be ,itte$ ,or chain. Eo/ may en$ yo/r
$ay in a ,ighting pit- o"$ man. >hraGG .i"" eat yo/r heart.1
#i hea$ .a po/n$ing. 25aenery m/t be to"$.1
2+in$ her ,irt.1 SkahaG grape$ hi ,orearm. #i ,inger ,e"t "ike iron. 23e cannot .ait ,or
her. & have poken .ith the +ree Brother- the Mother4 Men- the Sta".art Shie"$. 7hey have no
tr/t in ?oraA. 3e m/t break the E/nkai4i. B/t .e nee$ the Fn/""ie$. Grey 3orm .i"" "iten to
yo/. Speak to him.1
27o .hat en$61 7e is speaking treason+ %onspirac!+
2?i,e.1 7he Shavepate4 eye .ere b"ack poo" behin$ the braGen cat mak. 23e m/t trike
be,ore the %o"antene arrive. Break the iege- ki"" the "aver "or$- t/rn their e"".or$. 7he
E/nkai4i $o not e:pect an attack. & have pie in their camp. 7here4 ickne- they ay- .ore
every $ay. 5icip"ine ha gone to rot. 7he "or$ are $r/nk more o,t than not- gorging theme"ve
at ,eat- te""ing each other o, the riche they4"" $ivi$e .hen Meereen ,a""- A/abb"ing over
primacy. B"oo$bear$ an$ the 7attere$ 9rince $epie each other. No one e:pect a ,ight. Not
no.. #iG$ahr4 peace ha "/""e$ / to "eep- they be"ieve.1
25aenery igne$ that peace-1 Ser Barritan ai$. 2&t i not ,or / to break it .itho/t her
"eave.1
2An$ i, he i $ea$61 $eman$e$ SkahaG. 23hat then- er6 & ay he .o/"$ .ant / to protect
her city. #er chi"$ren.1
#er chi"$ren .ere the ,ree$men. *h!sa, the! called her, all those whose chains she broke+
2*other+1 7he Shavepate .a not .rong. 5aenery .o/"$ .ant her chi"$ren protecte$. 23hat o,
#iG$ahr6 #e i ti"" her conort. #er king. #er h/ban$.1
2#er poioner.1
Is he6 23here i yo/r proo,61
27he cro.n he .ear i proo, eno/gh. 7he throne he it. Hpen yo/r eye- o"$ man. 7hat i a""
he nee$e$ ,rom 5aenery- a"" he ever .ante$. Hnce he ha$ it- .hy hare the r/"e61
Wh! indeed6 &t ha$ been o hot $o.n in the pit. #e co/"$ ti"" ee the air himmering above
the car"et an$- me"" the b"oo$ pi""ing ,rom the men .ho4$ $ie$ ,or their am/ement. An$ he
co/"$ ti"" hear #iG$ahr- /rging hi A/een to try the honeye$ "oc/t. #hose are er! tast!=
sweet and hot= !et he neer touched so much as one himself= Se"my r/bbe$ hi temp"e. I
swore no ows to 7izdahr zo "ora3+ And if I had, he has cast me aside, 9ust as -offre! did+
27hi8 thi con,ectioner- & .ant to A/etion him mye",. A"one.1
2& it that .ay61 7he Shavepate croe$ hi arm againt hi chet. 25one- then. D/etion him
a yo/ "ike.1
2&,8 i, .hat he ha to ay convince me8 i, & =oin .ith yo/ in thi- thi8 & .o/"$ reA/ire
yo/r .or$ that no harm .o/"$ come to #iG$ahr Go ?oraA /nti"8 /n"e8 it can be prove$ that
he ha$ ome part in thi.1
23hy $o yo/ care o m/ch ,or #iG$ahr- o"$ man6 &, he i not the #arpy- he i the #arpy4
,irtborn on.1
2A"" & kno. ,or certain i that he i the A/een4 conort. & .ant yo/r .or$ on thi- or & .ear- &
ha"" oppoe yo/.1
SkahaG4 mi"e .a avage. 2My .or$- then. No harm to #iG$ahr ti"" hi g/i"t i prove$. B/t
.hen .e have the proo,- & mean to ki"" him .ith my o.n han$. & .ant to p/"" hi entrai" o/t
an$ ho. them to him be,ore & "et him $ie.1
2o, the o"$ knight tho/ght. If 7izdahr conspired at m! 3ueen/s death, I will see to him m!self,
but his death will be swift and clean+ 7he go$ o, 3etero .ere ,ar a.ay- yet Ser Barritan
Se"my pa/e$ ,or a moment to ay a i"ent prayer- aking the Crone to "ight hi .ay to .i$om.
For the children, he to"$ hime",. For the cit!+ For m! 3ueen+
2& .i"" ta"k to Grey 3orm-1 he ai$.
THE IRON S.ITOR
Grief appeare$ a"one at $aybreak- her b"ack ai" tark againt the pa"e pink kie o, morning.
Fift!(four, %ictarion tho/ght o/r"y .hen they .oke him- and she sails alone+ Si"ent"y he
c/re$ the Storm Go$ ,or hi ma"ice- hi rage a b"ack tone in hi be""y. Where are m! ships6
#e ha$ et ai" ,rom the Shie"$ .ith ninety(three- o, the h/n$re$ that ha$ once ma$e /p the
&ron +"eet- a ,"eet be"onging not to a ing"e "or$ b/t to the Seatone Chair ite",- captaine$ an$
cre.e$ by men ,rom a"" the i"an$. Ship ma""er than the great .ar $romon$ o, the green
"an$- aye- b/t thrice the iGe o, any common "onghip- .ith $eep h/"" an$ avage ram- ,it to
meet the king4 o.n ,"eet in batt"e.
&n the Steptone they ha$ taken on grain an$ game an$ ,reh .ater- a,ter the "ong voyage
a"ong the b"eak an$ barren coat o, 5orne .ith it hoa" an$ .hir"poo". 7here- the Iron .ictor!
ha$ capt/re$ a ,at merchant hip- the great cog 2oble "ad!, on her .ay to H"$to.n by .ay o,
G/""to.n- 5/ken$a"e- an$ >ing4 ?an$ing- .ith a cargo o, a"t co$- .ha"e oi"- an$ pick"e$
herring. 7he ,oo$ .a a .e"come a$$ition to their tore. +ive other priGe taken in the Re$.yne
Straight an$ a"ong the 5ornih coat@three cog- a ga""ea- an$ a ga""ey@ha$ bro/ght their
n/mber to ninety(nine.
Nine(an$(ninety hip ha$ "e,t the Steptone in three pro/$ ,"eet- .ith or$er to =oin /p
again o,, the o/thern tip o, the &"e o, Ce$ar. +orty(,ive ha$ no. arrive$ on the ,ar i$e o, the
.or"$. 7.enty(t.o o, %ictarion4 o.n ha$ tragg"e$ in- by three an$ ,o/r- ometime a"oneI
,o/rteen o, Ra", the ?imper4I on"y nine o, thoe that ha$ ai"e$ .ith Re$ Ra", Stoneho/e. Re$
Ra", hime", .a amongt the miing. 7o their n/mber the ,"eet ha$ a$$e$ nine ne. priGe
taken on the ea- o the /m .a ,i,ty(,o/r8 b/t the capt/re$ hip .ere cog an$ ,ihing boat-
merchantmen an$ "aver- not .arhip. &n batt"e- they .o/"$ be poor /btit/te ,or the "ot
hip o, the &ron +"eet.
7he "at hip to appear ha$ been the *aiden/s Bane, three $ay previo/. 7he $ay be,ore that-
three hip ha$ come o/t o, the o/th together@hi captive 2oble "ad!, "/mbering a"ong
bet.een )aenfeeder an$ Iron ,iss+ B/t the $ay be,ore an$ the $ay be,ore there ha$ been
nothing- an$ on"y 7eadless -e!ne an$ Fear be,ore that- then t.o more $ay o, empty ea an$
c"o/$"e kie a,ter Ra", the ?imper appeare$ .ith the remnant o, hi A/a$ron. "ord :uellon,
White Widow, "amentation, Woe, "eiathan, Iron "ad!, )eaper/s Wind, an$ Warhammer, .ith
i: more hip behin$- t.o o, them torm(.racke$ an$ /n$er to..
2Storm-1 Ra", the ?imper ha$ m/ttere$ .hen he came cra."ing to %ictarion. 27hree big
torm- an$ ,o/" .in$ bet.een. Re$ .in$ o/t o, %a"yria that me""e$ o, ah an$ brimtone- an$
b"ack .in$ that $rove / to.ar$ that b"ighte$ hore. 7hi voyage .a c/re$ ,rom the ,irt. 7he
Cro.4 Cye ,ear yo/- my "or$- .hy e"e en$ yo/ o ,ar a.ay6 #e $oe not mean ,or / to
ret/rn.1
%ictarion ha$ tho/ght the ame .hen he met the ,irt torm a $ay o/t o, H"$ %o"anti. #he
gods hate kinsla!ers, he broo$e$- elsewise 0uron %row/s 0!e would hae died a dozen deaths b!
m! hand+ A the ea crahe$ aro/n$ him an$ the $eck roe an$ ,e"" beneath hi ,eet- he ha$ een
Dagon/s Feast an$ )ed #ide "amme$ together o vio"ent"y that both e:p"o$e$ into p"inter. *!
brother/s work, he4$ tho/ght. 7hoe .ere the ,irt t.o hip he4$ "ot ,rom hi o.n thir$ o, the
,"eet. B/t not the "at.
So he ha$ "appe$ the ?imper t.ice acro the ,ace an$ ai$- 27he ,irt i ,or the hip yo/
"ot- the econ$ ,or yo/r ta"k o, c/re. Speak o, that again an$ & .i"" nai" yo/r tong/e to the
mat. &, the Cro.4 Cye can make m/te- o can &.1 7he throb o, pain in hi "e,t han$ ma$e the
.or$ harher than they might have been e"e.ie- b/t he meant .hat he ai$. 2More hip .i""
come. 7he torm are $one ,or no.. & .i"" have my ,"eet.1
A monkey on the mat above ho."e$ $eriion- a"mot a i, it co/"$ tate hi ,r/tration.
Filth!, nois! beast+ #e co/"$ en$ a man /p a,ter it- b/t the monkey eeme$ to "ike that game
an$ ha$ prove$ theme"ve more agi"e than hi cre.. 7he ho." rang in hi ear- tho/gh- an$
ma$e the throbbing in hi han$ eem .ore.
2+i,ty(,o/r-1 he gr/mb"e$. &t .o/"$ have been too m/ch to hope ,or the ,/"" trength o, the
&ron +"eet a,ter a voyage o, /ch "ength8 b/t eventy hip- even eighty- the 5ro.ne$ Go$
might have grante$ him that m/ch. Would that we had the Damphair with us, or some other
priest+ %ictarion ha$ ma$e acri,ice be,ore etting ai"- an$ again in the Steptone .hen he p"it
the ,"eet in three- b/t perhap he ha$ ai$ the .rong prayer. #hat, or the Drowned 1od has no
power here+ More an$ more- he ha$ come to ,ear that they ha$ ai"e$ too ,ar- into trange ea
.here even the go$ .ere A/eer8 b/t /ch $o/bt he con,i$e$ on"y to hi $/ky .oman- .ho
ha$ no tong/e to repeat them.
3hen 1rief appeare$- %ictarion /mmone$ 3/",e Hne(Car. 2& .i"" .ant .or$ .ith the
%o"e. Sen$ .or$ to Ra", the ?imper- B"oo$"e 7om- an$ the B"ack Shepher$. A"" h/nting
partie are to be reca""e$- the hore camp broken /p by ,irt "ight. ?oa$ a m/ch ,r/it a can be
gathere$ an$ $rive the pig aboar$ the hip. 3e can "a/ghter them at nee$. Shark i to remain
here to te"" any tragg"er .here .e4ve gone.1 She .o/"$ nee$ that "ong to make repairI the
torm ha$ "e,t her "itt"e more than a h/"k. 7hat .o/"$ bring them $o.n to ,i,ty(three- b/t there
.a no he"p ,or it. 27he ,"eet $epart /pon the morro.- on the evening ti$e.1
2A yo/ comman$-1 ai$ 3/",e- 2b/t another $ay might mean another hip- "or$ Captain.1
2Aye. An$ ten $ay might mean ten hip- or none at a"". 3e have A/an$ere$ too many $ay
.aiting on the ight o, ai". H/r victory .i"" be that m/ch the .eeter i, .e .in it .ith a ma""er
,"eet.1 And I must needs reach the dragon 3ueen before the .olantenes+
&n %o"anti he ha$ een the ga""ey taking on proviion. 7he .ho"e city ha$ eeme$ $r/nk.
Sai"or an$ o"$ier an$ tinker ha$ been oberve$ $ancing in the treet .ith nob"e an$ ,at
merchant- an$ in every inn an$ .ineink c/p .ere being raie$ to the ne. triarch. A"" the ta"k
ha$ been o, the go"$ an$ gem an$ "ave that .o/"$ ,"oo$ into %o"anti once the $ragon A/een
.a $ea$. Hne $ay o, /ch report .a a"" that %ictarion Grey=oy co/"$ tomachI he pai$ the
go"$ price ,or ,oo$ an$ .ater- tho/gh it hame$ him- an$ took hi hip back o/t to ea.
7he torm .o/"$ have cattere$ an$ $e"aye$ the %o"antene- even a they ha$ hi o.n hip.
&, ,ort/ne mi"e$- many o, their .arhip might have /nk or r/n agro/n$. B/t not a"". No go$
.a that goo$- an$ thoe green ga""ey that /rvive$ by no. co/"$ .e"" have ai"e$ aro/n$
%a"yria. #he! will be sweeping north toward *eereen and &unkai, great dromonds of war
teeming with slae soldiers+ If the Storm 1od spared them, b! now the! could be in the 1ulf of
1rief+ #hree hundred ships, perhaps as man! as fie hundred+ 7heir a""ie .ere a"rea$y o,,
Meereen' E/nkihmen an$ Atapor- men ,rom Ne. Ghi an$ Darth an$ 7o"o an$ the Storm
Go$ kne. .here e"e- even Meereen4 o.n .arhip- the one that ,"e$ the city be,ore it ,a"".
Againt a"" that- %ictarion ha$ ,o/r(an$(,i,ty. 7hree(an$(,i,ty- "e the Shark+
7he Cro.4 Cye ha$ ai"e$ ha",.ay acro the .or"$- reaving an$ p"/n$ering ,rom Darth to
7a"" 7ree 7o.n- ca""ing at /nho"y port beyon$ .here on"y ma$men .ent. C/ron ha$ even
brave$ the Smoking Sea an$ "ive$ to te"" o, it. And that with onl! one ship+ If he can mock the
gods, so can I+
2Aye- Captain-1 ai$ 3/",e Hne(Car. #e .a not ha", the man that N/te the Barber .a- b/t
the Cro.4 Cye ha$ to"en N/te. By raiing him to ?or$ o, Hakenhie"$- hi brother ma$e
%ictarion4 bet man hi o.n. 2& it ti"" to be Meereen61
23here e"e6 7he $ragon A/een a.ait me in Meereen.1 #he fairest woman in the world if m!
brother could be belieed+ 7er hair is siler(gold, her e!es are ameth!sts+
3a it too m/ch to hope that ,or once C/ron ha$ to"$ it tr/e6 $erhaps+ ?ike a not- the gir"
.o/"$ prove to be ome pock(,ace$ "attern .ith teat "apping againt her knee- her 2$ragon1
no more than tattooe$ "iGar$ ,rom the .amp o, Sothoryo. If she is all that 0uron claims,
though= 7hey ha$ hear$ ta"k o, the bea/ty o, 5aenery 7argaryen ,rom the "ip o, pirate in the
Steptone an$ ,at merchant in H"$ %o"anti. &t might be tr/e. An$ C/ron ha$ not ma$e
%ictarion a gi,t o, herI the Cro.4 Cye meant to take her ,or hime",. 7e sends me like a sering
man to fetch her+ 7ow he will howl when I claim her for m!self+ ?et the men m/tter. 7hey ha$
ai"e$ too ,ar an$ "ot too m/ch ,or %ictarion to t/rn .et .itho/t hi priGe.
7he iron captain c"oe$ hi goo$ han$ into a ,it. 2Go ee that my comman$ are carrie$ o/t.
An$ ,in$ the maeter .herever he i hi$ing an$ en$ him to my cabin.1
2Aye.1 3/",e hobb"e$ o,,.
%ictarion Grey=oy t/rne$ back to.ar$ the pro.- hi gaGe .eeping acro hi ,"eet. ?onghip
,i""e$ the ea- ai" ,/r"e$ an$ oar hippe$- ,"oating at anchor or r/n /p on the pa"e an$ hore.
#he Isle of %edars+ 3here .ere thee ce$ar6 5ro.ne$ ,o/r h/n$re$ year ago- it eeme$.
%ictarion ha$ gone ahore a $oGen time- h/nting ,reh meat- an$ ha$ yet to ee a ce$ar.
7he gir"ih maeter C/ron ha$ in,"icte$ /pon him back in 3etero c"aime$ thi p"ace ha$
once been ca""e$ Jthe &"e o, a #/n$re$ Batt"e-4 b/t the men .ho ha$ ,o/ght thoe batt"e ha$ a""
gone to $/t cent/rie ago. #he Isle of *onke!s, that/s what the! should call it+ 7here .ere pig
a .e""' the bigget- b"acket boar that any o, the ironborn ha$ ever een an$ p"enty o, A/ea"ing
pig"et in the br/h- bo"$ creat/re that ha$ no ,ear o, man. #he! were learning, though+ 7he
"ar$er o, the &ron +"eet .ere ,i""ing /p .ith moke$ ham- a"te$ pork- an$ bacon.
7he monkey- tho/gh8 the monkey .ere a p"ag/e. %ictarion ha$ ,orbi$$en hi men to bring
any o, the $emonic creat/re aboar$ hip- yet omeho. ha", hi ,"eet .a no. in,ete$ .ith
them- even hi o.n Iron .ictor!+ #e co/"$ ee ome no.- .inging ,rom par to par an$ hip to
hip. Would that I had a crossbow+
%ictarion $i$ not "ike thi ea- nor thee en$"e c"o/$"e kie- nor the b"aGing /n that beat
$o.n on their hea$ an$ bake$ the $eck /nti" the boar$ .ere hot eno/gh to corch bare ,eet.
#e $i$ not "ike thee torm- .hich eeme$ to come /p o/t o, no.here. 7he ea aro/n$ 9yke
.ere o,ten tormy- b/t there at "eat a man co/"$ me"" them coming. 7hee o/thron torm
.ere a treachero/ a .omen. Cven the .ater .a the .rong co"or@a himmering t/rA/oie
c"oe to hore- an$ ,arther o/t a b"/e o $eep that it .a a"mot b"ack. %ictarion mie$ the grey(
green .ater o, home- .ith their .hitecap an$ /rge.
#e $i$ not "ike thi &"e o, Ce$ar either. 7he h/nting might be goo$- b/t the ,oret .ere too
green an$ ti""- ,/"" o, t.ite$ tree an$ A/eer bright ,"o.er "ike none hi men ha$ ever een
be,ore- an$ there .ere horror "/rking amongt the broken pa"ace an$ hattere$ tat/e o,
$ro.ne$ %e"o- ha", a "eag/e north o, the point .here the ,"eet "ay at anchor. 7he "at time
%ictarion ha$ pent a night ahore- hi $ream ha$ been $ark an$ $it/rbing an$ .hen he .oke
hi mo/th .a ,/"" o, b"oo$. 7he maeter ai$ he ha$ bitten hi o.n tong/e in hi "eep- b/t he
took it ,or a ign ,rom the 5ro.ne$ Go$- a .arning that i, he "ingere$ here too "ong- he .o/"$
choke on hi o.n b"oo$.
Hn the $ay the 5oom came to %a"yria- it .a ai$- a .a"" o, .ater three h/n$re$ ,eet high ha$
$ecen$e$ on the i"an$- $ro.ning h/n$re$ o, tho/an$ o, men- .omen- an$ chi"$ren- "eaving
none to te"" the ta"e b/t ome ,iher,o"k .ho ha$ been at ea an$ a han$,/" o, %e"oi pearmen
pote$ in a to/t tone to.er on the i"an$4 highet hi""- .ho ha$ een the hi"" an$ va""ey
beneath them t/rn into a raging ea. +air %e"o .ith it pa"ace o, ce$ar an$ pink marb"e ha$
vanihe$ in a heartbeat. Hn the north en$ o, the i"an$- the ancient brick .a"" an$ teppe$
pyrami$ o, the "aver port GhoGai ha$ /,,ere$ the ame ,ate.
So man! drowned men, the Drowned 1od will be strong there, %ictarion ha$ tho/ght .hen he
choe the i"an$ ,or the three part o, hi ,"eet to =oin /p again. #e .a no priet- tho/gh. 3hat i,
he ha$ gotten it back.ar$6 9erhap the 5ro.ne$ Go$ ha$ $etroye$ the i"an$ in hi .roth. #i
brother Aeron might have kno.n- b/t the 5amphair .a back on the &ron &"an$- preaching
againt the Cro.4 Cye an$ hi r/"e. 2o godless man ma! sit the Seastone %hair+ Eet the
captain an$ king ha$ crie$ ,or C/ron at the kingmoot- chooing him above %ictarion an$ other
go$"y men.
7he morning /n .a hining o,, the .ater in ripp"e o, "ight too bright to "ook /pon.
%ictarion4 hea$ ha$ beg/n to po/n$- tho/gh .hether ,rom the /n- hi han$- or the $o/bt that
tro/b"e$ him- he co/"$ not ay. #e ma$e hi .ay be"o. to hi cabin- .here the air .a coo" an$
$im. 7he $/ky .oman kne. .hat he .ante$ .itho/t hi even aking. A he eae$ hime", into
hi chair- he took a o,t $amp c"oth ,rom the bain an$ "ai$ it acro hi bro.. 2Goo$-1 he ai$.
2Goo$. An$ no. the han$.1
7he $/ky .oman ma$e no rep"y. C/ron ha$ "ice$ her tong/e o/t be,ore giving her to him.
%ictarion $i$ not $o/bt that the Cro.4 Cye ha$ be$$e$ her a .e"". 7hat .a hi brother4 .ay.
0uron/s gifts are poisoned, the captain ha$ remin$e$ hime", the $ay the $/ky .oman came
aboar$. I want none of his leaings+ #e ha$ $eci$e$ then that he .o/"$ "it her throat an$ to her
in the ea- a b"oo$ acri,ice to the 5ro.ne$ Go$. Someho.- tho/gh- he ha$ never A/ite gotten
aro/n$ to it.
7hey ha$ come a "ong .ay ince. %ictarion co/"$ ta"k to the $/ky .oman. She never
attempte$ to ta"k back. 21rief i the "at-1 he to"$ her- a he eae$ hi g"ove o,,. 27he ret are
"ot or "ate or /nk.1 #e grimace$ a the .oman "i$ the point o, her kni,e beneath the oi"e$
"inen .o/n$ abo/t hi hie"$ han$. 2Some .i"" ay & ho/"$ not have p"it the ,"eet. +oo". Nine(
an$(ninety hip .e ha$8 a c/mberome beat to hepher$ acro the ea to the ,ar en$ o, the
.or"$. &, &4$ kept them together- the ,ater hip .o/"$ have been he"$ hotage to the "o.et.
An$ .here to ,in$ proviion ,or o many mo/th6 No port .ant o many .arhip in their
.ater. 7he torm .o/"$ have cattere$ /- in any cae. ?ike "eave tre.n acro the S/mmer
Sea.1
&ntea$ he ha$ broken the great ,"eet into A/a$ron- an$ ent each by a $i,,erent ro/te to
S"aver4 Bay. 7he .i,tet hip he gave to Re$ Ra", Stoneho/e to ai" the corair4 roa$ a"ong
the northern coat o, Sothoryo. 7he $ea$ citie rotting on that ,ervi$- .e"tering hore .ere bet
avoi$e$- every eamen kne.- b/t in the m/$(an$(b"oo$ to.n o, the Bai"ik &"e- teeming
.ith ecape$ "ave- "aver- kinner- .hore- h/nter- brin$"e$ men- an$ .ore- there .ere
a".ay proviion to be ha$ ,or men .ho .ere not a,rai$ to pay the iron price.
7he "arger- heavier- "o.er hip ma$e ,or ?y- to e"" the captive taken on the Shie"$- the
.omen an$ chi"$ren o, ?or$ #e.ett4 7o.n an$ other i"an$- a"ong .ith /ch men .ho
$eci$e$ they .o/"$ ooner yie"$ than $ie. %ictarion ha$ on"y contempt ,or /ch .eak"ing. Cven
o- the e""ing "e,t a ,o/" tate in hi mo/th. 7aking a man a thra"" or a .oman a a a"t .i,e- that
.a right an$ proper- b/t men .ere not goat or ,o." to be bo/ght an$ o"$ ,or go"$. #e .a g"a$
to "eave the e""ing to Ra", the ?imper- .ho .o/"$ /e the coin to "oa$ hi big hip .ith
proviion ,or the "ong "o. mi$$"e paage eat.
#i o.n hip crept a"ong the hore o, the 5ip/te$ ?an$ to take on ,oo$ an$ .ine an$
,reh .ater at %o"anti be,ore .inging o/th aro/n$ %a"yria. 7hat .a the mot common .ay
eat- an$ the one mot heavi"y tra,,icke$- .ith priGe ,or the taking an$ ma"" i"an$ .here they
co/"$ he"ter $/ring torm- make repair- an$ rene. their tore i, nee$ be.
2+o/r(an$(,i,ty hip i too ,e.-1 he to"$ the $/ky .oman- 2b/t & can .ait no "onger. 7he
on"y .ay1@#e gr/nte$ a he pee"e$ the ban$age o,,- tearing a cr/t o, cab a .e"". 7he ,"eh
beneath .a green an$ b"ack .here the .or$ ha$ "ice$ him.@2the on"y .ay to $o thi i to
take the "aver /na.are- a once & $i$ at ?anniport. S.eep in ,rom the ea an$ mah them-
then take the gir" an$ race ,or home be,ore the %o"antene $ecen$ /pon /.1 %ictarion .a no
craven- b/t no more .a he a ,oo"I he co/"$ not $e,eat three h/n$re$ hip .ith ,i,ty(,o/r.
2She4"" be my .i,e- an$ yo/ .i"" be her mai$.1 A mai$ .itho/t a tong/e co/"$ never "et "ip any
ecret.
#e might have ai$ more- b/t that .a .hen the maeter came- rapping at the cabin $oor a
timi$ a a mo/e. 2Cnter-1 %ictarion ca""e$ o/t- 2an$ bar the $oor. Eo/ kno. .hy yo/ are here.1
2?or$ Captain.1 7he maeter "ooke$ "ike a mo/e a .e""- .ith hi grey robe an$ "itt"e bro.n
m/tachio. Does he think that makes him look more manl!6 >er.in .a hi name. #e .a very
yo/ng- t.o(an$(t.enty maybe. 2May & ee yo/r han$61 he ake$.
A fool/s 3uestion+ Maeter ha$ their /e- b/t %ictarion ha$ nothing b/t contempt ,or thi
>er.in. 3ith hi mooth pink cheek- o,t han$- an$ bro.n c/r"- he "ooke$ more gir"ih than
mot gir". 3hen ,irt he came aboar$ the Iron .ictor!, he ha$ a mirky "itt"e mi"e too- b/t one
night o,, the Steptone he ha$ mi"e$ at the .rong man- an$ B/rton #/mb"e ha$ knocke$ o/t
,o/r o, hi teeth. Not "ong a,ter that >er.in ha$ come creeping to the captain to comp"ain that
,o/r o, the cre. ha$ $ragge$ him be"o.$eck an$ /e$ him a a .oman. 2#ere i ho. yo/ p/t
an en$ to that-1 %ictarion ha$ to"$ him- "amming a $agger $o.n on the tab"e bet.een them.
>er.in took the b"a$e@too a,rai$ to re,/e it- the captain =/$ge$@b/t he ha$ never /e$ it.
2My han$ i here-1 %ictarion ai$. 2?ook a"" yo/ "ike.1
Maeter >er.in .ent $o.n to one knee- the better to inpect the .o/n$. #e even ni,,e$ at it-
"ike a $og. 2& .i"" nee$ to "et the p/ again. 7he co"or8 "or$ Captain- the c/t i not hea"ing. &t
may be that & .i"" nee$ to take yo/r han$.1
7hey ha$ ta"ke$ o, thi be,ore. 2&, yo/ take my han$- & .i"" ki"" yo/. B/t ,irt & .i"" tie yo/
over the rai" an$ make the cre. a gi,t o, yo/r are. Get on .ith it.1
27here .i"" be pain.1
2A".ay.1 "ife is pain, !ou fool+ #here is no 9o! but in the Drowned 1od/s water! halls+ 25o
it.1
7he boy@it .a har$ to think o, one o o,t an$ pink a a man@"ai$ the e$ge o, the $agger
acro the captain4 pa"m an$ "ahe$. 7he p/ that b/rt ,orth .a thick an$ ye""o. a o/r mi"k.
7he $/ky .oman .rink"e$ her noe at the me""- the maeter gagge$- an$ even %ictarion
hime", ,e"t hi tomach ch/rn. 2C/t $eeper. Get it a"". Sho. me the b"oo$.1
Maeter >er.in pree$ the $agger $eep. 7hi time it h/rt- b/t b"oo$ .e""e$ /p a .e"" a p/-
b"oo$ o $ark that it "ooke$ b"ack in the "antern "ight.
B"oo$ .a goo$. %ictarion gr/nte$ in approva". #e at there /n,"inching a the maeter
$abbe$ an$ A/eeGe$ an$ c"eane$ the p/ a.ay .ith A/are o, o,t c"oth boi"e$ in vinegar. By
the time he ,inihe$- the c"ean .ater in hi bain ha$ become a c/mmy o/p. 7he ight a"one
.o/"$ icken any man. 27ake that ,i"th an$ go.1 %ictarion no$$e$ at the $/ky .oman. 2She can
bin$ me /p.1
Cven a,ter the boy ha$ ,"e$- the tink remaine$. H, "ate- there .a no ecaping it. 7he maeter
ha$ /ggete$ that the .o/n$ might bet be $raine$ /p on $eck- ami$t ,reh air an$ /n"ight-
b/t %ictarion ,orba$e it. 7hi .a not omething that hi cre. co/"$ ee. 7hey .ere ha", a .or"$
a.ay ,rom home- too ,ar to "et them ee that their iron captain ha$ beg/n to r/t.
#i "e,t han$ ti"" throbbe$@a $/"" pain- b/t peritent. 3hen he c"oe$ hi han$ into a ,it it
harpene$- a i, a kni,e .ere tabbing /p hi arm. 2ot a knife, a longsword+ A longsword in the
hand of a ghost+ Serry- that ha$ been hi name. A knight- an$ heir to So/thhie"$. I killed him,
but he stabs at me from be!ond the grae+ From the hot heart of whateer hell I sent him to, he
thrusts his steel into m! hand and twists+
%ictarion remembere$ the ,ight a i, it ha$ been yeter$ay. #i hie"$ ha$ been in har$-
hanging /e"e ,rom hi arm- o .hen Serry4 "ong.or$ came ,"ahing $o.n he ha$ reache$ /p
an$ ca/ght it. 7he trip"ing ha$ been tronger than he "ooke$I hi b"a$e bit thro/gh the "obtere$
tee" o, the captain4 ga/nt"et an$ the pa$$e$ g"ove beneath into the meat o, hi pa"m. A scratch
from a little kitten, %ictarion to"$ hime", a,ter.ar$. #e ha$ .ahe$ the c/t- po/re$ ome boi"e$
vinegar over it- bo/n$ it /p- an$ tho/ght "itt"e more o, it- tr/ting that the pain .o/"$ ,a$e an$
the han$ hea" ite", in time.
&ntea$ the .o/n$ ha$ ,etere$- /nti" %ictarion began to .on$er .hether Serry4 b"a$e ha$
been poione$. 3hy e"e .o/"$ the c/t re,/e to hea"6 7he tho/ght ma$e him rage. No tr/e man
ki""e$ .ith poion. At Moat Cai"in the bog $evi" ha$ "ooe$ poione$ arro. at hi men- b/t that
.a to be e:pecte$ ,rom /ch $egra$e$ creat/re. Serry ha$ been a knight- highborn. 9oion .a
,or craven- .omen- an$ 5ornihmen.
2&, not Serry- .ho61 he ake$ the $/ky .oman. 2Co/"$ that mo/e o, a maeter be $oing
thi6 Maeter kno. pe"" an$ other trick. #e might be /ing one to poion me- hoping & .i""
"et him c/t my han$ o,,.1 7he more he tho/ght on it- the more "ike"y it eeme$. 27he Cro.4 Cye
gave him to me- .retche$ creat/re that he i.1 C/ron ha$ taken >er.in o,, Greenhie"$- .here
he ha$ been in ervice to ?or$ Cheter- ten$ing hi raven an$ teaching hi chi"$ren- or perhap
the other a.ay aro/n$. An$ ho. the mo/e ha$ A/ea"e$ .hen one o, C/ron4 m/te $e"ivere$
him aboar$ the Iron .ictor!, $ragging him a"ong by the convenient chain abo/t hi neck. 2&, thi
i hi revenge- he .rong me. &t .a C/ron .ho inite$ he be taken- to keep him ,rom making
michie, .ith hi bir$.1 #i brother ha$ given him three cage o, raven too- o >er.in co/"$
en$ back .or$ o, their voyaging- b/t %ictarion ha$ ,orbi$$en him to "ooe them. "et the
%row/s 0!e stew and wonder+
7he $/ky .oman .a bin$ing hi han$ .ith ,reh "inen- .rapping it i: time aro/n$ hi
pa"m- .hen ?ong.ater 9yke came po/n$ing at the cabin $oor to te"" him that the captain o,
1rief ha$ come aboar$ .ith a prioner. 2Say he4 bro/ght / a .iGar$- Captain. Say he ,ihe$
him ,rom the ea.1
2A .iGar$61 Co/"$ the 5ro.ne$ Go$ have ent a gi,t to him- here on the ,ar i$e o, the
.or"$6 #i brother Aeron .o/"$ have kno.n- b/t Aeron ha$ een the ma=ety o, the 5ro.ne$
Go$4 .atery ha"" be"o. the ea be,ore being ret/rne$ to "i,e. %ictarion ha$ a hea"thy ,ear o, hi
go$- a a"" men ho/"$- b/t p/t hi ,aith in tee". #e ,"e:e$ hi .o/n$e$ han$- grimacing- then
p/""e$ hi g"ove on an$ roe. 2Sho. me thi .iGar$.1
1rief 4 mater a.aite$ them on $eck. A ma"" man- a hairy a he .a home"y- he .a a
Sparr by birth. #i men ca""e$ him the %o"e. 2?or$ Captain-1 he ai$ .hen %ictarion appeare$-
2thi i MoAorro. A gi,t to / ,rom the 5ro.ne$ Go$.1
7he .iGar$ .a a monter o, a man- a ta"" a %ictarion hime", an$ t.ice a .i$e- .ith a
be""y "ike a bo/"$er an$ a tang"e o, bone(.hite hair that gre. abo/t hi ,ace "ike a "ion4 mane.
#i kin .a b"ack. Not the n/t bro.n o, the S/mmer &"an$er on their .an hip- nor the re$(
bro.n o, the 5othraki hore"or$- nor the charcoa"(an$(earth co"or o, the $/ky .oman4 kin-
b/t black+ B"acker than coa"- b"acker than =et- b"acker than a raven4 .ing. Burned, %ictarion
tho/ght- like a man who has been roasted in the flames until his flesh chars and crisps and falls
smoking from his bones+ 7he ,ire that ha$ charre$ him ti"" $ance$ acro hi cheek an$
,orehea$- .here hi eye peere$ o/t ,rom amongt a mak o, ,roGen ,"ame. Slae tattoos, the
captain kne.. *arks of eil+
23e ,o/n$ him c"inging to a broken par-1 ai$ the %o"e. 2#e .a ten $ay in the .ater a,ter
hi hip .ent $o.n.1
2&, he .ere ten $ay in the .ater- he4$ be $ea$- or ma$ ,rom $rinking ea.ater.1 Sa"t .ater
.a ho"yI Aeron 5amphair an$ other priet might b"e men .ith it an$ .a""o. a mo/th,/" or
t.o ,rom time to time to trengthen their ,aith- b/t no morta" man co/"$ $rink o, the $eep ea ,or
$ay at a time an$ hope to "ive. 2Eo/ c"aim to be a orcerer61 %ictarion ake$ the prioner.
2No- Captain-1 the b"ack man an.ere$ in the Common 7ong/e. #i voice .a o $eep it
eeme$ to come ,rom the bottom o, the ea. 2& am b/t a h/mb"e "ave o, R4h""or- the ?or$ o,
?ight.1
)/hllor+ A red priest, then+ %ictarion ha$ een /ch men in ,oreign citie- ten$ing their acre$
,ire. 7hoe ha$ .orn rich re$ robe o, i"k an$ ve"vet an$ "amb.oo". 7hi one .a $ree$ in
,a$e$- a"t(taine$ rag that c"/ng to hi thick "eg an$ h/ng abo/t hi toro in tatter8 b/t .hen
the captain peere$ at the rag more c"oe"y- it $i$ appear a i, they might once have been re$. 2A
pink priet-1 %ictarion anno/nce$.
2A $emon priet-1 ai$ 3/",e Hne(Car. #e pat. 2Might be hi robe ca/ght ,ire- o he
=/mpe$ overboar$ to p/t them o/t-1 /ggete$ ?ong.ater 9yke- to genera" "a/ghter. Cven the
monkey .ere am/e$. 7hey chattere$ overhea$- an$ one ,"/ng $o.n a han$,/" o, hi o.n hit
to patter on the boar$.
%ictarion Grey=oy mitr/te$ "a/ghter. 7he o/n$ o, it a".ay "e,t him .ith the /neay ,ee"ing
that he .a the b/tt o, ome =ape he $i$ not /n$ertan$. C/ron Cro.4 Cye ha$ o,t ma$e mock o,
him .hen they .ere boy. So ha$ Aeron- be,ore he ha$ become the 5amphair. 7heir mockery
o,t came $ig/ie$ a praie- an$ ometime %ictarion ha$ not even rea"iGe$ he .a being
mocke$. Not /nti" he hear$ the "a/ghter. 7hen came the anger- boi"ing /p in the back o, hi
throat /nti" he .a "ike to choke /pon the tate. 7hat .a ho. he ,e"t abo/t the monkey. 7heir
antic never bro/ght o m/ch a a mi"e to the captain4 ,ace- tho/gh hi cre. .o/"$ roar an$
hoot an$ .hit"e.
2Sen$ him $o.n to the 5ro.ne$ Go$ be,ore he bring a c/re /pon /-1 /rge$ B/rton
#/mb"e.
2A hip gone $o.n- an$ on"y him c"inging to the .reckage-1 ai$ 3/",e Hne(Car. 23here4
the cre.6 5i$ he ca"" $o.n $emon to $evo/r them6 3hat happene$ to thi hip61
2A torm.1 MoAorro croe$ hi arm againt hi chet. #e $i$ not appear ,rightene$- tho/gh
a"" aro/n$ him men .ere ca""ing ,or hi $eath. Cven the monkey $i$ not eem to "ike thi
.iGar$. 7hey "eapt ,rom "ine to "ine overhea$- creaming.
%ictarion .a /ncertain. 7e came out of the sea+ Wh! would the Drowned 1od cast him up
unless he meant for us to find him6 #i brother C/ron ha$ hi pet .iGar$. 9erhap the 5ro.ne$
Go$ meant ,or %ictarion to have one too. 23hy $o yo/ ay thi man i a .iGar$61 he ake$ the
%o"e. 2& ee on"y a ragge$ re$ priet.1
2& tho/ght the ame- "or$ Captain8 b/t he knows thing. #e kne. that .e ma$e ,or S"aver4
Bay be,ore any man co/"$ te"" him- an$ he kne. yo/ .o/"$ be here- o,, thi i"an$.1 7he ma""
man heitate$. 2?or$ Captain- he to"$ me8 he to"$ me yo/ .o/"$ /re"y $ie /n"e .e bro/ght
him to yo/.1
27hat I .o/"$ $ie61 %ictarion norte$. %ut his throat and throw him in the sea, he .a abo/t
to ay- /nti" a throb o, pain in hi ba$ han$ .ent tabbing /p hi arm a"mot to the e"bo.- the
agony o intene that hi .or$ t/rne$ to bi"e in hi throat. #e t/mb"e$ an$ eiGe$ the rai" to
keep ,rom ,a""ing.
27he orcerer4 c/re$ the captain-1 a voice ai$.
Hther men took /p the cry. 2%ut his throat; ,ill him before he calls his demons down on us;1
?ong.ater 9yke .a the ,irt to $ra. hi $irk. 22O;1 %ictarion be""o.e$. 2Stan$ back0 A"" o,
yo/. 9yke- p/t /p yo/r tee". %o"e- back to yo/r hip. #/mb"e- take the .iGar$ to my cabin. 7he
ret o, yo/- abo/t yo/r $/tie.1 +or ha", a heartbeat he .a not certain they .o/"$ obey. 7hey
too$ abo/t m/ttering- ha", .ith b"a$e to han$- each "ooking to the other ,or reo"ve. Monkey
hit raine$ $o.n aro/n$ them a""- splat splat splat+ No one move$ /nti" %ictarion eiGe$ the
orcerer by the arm an$ p/""e$ him to the hatch.ay.
A he opene$ the $oor to the captain4 cabin- the $/ky .oman t/rne$ to.ar$ him- i"ent an$
mi"ing8 b/t .hen he a. the re$ priet at hi i$e her "ip $re. back ,rom her teeth- an$ he
hissssse$ in /$$en ,/ry- "ike a nake. %ictarion gave her the back o, hi goo$ han$ an$ knocke$
her to the $eck. 2Be A/iet- .oman. 3ine ,or both o, /.1 #e t/rne$ to the b"ack man. 25i$ the
%o"e peak tr/e6 Eo/ a. my $eath61
27hat- an$ more.1
23here6 3hen6 3i"" & $ie in batt"e61 #i goo$ han$ opene$ an$ c"oe$. 2&, yo/ "ie to me- &
.i"" p"it yo/r hea$ open "ike a me"on an$ "et the monkey eat yo/r brain.1
2Eo/r $eath i .ith / no.- my "or$. Give me yo/r han$.1
2My han$. 3hat $o yo/ kno. o, my han$61
2& have een yo/ in the night,ire- %ictarion Grey=oy. Eo/ come tri$ing thro/gh the ,"ame
tern an$ ,ierce- yo/r great a:e $ripping b"oo$- b"in$ to the tentac"e that grap yo/ at .rit an$
neck an$ ank"e- the b"ack tring that make yo/ $ance.1
2Dance61 %ictarion brit"e$. 2Eo/r night,ire "ie. & .a not ma$e ,or $ancing- an$ & am no
man4 p/ppet.1 #e yanke$ o,, hi g"ove an$ hove$ hi ba$ han$ at the priet4 ,ace. 2#ere. &
thi .hat yo/ .ante$61 7he ne. "inen .a a"rea$y $ico"ore$ by b"oo$ an$ p/. 2#e ha$ a roe
on hi hie"$- the man .ho gave thi to me. & cratche$ my han$ on a thorn.1
2Cven the ma""et cratch can prove morta"- "or$ Captain- b/t i, yo/ .i"" a""o. me- & .i"" hea"
thi. & .i"" nee$ a b"a$e. Si"ver .o/"$ be bet- b/t iron .i"" erve. A braGier a .e"". & m/t nee$
"ight a ,ire. 7here .i"" be pain. 7errib"e pain- /ch a yo/ have never kno.n. B/t .hen .e are
$one- yo/r han$ .i"" be ret/rne$ to yo/.1
#he! are all the same, these magic men+ #he mouse warned me of pain as well+ 2& am
ironborn- priet. & "a/gh at pain. Eo/ .i"" have .hat yo/ reA/ire8 b/t i, yo/ ,ai"- an$ my han$ i
not hea"e$- & .i"" c/t yo/r throat mye", an$ give yo/ to the ea.1
MoAorro bo.e$- hi $ark eye hining. 2So be it.1
7he iron captain .a not een again that $ay- b/t a the ho/r pae$ the cre. o, hi Iron
.ictor! reporte$ hearing the o/n$ o, .i"$ "a/ghter coming ,rom the captain4 cabin- "a/ghter
$eep an$ $ark an$ ma$- an$ .hen ?ong.ater 9yke an$ 3/",e Hne(Cye trie$ the cabin $oor they
,o/n$ it barre$. ?ater inging .a hear$- a trange high .ai"ing ong in a tong/e the maeter ai$
.a #igh %a"yrian. 7hat .a .hen the monkey "e,t the hip- creeching a they "eapt into the
.ater.
Come /net- a the ea t/rne$ b"ack a ink an$ the .o""en /n tinte$ the ky a $eep an$
b"oo$y re$- %ictarion came back on $eck. #e .a nake$ ,rom the .ait /p- hi "e,t arm b"oo$ to
the e"bo.. A hi cre. gathere$- .hipering an$ tra$ing g"ance- he raie$ a charre$ an$
b"ackene$ han$. 3ip o, $ark moke roe ,rom hi ,inger a he pointe$ at the maeter. 27hat
one. C/t hi throat an$ thro. him in the ea- an$ the .in$ .i"" ,avor / a"" the .ay to Meereen.1
MoAorro ha$ een that in hi ,ire. #e ha$ een the .ench .e$ too- b/t .hat o, it6 She .o/"$ not
be the ,irt .oman %ictarion Grey=oy ha$ ma$e a .i$o..
T'RION
7he hea"er entere$ the tent m/rm/ring p"eaantrie- b/t one ni,, o, the ,o/" air an$ a g"ance
at EeGGan Go DaggaG p/t an en$ to that. 27he pa"e mare-1 the man to"$ S.eet.
What a surprise, 7yrion tho/ght. Who could hae guessed6 Aside from an! man with a nose
and me with half of one+ EeGGan .a b/rning .ith ,ever- A/irming ,it,/""y in a poo" o, hi o.n
e:crement. #i hit ha$ t/rne$ to bro.n "ime treake$ .ith b"oo$8 an$ it ,e"" to Eo""o an$
9enny to .ipe hi ye""o. bottom c"ean. Cven .ith aitance- their mater co/"$ not "i,t hi o.n
.eightI it took a"" hi ,ai"ing trength to ro"" onto one i$e.
2My art .i"" not avai" here-1 the hea"er anno/nce$. 27he nob"e EeGGan4 "i,e i in the han$
o, the go$. >eep him coo" i, yo/ can. Some ay that he"p. Bring him .ater.1 7hoe a,,"icte$ by
the pa"e mare .ere a".ay thirty- $rinking ga""on bet.een their hit. 2C"ean ,reh .ater- a
m/ch a he .i"" $rink.1
2Not river .ater-1 ai$ S.eet.
2By no mean.1 An$ .ith that- the hea"er ,"e$.
We need to flee as well, tho/ght 7yrion. #e .a a "ave in a go"$en co""ar- .ith "itt"e be"" that
tink"e$ cheer,/""y .ith every tep he took. One of &ezzan/s special treasures+ An honor
indistinguishable from a death warrant+ EeGGan Go DaggaG "ike$ to keep hi $ar"ing c"oe- o it
ha$ ,a""en to Eo""o an$ 9enny an$ S.eet an$ hi other trea/re to atten$ him .hen he gre.
ick.
$oor old &ezzan+ 7he "or$ o, /et .a not o ba$ a mater .ent. S.eet ha$ been right
abo/t that. Serving at hi night"y banA/et- 7yrion ha$ oon "earne$ that EeGGan too$ ,oremot
amongt thoe E/nkih "or$ .ho ,avore$ honoring the peace .ith Meereen. Mot o, the other
.ere on"y bi$ing their time- .aiting ,or the armie o, %o"anti to arrive. A ,e. .ante$ to aa/"t
the city imme$iate"y- "et the %o"antene rob them o, their g"ory an$ the bet part o, the p"/n$er.
EeGGan .o/"$ have no part o, that. Nor .o/"$ he conent to ret/rning Meereen4 hotage by
.ay o, treb/chet- a the e"".or$ B"oo$bear$ ha$ propoe$.
B/t m/ch an$ more can change in t.o $ay. 7.o $ay ago N/re ha$ been ha"e an$ hea"thy.
7.o $ay ago EeGGan ha$ not hear$ the pa"e mare4 ghot"y hoo,beat. 7.o $ay ago the ,"eet
o, H"$ %o"anti ha$ been t.o $ay ,arther o,,. An$ no.8
2& EeGGan going to $ie61 9enny ake$- in that p"eae(ay(it(i(not(o voice o, her.
23e are a"" going to $ie.1
2H, the ,"/:- & meant.1
S.eet gave them both a $eperate "ook. 2EeGGan must not $ie.1 7he hermaphro$ite troke$
the bro. o, their gargant/an mater- p/hing back hi .eat($amp hair. 7he E/nkihman
moane$- an$ another ,"oo$ o, bro.n .ater g/he$ $o.n hi "eg. #i be$$ing .a taine$ an$
tinking- b/t they ha$ no .ay to move him.
2Some mater ,ree their "ave .hen they $ie-1 ai$ 9enny.
S.eet tittere$. &t .a a ghat"y o/n$. 2Hn"y ,avorite. 7hey ,ree them ,rom the .oe o, the
.or"$- to accompany their be"ove$ mater to the grave an$ erve him in the a,ter"i,e.1
Sweets should know+ 7is will be the first throat slit+
7he goat boy poke /p. 27he i"ver A/een@1
2@i $ea$-1 inite$ S.eet. 2+orget her0 7he $ragon took her acro the river. She4
$ro.ne$ in that 5othraki ea.1
2Eo/ can4t $ro.n in grass,1 the goat boy ai$.
2&, .e .ere ,ree-1 ai$ 9enny- 2.e co/"$ ,in$ the A/een. Hr go earch ,or her- at "eat.1
&ou on !our dog and me on m! sow, chasing a dragon across the Dothraki sea+ 7yrion
cratche$ hi car to keep ,rom "a/ghing. 27hi partic/"ar $ragon ha a"rea$y evince$ a ,on$ne
,or roat pork. An$ roat $.ar, i t.ice a taty.1
2&t .a =/t a .ih-1 ai$ 9enny .it,/""y. 23e co/"$ ai" a.ay. 7here are hip again- no.
that the .ar i over.1
Is it6 7yrion .a inc"ine$ to $o/bt that. 9archment ha$ been igne$- b/t .ar .ere not
,o/ght on parchment.
23e co/"$ ai" to Darth-1 9enny .ent on. 27he treet are pave$ .ith =a$e there- my brother
a".ay ai$. 7he city .a"" are one o, the .on$er o, the .or"$. 3hen .e per,orm in Darth- go"$
an$ i"ver .i"" rain $o.n on /- yo/4"" ee.1
2Some o, thoe hip o/t on the bay are Dartheen-1 7yrion remin$e$ her. 2?oma ?ongtri$er
a. the .a"" o, Darth. #i book /,,ice ,or me. & have gone a ,ar eat a & inten$ to go.1
S.eet $abbe$ at EeGGan4 ,evere$ ,ace .ith a $amp c"oth. 2EeGGan m/t "ive. Hr .e a"" $ie
.ith him. 7he pa"e mare $oe not carry o,, every ri$er. 7he mater .i"" recover.1
7hat .a a ba"$(,ace$ "ie. &t .o/"$ be a .on$er i, EeGGan "ive$ another $ay. 7he "or$ o, /et
.a a"rea$y $ying ,rom .hatever hi$eo/ $ieae he ha$ bro/ght back ,rom Sothoryo- it
eeme$ to 7yrion. 7hi .o/"$ =/t haten hi en$. A merc!, reall!+ B/t not the ort the $.ar,
crave$ ,or hime",. 27he hea"er ai$ he nee$ ,reh .ater. 3e .i"" ee to that.1
27hat i goo$ o, yo/.1 S.eet o/n$e$ n/mb. &t .a more than =/t ,ear o, having her throat
c/tI a"one amongt EeGGan4 trea/re- he act/a""y eeme$ ,on$ o, their immene mater.
29enny- come .ith me.1 7yrion opene$ the tent ,"ap an$ /here$ her o/t into the heat o, a
Meereenee morning. 7he air .a m/ggy an$ oppreive- yet ti"" a .e"come re"ie, ,rom the
miama o, .eat- hit- an$ ickne that ,i""e$ the ini$e o, EeGGan4 pa"atia" pavi"ion.
23ater .i"" he"p the mater-1 9enny ai$. 27hat4 .hat the hea"er ai$- it m/t be o. S.eet
,reh .ater.1
2S.eet ,reh .ater $i$n4t he"p N/re.1 $oor old 2urse+ EeGGan4 o"$ier ha$ toe$ him
onto the corpe .agon "at night at $/k- another victim o, the pa"e mare. 3hen men are $ying
every ho/r- no one "ook too har$ at one more $ea$ man- epecia""y one a .e"" $epie$ a
N/re. EeGGan4 other "ave ha$ re,/e$ to go near the overeer once the cramp began- o it
.a "e,t to 7yrion to keep him .arm an$ bring him $rink. Watered wine and lemonsweet and
some nice hot dogtail soup, with sliers of mushroom in the broth+ Drink it down, 2urse!, that
shitwater s3uirting from !our arse needs to be replaced+ 7he "at .or$ N/re ever ai$ .a-
2No.1 7he "at .or$ he ever hear$ .ere- 2A ?anniter a".ay pay hi $ebt.1
7yrion ha$ kept the tr/th o, that ,rom 9enny- b/t he nee$e$ to /n$ertan$ ho. thing too$
.ith their mater. 2&, EeGGan "ive to ee the /nrie- &4"" be t/nne$.1
She c"/tche$ hi arm. 23hat .i"" happen to /61
2#e ha heir. Nephe..1 +o/r /ch ha$ come .ith EeGGan ,rom E/nkai to comman$ hi
"ave o"$ier. Hne .a $ea$- "ain by 7argaryen e"".or$ $/ring a ortie. 7he other three
.o/"$ $ivi$e the ye""o. enormity4 "ave amongt them- "ike a not. 3hether any o, the
nephe. hare$ EeGGan4 ,on$ne ,or cripp"e- ,reak- an$ groteA/e .a ,ar "e certain. 2Hne
o, them may inherit /. Hr .e co/"$ en$ /p back on the a/ction b"ock.1
2No.1 #er eye got big. 2Not that. 9"eae.1
2&t i not a propect & re"ih either.1
A ,e. yar$ a.ay- i: o, EeGGan4 "ave o"$ier .ere A/atting in the $/t- thro.ing the
bone an$ paing a .inekin ,rom han$ to han$. Hne .a the er=eant ca""e$ Scar- a b"ack(
tempere$ br/te .ith a hea$ a mooth a tone an$ the ho/"$er o, an o:. %leer as an o8 too,
7yrion reca""e$.
#e .a$$"e$ to.ar$ them. 2Scar-1 he barke$ o/t- 2the nob"e EeGGan ha nee$ o, ,reh- c"ean
.ater. 7ake t.o men an$ bring back a many pai" a yo/ can carry. An$ be A/ick abo/t it.1
7he o"$ier broke o,, their game. Scar roe to hi ,eet- bro. beet"ing. 23hat $i$ yo/ ay-
$.ar,6 3ho $o yo/ think yo/ are61
2Eo/ kno. .ho & am. Eo""o. Hne o, o/r "or$4 trea/re. No. $o a & to"$ yo/.1
7he o"$ier "a/ghe$. 2Go on- Scar-1 one mocke$- 2an$ be A/ick abo/t it. EeGGan4 monkey
gave yo/ a comman$.1
2Eo/ $o not te"" o"$ier .hat to $o-1 Scar ai$.
2So"$ier61 7yrion a,,ecte$ p/GG"ement. 2S"ave- i .hat & ee. Eo/ .ear a co""ar ro/n$ yo/r
neck the ame a me.1
7he avage backhan$ b"o. Scar $ea"t him knocke$ him to the gro/n$ an$ broke hi "ip.
2EeGGan4 co""ar. Not yo/r.1
7yrion .ipe$ the b"oo$ ,rom hi p"it "ip .ith the back o, hi han$. 3hen he trie$ to rie- one
"eg .ent o/t ,rom /n$er him- an$ he t/mb"e$ back onto hi knee. #e nee$e$ 9enny4 he"p to
regain hi ,eet. 2S.eet ai$ the mater m/t have .ater-1 he ai$ in hi bet .hine.
2S.eet can go ,/ck hime",. #e4 ma$e ,or it. 3e $on4t take comman$ ,rom that ,reak
neither.1
2o, tho/ght 7yrion. Cven amongt "ave there .ere "or$ an$ peaant- a he ha$ been A/ick
to "earn. 7he hermaphro$ite ha$ "ong been their mater4 pecia" pet- in$/"ge$ an$ ,avore$- an$
the nob"e EeGGan4 other "ave hate$ him ,or it.
7he o"$ier .ere acc/tome$ to taking their comman$ ,rom their mater an$ their overeer.
B/t N/re .a $ea$ an$ EeGGan too ick to name a /cceor. A ,or the three nephe.- thoe
brave ,ree men ha$ remembere$ /rgent b/ine e"e.here at the ,irt o/n$ o, the pa"e mare4
hoove.
27he .(.ater-1 ai$ 7yrion- cringing. 2Not river .ater- the hea"er ai$. C"ean- ,reh .e""
.ater.1
Scar gr/nte$. 2&ou go ,or it. An$ be A/ick abo/t it.1
2F61 7yrion e:change$ a hope"e g"ance .ith 9enny. 23ater4 heavy. 3e4re not o trong
a yo/. Can .e8 can .e take the m/"e cart61
27ake yo/r "eg.1
23e4"" nee$ to make a $oGen trip.1
2Make a h/n$re$ trip. &t4 no hit to me.1
2!/t the t.o o, /8 .e .on4t be ab"e to carry a"" the .ater that the mater nee$.1
27ake yo/r bear-1 /ggete$ Scar. 2+etching .ater i abo/t a"" that one i goo$ ,or.1
7yrion backe$ a.ay. 2A yo/ ay- mater.1
Scar grinne$. *aster+ Oh, he liked that+ 2Morgo- bring the key. Eo/ ,i"" the pai" an$ come
right back- $.ar,. Eo/ kno. .hat happen to "ave .ho try to ecape.1
2Bring the pai"-1 7yrion to"$ 9enny. #e .ent o,, .ith the man Morgo to ,etch Ser !orah
Mormont ,rom hi cage.
7he knight ha$ not a$apte$ .e"" to bon$age. 3hen ca""e$ /pon to p"ay the bear an$ carry o,,
the mai$en ,air- he ha$ been /""en an$ /ncooperative- h/,,"ing "i,e"e"y thro/gh hi pace
.hen he $eigne$ to take part in their m/mmery at a"". 7ho/gh he ha$ not attempte$ ecape- nor
o,,ere$ vio"ence to hi captor- he .o/"$ ignore their comman$ o,t a not or rep"y .ith m/ttere$
c/re. None o, thi ha$ am/e$ N/re- .ho ma$e hi $ip"ea/re c"ear by con,ining Mormont in
an iron cage an$ having him beaten every evening a the /n ank into S"aver4 Bay. 7he knight
aborbe$ the beating i"ent"yI the on"y o/n$ .ere the m/ttere$ c/re o, the "ave .ho beat
him an$ the $/"" thuds o, their c"/b po/n$ing againt Ser !orah4 br/ie$ an$ battere$ ,"eh.
#he man is a shell, 7yrion tho/ght- the ,irt time he a. the big knight beaten. I should hae
held m! tongue and let Dahrina hae him+ It might hae been a kinder fate than this+
Mormont emerge$ ,rom the crampe$ con,ine o, the cage bent an$ A/inting- .ith both eye
b"ackene$ an$ hi back cr/ty .ith $rie$ b"oo$. #i ,ace .a o br/ie$ an$ .o""en that he
har$"y "ooke$ h/man. #e .a nake$ e:cept ,or a breechc"o/t- a ,i"thy bit o, ye""o. rag. 2Eo/4re
to he"p them carry .ater-1 Morgo to"$ him.
Ser !orah4 on"y rep"y .a a /""en tare. Some men would sooner die free than lie a slae, I
suppose+ 7yrion .a not tricken .ith that a,,"iction hime",- thank,/""y- b/t i, Mormont
m/r$ere$ Morgo- the other "ave might not $ra. that $itinction. 2Come-1 he ai$- be,ore the
knight $i$ omething brave an$ t/pi$. #e .a$$"e$ o,, an$ hope$ Mormont .o/"$ ,o""o..
7he go$ .ere goo$ ,or once. Mormont ,o""o.e$.
7.o pai" ,or 9enny- t.o ,or 7yrion- an$ ,o/r ,or Ser !orah- t.o in either han$. 7he nearet
.e"" .a o/th an$ .et o, the #arri$an- o they et o,, in that $irection- the be"" on their co""ar
ringing merri"y .ith every tep. No one pai$ them any min$. 7hey .ere =/t "ave ,etching
.ater ,or their mater. 3earing a co""ar con,erre$ certain a$vantage- partic/"ar"y a gi"$e$ co""ar
incribe$ .ith the name o, EeGGan Go DaggaG. 7he chime o, thoe "itt"e be"" proc"aime$ their
va"/e to anyone .ith ear. A "ave .a on"y a important a hi materI EeGGan .a the richet
man in the Ee""o. City an$ ha$ bro/ght i: h/n$re$ "ave o"$ier to the .ar- even i, he $i$ "ook
"ike a montro/ ye""o. "/g an$ me"" o, pi. 7heir co""ar gave them "eave to go any.here
they might .ih .ithin the camp.
<ntil &ezzan dies+
7he C"anker ?or$ ha$ their "ave o"$ier $ri""ing in the nearet ,ie"$. 7he c"atter o, the
chain that bo/n$ them ma$e a harh meta""ic m/ic a they marche$ acro the an$ in "ocktep
an$ ,orme$ /p .ith their "ong pear. C"e.here team o, "ave .ere raiing ramp o, tone an$
an$ beneath their mangone" an$ corpion- ang"ing them /p.ar$ at the ky- the better to $e,en$
the camp ho/"$ the b"ack $ragon ret/rn. &t ma$e the $.ar, mi"e to ee them .eating an$
c/ring a they .ret"e$ the heavy machine onto the inc"ine. Crobo. .ere m/ch in
evi$ence a .e"". Cvery other man eeme$ to be c"/tching one- .ith a A/iver,/"" o, bo"t hanging
,rom hi hip.
&, anyone ha$ tho/ght to ak him- 7yrion co/"$ have to"$ them not to bother. Fn"e one o,
thoe "ong iron corpion bo"t chance$ to ,in$ an eye- the A/een4 pet monter .a not "ike to be
bro/ght $o.n by /ch toy. Dragons are not so eas! to kill as that+ #ickle him with these and
!ou/ll onl! make him angr!+
7he eye .ere .here a $ragon .a mot v/"nerab"e. 7he eye- an$ the brain behin$ them. Not
the /n$erbe""y- a certain o"$ ta"e .o/"$ have it. 7he ca"e there .ere =/t a to/gh a thoe
a"ong a $ragon4 back an$ ,"ank. An$ not $o.n the g/""et either. 7hat .a ma$ne. 7hee
.o/"$(be $ragon"ayer might a .e"" try to A/ench a ,ire .ith a pear thr/t. 25eath come o/t
o, the $ragon4 mo/th-1 Septon Barth ha$ .ritten in hi <nnatural 7istor!, 2b/t $eath $oe not
go in that .ay.1
+arther on- t.o "egion ,rom Ne. Ghi .ere ,acing o,, hie"$ .a"" to hie"$ .a"" .hi"t
er=eant in iron ha",he"m .ith horehair cret creame$ comman$ in their o.n
incomprehenib"e $ia"ect. 7o the nake$ eye the Ghicari "ooke$ more ,ormi$ab"e than the
E/nkih "ave o"$ier- b/t 7yrion n/re$ $o/bt. 7he "egionarie might be arme$ an$ organiGe$
in the ame manner a Fn/""ie$8 b/t the e/n/ch kne. no other "i,e- .herea the Ghicari
.ere ,ree citiGen .ho erve$ ,or three(year term.
7he "ine at the .e"" tretche$ back a A/arter mi"e.
7here .ere on"y a han$,/" o, .e"" .ithin a $ay4 march o, Meereen- o the .ait .a a".ay
"ong. Mot o, the E/nkih hot $re. their $rinking .ater ,rom the SkahaGa$han- .hich 7yrion
ha$ kno.n .a a very ba$ i$ea even be,ore the hea"er4 .arning. 7he c"ever one took care to
tay /ptream o, the "atrine- b/t they .ere ti"" $o.ntream o, the city.
7he ,act that there .ere any goo$ .e"" at a"" .ithin a $ay4 march o, the city on"y .ent to
prove that 5aenery 7argaryen .a ti"" an innocent .here iegecra,t .a concerne$. She should
hae poisoned eer! well+ #hen all the &unkishmen would be drinking from the rier+ See how
long their siege lasts then+ 7hat .a .hat hi "or$ ,ather .o/"$ have $one- 7yrion $i$ not $o/bt.
Cvery time they h/,,"e$ ,or.ar$ another p"ace- the be"" on their co""ar tink"e$ bright"y.
Such a happ! sound, it makes me want to scoop out someone/s e!eballs with a spoon+ By no.
Gri,, an$ 5/ck an$ #a"$on #a",(maeter ho/"$ be in 3etero .ith their yo/ng prince. I
should be with them= but no, I had to hae a whore+ ,insla!ing was not enough, I needed cunt
and wine to seal m! ruin, and here I am on the wrong side of the world, wearing a slae collar
with little golden bells to announce m! coming+ If I dance 9ust right, ma!be I can ring 4#he
)ains of %astamere+5
7here .a no better p"ace to hear the "atet ne. an$ r/mor than aro/n$ the .e"". 2& kno.
.hat & a.-1 an o"$ "ave in a r/te$ iron co""ar .a aying- a 7yrion an$ 9enny h/,,"e$ a"ong
in the A/e/e- 2an$ & a. that $ragon ripping o,, arm an$ "eg- tearing men in ha",- b/rning them
$o.n to ah an$ bone. 9eop"e tarte$ r/nning- trying to get o/t o, that pit- b/t & come to ee a
ho.- an$ by a"" the go$ o, Ghi- & a. one. & .a /p in the p/rp"e- o & $i$n4t think the $ragon
.a "ike to tro/b"e me.1
27he A/een c"imbe$ onto the $ragon4 back an$ ,"e. a.ay-1 inite$ a ta"" bro.n .oman.
2She trie$-1 ai$ the o"$ man- 2b/t he co/"$n4t ho"$ on. 7he crobo. .o/n$e$ the $ragon-
an$ the A/een .a tr/ck right bet.een her .eet pink teat- & hear. 7hat .a .hen he ,e"". She
$ie$ in the g/tter- cr/he$ beneath a .agon4 .hee". & kno. a gir" .ho kno. a man .ho a.
her $ie.1
&n thi company- i"ence .a the better part o, .i$om- b/t 7yrion co/"$ not he"p hime",.
2No corpe .a ,o/n$-1 he ai$.
7he o"$ man ,ro.ne$. 23hat .o/"$ yo/ kno. abo/t it61
27hey .ere there-1 ai$ the bro.n .oman. 2&t4 them- the =o/ting $.ar,- the one .ho ti"te$
,or the A/een.1
7he o"$ man A/inte$ $o.n a i, eeing him an$ 9enny ,or the ,irt time. 2Eo/4re the one
.ho ro$e the pig.1
Our notoriet! precedes us+ 7yrion ketche$ a co/rt"y bo.- an$ re,raine$ ,rom pointing o/t
that one o, the pig .a rea""y a $og. 27he o. & ri$e i act/a""y my iter. 3e have the ame
noe- co/"$ yo/ te""6 A .iGar$ cat a pe"" on her- b/t i, yo/ give her a big .et ki- he .i"" t/rn
into a bea/ti,/" .oman. 7he pity i- once yo/ get to kno. her- yo/4"" .ant to ki her again to
t/rn her back.1
?a/ghter er/pte$ a"" aro/n$ them. Cven the o"$ man =oine$ in. 2Eo/ a. her- then-1 ai$ the
re$hea$e$ boy behin$ them. 2Eo/ a. the A/een. & he a bea/ti,/" a they ay61
I saw a slender girl with siler! hair wrapped in a tokar, he might have to"$ them. 7er face
was eiled, and I neer got close enough for a good look+ I was riding on a pig+ 5aenery
7argaryen ha$ been eate$ in the o.ner4 bo: bei$e her Ghicari king- b/t 7yrion4 eye ha$
been $ra.n to the knight in the .hite(an$(go"$ armor behin$ her. 7ho/gh hi ,eat/re .ere
concea"e$- the $.ar, .o/"$ have kno.n Barritan Se"my any.here. Ill!rio was right about that
much, at least, he remembere$ thinking. Will Selm! know me, though6 And what will he do if he
does6
#e ha$ a"mot revea"e$ hime", then an$ there- b/t omething toppe$ him@ca/tion-
co.ar$ice- intinct- ca"" it .hat yo/ .i"". #e co/"$ not imagine Barritan the Bo"$ greeting him
.ith anything b/t hoti"ity. Se"my ha$ never approve$ o, !aime4 preence in hi precio/
>ingg/ar$. Be,ore the rebe""ion- the o"$ knight tho/ght him too yo/ng an$ /ntrie$I a,ter.ar$-
he ha$ been kno.n to ay that the >ing"ayer ho/"$ e:change that .hite c"oak ,or a b"ack one.
An$ hi o.n crime .ere .ore. !aime ha$ ki""e$ a ma$man. 7yrion ha$ p/t a A/arre" thro/gh
the groin o, hi o.n ire- a man Ser Barritan ha$ kno.n an$ erve$ ,or year. #e might have
chance$ it a"" the ame- b/t then 9enny ha$ "an$e$ a b"o. on hi hie"$ an$ the moment .a
gone- never to ret/rn.
27he A/een .atche$ / ti"t-1 9enny .a te""ing the other "ave in "ine- 2b/t that .a the on"y
time .e a. her.1
2Eo/ m/t have een the $ragon-1 ai$ the o"$ man.
Would that we had+ 7he go$ ha$ not even vo/cha,e$ him that m/ch. A 5aenery
7argaryen .a taking .ing- N/re ha$ been c"apping iron ro/n$ their ank"e to make certain
they .o/"$ not attempt ecape on their .ay back to their mater. &, the overeer ha$ on"y taken
hi "eave a,ter $e"ivering them to the abbatoir- or ,"e$ .ith the ret o, the "aver .hen the
$ragon $ecen$e$ ,rom the ky- the t.o $.ar, might have tro""e$ a.ay ,ree. Or run awa!,
more like, our little bells a(9ingle+
23a there a $ragon61 7yrion ai$ .ith a hr/g. 2A"" & kno. i that no $ea$ A/een .ere
,o/n$.1
7he o"$ man .a not convince$. 2Ah- they ,o/n$ corpe by the h/n$re$. 7hey $ragge$ them
ini$e the pit an$ b/rne$ them- tho/gh ha", .a crip a"rea$y. Might be they $i$n4t kno. her-
b/rne$ an$ b"oo$y an$ cr/he$. Might be they $i$ b/t $eci$e$ to ay e"e.ie- to keep yo/
"ave A/iet.1
2<s "ave61 ai$ the bro.n .oman. 2Eo/ .ear a co""ar too.1
21hazdor/s co""ar-1 the o"$ man boate$. 2>no.n him ince .e .a born. &4m a"mot "ike a
brother to him. S"ave "ike yo/- .eeping o/t o, Atapor an$ E/nkai- yo/ .hine abo/t being
,ree- b/t & .o/"$n4t give the $ragon A/een my co""ar i, he o,,ere$ to /ck my cock ,or it. Man
ha the right mater- that4 better.1
7yrion $i$ not $ip/te him. 7he mot ini$io/ thing abo/t bon$age .a ho. eay it .a to
gro. acc/tome$ to it. 7he "i,e o, mot "ave .a not a"" that $i,,erent ,rom the "i,e o, a erving
man at Cater"y Rock- it eeme$ to him. 7r/e- ome "aveo.ner an$ their overeer .ere br/ta"
an$ cr/e"- b/t the ame .a tr/e o, ome 3eteroi "or$ an$ their te.ar$ an$ bai"i,,. Mot o,
the E/nkai4i treate$ their chatte" $ecent"y eno/gh- o "ong a they $i$ their =ob an$ ca/e$ no
tro/b"e8 an$ thi o"$ man in hi r/te$ co""ar- .ith hi ,ierce "oya"ty to ?or$ 3obb"echeek- hi
o.ner- .a not at a"" atypica".
2GhaG$or the Great(hearte$61 7yrion ai$- .eet"y. 2H/r mater EeGGan ha o,ten poken o,
hi .it.1 3hat EeGGan ha$ act/a""y ai$ .a on the or$er o,- I hae more wits in the left cheek
of m! arse than 1hazdor and his brothers hae between them+ #e tho/ght it pr/$ent to omit the
act/a" .or$.
Mi$$ay ha$ come an$ gone be,ore he an$ 9enny reache$ the .e""- .here a cra.ny one(
"egge$ "ave .a $ra.ing .ater. #e A/inte$ at them /picio/"y. 2N/re a".ay come ,or
EeGGan4 .ater- .ith ,o/r men an$ a m/"e cart.1 #e $roppe$ the b/cket $o.n the .e"" once
more. 7here .a a o,t splash+ 7he one("egge$ man "et the b/cket ,i""- then began to $ra. it
/p.ar$. #i arm .ere /nb/rnt an$ pee"ing- cra.ny to "ook at b/t a"" m/c"e.
27he m/"e $ie$-1 ai$ 7yrion. 2So $i$ N/re- poor man. An$ no. EeGGan hime", ha
mo/nte$ the pa"e mare- an$ i: o, hi o"$ier have the hit. May & have t.o pai" ,/""61
2A yo/ "ike.1 7hat .a the en$ o, i$"e ta"k. Is that hoofbeats !ou hear6 7he "ie abo/t the
o"$ier got o"$ one("eg moving m/ch more A/ick"y.
7hey tarte$ back- each o, the $.ar, carrying t.o brim(,/"" pai" o, .eet .ater an$ Ser
!orah .ith t.o pai" in each han$. 7he $ay .a gro.ing hotter- the air a thick an$ .et a $amp
.oo"- an$ the pai" eeme$ to gro. heavier .ith every tep. A long walk on short legs+ 3ater
"ohe$ ,rom hi pai" .ith every tri$e- p"ahing ro/n$ hi "eg- .hi"t hi be"" p"aye$ a
marching ong. 7ad I known it would come to this, Father, I might hae let !ou lie+ #a", a mi"e
eat- a $ark p"/me o, moke .a riing .here a tent ha$ been et a,ire. Burning last night/s
dead+ 27hi .ay-1 7yrion ai$- =erking hi hea$ to the right.
9enny gave him a p/GG"e$ "ook. 27hat4 not ho. .e came.1
23e $on4t .ant to breathe that moke. &t4 ,/"" o, ma"ign h/mor.1 &t .a not a "ie. 2ot
entirel!+
9enny .a oon p/,,ing- tr/gg"ing .ith the .eight o, her pai". 2& nee$ to ret.1
2A yo/ .ih.1 7yrion et the pai" o, .ater on the gro/n$- grate,/" ,or the ha"t. #i "eg .ere
cramping ba$"y- o he ,o/n$ hime", a "ike"y rock an$ at on it to r/b hi thigh.
2& co/"$ $o that ,or yo/-1 o,,ere$ 9enny. 2& kno. .here the knot are.1 A ,on$ a he ha$
gro.n o, the gir"- it ti"" ma$e him /ncom,ortab"e .hen he to/che$ him. #e t/rne$ to Ser !orah.
2A ,e. more beating an$ yo/4"" be /g"ier than & am- Mormont. 7e"" me- i there any ,ight "e,t in
yo/61
7he big knight raie$ t.o b"ackene$ eye an$ "ooke$ at him a he might "ook at a b/g.
2Cno/gh to crack yo/r neck- &mp.1
2Goo$.1 7yrion picke$ /p hi pai". 27hi .ay- then.1
9enny .rink"e$ her bro.. 2No. &t4 to the "e,t.1 She pointe$. 27hat4 the #arri$an there.1
2An$ that4 the 3icke$ Siter.1 7yrion no$$e$ in the other $irection. 27r/t me-1 he ai$.
2My .ay i A/icker.1 #e et o,,- hi be"" =ing"ing. 9enny .o/"$ ,o""o.- he kne..
Sometime he envie$ the gir" a"" her pretty "itt"e $ream. She remin$e$ him o, Sana Stark-
the chi"$ bri$e he ha$ .e$ an$ "ot. 5epite the horror 9enny ha$ /,,ere$- he remaine$
omeho. tr/ting. She should know better+ She is older than Sansa+ And she/s a dwarf+ She acts
as if she has forgotten that, as if she were highborn and fair to look upon, instead of a slae in a
grotes3uerie+ At night 7yrion .o/"$ o,t hear her praying. A waste of words+ If there are gods to
listen, the! are monstrous gods who torment us for their sport+ Who else would make a world
like this, so full of bondage, blood, and pain6 Who else would shape us as the! hae6 Some(
time he .ante$ to "ap her- hake her- cream at her- anything to .ake her ,rom her $ream. 2o
one is going to sae us, he .ante$ to cream at her. #he worst is !et to come+ Eet omeho. he
co/"$ never ay the .or$. &ntea$ o, giving her a goo$ har$ crack acro that /g"y ,ace o, her
to knock the b"in$er ,rom her eye- he .o/"$ ,in$ hime", A/eeGing her ho/"$er or giving her
a h/g. 0er! touch a lie+ I hae paid her so much false coin that she half thinks she/s rich+
#e ha$ even kept the tr/th o, 5aGnak4 9it ,rom her.
"ions+ #he! were going to set lions on us+ &t .o/"$ have been e:A/iite"y ironic- that. 9erhap
he .o/"$ have ha$ time ,or a hort- bitter chort"e be,ore being torn apart.
No one ever to"$ him the en$ that ha$ been p"anne$ ,or them- not in o many .or$- b/t it ha$
not been har$ to p/GG"e o/t- $o.n beneath the brick o, 5aGnak4 9it- in the hi$$en .or"$ be"o.
the eat- the $ark $omain o, the pit ,ighter an$ the erving men .ho ten$e$ to them- A/ick an$
$ea$@the cook .ho ,e$ them- the ironmonger .ho arme$ them- the barber(/rgeon .ho b"e$
them an$ have$ them an$ bo/n$ /p their .o/n$- the .hore .ho ervice$ them be,ore an$
a,ter ,ight- the corpe han$"er .ho $ragge$ the "oer o,, the an$ .ith chain an$ iron hook.
N/re4 ,ace ha$ given 7yrion hi ,irt ink"ing. A,ter their ho.- he an$ 9enny ha$ ret/rne$ to
the torch"it va/"t .here the ,ighter gathere$ be,ore an$ a,ter their matche. Some at harpening
their .eaponI other acri,ice$ to A/eer go$- or $/""e$ their nerve .ith mi"k o, the poppy
be,ore going o/t to $ie. 7hoe .ho4$ ,o/ght an$ .on .ere $icing in a corner- "a/ghing a on"y
men .ho have =/t ,ace$ $eath an$ "ive$ can "a/gh.
N/re .a paying o/t ome i"ver to a pit man on a "ot .ager .hen he pie$ 9enny "ea$ing
Cr/nch. 7he con,/ion in hi eye .a gone in ha", a heartbeat- b/t not be,ore 7yrion grape$
.hat it meant. 2urse did not e8pect us back+ #e ha$ "ooke$ aro/n$ at other ,ace. 2one of them
e8pected us back+ We were meant to die out there+ 7he ,ina" piece ,e"" into p"ace .hen he
overhear$ an anima" trainer comp"aining "o/$"y to the pitmater. 27he "ion are h/ngry. 7.o
$ay ince they ate. & .a to"$ not to ,ee$ them- an$ & haven4t. 7he A/een ho/"$ pay ,or meat.1
2Eo/ take that /p .ith her the ne:t time he ho"$ co/rt-1 the pitmater thre. back at him.
Cven no.- 9enny $i$ not /pect. 3hen he poke abo/t the pit- her chie, .orry .a that
more peop"e ha$ not "a/ghe$. #he! would hae pissed themseles laughing if the lions had been
loosed, 7yrion a"mot to"$ her. &ntea$ he4$ A/eeGe$ her ho/"$er.
9enny came to a /$$en ha"t. 23e4re going the .rong .ay.1
23e4re not.1 7yrion "o.ere$ hi pai" to the gro/n$. 7he han$"e ha$ go/ge$ $eep groove in
hi ,inger. 27hoe are the tent .e .ant- there.1
27he Secon$ Son61 A A/eer mi"e p"it Ser !orah4 ,ace. 2&, yo/ think to ,in$ he"p there- yo/
$on4t kno. Bro.n Ben 9"/mm.1
2Hh- & $o. 9"/mm an$ & have p"aye$ ,ive game o, c!asse+ Bro.n Ben i hre.$- tenacio/-
not /ninte""igent8 b/t .ary. #e "ike to "et hi opponent take the rik .hi"t he it back an$
keep hi option open- reacting to the batt"e a it take hape.1
2Batt"e6 3hat batt"e61 9enny backe$ a.ay ,rom him. 23e have to get back+ 7he mater
nee$ c"ean .ater. &, .e take too "ong- .e4"" be .hippe$. An$ 9retty 9ig an$ Cr/nch are there.1
2S.eet .i"" ee that they are taken care o,-1 7yrion "ie$. More "ike- Scar an$ hi ,rien$
.o/"$ oon be ,eating on ham an$ bacon an$ a avory $og te.- b/t 9enny $i$ not nee$ to hear
that. 2N/re i $ea$ an$ EeGGan4 $ying. &t co/"$ be $ark be,ore anyone think to mi /. 3e
.i"" never have a better chance than no..1
22o+ Eo/ kno. .hat they $o .hen they catch "ave trying to ecape. Eo/ know+ 9"eae.
7hey4"" never "et / "eave the camp.1
23e haven4t "e,t the camp.1 7yrion picke$ /p hi pai". #e et o,, at a brik .a$$"e- never
"ooking back. Mormont ,e"" in bei$e him. A,ter a moment he hear$ the o/n$ o, 9enny
h/rrying a,ter him- $o.n a an$y "ope to a circ"e o, ragge$ tent.
7he ,irt g/ar$ appeare$ a they neare$ the hore "ine- a "ean pear(man .hoe maroon bear$
marke$ him a 7yrohi. 23hat $o .e have here6 An$ .hat have yo/ got in thoe pai"61
23ater-1 ai$ 7yrion- 2i, it p"eae yo/.1
2Beer .o/"$ p"eae me better.1 A pearpoint pricke$ him in the back@a econ$ g/ar$- come
/p behin$ them. 7yrion co/"$ hear >ing4 ?an$ing in hi voice. Scum from Flea Bottom+ 2Eo/
"ot- $.ar,61 the g/ar$ $eman$e$.
23e4re here to =oin yo/r company.1
A pai" "ippe$ ,rom 9enny4 grap an$ overt/rne$. #a", the .ater ha$ pi""e$ be,ore he co/"$
right it once again.
23e got ,oo" eno/gh in thi company. 3hy .o/"$ .e .ant three more61 7he 7yrohi
,"icke$ at 7yrion4 co""ar .ith hi pearpoint- ringing the "itt"e go"$en be"". 2A r/na.ay "ave i
.hat & ee. 7hree r/na.ay "ave. 3hoe co""ar61
27he Ee""o. 3ha"e4.1 7hat ,rom a thir$ man- $ra.n by their voice@a kinny t/bb"e(
=a.e$ piece o, .ork .ith teeth taine$ re$ ,rom o/r"ea,. A ser9eant, 7yrion kne.- ,rom the .ay
the other t.o $e,erre$ to him. #e ha$ a hook .here hi right han$ ho/"$ have been. Bronn/s
meaner bastard shadow, or I/m Baelor the Beloed+ 27hee are the $.ar, Ben trie$ to b/y-1 the
er=eant to"$ the pearmen- A/inting- 2b/t the big one8 bet bring him too. A"" three.1
7he 7yrohi get/re$ .ith hi pear. 7yrion move$ a"ong. 7he other e"" .or$@a trip"ing-
har$"y more than a boy- .ith ,/GG on hi cheek an$ hair the co"or o, $irty tra.@coope$ /p
9enny /n$er one arm. 2Hoh- mine ha teat-1 he ai$- "a/ghing. #e "ippe$ a han$ /n$er 9enny4
t/nic- =/t to be /re.
2!/t bring her-1 nappe$ the er=eant.
7he trip"ing "/ng 9enny over one ho/"$er. 7yrion .ent ahea$ a A/ick a hi t/nte$ "eg
.o/"$ a""o.. #e kne. .here they .ere going' the big tent on the ,ar i$e o, the ,ire pit- it
painte$ canva .a"" cracke$ an$ ,a$e$ by year o, /n an$ rain. A ,e. e"".or$ t/rne$ to
.atch them pa- an$ a camp ,o""o.er niggere$- b/t no one move$ to inter,ere.
3ithin the tent- they ,o/n$ camp too" an$ a tret"e tab"e- a rack o, pear an$ ha"ber$- a
,"oor covere$ .ith threa$bare carpet in ha", a $oGen c"ahing co"or- an$ three o,,icer. Hne .a
"im an$ e"egant- .ith a pointe$ bear$- a bravo4 b"a$e- an$ a "ahe$ pink $o/b"et. Hne .a
p"/mp an$ ba"$ing- .ith ink tain on hi ,inger an$ a A/i"" c"/tche$ in one han$.
7he thir$ .a the man he o/ght. 7yrion bo.e$. 2Captain.1
23e ca/ght them creeping into camp.1 7he trip"ing $/mpe$ 9enny onto the carpet.
2R/na.ay-1 the 7yrohi $ec"are$. 23ith pai".1
29ai"61 ai$ Bro.n Ben 9"/mm. 3hen no one vent/re$ to e:p"ain- he ai$- 2Back to yo/r
pot- boy. An$ not a .or$ o4 thi- to anyone.1 3hen they .ere gone- he mi"e$ at 7yrion.
2Come ,or another game o, c!asse, Eo""o61
2&, yo/ .ih. & $o en=oy $e,eating yo/. & hear yo/4re t.ice a t/rnc"oak- 9"/mm. A man a,ter
mine o.n heart.1
Bro.n Ben4 mi"e never reache$ hi eye. #e t/$ie$ 7yrion a a man might t/$y a ta"king
nake. 23hy are yo/ here61
27o make yo/r $ream come tr/e. Eo/ trie$ to b/y / at a/ction. 7hen yo/ trie$ to .in / at
c!asse+ Cven .hen & ha$ my noe- & .a not o han$ome a to provoke /ch paion8 ave in
one .ho happene$ to kno. my tr/e .orth. 3e""- here & am- ,ree ,or the taking. No. be a ,rien$-
en$ ,or yo/r mith- an$ get thee co""ar o,, /. &4m ick o, tink"ing .hen & tink"e.1
2& .ant no tro/b"e .ith yo/r nob"e mater.1
2EeGGan ha more /rgent matter to concern him than three miing "ave. #e4 ri$ing the
pa"e mare. An$ .hy ho/"$ they think to "ook ,or / here6 Eo/ have .or$ eno/gh to
$ico/rage anyone .ho come noing ro/n$. A ma"" rik ,or a great gain.1
7he =ackanape in the "ahe$ pink $o/b"et hie$. 27hey4ve bro/ght the ickne amongt /.
&nto o/r very tent.1 #e t/rne$ to Ben 9"/mm. 2Sha"" & c/t hi hea$ o,,- Captain6 3e can to the
ret in a "atrine pit.1 #e $re. a .or$- a "en$er bravo4 b"a$e .ith a =e.e"e$ hi"t.
25o be care,/" .ith my hea$-1 ai$ 7yrion. 2Eo/ $on4t .ant to get any o, my b"oo$ on yo/.
B"oo$ carrie the $ieae. An$ yo/4"" .ant to boi" o/r c"othe- or b/rn them.1
2&4ve a min$ to b/rn them .ith yo/ ti"" in them- Eo""o.1
27hat i not my name. B/t yo/ kno. that. Eo/ have kno.n that ince yo/ ,irt et eye on
me.1
2Might be.1
2& kno. yo/ a .e""- my "or$-1 ai$ 7yrion. 2Eo/4re "e p/rp"e an$ more bro.n than the
9"/mm at home- b/t /n"e yo/r name4 a "ie- yo/4re a .eterman- by b"oo$ i, not by birth.
#o/e 9"/mm i .orn to Cater"y Rock- an$ a it happen & kno. a bit o, it hitory. Eo/r
branch pro/te$ ,rom a tone pit acro the narro. ea- no $o/bt. A yo/nger on o, %iery
9"/mm- &4$ .ager. 7he A/een4 $ragon .ere ,on$ o, yo/- .ere they not61
7hat eeme$ to am/e the e"".or$. 23ho to"$ yo/ that61
2No one. Mot o, the torie yo/ hear abo/t $ragon are ,o$$er ,or ,oo". 7a"king $ragon-
$ragon hoar$ing go"$ an$ gem- $ragon .ith ,o/r "eg an$ be""ie big a e"ephant- $ragon
ri$$"ing .ith phin:e8 nonene- a"" o, it. B/t there are tr/th in the o"$ book a .e"". Not
on"y $o & kno. that the A/een4 $ragon took to yo/- b/t & kno. .hy.1
2My mother ai$ my ,ather ha$ a $rop o, $ragon b"oo$.1
27.o $rop. 7hat- or a cock i: ,eet "ong. Eo/ kno. that ta"e6 & $o. No.- yo/4re a c"ever
9"/mm- o yo/ kno. thi hea$ o, mine i .orth a "or$hip8 back in 3etero- ha", a .or"$
a.ay. By the time yo/ get it there- on"y bone an$ maggot .i"" remain. My .eet iter .i"" $eny
the hea$ i mine an$ cheat yo/ o, the promie$ re.ar$. Eo/ kno. ho. it i .ith A/een. +ick"e
c/nt- the "ot o, them- an$ Cerei i the .ort.1
Bro.n Ben cratche$ at hi bear$. 2Co/"$ $e"iver yo/ a"ive an$ .rigg"ing- then. Hr pop yo/r
hea$ into a =ar an$ pick"e it.1
2Hr thro. in .ith me. 7hat4 the .iet move.1 #e grinne$. 2& .a born a econ$ on. 7hi
company i my $etiny. 2
27he Secon$ Son have no p"ace ,or m/mmer-1 the bravo in pink ai$ corn,/""y. 2&t4
,ighter .e nee$.1
2&4ve bro/ght yo/ one.1 7yrion =erke$ a th/mb at Mormont.
27hat creat/re61 7he bravo "a/ghe$. 2An /g"y br/te- b/t car a"one $on4t make a Secon$
Son.1
7yrion ro""e$ hi mimatche$ eye. 2?or$ 9"/mm- .ho are thee t.o ,rien$ o, yo/r6 7he
pink one i annoying.1
7he bravo c/r"e$ a "ip- .hi"t the ,e""o. .ith the A/i"" ch/ck"e$ at hi ino"ence. B/t it .a
!orah Mormont .ho /pp"ie$ their name. 2&nkpot i the company paymater. 7he peacock ca""
hime", >aporio the C/nning- tho/gh >aporio the C/nt .o/"$ be more apt. A naty piece o,
.ork.1
Mormont4 ,ace might have been /nrecogniGab"e in it battere$ tate- b/t hi voice .a
/nchange$. >aporio gave him a tart"e$ "ook- .hi"t the .rink"e aro/n$ 9"/mm4 eye crink"e$
in am/ement. 2!orah *ormont6 & that yo/6 ?e pro/$ than .hen yo/ campere$ o,,- tho/gh.
M/t .e ti"" ca"" yo/ ser61
Ser !orah4 .o""en "ip t.ite$ into a groteA/e grin. 2Give me a .or$ an$ yo/ can ca"" me
.hat yo/ "ike- Ben.1
>aporio e$ge$ back.ar$. 2Eo/8 he ent yo/ a.ay81
2& came back. Ca"" me a ,oo".1
A fool in loe+ 7yrion c"eare$ hi throat. 2Eo/ can ta"k o, o"$ time "ater8 a,ter & am $one
e:p"aining .hy my hea$ .o/"$ be o, more /e to yo/ /pon my ho/"$er. Eo/ .i"" ,in$- ?or$
9"/mm- that & can be very genero/ to my ,rien$. &, yo/ $o/bt me- ak Bronn. Ak Shagga- on
o, 5o",. Ak 7imett- on o, 7imett.1
2An$ .ho .o/"$ they be61 ake$ the man ca""e$ &nkpot.
2Goo$ men .ho p"e$ge$ me their .or$ an$ propere$ great"y by that ervice.1 #e
hr/gge$. 2Hh- very .e""- & "ie$ abo/t the Jgoo$4 part. 7hey4re b"oo$thirty batar$- "ike yo/
"ot.1
2Might be-1 ai$ Bro.n Ben. 2Hr might be yo/ =/t ma$e /p ome name. Shagga, $i$ yo/
ay6 & that a .oman4 name61
2#i teat are big eno/gh. Ne:t time .e meet &4"" peek beneath hi breeche to be /re. & that
a c!asse et over there6 Bring it o/t an$ .e4"" have that game. B/t ,irt- & think- a c/p o, .ine.
My throat i $ry a an o"$ bone- an$ & can ee that & have a $ea" o, ta"king to $o.1
0ON
7hat night he $reamt o, .i"$"ing ho."ing ,rom the .oo$- a$vancing to the moan o,
.arhorn an$ the ro"" o, $r/m. Boom DOO* boom DOO* boom DOO* came the o/n$- a
tho/an$ heart .ith a ing"e beat. Some ha$ pear an$ ome ha$ bo. an$ ome ha$ a:e.
Hther ro$e on chariot ma$e o, bone- $ra.n by team o, $og a big a ponie. Giant
"/mbere$ amongt them- ,orty ,eet ta""- .ith ma/" the iGe o, oak tree.
2Stan$ ,at-1 !on Sno. ca""e$. 27hro. them back.1 #e too$ atop the 3a""- a"one. 2+"ame-1
he crie$- 2,ee$ them ,"ame-1 b/t there .a no one to pay hee$.
#he! are all gone+ #he! hae abandoned me+
B/rning ha,t hie$ /p.ar$- trai"ing tong/e o, ,ire. Scarecro. brother t/mb"e$ $o.n-
b"ack c"oak ab"aGe. 2Snow,1 an eag"e crie$- a ,oemen c/tt"e$ /p the ice "ike pi$er. !on .a
armore$ in b"ack ice- b/t hi b"a$e b/rne$ re$ in hi ,it. A the $ea$ men reache$ the top o, the
3a"" he ent them $o.n to $ie again. #e "e. a greybear$ an$ a bear$"e boy- a giant- a ga/nt
man .ith ,i"e$ teeth- a gir" .ith thick re$ hair. 7oo "ate he recogniGe$ Egritte. She .a gone a
A/ick a he4$ appeare$.
7he .or"$ $io"ve$ into a re$ mit. !on tabbe$ an$ "ahe$ an$ c/t. #e hacke$ $o.n 5ona"
Noye an$ g/tte$ 5ea, 5ick +o""ar$. Dhorin #a",han$ t/mb"e$ to hi knee- trying in vain to
ta/nch the ,"o. o, b"oo$ ,rom hi neck. 2& am the ?or$ o, 3inter,e""-1 !on creame$. &t .a
Robb be,ore him no.- hi hair .et .ith me"ting no.. ?ongc"a. took hi hea$ o,,. 7hen a
gnar"e$ han$ eiGe$ !on ro/gh"y by the ho/"$er. #e .hir"e$8
8an$ .oke .ith a raven pecking at hi chet. 2Snow,1 the bir$ crie$. !on .atte$ at it. 7he
raven hrieke$ it $ip"ea/re an$ ,"appe$ /p to a be$pot to g"are $o.n ba"e,/""y at him thro/gh
the pre$a.n g"oom.
7he $ay ha$ come. &t .a the ho/r o, the .o",. Soon eno/gh the /n .o/"$ rie- an$ ,o/r
tho/an$ .i"$"ing .o/"$ come po/ring thro/gh the 3a"". *adness+ !on Sno. ran hi b/rne$
han$ thro/gh hi hair an$ .on$ere$ once again .hat he .a $oing. Hnce the gate .a opene$
there .o/"$ be no t/rning back. It should hae been the Old Bear to treat with #ormund+ It
should hae been -arem! )!kker or :horin 7alfhand or Den!s *allister or some other
seasoned man+ It should hae been m! uncle+ &t .a too "ate ,or /ch migiving- tho/gh. Cvery
choice ha$ it rik- every choice it coneA/ence. #e .o/"$ p"ay the game to it conc"/ion.
#e roe an$ $ree$ in $arkne- a Mormont4 raven m/ttere$ acro the room. 2%orn,1 the
bir$ ai$- an$- 2,ing,1 an$- 2Snow, -on Snow, -on Snow+1 7hat .a A/eer. 7he bir$ ha$ never
ai$ hi ,/"" name be,ore- a bet !on co/"$ reca"".
#e broke hi ,at in the ce""ar .ith hi o,,icer. +rie$ brea$- ,rie$ egg- b"oo$ a/age- an$
bar"ey porri$ge ma$e /p the mea"- .ahe$ $o.n .ith thin ye""o. beer. A they ate they .ent
over the preparation yet again. 2A"" i in rea$ine-1 Bo.en Marh a/re$ him. 2&, the
.i"$"ing /pho"$ the term o, the bargain- a"" .i"" go a yo/4ve comman$e$.1
And if not, it ma! turn to blood and carnage+ 2Remember-1 !on ai$- 27orm/n$4 peop"e are
h/ngry- co"$- an$ ,ear,/". Some o, them hate / a m/ch a ome o, yo/ hate them. 3e are
$ancing on rotten ice here- them an$ /. Hne crack- an$ .e a"" $ro.n. &, b"oo$ ho/"$ be he$
to$ay- it ha$ bet not be one o, / .ho trike the ,irt b"o.- or & .ear by the o"$ go$ an$ the
ne. that & .i"" have the hea$ o, the man .ho trike it.1
7hey an.ere$ him .ith aye an$ no$ an$ m/ttere$ .or$- .ith 2A yo/ comman$-1 an$ 2&t
.i"" be $one-1 an$ 2Ee- my "or$.1 An$ one by one they roe an$ b/ck"e$ on their .or$ an$
$onne$ their .arm b"ack c"oak an$ tro$e o/t into the co"$.
?at to "eave the tab"e .a 5o"oro/ C$$ 7o""ett- .ho ha$ come in $/ring the night .ith i:
.agon ,rom the ?ong Barro.. 3hore4 Barro.- the b"ack brother ca""e$ the ,ortre no.. C$$
ha$ been ent to gather /p a many pear.ive a hi .agon .o/"$ ho"$ an$ bring them back to
=oin their iter.
!on .atche$ him mop /p a r/nny yo"k .ith a ch/nk o, brea$. &t .a trange"y com,orting to
ee C$$4 $o/r ,ace again. 2#o. goe the retoration .ork61 he ake$ hi o"$ te.ar$.
27en more year ho/"$ $o it-1 7o""ett rep"ie$ in hi //a" g"oomy tone. 29"ace .a overr/n
.ith rat .hen .e move$ in. 7he pear.ive ki""e$ the naty b/gger. No. the p"ace i overr/n
.ith pear.ive. 7here4 $ay & .ant the rat back.1
2#o. $o yo/ ,in$ erving /n$er &ron Cmmett61 !on ake$.
2Mot"y it4 B"ack Mari erving /n$er him- m4"or$. Me- & have the m/"e. Nett"e c"aim
.e4re kin. &t4 tr/e .e have the ame "ong ,ace- b/t &4m not near a t/bborn. Any.ay & never
kne. their mother- on my honor.1 #e ,inihe$ the "at o, hi egg an$ ighe$. 2& $o "ike me a
nice r/nny egg. &, it p"eae m4"or$- $on4t "et the .i"$"ing eat a"" o/r chicken.1
H/t in the yar$- the eatern ky ha$ =/t beg/n to "ighten. 7here .a not a .ip o, c"o/$ in
ight. 23e have a goo$ $ay ,or thi- it .o/"$ eem-1 !on ai$. 2A bright $ay- .arm an$ /nny.1
27he 3a"" .i"" .eep. An$ .inter a"mot on /. &t4 /nnat/ra"- m4"or$. A ba$ ign- yo/ ak
me.1
!on mi"e$. 2An$ i, it .ere to no.61
2A .ore ign.1
23hat ort o, .eather .o/"$ yo/ pre,er61
27he ort they keep in$oor-1 ai$ 5o"oro/ C$$. 2&, it p"eae m4"or$- & ho/"$ get back to my
m/"e. 7hey mi me .hen &4m gone. More than & can ay ,or them pear.ive.1
7hey parte$ there- 7o""ett ,or the eat roa$- .here hi .agon .aite$- !on Sno. ,or the
tab"e. Satin ha$ hi hore a$$"e$ an$ bri$"e$ an$ .aiting ,or him- a ,iery grey co/rer .ith a
mane a b"ack an$ hiny a maeter4 ink. #e .a not the ort o, mo/nt that !on .o/"$ have
choen ,or a ranging- b/t on thi morning a"" that mattere$ .a that he "ook impreive- an$ ,or
that the ta""ion .a a per,ect choice.
#i tai" .a .aiting too. !on ha$ never "ike$ /rro/n$ing hime", .ith g/ar$- b/t to$ay it
eeme$ pr/$ent to keep a ,e. goo$ men bei$e him. 7hey ma$e a grim $ip"ay in their ringmai"-
iron ha",he"m- an$ b"ack c"oak- .ith ta"" pear in their han$ an$ .or$ an$ $agger on their
be"t. +or thi !on ha$ pae$ over a"" the green boy an$ greybear$ in hi comman$- chooing
eight men in their prime' 7y an$ M/""y- ?e,t #an$ ?e.- Big ?i$$"e- Rory- +/"k the +"ea- Garrett
Greenpear. An$ ?eather- Cat"e B"ack4 ne. mater(at(arm- to ho. the ,ree ,o"k that even a
man .ho ha$ ,o/ght ,or Mance in the batt"e beneath the 3a"" co/"$ ,in$ a p"ace o, honor in the
Night4 3atch.
A $eep re$ b"/h ha$ appeare$ in the eat by the time they a"" aemb"e$ at the gate. #he stars
are going out, !on tho/ght. 3hen ne:t they reappeare$- they .o/"$ be hining $o.n /pon a
.or"$ ,orever change$. A ,e. A/een4 men too$ .atching ,rom bei$e the ember o, ?a$y
Me"ian$re4 night,ire. 3hen !on g"ance$ at the >ing4 7o.er- he g"impe$ a ,"ah o, re$ behin$
a .in$o.. H, D/een Se"ye he a. no ign.
&t .a time. 2Hpen the gate-1 !on Sno. ai$ o,t"y.
2O$02 #70 1A#0;1 Big ?i$$"e roare$. #i voice .a th/n$er. Seven h/n$re$ ,eet above-
the entrie hear$ an$ raie$ their .arhorn to their "ip. 7he o/n$ rang o/t- echoing o,, the
3a"" an$ o/t acro the .or"$. Ahoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo+ Hne "ong b"at. +or a
tho/an$ year or more- that o/n$ ha$ meant ranger coming home. 7o$ay it meant omething
e"e. 7o$ay it ca""e$ the ,ree ,o"k to their ne. home.
Hn either en$ o, the "ong t/nne"- gate ./ng open an$ iron bar /n"ocke$. 5a.n "ight
himmere$ on the ice above- pink an$ go"$ an$ p/rp"e. 5o"oro/ C$$ ha$ not been .rong. 7he
3a"" .o/"$ oon be .eeping. 1ods grant it weeps alone+
Satin "e$ them /n$erneath the ice- "ighting the .ay thro/gh the g"oom o, the t/nne" .ith an
iron "antern. !on ,o""o.e$- "ea$ing hi hore. 7hen hi g/ar$men. A,ter them came Bo.en
Marh an$ hi te.ar$- a core o, them- every man aigne$ a tak. Above- F"mer o, the
>ing.oo$ ha$ the 3a"". 7.o core o, Cat"e B"ack4 bet bo.men too$ .ith him- rea$y to
repon$ to any tro/b"e $o.n be"o. .ith a rain o, arro..
North o, the 3a""- 7orm/n$ Giantbane .a .aiting- mo/nte$ on a r/nty "itt"e garron that
"ooke$ ,ar too .ee$y to /pport hi .eight. #i t.o remaining on .ere .ith him- ta"" 7oregg
an$ yo/ng 5ryn- a"ong .ith three core .arrior.
27ar;1 7orm/n$ ca""e$. 2G/ar$- i it6 No. .here4 the tr/t in that- cro.61
2Eo/ bro/ght more men than & $i$.1
2So & $i$. Come here by me- "a$. & .ant my ,o"k to ee yo/. & got tho/an$ ne4er a. a "or$
comman$er- gro.n men .ho .ere to"$ a boy that yo/r ranger .o/"$ eat them i, they $i$n4t
behave. 7hey nee$ to ee yo/ p"ain- a "ong(,ace$ "a$ in an o"$ b"ack c"oak. 7hey nee$ to "earn
that the Night4 3atch i na/ght t4be ,eare$.1
#hat is a lesson I would sooner the! neer learned+ !on pee"e$ the g"ove o,, hi b/rne$ han$-
p/t t.o ,inger in hi mo/th- an$ .hit"e$. Ghot came racing ,rom the gate. 7orm/n$4 hore
hie$ o har$ that the .i"$"ing a"mot "ot hi a$$"e. 2Na/ght to be ,eare$61 !on ai$. 2Ghot-
tay.1
2Eo/ are a b"ack(hearte$ batar$- ?or$ Cro..1 7orm/n$ #orn(B"o.er "i,te$ hi o.n .arhorn
to hi "ip. 7he o/n$ o, it echoe$ o,, the ice "ike ro""ing th/n$er- an$ the ,irt o, the ,ree ,o"k
began to tream to.ar$ the gate.
+rom $a.n ti"" $/k !on .atche$ the .i"$"ing pa.
7he hotage .ent ,irt@one h/n$re$ boy bet.een the age o, eight an$ i:teen. 2Eo/r
b"oo$ price- ?or$ Cro.-1 7orm/n$ $ec"are$. 2& hope the .ai"ing o4 their poor mother $on4t
ha/nt yo/r $ream at night.1 Some o, the boy .ere "e$ to the gate by a mother or a ,ather-
other by o"$er ib"ing. More came a"one. +o/rteen an$ ,i,teen(year(o"$ boy .ere a"mot men-
an$ $i$ not .ant to be een c"inging to a .oman4 kirt.
7.o te.ar$ co/nte$ the boy a they .ent by- noting each name on "ong heepkin cro"".
A thir$ co""ecte$ their va"/ab"e ,or the to"" an$ .rote that $o.n a .e"". 7he boy .ere going to
a p"ace that none ha$ ever been be,ore- to erve an or$er that ha$ been the enemy o, their kith
an$ kin ,or tho/an$ o, year- yet !on a. no tear- hear$ no .ai"ing mother. #hese are
winter/s people, he remin$e$ hime",. #ears freeze upon !our cheeks where the! come from+ Not
a ing"e hotage ba"ke$ or trie$ to "ink a.ay .hen hi t/rn came to enter that g"oomy t/nne".
A"mot a"" the boy .ere thin- ome pat the point o, ga/ntne- .ith pin$"y hank an$ arm
"ike t.ig. 7hat .a no more than !on e:pecte$. C"e.ie they came in every hape an$ iGe an$
co"or. #e a. ta"" boy an$ hort boy- bro.n(haire$ boy an$ b"ack(haire$ boy- honey b"on$
an$ tra.berry b"on$ an$ re$hea$ kie$ by ,ire- "ike Egritte. #e a. boy .ith car- boy
.ith "imp- boy .ith pockmarke$ ,ace. Many o, the o"$er boy ha$ $o.ny cheek or .ipy
"itt"e m/tachio- b/t there .a one ,e""o. .ith a bear$ a thick a 7orm/n$4. Some $ree$ in
,ine o,t ,/r- ome in boi"e$ "eather an$ o$$ment o, armor- more in .oo" an$ ea"(kin- a ,e.
in rag. Hne .a nake$. Many ha$ .eapon' harpene$ pear- tone(hea$e$ ma/"- knive ma$e
o, bone or tone or $ragong"a- pike$ c"/b- tang"enet- even here an$ there a r/t(eaten o"$
.or$. 7he #orn,oot boy .a"ke$ b"ithe an$ bare,oot thro/gh the no.$ri,t. Hther "a$ ha$
bear(pa. on their boot an$ .a"ke$ on top o, the ame $ri,t- never inking thro/gh the cr/t.
Si: boy arrive$ on hore- t.o on m/"e. A pair o, brother t/rne$ /p .ith a goat. 7he bigget
hotage .a i:(an$(a(ha", ,eet ta"" b/t ha$ a baby4 ,aceI the ma""et .a a r/nty boy .ho
c"aime$ nine year b/t "ooke$ no more than i:.
H, pecia" note .ere the on o, men o, reno.n. 7orm/n$ took care to point them o/t a they
.ent by. 27he boy there i the on o, Soren Shie"$breaker-1 he ai$ o, one ta"" "a$. 2#im .ith the
re$ hair- he4 Gerrick >ingb"oo$4 get. Come o4 the "ine o4 Raym/n Re$bear$- to hear him te""
it. 7he "ine o4 Re$bear$4 "itt"e brother- yo/ .ant it tr/e.1 7.o boy "ooke$ eno/gh a"ike to be
t.in- b/t 7orm/n$ inite$ they .ere co/in- born a year apart. 2Hne .a ire$ by #ar"e the
#/ntman- t4other by #ar"e the #an$ome- both on the ame .oman. +ather hate each other. &
.a yo/- &4$ en$ one to Cat.atch an$ t4other to yo/r Sha$o. 7o.er.1
Hther hotage .ere name$ a on o, #o.$ 3an$erer- o, Brogg- o, 5evyn Sea"kinner-
>y"eg o, the 3oo$en Car- Morna 3hite Mak- the Great 3a"r/8
27he Great 3a"r/6 7r/"y61
27hey have A/eer name a"ong the +roGen Shore.1
7hree hotage .ere on o, A",yn Cro.ki""er- an in,amo/ rai$er "ain by Dhorin #a",han$.
Hr o 7orm/n$ inite$. 27hey $o not "ook "ike brother-1 !on oberve$.
2#a",(brother- born o4 $i,,erent mother. A",yn4 member .a a .ee thing- even ma""er than
yo/r- b/t he .a never hy .ith .here he t/ck it. #a$ a on in every vi""age- that one.1
H, a certain r/nty rat(,ace$ boy- 7orm/n$ ai$- 27hat one4 a .he"p o, %aramyr Si:kin.
Eo/ remember %aramyr- ?or$ Cro.61
#e $i$. 27he kinchanger.1
2Aye- he .a that. A vicio/ "itt"e r/nt bei$e. 5ea$ no.- "ike a not. No one4 een him
ince the batt"e.1
7.o o, the boy .ere gir" in $ig/ie. 3hen !on a. them- he $ipatche$ Rory an$ Big
?i$$"e to bring them to him. Hne came meek"y eno/gh- the other kicking an$ biting. #his could
end badl!+ 25o thee t.o have ,amo/ ,ather61
2#ar0 7hem kinny thing6 Not "ike"y. 9icke$ by "ot.1
27hey4re gir".1
2Are they61 7orm/n$ A/inte$ at the pair o, them ,rom hi a$$"e. 2Me an$ ?or$ Cro. ma$e
a .ager on .hich o4 yo/ ha the bigget member. 9/"" them breeche $o.n- give / a "ook.1
Hne o, the gir" t/rne$ re$. 7he other g"are$ $e,iant"y. 2Eo/ "eave / a"one- 7orm/n$
Gianttink. Eo/ "et / go.1
27ar; Eo/ .in- cro.. Not a cock bet.een 4em. 7he "itt"e one4 got her a et o4 ba""- tho/gh.
A pear.i,e in the making- her.1 #e ca""e$ to hi o.n men. 2Go ,in$ them omething gir"y to p/t
on be,ore ?or$ Sno. .et hi ma""c"othe.1
2&4"" nee$ t.o boy to take their p"ace.1
2#o.4 that61 7orm/n$ cratche$ hi bear$. 2A hotage i a hotage- eem to me. 7hat big
harp .or$ o4 yo/r can nick a gir"4 hea$ o,, a eay a a boy4. A ,ather "ove hi $a/ghter
too. 3e""- mot ,ather.1
It is not their fathers who concern me+ 25i$ Mance ever ing o, Brave 5anny +"int61
2Not a & reca"". 3ho .a he61
2A gir" .ho $ree$ /p "ike a boy to take the b"ack. #er ong i a$ an$ pretty. 3hat
happene$ to her .an4t.1 &n ome verion o, the ong- her ghot ti"" .a"ke$ the Night,ort. 2&4""
en$ the gir" to ?ong Barro..1 7he on"y men there .ere &ron Cmmett an$ 5o"oro/ C$$- both
o, .hom he tr/te$. 7hat .a not omething he co/"$ ay o, a"" hi brother.
7he .i"$"ing /n$ertoo$. 2Naty bir$- yo/ cro..1 #e pat. 27.o more boy- then. Eo/4""
have them.1
3hen nine(an$(ninety hotage ha$ h/,,"e$ by them to pa beneath the 3a""- 7orm/n$
Giantbane pro$/ce$ the "at one. 2My on 5ryn. Eo/4"" ee he4 .e"" taken care o,- cro.- or &4""
cook yo/r b"ack "iver /p an$ eat it.1
!on gave the boy a c"oe inpection. Bran/s age, or the age he would hae been if #heon had
not killed him+ 5ryn ha$ none o, Bran4 .eetne- tho/gh. #e .a a ch/nky boy- .ith hort
"eg- thick arm- an$ a .i$e re$ ,ace@a miniat/re verion o, hi ,ather- .ith a hock o, $ark
bro.n hair. 2#e4"" erve a my o.n page-1 !on promie$ 7orm/n$.
2#ear that- 5ryn6 See that yo/ $on4t get above yo/re",.1 7o !on he ai$- 2#e4"" nee$ a goo$
beating ,rom time to time. Be care,/" o4 hi teeth- tho/gh. #e bite.1 #e reache$ $o.n ,or hi
horn again- raie$ it- an$ b"e. another b"at.
7hi time it .a .arrior .ho came ,or.ar$. An$ not =/t one h/n$re$ o, them. Fie
hundred, !on Sno. =/$ge$- a they move$ o/t ,rom beneath the tree- perhaps as man! as a
thousand+ Hne in every ten o, them came mo/nte$ b/t a"" o, them came arme$. Acro their
back they bore ro/n$ .icker hie"$ covere$ .ith hi$e an$ boi"e$ "eather- $ip"aying painte$
image o, nake an$ pi$er- evere$ hea$- b"oo$y hammer- broken k/""- an$ $emon. A
,e. .ere c"a$ in to"en tee"- $inte$ o$$ment o, armor "oote$ ,rom the corpe o, ,a""en ranger.
Hther ha$ armore$ theme"ve in bone- "ike Ratt"ehirt. A"" .ore ,/r an$ "eather.
7here .ere pear.ive .ith them- "ong hair treaming. !on co/"$ not "ook at them .itho/t
remembering Egritte' the g"eam o, ,ire in her hair- the "ook on her ,ace .hen he4$ $irobe$ ,or
him in the grotto- the o/n$ o, her voice. 2Eo/ kno. nothing- !on Sno.-1 he4$ to"$ him a
h/n$re$ time.
It is as true now as it was then+ 2Eo/ might have ent the .omen ,irt-1 he ai$ to 7orm/n$.
27he mother an$ the mai$.1
7he .i"$"ing gave him a hre.$ "ook. 2Aye- & might have. An$ yo/ cro. might $eci$e to
c"oe that gate. A ,e. ,ighter on t4other i$e- .e""- that .ay the gate tay open- $on4t it61 #e
grinne$. 2& bo/ght yo/r b"oo$y hore- !on Sno.. 5on4t mean that .e can4t co/nt hi teeth. No.
$on4t yo/ go thinking me an$ mine $on4t tr/t yo/. 3e tr/t yo/ =/t a m/ch a yo/ tr/t /.1
#e norte$. 2Eo/ .ante$ .arrior- $i$n4t yo/6 3e""- there they are. Cvery one .orth i: o4 yo/r
b"ack cro..1
!on ha$ to mi"e. 2So "ong a they ave thoe .eapon ,or o/r common ,oe- & am content.1
2Gave yo/ my .or$ on it- $i$n4t &6 7he .or$ o, 7orm/n$ Giantbane. Strong a iron- 4ti.1
#e t/rne$ an$ pat.
Amongt the tream o, .arrior .ere the ,ather o, many o, !on4 hotage. Some tare$ .ith
co"$ $ea$ eye a they .ent by- ,ingering their .or$ hi"t. Hther mi"e$ at him "ike "ong("ot
kin- tho/gh a ,e. o, thoe mi"e $icom,ite$ !on Sno. more than any g"are. None kne"t- b/t
many gave him their oath. 23hat 7orm/n$ .ore- & .ear-1 $ec"are$ b"ack(haire$ Brogg- a man
o, ,e. .or$. Soren Shie"$breaker bo.e$ hi hea$ an inch an$ gro."e$- 2Soren4 a:e i yo/r-
!on Sno.- i, ever yo/ have nee$ o, /ch.1 Re$(bear$e$ Gerrick >ingb"oo$ bro/ght three
$a/ghter. 27hey .i"" make ,ine .ive- an$ give their h/ban$ trong on o, roya" b"oo$-1 he
boate$. 2?ike their ,ather- they are $ecen$e$ ,rom Raym/n Re$bear$- .ho .a >ing(Beyon$(
the(3a"".1
B"oo$ meant "itt"e an$ "e amongt the ,ree ,o"k- !on kne.. Egritte ha$ ta/ght him that.
Gerrick4 $a/ghter hare$ her ame ,"ame(re$ hair- tho/gh her ha$ been a tang"e o, c/r" an$
their h/ng "ong an$ traight. ,issed b! fire+ 27hree princee- each "ove"ier than the "at-1 he
to"$ their ,ather. 2& .i"" ee that they are preente$ to the A/een.1 Se"ye Baratheon .o/"$ take to
thee three better than he ha$ to %a"- he /pecte$I they .ere yo/nger an$ coni$erab"y more
co.e$. Sweet enough to look at them, though their father seems a fool+
#o.$ 3an$erer .ore hi oath /pon hi .or$- a nicke$ an$ pitte$ a piece o, iron a !on
ha$ ever een. 5evyn Sea"kinner preente$ him .ith a ea"kin hat- #ar"e the #/ntman .ith a
bear(c"a. neck"ace. 7he .arrior .itch Morna remove$ her .eir.oo$ mak =/t "ong eno/gh to
ki hi g"ove$ han$ an$ .ear to be hi man or hi .oman- .hichever he pre,erre$. An$ on an$
on an$ on.
A they pae$- each .arrior trippe$ o,, hi trea/re an$ toe$ them into one o, the cart
that the te.ar$ ha$ p"ace$ be,ore the gate. Amber pen$ant- go"$en torA/e- =e.e"e$ $agger-
i"ver brooche et .ith gem(tone- brace"et- ring- nie""o c/p an$ go"$en gob"et- .arhorn
an$ $rinking horn- a green =a$e comb- a neck"ace o, ,reh.ater pear"8 a"" yie"$e$ /p an$
note$ $o.n by Bo.en Marh. Hne man /rren$ere$ a hirt o, i"ver ca"e that ha$ /re"y been
ma$e ,or ome great "or$. Another pro$/ce$ a broken .or$ .ith three apphire in the hi"t.
An$ there .ere A/eerer thing' a toy mammoth ma$e o, act/a" mammoth hair- an ivory
pha""/- a he"m ma$e ,rom a /nicorn4 hea$- comp"ete .ith horn. #o. m/ch ,oo$ /ch thing
.o/"$ b/y in the +ree Citie- !on Sno. co/"$ not begin to ay.
A,ter the ri$er came the men o, the +roGen Shore. !on .atche$ a $oGen o, their big bone
chariot ro"" pat him one by one- c"attering "ike Ratt"ehirt. #a", ti"" ro""e$ a be,oreI other ha$
rep"ace$ their .hee" .ith r/nner. 7hey "i$ acro the no.$ri,t mooth"y- .here the .hee"e$
chariot .ere ,o/n$ering an$ inking.
7he $og that $re. the chariot .ere ,earome beat- a big a $ire.o"ve. 7heir .omen
.ere c"a$ in ea"kin- ome .ith in,ant at their breat. H"$er chi"$ren h/,,"e$ a"ong behin$
their mother an$ "ooke$ /p at !on .ith eye a $ark an$ har$ a the tone they c"/tche$. Some
o, the men .ore ant"er on their hat- an$ ome .ore .a"r/ t/k. 7he t.o ort $i$ not "ove
each other- he oon gathere$. A ,e. thin rein$eer bro/ght /p the rear- .ith the great $og
napping at the hee" o, tragg"er.
2Be .ary o4 that "ot- !on Sno.-1 7orm/n$ .arne$ him. 2A avage ,o"k. 7he men are ba$- the
.omen .ore.1 #e took a kin o,, hi a$$"e an$ o,,ere$ it /p to !on. 2#ere. 7hi .i"" make
them eem "e ,earome- might be. An$ .arm yo/ ,or the night. No- go on- it4 yo/r to keep.
5rink $eep.1
3ithin .a a mea$ o potent it ma$e !on4 eye .ater an$ ent ten$ri" o, ,ire naking
thro/gh hi chet. #e $rank $eep. 2Eo/4re a goo$ man- 7orm/n$ Giantbane. +or a .i"$"ing.1
2Better than mot- might be. Not o goo$ a ome.1
Hn an$ on the .i"$"ing came- a the /n crept acro the bright b"/e ky. !/t be,ore mi$$ay-
the movement toppe$ .hen an o:cart became =amme$ at a t/rn ini$e the t/nne". !on Sno.
.ent to have a "ook ,or hime",. 7he cart .a no. .e$ge$ o"i$. 7he men behin$ .ere
threatening to hack it apart an$ b/tcher the o: .here he too$- .hi"t the $river an$ hi kin
.ore to ki"" them i, they trie$. 3ith the he"p o, 7orm/n$ an$ hi on 7oregg- !on manage$ to
keep the .i"$"ing ,rom coming to b"oo$- b/t it took the bet part o, an ho/r be,ore the .ay .a
opene$ again.
2Eo/ nee$ a bigger gate-1 7orm/n$ comp"aine$ to !on .ith a o/r "ook /p at the ky- .here a
,e. c"o/$ ha$ b"o.n in. 27oo b"oo$y "o. thi .ay. ?ike /cking the Mi"k.ater thro/gh a
ree$. 7ar+ 3o/"$ that & ha$ the #orn o, !oram/n. &4$ give it a nice toot an$ .e4$ c"imb thro/gh
the r/bb"e.1
2Me"ian$re b/rne$ the #orn o, !oram/n.1
25i$ he61 7orm/n$ "appe$ hi thigh an$ hoote$. 2She b/rne$ that ,ine big horn- aye. A
b"oo$y in- & ca"" it. A tho/an$ year o"$- that .a. 3e ,o/n$ it in a giant4 grave- an$ no man o4
/ ha$ ever een a horn o big. 7hat m/t have been .hy Mance got the notion to te"" yo/ it .ere
!oram/n4. #e .ante$ yo/ cro. to think he ha$ it in hi po.er to b"o. yo/r b"oo$y 3a"" $o.n
abo/t yo/r knee. B/t .e never ,o/n$ the tr/e horn- not ,or a"" o/r $igging. &, .e ha$- every
knee"er in yo/r Seven >ing$om .o/"$ have ch/nk o4 ice to coo" hi .ine a"" /mmer.1
!on t/rne$ in hi a$$"e- ,ro.ning. And -oramun blew the 7orn of Winter and woke giants
from the earth+ 7hat h/ge horn .ith it ban$ o, o"$ go"$- incie$ .ith ancient r/ne8 ha$
Mance Ray$er "ie$ to him- or .a 7orm/n$ "ying no.6 If *ance/s horn was 9ust a feint, where
is the true horn6
By a,ternoon the /n ha$ gone- an$ the $ay t/rne$ grey an$ g/ty. 2A no. ky-1 7orm/n$
anno/nce$ grim"y.
Hther ha$ een the ame omen in thoe ,"at .hite c"o/$. &t eeme$ to p/r them on to hate.
7emper began to ,ray. Hne man .a tabbe$ .hen he trie$ to "ip in ahea$ o, other .ho ha$
been ho/r in the co"/mn. 7oregg .renche$ the kni,e a.ay ,rom hi attacker- $ragge$ both men
,rom the pre- an$ ent them back to the .i"$"ing camp to tart again.
27orm/n$-1 !on ai$- a they .atche$ ,o/r o"$ .omen p/"" a cart,/" o, chi"$ren to.ar$ the
gate- 2te"" me o, o/r ,oe. & .o/"$ kno. a"" there i to kno. o, the Hther.1
7he .i"$"ing r/bbe$ hi mo/th. 2Not here-1 he m/mb"e$- 2not thi i$e o4 yo/r 3a"".1 7he
o"$ man g"ance$ /neai"y to.ar$ the tree in their .hite mant"e. 27hey4re never ,ar- yo/ kno..
7hey .on4t come o/t by $ay- not .hen that o"$ /n4 hining- b/t $on4t think that mean they
.ent a.ay. Sha$o. never go a.ay. Might be yo/ $on4t ee them- b/t they4re a".ay c"inging to
yo/r hee".1
25i$ they tro/b"e yo/ on yo/r .ay o/th61
27hey never came in ,orce- i, that4 yo/r meaning- b/t they .ere .ith / a"" the ame-
nibb"ing at o/r e$ge. 3e "ot more o/tri$er than & care to think abo/t- an$ it .a .orth yo/r
"i,e to ,a"" behin$ or .an$er o,,. Cvery night,a"" .e4$ ring o/r camp .ith ,ire. 7hey $on4t "ike
,ire m/ch- an$ no mitake. 3hen the no. came- tho/gh8 no. an$ "eet an$ ,reeGing rain-
it4 b"oo$y har$ to ,in$ $ry .oo$ or get yo/r kin$"ing "it- an$ the cold8 ome night o/r ,ire
=/t eeme$ to hrive" /p an$ $ie. Night "ike that- yo/ a".ay ,in$ ome $ea$ come the morning.
4?e they ,in$ yo/ ,irt. 7he night that 7or.yn$8 my boy- he81 7orm/n$ t/rne$ hi ,ace
a.ay.
2& kno.-1 ai$ !on Sno..
7orm/n$ t/rne$ back. 2Eo/ kno. nothing. Eo/ ki""e$ a $ea$ man- aye- & hear$. Mance ki""e$
a h/n$re$. A man can ,ight the $ea$- b/t .hen their mater come- .hen the .hite mit rie
/p8 ho. $o yo/ ,ight a mist, cro.6 Sha$o. .ith teeth8 air o co"$ it h/rt to breathe- "ike a
kni,e ini$e yo/r chet8 yo/ $o not kno.- yo/ cannot kno.8 can yo/r .or$ c/t cold61
We will see, !on tho/ght- remembering the thing that Sam ha$ to"$ him- the thing he4$
,o/n$ in hi o"$ book. ?ongc"a. ha$ been ,orge$ in the ,ire o, o"$ %a"yria- ,orge$ in
$ragon,"ame an$ et .ith pe"". Dragonsteel, Sam called it+ Stronger than an! common steel,
lighter, harder, sharper= B/t .or$ in a book .ere one thing. 7he tr/e tet came in batt"e.
2Eo/ are not .rong-1 !on ai$. 2& $o not kno.. An$ i, the go$ are goo$- & never .i"".1
27he go$ are e"$om goo$- !on Sno..1 7orm/n$ no$$e$ to.ar$ the ky. 27he c"o/$ ro"" in.
A"rea$y it gro. $arker- co"$er. Eo/r 3a"" no "onger .eep. ?ook.1 #e t/rne$ an$ ca""e$ o/t to
hi on 7oregg. 2Ri$e back to the camp an$ get them moving. 7he ick one an$ the .eak one-
the "/gabe$ an$ craven- get them on their b"oo$y ,eet. Set their b"oo$y tent a,ire i, yo/ m/t.
7he gate m/t c"oe at night,a"". Any man not thro/gh the 3a"" by then ha$ bet pray the Hther
get to him a,ore & $o. Eo/ hear61
2& hear.1 7oregg p/t hi hee" into hi hore an$ ga""ope$ back $o.n the co"/mn.
Hn an$ on the .i"$"ing came. 7he $ay gre. $arker- =/t a 7orm/n$ ai$. C"o/$ covere$
the ky ,rom horiGon to horiGon- an$ .armth ,"e$. 7here .a more hoving at the gate- a men
an$ goat an$ b/""ock =ot"e$ each other o/t o, the .ay. It is more than impatience, !on rea"iGe$.
#he! are afraid+ Warriors, spearwies, raiders, the! are frightened of those woods, of shadows
moing through the trees+ #he! want to put the Wall between them before the night descends+
A no.,"ake $ance$ /pon the air. 7hen another. Dance with me, -on Snow, he tho/ght. &ou/ll
dance with me anon+
Hn an$ on an$ on the .i"$"ing came. Some .ere moving ,ater no.- hatening acro the
batt"egro/n$. Hther@the o"$- the yo/ng- the ,eeb"e@co/"$ carce move at a"". 7hi morning the
,ie"$ ha$ been covere$ .ith a thick b"anket o, o"$ no.- it .hite cr/t hining in the /n. No.
the ,ie"$ .a bro.n an$ b"ack an$ "imy. 7he paage o, the ,ree ,o"k ha$ t/rne$ the gro/n$ to
m/$ an$ m/ck' .oo$en .hee" an$ hore4 hoove- r/nner o, bone an$ horn an$ iron- pig
trotter- heavy boot- the c"oven ,eet o, co. an$ b/""ock- the bare b"ack ,eet o, the #orn,oot
,o"k- a"" ha$ "e,t their mark. 7he o,t ,ooting "o.e$ the co"/mn even more. 2Eo/ nee$ a bigger
gate-1 7orm/n$ comp"aine$ again.
By "ate a,ternoon the no. .a ,a""ing tea$i"y- b/t the river o, .i"$"ing ha$ $.in$"e$ to a
tream. Co"/mn o, moke roe ,rom the tree .here their camp ha$ been. 27oregg-1 7orm/n$
e:p"aine$. 2B/rning the $ea$. A".ay ome .ho go to "eep an$ $on4t .ake /p. Eo/ ,in$ them
in their tent- them a have tent- c/r"e$ /p an$ ,roGe. 7oregg kno. .hat to $o.1
7he tream .a no more than a trick"e by the time 7oregg emerge$ ,rom the .oo$. 3ith him
ro$e a $oGen mo/nte$ .arrior arme$ .ith pear an$ .or$. 2My rear g/ar$-1 7orm/n$ ai$-
.ith a gap(toothe$ mi"e. 2Eo/ cro. have ranger. So $o .e. 7hem & "e,t in camp in cae .e
.ere attacke$ be,ore .e a"" got o/t.1
2Eo/r bet men.1
2Hr my .ort. Cvery man o4 them ha ki""e$ a cro..1
Amongt the ri$er came one man a,oot- .ith ome big beat trotting at hi hee". A boar, !on
a.. A monstrous boar+ 7.ice the iGe o, Ghot- the creat/re .a covere$ .ith coare b"ack hair-
.ith t/k a "ong a a man4 arm. !on ha$ never een a boar o h/ge or /g"y. 7he man bei$e
him .a no bea/ty eitherI h/"king- b"ack(bro.e$- he ha$ a ,"at noe- heavy =o." $ark .ith
t/bb"e- ma"" b"ack c"oe(et eye.
2BorroA.1 7orm/n$ t/rne$ hi hea$ an$ pat.
2A kinchanger.1 &t .a not a A/etion. Someho. he kne..
Ghot t/rne$ hi hea$. 7he ,a""ing no. ha$ make$ the boar4 cent- b/t no. the .hite .o",
ha$ the me"". #e pa$$e$ o/t in ,ront o, !on- hi teeth bare$ in a i"ent nar".
22o;1 !on nappe$. 2Ghot- $o.n. Stay. Sta!;1
2Boar an$ .o"ve-1 ai$ 7orm/n$. 2Bet keep that beat o4 yo/r "ocke$ /p tonight. &4"" ee
that BorroA $oe the ame .ith hi pig.1 #e g"ance$ /p at the $arkening ky. 27hem4 the "at-
an$ none too oon. &t4 going to no. a"" night- & ,ee" it. 7ime & ha$ a "ook at .hat4 on t4other
i$e o, a"" that ice.1
2Eo/ go ahea$-1 !on to"$ him. 2& mean to be the "at one thro/gh the ice. & .i"" =oin yo/ at the
,eat.1
2+eat6 7ar; No. that4 a .or$ & "ike to hear.1 7he .i"$"ing t/rne$ hi garron to.ar$ the
3a"" an$ "appe$ her on the r/mp. 7oregg an$ the ri$er ,o""o.e$- $imo/nting by the gate to
"ea$ their hore thro/gh. Bo.en Marh taye$ "ong eno/gh to /pervie a hi te.ar$ p/""e$
the "at cart into the t/nne". Hn"y !on Sno. an$ hi g/ar$ .ere "e,t.
7he kinchanger toppe$ ten yar$ a.ay. #i monter pa.e$ at the m/$- n/,,"ing. A "ight
po.$ering o, no. covere$ the boar4 h/mpe$ b"ack back. #e gave a nort an$ "o.ere$ hi
hea$- an$ ,or ha", a heartbeat !on tho/ght he .a abo/t to charge. 7o either i$e o, him- hi men
"o.ere$ their pear.
2Brother-1 BorroA ai$.
2Eo/4$ bet go on. 3e are abo/t to c"oe the gate.1
2Eo/ $o that-1 BorroA ai$. 2Eo/ c"oe it goo$ an$ tight. 7hey4re coming- cro..1 #e mi"e$
a /g"y a mi"e a !on ha$ ever een an$ ma$e hi .ay to the gate. 7he boar ta"ke$ a,ter him.
7he ,a""ing no. covere$ /p their track behin$ them.
27hat4 $one- then-1 Rory ai$ .hen they .ere gone.
2o, tho/ght !on Sno.- it has onl! 9ust begun+
Bo.en Marh .a .aiting ,or him o/th o, the 3a""- .ith a tab"et ,/"" o, n/mber. 27hree
tho/an$ one h/n$re$ an$ nineteen .i"$"ing pae$ thro/gh the gate to$ay-1 the ?or$ Ste.ar$
to"$ him. 2Si:ty o, yo/r hotage .ere ent o,, to Cat.atch an$ the Sha$o. 7o.er a,ter they4$
been ,e$. C$$ 7o""ett took i: .agon o, .omen back to ?ong Barro.. 7he ret remain .ith /.1
2Not ,or "ong-1 !on promie$ him. 27orm/n$ mean to "ea$ hi o.n ,o"k to Hakenhie"$
.ithin a $ay or t.o. 7he ret .i"" ,o""o.- a oon a .e ort .here to p/t them.1
2A yo/ ay- ?or$ Sno..1 7he .or$ .ere ti,,. 7he tone /ggete$ that Bo.en Marh kne.
.here he .o/"$ p/t them.
7he cat"e !on ret/rne$ to .a ,ar $i,,erent ,rom the one he4$ "e,t that morning. +or a "ong a
he ha$ kno.n it- Cat"e B"ack ha$ been a p"ace o, i"ence an$ ha$o.- .here a meagre
company o, men in b"ack move$ "ike ghot amongt the r/in o, a ,ortre that ha$ once ho/e$
ten time their n/mber. A"" that ha$ change$. ?ight no. hone thro/gh .in$o. .here !on
Sno. ha$ never een "ight hine be,ore. Strange voice echoe$ $o.n the yar$- an$ ,ree ,o"k
.ere coming an$ going a"ong icy path that ha$ on"y kno.n the b"ack boot o, cro. ,or year.
H/ti$e the o"$ +"int Barrack- he came acro a $oGen men pe"ting one another .ith no..
$la!ing, !on tho/ght in atonihment- grown men pla!ing like children, throwing snowballs the
wa! Bran and Ar!a once did, and )obb and me before them+
5ona" Noye4 o"$ armory .a ti"" $ark an$ i"ent- ho.ever- an$ !on4 room back o, the co"$
,orge .ere $arker ti"". B/t he ha$ no ooner taken o,, hi c"oak than 5anne" poke$ hi hea$
thro/gh the $oor to anno/nce that C"y$a ha$ bro/ght a meage.
2Sen$ him in.1 !on "it a taper ,rom an ember in hi braGier an$ three can$"e ,rom the taper.
C"y$a entere$ pink an$ b"inking- the parchment c"/tche$ in one o,t han$. 2Beg par$on- ?or$
Comman$er. & kno. yo/ m/t be .eary- b/t & tho/ght yo/ .o/"$ .ant to ee thi at once.1
2Eo/ $i$ .e"".1 !on rea$'
At 7ardhome, with si8 ships+ Wild seas+ B"ackbir$ lost with all hands, two "!seni ships
drien aground on Skane, 7a"on taking water+ .er! bad here+ Wildlings eating their own
dead+ Dead things in the woods+ Braaosi captains will onl! take women, children on their
ships+ Witch women call us slaers+ Attempt to take Storm %row defeated, si8 crew dead,
man! wildlings+ 0ight raens left+ Dead things in the water+ Send help b! land, seas
wracked b! storms+ From 7a"on, b! hand of *aester 7armune+
Cotter 9yke ha$ ma$e hi angry mark be"o.. 2& it grievo/- my "or$61 ake$ C"y$a.
2Grievo/ eno/gh.1 Dead things in the wood+ Dead things in the water+ Si8 ships left, of the
eleen that set sail+ !on Sno. ro""e$ /p the parchment- ,ro.ning. 2ight falls, he tho/ght- and
now m! war begins+
THE DISCARDED 5NIGHT
All kneel for 7is *agnificence 7izdahr zo "ora3, Fourteenth of #hat 2oble 2ame, ,ing of
*eereen, Scion of 1his, Octarch of the Old 0mpire, *aster of the Skahazadhan, %onsort to
Dragons and Blood of the 7arp!,1 roare$ the hera"$. #i voice echoe$ o,, the marb"e ,"oor an$
rang amongt the pi""ar.
Ser Barritan Se"my "ippe$ a han$ beneath the ,o"$ o, hi c"oak an$ "ooene$ hi .or$ in it
cabbar$. No b"a$e .ere a""o.e$ in the preence o, the king ave thoe o, hi protector. &t
eeme$ a tho/gh he ti"" co/nte$ amongt that n/mber $epite hi $imia". No one ha$ trie$ to
take hi .or$- at "eat.
5aenery 7argaryen ha$ pre,erre$ to ho"$ co/rt ,rom a bench o, po"ihe$ ebony- mooth an$
imp"e- covere$ .ith the c/hion that Ser Barritan ha$ ,o/n$ to make her more com,ortab"e.
>ing #iG$ahr ha$ rep"ace$ the bench .ith t.o impoing throne o, gi"$e$ .oo$- their ta"" back
carve$ into the hape o, $ragon. 7he king eate$ hime", in the right(han$ throne .ith a go"$en
cro.n /pon hi hea$ an$ a =e.e"e$ ceptre in one pa"e han$. 7he econ$ throne remaine$ vacant.
#he important throne, tho/ght Ser Barritan. 2o dragon chair can replace a dragon no matter
how elaboratel! it/s cared+
7o the right o, the t.in throne too$ Goghor the Giant- a h/ge h/"k o, a man .ith a br/ta"-
carre$ ,ace. 7o the "e,t .a the Spotte$ Cat- a "eopar$ kin ,"/ng over one ho/"$er. Back o,
them .ere Be"aA/o Bonebreaker an$ the co"$(eye$ >hraGG. Seasoned killers all, tho/ght Se"my-
but it is one thing to face a foe in the pit when his coming is heralded b! horns and drums and
another to find a hidden killer before he can strike+
7he $ay .a yo/ng an$ ,reh- an$ yet he ,e"t bone(tire$- a i, he4$ ,o/ght a"" night. 7he o"$er
he got- the "e "eep Ser Barritan eeme$ to nee$. A a A/ire he co/"$ "eep ten ho/r a night
an$ ti"" be ya.ning .hen he t/mb"e$ o/t onto the practice yar$. At three(an$(i:ty he ,o/n$
that ,ive ho/r a night .a more than eno/gh. ?at night- he ha$ carce "ept at a"". #i
be$chamber .a a ma"" ce"" o,, the A/een4 apartment- origina""y "ave A/arterI hi ,/rnihing
conite$ o, a be$- a chamber pot- a .ar$robe ,or hi c"othing- even a chair ho/"$ he .ant to it.
Hn a be$i$e tab"e he kept a bee.a: can$"e an$ a ma"" carving o, the 3arrior. 7ho/gh he .a
not a pio/ man- the carving ma$e him ,ee" "e a"one here in thi A/eer a"ien city- an$ it .a to
that he ha$ t/rne$ in the b"ack .atche o, night. Shield me from these doubts that gnaw at me, he
ha$ praye$- and gie me the strength to do what is right+ B/t neither prayer nor $a.n ha$
bro/ght him certainty.
7he ha"" .a a cro.$e$ a the o"$ knight ha$ ever een it- b/t it .a the miing ,ace that
Barritan Se"my note$ mot' Mian$ei- Be".a- Grey 3orm- Aggo an$ !hogo an$ Rakharo- &rri
an$ !hiA/i- 5aario Nahari. &n the Shavepate4 p"ace too$ a ,at man in a m/c"e$ breatp"ate an$
"ion4 mak- hi heavy "eg poking o/t beneath a kirt o, "eather trap' MarghaG Go ?oraA- the
king4 co/in- ne. comman$er o, the BraGen Beat. Se"my ha$ a"rea$y ,orme$ a hea"thy
contempt ,or the man. #e ha$ kno.n hi ort in >ing4 ?an$ing@,a.ning to hi /perior- harh
to hi in,erior- a b"in$ a he .a boat,/" an$ too pro/$ by ha",.
Skahaz could be in the hall as well, Se"my rea"iGe$- that ugl! face of his concealed behind a
mask+ 7.o core BraGen Beat too$ bet.een the pi""ar- torch"ight hining o,, the po"ihe$
bra o, their mak. 7he Shavepate co/"$ be any one o, them.
7he ha"" thr/mme$ to the o/n$ o, a h/n$re$ "o. voice- echoing o,, the pi""ar an$ the
marb"e ,"oor. &t ma$e an omino/ o/n$- angry. &t remin$e$ Se"my o, the o/n$ a hornet4 net
might make an intant be,ore hornet a"" came boi"ing o/t. An$ on the ,ace in the cro.$ he a.
anger- grie,- /picion- ,ear.
#ar$"y ha$ the king4 ne. hera"$ ca""e$ the co/rt to or$er than the /g"ine began. Hne
.oman began to .ai" abo/t a brother .ho ha$ $ie$ at 5aGnak4 9it- another o, the $amage to her
pa"anA/in. A ,at man tore o,, hi ban$age to ho. the co/rt hi b/rne$ arm- .here the ,"eh .a
ti"" ra. an$ ooGing. An$ .hen a man in a b"/e(an$(go"$ tokar began to peak o, #arghaG the
#ero- a ,ree$man behin$ him hove$ him to the ,"oor. &t took i: BraGen Beat to p/"" them
apart an$ $rag them ,rom the ha"". Fo8, hawk, seal, locust, lion, toad+ Se"my .on$ere$ i, the
mak ha$ meaning to the men .ho .ore them. 5i$ the ame men .ear the ame mak every
$ay- or $i$ they chooe ne. ,ace every morning6
2D/iet01 ReGnak mo ReGnak .a p"ea$ing. 29"eae0 & .i"" an.er i, yo/ .i"" on"y81
2& it tr/e61 a ,ree$.oman ho/te$. 2& o/r mother $ea$61
2No- no- no-1 ReGnak creeche$. 2D/een 5aenery .i"" ret/rn to Meereen in her o.n time in
a"" her might an$ ma=ety. Fnti" /ch time- #i 3orhip >ing #iG$ahr ha""@1
2#e i no king o, mine-1 a ,ree$man ye""e$.
Men began to hove at one another. 2#he 3ueen is not dead,1 the enecha" proc"aime$. 2#er
b"oo$ri$er have been $ipatche$ acro the SkahaGa$han to ,in$ #er Grace an$ ret/rn her to her
"oving "or$ an$ "oya" /b=ect. Cach ha ten picke$ ri$er- an$ each man ha three .i,t hore-
o they may trave" ,at an$ ,ar. D/een 5aenery ha"" be ,o/n$.1
A ta"" Ghicari in a broca$e robe poke ne:t- in a voice a onoro/ a it .a co"$. >ing
#iG$ahr hi,te$ on hi $ragon throne- hi ,ace tony a he $i$ hi bet to appear concerne$ b/t
/npert/rbe$. Hnce again hi enecha" gave an.er.
Ser Barritan "et ReGnak4 oi"y .or$ .ah over him. #i year in the >ingg/ar$ ha$ ta/ght
him the trick o, "itening .itho/t hearing- epecia""y /e,/" .hen the peaker .a intent on
proving that .or$ .ere tr/"y .in$. Back at the rear o, the ha""- he pie$ the 5ornih prince"ing
an$ hi t.o companion. #he! should not hae come+ *artell does not realize his danger+
Daener!s was his onl! friend at this court, and she is gone+ #e .on$ere$ ho. m/ch they
/n$ertoo$ o, .hat .a being ai$. Cven he co/"$ not a".ay make ene o, the mongre"
Ghicari tong/e the "aver poke- epecia""y .hen they .ere peaking ,at.
9rince D/entyn .a "itening intent"y- at "eat. #hat one is his father/s son+ Short an$ tocky-
p"ain(,ace$- he eeme$ a $ecent "a$- ober- enib"e- $/ti,/"8 b/t not the ort to make a yo/ng
gir"4 heart beat ,ater. An$ 5aenery 7argaryen- .hatever e"e he might be- .a ti"" a yo/ng
gir"- a he here", .o/"$ c"aim .hen it p"eae$ her to p"ay the innocent. ?ike a"" goo$ A/een
he p/t her peop"e ,irt@e"e he .o/"$ never have .e$ #iG$ahr Go ?oraA@b/t the gir" in her
ti"" yearne$ ,or poetry- paion- an$ "a/ghter. She wants fire, and Dorne sent her mud+
Eo/ co/"$ make a po/"tice o/t o, m/$ to coo" a ,ever. Eo/ co/"$ p"ant ee$ in m/$ an$
gro. a crop to ,ee$ yo/r chi"$ren. M/$ .o/"$ no/rih yo/- .here ,ire .o/"$ on"y con/me yo/-
b/t ,oo" an$ chi"$ren an$ yo/ng gir" .o/"$ chooe ,ire every time.
Behin$ the prince- Ser Gerri 5rink.ater .a .hipering omething to Eron.oo$. Ser Gerri
.a a"" hi prince .a not' ta"" an$ "ean an$ come"y- .ith a .or$man4 grace an$ a co/rtier4
.it. Se"my $i$ not $o/bt that many a 5ornih mai$en ha$ r/n her ,inger thro/gh that /n(
treake$ hair an$ kie$ that teaing mi"e o,, hi "ip. If this one had been the prince, things
might hae gone elsewise, he co/"$ not he"p b/t think8 b/t there .a omething a bit too
p"eaant abo/t 5rink.ater ,or hi tate. False coin, the o"$ knight tho/ght. #e ha$ kno.n /ch
men be,ore.
3hatever he .a .hipering m/t have been am/ing- ,or hi big ba"$ ,rien$ gave a /$$en
nort o, "a/ghter- "o/$ eno/gh o that the king hime", t/rne$ hi hea$ to.ar$ the 5ornihmen.
3hen he a. the prince- #iG$ahr Go ?oraA ,ro.ne$.
Ser Barritan $i$ not "ike that ,ro.n. An$ .hen the king beckone$ hi co/in MarghaG c"oer-
"eane$ $o.n- an$ .hipere$ in hi ear- he "ike$ that even "e.
I swore no oath to Dorne, Ser Barritan to"$ hime",. B/t ?e.yn Marte"" ha$ been hi S.orn
Brother- back in the $ay .hen the bon$ bet.een the >ingg/ar$ ti"" .ent $eep. I could not
help $rince "ew!n on the #rident, but I can help his nephew now+ Marte"" .a $ancing in a
viper4 net- an$ he $i$ not even ee the nake. #i contin/e$ preence- even a,ter 5aenery ha$
given here", to another be,ore the eye o, go$ an$ men- .o/"$ provoke any h/ban$- an$
D/entyn no "onger ha$ the A/een to hie"$ him ,rom #iG$ahr4 .roth. Although =
7he tho/ght hit him "ike a "ap acro the ,ace. D/entyn ha$ gro.n /p amongt the co/rt o,
5orne. 9"ot an$ poion .ere no tranger to him. Nor .a 9rince ?e.yn hi on"y /nc"e. 7e is
kin to the )ed .iper+ 5aenery ha$ taken another ,or her conort- b/t i, #iG$ahr $ie$- he .o/"$
be ,ree to .e$ again. %ould the Shaepate hae been wrong6 Who can sa! that the locusts were
meant for Daener!s6 It was the king/s own bo8+ What if he was meant to be the ictim all along6
#iG$ahr4 $eath .o/"$ have mahe$ the ,ragi"e peace. 7he Son o, the #arpy .o/"$ have
re/me$ their m/r$er- the E/nkihmen their .ar. 5aenery might have ha$ no better choice
than D/entyn an$ hi marriage pact.
Ser Barritan .a ti"" .ret"ing .ith that /picion .hen he hear$ the o/n$ o, heavy boot
acen$ing the teep tone tep at the back o, the ha"". 7he E/nkihmen ha$ come. 7hree 3ie
Mater "e$ the proceion ,rom the Ee""o. City- each .ith hi o.n arme$ retin/e. Hne "aver
.ore a tokar o, maroon i"k ,ringe$ .ith go"$- one a tripe$ tokar o, tea" an$ orange- the thir$ an
ornate breatp"ate in"ai$ .ith erotic cene $one in =et an$ =a$e an$ mother(o,(pear". 7he
e"".or$ captain B"oo$bear$ accompanie$ them .ith a "eathern ack "/ng acro one maive
ho/"$er an$ a "ook o, mirth an$ m/r$er on hi ,ace.
2o #attered $rince, Se"my note$. 2o Brown Ben $lumm+ Ser Barritan eye$ B"oo$bear$
coo""y. 1ie me half a reason to dance with !ou, and we will see who is laughing at the end+
ReGnak mo ReGnak .orme$ hi .ay ,or.ar$. 23ie Mater- yo/ honor /. #i Ra$iance
>ing #iG$ahr bi$ .e"come to hi ,rien$ ,rom E/nkai. 3e /n$ertan$@1
2Fn$ertan$ thi.1 B"oo$bear$ p/""e$ a evere$ hea$ ,rom hi ack an$ ,"/ng it at the
enecha".
ReGnak gave a A/eak o, ,right an$ "eapt ai$e. 7he hea$ bo/nce$ pat him- "eaving pot o,
b"oo$ on the p/rp"e marb"e ,"oor a it ro""e$ /nti" it ,etche$ /p againt the ,oot o, >ing #iG$ahr4
$ragon throne. Fp an$ $o.n the "ength o, the ha""- BraGen Beat "o.ere$ their pear. Goghor
the Giant "/mbere$ ,or.ar$ to p"ace hime", be,ore the king4 throne- an$ the Spotte$ Cat an$
>hraGG move$ to either i$e o, him to ,orm a .a"".
B"oo$bear$ "a/ghe$. 2#e4 $ea$. #e .on4t bite.1
Ginger"y- o ginger"y- the enecha" approache$ the hea$- "i,te$ it $e"icate"y by the hair.
2A$mira" Gro"eo.1
Ser Barritan g"ance$ to.ar$ the throne. #e ha$ erve$ o many king- he co/"$ not he"p b/t
imagine ho. they might have reacte$ to thi provocation. Aery .o/"$ have ,"inche$ a.ay in
horror- "ike"y c/tting hime", on the barb o, the &ron 7hrone- then hrieke$ at hi .or$men to
c/t the E/nkihmen to piece. Robert .o/"$ have ho/te$ ,or hi hammer to repay B"oo$bear$
in kin$. Cven !aehaery- reckone$ .eak by many- .o/"$ have or$ere$ the arret o, B"oo$bear$
an$ the E/nkih "aver.
#iG$ahr at ,roGen- a man tran,i:e$. ReGnak et the hea$ on a atin pi""o. at the king4 ,eet-
then campere$ a.ay- hi mo/th t.ite$ /p in a mo/e o, $itate. Ser Barritan co/"$ me"" the
enecha"4 heavy ,"ora" per,/me ,rom evera" yar$ a.ay.
7he $ea$ man tare$ /p reproach,/""y. #i bear$ .a bro.n .ith cake$ b"oo$- b/t a trick"e o,
re$ ti"" "eake$ ,rom hi neck. +rom the "ook o, him- it ha$ taken more than one b"o. to part hi
hea$ ,rom hi bo$y. &n the back o, the ha""- petitioner began to "ip a.ay. Hne o, the BraGen
Beat rippe$ o,, hi bra ha.k4 mak an$ began to pe. /p hi break,at.
Barritan Se"my .a no tranger to evere$ hea$. 7hi one- tho/gh8 he ha$ croe$ ha", the
.or"$ .ith the o"$ ea,arer- ,rom 9ento to Darth an$ back again to Atapor. 1roleo was a good
man+ 7e did not desere this end+ All he eer wanted was to go home+ 7he knight tene$-
.aiting.
27hi-1 >ing #iG$ahr ai$ at "at- 2thi i not8 .e are not p"eae$- thi8 .hat i the
meaning o, thi8 thi81
7he "aver in the maroon tokar pro$/ce$ a parchment. 2& have the honor to bear thi meage
,rom the co/nci" o, mater.1 #e /nro""e$ the cro"". 2&t i here .ritten- JSeen entered *eereen
to sign the peace accords and witness the celebrator! games at the $it of Daznak+ As suret! for
their safet!, seen hostages were tendered us+ #he &ellow %it! mourns its noble son &urkhaz zo
&unzak, who perished cruell! whilst a guest of *eereen+ Blood must pa! for blood+/1
Gro"eo ha$ a .i,e back in 9ento. Chi"$ren- gran$chi"$ren. Wh! him, of all the hostages6
!hogo- #ero- an$ 5aario Nahari a"" comman$e$ ,ighting men- b/t Gro"eo ha$ been an a$mira"
.itho/t a ,"eet. Did the! draw straws, or did the! think 1roleo the least aluable to us, the least
likel! to prooke reprisal6 the knight ake$ hime",8 b/t it .a eaier to poe that A/etion than
to an.er it. I hae no skill at unraeling such knots+
2Eo/r Grace-1 Ser Barritan ca""e$ o/t. 2&, it p"eae yo/ to reca""- the nob"e E/rkhaG $ie$ by
happentance. #e t/mb"e$ on the tep a he trie$ to ,"ee the $ragon an$ .a cr/he$ beneath
the ,eet o, hi o.n "ave an$ companion. 7hat- or hi heart b/rt in terror. #e .a o"$.1
23ho i thi .ho peak .itho/t the king4 "eave61 ake$ the E/nkih "or$ in the tripe$
tokar, a ma"" man .ith a rece$ing chin an$ teeth too big ,or hi mo/th. #e remin$e$ Se"my o, a
rabbit. 2M/t the "or$ o, E/nkai atten$ to the nattering o, g/ar$61 #e hook the pear" that
,ringe$ hi tokar+
#iG$ahr Go ?oraA co/"$ not eem to "ook a.ay ,rom the hea$. Hn"y .hen ReGnak .hipere$
omething in hi ear $i$ he ,ina""y betir hime",. 2E/rkhaG Go E/nGak .a yo/r /preme
comman$er-1 he ai$. 23hich o, yo/ peak ,or E/nkai no.61
2A"" o, /-1 ai$ the rabbit. 27he co/nci" o, mater.1
>ing #iG$ahr ,o/n$ ome tee". 27hen a"" o, yo/ bear the reponibi"ity ,or thi breach o, o/r
peace.1
7he E/nkihman in the breatp"ate gave an.er. 2H/r peace ha not been breache$. B"oo$
pay ,or b"oo$- a "i,e ,or a "i,e. 7o ho. o/r goo$ ,aith- .e ret/rn three o, yo/r hotage.1 7he
iron rank behin$ him parte$. 7hree Meereenee .ere /here$ ,or.ar$- c"/tching at their tokar
@t.o .omen an$ a man.
2Siter-1 ai$ #iG$ahr Go ?oraA- ti,,"y. 2Co/in.1 #e get/re$ at the b"ee$ing hea$.
2Remove that ,rom o/r ight.1
27he a$mira" .a a man o, the ea-1 Ser Barritan remin$e$ him. 2Mayhap Eo/r
Magni,icence might ak the E/nkai4i to ret/rn hi bo$y to /- o .e may b/ry him beneath the
.ave61
7he rabbit(toothe$ "or$ .ave$ a han$. 2&, it p"eae Eo/r Ra$iance- thi ha"" be $one. A ign
o, o/r repect.1
ReGnak mo ReGnak c"eare$ hi throat noii"y. 2Meaning no o,,ene- yet it eem to me that
#er 3orhip D/een 5aenery gave yo/8 ah8 even hotage. 7he other three81
27he other ha"" remain o/r g/et-1 anno/nce$ the E/nkih "or$ in the breatp"ate- 2/nti" the
$ragon have been $etroye$.1
A h/h ,e"" acro the ha"". 7hen came the m/rm/r an$ the m/tter- .hipere$ c/re-
.hipere$ prayer- the hornet tirring in their hive. 27he $ragon81 ai$ >ing #iG$ahr.
28are monter- a a"" men a. in 5aGnak4 9it. No tr/e peace i poib"e .hi"t they "ive.1
ReGnak rep"ie$. 2#er Magni,icence D/een 5aenery i Mother o, 5ragon. Hn"y he can@1
B"oo$bear$4 corn c/t him o,,. 2She i gone. B/rne$ an$ $evo/re$. 3ee$ gro. thro/gh her
broken k/"".1
A roar greete$ thoe .or$. Some began to ho/t an$ c/re. Hther tampe$ their ,eet an$
.hit"e$ their approva". &t took the BraGen Beat po/n$ing the b/tt o, their pear againt the
,"oor be,ore the ha"" A/iete$ again.
Ser Barritan never once took hi eye o,, B"oo$bear$. 7e came to sack a cit!, and 7izdahr/s
peace has cheated him of his plunder+ 7e will do whateer he must to start the bloodshed+
#iG$ahr Go ?oraA roe "o."y ,rom hi $ragon throne. 2& m/t con/"t my co/nci". 7hi co/rt
i $one.1
2All kneel for 7is *agnificence 7izdahr zo "ora3, Fourteenth of #hat Ancient 2ame, ,ing of
*eereen, Scion of 1his, Octarch of the Old 0mpire, *aster of the Skahazadhan, %onsort to
Dragons and Blood of the 7arp!,1 the hera"$ ho/te$. BraGen Beat ./ng o/t amongt the
pi""ar to ,orm a "ine- then began a "o. a$vance in "ocktep- /hering the petitioner ,rom the
ha"".
7he 5ornihmen $i$ not have a ,ar to go a mot. A be,it hi rank an$ tation- D/entyn
Marte"" ha$ been given A/arter .ithin the Great 9yrami$- t.o "eve" $o.n@a han$ome /ite
o, room .ith it o.n privy an$ .a""e$ terrace. 9erhap that .a .hy he an$ hi companion
"ingere$- .aiting /nti" the pre ha$ "eene$ be,ore beginning to make their .ay to.ar$ the
tep.
Ser Barritan .atche$ them- tho/ght,/". What would Daener!s want6 he ake$ hime",. #e
tho/ght he kne.. 7he o"$ knight tro$e acro the ha""- hi "ong .hite c"oak ripp"ing behin$ him.
#e ca/ght the 5ornihmen at the top o, the tep. 2Eo/r ,ather4 co/rt .a never ha", o "ive"y-1
he hear$ 5rink.ater =aping.
29rince D/entyn-1 Se"my ca""e$. 2Might & beg a .or$61
D/entyn Marte"" t/rne$. 2Ser Barritan. H, co/re. My chamber are one "eve" $o.n.1
2o+ 2&t i not my p"ace to co/ne" yo/- 9rince D/entyn8 b/t i, & .ere yo/- & .o/"$ not ret/rn
to my chamber. Eo/ an$ yo/r ,rien$ ho/"$ go $o.n the tep an$ "eave.1
9rince D/entyn tare$. 2?eave the pyrami$61
2?eave the city. Ret/rn to 5orne.1
7he 5ornihmen e:change$ a "ook. 2H/r arm an$ armor are back in o/r apartment-1 ai$
Gerri 5rink.ater. 2Not to mention mot o, the coin that .e have "e,t.1
2S.or$ can be rep"ace$-1 ai$ Ser Barritan. 2& can provi$e yo/ .ith coin eno/gh ,or
paage back to 5orne. 9rince D/entyn- the king ma$e note o, yo/ to$ay. #e ,ro.ne$.1
Gerri 5rink.ater "a/ghe$. 2Sho/"$ .e be ,rightene$ o, #iG$ahr Go ?oraA6 Eo/ a. him =/t
no.. #e A/ai"e$ be,ore the E/nkihmen. 7hey ent him a head, an$ he $i$ nothing.1
D/entyn Marte"" no$$e$ in agreement. 2A prince $oe .e"" to think be,ore he act. 7hi
king8 & $o not kno. .hat to think o, him. 7he A/een .arne$ me againt him a .e""- tr/e-
b/t81
2She .arne$ yo/61 Se"my ,ro.ne$. 23hy are yo/ ti"" here61
9rince D/entyn ,"/he$. 27he marriage pact@1
2@.a ma$e by t.o $ea$ men an$ containe$ not a .or$ abo/t the A/een or yo/. &t promie$
yo/r iter4 han$ to the A/een4 brother- another $ea$ man. &t ha no ,orce. Fnti" yo/ t/rne$ /p
here- #er Grace .a ignorant o, it e:itence. Eo/r ,ather keep hi ecret .e""- 9rince
D/entyn. 7oo .e""- & ,ear. &, the A/een ha$ kno.n o, thi pact in Darth- he might never have
t/rne$ ai$e ,or S"aver4 Bay- b/t yo/ came too "ate. & have no .ih to a"t yo/r .o/n$- b/t #er
Grace ha a ne. h/ban$ an$ an o"$ paramo/r- an$ eem to pre,er the both o, them to yo/.1
Anger ,"ahe$ in the prince4 $ark eye. 27hi Ghicari "or$"ing i no ,it conort ,or the A/een
o, the Seven >ing$om.1
27hat i not ,or yo/ to =/$ge.1 Ser Barritan pa/e$- .on$ering i, he ha$ ai$ too m/ch
a"rea$y. 2o+ #ell him the rest of it+ 27hat $ay at 5aGnak4 9it- ome o, the ,oo$ in the roya" bo:
.a poione$. &t .a on"y chance that Strong Be".a ate it a"". 7he B"/e Grace ay that on"y hi
iGe an$ ,reakih trength have ave$ him- b/t it .a a near thing. #e may yet $ie.1
7he hock .a p"ain on 9rince D/entyn4 ,ace. 29oion8 meant ,or 5aenery61
2#er or #iG$ahr. 9erhap both. 7he bo: .a hi- tho/gh. #i Grace ma$e a"" the
arrangement. &, the poion .a hi $oing8 .e""- he .i"" nee$ a capegoat. 3ho better than a
riva" ,rom a $itant "an$ .ho ha no ,rien$ at thi co/rt6 3ho better than a /itor the A/een
p/rne$61
D/entyn Marte"" .ent pa"e. 2*e6 & .o/"$ never8 yo/ cannot think & ha$ any part in any81
#hat was the truth, or he is a master mummer+ 2Hther might-1 ai$ Ser Barritan. 27he Re$
%iper .a yo/r /nc"e. An$ yo/ have goo$ reaon to .ant >ing #iG$ahr $ea$.1
2So $o other-1 /ggete$ Gerri 5rink.ater. 2Nahari- ,or one. 7he A/een481
28paramo/r-1 Ser Barritan ,inihe$- be,ore the 5ornih knight co/"$ ay anything that
might bemirch the A/een4 honor. 27hat i .hat yo/ ca"" them $o.n in 5orne- i it not61 #e $i$
not .ait ,or a rep"y. 29rince ?e.yn .a my S.orn Brother. &n thoe $ay there .ere ,e. ecret
amongt the >ingg/ar$. & kno. he kept a paramo/r. #e $i$ not ,ee" there .a any hame in
that.1
2No-1 ai$ D/entyn- re$(,ace$- 2b/t81
25aario .o/"$ ki"" #iG$ahr in a heartbeat i, he $are$-1 Ser Barritan .ent on. 2B/t not .ith
poion. Never. An$ 5aario .a not there in any cae. #iG$ahr .o/"$ be p"eae$ to b"ame him ,or
the "oc/t- a"" the ame8 b/t the king may yet have nee$ o, the Stormcro.- an$ he .i"" "oe
them i, he appear comp"icit in the $eath o, their captain. No- my prince. &, #i Grace nee$ a
poioner- he .i"" "ook to yo/.1 #e ha$ ai$ a"" that he co/"$ a,e"y ay. &n a ,e. more $ay- i, the
go$ mi"e$ on them- #iG$ahr Go ?oraA .o/"$ no "onger r/"e Meereen8 b/t no goo$ .o/"$ be
erve$ by having 9rince D/entyn ca/ght /p in the b"oo$bath that .a coming. 2&, yo/ m/t
remain in Meereen- yo/ .o/"$ $o .e"" to tay a.ay ,rom co/rt an$ hope #iG$ahr ,orget yo/-1
Ser Barritan ,inihe$- 2b/t a hip ,or %o"anti .o/"$ be .ier- my prince. 3hatever co/re yo/
chooe- & .ih yo/ .e"".1
Be,ore he ha$ gone three tep- D/entyn Marte"" ca""e$ o/t to him. 2Barritan the Bo"$- they
ca"" yo/.1
2Some $o.1 Se"my ha$ .on that name .hen he .a ten year o"$- a ne.(ma$e A/ire- yet o
vain an$ pro/$ an$ ,oo"ih that he got it in hi hea$ that he co/"$ =o/t .ith trie$ an$ proven
knight. So he4$ borro.e$ a .arhore an$ ome p"ate ,rom ?or$ 5on$arrion4 armory an$
entere$ the "it at B"ackhaven a a mytery knight. 0en the herald laughed+ *! arms were so
thin that when I lowered m! lance it was all I could do to keep the point from furrowing the
ground+ ?or$ 5on$arrion .o/"$ have been .ithin hi right to p/"" him o,, the hore an$ pank
him- b/t the 9rince o, 5ragon,"ie ha$ taken pity on the a$$"epate$ boy in the i""(,itting armor
an$ accor$e$ him the repect o, taking /p hi cha""enge. Hne co/re .a a"" that it reA/ire$.
A,ter.ar$ 9rince 5/ncan he"pe$ him to hi ,eet an$ remove$ hi he"m. 2A boy-1 he ha$
proc"aime$ to the cro.$. 2A bo"$ boy.1 Fift!(three !ears ago+ 7ow man! men are still alie who
were there at Blackhaen6
23hat name $o yo/ think they .i"" give me- ho/"$ & ret/rn to 5orne .itho/t 5aenery61
9rince D/entyn ake$. 2D/entyn the Ca/tio/6 D/entyn the Craven6 D/entyn the D/ai"61
#he $rince Who %ame #oo "ate, the o"$ knight tho/ght8 b/t i, a knight o, the >ingg/ar$
"earn nothing e"e- he "earn to g/ar$ hi tong/e. 2D/entyn the 3ie-1 he /ggete$. An$ hope$
that it .a tr/e.
THE S+.RNED S.ITOR
7he ho/r o, ghot .a a"mot /pon them .hen Ser Gerri 5rink.ater ret/rne$ to the
pyrami$ to report that he ha$ ,o/n$ Bean- Book- an$ H"$ Bi"" Bone in one o, Meereen4 "e
avory ce""ar- $rinking ye""o. .ine an$ .atching nake$ "ave ki"" one another .ith bare han$
an$ ,i"e$ teeth.
2Bean p/""e$ a b"a$e an$ propoe$ a .ager to $etermine i, $eerter ha$ be""ie ,/"" o,
ye""o. "ime-1 Ser Gerri reporte$- 2o & toe$ him a $ragon an$ ake$ i, ye""o. go"$ .o/"$ $o.
#e bit the coin an$ ake$ .hat & meant to b/y. 3hen & to"$ him he "ippe$ the kni,e a.ay an$
ake$ i, & .a $r/nk or ma$.1
2?et him think .hat he .ant- o "ong a he $e"iver the meage-1 ai$ D/entyn.
2#e4"" $o that m/ch. &4"" .ager yo/ get yo/r meeting too- i, on"y o Rag can have 9retty
Meri c/t yo/r "iver o/t an$ ,ry it /p .ith onion. 3e ho/"$ be hee$ing Se"my. 3hen Barritan
the Bo"$ te"" yo/ to r/n- a .ie man "ace /p hi boot. 3e ho/"$ ,in$ a hip ,or %o"anti
.hi"t the port i ti"" open.1
!/t the mention t/rne$ Ser Archiba"$4 cheek green. 2No more hip. &4$ ooner hop back to
%o"anti on one ,oot.1
.olantis, D/entyn tho/ght. #hen "!s, then home+ Back the wa! I came, empt!(handed+ #hree
brae men dead, for what6
&t .o/"$ be .eet to ee the Greenb"oo$ again- to viit S/npear an$ the 3ater Gar$en an$
breathe the c"ean .eet mo/ntain air o, Eron.oo$ in p"ace o, the hot- .et- ,i"thy h/mor o,
S"aver4 Bay. #i ,ather .o/"$ peak no .or$ o, reb/ke- D/entyn kne.- b/t the $iappointment
.o/"$ be there in hi eye. #i iter .o/"$ be corn,/"- the San$ Snake .o/"$ mock him .ith
mi"e harp a .or$- an$ ?or$ Eron.oo$- hi econ$ ,ather- .ho ha$ ent hi o.n on a"ong
to keep him a,e8
2& .i"" not keep yo/ here-1 D/entyn to"$ hi ,rien$. 2My ,ather "ai$ thi tak on me- not yo/.
Go home- i, that i .hat yo/ .ant. By .hatever mean yo/ "ike. & am taying.1
7he big man hr/gge$. 27hen 5rink an$ me are taying too.1
7he ne:t night- 5enGo 54han t/rne$ /p at 9rince D/entyn4 $oor to ta"k term. 2#e .i"" meet
.ith yo/ on the morro.- by the pice market. ?ook ,or a $oor marke$ .ith a p/rp"e "ot/. >nock
t.ice an$ ca"" ,or ,ree$om.1
2Agree$-1 ai$ D/entyn. 2Arch an$ Gerri .i"" be .ith me. #e can bring t.o men a .e"". No
more.1
2&, it p"eae my prince.1 7he .or$ .ere po"ite eno/gh- b/t 5enGo4 tone .a e$ge$ .ith
ma"ice- an$ the eye o, the .arrior poet g"eame$ bright .ith mockery. 2Come at /net. An$ ee
that yo/ are not ,o""o.e$.1
7he 5ornihmen "e,t the Great 9yrami$ an ho/r hy o, /net in cae they took a .rong t/rn
or ha$ $i,,ic/"ty ,in$ing the p/rp"e "ot/. D/entyn an$ Gerri .ore their .or$ be"t. 7he big
man ha$ hi .arhammer "/ng acro hi broa$ back.
2&t i ti"" not too "ate to aban$on thi ,o""y-1 Gerri ai$- a they ma$e their .ay $o.n a ,oeti$
a""ey to.ar$ the o"$ pice market. 7he me"" o, pi .a in the air- an$ they co/"$ hear the
r/mb"e o, a corpe cart4 iron(rimme$ .hee" o,, ahea$. 2H"$ Bi"" Bone /e$ to ay that 9retty
Mari co/"$ tretch o/t a man4 $ying ,or a moon4 t/rn. 3e lied to them- D/ent. Fe$ them to
get / here- then .ent over to the Stormcro..1
2A .e .ere comman$e$.1
27atter never meant ,or / to $o it ,or rea"- tho/gh-1 p/t in the big man. 2#i other boy- Ser
Hron an$ 5ick Stra.- #/nger,or$- 3i"" o, the 3oo$- that "ot- they4re ti"" $o.n in ome
$/ngeon thank to /. H"$ Rag can4t have "ike$ that m/ch.1
2No-1 9rince D/entyn ai$- 2b/t he "ike go"$.1
Gerri "a/ghe$. 2A pity .e have none. 5o yo/ tr/t thi peace- D/ent6 & $on4t. #a", the city i
ca""ing the $ragon"ayer a hero- an$ the other ha", pit b"oo$ at the mention o, hi name.1
2#arGoo-1 the big man ai$.
D/entyn ,ro.ne$. 2#i name .a #arghaG.1
2#iG$ahr- #/mG/m- #agnag- .hat $oe it matter6 & ca"" them a"" #arGoo. #e .a no
$ragon"ayer. A"" he $i$ .a get hi are roate$ b"ack an$ cripy.1
2#e .a brave.1 Would I hae the courage to face that monster with nothing but a spear6
2#e $ie$ brave"y- i .hat yo/ mean.1
2#e $ie$ creaming-1 ai$ Arch.
Gerri p/t a han$ on D/entyn4 ho/"$er. 2Cven i, the A/een ret/rn- he4"" ti"" be marrie$.1
2Not i, & give >ing #arGoo a "itt"e mack .ith my hammer-1 /ggete$ the big man.
2#iG$ahr-1 ai$ D/entyn. 2#i name i #iG$ahr.1
2Hne ki ,rom my hammer an$ no one .i"" care .hat hi name .a-1 ai$ Arch.
#he! do not see+ #i ,rien$ ha$ "ot ight o, hi tr/e p/rpoe here. #he road leads through
her, not to her+ Daener!s is the means to the prize, not the prize itself+ 2 J7he $ragon ha three
hea$-4 he ai$ to me. JMy marriage nee$ not be the en$ o, a"" yo/r hope-4 he ai$. J& kno.
.hy yo/ are here. +or ,ire an$ b"oo$.4 & have 7argaryen b"oo$ in me- yo/ kno. that. & can trace
my "ineage back@1
2+/ck yo/r "ineage-1 ai$ Gerri. 27he $ragon .on4t care abo/t yo/r b"oo$- e:cept maybe
ho. it tate. Eo/ cannot tame a $ragon .ith a hitory "eon. 7hey4re monter- not maeter.
D/ent- i thi tr/"y .hat yo/ .ant to $o61
27hi i .hat & have to $o. +or 5orne. +or my ,ather. +or C"et/ an$ 3i"" an$ Maeter
>e$ry.1
27hey4re $ea$-1 ai$ Gerri. 27hey .on4t care.1
2A"" $ea$-1 D/entyn agree$. 2+or .hat6 7o bring me here- o & might .e$ the $ragon A/een.
A gran$ a$vent/re- C"et/ ca""e$ it. 5emon roa$ an$ tormy ea- an$ at the en$ o, it the mot
bea/ti,/" .oman in the .or"$. A ta"e to te"" o/r gran$chi"$ren. B/t C"et/ .i"" never ,ather a
chi"$- /n"e he "e,t a batar$ in the be""y o, that tavern .ench he "ike$. 3i"" .i"" never have hi
.e$$ing. 7heir $eath ho/"$ have ome meaning.1
Gerri pointe$ to .here a corpe "/mpe$ againt a brick .a""- atten$e$ by a c"o/$ o,
g"itening green ,"ie. 25i$ hi $eath have meaning61
D/entyn "ooke$ at the bo$y .ith $itate. 2#e $ie$ o, the ,"/:. Stay .e"" a.ay ,rom him.1
7he pa"e mare .a ini$e the city .a"". Sma"" .on$er that the treet eeme$ o empty. 27he
Fn/""ie$ .i"" en$ a corpe cart ,or him.1
2No $o/bt. B/t that .a not my A/etion. Men4 "ive have meaning- not their $eath. & "ove$
3i"" an$ C"et/ too- b/t thi .i"" not bring them back to /. 7hi i a mitake- D/ent. Eo/ cannot
tr/t in e"".or$.1
27hey are men "ike any other men. 7hey .ant go"$- g"ory- po.er. 7hat4 a"" & am tr/ting in.1
#hat, and m! own destin!+ I am a prince of Dorne, and the blood of dragons is in m! eins+
7he /n ha$ /nk be"o. the city .a"" by the time they ,o/n$ the p/rp"e "ot/- painte$ on the
.eathere$ .oo$en $oor o, a "o. brick hove" A/atting ami$t a ro. o, imi"ar hove" in the
ha$o. o, the great ye""o.(an$(green pyrami$ o, RhaG$ar. D/entyn knocke$ t.ice- a
intr/cte$. A gr/,, voice an.ere$ thro/gh the $oor- gro."ing omething /ninte""igib"e in the
mongre" tong/e o, S"aver4 Bay- an /g"y b"en$ o, H"$ Ghicari an$ #igh %a"yrian. 7he prince
an.ere$ in the ame tong/e. 2+ree$om.1
7he $oor opene$. Gerri entere$ ,irt- ,or ca/tion4 ake- .ith D/entyn c"oe behin$ him an$
the big man bringing /p the rear. 3ithin- the air .a haGy .ith b"/ih moke- .hoe .eet me""
co/"$ not A/ite cover /p the $eeper tink o, pi an$ o/r .ine an$ rotting meat. 7he pace .a
m/ch "arger than it ha$ eeme$ ,rom .itho/t- tretching o,, to right an$ "e,t into the a$=oining
hove". 3hat ha$ appeare$ to be a $oGen tr/ct/re ,rom the treet t/rne$ into one "ong ha""
ini$e.
At thi ho/r the ho/e .a "e than ha", ,/"". A ,e. o, the patron ,avore$ the 5ornihmen
.ith "ook bore$ or hoti"e or c/rio/. 7he ret .ere cro.$e$ aro/n$ the pit at the ,ar en$ o, the
room- .here a pair o, nake$ men .ere "ahing at each other .ith knive .hi"t the .atcher
cheere$ them on.
D/entyn a. no ign o, the men they ha$ come to meet. 7hen a $oor he ha$ not een be,ore
./ng open- an$ an o"$ .oman emerge$- a hrive"e$ thing in a $ark re$ tokar ,ringe$ .ith tiny
go"$en k/"". #er kin .a .hite a mare4 mi"k- her hair o thin that he co/"$ ee the ca"p
beneath. 25orne-1 he ai$- 2& be Kahrina. 9/rp"e ?ot/. Go $o.n here- yo/ ,in$ them.1 She he"$
the $oor an$ get/re$ them thro/gh.
Beyon$ .a a ,"ight o, .oo$en tep- teep an$ t.iting. 7hi time the big man "e$ the .ay
an$ Gerri .a the rear g/ar$- .ith the prince bet.een them. An undercellar+ &t .a a "ong .ay
$o.n- an$ o $ark that D/entyn ha$ to ,ee" hi .ay to keep ,rom "ipping. Near the bottom Ser
Archiba"$ p/""e$ hi $agger.
7hey emerge$ in a brick va/"t thrice the iGe o, the .ineink above. #/ge .oo$en vat "ine$
the .a"" a ,ar a the prince co/"$ ee. A re$ "antern h/ng on a hook =/t ini$e the $oor- an$ a
greay b"ack can$"e ,"ickere$ on an overt/rne$ barre" erving a a tab"e. 7hat .a the on"y "ight.
Caggo Corpeki""er .a pacing by the .ine vat- hi b"ack arakh hanging at hi hip. 9retty
Meri too$ cra$"ing a crobo.- her eye a co"$ an$ $ea$ a t.o grey tone. 5enGo 54han
barre$ the $oor once the 5ornihmen .ere ini$e- then took /p a poition in ,ront o, it- arm
croe$ againt hi chet.
One too man!, D/entyn tho/ght.
7he 7attere$ 9rince hime", .a eate$ at the tab"e- n/ring a c/p o, .ine. &n the ye""o.
can$"e"ight hi i"ver(grey hair eeme$ a"mot go"$en- tho/gh the po/che /n$erneath hi eye
.ere etche$ a "arge a a$$"ebag. #e .ore a bro.n .oo" trave"er4 c"oak- .ith i"very chain
mai" g"immering /n$erneath. 5i$ that betoken treachery or imp"e pr/$ence6 An old sellsword is
a cautious sellsword+ D/entyn approache$ hi tab"e. 2My "or$. Eo/ "ook $i,,erent .itho/t yo/r
c"oak.1
2My ragge$ raiment61 7he 9entohi gave a hr/g. 2A poor thing8 yet thoe tatter ,i"" my
,oe .ith ,ear- an$ on the batt"e,ie"$ the ight o, my rag b"o.ing in the .in$ embo"$en my
men more than any banner. An$ i, & .ant to move /neen- & nee$ on"y "ip it o,, to become p"ain
an$ /nremarkab"e.1 #e get/re$ at the bench acro ,rom him. 2Sit. & /n$ertan$ yo/ are a
prince. 3o/"$ that & ha$ kno.n. 3i"" yo/ $rink6 Kahrina o,,er ,oo$ a .e"". #er brea$ i ta"e
an$ her te. i /npeakab"e. Greae an$ a"t- .ith a more" or t.o o, meat. 5og- he ay- b/t &
think rat i more "ike"y. &t .i"" not ki"" yo/- tho/gh. & have ,o/n$ that it i on"y .hen the ,oo$ i
tempting that one m/t be.are. 9oioner invariab"y chooe the choicet $ihe.1
2Eo/ bro/ght three men-1 Ser Gerri pointe$ o/t- .ith an e$ge in hi voice. 23e agree$ on
t.o apiece.1
2Meri i no man. Meri- .eet- /n$o yo/r hirt- ho. him.1
27hat .i"" not be neceary-1 ai$ D/entyn. &, the ta"k he ha$ hear$ .a tr/e- beneath that
hirt 9retty Meri ha$ on"y the car "e,t by the men .ho4$ c/t her breat o,,. 2Meri i a
.oman- & agree. Eo/4ve ti"" t.ite$ the term.1
27attere$ an$ t.ity- .hat a rog/e & am. 7hree to t.o i not m/ch o, an a$vantage- it m/t be
a$mitte$- b/t it co/nt ,or omething. &n thi .or"$- a man m/t "earn to eiGe .hatever gi,t the
go$ choe to en$ him. 7hat .a a "eon & "earne$ at ome cot. & o,,er it to yo/ a a ign o, my
goo$ ,aith.1 #e get/re$ at the chair again. 2Sit- an$ ay .hat yo/ came to ay. & promie not to
have yo/ ki""e$ /nti" & have hear$ yo/ o/t. 7hat i the "eat & can $o ,or a ,e""o. prince. D/entyn-
i it61
2D/entyn o, #o/e Marte"".1
2+rog /it yo/ better. &t i not my c/tom to $rink .ith "iar an$ $eerter- b/t yo/4ve ma$e
me c/rio/.1
D/entyn at. One wrong word, and this could turn to blood in half a heartbeat+ 2& ak yo/r
par$on ,or o/r $eception. 7he on"y hip ai"ing ,or S"aver4 Bay .ere thoe that ha$ been hire$
to bring yo/ to the .ar.1
7he 7attere$ 9rince gave a hr/g. 2Cvery t/rnc"oak ha hi ta"e. Eo/ are not the ,irt to .ear
me yo/r .or$- take my coin- an$ r/n. A"" o, them have reasons+ JMy "itt"e on i ick-4 or JMy
.i,e i p/tting horn on me-4 or J7he other men a"" make me /ck their cock.4 S/ch a charming
boy- the "at- b/t & $i$ not e:c/e hi $eertion. Another ,e""o. to"$ me o/r ,oo$ .a o .retche$
that he ha$ to ,"ee be,ore it ma$e him ick- o & ha$ hi ,oot c/t o,,- roate$ it /p- an$ ,e$ it to
him. 7hen & ma$e him o/r camp cook. H/r mea" improve$ marke$"y- an$ .hen hi contract .a
,/",i""e$ he igne$ another. Eo/- tho/gh8 evera" o, my bet are "ocke$ /p in the A/een4
$/ngeon thank to that "ying tong/e o, yo/r- an$ & $o/bt that yo/ can even cook.1
2& am a prince o, 5orne-1 ai$ D/entyn. 2& ha$ a $/ty to my ,ather an$ my peop"e. 7here .a
a ecret marriage pact.1
2So & hear$. An$ .hen the i"ver A/een a. yo/r crap o, parchment he ,e"" into yo/r arm-
ye61
2No-1 ai$ 9retty Meri.
2No6 Hh- & reca"". Eo/r bri$e ,"e. o,, on a $ragon. 3e""- .hen he ret/rn- $o be /re to
invite / to yo/r n/ptia". 7he men o, the company .o/"$ "ove to $rink to yo/r happine- an$ &
$o "ove a 3eteroi .e$$ing. 7he be$$ing part epecia""y- on"y8 oh- .ait81 #e t/rne$ to
5enGo 54han. 25enGo- & tho/ght yo/ to"$ me that the $ragon A/een ha$ marrie$ ome Ghicari.1
2A Meereenee nob"eman. Rich.1
7he 7attere$ 9rince t/rne$ back to D/entyn. 2Co/"$ that be tr/e6 S/re"y not. 3hat o, yo/r
marriage pact61
2She "a/ghe$ at him-1 ai$ 9retty Meri.
Daener!s neer laughed+ 7he ret o, Meereen might ee him a an am/ing c/rioity- "ike the
e:i"e$ S/mmer &"an$er >ing Robert /e$ to keep at >ing4 ?an$ing- b/t the A/een ha$ a".ay
poken to him gent"y. 23e came too "ate-1 ai$ D/entyn.
2A pity yo/ $i$ not $eert me ooner.1 7he 7attere$ 9rince ippe$ at hi .ine. 2So8 no
.e$$ing ,or 9rince +rog. & that .hy yo/4ve come hopping back to me6 #ave my three brave
5ornih "a$ $eci$e$ to honor their contract61
2No.1
2#o. ve:ing.1
2E/rkhaG Go E/nGak i $ea$.1
2Ancient ti$ing. & a. him $ie. 7he poor man a. a $ragon an$ t/mb"e$ a he trie$ to ,"ee.
7hen a tho/an$ o, hi c"oet ,rien$ teppe$ on him. No $o/bt the Ee""o. City i a.ah in
tear. 5i$ yo/ ak me here to toat hi memory61
2No. #ave the E/nkihmen choen a ne. comman$er61
27he co/nci" o, mater ha been /nab"e to agree. EeGGan Go DaggaG ha$ the mot /pport-
b/t no. he4 $ie$ a .e"". 7he 3ie Mater are rotating the /preme comman$ amongt
theme"ve. 7o$ay o/r "ea$er i the one yo/r ,rien$ in the rank $/bbe$ the 5r/nken
ConA/eror. Hn the morro.- it .i"" be ?or$ 3obb"echeek.1
27he Rabbit-1 ai$ Meri. 23obb"echeek .a yeter$ay.1
2& tan$ correcte$- my .eet"ing. H/r E/nkih ,rien$ .ere kin$ eno/gh to provi$e / .ith a
chart. & m/t trive to be more ai$/o/ abo/t con/"ting it.1
2E/rkhaG Go E/nGak .a the man .ho hire$ yo/.1
2#e igne$ o/r contract on beha", o, hi city. !/t o.1
2Meereen an$ E/nkai have ma$e peace. 7he iege i to be "i,te$- the armie $iban$e$. 7here
.i"" be no batt"e- no "a/ghter- no city to ack an$ p"/n$er.1
2?i,e i ,/"" o, $iappointment.1
2#o. "ong $o yo/ think the E/nkihmen .i"" .ant to contin/e paying .age to ,o/r ,ree
companie61
7he 7attere$ 9rince took a ip o, .ine an$ ai$- 2A ve:ing A/etion. B/t thi i the .ay o, "i,e
,or .e men o, the ,ree companie. Hne .ar en$- another begin. +ort/nate"y there i a".ay
omeone ,ighting omeone ome.here. 9erhap here. Cven a .e it here $rinking B"oo$bear$ i
/rging o/r E/nkih ,rien$ to preent >ing #iG$ahr .ith another hea$. +ree$men an$ "aver
eye each other4 neck an$ harpen their knive- the Son o, the #arpy p"ot in their pyrami$- the
pa"e mare ri$e $o.n "ave an$ "or$ a"ike- o/r ,rien$ ,rom the Ee""o. City gaGe o/t to ea- an$
ome.here in the gra"an$ a $ragon nibb"e the ten$er ,"eh o, 5aenery 7argaryen. 3ho r/"e
Meereen tonight6 3ho .i"" r/"e it on the morro.61 7he 9entohi gave a hr/g. 2Hne thing & am
certain o,. Someone .i"" have nee$ o, o/r .or$.1
2& have nee$ o, thoe .or$. 5orne .i"" hire yo/.1
7he 7attere$ 9rince g"ance$ at 9retty Meri. 2#e $oe not "ack ,or ga""- thi +rog. M/t &
remin$ him6 My $ear prince- the "at contract .e igne$ yo/ /e$ to .ipe yo/r pretty pink
bottom.1
2& .i"" $o/b"e .hatever the E/nkihmen are paying yo/.1
2An$ pay in go"$ /pon the igning o, o/r contract- ye61
2& .i"" pay yo/ part .hen .e reach %o"anti- the ret .hen & am back in S/npear. 3e
bro/ght go"$ .ith / .hen .e et ai"- b/t it .o/"$ have been har$ to concea" once .e =oine$ the
company- o .e gave it over to the bank. & can ho. yo/ paper.1
2Ah. 9aper. B/t .e .i"" be pai$ double+1
27.ice a many paper-1 ai$ 9retty Meri.
27he ret yo/4"" have in 5orne-1 D/entyn inite$. 2My ,ather i a man o, honor. &, & p/t my
ea" to an agreement- he .i"" ,/",i"" it term. Eo/ have my .or$ on that.1
7he 7attere$ 9rince ,inihe$ hi .ine- t/rne$ the c/p over- an$ et it $o.n bet.een them.
2So. ?et me ee i, & /n$ertan$. A proven "iar an$ oathbreaker .ihe to contract .ith / an$ pay
in promie. An$ ,or .hat ervice6 & .on$er. Are my 3in$b"o.n to mah the E/nkai4i an$
ack the Ee""o. City6 5e,eat a 5othraki khalasar in the ,ie"$6 Ccort yo/ home to yo/r ,ather6
Hr .i"" yo/ be content i, .e $e"iver D/een 5aenery to yo/r be$ .et an$ .i""ing6 7e"" me tr/e-
9rince +rog. 3hat .o/"$ yo/ have o, me an$ mine61
2& nee$ yo/ to he"p me tea" a $ragon.1
Caggo Corpeki""er ch/ck"e$. 9retty Meri c/r"e$ her "ip in a ha",(mi"e. 5enGo 54han
.hit"e$.
7he 7attere$ 9rince on"y "eane$ back on hi too" an$ ai$- 25o/b"e $oe not pay ,or $ragon-
prince"ing. Cven a ,rog ho/"$ kno. that m/ch. 5ragon come $ear. An$ men .ho pay in
promie ho/"$ have at "eat the ene to promie more+1
2&, yo/ .ant me to trip"e@1
23hat & .ant-1 ai$ the 7attere$ 9rince- 2i 9ento.1
THE GRIFFIN RE!ORN
#e ent the archer in ,irt.
B"ack Ba"aA comman$e$ one tho/an$ bo.. &n hi yo/th- !on Connington ha$ hare$ the
$i$ain mot knight ha$ ,or bo.men- b/t he ha$ gro.n .ier in e:i"e. &n it o.n .ay- the arro.
.a a $ea$"y a the .or$- o ,or the "ong voyage he ha$ inite$ that #ome"e #arry
Strick"an$ break Ba"aA4 comman$ into ten companie o, one h/n$re$ men an$ p"ace each
company /pon a $i,,erent hip.
Si: o, thoe hip ha$ taye$ together .e"" eno/gh to $e"iver their paenger to the hore o,
Cape 3rath ;the other ,o/r .ere "agging b/t .o/"$ t/rn /p event/a""y- the %o"antene a/re$
them- b/t Gri,, tho/ght it =/t a "ike"y they .ere "ot or ha$ "an$e$ e"e.here<- .hich "e,t the
company .ith i: h/n$re$ bo.. +or thi- t.o h/n$re$ prove$ /,,icient. 27hey .i"" try to en$
o/t raven-1 he to"$ B"ack Ba"aA. 23atch the maeter4 to.er. #ere.1 #e pointe$ to the map he
ha$ $ra.n in the m/$ o, their campite. 2Bring $o.n every bir$ that "eave the cat"e.1
27hi .e $o-1 rep"ie$ the S/mmer &"an$er.
A thir$ o, Ba"aA4 men /e$ crobo.- another thir$ the $o/b"e(c/rve$ horn(an$(ine. bo.
o, the eat. Better than thee .ere the big ye. "ong(bo. borne by the archer o, 3eteroi
b"oo$- an$ bet o, a"" .ere the great bo. o, go"$enheart trea/re$ by B"ack Ba"aA hime", an$
hi ,i,ty S/mmer &"an$er. Hn"y a $ragonbone bo. co/"$ o/trange one ma$e o, go"$enheart.
3hatever bo. they carrie$- a"" o, Ba"aA4 men .ere harp(eye$- eaone$ veteran .ho ha$
prove$ their .orth in a h/n$re$ batt"e- rai$- an$ kirmihe. 7hey prove$ it again at Gri,,in4
Root.
7he cat"e roe ,rom the hore o, Cape 3rath- on a "o,ty crag o, $ark re$ tone /rro/n$e$
on three i$e by the /rging .ater o, Shipbreaker Bay. &t on"y approach .a $e,en$e$ by a
gateho/e- behin$ .hich "ay the "ong bare ri$ge the Connington ca""e$ the gri,,in4 throat. 7o
,orce the throat co/"$ be a b"oo$y b/ine- ince the ri$ge e:poe$ the attacker to the pear-
tone- an$ arro. o, $e,en$er in the t.o ro/n$ to.er that ,"anke$ the cat"e4 main gate. An$
once they reache$ thoe gate- the men ini$e co/"$ po/r $o.n boi"ing oi" on their hea$. Gri,,
e:pecte$ to "oe a h/n$re$ men- perhap more.
7hey "ot ,o/r.
7he .oo$ ha$ been a""o.e$ to encroach on the ,ie"$ beyon$ the gateho/e- o +rank"yn
+"o.er .a ab"e to /e the br/h ,or concea"ment an$ "ea$ hi men .ithin t.enty yar$ o, the
gate be,ore emerging ,rom the tree .ith the ram they4$ ,ahione$ back at camp. 7he crah o,
.oo$ on .oo$ bro/ght t.o men to the batt"ementI B"ack Ba"aA4 archer took $o.n both o,
them be,ore they co/"$ r/b the "eep o/t o, their eye. 7he gate t/rne$ o/t to be c"oe$ b/t not
barre$I it gave .ay at the econ$ b"o.- an$ Ser +rank"yn4 men .ere ha",.ay /p the throat
be,ore a .arhorn o/n$e$ the a"ar/m ,rom the cat"e proper.
7he ,irt raven took ,"ight a their grapne" .ere arcing above the c/rtain .a""- the econ$ a
,e. moment "ater. Neither bir$ ha$ ,"o.n a h/n$re$ yar$ be,ore an arro. took it $o.n. A
g/ar$ ini$e $/mpe$ $o.n a b/cket o, oi" on the ,irt men to reach the gate- b/t a he4$ ha$ no
time to heat it- the b/cket ca/e$ more $amage than it content. S.or$ .ere oon ringing in
ha", a $oGen p"ace a"ong the batt"ement. 7he men o, the Go"$en Company c"ambere$ thro/gh
the mer"on an$ race$ a"ong the .a"".a"k- ho/ting 2A griffin; A griffin;,1 the ancient batt"e cry
o, #o/e Connington- .hich m/t have "e,t the $e,en$er even more con,/e$.
&t .a over .ithin min/te. Gri,, ro$e /p the throat on a .hite co/rer bei$e #ome"e #arry
Strick"an$. A they neare$ the cat"e- he a. a thir$ raven ,"ap ,rom the maeter4 to.er- on"y to
be ,eathere$ by B"ack Ba"aA hime",. 2No more meage-1 he to"$ Ser +rank"yn +"o.er in the
yar$. 7he ne:t thing to come ,"ying ,rom the maeter4 to.er .a the maeter. 7he .ay hi arm
.ere ,"apping- he might have been mitaken ,or another bir$.
7hat .a the en$ o, a"" reitance. 3hat g/ar$ remaine$ ha$ thro.n $o.n their .eapon.
An$ A/ick a that- Gri,,in4 Root .a hi again- an$ !on Connington .a once more a "or$.
2Ser +rank"yn-1 he ai$- 2go thro/gh the keep an$ kitchen an$ ro/t o/t everyone yo/ ,in$.
Ma"o- $o the ame .ith the maeter4 to.er an$ the armory. Ser Bren$e"- the tab"e- ept- an$
barrack. Bring them o/t into the yar$- an$ try not to ki"" anyone .ho $oe not init on $ying.
3e .ant to .in the torm"an$- an$ .e .on4t $o that .ith "a/ghter. Be /re yo/ "ook /n$er the
a"tar o, the Mother- there4 a hi$$en tair there that "ea$ $o.n to a ecret bo"t(ho"e. An$ another
/n$er the north.et to.er that goe traight $o.n to the ea. No one i to ecape.1
27hey .on4t- m4"or$-1 promie$ +rank"yn +"o.er.
Connington .atche$ them $ah o,,- then beckone$ to the #a",maeter. 2#a"$on- take charge
o, the rookery. &4"" have meage to en$ o/t tonight.1
2?et / hope they "e,t ome raven ,or /.1
Cven #ome"e #arry .a impree$ by the .i,tne o, their victory. 2& never tho/ght that it
.o/"$ be o eay-1 the captain(genera" ai$- a they .a"ke$ into the great ha"" to have a "ook at
the carve$ an$ gi"$e$ Gri,,in Seat .here ,i,ty generation o, Connington ha$ at an$ r/"e$.
2&t .i"" get har$er. So ,ar .e have taken them /na.are. 7hat cannot "at ,orever- even i,
B"ack Ba"aA bring $o.n every raven in the rea"m.1
Strick"an$ t/$ie$ the ,a$e$ tapetrie on the .a""- the arche$ .in$o. .ith their myria$
$iamon$(hape$ pane o, re$ an$ .hite g"a- the rack o, pear an$ .or$ an$ .arhammer.
2?et them come. 7hi p"ace can tan$ againt t.enty time o/r n/mber- o "ong a .e are .e""
proviione$. An$ yo/ ay there i a .ay in an$ o/t by ea61
2Be"o.. A hi$$en cove beneath the crag- .hich appear on"y .hen the ti$e i o/t.1 B/t
Connington ha$ no intention o, 2"etting them come.1 Gri,,in4 Root .a trong b/t ma""- an$
o "ong a they at here they .o/"$ eem ma"" a .e"". B/t there .a another cat"e nearby-
vat"y "arger an$ impregnab"e. #ake that, and the realm will shake+ 2Eo/ m/t e:c/e me-
Captain(Genera". My "or$ ,ather i b/rie$ beneath the ept- an$ it ha been too many year ince
"at & praye$ ,or him.1
2H, co/re- my "or$.1
Eet .hen they parte$- !on Connington $i$ not go to the ept. &ntea$ hi tep "e$ him /p to
the roo, o, the eat to.er- the ta""et at Gri,,in4 Root. A he c"imbe$ he remembere$ pat
acent@a h/n$re$ .ith hi "or$ ,ather- .ho "ike$ to tan$ an$ "ook o/t over .oo$ an$ crag
an$ ea an$ kno. that a"" he a. be"onge$ to #o/e Connington- an$ one ;on"y one0< .ith
Rhaegar 7argaryen. 9rince Rhaegar .a ret/rning ,rom 5orne- an$ he an$ hi ecort ha$
"ingere$ here a ,ortnight. 7e was so !oung then, and I was !ounger+ Bo!s, the both of us+ At the
.e"coming ,eat- the prince ha$ taken /p hi i"ver(tringe$ harp an$ p"aye$ ,or them. A song of
loe and doom, !on Connington reca""e$- and eer! woman in the hall was weeping when he put
down the harp+ Not the men- o, co/re. 9artic/"ar"y not hi o.n ,ather- .hoe on"y "ove .a
"an$. ?or$ Armon$ Connington pent the entire evening trying to .in the prince to hi i$e in hi
$ip/te .ith ?or$ Morrigen.
7he $oor to the roo, o, the to.er .a t/ck o ,at that it .a p"ain no one ha$ opene$ it in
year. #e ha$ to p/t hi ho/"$er to it to ,orce it open. B/t .hen !on Connington teppe$ o/t
onto the high batt"ement- the vie. .a =/t a into:icating a he remembere$' the crag .ith it
.in$(carve$ rock an$ =agge$ pire- the ea be"o. gro."ing an$ .orrying at the ,oot o, the
cat"e "ike ome ret"e beat- en$"e "eag/e o, ky an$ c"o/$- the .oo$ .ith it a/t/mna"
co"or. 2Eo/r ,ather4 "an$ are bea/ti,/"-1 9rince Rhaegar ha$ ai$- tan$ing right .here !on
.a tan$ing no.. An$ the boy he4$ been ha$ rep"ie$- 2Hne $ay they .i"" a"" be mine.1 As if that
could impress a prince who was heir to the entire realm, from the Arbor to the Wall+
Gri,,in4 Root had been hi- event/a""y- i, on"y ,or a ,e. hort year. +rom here- !on
Connington ha$ r/"e$ broa$ "an$ e:ten$ing many "eag/e to the .et- north- an$ o/th- =/t a
hi ,ather an$ hi ,ather4 ,ather ha$ be,ore him. B/t hi ,ather an$ hi ,ather4 ,ather ha$ never
"ot their "an$. #e ha$. I rose too high, loed too hard, dared too much+ I tried to grasp a star,
oerreached, and fell+
A,ter the Batt"e o, the Be""- .hen Aery 7argaryen ha$ trippe$ him o, hi tit"e an$ ent him
into e:i"e in a ma$ ,it o, ingratit/$e an$ /picion- the "an$ an$ "or$hip ha$ remaine$ .ithin
#o/e Connington- paing to hi co/in Ser Rona"$- the man .hom !on ha$ ma$e hi cate""an
.hen he .ent to >ing4 ?an$ing to atten$ 9rince Rhaegar. Robert Baratheon ha$ comp"ete$ the
$etr/ction o, the gri,,in a,ter the .ar. Co/in Rona"$ .a permitte$ to retain hi cat"e an$ hi
hea$- b/t he "ot hi "or$hip- therea,ter being mere"y the >night o, Gri,,in4 Root- an$ nine(
tenth o, hi "an$ .ere taken ,rom him an$ parce"e$ o/t to neighbor "or$ .ho ha$ /pporte$
Robert4 c"aim.
Rona"$ Connington ha$ $ie$ year be,ore. 7he preent >night o, Gri,,in4 Root- hi on
Ronnet- .a ai$ to be o,, at .ar in the river"an$. 7hat .a ,or the bet. &n !on Connington4
e:perience- men .o/"$ ,ight ,or thing they ,e"t .ere their- even thing they4$ gaine$ by the,t.
#e $i$ not re"ih the notion o, ce"ebrating hi ret/rn by ki""ing one o, hi o.n kin. Re$ Ronnet4
ire ha$ been A/ick to take a$vantage o, hi "or$ co/in4 $o.n,a""- tr/e- b/t hi on ha$ been a
chi"$ at the time. !on Connington $i$ not even hate the "ate Ser Rona"$ a m/ch a he might
have. 7he ,a/"t .a hi.
#e ha$ "ot it a"" at Stoney Sept- in hi arrogance.
Robert Baratheon ha$ been hi$ing ome.here in the to.n- .o/n$e$ an$ a"one. !on
Connington ha$ kno.n that- an$ he ha$ a"o kno.n that Robert4 hea$ /pon a pear .o/"$ have
p/t an en$ to the rebe""ion- then an$ there. #e .a yo/ng an$ ,/"" o, pri$e. #o. not6 >ing Aery
ha$ name$ him #an$ an$ given him an army- an$ he meant to prove hime", .orthy o, that tr/t-
o, Rhaegar4 "ove. #e .o/"$ "ay the rebe" "or$ hime", an$ carve a p"ace o/t ,or hime", in a""
the hitorie o, the Seven >ing$om.
An$ o he .ept $o.n on Stoney Sept- c"oe$ o,, the to.n- an$ began a earch. #i knight
.ent ho/e to ho/e- mahe$ in every $oor- peere$ into every ce""ar. #e ha$ even ent men
cra."ing thro/gh the e.er- yet omeho. Robert ti"" e"/$e$ him. 7he to.n,o"k .ere hiding
him. 7hey move$ him ,rom one ecret bo"t(ho"e to the ne:t- a".ay one tep ahea$ o, the king4
men. 7he .ho"e to.n .a a net o, traitor. At the en$ they ha$ the //rper hi$$en in a brothe".
3hat ort o, king .a that- .ho .o/"$ hi$e behin$ the kirt o, .omen6 Eet .hi"t the earch
$ragge$ on- C$$ar$ Stark an$ #oter 7/""y came $o.n /pon the to.n .ith a rebe" army. Be""
an$ batt"e ,o""o.e$- an$ Robert emerge$ ,rom hi brothe" .ith a b"a$e in han$- an$ a"mot "e.
!on on the tep o, the o"$ ept that gave the to.n it name.
+or year a,ter.ar$- !on Connington to"$ hime", that he .a not to b"ame- that he ha$ $one
a"" that any man co/"$ $o. #i o"$ier earche$ every ho"e an$ hove"- he o,,ere$ par$on an$
re.ar$- he took hotage an$ h/ng them in cro. cage an$ .ore that they .o/"$ have neither
,oo$ nor $rink /nti" Robert .a $e"ivere$ to him. A"" to no avai". 27y.in ?anniter hime", co/"$
have $one no more-1 he ha$ inite$ one night to B"ackheart- $/ring hi ,irt year o, e:i"e.
27here i .here yo/4re .rong-1 My"e 7oyne ha$ rep"ie$. 2?or$ 7y.in .o/"$ not have
bothere$ .ith a earch. #e .o/"$ have b/rne$ that to.n an$ every "iving creat/re in it. Men an$
boy- babe at the breat- nob"e knight an$ ho"y epton- pig an$ .hore- rat an$ rebe"- he
.o/"$ have b/rne$ them a"". 3hen the ,ire g/ttere$ o/t an$ on"y ah an$ cin$er remaine$- he
.o/"$ have ent hi men in to ,in$ the bone o, Robert Baratheon. ?ater- .hen Stark an$ 7/""y
t/rne$ /p .ith their hot- he .o/"$ have o,,ere$ par$on to the both o, them- an$ they .o/"$
have accepte$ an$ t/rne$ ,or home .ith their tai" bet.een their "eg.1
7e was not wrong, !on Connington re,"ecte$- "eaning on the batt"ement o, hi ,orebear. I
wanted the glor! of sla!ing )obert in single combat, and I did not want the name of butcher+ So
)obert escaped me and cut down )haegar on the #rident+ 2& ,ai"e$ the ,ather-1 he ai$- 2b/t &
.i"" not ,ai" the on.1
By the time Connington ma$e hi $ecent- hi men ha$ gathere$ the cat"e garrion an$
/rviving ma"",o"k together in the yar$. 7ho/gh Ser Ronnet .a in$ee$ o,, north ome.here
.ith !aime ?anniter- Gri,,in4 Root .a not A/ite bere,t o, gri,,in. Amongt the prioner
.ere Ronnet4 yo/nger brother Raym/n$- hi iter A"ynne- an$ hi nat/ra" on- a ,ierce re$(
haire$ boy they ca""e$ Rona"$ Storm. A"" .o/"$ make ,or /e,/" hotage i, an$ .hen Re$
Ronnet ho/"$ ret/rn to try an$ take back the cat"e that hi ,ather ha$ to"en. Connington
or$ere$ them con,ine$ to the .et to.er- /n$er g/ar$. 7he gir" began to cry at that- an$ the
batar$ boy trie$ to bite the pearman c"oet to him. 2Stop it- the both o, yo/-1 he nappe$ at
them. 2No harm .i"" come to any o, yo/ /n"e Re$ Ronnet prove an /tter ,oo".1
Hn"y a ,e. o, the captive ha$ been in ervice here .hen !on Connington ha$ "at been "or$' a
griGG"e$ er=eant- b"in$ in one eyeI a co/p"e o, the .aher.omenI a groom .ho ha$ been a
tab"eboy $/ring Robert4 Rebe""ionI the cook- .ho ha$ gro.n enormo/"y ,atI the cat"e
armorer. Gri,, ha$ "et hi bear$ gro. o/t $/ring the voyage- ,or the ,irt time in many year- an$
to hi /rprie it ha$ come in mot"y re$- tho/gh here an$ there ah ho.e$ ami$t the ,ire. C"a$
in a "ong re$(an$(.hite t/nic embroi$ere$ .ith the t.in gri,,in o, hi #o/e- co/nterchange$
an$ combatant- he "ooke$ an o"$er- terner verion o, the yo/ng "or$ .ho ha$ been 9rince
Rhaegar4 ,rien$ an$ companion8 b/t the men an$ .omen o, Gri,,in4 Root ti"" "ooke$ at him
.ith tranger4 eye.
2Some o, yo/ .i"" kno. me-1 he to"$ them. 27he ret .i"" "earn. & am yo/r right,/" "or$-
ret/rne$ ,rom e:i"e. My enemie have to"$ yo/ & am $ea$. 7hoe ta"e are ,a"e- a yo/ can ee.
Serve me a ,aith,/""y a yo/ have erve$ my co/in- an$ no harm nee$ come to any o, yo/.1
#e bro/ght them ,or.ar$ one by one- ake$ each man hi name- then bi$ them knee" an$
.ear him their a""egiance. &t a"" .ent .i,t"y. 7he o"$ier o, the garrion@on"y ,o/r ha$
/rvive$ the attack- the o"$ er=eant an$ three boy@"ai$ their .or$ at hi ,eet. No one ba"ke$.
No one $ie$.
7hat night in the great ha"" the victor ,eate$ on roat meat an$ ,reh(ca/ght ,ih- .ahe$
$o.n .ith rich re$ .ine ,rom the cat"e ce""ar. !on Connington prei$e$ ,rom the Gri,,in4
Seat- haring the high tab"e .ith #ome"e #arry Strick"an$- B"ack Ba"aA- +rank"yn +"o.er- an$
the three yo/ng gri,,in they ha$ taken captive. 7he chi"$ren .ere o, hi b"oo$ an$ he ,e"t that he
ho/"$ kno. them- b/t .hen the batar$ boy anno/nce$- 2My ,ather4 going to ki"" yo/-1 he
$eci$e$ that hi kno."e$ge .a /,,icient- or$ere$ them back to their ce""- an$ e:c/e$ hime",.
#a"$on #a",maeter ha$ been abent ,rom the ,eat. ?or$ !on ,o/n$ him in the maeter4
to.er- bent over a pi"e o, parchment- .ith map prea$ o/t a"" aro/n$ him. 2#oping to
$etermine .here the ret o, the company might be61 Connington ake$ him.
23o/"$ that & co/"$- my "or$.1
7en tho/an$ men ha$ ai"e$ ,rom %o"on 7hery- .ith a"" their .eapon- hore- e"ephant.
Not A/ite ha", that n/mber ha$ t/rne$ /p th/ ,ar on 3etero- at or near their inten$e$ "an$ing
ite- a $eerte$ tretch o, coat on the e$ge o, the rain.oo$8 "an$ that !on Connington kne.
.e""- a they ha$ once been hi.
Hn"y a ,e. year ago- he .o/"$ never have $are$ attempt a "an$ing on Cape 3rathI the torm
"or$ .ere too ,ierce"y "oya" to #o/e Baratheon an$ to >ing Robert. B/t .ith both Robert an$
hi brother Ren"y "ain- everything .a change$. Stanni .a too harh an$ co"$ a man to inpire
m/ch in the .ay o, "oya"ty- even i, he ha$ not been ha", a .or"$ a.ay- an$ the torm"an$ ha$
"itt"e reaon to "ove #o/e ?anniter. An$ !on Connington .a not .itho/t hi o.n ,rien$ here.
Some of the older lords will still remember me, and their sons will hae heard the stories+ And
eer! man of them will know of )haegar, and his !oung son whose head was smashed against a
cold stone wall+
+ort/nate"y hi o.n hip ha$ been one o, the ,irt to reach their $etination. 7hen it ha$ on"y
been a matter o, etab"ihing a campite- aemb"ing hi men a they came ahore an$ moving
A/ick"y- be,ore the "oca" "or$"ing ha$ any ink"ing o, their peri". An$ there the Go"$en Company
ha$ prove$ it mett"e. 7he chao that .o/"$ inevitab"y have $e"aye$ /ch a march .ith a hati"y
aemb"e$ hot o, ho/eho"$ knight an$ "oca" "evie ha$ been no.here in evi$ence. 7hee .ere
the heir o, Bittertee"- an$ $icip"ine .a mother4 mi"k to them.
2By thi time on the morro. .e o/ght to ho"$ three cat"e-1 he ai$. 7he ,orce that ha$ taken
Gri,,in4 Root repreente$ a A/arter o, their avai"ab"e trengthI Ser 7ritan River ha$ et o,,
im/"taneo/"y ,or the eat o, #o/e Morrigen at Cro.4 Net- an$ ?a.e"" 9eake ,or Rain
#o/e- the trongho"$ o, the 3y"$e- each .ith a ,orce o, comparab"e iGe. 7he ret o, their men
ha$ remaine$ in camp to g/ar$ their "an$ing ite an$ prince- /n$er the comman$ o, the
company4 %o"antene paymater- Gory C$oryen. 7heir n/mber .o/"$ contin/e to .e""- one
hope$I more hip .ere tragg"ing in every $ay. 23e ti"" have too ,e. hore.1
2An$ no e"ephant-1 the #a",maeter remin$e$ him. Not one o, the great cog carrying the
e"ephant ha$ t/rne$ /p yet. 7hey ha$ "at een them at ?y- be,ore the torm that ha$ cattere$
ha", the ,"eet. 2#ore can be ,o/n$ in 3etero. C"ephant@1
2@$o not matter.1 7he great beat .o/"$ be /e,/" in a pitche$ batt"e- no $o/bt- b/t it .o/"$
be ome time be,ore they ha$ the trength to ,ace their ,oe in the ,ie"$. 2#ave thoe parchment
to"$ yo/ anything o, /e61
2Hh- m/ch an$ more- my "or$.1 #a"$on gave him a thin mi"e. 27he ?anniter make enemie
eai"y b/t eem to have a har$er time keeping ,rien$. 7heir a""iance .ith the 7yre"" i ,raying-
to =/$ge ,rom .hat & rea$ here. D/een Cerei an$ D/een Margaery are ,ighting over the "itt"e
king "ike t.o bitche .ith a chicken bone- an$ both have been acc/e$ o, treaon an$
$eba/chery. Mace 7yre"" ha aban$one$ hi iege o, Storm4 Cn$ to march back to >ing4
?an$ing an$ ave hi $a/ghter- "eaving on"y a token ,orce behin$ to keep Stanni4 men penne$
/p ini$e the cat"e.1
Connington at. 27e"" me more.1
2&n the north the ?anniter are re"ying on the Bo"ton an$ in the river"an$ /pon the +rey-
both ho/e "ong reno.ne$ ,or treachery an$ cr/e"ty. ?or$ Stanni Baratheon remain in open
rebe""ion an$ the ironborn o, the i"an$ have raie$ /p a king a .e"". No one ever eem to
mention the %a"e- .hich /gget to me that the Arryn have taken no part in any o, thi.1
2An$ 5orne61 7he %a"e .a ,ar a.ayI 5orne .a c"oe.
29rince 5oran4 yo/nger on ha been betrothe$ to Myrce""a Baratheon- .hich .o/"$ /gget
that the 5ornihmen have thro.n in .ith #o/e ?anniter- b/t they have an army in the
Bone.ay an$ another in the 9rince4 9a- =/t .aiting81
23aiting.1 #e ,ro.ne$. 2+or .hat61 3itho/t 5aenery an$ her $ragon- 5orne .a centra" to
their hope. 23rite S/npear. 5oran Marte"" m/t kno. that hi iter4 on i ti"" a"ive an$ ha
come home to c"aim hi ,ather4 throne.1
2A yo/ ay- my "or$.1 7he #a",maeter g"ance$ at another parchment. 23e co/"$ carce"y
have time$ o/r "an$ing better. 3e have potentia" ,rien$ an$ a""ie at every han$.1
2B/t no $ragon-1 ai$ !on Connington- 2o to .in thee a""ie to o/r ca/e- .e m/t nee$
have omething to o,,er them.1
2Go"$ an$ "an$ are the tra$itiona" incentive.1
23o/"$ that .e ha$ either. 9romie o, "an$ an$ promie o, go"$ may /,,ice ,or ome- b/t
Strick"an$ an$ hi men .i"" e:pect ,irt c"aim on the choicet ,ie"$ an$ cat"e- thoe that .ere
taken ,rom their ,orebear .hen they ,"e$ into e:i"e. No.1
2My "or$ $oe have one priGe to o,,er-1 #a"$on #a",maeter pointe$ o/t. 29rince Aegon4
han$. A marriage a""iance- to bring ome great #o/e to o/r banner.1
A bride for our bright prince+ !on Connington remembere$ 9rince Rhaegar4 .e$$ing a"" too
.e"". 0lia was neer worth! of him+ She was frail and sickl! from the first, and childbirth onl!
left her weaker+ A,ter the birth o, 9rince Rhaeny- her mother ha$ been be$ri$$en ,or ha", a
year- an$ 9rince Aegon4 birth ha$ a"mot been the $eath o, her. She .o/"$ bear no more
chi"$ren- the maeter to"$ 9rince Rhaegar a,ter.ar$.
25aenery 7argaryen may yet come home one $ay-1 Connington to"$ the #a",maeter.
2Aegon m/t be ,ree to marry her.1
2My "or$ kno. bet-1 ai$ #a"$on. 2&n that cae- .e might coni$er o,,ering potentia" ,rien$
a "eer priGe.1
23hat .o/"$ yo/ /gget61
2Eo/. Eo/ are /n.e$. A great "or$- ti"" viri"e- .ith no heir e:cept thee co/in .e have
=/t no. $ipoee$- the cion o, an ancient #o/e .ith a ,ine to/t cat"e an$ .i$e- rich "an$
that .i"" no $o/bt be retore$ an$ perhap e:pan$e$ by a grate,/" king- once .e have tri/mphe$.
Eo/ have a name a a .arrior- an$ a >ing Aegon4 #an$ yo/ .i"" peak .ith hi voice an$ r/"e
thi rea"m in a"" b/t name. & .o/"$ think that many an ambitio/ "or$ might be eager to .e$ hi
$a/ghter to /ch a man. Cven- perhap- the prince o, 5orne.1
!on Connington4 an.er .a a "ong co"$ tare. 7here .ere time .hen the #a",maeter
ve:e$ him a"mot a m/ch a that $.ar, ha$. 2& think not.1 Death is creeping up m! arm+ 2o
man must eer know, nor an! wife+ #e got back to hi ,eet. 29repare the "etter to 9rince 5oran.1
2A my "or$ comman$.1
!on Connington "ept that night in the "or$4 chamber- in the be$ that ha$ once been hi
,ather4- beneath a $/ty canopy o, re$(an$(.hite ve"vet. #e .oke at $a.n to the o/n$ o,
,a""ing rain an$ the timi$ knock o, a erving man an:io/ to "earn ho. hi ne. "or$ .o/"$ break
hi ,at. 2Boi"e$ egg- ,rie$ brea$- an$ bean. An$ a =/g o, .ine. 7he .ort .ine in the ce""ar.1
27he8 the worst, m4"or$61
2Eo/ hear$ me.1
3hen the ,oo$ an$ .ine ha$ been bro/ght /p- he barre$ the $oor- emptie$ the =/g into a bo."-
an$ oake$ hi han$ in it. %inegar oak an$ vinegar bath .ere the treatment ?a$y ?emore ha$
precribe$ ,or the $.ar,- .hen he ,eare$ he might have greyca"e- b/t aking ,or a =/g o,
vinegar each morning .o/"$ give the game a.ay. 3ine .o/"$ nee$ to erve- tho/gh he a. no
ene in .ating a goo$ vintage. 7he nai" on a"" ,o/r ,inger .ere b"ack no.- tho/gh not yet on
hi th/mb. Hn the mi$$"e ,inger- the grey ha$ crept /p pat the econ$ kn/ck"e. I should hack
them off, he tho/ght- but how would I e8plain two missing fingers6 #e $are not "et the greyca"e
become kno.n. D/eer a it eeme$- men .ho .o/"$ cheer,/""y ,ace batt"e an$ rik $eath to
rec/e a companion .o/"$ aban$on that ame companion in a heartbeat i, he .ere kno.n to
have greyca"e. I should hae let the damned dwarf drown+
?ater that $ay- garbe$ an$ g"ove$ once more- Connington ma$e an inpection o, the cat"e
an$ ent .or$ to #ome"e #arry Strick"an$ an$ hi captain to =oin him ,or a .ar co/nci". Nine
o, them aemb"e$ in the o"ar' Connington an$ Strick"an$- #a"$on #a",maeter- B"ack Ba"aA-
Ser +rank"yn +"o.er- Ma"o !ayn- Ser Bren$e" Byrne- 5ick Co"e- an$ ?ymon$ 9eae. 7he
#a",maeter ha$ goo$ ti$ing. 23or$4 reache$ the camp ,rom MarA Man$rake. 7he %o"antene
p/t him ahore on .hat t/rne$ o/t to be Ctermont- .ith c"oe to ,ive h/n$re$ men. #e4 taken
Greentone.1
Ctermont .a an i"an$ o,, Cape 3rath- never one o, their ob=ective. 27he $amne$
%o"antene are o eager to be ri$ o, / they are $/mping / ahore on any bit o, "an$ they ee-1
ai$ +rank"yn +"o.er. 2&4"" .ager yo/ that .e4ve got "a$ cattere$ a"" over ha", the b"oo$y
Steptone too.1
23ith my e"ephant-1 #arry Strick"an$ ai$- in a mo/rn,/" tone. #e mie$ hi e"ephant- $i$
#ome"e #arry.
2Man$rake ha$ no archer .ith him-1 ai$ ?ymon$ 9eae. 25o .e kno. i, Greentone got o,,
any raven be,ore it ,e""61
2& e:pect they $i$-1 ai$ !on Connington- 2b/t .hat meage .o/"$ they have carrie$6 At
bet- ome garb"e$ acco/nt o, rai$er ,rom the ea.1 Cven be,ore they ha$ ai"e$ ,rom %o"on
7hery- he ha$ intr/cte$ hi captain to ho. no banner $/ring thee ,irt attack@not 9rince
Aegon4 three(hea$e$ $ragon- nor hi o.n gri,,in- nor the k/"" an$ go"$en batt"e tan$ar$ o,
the company. ?et the ?anniter /pect Stanni Baratheon- pirate ,rom the Steptone- o/t"a.
o/t o, the .oo$- or .hoever e"e they care$ to b"ame. &, the report that reache$ >ing4 ?an$ing
.ere con,/e$ an$ contra$ictory- o m/ch the better. 7he "o.er the &ron 7hrone .a to react-
the "onger they .o/"$ have to gather their trength an$ bring a""ie to the ca/e. 7here ho/"$ be
hip on Ctermont. &t is an i"an$. #a"$on- en$ .or$ to Man$rake to "eave a garrion behin$
an$ bring the ret o, hi men over to Cape 3rath- a"ong .ith any nob"e captive.1
2A yo/ comman$- my "or$. #o/e Ctermont ha b"oo$ tie to both king- a it happen.
Goo$ hotage.1
2Goo$ ranom-1 ai$ #ome"e #arry- happi"y. 2&t i time .e ent ,or 9rince Aegon a .e""-1
?or$ !on anno/nce$.
2#e .i"" be a,er here behin$ the .a"" o, Gri,,in4 Root than back at camp.1
2&4"" en$ a ri$er-1 ai$ +rank"yn +"o.er- 2b/t the "a$ .on4t m/ch "ike the i$ea o, taying
a,e- & te"" yo/ that. #e .ant to be in the thick o4 thing.1
So did we all at his age, ?or$ !on tho/ght- remembering.
2#a the time come to raie hi banner61 ake$ 9eae.
2Not yet. ?et >ing4 ?an$ing think thi i no more than an e:i"e "or$ coming home .ith ome
hire$ .or$ to rec"aim hi birthright. An o"$ ,ami"iar tory- that. & .i"" even .rite >ing
7ommen- tating a m/ch an$ aking ,or a par$on an$ the retoration o, my "an$ an$ tit"e. 7hat
.i"" give them omething to che. over ,or a .hi"e. An$ .hi"t they $ither- .e .i"" en$ o/t
.or$ ecret"y to "ike"y ,rien$ in the torm"an$ an$ the Reach. An$ 5orne.1 7hat .a the
cr/cia" tep. ?eer "or$ might =oin their ca/e ,or ,ear o, harm or hope o, gain- b/t on"y the
9rince o, 5orne ha$ the po.er to $e,y #o/e ?anniter an$ it a""ie. 2Above a"" e"e- .e m/t
have 5oran Marte"".1
2Sma"" chance o, that-1 ai$ Strick"an$. 27he 5ornihman i care$ o, hi o.n ha$o.. Not
.hat yo/ ca"" $aring.1
2o more than !ou+ 29rince 5oran i a ca/tio/ man- that4 tr/e. #e .i"" never =oin / /n"e
he i convince$ that .e .i"" .in. So to per/a$e him .e m/t ho. o/r trength.1
2&, 9eake an$ River are /cce,/"- .e .i"" contro" the better part o, Cape 3rath-1 arg/e$
Strick"an$. 2+o/r cat"e in a many $ay- that4 a p"en$i$ tart- b/t .e are ti"" on"y at ha",
trength. 3e nee$ to .ait ,or the ret o, my men. 3e are miing hore a .e""- an$ the
e"ephant. 3ait- & ay. Gather o/r po.er- .in ome ma"" "or$ to o/r ca/e- "et ?yono Maar
$ipatch hi pie to "earn .hat .e can "earn o, o/r ,oe.1
Connington gave the p"/mp captain(genera" a coo" "ook. #his man is no Blackheart, no
Bittersteel, no *ael!s+ 7e would wait until all seen hells were frozen if he could rather than
risk another bout of blisters+ 23e $i$ not cro ha", the .or"$ to .ait. H/r bet chance i to
trike har$ an$ ,at- be,ore >ing4 ?an$ing kno. .ho .e are. & mean to take Storm4 Cn$. A
nigh(impregnab"e trongho"$- an$ Stanni Baratheon4 "at ,ootho"$ in the o/th. Hnce taken- it
.i"" give / a ec/re ,atne to .hich .e may retreat at nee$- an$ .inning it .i"" prove o/r
trength.1
7he captain o, the Go"$en Company e:change$ g"ance. 2&, Storm4 Cn$ i ti"" he"$ by men
"oya" to Stanni- .e .i"" be taking it ,rom him- not the ?anniter-1 ob=ecte$ Bren$e" Byrne.
23hy not make common ca/e .ith him againt the ?anniter61
2Stanni i Robert4 brother- o, that ame i"k that bro/ght $o.n #o/e 7argaryen-1 !on
Connington remin$e$ him. 2Moreover- he i a tho/an$ "eag/e a.ay- .ith .hatever meagre
trength he ti"" comman$. 7he .ho"e rea"m "ie bet.een /. &t .o/"$ take ha", a year =/t to
reach him- an$ he ha "itt"e an$ "e to o,,er /.1
2&, Storm4 Cn$ i o impregnab"e- ho. $o yo/ mean to take it61 ake$ Ma"o.
2By g/i"e.1
#ome"e #arry Strick"an$ $iagree$. 23e ho/"$ .ait.1
23e ha"".1 !on Connington too$. 27en $ay. No "onger. &t .i"" take that "ong to prepare. Hn
the morning o, the e"eventh $ay- .e ri$e ,or Storm4 Cn$.1
7he prince arrive$ to =oin them ,o/r $ay "ater- ri$ing at the hea$ o, a co"/mn o, a h/n$re$
hore- .ith three e"ephant "/mbering in hi rear. ?a$y ?emore .a .ith him- garbe$ once more
in the .hite robe o, a epta. Be,ore them .ent Ser Ro""y 5/ck,ie"$- a no.(.hite c"oak
treaming ,rom hi ho/"$er.
A solid man, and true, Connington tho/ght a he .atche$ 5/ck $imo/nt- but not worth! of
the ,ingsguard+ #e ha$ trie$ hi bet to $i/a$e the prince ,rom giving 5/ck,ie"$ that c"oak-
pointing o/t that the honor might bet be he"$ in reerve ,or .arrior o, greater reno.n .hoe
,ea"ty .o/"$ a$$ "/ter to their ca/e- an$ the yo/nger on o, great "or$ .hoe /pport they
.o/"$ nee$ in the coming tr/gg"e- b/t the boy .o/"$ not be move$. 25/ck .i"" $ie ,or me i,
nee$ be-1 he ha$ ai$- 2an$ that4 a"" & reA/ire in my >ingg/ar$. 7he >ing"ayer .a a .arrior
o, great reno.n- an$ the on o, a great "or$ a .e"".1
At least I coninced him to leae the other si8 slots open, else Duck might hae si8 ducklings
trailing after him, each more blindingl! ade3uate than the last+ 2Ccort #i Grace to my o"ar-1
he comman$e$. 2At once.1
9rince Aegon 7argaryen .a not near a bi$$ab"e a the boy Eo/ng Gri,, ha$ been- ho.ever.
7he better part o, an ho/r ha$ pae$ be,ore he ,ina""y t/rne$ /p in the o"ar- .ith 5/ck at hi
i$e. 2?or$ Connington-1 he ai$- 2& "ike yo/r cat"e.1
4&our father/s lands are beautiful,5 he said+ 7is siler! hair was blowing in the wind, and his
e!es were a deep purple, darker than this bo!/s+ 2A $o &- Eo/r Grace. 9"eae- be eate$. Ser
Ro""y- .e4"" have no ,/rther nee$ o, yo/ ,or no..1
2No- & .ant 5/ck to tay.1 7he prince at. 23e4ve been ta"king .ith Strick"an$ an$ +"o.er.
7hey to"$ / abo/t thi attack on Storm4 Cn$ that yo/4re p"anning.1
!on Connington $i$ not "et hi ,/ry ho.. 2An$ $i$ #ome"e #arry try to per/a$e yo/ to
$e"ay it61
2#e $i$- act/a""y-1 the prince ai$- 2b/t & .on4t. #arry4 an o"$ mai$- in4t he6 Eo/ have the
right o, it- my "or$. & .ant the attack to go ahea$8 .ith one change. & mean to "ea$ it.1
THE SACRIFICE
Hn the vi""age green- the A/een4 men b/i"t their pyre.
Or should it be the illage white6 7he no. .a knee $eep every.here b/t .here the men
ha$ hove"e$ it a.ay- to hack ho"e into the ,roGen gro/n$ .ith a:e an$ pa$e an$ pick. 7he
.in$ .a .ir"ing ,rom the .et- $riving ti"" more no. acro the ,roGen /r,ace o, the "ake.
2Eo/ $o not .ant to .atch thi-1 A"y Mormont ai$.
2No- b/t & .i"".1 Aha Grey=oy .a the kraken4 $a/ghter- not ome pampere$ mai$en .ho
co/"$ not bear to "ook at /g"ine.
&t ha$ been a $ark- co"$- h/ngry $ay- "ike the $ay be,ore an$ the $ay be,ore that. 7hey ha$
pent mot o, it o/t on the ice- hivering bei$e a pair o, ho"e they4$ c/t in the ma""er o, the
,roGen "ake- .ith ,ihing "ine c"/tche$ in mitten(c"/my han$. Not "ong ago- they co/"$ co/nt
on hooking one or t.o ,ih apiece- an$ .o",.oo$ men more practice$ at ice(,ihing .ere
p/""ing /p ,o/r or ,ive. 7o$ay a"" that Aha ha$ come back .ith .a a chi"" that .ent bone $eep.
A"y ha$ ,are$ no better. &t ha$ been three $ay ince either o, them ha$ ca/ght a ,ih.
7he She(Bear trie$ again. 2I $o not nee$ to .atch thi.1
It is not !ou the 3ueen/s men want to burn+ 27hen go. Eo/ have my .or$- & .i"" not r/n.
3here .o/"$ & go6 7o 3inter,e""61 Aha "a/ghe$. 2Hn"y three $ay4 ri$e- they te"" me.1
Si: A/een4 men .ere .ret"ing t.o enormo/ pine.oo$ po"e into ho"e i: other A/een4
men ha$ $/g o/t. Aha $i$ not have to ak their p/rpoe. She kne.. Stakes+ Night,a"" .o/"$ be
on them oon- an$ the re$ go$ m/t be ,e$. An offering of blood and fire, the A/een4 men ca""e$
it- that the "ord of "ight ma! turn his fier! e!e upon us and melt these thrice(cursed snows+
2Cven in thi p"ace o, ,ear an$ $arkne- the ?or$ o, ?ight protect /-1 Ser Go$ry +arring
to"$ the men .ho gathere$ to .atch a the take .ere hammere$ $o.n into the ho"e.
23hat ha yo/r o/thron go$ to $o .ith snow61 $eman$e$ Arto +"int. #i b"ack bear$ .a
cr/te$ .ith ice. 27hi i the .roth o, the o"$ go$ come /pon /. &t i them .e ho/"$ appeae.1
2Aye-1 ai$ Big B/cket 3/"". 2Re$ Rah"oo mean nothing here. Eo/ .i"" on"y make the o"$
go$ angry. 7hey are .atching ,rom their i"an$.1
7he cro,ter4 vi""age too$ bet.een t.o "ake- the "arger $otte$ .ith ma"" .oo$e$ i"an$
that p/nche$ /p thro/gh the ice "ike the ,roGen ,it o, ome $ro.ne$ giant. +rom one /ch
i"an$ roe a .eir.oo$ gnar"e$ an$ ancient- it bo"e an$ branche .hite a the /rro/n$ing
no.. Cight $ay ago Aha ha$ .a"ke$ o/t .ith A"y Mormont to have a c"oer "ook at it "itte$
re$ eye an$ b"oo$y mo/th. It is onl! sap, he4$ to"$ here",- the red sap that flows inside these
weirwoods+ B/t her eye .ere /nconvince$I eeing .a be"ieving- an$ .hat they a. .a ,roGen
b"oo$.
2Eo/ northmen bro/ght thee no. /pon /-1 inite$ Cor"i 9enny. 2Eo/ an$ yo/r $emon
tree. R4h""or .i"" ave /.1
2R4h""or .i"" $oom /-1 ai$ Arto +"int.
A po8 on both !our gods, tho/ght Aha Grey=oy.
Ser Go$ry the Giant"ayer /rveye$ the take- hoving one to make certain it .a ,irm"y
p"ace$. 2Goo$. Goo$. 7hey .i"" erve. Ser C"ayton- bring ,orth the acri,ice.1
Ser C"ayton S/gg .a Go$ry4 trong right han$. Or should it be his withered arm6 Aha $i$
not "ike Ser C"ayton. 3here +arring eeme$ ,ierce in hi $evotion to hi re$ go$- S/gg .a
imp"y cr/e". She ha$ een him at the night,ire- .atching- hi "ip parte$ an$ hi eye avi$. It is
not the god he loes, it is the flames, he conc"/$e$. 3hen he ake$ Ser !/tin i, S/gg ha$
a".ay been that .ay- he grimace$. 2Hn 5ragontone he .o/"$ gamb"e .ith the tort/rer an$
"en$ them a han$ in the A/etioning o, prioner- epecia""y i, the prioner .ere a yo/ng
.oman.1
Aha .a not /rprie$. S/gg .o/"$ take a pecia" $e"ight in b/rning her- he $i$ not $o/bt.
<nless the storms let up+
7hey ha$ been three $ay ,rom 3inter,e"" ,or nineteen $ay. One hundred leagues from
Deepwood *otte to Winterfell+ #hree hundred miles as the raen flies+ B/t none o, them .ere
raven- an$ the torm .a /nre"enting. Cach morning Aha a.oke hoping he might ee the /n-
on"y to ,ace another $ay o, no.. 7he torm ha$ b/rie$ every h/t an$ hove" beneath a mo/n$ o,
$irty no.- an$ the $ri,t .o/"$ oon be $eep eno/gh to eng/", the "ongha"" too.
An$ there .a no ,oo$- beyon$ their ,ai"ing hore- ,ih taken ,rom the "ake ;,e.er every
$ay<- an$ .hatever meagre /tenance their ,orager co/"$ ,in$ in thee co"$- $ea$ .oo$. 3ith
the king4 knight an$ "or$ c"aiming the "ion4 hare o, the horemeat- "itt"e an$ "e remaine$
,or the common men. Sma"" .on$er then that they ha$ tarte$ eating their o.n $ea$.
Aha ha$ been a horri,ie$ a the ret .hen the She(Bear to"$ her that ,o/r 9eaeb/ry men
ha$ been ,o/n$ b/tchering one o, the "ate ?or$ +e""4- carving ch/nk o, ,"eh ,rom hi thigh
an$ b/ttock a one o, hi ,orearm t/rne$ /pon a pit- b/t he co/"$ not preten$ to be /rprie$.
7he ,o/r .ere not the ,irt to tate h/man ,"eh $/ring thi grim march- he .o/"$ .ager@on"y
the ,irt to be $icovere$.
9eaeb/ry4 ,o/r .o/"$ pay ,or their ,eat .ith their "ive- by the king4 $ecree8 an$ by
b/rning en$ the torm- the A/een4 men c"aime$. Aha Grey=oy p/t no ,aith in their re$ go$- yet
he praye$ they ha$ the right o, that. &, not- there .o/"$ be other pyre- an$ Ser C"ayton S/gg
might get hi heart4 $eire.
7he ,o/r ,"eh(eater .ere nake$ .hen Ser C"ayton $rove them o/t- their .rit "ahe$ behin$
their back .ith "eathern cor$. 7he yo/nget o, them .ept a he t/mb"e$ thro/gh the no..
7.o other .a"ke$ "ike men a"rea$y $ea$- eye ,i:e$ /pon the gro/n$. Aha .a /rprie$ to ee
ho. or$inary they appeare$. 2ot monsters, he rea"iGe$- onl! men+
7he o"$et o, the ,o/r ha$ been their er=eant. #e a"one remaine$ $e,iant- pitting venom at
the A/een4 men a they pro$$e$ him a"ong .ith their pear. 2+/ck yo/ a""- an$ ,/ck yo/r re$
go$ too-1 he ai$. 2Eo/ hear me- +arring6 1iantsla!er6 & "a/ghe$ .hen yo/r ,/cking co/in
$ie$- Go$ry. 3e ho/"$ have eaten him too- he me""e$ o goo$ .hen they roate$ him. & bet the
boy .a nice an$ ten$er. !/icy.1 A b"o. ,rom a pear b/tt $rove the man to hi knee b/t $i$ not
i"ence him. 3hen he roe he pat o/t a mo/th,/" o, b"oo$ an$ broken teeth an$ .ent right on.
27he cock4 the choicet part- a"" cripe$ /p on the pit. A ,at "itt"e a/age.1 Cven a they
.rappe$ the chain aro/n$ him- he rave$ on. 2Cor"i 9enny- come over here. 3hat ort o, name
i 9enny6 & that ho. m/ch yo/r mother charge$6 An$ yo/- S/gg- yo/ b"ee$ing batar$- yo/@1
Ser C"ayton never ai$ a .or$. Hne A/ick "ah opene$ the er=eant4 throat- en$ing a .ah
o, b"oo$ $o.n hi chet.
7he .eeping man .ept har$er- hi bo$y haking .ith each ob. #e .a o thin that Aha
co/"$ co/nt every rib. 2No-1 he begge$- 2p"eae- he .a $ea$- he .a $ea$ an$ .e .a h/ngry-
please81
27he er=eant .a the c"ever one-1 Aha ai$ to A"y Mormont. 2#e goa$e$ S/gg into ki""ing
him.1 She .on$ere$ i, the ame trick might .ork t.ice- ho/"$ her o.n t/rn come.
7he ,o/r victim .ere chaine$ /p back(to(back- t.o to a take. 7here they h/ng- three "ive
men an$ one $ea$ one- a the ?or$ o, ?ight4 $evo/t tacke$ p"it "og an$ broken branche
/n$er their ,eet- then $o/e$ the pi"e .ith "amp oi". 7hey ha$ to be .i,t abo/t it. 7he no. .a
,a""ing heavi"y- a ever- an$ the .oo$ .o/"$ oon be oake$ thro/gh.
23here i the king61 ake$ Ser Cor"i 9enny.
+o/r $ay ago- one o, the king4 o.n A/ire ha$ /cc/mbe$ to co"$ an$ h/nger- a boy name$
Bryen +arring .ho4$ been kin to Ser Go$ry. Stanni Baratheon too$ grim(,ace$ by the ,/nera"
pyre a the "a$4 bo$y .a conigne$ to the ,"ame. A,ter.ar$ the king ha$ retreate$ to hi
.atchto.er. #e ha$ not emerge$ ince8 tho/gh ,rom time to time #i Grace .a g"impe$
/pon the to.er roo,- o/t"ine$ againt the beacon ,ire that b/rne$ there night an$ $ay. #alking to
the red god, ome ai$. %alling out for "ad! *elisandre, inite$ other. Cither .ay- it eeme$ to
Aha Grey=oy- the king .a "ot an$ crying o/t ,or he"p.
2Canty- go ,in$ the king an$ te"" him a"" i rea$y-1 Ser Go$ry ai$ to the nearet man(at(arm.
27he king i here.1 7he voice .a Richar$ #orpe4.
Hver hi armor o, p"ate an$ mai" Ser Richar$ .ore hi A/i"te$ $o/b"et- b"aGone$ .ith three
$eath4(hea$ moth on a ,ie"$ o, ah an$ bone. >ing Stanni .a"ke$ bei$e him. Behin$ them-
tr/gg"ing to keep pace- Arno", >artark came hobb"ing- "eaning on hi b"ackthorn cane. ?or$
Arno", ha$ ,o/n$ them eight $ay pat. 7he northman ha$ bro/ght a on- three gran$on- ,o/r
h/n$re$ pear- t.o core archer- a $oGen mo/nte$ "ance- a maeter- an$ a cage o, raven8
b/t on"y eno/gh proviion to /tain hi o.n.
>artark .a no "or$ in tr/th- Aha ha$ been given to /n$ertan$- on"y cate""an o, >arho"$
,or a "ong a the tr/e "or$ remaine$ a captive o, the ?anniter. Ga/nt an$ bent an$ crooke$-
.ith a "e,t ho/"$er ha", a ,oot higher than hi right- he ha$ a cra.ny neck- A/inty grey eye-
an$ ye""o. teeth. A ,e. .hite hair .ere a"" that eparate$ him ,rom ba"$neI hi ,orke$ bear$
.a eA/a" part .hite an$ grey- b/t a".ay ragge$. Aha tho/ght there .a omething o/r abo/t
hi mi"e. Eet i, the ta"k .a tr/e- it .a >artark .ho .o/"$ ho"$ 3inter,e"" ho/"$ they take
it. Some.here in the $itant pat #o/e >artark ha$ pro/te$ ,rom #o/e Stark- an$ ?or$
Arno", ha$ been the ,irt o, C$$ar$ Stark4 bannermen to $ec"are ,or Stanni.
So ,ar a Aha kne.- the go$ o, the >artark .ere the o"$ go$ o, the north- go$ they
hare$ .ith the 3/""- the Norrey- the +"int- an$ the other hi"" c"an. She .on$ere$ i, ?or$
Arno", ha$ come to vie. the b/rning at the king4 behet- that he might .itne the po.er o, the
re$ go$ ,or hime",.
At the ight o, Stanni- t.o o, the men bo/n$ to the take began to p"ea$ ,or mercy. 7he king
"itene$ in i"ence- hi =a. c"enche$. 7hen he ai$ to Go$ry +arring- 2Eo/ may begin.1
7he Giant"ayer raie$ hi arm. 2"ord of "ight, hear us+1
2"ord of "ight, defend us,1 the A/een4 men chante$- 2for the night is dark and full of
terrors+1
Ser Go$ry raie$ hi hea$ to.ar$ the $arkening ky. 2We thank !ou for the sun that warms us
and pra! that !ou will return it to us, Oh lord, that it might light our path to !our enemies+1
Sno.,"ake me"te$ on hi ,ace. 2We thank !ou for the stars that watch oer us b! night, and pra!
that !ou will rip awa! this eil that hides them, so we might glor! in their sight once more+1
2"ord of "ight, protect us,1 the A/een4 men praye$- 2and keep this saage dark at ba!+1
Ser Cor"i 9enny teppe$ ,or.ar$- c"/tching the torch .ith both han$. #e ./ng it abo/t hi
hea$ in a circ"e- ,anning the ,"ame. Hne o, the captive began to .himper.
2)/hllor,1 Ser Go$ry ang- 2we gie !ou now four eil men+ With glad hearts and true, we
gie them to !our cleansing fires, that the darkness in their souls might be burned awa!+ "et
their ile flesh be seared and blackened, that their spirits might rise free and pure to ascend into
the light+ Accept their blood, Oh lord, and melt the ic! chains that bind !our serants+ 7ear their
pain, and grant strength to our swords that we might shed the blood of !our enemies+ Accept this
sacrifice, and show us the wa! to Winterfell, that we might an3uish the unbelieers+1
2"ord of "ight, accept this sacrifice,1 a h/n$re$ voice echoe$. Ser Cor"i "it the ,irt pyre
.ith the torch- then thr/t it into the .oo$ at the bae o, the econ$. A ,e. .ip o, moke began
to rie. 7he captive began to co/gh. 7he ,irt ,"ame appeare$- hy a mai$en- $arting an$
$ancing ,rom "og to "eg. &n moment both the take .ere eng/",e$ in ,ire.
27e was dead,1 the .eeping boy creame$- a the ,"ame "icke$ /p hi "eg. 23e ,o/n$ him
$ea$8 p"eae8 .e .a hungr!81 7he ,ire reache$ hi ba"". A the hair aro/n$ hi cock
began to b/rn- hi p"ea$ing $io"ve$ into one "ong .or$"e hriek.
Aha Grey=oy co/"$ tate the bi"e in the back o, her throat. Hn the &ron &"an$- he ha$ een
priet o, her o.n peop"e "it the throat o, thra"" an$ give their bo$ie to the ea to honor the
5ro.ne$ Go$. Br/ta" a that .a- thi .a .ore.
%lose !our e!es, he to"$ here",. %lose !our ears+ #urn awa!+ &ou do not need to see this+
7he A/een4 men .ere inging ome paean o, praie ,or re$ R4h""or- b/t he co/"$ not hear the
.or$ above the hriek. 7he heat o, the ,"ame beat againt her ,ace- b/t even o he hivere$.
7he air gre. thick .ith moke an$ the tink o, b/rnt ,"eh- an$ one o, the bo$ie ti"" t.itche$
againt the re$(hot chain that bo/n$ him to the take.
A,ter a time the creaming toppe$.
3or$"e- >ing Stanni .a"ke$ a.ay- back to the o"it/$e o, hi .atch(to.er. Back to his
beacon fire, Aha kne.- to search the flames for answers+ Arno", >artark ma$e to hobb"e a,ter
him- b/t Ser Richar$ #orpe took him by the arm an$ t/rne$ him to.ar$ the "ongha"". 7he
.atcher began to $ri,t a.ay- each to hi o.n ,ire an$ .hatever meagre /pper he might ,in$.
C"ayton S/gg i$"e$ /p bei$e her. 25i$ the iron c/nt en=oy the ho.61 #i breath tank o,
a"e an$ onion. 7e has pig e!es, Aha tho/ght. 7hat .a ,ittingI hi hie"$ an$ /rcoat ho.e$ a
pig .ith .ing. S/gg pree$ hi ,ace o c"oe to her that he co/"$ co/nt the b"ackhea$ on hi
noe an$ ai$- 27he cro.$ .i"" be even bigger .hen it4 yo/ A/irming on a take.1
#e .a not .rong. 7he .o"ve $i$ not "ove herI he .a ironborn an$ m/t an.er ,or the
crime o, her peop"e- ,or Moat Cai"in an$ 5eep.oo$ Motte an$ 7orrhen4 SA/are- ,or cent/rie
o, reaving a"ong the tony hore- ,or a"" 7heon $i$ at 3inter,e"".
2Fnhan$ me- er.1 Cvery time S/gg poke to her- it "e,t her yearning ,or her a:e. Aha .a
a goo$ a ,inger $ancer a any man on the i"e an$ ha$ ten ,inger to prove it. If onl! I could
dance with this one+ Some men ha$ ,ace that crie$ o/t ,or a bear$. Ser C"ayton4 ,ace crie$ o/t
,or an a:e bet.een the eye. B/t he .a a:e"e here- o the bet that he co/"$ $o .a try to
.rench a.ay. 7hat =/t ma$e Ser C"ayton grap her a"" the tighter- g"ove$ ,inger $igging into
her arm "ike iron c"a..
2My "a$y ake$ yo/ to "et her go-1 ai$ A"y Mormont. 2Eo/ .o/"$ $o .e"" to "iten- er. ?a$y
Aha i not ,or b/rning.1
2She .i"" be-1 S/gg inite$. 23e have harbore$ thi $emon .orhiper amongt / too
"ong.1 #e re"eae$ hi grip on Aha4 arm a"" the ame. Hne $i$ not provoke the She(Bear
nee$"e"y.
7hat .a the moment !/tin Maey choe to appear. 27he king ha other p"an ,or hi priGe
captive-1 he ai$- .ith hi eay mi"e. #i cheek .ere re$ ,rom the co"$.
27he king6 Hr yo/61 S/gg norte$ hi contempt. 2Scheme a"" yo/ "ike- Maey. She4"" ti""
be ,or the ,ire- her an$ her king4 b"oo$. 7here4 po.er in king4 b"oo$- the re$ .oman /e$ to
ay. 9o.er to p"eae o/r "or$.1
2?et R4h""or be content .ith the ,o/r .e =/t ent him.1
2+o/r baeborn ch/r". A beggar4 o,,ering. Sc/m "ike that .i"" never top the no.. She
might.1
7he She(Bear poke. 2An$ i, yo/ b/rn her an$ the no. ti"" ,a""- .hat then6 3ho .i"" yo/
b/rn ne:t6 Me61
Aha co/"$ ho"$ her tong/e no "onger. 23hy not Ser C"ayton6 9erhap R4h""or .o/"$ "ike one
o, hi o.n. A ,aith,/" man .ho .i"" ing hi praie a the ,"ame "ick at hi cock.1
Ser !/tin "a/ghe$. S/gg .a "e am/e$. 2Cn=oy yo/r gigg"e- Maey. &, the no. keep
,a""ing- .e .i"" ee .ho i "a/ghing then.1 #e g"ance$ at the $ea$ men on their take- mi"e$-
an$ .ent o,, to =oin Ser Go$ry an$ the other A/een4 men.
2My champion-1 Aha ai$ to !/tin Maey. #e $eerve$ that m/ch- .hatever hi motive.
27hank yo/ ,or the rec/e- er.1
2&t .i"" not .in yo/ ,rien$ amongt the A/een4 men-1 ai$ the She(Bear. 2#ave yo/ "ot
yo/r ,aith in re$ R4h""or61
2& have "ot ,aith in more than that-1 Maey ai$- hi breath a pa"e mit in the air- 2b/t & ti""
be"ieve in /pper. 3i"" yo/ =oin me- my "a$ie61
A"y Mormont hook her hea$. 2& have no appetite.1
2Nor &. B/t yo/ ha$ bet choke $o.n ome horemeat a"" the ame- or yo/ may oon .ih yo/
ha$. 3e ha$ eight h/n$re$ hore .hen .e marche$ ,rom 5eep.oo$ Motte. ?at night the
co/nt .a i:ty(,o/r.1
7hat $i$ not hock her. A"mot a"" o, their big $etrier ha$ ,ai"e$- inc"/$ing Maey4 o.n.
Mot o, their pa",rey .ere gone a .e"". Cven the garron o, the northmen .ere ,a"tering ,or
.ant o, ,o$$er. B/t .hat $i$ they nee$ hore ,or6 Stanni .a no "onger marching any.here.
7he /n an$ moon an$ tar ha$ been gone o "ong that Aha .a tarting to .on$er .hether he
ha$ $reame$ them. 2& .i"" eat.1
A"y hook her hea$. 2Not me.1
2?et me "ook a,ter ?a$y Aha- then-1 Ser !/tin to"$ her. 2Eo/ have my .or$- & ha"" not
permit her to ecape.1
7he She(Bear gave her gr/$ging aent- $ea, to the =apery in hi tone. 7hey parte$ there- A"y
to her tent- he an$ !/tin Maey to the "ongha"". &t .a not ,ar- b/t the $ri,t .ere $eep- the
.in$ .a g/ty- an$ Aha4 ,eet .ere b"ock o, ice. #er ank"e tabbe$ at her .ith every tep.
Sma"" an$ mean a it .a- the "ongha"" .a the "arget b/i"$ing in the vi""age- o the "or$ an$
captain ha$ taken it ,or theme"ve- .hi"t Stanni ett"e$ into the tone .atchto.er by the
"akehore. A pair o, g/ar$men ,"anke$ it $oor- "eaning on ta"" pear. Hne "i,te$ the greae$
$oor ,"ap ,or Maey- an$ Ser !/tin ecorte$ Aha thro/gh to the b"ee$ .armth .ithin.
Benche an$ tret"e tab"e ran a"ong either i$e o, the ha""- .ith room ,or ,i,ty men8 tho/gh
t.ice that n/mber ha$ A/eeGe$ theme"ve ini$e. A ,ire trench ha$ been $/g $o.n the mi$$"e
o, the earthen ,"oor- .ith a ro. o, mokeho"e in the roo, above. 7he .o"ve ha$ taken to itting
on one i$e o, the trench- the knight an$ o/thron "or$ /pon the other.
7he o/therner "ooke$ a orry "ot- Aha tho/ght@ga/nt an$ ho""o.(cheeke$- ome pa"e an$
ick- other .ith re$ an$ .in$(co/re$ ,ace. By contrat the northmen eeme$ ha"e an$ hea"thy-
big r/$$y men .ith bear$ a thick a b/he- c"a$ in ,/r an$ iron. 7hey might be co"$ an$
h/ngry too- b/t the marching ha$ gone eaier ,or them- .ith their garron an$ their bear(pa..
Aha pee"e$ o,, her ,/r mitten- .incing a he ,"e:e$ her ,inger. 9ain hot /p her "eg a her
ha",(,roGen ,eet began to tha. in the .armth. 7he cro,ter ha$ "e,t behin$ a goo$ /pp"y o, peat
.hen they ,"e$- o the air .a haGy .ith moke an$ the rich- earthy me"" o, b/rning t/r,. She
h/ng her c"oak on a peg ini$e the $oor a,ter haking o,, the no. that c"/ng to it.
Ser !/tin ,o/n$ them p"ace on the bench an$ ,etche$ /pper ,or the both o, them@a"e an$
ch/nk o, horemeat- charre$ b"ack o/ti$e an$ re$ .ithin. Aha took a ip o, a"e an$ ,e"" /pon
the hore ,"eh. 7he portion .a ma""er than the "at he4$ tate$- b/t her be""y ti"" r/mb"e$ at
the me"" o, it. 2My thank- er-1 he ai$- a b"oo$ an$ greae ran $o.n her chin.
2!/tin. & init.1 Maey c/t hi o.n meat into ch/nk an$ tabbe$ one .ith hi $agger.
5o.n the tab"e- 3i"" +o:g"ove .a te""ing the men aro/n$ him that Stanni .o/"$ re/me hi
march on 3inter,e"" three $ay hence. #e4$ ha$ it ,rom the "ip o, one o, the groom .ho ten$e$
the king4 hore. 2#i Grace ha een victory in hi ,ire-1 +o:g"ove ai$- 2a victory that .i"" be
/ng o, ,or a tho/an$ year in "or$4 cat"e an$ peaant4 h/t a"ike.1
!/tin Maey "ooke$ /p ,rom hi horemeat. 27he co"$ co/nt "at night reache$ eighty.1 #e
p/""e$ a piece o, grit"e ,rom hi teeth an$ ,"icke$ it to the nearet $og. 2&, .e march- .e .i"" $ie
by the h/n$re$.1
23e .i"" $ie by the tho/an$ i, .e tay here-1 ai$ Ser #/m,rey C"i,ton. 29re on or $ie- &
ay.1
29re on and $ie- & an.er. An$ i, .e reach 3inter,e""- .hat then6 #o. $o .e take it6 #a",
o/r men are o .eak they can carce p/t one ,oot be,ore another. 3i"" yo/ et them to ca"ing
.a""6 B/i"$ing iege to.er61
23e ho/"$ remain here /nti" the .eather break-1 ai$ Ser Hrm/n$ 3y"$e- a ca$avero/ o"$
knight .hoe nat/re gave the "ie to hi name. Aha ha$ hear$ r/mor that ome o, the men(at(
arm .ere .agering on .hich o, the great knight an$ "or$ .o/"$ be the ne:t to $ie. Ser
Hrm/n$ ha$ emerge$ a a c"ear ,avorite. And how much coin was placed on me, I wonder6 Aha
tho/ght. $erhaps there is still time to put down a wager+ 2#ere at "eat .e have ome he"ter-1
3y"$e .a initing- 2an$ there are ,ih in the "ake.1
27oo ,e. ,ih an$ too many ,ihermen-1 ?or$ 9eaeb/ry ai$ g"oomi"y. #e ha$ goo$ reaon
,or g"oomI it .a hi men Ser Go$ry ha$ =/t b/rne$- an$ there .ere ome in thi very ha"" .ho
ha$ been hear$ to ay that 9eaeb/ry hime", /re"y kne. .hat they .ere $oing an$ might even
have hare$ in their ,eat.
2#e4 not .rong-1 gr/mb"e$ Ne$ 3oo$- one o, the co/t ,rom 5eep.oo$. Noe"e Ne$-
he .a ca""e$I ,rotbite ha$ c"aime$ the tip o, hi noe t.o .inter pat. 3oo$ kne. the
.o",.oo$ a .e"" a any man a"ive. Cven the king4 pro/$et "or$ ha$ "earne$ to "iten .hen he
poke. 2& kno. them "ake. Eo/ been on them "ike maggot on a corpe- h/n$re$ o4 yo/. C/t o
many ho"e in the ice it4 a b"oo$y .on$er more haven4t ,a""en thro/gh. H/t by the i"an$-
there4 p"ace "ook "ike a cheee the rat been at.1 #e hook hi hea$. 2?ake are $one. Eo/
,ihe$ them o/t.1
2A"" the more reaon to march-1 inite$ #/m,rey C"i,ton. 2&, $eath i o/r ,ate- "et / $ie .ith
.or$ in han$.1
&t .a the ame arg/ment a "at night an$ the night be,ore. $ress on and die, sta! here and
die, fall back and die+
2+ee" ,ree to perih a yo/ .ih- #/m,rey-1 ai$ !/tin Maey. 2Mye",- & .o/"$ ooner "ive
to ee another pring.1
2Some might ca"" that craven-1 ?or$ 9eaeb/ry rep"ie$.
2Better a craven than a canniba".1
9eaeb/ry4 ,ace t.ite$ in /$$en ,/ry. 2Eo/@1
25eath i part o, .ar- !/tin.1 Ser Richar$ #orpe too$ ini$e the $oor- hi $ark hair $amp
.ith me"ting no.. 27hoe .ho march .ith / .i"" have a hare in a"" the p"/n$er .e take ,rom
Bo"ton an$ hi batar$- an$ a greater hare o, g"ory /n$ying. 7hoe too .eak to march m/t ,en$
,or theme"ve. B/t yo/ have my .or$- .e ha"" en$ ,oo$ once .e have taken 3inter,e"".1
2&ou will not take Winterfell;1
2Aye- .e .i""-1 came a cack"e ,rom the high tab"e- .here Arno", >artark at .ith hi on
Arthor an$ three gran$on. ?or$ Arno", hove$ hime", /p- a v/"t/re riing ,rom it prey. Hne
potte$ han$ c"/tche$ at hi on4 ho/"$er ,or /pport. 23e4"" take it ,or the Ne$ an$ ,or hi
$a/ghter. Aye- an$ ,or the Eo/ng 3o", too- him .ho .a o cr/e""y "a/ghtere$. Me an$ mine
.i"" ho. the .ay- i, nee$ be. &4ve ai$ a m/ch to #i Goo$ Grace the king. *arch, & ai$- an$
be,ore the moon can t/rn- .e4"" a"" be bathing in the b"oo$ o, +rey an$ Bo"ton.1
Men began to tamp their ,eet- to po/n$ their ,it againt the tab"etop. A"mot a"" .ere
northmen- Aha note$. Acro the ,ire trench- the o/thron "or$ at i"ent on the benche.
!/tin Maey .aite$ /nti" the /proar ha$ $ie$ a.ay. 7hen he ai$- 2Eo/r co/rage i
a$mirab"e- ?or$ >artark- b/t co/rage .i"" not breach the .a"" o, 3inter,e"". #o. $o yo/ mean
to take the cat"e- pray6 3ith no.ba""61
Hne o, ?or$ Arno",4 gran$on gave an.er. 23e4"" c/t $o.n tree ,or ram to break the
gate.1
2An$ $ie.1
Another gran$on ma$e hime", hear$. 23e4"" make "a$$er- ca"e the .a"".1
2An$ $ie.1
Fp poke Arthor >artark- ?or$ Arno",4 yo/nger on. 23e4"" raie iege to.er.1
2An$ $ie- an$ $ie- an$ $ie.1 Ser !/tin ro""e$ hi eye. 2Go$ be goo$- are a"" yo/ >artark
ma$61
21ods61 ai$ Richar$ #orpe. 2Eo/ ,orget yo/re",- !/tin. 3e have b/t one go$ here. Speak
not o, $emon in thi company. Hn"y the ?or$ o, ?ight can ave / no.. 3o/"$n4t yo/ agree61
#e p/t hi han$ /pon the hi"t o, hi .or$- a i, ,or emphai- b/t hi eye never "e,t the ,ace o,
!/tin Maey.
Beneath that gaGe- Ser !/tin .i"te$. 27he ?or$ o, ?ight- aye. My ,aith r/n a $eep a yo/r
o.n- Richar$- yo/ kno. that.1
2&t i yo/r co/rage & A/etion- !/tin- not yo/r ,aith. Eo/ have preache$ $e,eat every tep o,
the .ay ince .e ro$e ,orth ,rom 5eep.oo$ Motte. &t make me .on$er .hoe i$e yo/ are on.1
A ,"/h crept /p Maey4 neck. 2& .i"" not tay here to be in/"te$.1 #e .renche$ hi $amp
c"oak $o.n ,rom the .a"" o har$ that Aha hear$ it tear- then ta"ke$ pat #orpe an$ thro/gh the
$oor. A b"at o, co"$ air b"e. thro/gh the ha""- raiing ahe ,rom the ,ire trench an$ ,anning it
,"ame a "itt"e brighter.
Broken 3uick as that, tho/ght Aha. *! champion is made of suet+ Cven o- Ser !/tin .a
one o, the ,e. .ho might ob=ect ho/"$ the A/een4 men try to b/rn her. So he roe to her ,eet-
$onne$ her o.n c"oak- an$ ,o""o.e$ him o/t into the b"iGGar$.
She .a "ot be,ore he ha$ gone ten yar$. Aha co/"$ ee the beacon ,ire b/rning atop the
.atchto.er- a ,aint orange g"o. ,"oating in the air. C"e.ie the vi""age .a gone. She .a a"one
in a .hite .or"$ o, no. an$ i"ence- p"o.ing thro/gh no.$ri,t a high a her thigh. 2-ustin61
he ca""e$. 7here .a no an.er. Some.here to her "e,t he hear$ a hore .hicker. #he poor
thing sounds frightened+ $erhaps he knows that he/s to be tomorrow/s supper+ Aha p/""e$ her
c"oak abo/t her tight"y.
She b"/n$ere$ back onto the vi""age green /nkno.ing. 7he pine.oo$ take ti"" too$-
charre$ an$ corche$ b/t not b/rne$ thro/gh. 7he chain abo/t the $ea$ ha$ coo"e$ by no.- he
a.- b/t ti"" he"$ the corpe ,at in their iron embrace. A raven .a perche$ atop one- p/""ing at
the tatter o, b/rne$ ,"eh that c"/ng to it b"ackene$ k/"". 7he b"o.ing no. ha$ covere$ the
ahe at the bae o, the pyre an$ crept /p the $ea$ man4 "eg a ,ar a hi ank"e. #he old gods
mean to bur! him, Aha tho/ght. #his was no work of theirs+
27ake a goo$ "ong gan$er- c/nt-1 the $eep voice o, C"ayton S/gg ai$- behin$ her. 2Eo/4""
"ook =/t a pretty once yo/4re roate$. 7e"" me- can A/i$ cream61
1od of m! fathers, if !ou can hear me in !our water! halls beneath the waes, grant me 9ust
one small throwing a8e+ 7he 5ro.ne$ Go$ $i$ not an.er. #e e"$om $i$. 7hat .a the tro/b"e
.ith go$. 2#ave yo/ een Ser !/tin61
27hat prancing ,oo"6 3hat $o yo/ .ant .ith him- c/nt6 &, it4 a ,/ck yo/ nee$- &4m more a
man than Maey.1
%unt again6 &t .a o$$ ho. men "ike S/gg /e$ that .or$ to $emean .omen .hen it .a
the on"y part o, a .oman they va"/e$. An$ S/gg .a .ore than Mi$$"e ?i$$"e. When he sa!s
the word, he means it+ 2Eo/r king ge"$ men ,or rape-1 he remin$e$ him.
Ser C"ayton ch/ck"e$. 27he king4 ha",(b"in$ ,rom taring into ,ire. B/t have no ,ear- c/nt-
&4"" not rape yo/. &4$ nee$ to ki"" yo/ a,ter- an$ &4$ ooner ee yo/ b/rn.1
#here/s that horse again+ 25o yo/ hear that61
2#ear .hat61
2A hore. No- hore. More than one.1 She t/rne$ her hea$- "itening. 7he no. $i$ A/eer
thing to o/n$. &t .a har$ to kno. .hich $irection it ha$ come ,rom.
2& thi ome A/i$ game6 & $on4t hear@1 S/gg co."e$. 2B"oo$y he"". Ri$er.1 #e ,/mb"e$
at hi .or$ be"t- hi han$ c"/my in their ,/r(an$("eather g"ove- an$ ,ina""y /ccee$e$ in
ripping hi "ong.or$ ,rom it cabbar$.
By then the ri$er .ere /pon them.
7hey emerge$ ,rom the torm "ike a troop o, .raith- big men on ma"" hore- ma$e even
bigger by the b/"ky ,/r they .ore. S.or$ ro$e on their hip- inging their o,t tee" ong a
they ratt"e$ in their cabbar$. Aha a. a batt"e(a:e trappe$ to one man4 a$$"e- a .arhammer
on another4 back. Shie"$ they bore a .e""- b/t o obc/re$ by no. an$ ice that the arm /pon
them co/"$ not be rea$. +or a"" her "ayer o, .oo" an$ ,/r an$ boi"e$ "eather- Aha ,e"t nake$
tan$ing there. A horn, he tho/ght- I need a horn to rouse the camp+
2R/n- yo/ t/pi$ c/nt-1 Ser C"ayton ho/te$. 2R/n .arn the king. ?or$ Bo"ton i /pon /.1 A
br/te he might have been- b/t S/gg $i$ not .ant ,or co/rage. S.or$ in han$- he tro$e thro/gh
the no.- p/tting hime", bet.een the ri$er an$ the king4 to.er- it beacon g"immering behin$
him "ike the orange eye o, ome trange go$. 23ho goe there6 #a"t0 7alt;1
7he "ea$ ri$er reine$ /p be,ore him. Behin$ .ere other- perhap a many a a core. Aha
ha$ no time to co/nt them. #/n$re$ more might be o/t there in the torm- coming har$ /pon
their hee". Rooe Bo"ton4 entire hot might be $ecen$ing on them- hi$$en by $arkne an$
.ir"ing no.. 7hee- tho/gh8
#he! are too man! to be scouts and too few to make a anguard+ An$ t.o .ere a"" in b"ack.
2ight/s Watch, he rea"iGe$ /$$en"y. 23ho are yo/61 he ca""e$.
2+rien$-1 a ha",(,ami"iar voice rep"ie$. 23e "ooke$ ,or yo/ at 3inter,e""- b/t ,o/n$ on"y
Cro.,oo$ Fmber beating $r/m an$ b"o.ing horn. &t took ome time to ,in$ yo/.1 7he ri$er
va/"te$ ,rom hi a$$"e- p/""e$ back hi hoo$- an$ bo.e$. So thick .a hi bear$- an$ o cr/te$
.ith ice- that ,or a moment Aha $i$ not kno. him. 7hen it came. 2#ris61 he ai$.
2My "a$y.1 7riti,er Bot"ey took a knee. 27he Mai$ i here a .e"". Roggon- Grimtong/e-
+inger- Rook8 i: o, /- a"" thoe ,it eno/gh to ri$e. Cromm $ie$ o, hi .o/n$.1
23hat i thi61 Ser C"ayton S/gg $eman$e$. 2Eo/4re one o, her6 #o. $i$ yo/ get "ooe o,
5eep.oo$4 $/ngeon61
7ri roe an$ br/he$ the no. ,rom hi knee. 2Sybe""e G"over .a o,,ere$ a han$ome
ranom ,or o/r ,ree$om an$ choe to accept it in the name o, the king.1
23hat ranom6 3ho .o/"$ pay goo$ coin ,or ea c/m61
2& $i$- er.1 7he peaker came ,or.ar$ on hi garron. #e .a very ta""- very thin- o "ong(
"egge$ that it .a a .on$er hi ,eet $i$ not $rag a"ong the gro/n$. 2& ha$ nee$ o, a trong ecort
to ee me a,e"y to the king- an$ ?a$y Sybe""e ha$ nee$ o, ,e.er mo/th to ,ee$.1 A car,
concea"e$ the ta"" man4 ,eat/re- b/t atop hi hea$ .a perche$ the A/eeret hat Aha ha$ een
ince the "at time he ha$ ai"e$ to 7yroh- a brim"e to.er o, ome o,t ,abric- "ike three
cy"in$er tacke$ one atop the other. 2& .a given to /n$ertan$ that & might ,in$ >ing Stanni
here. &t i mot /rgent that & peak .ith him at once.1
2An$ .ho in even tinking he"" are yo/61
7he ta"" man "i$ grace,/""y ,rom hi garron- remove$ hi pec/"iar hat- an$ bo.e$. 2& have the
honor to be 7ycho Netori- a h/mb"e ervant o, the &ron Bank o, Braavo.1
H, a"" the trange thing that might have come ri$ing o/t o, the night- the "at one Aha
Grey=oy .o/"$ ever have e:pecte$ .a a Braavoi banker. &t .a too ab/r$. She ha$ to "a/gh.
2>ing Stanni ha taken the .atchto.er ,or hi eat. Ser C"ayton .i"" be p"eae$ to ho. yo/ to
him- &4m /re.1
27hat .o/"$ be mot kin$. 7ime i o, the eence.1 7he banker t/$ie$ her .ith hre.$ $ark
eye. 2Eo/ are the ?a$y Aha o, #o/e Grey=oy- /n"e & am mitaken.1
2& am Aha o, #o/e Grey=oy- aye. Hpinion $i,,er on .hether &4m a "a$y.1
7he Braavoi mi"e$. 23e4ve bro/ght a gi,t ,or yo/.1 #e beckone$ to the men behin$ him.
23e ha$ e:pecte$ to ,in$ the king at 3inter,e"". 7hi ame b"iGGar$ ha eng/",e$ the cat"e- a"a.
Beneath it .a"" .e ,o/n$ Mor Fmber .ith a troop o, ra. green boy- .aiting ,or the king4
coming. #e gave / thi.1
A girl and an old man, tho/ght Aha- a the t.o .ere $/mpe$ r/$e"y in the no. be,ore her.
7he gir" .a hivering vio"ent"y- even in her ,/r. &, he ha$ not been o ,rightene$- he might
even have been pretty- tho/gh the tip o, her noe .a b"ack .ith ,rotbite. 7he o"$ man8 no one
.o/"$ ever think him come"y. She ha$ een carecro. .ith more ,"eh. #i ,ace .a a k/""
.ith kin- hi hair bone(.hite an$ ,i"thy. An$ he stank+ !/t the ight o, him ,i""e$ Aha .ith
rev/"ion.
#e raie$ hi eye. 2Siter. See. 7hi time & kne. yo/.1
Aha4 heart kippe$ a beat. 2#heon61
#i "ip kinne$ back in .hat might have been a grin. #a", hi teeth .ere gone- an$ ha", o,
thoe ti"" "e,t him .ere broken an$ p"intere$. 27heon-1 he repeate$. 2My name i 7heon. Eo/
have to kno. yo/r name+1
%ICTARION
7he ea .a b"ack an$ the moon .a i"ver a the &ron +"eet .ept $o.n on the prey.
7hey ighte$ her in the narro. bet.een the &"e o, Ce$ar an$ the r/gge$ hi"" o, the
Atapori hinter"an$- =/t a the b"ack priet MoAorro ha$ ai$ they .o/"$. 2Ghicari-1
?ong.ater 9yke ho/te$ $o.n ,rom the cro.4 net. %ictarion Grey=oy .atche$ her ai" gro.
"arger ,rom the ,orecat"e. Soon he co/"$ make o/t her oar riing an$ ,a""ing- an$ the "ong .hite
.ake behin$ her hining in the moon"ight- "ike a car acro the ea.
2ot a true warship, %ictarion rea"iGe$. A trading galle!, and a big one+ She .o/"$ make a
,ine priGe. #e igna"e$ to hi captain to give chae. 7hey .o/"$ boar$ thi hip an$ take her.
7he captain o, the ga""ey ha$ rea"iGe$ hi peri" by then. #e change$ co/re ,or the .et-
making ,or the &"e o, Ce$ar- perhap hoping to he"ter in ome hi$$en cove or r/n hi p/r/er
onto the =agge$ rock a"ong the i"an$4 northeat coat. #i ga""ey .a heavy "a$en- tho/gh- an$
the ironborn ha$ the .in$. 1rief an$ Iron .ictor! c/t acro the A/arry4 co/re- .hi"t .i,t
Sparrowhawk an$ agi"e Fingerdancer .ept behin$ her. Cven then the Ghicari captain $i$ not
trike hi banner. By the time "amentation came a"ongi$e the prey- raking her "arboar$ i$e
an$ p"intering her oar- both hip .ere o c"oe to the ha/nte$ r/in o, GhoGai that they co/"$
hear the monkey chattering a the ,irt $a.n "ight .ahe$ over the city4 broken pyrami$.
7heir priGe .a name$ 1hiscari Dawn, the ga""ey4 captain ai$ .hen he .a $e"ivere$ to
%ictarion in chain. She .a o/t o, Ne. Ghi an$ ret/rning there by .ay o, E/nkai a,ter tra$ing
at Meereen. 7he man poke no $ecent tong/e b/t on"y a g/tt/ra" Ghicari- ,/"" o, gro." an$
hie- a /g"y a "ang/age a %ictarion Grey=oy ha$ ever hear$. MoAorro tran"ate$ the captain4
.or$ into the Common 7ong/e o, 3etero. 7he .ar ,or Meereen .a .on- the captain
c"aime$I the $ragon A/een .a $ea$- an$ a Ghicari by the name o, #iG$ak r/"e$ the city no..
%ictarion ha$ hi tong/e torn o/t ,or "ying. 5aenery 7argaryen .a not $ea$- MoAorro
a/re$ himI hi re$ go$ R4h""or ha$ ho.n him the A/een4 ,ace in hi acre$ ,ire. 7he captain
co/"$ not abi$e "ie- o he ha$ the Ghicari captain bo/n$ han$ an$ ,oot an$ thro.n overboar$- a
acri,ice to the 5ro.ne$ Go$. 2Eo/r re$ go$ .i"" have hi $/e-1 he promie$ MoAorro- 2b/t the
ea are r/"e$ by the 5ro.ne$ Go$.1
27here are no go$ b/t R4h""or an$ the Hther- .hoe name may not be ai$.1 7he orcerer
priet .a garbe$ in omber b"ack- b/t ,or a hint o, go"$en threa$ at co""ar- c/,,- an$ hem. 7here
.a no re$ c"oth aboar$ the Iron .ictor!, b/t it .a not meet that MoAorro go abo/t in the a"t(
taine$ rag he ha$ been .earing .hen the %o"e ,ihe$ him ,rom the ea- o %ictarion ha$
comman$e$ 7om 7i$e.oo$ to e. ne. robe ,or him ,rom .hatever .a at han$- an$ ha$ even
$onate$ ome o, hi o.n t/nic to the p/rpoe. H, b"ack an$ go"$ thoe .ere- ,or the arm o,
#o/e Grey=oy ho.e$ a go"$en kraken on a b"ack ,ie"$- an$ the banner an$ ai" o, their hip
$ip"aye$ the ame. 7he crimon(an$(car"et robe o, the re$ priet .ere a"ien to the ironborn-
b/t %ictarion ha$ hope$ hi men might accept MoAorro more eai"y once c"a$ in Grey=oy co"or.
#e hope$ in vain. C"a$ in b"ack ,rom hea$ to hee"- .ith a mak o, re$(an$(orange ,"ame
tattooe$ acro hi ,ace- the priet appeare$ more initer than ever. 7he cre. h/nne$ him .hen
he .a"ke$ the $eck- an$ men .o/"$ pit i, hi ha$o. chance$ to ,a"" /pon them. Cven the %o"e-
.ho ha$ ,ihe$ the re$ priet ,rom the ea- ha$ /rge$ %ictarion to give him to the 5ro.ne$ Go$.
B/t MoAorro kne. thee trange hore in .ay the ironborn $i$ not- an$ ecret o, the
$ragonkin$ a .e"". #he %row/s 0!e keeps wizards, wh! shouldn/t I6 #i b"ack orcerer .a
more p/iant than a"" o, C/ron4 three- even i, yo/ thre. them in a pot an$ boi"e$ them $o.n to
one. 7he 5amphair might $iapprove- b/t Aeron an$ hi pietie .ere ,ar a.ay.
So %ictarion c"oe$ hi b/rne$ han$ into a mighty ,it- an$ ai$- 21hiscari Dawn i no ,it
name ,or a hip o, the &ron +"eet. +or yo/- .iGar$- & ha"" rename her )ed 1od/s Wroth+1
#i .iGar$ bo.e$ hi hea$. 2A the captain ay.1 An$ the hip o, the &ron +"eet n/mbere$
,o/r(an$(,i,ty once again.
7he ne:t $ay a /$$en A/a"" $ecen$e$ on them. MoAorro ha$ pre$icte$ that a .e"". 3hen
the rain move$ on- three hip .ere ,o/n$ to have vanihe$. %ictarion ha$ no .ay to kno.
.hether they ha$ ,o/n$ere$- r/n agro/n$- or been b"o.n o,, co/re. 27hey kno. .here .e are
going-1 he to"$ hi cre.. 2&, they are ti"" a,"oat- .e .i"" meet again.1 7he iron captain ha$ no
time to .ait ,or "aggar$. Not .ith hi bri$e encirc"e$ by her enemie. #he most beautiful woman
in the world has urgent need of m! a8e+
Bei$e- MoAorro a/re$ him that the three hip .ere not "ot. Cach night- the orcerer
priet .o/"$ kin$"e a ,ire on the ,orecat"e o, the Iron .ictor! an$ ta"k aro/n$ the ,"ame-
chanting prayer. 7he ,ire"ight ma$e hi b"ack kin hine "ike po"ihe$ ony:- an$ ometime
%ictarion co/"$ .ear that the ,"ame tattooe$ on hi ,ace .ere $ancing too- t.iting an$
ben$ing- me"ting into one another- their co"or changing .ith every t/rn o, the priet4 hea$.
27he b"ack priet i ca""ing $emon $o.n on /-1 one oarman .a hear$ to ay. 3hen that
.a reporte$ to %ictarion- he ha$ the man co/rge$ /nti" hi back .a b"oo$ ,rom ho/"$er to
b/ttock. So .hen MoAorro ai$- 2Eo/r "ot "amb .i"" ret/rn to the ,"ock o,, the i"e ca""e$
Earo-1 the captain ai$- 29ray that they $o- priet. Hr yo/ may be the ne:t to tate the .hip.1
7he ea .a b"/e an$ green an$ the /n b"aGing $o.n ,rom an empty b"/e ky .hen the &ron
+"eet took it econ$ priGe- in the .ater north an$ .et o, Atapor.
7hi time it .a a Myrih cog name$ Doe, on her .ay to E/nkai by .ay o, Ne. Ghi .ith a
cargo o, carpet- .eet green .ine- an$ Myrih "ace. #er captain o.ne$ a Myrih eye that ma$e
,ar(o,, thing "ook c"oe@t.o g"a "ene in a erie o, bra t/be- c/nning"y .ro/ght o that
each ection "i$ into the ne:t- /nti" the eye .a no "onger than a $irk. %ictarion c"aime$ that
trea/re ,or hime",. 7he cog he rename$ Shrike+ #er cre. .o/"$ be kept ,or ranom- the captain
$ecree$. 7hey .ere neither "ave nor "aver- b/t ,ree Myrmen an$ eaone$ ai"or. S/ch men
.ere .orth goo$ coin. Sai"ing o/t o, Myr- the Doe bro/ght them no ,reh ne. o, Meereen or
5aenery- on"y ta"e report o, 5othraki horemen a"ong the Rhoyne- the Go"$en Company /pon
the march- an$ other thing %ictarion a"rea$y kne..
23hat $o yo/ ee61 the captain ake$ hi b"ack priet that night- a MoAorro too$ be,ore hi
night,ire. 23hat a.ait / on the morro.6 More rain61 &t me""e$ "ike rain to him.
2Grey kie an$ trong .in$-1 MoAorro ai$. 2No rain. Behin$ come the tiger. Ahea$ a.ait
yo/r $ragon.1
&our dragon+ %ictarion "ike$ the o/n$ o, that. 27e"" me omething that & $o not kno.-
priet.1
27he captain comman$- an$ & obey-1 ai$ MoAorro. 7he cre. ha$ taken to ca""ing him the
B"ack +"ame- a name ,atene$ on him by Ste,,ar Stammerer- .ho co/"$ not ay 2MoAorro.1 By
any name- the priet ha$ po.er. 27he coat"ine here r/n .et to eat-1 he to"$ %ictarion.
23here it t/rn north- yo/ .i"" come on t.o more hare. S.i,t one- .ith many "eg.1
An$ o it came to pa. 7hi time the prey prove$ to be a pair o, ga""ey- "ong an$ "eek an$
,at. Ra", the ?imper .a the ,irt to ight them- b/t they oon o/t$itance$ Woe an$ Forlorn
7ope, o %ictarion ent Iron Wing, Sparrowhawk, an$ ,raken/s ,iss to r/n them $o.n. #e ha$
no .i,ter hip than thoe three. 7he p/r/it "ate$ the bet part o, the $ay- b/t in the en$ both
ga""ey .ere boar$e$ an$ taken- a,ter brie, b/t br/ta" ,ight. 7hey ha$ been r/nning empty-
%ictarion "earne$- making ,or Ne. Ghi to "oa$ /pp"ie an$ .eapon ,or the Ghicari "egion
encampe$ be,ore Meereen8 an$ to bring ,reh "egionarie to the .ar- to rep"ace a"" the men
.ho4$ $ie$. 2Men "ain in batt"e61 ake$ %ictarion. 7he cre. o, the ga""ey $enie$ itI the $eath
.ere ,rom a b"oo$y ,"/:. 7he pa"e mare- they ca""e$ it. An$ "ike the captain o, the 1hiscari
Dawn, the captain o, the ga""ey repeate$ the "ie that 5aenery 7argaryen .a $ea$.
2Give her a ki ,or me in .hatever he"" yo/ ,in$ her-1 %ictarion ai$. #e ca""e$ ,or hi a:e
an$ took their hea$ o,, there an$ then. A,ter.ar$ he p/t their cre. to $eath a .e""- aving
on"y the "ave chaine$ to the oar. #e broke their chain hime", an$ to"$ them they .ere no.
,ree men an$ .o/"$ have the privi"ege o, ro.ing ,or the &ron +"eet- an honor that every boy in
the &ron &"an$ $reame$ o, gro.ing /p. 27he $ragon A/een ,ree "ave an$ o $o &-1 he
proc"aime$.
7he ga""ey he rename$ 1host an$ Shade+ 2+or & mean them to ret/rn an$ ha/nt thee
E/nkihmen-1 he to"$ the $/ky .oman that night a,ter he ha$ taken hi p"ea/re o, her. 7hey
.ere c"oe no.- an$ gro.ing c"oer every $ay. 23e .i"" ,a"" /pon them "ike a th/n$erbo"t-1 he
ai$- a he A/eeGe$ the .oman4 breat. #e .on$ere$ i, thi .a ho. hi brother Aeron ,e"t
.hen the 5ro.ne$ Go$ poke to him. #e co/"$ a"mot hear the go$4 voice .e""ing /p ,rom the
$epth o, the ea. &ou shall sere me well, m! captain, the .ave eeme$ to ay. It was for this I
made !ou+
B/t he .o/"$ ,ee$ the re$ go$ too- MoAorro4 ,ire go$. 7he arm the priet ha$ hea"e$ .a
hi$eo/ to "ook /pon- pork crack"ing ,rom e"bo. to ,ingertip. Sometime .hen %ictarion c"oe$
hi han$ the kin .o/"$ p"it an$ moke- yet the arm .a tronger than it ha$ ever been. 27.o
go$ are .ith me no.-1 he to"$ the $/ky .oman. 2No ,oe can tan$ be,ore t.o go$.1 7hen he
ro""e$ her on her back an$ took her once again.
3hen the c"i,, o, Earo appeare$ o,, their "arboar$ bo.- he ,o/n$ hi three "ot hip
.aiting ,or him- =/t a MoAorro ha$ promie$. %ictarion gave the priet a go"$en torA/e a a
re.ar$.
No. he ha$ a choice to make' ho/"$ he rik the trait- or take the &ron +"eet aro/n$ the
i"an$6 7he memory o, +air &"e ti"" rank"e$ in the iron captain4 memory. Stanni Baratheon
ha$ $ecen$e$ on the &ron +"eet ,rom both north an$ o/th .hi"t they .ere trappe$ in the
channe" bet.een the i"an$ an$ the main"an$- $ea"ing %ictarion hi mot cr/hing $e,eat. B/t
ai"ing aro/n$ Earo .o/"$ cot him precio/ $ay. 3ith E/nkai o near- hipping in the trait
.a "ike to be heavy- b/t he $i$ not e:pect to enco/nter E/nkih .arhip /nti" they .ere c"oer
to Meereen.
What would the %row/s 0!e do6 #e broo$e$ on that ,or a time- then igna"e$ to hi captain.
23e ai" the trait.1
7hree more priGe .ere taken be,ore Earo $.in$"e$ o,, their tern. A ,at ga""ea ,e"" to the
%o"e an$ 1rief, an$ a tra$ing ga""ey to Man,ry$ Mer"yn o, ,ite+ 7heir ho"$ .ere packe$ .ith
tra$e goo$- .ine an$ i"k an$ pice- rare .oo$ an$ rarer cent- b/t the hip theme"ve
.ere the tr/e priGe. ?ater that ame $ay- a ,ihing ketch .a taken by Seen Skulls an$ #hrall/s
Bane+ She .a a ma""- "o.- $ingy thing- har$"y .orth the e,,ort o, boar$ing. %ictarion .a
$ip"eae$ to hear that it ha$ taken t.o o, hi o.n hip to bring the ,ihermen to hee". Eet it .a
,rom their "ip that he hear$ o, the b"ack $ragon4 ret/rn. 27he i"ver A/een i gone-1 the ketch4
mater to"$ him. 2She ,"e. a.ay /pon her $ragon- beyon$ the 5othraki ea.1
23here i thi 5othraki ea61 he $eman$e$. 2& .i"" ai" the &ron +"eet acro it an$ ,in$ the
A/een .herever he may be.1
7he ,iherman "a/ghe$ a"o/$. 27hat .o/"$ be a ight .orth eeing. 7he 5othraki ea i ma$e
o, gra- ,oo".1
#e ho/"$ not have ai$ that. %ictarion took him aro/n$ the throat .ith hi b/rne$ han$ an$
"i,te$ him bo$i"y into the air. S"amming him back againt the mat- he A/eeGe$ ti"" the
E/nkihman4 ,ace t/rne$ a b"ack a the ,inger $igging into hi ,"eh. 7he man kicke$ an$
.rithe$ ,or a .hi"e- trying ,r/it"e"y to pry "ooe the captain4 grip. 2No man ca"" %ictarion
Grey=oy a ,oo" an$ "ive to boat o, it.1 3hen he opene$ hi han$- the man4 "imp bo$y ,"oppe$
to the $eck. ?ong.ater 9yke an$ 7om 7i$e.oo$ ch/cke$ it over the rai"- another o,,ering to the
5ro.ne$ Go$.
2Eo/r 5ro.ne$ Go$ i a $emon-1 the b"ack priet MoAorro ai$ a,ter.ar$. 2#e i no more
than a thra"" o, the Hther- the $ark go$ .hoe name m/t not be poken.1
27ake care- priet-1 %ictarion .arne$ him. 27here are go$"y men aboar$ thi hip .ho .o/"$
tear o/t yo/r tong/e ,or peaking /ch b"aphemie. Eo/r re$ go$ .i"" have hi $/e- & .ear it.
My .or$ i iron. Ak any o, my men.1
7he b"ack priet bo.e$ hi hea$. 27here i no nee$. 7he ?or$ o, ?ight ha ho.n me yo/r
.orth- "or$ Captain. Cvery night in my ,ire & g"impe the g"ory that a.ait yo/.1
7hoe .or$ p"eae$ %ictarion Grey=oy mighti"y- a he to"$ the $/ky .oman that night. 2My
brother Ba"on .a a great man-1 he ai$- 2b/t & ha"" $o .hat he co/"$ not. 7he &ron &"an$ ha""
be ,ree again- an$ the H"$ 3ay .i"" ret/rn. Cven 5agon co/"$ not $o that.1 A"mot a h/n$re$
year ha$ pae$ ince 5agon Grey=oy at the Seatone Chair- b/t the ironborn ti"" to"$ ta"e o,
hi rai$ an$ batt"e. &n 5agon4 $ay a .eak king at the &ron 7hrone- hi rhe/my eye ,i:e$
acro the narro. ea .here batar$ an$ e:i"e p"otte$ rebe""ion. So ,orth ,rom 9yke ?or$
5agon ai"e$- to make the S/net Sea hi o.n. 2#e bear$e$ the "ion in hi $en an$ tie$ the
$ire.o",4 tai" in knot- b/t even 5agon co/"$ not $e,eat the $ragon. B/t & ha"" make the
$ragon A/een mine o.n. She .i"" hare my be$ an$ bear me many mighty on.1
7hat night the hip o, the &ron +"eet n/mbere$ i:ty.
Strange ai" gre. more common north o, Earo. 7hey .ere very near to E/nkai- an$ the
coat bet.een the Ee""o. City an$ Meereen .o/"$ be teeming .ith merchantmen an$ /pp"y
hip coming an$ going- o %ictarion took the &ron +"eet o/t into the $eeper .ater- beyon$ the
ight o, "an$. Cven there they .o/"$ enco/nter other vee". 2?et none ecape to give .arning
to o/r ,oe-1 the iron captain comman$e$. None $i$.
7he ea .a green an$ the ky .a grey the morning 1rief an$ Warrior Wench an$
%ictarion4 o.n Iron .ictor! capt/re$ the "aver ga""ey ,rom E/nkai in the .ater $/e north o,
the Ee""o. City. &n her ho"$ .ere t.enty per,/me$ boy an$ ,o/r core gir" $etine$ ,or the
p"ea/re ho/e o, ?y. #er cre. never tho/ght to ,in$ peri" o c"oe to their home .ater- an$
the ironborn ha$ "itt"e tro/b"e taking her. She .a name$ the Willing *aiden+
%ictarion p/t the "aver to the .or$- then ent hi men be"o. to /nchain the ro.er. 2Eo/
ro. ,or me no.. Ro. har$- an$ yo/ ha"" proper.1 7he gir" he $ivi$e$ amongt hi captain.
27he ?yeni .o/"$ have ma$e .hore o, yo/-1 he to"$ them- 2b/t .e have ave$ yo/. No. yo/
nee$ on"y erve one man intea$ o, many. 7hoe .ho p"eae their captain may be taken a a"t
.ive- an honorab"e tation.1 7he per,/me$ boy he .rappe$ in chain an$ thre. into the ea.
7hey .ere /nnat/ra" creat/re- an$ the hip me""e$ better once c"eane$ o, their preence.
+or hime",- %ictarion c"aime$ the even choicet gir". Hne ha$ re$(go"$ hair an$ ,reck"e on
her teat. Hne have$ here", a"" over. Hne .a bro.n(haire$ an$ bro.n(eye$- hy a a mo/e.
Hne ha$ the bigget breat he ha$ ever een. 7he ,i,th .a a "itt"e thing- .ith traight b"ack hair
an$ go"$en kin. #er eye .ere the co"or o, amber. 7he i:th .a .hite a mi"k- .ith go"$en
ring thro/gh her nipp"e an$ her nether "ip- the eventh b"ack a a A/i$4 ink. 7he "aver o,
E/nkai ha$ traine$ them in the .ay o, the even igh- b/t that .a not .hy %ictarion .ante$
them. #i $/ky .oman .a eno/gh to ati,y hi appetite /nti" he co/"$ reach Meereen an$
c"aim hi A/een. No man ha$ nee$ o, can$"e .hen the /n a.aite$ him.
7he ga""ey he rename$ the Slaer/s Scream+ 3ith her- the hip o, the &ron +"eet n/mbere$
one(an$(i:ty. 2Cvery hip .e capt/re make / tronger-1 %ictarion to"$ hi ironborn- 2b/t ,rom
here it .i"" gro. har$er. Hn the morro. or the $ay a,ter- .e are "ike to meet .ith .arhip. 3e
are entering the home .ater o, Meereen- .here the ,"eet o, o/r ,oe a.ait /. 3e .i"" meet
.ith hip ,rom a"" three S"aver Citie- hip ,rom 7o"o an$ C"yria an$ Ne. Ghi- even hip
,rom Darth.1 #e took care not to mention the green ga""ey o, H"$ %o"anti that /re"y m/t be
ai"ing /p thro/gh the G/", o, Grie, even a he poke. 27hee "aver are ,eeb"e thing. Eo/ have
een ho. they r/n be,ore /- hear$ ho. they A/ea" .hen .e p/t them to the .or$. Cvery man
o, yo/ i .orth t.enty o, them- ,or on"y .e are ma$e o, iron. Remember thi .hen ,irt .e ne:t
py ome "aver4 ai". Give no A/arter an$ e:pect none. 3hat nee$ have .e o, A/arter6 3e are
the ironborn- an$ t.o go$ "ook over /. 3e .i"" eiGe their hip- mah their hope- an$ t/rn
their bay to b"oo$.1
A great cry .ent /p at hi .or$. 7he captain an.ere$ .ith a no$- grim(,ace$- then ca""e$
,or the even gir" he ha$ c"aime$ to be bro/ght on $eck- the "ove"iet o, a"" thoe ,o/n$ aboar$
the Willing *aiden+ #e kie$ them each /pon the cheek an$ to"$ them o, the honor that
a.aite$ them- tho/gh they $i$ not /n$ertan$ hi .or$. 7hen he ha$ them p/t aboar$ the
,ihing ketch that they ha$ capt/re$- c/t her "ooe- an$ ha$ her et a,ire.
23ith thi gi,t o, innocence an$ bea/ty- .e honor both the go$-1 he proc"aime$- a the
.arhip o, the &ron +"eet ro.e$ pat the b/rning ketch. 2?et thee gir" be reborn in "ight-
/n$e,i"e$ by morta" "/t- or "et them $ecen$ to the 5ro.ne$ Go$4 .atery ha""- to ,eat an$
$ance an$ "a/gh /nti" the ea $ry /p.1
Near the en$- be,ore the moking ketch .a .a""o.e$ by the ea- the crie o, the even
.eet"ing change$ to =oyo/ ong- it eeme$ to %ictarion Grey=oy. A great .in$ came /p then-
a .in$ that ,i""e$ their ai" an$ .ept them north an$ eat an$ north again- to.ar$ Meereen an$
it pyrami$ o, many(co"ore$ brick. On wings of song I fl! to !ou, Daener!s, the iron captain
tho/ght.
7hat night- ,or the ,irt time- he bro/ght ,orth the $ragon horn that the Cro.4 Cye ha$ ,o/n$
amongt the moking .ate o, great %a"yria. A t.ite$ thing it .a- i: ,eet "ong ,rom en$ to
en$- g"eaming b"ack an$ ban$e$ .ith re$ go"$ an$ $ark %a"yrian tee". 0uron/s hellhorn+
%ictarion ran hi han$ a"ong it. 7he horn .a a .arm an$ mooth a the $/ky .oman4 thigh-
an$ o hiny that he co/"$ ee a t.ite$ "ikene o, hi o.n ,eat/re in it $epth. Strange
orcero/ .riting ha$ been c/t into the ban$ that gir$e$ it. 2%a"yrian g"yph-1 MoAorro ca""e$
them.
7hat m/ch %ictarion ha$ kno.n. 23hat $o they ay61
2M/ch an$ more.1 7he b"ack priet pointe$ to one go"$en ban$. 2#ere the horn i name$. JI
am Dragonbinder,4 it ay. #ave yo/ ever hear$ it o/n$61
2Hnce.1 Hne o, hi brother4 mongre" ha$ o/n$e$ the he""horn at the kingmoot on H"$
3yk. A monter o, a man he ha$ been- h/ge an$ haven(hea$e$- .ith ring o, go"$ an$ =et an$
=a$e aro/n$ arm thick .ith m/c"e- an$ a great ha.k tattooe$ acro hi chet. 27he o/n$ it
ma$e8 it b/rne$- omeho.. A i, my bone .ere on ,ire- earing my ,"eh ,rom .ithin. 7hoe
.riting g"o.e$ re$(hot- then .hite(hot an$ pain,/" to "ook /pon. &t eeme$ a i, the o/n$
.o/"$ never en$. &t .a "ike ome "ong cream. A tho/an$ cream- a"" me"te$ into one.1
2An$ the man .ho b"e. the horn- .hat o, him61
2#e $ie$. 7here .ere b"iter on hi "ip- a,ter. #i bir$ .a b"ee$ing too.1 7he captain
th/mpe$ hi chet. 27he ha.k- =/t here. Cvery ,eather $ripping b"oo$. & hear$ the man .a a""
b/rne$ /p ini$e- b/t that might =/t have been ome ta"e.1
2A tr/e ta"e.1 MoAorro t/rne$ the he""horn- e:amining the A/eer "etter that cra."e$ acro a
econ$ o, the go"$en ban$. 2#ere it ay- J2o mortal man shall sound me and lie+4 1
Bitter"y %ictarion broo$e$ on the treachery o, brother. 0uron/s gifts are alwa!s poisoned+
27he Cro.4 Cye .ore thi horn .o/"$ bin$ $ragon to my .i"". B/t ho. .i"" that erve me i,
the price i $eath61
2Eo/r brother $i$ not o/n$ the horn hime",. Nor m/t yo/.1 MoAorro pointe$ to the ban$ o,
tee". 2#ere. JBlood for fire, fire for blood+4 3ho b"o. the he""horn matter not. 7he $ragon
.i"" come to the horn4 mater. Eo/ m/t claim the horn. 3ith b"oo$.1
THE .G&' &ITT&E GIR&
C"even ervant o, the Many(+ace$ Go$ gathere$ that night beneath the temp"e- more than he
ha$ ever een together at one time. Hn"y the "or$"ing an$ the ,at ,e""o. arrive$ by the ,ront $oorI
the ret came by ecret .ay- thro/gh t/nne" an$ hi$$en paage. 7hey .ore their robe o,
b"ack an$ .hite- b/t a they took their eat each man p/""e$ hi co." $o.n to ho. the ,ace he
ha$ choen to .ear that $ay. 7heir ta"" chair .ere carve$ o, ebony an$ .eir.oo$- "ike the $oor
o, the temp"e above. 7he ebon chair ha$ .eir.oo$ ,ace on their back- the .eir.oo$ chair
,ace o, carve$ ebony.
Hne o, the other aco"yte too$ acro the room .ith a ,"agon o, $ark re$ .ine. She ha$ the
.ater. 3henever one o, the ervant .ihe$ to $rink- he .o/"$ raie hi eye or crook a ,inger-
an$ one or both o, them .o/"$ come an$ ,i"" hi c/p. B/t mot"y they too$- .aiting on "ook
that never came. I am cared of stone, he remin$e$ here",. I am a statue, like the Sealords that
stand along the %anal of the 7eroes+ 7he .ater .a heavy- b/t her arm .ere trong.
7he priet /e$ the "ang/age o, Braavo- tho/gh once ,or evera" min/te three poke
heate$"y in #igh %a"yrian. 7he gir" /n$ertoo$ the .or$- mot"y- b/t they poke in o,t voice-
an$ he co/"$ not a".ay hear. 2& kno. thi man-1 he $i$ hear a priet .ith the ,ace o, a p"ag/e
victim ay. 2& kno. thi man-1 the ,at ,e""o. echoe$- a he .a po/ring ,or him. B/t the
han$ome man ai$- 2& .i"" give thi man the gi,t- & kno. him not.1 ?ater the A/inter ai$ the
ame thing- o, omeone e"e.
A,ter three ho/r o, .ine an$ .or$- the priet took their "eave8 a"" b/t the kin$"y man- the
.ai,- an$ the one .hoe ,ace bore the mark o, p"ag/e. #i cheek .ere covere$ .ith .eeping
ore- an$ hi hair ha$ ,a""en o/t. B"oo$ $rippe$ ,rom one notri" an$ cr/te$ at the corner o,
both eye. 2H/r brother .o/"$ have .or$ .ith yo/- chi"$-1 the kin$"y man to"$ her. 2Sit- i, yo/
.ih.1 She eate$ here", in a .eir.oo$ chair .ith a ,ace o, ebony. B"oo$y ore he"$ no terror
,or her. She ha$ been too "ong in the #o/e o, B"ack an$ 3hite to be a,rai$ o, a ,a"e ,ace.
23ho are yo/61 p"ag/e ,ace ake$ .hen they .ere a"one.
2No one.1
2Not o. Eo/ are Arya o, #o/e Stark- .ho bite her "ip an$ cannot te"" a "ie.1
2& .a. &4m not no..1
23hy are yo/ here- "iar61
27o erve. 7o "earn. 7o change my ,ace.1
2+irt change yo/r heart. 7he gi,t o, the Many(+ace$ Go$ i not a chi"$4 p"aything. Eo/
.o/"$ ki"" ,or yo/r o.n p/rpoe- ,or yo/r o.n p"ea/re. 5o yo/ $eny it61
She bit her "ip. 2&@1
#e "appe$ her.
7he b"o. "e,t her cheek tinging- b/t he kne. that he ha$ earne$ it. 27hank yo/.1 Cno/gh
"ap- an$ he might top che.ing on her "ip. Ar!a $i$ that- not the night .o",. 2& $o $eny it.1
2Eo/ "ie. & can ee the tr/th in yo/r eye. Eo/ have the eye o, a .o", an$ a tate ,or b"oo$.1
Ser 1regor, he co/"$ not he"p b/t think. Dunsen, )aff the Sweetling+ Ser Il!n, Ser *er!n,
:ueen %ersei+ &, he poke- he .o/"$ nee$ to "ie- an$ he .o/"$ kno.. She kept i"ent.
2Eo/ .ere a cat- they te"" me. 9ro."ing thro/gh the a""ey me""ing o, ,ih- e""ing cock"e
an$ m/e" ,or coin. A ma"" "i,e- .e"" /ite$ ,or a ma"" creat/re /ch a yo/. Ak- an$ it can be
retore$ to yo/. 9/h yo/r barro.- cry yo/r cock"e- be content. Eo/r heart i too o,t to be one
o, /.1
7e means to send me awa!+ 2& have no heart. & on"y have a ho"e. &4ve ki""e$ "ot o, peop"e. &
co/"$ ki"" yo/ i, & .ante$.1
23o/"$ that tate .eet to yo/61
She $i$ not kno. the right an.er. 2Maybe.1
27hen yo/ $o not be"ong here. 5eath ho"$ no .eetne in thi ho/e. 3e are not .arrior-
nor o"$ier- nor .aggering bravo p/,,e$ /p .ith pri$e. 3e $o not ki"" to erve ome "or$- to
,atten o/r p/re- to troke o/r vanity. 3e never give the gi,t to p"eae o/re"ve. Nor $o .e
chooe the one .e ki"". 3e are b/t ervant o, the Go$ o, Many +ace.1
4.alar dohaeris+5 All men must sere+
2Eo/ kno. the .or$- b/t yo/ are too pro/$ to erve. A ervant m/t be h/mb"e an$
obe$ient.1
2& obey. & can be h/mb"er than anyone.1
7hat ma$e him ch/ck"e. 2Eo/ .i"" be the very go$$e o, h/mi"ity- & am /re. B/t can yo/
pay the price61
23hat price61
27he price i yo/. 7he price i a"" yo/ have an$ a"" yo/ ever hope to have. 3e took yo/r eye
an$ gave them back. Ne:t .e .i"" take yo/r ear- an$ yo/ .i"" .a"k in i"ence. Eo/ .i"" give /
yo/r "eg an$ cra.". Eo/ .i"" be no one4 $a/ghter- no one4 .i,e- no one4 mother. Eo/r name
.i"" be a "ie- an$ the very ,ace yo/ .ear .i"" not be yo/r o.n.1
She a"mot bit her "ip again- b/t thi time he ca/ght here", an$ toppe$. *! face is a dark
pool, hiding eer!thing, showing nothing+ She tho/ght o, a"" the name that he ha$ .orn' Arry-
3eae"- SA/ab- Cat o, the Cana". She tho/ght o, that t/pi$ gir" ,rom 3inter,e"" ca""e$ Arya
#ore,ace. Name $i$ not matter. 2& can pay the price. Give me a ,ace.1
2+ace m/t be earne$.1
27e"" me ho..1
2Give a certain man a certain gi,t. Can yo/ $o that61
23hat man61
2No one that yo/ kno..1
2& $on4t kno. a "ot o, peop"e.1
2#e i one o, them. A tranger. No one yo/ "ove- no one yo/ hate- no one yo/ have ever
kno.n. 3i"" yo/ ki"" him61
2Ee.1
27hen on the morro.- yo/ ha"" be Cat o, the Cana" again. 3ear that ,ace- .atch- obey. An$
.e .i"" ee i, yo/ are tr/"y .orthy to erve #im o, Many +ace.1
So the ne:t $ay he ret/rne$ to Br/co an$ hi $a/ghter in the ho/e on the cana". Br/co4
eye .i$ene$ .hen he a. her- an$ Brea gave a "itt"e gap. 2.alar morghulis,1 Cat ai$- by .ay
o, greeting. 2.alar dohaeris,1 Br/co rep"ie$.
A,ter that it .a a i, he ha$ never been a.ay.
She got her ,irt "ook at the man he m/t ki"" "ater that morning a he .hee"e$ her barro.
thro/gh the cobb"e$ treet that ,ronte$ on the 9/rp"e #arbor. #e .a an o"$ man- .e"" pat ,i,ty.
7e has lied too long, he trie$ to te"" here",. Wh! should he hae so man! !ears when m!
father had so few6 B/t Cat o, the Cana" ha$ no ,ather- o he kept that tho/ght to here",.
2%ockles and mussels and clams,1 Cat crie$ a he .ent pat- 2o!sters and prawns and fat
green mussels+1 She even mi"e$ at him. Sometime a mi"e .a a"" yo/ nee$e$ to make them
top an$ b/y. 7he o"$ man $i$ not mi"e back. #e co."e$ at her an$ .ent on pat- "ohing
thro/gh a p/$$"e. 7he p"ah .et her ,eet.
7e has no courtes!, he tho/ght- .atching him go. 7is face is hard and mean+ 7he o"$ man4
noe .a pinche$ an$ harp- hi "ip thin- hi eye ma"" an$ c"oe(et. #i hair ha$ gone to grey-
b/t the "itt"e pointe$ bear$ at the en$ o, hi chin .a ti"" b"ack. Cat tho/ght it m/t be $ye$ an$
.on$ere$ .hy he ha$ not $ye$ hi hair a .e"". Hne o, hi ho/"$er .a higher than the other-
giving him a crooke$ cat.
2#e i an evi" man-1 he anno/nce$ that evening .hen he ret/rne$ to the #o/e o, B"ack an$
3hite. 2#i "ip are cr/e"- hi eye are mean- an$ he ha a vi""ain4 bear$.1
7he kin$"y man ch/ck"e$. 2#e i a man "ike any other- .ith "ight in him an$ $arkne. &t i
not ,or yo/ to =/$ge him.1
7hat gave her pa/e. 2#ave the go$ =/$ge$ him61
2Some go$- mayhap. 3hat are go$ ,or i, not to it in =/$gment over men6 7he Many(
+ace$ Go$ $oe not .eigh men4 o/"- ho.ever. #e give hi gi,t to the bet o, men a he give
it to the .ort. C"e.ie the goo$ .o/"$ "ive ,orever.1
7he o"$ man4 han$ .ere the .ort thing abo/t him- Cat $eci$e$ the ne:t $ay- a he
.atche$ him ,rom behin$ her barro.. #i ,inger .ere "ong an$ bony- a".ay moving-
cratching at hi bear$- t/gging at an ear- $r/mming on a tab"e- t.itching- t.itching- t.itching.
7e has hands like two white spiders+ 7he more he .atche$ hi han$- the more he came to hate
them.
2#e move hi han$ too m/ch-1 he to"$ them at the temp"e. 2#e m/t be ,/"" o, ,ear. 7he
gi,t .i"" bring him peace.1
27he gi,t bring a"" men peace.1
23hen & ki"" him he .i"" "ook in my eye an$ thank me.1
2&, he $oe- yo/ .i"" have ,ai"e$. &t .o/"$ be bet i, he take no note o, yo/ at a"".1
7he o"$ man .a ome ort o, merchant- Cat conc"/$e$ a,ter .atching him ,or a ,e. $ay.
#i tra$e ha$ to $o .ith the ea- tho/gh he never a. him et ,oot /pon a hip. #e pent hi
$ay itting in a o/p hop near the 9/rp"e #arbor- a c/p o, onion broth coo"ing at hi e"bo. a
he h/,,"e$ paper an$ ea"ing .a: an$ poke in harp tone to a para$e o, captain- hipo.ner-
an$ other merchant- none o, .hom eeme$ to "ike him very m/ch.
Eet they bro/ght him money' "eather p/re p"/mp .ith go"$ an$ i"ver an$ the A/are iron
coin o, Braavo. 7he o"$ man .o/"$ co/nt it o/t care,/""y- orting the coin an$ tacking them
/p neat"y- "ike .ith "ike. #e never "ooke$ at the coin. &ntea$ he bit them- a".ay on the "e,t i$e
o, hi mo/th- .here he ti"" ha$ a"" hi teeth. +rom time to time he4$ pin one on the tab"e an$
"iten to the o/n$ it ma$e .hen it came c"attering to a top.
An$ .hen a"" the coin ha$ been co/nte$ an$ tate$- the o"$ man .o/"$ cra." /pon a
parchment- tamp it .ith hi ea"- an$ give it to the captain. C"e he4$ hake hi hea$ an$ hove
the coin back acro the tab"e. 3henever he $i$ that- the other man .o/"$ get re$(,ace$ an$
angry- or pa"e an$ care$("ooking.
Cat $i$ not /n$ertan$. 27hey pay him go"$ an$ i"ver- b/t he on"y give them .riting. Are
they t/pi$61
2A ,e.- mayhap. Mot are imp"y ca/tio/. Some think to coGen him. #e i not a man eai"y
coGene$- ho.ever.1
2B/t .hat i he selling them61
2#e i .riting each a bin$er. &, their hip are "ot in a torm or taken by pirate- he promie
to pay them ,or the va"/e o, the vee" an$ a"" it content.1
2& it ome kin$ o, .ager61
2H, a ort. A .ager every captain hope to "oe.1
2Ee- b/t i, they .in81
28they "oe their hip- o,time their very "ive. 7he ea are $angero/- an$ never more o
than in a/t/mn. No $o/bt many a captain inking in a torm ha taken ome ma"" o"ace in hi
bin$er back in Braavo- kno.ing that hi .i$o. an$ chi"$ren .i"" not .ant.1 A a$ mi"e
to/che$ hi "ip. 2&t i one thing to .rite /ch a bin$er- tho/gh- an$ another to make goo$ on it.1
Cat /n$ertoo$. One of them must hate him+ One of them came to the 7ouse of Black and
White and pra!ed for the god to take him+ She .on$ere$ .ho it ha$ been- b/t the kin$"y man
.o/"$ not te"" her. 2&t i not ,or yo/ to pry into /ch matter-1 he ai$. 23ho are yo/61
2No one.1
2No one ak no A/etion.1 #e took her han$. 2&, yo/ cannot $o thi thing- yo/ nee$ on"y
ay o. 7here i no hame in that. Some are ma$e to erve the Many(+ace$ Go$ an$ ome are
not. Say the .or$- an$ & ha"" "i,t thi tak ,rom yo/.1
2& .i"" $o it. & ai$ & .o/"$. & .i"".1
7ow, tho/gh6 7hat .a har$er.
#e ha$ g/ar$. 7.o o, them- a ta"" thin man an$ a hort thick one. 7hey .ent .ith him
every.here- ,rom .hen he "e,t hi ho/e in the morning ti"" he ret/rne$ at night. 7hey ma$e
certain no one got c"oe to the o"$ man .itho/t hi "eave. Hnce a $r/nk a"mot taggere$ into
him a he .a coming home ,rom the o/p hop- b/t the ta"" one teppe$ bet.een them an$ gave
the man a harp hove that knocke$ him to the gro/n$. At the o/p hop- the hort one a".ay
tate$ the onion broth ,irt. 7he o"$ man .aite$ /nti" the broth ha$ coo"e$ be,ore he took a ip-
"ong eno/gh to be /re hi g/ar$man ha$ /,,ere$ no i"" e,,ect.
2#e4 a,rai$-1 he rea"iGe$- 2or e"e he kno. that omeone .ant to ki"" him.1
2#e $oe not kno.-1 ai$ the kin$"y man- 2b/t he /pect.1
27he g/ar$ go .ith him even .hen he "ip o/t to make .ater-1 he ai$- 2b/t he $oen4t go
.hen they $o. 7he ta"" one i the A/icker. &4"" .ait ti"" he i making .ater- .a"k into the o/p
hop- an$ tab the o"$ man thro/gh the eye.1
2An$ the other g/ar$61
2#e4 "o. an$ t/pi$. & can ki"" him too.1
2Are yo/ ome b/tcher o, the batt"e,ie"$- hacking $o.n every man .ho tan$ in yo/r .ay61
2No.1
2& .o/"$ hope not. Eo/ are a ervant o, the Many(+ace$ Go$- an$ .e .ho erve #im o,
Many +ace give hi gi,t on"y to thoe .ho have been marke$ an$ choen.1
She /n$ertoo$. ,ill him+ ,ill onl! him+
&t took her three more $ay o, .atching be,ore he ,o/n$ the .ay- an$ another $ay o,
practicing .ith her ,inger kni,e. Re$ Roggo ha$ ta/ght her ho. to /e it- b/t he ha$ not "it a
p/re ince back be,ore they took a.ay her eye. She .ante$ to make certain that he ti"" kne.
ho.. Smooth and 3uick, that/s the wa!, no fumbling, he to"$ here",- an$ he "ippe$ the "itt"e
b"a$e o/t o, her "eeve- again an$ again an$ again. 3hen he .a ati,ie$ that he ti""
remembere$ ho. to $o it- he harpene$ the tee" on a .hettone /nti" it e$ge g"immere$ i"ver(
b"/e in the can$"e"ight. 7he other part .a trickier- b/t the .ai, .a there to he"p her. 2& .i"" give
the man the gi,t on the morro.-1 he anno/nce$ a he .a breaking her ,at.
2#im o, Many +ace .i"" be p"eae$.1 7he kin$"y man roe. 2Cat o, the Cana" i kno.n to
many. &, he i een to have $one thi $ee$- it might bring $o.n tro/b"e on Br/co an$ hi
$a/ghter. &t i time yo/ ha$ another ,ace.1
7he gir" $i$ not mi"e- b/t ini$e he .a p"eae$. She ha$ "ot Cat once- an$ mo/rne$ her.
She $i$ not .ant to "oe her again. 23hat .i"" & "ook "ike61
2Fg"y. 3omen .i"" "ook a.ay .hen they ee yo/. Chi"$ren .i"" tare an$ point. Strong men
.i"" pity yo/- an$ ome may he$ a tear. No one .ho ee yo/ .i"" oon ,orget yo/. Come.1
7he kin$"y man took the iron "antern o,, it hook an$ "e$ her pat the ti"" b"ack poo" an$ the
ro. o, $ark an$ i"ent go$- to the tep at the rear o, the temp"e. 7he .ai, ,e"" in behin$ them
a they .ere making their $ecent. No one poke. 7he o,t c/,, o, "ippere$ ,eet on the tep
.a the on"y o/n$. Cighteen tep bro/ght them to the va/"t- .here ,ive arche$ paage.ay
prea$ o/t "ike the ,inger o, a man4 han$. 5o.n here the tep gre. narro.er an$ teeper- b/t
the gir" ha$ r/n /p an$ $o.n them a tho/an$ time an$ they he"$ no terror ,or her. 7.enty(t.o
more tep an$ they .ere at the /bce""ar. 7he t/nne" here .ere crampe$ an$ crooke$- b"ack
.ormho"e t.iting thro/gh the heart o, the great rock. Hne paage .a c"oe$ o,, by a heavy
iron $oor. 7he priet h/ng the "antern ,rom a hook- "ippe$ a han$ ini$e hi robe- an$ pro$/ce$
an ornate key.
Gooeprick"e roe a"ong her arm. #he sanctum+ 7hey .ere going "o.er ti""- $o.n to the
thir$ "eve"- to the ecret chamber .here on"y the priet .ere permitte$.
7he key c"icke$ three time- very o,t"y- a the kin$"y man t/rne$ it in a "ock. 7he $oor ./ng
open on oi"e$ iron hinge- making not a o/n$. Beyon$ .ere ti"" more tep- he.n o/t o, o"i$
rock. 7he priet took $o.n the "antern once again an$ "e$ the .ay. 7he gir" ,o""o.e$ the "ight-
co/nting the tep a he .ent $o.n. Four fie si8 seen+ She ,o/n$ here", .ihing that he ha$
bro/ght her tick. #en eleen twele+ She kne. ho. many tep there .ere bet.een the temp"e
an$ the ce""ar- bet.een the ce""ar an$ the /bce""ar- he ha$ even co/nte$ the tep on the
crampe$ .in$ing tair that pira"e$ /p into the garret an$ the r/ng on the teep .oo$en "a$$er
that acen$e$ to the roo,top $oor an$ the .in$y perch o/ti$e.
7hi tair .a /nkno.n to her- ho.ever- an$ that ma$e it peri"o/. One(and(twent! two(and(
twent! three(and(twent!+ 3ith every tep the air eeme$ to gro. a "itt"e co"$er. 3hen her co/nt
reache$ thirty he kne. that they .ere /n$er even the cana". 7hree(an$(thirty ,o/r(an$(thirty.
#o. $eep .ere they going to go6
She ha$ reache$ ,i,ty(,o/r .hen the tep ,ina""y en$e$ at another iron $oor. 7hi one .a
/n"ocke$. 7he kin$"y man p/he$ it open an$ teppe$ thro/gh. She ,o""o.e$- .ith the .ai, on
her hee". 7heir ,oottep echoe$ thro/gh the $arkne. 7he kin$"y man "i,te$ hi "antern an$
,"icke$ it h/tter .i$e open. ?ight .ahe$ over the .a"" aro/n$ them.
A tho/an$ ,ace .ere gaGing $o.n on her.
7hey h/ng /pon the .a""- be,ore her an$ behin$ her- high an$ "o.- every.here he "ooke$-
every.here he t/rne$. She a. o"$ ,ace an$ yo/ng ,ace- pa"e ,ace an$ $ark ,ace- mooth
,ace an$ .rink"e$ ,ace- ,reck"e$ ,ace an$ carre$ ,ace- han$ome ,ace an$ home"y ,ace-
men an$ .omen- boy an$ gir"- even babe- mi"ing ,ace- ,ro.ning ,ace- ,ace ,/"" o, gree$
an$ rage an$ "/t- ba"$ ,ace an$ ,ace brit"ing .ith hair. *asks, he to"$ here",- it/s onl!
masks, b/t even a he tho/ght the tho/ght- he kne. it .an4t o. 7hey .ere kin.
25o they ,righten yo/- chi"$61 ake$ the kin$"y man. 2&t i not too "ate ,or yo/ to "eave /. &
thi tr/"y .hat yo/ .ant61
Arya bit her "ip. She $i$ not kno. .hat he .ante$. If I leae, where will I go6 She ha$
.ahe$ an$ trippe$ a h/n$re$ corpe- $ea$ thing $i$ not ,righten her. #he! carr! them down
here and slice their faces off, so what6 She .a the night .o",- no crap o, kin co/"$ ,righten
her. "eather hoods, that/s all the! are, the! cannot hurt me+ 25o it-1 he b"/rte$ o/t.
#e "e$ her acro the chamber- pat a ro. o, t/nne" "ea$ing o,, into i$e paage. 7he "ight
o, hi "antern i""/minate$ each in t/rn. Hne t/nne" .a .a""e$ .ith h/man bone- it roo,
/pporte$ by co"/mn o, k/"". Another opene$ on .in$ing tep that $ecen$e$ ,arther ti"".
7ow man! cellars are there6 he .on$ere$. Do the! 9ust go down foreer6
2Sit-1 the priet comman$e$. She at. 2No. c"oe yo/r eye- chi"$.1 She c"oe$ her eye.
27hi .i"" h/rt-1 he .arne$ her- 2b/t pain i the price o, po.er. 5o not move.1
Still as stone, he tho/ght. She at /nmoving. 7he c/t .a A/ick- the b"a$e harp. By right
the meta" ho/"$ have been co"$ againt her ,"eh- b/t it ,e"t .arm intea$. She co/"$ ,ee" the
b"oo$ .ahing $o.n her ,ace- a ripp"ing re$ c/rtain ,a""ing acro her bro. an$ cheek an$ chin-
an$ he /n$ertoo$ .hy the priet ha$ ma$e her c"oe her eye. 3hen it reache$ her "ip the tate
.a a"t an$ copper. She "icke$ at it an$ hivere$.
2Bring me the ,ace-1 ai$ the kin$"y man. 7he .ai, ma$e no an.er- b/t he co/"$ hear her
"ipper .hipering over the tone ,"oor. 7o the gir" he ai$- 25rink thi-1 an$ pree$ a c/p into
her han$. She $rank it $o.n at once. &t .a very tart- "ike biting into a "emon. A tho/an$ year
ago- he ha$ kno.n a gir" .ho "ove$ "emon cake. 2o, that was not me, that was onl! Ar!a+
2M/mmer change their ,ace .ith arti,ice-1 the kin$"y man .a aying- 2an$ orcerer /e
g"amor- .eaving "ight an$ ha$o. an$ $eire to make i""/ion that trick the eye. 7hee art yo/
ha"" "earn- b/t .hat .e $o here goe $eeper. 3ie men can ee thro/gh arti,ice- an$ g"amor
$io"ve be,ore harp eye- b/t the ,ace yo/ are abo/t to $on .i"" be a tr/e an$ o"i$ a that ,ace
yo/ .ere born .ith. >eep yo/r eye c"oe$.1 She ,e"t hi ,inger br/hing back her hair. 2Stay
ti"". 7hi .i"" ,ee" A/eer. Eo/ may be $iGGy- b/t yo/ m/t not move.1
7hen came a t/g an$ a o,t r/t"ing a the ne. ,ace .a p/""e$ $o.n over the o"$. 7he "eather
crape$ acro her bro.- $ry an$ ti,,- b/t a her b"oo$ oake$ into it- it o,tene$ an$ t/rne$
/pp"e. #er cheek gre. .arm- ,"/he$. She co/"$ ,ee" her heart ,"/ttering beneath her breat-
an$ ,or one "ong moment he co/"$ not catch her breath. #an$ c"oe$ aro/n$ her throat- har$ a
tone- choking her. #er o.n han$ hot /p to c"a. at the arm o, her attacker- b/t there .a no
one there. A terrib"e ene o, ,ear ,i""e$ her- an$ he hear$ a noie- a hi$eo/ crunching noie-
accompanie$ by b"in$ing pain. A ,ace ,"oate$ in ,ront o, her- ,at- bear$e$- br/ta"- hi mo/th
t.ite$ .ith rage. She hear$ the priet ay- 2Breathe- chi"$. Breathe o/t the ,ear. Shake o,, the
ha$o.. #e i $ea$. She i $ea$. #er pain i gone. Breathe+1
7he gir" took a $eep h/$$ering breath- an$ rea"iGe$ it .a tr/e. No one .a choking her- no
one .a hitting her. Cven o- her han$ .a haking a he raie$ it to her ,ace. +"ake o, $rie$
b"oo$ cr/mb"e$ at the to/ch o, her ,ingertip- b"ack in the "antern "ight. She ,e"t her cheek-
to/che$ her eye- trace$ the "ine o, her =a.. 2My ,ace i ti"" the ame.1
2& it6 Are yo/ certain61
Was he certain6 She ha$ not ,e"t any change- b/t maybe it .a not omething yo/ co/"$ ,ee".
She .ept a han$ $o.n acro her ,ace ,rom top to bottom- a he ha$ once een !aAen #4ghar
$o- back at #arrenha". 3hen he $i$ it- hi .ho"e ,ace ha$ ripp"e$ an$ change$. 3hen he $i$ it-
nothing happene$. 2&t ,ee" the ame.1
27o yo/-1 ai$ the priet. 2&t $oe not "ook the ame.1
27o other eye- yo/r noe an$ =a. are broken-1 ai$ the .ai,. 2Hne i$e o, yo/r ,ace i cave$
in .here yo/r cheekbone hattere$- an$ ha", yo/r teeth are miing.1
She probe$ aro/n$ ini$e her mo/th .ith her tong/e- b/t ,o/n$ no ho"e or broken teeth.
Sorcer!, he tho/ght. I hae a new face+ An ugl!, broken face+
2Eo/ may have ba$ $ream ,or a time-1 .arne$ the kin$"y man. 2#er ,ather beat her o o,ten
an$ o br/ta""y that he .a never tr/"y ,ree o, pain or ,ear /nti" he came to /.1
25i$ yo/ ki"" him61
2She ake$ the gi,t ,or here",- not ,or her ,ather.1
&ou should hae killed him+
#e m/t have rea$ her tho/ght. 25eath came ,or him in the en$- a it come ,or a"" men. A it
m/t come ,or a certain man /pon the morro..1 #e "i,te$ /p the "amp. 23e are $one here.1
For now+ A they ma$e their .ay back to the tep- the empty eyeho"e o, the kin /pon the
.a"" eeme$ to ,o""o. her. +or a moment he co/"$ a"mot ee their "ip moving- .hipering
$ark .eet ecret to one another in .or$ too ,aint to hear.
S"eep $i$ not come eai"y that night. 7ang"e$ in her b"anket- he t.ite$ thi .ay an$ that in
the co"$ $ark room- b/t .hichever .ay he t/rne$- he a. the ,ace. #he! hae no e!es, but
the! can see me+ She a. her ,ather4 ,ace /pon the .a"". Bei$e him h/ng her "a$y mother- an$
be"o. them her three brother a"" in a ro.. 2o+ #hat was some other girl+ I am no one, and m!
onl! brothers wear robes of black and white+ Eet there .a the b"ack inger- there the tab"eboy
he4$ ki""e$ .ith Nee$"e- there the pimp"y A/ire ,rom the croroa$ inn- an$ over there the
g/ar$ .hoe throat he4$ "ahe$ to get them o/t o, #arrenha". 7he 7ick"er h/ng on the .a"" a
.e""- the b"ack ho"e that .ere hi eye .imming .ith ma"ice. 7he ight o, him bro/ght back
the ,ee" o, the $agger in her han$ a he ha$ p"/nge$ it into hi back- again an$ again an$ again.
3hen at "at $ay came to Braavo- it came grey an$ $ark an$ overcat. 7he gir" ha$ hope$ ,or
,og- b/t the go$ ignore$ her prayer a go$ o o,ten $i$. 7he air .a c"ear an$ co"$- an$ the
.in$ ha$ a naty bite to it. A good da! for a death, he tho/ght. Fnbi$$en- her prayer came to
her "ip. Ser 1regor, Dunsen, )aff the Sweetling+ Ser Il!n, Ser *er!n, :ueen %ersei+ She
mo/the$ the name i"ent"y. &n the #o/e o, B"ack an$ 3hite- yo/ never kne. .ho might be
"itening.
7he va/"t .ere ,/"" o, o"$ c"othing- garment c"aime$ ,rom thoe .ho came to the #o/e o,
B"ack an$ 3hite to $rink peace ,rom the temp"e poo". Cverything ,rom beggar4 rag to rich i"k
an$ ve"vet co/"$ be ,o/n$ there. An ugl! girl should dress in ugl! clothing, he $eci$e$- o he
choe a taine$ bro.n c"oak ,raying at the hem- a m/ty green t/nic me""ing o, ,ih- an$ a pair
o, heavy boot. ?at o, a"" he pa"me$ her ,inger kni,e.
7here .a no hate- o he $eci$e$ to take the "ong .ay ro/n$ to the 9/rp"e #arbor. Acro
the bri$ge he .ent- to the &"e o, the Go$. Cat o, the Cana" ha$ o"$ cock"e an$ m/e"
amongt the temp"e here- .henever Br/co4 $a/ghter 7a"ea ha$ her moon b"oo$ ,"o.ing an$
took to her be$. She ha",(e:pecte$ to ee 7a"ea e""ing there to$ay- perhap o/ti$e the 3arren
.here a"" the ,orgotten go$"ing ha$ their ,or"orn "itt"e hrine- b/t that .a i""y. 7he $ay .a
too co"$- an$ 7a"ea never "ike$ to .ake thi ear"y. 7he tat/e o/ti$e the hrine o, the 3eeping
?a$y o, ?y .a crying i"ver tear a the /g"y gir" .a"ke$ by. &n the Gar$en o, Ge"enei too$ a
gi"$e$ tree a h/n$re$ ,eet high .ith "eave o, hammere$ i"ver. 7orch("ight g"immere$ behin$
.in$o. o, "ea$e$ g"a in the ?or$ o, #armony4 .oo$en ha""- ho.ing ha", a h/n$re$ kin$ o,
b/tter,"ie in a"" their bright co"or.
Hne time- the gir" remembere$- the Sai"or4 3i,e ha$ .a"ke$ her ro/n$ .ith her an$ to"$ her
ta"e o, the city4 tranger go$. 27hat i the ho/e o, the Great Shepher$. 7hree(hea$e$ 7rio
ha that to.er .ith three t/rret. 7he ,irt hea$ $evo/r the $ying- an$ the reborn emerge ,rom
the thir$. & $on4t kno. .hat the mi$$"e hea$4 /ppoe$ to $o. 7hoe are the Stone o, the Si"ent
Go$- an$ there the entrance to the 9attern(maker4 MaGe. Hn"y thoe .ho "earn to .a"k it
proper"y .i"" ever ,in$ their .ay to .i$om- the priet o, the 9attern ay. Beyon$ it- by the
cana"- that4 the temp"e o, AA/an the Re$ B/"". Cvery thirteenth $ay- hi priet "it the throat o,
a p/re .hite ca",- an$ o,,er bo." o, b"oo$ to beggar.1
7o$ay .a not the thirteenth $ay- it eeme$I the Re$ B/""4 tep .ere empty. 7he brother
go$ Semoh an$ Se""oo $reame$ in t.in temp"e on oppoite i$e o, the B"ack Cana"- "inke$
by a carve$ tone bri$ge. 7he gir" croe$ there an$ ma$e her .ay $o.n to the $ock- then
thro/gh the Ragman4 #arbor an$ pat the ha",(/nken pire an$ $ome o, the 5ro.ne$ 7o.n.
A gro/p o, ?yene ai"or .ere taggering ,rom the #appy 9ort a he .ent by- b/t the gir"
$i$ not ee any o, the .hore. 7he Ship .a c"oe$ /p an$ ,or"orn- it tro/pe o, m/mmer no
$o/bt ti"" abe$. B/t ,arther on- on the .har, bei$e an &bbenee .ha"er- he pie$ Cat4 o"$
,rien$ 7agganaro toing a ba"" back an$ ,orth .ith Cao- >ing o, Sea"- .hi"t hi "atet
c/tp/re .orke$ the cro.$ o, on"ooker. 3hen he toppe$ to .atch an$ "iten ,or a moment-
7agganaro g"ance$ at her .itho/t recognition- b/t Cao barke$ an$ c"appe$ hi ,"ipper. 7e
knows me, the gir" tho/ght- or else he smells the fish+ She h/rrie$ on her .ay.
By the time he reache$ the 9/rp"e #arbor- the o"$ man .a enconce$ ini$e the o/p hop
at hi //a" tab"e- co/nting a p/re o, coin a he hagg"e$ .ith a hip4 captain. 7he ta"" thin
g/ar$ .a hovering over him. 7he hort thick one .a eate$ near the $oor- .here he .o/"$
have a goo$ vie. o, anyone .ho entere$. 7hat ma$e no matter. She $i$ not inten$ to enter.
&ntea$ he perche$ atop a .oo$en pi"ing t.enty yar$ a.ay a the b"/tery .in$ t/gge$ at her
c"oak .ith ghot"y ,inger.
Cven on a co"$ grey $ay "ike thi- the harbor .a a b/y p"ace. She a. ai"or on the pro."
,or .hore- an$ .hore on the pro." ,or ai"or. A pair o, bravo pae$ in r/mp"e$ ,inery-
"eaning on each other a they taggere$ $r/nken"y pat the $ock- their b"a$e ratt"ing at their
i$e. A re$ priet .ept pat- hi car"et an$ crimon robe napping in the .in$.
&t .a a"mot noon be,ore he a. the man he .ante$- a propero/ hipo.ner he ha$ een
$oing b/ine .ith the o"$ man three time be,ore. Big an$ ba"$ an$ b/r"y- he .ore a heavy
c"oak o, p"/h bro.n ve"vet trimme$ .ith ,/r an$ a bro.n "eather be"t ornamente$ .ith i"ver
moon an$ tar. Some mihap ha$ "e,t one "eg ti,,. #e .a"ke$ "o."y- "eaning on a cane.
#e .o/"$ $o a .e"" a any an$ better than mot- the /g"y gir" $eci$e$. She hoppe$ o,, the
pi"ing an$ ,e"" in a,ter him. A $oGen tri$e p/t her right behin$ him- her ,inger kni,e poie$. #i
p/re .a on hi right i$e- at hi be"t- b/t hi c"oak .a in her .ay. #er b"a$e ,"ahe$ o/t-
mooth an$ A/ick- one $eep "ah thro/gh the ve"vet an$ he never ,e"t a thing. Re$ Roggo .o/"$
have mi"e$ to ee it. She "ippe$ her han$ thro/gh the gap- "it the p/re open .ith the ,inger
kni,e- ,i""e$ her ,it .ith go"$8
7he big man t/rne$. 23hat@1
7he movement tang"e$ her arm in the ,o"$ o, hi c"oak a he .a p/""ing o/t her han$.
Coin raine$ aro/n$ their ,eet. 2#hief;1 7he big man raie$ hi tick to trike at her. She kicke$
hi ba$ "eg o/t ,rom /n$er him- $ance$ a.ay- an$ bo"te$ a he ,e""- $arting pat a mother .ith a
chi"$. More coin ,e"" ,rom bet.een her ,inger to bo/nce a"ong the gro/n$. Sho/t o, 2thief,
thief 1 rang o/t behin$ her. A potbe""ie$ innkeep paing by ma$e a c"/my grab ,or her arm- b/t
he p/n aro/n$ him- ,"ahe$ pat a "a/ghing .hore- race$ hea$"ong ,or the nearet a""ey.
Cat o, the Cana" ha$ kno.n thee a""ey- an$ the /g"y gir" remembere$. She $arte$ "e,t-
va/"te$ a "o. .a""- "eapt acro a ma"" cana"- an$ "ippe$ thro/gh an /n"ocke$ $oor into ome
$/ty toreroom. A"" o/n$ o, p/r/it ha$ ,a$e$ by then- b/t it .a bet to be /re. She
h/nkere$ $o.n behin$ ome crate an$ .aite$- arm .rappe$ aro/n$ her knee. She .aite$ ,or
the bet part o, an ho/r- then $eci$e$ it .a a,e to go- c"imbe$ traight /p the i$e o, the
b/i"$ing- an$ ma$e her .ay acro the roo,top a"mot a ,ar a the Cana" o, #eroe. By no. the
hipo.ner .o/"$ have gathere$ /p coin an$ cane an$ "impe$ on to the o/p hop. #e might be
$rinking a bo." o, hot broth an$ comp"aining to the o"$ man abo/t the /g"y gir" .ho ha$ trie$ to
rob hi p/re.
7he kin$"y man .a .aiting ,or her at the #o/e o, B"ack an$ 3hite- eate$ on the e$ge o,
the temp"e poo". 7he /g"y gir" at ne:t to him an$ p/t a coin on the "ip o, the poo" bet.een them.
&t .a go"$- .ith a $ragon on one ,ace an$ a king on the other.
27he go"$en $ragon o, 3etero-1 ai$ the kin$"y man. 2An$ ho. $i$ yo/ come by thi6 3e
are no thieve.1
2&t .an4t tea"ing. & took one o, hi- b/t & "e,t him one o, o/r.1
7he kin$"y man /n$ertoo$. 2An$ .ith that coin an$ the other in hi p/re- he pai$ a certain
man. Soon a,ter that man4 heart gave o/t. & that the .ay o, it6 %ery a$.1 7he priet picke$ /p
the coin an$ toe$ it into the poo". 2Eo/ have m/ch an$ more to "earn- b/t it may be yo/ are not
hope"e.1
7hat night they gave her back the ,ace o, Arya Stark.
7hey bro/ght a robe ,or her a .e""- the o,t thick robe o, an aco"yte- b"ack /pon one i$e an$
.hite /pon the other. 23ear thi .hen yo/ are here-1 the priet ai$- 2b/t kno. that yo/ ha""
have "itt"e nee$ o, it ,or the preent. Hn the morro. yo/ .i"" go to &Gembaro to begin yo/r ,irt
apprenticehip. 7ake .hat c"othe yo/ .i"" ,rom the va/"t be"o.. 7he city .atch i "ooking ,or a
certain /g"y gir"- kno.n to ,reA/ent the 9/rp"e #arbor- o bet yo/ have a ne. ,ace a .e"".1 #e
c/ppe$ her chin- t/rne$ her hea$ thi .ay an$ that- no$$e$. 2A pretty one thi time- & think. A
pretty a yo/r o.n. 3ho are yo/- chi"$61
2No one-1 he rep"ie$.
CERSEI
Hn the "at night o, her imprionment- the A/een co/"$ not "eep. Cach time he c"oe$ her
eye- her hea$ ,i""e$ .ith ,orebo$ing an$ ,antaie o, the morro.. I will hae guards, he to"$
here",. #he! will keep the crowds awa!+ 2o one will be allowed to touch me+ 7he #igh Sparro.
ha$ promie$ her that m/ch.
Cven o- he .a a,rai$. Hn the $ay Myrce""a ai"e$ ,or 5orne- the $ay o, the brea$ riot- go"$
c"oak ha$ been pote$ a"" a"ong the ro/te o, the proceion- b/t the mob ha$ broken thro/gh
their "ine to tear the o"$ ,at #igh Septon into piece an$ rape ?o""y Stoke.orth ha", a h/n$re$
time. An$ i, that pa"e o,t t/pi$ creat/re co/"$ incite the anima" .hen ,/""y c"othe$- ho.
m/ch more "/t .o/"$ a A/een inpire6
Cerei pace$ her ce""- ret"e a the cage$ "ion that ha$ "ive$ in the bo.e" o, Cater"y Rock
.hen he .a a gir"- a "egacy o, her gran$,ather4 time. She an$ !aime /e$ to $are each other to
c"imb into their cage- an$ once he .orke$ /p eno/gh co/rage to "ip her han$ bet.een t.o bar
an$ to/ch one o, the great ta.ny beat. She .a a".ay bo"$er than her brother. 7he "ion ha$
t/rne$ hi hea$ to tare at her .ith h/ge go"$en eye. 7hen he "icke$ her ,inger. #i tong/e .a
a ro/gh a a rap- b/t even o he .o/"$ not p/"" her han$ back- not /nti" !aime took her by the
ho/"$er an$ yanke$ her a.ay ,rom the cage.
2Eo/r t/rn-1 he to"$ him a,ter.ar$. 29/"" hi mane- & $are yo/.1 7e neer did+ I should hae
had the sword, not him+
Bare,oot an$ hivering he pace$- a thin b"anket $rape$ abo/t her ho/"$er. She .a an:io/
,or the $ay to come. By evening it .o/"$ a"" be $one. A little walk and I/ll be home, I/ll be back
with #ommen, in m! own chambers inside *aegor/s 7oldfast+ #er /nc"e ai$ it .a the on"y .ay
to ave here",. 3a it- tho/gh6 She co/"$ not tr/t her /nc"e- no more than he tr/te$ thi #igh
Septon. I could still refuse+ I could still insist upon m! innocence and hazard all upon a trial+
B/t he $are not "et the +aith it in =/$gment on her- a that Margaery 7yre"" meant to $o. 7hat
might erve the "itt"e roe .e"" eno/gh- b/t Cerei ha$ ,e. ,rien$ amongt the epta an$
parro. aro/n$ thi ne. #igh Septon. #er on"y hope .a tria" by batt"e- an$ ,or that he m/t
nee$ have a champion.
If -aime had not lost his hand =
7hat roa$ "e$ no.here- tho/gh. !aime4 .or$ han$ .a gone- an$ o .a he- vanihe$ .ith
the .oman Brienne ome.here in the river"an$. 7he A/een ha$ to ,in$ another $e,en$er or
to$ay4 or$ea" .o/"$ be the "eat o, her travai". #er enemie .ere acc/ing her o, treaon. She
ha$ to reach 7ommen- no matter the cot. 7e loes me+ 7e will not refuse his own mother+ -off
was stubborn and unpredictable, but #ommen is a good little bo!, a good little king+ 7e will do
as he is told+ &, he taye$ here- he .a $oome$- an$ the on"y .ay he .o/"$ ret/rn to the Re$
>eep .a by .a"king. 7he #igh Sparro. ha$ been a$amant- an$ Ser >evan re,/e$ to "i,t a
,inger againt him.
2No harm .i"" come to me to$ay-1 Cerei ai$ .hen the $ay4 ,irt "ight br/he$ her .in$o..
2Hn"y my pri$e .i"" /,,er.1 7he .or$ rang ho""o. in her ear. -aime ma! !et come+ She
pict/re$ him ri$ing thro/gh the morning mit- hi go"$en armor bright in the "ight o, the riing
/n. -aime, if !ou eer loed me =
3hen her gao"er came ,or her- Septa Fne""a- Septa Moe""e- an$ Septa Sco"era "e$ the
proceion. 3ith them .ere ,o/r novice an$ t.o o, the i"ent iter. 7he ight o, the i"ent
iter in their grey robe ,i""e$ the A/een .ith /$$en terror. Wh! are the! here6 Am I to die6
7he i"ent iter atten$e$ to the $ea$. 27he #igh Septon promie$ that no harm .o/"$ come to
me.1
2Nor .i"" it.1 Septa Fne""a beckone$ to the novice. 7hey bro/ght "ye oap- a bain o, .arm
.ater- a pair o, hear- an$ a "ong traightraGor. 7he ight o, the tee" ent a hiver thro/gh her.
#he! mean to shae me+ A little more humiliation, a raisin for m! porridge+ She .o/"$ not give
them the p"ea/re o, hearing her beg. I am %ersei of 7ouse "annister, a lion of the )ock, the
rightful 3ueen of these Seen ,ingdoms, trueborn daughter of #!win "annister+ And hair grows
back+ 2Get on .ith it-1 he ai$.
7he e"$er o, the t.o i"ent iter took /p the hear. A practice$ barber- no $o/btI her or$er
o,ten c"eane$ the corpe o, the nob"e "ain be,ore ret/rning them to their kin- an$ trimming
bear$ an$ c/tting hair .a part o, that. 7he .oman bare$ the A/een4 hea$ ,irt. Cerei at a
ti"" a a tone tat/e a the hear c"icke$. 5ri,t o, go"$en hair ,e"" to the ,"oor. She ha$ not been
a""o.e$ to ten$ it proper"y penne$ /p in thi ce""- b/t even /n.ahe$ an$ tang"e$ it hone .here
the /n to/che$ it. *! crown, the A/een tho/ght. #he! took the other crown awa! from me, and
now the! are stealing this one as well+ 3hen her "ock an$ c/r" .ere pi"e$ /p aro/n$ her ,eet-
one o, the novice oape$ her hea$ an$ the i"ent iter crape$ a.ay the t/bb"e .ith a raGor.
Cerei hope$ that .o/"$ be the en$ o, it- b/t no. 2Remove yo/r hi,t- Eo/r Grace-1 Septa
Fne""a comman$e$.
2#ere61 the A/een ake$. 23hy61
2Eo/ m/t be horn.1
Shorn, he tho/ght- like a sheep+ She yanke$ the hi,t over her hea$ an$ toe$ it to the ,"oor.
25o .hat yo/ .i"".1
7hen it .a the oap again- the .arm .ater- an$ the raGor. 7he hair beneath her arm .ent
ne:t- then her "eg- an$ "at o, a"" the ,ine go"$en $o.n that covere$ her mo/n$. 3hen the i"ent
iter crept bet.een her "eg .ith the raGor- Cerei ,o/n$ here", remembering a"" the time that
!aime ha$ kne"t .here he .a knee"ing no.- p"anting kie on the ini$e o, her thigh- making
her .et. #i kie .ere a".ay .arm. 7he raGor .a ice(co"$.
3hen the $ee$ .a $one he .a a nake$ an$ v/"nerab"e a a .oman co/"$ be. 2ot een a
hair to hide behind+ A "itt"e "a/gh b/rt ,rom her "ip- b"eak an$ bitter.
25oe Eo/r Grace ,in$ thi am/ing61 ai$ Septa Sco"era.
2No- epta-1 ai$ Cerei. But one da! I will hae !our tongue ripped out with hot pincers, and
that will be hilarious+
Hne o, the novice ha$ bro/ght a robe ,or her- a o,t .hite epta4 robe to cover her a he
ma$e her .ay $o.n the to.er tep an$ thro/gh the ept- o any .orhiper they met a"ong the
.ay might be pare$ the ight o, nake$ ,"eh. Seen sae us all, what h!pocrites the! are+ 23i"" &
be permitte$ a pair o, an$a"61 he ake$. 27he treet are ,i"thy.1
2Not o ,i"thy a yo/r in-1 ai$ Septa Moe""e. 2#i #igh #o"ine ha comman$e$ that yo/
preent yo/re", a the go$ ma$e yo/. 5i$ yo/ have an$a" on yo/r ,eet .hen yo/ came ,orth
,rom yo/r "a$y mother4 .omb61
2No- epta-1 the A/een .a ,orce$ to ay.
27hen yo/ have yo/r an.er.1
A be"" began to to"". 7he A/een4 "ong imprionment .a at an en$. Cerei p/""e$ the robe
tighter- grate,/" ,or it .armth- an$ ai$- 2?et / go.1 #er on a.aite$ her acro the city. 7he
ooner he et o/t- the ooner he .o/"$ ee him.
7he ro/gh tone o, the tep crape$ her o"e a Cerei ?anniter ma$e her $ecent. She ha$
come to Bae"or4 Sept a A/een- ri$ing in a "itter. She .a "eaving ba"$ an$ bare,oot. But I am
leaing+ #hat is all that matters+
7he to.er be"" .ere inging- /mmoning the city to bear .itne to her hame. 7he Great
Sept o, Bae"or .a cro.$e$ .ith ,aith,/" come ,or the $a.n ervice- the o/n$ o, their prayer
echoing o,, the $ome overhea$- b/t .hen the A/een4 proceion ma$e it appearance a /$$en
i"ence ,e"" an$ a tho/an$ eye t/rne$ to ,o""o. her a he ma$e her .ay $o.n the ai"e- pat the
p"ace .here her "or$ ,ather ha$ "ain in tate a,ter hi m/r$er. Cerei .ept by them- "ooking
neither right nor "e,t. #er bare ,eet "appe$ againt the co"$ marb"e ,"oor. She co/"$ ,ee" the eye.
Behin$ their a"tar- the Seven eeme$ to .atch a .e"".
&n the #a"" o, ?amp- a $oGen 3arrior4 Son a.aite$ her coming. Rainbo. c"oak h/ng
$o.n their back- an$ the cryta" that crete$ their greathe"m g"ittere$ in the "amp"ight. 7heir
armor .a i"ver p"ate po"ihe$ to a mirror heen- b/t /n$erneath- he kne.- every man o, them
.ore a hair hirt. 7heir kite hie"$ a"" bore the ame $evice' a cryta" .or$ hining in the
$arkne- the ancient ba$ge o, thoe the ma"",o"k ca""e$ S.or$.
7heir captain kne"t be,ore her. 29erhap Eo/r Grace .i"" reca"" me. & am Ser 7heo$an the
7r/e- an$ #i #igh #o"ine ha given me comman$ o, yo/r ecort. My brother an$ & .i"" ee
yo/ a,e"y thro/gh the city.1
Cerei4 gaGe .ept acro the ,ace o, the men behin$ him. An$ there he .a' ?ance"- her
co/in- Ser >evan4 on- .ho ha$ once pro,ee$ to "ove her- be,ore he $eci$e$ that he "ove$ the
go$ more. *! blood and m! betra!er+ She .o/"$ not ,orget him. 2Eo/ may rie- Ser 7heo$an. &
am rea$y.1
7he knight too$- t/rne$- raie$ a han$. 7.o o, hi men teppe$ to the to.ering $oor an$
p/he$ them open- an$ Cerei .a"ke$ thro/gh them into the open air- b"inking at the /n"ight
"ike a mo"e ro/e$ ,rom it b/rro..
A g/ty .in$ .a b"o.ing- an$ it et the bottom o, her robe napping an$ ,"apping at her "eg.
7he morning air .a thick .ith the o"$ ,ami"iar tink o, >ing4 ?an$ing. She breathe$ in the
cent o, o/r .ine- brea$ baking- rotting ,ih an$ nightoi"- moke an$ .eat an$ hore pi. No
,"o.er ha$ ever me""e$ o .eet. #/$$"e$ in her robe- Cerei pa/e$ atop the marb"e tep a
the 3arrior4 Son ,orme$ /p aro/n$ her.
&t came to her /$$en"y that he ha$ too$ in thi very pot be,ore- on the $ay ?or$ C$$ar$
Stark ha$ "ot hi hea$. #hat was not supposed to happen+ -off was supposed to spare his life and
send him to the Wall+ Stark4 e"$et on .o/"$ have ,o""o.e$ him a ?or$ o, 3inter,e""- b/t
Sana .o/"$ have taye$ at co/rt- a hotage. %ary an$ ?itt"e,inger ha$ .orke$ o/t the term-
an$ Ne$ Stark ha$ .a""o.e$ hi precio/ honor an$ con,ee$ hi treaon to ave hi $a/ghter4
empty "itt"e hea$. I would hae made Sansa a good marriage+ A "annister marriage+ 2ot -off, of
course, but "ancel might hae suited, or one of his !ounger brothers+ 9etyr Bae"ih ha$ o,,ere$
to .e$ the gir" hime",- he reca""e$- b/t o, co/re that .a impoib"eI he .a m/ch too
"o.born. If -off had onl! done as he was told, Winterfell would neer hae gone to war, and
Father would hae dealt with )obert/s brothers+
&ntea$ !o,, ha$ comman$e$ that Stark4 hea$ be tr/ck o,,- an$ ?or$ S"ynt an$ Ser &"yn
9ayne ha$ hatene$ to obey. It was 9ust there, the A/een reca""e$- gaGing at the pot. !ano S"ynt
ha$ "i,te$ Ne$ Stark4 hea$ by the hair a hi "i,e4 b"oo$ ,"o.e$ $o.n the tep- an$ a,ter that
there .a no t/rning back.
7he memorie eeme$ o $itant. !o,,rey .a $ea$- an$ a"" Stark4 on a .e"". Cven her
,ather ha$ perihe$. An$ here he too$ on the tep o, the Great Sept again- on"y thi time it .a
her the mob .a taring at- not C$$ar$ Stark.
7he .i$e marb"e p"aGa be"o. .a a cro.$e$ a it ha$ been on the $ay that Stark ha$ $ie$.
Cvery.here he "ooke$ the A/een a. eye. 7he mob eeme$ to be eA/a" part men an$ .omen.
Some ha$ chi"$ren on their ho/"$er. Beggar an$ thieve- taverner an$ tra$e,o"k- tanner an$
tab"eboy an$ m/mmer- the poorer ort o, .hore- a"" the c/m ha$ come o/t to ee a A/een
bro/ght "o.. An$ ming"e$ in .ith them .ere the 9oor +e""o.- ,i"thy- /nhaven creat/re arme$
.ith pear an$ a:e an$ c"a$ in bit o, $inte$ p"ate- r/te$ mai"- an$ cracke$ "eather- /n$er
ro/ghp/n /rcoat b"eache$ .hite an$ b"aGone$ .ith the even(pointe$ tar o, the +aith. 7he
#igh Sparro.4 ragge$ army.
9art o, her ti"" yearne$ ,or !aime to appear an$ rec/e her ,rom thi h/mi"iation- b/t her t.in
.a no.here to be een. Nor .a her /nc"e preent. 7hat $i$ not /rprie her. Ser >evan ha$
ma$e hi vie. p"ain $/ring hi "at viitI her hame m/t not be a""o.e$ to tarnih the honor o,
Cater"y Rock. No "ion .o/"$ .a"k .ith her to$ay. 7hi or$ea" .a her an$ her a"one.
Septa Fne""a too$ to her right- Septa Moe""e to her "e,t- Septa Sco"era behin$ her. &, the
A/een ho/"$ bo"t or ba"k- the three hag .o/"$ $rag her back ini$e- an$ thi time they .o/"$
ee to it that he never "e,t her ce"".
Cerei raie$ her hea$. Beyon$ the p"aGa- beyon$ the ea o, h/ngry eye an$ gaping mo/th
an$ $irty ,ace- acro the city- Aegon4 #igh #i"" roe in the $itance- the to.er an$
batt"ement o, the Re$ >eep b"/hing pink in the "ight o, the riing /n. It is not so far+ Hnce he
reache$ it gate- the .ort o, her travai" .o/"$ be over. She .o/"$ have her on again. She
.o/"$ have her champion. #er /nc"e ha$ promie$ her. #ommen is waiting for me+ *! little
king+ I can do this+ I must+
Septa Fne""a teppe$ ,or.ar$. 2A inner come be,ore yo/-1 he $ec"are$. 2She i Cerei o,
#o/e ?anniter- A/een $o.ager- mother to #i Grace >ing 7ommen- .i$o. o, #i Grace >ing
Robert- an$ he ha committe$ grievo/ ,a"ehoo$ an$ ,ornication.1
Septa Moe""e move$ /p on the A/een4 right. 27hi inner ha con,ee$ her in an$ begge$
,or abo"/tion an$ ,orgivene. #i #igh #o"ine ha comman$e$ her to $emontrate her
repentance by p/tting ai$e a"" pri$e an$ arti,ice an$ preenting here", a the go$ ma$e her
be,ore the goo$ peop"e o, the city.1
Septa Sco"era ,inihe$. 2So no. thi inner come be,ore yo/ .ith a h/mb"e heart- horn o,
ecret an$ concea"ment- nake$ be,ore the eye o, go$ an$ men- to make her .a"k o,
atonement.1
Cerei ha$ been a year o"$ .hen her gran$,ather $ie$. 7he ,irt thing her ,ather ha$ $one on
hi acenion .a to e:pe" hi o.n ,ather4 graping- "o.born mitre ,rom Cater"y Rock. 7he
i"k an$ ve"vet ?or$ 7yto ha$ "avihe$ on her an$ the =e.e"ry he ha$ taken ,or here", ha$
been trippe$ ,rom her- an$ he ha$ been ent ,orth nake$ to .a"k thro/gh the treet o,
?anniport- o the .et co/"$ ee her ,or .hat he .a.
7ho/gh he ha$ been too yo/ng to .itne the pectac"e here",- Cerei ha$ hear$ the torie
gro.ing /p ,rom the mo/th o, .aher.omen an$ g/ar$men .ho ha$ been there. 7hey poke
o, ho. the .oman ha$ .ept an$ begge$- o, the $eperate .ay he c"/ng to her garment .hen
he .a comman$e$ to $irobe- o, her ,/ti"e e,,ort to cover her breat an$ her e: .ith her
han$ a he hobb"e$ bare,oot an$ nake$ thro/gh the treet to e:i"e. 2%ain an$ pro/$ he .a-
be,ore-1 he remembere$ one g/ar$ aying- 2o ha/ghty yo/4$ think he4$ ,orgot he come ,rom
$irt. Hnce .e got her c"othe o,, her- tho/gh- he .a =/t another .hore.1
&, Ser >evan an$ the #igh Sparro. tho/ght that it .o/"$ be the ame .ith her- they .ere very
m/ch mitaken. ?or$ 7y.in4 b"oo$ .a in her. I am a lioness+ I will not cringe for them+
7he A/een hr/gge$ o,, her robe.
She bare$ here", in one mooth- /nh/rrie$ motion- a i, he .ere back in her o.n chamber
$irobing ,or her bath .ith no one b/t her be$mai$ "ooking on. 3hen the co"$ .in$ to/che$ her
kin- he hivere$ vio"ent"y. &t took a"" her trength o, .i"" not to try an$ hi$e here", .ith her
han$- a her gran$,ather4 .hore ha$ $one. #er ,inger tightene$ into ,it- her nai" $igging
into her pa"m. 7hey .ere "ooking at her- a"" the h/ngry eye. B/t .hat .ere they eeing6 I am
beautiful, he remin$e$ hime",. #o. many time ha$ !aime to"$ her that6 Cven Robert ha$
given her that m/ch- .hen he came to her be$ in hi c/p to pay her $r/nken homage .ith hi
cock.
#he! looked at 2ed Stark the same wa!, though+
She ha$ to move. Nake$- horn- bare,oot- Cerei ma$e a "o. $ecent $o.n the broa$ marb"e
tep. Gooeprick"e roe on her arm an$ "eg. She he"$ her chin high- a a A/een ho/"$- an$
her ecort ,anne$ o/t ahea$ o, her. 7he 9oor +e""o. hove$ men ai$e to open a .ay thro/gh
the cro.$ .hi"t the S.or$ ,e"" in on either i$e o, her. Septa Fne""a- Septa Sco"era- an$ Septa
Moe""e ,o""o.e$. Behin$ them came the novice gir" in .hite.
2Whore;1 omeone crie$ o/t. A .oman4 voice. 3omen .ere a".ay the cr/e"et .here other
.omen .ere concerne$.
Cerei ignore$ her. #here will be more, and worse+ #hese creatures hae no sweeter 9o! in life
than 9eering at their betters+ She co/"$ not i"ence them- o he m/t preten$ he $i$ not hear
them. She .o/"$ not ee them either. She .o/"$ keep her eye on Aegon4 #igh #i"" acro the
city- on the to.er o, the Re$ >eep himmering in the "ight. 7hat .a .here he .o/"$ ,in$ her
a"vation- i, her /nc"e ha$ kept hi part o, their bargain.
7e wanted this+ 7im and the 7igh Sparrow+ And the little rose as well, I do not doubt+ I hae
sinned and must atone, must parade m! shame before the e!es of eer! beggar in the cit!+ #he!
think that this will break m! pride, that it will make an end to me, but the! are wrong+
Septa Fne""a an$ Septa Moe""e kept pace .ith her- .ith Septa Sco"era c/rrying behin$-
ringing a be"". 2Shame,1 the o"$ hag ca""e$- 2shame upon the sinner, shame, shame+1 Some.here
o,, to the right- another voice ang co/nterpoint to her- ome baker4 boy ho/ting- 2Meat pie-
three pence- hot meat pie here.1 7he marb"e /n$er,oot .a co"$ an$ "ick- an$ Cerei ha$ to tep
care,/""y ,or ,ear o, "ipping. 7heir path took them pat the tat/e o, Bae"or the B"ee$- tan$ing
ta"" an$ erene /pon hi p"inth- hi ,ace a t/$y in benevo"ence. 7o "ook at him- yo/ .o/"$ never
g/e .hat a ,oo" he4$ been. 7he 7argaryen $ynaty ha$ pro$/ce$ king both ba$ an$ goo$- b/t
none a be"ove$ a Bae"or- that pio/ gent"e epton(king .ho "ove$ the ma"",o"k an$ the go$ in
eA/a" part- yet imprione$ hi o.n iter. &t .a a .on$er that hi tat/e $i$ not cr/mb"e at the
ight o, her bare breat. 7yrion /e$ to ay that >ing Bae"or .a terri,ie$ o, hi o.n cock.
Hnce- he reca""e$- he ha$ e:pe""e$ a"" the .hore ,rom >ing4 ?an$ing. #e praye$ ,or them a
they .ere $riven ,rom the city gate- the hitorie ai$- b/t .o/"$ not "ook at them.
2#ar"ot-1 a voice creame$. Another .oman. Something ,"e. o/t o, the cro.$. Some rotte$
vegetab"e. Bro.n an$ ooGing- it ai"e$ above her hea$ to p"ah at the ,oot o, one o, the 9oor
+e""o.. I am not afraid+ I am a lioness+ She .a"ke$ on. 2#ot pie-1 the baker4 boy .a crying.
2Getcha hot pie here.1 Septa Sco"era rang her be""- inging- 2Shame, shame, shame upon the
sinner, shame, shame+1 7he 9oor +e""o. .ent be,ore them- ,orcing men ai$e .ith their hie"$-
.a""ing o,, a narro. path. Cerei ,o""o.e$ .here they "e$- her hea$ he"$ ti,,"y- her eye on the
,ar $itance. Cvery tep bro/ght the Re$ >eep nearer. Cvery tep bro/ght her c"oer to her on
an$ her a"vation.
&t eeme$ to take a h/n$re$ year to cro the p"aGa- b/t ,ina""y marb"e gave .ay to
cobb"etone beneath her ,eet- hop an$ tab"e an$ ho/e c"oe$ in a"" aro/n$ them- an$ they
began the $ecent o, %ienya4 #i"".
7he going .a "o.er here. 7he treet .a teep an$ narro.- the cro.$ =amme$ together
tight"y. 7he 9oor +e""o. hove$ at thoe .ho b"ocke$ the .ay- trying to move them ai$e- b/t
there .a no.here to go- an$ thoe in the back o, the cro.$ .ere hoving back. Cerei trie$ to
keep her hea$ /p- on"y to tep in omething "ick an$ .et that ma$e her "ip. She might have
,a""en- b/t Septa Fne""a ca/ght her arm an$ kept her on her ,eet. 2Eo/r Grace ho/"$ .atch
.here he et her ,eet.1
Cerei .renche$ here", ,ree. 2Ee- epta-1 he ai$ in a meek voice- tho/gh he .a angry
eno/gh to pit. 7he A/een .a"ke$ on- c"a$ on"y in gooeprick"e an$ pri$e. She "ooke$ ,or the
Re$ >eep- b/t it .a hi$$en no.- .a""e$ o,, ,rom her gaGe by the ta"" timbere$ b/i"$ing to
either i$e. 2Shame, shame,1 ang Septa Sco"era- her be"" c"anging. Cerei trie$ to .a"k ,ater-
b/t oon came /p againt the back o, the Star in ,ront o, her an$ ha$ to "o. her tep again. A
man =/t ahea$ .a e""ing ke.er o, roat meat ,rom a cart- an$ the proceion ha"te$ a the
9oor +e""o. move$ him o/t o, the .ay. 7he meat "ooke$ /picio/"y "ike rat to Cerei4 eye-
b/t the me"" o, it ,i""e$ the air- an$ ha", the men aro/n$ them .ere gna.ing a.ay .ith tick in
han$ by the time the treet .a c"ear eno/gh ,or her to re/me her trek. 23ant ome- Eo/r
Grace61 one man ca""e$ o/t. #e .a a big- b/r"y br/te .ith pig eye- a maive g/t- an$ an
/nkempt b"ack bear$ that remin$e$ her o, Robert. 3hen he "ooke$ a.ay in $ig/t- he ,"/ng the
ke.er at her. &t tr/ck her on the "eg an$ t/mb"e$ to the treet- an$ the ha",(cooke$ meat "e,t a
mear o, greae an$ b"oo$ $o.n her thigh.
7he ho/ting eeme$ "o/$er here than on the p"aGa- perhap beca/e the mob .a o m/ch
c"oer. 23hore1 an$ 2inner1 .ere mot common- b/t 2brother,/cker1 an$ 2c/nt1 an$ 2traitor1
.ere ,"/ng at her a .e""- an$ no. an$ again he hear$ omeone ho/t o/t ,or Stanni or
Margaery. 7he cobb"e /n$er,oot .ere ,i"thy- an$ there .a o "itt"e pace that the A/een co/"$
not even .a"k aro/n$ the p/$$"e. 2o one has eer died of wet feet, he to"$ here",. She .ante$
to be"ieve the p/$$"e .ere =/t rain.ater- tho/gh hore pi .a =/t a "ike"y.
More re,/e ho.ere$ $o.n ,rom .in$o. an$ ba"conie' ha",(rotte$ ,r/it- pai" o, beer- egg
that e:p"o$e$ into /",/ro/ tink .hen they cracke$ open on the gro/n$. 7hen omeone ,"/ng a
$ea$ cat over the 9oor +e""o. an$ 3arrior4 Son a"ike. 7he carca hit the cobb"e o har$ that
it b/rt open- pattering her "o.er "eg .ith entrai" an$ maggot.
Cerei .a"ke$ on. I am blind and deaf, and the! are worms, he to"$ here",. 2Shame, shame,1
the epta ang. 2Chetn/t- hot roat chetn/t-1 a pe$$"er crie$. 2D/een C/nt-1 a $r/nkar$
prono/nce$ o"emn"y ,rom a ba"cony above- "i,ting hi c/p to her in a mocking toat. 2A"" hai"
the roya" teat01 Words are wind, Cerei tho/ght. Words cannot harm me+
#a",.ay $o.n %ienya4 #i"" the A/een ,e"" ,or the ,irt time- .hen her ,oot "ippe$ in
omething that might have been nightoi". 3hen Septa Fne""a p/""e$ her /p- her knee .a
crape$ an$ b"oo$y. A ragge$ "a/gh ripp"e$ thro/gh the cro.$- an$ ome man ho/te$ o/t an
o,,er to ki it an$ make it better. Cerei "ooke$ behin$ her. She co/"$ ti"" ee the great $ome
an$ even cryta" to.er o, the Great Sept o, Bae"or atop the hi"". 7ae I reall! come such a
little wa!6 3ore- a h/n$re$ time .ore- he ha$ "ot ight o, the Re$ >eep. 23here8
.here8 61
2Eo/r Grace.1 7he captain o, her ecort teppe$ /p bei$e her. Cerei ha$ ,orgotten hi name.
2Eo/ m/t contin/e. 7he cro.$ i gro.ing /nr/"y.1
&es, he tho/ght. <nrul!+ 2& am not a,rai$@1
2Eo/ ho/"$ be.1 #e yanke$ at her arm- p/""ing her a"ong bei$e him. She taggere$ $o.n the
hi""@$o.n.ar$- ever $o.n.ar$@.incing .ith every tep- "etting him /pport her. It should be
-aime beside me+ #e .o/"$ $ra. hi go"$en .or$ an$ "ah a path right thro/gh the mob-
carving the eye o/t o, the hea$ o, every man .ho $are$ to "ook at her.
7he paving tone .ere cracke$ an$ /neven- "ippery /n$er,oot- an$ ro/gh againt her o,t
,eet. #er hee" came $o.n on omething harp- a tone or piece o, broken crockery. Cerei crie$
o/t in pain. 2& ake$ ,or an$a"-1 he pat at Septa Fne""a. 2Eo/ co/"$ have given me an$a"-
yo/ co/"$ have $one that m/ch.1 7he knight .renche$ at her arm again- a i, he .ere ome
common erving .ench. 7as he forgotten who I am6 She .a the A/een o, 3eteroI he ha$ no
right to "ay ro/gh han$ on her.
Near the bottom o, the hi""- the "ope gent"e$ an$ the treet began to .i$en. Cerei co/"$ ee
the Re$ >eep again- hining crimon in the morning /n atop Aegon4 #igh #i"". I must keep
walking+ She .renche$ ,ree o, Ser 7heo$an4 grap. 2Eo/ $o not nee$ to $rag me- er.1 She
"impe$ on- "eaving a trai" o, b"oo$y ,ootprint on the tone behin$ her.
She .a"ke$ thro/gh m/$ an$ $/ng- b"ee$ing- gooe,"ehe$- hobb"ing. A"" aro/n$ her .a a
babb"e o, o/n$. 2My .i,e ha .eeter teat than thoe-1 a man ho/te$. A teamter c/re$ a
the 9oor +e""o. or$ere$ hi .agon o/t o, the .ay. 2Shame, shame, shame on the sinner,1
chante$ the epta. 2?ook at thi one-1 a .hore ca""e$ ,rom a brothe" .in$o.- "i,ting her kirt to
the men be"o.- 2it4 not ha$ ha", a many cock /p it a her.1 Be"" .ere ringing- ringing-
ringing. 27hat can4t be the A/een-1 a boy ai$- 2he4 aggy a my m/m.1 #his is m! penance,
Cerei to"$ here",. I hae sinned most grieousl!, this is m! atonement+ It will be oer soon, it
will be behind me, then I can forget+
7he A/een began to ee ,ami"iar ,ace. A ba"$ man .ith b/hy i$e(.hiker ,ro.ne$ $o.n
,rom a .in$o. .ith her ,ather4 ,ro.n- an$ ,or an intant "ooke$ o m/ch "ike ?or$ 7y.in that
he t/mb"e$. A yo/ng gir" at beneath a ,o/ntain- $renche$ in pray- an$ tare$ at her .ith
Me"ara #etherpoon4 acc/ing eye. She a. Ne$ Stark- an$ bei$e him "itt"e Sana .ith her
a/b/rn hair an$ a haggy grey $og that might have been her .o",. Cvery chi"$ A/irming thro/gh
the cro.$ became her brother 7yrion- =eering at her a he ha$ =eere$ .hen !o,,rey $ie$. An$
there .a !o,, a .e""- her on- her ,irtborn- her bea/ti,/" bright boy .ith hi go"$en c/r" an$
hi .eet mi"e- he ha$ /ch "ove"y "ip- he8
7hat .a .hen he ,e"" the econ$ time.
She .a haking "ike a "ea, .hen they p/""e$ her to her ,eet. 29"eae-1 he ai$. 2Mother have
mercy. & con,ee$.1
2Eo/ $i$-1 ai$ Septa Moe""e. 27hi i yo/r atonement.1
2&t i not m/ch ,arther-1 ai$ Septa Fne""a. 2See61 She pointe$. 2Fp the hi""- that4 a"".1
<p the hill+ #hat/s all+ &t .a tr/e. 7hey .ere at the ,oot o, Aegon4 #igh #i""- the cat"e
above them.
23hore-1 omeone creame$.
2Brother,/cker-1 another voice a$$e$. 2Abomination.1
23ant a /ck on thi- Eo/r Grace61 A man in a b/tcher4 apron p/""e$ hi cock o/t o, hi
breeche- grinning. &t $i$ not matter. She .a a"mot home.
Cerei began to c"imb.
&, anything- the =eer an$ ho/t .ere cr/$er here. #er .a"k ha$ not taken her thro/gh +"ea
Bottom- o it $eniGen ha$ packe$ onto the "o.er "ope o, Aegon4 #igh #i"" to ee the ho..
7he ,ace "eering o/t at her ,rom behin$ the hie"$ an$ pear o, the 9oor +e""o. eeme$
t.ite$- montro/- hi$eo/. 9ig an$ nake$ chi"$ren .ere every.here /n$er,oot- cripp"e$
beggar an$ c/tp/re .arme$ "ike roache thro/gh the pre. She a. men .hoe teeth ha$
been ,i"e$ into point- hag .ith goiter a big a their hea$- a .hore .ith a h/ge tripe$ nake
$rape$ abo/t breat an$ ho/"$er- a man .hoe cheek an$ bro. .ere covere$ .ith open ore
that .ept grey p/. 7hey grinne$ an$ "icke$ their "ip an$ hoote$ at her a he .ent "imping pat-
her breat heaving .ith the e,,ort o, the c"imb. Some ho/te$ obcene propoa"- other in/"t.
Words are wind, he tho/ght- words cannot hurt me+ I am beautiful, the most beautiful woman in
all Westeros, -aime sa!s so, -aime would neer lie to me+ 0en )obert, )obert neer loed me,
but he saw that I was beautiful, he wanted me+
She $i$ not ,ee" bea/ti,/"- tho/gh. She ,e"t o"$- /e$- ,i"thy- /g"y. 7here .ere tretch mark on
her be""y ,rom the chi"$ren he ha$ borne- an$ her breat .ere not a ,irm a they ha$ been
.hen he .a yo/nger. 3itho/t a go.n to ho"$ them /p- they agge$ againt her chet. I should
not hae done this+ I was their 3ueen, but now the!/e seen, the!/e seen, the!/e seen+ I should
neer hae let them see+ Go.ne$ an$ cro.ne$- he .a a A/een. Nake$- b"oo$y- "imping- he
.a on"y a .oman- not o very $i,,erent ,rom their .ive- more "ike their mother than their
pretty "itt"e mai$en $a/ghter. What hae I done6
7here .a omething in her eye- tinging- b"/rring her ight. She co/"$ not cry- he .o/"$
not cry- the .orm m/t never ee her .eep. Cerei r/bbe$ her eye .ith the hee" o, her han$.
A g/t o, co"$ .in$ ma$e her hiver vio"ent"y.
An$ /$$en"y the hag .a there- tan$ing in the cro.$ .ith her pen$/"o/ teat an$ her .arty
greenih kin- "eering .ith the ret- .ith ma"ice hining ,rom her cr/ty ye""o. eye. 2:ueen !ou
shall be,1 he hie$- 2until there comes another, !ounger and more beautiful, to cast !ou down
and take all !ou hold most dear+1
An$ then there .a no topping the tear. 7hey b/rne$ $o.n the A/een4 cheek "ike aci$.
Cerei gave a harp cry- covere$ her nipp"e .ith one arm- "i$ her other han$ $o.n to hi$e her
"it- an$ began to r/n- hoving her .ay pat the "ine o, 9oor +e""o.- cro/ching a he cramb"e$
crab("egge$ /p the hi"". 9art.ay /p he t/mb"e$ an$ ,e""- roe- then ,e"" again ten yar$ ,arther
on. 7he ne:t thing he kne. he .a cra."ing- cramb"ing /phi"" on a"" ,o/r "ike a $og a the
goo$ ,o"k o, >ing4 ?an$ing ma$e .ay ,or her- "a/ghing an$ =eering an$ app"a/$ing her.
7hen a"" at once the cro.$ parte$ an$ eeme$ to $io"ve- an$ there .ere the cat"e gate
be,ore her- an$ a "ine o, pearmen in gi"$e$ ha",(he"m an$ crimon c"oak. Cerei hear$ the
gr/,,- ,ami"iar o/n$ o, her /nc"e gro."ing or$er an$ g"impe$ a ,"ah o, .hite to either i$e a
Ser Boro B"o/nt an$ Ser Meryn 7rant tro$e to.ar$ her in their pa"e p"ate an$ no.y c"oak.
2My on-1 he crie$. 23here i my on6 3here i 7ommen61
2Not here. No on ho/"$ have to bear .itne to hi mother4 hame.1 Ser >evan4 voice .a
harh. 2Cover her /p.1
7hen !oce"yn .a ben$ing over her- .rapping her in a o,t c"ean b"anket o, green .oo" to
cover her nake$ne. A ha$o. ,e"" acro them both- b"otting o/t the /n. 7he A/een ,e"t co"$
tee" "i$e beneath her- a pair o, great armore$ arm "i,ting her o,, the gro/n$- "i,ting her /p into
the air a eai"y a he ha$ "i,te$ !o,,rey .hen he .a ti"" a babe. A giant, tho/ght Cerei- $iGGy-
a he carrie$ her .ith great tri$e to.ar$ the gateho/e. She ha$ hear$ that giant co/"$ ti"" be
,o/n$ in the go$"e .i"$ beyon$ the 3a"". #hat is 9ust a tale+ Am I dreaming6
No. #er avior .a rea". Cight ,eet ta"" or maybe ta""er- .ith "eg a thick aro/n$ a tree- he
ha$ a chet .orthy o, a p"o. hore an$ ho/"$er that .o/"$ not $igrace an o:. #i armor .a
p"ate tee"- ename"e$ .hite an$ bright a a mai$en4 hope- an$ .orn over gi"$e$ mai". A
greathe"m hi$ hi ,ace. +rom it cret treame$ even i"ken p"/me in the rainbo. co"or o, the
+aith. A pair o, go"$en even(pointe$ tar c"ape$ hi bi""o.ing c"oak at the ho/"$er.
A white cloak+
Ser >evan ha$ kept hi part o, the bargain. 7ommen- her precio/ "itt"e boy- ha$ name$ her
champion to the >ingg/ar$.
Cerei never a. .here Dyb/rn came ,rom- b/t /$$en"y he .a there bei$e them-
cramb"ing to keep /p .ith her champion4 "ong tri$e. 2Eo/r Grace-1 he ai$- 2it i o goo$ to
have yo/ back. May & have the honor o, preenting o/r ne.et member o, the >ingg/ar$6 7hi
i Ser Robert Strong.1
2Ser Robert-1 Cerei .hipere$- a they entere$ the gate. 2&, it p"eae Eo/r Grace- Ser Robert
ha taken a ho"y vo. o, i"ence-1 Dyb/rn ai$. 2#e ha .orn that he .i"" not peak /nti" a"" o,
#i Grace4 enemie are $ea$ an$ evi" ha been $riven ,rom the rea"m.1
&es, tho/ght Cerei ?anniter. Oh, !es+
T'RION
7he pi"e o, parchment .a ,ormi$ab"y high. 7yrion "ooke$ at it an$ ighe$. 2& ha$
/n$ertoo$ yo/ .ere a ban$ o, brother. & thi the "ove a brother bear a brother6 3here i the
tr/t6 7he ,rien$hip- the ,on$ regar$- the $eep a,,ection that on"y men .ho have ,o/ght an$ b"e$
together can ever kno.61
2A"" in time-1 ai$ Bro.n Ben 9"/mm. 2A,ter yo/ ign-1 ai$ &nkpot- harpening a A/i"".
>aporio the C/nning to/che$ hi .or$ hi"t. 2&, yo/ .o/"$ "ike to tart the b"ee$ing no.- &
.i"" happ4"y ob"ige yo/.1
2#o. kin$ o, yo/ to o,,er-1 ai$ 7yrion. 2& think not.1
&nkpot p"ace$ the parchment be,ore 7yrion an$ han$e$ him the A/i"". 2#ere i yo/r ink.
+rom H"$ %o"anti- thi. 47.i"" "at a "ong a proper maeter4 b"ack. A"" yo/ nee$ $o i ign
an$ pa the note to me. &4"" $o the ret.1
7yrion gave him a crooke$ grin. 2Might & rea$ them ,irt61
2&, yo/ "ike. 7hey are a"" the ame- by an$ "arge. C:cept ,or the one at the bottom- b/t .e4""
get to thoe in $/e co/re.1
Oh, I am sure we will+ +or mot men- there .a no cot to =oining a company- b/t he .a not
mot men. #e $ippe$ the A/i"" into the inkpot- "eane$ over the ,irt parchment- pa/e$- "ooke$
/p. 23o/"$ yo/ pre,er me to ign &ollo or 7ugor 7ill61
Bro.n Ben crink"e$ /p hi eye. 23o/"$ yo/ pre,er to be ret/rne$ to EeGGan4 heir or =/t
behea$e$61
7he $.ar, "a/ghe$ an$ igne$ the parchment- #!rion of 7ouse "annister+ A he pae$ it "e,t
to &nkpot- he ri,,"e$ thro/gh the pi"e /n$erneath. 27here are8 .hat- ,i,ty6 Si:ty6 &4$ tho/ght
there .ere ,ive h/n$re$ Secon$ Son.1
2+ive h/n$re$ thirteen at preent-1 &nkpot ai$. 23hen yo/ ign o/r book- .e .i"" be ,ive
h/n$re$ ,o/rteen.1
2So on"y one in ten receive a note6 7hat har$"y eem ,air. & tho/ght yo/ .ere a"" hare(an$(
hare(a"ike in the ,ree companie.1 #e igne$ another heet.
Bro.n Ben ch/ck"e$. 2Hh- a"" hare. B/t not a"ike. 7he Secon$ Son are not /n"ike a
,ami"y81
28an$ every ,ami"y ha it $roo"ing co/in.1 7yrion igne$ another note. 7he parchment
crink"e$ crip"y a he "i$ it to.ar$ the paymater. 27here are ce"" $o.n in the bo.e" o,
Cater"y Rock .here my "or$ ,ather kept the .ort o, o/r.1 #e $ippe$ hi A/i"" in the inkpot.
#!rion of 7ouse "annister- he cratche$ o/t- promiing to pay the bearer o, the note one h/n$re$
go"$en $ragon. 0er! stroke of the 3uill leaes me a little poorer= or would, if I were not a
beggar to begin with+ Hne $ay he might r/e thee ignat/re. But not this da!+ #e b"e. on the
.et ink- "i$ the parchment to the paymater- an$ igne$ the one beneath. An$ again. An$ again.
An$ again. 27hi .o/n$ me $eep"y- & .i"" have yo/ kno.-1 he to"$ them bet.een ignat/re.
2&n 3etero- the .or$ o, a ?anniter i coni$ere$ goo$ a go"$.1
&nkpot hr/gge$. 27hi i not 3etero. Hn thi i$e o, the narro. ea- .e p/t o/r promie
on paper.1 A each heet .a pae$ to him- he cattere$ ,ine an$ acro the ignat/re to $rink
/p e:ce ink- hook it o,,- an$ et the note ai$e. 25ebt .ritten on the .in$ ten$ to be8
,orgotten- ha"" .e ay61
2Not by /.1 7yrion igne$ another heet. An$ another. #e ha$ ,o/n$ a rhythm no.. 2A
?anniter a".ay pay hi $ebt.1
9"/mm ch/ck"e$. 2Aye- b/t a e"".or$4 .or$ i .orth"e.1
Well, !ours is- tho/ght 7yrion- and thank the gods for that+ 27r/e- b/t & .i"" not be a e"".or$
/nti" &4ve igne$ yo/r book.1
2Soon eno/gh-1 ai$ Bro.n Ben. 2A,ter the note.1
2& am $ancing a ,at a & can.1 #e .ante$ to "a/gh- b/t that .o/"$ have r/ine$ the game.
9"/mm .a en=oying thi- an$ 7yrion ha$ no intention o, poi"ing hi ,/n. "et him go on
thinking that he/s bent me oer and fucked me up the arse, and I/ll go on bu!ing steel swords
with parchment dragons+ &, ever he .ent back to 3etero to c"aim hi birthright- he .o/"$ have
a"" the go"$ o, Cater"y Rock to make goo$ on hi promie. &, not- .e""- he4$ be $ea$- an$ hi
ne. brother co/"$ .ipe their are .ith thee parchment. 9erhap ome might t/rn /p in
>ing4 ?an$ing .ith their crap in han$- hoping to convince hi .eet iter to make goo$ on
them. And would that I could be a roach in the rushes to witness that+
7he .riting on the parchment change$ abo/t ha",.ay $o.n the pi"e. 7he h/n$re$($ragon
note .ere a"" ,or er=eant. Be"o. them the amo/nt /$$en"y gre. "arger. No. 7yrion .a
promiing to pay the bearer one tho/an$ go"$en $ragon. #e hook hi hea$- "a/ghe$- igne$.
An$ again. An$ again. 2So-1 he ai$ a he .a cra."ing- 2.hat .i"" be my $/tie .ith the
company61
2Eo/ are too /g"y to be Bokkoko4 b/tt boy-1 ai$ >aporio- 2b/t yo/ might $o a arro.
,o$$er.1
2Better than yo/ kno.-1 ai$ 7yrion- re,/ing to rie to the bait. 2A ma"" man .ith a big
hie"$ .i"" $rive the archer ma$. A .ier man than yo/ once to"$ me that.1
2Eo/ .i"" .ork .ith &nkpot-1 ai$ Bro.n Ben 9"/mm.
2Eo/ .i"" .ork for &nkpot-1 ai$ &nkpot. 2>eeping book- co/nting coin- .riting contract
an$ "etter.1
2G"a$"y-1 ai$ 7yrion. 2& "ove book.1
23hat e"e .o/"$ yo/ $o61 neere$ >aporio. 2?ook at yo/. Eo/ are not ,it to ,ight.1
2& once ha$ charge o, a"" the $rain in Cater"y Rock-1 7yrion ai$ mi"$"y. 2Some o, them ha$
been toppe$ /p ,or year- b/t & oon ha$ them $raining merri"y a.ay.1 #e $ippe$ the A/i"" in the
ink again. Another $oGen note- an$ he .o/"$ be $one. 29erhap & co/"$ /pervie yo/r camp
,o""o.er. 3e can4t have the men toppe$ /p- no. can .e61
7hat =ape $i$ not p"eae Bro.n Ben. 2Stay a.ay ,rom the .hore-1 he .arne$. 2Mot o4 them
are po:y- an$ they ta"k. Eo/4re not the ,irt ecape$ "ave to =oin the company- b/t that $on4t
mean .e nee$ to ho/t yo/r preence. & .on4t have yo/ para$ing abo/t .here yo/ might be
een. Stay ini$e a m/ch a yo/ can- an$ hit into yo/r b/cket. 7oo many eye at the "atrine.
An$ never go beyon$ o/r camp .itho/t my "eave. 3e can $re yo/ /p in A/ire4 tee"- preten$
yo/4re !orah4 b/tt boy- b/t there4 ome .i"" ee right thro/gh that. Hnce Meereen i taken an$
.e4re a.ay to 3etero- yo/ can prance abo/t a"" yo/ "ike in go"$ an$ crimon. 7i"" then-
tho/gh81
28& ha"" "ive beneath a rock an$ never make a o/n$. Eo/ have my .or$ on that.1 #!rion of
7ouse "annister- he igne$ once more- .ith a ,"o/rih. 7hat .a the "at parchment. 7hree note
remaine$- $i,,erent ,rom the ret. 7.o .ere .ritten on ,ine ve""/m an$ ma$e o/t by name. +or
>aporio the C/nning- ten tho/an$ $ragon. 7he ame ,or &nkpot- .hoe tr/e name appeare$
to be 7ybero &tarion. 2#!bero61 ai$ 7yrion. 27hat o/n$ a"mot ?anniter. Are yo/ ome
"ong("ot co/in61
29erhap. & a".ay pay my $ebt a .e"". &t i e:pecte$ o, a paymater. Sign.1
#e igne$.
Bro.n Ben4 note .a the "at. 7hat one ha$ been incribe$ /pon a heepkin cro"". One
hundred thousand golden dragons, fift! hides of fertile land, a castle, and a lordship+ Well and
well+ #his $lumm does not come cheapl!+ 7yrion p"/cke$ at hi car an$ .on$ere$ i, he o/ght to
make a ho. o, in$ignation. 3hen yo/ b/gger a man yo/ e:pect a A/ea" or t.o. #e co/"$ c/re
an$ .ear an$ rant o, robbery- re,/e to ign ,or a time- then give in re"/ctant"y- proteting a"" the
.hi"e. B/t he .a ick o, m/mmery- o intea$ he grimace$- igne$- an$ han$e$ the cro"" back
to Bro.n Ben. 2Eo/r cock i a big a in the torie-1 he ai$. 2Coni$er me .e"" an$ tr/"y
,/cke$- ?or$ 9"/mm.1
Bro.n Ben b"e. on hi ignat/re. 2My p"ea/re- &mp. An$ no.- .e make yo/ one o4 /.
&nkpot- ,etch the book.1
7he book .a "eather(bo/n$ .ith iron hinge- an$ "arge eno/gh to eat yo/r /pper o,,. &ni$e
it heavy .oo$en boar$ .ere name an$ $ate going back more than a cent/ry. 27he Secon$
Son are amongt the o"$et o, the ,ree companie-1 &nkpot ai$ a he .a t/rning page. 27hi
i the ,o/rth book. 7he name o, every man to erve .ith / are .ritten here. 3hen they =oine$-
.here they ,o/ght- ho. "ong they erve$- the manner o, their $eath@a"" in the book. Eo/ .i""
,in$ ,amo/ name in here- ome ,rom yo/r Seven >ing$om. Aegor River erve$ a year .ith
/- be,ore he "e,t to ,o/n$ the Go"$en Company. Bittertee"- yo/ ca"" him. 7he Bright 9rince-
Aerion 7argaryen- he .a a Secon$ Son. An$ Ro$rik Stark- the 3an$ering 3o",- him a .e"".
No- not that ink. #ere- /e thi.1 #e /ntoppere$ a ne. pot an$ et it $o.n.
7yrion cocke$ hi hea$. 2Re$ ink61
2A tra$ition o, the company-1 &nkpot e:p"aine$. 27here .a a time .hen each ne. man
.rote hi name in hi o.n b"oo$- b/t a it happen- b"oo$ make pi(poor ink.1
2?anniter "ove tra$ition. ?en$ me yo/r kni,e.1
&nkpot raie$ an eyebro.- hr/gge$- "ippe$ hi $agger ,rom it heath- an$ han$e$ it acro
hi"t,irt. It still hurts, 7alfmaester, thank !ou er! much- tho/ght 7yrion- a he pricke$ the ba"" o,
hi th/mb. #e A/eeGe$ a ,at $rop o, b"oo$ into the inkpot- tra$e$ the $agger ,or a ,reh A/i""-
an$ cra."e$- #!rion of 7ouse "annister, "ord of %asterl! )ock, in a big bo"$ han$- =/t be"o.
!orah Mormont4 ,ar more mo$et ignat/re.
And it/s done. 7he $.ar, rocke$ back on the camp too". 2& that a"" that yo/ reA/ire o, me6
5on4t & nee$ to .ear an oath6 >i"" a baby6 S/ck the captain4 cock61
2S/ck .hatever yo/ "ike.1 &nkpot t/rne$ the book aro/n$ an$ $/te$ the page .ith a bit o,
,ine an$. 2+or mot o, /- the ignat/re /,,ice- b/t & .o/"$ hate to $iappoint a ne. brother(
in(arm. 3e"come to the Secon$ Son- ?or$ 7yrion.1
"ord #!rion. 7he $.ar, "ike$ the o/n$ o, that. 7he Secon$ Son might not en=oy the hining
rep/tation o, the Go"$en Company- b/t they ha$ .on ome ,amo/ victorie over the cent/rie.
2#ave other "or$ erve$ .ith the company61
2?an$"e "or$-1 ai$ Bro.n Ben. 2?ike yo/- &mp.1
7yrion hoppe$ $o.n ,rom the too". 2My previo/ brother .a entire"y /nati,actory. & hope
,or more ,rom my ne. one. No. ho. $o & go abo/t ec/ring arm an$ armor61
23i"" yo/ .ant a pig to ri$e a .e""61 ake$ >aporio.
23hy- & $i$ not kno. yo/r .i,e .a in the company-1 ai$ 7yrion. 27hat4 kin$ o, yo/ to
o,,er her- b/t & .o/"$ pre,er a hore.1
7he bravo re$$ene$- b/t &nkpot "a/ghe$ a"o/$ an$ Bro.n Ben .ent o ,ar a to ch/ck"e.
2&nkpot- ho. him to the .agon. #e can have hi pick ,rom the company tee". 7he gir" too.
9/t a he"m on her- a bit o4 mai"- might be ome .i"" take her ,or a boy.1
2?or$ 7yrion- .ith me.1 &nkpot he"$ the tent ,"ap to "et him .a$$"e thro/gh. 2& .i"" have
Snatch take yo/ to the .agon. Get yo/r .oman an$ meet him by the cook tent.1
2She i not my .oman. 9erhap yo/ ho/"$ get her. A"" he $oe o, "ate i "eep an$ g"are at
me.1
2Eo/ nee$ to beat her har$er an$ ,/ck her more o,ten-1 the paymater o,,ere$ he"p,/""y.
2Bring her- "eave her- $o .hat yo/ .i"". Snatch .i"" not care. Come ,in$ me .hen yo/ have yo/r
armor- an$ & .i"" tart yo/ on the "e$ger.1
2A yo/ .ih.1
7yrion ,o/n$ 9enny a"eep in a corner o, their tent- c/r"e$ /p on a thin tra. pa""et beneath a
heap o, oi"e$ be$c"othe. 3hen he to/che$ her .ith the toe o, hi boot- he ro""e$ over- b"inke$
at him- an$ ya.ne$. 2#/gor6 3hat i it61
27a"king again- are .e61 &t .a better than her //a" /""en i"ence. All oer an abandoned
dog and pig+ I saed the two of us from slaer!, !ou would think some gratitude might be in
order+ 2&, yo/ "eep any "onger- yo/4re "ike to mi the .ar.1
2&4m a$.1 She ya.ne$ again. 2An$ tire$. So tire$.1
#ired or sick6 7yrion kne"t bei$e her pa""et. 2Eo/ "ook pa"e.1 #e ,e"t her bro.. Is it hot in
here, or does she hae a touch of feer6 #e $are$ not ak that A/etion a"o/$. Cven har$ men
"ike the Secon$ Son .ere terri,ie$ o, mo/nting the pa"e mare. &, they tho/ght 9enny .a ick-
they .o/"$ $rive her o,, .itho/t a moment4 heitation. #he! might een return us to &ezzan/s
heirs, notes or no notes. 2& have igne$ their book. 7he o"$ .ay- in b"oo$. & am no. a Secon$
Son.1
9enny at /p- r/bbing the "eep ,rom her eye. 23hat abo/t me6 Can & ign too61
2& think not. Some ,ree companie have been kno.n to take .omen- b/t8 .e""- they are not
Secon$ 5a/ghter- a,ter a"".1
2We-1 he ai$. 2&, yo/4re one o, them- yo/ ho/"$ ay we- not the!. #a anyone een 9retty
9ig6 &nkpot ai$ he4$ ak a,ter her. Hr Cr/nch- ha there been .or$ o, Cr/nch61
Onl! if !ou trust ,asporio. 9"/mm4 not(o(c/nning econ$(in(comman$ c"aime$ that three
E/nkih "ave(catcher .ere pro."ing thro/gh the camp- aking a,ter a pair o, ecape$ $.ar,.
Hne o, them .a carrying a ta"" pear .ith a $og4 hea$ impa"e$ /pon it point- the .ay that
>apo to"$ it. S/ch ti$ing .ere not "ike to get 9enny o/t o, be$- ho.ever. 2No .or$ a yet-1 he
"ie$. 2Come. 3e nee$ to ,in$ ome armor ,or yo/.1
She gave him a .ary "ook. 2Armor6 3hy61
2Something my o"$ mater(at(arm to"$ me. JNever go to batt"e nake$- "a$-4 he ai$. & take
him at hi .or$. Bei$e- no. that &4m a e"".or$- & rea""y o/ght to have a .or$ to e"".1 She
ti"" ho.e$ no ign o, moving. 7yrion eiGe$ her by the .rit- p/""e$ her to her ,eet- an$ thre.
a ,it,/" o, c"othing into her ,ace. 25re. 3ear the c"oak .ith the hoo$ an$ keep yo/r hea$
$o.n. 3e4re /ppoe$ to be a pair o, "ike"y "a$- =/t in cae the "ave(catcher are .atching.1
Snatch .a .aiting by the cook tent che.ing o/r"ea, .hen the t.o $.ar, t/rne$ /p-
c"oake$ an$ hoo$e$. 2& hear the t.o o4 yo/ are going to ,ight ,or /-1 the er=eant ai$. 27hat
ho/"$ have them piing in Meereen. Cither o4 yo/ ever ki""e$ a man61
2& have-1 ai$ 7yrion. 2& .at them $o.n "ike ,"ie.1
23hat .ith61
2An a:e- a $agger- a choice remark. 7ho/gh &4m $ea$"iet .ith my crobo..1
Snatch cratche$ at hi t/bb"e .ith the point o, hi hook. 2Naty thing- a crobo.. #o.
many men yo/ ki"" .ith that61
2Nine.1 #i ,ather co/nte$ ,or at "eat that many- /re"y. ?or$ o, Cater"y Rock- 3ar$en o,
the 3et- Shie"$ o, ?anniport- #an$ o, the >ing- h/ban$- brother- ,ather- ,ather- ,ather.
2Nine.1 Snatch norte$ an$ pat o/t a mo/th,/" o, re$ "ime. Aiming ,or 7yrion4 ,eet-
perhap- b/t it "an$e$ on hi knee. 9"ain"y that .a .hat he tho/ght o, 2nine.1 7he er=eant4
,inger .ere taine$ a mott"e$ re$ ,rom the =/ice o, the o/r"ea, he che.e$. #e p/t t.o o, them
into hi mo/th an$ .hit"e$. 2,em; Get over here- yo/ ,/cking pipot.1 >em came r/nning.
27ake ?or$ an$ ?a$y &mp to the .agon- have #ammer ,i: them /p .ith ome company tee".1
2#ammer might be pae$(o/t $r/nk-1 >em ca/tione$.
29i in hi ,ace. 7hat4"" .ake him /p.1 Snatch t/rne$ back to 7yrion an$ 9enny. 23e never
ha$ no b"oo$y $.ar, be,ore- b/t boy .e never "acke$ ,or. Son o4 thi .hore or that one- "itt"e
,oo" r/n o,, ,rom home to have a$vent/re- b/tt boy- A/ire- an$ the "ike. Some o4 their hit
might be ma"" eno/gh to ,it imp. &t4 the hit they .ere .earing .hen they $ie$- "ike a not- b/t
& kno. that .on4t bother ,/cker ,ierce a yo/ t.o. Nine- .a it61 #e hook hi hea$ an$ .a"ke$
a.ay.
7he Secon$ Son kept their company armor in i: big .ayn $ra.n /p near the center o, their
camp. >em "e$ the .ay- .inging hi pear a i, it .ere a ta,,. 2#o. $oe a >ing4 ?an$ing "a$
en$ /p .ith a ,ree company61 7yrion ake$ him.
7he "a$ gave him a .ary A/int. 23ho to"$ yo/ & .a ,rom >ing4 ?an$ing61
2No one.1 0er! word out of !our mouth reeks of Flea Bottom+ 2Eo/r .it gave yo/ a.ay.
7here4 no one c"ever a a >ing"an$er- they ay.1
7hat eeme$ to tart"e him. 23ho ay that61
2Cveryone.1 *e+
2Since .hen61
Since I 9ust made it up+ 2+or age-1 he "ie$. 2My ,ather .a .ont to ay it. 5i$ yo/ kno. ?or$
7y.in- >em61
27he #an$. Hnce & a. him ri$ing /p the hi"". #i men ha$ re$ c"oak an$ "itt"e "ion on their
he"m. & "ike$ thoe he"m.1 #i mo/th tightene$. 2& never "ike$ the #an$- tho/gh. #e acke$ the
city. An$ then he mahe$ / on the B"ack.ater.1
2Eo/ .ere there61
23ith Stanni. ?or$ 7y.in come /p .ith Ren"y4 ghot an$ took / in the ,"ank. & $roppe$
my pear an$ ran- b/t at the hip thi b"oo$y knight ai$- J3here4 yo/r pear- boy6 3e got no
room ,or craven-4 an$ they b/ggere$ o,, an$ "e,t me- an$ tho/an$ more bei$e. ?ater & hear$
ho. yo/r ,ather .a en$ing them a ,o/ght .ith Stanni to the 3a""- o & ma$e my .ay acro
the narro. ea an$ =oine$ /p .ith the Secon$ Son.1
25o yo/ mi >ing4 ?an$ing61
2Some. & mi thi boy- he8 he .a a ,rien$ o, mine. An$ my brother- >ennet- b/t he $ie$ on
the bri$ge o, hip.1
27oo many goo$ men $ie$ that $ay.1 7yrion4 car .a itching ,ierce"y. #e picke$ at it .ith a
,ingernai".
2& mi the ,oo$ too-1 >em ai$ .it,/""y. 2Eo/r mother4 cooking61
2Rat .o/"$n4t eat my mother4 cooking. 7here .a thi pot hop- tho/gh. No one ever ma$e
a bo." o4 bro.n "ike them. So thick yo/ co/"$ tan$ yo/r poon /p in the bo."- .ith ch/nk o,
thi an$ that. Eo/ ever have yo/re", a bo." o4 bro.n- #a",man61
2A time or t.o. Singer4 te.- & ca"" it.1
23hy4 that61
2&t tate o goo$ it make me .ant to ing.1
>em "ike$ that. 2Singer4 te.. &4"" ak ,or that ne:t time & get back to +"ea Bottom. 3hat $o
yo/ mi- #a",man61
-aime- tho/ght 7yrion. Shae+ #!sha+ *! wife, I miss m! wife, the wife I hardl! knew. 23ine-
.hore- an$ .ea"th-1 he an.ere$. 2Cpecia""y the .ea"th. 3ea"th .i"" b/y yo/ .ine an$
.hore.1 It will also bu! !ou swords, and the ,ems to wield them+
2& it tr/e the chamber pot in Cater"y Rock are ma$e o, o"i$ go"$61 >em ake$ him.
2Eo/ ho/"$ not be"ieve everything yo/ hear. Cpecia""y .here #o/e ?anniter i
concerne$.1
27hey ay a"" ?anniter are t.ity nake.1
2Snake61 7yrion "a/ghe$. 27hat o/n$ yo/ hear i my "or$ ,ather- "ithering in hi grave. 3e
are lions- or o .e "ike to ay. B/t it make no matter- >em. Step on a nake or a "ion4 tai"-
yo/4"" en$ /p =/t a $ea$.1
By then they ha$ reache$ the armory- /ch a it .a. 7he mith- thi ,ab"e$ #ammer- prove$
to be a ,reakih("ooking h/"k .ith a "e,t arm that appeare$ t.ice a thick a hi right. 2#e4
$r/nk more than not-1 >em ai$. 2Bro.n Ben "et it go- b/t one $ay .e4"" get / a rea" armorer.1
#ammer4 apprentice .a a .iry re$(haire$ yo/th ca""e$ Nai". Of course+ What else6 m/e$
7yrion. #ammer .a "eeping o,, a $r/nk .hen they reache$ the ,orge- =/t a >em ha$
propheie$- b/t Nai" ha$ no ob=ection to the t.o $.ar, c"ambering thro/gh the .agon. 2Crap
iron- mot o, it-1 he .arne$ them- 2b/t yo/4re .e"come to anything yo/ can /e.1
Fn$er roo, o, bent .oo$ an$ ti,,ene$ "eather- the .agon be$ .ere heape$ high .ith o"$
.eaponry an$ armor. 7yrion took one "ook an$ ighe$- remembering the g"eaming rack o,
.or$ an$ pear an$ ha"ber$ in the armory o, the ?anniter be"o. Cater"y Rock. 27hi may
take a .hi"e-1 he $ec"are$.
27here4 o/n$ tee" here i, yo/ can ,in$ it-1 a $eep voice gro."e$. 2None o, it i pretty- b/t it
.i"" top a .or$.1
A big knight teppe$ $o.n ,rom the back o, a .agon- c"a$ hea$ to hee" in company tee". #i
"e,t greave $i$ not match hi right- hi gorget .a potte$ .ith r/t- hi vambrace rich an$
ornate- in"ai$ .ith nie""o ,"o.er. Hn hi right han$ .a a ga/nt"et o, "obtere$ tee"- on hi "e,t a
,inger"e mitt o, r/te$ mai". 7he nipp"e on hi m/c"e$ breatp"ate ha$ a pair o, iron ring
thro/gh them. #i greathe"m porte$ a ram4 horn- one o, .hich .a broken.
3hen he took it o,,- he revea"e$ the battere$ ,ace o, !orah Mormont. 7e looks eer! inch a
sellsword and not at all like the half(broken thing we took from &ezzan/s cage- 7yrion re,"ecte$.
#i br/ie ha$ mot"y ,a$e$ by no.- an$ the .e""ing in hi ,ace ha$ "arge"y /bi$e$- o
Mormont "ooke$ a"mot h/man once again8 tho/gh on"y vag/e"y "ike hime",. 7he $emon4
mak the "aver ha$ b/rne$ into hi right cheek to mark him ,or a $angero/ an$ $iobe$ient
"ave .o/"$ never "eave him. Ser !orah ha$ never been .hat one might ca"" a come"y man. 7he
bran$ ha$ tran,orme$ hi ,ace into omething ,rightening.
7yrion grinne$. 2A "ong a & "ook prettier than yo/- & .i"" be happy.1 #e t/rne$ to 9enny.
2Eo/ take that .agon. &4"" tart .ith thi one.1
2&t .i"" go ,ater i, .e "ook together.1 She p"/cke$ /p a r/te$ iron ha",(he"m- gigg"e$- an$
t/ck it on her hea$. 25o & "ook ,earome61
&ou look like a mummer girl with a pot on her head. 27hat4 a ha",he"m. Eo/ .ant a
greathe"m.1 #e ,o/n$ one- an$ .appe$ it ,or the ha",he"m.
2&t4 too big.1 9enny4 voice echoe$ ho""o."y ini$e the tee". 2& can4t ee o/t.1 She took the
he"m o,, an$ ,"/ng it ai$e. 23hat4 .rong .ith the ha",he"m61
2&t4 open(,ace$.1 7yrion pinche$ her noe. 2& am ,on$ o, "ooking at yo/r noe. & .o/"$ rather
that yo/ kept it.1
#er eye got big. 2Eo/ "ike my noe61
Oh, Seen sae me+ 7yrion t/rne$ a.ay an$ began rooting amongt ome pi"e o, o"$ armor
to.ar$ the back o, the .agon.
2Are there any other part o, me yo/ "ike61 9enny ake$.
9erhap he meant that to o/n$ p"ay,/". &t o/n$e$ a$ intea$. 2& am ,on$ o, a"" o, yo/r
part-1 7yrion ai$- in hope o, en$ing any ,/rther $ic/ion o, the /b=ect- 2an$ even ,on$er o,
mine o.n.1
23hy ho/"$ .e nee$ armor6 3e4re on"y m/mmer. 3e =/t pretend to ,ight.1
2Eo/ preten$ very .e""-1 ai$ 7yrion- e:amining a hirt o, heavy iron mai" o ,/"" o, ho"e
that it a"mot "ooke$ moth(eaten. What sort of moths eat chainmail6 29reten$ing to be $ea$ i
one .ay to /rvive a batt"e. Goo$ armor i another.1 #hough there is precious little of that here,
I fear+ At the Green +ork- he ha$ ,o/ght in mimatche$ crap o, p"ate ,rom ?or$ ?e,,or$4
.agon- .ith a pike$ b/cket he"m that ma$e it "ook a i, omeone ha$ /pen$e$ a "op pai" over
hi hea$. 7hi company tee" .a .ore. Not =/t o"$ an$ i"" ,itting- b/t $inte$- cracke$- an$
britt"e. Is that dried blood, or onl! rust6 #e ni,,e$ at it b/t ti"" co/"$ not be /re.
2#ere4 a crobo..1 9enny ho.e$ it to him.
7yrion g"ance$ at it. 2& cannot /e a tirr/p .inch. My "eg are not "ong eno/gh. A crank
.o/"$ erve me better.1 7ho/gh- i, tr/th be to"$- he $i$ not .ant a crobo.. 7hey took too "ong
to re"oa$. Cven i, he "/rke$ by the "atrine $itch .aiting ,or ome enemy to take a A/at- the
chance o, hi "oing more than one A/arre" .o/"$ not be goo$.
&ntea$ he picke$ /p a morningtar- gave it a .ing- p/t it $o.n again. #oo hea!+ #e pae$
over a .arhammer ;too "ong<- a t/$$e$ mace ;a"o too heavy<- an$ ha", a $oGen "ong.or$
be,ore he ,o/n$ a $irk he "ike$- a naty piece o, tee" .ith a triang/"ar b"a$e. 27hi might erve-1
he ai$. 7he b"a$e ha$ a bit o, r/t on it- b/t that .o/"$ on"y make it natier. #e ,o/n$ a .oo$(
an$("eather heath that ,it an$ "ippe$ the $irk ini$e.
2A "itt"e .or$ ,or a "itt"e man61 =oke$ 9enny.
2&t4 a $irk an$ ma$e ,or a big man.1 7yrion ho.e$ her an o"$ "ong(.or$. 27hi i a .or$.
7ry it.1
9enny took it- ./ng it- ,ro.ne$. 27oo heavy.1
2Stee" .eigh more than .oo$. Chop thro/gh a man4 neck .ith that thing- tho/gh- an$ hi
hea$ i not "ike to t/rn into a me"on.1 #e took the .or$ back ,rom her an$ inpecte$ it more
c"oe"y. 2Cheap tee". An$ notche$. #ere- ee6 & take back .hat & ai$. Eo/ nee$ a better b"a$e
to hack o,, hea$.1
2& $on4t want to hack o,, hea$.1
2Nor ho/"$ yo/. >eep yo/r c/t be"o. the knee. Ca",- hamtring- ank"e8 even giant ,a"" i,
yo/ "ice their ,eet o,,. Hnce they4re $o.n- they4re no bigger than yo/.1
9enny "ooke$ a tho/gh he .a abo/t to cry. 2?at night & $reame$ my brother .a a"ive
again. 3e .ere =o/ting be,ore ome great "or$- ri$ing Cr/nch an$ 9retty 9ig- an$ men .ere
thro.ing roe at /. 3e .ere o happy81
7yrion "appe$ her.
&t .a a o,t b"o.- a"" in a""- a "itt"e ,"ick o, the .rit- .ith har$"y any ,orce behin$ it. &t $i$
not even "eave a mark /pon her cheek. B/t her eye ,i""e$ .ith tear a"" the ame.
2&, yo/ .ant to $ream- go back to "eep-1 he to"$ her. 23hen yo/ .ake /p- .e4"" ti"" be
ecape$ "ave in the mi$$"e o, a iege. Cr/nch i $ea$. 7he pig a .e""- mot "ike. No. ,in$
ome armor an$ p/t it on- an$ never min$ .here it pinche. 7he m/mmer ho. i over. +ight or
hi$e or hit yo/re",- a yo/ "ike- b/t .hatever yo/ $eci$e to $o- yo/4"" $o it c"a$ in tee".1
9enny to/che$ the cheek he4$ "appe$. 23e ho/"$ never have r/n. 3e4re not e"".or$.
3e4re not any kin$ o, .or$. &t .an4t o ba$ .ith EeGGan. &t .an4t. N/re .a cr/e"
ometime b/t EeGGan never .a. 3e .ere hi ,avorite- hi8 hi81
2Slaes. 7he .or$ yo/ .ant i slaes+1
2S"ave-1 he ai$- ,"/hing. 23e .ere hi special "ave- tho/gh. !/t "ike S.eet. #i
trea/re.1
7is pets- tho/ght 7yrion. And he loed us so much that he sent us to the pit, to be deoured b!
lions+
She .a not a"" .rong. EeGGan4 "ave ate better than many peaant back in the Seven
>ing$om an$ .ere "e "ike to tarve to $eath come .inter. S"ave .ere chatte"- aye. 7hey
co/"$ be bo/ght an$ o"$- .hippe$ an$ bran$e$- /e$ ,or the carna" p"ea/re o, their o.ner-
bre$ to make more "ave. &n that ene they .ere no more than $og or hore. B/t mot "or$
treate$ their $og an$ hore .e"" eno/gh. 9ro/$ men might ho/t that they .o/"$ ooner $ie
,ree than "ive a "ave- b/t pri$e .a cheap. 3hen the tee" tr/ck the ,"int- /ch men .ere rare
a $ragon4 teethI e"e.ie the .or"$ .o/"$ not have been o ,/"" o, "ave. #here has neer
been a slae who did not choose to be a slae- the $.ar, re,"ecte$. #heir choice ma! be between
bondage and death, but the choice is alwa!s there+
7yrion ?anniter $i$ not e:cept hime",. #i tong/e ha$ earne$ him ome tripe on the back
in the beginning- b/t oon eno/gh he ha$ "earne$ the trick o, p"eaing N/re an$ the nob"e
EeGGan. !orah Mormont ha$ ,o/ght "onger an$ har$er- b/t he .o/"$ have come to the ame p"ace
in the en$.
And $enn!, well =
9enny ha$ been earching ,or a ne. mater ince the $ay her brother Groat ha$ "ot hi hea$.
She wants someone to take care of her, someone to tell her what to do+
&t .o/"$ have been too cr/e" to ay o- ho.ever. &ntea$ 7yrion ai$- 2EeGGan4 pecia" "ave
$i$ not ecape the pa"e mare. 7hey4re $ea$- the "ot o, them. S.eet .a the ,irt to go.1 7heir
mammoth mater ha$ $ie$ on the $ay o, their ecape- Bro.n Ben 9"/mm ha$ to"$ him. Neither
he nor >aporio nor any o, the other e"".or$ kne. the ,ate o, the $eniGen o, EeGGan4
groteA/erie8 b/t i, 9retty 9enny nee$e$ "ie to top her mooning- "ie to her he .o/"$. 2&, yo/
.ant to be a "ave again- & .i"" ,in$ yo/ a kin$ mater .hen thi .ar i $one- an$ e"" yo/ ,or
eno/gh go"$ to get me home-1 7yrion promie$ her. 2&4"" ,in$ yo/ ome nice E/nkihman to give
yo/ another pretty go"$en co""ar- .ith "itt"e be"" on it that .i"" tink"e every.here yo/ go. +irt-
tho/gh- yo/ .i"" nee$ to /rvive .hat4 coming. No one b/y $ea$ m/mmer.1
2Hr $ea$ $.ar,-1 ai$ !orah Mormont. 23e are a"" "ike to be ,ee$ing .orm by the time thi
batt"e i $one. 7he E/nkai4i have "ot thi .ar- tho/gh it may take them ome time to kno. it.
Meereen ha an army o, Fn/""ie$ in,antry- the ,inet in the .or"$. An$ Meereen ha $ragon.
7hree o, them- once the A/een ret/rn. She .i"". She m/t. H/r i$e conit o, t.o core
E/nkih "or$"ing- each .ith hi o.n ha",(traine$ monkey men. S"ave on ti"t- "ave in
chain8 they may have troop o, b"in$ men an$ pa"ie$ chi"$ren too- & .o/"$ not p/t it pat
them.1
2Hh- & kno.-1 ai$ 7yrion. 27he Secon$ Son are on the "oing i$e. 7hey nee$ to t/rn their
c"oak again an$ $o it no..1 #e grinne$. 2?eave that to me.1
THE 5ING!REA5ER
A pa"e ha$o. an$ a $ark- the t.o conpirator came together in the A/iet o, the armory on
the Great 9yrami$4 econ$ "eve"- amongt rack o, pear- heave o, A/arre"- an$ .a"" h/ng
.ith trophie ,rom ,orgotten batt"e.
27onight-1 ai$ SkahaG mo >an$aA. 7he bra ,ace o, a b"oo$ bat peere$ o/t ,rom beneath the
hoo$ o, hi patch.ork c"oak. 2A"" my men .i"" be in p"ace. 7he .or$ i 1roleo+1
2Gro"eo.1 #hat is fitting, I suppose+ 2Ee. 3hat .a $one to him8 yo/ .ere at co/rt61
2Hne g/ar$man amongt ,orty. A"" .aiting ,or the empty tabar$ on the throne to peak the
comman$ o .e might c/t $o.n B"oo$bear$ an$ the ret. 5o yo/ think the E/nkai4i .o/"$ ever
have $are$ preent Daener!s .ith the hea$ o, her hotage61
2o, tho/ght Se"my. 2#iG$ahr eeme$ $itra/ght.1
2Sham. #i o.n kin o, ?oraA .ere ret/rne$ /nharme$. Eo/ a.. 7he E/nkai4i p"aye$ / a
m/mmer4 ,arce- .ith nob"e #iG$ahr a chie, m/mmer. 7he i/e .a never E/rkhaG Go
E/nGak. 7he other "aver .o/"$ g"a$"y have tramp"e$ that o"$ ,oo" theme"ve. 7hi .a to give
#iG$ahr a prete:t to ki"" the $ragon.1
Ser Barritan che.e$ on that. 23o/"$ he $are61
2#e $are$ to ki"" hi A/een. 3hy not her pet6 &, .e $o not act- #iG$ahr .i"" heitate ,or a
time- to give proo, o, hi re"/ctance an$ a""o. the 3ie Mater the chance to ri$ him o, the
Stormcro. an$ the b"oo$ri$er. #hen he .i"" act. 7hey .ant the $ragon $ea$ be,ore the
%o"antene ,"eet arrive.1
A!e, the! would+ &t a"" ,it. 7hat $i$ not mean Barritan Se"my "ike$ it any better. 27hat .i"" not
happen.1 #i A/een .a the Mother o, 5ragonI he .o/"$ not a""o. her chi"$ren to come to
harm. 27he ho/r o, the .o",. 7he b"acket part o, night- .hen a"" the .or"$4 a"eep.1 #e ha$
,irt hear$ thoe .or$ ,rom 7y.in ?anniter o/ti$e the .a"" o, 5/ken$a"e. 7e gae me a
da! to bring out Aer!s+ <nless I returned with the king b! dawn of the following da!, he would
take the town with steel and fire, he told me+ It was the hour of the wolf when I went in and the
hour of the wolf when we emerged+ 2Grey 3orm an$ the Fn/""ie$ .i"" c"oe an$ bar the gate at
,irt "ight.1
2Better to attack at ,irt "ight-1 SkahaG ai$. 2B/rt ,rom the gate an$ .arm acro the iege
"ine- mah the E/nkai4i a they come t/mb"ing ,rom their be$.1
2No.1 7he t.o o, them ha$ arg/e$ thi be,ore. 27here i a peace- igne$ an$ ea"e$ by #er
Grace the A/een. 3e .i"" not be the ,irt to break it. Hnce .e have taken #iG$ahr- .e .i"" ,orm a
co/nci" to r/"e in hi p"ace an$ $eman$ that the E/nkai4i ret/rn o/r hotage an$ .ith$ra. their
armie. Sho/"$ they re,/e- then an$ on"y then .i"" .e in,orm them that the peace i broken- an$
go ,orth to give them batt"e. Eo/r .ay i $ihonorab"e.1
2Eo/r .ay i t/pi$-1 the Shavepate ai$. 27he ho/r i ripe. H/r ,ree$men are rea$y.
#/ngry.1
7hat m/ch .a tr/e- Se"my kne.. Symon Stripeback o, the +ree Brother an$ Mo""ono Eo
5ob o, the Sta".art Shie"$ .ere both eager ,or batt"e- intent on proving theme"ve an$ .ahing
o/t a"" the .rong they ha$ /,,ere$ in a ti$e o, E/nkih b"oo$. Hn"y Mare"en o, the Mother4
Men hare$ Ser Barritan4 $o/bt. 23e $ic/e$ thi. Eo/ agree$ it .o/"$ be my .ay.1
2& agree$-1 the Shavepate gr/mb"e$- 2b/t that .a be,ore Gro"eo. 7he hea$. 7he "aver have
no honor.1
23e $o-1 ai$ Ser Barritan.
7he Shavepate m/ttere$ omething in Ghicari- then ai$- 2A yo/ .ih. 7ho/gh .e .i"" r/e
yo/r o"$ man4 honor be,ore thi game i $one- & think. 3hat o, #iG$ahr4 g/ar$61
2#i Grace keep t.o men by him .hen he "eep. Hne on the $oor o, hi be$chamber- a
econ$ .ithin- in an a$=oining a"cove. 7onight it .i"" be >hraGG an$ Stee"kin.1
2>hraGG-1 the Shavepate gr/mb"e$. 27hat & $o not "ike.1
2&t nee$ not come to b"oo$-1 Ser Barritan to"$ him. 2& mean to ta"k to #iG$ahr. &, he
/n$ertan$ .e $o not inten$ to ki"" him- he may comman$ hi g/ar$ to yie"$.1
2An$ i, not6 #iG$ahr m/t not ecape /.1
2#e .i"" not ecape.1 Se"my $i$ not ,ear >hraGG- m/ch "e Stee"kin. 7hey .ere on"y pit
,ighter. #iG$ahr4 ,earome co""ection o, ,ormer ,ighting "ave ma$e in$i,,erent g/ar$ at bet.
Spee$ an$ trength an$ ,erocity they ha$- an$ ome ki"" at arm a .e""- b/t b"oo$ game .ere
poor training ,or protecting king. &n the pit their ,oe .ere anno/nce$ .ith horn an$ $r/m-
an$ a,ter the batt"e .a $one an$ .on the victor co/"$ have their .o/n$ bo/n$ /p an$ A/a,,
ome mi"k o, the poppy ,or the pain- kno.ing that the threat .a pat an$ they .ere ,ree to $rink
an$ ,eat an$ .hore /nti" the ne:t ,ight. B/t the batt"e .a never tr/"y $one ,or a knight o, the
>ingg/ar$. 7hreat came ,rom every.here an$ no.here- at any time o, $ay or night. No
tr/mpet anno/nce$ the ,oe' vaa"- ervant- ,rien$- brother- on- even .ive- any o, them
might have knive concea"e$ beneath their c"oak an$ m/r$er hi$$en in their heart. +or every
ho/r o, ,ighting- a >ingg/ar$ knight pent ten tho/an$ ho/r .atching- .aiting- tan$ing i"ent
in the ha$o.. >ing #iG$ahr4 pit ,ighter .ere a"rea$y gro.ing bore$ an$ retive .ith their
ne. $/tie- an$ bore$ men .ere "a:- "o. to react.
2& ha"" $ea" .ith >hraGG-1 ai$ Ser Barritan. 2!/t make certain & $o not nee$ to $ea" .ith
any BraGen Beat a .e"".1
2#ave no ,ear. 3e .i"" have MarghaG in chain be,ore he can make michie,. & to"$ yo/- the
BraGen Beat are mine.1
2Eo/ ay yo/ have men amongt the E/nkihmen61
2Sneak an$ pie. ReGnak ha more.1
)eznak cannot be trusted+ 7e smells too sweet and feels too foul+ 2Someone nee$ to ,ree o/r
hotage. Fn"e .e get o/r peop"e back- the E/nkai4i .i"" /e them againt /.1
SkahaG norte$ thro/gh the noeho"e o, hi mak. 2Cay to peak o, rec/e. #ar$er to $o. ?et
the "aver threaten.1
2An$ i, they $o more than threaten61
23o/"$ yo/ mi them o m/ch- o"$ man6 A e/n/ch- a avage- an$ a e"".or$61
7ero, -hogo, and Daario+ 2!hogo i the A/een4 b"oo$ri$er- b"oo$ o, her b"oo$. 7hey came
o/t o, the Re$ 3ate together. #ero i Grey 3orm4 econ$(in(comman$. An$ 5aario81 She
loes Daario+ #e ha$ een it in her eye .hen he "ooke$ at him- hear$ it in her voice .hen he
poke o, him. 285aario i vain an$ rah- b/t he i $ear to #er Grace. #e m/t be rec/e$-
be,ore hi Stormcro. $eci$e to take matter into their o.n han$. &t can be $one. & once bro/ght
the A/een4 ,ather a,e"y o/t o, 5/ken$a"e- .here he .a being he"$ captive by a rebe" "or$-
b/t81
28yo/ co/"$ never hope to pa /nnotice$ amongt the E/nkai4i. Cvery man o, them kno.
yo/r ,ace by no..1
I could hide m! face, like !ou, tho/ght Se"my- b/t he kne. the Shavepate .a right.
5/ken$a"e ha$ been a "i,etime ago. #e .a too o"$ ,or /ch heroic. 27hen .e m/t nee$ ,in$
ome other .ay. Some other rec/er. Someone kno.n to the E/nkihmen- .hoe preence in
their camp might go /nnotice$81
25aario ca"" yo/ Ser Gran$,ather-1 SkahaG remin$e$ him. 2& .i"" not ay .hat he ca"" me. &,
yo/ an$ & .ere the hotage- .o/"$ he rik hi kin ,or /61
2ot likel!, he tho/ght- b/t he ai$- 2#e might.1
25aario might pi on / i, .e .ere b/rning. C"e.ie $o not "ook to him ,or he"p. ?et the
Stormcro. chooe another captain- one .ho kno. hi p"ace. &, the A/een $oe not ret/rn- the
.or"$ .i"" be one e"".or$ hort. 3ho .i"" grieve61
2An$ .hen he $oe ret/rn61
2She .i"" .eep an$ tear her hair an$ c/re the E/nkai4i. Not /. No b"oo$ on o/r han$. Eo/
can com,ort her. 7e"" her ome ta"e o, the o"$ $ay- he "ike thoe. 9oor 5aario- her brave
captain8 he .i"" never ,orget him- no8 b/t better ,or a"" o, / i, he i $ea$- ye6 Better ,or
5aenery too.1
Better for Daener!s, and for Westeros+ 5aenery 7argaryen "ove$ her captain- b/t that .a
the gir" in her- not the A/een. $rince )haegar loed his "ad! "!anna, and thousands died for it+
Daemon Blackf!re loed the first Daener!s, and rose in rebellion when denied her+ Bittersteel
and Bloodraen both loed Shiera Seastar, and the Seen ,ingdoms bled+ #he $rince of
Dragonflies loed -enn! of Oldstones so much he cast aside a crown, and Westeros paid the
bride price in corpses+ A"" three o, the on o, the ,i,th Aegon ha$ .e$ ,or "ove- in $e,iance o,
their ,ather4 .ihe. An$ beca/e that /n"ike"y monarch ha$ hime", ,o""o.e$ hi heart .hen he
choe hi A/een- he a""o.e$ hi on to have their .ay- making bitter enemie .here he might
have ha$ ,at ,rien$. 7reaon an$ t/rmoi" ,o""o.e$- a night ,o""o. $ay- en$ing at S/mmerha""
in orcery- ,ire- an$ grie,.
7er loe for Daario is poison+ A slower poison than the locusts, but in the end as deadl!+
27here i ti"" !hogo-1 Ser Barritan ai$. 2#im- an$ #ero. Both precio/ to #er Grace.1
23e have hotage a .e""-1 SkahaG Shavepate remin$e$ him. 2&, the "aver ki"" one o, o/r-
.e ki"" one o, their.1
+or a moment Ser Barritan $i$ not kno. .hom he meant. 7hen it came to him. 27he A/een4
c/pbearer61
27ostages,1 inite$ SkahaG mo >an$aA. 2GraG$ar an$ DeGGa are the b"oo$ o, the Green
Grace. MeGGara i o, MerreA- >eGmya i 9ah"- AGGak GhaGeen. BhakaG i ?oraA- #iG$ahr4 o.n
kin. A"" are on an$ $a/ghter o, the pyrami$. Khak- D/aGGar- Fh"eG- #aGkar- 5haGak-
EheriGan- a"" chi"$ren o, Great Mater.1
2&nnocent gir" an$ .eet(,ace$ boy.1 Ser Barritan ha$ come to kno. them a"" $/ring the
time they erve$ the A/een- GraGhar .ith hi $ream o, g"ory- hy MeGGara- "aGy Mik"aG- vain-
pretty >eGmya- DeGGa .ith her big o,t eye an$ ange"4 voice- 5haGGar the $ancer- an$ the ret.
2Chi"$ren.1
2Chi"$ren o, the #arpy. Hn"y b"oo$ can pay ,or b"oo$.1
2So ai$ the E/nkihman .ho bro/ght / Gro"eo4 hea$.1
2#e .a not .rong.1
2& .i"" not permit it.1
23hat /e are hotage i, they may not be to/che$61
2Mayhap .e might o,,er three o, the chi"$ren ,or 5aario- #ero- an$ !hogo-1 Ser Barritan
a""o.e$. 2#er Grace@1
2@i not here. &t i ,or yo/ an$ me to $o .hat m/t be $one. Eo/ kno. that & am right.1
29rince Rhaegar ha$ t.o chi"$ren-1 Ser Barritan to"$ him. 2Rhaeny .a a "itt"e gir"- Aegon
a babe in arm. 3hen 7y.in ?anniter took >ing4 ?an$ing- hi men ki""e$ both o, them. #e
erve$ the b"oo$y bo$ie /p in crimon c"oak- a gi,t ,or the ne. king.1 And what did )obert sa!
when he saw them6 Did he smile6 Barritan Se"my ha$ been ba$"y .o/n$e$ on the 7ri$ent- o
he ha$ been pare$ the ight o, ?or$ 7y.in4 gi,t- b/t o,t he .on$ere$. If I had seen him smile
oer the red ruins of )haegar/s children, no arm! on this earth could hae stopped me from
killing him+ 2& .i"" not /,,er the m/r$er o, chi"$ren. Accept that- or &4"" have no part o, thi.1
SkahaG ch/ck"e$. 2Eo/ are a t/bborn o"$ man. Eo/r .eet(,ace$ boy .i"" on"y gro. /p to
be Son o, the #arpy. >i"" them no. or ki"" them then.1
2Eo/ ki"" men ,or the .rong they have $one- not the .rong that they may $o ome$ay.1
7he Shavepate took an a:e $o.n o,, the .a""- inpecte$ it- an$ gr/nte$. 2So be it. No harm to
#iG$ahr or o/r hotage. 3i"" that content yo/- Ser Gran$,ather61
2othing about this will content me+ 2&t .i"" erve. 7he ho/r o, the .o",. Remember.1
2& am not "ike to ,orget- er.1 7ho/gh the bat4 bra mo/th $i$ not move- Ser Barritan co/"$
ene the grin beneath the mak. 2?ong ha >an$aA .aite$ ,or thi night.1
#hat is what I fear+ &, >ing #iG$ahr .a innocent- .hat they $i$ thi $ay .o/"$ be treaon.
B/t ho. co/"$ he be innocent6 Se"my ha$ hear$ him /rging 5aenery to tate the poione$
"oc/t- ho/ting at hi men to "ay the $ragon. If we do not act, 7izdahr will kill the dragons
and open the gates to the 3ueen/s enemies+ We hae no choice in this+ Eet no matter ho. he
t/rne$ an$ t.ite$ thi- the o"$ knight co/"$ ,in$ no honor in it.
7he ret o, that "ong $ay race$ pat a .i,t"y a a nai".
C"e.here- he kne.- >ing #iG$ahr .a con/"ting .ith ReGnak mo ReGnak- MarghaG Go
?oraA- Ga"aGGa Ga"are- an$ hi other Meereenee a$vior- $eci$ing ho. bet to repon$ to
E/nkai4 $eman$8 b/t Barritan Se"my .a no "onger a part o, /ch co/nci". Nor $i$ he have
a king to g/ar$. &ntea$ he ma$e the ro/n$ o, the pyrami$ ,rom top to bottom- to acertain that
the entrie .ere a"" at their pot. 7hat took mot o, the morning. #e pent that a,ternoon .ith
hi orphan- even took /p .or$ an$ hie"$ hime", to provi$e a terner tet ,or a ,e. o, the o"$er
"a$.
Some o, them ha$ been training ,or the ,ighting pit .hen 5aenery 7argaryen took Meereen
an$ ,ree$ them ,rom their chain. 7hoe ha$ ha$ a goo$ acA/aintance .ith .or$ an$ pear an$
batt"e(a:e even be,ore Ser Barritan got ho"$ o, them. A ,e. might .e"" be rea$y. #he bo! from
the Basilisk Isles, for a start+ #umco "ho+ B"ack a maeter4 ink he .a- b/t ,at an$ trong- the
bet nat/ra" .or$man Se"my ha$ een ince !aime ?anniter. "arra3 as well+ #he "ash+ Ser
Barritan $i$ not approve o, hi ,ighting ty"e- b/t there .a no $o/bting hi ki"". ?arraA ha$
year o, .ork ahea$ o, him be,ore he matere$ proper knight"y .eapon- .or$ an$ "ance an$
mace- b/t he .a $ea$"y .ith hi .hip an$ tri$ent. 7he o"$ knight ha$ .arne$ him that the .hip
.o/"$ be /e"e againt an armore$ ,oe8 /nti" he a. ho. ?arraA /e$ it- napping it aro/n$
the "eg o, hi opponent to yank them o,, their ,eet. 2o knight as !et, but a fierce fighter+
?arraA an$ 7/mco .ere hi bet. A,ter them the ?haGarene- the one the other boy ca""e$ Re$
?amb- tho/gh a yet that one .a a"" ,erocity an$ no techniA/e. 9erhap the brother too- three
"o.born Ghicari en"ave$ to pay their ,ather4 $ebt.
7hat ma$e i:. Si8 out of twent!(seen+ Se"my might have hope$ ,or more- b/t i: .a a goo$
beginning. 7he other boy .ere yo/nger ,or the mot part- an$ more ,ami"iar .ith "oom an$
p"o. an$ chamber pot than .or$ an$ hie"$- b/t they .orke$ har$ an$ "earne$ A/ick"y. A
,e. year a A/ire- an$ he might have i: more knight to give hi A/een. A ,or thoe .ho
.o/"$ never be rea$y- .e""- not every boy .a meant to be a knight. #he realm needs
candlemakers and innkeeps and armorers as well+ 7hat .a a tr/e in Meereen a it .a in
3etero.
A he .atche$ them at their $ri""- Ser Barritan pon$ere$ raiing 7/mco an$ ?arraA to
knighthoo$ then an$ there- an$ mayhap the Re$ ?amb too. &t reA/ire$ a knight to make a
knight- an$ i, omething ho/"$ go a.ry tonight- $a.n might ,in$ him $ea$ or in a $/ngeon.
3ho .o/"$ $/b hi A/ire then6 Hn the other han$- a yo/ng knight4 rep/te $erive$ at "eat in
part ,rom the honor o, the man .ho con,erre$ knighthoo$ on him. &t .o/"$ $o hi "a$ no goo$
at a"" i, it .a kno.n that they .ere given their p/r by a traitor- an$ might .e"" "an$ them in
the $/ngeon ne:t to him. #he! desere better, Ser Barritan $eci$e$. Better a long life as a
s3uire than a short one as a soiled knight+
A the a,ternoon me"te$ into evening- he bi$ hi charge to "ay $o.n their .or$ an$ hie"$
an$ gather ro/n$. #e poke to them abo/t .hat it meant to be a knight. 2&t i chiva"ry that make
a tr/e knight- not a .or$-1 he ai$. 23itho/t honor- a knight i no more than a common ki""er. &t
i better to $ie .ith honor than to "ive .itho/t it.1 7he boy "ooke$ at him trange"y- he tho/ght-
b/t one $ay they .o/"$ /n$ertan$.
A,ter.ar$- back at the ape: o, the pyrami$- Ser Barritan ,o/n$ Mian$ei amongt pi"e o,
cro"" an$ book- rea$ing. 2Stay here tonight- chi"$-1 he to"$ her. 23hatever happen- .hatever
yo/ ee or hear- $o not "eave the A/een4 chamber.1
27hi one hear-1 the gir" ai$. 2&, he may ak@1
2Bet not.1 Ser Barritan teppe$ o/t a"one onto the terrace gar$en. I am not made for this,
he re,"ecte$ a he "ooke$ o/t over the pra."ing city. 7he pyrami$ .ere .aking- one by one-
"antern an$ torche ,"ickering to "i,e a ha$o. gathere$ in the treet be"o.. $lots, plo!s,
whispers, lies, secrets within secrets, and somehow I hae become part of them+
9erhap by no. he ho/"$ have gro.n /e$ to /ch thing. 7he Re$ >eep ha$ it ecret too.
0en )haegar+ 7he 9rince o, 5ragontone ha$ never tr/te$ him a he ha$ tr/te$ Arth/r 5ayne.
#arrenha" .a proo, o, that. #he !ear of the false spring+
7he memory .a ti"" bitter. H"$ ?or$ 3hent ha$ anno/nce$ the to/rney hort"y a,ter a viit
,rom hi brother- Ser H.e"" 3hent o, the >ingg/ar$. 3ith %ary .hipering in hi ear- >ing
Aery became convince$ that hi on .a conpiring to $epoe him- that 3hent4 to/rney .a
b/t a p"oy to give Rhaegar a prete:t ,or meeting .ith a many great "or$ a co/"$ be bro/ght
together. Aery ha$ not et ,oot o/ti$e the Re$ >eep ince 5/ken$a"e- yet /$$en"y he
anno/nce$ that he .o/"$ accompany 9rince Rhaegar to #arrenha"- an$ everything ha$ gone
a.ry ,rom there.
If I had been a better knight= if I had unhorsed the prince in that last tilt, as I unhorsed so
man! others, it would hae been for me to choose the 3ueen of loe and beaut! =
Rhaegar ha$ choen ?yanna Stark o, 3inter,e"". Barritan Se"my .o/"$ have ma$e a $i,,erent
choice. Not the A/een- .ho .a not preent. Nor C"ia o, 5orne- tho/gh he .a goo$ an$ gent"eI
ha$ he been choen- m/ch .ar an$ .oe might have been avoi$e$. #i choice .o/"$ have been
a yo/ng mai$en not "ong at co/rt- one o, C"ia4 companion8 tho/gh compare$ to Ahara
5ayne- the 5ornih prince .a a kitchen $rab.
Cven a,ter a"" thee year- Ser Barritan co/"$ ti"" reca"" Ahara4 mi"e- the o/n$ o, her
"a/ghter. #e ha$ on"y to c"oe hi eye to ee her- .ith her "ong $ark hair t/mb"ing abo/t her
ho/"$er an$ thoe ha/nting p/rp"e eye. Daener!s has the same e!es+ Sometime .hen the
A/een "ooke$ at him- he ,e"t a i, he .ere "ooking at Ahara4 $a/ghter8
B/t Ahara4 $a/ghter ha$ been ti""born- an$ hi ,air "a$y ha$ thro.n here", ,rom a to.er
oon a,ter- ma$ .ith grie, ,or the chi"$ he ha$ "ot- an$ perhap ,or the man .ho ha$ $ihonore$
her at #arrenha" a .e"". She $ie$ never kno.ing that Ser Barritan ha$ "ove$ her. 7ow could
she6 #e .a a knight o, the >ingg/ar$- .orn to ce"ibacy. No goo$ co/"$ have come ,rom
te""ing her hi ,ee"ing. 2o good came from silence either+ If I had unhorsed )haegar and
crowned Ashara 3ueen of loe and beaut!, might she hae looked to me instead of Stark6
#e .o/"$ never kno.. B/t o, a"" hi ,ai"/re- none ha/nte$ Barritan Se"my o m/ch a that.
7he ky .a overcat- the air hot- m/ggy- oppreive- yet there .a omething in it that ma$e
hi pine ting"e. )ain, he tho/ght. A storm is coming+ If not tonight, upon the morrow+ Ser
Barritan .on$ere$ i, he .o/"$ "ive to ee it. If 7izdahr has his own Spider, I am as good as
dead+ Sho/"$ it come to that- he meant to $ie a he ha$ "ive$- .ith hi "ong.or$ in hi han$.
3hen the "at "ight ha$ ,a$e$ in the .et- behin$ the ai" o, the pro."ing hip on S"aver4
Bay- Ser Barritan .ent back ini$e- /mmone$ a pair o, erving men- an$ to"$ them to heat
ome .ater ,or a bath. Sparring .ith hi A/ire in the a,ternoon heat ha$ "e,t him ,ee"ing oi"e$
an$ .eaty.
7he .ater- .hen it came- .a on"y "/ke.arm- b/t Se"my "ingere$ in the bath /nti" it ha$
gro.n co"$ an$ cr/bbe$ hi kin ti"" it .a ra.. C"ean a he ha$ ever been- he roe- $rie$
hime",- an$ c"a$ hime", in .hite. Stocking- ma""c"othe- i"ken t/nic- pa$$e$ =erkin- a""
,reh(.ahe$ an$ b"eache$. Hver that he $onne$ the armor that the A/een ha$ given him a a
token o, her eteem. 7he mai" .a gi"$e$- ,ine"y .ro/ght- the "ink a /pp"e a goo$ "eather- the
p"ate ename"e$- har$ a ice an$ bright a ne.(,a""en no.. #i $agger .ent on one hip- hi "ong(
.or$ on the other- h/ng ,rom a .hite "eather be"t .ith go"$en b/ck"e. ?at o, a"" he took $o.n
hi "ong .hite c"oak an$ ,atene$ it abo/t hi ho/"$er.
7he he"m he "e,t /pon it hook. 7he narro. eye "it "imite$ hi viion- an$ he nee$e$ to be
ab"e to ee ,or .hat .a to come. 7he ha"" o, the pyrami$ .ere $ark at night- an$ ,oe co/"$
come at yo/ ,rom either i$e. Bei$e- tho/gh the ornate $ragon4 .ing that a$orne$ the he"m
.ere p"en$i$ to "ook /pon- they co/"$ too eai"y catch a .or$ or a:e. #e .o/"$ "eave them ,or
hi ne:t to/rney i, the Seven ho/"$ grant him one.
Arme$ an$ armore$- the o"$ knight .aite$- itting in the g"oom o, hi ma"" chamber
a$=oining the A/een4 apartment. 7he ,ace o, a"" the king that he ha$ erve$ an$ ,ai"e$ ,"oate$
be,ore him in the $arkne- an$ the ,ace o, the brother .ho ha$ erve$ bei$e him in the
>ingg/ar$ a .e"". #e .on$ere$ ho. many o, them .o/"$ have $one .hat he .a abo/t to $o.
Some, surel!+ But not all+ Some would not hae hesitated to strike down the Shaepate as a
traitor+ H/ti$e the pyrami$- it began to rain. Ser Barritan at a"ong in the $ark- "itening. It
sounds like tears, he tho/ght. It sounds like dead kings, weeping+
7hen it .a time to go.
7he Great 9yrami$ o, Meereen ha$ been b/i"t a an echo to the Great 9yrami$ o, Ghi .hoe
co"oa" r/in ?oma ?ongtri$er ha$ once viite$. ?ike it ancient pre$eceor- .hoe re$
marb"e ha"" .ere no. the ha/nt o, bat an$ pi$er- the Meereenee pyrami$ boate$ three(an$(
thirty "eve"- that n/mber being omeho. acre$ to the go$ o, Ghi. Ser Barritan began the
"ong $ecent a"one- hi .hite c"oak ripp"ing behin$ him a he tarte$ $o.n. #e took the ervant4
tep- not the gran$ tair.ay o, veine$ marb"e- b/t the narro.er- teeper- traighter tair hi$$en
.ithin the thick brick .a"".
7.e"ve "eve" $o.n he ,o/n$ the Shavepate .aiting- hi coare ,eat/re ti"" hi$$en by the
mak he ha$ .orn that morning- the b"oo$ bat. Si: BraGen Beat .ere .ith him. A"" .ere
make$ a inect- i$entica" to one another.
"ocusts, Se"my rea"iGe$. 2Gro"eo-1 he ai$.
2Gro"eo-1 one o, the "oc/t rep"ie$.
2& have more "oc/t i, yo/ nee$ them-1 ai$ SkahaG.
2Si: ho/"$ erve. 3hat o, the men on the $oor61
2Mine. Eo/ .i"" have no tro/b"e.1
Ser Barritan c"ape$ the Shavepate by the arm. 2She$ no b"oo$ /n"e yo/ m/t. Come the
morro. .e .i"" convene a co/nci" an$ te"" the city .hat .e4ve $one an$ .hy.1
2A yo/ ay. Goo$ ,ort/ne to yo/- o"$ man.1
7hey .ent their eparate .ay. 7he BraGen Beat ,e"" in behin$ Ser Barritan a he contin/e$
hi $ecent.
7he king4 apartment .ere b/rie$ in the very heart o, the pyrami$- on the i:teenth an$
eventeenth "eve". 3hen Se"my reache$ thoe ,"oor- he ,o/n$ the $oor to the interior o, the
pyrami$ chaine$ h/t- .ith a pair o, BraGen Beat pote$ a g/ar$. Beneath the hoo$ o, their
patch.ork c"oak- one .a a rat- the other a b/"".
2Gro"eo-1 Ser Barritan ai$.
2Gro"eo-1 the b/"" ret/rne$. 27hir$ ha"" to the right.1 7he rat /n"ocke$ the chain. Ser Barritan
an$ hi ecort teppe$ thro/gh into a narro.- torch"it ervant4 corri$or o, re$ an$ b"ack brick.
7heir ,oottep echoe$ on the ,"oor a they tro$e pat t.o ha"" an$ took the thir$ one to the
right.
H/ti$e the carve$ har$.oo$ $oor to the king4 chamber too$ Stee"kin- a yo/nger pit
,ighter- not yet regar$e$ a o, the ,irt rank. #i cheek an$ bro. .ere carre$ .ith intricate
tattoo in green an$ b"ack- ancient %a"yrian orcerer4 ign that /ppoe$"y ma$e hi ,"eh an$
kin a har$ a tee". Simi"ar marking covere$ hi chet an$ arm- tho/gh .hether they .o/"$
act/a""y top a .or$ or a:e remaine$ to be een.
Cven .itho/t them- Stee"kin "ooke$ ,ormi$ab"e@a "ean an$ .iry yo/th .ho overtoppe$ Ser
Barritan by ha", a ,oot. 23ho goe there61 he ca""e$ o/t- .inging hi "onga:e i$e.ay to bar
their .ay. 3hen he a. Ser Barritan- .ith the bra "oc/t behin$ him- he "o.ere$ it again.
2H"$ Ser.1
2&, it p"eae the king- & m/t nee$ have .or$ .ith him.1
27he ho/r i "ate.1
27he ho/r i "ate- b/t the nee$ i /rgent.1
2& can ak.1 Stee"kin "amme$ the b/tt o, hi "onga:e againt the $oor to the king4
apartment. A "i$eho"e opene$. A chi"$4 eye appeare$. A chi"$4 voice ca""e$ thro/gh the $oor.
Stee"kin rep"ie$. Ser Barritan hear$ the o/n$ o, a heavy bar being $ra.n back. 7he $oor
./ng open.
2Hn"y yo/-1 ai$ Stee"kin. 27he beat .ait here.1
2A yo/ .ih.1 Ser Barritan no$$e$ to the "oc/t. Hne ret/rne$ hi no$. A"one- Se"my
"ippe$ thro/gh the $oor.
5ark an$ .in$o."e- /rro/n$e$ on a"" i$e by brick .a"" eight ,eet thick- the chamber
that the king ha$ ma$e hi o.n .ere "arge an$ "/:/rio/ .ithin. Great beam o, b"ack oak
/pporte$ the high cei"ing. 7he ,"oor .ere covere$ .ith i"k carpet o/t o, Darth. Hn the .a""
.ere price"e tapetrie- ancient an$ m/ch ,a$e$- $epicting the g"ory o, the H"$ Cmpire o, Ghi.
7he "arget o, them ho.e$ the "at /rvivor o, a $e,eate$ %a"yrian army paing beneath the
yoke an$ being chaine$. 7he arch.ay "ea$ing to the roya" be$chamber .a g/ar$e$ by a pair o,
an$a".oo$ "over- hape$ an$ moothe$ an$ oi"e$. Ser Barritan ,o/n$ them $itate,/"- tho/gh
no $o/bt they .ere meant to be aro/ing. #he sooner we are gone from this place, the better+
An iron braGier gave the on"y "ight. Bei$e it too$ t.o o, the A/een4 c/pbearer- 5raAaG an$
DeGGa. 2Mik"aG ha gone to .ake the king-1 ai$ DeGGa. 2May .e bring yo/ .ine- er61
2No. & thank yo/.1
2Eo/ may it-1 ai$ 5raAaG- in$icating a bench.
2& pre,er to tan$.1 #e co/"$ hear voice $ri,ting thro/gh the arch.ay ,rom the be$chamber.
Hne o, them .a the king4.
&t .a ti"" a goo$ ,e. moment be,ore >ing #iG$ahr Go ?oraA- +o/rteenth o, 7hat Nob"e
Name- emerge$ ya.ning- knotting the ah that c"oe$ hi robe. 7he robe .a green atin- rich"y
.orke$ .ith pear" an$ i"ver threa$. Fn$er it the king .a A/ite nake$. 7hat .a goo$. Nake$
men ,e"t v/"nerab"e an$ .ere "e inc"ine$ to act o, /ici$a" heroim.
7he .oman Ser Barritan g"impe$ peering thro/gh the arch.ay ,rom behin$ a ga/Gy c/rtain
.a nake$ a .e""- her breat an$ hip on"y partia""y concea"e$ by the b"o.ing i"k.
2Ser Barritan.1 #iG$ahr ya.ne$ again. 23hat ho/r i it6 & there ne. o, my .eet A/een61
2None- Eo/r Grace.1
#iG$ahr ighe$. 2JEo/r *agnificence,4 p"eae. 7ho/gh at hi ho/r- JEo/r S"eepine4 .o/"$
be more apt.1 7he king croe$ to the i$eboar$ to po/r hime", a c/p o, .ine- b/t on"y a trick"e
remaine$ in the bottom o, the ,"agon. A ,"icker o, annoyance croe$ hi ,ace. 2Mik"aG- .ine. At
once.1
2Ee- Eo/r 3orhip.1
27ake 5raAaG .ith yo/. Hne ,"agon o, Arbor go"$- an$ one o, that .eet re$. None o, o/r
ye""o. pi- thank yo/. An$ the ne:t time & ,in$ my ,"agon $ry- & may have to take a .itch to
thoe pretty pink cheek o, yo/r.1 7he boy .ent r/nning o,,- an$ the king t/rne$ back to Se"my.
2& $reame$ yo/ ,o/n$ 5aenery.1
25ream can "ie- Eo/r Grace.1
2 JEo/r Ra$iance4 .o/"$ erve. 3hat bring yo/ to me at thi ho/r- er6 Some tro/b"e in the
city61
27he city i tranA/i".1
2& it o61 #iG$ahr "ooke$ con,/e$. 23hy have yo/ come61
27o ak a A/etion. Magni,icence- are yo/ the #arpy61
#iG$ahr4 .ine c/p "ippe$ thro/gh hi ,inger- bo/nce$ o,, the carpet- ro""e$. 2Eo/ come to
my be$chamber in the b"ack o, night an$ ak me that6 Are yo/ ma$61 &t .a on"y then that the
king eeme$ to notice that Ser Barritan .a .earing hi p"ate an$ mai". 23hat8 .hy8 ho.
$are yo/81
23a the poion yo/r .ork- Magni,icence61
>ing #iG$ahr backe$ a.ay a tep. 27he "oc/t6 7hat8 that .a the 5ornihman. D/entyn-
the o(ca""e$ prince. Ak ReGnak i, yo/ $o/bt me.1
2#ave yo/ proo, o, that6 #a ReGnak61
2No- e"e & .o/"$ have ha$ them eiGe$. 9erhap & ho/"$ $o o in any cae. MarghaG .i""
.ring a con,eion o/t o, them- & $o not $o/bt. 7hey4re a"" poioner- thee 5ornih. ReGnak
ay they .orhip nake.1
27hey eat nake-1 ai$ Ser Barritan. 2&t .a yo/r pit- yo/r bo:- yo/r eat. S.eet .ine an$
o,t c/hion- ,ig an$ me"on an$ honeye$ "oc/t. Eo/ provi$e$ a"". Eo/ /rge$ #er Grace to
try the "oc/t b/t never tate$ one yo/re",.1
2&8 hot pice $o not agree .ith me. She .a my .i,e. My A/een. 3hy .o/"$ & .ant to
poion her61
Was, he sa!s+ 7e beliees her dead+ 2Hn"y yo/ can an.er that- Magni,icence. &t might be
that yo/ .ihe$ to p/t another .oman in her p"ace.1 Ser Barritan no$$e$ at the gir" peering
timi$"y ,rom the be$(chamber. 27hat one- perhap61
7he king "ooke$ aro/n$ .i"$"y. 27er6 She4 nothing. A be$"ave.1 #e raie$ hi han$. 2&
mipoke. Not a "ave. A ,ree .oman. 7raine$ in p"ea/re. Cven a king ha nee$- he8 he i
none o, yo/r concern- er. & .o/"$ never harm 5aenery. Never.1
2Eo/ /rge$ the A/een to try the "oc/t. & hear$ yo/.1
2& tho/ght he might en=oy them.1 #iG$ahr retreate$ another tep. 2#ot an$ .eet at once.1
2#ot an$ .eet an$ poione$. 3ith mine o.n ear & hear$ yo/ comman$ing the men in the
pit to ki"" 5rogon. Sho/ting at them.1
#iG$ahr "icke$ hi "ip. 27he beat $evo/re$ Barena4 ,"eh. 5ragon prey on men. &t .a
ki""ing- b/rning81
28b/rning men .ho meant harm to yo/r A/een. #arpy4 Son- a "ike a not. Eo/r ,rien$.1
2Not my ,rien$.1
2Eo/ ay that- yet .hen yo/ to"$ them to top ki""ing they obeye$. 3hy .o/"$ they $o that i,
yo/ .ere not one o, them61
#iG$ahr hook hi hea$. 7hi time he $i$ not an.er. 27e"" me tr/e-1 Ser Barritan ai$- 2$i$
yo/ ever "ove her- even a "itt"e6 Hr .a it =/t the cro.n yo/ "/te$ ,or61
2?/t6 Eo/ $are peak to me o, lust61 7he king4 mo/th t.ite$ in anger. 2& "/te$ ,or the
cro.n- aye8 b/t not ha", o m/ch a he "/te$ ,or her e"".or$. 9erhap it .a her precio/
captain .ho trie$ to poion her- ,or p/tting him ai$e. An$ i, & ha$ eaten o, hi "oc/t too- .e""-
o m/ch the better.1
25aario i a ki""er b/t not a poioner.1 Ser Barritan move$ c"oer to the king. 2Are yo/ the
#arpy61 7hi time he p/t hi han$ on the hi"t o, hi "ong.or$. 27e"" me tr/e- an$ & promie yo/
ha"" have a .i,t- c"ean $eath.1
2Eo/ pre/me too m/ch- er-1 ai$ #iG$ahr. 2& am $one .ith thee A/etion- an$ .ith yo/.
Eo/ are $imie$ ,rom my ervice. ?eave Meereen at once an$ & .i"" "et yo/ "ive.1
2&, yo/ are not the #arpy- give me hi name.1 Ser Barritan p/""e$ hi .or$ ,rom the
cabbar$. &t harp e$ge ca/ght the "ight ,rom the braGier- became a "ine o, orange ,ire.
#iG$ahr broke. 2>hraGG01 he hrieke$- t/mb"ing back.ar$ to.ar$ hi be$chamber.
2>hraGG0 ,hrazz;1
Ser Barritan hear$ a $oor open- ome.here to hi "e,t. #e t/rne$ in time to ee >hraGG
emerge ,rom behin$ a tapetry. #e move$ "o."y- ti"" groggy ,rom "eep- b/t hi .eapon o,
choice .a in hi han$' a 5othraki arakh, "ong an$ c/rve$. A "aher4 .or$- ma$e to $e"iver
$eep- "icing c/t ,rom horeback. A murderous blade against half(naked foes, in the pit or on
the battlefield+ B/t here at c"oe A/arter- the arakh4 "ength .o/"$ te"" againt it- an$ Barritan
Se"my .a c"a$ in p"ate an$ mai".
2& am here ,or #iG$ahr-1 the knight ai$. 27hro. $o.n yo/r tee" an$ tan$ ai$e- an$ no
harm nee$ come to yo/.1
>hraGG "a/ghe$. 2H"$ man. & .i"" eat yo/r heart.1 7he t.o men .ere o, a height- b/t >hraGG
.a t.o tone heavier an$ ,orty year yo/nger- .ith pa"e kin- $ea$ eye- an$ a cret o, brit"y
re$(b"ack hair that ran ,rom hi bro. to the bae o, hi neck.
27hen come-1 ai$ Barritan the Bo"$. >hraGG came.
+or the ,irt time a"" $ay- Se"my ,e"t certain. #his is what I was made for, he tho/ght. #he
dance, the sweet steel song, a sword in m! hand and a foe before me+
7he pit ,ighter .a ,at- b"aGing ,at- a A/ick a any man Ser Barritan ha$ ever ,o/ght. &n
thoe big han$- the arakh became a .hit"ing b"/r- a tee" torm that eeme$ to come at the o"$
knight ,rom three $irection at once. Mot o, the c/t .ere aime$ at hi hea$. >hraGG .a no
,oo". 3itho/t a he"m- Se"my .a mot v/"nerab"e above the neck.
#e b"ocke$ the b"o. ca"m"y- hi "ong.or$ meeting each "ah an$ t/rning it ai$e. 7he
b"a$e rang an$ rang again. Ser Barritan retreate$. Hn the e$ge o, hi viion- he a. the
c/pbearer .atching .ith eye a big an$ .hite a chicken egg. >hraGG c/re$ an$ t/rne$ a
high c/t into a "o. one- "ipping pat the o"$ knight4 b"a$e ,or once- on"y to have hi b"o.
crape /e"e"y o,, a .hite tee" greave. Se"my4 an.ering "ah ,o/n$ the pit ,ighter4 "e,t
ho/"$er- parting the ,ine "inen to bite the ,"eh beneath. #i ye""o. t/nic began to t/rn pink- then
re$.
2Hn"y co.ar$ $re in iron-1 >hraGG $ec"are$- circ"ing. No one .ore armor in the ,ighting
pit. &t .a b"oo$ the cro.$ came ,or' $eath- $imemberment- an$ hriek o, agony- the m/ic
o, the car"et an$.
Ser Barritan t/rne$ .ith him. 27hi co.ar$ i abo/t to ki"" yo/- er.1 7he man .a no knight-
b/t hi co/rage ha$ earne$ him that m/ch co/rtey. >hraGG $i$ not kno. ho. to ,ight a man in
armor. Ser Barritan co/"$ ee it in hi eye' $o/bt- con,/ion- the beginning o, ,ear. 7he pit
,ighter came on again- creaming thi time- a i, o/n$ co/"$ "ay hi ,oe .here tee" co/"$ not.
7he arakh "ahe$ "o.- high- "o. again.
Se"my b"ocke$ the c/t at hi hea$ an$ "et hi armor top the ret- .hi"t hi o.n b"a$e opene$
the pit ,ighter4 cheek ,rom ear to mo/th- then trace$ a ra. re$ gah acro hi chet. B"oo$
.e""e$ ,rom >hraGG4 .o/n$. 7hat on"y eeme$ to make him .i"$er. #e eiGe$ the braGier .ith
hi o,, han$ an$ ,"ippe$ it- cattering ember an$ hot coa" at Se"my4 ,eet. Ser Barritan "eapt
over them. >hraGG "ahe$ at hi arm an$ ca/ght him- b/t the arakh co/"$ on"y chip the har$
ename" be,ore it met the tee" be"o..
2&n the pit that .o/"$ have taken yo/r arm o,,- o"$ man.1
23e are not in the pit.1
2#ake off that armor;1
2&t i not too "ate to thro. $o.n yo/r tee". Eie"$.1
25ie-1 pat >hraGG8 b/t a he "i,te$ hi arakh, it tip graGe$ one o, the .a"" hanging an$
h/ng. 7hat .a a"" the chance Ser Barritan reA/ire$. #e "ahe$ open the pit ,ighter4 be""y-
parrie$ the arakh a it .renche$ ,ree- then ,inihe$ >hraGG .ith a A/ick thr/t to the heart a the
pit ,ighter4 entrai" came "i$ing o/t "ike a net o, greay ee".
B"oo$ an$ vicera taine$ the king4 i"k carpet. Se"my took a tep back. 7he "ong.or$ in
hi han$ .a re$ ,or ha", it "ength. #ere an$ there the carpet ha$ beg/n to mo"$er .here ome
o, the cattere$ coa" ha$ ,a""en. #e co/"$ hear poor DeGGa obbing. 25on4t be a,rai$-1 the o"$
knight ai$. 2& mean yo/ no harm- chi"$. & .ant on"y the king.1
#e .ipe$ hi .or$ c"ean on a c/rtain an$ ta"ke$ into the be$chamber- .here he ,o/n$
#iG$ahr Go ?oraA- +o/rteenth o, #i Nob"e Name- hi$ing behin$ a tapetry an$ .himpering.
2Spare me-1 he begge$. 2& $o not .ant to $ie.1
2+e. $o. Eet a"" men $ie- regar$"e.1 Ser Barritan heathe$ hi .or$ an$ p/""e$ #iG$ahr to
hi ,eet. 2Come. & .i"" ecort yo/ to a ce"".1 By no.- the BraGen Beat ho/"$ have $iarme$
Stee"kin. 2Eo/ .i"" be kept a prioner /nti" the A/een ret/rn. &, nothing can be prove$ againt
yo/- yo/ .i"" not come to harm. Eo/ have my .or$ a a knight.1 #e took the king4 arm an$ "e$
him ,rom the be$chamber- ,ee"ing trange"y "ight(hea$e$- a"mot $r/nk. I was a ,ingsguard+
What am I now6
Mik"aG an$ 5raAaG ha$ ret/rne$ .ith #iG$ahr4 .ine. 7hey too$ in the open $oor- cra$"ing
the ,"agon againt their chet an$ taring .i$e(eye$ at the corpe o, >hraGG. DeGGa .a ti""
crying- b/t !eGhene ha$ appeare$ to com,ort her. She h/gge$ the yo/nger gir"- troking her hair.
Some o, the other c/pbearer too$ behin$ them- .atching. 2Eo/r 3orhip-1 Mik"aG ai$- 2the
nob"e ReGnak mo ReGnak ay to t(te"" yo/- come at once.1
7he boy a$$ree$ the king a i, Ser Barritan .ere not there- a i, there .ere no $ea$ man
pra."e$ /pon the carpet- hi "i,e4 b"oo$ "o."y taining the i"k re$. Skahaz was supposed to
take )eznak into custod! until we could be certain of his lo!alt!+ 7ad something gone awr!6
2Come .here61 Ser Barritan ake$ the boy. 23here $oe the enecha" .ant #i Grace to go61
2H/ti$e.1 Mik"aG eeme$ to ee him ,or the ,irt time. 2H/ti$e- er. 7o the t(terrace. 7o
ee.1
27o ee .hat61
25($($ragon. 7he $ragon have been "ooe$- er.1 Seen sae us all, the o"$ knight tho/ght.
THE DRAGONTAMER
7he night crept pat on "o. b"ack ,eet. 7he ho/r o, the bat gave .ay to the ho/r o, the ee"-
the ho/r o, the ee" to the ho/r o, ghot. 7he prince "ay abe$- taring at hi cei"ing- $reaming
.itho/t "eeping- remembering- imagining- t.iting beneath hi "inen cover"et- hi min$ ,everih
.ith tho/ght o, ,ire an$ b"oo$.
+ina""y- $epairing o, ret- D/entyn Marte"" ma$e hi .ay to hi o"ar- .here he po/re$
hime", a c/p o, .ine an$ $rank it in the $ark. 7he tate .a .eet o"ace on hi tong/e- o he "it
a can$"e an$ po/re$ hime", another. Wine will help me sleep, he to"$ hime",- b/t he kne. that
.a a "ie.
#e tare$ at the can$"e ,or a "ong time- then p/t $o.n hi c/p an$ he"$ hi pa"m above the
,"ame. &t took every bit o, .i"" he ha$ to "o.er it /nti" the ,ire to/che$ hi ,"eh- an$ .hen it $i$
he natche$ hi han$ back .ith a cry o, pain.
2D/entyn- are yo/ ma$61
2o, 9ust scared+ I do not want to burn+ 2Gerri61
2& hear$ yo/ moving abo/t.1
2& co/"$ not "eep.1
2Are b/rn a c/re ,or that6 Some .arm mi"k an$ a "/""aby might erve yo/ .e"". Hr better
ti""- & co/"$ take yo/ to the 7emp"e o, the Grace an$ ,in$ a gir" ,or yo/.1
2A .hore- yo/ mean.1
27hey ca"" them Grace. 7hey come in $i,,erent co"or. 7he re$ one are the on"y one .ho
,/ck.1 Gerri eate$ hime", acro the tab"e. 27he epta back home ho/"$ take /p the c/tom-
i, yo/ ak me. #ave yo/ notice$ that o"$ epta a".ay "ook "ike pr/ne6 7hat4 .hat a "i,e o,
chatity .i"" $o to yo/.1
D/entyn g"ance$ o/t at the terrace- .here night4 ha$o. "ay thick amongt the tree. #e
co/"$ hear the o,t o/n$ o, ,a""ing .ater. 2& that rain6 Eo/r .hore .i"" be gone.1
2Not a"" o, them. 7here are "itt"e n/ggerie in the p"ea/re gar$en- an$ they .ait there every
night /nti" a man chooe them. 7hoe .ho are not choen m/t remain /nti" the /n come /p-
,ee"ing "one"y an$ neg"ecte$. 3e co/"$ cono"e them.1
27hey co/"$ cono"e me- i .hat yo/ mean.1
27hat too.1
27hat i not the ort o, cono"ation & reA/ire.1
2& $iagree. 5aenery 7argaryen i not the on"y .oman in the .or"$. 5o yo/ .ant to $ie a
man(mai$61
D/entyn $i$ not .ant to $ie at a"". I want to go back to &ronwood and kiss both of !our
sisters, marr! 1w!neth &ronwood, watch her flower into beaut!, hae a child b! her+ I want to
ride in tourne!s, hawk and hunt, isit with m! mother in 2oros, read some of those books m!
father sends me+ I want %letus and Will and *aester ,edr! to be alie again+ 25o yo/ think
5aenery .o/"$ be p"eae$ to hear that & ha$ be$$e$ ome .hore61
2She might be. Men may be ,on$ o, mai$en- b/t .omen "ike a man .ho kno. .hat he4
abo/t in the be$chamber. &t4 another ort o, .or$(p"ay. 7ake training to be goo$ at it.1
7he gibe t/ng. D/entyn ha$ never ,e"t o m/ch a boy a .hen he4$ too$ be,ore 5aenery
7argaryen- p"ea$ing ,or her han$. 7he tho/ght o, be$$ing her terri,ie$ him a"mot a m/ch a her
$ragon ha$. 3hat i, he co/"$ not p"eae her6 25aenery ha a paramo/r-1 he ai$ $e,enive"y.
2My ,ather $i$ not en$ me here to am/e the A/een in the be$chamber. Eo/ kno. .hy .e have
come.1
2Eo/ cannot marry her. She ha a h/ban$.1
2She $oe not "ove #iG$ahr Go ?oraA.1
23hat ha "ove to $o .ith marriage6 A prince ho/"$ kno. better. Eo/r ,ather marrie$ ,or
"ove- it4 ai$. #o. m/ch =oy ha he ha$ o, that61
"ittle and less+ 5oran Marte"" an$ hi Norvohi .i,e ha$ pent ha", their marriage apart an$
the other ha", arg/ing. &t .a the on"y rah thing hi ,ather ha$ ever $one- to hear ome te"" it- the
on"y time he ha$ ,o""o.e$ hi heart intea$ o, hi hea$- an$ he ha$ "ive$ to r/e it. 2Not a"" rik
"ea$ to r/in-1 he inite$. 27hi i my $/ty. My $etiny.1 &ou are supposed to be m! friend,
1erris+ Wh! must !ou mock m! hopes6 I hae doubts enough without !our throwing oil on the
fire of m! fear+ 27hi .i"" be my gran$ a$vent/re.1
2Men $ie on gran$ a$vent/re.1
#e .a not .rong. 7hat .a in the torie too. 7he hero et o/t .ith hi ,rien$ an$
companion- ,ace $anger- come home tri/mphant. Hn"y ome o, hi companion $on4t ret/rn
at a"". #he hero neer dies, though+ I must be the hero+ 2A"" & nee$ i co/rage. 3o/"$ yo/ have
5orne remember me a a ,ai"/re61
25orne i not "ike to remember any o, / ,or "ong.1
D/entyn /cke$ at the b/rne$ pot on hi pa"m. 25orne remember Aegon an$ hi iter.
5ragon are not o eai"y ,orgotten. 7hey .i"" remember 5aenery a .e"".1
2Not i, he4 $ie$.1
2She "ive.1 She must+ 2She i "ot- b/t & can ,in$ her.1 And when I do, she will look at me the
wa! she looks at her sellsword+ Once I hae proen m!self worth! of her+
2+rom $ragonback61
2& have been ri$ing hore ince & .a i: year o"$.1
2An$ yo/4ve been thro.n a time or three.1
27hat never toppe$ me ,rom getting back into the a$$"e.1
2Eo/4ve never been thro.n o,, a tho/an$ ,eet above the gro/n$-1 Gerri pointe$ o/t. 2An$
hore e"$om t/rn their ri$er into charre$ bone an$ ahe.1
I know the dangers+ 2&4"" hear no more o, thi. Eo/ have my "eave to go. +in$ a hip an$ r/n
home- Gerri.1 7he prince roe- b"e. the can$"e o/t- an$ crept back to hi be$ an$ it .eat(
oake$ "inen heet. I should hae kissed one of the Drinkwater twins, or ma!be both of them+ I
should hae kissed them whilst I could+ I should hae gone to 2oros to see m! mother and the
place that gae her birth, so she would know that I had not forgotten her+ #e co/"$ hear the rain
,a""ing o/ti$e- $r/mming againt the brick.
By the time the ho/r o, the .o", crept /pon them- the rain .a ,a""ing tea$i"y- "ahing $o.n
in a har$- co"$ torrent that .o/"$ oon t/rn the brick treet o, Meereen into river. 7he three
5ornihmen broke their ,at in the pre$a.n chi""@a imp"e mea" o, ,r/it an$ brea$ an$ cheee-
.ahe$ $o.n .ith goat mi"k. 3hen Gerri ma$e to po/r hime", a c/p o, .ine- D/entyn toppe$
him. 2No .ine. 7here .i"" be time eno/gh ,or $rink a,ter.ar$.1
2Hne hope-1 ai$ Gerri.
7he big man "ooke$ o/t to.ar$ the terrace. 2& kne. it .o/"$ rain-1 he ai$ in a g"oomy tone.
2My bone .ere aching "at night. 7hey a".ay ache be,ore it rain. 7he $ragon .on4t "ike thi.
+ire an$ .ater $on4t mi:- an$ that4 a ,act. Eo/ get a goo$ cook,ire "it- b"aGing a.ay nice- then it
tart to pi $o.n rain an$ ne:t thing yo/r .oo$ i o$$en an$ yo/r ,"ame are $ea$.1
Gerri ch/ck"e$. 25ragon are not ma$e o, .oo$- Arch.1
2Some are. 7hat o"$ >ing Aegon- the ran$y one- he b/i"t .oo$en $ragon to conA/er /. 7hat
en$e$ ba$- tho/gh.1
So ma! this, the prince tho/ght. 7he ,o""ie an$ ,ai"/re o, Aegon the Fn.orthy $i$ not
concern him- b/t he .a ,/"" o, $o/bt an$ migiving. 7he "abore$ banter o, hi ,rien$ .a
on"y making hi hea$ ache. #he! do not understand+ #he! ma! be Dornish, but I am Dorne+
&ears from now, when I am dead, this will be the song the! sing of me+ #e roe abr/pt"y. 2&t4
time.1
#i ,rien$ got to their ,eet. Ser Archiba"$ $raine$ the "at o, hi goat4 mi"k an$ .ipe$ the
mi"k m/tache ,rom hi /pper "ip .ith the back o, a big han$. 2&4"" get o/r m/mmer4 garb.1
#e ret/rne$ .ith the b/n$"e that they ha$ co""ecte$ ,rom the 7attere$ 9rince at their econ$
meeting. 3ithin .ere three "ong hoo$e$ c"oak ma$e ,rom myria$ ma"" A/are o, c"oth e.n
together- three c/$ge"- three hort.or$- three mak o, po"ihe$ bra. A b/""- a "ion- an$ an
ape.
Cverything reA/ire$ to be a BraGen Beat. 27hey may ak ,or a .or$-1 the 7attere$ 9rince ha$
.arne$ them .hen he han$e$ over the b/n$"e. 2&t4 dog+1
2Eo/ are certain o, that61 Gerri ha$ ake$ him.
2Certain eno/gh to .ager a "i,e /pon it.1
7he prince $i$ not mitake hi meaning. 2My "i,e.1
27hat .o/"$ be the one.1
2#o. $i$ yo/ "earn their .or$61
23e chance$ /pon ome BraGen Beat an$ Meri ake$ them pretti"y. B/t a prince ho/"$
kno. better than to poe /ch A/etion- 5ornih. &n 9ento- .e have a aying. Never ak the
baker .hat .ent into the pie. !/t eat.1
-ust eat+ 7here .a .i$om in that- D/entyn /ppoe$.
2&4"" be the b/""-1 Arch anno/nce$.
D/entyn han$e$ him the b/"" mak. 27he "ion ,or me.1
23hich make a monkey o/t o, me.1 Gerri pree$ the ape mak to hi ,ace. 2#o. $o they
breathe in thee thing61
2!/t p/t it on.1 7he prince .a in no moo$ ,or =ape.
7he b/n$"e containe$ a .hip a .e""@a naty piece o, o"$ "eather .ith a han$"e o, bra an$
bone- to/t eno/gh to pee" the hi$e o,, an o:. 23hat4 that ,or61 Arch ake$.
25aenery /e$ a .hip to co. the b"ack beat.1 D/entyn coi"e$ the .hip an$ h/ng it ,rom hi
be"t. 2Arch- bring yo/r hammer a .e"". 3e may have nee$ o, it.1
&t .a no eay thing to enter the Great 9yrami$ o, Meereen by night. 7he $oor .ere c"oe$
an$ barre$ each $ay at /net an$ remaine$ c"oe$ /nti" ,irt "ight. G/ar$ .ere pote$ at every
entrance- an$ more g/ar$ patro""e$ the "o.et terrace- .here they co/"$ "ook $o.n on the treet.
+ormer"y thoe g/ar$ ha$ been Fn/""ie$. No. they .ere BraGen Beat. An$ that .o/"$ make
a"" the $i,,erence- D/entyn hope$.
7he .atch change$ .hen the /n came /p- b/t $a.n .a ti"" ha", an ho/r o,, a the three
5ornihmen ma$e their .ay $o.n the ervant4 tep. 7he .a"" aro/n$ them .ere ma$e o,
brick o, ha", a h/n$re$ co"or- b/t the ha$o. t/rne$ them a"" to grey /nti" to/che$ by the "ight
o, the torch that Gerri carrie$. 7hey enco/ntere$ no one on the "ong $ecent. 7he on"y o/n$
.a the c/,, o, their boot on the .orn brick beneath their ,eet.
7he pyrami$4 main gate ,ronte$ on Meereen4 centra" p"aGa- b/t the 5ornihmen ma$e their
.ay to a i$e entrance opening on an a""ey. 7hee .ere the gate that "ave ha$ /e$ in ,ormer
$ay a they .ent abo/t their mater4 b/ine- .here ma"",o"k an$ tra$emen came an$ .ent
an$ ma$e their $e"iverie.
7he $oor .ere o"i$ bronGe- c"oe$ .ith a heavy iron bar. Be,ore them too$ t.o BraGen
Beat- arme$ .ith c/$ge"- pear- an$ hort .or$. 7orch"ight g"immere$ o,, the po"ihe$
bra o, their mak@a rat an$ a ,o:. D/entyn get/re$ ,or the big man to tay back in the
ha$o.. #e an$ Gerri tro$e ,or.ar$ together.
2Eo/ come ear"y-1 the ,o: ai$.
D/entyn hr/gge$. 23e can "eave again- i, yo/ "ike. Eo/4re .e"come to tan$ o/r .atch.1 #e
o/n$e$ not at a"" Ghicari- he kne.I b/t ha", the BraGen Beat .ere ,ree$ "ave- .ith a""
manner o, native tong/e- o hi accent .ent /nremarke$.
2B/gger that-1 the rat remarke$.
2Give / the $ay4 .or$-1 ai$ the ,o:.
25og-1 ai$ the 5ornihman.
7he t.o BraGen Beat e:change$ a "ook. +or three "ong heartbeat D/entyn .a a,rai$ that
omething ha$ gone ami- that omeho. 9retty Meri an$ the 7attere$ 9rince ha$ gotten the
.or$ .rong. 7hen the ,o: gr/nte$. 25og- then-1 he ai$. 27he $oor i yo/r.1 A they move$
o,,- the prince began to breathe again.
7hey $i$ not have "ong. 7he rea" re"ie, .o/"$ $o/bt"e t/rn /p hort"y. 2Arch-1 he ca""e$- an$
the big man appeare$- the torch"ight hining o,, hi b/""4 mak. 27he bar. #/rry.1
7he iron bar .a thick an$ heavy- b/t .e"" oi"e$. Ser Archiba"$ ha$ no tro/b"e "i,ting it. A he
.a tan$ing it on en$- D/entyn p/""e$ the $oor open an$ Gerri teppe$ thro/gh- .aving the
torch. 2Bring it in no.. Be A/ick abo/t it.1
7he b/tcher4 .agon .a o/ti$e- .aiting in the a""ey. 7he $river gave the m/"e a "ick an$
r/mb"e$ thro/gh- iron(rimme$ .hee" clacking "o/$"y over brick. 7he A/artere$ carca o, an
o: ,i""e$ the .agon be$- a"ong .ith t.o $ea$ heep. #a", a $oGen men entere$ a,oot. +ive .ore
the c"oak an$ mak o, BraGen Beat- b/t 9retty Meri ha$ not tro/b"e$ to $ig/ie here",.
23here i yo/r "or$61 he ake$ Meri.
2& have no lord,1 he an.ere$. 2&, yo/ mean yo/r ,e""o. prince- he i near- .ith ,i,ty men.
Bring yo/r $ragon o/t- an$ he .i"" ee yo/ a,e a.ay- a promie$. Caggo comman$ here.1
Ser Archiba"$ .a giving the b/tcher4 .agon the o/r eye. 23i"" that cart be big eno/gh to
ho"$ a $ragon61 he ake$.
2Sho/"$. &t4 he"$ t.o o:en.1 7he Corpeki""er .a garbe$ a a BraGen Beat- hi eame$-
carre$ ,ace hi$$en behin$ a cobra mak- b/t the ,ami"iar b"ack arakh "/ng at hi hip gave him
a.ay. 23e .ere to"$ thee beat are ma""er than the A/een4 monter.1
27he pit ha "o.e$ their gro.th.1 D/entyn4 rea$ing ha$ /ggete$ that the ame thing ha$
occ/rre$ in the Seven >ing$om. None o, the $ragon bre$ an$ raie$ in the 5ragonpit o, >ing4
?an$ing ha$ ever approache$ the iGe o, %hagar or Mera:e- m/ch "e that o, the B"ack 5rea$-
>ing Aegon4 monter. 2#ave yo/ bro/ght /,,icient chain61
2#o. many $ragon $o yo/ have61 ai$ 9retty Meri. 23e have chain eno/gh ,or ten-
concea"e$ beneath the meat.1
2%ery goo$.1 D/entyn ,e"t "ight(hea$e$. None o, thi eeme$ A/ite rea". Hne moment it ,e"t
"ike a game- the ne:t "ike ome nightmare- "ike a ba$ $ream .here he ,o/n$ hime", opening a
$ark $oor- kno.ing that horror an$ $eath .aite$ on the other i$e- yet omeho. po.er"e to
top hime",. #i pa"m .ere "ick .ith .eat. #e .ipe$ them on hi "eg an$ ai$- 27here .i""
be more g/ar$ o/ti$e the pit.1
23e kno.-1 ai$ Gerri. 23e nee$ to be rea$y ,or them.1
23e are-1 ai$ Arch.
7here .a a cramp in D/entyn4 be""y. #e ,e"t a /$$en nee$ to move hi bo.e"- b/t kne.
he $are not beg o,, no.. 27hi .ay- then.1 #e ha$ e"$om ,e"t more "ike a boy. Eet they
,o""o.e$I Gerri an$ the big man- Meri an$ Caggo an$ the other 3in$b"o.n. 7.o o, the
e"".or$ ha$ pro$/ce$ crobo. ,rom ome hi$ing p"ace .ithin the .agon.
Beyon$ the tab"e- the gro/n$ "eve" o, the Great 9yrami$ became a "abyrinth- b/t D/entyn
Marte"" ha$ been thro/gh here .ith the A/een- an$ he remembere$ the .ay. Fn$er three h/ge
brick arche they .ent- then $o.n a teep tone ramp into the $epth- thro/gh the $/ngeon an$
tort/re chamber an$ pat a pair o, $eep tone citern. 7heir ,oottep echoe$ ho""o."y o,, the
.a""- the b/tcher4 cart r/mb"ing behin$ them. 7he big man natche$ a torch $o.n ,rom a .a""
conce to "ea$ the .ay.
At "at a pair o, heavy iron $oor roe be,ore them- r/t(eaten an$ ,orbi$$ing- c"oe$ .ith a
"ength o, chain .hoe every "ink .a a thick aro/n$ a a man4 arm. 7he iGe an$ thickne o,
thoe $oor .a eno/gh to make D/entyn Marte"" A/etion the .i$om o, thi co/re. Cven
.ore- both $oor .ere p"ain"y $inte$ by omething ini$e trying to get o/t. 7he thick iron .a
cracke$ an$ p"itting in three p"ace- an$ the /pper corner o, the "e,t(han$ $oor "ooke$ part"y
me"te$.
+o/r BraGen Beat too$ g/ar$ing the $oor. 7hree he"$ "ong pearI the ,o/rth- the er=eant-
.a arme$ .ith hort .or$ an$ $agger. #i mak .a .ro/ght in the hape o, a bai"ik4 hea$.
7he other three .ere make$ a inect.
"ocusts, D/entyn rea"iGe$. 25og-1 he ai$.
7he er=eant ti,,ene$.
7hat .a a"" it took ,or D/entyn Marte"" to rea"iGe that omething ha$ gone a.ry. 27ake
them-1 he croake$- even a the bai"ik4 han$ $arte$ ,or hi hort.or$.
#e .a A/ick- that er=eant. 7he big man .a A/icker. #e ,"/ng the torch at the nearet "oc/t-
reache$ back- an$ /n"/ng hi .arhammer. 7he bai"ik4 b"a$e ha$ carce "ippe$ ,rom it
"eather heath .hen the hammer4 pike "amme$ into hi temp"e- cr/nching thro/gh the thin
bra o, hi mak an$ the ,"eh an$ bone beneath. 7he er=eant taggere$ i$e.ay ha", a tep
be,ore hi knee ,o"$e$ /n$er him an$ he ank $o.n to the ,"oor- hi .ho"e bo$y haking
groteA/e"y.
D/entyn tare$ tran,i:e$- hi be""y roi"ing. #i o.n b"a$e .a ti"" in it heath. #e ha$ not
o m/ch a reache$ ,or it. #i eye .ere "ocke$ on the er=eant $ying be,ore him- =erking. 7he
,a""en torch .a on the ,"oor- g/ttering- making every ha$o. "eap an$ t.it in a montro/
mockery o, the $ea$ man4 haking. 7he prince never a. the "oc/t4 pear coming to.ar$ him
/nti" Gerri "amme$ into him- knocking him ai$e. 7he pearpoint graGe$ the cheek o, the "ion4
hea$ he .ore. Cven then the b"o. .a o vio"ent it a"mot tore the mak o,,. It would hae gone
right through m! throat, the prince tho/ght- $aGe$.
Gerri c/re$ a the "oc/t c"oe$ aro/n$ him. D/entyn hear$ the o/n$ o, r/nning ,eet.
7hen the e"".or$ came r/hing ,rom the ha$o.. Hne o, the g/ar$ g"ance$ at them =/t "ong
eno/gh ,or Gerri to get ini$e hi pear. #e $rove the point o, hi .or$ /n$er the bra mak
an$ /p thro/gh the .earer4 throat- even a the econ$ "oc/t pro/te$ a cro(bo. bo"t ,rom hi
chet.
7he "at "oc/t $roppe$ hi pear. 2Eie"$. & yie"$.1
2No. Eo/ $ie.1 Caggo took the man4 hea$ o,, .ith one .ipe o, hi arakh, the %a"yrian tee"
hearing thro/gh ,"eh an$ bone an$ grit"e a i, they .ere o m/ch /et. 27oo m/ch noie-1 he
comp"aine$. 2Any man .ith ear .i"" have hear$.1
25og-1 D/entyn ai$. 27he $ay4 .or$ .a /ppoe$ to be $og. 3hy .o/"$n4t they "et /
pa6 3e .ere to"$81
2Eo/ .ere to"$ yo/r cheme .a ma$ne- have yo/ ,orgotten61 ai$ 9retty Meri. 25o .hat
yo/ came to $o.1
#he dragons, 9rince D/entyn tho/ght. &es+ We came for the dragons+ #e ,e"t a tho/gh he
might be ick. What am I doing here6 Father, wh!6 Four men dead in as man! heartbeats, and
for what6 2+ire an$ b"oo$-1 he .hipere$- 2b"oo$ an$ ,ire.1 7he b"oo$ .a poo"ing at hi ,eet-
oaking into the brick ,"oor. 7he ,ire .a beyon$ thoe $oor. 27he chain8 .e have no key81
Arch ai$- 2& have the key.1 #e ./ng hi .arhammer har$ an$ ,at. Spark ,"e. .hen the
hammmerhea$ tr/ck the "ock. An$ then again- again- again. Hn hi ,i,th .ing the "ock
hattere$- an$ the chain ,e"" a.ay in a ratt"ing c"atter o "o/$ D/entyn .a certain ha", the
pyrami$ m/t have hear$ them. 2Bring the cart.1 7he $ragon .o/"$ be more $oci"e once ,e$.
"et them gorge themseles on charred mutton+
Archiba"$ Eron.oo$ grape$ the iron $oor an$ p/""e$ them apart. 7heir r/te$ hinge "et o/t
a pair o, cream- ,or a"" thoe .ho might have "ept thro/gh the breaking o, the "ock. A .ah o,
/$$en heat aa/"te$ them- heavy .ith the o$or o, ah- brimtone- an$ b/rnt meat.
&t .a b"ack beyon$ the $oor- a /""en tygian $arkne that eeme$ a"ive an$ threatening-
h/ngry. D/entyn co/"$ ene that there .a omething in that $arkne- coi"e$ an$ .aiting.
Warrior, grant me courage, he praye$. #e $i$ not .ant to $o thi- b/t he a. no other .ay. Wh!
else would Daener!s hae shown me the dragons6 She wants me to proe m!self to her+ Gerri
han$e$ him a torch. #e teppe$ thro/gh the $oor.
#he green one is )haegal, the white .iserion, he remin$e$ hime",. <se their names,
command them, speak to them calml! but sternl!+ *aster them, as Daener!s mastered Drogon in
the pit+ 7he gir" ha$ been a"one- c"a$ in .ip o, i"k- b/t ,ear"e. I must not be afraid+ She did
it, so can I+ 7he main thing .a to ho. no ,ear. Animals can smell fear, and dragons= 3hat
$i$ he kno. o, $ragon6 What does an! man know of dragons6 #he! hae been gone from the
world for more than a centur!+
7he "ip o, the pit .a =/t ahea$. D/entyn e$ge$ ,or.ar$ "o."y- moving the torch ,rom i$e
to i$e. 3a"" an$ ,"oor an$ cei"ing $rank the "ight. Scorched, he rea"iGe$. Bricks burned black,
crumbling into ash+ 7he air gre. .armer .ith every tep he took. #e began to .eat.
7.o eye roe /p be,ore him.
BronGe- they .ere- brighter than po"ihe$ hie"$- g"o.ing .ith their o.n heat- b/rning
behin$ a vei" o, moke riing ,rom the $ragon4 notri". 7he "ight o, D/entyn4 torch .ahe$
over ca"e o, $ark green- the green o, mo in the $eep .oo$ at $/k- =/t be,ore the "at "ight
,a$e. 7hen the $ragon opene$ it mo/th- an$ "ight an$ heat .ahe$ over them. Behin$ a ,ence
o, harp b"ack teeth he g"impe$ the ,/rnace g"o.- the himmer o, a "eeping ,ire a h/n$re$
time brighter than hi torch. 7he $ragon4 hea$ .a "arger than a hore4- an$ the neck tretche$
on an$ on- /ncoi"ing "ike ome great green erpent a the hea$ roe- /nti" thoe t.o g"o.ing
bronGe eye .ere taring $o.n at him.
1reen, the prince tho/ght- his scales are green+ 2Rhaega"-1 he ai$. #i voice ca/ght in hi
throat- an$ .hat came o/t .a a broken croak. Frog, he tho/ght- I am turning into Frog again+
27he ,oo$-1 he croake$- remembering. 2Bring the ,oo$.1
7he big man hear$ him. Arch .ret"e$ one o, the heep o,, the .agon by t.o "eg- then p/n
an$ ,"/ng it into the pit.
Rhaega" took it in the air. #i hea$ nappe$ ro/n$- an$ ,rom bet.een hi =a. a "ance o,
,"ame er/pte$- a .ir"ing torm o, orange(an$(ye""o. ,ire hot thro/gh .ith vein o, green. 7he
heep .a b/rning be,ore it began to ,a"". Be,ore the moking carca co/"$ trike the brick- the
$ragon4 teeth c"oe$ ro/n$ it. A nimb/ o, ,"ame ti"" ,"ickere$ abo/t the bo$y. 7he air tank o,
b/rning .oo" an$ brimtone. Dragonstink+
2& tho/ght there .ere t.o-1 the big man ai$.
.iserion+ &es+ Where is .iserion6 7he prince "o.ere$ hi torch to thro. ome "ight into the
g"oom be"o.. #e co/"$ ee the green $ragon ripping at the moking carca o, the heep- hi
"ong tai" "ahing ,rom i$e to i$e a he ate. A thick iron co""ar .a viib"e abo/t hi neck- .ith
three ,eet o, broken chain $ang"ing ,rom it. Shattere$ "ink .ere tre.n acro the ,"oor o, the pit
amongt the b"ackene$ bone@t.it o, meta"- part"y me"te$. )haegal was chained to the wall
and floor the last time I was here, the prince reca""e$- but .iserion hung from the ceiling+
D/entyn teppe$ back- "i,te$ the torch- crane$ hi hea$ back.
+or a moment he a. on"y the b"ackene$ arche o, the brick above- corche$ by
$ragon,"ame. A trick"e o, ah ca/ght hi eye- betraying movement. Something pa"e- ha",(hi$$en-
tirring. 7e/s made himself a cae, the prince rea"iGe$. A burrow in the brick+ 7he ,o/n$ation o,
the Great 9yrami$ o, Meereen .ere maive an$ thick to /pport the .eight o, the h/ge tr/ct/re
overhea$I even the interior .a"" .ere three time thicker than any cat"e4 c/rtain .a"". B/t
%ierion ha$ $/g hime", a ho"e in them .ith ,"ame an$ c"a.- a ho"e big eno/gh to "eep in.
And we/e 9ust woken him+ #e co/"$ ee .hat "ooke$ "ike ome h/ge .hite erpent /ncoi"ing
ini$e the .a""- /p .here it c/rve$ to become the cei"ing. More ah .ent $ri,ting $o.n.ar$- an$
a bit o, cr/mb"ing brick ,e"" a.ay. 7he erpent reo"ve$ ite", into a neck an$ tai"- an$ then the
$ragon4 "ong horne$ hea$ appeare$- hi eye g"o.ing in the $ark "ike go"$en coa". #i .ing
ratt"e$- tretching.
A"" o, D/entyn4 p"an ha$ ,"e$ hi hea$. #e co/"$ hear Caggo Corpeki""er ho/ting to hi
e"".or$. #he chains, he is sending for the chains, the 5ornih prince tho/ght. 7he p"an ha$
been to ,ee$ the beat an$ chain them in their torpor- =/t a the A/een ha$ $one. Hne $ragon- or
pre,erab"y both.
2More meat-1 D/entyn ai$. Once the beasts were fed the! will become sluggish+ #e ha$ een
it .ork .ith nake in 5orne- b/t here- .ith thee monter8 2Bring8 bring81
%ierion "a/nche$ hime", ,rom the cei"ing- pa"e "eather .ing /n,o"$ing- prea$ing .i$e. 7he
broken chain $ang"ing ,rom hi neck ./ng .i"$"y. #i ,"ame "it the pit- pa"e go"$ hot thro/gh
.ith re$ an$ orange- an$ the ta"e air e:p"o$e$ in a c"o/$ o, hot ah an$ /",/r a the .hite
.ing beat an$ beat again.
A han$ eiGe$ D/entyn by the ho/"$er. 7he torch p/n ,rom hi grip to bo/nce acro the
,"oor- then t/mb"e$ into the pit- ti"" b/rning. #e ,o/n$ hime", ,ace(to(,ace .ith a bra ape.
1erris+ 2D/ent- thi .i"" not .ork. 7hey are too .i"$- they81
7he $ragon came $o.n bet.een the 5ornihmen an$ the $oor .ith a roar that .o/"$ have
ent a h/n$re$ "ion r/nning. #i hea$ move$ i$e to i$e a he inpecte$ the intr/$er@
5ornihmen- 3in$b"o.n- Caggo. ?at an$ "onget the beat tare$ at 9retty Meri- ni,,ing. #he
woman, D/entyn rea"iGe$. 7e knows that she is female+ 7e is looking for Daener!s+ 7e wants his
mother and does not understand wh! she/s not here+
D/entyn .renche$ ,ree o, Gerri4 grip. 2%ierion-1 he ca""e$. #he white one is .iserion+ +or
ha", a heartbeat he .a a,rai$ he4$ gotten it .rong. 2%ierion-1 he ca""e$ again- ,/mb"ing ,or the
.hip hanging ,rom hi be"t. She cowed the black one with a whip+ I need to do the same+
7he $ragon kne. hi name. #i hea$ t/rne$- an$ hi gaGe "ingere$ on the 5ornih prince ,or
three "ong heartbeat. 9a"e ,ire b/rne$ behin$ the hining b"ack $agger o, hi teeth. #i eye
.ere "ake o, mo"ten go"$- an$ moke roe ,rom hi notri".
25o.n-1 D/entyn ai$. 7hen he co/ghe$- an$ co/ghe$ again.
7he air .a thick .ith moke an$ the /",/r tench .a choking. %ierion "ot interet. 7he
$ragon t/rne$ back to.ar$ the 3in$b"o.n an$ "/rche$ to.ar$ the $oor. 9erhap he co/"$ me""
the b"oo$ o, the $ea$ g/ar$ or the meat in the b/tcher4 .agon. Hr perhap he ha$ on"y no.
een that the .ay .a open.
D/entyn hear$ the e"".or$ ho/ting. Caggo .a ca""ing ,or the chain- an$ 9retty Meri
.a creaming at omeone to tep ai$e. 7he $ragon move$ a.k.ar$"y on the gro/n$- "ike a
man crabb"ing on hi knee an$ e"bo.- b/t A/icker than the 5ornih prince .o/"$ have
be"ieve$. 3hen the 3in$b"o.n .ere too "ate to get o/t o, hi .ay- %ierion "et "ooe .ith
another roar. D/entyn hear$ the ratt"e o, chain- the $eep thrum o, a crobo..
2No-1 he creame$- 2no- $on4t- don/t,1 b/t it .a too "ate. #he fool .a a"" that he ha$ time to
think a the A/arre" carome$ o,, %ierion4 neck to vanih in the g"oom. A "ine o, ,ire g"eame$ in
it .ake@$ragon4 b"oo$- g"o.ing go"$ an$ re$.
7he crobo.man .a ,/mb"ing ,or another A/arre" a the $ragon4 teeth c"oe$ aro/n$ hi
neck. 7he man .ore the mak o, a BraGen Beat- the ,earome "ikene o, a tiger. A he $roppe$
hi .eapon to try an$ pry apart %ierion4 =a.- ,"ame go/te$ ,rom the tiger4 mo/th. 7he man4
eye b/rt .ith o,t popping o/n$- an$ the bra aro/n$ them began to r/n. 7he $ragon tore o,,
a h/nk o, ,"eh- mot o, the e"".or$4 neck- then g/"pe$ it $o.n a the b/rning corpe
co""ape$ to the ,"oor.
7he other 3in$b"o.n .ere p/""ing back. 7hi .a more than even 9retty Meri ha$ the
tomach ,or. %ierion4 horne$ hea$ move$ back an$ ,orth bet.een them an$ hi prey- b/t a,ter
a moment he ,orgot the e"".or$ an$ bent hi neck to tear another mo/th,/" ,rom the $ea$ man.
A "o.er "eg thi time.
D/entyn "et hi .hip /ncoi". 2%ierion-1 he ca""e$- "o/$er thi time. #e co/"$ $o thi- he
.o/"$ $o thi- hi ,ather ha$ ent him to the ,ar en$ o, the earth ,or thi- he .o/"$ not ,ai" him.
2.IS0)IO2;1 #e nappe$ the .hip in the air .ith a crack that echoe$ o,, the b"ackene$ .a"".
7he pa"e hea$ roe. 7he great go"$ eye narro.e$. 3ip o, moke pira"e$ /p.ar$ ,rom the
$ragon4 notri".
25o.n-1 the prince comman$e$. &ou must not let him smell !our fear+ 25o.n- $o.n- down+1
#e bro/ght the .hip aro/n$ an$ "ai$ a "ah acro the $ragon4 ,ace. %ierion hisse$.
An$ then a hot .in$ b/,,ete$ him an$ he hear$ the o/n$ o, "eathern .ing an$ the air .a
,/"" o, ah an$ cin$er an$ a montro/ roar .ent echoing o,, the corche$ an$ b"ackene$ brick
an$ he co/"$ hear hi ,rien$ ho/ting .i"$"y. Gerri .a ca""ing o/t hi name- over an$ over-
an$ the big man .a be""o.ing- 2Behin$ yo/- behin$ yo/- behind !ou;1
D/entyn t/rne$ an$ thre. hi "e,t arm acro hi ,ace to hie"$ hi eye ,rom the ,/rnace
.in$. )haegal, he remin$e$ hime",- the green one is )haegal+
3hen he raie$ hi .hip- he a. that the "ah .a b/rning. #i han$ a .e"". A"" o, him- a"" o,
him .a b/rning.
Oh, he tho/ght. 7hen he began to cream.
0ON
?et them $ie-1 ai$ D/een Se"ye.
&t .a the an.er that !on Sno. ha$ e:pecte$. #his 3ueen neer fails to disappoint+ Someho.
that $i$ not o,ten the b"o.. 2Eo/r Grace-1 he perite$ t/bborn"y- 2they are tarving at
#ar$home by the tho/an$. Many are .omen@1
2@an$ chi"$ren- ye. %ery a$.1 7he A/een p/""e$ her $a/ghter c"oer to her an$ kie$ her
cheek. #he cheek unmarred b! gre!scale- !on $i$ not ,ai" to note. 23e are orry ,or the "itt"e
one- o, co/re- b/t .e m/t be enib"e. 3e have no ,oo$ ,or them- an$ they are too yo/ng to
he"p the king my h/ban$ in hi .ar. Better that they be reborn into the "ight.1
7hat .a =/t a o,ter .ay o, aying let them die.
7he chamber .a cro.$e$. 9rince Shireen too$ bei$e her mother4 eat- .ith 9atch,ace
cro("egge$ at her ,eet. Behin$ the A/een "oome$ Ser A:e"" +"orent. Me"ian$re o, Ahai too$
c"oer to the ,ire- the r/by at her throat p/"ing .ith every breath he took. 7he re$ .oman too
ha$ her atten$ant@the A/ire 5evan Sea.orth an$ t.o o, the g/ar$men the king ha$ "e,t her.
D/een Se"ye4 protector too$ a"ong the .a""- hining knight a"" in a ro.' Ser Ma"egorn-
Ser Benethon- Ser Narbert- Ser 9atrek- Ser 5or$en- Ser Br/. 3ith o many b"oo$thirty
.i"$"ing in,eting Cat"e B"ack- Se"ye kept her .orn hie"$ abo/t her night an$ $ay.
7orm/n$ Giantbane ha$ roare$ to hear it. 2A,rai$ o, being carrie$ o,,- i he6 & hope yo/ never
ai$ ho. big me member i- !on Sno.- that4$ ,righten any .oman. & a".ay .ante$ me one .ith
a m/tache.1 7hen he "a/ghe$ an$ "a/ghe$.
7e would not be laughing now+
!on ha$ .ate$ eno/gh time here. 2&4m orry to have tro/b"e$ Eo/r Grace. 7he Night4
3atch .i"" atten$ to thi matter.1
7he A/een4 notri" ,"are$. 2Eo/ ti"" mean to ri$e to #ar$home. & ee it on yo/r ,ace. "et
them die- & ai$- yet yo/ .i"" perit in thi ma$ ,o""y. 5o not $eny it.1
2& m/t $o a & think bet. 3ith repect- Eo/r Grace- the 3a"" i mine- an$ o i thi
$eciion.1
2&t i-1 Se"ye a""o.e$- 2an$ yo/ .i"" an.er ,or it .hen the king ret/rn. An$ ,or other
$eciion yo/ have ma$e- & ,ear. B/t & ee that yo/ are $ea, to ene. 5o .hat yo/ m/t.1
Fp poke Ser Ma"egorn. 2?or$ Sno.- .ho .i"" "ea$ thi ranging61
2Are yo/ o,,ering yo/re",- er61
25o & "ook o ,oo"ih61
9atch,ace =/mpe$ /p. 2& .i"" "ea$ it01 #i be"" rang merri"y. 23e .i"" march into the ea an$
o/t again. Fn$er the .ave .e .i"" ri$e eahore- an$ mermai$ .i"" b"o. eahe"" to
anno/nce o/r coming- oh- oh- oh.1
7hey a"" "a/ghe$. Cven D/een Se"ye a""o.e$ here", a thin mi"e. !on .a "e am/e$. 2&
.i"" not ak my men to $o .hat & .o/"$ not $o mye",. & mean to "ea$ the ranging.1
2#o. bo"$ o, yo/-1 ai$ the A/een. 23e approve. A,ter.ar$ ome bar$ .i"" make a tirring
ong abo/t yo/- no $o/bt- an$ .e ha"" have a more pr/$ent "or$ comman$er.1 She took a ip o,
.ine. 2?et / peak o, other matter. A:e""- bring in the .i"$"ing king- i, yo/ .o/"$ be o goo$.1
2At once- Eo/r Grace.1 Ser A:e"" .ent thro/gh a $oor an$ ret/rne$ a moment "ater .ith
Gerrick >ingb"oo$. 2Gerrick o, #o/e Re$bear$-1 he anno/nce$- 2>ing o, the 3i"$"ing.1
Gerrick >ingb"oo$ .a a ta"" man- "ong o, "eg an$ broa$ o, ho/"$er. 7he A/een ha$ $ree$
him in ome o, the king4 o"$ c"othe- it appeare$. Scr/bbe$ an$ groome$- c"a$ in green ve"vet
an$ an ermine ha",(cape- .ith hi "ong re$ hair ,reh"y .ahe$ an$ hi ,iery bear$ hape$ an$
trimme$- the .i"$"ing "ooke$ every inch a o/thron "or$. 7e could walk into the throne room at
,ing/s "anding, and no one would blink an e!e- !on tho/ght.
2Gerrick i the tr/e an$ right,/" king o, the .i"$"ing-1 the A/een ai$- 2$ecen$e$ in an
/nbroken ma"e "ine ,rom their great king Raym/n Re$bear$- .herea the //rper Mance Ray$er
.a born o, ome common .oman an$ ,athere$ by one o, yo/r b"ack brother.1
2o- !on might have ai$- 1errick is descended from a !ounger brother of )a!mun )edbeard+
7o the ,ree ,o"k that co/nte$ abo/t a m/ch a being $ecen$e$ ,rom Raym/n Re$bear$4 hore.
#he! know nothing, &gritte+ And worse, the! will not learn+
2Gerrick ha gracio/"y agree$ to give the han$ o, hi e"$et $a/ghter to my be"ove$ A:e""- to
be /nite$ by the ?or$ o, ?ight in ho"y .e$"ock-1 D/een Se"ye ai$. 2#i other gir" ha"" .e$ at
the ame time@the econ$ $a/ghter .ith Ser Br/ B/ck"er an$ the yo/nget .ith Ser Ma"egorn
o, Re$poo".1
2Ser.1 !on inc"ine$ hi hea$ to the knight in A/etion. 2May yo/ ,in$ happine .ith yo/r
betrothe$.1
2Fn$er the ea- men marry ,ihe.1 9atch,ace $i$ a "itt"e $ance tep- =ing"ing hi be"". 27hey
$o- they $o- they $o.1
D/een Se"ye ni,,e$ again. 2+o/r marriage can be ma$e a imp"y a three. &t i pat time
that thi .oman %a" .a ett"e$- ?or$ Sno.. & have $eci$e$ that he ha"" .e$ my goo$ an$ "ea"
knight- Ser 9atrek o, >ing4 Mo/ntain.1
2#a %a" been to"$- Eo/r Grace61 ake$ !on. 2Amongt the ,ree ,o"k- .hen a man $eire a
.oman- he tea" her- an$ th/ prove hi trength- hi c/nning- an$ hi co/rage. 7he /itor rik
a avage beating i, he i ca/ght by the .oman4 kin- an$ .ore than that i, he here", ,in$ him
/n.orthy.1
2A avage c/tom-1 A:e"" +"orent ai$.
Ser 9atrek on"y ch/ck"e$. 2No man ha ever ha$ ca/e to A/etion my co/rage. No .oman
ever .i"".1
D/een Se"ye p/re$ her "ip. 2?or$ Sno.- a ?a$y %a" i a tranger to o/r .ay- p"eae en$
her to me- that & might intr/ct her in the $/tie o, a nob"e "a$y to.ar$ her "or$ h/ban$.1
#hat will go splendidl!, I know+ !on .on$ere$ i, the A/een .o/"$ be o eager to ee %a"
marrie$ to one o, her o.n knight i, he kne. %a"4 ,ee"ing abo/t 9rince Shireen. 2A yo/
.ih-1 he ai$- 2tho/gh i, & might peak ,ree"y@1
2No- & think not. Eo/ may take yo/r "eave o, /.1
!on Sno. bent hi knee- bo.e$ hi hea$- .ith$re..
#e took the tep t.o at a time- no$$ing to the A/een4 g/ar$ a he $ecen$e$. #er Grace
ha$ pote$ men on every "an$ing to keep her a,e ,rom m/r$ero/ .i"$"ing. #a",.ay $o.n- a
voice ca""e$ o/t ,rom above him. 2!on Sno..1
!on t/rne$. 2?a$y Me"ian$re.1
23e m/t peak.1
2M/t .e61 I think not+ 2My "a$y- & have $/tie.1
2&t i thoe $/tie & .o/"$ peak o,.1 She ma$e her .ay $o.n- the hem o, her car"et kirt
.ihing over the tep. &t a"mot eeme$ a i, he ,"oate$. 23here i yo/r $ire.o",61
2A"eep in my chamber. #er Grace $oe not a""o. Ghot in her preence. She c"aim he
care the prince. An$ o "ong a BorroA an$ hi boar are abo/t- & $are not "et him "ooe.1 7he
kinchanger .a to accompany Soren Shie"$breaker to Stone$oor once the .ayn carrying the
Sea"kinner4 c"an to Greeng/ar$ ret/rne$. Fnti" /ch time- BorroA ha$ taken /p rei$ence in one
o, the ancient tomb bei$e the cat"e "ichyar$. 7he company o, men "ong $ea$ eeme$ to /it
him better than that o, the "iving- an$ hi boar eeme$ happy rooting amongt the grave- .e""
a.ay ,rom other anima". 27hat thing i the iGe o, a b/""- .ith t/k a "ong a .or$. Ghot
.o/"$ go a,ter him i, he .ere "ooe- an$ one or both o, them .o/"$ not /rvive the meeting.1
2BorroA i the "eat o, yo/r concern. 7hi ranging81
2A .or$ ,rom yo/ might have .aye$ the A/een.1
2Se"ye ha the right o, thi- ?or$ Sno.. "et them die+ Eo/ cannot ave them. Eo/r hip are
"ot@1
2Si: remain. More than ha", the ,"eet.1
2Eo/r hip are "ot. All o, them. Not a man ha"" ret/rn. & have een that in my ,ire.1
2Eo/r ,ire have been kno.n to "ie.1
2& have ma$e mitake- & have a$mitte$ a m/ch- b/t@1
2A grey gir" on a $ying hore. 5agger in the $ark. A promie$ prince- born in moke an$
a"t. &t eem to me that yo/ make nothing but mitake- my "a$y. 3here i Stanni6 3hat o,
Ratt"ehirt an$ hi pear.ive6 Where is m! sister61
2A"" yo/r A/etion ha"" be an.ere$. ?ook to the kie- ?or$ Sno.. An$ .hen yo/ have
yo/r an.er- en$ to me. 3inter i a"mot /pon / no.. & am yo/r on"y hope.1
2A ,oo"4 hope.1 !on t/rne$ an$ "e,t her.
?eather .a pro."ing the yar$ o/ti$e. 27oregg ha ret/rne$-1 he reporte$ .hen !on
emerge$. 2#i ,ather4 ett"e$ hi peop"e at Hakenhie"$ an$ .i"" be back thi a,ternoon .ith
eighty ,ighting men. 3hat $i$ the bear$e$ A/een have to ay61
2#er Grace can provi$e no he"p.1
27oo b/y p"/cking o/t her chin hair- i he61 ?eather pat. 2Make no matter. 7orm/n$4
men an$ o/r .i"" be eno/gh.1
0nough to get us there, perhaps+ &t .a the =o/rney back that concerne$ !on Sno.. Coming
home- they .o/"$ be "o.e$ by tho/an$ o, ,ree ,o"k- many ick an$ tarve$. A rier of
humanit! moing slower than a rier of ice+ 7hat .o/"$ "eave them v/"nerab"e. Dead things in
the woods+ Dead things in the water+ 2#o. many men are eno/gh61 he ake$ ?eather. 2A
h/n$re$6 7.o h/n$re$6 +ive h/n$re$6 A tho/an$61 Should I take more men, or fewer6 A
ma""er ranging .o/"$ reach #ar$home ooner8 b/t .hat goo$ .ere .or$ .itho/t ,oo$6
Mother Mo"e an$ her peop"e .ere a"rea$y at the point o, eating their o.n $ea$. 7o ,ee$ them- he
.o/"$ nee$ to bring cart an$ .agon- an$ $ra,t anima" to ha/" them@hore- o:en- $og.
&ntea$ o, ,"ying thro/gh the .oo$- they .o/"$ be con$emne$ to cra.". 27here i ti"" m/ch to
$eci$e. Sprea$ the .or$. & .ant a"" the "ea$ing men in the Shie"$ha"" .hen the evening .atch
begin. 7orm/n$ ho/"$ be back by then. 3here can & ,in$ 7oregg61
23ith the "itt"e monter- "ike a not. #e4 taken a "iking to one o4 them mi"kmai$- & hear.1
7e has taken a liking to .al+ 7er sister was a 3ueen, wh! not her6 7orm/n$ ha$ once tho/ght
to make hime", the >ing(Beyon$(the(3a""- be,ore Mance ha$ bete$ him. 7oregg the 7a""
might .e"" be $reaming the ame $ream. Better him than 1errick ,ingsblood+ 2?et them be-1
ai$ !on. 2& can peak .ith 7oregg "ater.1 #e g"ance$ /p pat the >ing4 7o.er. 7he 3a"" .a a
$/"" .hite- the ky above it .hiter. A snow sk!+ 2!/t pray .e $o not get another torm.1
H/ti$e the armory- M/""y an$ the +"ea too$ hivering at g/ar$. 2Sho/"$n4t yo/ be ini$e-
o/t o, thi .in$61 !on ake$.
27hat4$ be .eet- m4"or$-1 ai$ +/"k the +"ea- 2b/t yo/r .o",4 in no moo$ ,or company
to$ay.1
M/""y agree$. 2#e trie$ to take a bite o4 me- he $i$.1
21host61 !on .a hocke$.
2Fn"e yo/r "or$hip ha ome other .hite .o",- aye. & never een him "ike thi- m4"or$. A""
.i"$("ike- & mean.1
#e .a not .rong- a !on $icovere$ ,or hime", .hen he "ippe$ ini$e the $oor. 7he big
.hite $ire.o", .o/"$ not "ie ti"". #e pace$ ,rom one en$ o, the armory to the other- pat the
co"$ ,orge an$ back again. 2Cay- Ghot-1 !on ca""e$. 25o.n. Sit- Ghot. Down.1 Eet .hen he
ma$e to to/ch him- the .o", brit"e$ an$ bare$ hi teeth. It/s that blood! boar+ 0en in here,
1host can smell his stink+
Mormont4 raven eeme$ agitate$ too. 2Snow-1 the bir$ kept creaming. 2Snow, snow, snow+1
!on hooe$ him o,,- ha$ Satin tart a ,ire- then ent him o/t a,ter Bo.en Marh an$ Hthe""
Ear.yck. 2Bring a ,"agon o, m/""e$ .ine a .e"".1
27hree c/p- m4"or$61
2Si:. M/""y an$ the +"ea "ook in nee$ o, omething .arm. So .i"" yo/.1
3hen Satin "e,t- !on eate$ hime", an$ ha$ another "ook at the map o, the "an$ north o, the
3a"". 7he ,atet .ay to #ar$home .a a"ong the coat8 ,rom Cat.atch. 7he .oo$ .ere
thinner near the ea- the terrain mot"y ,"at"an$- ro""ing hi""- an$ a"t marhe. An$ .hen the
a/t/mn torm came ho."ing- the coat got "eet an$ hai" an$ ,reeGing rain rather than no.. #he
giants are at 0astwatch, and "eathers sa!s that some will help+ +rom Cat"e B"ack the .ay .a
more $i,,ic/"t- right thro/gh the heart o, the ha/nte$ ,oret. If the snow is this deep at the Wall,
how much worse up there6
Marh entere$ n/,,"ing- Ear.yck $o/r. 2Another torm-1 the +irt B/i"$er anno/nce$. 2#o.
are .e to .ork in thi6 & nee$ more b/i"$er.1
2Fe the ,ree ,o"k-1 !on ai$.
Ear.yck hook hi hea$. 2More tro/b"e than they4re .orth- that "ot. S"oppy- care"e- "aGy8
ome goo$ .oo$.orker here an$ there- &4"" not $eny it- b/t har$"y a maon amongt them- an$
nary a mith. Strong back- might be- b/t they .on4t $o a they are to"$. An$ / .ith a"" thee
r/in to t/rn back into ,ort. Can4t be $one- my "or$. & te"" yo/ tr/e. &t can4t be $one.1
2&t .i"" be $one-1 ai$ !on- 2or they .i"" "ive in r/in.1
A "or$ nee$e$ men abo/t him he co/"$ re"y /pon ,or honet co/ne". Marh an$ Ear.yck
.ere no "ickpitt"e- an$ that .a to the goo$8 b/t they .ere e"$om any help either. More an$
more- he ,o/n$ he kne. .hat they .o/"$ ay be,ore he ake$ them.
Cpecia""y .hen it concerne$ the ,ree ,o"k- .here their $iapprova" .ent bone $eep. 3hen
!on ett"e$ Stone$oor on Soren Shie"$breaker- Ear.yck comp"aine$ that it .a too io"ate$.
#o. co/"$ they kno. .hat michie, Soren might get /p to- o,, in thoe hi""6 3hen he
con,erre$ Hakenhie"$ on 7orm/n$ Giantbane an$ D/eengate on Morna 3hite Mak- Marh
pointe$ o/t that Cat"e B"ack .o/"$ no. have ,oe on either i$e .ho co/"$ eai"y c/t them o,,
,rom the ret o, the 3a"". A ,or BorroA- Hthe"" Ear.yck c"aime$ the .oo$ north o, Stone$oor
.ere ,/"" o, .i"$ boar. 3ho .a to ay the kinchanger .o/"$ not make hi o.n pig army6
#oar,rot #i"" an$ Rimegate ti"" "acke$ garrion- o !on ha$ ake$ their vie. on .hich o,
the remaining .i"$"ing chie, an$ .ar "or$ might be bet /ite$ to ho"$ them. 23e have Brogg-
Gavin the 7ra$er- the Great 3a"r/8 #o.$ 3an$erer .a"k a"one- 7orm/n$ ay- b/t there4
ti"" #ar"e the #/ntman- #ar"e the #an$ome- B"in$ 5o8 Egon H"$,ather comman$ a
,o""o.ing- b/t mot are hi o.n on an$ gran$on. #e ha eighteen .ive- ha", o, them to"en
on rai$. 3hich o, thee81
2None-1 Bo.en Marh ha$ ai$. 2& kno. a"" thee men by their $ee$. 3e ho/"$ be ,itting
them ,or nooe- not giving them o/r cat"e.1
2Aye-1 Hthe"" Ear.yck ha$ agree$. 2Ba$ an$ .ore an$ .ort make a beggar4 choice. My
"or$ ha$ a .e"" preent / .ith a pack o, .o"ve an$ ak .hich .e4$ "ike to tear o/r throat
o/t.1
&t .a the ame again .ith #ar$home. Satin po/re$ .hi"t !on to"$ them o, hi a/$ience .ith
the A/een. Marh "itene$ attentive"y- ignoring the m/""e$ .ine- .hi"t Ear.yck $rank one c/p
an$ then another. B/t no ooner ha$ !on ,inihe$ than the ?or$ Ste.ar$ ai$- 2#er Grace i .ie.
?et them $ie.1
!on at back. 2& that the on"y co/ne" yo/ can o,,er- my "or$6 7orm/n$ i bringing eighty
men. #o. many ho/"$ .e en$6 Sha"" .e ca"" /pon the giant6 7he pear.ive at ?ong
Barro.6 &, .e have .omen .ith /- it may p/t Mother Mo"e4 peop"e at eae.1
2Sen$ .omen- then. Sen$ giant. Sen$ /ck"ing babe. & that .hat my "or$ .ihe to hear61
Bo.en Marh r/bbe$ at the car he ha$ .on at the Bri$ge o, Sk/"". 2Sen$ them a"". 7he more
.e "oe- the ,e.er mo/th .e4"" have to ,ee$.1
Ear.yck .a no more he"p,/". 2&, the .i"$"ing at #ar$home nee$ aving- "et the .i"$"ing
here go ave them. 7orm/n$ kno. the .ay to #ar$(home. 7o hear him ta"k- he can ave them
a"" hime", .ith hi h/ge member.1
#his was pointless- !on tho/ght. $ointless, fruitless, hopeless+ 27hank yo/ ,or yo/r co/ne"-
my "or$.1
Satin he"pe$ them back into their c"oak. A they .a"ke$ thro/gh the armory- Ghot ni,,e$ at
them- hi tai" /praie$ an$ brit"ing. *! brothers+ 7he Night4 3atch nee$e$ "ea$er .ith the
.i$om o, Maeter Aemon- the "earning o, Sam.e"" 7ar"y- the co/rage o, Dhorin #a",han$- the
t/bborn trength o, the H"$ Bear- the compaion o, 5ona" Noye. 3hat it ha$ intea$ .a them.
7he no. .a ,a""ing heavi"y o/ti$e. 23in$4 ,rom the o/th-1 Ear.yck oberve$. 2&t4
b"o.ing the no. right /p againt the 3a"". See61
#e .a right. 7he .itchback tair .a b/rie$ a"mot to the ,irt "an$ing- !on a.- an$ the
.oo$en $oor o, the ice ce"" an$ toreroom ha$ vanihe$ behin$ a .a"" o, .hite. 2#o. many
men $o .e have in ice ce""61 he ake$ Bo.en Marh.
2+o/r "iving men. 7.o $ea$ one.1
#he corpses+ !on ha$ a"mot ,orgotten them. #e ha$ hope$ to "earn omething ,rom the bo$ie
they4$ bro/ght back ,rom the .eir.oo$ grove- b/t the $ea$ men ha$ t/bborn"y remaine$ $ea$.
23e nee$ to $ig thoe ce"" o/t.1
27en te.ar$ an$ ten pa$e ho/"$ $o it-1 ai$ Marh.
2Fe 3/n 3/n too.1
2A yo/ comman$.1
7en te.ar$ an$ one giant ma$e hort .ork o, the $ri,t- b/t even .hen the $oor .ere c"ear
again- !on .a not ati,ie$. 27hoe ce"" .i"" be b/rie$ again by morning. 3e4$ bet move the
prioner be,ore they mother.1
2>artark too- m4"or$61 ake$ +/"k the +"ea. 2Can4t .e =/t "eave that one hivering ti""
pring61
23o/"$ that .e co/"$.1 Cregan >artark ha$ taken to ho."ing in the night o, "ate- an$
thro.ing ,roGen ,ece at .hoever came to ,ee$ him. 7hat ha$ not ma$e him be"ove$ o, hi
g/ar$. 27ake him to the ?or$ Comman$er4 7o.er. 7he /n$erva/"t ho/"$ ho"$ him.1 7ho/gh
part"y co""ape$- the H"$ Bear4 ,ormer eat .o/"$ be .armer than the ice ce"". &t /bce""ar
.ere "arge"y intact.
Cregan kicke$ at the g/ar$ .hen they came thro/gh the $oor- t.ite$ an$ hove$ .hen they
grabbe$ him- even trie$ to bite them. B/t the co"$ ha$ .eakene$ him- an$ !on4 men .ere
bigger- yo/nger- an$ tronger. 7hey ha/"e$ him o/t- ti"" tr/gg"ing- an$ $ragge$ him thro/gh
thigh(high no. to hi ne. home.
23hat .o/"$ the "or$ comman$er "ike / to $o .ith hi corpe61 ake$ Marh .hen the
"iving men ha$ been move$.
2?eave them.1 &, the torm entombe$ them- .e"" an$ goo$. #e .o/"$ nee$ to b/rn them
event/a""y- no $o/bt- b/t ,or the nonce they .ere bo/n$ .ith iron chain ini$e their ce"". 7hat-
an$ being $ea$- ho/"$ /,,ice to ho"$ them harm"e.
7orm/n$ Giantbane time$ hi arriva" per,ect"y- th/n$ering /p .ith hi .arrior .hen a"" the
hove"ing .a $one. Hn"y ,i,ty eeme$ to have t/rne$ /p- not the eighty 7oregg promie$
?eather- b/t 7orm/n$ .a not ca""e$ 7a""(7a"ker ,or na/ght. 7he .i"$"ing arrive$ re$(,ace$-
ho/ting ,or a horn o, a"e an$ omething hot to eat. #e ha$ ice in hi bear$ an$ more cr/ting hi
m/tache.
Someone ha$ a"rea$y to"$ the 7h/n$er,it abo/t Gerrick >ingb"oo$ an$ hi ne. ty"e. 2>ing
o4 the 3i"$"ing61 7orm/n$ roare$. 2#ar0 >ing o4 My #airy B/tt Crack- more "ike.1
2#e ha a rega" "ook to him-1 !on ai$. 2#e ha a "itt"e re$ cock to go .ith a"" that re$ hair-
that4 .hat he ha. Raym/n$ Re$bear$ an$ hi on $ie$ at ?ong ?ake- thank to yo/r b"oo$y
Stark an$ the 5r/nken Giant. Not the "itt"e brother. Cver .on$er .hy they ca""e$ him the Re$
Raven61 7orm/n$4 mo/th p"it in a gap(toothe$ grin. 2+irt to ,"y the batt"e- he .a. 47.a a
ong abo/t it- a,ter. 7he inger ha$ to ,in$ a rhyme ,or craen- o81 #e .ipe$ hi noe. 2&, yo/r
A/een4 knight .ant thoe gir" o4 hi- they4re .e"come to them.1
21irls-1 A/a.ke$ Mormont4 raven. 21irls, girls+1
7hat et 7orm/n$ to "a/ghing a"" over again. 2No. there4 a bir$ .ith ene. #o. m/ch $o
yo/ .ant ,or him- Sno.6 & gave yo/ a on- the "eat yo/ co/"$ $o i give me the b"oo$y bir$.1
2& .o/"$-1 ai$ !on- 2b/t "ike a not yo/4$ eat him.1
7orm/n$ roare$ at that a .e"". 20at-1 the raven ai$ $ark"y- ,"apping it b"ack .ing. 2%orn6
%orn6 %orn61
23e nee$ to ta"k abo/t the ranging-1 ai$ !on. 2& .ant / to be o, one min$ at the Shie"$ha""-
.e m/t@1 #e broke o,, .hen M/""y poke$ hi noe ini$e the $oor- grim(,ace$- to anno/nce
that C"y$a ha$ bro/ght a "etter.
27e"" him to "eave it .ith yo/. & .i"" rea$ it "ater.1
2A yo/ ay- m4"or$- on"y8 C"y$a $on4t "ook hi proper e",8 he4 more .hite than pink- i,
yo/ get my meaning8 an$ he4 haking.1
25ark .ing- $ark .or$-1 m/ttere$ 7orm/n$. 2&n4t that .hat yo/ knee"er ay61
23e ay- Bleed a cold but feast a feer too-1 !on to"$ him. 23e ay- 2eer drink with
Dornishmen when the moon is full. 3e ay a "ot o, thing.1
M/""y a$$e$ hi t.o groat. 2My o"$ gran$mother a".ay /e$ to ay- Summer friends will
melt awa! like summer snows, but winter friends are friends foreer+1
2& think that4 /,,icient .i$om ,or the moment-1 ai$ !on Sno.. 2Sho. C"y$a in i, yo/
.o/"$ be o goo$.1
M/""y ha$ not been .rongI the o"$ te.ar$ was tremb"ing- hi ,ace a pa"e a the no.
o/ti$e. 2& am being ,oo"ih- ?or$ Comman$er- b/t8 thi "etter ,righten me. See here61
Bastard- .a the on"y .or$ .ritten o/ti$e the cro"". No "ord Snow or -on Snow or "ord
%ommander. Simp"y Bastard. An$ the "etter .a ea"e$ .ith a mear o, har$ pink .a:. 2Eo/
.ere right to come at once-1 !on ai$. &ou were right to be afraid+ #e cracke$ the ea"- ,"attene$
the parchment- an$ rea$.
&our false king is dead, bastard+ 7e and all his host were smashed in seen da!s of battle+
I hae his magic sword+ #ell his red whore+
&our false king/s friends are dead+ #heir heads upon the walls of Winterfell+ %ome see
them, bastard+ &our false king lied, and so did !ou+ &ou told the world !ou burned the
,ing(Be!ond(the(Wall+ Instead !ou sent him to Winterfell to steal m! bride from me+
I will hae m! bride back+ If !ou want *ance )a!der back, come and get him+ I hae him
in a cage for all the north to see, proof of !our lies+ #he cage is cold, but I hae made him
a warm cloak from the skins of the si8 whores who came with him to Winterfell+
I want m! bride back+ I want the false king/s 3ueen+ I want his daughter and his red witch+
I want his wildling princess+
I want his little prince, the wildling babe+ And I want m! )eek+ Send them to me, bastard,
and I will not trouble !ou or !our black crows+ ,eep them from me, and I will cut out !our
bastard/s heart and eat it+
&t .a igne$-
)amsa! Bolton,
#rueborn "ord of Winterfell+
2Sno.61 ai$ 7orm/n$ Giantbane. 2Eo/ "ook "ike yo/r ,ather4 b"oo$y hea$ =/t ro""e$ o/t
o4 that paper.1
!on Sno. $i$ not an.er at once. 2M/""y- he"p C"y$a back to hi chamber. 7he night i
$ark- an$ the path .i"" be "ippery .ith no.. Satin- go .ith them.1 #e han$e$ 7orm/n$
Giantbane the "etter. 2#ere- ee ,or yo/re",.1
7he .i"$"ing gave the "etter a $/bio/ "ook an$ han$e$ it right back. 2+ee" naty8 b/t
7orm/n$ 7h/n$er,it ha$ better thing to $o than "earn to make paper ta"k at him. 7hey never
have any goo$ to ay- no. $o they61
2Not o,ten-1 !on Sno. a$mitte$. Dark wings, dark words+ 9erhap there .a more tr/th to
thoe .ie o"$ aying than he4$ kno.n. 2&t .a ent by Ramay Sno.. &4"" rea$ yo/ .hat he
.rote.1
3hen he .a $one- 7orm/n$ .hit"e$. 2#ar. 7hat4 b/ggere$- an$ no mitake. 3hat .a that
abo/t Mance6 #a him in a cage- $oe he6 #o.- .hen h/n$re$ a. yo/r re$ .itch b/rn the
man61
#hat was )attleshirt- !on a"mot ai$. #hat was sorcer!+ A glamor, she called it+
2Me"ian$re8 look to the skies- he ai$.1 #e et the "etter $o.n. 2A raven in a torm. She a.
thi coming.1 When !ou hae !our answers, send to me+
2Might be a"" a kin o4 "ie.1 7orm/n$ cratche$ /n$er hi bear$. 2&, & ha$ me a nice gooe
A/i"" an$ a pot o4 maeter4 ink- & co/"$ .rite $o.n that me member .a "ong an$ thick a me
arm- .o/"$n4t make it o.1
2#e ha ?ightbringer. #e ta"k o, hea$ /pon the .a"" o, 3inter,e"". #e kno. abo/t the
pear.ive an$ their n/mber.1 7e knows about *ance )a!der+ 2No. 7here i tr/th in there.1
2& .on4t ay yo/4re .rong. 3hat $o yo/ mean to $o- cro.61
!on ,"e:e$ the ,inger o, hi .or$ han$. #he 2ight/s Watch takes no part+ #e c"oe$ hi ,it
an$ opene$ it again. What !ou propose is nothing less than treason+ #e tho/ght o, Robb- .ith
no.,"ake me"ting in hi hair. ,ill the bo! and let the man be born+ #e tho/ght o, Bran-
c"ambering /p a to.er .a""- agi"e a a monkey. H, Rickon4 breath"e "a/ghter. H, Sana-
br/hing o/t ?a$y4 coat an$ inging to here",. &ou know nothing, -on Snow+ #e tho/ght o,
Arya- her hair a tang"e$ a a bir$4 net. I made him a warm cloak from the skins of the si8
whores who came with him to Winterfell= I want m! bride back= I want m! bride back= I
want m! bride back =
2& think .e ha$ bet change the p"an-1 !on Sno. ai$.
7hey ta"ke$ ,or the bet part o, t.o ho/r.
#ore an$ Rory ha$ rep"ace$ +/"k an$ M/""y at the armory $oor .ith the change o, .atch.
23ith me-1 !on to"$ them- .hen the time came. Ghot .o/"$ have ,o""o.e$ a .e""- b/t a the
.o", came pa$$ing a,ter them- !on grabbe$ him by the cr/,, o, hi neck an$ .ret"e$ him back
ini$e. BorroA might be amongt thoe gathering at the Shie"$ha"". 7he "at thing he nee$e$ =/t
no. .a hi .o", avaging the kinchanger4 boar.
7he Shie"$ha"" .a one o, the o"$er part o, Cat"e B"ack- a "ong $ra,ty ,eat ha"" o, $ark
tone- it oaken ra,ter b"ack .ith the moke o, cent/rie. Back .hen the Night4 3atch ha$
been m/ch "arger- it .a"" ha$ been h/ng .ith ro. o, bright"y co"ore$ .oo$en hie"$. 7hen a
no.- .hen a knight took the b"ack- tra$ition $ecree$ that he et ai$e hi ,ormer arm an$ take
/p the p"ain b"ack hie"$ o, the brotherhoo$. 7he hie"$ th/ $icar$e$ .o/"$ hang in the
Shie"$ha"".
#/n$re$ o, knight meant h/n$re$ o, hie"$. #a.k an$ eag"e- $ragon an$ gri,,in- /n
an$ tag- .o"ve an$ .yvern- manticore- b/""- tree an$ ,"o.er- harp- pear- crab an$
kraken- re$ "ion an$ go"$en "ion an$ cheA/y "ion- o."- "amb- mai$ an$ mermen- ta""ion-
tar- b/cket an$ b/ck"e- ,"aye$ men an$ hange$ men an$ b/rning men- a:e- "ong.or$-
t/rt"e- /nicorn- bear- A/i""- pi$er an$ nake an$ corpion- an$ a h/n$re$ other hera"$ic
charge ha$ a$orne$ the Shie"$ha"" .a""- b"aGone$ in more co"or than any rainbo. ever
$reame$ o,.
B/t .hen a knight $ie$- hi hie"$ .a taken $o.n- that it might go .ith him to hi pyre or hi
tomb- an$ over the year an$ cent/rie ,e.er an$ ,e.er knight ha$ taken the b"ack. A $ay came
.hen it no "onger ma$e ene ,or the knight o, Cat"e B"ack to $ine apart. 7he Shie"$ha"" .a
aban$one$. &n the "at h/n$re$ year- it ha$ been /e$ on"y in,reA/ent"y. A a $ining ha""- it "e,t
m/ch to be $eire$@it .a $ark- $irty- $ra,ty- an$ har$ to heat in .inter- it ce""ar in,ete$ .ith
rat- it maive .oo$en ra,ter .orm(eaten an$ ,etoone$ .ith cob.eb.
B/t it .a "arge an$ "ong eno/gh to eat t.o h/n$re$- an$ ha", again that many i, they
cro.$e$ c"oe. 3hen !on an$ 7orm/n$ entere$- a o/n$ .ent thro/gh the ha""- "ike .ap
tirring in a net. 7he .i"$"ing o/tn/mbere$ the cro. by ,ive to one- =/$ging by ho. "itt"e
b"ack he a.. +e.er than a $oGen hie"$ remaine$- a$ grey thing .ith ,a$e$ paint an$ "ong
crack in the .oo$. B/t ,reh torche b/rne$ in the iron conce a"ong the .a""- an$ !on ha$
or$ere$ benche an$ tab"e bro/ght in. Men .ith com,ortab"e eat .ere more inc"ine$ to "iten-
Maeter Aemon ha$ once to"$ himI tan$ing men .ere more inc"ine$ to ho/t.
At the top o, the ha"" a agging p"at,orm too$. !on mo/nte$ it- .ith 7orm/n$ Giantbane at
hi i$e- an$ raie$ hi han$ ,or A/iet. 7he .ap on"y b/GGe$ the "o/$er. 7hen 7orm/n$ p/t hi
.arhorn to hi "ip an$ b"e. a b"at. 7he o/n$ ,i""e$ the ha""- echoing o,, the ra,ter overhea$.
Si"ence ,e"".
2& /mmone$ yo/ to make p"an ,or the re"ie, o, #ar$home-1 !on Sno. began. 27ho/an$ o,
the ,ree ,o"k are gathere$ there- trappe$ an$ tarving- an$ .e have ha$ report o, $ea$ thing in
the .oo$.1 7o hi "e,t he a. Marh an$ Ear.yck. Hthe"" .a /rro/n$e$ by hi b/i"$er- .hi"t
Bo.en ha$ 3ick 3hitt"etick- ?e,t #an$ ?e.- an$ A", o, R/nnym/$$ bei$e him. 7o hi right-
Soren Shie"$breaker at .ith hi arm croe$ againt hi chet. +arther back- !on a. Gavin the
7ra$er an$ #ar"e the #an$ome .hipering together. Egon H"$,ather at amongt hi .ive-
#o.$ 3an$erer a"one. BorroA "eane$ againt a .a"" in a $ark corner. Merci,/""y- hi boar .a
no.here in evi$ence. 27he hip & ent to take o,, Mother Mo"e an$ her peop"e have been
.racke$ by torm. 3e m/t en$ .hat he"p .e can by "an$ or "et them $ie.1 7.o o, D/een
Se"ye4 knight ha$ come a .e""- !on a.. Ser Narbert an$ Ser Benethon too$ near the $oor at
the ,oot o, the ha"". B/t the ret o, the A/een4 men .ere conpic/o/ in their abence. 2& ha$
hope$ to "ea$ the ranging mye", an$ bring back a many o, the ,ree ,o"k a co/"$ /rvive the
=o/rney.1 A ,"ah o, re$ in the back o, the ha"" ca/ght !on4 eye. ?a$y Me"ian$re ha$ arrive$.
2B/t no. & ,in$ & cannot go to #ar$home. 7he ranging .i"" be "e$ by 7orm/n$ Giantbane-
kno.n to yo/ a"". & have promie$ him a many men a he reA/ire.1
2And where will !ou be, crow61 BorroA th/n$ere$. 2#i$ing here in Cat"e B"ack .ith yo/r
.hite $og61
2No. & ri$e o/th.1 7hen !on rea$ them the "etter Ramay Sno. ha$ .ritten.
7he Shie"$ha"" .ent ma$.
Cvery man began to ho/t at once. 7hey "eapt to their ,eet- haking ,it. So much for the
calming power of comfortable benches+ S.or$ .ere bran$ihe$- a:e mahe$ againt hie"$.
!on Sno. "ooke$ to 7orm/n$. 7he Giantbane o/n$e$ hi horn once more- t.ice a "ong an$
t.ice a "o/$ a the ,irt time.
27he Night4 3atch take no part in the .ar o, the Seven >ing$om-1 !on remin$e$ them
.hen ome emb"ance o, A/iet ha$ ret/rne$. 2&t i not ,or / to oppoe the Batar$ o, Bo"ton- to
avenge Stanni Baratheon- to $e,en$ hi .i$o. an$ hi $a/ghter. 7hi creature .ho make
c"oak ,rom the kin o, .omen ha .orn to c/t my heart o/t- an$ & mean to make him an.er
,or thoe .or$8 b/t & .i"" not ak my brother to ,or.ear their vo..
27he Night4 3atch .i"" make ,or #ar$home. & ri$e to 3inter,e"" a"one- /n"e81 !on
pa/e$. 28i there any man here .ho .i"" come tan$ .ith me61
7he roar .a a"" he co/"$ have hope$ ,or- the t/m/"t o "o/$ that the t.o o"$ hie"$ t/mb"e$
,rom the .a"". Soren Shie"$breaker .a on hi ,eet- the 3an$erer a .e"". 7oregg the 7a""-
Brogg- #ar"e the #/ntman an$ #ar"e the #an$ome both- Egon H"$,ather- B"in$ 5o- even the
Great 3a"r/. I hae m! swords- tho/ght !on Sno.- and we are coming for !ou, Bastard+
Ear.yck an$ Marh .ere "ipping o/t- he a.- an$ a"" their men behin$ them. &t ma$e no
matter. #e $i$ not nee$ them no.. #e $i$ not want them. 2o man can eer sa! I made m!
brothers break their ows+ If this is oathbreaking, the crime is mine and mine alone+ 7hen
7orm/n$ .a po/n$ing him on the back- a"" gap(toothe$ grin ,rom ear to ear. 23e"" poken-
cro.. No. bring o/t the mea$0 Make them yo/r an$ get them $r/nk- that4 ho. it4 $one. 3e4""
make a .i"$"ing o4 yo/ yet- boy. #ar01
2& .i"" en$ ,or a"e-1 !on ai$- $itracte$. Me"ian$re .a gone- he rea"iGe$- an$ o .ere the
A/een4 knight. I should hae gone to Sel!se first+
She has the right to know her lord is dead+ 2Eo/ m/t e:c/e me. &4"" "eave yo/ to get them
$r/nk.1
2#ar0 A tak &4m .e"" /ite$ ,or- cro.. Hn yo/r .ay01
#ore an$ Rory ,e"" in bei$e !on a he "e,t the Shie"$ha"". I should talk with *elisandre after
I see the 3ueen- he tho/ght. If she could see a raen in a storm, she can find )amsa! Snow for
me+ 7hen he hear$ the ho/ting8 an$ a roar o "o/$ it eeme$ to hake the 3a"". 27hat come
,rom #ar$in4 7o.er- m4"or$-1 #ore reporte$. #e might have ai$ more- b/t the cream c/t him
o,,.
.al- .a !on4 ,irt tho/ght. B/t that .a no .oman4 cream. #hat is a man in mortal agon!+
#e broke into a r/n. #ore an$ Rory race$ a,ter him. 2& it .ight61 ake$ Rory. !on .on$ere$.
Co/"$ hi corpe have ecape$ their chain6
7he creaming ha$ toppe$ by the time they came to #ar$in4 7o.er- b/t 3/n 3eg 3/n 5ar
3/n .a ti"" roaring. 7he giant .a $ang"ing a b"oo$y corpe by one "eg- the ame .ay Arya
/e$ to $ang"e her $o"" .hen he .a ma""- .inging it "ike a morningtar .hen menace$ by
vegetab"e. Ar!a neer tore her dolls to pieces, though+ 7he $ea$ man4 .or$ arm .a yar$
a.ay- the no. beneath it t/rning re$.
2?et him go-1 !on ho/te$. 23/n 3/n- let him go.1
3/n 3/n $i$ not hear or $i$ not /n$ertan$. 7he giant .a b"ee$ing hime",- .ith .or$
c/t on hi be""y an$ hi arm. #e ./ng the $ea$ knight againt the grey tone o, the to.er-
again an$ again an$ again- /nti" the man4 hea$ .a re$ an$ p/"py a a /mmer me"on. 7he
knight4 c"oak ,"appe$ in the co"$ air. H, .hite .oo" it ha$ been- bor$ere$ in c"oth(o,(i"ver an$
patterne$ .ith b"/e tar. B"oo$ an$ bone .ere ,"ying every.here.
Men po/re$ ,rom the /rro/n$ing keep an$ to.er. Northmen- ,ree ,o"k- A/een4 men8
2+orm a "ine-1 !on Sno. comman$e$ them. 2>eep them back. Cveryone- b/t epecia""y the
A/een4 men.1 7he $ea$ man .a Ser 9atrek o, >ing4 Mo/ntainI hi hea$ .a "arge"y gone- b/t
hi hera"$ry .a a $itinctive a hi ,ace. !on $i$ not .ant to rik Ser Ma"egorn or Ser Br/ or
any o, the A/een4 other knight trying to avenge him.
3/n 3eg 3/n 5ar 3/n ho."e$ again an$ gave Ser 9atrek4 other arm a t.it an$ p/"". &t
tore "ooe ,rom hi ho/"$er .ith a pray o, bright re$ b"oo$. "ike a child pulling petals off a
dais!- tho/ght !on. 2?eather- ta"k to him- ca"m him. 7he H"$ 7ong/e- he /n$ertan$ the H"$
7ong/e. ,eep back- the ret o, yo/. 9/t a.ay yo/r tee"- .e4re caring him.1 Co/"$n4t they ee
the giant ha$ been c/t6 !on ha$ to p/t an en$ to thi or more men .o/"$ $ie. 7hey ha$ no i$ea o,
3/n 3/n4 trength. A horn, I need a horn+ #e a. the g"int o, tee"- t/rne$ to.ar$ it. 22o
blades;1 he creame$. 23ick- p/t that kni,e81
8awa!- he meant to ay. 3hen 3ick 3hitt"etick "ahe$ at hi throat- the .or$ t/rne$ into a
gr/nt. !on t.ite$ ,rom the kni,e- =/t eno/gh o it bare"y graGe$ hi kin. 7e cut me+ 3hen he
p/t hi han$ to the i$e o, hi neck- b"oo$ .e""e$ bet.een hi ,inger. 2Wh!61
2+or the 3atch.1 3ick "ahe$ at him again. 7hi time !on ca/ght hi .rit an$ bent hi arm
back /nti" he $roppe$ the $agger. 7he gang"ing te.ar$ backe$ a.ay- hi han$ /praie$ a i, to
ay- 2ot me, it was not me+ Men .ere creaming. !on reache$ ,or ?ongc"a.- b/t hi ,inger ha$
gro.n ti,, an$ c"/my. Someho. he co/"$ not eem to get the .or$ ,ree o, it cabbar$.
7hen Bo.en Marh too$ there be,ore him- tear r/nning $o.n hi cheek. 2+or the 3atch.1
#e p/nche$ !on in the be""y. 3hen he p/""e$ hi han$ a.ay- the $agger taye$ .here he ha$
b/rie$ it.
!on ,e"" to hi knee. #e ,o/n$ the $agger4 hi"t an$ .renche$ it ,ree. &n the co"$ night air the
.o/n$ .a moking. 2Ghot-1 he .hipere$. 9ain .ahe$ over him. Stick them with the point!
end+ 3hen the thir$ $agger took him bet.een the ho/"$er b"a$e- he gave a gr/nt an$ ,e"" ,ace(
,irt into the no.. #e never ,e"t the ,o/rth kni,e. Hn"y the co"$8
THE 6.EEN1S HAND
7he 5ornih prince .a three $ay $ying.
#e took hi "at h/$$ering breath in the b"eak b"ack $a.n- a co"$ rain hie$ ,rom a $ark
ky to t/rn the brick treet o, the o"$ city into river. 7he rain ha$ $ro.ne$ the .ort o, the
,ire- b/t .ip o, moke ti"" roe ,rom the mo"$ering r/in that ha$ been the pyrami$ o,
#aGkar- an$ the great b"ack pyrami$ o, EheriGan .here Rhaega" ha$ ma$e hi "air h/"ke$ in the
g"oom "ike a ,at .oman be$ecke$ .ith g"o.ing orange =e.e".
$erhaps the gods are not deaf after all, Ser Barritan Se"my re,"ecte$ a he .atche$ thoe
$itant ember. If not for the rain, the fires might hae consumed all of *eereen b! now+
#e a. no ign o, $ragon- b/t he ha$ not e:pecte$ to. 7he $ragon $i$ not "ike the rain. A
thin re$ "ah marke$ the eatern horiGon .here the /n might oon appear. &t remin$e$ Se"my o,
the ,irt b"oo$ .e""ing ,rom a .o/n$. H,ten- even .ith a $eep c/t- the b"oo$ came be,ore the
pain.
#e too$ bei$e the parapet o, the highet tep o, the Great 9yrami$- earching the ky a he
$i$ every morning- kno.ing that the $a.n m/t come an$ hoping that hi A/een .o/"$ come
.ith it. She will not hae abandoned us, she would neer leae her people, he .a te""ing
hime",- .hen he hear$ the prince4 $eath ratt"e coming ,rom the A/een4 apartment.
Ser Barritan .ent ini$e. Rain.ater ran $o.n the back o, hi .hite c"oak- an$ hi boot "e,t
.et track on the ,"oor an$ carpet. At hi comman$- D/entyn Marte"" ha$ been "ai$ o/t in the
A/een4 o.n be$. #e ha$ been a knight- an$ a prince o, 5orne bei$e. &t eeme$ on"y kin$ to "et
him $ie in the be$ he ha$ croe$ ha", a .or"$ to reach. 7he be$$ing .a r/ine$@heet- cover-
pi""o.- mattre- a"" reeke$ o, b"oo$ an$ moke- b/t Ser Barritan tho/ght 5aenery .o/"$
,orgive him.
Mian$ei at at the be$i$e. She ha$ been .ith the prince night an$ $ay- ten$ing to /ch
nee$ a he co/"$ e:pre- giving him .ater an$ mi"k o, the poppy .hen he .a trong eno/gh
to $rink- "itening to the ,e. tort/re$ .or$ he gape$ o/t ,rom time to time- rea$ing to him
.hen he ,e"" A/iet- "eeping in her chair bei$e him. Ser Barritan ha$ ake$ ome o, the A/een4
c/pbearer to he"p- b/t the ight o, the b/rne$ man .a too m/ch ,or even the bo"$et o, them.
An$ the B"/e Grace ha$ never come- tho/gh he4$ ent ,or them ,o/r time. 9erhap the "at o,
them ha$ been carrie$ o,, by the pa"e mare by no..
7he tiny Naathi cribe "ooke$ /p at hi approach. 2#onore$ er. 7he prince i beyon$ pain
no.. #i 5ornih go$ have taken him home. See6 #e mi"e.1
7ow can !ou tell6 7e has no lips+ &t .o/"$ have been kin$er i, the $ragon ha$ $evo/re$ him.
7hat at "eat .o/"$ have been A/ick. 7hi8 Fire is a hideous wa! to die+ Small wonder half the
hells are made of flame+ 2Cover him.1
Mian$ei p/""e$ the cover"et over the prince4 ,ace. 23hat .i"" be $one .ith him- er6 #e i
o very ,ar ,rom home.1
2&4"" ee that he4 ret/rne$ to 5orne.1 But how6 As ashes6 7hat .o/"$ reA/ire more ,ire- an$
Ser Barritan co/"$ not tomach that. We/ll need to strip the flesh from his bones+ Beetles, not
boiling+ 7he i"ent iter .o/"$ have een to it at home- b/t thi .a S"aver4 Bay. 7he nearet
i"ent iter .a ten tho/an$ "eag/e a.ay. 2Eo/ ho/"$ go "eep no.- chi"$. &n yo/r o.n be$.1
2&, thi one may be o bo"$- er- yo/ ho/"$ $o the ame. Eo/ $o not "eep the .ho"e night
thro/gh.1
2ot for man! !ears, child+ 2ot since the #rident+ Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e ha$ once to"$ him
that o"$ men $o not nee$ a m/ch "eep a the yo/ng- b/t it .a more than that. #e ha$ reache$
that age .hen he .a "oath to c"oe hi eye- ,or ,ear that he might never open them again. Hther
men might .ih to $ie in be$ a"eep- b/t that .a no $eath ,or a knight o, the >ingg/ar$.
27he night are too "ong-1 he to"$ Mian$ei- 2an$ there i m/ch an$ more to $o- a".ay.
#ere- a in the Seven >ing$om. B/t yo/ have $one eno/gh ,or no.- chi"$. Go an$ ret.1 And if
the gods are good, !ou will not dream of dragons+
A,ter the gir" .a gone- the o"$ knight pee"e$ back the cover"et ,or one "at "ook at D/entyn
Marte""4 ,ace- or .hat remaine$ o, it. So m/ch o, the prince4 ,"eh ha$ "o/ghe$ a.ay that he
co/"$ ee the k/"" beneath. #i eye .ere poo" o, p/. 7e should hae sta!ed in Dorne+ 7e
should hae sta!ed a frog+ 2ot all men are meant to dance with dragons+ A he covere$ the boy
once more- he ,o/n$ hime", .on$ering .hether there .o/"$ be anyone to cover hi A/een- or
.hether her o.n corpe .o/"$ "ie /n(mo/rne$ amongt the ta"" grae o, the 5othraki ea-
taring b"in$"y at the ky /nti" her ,"eh ,e"" ,rom her bone.
2No-1 he ai$ a"o/$. 25aenery i not $ea$. She .a ri$ing that $ragon. & a. it .ith mine
o.n t.o eye.1 #e ha$ ai$ the ame a h/n$re$ time be,ore8 b/t every $ay that pae$ ma$e it
har$er to be"ieve. 7er hair was afire+ I saw that too+ She was burning= and if I did not see her
fall, hundreds swear the! did+
5ay ha$ crept /pon the city. 7ho/gh the rain ti"" ,e""- a vag/e "ight /,,/e$ the eatern ky.
An$ .ith the /n arrive$ the Shavepate. SkahaG .a c"a$ in hi ,ami"iar garb o, p"eate$ b"ack
kirt- greave- an$ m/c"e$ breatp"ate. 7he braGen mak beneath hi arm .a ne.@a .o",4
hea$ .ith "o""ing tong/e. 2So-1 he ai$- by .ay o, greeting- 2the ,oo" i $ea$- i he61
29rince D/entyn $ie$ =/t be,ore ,irt "ight.1 Se"my .a not /rprie$ that SkahaG kne..
3or$ trave"e$ A/ick"y .ithin the pyrami$. 2& the co/nci" aemb"e$61
27hey a.ait the #an$4 p"ea/re be"o..1
I am no 7and, a part o, him .ante$ to cry o/t. I am onl! a simple knight, the 3ueen/s
protector+ I neer wanted this+ B/t .ith the A/een gone an$ the king in chain- omeone ha$ to
r/"e- an$ Ser Barritan $i$ not tr/t the Shavepate. 2#a there been any .or$ ,rom the Green
Grace61
2She i not yet ret/rne$ to the city.1 SkahaG ha$ oppoe$ en$ing the priete. Nor ha$
Ga"aGGa Ga"are here", embrace$ the tak. She .o/"$ go- he a""o.e$- ,or the ake o, peace- b/t
#iG$ahr Go ?oraA .a better /ite$ to treat .ith the 3ie Mater. B/t Ser Barritan $i$ not
yie"$ eai"y- an$ ,ina""y the Green Grace ha$ bo.e$ her hea$ an$ .orn to $o her bet.
2#o. tan$ the city61 Se"my ake$ the Shavepate no..
2A"" the gate are c"oe$ an$ barre$- a yo/ comman$e$. 3e are h/nting $o.n any e"".or$
or E/nkai4i "e,t ini$e the city an$ e:pe""ing or arreting thoe .e catch. Mot eem to have gone
to gro/n$. &ni$e the pyrami$- beyon$ a $o/bt. 7he Fn/""ie$ man the .a"" an$ to.er- rea$y
,or any aa/"t. 7here are t.o h/n$re$ highborn gathere$ in the A/are- tan$ing in the rain in
their tokar an$ ho."ing ,or a/$ience. 7hey .ant #iG$ahr ,ree an$ me $ea$- an$ they .ant yo/
to "ay thee $ragon. Someone to"$ them knight .ere goo$ at that. Men are ti"" p/""ing corpe
,rom the pyrami$ o, #aGkar. 7he Great Mater o, EheriGan an$ Fh"eG have aban$one$ their
o.n pyrami$ to the $ragon.1
Ser Barritan ha$ kno.n a"" that. 2An$ the b/tcher4 ta""y61 he ake$- $rea$ing the an.er.
2Nine(an$(t.enty.1
22ine(and(twent!61 7hat .a ,ar .ore than he co/"$ ever have imagine$. 7he Son o, the
#arpy ha$ re/me$ their ha$o. .ar t.o $ay ago. 7hree m/r$er the ,irt night- nine the
econ$. B/t to go ,rom nine to nine(an$(t.enty in a ing"e night8
27he co/nt .i"" pa thirty be,ore mi$$ay. 3hy $o yo/ "ook o grey- o"$ man6 3hat $i$ yo/
e:pect6 7he #arpy .ant #iG$ahr ,ree- o he ha ent hi on back into the treet .ith knive
in han$. 7he $ea$ are a"" ,ree$men an$ havepate- a be,ore. Hne .a mine- a BraGen Beat.
7he ign o, the #arpy .a "e,t bei$e the bo$ie- cha"ke$ on the pavement or cratche$ into a
.a"". 7here .ere meage a .e"". JDragons must die,4 they .rote- an$ J7arghaz the 7ero+/
JDeath to Daener!s4 .a een a .e""- be,ore the rain .ahe$ o/t the .or$.1
27he b"oo$ ta:81
27.enty(nine h/n$re$ piece o, go"$ ,rom each pyrami$- aye-1 SkahaG gr/mb"e$. 2&t .i"" be
co""ecte$8 b/t the "o o, a ,e. coin .i"" never tay the #arpy4 han$. Hn"y b"oo$ can $o that.1
2So yo/ ay.1 #he hostages again+ 7e would kill them eer! one if I allowed it+ 2& hear$ yo/
the ,irt h/n$re$ time. No.1
2D/een4 #an$-1 SkahaG gr/mb"e$ .ith $ig/t. 2An o"$ .oman4 han$- & am thinking-
.rink"e$ an$ ,eeb"e. & pray 5aenery ret/rn to / oon.1 #e p/""e$ hi braGen .o",4 mak $o.n
over hi ,ace. 2Eo/r co/nci" .i"" be gro.ing ret"e.1
27hey are the A/een4 co/nci"- not mine.1 Se"my e:change$ hi $amp c"oak ,or a $ry one an$
b/ck"e$ on hi .or$ be"t- then accompanie$ the Shavepate $o.n the tep.
7he pi""are$ ha"" .a empty o, petitioner thi morning. 7ho/gh he ha$ a/me$ the tit"e o,
#an$- Ser Barritan .o/"$ not pre/me to ho"$ co/rt in the A/een4 abence- nor .o/"$ he
permit SkahaG mo >an$aA to $o /ch. #iG$ahr4 groteA/e $ragon throne ha$ been remove$ at
Ser Barritan4 comman$- b/t he ha$ not bro/ght back the imp"e pi""o.e$ bench the A/een ha$
,avore$. &ntea$ a "arge ro/n$ tab"e ha$ been et /p in the center o, the ha""- .ith ta"" chair a""
aro/n$ it .here men might it an$ ta"k a peer.
7hey roe .hen Ser Barritan came $o.n the marb"e tep- SkahaG Shavepate at hi i$e.
Mare"en o, the Mother4 Men .a preent- .ith Symon Stripeback- comman$er o, the +ree
Brother. 7he Sta".art Shie"$ ha$ choen a ne. comman$er- a b"ack(kinne$ S/mmer &"an$er
ca""e$ 7a" 7oraA- their o"$ captain- Mo""ono Eo 5ob- having been carrie$ o,, by the pa"e mare.
Grey 3orm .a there ,or the Fn/""ie$- atten$e$ by three e/n/ch er=eant in pike$ bronGe
cap. 7he Stormcro. .ere repreente$ by t.o eaone$ e"".or$- an archer name$ !okin an$
the carre$ an$ o/r a:eman kno.n imp"y a the 3i$o.er. 7he t.o o, them ha$ a/me$ =oint
comman$ o, the company in the abence o, 5aario Nahari. Mot o, the A/een4 khalasar ha$
gone .ith Aggo an$ Rakharo to earch ,or her on the 5othraki ea- b/t the A/inty- bo."egge$
9a33a rhan Rommo .a there to peak ,or the ri$er .ho remaine$.
An$ acro the tab"e ,rom Ser Barritan at ,o/r o, >ing #iG$ahr4 ert.hi"e g/ar$men- the
pit ,ighter Goghor the Giant- Be"aA/o Bonebreaker- Camarron o, the Co/nt- an$ the Spotte$
Cat. Se"my ha$ inite$ on their preence- over the ob=ection o, SkahaG Shavepate. 7hey ha$
he"pe$ 5aenery 7argaryen take thi city once- an$ that ho/"$ not be ,orgotten. B"oo$(oake$
br/te an$ ki""er they might be- b/t in their o.n .ay they ha$ been "oya"8 to >ing #iG$ahr-
ye- b/t to the A/een a .e"".
?at to come- Strong Be".a "/mbere$ into the ha"".
7he e/n/ch ha$ "ooke$ $eath in the ,ace- o near he might have kie$ her on the "ip. &t ha$
marke$ him. #e "ooke$ to have "ot t.o tone o, .eight- an$ the $ark bro.n kin that ha$ once
tretche$ tight acro a maive chet an$ be""y- croe$ by a h/n$re$ ,a$e$ car- no. h/ng on
him in "ooe ,o"$- agging an$ .obb"ing- "ike a robe c/t three iGe too "arge. #i tep ha$
"o.e$ a .e""- an$ eeme$ a bit /ncertain.
Cven o- the ight o, him g"a$$ene$ the o"$ knight4 heart. #e ha$ once croe$ the .or"$
.ith Strong Be".a- an$ he kne. he co/"$ re"y on him- ho/"$ a"" thi come to .or$. 2Be".a.
3e are p"eae$ that yo/ co/"$ =oin /.1
23hitebear$.1 Be".a mi"e$. 23here i "iver an$ onion6 Strong Be".a i not o trong a
be,ore- he m/t eat- get big again. 7hey ma$e Strong Be".a ick. Someone m/t $ie.1
Someone will+ *an! someones, like as not+ 2Sit- my ,rien$.1 3hen Be".a at an$ croe$ hi
arm- Ser Barritan .ent on. 2D/entyn Marte"" $ie$ thi morning- =/t be,ore the $a.n.1
7he 3i$o.er "a/ghe$. 27he $ragonri$er.1
2+oo"- & ca"" him-1 ai$ Symon Stripeback.
2o, 9ust a bo!+ Ser Barritan ha$ not ,orgotten the ,o""ie o, hi o.n yo/th. 2Speak no i"" o,
the $ea$. 7he prince pai$ a ghat"y price ,or .hat he $i$.1
2An$ the other 5ornih61 ake$ 7a" 7araA.
29rioner- ,or the nonce.1 Neither o, the 5ornihmen ha$ o,,ere$ any reitance. Archiba"$
Eron.oo$ ha$ been cra$"ing hi prince4 corche$ an$ moking bo$y .hen the BraGen Beat
ha$ ,o/n$ him- a hi b/rne$ han$ co/"$ teti,y. #e ha$ /e$ them to beat o/t the ,"ame that
ha$ eng/",e$ D/entyn Marte"". Gerri 5rink.ater .a tan$ing over them .ith .or$ in han$-
b/t he ha$ $roppe$ the b"a$e the moment the "oc/t ha$ appeare$. 27hey hare a ce"".1
2?et them hare a gibbet-1 ai$ Symon Stripeback. 27hey /n"eahe$ t.o $ragon on the city.1
2Hpen the pit an$ give them .or$-1 /rge$ the Spotte$ Cat. 2& .i"" ki"" them both a a""
Meereen ho/t o/t my name.1
27he ,ighting pit .i"" remain c"oe$-1 ai$ Se"my. 2B"oo$ an$ noie .o/"$ on"y erve to ca""
the $ragon.1
2A"" three- perhap-1 /ggete$ Mare"en. 27he b"ack beat came once- .hy not again6 7hi
time .ith o/r A/een.1
Or without her+ Sho/"$ 5rogon ret/rn to Meereen .itho/t 5aenery mo/nte$ on hi back- the
city .o/"$ er/pt in b"oo$ an$ ,"ame- o, that Ser Barritan ha$ no $o/bt. 7he very men itting at
thi tab"e .o/"$ oon be at $agger point .ith one another. A yo/ng gir" he might be- b/t
5aenery 7argaryen .a the on"y thing that he"$ them a"" together.
2#er Grace .i"" ret/rn .hen he ret/rn-1 ai$ Ser Barritan. 23e have her$e$ a tho/an$
heep into the 5aGnak4 9it- ,i""e$ the 9it o, GhraGG .ith b/""ock- an$ the Go"$en 9it .ith beat
that #iG$ahr Go ?oraA ha$ gathere$ ,or hi game.1 7h/ ,ar both $ragon eeme$ to have a tate
,or m/tton- ret/rning to 5aGnak4 .henever they gre. h/ngry. &, either one .a h/nting man-
ini$e or o/ti$e the city- Ser Barritan ha$ yet to hear o, it. 7he on"y Meereenee the $ragon
ha$ "ain ince #arghaG the #ero ha$ been the "aver ,oo"ih eno/gh to ob=ect .hen Rhaega"
attempte$ to make hi "air atop the pyrami$ o, #aGkar. 23e have more preing matter to
$ic/. & have ent the Green Grace to the E/nkihmen to make arrangement ,or the re"eae o,
o/r hotage. & e:pect her back by mi$$ay .ith their an.er.1
23ith .or$-1 ai$ the 3i$o.er. 27he Stormcro. kno. the E/nkai4i. 7heir tong/e are
.orm that .rigg"e thi .ay or that. 7he Green Grace .i"" come back .ith .orm .or$- not the
captain.1
2&, it p"eae the D/een4 #an$ to reca""- the 3ie Mater ho"$ o/r #ero too-1 ai$ Grey
3orm. 2A"o the hore"or$ !hogo- the A/een4 o.n b"oo$ ri$er.1
2B"oo$ o, her b"oo$-1 agree$ the 5othraki Rommo. 2#e m/t be ,ree$. 7he honor o, the
khalasar $eman$ it.1
2#e ha"" be ,ree$-1 ai$ Ser Barritan- 2b/t ,irt .e m/t nee$ .ait an$ ee i, the Green
Grace can accomp"ih@1
SkahaG Shavepate "amme$ hi ,it /pon the tab"e. 27he Green Grace .i"" accomp"ih
nothing+ She may be conpiring .ith the E/nkai4i even a .e it here. Arrangements, $i$ yo/
ay6 *ake arrangements6 3hat ort o, arrangements61
2Ranom-1 ai$ Ser Barritan. 2Cach man4 .eight in go"$.1
27he 3ie Mater $o not nee$ o/r go"$- er-1 ai$ Mare"en. 27hey are richer than yo/r
3eteroi "or$- every one.1
27heir e"".or$ .i"" .ant the go"$- tho/gh. 3hat are the hotage to them6 &, the
E/nkihmen re,/e- it .i"" $rive a b"a$e bet.een them an$ their hire"ing.1 Or so I hope+ &t ha$
been Mian$ei .ho /ggete$ the p"oy to him. #e .o/"$ never have tho/ght o, /ch a thing
hime",. &n >ing4 ?an$ing- bribe ha$ been ?itt"e,inger4 $omain- .hi"t ?or$ %ary ha$ the
tak o, ,otering $iviion amongt the cro.n4 enemie. #i o.n $/tie ha$ been more
traight,or.ar$. 0leen !ears of age, !et *issandei is as cleer as half the men at this table and
wiser than all of them+ 2& have intr/cte$ the Green Grace to preent the o,,er on"y .hen a"" o,
the E/nkih comman$er have aemb"e$ to hear it.1
27hey .i"" re,/e- even o-1 inite$ Symon Stripeback. 27hey .i"" ay they .ant the $ragon
$ea$- the king retore$.1
2& pray that yo/ are .rong.1 And fear that !ou are right+
2Eo/r go$ are ,ar a.ay- Ser Gran$,ather-1 ai$ the 3i$o.er. 2& $o not think they hear yo/r
prayer. An$ .hen the E/nkai4i en$ back the o"$ .oman to pit in yo/r eye- .hat then61
2Fire and blood,1 ai$ Barritan Se"my- o,t"y- o,t"y.
+or a "ong moment no one poke. 7hen Strong Be".a "appe$ hi be""y an$ ai$- 2Better than
"iver an$ onion-1 an$ SkahaG Shavepate tare$ thro/gh the eye o, hi .o",4 hea$ mak an$
ai$- 2Eo/ .o/"$ break >ing #iG$ahr4 peace- o"$ man61
2& .o/"$ hatter it.1 Hnce- "ong ago- a prince ha$ name$ him Barritan the Bo"$. A part o,
that boy .a in him ti"". 23e have b/i"t a beacon atop the pyrami$ .here once the #arpy too$.
5ry .oo$ oake$ .ith oi"- covere$ to keep the rain o,,. Sho/"$ the ho/r come- an$ & pray that it
$oe not- .e .i"" "ight that beacon. 7he ,"ame .i"" be yo/r igna" to po/r o/t o, o/r gate an$
attack. Cvery man o, yo/ .i"" have a part to p"ay- o every man m/t be in rea$ine at a"" time-
$ay or night. 3e .i"" $etroy o/r ,oe or be $etroye$ o/re"ve.1 #e raie$ a han$ to igna" to
hi .aiting A/ire. 2& have ha$ ome map prepare$ to ho. the $ipoition o, o/r ,oe- their
camp an$ iege "ine an$ treb/chet. &, .e can break the "aver- their e"".or$ .i"" aban$on
them. & kno. yo/ .i"" have concern an$ A/etion. %oice them here. By the time .e "eave thi
tab"e- a"" o, / m/t be o, a ing"e min$- .ith a ing"e p/rpoe.1
2Bet en$ $o.n ,or ome ,oo$ an$ $rink- then-1 /ggete$ Symon Stripeback. 27hi .i""
take a .hi"e.1
&t took the ret o, the morning an$ mot o, the a,ternoon. 7he captain an$ comman$er
arg/e$ over the map "ike ,ih.ive over a b/cket o, crab. 3eak point an$ trong point- ho.
to bet emp"oy their ma"" company o, archer- .hether the e"ephant ho/"$ be /e$ to break the
E/nkih "ine or he"$ in reerve- .ho ho/"$ have the honor o, "ea$ing the ,irt a$vance- .hether
their hore cava"ry .a bet $ep"oye$ on the ,"ank or in the vang/ar$.
Ser Barritan "et each man peak hi min$. 7a" 7oraA tho/ght that they ho/"$ march on
E/nkai once they ha$ broken thro/gh the "ineI the Ee""o. City .o/"$ be a"mot /n$e,en$e$- o
the E/nkai4i .o/"$ have no choice b/t to "i,t the iege an$ ,o""o.. 7he Spotte$ Cat propoe$ to
cha""enge the enemy to en$ ,orth a champion to ,ace him in ing"e combat. Strong Be".a "ike$
that notion b/t inite$ he ho/"$ ,ight- not the Cat. Camarron o, the Co/nt p/t ,orth a cheme to
eiGe the hip tie$ /p a"ong the river,ront an$ /e the SkahaGa$han to bring three h/n$re$ pit
,ighter aro/n$ the E/nkih rear. Cvery man there agree$ that the Fn/""ie$ .ere their bet
troop- b/t none agree$ on ho. they ho/"$ be $ep"oye$. 7he 3i$o.er .ante$ to /e the
e/n/ch a an iron ,it to mah thro/gh the heart o, the E/nkih $e,ene. Mare"en ,e"t they
.o/"$ be better p"ace$ at either en$ o, the main batt"e "ine- .here they co/"$ beat back any
attempt by the ,oe to t/rn their ,"ank. Symon Stripeback .ante$ them p"it into three an$
$ivi$e$ amongt the three companie o, ,ree$men. #i +ree Brother .ere brave an$ eager ,or
the ,ight- he c"aime$- b/t .itho/t the Fn/""ie$ to ti,,en them he ,eare$ hi /nb"oo$e$ troop
might not have the $icip"ine to ,ace batt"e(eaone$ e"" .or$ by theme"ve. Grey 3orm ai$
on"y that the Fn/""ie$ .o/"$ obey- .hatever might be ake$ o, them.
An$ .hen a"" that ha$ been $ic/e$- $ebate$- an$ $eci$e$- Symon Stripeback raie$ one
,ina" point. 2A a "ave in E/nkai & he"pe$ my mater bargain .ith the ,ree companie an$ a. to
the payment o, their .age. & kno. e"".or$- an$ & kno. that the E/nkai4i cannot pay them
near eno/gh to ,ace $ragon,"ame. So & ak yo/8 i, the peace ho/"$ ,ai" an$ thi batt"e ho/"$ be
=oine$- .i"" the $ragon come6 3i"" they =oin the ,ight61
#he! will come, Ser Barritan might have ai$. #he noise will bring them, the shouts and
screams, the scent of blood+ #hat will draw them to the battlefield, 9ust as the roar from
Daznak/s $it drew Drogon to the scarlet sands+ But when the! come, will the! know one side
from the other6 Someho. he $i$ not think o. So he ai$ on"y- 27he $ragon .i"" $o .hat the
$ragon .i"" $o. &, they $o come- it may be that =/t the ha$o. o, their .ing .i"" be eno/gh to
$ihearten the "aver an$ en$ them ,"eeing.1 7hen he thanke$ them an$ $imie$ them a"".
Grey 3orm "ingere$ a,ter the other ha$ "e,t. 27hee one .i"" be rea$y .hen the beacon ,ire
i "it. B/t the #an$ m/t /re"y kno. that .hen .e attack- the E/nkai4i .i"" ki"" the hotage.1
2& .i"" $o a"" & can to prevent that- my ,rien$. & have a8 notion. B/t pray e:c/e me. &t i pat
time the 5ornihmen hear$ that their prince i $ea$.1
Grey 3orm inc"ine$ hi hea$. 27hi one obey.1
Ser Barritan took t.o o, hi ne.(ma$e knight .ith him $o.n into the $/ngeon. Grie, an$
g/i"t ha$ been kno.n to $rive goo$ men into ma$ne- an$ Archiba"$ Eron.oo$ an$ Gerri
5rink.ater ha$ both p"aye$ ro"e in their ,rien$4 $emie. B/t .hen they reache$ the ce""- he
to"$ 7/m an$ the Re$ ?amb to .ait o/ti$e .hi"t he .ent in to te"" the 5ornih that the prince4
agony .a over.
Ser Archiba"$- the big ba"$ one- ha$ nothing to ay. #e at on the e$ge o, hi pa""et- taring
$o.n at hi ban$age$ han$ in their "inen .rapping. Ser Gerri p/nche$ a .a"". 2& to"$ him it
.a ,o""y. & begge$ him to go home. Eo/r bitch o, a A/een ha$ no /e ,or him- any man co/"$
ee that. #e croe$ the .or"$ to o,,er her hi "ove an$ ,ea"ty- an$ he "a/ghe$ in hi ,ace.1
2She never "a/ghe$-1 ai$ Se"my. 2&, yo/ kne. her- yo/ .o/"$ kno. that.1
2She p/rne$ him. #e o,,ere$ her hi heart- an$ he thre. it back at him an$ .ent o,, to ,/ck
her e"".or$.1
2Eo/ ha$ bet g/ar$ that tong/e- er.1 Ser Barritan $i$ not "ike thi Gerri 5rink.ater- nor
.o/"$ he a""o. him to vi"i,y 5aenery. 29rince D/entyn4 $eath .a hi o.n $oing- an$ yo/r.1
2Ours6 #o. are .e at ,a/"t- er6 D/entyn .a o/r ,rien$- ye. A bit o, a ,oo"- yo/ might ay-
b/t a"" $reamer are ,oo". B/t ,irt an$ "at he .a o/r prince. 3e o.e$ him o/r obe$ience.1
Barritan Se"my co/"$ not $ip/te the tr/th o, that. #e ha$ pent the bet part o, hi o.n "i,e
obeying the comman$ o, $r/nkar$ an$ ma$men. 2#e came too "ate.1
2#e o,,ere$ her hi heart-1 Ser Gerri ai$ again.
2She nee$e$ .or$- not heart.1
2#e .o/"$ have given her the pear o, 5orne a .e"".1
23o/"$ that he ha$.1 No one ha$ .ante$ 5aenery to "ook .ith ,avor on the 5ornih prince
more than Barritan Se"my. 2#e came too "ate- tho/gh- an$ thi ,o""y8 b/ying e"".or$-
"ooing t.o $ragon on the city8 that .a ma$ne an$ .ore than ma$ne. 7hat .a treaon.1
23hat he $i$ he $i$ ,or "ove o, D/een 5aenery-1 Gerri 5rink.ater inite$. 27o prove
hime", .orthy o, her han$.1
7he o"$ knight ha$ hear$ eno/gh. 23hat 9rince D/entyn $i$ he $i$ ,or 5orne. 5o yo/ take
me ,or ome $oting gran$,ather6 & have pent my "i,e aro/n$ king an$ A/een an$ prince.
S/npear mean to take /p arm againt the &ron 7hrone. No- $o not tro/b"e to $eny it. 5oran
Marte"" i not a man to ca"" hi pear .itho/t hope o, victory. 5/ty bro/ght 9rince D/entyn
here. 5/ty- honor- thirt ,or g"ory8 never "ove. D/entyn .a here ,or $ragon- not 5aenery.1
2Eo/ $i$ not kno. him- er. #e@1
2#e4 $ea$- 5rink.1 Eron.oo$ roe to hi ,eet. 23or$ .on4t ,etch him back. C"et/ an$ 3i""
are $ea$ too. So h/t yo/r b"oo$y mo/th be,ore & tick my ,it in it.1 7he big knight t/rne$ to
Se"my. 23hat $o yo/ mean to $o .ith /61
2SkahaG Shavepate .ant yo/ hange$. Eo/ "e. ,o/r o, hi men. +o/r o, the 3ueen4 men.
7.o .ere ,ree$men .ho ha$ ,o""o.e$ #er Grace ince Atapor.1
Eron.oo$ $i$ not eem /rprie$. 27he beat men- aye. & on"y ki""e$ the one- the bai"ik
hea$. 7he e"".or$ $i$ the other. 5on4t matter- tho/gh- & kno. that.1
23e .ere protecting D/entyn-1 ai$ 5rink.ater. 23e@1
2Be 3uiet, 5rink. #e kno..1 7o Ser Barritan the big knight ai$- 2No nee$ to come an$ ta"k
i, yo/ meant to hang /. So it4 not that- i it61
2No.1 #his one ma! not be as slow(witted as he seems+ 2& have more /e ,or yo/ a"ive than
$ea$. Serve me- an$ a,ter.ar$ & .i"" arrange a hip to take yo/ back to 5orne an$ give yo/
9rince D/entyn4 bone to ret/rn to hi "or$ ,ather.1
Ser Archiba"$ grimace$. 23hy i it a".ay hip6 Someone nee$ to take D/ent home-
tho/gh. 3hat $o yo/ ak o, /- er61
2Eo/r .or$.1
2Eo/ have tho/an$ o, .or$.1
27he A/een4 ,ree$men are a yet /nb"oo$e$. 7he e"".or$ & $o not tr/t. Fn/""ie$ are
brave o"$ier8 b/t not .arrior. Not knights+1 #e pa/e$. 23hat happene$ .hen yo/ trie$ to
take the $ragon6 7e"" me.1
7he 5ornihmen e:change$ a "ook. 7hen 5rink.ater ai$- 2D/entyn to"$ the 7attere$ 9rince
he co/"$ contro" them. &t .a in hi b"oo$- he ai$. #e ha$ 7argaryen b"oo$.1
2B"oo$ o, the $ragon.1
2Ee. 7he e"".or$ .ere /ppoe$ to he"p / get the $ragon chaine$ /p o .e co/"$ get
them to the $ock.1
2Rag arrange$ ,or a hip-1 ai$ Eron.oo$. 2A big one- in cae .e got both $ragon. An$
D/ent .a going to ri$e one.1 #e "ooke$ at hi ban$age$ han$. 27he moment .e got in- tho/gh-
yo/ co/"$ ee none o, it .a going to .ork. 7he $ragon .ere too .i"$. 7he chain8 there .ere
bit o, broken chain every.here- big chain- "ink the iGe o, yo/r hea$ mi:e$ in .ith a"" thee
cracke$ an$ p"intere$ bone. An$ D/ent- Seven ave him- he "ooke$ "ike he .a going to hit
hi ma""c"othe. Caggo an$ Meri .eren4t b"in$- they a. it too. 7hen one o, the crobo.men
"et ,"y. Maybe they meant to ki"" the $ragon a"" a"ong an$ .ere on"y /ing / to get to them. Eo/
never kno. .ith 7atter. Any .ay yo/ hack it o,,- it .eren4t c"ever. 7he A/arre" =/t ma$e the
$ragon angry- an$ they ha$n4t been in /ch a goo$ moo$ to tart .ith. 7hen8 then thing got
ba$.1
2An$ the 3in$b"o.n b"e. a.ay-1 ai$ Ser Gerri. 2D/ent .a creaming- covere$ in ,"ame-
an$ they .ere gone. Caggo- 9retty Meri- a"" b/t the $ea$ one.1
2Ah- .hat $i$ yo/ e:pect- 5rink6 A cat .i"" ki"" a mo/e- a pig .i"" .a""o. in hit- an$ a
e"".or$ .i"" r/n o,, .hen he4 nee$e$ mot. Can4t be b"ame$. !/t the nat/re o, the beat.1
2#e4 not .rong-1 Ser Barritan ai$. 23hat $i$ 9rince D/entyn promie the 7attere$ 9rince
in ret/rn ,or a"" thi he"p61
#e got no an.er. Ser Gerri "ooke$ at Ser Archiba"$. Ser Archiba"$ "ooke$ at hi han$- the
,"oor- the $oor.
29ento-1 ai$ Ser Barritan. 2#e promie$ him 9ento. Say it. No .or$ o, yo/r can he"p or
harm 9rince D/entyn no..1
2Aye-1 ai$ Ser Archiba"$ /nhappi"y. 2&t .a 9ento. 7hey ma$e mark on a paper- the t.o o,
them.1
#here is a chance here+ 23e ti"" have 3in$b"o.n in the $/ngeon. 7hoe ,eigne$ $eerter.1
2& remember-1 ai$ Eron.oo$. 2#/nger,or$- Stra.- that "ot. Some o, them .eren4t o ba$ ,or
e"".or$. Hther- .e""- might be they co/"$ tan$ a bit o, $ying. 3hat o, them61
2& mean to en$ them back to the 7attere$ 9rince. An$ yo/ .ith them. Eo/ .i"" be t.o
amongt tho/an$. Eo/r preence in the E/nkih camp ho/"$ pa /nnotice$. & .ant yo/ to
$e"iver a meage to the 7attere$ 9rince. 7e"" him that & ent yo/- that & peak .ith the A/een4
voice. 7e"" him that .e4"" pay hi price i, he $e"iver / o/r hotage- /nharme$ an$ .ho"e.1
Ser Archiba"$ grimace$. 2Rag an$ 7atter i more "ike to give the t.o o, / to 9retty Meri.
#e .on4t $o it.1
23hy not6 7he tak i imp"e eno/gh.1 %ompared to stealing dragons+ 2& once bro/ght the
A/een4 ,ather o/t o, 5/ken$a"e.1
27hat .a 3etero-1 ai$ Gerri 5rink.ater. 27hi i Meereen.1
2Arch cannot even ho"$ a .or$ .ith thoe han$.1
2#e o/ght not nee$ to. Eo/ .i"" have the e"".or$ .ith yo/- /n"e & mitake my man.1
Gerri 5rink.ater p/he$ back hi mop o, /n(treake$ hair. 2Might .e have ome time to
$ic/ thi amongt o/re"ve61
2No-1 ai$ Se"my.
2&4"" $o it-1 o,,ere$ Ser Archiba"$- 2=/t o "ong a there4 no b"oo$y boat invo"ve$. 5rink
.i"" $o it too.1 #e grinne$. 2#e $on4t kno. it yet- b/t he .i"".1
An$ that .a $one.
#he simple part, at least, tho/ght Barritan Se"my- a he ma$e the "ong c"imb back to the
/mmit o, the pyrami$. 7he har$ part he4$ "e,t in 5ornih han$. #i gran$,ather .o/"$ have
been aghat. 7he 5ornihmen .ere knight- at "eat in name- tho/gh on"y Eron.oo$ impree$
him a having the tr/e tee". 5rink.ater ha$ a pretty ,ace- a g"ib tong/e- an$ a ,ine hea$ o, hair.
By the time the o"$ knight ret/rne$ to the A/een4 room atop the pyrami$- 9rince D/entyn4
corpe ha$ been remove$. Si: o, the yo/ng c/pbearer .ere p"aying ome chi"$4 game a he
entere$- itting in a circ"e on the ,"oor a they took t/rn pinning a $agger. 3hen it .obb"e$ to a
top they c/t a "ock o, hair o,, .hichever o, them the b"a$e .a pointing at. Ser Barritan ha$
p"aye$ a imi"ar game .ith hi co/in .hen he .a =/t a boy at #arvet #a""8 tho/gh in
3etero- a he reca""e$- kiing ha$ been invo"ve$ a .e"". 2BhakaG-1 he ca""e$. 2A c/p o, .ine-
i, yo/ .o/"$ be o goo$. GraGhar- AGGak- the $oor i yo/r. & am e:pecting the Green Grace.
Sho. her in at once .hen he arrive. C"e.ie- & $o not .ih to be $it/rbe$.1
AGGak cramb"e$ to hi ,eet. 2A yo/ comman$- ?or$ #an$.1
Ser Barritan .ent o/t onto the terrace. 7he rain ha$ toppe$- tho/gh a .a"" o, "ate(grey
c"o/$ hi$ the etting /n a it ma$e it $ecent into S"aver4 Bay. A ,e. .ip o, moke ti""
roe ,rom the b"ackene$ tone o, #aG$ar- t.ite$ "ike ribbon by the .in$. +ar o,, to the eat-
beyon$ the city .a""- he a. pa"e .ing moving above a $itant "ine o, hi"". .iserion+ #/nting-
mayhap- or ,"ying =/t to ,"y. #e .on$ere$ .here Rhaega" .a. 7h/ ,ar the green $ragon ha$
ho.n hime", to be more $angero/ than the .hite.
3hen BhakaG bro/ght hi .ine- the o"$ knight took one "ong .a""o. an$ ent the boy ,or
.ater. A ,e. c/p o, .ine might be =/t the thing to he"p him "eep- b/t he .o/"$ nee$ hi .it
abo/t him .hen Ga"aGGa Ga"are ret/rne$ ,rom treating .ith the ,oe. So he $rank hi .ine .e""
.atere$- a the .or"$ gre. $ark aro/n$ him. #e .a very tire$- an$ ,/"" o, $o/bt. 7he
5ornihmen- #iG$ahr- ReGnak- the attack8 .a he $oing the right thing6 3a he $oing .hat
5aenery .o/"$ have .ante$6 I was not made for this+ Hther >ingg/ar$ ha$ erve$ a #an$
be,ore him. Not many- b/t a ,e.. #e ha$ rea$ o, them in the 3hite Book. No. he ,o/n$ hime",
.on$ering .hether they ha$ ,e"t a "ot an$ con,/e$ a he $i$.
2?or$ #an$.1 GraGhar too$ in the $oor- a taper in hi han$. 27he Green Grace ha come.
Eo/ ake$ to be to"$.1
2Sho. her in. An$ "ight ome can$"e.1
Ga"aGGa Ga"are .a atten$e$ by ,o/r 9ink Grace. An a/ra o, .i$om an$ $ignity eeme$ to
/rro/n$ her that Ser Barritan co/"$ not he"p b/t a$mire. #his is a strong woman, and she has
been a faithful friend to Daener!s+ 2?or$ #an$-1 he ai$- her ,ace hi$$en behin$ himmering
green vei". 2May & it6 7hee bone are o"$ an$ .eary.1
2GraGhar- a chair ,or the Green Grace.1 7he 9ink Grace arraye$ theme"ve behin$ her- .ith
eye "o.ere$ an$ han$ c"ape$ be,ore them. 2May & o,,er yo/ re,rehment61 ake$ Ser
Barritan.
27hat .o/"$ be mot .e"come- Ser Barritan. My throat i $ry ,rom ta"king. A =/ice-
perhap61
2A yo/ .ih.1 #e beckone$ to >eGmya an$ ha$ her ,etch the priete a gob"et o, "emon
=/ice- .eetene$ .ith honey. 7o $rink it- the priete ha$ to remove her vei"- an$ Se"my .a
remin$e$ o, =/t ho. o"$ he .a. #went! !ears m! elder, or more+ 2&, the A/een .ere here- &
kno. he .o/"$ =oin me in thanking yo/ ,or a"" that yo/ have $one ,or /.1
2#er Magni,icence ha a".ay been mot gracio/.1 Ga"aGGa Ga"are ,inihe$ her $rink an$
,atene$ /p her vei" again. 2#ave there been any ,/rther ti$ing o, o/r .eet A/een61
2None a yet.1
2& ha"" pray ,or her. An$ .hat o, >ing #iG$ahr- i, & may be o bo"$6 Might & be permitte$ to
ee #i Ra$iance61
2Soon- & hope. #e i /nharme$- & promie yo/.1
2& am p"eae$ to hear that. 7he 3ie Mater o, E/nkai ake$ a,ter him. Eo/ .i"" not be
/rprie$ to hear that they .ih the nob"e #iG$ahr to be retore$ at once to hi right,/" p"ace.1
2#e ha"" be- i, it can be prove$ that he $i$ not try to ki"" o/r A/een. Fnti" /ch time- Meereen
.i"" be r/"e$ by a co/nci" o, the "oya" an$ =/t. 7here i a p"ace ,or yo/ on that co/nci". & kno.
that yo/ have m/ch to teach / a""- Eo/r Benevo"ence. 3e nee$ yo/r .i$om.1
2& ,ear yo/ ,"atter me .ith empty co/rteie- ?or$ #an$-1 the Green Grace ai$. 2&, yo/ tr/"y
think me .ie- hee$ me no.. Re"eae the nob"e #iG$ahr an$ retore him to hi throne.1
2Hn"y the A/een can $o that.1
Beneath her vei"- the Green Grace ighe$. 27he peace that .e .orke$ o har$ to ,orge
,"/tter "ike a "ea, in an a/t/mn .in$. 7hee are $ire $ay. 5eath ta"k o/r treet- ri$ing the
pa"e mare ,rom thrice(c/re$ Atapor. 5ragon ha/nt the kie- ,eating on the ,"eh o, chi"$ren.
#/n$re$ are taking hip- ai"ing ,or E/nkai- ,or 7o"o- ,or Darth- ,or any re,/ge that .i"" have
them. 7he pyrami$ o, #aGkar ha co""ape$ into a moking r/in- an$ many o, that ancient "ine "ie
$ea$ beneath it b"ackene$ tone. 7he pyrami$ o, Fh"eG an$ EheriGan have become the "air o,
monter- their mater home"e beggar. My peop"e have "ot a"" hope an$ t/rne$ againt the
go$ theme"ve- giving over their night to $r/nkenne an$ ,ornication.1
2An$ m/r$er. 7he Son o, the #arpy "e. thirty in the night.1
2& grieve to hear thi. A"" the more reaon to ,ree the nob"e #iG$ahr Go ?oraA- .ho toppe$
/ch ki""ing once.1
And how did he accomplish that, unless he is himself the 7arp!6 2#er Grace gave her han$ to
#iG$ahr Go ?oraA- ma$e him her king an$ conort- retore$ the morta" art a he beeeche$ her. &n
ret/rn he gave her poione$ "oc/t.1
2&n ret/rn he gave her peace. 5o not cat it a.ay- er- & beg yo/. 9eace i the pear" beyon$
price. #iG$ahr i o, ?oraA. Never .o/"$ he oi" hi han$ .ith poion. #e i innocent.1
2#o. can yo/ be certain61 <nless !ou know the poisoner+
27he go$ o, Ghi have to"$ me.1
2My go$ are the Seven- an$ the Seven have been i"ent on thi matter. Eo/r 3i$om- $i$
yo/ preent my o,,er61
27o a"" the "or$ an$ captain o, E/nkai- a yo/ comman$e$ me8 yet & ,ear yo/ .i"" not "ike
their an.er.1
27hey re,/e$61
27hey $i$. No amo/nt o, go"$ .i"" b/y yo/r peop"e back- & .a to"$. Hn"y the b"oo$ o,
$ragon may et them ,ree again.1
&t .a the an.er Ser Barritan ha$ e:pecte$- i, not the one that he ha$ hope$ ,or. #i mo/th
tightene$.
2& kno. thee .ere not the .or$ yo/ .ihe$ to hear-1 ai$ Ga"aGGa Ga"are. 2Eet ,or mye",-
& /n$ertan$. 7hee $ragon are ,e"" beat. E/nkai ,ear them8 an$ .ith goo$ ca/e- yo/
cannot $eny. H/r hitorie peak o, the $ragon"or$ o, $rea$ %a"yria an$ the $evatation that
they .ro/ght /pon the peop"e o, H"$ Ghi. Cven yo/r o.n yo/ng A/een- ,air 5aenery .ho
ca""e$ here", the Mother o, 5ragon8 .e a. her b/rning- that $ay in the pit8 even he .a
not a,e ,rom the $ragon4 .roth.1
2#er Grace i not8 he81
28i $ea$. May the go$ grant her .eet "eep.1 7ear g"itene$ behin$ her vei". 2?et her
$ragon $ie a .e"".1
Se"my .a groping ,or an an.er .hen he hear$ the o/n$ o, heavy ,oottep. 7he $oor b/rt
in.ar$- an$ SkahaG mo >an$aA torme$ in .ith ,o/r BraGen Beat behin$ him. 3hen GraGhar
trie$ to b"ock hi path- he "amme$ the boy ai$e.
Ser Barritan .a on hi ,eet at once. 23hat i it61
27he treb/chet-1 the Shavepate gro."e$. 2A"" i:.1
Ga"aGGa Ga"are roe. 27h/ $oe E/nkai make rep"y to yo/r o,,er- er. & .arne$ yo/ that yo/
.o/"$ not "ike their an.er.1
#he! choose war, then+ So be it+ Ser Barritan ,e"t o$$"y re"ieve$. 3ar he /n$ertoo$. 2&, they
think they .i"" break Meereen by thro.ing tone@1
2Not tone.1 7he o"$ .oman4 voice .a ,/"" o, grie,- o, ,ear. 2Corpe.1
DAENER'S
7he hi"" .a a tony i"an$ in a ea o, green.
&t took 5any ha", the morning to c"imb $o.n. By the time he reache$ the bottom he .a
.in$e$. #er m/c"e ache$- an$ he ,e"t a i, he ha$ the beginning o, a ,ever. 7he rock ha$
crape$ her han$ ra.. #he! are better than the! were, though- he $eci$e$ a he picke$ at a
broken b"iter. #er kin .a pink an$ ten$er- an$ a pa"e mi"ky ,"/i$ .a "eaking ,rom her
cracke$ pa"m- b/t her b/rn .ere hea"ing.
7he hi"" "oome$ "arger $o.n here. 5any ha$ taken to ca""ing it 5ragontone- a,ter the ancient
cita$e" .here he4$ been born. She ha$ no memorie o, that 5ragontone- b/t he .o/"$ not
oon ,orget thi one. Scr/b gra an$ thorny b/he covere$ it "o.er "opeI higher /p a =agge$
tang"e o, bare rock thr/t teep an$ /$$en into the ky. 7here- ami$t broken bo/"$er- raGor(
harp ri$ge- an$ nee$"e pire- 5rogon ma$e hi "air ini$e a ha""o. cave. #e ha$ $.e"t there
,or ome time- 5any ha$ rea"iGe$ .hen he ,irt a. the hi"". 7he air me""e$ o, ah- every rock
an$ tree in ight .a corche$ an$ b"ackene$- the gro/n$ tre.n .ith b/rne$ an$ broken bone-
yet it ha$ been home to him.
5any kne. the "/re o, home.
7.o $ay ago- c"imbing on a pire o, rock- he ha$ pie$ .ater to the o/th- a "en$er threa$
that g"ittere$ brie,"y a the /n .a going $o.n. A stream- 5any $eci$e$. Sma""- b/t it .o/"$
"ea$ her to a "arger tream- an$ that tream .o/"$ ,"o. into ome "itt"e river- an$ a"" the river in
thi part o, the .or"$ .ere vaa" o, the SkahaGa$han. Hnce he ,o/n$ the SkahaGa$han he
nee$ on"y ,o""o. it $o.ntream to S"aver4 Bay.
She .o/"$ ooner have ret/rne$ to Meereen on $ragon4 .ing- to be /re. B/t that .a a
$eire 5rogon $i$ not eem to hare.
7he $ragon"or$ o, o"$ %a"yria ha$ contro""e$ their mo/nt .ith bin$ing pe"" an$ orcero/
horn. 5aenery ma$e $o .ith a .or$ an$ a .hip. Mo/nte$ on the $ragon4 back- he o,t ,e"t a
i, he .ere "earning to ri$e a"" over again. 3hen he .hippe$ her i"ver mare on her right ,"ank
the mare .ent "e,t- ,or a hore4 ,irt intinct i to ,"ee ,rom $anger. 3hen he "ai$ the .hip
acro 5rogon4 right i$e he veere$ right- ,or a $ragon4 ,irt intinct i a".ay to attack.
Sometime it $i$ not eem to matter .here he tr/ck him- tho/ghI ometime he .ent .here he
.o/"$ an$ took her .ith him. Neither .hip nor .or$ co/"$ t/rn 5rogon i, he $i$ not .ih to be
t/rne$. 7he .hip annoye$ him more than it h/rt him- he ha$ come to eeI hi ca"e ha$ gro.n
har$er than horn.
An$ no matter ho. ,ar the $ragon ,"e. each $ay- come night,a"" ome intinct $re. him home
to 5ragontone. 7is home, not mine+ #er home .a back in Meereen- .ith her h/ban$ an$ her
"over. 7hat .a .here he be"onge$- /re"y.
,eep walking+ If I look back I am lost+
Memorie .a"ke$ .ith her. C"o/$ een ,rom above. #ore ma"" a ant th/n$ering thro/gh
the gra. A i"ver moon- a"mot c"oe eno/gh to to/ch. River r/nning bright an$ b"/e be"o.-
g"immering in the /n. Will I eer see such sights again6 Hn 5rogon4 back he ,e"t whole. Fp in
the ky the .oe o, thi .or"$ co/"$ not to/ch her. #o. co/"$ he aban$on that6
&t .a time- tho/gh. A gir" might pen$ her "i,e at p"ay- b/t he .a a .oman gro.n- a A/een-
a .i,e- a mother to tho/an$. #er chi"$ren ha$ nee$ o, her. 5rogon ha$ bent be,ore the .hip-
an$ o m/t he. She ha$ to $on her cro.n again an$ ret/rn to her ebon bench an$ the arm o,
her nob"e h/ban$.
7izdahr, of the tepid kisses+
7he /n .a hot thi morning- the ky b"/e an$ c"o/$"e. 7hat .a goo$. 5any4 c"othe
.ere har$"y more than rag- an$ o,,ere$ "itt"e in the .ay o, .armth. Hne o, her an$a" ha$
"ippe$ o,, $/ring her .i"$ ,"ight ,rom Meereen an$ he ha$ "e,t the other /p by 5rogon4 cave-
pre,erring to go bare,oot rather than ha",(ho$. #er tokar an$ vei" he ha$ aban$one$ in the pit-
an$ her "inen /n$ert/nic ha$ never been ma$e to .ithtan$ the hot $ay an$ co"$ night o, the
5othraki ea. S.eat an$ gra an$ $irt ha$ taine$ it- an$ 5any ha$ torn a trip o,, the hem to
make a ban$age ,or her hin. I must look a ragged thing, and stared- he tho/ght- but if the da!s
sta! warm, I will not freeze+
#er ha$ been a "one"y o=o/rn- an$ ,or mot o, it he ha$ been h/rt an$ h/ngry8 yet $epite
it a"" he ha$ been trange"y happy here. A few aches, an empt! bell!, chills b! night= what does
it matter when !ou can fl!6 I would do it all again+
!hiA/i an$ &rri .o/"$ be .aiting atop her pyrami$ back in Meereen- he to"$ here",. #er
.eet cribe Mian$ei a .e""- an$ a"" her "itt"e page. 7hey .o/"$ bring her ,oo$- an$ he co/"$
bathe in the poo" beneath the perimmon tree. &t .o/"$ be goo$ to ,ee" c"ean again. 5any $i$ not
nee$ a g"a to kno. that he .a ,i"thy.
She .a h/ngry too. Hne morning he ha$ ,o/n$ ome .i"$ onion gro.ing ha",.ay $o.n
the o/th "ope- an$ "ater that ame $ay a "ea,y re$$ih vegetab"e that might have been ome
A/eer ort o, cabbage. 3hatever it .a- it ha$ not ma$e her ick. Ai$e ,rom that- an$ one ,ih
that he ha$ ca/ght in the pring(,e$ poo" o/ti$e o, 5rogon4 cave- he ha$ /rvive$ a bet he
co/"$ on the $ragon4 "eaving- on b/rne$ bone an$ ch/nk o, moking meat- ha",(charre$ an$
ha",(ra.. She nee$e$ more- he kne.. Hne $ay he kicke$ at a cracke$ heep4 k/"" .ith the
i$e o, a bare ,oot an$ ent it bo/ncing over the e$ge o, the hi"". An$ a he .atche$ it t/mb"e
$o.n the teep "ope to.ar$ the ea o, gra- he rea"iGe$ he m/t ,o""o..
5any et o,, thro/gh the ta"" gra at a brik pace. 7he earth ,e"t .arm bet.een her toe. 7he
gra .a a ta"" a he .a. It neer seemed so high when I was mounted on m! siler, riding
beside m! sun(and(stars at the head of his khalasar+ A he .a"ke$- he tappe$ her thigh .ith
the pitmater4 .hip. 7hat- an$ the rag on her back- .ere a"" he ha$ taken ,rom Meereen.
7ho/gh he .a"ke$ thro/gh a green king$om- it .a not the $eep rich green o, /mmer. Cven
here a/t/mn ma$e it preence ,e"t- an$ .inter .o/"$ not be ,ar behin$. 7he gra .a pa"er than
he remembere$- a .an an$ ick"y green on the verge o, going ye""o.. A,ter that .o/"$ come
bro.n. 7he gra .a $ying.
5aenery 7argaryen .a no tranger to the 5othraki ea- the great ocean o, gra that
tretche$ ,rom the ,oret o, Dohor to the Mother o, Mo/ntain an$ the 3omb o, the 3or"$. She
ha$ een it ,irt .hen he .a ti"" a gir"- ne."y .e$ to >ha" 5rogo an$ on her .ay to %ae
5othrak to be preente$ to the crone o, the dosh khaleen. 7he ight o, a"" that gra tretching
o/t be,ore her ha$ taken her breath a.ay. #he sk! was blue, the grass was green, and I was full
of hope+ Ser !orah ha$ been .ith her then- her gr/,, o"$ bear. She4$ ha$ &rri an$ !hiA/i an$
5oreah to care ,or her- her /n(an$(tar to ho"$ her in the night- hi chi"$ gro.ing ini$e her.
)haego+ I was going to name him )haego, and the $oh kha"een said he would be the Stallion
Who *ounts the World+ Not ince thoe ha",(remembere$ $ay in Braavo .hen he "ive$ in the
ho/e .ith the re$ $oor ha$ he been a happy.
B/t in the Re$ 3ate- a"" her =oy ha$ t/rne$ to ahe. #er /n(an$(tar ha$ ,a""en ,rom hi
hore- the maegi Mirri MaG 5//r ha$ m/r$ere$ Rhaego in her .omb- an$ 5any ha$ mothere$
the empty he"" o, >ha" 5rogo .ith her o.n t.o han$. A,ter.ar$ 5rogo4 great khalasar ha$
hattere$. >o 9ono name$ hime", >ha" 9ono an$ took many ri$er .ith him- an$ many "ave
a .e"". >o !haAo name$ hime", >ha" !haAo an$ ro$e o,, .ith even more. Mago- hi b"oo$ri$er-
rape$ an$ m/r$ere$ Croeh- a gir" 5aenery ha$ once ave$ ,rom him. Hn"y the birth o, her
$ragon ami$t the ,ire an$ moke o, >ha" 5rogo4 ,/nera" pyre ha$ pare$ 5any here", ,rom
being $ragge$ back to %ae 5othrak to "ive o/t the remain$er o, her $ay amongt the crone o,
the dosh khaleen.
#he fire burned awa! m! hair, but elsewise it did not touch me+ &t ha$ been the ame in
5aGnak4 9it. 7hat m/ch he co/"$ reca""- tho/gh m/ch o, .hat ,o""o.e$ .a a haGe. So man!
people, screaming and shoing+ She remembere$ rearing hore- a ,oo$ cart pi""ing me"on a it
overt/rne$. +rom be"o. a pear came ,"ying- ,o""o.e$ by a ,"ight o, crobo. bo"t. Hne pae$
o c"oe that 5any ,e"t it br/h her cheek. Hther kittere$ o,, 5rogon4 ca"e- "o$ge$ bet.een
them- or tore thro/gh the membrane o, hi .ing. She remembere$ the $ragon t.iting beneath
her- h/$$ering at the impact- a he trie$ $eperate"y to c"ing to hi ca"e$ back. 7he .o/n$
.ere moking. 5any a. one o, the bo"t b/rt into /$$en ,"ame. Another ,e"" a.ay- haken
"ooe by the beating o, hi .ing. Be"o.- he a. men .hir"ing- .reathe$ in ,"ame- han$ /p in
the air a i, ca/ght in the throe o, ome ma$ $ance. A .oman in a green tokar reache$ ,or a
.eeping chi"$- p/""ing him $o.n into her arm to hie"$ him ,rom the ,"ame. 5any a. the
co"or vivi$"y- b/t not the .oman4 ,ace. 9eop"e .ere tepping on her a they "ay tang"e$ on the
brick. Some .ere on ,ire.
7hen a"" o, that ha$ ,a$e$- the o/n$ $.in$"ing- the peop"e hrinking- the pear an$ arro.
,a""ing back beneath them a 5rogon c"a.e$ hi .ay into the ky. Fp an$ /p an$ /p he4$ borne
her- high above the pyrami$ an$ pit- hi .ing o/ttretche$ to catch the .arm air riing ,rom
the city4 /n bake$ brick. If I fall and die, it will still hae been worth it- he ha$ tho/ght.
North they ,"e.- beyon$ the river- 5rogon g"i$ing on torn an$ tattere$ .ing thro/gh c"o/$
that .hippe$ by "ike the banner o, ome ghot"y army. 5any g"impe$ the hore o, S"aver4
Bay an$ the o"$ %a"yrian roa$ that ran bei$e it thro/gh an$ an$ $eo"ation /nti" it vanihe$ in
the .et. #he road home+ 7hen there .a nothing beneath them b/t gra ripp"ing in the .in$.
Was that first flight a thousand !ears ago6 Sometime it eeme$ a i, it m/t be.
7he /n gre. hotter a it roe- an$ be,ore "ong her hea$ .a po/n$ing. 5any4 hair .a
gro.ing o/t again- b/t "o."y. 2& nee$ a hat-1 he ai$ a"o/$. Fp on 5ragontone he ha$ trie$ to
make one ,or here",- .eaving ta"k o, gra together a he ha$ een 5othraki .omen $o
$/ring her time .ith 5rogo- b/t either he .a /ing the .rong ort o, gra or he imp"y
"acke$ the neceary ki"". #er hat a"" ,e"" to piece in her han$. #r! again- he to"$ here",. &ou
will do better the ne8t time+ &ou are the blood of the dragon, !ou can make a hat+ She trie$ an$
trie$- b/t her "at attempt ha$ been no more /cce,/" than her ,irt.
&t .a a,ternoon by the time 5any ,o/n$ the tream he ha$ g"impe$ atop the hi"". &t .a a
ri""- a riv/"et- a trick"e- no .i$er than her arm8 an$ her arm ha$ gro.n thinner every $ay he
pent on 5ragontone. 5any coope$ /p a han$,/" o, .ater an$ p"ahe$ it on her ,ace. 3hen
he c/ppe$ her han$- her kn/ck"e A/ihe$ in the m/$ at the bottom o, the tream. She might
have .ihe$ ,or co"$er- c"earer .ater8 b/t no- i, he .ere going to pin her hope on .ihe- he
.o/"$ .ih ,or rec/e.
She ti"" c"/ng to the hope that omeone .o/"$ come a,ter her. Ser Barritan might come
eeking herI he .a the ,irt o, her D/eeng/ar$- .orn to $e,en$ her "i,e .ith hi o.n. An$ her
b"oo$ri$er .ere no tranger to the 5othraki ea- an$ their "ive .ere bo/n$ to her o.n. #er
h/ban$- the nob"e #iG$ahr Go ?oraA- might $ipatch earcher. An$ 5aario8 5any pict/re$
him ri$ing to.ar$ her thro/gh the ta"" gra- mi"ing- hi go"$en tooth g"eaming .ith the "at
"ight o, the etting /n.
Hn"y 5aario ha$ been given to the E/nkai4i- a hotage to en/re no harm came to the E/nkih
captain. Daario and 7ero, -hogo and 1roleo, and three of 7izdahr/s kin+ By no.- /re"y- a"" o,
her hotage .o/"$ have been re"eae$. B/t8
She .on$ere$ i, her captain4 b"a$e ti"" h/ng /pon the .a"" bei$e her be$- .aiting ,or
5aario to ret/rn an$ c"aim them. 4I will leae m! girls with !ou,5 he ha$ ai$. 4,eep them safe
for me, beloed+5 An$ he .on$ere$ ho. m/ch the E/nkai4i kne. abo/t .hat her captain meant
to her. She ha$ ake$ Ser Barritan that A/etion the a,ternoon the hotage .ent ,orth. 27hey
.i"" have hear$ the ta"k-1 he ha$ rep"ie$. 2Nahari may even have boate$ o, Eo/r Grace48 o,
yo/r great8 regar$8 ,or him. &, yo/ .i"" ,orgive my aying o- mo$ety i not one o, the
captain4 virt/e. #e take great pri$e in hi8 hi .or$manhip.1
7e boasts of bedding me, !ou mean+ B/t 5aario .o/"$ not have been o ,oo"ih a to make
/ch a boat amongt her enemie. It makes no matter+ B! now the &unkai/i will be marching
home+ 7hat .a .hy he ha$ $one a"" that he ha$ $one. +or peace.
She t/rne$ back the .ay he4$ come- to .here 5ragontone roe above the gra"an$ "ike a
c"enche$ ,it. It looks so close+ I/e been walking for hours, !et it still looks as if I could reach
out and touch it+ &t .a not too "ate to go back. 7here .ere ,ih in the pring(,e$ poo" by
5rogon4 cave. She ha$ ca/ght one her ,irt $ay there- he might catch more. An$ there .o/"$ be
crap- charre$ bone .ith bit o, ,"eh ti"" on them- the remnant o, 5rogon4 ki"".
2o- 5any to"$ here",. If I look back I am lost+ She might "ive ,or year amongt the /nbake$
rock o, 5ragontone- ri$ing 5rogon by $ay an$ gna.ing at hi "eaving every even,a"" a the
great gra ea t/rne$ ,rom go"$ to orange- b/t that .a not the "i,e he ha$ been born to. So once
again he t/rne$ her back /pon the $itant hi"" an$ c"oe$ her ear to the ong o, ,"ight an$
,ree$om that the .in$ ang a it p"aye$ amongt the hi""4 tony ri$ge. 7he tream .a trick"ing
o/th by o/theat- a near a he co/"$ te"". She ,o""o.e$ it. #ake me to the rier, that is all I
ask of !ou+ #ake me to the rier, and I will do the rest+
7he ho/r pae$ "o."y. 7he tream bent thi .ay an$ that- an$ 5any ,o""o.e$- beating time
/pon her "eg .ith the .hip- trying not to think abo/t ho. ,ar he ha$ to go- or the po/n$ing in
her hea$- or her empty be""y. #ake one step+ #ake the ne8t+ Another step+ Another+ 3hat e"e
co/"$ he $o6
&t .a A/iet on her ea. 3hen the .in$ b"e. the gra .o/"$ igh a the ta"k br/he$ againt
each other- .hipering in a tong/e that on"y go$ co/"$ /n$ertan$. No. an$ again the "itt"e
tream .o/"$ g/rg"e .here it ,"o.e$ aro/n$ a tone. M/$ A/ihe$ bet.een her toe. &nect
b/GGe$ aro/n$ her- "aGy $ragon,"ie an$ g"itening green .ap an$ tinging mi$ge a"mot too
ma"" to ee. She .atte$ at them abent"y .hen they "an$e$ on her arm. Hnce he came /pon a
rat $rinking ,rom the tream- b/t it ,"e$ .hen he appeare$- c/rrying bet.een the ta"k to
vanih in the high gra. Sometime he hear$ bir$ inging. 7he o/n$ ma$e her be""y r/mb"e-
b/t he ha$ no net to nare them .ith- an$ o ,ar he ha$ not come on any net. Once I
dreamed of fl!ing- he tho/ght- and now I/e flown, and dream of stealing eggs+ 7hat ma$e her
"a/gh. 2Men are ma$ an$ go$ are ma$$er-1 he to"$ the gra- an$ the gra m/rm/re$ it
agreement.
7hrice that $ay he ca/ght ight o, 5rogon. Hnce he .a o ,ar o,, that he might have been an
eag"e- "ipping in an$ o/t o, $itant c"o/$- b/t 5any kne. the "ook o, him by no.- even .hen
he .a no more than a peck. 7he econ$ time he pae$ be,ore the /n- hi b"ack .ing prea$-
an$ the .or"$ $arkene$. 7he "at time he ,"e. right above her- o c"oe he co/"$ hear the o/n$
o, hi .ing. +or ha", a heartbeat 5any tho/ght that he .a h/nting her- b/t he ,"e. on .itho/t
taking any notice o, her an$ vanihe$ ome.here in the eat. -ust as well- he tho/ght.
Cvening took her a"mot /na.are. A the /n .a gi"$ing the $itant pire o, 5ragontone-
5any t/mb"e$ onto a "o. tone .a""- overgro.n an$ broken. 9erhap it ha$ been part o, a
temp"e- or the ha"" o, the vi""age "or$. More r/in "ay beyon$ it@an o"$ .e""- an$ ome circ"e in
the gra that marke$ the ite .here hove" ha$ once too$. 7hey ha$ been b/i"t o, m/$ an$
tra.- he =/$ge$- b/t "ong year o, .in$ an$ rain ha$ .orn them a.ay to nothing. 5any ,o/n$
eight be,ore the /n .ent $o.n- b/t there might have been more ,arther o/t- hi$$en in the gra.
7he tone .a"" ha$ en$/re$ better than the ret. 7ho/gh it .a no.here more than three ,eet
high- the ang"e .here it met another- "o.er .a"" ti"" o,,ere$ ome he"ter ,rom the e"ement- an$
night .a coming on ,at. 5any .e$ge$ here", into that corner- making a net o, ort by tearing
/p han$,/" o, the gra that gre. aro/n$ the r/in. She .a very tire$- an$ ,reh b"iter ha$
appeare$ on both her ,eet- inc"/$ing a matche$ et /pon her pinky toe. It must be from the wa! I
walk- he tho/ght- gigg"ing.
A the .or"$ $arkene$- 5any ett"e$ in an$ c"oe$ her eye- b/t "eep re,/e$ to come. 7he
night .a co"$- the gro/n$ har$- her be""y empty. She ,o/n$ here", thinking o, Meereen- o,
5aario- her "ove- an$ #iG$ahr- her h/ban$- o, &rri an$ !hiA/i an$ .eet Mian$ei- Ser Barritan
an$ ReGnak an$ SkahaG Shavepate. Do the! fear me dead6 I flew off on a dragon/s back+ Will
the! think he ate me6 She .on$ere$ i, #iG$ahr .a ti"" king. #i cro.n ha$ come ,rom her-
co/"$ he ho"$ it in her abence6 7e wanted Drogon dead+ I heard him+ 4,ill it,5 he screamed,
4kill the beast,5 and the look upon his face was lustful+ An$ Strong Be".a ha$ been on hi
knee- heaving an$ h/$$ering. $oison+ It had to be poison+ #he hone!ed locusts+ 7izdahr urged
them on me, but Belwas ate them all+ She ha$ ma$e #iG$ahr her king- taken him into her be$-
opene$ the ,ighting pit ,or him- he ha$ no reaon to .ant her $ea$. Eet .ho e"e co/"$ it have
been6 ReGnak- her per,/me$ enecha"6 7he E/nkai4i6 7he Son o, the #arpy6
H,, in the $itance- a .o", ho."e$. 7he o/n$ ma$e her ,ee" a$ an$ "one"y- b/t no "e
h/ngry. A the moon roe above the gra"an$- 5any "ippe$ at "at into a ret"e "eep.
She $reame$. A"" her care ,e"" a.ay ,rom her- an$ a"" her pain a .e""- an$ he eeme$ to
,"oat /p.ar$ into the ky. She .a ,"ying once again- pinning- "a/ghing- $ancing- a the tar
.hee"e$ aro/n$ her an$ .hipere$ ecret in her ear. 27o go north- yo/ m/t =o/rney o/th. 7o
reach the .et- yo/ m/t go eat. 7o go ,or.ar$- yo/ m/t go back. 7o to/ch the "ight yo/ m/t
pa beneath the ha$o..1
2D/aithe61 5any ca""e$. 23here are yo/- D/aithe61
7hen he a.. 7er mask is made of starlight+ 2Remember .ho yo/ are- 5aenery-1 the tar
.hipere$ in a .oman4 voice. 27he $ragon kno.. 5o yo/61
7he ne:t morning he .oke ti,, an$ ore an$ aching- .ith ant cra."ing on her arm an$ "eg
an$ ,ace. 3hen he rea"iGe$ .hat they .ere- he kicke$ ai$e the ta"k o, $ry bro.n gra that
ha$ erve$ a her be$ an$ b"anket an$ tr/gg"e$ to her ,eet. She ha$ bite a"" over her- "itt"e re$
b/mp- itchy an$ in,"ame$. Where did all the ants come from6 5any br/he$ them ,rom her arm
an$ "eg an$ be""y. She ran a han$ acro her t/bb"y ca"p .here her hair ha$ b/rne$ a.ay- an$
,e"t more ant on her hea$- an$ one cra."ing $o.n the back o, her neck. She knocke$ them o,,
an$ cr/he$ them /n$er her bare ,eet. 7here .ere o many8
&t t/rne$ o/t that their anthi"" .a on the other i$e o, her .a"". She .on$ere$ ho. the ant
ha$ manage$ to c"imb over it an$ ,in$ her. 7o them thee t/mb"e$o.n tone m/t "oom a h/ge
a the 3a"" o, 3etero. #he biggest wall in all the world- her brother %iery /e$ to ay- a
pro/$ a i, he4$ b/i"t it hime",.
%iery to"$ her ta"e o, knight o poor that they ha$ to "eep beneath the ancient he$ge that
gre. a"ong the by.ay o, the Seven >ing$om. 5any .o/"$ have given m/ch an$ more ,or a
nice thick he$ge. $referabl! one without an anthill+
7he /n .a on"y =/t coming /p. A ,e. bright tar "ingere$ in the coba"t ky. $erhaps one
of them is ,hal Drogo, sitting on his fier! stallion in the night lands and smiling down on me+
5ragontone .a ti"" viib"e above the gra"an$. It looks so close+ I must be leagues awa! b!
now, but it looks as if I could be back in an hour+ She .ante$ to "ie back $o.n- c"oe her eye-
an$ give here", /p to "eep. 2o+ I must keep going+ #he stream+ -ust follow the stream+
5any took a moment to make certain o, her $irection. &t .o/"$ not $o to .a"k the .rong .ay
an$ "oe her tream. 2My ,rien$-1 he ai$ a"o/$. 2&, & tay c"oe to my ,rien$ & .on4t get "ot.1
She .o/"$ have "ept bei$e the .ater i, he $are$- b/t there .ere anima" .ho came $o.n to
the tream to $rink at night. She ha$ een their track. 5any .o/"$ make a poor mea" ,or a .o",
or "ion- b/t even a poor mea" .a better than none.
Hnce he .a certain .hich .ay .a o/th- he co/nte$ o,, her pace. 7he tream appeare$ at
eight. 5any c/ppe$ her han$ to $rink. 7he .ater ma$e her be""y cramp- b/t cramp .ere eaier
to bear than thirt. She ha$ no other $rink b/t the morning $e. that g"itene$ on the ta"" gra-
an$ no ,oo$ at a"" /n"e he care$ to eat the gra. I could tr! eating ants+ 7he "itt"e ye""o. one
.ere too ma"" to provi$e m/ch in the .ay o, no/rihment- b/t there .ere re$ ant in the gra-
an$ thoe .ere bigger. 2& am "ot at ea-1 he ai$ a he "impe$ a"ong bei$e her mean$ering
riv/"et- 2o perhap &4"" ,in$ ome crab- or a nice ,at ,ih.1 #er .hip "appe$ o,t"y againt her
thigh- wap wap wap. Hne tep at a time- an$ the tream .o/"$ ee her home.
!/t pat mi$$ay he came /pon a b/h gro.ing by the tream- it t.ite$ "imb covere$ .ith
har$ green berrie. 5any A/inte$ at them /picio/"y- then p"/cke$ one ,rom a branch an$
nibb"e$ at it. &t ,"eh .a tart an$ che.y- .ith a bitter a,tertate that eeme$ ,ami"iar to her. 2&n
the khalasar- they /e$ berrie "ike thee to ,"avor roat-1 he $eci$e$. Saying it a"o/$ ma$e her
more certain o, it. #er be""y r/mb"e$- an$ 5any ,o/n$ here", picking berrie .ith both han$
an$ toing them into her mo/th.
An ho/r "ater- her tomach began to cramp o ba$"y that he co/"$ not go on. She pent the
ret o, that $ay retching /p green "ime. If I sta! here, I will die+ I ma! be d!ing now+ 3o/"$ the
hore go$ o, the 5othraki part the gra an$ c"aim her ,or hi tarry khalasar- o he might ri$e
the night"an$ .ith >ha" 5rogo6 &n 3etero the $ea$ o, #o/e 7argaryen .ere given to the
,"ame- b/t .ho .o/"$ "ight her pyre here6 *! flesh will feed the woles and carrion crows- he
tho/ght a$"y- and worms will burrow through m! womb. #er eye .ent back to 5ragontone. &t
"ooke$ ma""er. She co/"$ ee moke riing ,rom it .in$(carve$ /mmit- mi"e a.ay. Drogon
has returned from hunting+
S/net ,o/n$ her A/atting in the gra- groaning. Cvery too" .a "ooer than the one be,ore-
an$ me""e$ ,o/"er. By the time the moon came /p he .a hitting bro.n .ater. 7he more he
$rank- the more he hat- b/t the more he hat- the thirtier he gre.- an$ her thirt ent her
cra."ing to the tream to /ck /p more .ater. 3hen he c"oe$ her eye at "at- 5any $i$ not
kno. .hether he .o/"$ be trong eno/gh to open them again.
She $reamt o, her $ea$ brother.
%iery "ooke$ =/t a he ha$ the "at time he4$ een him. #i mo/th .a t.ite$ in ang/ih-
hi hair .a b/rnt- an$ hi ,ace .a b"ack an$ moking .here the mo"ten go"$ ha$ r/n $o.n
acro hi bro. an$ cheek an$ into hi eye.
2Eo/ are $ea$-1 5any ai$.
*urdered+ 7ho/gh hi "ip never move$- omeho. he co/"$ hear hi voice- .hipering in
her ear. &ou neer mourned me, sister+ It is hard to die unmourned+
2& "ove$ yo/ once.1
Once- he ai$- o bitter"y it ma$e her h/$$er. &ou were supposed to be m! wife, to bear me
children with siler hair and purple e!es, to keep the blood of the dragon pure+ I took care of
!ou+ I taught !ou who !ou were+ I fed !ou+ I sold our mother/s crown to keep !ou fed+
2Eo/ h/rt me. Eo/ ,rightene$ me.1
Onl! when !ou woke the dragon+ I loed !ou+
2Eo/ o"$ me. Eo/ betraye$ me.1
2o+ &ou were the betra!er+ &ou turned against me, against !our own blood+ #he! cheated me+
&our horse! husband and his stinking saages+ #he! were cheats and liars+ #he! promised me a
golden crown and gae me this+ #e to/che$ the mo"ten go"$ that .a creeping $o.n hi ,ace-
an$ moke roe ,rom hi ,inger.
2Eo/ co/"$ have ha$ yo/r cro.n-1 5any to"$ him. 2My /n(an$(tar .o/"$ have .on it ,or
yo/ i, on"y yo/ ha$ .aite$.1
I waited long enough+ I waited m! whole life+ I was their king, their rightful king+ #he!
laughed at me+
2Eo/ ho/"$ have taye$ in 9ento .ith Magiter &""yrio. >ha" 5rogo ha$ to preent me to the
dosh khaleen- b/t yo/ $i$ not have to ri$e .ith /. 7hat .a yo/r choice. Eo/r mitake.1
Do !ou want to wake the dragon, !ou stupid little whore6 Drogo/s kha"aar was mine+ I
bought them from him, a hundred thousand screamers+ I paid for them with !our maidenhead+
2Eo/ never /n$ertoo$. 5othraki $o not b/y an$ e"". 7hey give gi,t an$ receive them. &, yo/
ha$ .aite$81
I did wait+ For m! crown, for m! throne, for !ou+ All those !ears, and all I eer got was a pot
of molten gold+ Wh! did the! gie the dragon/s eggs to !ou6 #he! should hae been mine+ If I/d
had a dragon, I would hae taught the world the meaning of our words+ %iery began to "a/gh-
/nti" hi =a. ,e"" a.ay ,rom hi ,ace- moking- an$ b"oo$ an$ mo"ten go"$ ran ,rom hi mo/th.
3hen he .oke- gaping- her thigh .ere "ick .ith b"oo$.
+or a moment he $i$ not rea"iGe .hat it .a. 7he .or"$ ha$ =/t beg/n to "ighten- an$ the ta""
gra r/t"e$ o,t"y in the .in$. 2o, please, let me sleep some more+ I/m so tired+ She trie$ to
b/rro. back beneath the pi"e o, gra he ha$ torn /p .hen he .ent to "eep. Some o, the ta"k
,e"t .et. #a$ it raine$ again6 She at /p- a,rai$ that he ha$ oi"e$ here", a he "ept. 3hen he
bro/ght her ,inger to her ,ace- he co/"$ me"" the b"oo$ on them. Am I d!ing6 7hen he a. the
pa"e crecent moon- ,"oating high above the gra- an$ it came to her that thi .a no more than
her moon b"oo$.
&, he ha$ not been o ick an$ care$- that might have come a a re"ie,. &ntea$ he began to
hiver vio"ent"y. She r/bbe$ her ,inger thro/gh the $irt- an$ grabbe$ a han$,/" o, gra to .ipe
bet.een her "eg. #he dragon does not weep+ She .a b"ee$ing- b/t it .a on"y .oman4 b"oo$.
#he moon is still a crescent, though+ 7ow can that be6 She trie$ to remember the "at time he
ha$ b"e$. 7he "at ,/"" moon6 7he one be,ore6 7he one be,ore that6 2o, it cannot hae been so
long as that+ 2& am the b"oo$ o, the $ragon-1 he to"$ the gra- a"o/$.
Once- the gra .hipere$ back- until !ou chained !our dragons in the dark+
25rogon ki""e$ a "itt"e gir". #er name .a8 her name81 5any co/"$ not reca"" the chi"$4
name. 7hat ma$e her o a$ that he .o/"$ have crie$ i, a"" her tear ha$ not been b/rne$ a.ay.
2& .i"" never have a "itt"e gir". & .a the Mother o, 5ragon.1
A!e- the gra ai$- but !ou turned against !our children+
#er be""y .a empty- her ,eet ore an$ b"itere$- an$ it eeme$ to her that the cramping ha$
gro.n .ore. #er g/t .ere ,/"" o, .rithing nake biting at her bo.e". She coope$ /p a
han$,/" o, m/$ an$ .ater in tremb"ing han$. By mi$$ay the .ater .o/"$ be tepi$- b/t in the
chi"" o, $a.n it .a a"mot coo" an$ he"pe$ her keep her eye open. A he p"ahe$ her ,ace- he
a. ,reh b"oo$ on her thigh. 7he ragge$ hem o, her /n$er(t/nic .a taine$ .ith it. 7he ight
o, o m/ch re$ ,rightene$ her. *oon blood, it/s onl! m! moon blood- b/t he $i$ not remember
ever having /ch a heavy ,"o.. %ould it be the water6 &, it .a the .ater- he .a $oome$. She
ha$ to $rink or $ie o, thirt.
23a"k-1 5any comman$e$ here",. 2+o""o. the tream an$ it .i"" take yo/ to the
SkahaGa$han. 7hat4 .here 5aario .i"" ,in$ yo/.1 B/t it took a"" her trength =/t to get back to
her ,eet- an$ .hen he $i$ a"" he co/"$ $o .a tan$ there- ,evere$ an$ b"ee$ing. She raie$ her
eye to the empty b"/e ky- A/inting at the /n. 7alf the morning gone alread!- he rea"iGe$-
$imaye$. She ma$e here", take a tep- an$ then another- an$ then he .a .a"king once again-
,o""o.ing the "itt"e tream.
7he $ay gre. .armer- an$ the /n beat $o.n /pon her hea$ an$ the b/rnt remnant o, her
hair. 3ater p"ahe$ againt the o"e o, her ,eet. She .a .a"king in the tream. #o. "ong ha$
he been $oing that6 7he o,t bro.n m/$ ,e"t goo$ bet.een her toe an$ he"pe$ to oothe her
b"iter. In the stream or out of it, I must keep walking+ Water flows downhill+ #he stream will
take me to the rier, and the rier will take me home+
C:cept it .o/"$n4t- not tr/"y.
Meereen .a not her home- an$ never .o/"$ be. &t .a a city o, trange men .ith trange
go$ an$ tranger hair- o, "aver .rappe$ in ,ringe$ tokar- .here grace .a earne$ thro/gh
.horing- b/tchery .a art- an$ $og .a a $e"icacy. Meereen .o/"$ a".ay be the #arpy4 city-
an$ 5aenery co/"$ not be a harpy.
2eer- ai$ the gra- in the gr/,, tone o, !orah Mormont. &ou were warned, &our 1race+ "et
this cit! be, I said+ &our war is in Westeros, I told !ou+
7he voice .a no more than a .hiper- yet omeho. 5any ,e"t that he .a .a"king =/t
behin$ her. *! bear- he tho/ght- m! old sweet bear, who loed me and betra!ed me+ She ha$
mie$ him o. She .ante$ to ee hi /g"y ,ace- to .rap her arm aro/n$ him an$ pre here",
againt hi chet- b/t he kne. that i, he t/rne$ aro/n$ Ser !orah .o/"$ be gone. 2& am
$reaming-1 he ai$. 2A .aking $ream- a .a"king $ream. & am a"one an$ "ot.1
"ost, because !ou lingered, in a place that !ou were neer meant to be- m/rm/re$ Ser !orah-
a o,t"y a the .in$. Alone, because !ou sent me from !our side+
2Eo/ betraye$ me. Eo/ in,orme$ on me- ,or go"$.1
For home+ 7ome was all I eer wanted+
2An$ me. Eo/ .ante$ me.1 5any ha$ een it in hi eye.
I did- the gra .hipere$- a$"y.
2Eo/ kie$ me. & never ai$ yo/ co/"$- b/t yo/ $i$. Eo/ o"$ me to my enemie- b/t yo/
meant it .hen yo/ kie$ me.1
I gae !ou good counsel+ Sae !our spears and swords for the Seen ,ingdoms, I told !ou+
"eae *eereen to the *eereenese and go west, I said+ &ou would not listen+
2& ha$ to take Meereen or ee my chi"$ren tarve a"ong the march.1 5any co/"$ ti"" ee the
trai" o, corpe he ha$ "e,t behin$ her croing the Re$ 3ate. &t .a not a ight he .ihe$ to
ee again. 2& ha$ to take Meereen to ,ee$ my peop"e.1
&ou took *eereen- he to"$ her- !et still !ou lingered+
27o be a A/een.1
&ou are a 3ueen- her bear ai$. In Westeros+
2&t i /ch a "ong .ay-1 he comp"aine$. 2& .a tire$- !orah. & .a .eary o, .ar. & .ante$ to
ret- to "a/gh- to p"ant tree an$ ee them gro.. & am on"y a yo/ng gir".1
2o+ &ou are the blood of the dragon+ 7he .hipering .a gro.ing ,ainter- a i, Ser !orah
.ere ,a""ing ,arther behin$. Dragons plant no trees+ )emember that+ )emember who !ou are,
what !ou were made to be+ )emember !our words+
2+ire an$ B"oo$-1 5aenery to"$ the .aying gra.
A tone t/rne$ /n$er her ,oot. She t/mb"e$ to one knee an$ crie$ o/t in pain- hoping againt
hope that her bear .o/"$ gather her /p an$ he"p her to her ,eet. 3hen he t/rne$ her hea$ to "ook
,or him- a"" he a. .a trick"ing bro.n .ater8 an$ the gra- ti"" moving "ight"y. #he wind-
he to"$ here",- the wind shakes the stalks and makes them swa!+ Hn"y no .in$ .a b"o.ing.
7he /n .a overhea$- the .or"$ ti"" an$ hot. Mi$ge .arme$ in the air- an$ a $ragon,"y
,"oate$ over the tream- $arting here an$ there. An$ the gra .a moving .hen it ha$ no ca/e
to move.
She ,/mb"e$ in the .ater- ,o/n$ a tone the iGe o, her ,it- p/""e$ it ,rom the m/$. &t .a a
poor .eapon b/t better than an empty han$. +rom the corner o, her eye 5any a. the gra
move again- o,, to her right. 7he gra .aye$ an$ bo.e$ "o.- a i, be,ore a king- b/t no king
appeare$ to her. 7he .or"$ .a green an$ empty. 7he .or"$ .a green an$ i"ent. 7he .or"$ .a
ye""o.- $ying. I should get up- he to"$ here",. I hae to walk+ I hae to follow the stream+
7hro/gh the gra came a o,t i"very tink"ing.
Bells- 5any tho/ght- mi"ing- remembering >ha" 5rogo- her /n(an$(tar- an$ the be"" he
brai$e$ into hi hair. When the sun rises in the west and sets in the east, when the seas go dr!
and mountains blow in the wind like leaes, when m! womb 3uickens again and I bear a liing
child, ,hal Drogo will return to me+
B/t none o, thoe thing ha$ happene$. Bells- 5any tho/ght again. #er b"oo$ri$er ha$ ,o/n$
her. 2Aggo-1 he .hipere$. 2!hogo. Rakharo.1 Might 5aario have come .ith them6
7he green ea opene$. A ri$er appeare$. #i brai$ .a b"ack an$ hiny- hi kin a $ark a
b/rnihe$ copper- hi eye the hape o, bitter a"mon$. Be"" ang in hi hair. #e .ore a
me$a""ion be"t an$ painte$ vet- .ith an arakh on one hip an$ a .hip on the other. A h/nting
bo. an$ a A/iver o, arro. .ere "/ng ,rom hi a$$"e.
One rider, and alone+ A scout+ #e .a one .ho ro$e be,ore the khalasar to ,in$ the game an$
the goo$ green gra- an$ ni,, o/t ,oe .herever they might hi$e. &, he ,o/n$ her there- he
.o/"$ ki"" her- rape her- or en"ave her. At bet- he .o/"$ en$ her back to the crone o, the dosh
khaleen- .here goo$ khaleesi .ere /ppoe$ to go .hen their kha" ha$ $ie$.
#e $i$ not ee her- tho/gh. 7he gra concea"e$ her- an$ he .a "ooking e"e.here. 5any
,o""o.e$ hi eye- an$ there the ha$o. ,"e.- .ith .ing prea$ .i$e. 7he $ragon .a a mi"e
o,,- an$ yet the co/t too$ ,roGen /nti" hi ta""ion began to .hicker in ,ear. 7hen he .oke a i,
,rom a $ream- .hee"e$ hi mo/nt abo/t- an$ race$ o,, thro/gh the ta"" gra at a ga""op.
5any .atche$ him go. 3hen the o/n$ o, hi hoove ha$ ,a$e$ a.ay to i"ence- he began to
ho/t. She ca""e$ /nti" her voice .a hoare8 an$ 5rogon came- norting p"/me o, moke. 7he
gra bo.e$ $o.n be,ore him. 5any "eapt onto hi back. She tank o, b"oo$ an$ .eat an$ ,ear-
b/t none o, that mattere$. 27o go ,or.ar$ & m/t go back-1 he ai$. #er bare "eg tightene$
aro/n$ the $ragon4 neck. She kicke$ him- an$ 5rogon thre. hime", into the ky. #er .hip .a
gone- o he /e$ her han$ an$ ,eet an$ t/rne$ him north by eat- the .ay the co/t ha$ gone.
5rogon .ent .i""ing"y eno/ghI perhap he me""e$ the ri$er4 ,ear.
&n a $oGen heartbeat they .ere pat the 5othraki- a he ga""ope$ ,ar be"o.. 7o the right an$
"e,t- 5any g"impe$ p"ace .here the gra .a b/rne$ an$ ahen. Drogon has come this wa!
before- he rea"iGe$. ?ike a chain o, grey i"an$- the mark o, hi h/nting $otte$ the green gra
ea.
A vat her$ o, hore appeare$ be"o. them. 7here .ere ri$er too- a core or more- b/t they
t/rne$ an$ ,"e$ at the ,irt ight o, the $ragon. 7he hore broke an$ ran .hen the ha$o. ,e""
/pon them- racing thro/gh the gra /nti" their i$e .ere .hite .ith ,oam- tearing the gro/n$
.ith their hoove8 b/t a .i,t a they .ere- they co/"$ not ,"y. Soon one hore began to "ag
behin$ the other. 7he $ragon $ecen$e$ on him- roaring- an$ a"" at once the poor beat .a
a,"ame- yet omeho. he kept on r/nning- creaming .ith every tep- /nti" 5rogon "an$e$ on him
an$ broke hi back. 5any c"/tche$ the $ragon4 neck .ith a"" her trength to keep ,rom "i$ing
o,,.
7he carca .a too heavy ,or him to bear back to hi "air- o 5rogon con/me$ hi ki"" there-
tearing at the charre$ ,"eh a the grae b/rne$ aro/n$ them- the air thick .ith $ri,ting moke
an$ the me"" o, b/rnt horehair. 5any- tarve$- "i$ o,, hi back an$ ate .ith him- ripping
ch/nk o, moking meat ,rom the $ea$ hore .ith bare- b/rne$ han$. In *eereen I was a 3ueen
in silk, nibbling on stuffed dates and hone!ed lamb- he remembere$. What would m! noble
husband think if he could see me now6 #iG$ahr .o/"$ be horri,ie$- no $o/bt. B/t 5aario8
5aario .o/"$ "a/gh- carve o,, a h/nk o, horemeat .ith hi arakh, an$ A/at $o.n to eat
bei$e her.
A the .etern ky t/rne$ the co"or o, a b"oo$ br/ie- he hear$ the o/n$ o, approaching
hore. 5any roe- .ipe$ her han$ on her ragge$ /n$ert/nic- an$ .ent to tan$ bei$e her
$ragon.
7hat .a ho. >ha" !haAo ,o/n$ her- .hen ha", a h/n$re$ mo/nte$ .arrior emerge$ ,rom
the $ri,ting moke.
E+I&OG.E
& am no traitor-1 the >night o, Gri,,in4 Root $ec"are$. 2& am >ing 7ommen4 man- an$
yo/r.1
A tea$y drip(drip(drip p/nct/ate$ hi .or$- a no.me"t ran o,, hi c"oak to p/$$"e on the
,"oor. 7he no. ha$ been ,a""ing on >ing4 ?an$ing mot o, the nightI o/ti$e the $ri,t .ere
ank"e $eep. Ser >evan ?anniter p/""e$ hi c"oak abo/t hime", more c"oe"y. 2So yo/ ay- er.
3or$ are .in$.1
27hen "et me prove the tr/th o, them .ith my .or$.1 7he "ight o, the torche ma$e a ,iery
b"aGe o, Ronnet Connington4 "ong re$ hair an$ bear$. 2Sen$ me againt my /nc"e- an$ & .i""
bring yo/ back hi hea$- an$ the hea$ o, thi ,a"e $ragon too.1
?anniter pearmen in crimon c"oak an$ "ion(crete$ ha",he"m too$ a"ong the .et .a"" o,
the throne room. 7yre"" g/ar$ in green c"oak ,ace$ them ,rom the oppoite .a"". 7he chi"" in
the throne room .a pa"pab"e. 7ho/gh neither D/een Cerei nor D/een Margaery .a amongt
them- their preence co/"$ be ,e"t poioning the air- "ike ghot at a ,eat.
Behin$ the tab"e .here the ,ive member o, the king4 ma"" co/nci" .ere eate$- the &ron
7hrone cro/che$ "ike ome great b"ack beat- it barb an$ c"a. an$ b"a$e ha",(hro/$e$ in
ha$o.. >evan ?anniter co/"$ ,ee" it at hi back- an itch bet.een the ho/"$er b"a$e. &t .a
eay to imagine o"$ >ing Aery perche$ /p there- b"ee$ing ,rom ome ,reh c/t- g"o.ering
$o.n. B/t to$ay the throne .a empty. #e ha$ een no reaon ,or 7ommen to =oin them. >in$er
to "et the boy remain .ith hi mother. 7he Seven on"y kne. ho. "ong mother an$ on might
have together be,ore Cerei4 tria"8 an$ poib"y her e:ec/tion.
Mace 7yre"" .a peaking. 23e ha"" $ea" .ith yo/r /nc"e an$ hi ,eigne$ boy in $/e time.1
7he ne. >ing4 #an$ .a eate$ on an oaken throne carve$ in the hape o, a han$- an ab/r$
vanity hi "or$hip ha$ pro$/ce$ the $ay Ser >evan agree$ to grant him the o,,ice he covete$.
2Eo/ .i"" bi$e here /nti" .e are rea$y to march. 7hen yo/ ha"" have the chance to prove yo/r
"oya"ty.1
Ser >evan took no i/e .ith that. 2Ccort Ser Ronnet back to hi chamber-1 he ai$. And
see that he remains there .ent /npoken. #o.ever "o/$ hi protetation- the >night o, Gri,,in4
Root remaine$ /pect. S/ppoe$"y the e"".or$ .ho ha$ "an$e$ in the o/th .ere being "e$
by one o, hi o.n b"oo$.
A the echoe o, Connington4 ,oottep ,a$e$ a.ay- Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e gave a
pon$ero/ hake o, hi hea$. 2#i /nc"e once too$ =/t .here the boy .a tan$ing no. an$
to"$ >ing Aery ho. he .o/"$ $e"iver him the hea$ o, Robert Baratheon.1
#hat is how it is when a man grows as old as $!celle+ 0er!thing !ou see or hear reminds !ou
of something !ou saw or heard when !ou were !oung+ 2#o. many men(at(arm accompanie$
Ser Ronnet to the city61 Ser >evan ake$.
27.enty-1 ai$ ?or$ Ran$y"" 7ar"y- 2an$ mot o, them Gregor C"egane4 o"$ "ot. Eo/r
nephe. !aime gave them to Connington. 7o ri$ hime", o, them- &4$ .ager. 7hey ha$ not been in
Mai$enpoo" a $ay be,ore one ki""e$ a man an$ another .a acc/e$ o, rape. & ha$ to hang the
one an$ ge"$ the other. &, it .ere /p to me- & .o/"$ en$ them a"" to the Night4 3atch- an$
Connington .ith them. 7he 3a"" i .here /ch c/m be"ong.1
2A $og take a,ter it mater-1 $ec"are$ Mace 7yre"". 2B"ack c"oak .o/"$ /it them- & agree. &
.i"" not /,,er /ch men in the city .atch.1 A h/n$re$ o, hi o.n #ighgar$en men ha$ been
a$$e$ to the go"$ c"oak- yet p"ain"y hi "or$hip meant to reit any ba"ancing in,/ion o,
.etermen.
#he more I gie him, the more he wants+ >evan ?anniter .a beginning to /n$ertan$ .hy
Cerei ha$ gro.n o reent,/" o, the 7yre"". B/t thi .a not the moment to provoke an open
A/arre". Ran$y"" 7ar"y an$ Mace 7yre"" ha$ both bro/ght armie to >ing4 ?an$ing- .hi"t the
bet part o, the trength o, #o/e ?anniter remaine$ in the river"an$- ,at me"ting a.ay. 27he
Mo/ntain4 men .ere a".ay ,ighter-1 he ai$ in a conci"iatory tone- 2an$ .e may have nee$ o,
every .or$ againt thee e"".or$. &, thi tr/"y i the Go"$en Company- a Dyb/rn4
.hiperer init@1
2Ca"" them .hat yo/ .i""-1 ai$ Ran$y"" 7ar"y. 27hey are ti"" no more than a$vent/rer.1
29erhap-1 Ser >evan ai$. 2B/t the "onger .e ignore thee a$vent/rer- the tronger they
gro.. 3e have ha$ a map prepare$- a map o, the inc/rion. Gran$ Maeter61
7he map .a bea/ti,/"- painte$ by a mater4 han$ on a heet o, the ,inet ve""/m- o "arge it
covere$ the tab"e. 2#ere.1 9yce""e pointe$ .ith a potte$ han$. 3here the "eeve o, hi robe ro$e
/p- a ,"ap o, pa"e ,"eh co/"$ be een $ang"ing beneath hi ,orearm. 2#ere an$ here. A"" a"ong the
coat- an$ on the i"an$. 7arth- the Steptone- even Ctermont. An$ no. .e have report that
Connington i moving on Storm4 Cn$.1
2&, it i !on Connington-1 ai$ Ran$y"" 7ar"y.
2Storm4 Cn$.1 ?or$ Mace 7yre"" gr/nte$ the .or$. 2#e cannot take Storm4 Cn$. Not i, he
.ere Aegon the ConA/eror. An$ i, he $oe- .hat o, it6 Stanni ho"$ it no.. ?et the cat"e pa
,rom one preten$er to another- .hy ho/"$ that tro/b"e /6 & ha"" recapt/re it a,ter my
$a/ghter4 innocence i prove$.1
7ow can !ou recapture it when !ou hae neer captured it to begin with6 2& /n$ertan$- my
"or$- b/t@1
7yre"" $i$ not "et him ,inih. 27hee charge againt my $a/ghter are ,i"thy "ie. & ak again-
wh! m/t .e p"ay o/t thi m/mmer4 ,arce6 #ave >ing 7ommen $ec"are my $a/ghter innocent-
er- an$ p/t an en$ to the ,oo"ihne here an$ no..1
Do that, and the whispers will follow *argaer! the rest of her life+ 2No man $o/bt yo/r
$a/ghter4 innocence- my "or$-1 Ser >evan "ie$- 2b/t #i #igh #o"ine init /pon a tria".1
?or$ Ran$y"" norte$. 23hat have .e become- .hen king an$ high "or$ m/t $ance to the
t.ittering o, parro.61
23e have ,oe on every han$- ?or$ 7ar"y-1 Ser >evan remin$e$ him. 2Stanni in the north-
ironmen in the .et- e"".or$ in the o/th. 5e,y the #igh Septon- an$ .e .i"" have b"oo$
r/nning in the g/tter o, >ing4 ?an$ing a .e"". &, .e are een to be going againt the go$- it
.i"" on"y $rive the pio/ into the arm o, one or the other o, thee .o/"$(be //rper.1
Mace 7yre"" remaine$ /nmove$. 2Hnce 9a:ter Re$.yne .eep the ironmen ,rom the ea-
my on .i"" retake the Shie"$. 7he no. .i"" $o ,or Stanni- or Bo"ton .i"". A ,or
Connington81
2&, it i him-1 ?or$ Ran$y"" ai$.
28a ,or Connington-1 7yre"" repeate$- 2.hat victorie ha he ever .on that .e ho/"$ ,ear
him6 #e co/"$ have en$e$ Robert4 Rebe""ion at Stoney Sept. #e ,ai"e$. !/t a the Go"$en
Company ha a".ay ,ai"e$. Some may r/h to =oin them- aye. 7he rea"m i .e"" ri$ o, /ch
,oo".1
Ser >evan .ihe$ that he co/"$ hare hi certainty. #e ha$ kno.n !on Connington- "ight"y@
a pro/$ yo/th- the mot hea$trong o, the gagg"e o, yo/ng "or$"ing .ho ha$ gathere$ aro/n$
9rince Rhaegar 7argaryen- competing ,or hi roya" ,avor. Arrogant, but able and energetic+ 7hat-
an$ hi ki"" at arm- .a .hy Ma$ >ing Aery ha$ name$ him #an$. H"$ ?or$ Merry.eather4
inaction ha$ a""o.e$ the rebe""ion to take root an$ prea$- an$ Aery .ante$ omeone yo/ng an$
vigoro/ to match Robert4 o.n yo/th an$ vigor. 27oo oon-1 ?or$ 7y.in ?anniter ha$
$ec"are$ .hen .or$ o, the king4 choice ha$ reache$ Cater"y Rock. 2Connington i too yo/ng-
too bo"$- too eager ,or g"ory.1
7he Batt"e o, the Be"" ha$ prove$ the tr/th o, that. Ser >evan ha$ e:pecte$ that a,ter.ar$
Aery .o/"$ have no choice b/t to /mmon 7y.in once more8 b/t the Ma$ >ing ha$ t/rne$ to
the ?or$ Che"te$ an$ Roart intea$- an$ pai$ ,or it .ith "i,e an$ cro.n. #hat was all so long
ago, though+ If this is indeed -on %onnington, he will be a different man+ Older, harder, more
seasoned= more dangerous+ 2Connington may have more than the Go"$en Company. &t i ai$
he ha a 7argaryen preten$er.1
2A ,eigne$ boy i .hat he ha-1 ai$ Ran$y"" 7ar"y.
27hat may be. Hr not.1 >evan ?anniter ha$ been here- in thi very ha"" .hen 7y.in ha$ "ai$
the bo$ie o, 9rince Rhaegar4 chi"$ren at the ,oot o, the &ron 7hrone- .rappe$ /p in crimon
c"oak. 7he gir" ha$ been recogniGab"y the 9rince Rhaeny- b/t the boy8 a faceless horror of
bone and brain and gore, a few hanks of fair hair+ 2one of us looked long+ #!win said that it was
$rince Aegon, and we took him at his word+ 23e have thee ta"e coming ,rom the eat a .e"".
A econ$ 7argaryen- an$ one .hoe b"oo$ no man can A/etion. 5aenery Stormborn.1
2A ma$ a her ,ather-1 $ec"are$ ?or$ Mace 7yre"".
#hat would be the same father that 7ighgarden and 7ouse #!rell supported to the bitter end
and well be!ond+ 2Ma$ he may be-1 Ser >evan ai$- 2b/t .ith o m/ch moke $ri,ting .et-
/re"y there m/t be ome ,ire b/rning in the eat.1
Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e bobbe$ hi hea$. 25ragon. 7hee ame torie have reache$ H"$to.n.
7oo many to $ico/nt. A i"ver(haire$ A/een .ith three $ragon.1
2At the ,ar en$ o, the .or"$-1 ai$ Mace 7yre"". 2D/een o, S"aver4 Bay- aye. She i .e"come
to it.1
2Hn that .e can agree-1 Ser >evan ai$- 2b/t the gir" i o, the b"oo$ o, Aegon the ConA/eror-
an$ & $o not think he .i"" be content to remain in Meereen ,orever. &, he ho/"$ reach thee
hore an$ =oin her trength to ?or$ Connington an$ thi prince o, hi- ,eigne$ or no8 .e m/t
$etroy Connington an$ hi preten$er now- be,ore 5aenery Stormborn can come .et.1
Mace 7yre"" croe$ hi arm. 2& mean to $o =/t that- er. After the tria".1
2Se"".or$ ,ight ,or coin-1 $ec"are$ Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e. 23ith eno/gh go"$- .e might
per/a$e the Go"$en Company to han$ over ?or$ Connington an$ the preten$er.1
2Aye- i, .e ha$ go"$-1 Ser #ary S.y,t ai$. 2A"a- my "or$- o/r va/"t contain on"y rat an$
roache. & have .ritten again to the Myrih banker. &, they .i"" agree to make goo$ the cro.n4
$ebt to the Braavoi an$ e:ten$ / a ne. "oan- mayhap .e .i"" not have to raie the ta:e.
C"e.ie@1
27he magiter o, 9ento have been kno.n to "en$ money a .e""-1 ai$ Ser >evan. 27ry
them.1 7he 9entohi .ere even "e "ike to be o, he"p than the Myrih money changer- b/t the
e,,ort m/t be ma$e. Fn"e a ne. o/rce o, coin co/"$ be ,o/n$- or the &ron Bank per/a$e$ to
re"ent- he .o/"$ have no choice b/t to pay the cro.n4 $ebt .ith ?anniter go"$. #e $are not
reort to ne. ta:e- not .ith the Seven >ing$om cra."ing .ith rebe""ion. #a", the "or$ in the
rea"m co/"$ not te"" ta:ation ,rom tyranny- an$ .o/"$ bo"t to the nearet //rper in a heartbeat i,
it .o/"$ ave them a c"ippe$ copper. 2&, that ,ai"- yo/ may .e"" nee$ to go to Braavo- to treat
.ith the &ron Bank yo/re",.1
Ser #ary A/ai"e$. 2M/t &61
2Eo/ are the mater o, coin-1 ?or$ Ran$y"" ai$ harp"y.
2& am.1 7he p/,, o, .hite hair at the en$ o, S.y,t4 chin A/ivere$ in o/trage. 2M/t & remin$
my "or$- thi tro/b"e i not o, my $oing6 An$ not a"" o, / have ha$ the opport/nity to re,i"" o/r
co,,er .ith the p"/n$er o, Mai$enpoo" an$ 5ragontone.1
2& reent yo/r imp"ication- S.y,t-1 Mace 7yre"" ai$- brit"ing. 2No .ea"th .a ,o/n$ on
5ragontone- & promie yo/. My on4 men have earche$ every inch o, that $amp an$ $reary
i"an$ an$ t/rne$ /p not o m/ch a a ing"e gemtone or peck o, go"$. Nor any ign o, thi
,ab"e$ hoar$ o, $ragon egg.1
>evan ?anniter ha$ een 5ragontone .ith hi o.n eye. #e $o/bte$ very m/ch that ?ora
7yre"" ha$ earche$ every inch o, that ancient trongho"$. 7he %a"yrian ha$ raie$ it- a,ter a""-
an$ a"" their .ork tank o, orcery. An$ Ser ?ora .a yo/ng- prone to a"" the rah =/$gment o,
yo/th- an$ ha$ been grievo/"y .o/n$e$ torming the cat"e bei$e. B/t it .o/"$ not $o to
remin$ 7yre"" that hi ,avorite on .a ,a""ib"e. 2&, there .a .ea"th on 5ragontone- Stanni
.o/"$ have ,o/n$ it-1 he $ec"are$.
2?et / move a"ong- my "or$. 3e have t.o A/een to try ,or high treaon- yo/ may reca"".
My niece ha e"ecte$ tria" by batt"e- he in,orm me. Ser Robert Strong .i"" champion her.1
27he i"ent giant.1 ?or$ Ran$y"" grimace$.
27e"" me- er- .here $i$ thi man come ,rom61 $eman$e$ Mace 7yre"". 23hy have .e never
hear$ hi name be,ore6 #e $oe not peak- he .i"" not ho. hi ,ace- he i never een .itho/t hi
armor. 5o .e kno. ,or a certainty that he i even a knight61
We do not een know if he/s alie+ Meryn 7rant c"aime$ that Strong took neither ,oo$ nor
$rink- an$ Boro B"o/nt .ent o ,ar a to ay he ha$ never een the man /e the privy. Wh!
should he6 Dead men do not shit+ >evan ?anniter ha$ a trong /picion o, =/t .ho thi Ser
Robert rea""y .a beneath that g"eaming .hite armor. A /picion that Mace 7yre"" an$ Ran$y""
7ar"y no $o/bt hare$. 3hatever the ,ace hi$$en behin$ Strong4 he"m- it m/t remain hi$$en
,or no.. 7he i"ent giant .a hi niece4 on"y hope. And pra! that he is as formidable as he
appears+
B/t Mace 7yre"" co/"$ not eem to ee beyon$ the threat to hi o.n $a/ghter. 2#i Grace
name$ Ser Robert to the >ingg/ar$-1 Ser >evan remin$e$ him- 2an$ Dyb/rn vo/che ,or the
man a .e"". Be that a it may- .e nee$ Ser Robert to prevai"- my "or$. &, my niece i prove$
g/i"ty o, thee treaon- the "egitimacy o, her chi"$ren .i"" be ca""e$ into A/etion. &, 7ommen
ceae to be a king- Margaery .i"" ceae to be a A/een.1 #e "et 7yre"" che. on that a moment.
23hatever Cerei may have $one- he i ti"" a $a/ghter o, the Rock- o, mine o.n b"oo$. & .i""
not "et her $ie a traitor4 $eath- b/t & have ma$e /re to $ra. her ,ang. A"" her g/ar$ have been
$imie$ an$ rep"ace$ .ith my o.n men. &n p"ace o, her ,ormer "a$ie(in(.aiting- he .i""
hence,orth be atten$e$ by a epta an$ three novice e"ecte$ by the #igh Septon. She i to have
no ,/rther voice in the governance o, the rea"m- nor in 7ommen4 e$/cation. & mean to ret/rn her
to Cater"y Rock a,ter the tria" an$ ee that he remain there. ?et that /,,ice.1
7he ret he "e,t /nai$. Cerei .a oi"e$ goo$ no.- her po.er at an en$. Cvery baker4 boy
an$ beggar in the city ha$ een her in her hame an$ every tart an$ tanner ,rom +"ea Bottom to
9i.ater Ben$ ha$ gaGe$ /pon her nake$ne- their eager eye cra."ing over her breat an$
be""y an$ .oman4 part. No A/een co/"$ e:pect to r/"e again a,ter that. &n go"$ an$ i"k an$
emera"$ Cerei ha$ been a A/een- the ne:t thing to a go$$eI nake$- he .a on"y h/man- an
aging .oman .ith tretch mark on her be""y an$ teat that ha$ beg/n to ag8 a the hre. in
the cro.$ ha$ been g"a$ to point o/t to their h/ban$ an$ "over. Better to lie shamed than
die proud- Ser >evan to"$ hime",. 2My niece .i"" make no ,/rther michie,-1 he promie$ Mace
7yre"". 2Eo/ have my .or$ on that- my "or$.1
7yre"" gave a gr/$ging no$. 2A yo/ ay. My Margaery pre,er to be trie$ by the +aith- o the
.ho"e rea"m can bear .itne to her innocence.1
If !our daughter is as innocent as !ou/d hae us beliee, wh! must !ou hae !our arm!
present when she faces her accusers6 Ser >evan might have ake$. 2Soon- & hope-1 he ai$
intea$- be,ore t/rning to Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e. 2& there a/ght e"e61
7he Gran$ Maeter con/"te$ hi paper. 23e ho/"$ a$$re the Roby inheritance. Si:
c"aim have been p/t ,orth@1
23e can ett"e Roby at ome "ater $ate. 3hat e"e61
29reparation ho/"$ be ma$e ,or 9rince Myrce""a.1
27hi i .hat come o, $ea"ing .ith the 5ornih-1 Mace 7yre"" ai$. 2S/re"y a better match
can be ,o/n$ ,or the gir"61
Such as !our own son Willas, perhaps6 7er disfigured b! one Dornishman, him crippled b!
another6 2No $o/bt-1 Ser >evan ai$- 2b/t .e have enemie eno/gh .itho/t o,,en$ing 5orne. &,
5oran Marte"" .ere to =oin hi trength to Connington4 in /pport o, thi ,eigne$ $ragon- thing
co/"$ go very i"" ,or a"" o, /.1
2Mayhap .e can per/a$e o/r 5ornih ,rien$ to $ea" .ith ?or$ Connington-1 Ser #ary
S.y,t ai$ .ith an irritating titter. 27hat .o/"$ ave a $ea" o, b"oo$ an$ tro/b"e.1
2&t .o/"$-1 Ser >evan ai$ .eari"y. 7ime to p/t an en$ to thi. 27hank yo/- my "or$. ?et /
convene again ,ive $ay hence. A,ter Cerei4 tria".1
2A yo/ ay. May the 3arrior "en$ trength to Ser Robert4 arm.1 7he .or$ .ere gr/$ging-
the $ip o, the chin Mace 7yre"" gave the ?or$ Regent the mot c/rory o, bo.. B/t it .a
omething- an$ ,or that m/ch Ser >evan ?anniter .a grate,/".
Ran$y"" 7ar"y "e,t the ha"" .ith hi "iege "or$- their green(c"oake$ pear(men right behin$
them. #arl! is the real danger- Ser >evan re,"ecte$ a he .atche$ their $epart/re. A narrow
man, but iron(willed and shrewd, and as good a soldier as the )each could boast+ But how do I
win him to our side6
2?or$ 7yre"" "ove me not-1 Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e ai$ in g"oomy tone .hen the #an$ ha$
$eparte$. 27hi matter o, the moon tea8 & .o/"$ never have poken o, /ch- b/t the D/een
5o.ager comman$e$ me0 &, it p"eae the ?or$ Regent- & .o/"$ "eep more o/n$"y i, yo/ co/"$
"en$ me ome o, yo/r g/ar$.1
2?or$ 7yre"" might take that ami.1
Ser #ary S.y,t t/gge$ at hi chin bear$. 2& am in nee$ o, g/ar$ mye",. 7hee are peri"o/
time.1
A!e- tho/ght >evan ?anniter- and $!celle is not the onl! council member our 7and would
like to replace+ Mace 7yre"" ha$ hi o.n can$i$ate ,or "or$ trea/rer' hi /nc"e- ?or$ Senecha"
o, #ighgar$en- .hom men ca""e$ Garth the Gro. #he last thing I need is another #!rell on the
small council+ #e .a a"rea$y o/tn/mbere$. Ser #ary .a hi .i,e4 ,ather- an$ 9yce""e co/"$
be co/nte$ /pon a .e"". B/t 7ar"y .a .orn to #ighgar$en- a .a 9a:ter Re$.yne- "or$
a$mira" an$ mater o, hip- preent"y ai"ing hi ,"eet aro/n$ 5orne to $ea" .ith C/ron
Grey=oy4 ironmen. Hnce Re$.yne ret/rne$ to >ing4 ?an$ing- the co/nci" .o/"$ tan$ at three
an$ three- ?anniter an$ 7yre"".
7he eventh voice .o/"$ be the 5ornih.oman no. ecorting Myrce""a home. #he "ad!
2!m+ But no lad!, if een half of what :!burn reports is true+ A batar$ $a/ghter o, the Re$
%iper- near a notorio/ a her ,ather an$ intent on c"aiming the co/nci" eat that 9rince Hberyn
hime", ha$ occ/pie$ o brie,"y. Ser >evan ha$ not yet een ,it to in,orm Mace 7yre"" o, her
coming. 7he #an$- he kne.- .o/"$ not be p"eae$. #he man we need is "ittlefinger+ $et!r
Baelish had a gift for con9uring dragons from the air.
2#ire the Mo/ntain4 men-1 Ser >evan /ggete$. 2Re$ Ronnet .i"" have no ,/rther /e ,or
them.1 #e $i$ not think that Mace 7yre"" .o/"$ be o c"/my a to try to m/r$er either 9yce""e
or S.y,t- b/t i, g/ar$ ma$e them ,ee" a,er- "et them have g/ar$.
7he three men .a"ke$ together ,rom the throne room. H/ti$e the no. .a .ir"ing ro/n$
the o/ter .ar$- a cage$ beat ho."ing to be ,ree. 2#ave yo/ ever ,e"t /ch co"$61 ake$ Ser
#ary.
27he time to peak o, the co"$-1 ai$ Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e- 2i not .hen .e are tan$ing o/t
in it.1 #e ma$e hi "o. .ay acro the o/ter .ar$- back to hi chamber.
7he other "ingere$ ,or a moment on the throne room tep. 2& p/t no ,aith in thee Myrih
banker-1 Ser >evan to"$ hi goo$(,ather. 2Eo/ ha$ bet prepare to go to Braavo.1
Ser #ary $i$ not "ook happy at the propect. 2&, & m/t. B/t & ay again- thi tro/b"e i not o,
my $oing.1
2No. &t .a Cerei .ho $eci$e$ that the &ron Bank .o/"$ .ait ,or their $/e. Sho/"$ & en$ her
to Braavo61
Ser #ary b"inke$. 2#er Grace8 that8 that81
Ser >evan rec/e$ him. 27hat .a a =ape. A ba$ one. Go an$ ,in$ a .arm ,ire. & mean to $o
the ame.1 #e yanke$ hi g"ove on an$ et o,, acro the yar$- "eaning har$ into the .in$ a hi
c"oak nappe$ an$ .ir"e$ behin$ him.
7he $ry moat /rro/n$ing Maegor4 #o"$,at .a three ,eet $eep in no.- the iron pike that
"ine$ it g"itening .ith ,rot. 7he on"y .ay in or o/t o, Maegor4 .a acro the $ra.bri$ge that
panne$ that moat. A knight o, the >ingg/ar$ .a a".ay pote$ at it ,ar en$. 7onight the $/ty
ha$ ,a""en to Ser Meryn 7rant. 3ith Ba"on S.ann h/nting the rog/e knight 5arktar $o.n in
5orne- ?ora 7yre"" grave"y .o/n$e$ on 5ragontone- an$ !aime vanihe$ in the river"an$-
on"y ,o/r o, the 3hite S.or$ remaine$ in >ing4 ?an$ing- an$ Ser >evan ha$ thro.n Hm/n$
>ett"eb"ack ;an$ hi brother H,ry$< into the $/ngeon .ithin ho/r o, Cerei4 con,eing that
he ha$ taken both men a "over. 7hat "e,t on"y 7rant- the ,eeb"e Boro B"o/nt- an$ Dyb/rn4
m/te monter Robert Strong to protect the yo/ng king an$ roya" ,ami"y.
I will need to find some new swords for the ,ingsguard+ 7ommen ho/"$ have even goo$
knight abo/t him. &n the pat the >ingg/ar$ ha$ erve$ ,or "i,e- b/t that ha$ not toppe$
!o,,rey ,rom $imiing Ser Barritan Se"my to make a p"ace ,or hi $og- San$or C"egane. >evan
co/"$ make /e o, that prece$ent. I could put "ancel in a white cloak- he re,"ecte$. #here is more
honor in that than he will eer find in the Warrior/s Sons+
>evan ?anniter h/ng hi no.(o$$en c"oak ini$e hi o"ar- p/""e$ o,, hi boot- an$
comman$e$ hi erving man to ,etch ome ,reh .oo$ ,or hi ,ire. 2A c/p o, m/""e$ .ine .o/"$
go $o.n .e""-1 he ai$ a he ett"e$ by the hearth. 2See to it.1
7he ,ire oon tha.e$ him- an$ the .ine .arme$ hi ini$e nice"y. &t a"o ma$e him "eepy-
o he $are not $rink another c/p. #i $ay .a ,ar ,rom $one. #e ha$ report to rea$- "etter to
.rite. And supper with %ersei and the king+ #i niece ha$ been /b$/e$ an$ /bmiive ince
her .a"k o, atonement- thank the go$. 7he novice .ho atten$e$ her reporte$ that he pent a
thir$ o, her .aking ho/r .ith her on- another thir$ in prayer- an$ the ret in her t/b. She .a
bathing ,o/r or ,ive time a $ay- cr/bbing here", .ith horehair br/he an$ trong "ye oap- a
i, he meant to crape her kin o,,.
She will neer wash the stain awa!, no matter how hard she scrubs+ Ser >evan remembere$
the gir" he once ha$ been- o ,/"" o, "i,e an$ michie,. An$ .hen he4$ ,"o.ere$- ahhhh8 ha$
there ever been a mai$ o .eet to "ook /pon6 If Aer!s had agreed to marr! her to )haegar, how
man! deaths might hae been aoided6 Cerei co/"$ have given the prince the on he .ante$-
"ion .ith p/rp"e eye an$ i"ver mane8 an$ .ith /ch a .i,e- Rhaegar might never have
"ooke$ t.ice at ?yanna Stark. 7he northern gir" ha$ a .i"$ bea/ty- a he reca""e$- tho/gh
ho.ever bright a torch might b/rn it co/"$ never match the riing /n.
B/t it $i$ no goo$ to broo$ on "ot batt"e an$ roa$ not taken. 7hat .a a vice o, o"$ $one
men. Rhaegar ha$ .e$ C"ia o, 5orne- ?yanna Stark ha$ $ie$- Robert Baratheon ha$ taken Cerei
to bri$e- an$ here they .ere. An$ tonight hi o.n roa$ .o/"$ take him to hi niece4 chamber
an$ ,ace(to(,ace .ith Cerei.
I hae no reason to feel guilt!- Ser >evan to"$ hime",. #!win would understand that, surel!+
It was his daughter who brought shame down on our name, not I+ What I did I did for the good
of 7ouse "annister+
&t .a not a i, hi brother ha$ never $one the ame. &n their ,ather4 ,ina" year- a,ter their
mother4 paing- their ire ha$ taken the come"y $a/ghter o, a can$"emaker a mitre. &t .a
not /nkno.n ,or a .i$o.e$ "or$ to keep a common gir" a be$.armer8 b/t ?or$ 7yto oon
began eating the .oman bei$e him in the ha""- ho.ering her .ith gi,t an$ honor- even
aking her vie. on matter o, tate. 3ithin a year he .a $imiing ervant- or$ering abo/t
hi ho/eho"$ knight- even peaking ,or hi "or$hip .hen he .a in$ipoe$. She gre. o
in,"/entia" that it .a ai$ abo/t ?anniport that any man .ho .ihe$ ,or hi petition to be hear$
ho/"$ knee" be,ore her an$ peak "o/$"y to her "ap8 ,or 7yto ?anniter4 ear .a bet.een hi
"a$y4 "eg. She ha$ even taken to .earing their mother4 =e.e".
Fnti" the $ay their "or$ ,ather4 heart ha$ b/rt in hi chet a he .a acen$ing a teep ,"ight
o, tep to her be$- that i. A"" the e",(eeker .ho ha$ name$ theme"ve her ,rien$ an$
c/"tivate$ her ,avor ha$ aban$one$ her A/ick"y eno/gh .hen 7y.in ha$ her trippe$ nake$ an$
para$e$ thro/gh ?anniport to the $ock- "ike a common .hore. 7ho/gh no man "ai$ a han$ on
her- that .a"k pe""e$ the en$ o, her po.er. S/re"y 7y.in .o/"$ never have $reame$ that ame
,ate a.aite$ hi o.n go"$en $a/ghter.
2&t ha$ to be-1 Ser >evan m/ttere$ over the "at o, hi .ine. #i #igh #o"ine ha$ to be
appeae$. 7ommen nee$e$ the +aith behin$ him in the batt"e to come. An$ Cerei8 the go"$en
chi"$ ha$ gro.n into a vain- ,oo"ih- gree$y .oman. ?e,t to r/"e- he .o/"$ have r/ine$
7ommen a he ha$ !o,,rey.
H/ti$e the .in$ .a riing- c"a.ing at the h/tter o, hi chamber. Ser >evan p/he$
hime", to hi ,eet. 7ime to ,ace the "ione in her $en. We hae pulled her claws+ -aime,
though= B/t no- he .o/"$ not broo$ on that.
#e $onne$ an o"$- .e""(.orn $o/b"et- in cae hi niece ha$ a min$ to thro. another c/p o,
.ine in hi ,ace- b/t he "e,t hi .or$ be"t hanging on the back o, hi chair. Hn"y the knight o,
the >ingg/ar$ .ere permitte$ .or$ in 7ommen4 preence.
Ser Boro B"o/nt .a in atten$ance on the boy king an$ hi mother .hen Ser >evan entere$
the roya" chamber. B"o/nt .ore ename"e$ ca"e- .hite c"oak- an$ ha",he"m. #e $i$ not "ook
.e"". H, "ate Boro ha$ gro.n notab"y heavier abo/t the ,ace an$ be""y- an$ hi co"or .a not
goo$. An$ he .a "eaning againt the .a"" behin$ him- a i, tan$ing ha$ become too great an
e,,ort ,or him.
7he mea" .a erve$ by three novice- .e""(cr/bbe$ gir" o, goo$ birth bet.een the age o,
t.e"ve an$ i:teen. &n their o,t .hite .oo"en- each eeme$ more innocent an$ /n.or"$"y than
the "at- yet the #igh Septon ha$ inite$ that no gir" pen$ more than even $ay in the A/een4
ervice- "et Cerei corr/pt her. 7hey ten$e$ the A/een4 .ar$robe- $re. her bath- po/re$ her
.ine- change$ her be$c"othe o, a morning. Hne hare$ the A/een4 be$ every night- to acertain
he ha$ no other companyI the other t.o "ept in an a$=oining chamber .ith the epta .ho
"ooke$ over them.
A ta"" tork o, a gir" .ith a pockmarke$ ,ace ecorte$ him into the roya" preence. Cerei roe
.hen he entere$ an$ kie$ him "ight"y on the cheek. 25ear /nc"e. &t i o goo$ o, yo/ to /p
.ith /.1 7he A/een .a $ree$ a mo$et"y a any matron- in a $ark bro.n go.n that b/ttone$
/p to her throat an$ a hoo$e$ green mant"e that covere$ her have$ hea$. Before her walk she
would hae flaunted her baldness beneath a golden crown+ 2Come- it-1 he ai$. 23i"" yo/ have
.ine61
2A c/p.1 #e at- ti"" .ary.
A ,reck"e$ novice ,i""e$ their c/p .ith hot pice$ .ine. 27ommen te"" me that ?or$ 7yre""
inten$ to reb/i"$ the 7o.er o, the #an$-1 Cerei ai$.
Ser >evan no$$e$. 27he ne. to.er .i"" be t.ice a ta"" a the one yo/ b/rne$- he ay.1
Cerei gave a throaty "a/gh. 2?ong "ance- ta"" to.er8 i ?or$ 7yre"" hinting at omething61
7hat ma$e him mi"e. It is good that she still remembers how to laugh+ 3hen he ake$ i, he
ha$ a"" that he reA/ire$- the A/een ai$- 2& am .e"" erve$. 7he gir" are .eet- an$ the goo$
epta make certain that & ay my prayer. B/t once my innocence i prove$- it .o/"$ p"eae me
i, 7aena Merry.eather might atten$ me once again. She co/"$ bring her on to co/rt. 7ommen
nee$ other boy abo/t him- ,rien$ o, nob"e birth.1
&t .a a mo$et reA/et. Ser >evan a. no reaon .hy it ho/"$ not be grante$. #e co/"$
,oter the Merry.eather boy hime",- .hi"t ?a$y 7aena accompanie$ Cerei back to Cater"y
Rock. 2& .i"" en$ ,or her a,ter the tria"-1 he promie$.
S/pper began .ith bee,(an$(bar"ey o/p- ,o""o.e$ by a brace o, A/ai" an$ a roat pike near
three ,eet "ong- .ith t/rnip- m/hroom- an$ p"enty o, hot brea$ an$ b/tter. Ser Boro tate$
every $ih that .a et be,ore the king. A h/mi"iating $/ty ,or a knight o, the >ingg/ar$- b/t
perhap a"" B"o/nt .a capab"e o, thee $ay8 an$ .ie- a,ter the .ay 7ommen4 brother ha$
$ie$.
7he king eeme$ happier than >evan ?anniter ha$ een him in a "ong time. +rom o/p to
.eet 7ommen b/rb"e$ abo/t the e:p"oit o, hi kitten- .hi"t ,ee$ing them more" o, pike o,,
hi o.n roya" p"ate. 27he ba$ cat .a o/ti$e my .in$o. "at night-1 he in,orme$ >evan at one
point- 2b/t Ser 9o/nce hie$ at him an$ he ran o,, acro the roo,.1
27he ba$ cat61 Ser >evan ai$- am/e$. 7e is a sweet bo!+
2An o"$ b"ack tomcat .ith a torn ear-1 Cerei to"$ him. 2A ,i"thy thing- an$ ,o/"(tempere$. #e
c"a.e$ !o,,4 han$ once.1 She ma$e a ,ace. 27he cat keep the rat $o.n- & kno.- b/t that one8
he4 been kno.n to attack raven in the rookery.1
2& .i"" ak the ratter to et a trap ,or him.1 Ser >evan co/"$ not remember ever eeing hi
niece o A/iet- o /b$/e$- o $em/re. A"" ,or the goo$- he /ppoe$. B/t it ma$e him a$ a
.e"". 7er fire is 3uenched, she who used to burn so bright+ 2Eo/ have not ake$ abo/t yo/r
brother-1 he ai$- a they .ere .aiting ,or the cream cake. Cream cake .ere the king4
,avorite.
Cerei "i,te$ her chin- her green eye hining in the can$"e"ight. 2!aime6 #ave yo/ ha$ .or$61
2None. Cerei- yo/ may nee$ to prepare yo/re", ,or@1
2&, he .ere $ea$- & .o/"$ kno. it. 3e came into thi .or"$ together- Fnc"e. #e .o/"$ not go
.itho/t me.1 She took a $rink o, .ine. 27yrion can "eave .henever he .ihe. Eo/ have ha$ no
.or$ o, him either- & /ppoe.1
2No one ha trie$ to e"" / a $.ar,4 hea$ o, "ate- no.1
She no$$e$. 2Fnc"e- may & ak yo/ a A/etion61
23hatever yo/ .ih.1
2Eo/r .i,e8 $o yo/ mean to bring her to co/rt61
2No.1 5orna .a a gent"e o/"- never com,ortab"e b/t at home .ith ,rien$ an$ kin aro/n$
her. She ha$ $one .e"" by their chi"$ren- $reame$ o, having gran$chi"$ren- praye$ even time a
$ay- "ove$ nee$"e.ork an$ ,"o.er. &n >ing4 ?an$ing he .o/"$ be a happy a one o,
7ommen4 kitten in a pit o, viper. 2My "a$y .i,e mi"ike trave". ?anniport i her p"ace.1
2&t i a .ie .oman .ho kno. her p"ace.1
#e $i$ not "ike the o/n$ o, that. 2Say .hat yo/ mean.1
2& tho/ght & $i$.1 Cerei he"$ o/t her c/p. 7he ,reck"e$ gir" ,i""e$ it once again. 7he cream
cake appeare$ then- an$ the converation took a "ighter t/rn. Hn"y a,ter 7ommen an$ hi kitten
.ere ecorte$ o,, to the roya" be$chamber by Ser Boro $i$ their ta"k t/rn to the A/een4 tria".
2Hney4 brother .i"" not tan$ by i$"y an$ .atch him $ie-1 Cerei .arne$ him.
2& $i$ not e:pect that they .o/"$. &4ve ha$ the both o, them arrete$.1
7hat eeme$ to take her aback. 2+or .hat crime61
2+ornication .ith a A/een. #i #igh #o"ine ay that yo/ con,ee$ to be$$ing both o,
them@ha$ yo/ ,orgotten61
#er ,ace re$$ene$. 2No. 3hat .i"" yo/ $o .ith them61
27he 3a""- i, they a$mit their g/i"t. &, they $eny it- they can ,ace Ser Robert. S/ch men
ho/"$ never have been raie$ o high.1
Cerei "o.ere$ her hea$. 2&8 & mi=/$ge$ them.1
2Eo/ mi=/$ge$ a goo$ many men- it eem.1
#e might have ai$ more- b/t the $ark(haire$ novice .ith the ro/n$ cheek ret/rne$ to ay-
2My "or$- my "a$y- & am orry to intr/$e- b/t there i a boy be"o.. Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e beg
the ,avor o, the ?or$ Regent4 preence at once.1
Dark wings, dark words- Ser >evan tho/ght. %ould Storm/s 0nd hae fallen6 Or might this
be word from Bolton in the north6
2&t might be ne. o, !aime-1 the A/een ai$.
7here .a on"y one .ay to kno.. Ser >evan roe. 29ray e:c/e me.1 Be,ore he took hi
"eave- he $roppe$ to one knee an$ kie$ hi niece /pon the han$. &, her i"ent giant ,ai"e$ her- it
might be the "at ki he .o/"$ ever kno..
7he meenger .a a boy o, eight or nine- o b/n$"e$ /p in ,/r he eeme$ a bear c/b. 7rant
ha$ kept him .aiting o/t on the $ra.bri$ge rather than a$mit him into Maegor4. 2Go ,in$ a ,ire-
"a$-1 Ser >evan to"$ him- preing a penny into hi han$. 2& kno. the .ay to the rookery .e""
eno/gh.1
7he no. ha$ ,ina""y toppe$ ,a""ing. Behin$ a vei" o, ragge$ c"o/$- a ,/"" moon ,"oate$ ,at
an$ .hite a a no.ba"". 7he tar hone co"$ an$ $itant. A Ser >evan ma$e hi .ay acro the
inner .ar$- the cat"e eeme$ an a"ien p"ace- .here every keep an$ to.er ha$ gro.n icy teeth-
an$ a"" ,ami"iar path ha$ vanihe$ beneath a .hite b"anket. Hnce an icic"e "ong a a pear ,e"" to
hatter by hi ,eet. Autumn in ,ing/s "anding- he broo$e$. What must it be like up on the Wall6
7he $oor .a opene$ by a erving gir"- a kinny thing in a ,/r("ine$ robe m/ch too big ,or her.
Ser >evan tampe$ the no. o,, hi boot- remove$ hi c"oak- toe$ it to her. 27he Gran$
Maeter i e:pecting me-1 he anno/nce$. 7he gir" no$$e$- o"emn an$ i"ent- an$ pointe$ to the
tep.
9yce""e4 chamber .ere beneath the rookery- a pacio/ /ite o, room c"/ttere$ .ith rack
o, herb an$ a"ve an$ potion an$ he"ve =amme$ ,/"" o, book an$ cro"". Ser >evan ha$
a".ay ,o/n$ them /ncom,ortab"y hot. Not tonight. Hnce pat the chamber $oor- the chi"" .a
pa"pab"e. B"ack ah an$ $ying ember .ere a"" that remaine$ o, the hearth,ire. A ,e. ,"ickering
can$"e cat poo" o, $im "ight here an$ there.
7he ret .a hro/$e$ in ha$o.8 e:cept beneath the open .in$o.- .here a pray o, ice
cryta" g"ittere$ in the moon"ight- .ir"ing in the .in$. Hn the .in$o. eat a raven "oitere$-
pa"e- h/ge- it ,eather r/,,"e$. &t .a the "arget raven that >evan ?anniter ha$ ever een.
?arger than any h/nting ha.k at Cater"y Rock- "arger than the "arget o.". B"o.ing no.
$ance$ aro/n$ it- an$ the moon painte$ it i"ver.
2ot siler+ White+ #he bird is white+
7he .hite raven o, the Cita$e" $i$ not carry meage- a their $ark co/in $i$. 3hen they
.ent ,orth ,rom H"$to.n- it .a ,or one p/rpoe on"y' to hera"$ a change o, eaon.
23inter-1 ai$ Ser >evan. 7he .or$ ma$e a .hite mit in the air. #e t/rne$ a.ay ,rom the
.in$o..
7hen omething "amme$ him in the chet bet.een the rib- har$ a a giant4 ,it. &t $rove the
breath ,rom him an$ ent him "/rching back.ar$. 7he .hite raven took to the air- it pa"e .ing
"apping him abo/t the hea$. Ser >evan ha",(at an$ ha",(,e"" onto the .in$o. eat. What=
who= A A/arre" .a /nk a"mot to the ,"etching in hi chet. 2o+ 2o, that was how m! brother
died+ B"oo$ .a eeping o/t aro/n$ the ha,t. 29yce""e-1 he m/ttere$- con,/e$. 2#e"p me8
&81
7hen he a.. Gran$ Maeter 9yce""e .a eate$ at hi tab"e- hi hea$ pi""o.e$ on the great
"eather(bo/n$ tome be,ore him. Sleeping- >evan tho/ght8 /nti" he b"inke$ an$ a. the $eep re$
gah in the o"$ man4 potte$ k/"" an$ the b"oo$ poo"e$ beneath hi hea$- taining the page o,
hi book. A"" aro/n$ hi can$"e .ere bit o, bone an$ brain- i"an$ in a "ake o, me"te$ .a:.
7e wanted guards- Ser >evan tho/ght. I should hae sent him guards+ Co/"$ Cerei have
been right a"" a"ong6 3a thi hi nephe.4 .ork6 27yrion61 he ca""e$. 23here8 61
2+ar a.ay-1 a ha",(,ami"iar voice rep"ie$.
#e too$ in a poo" o, ha$o. by a bookcae- p"/mp- pa"e(,ace$- ro/n$(ho/"$ere$- c"/tching
a crobo. in o,t po.$ere$ han$. Si"k "ipper .a$$"e$ hi ,eet.
2%ary61
7he e/n/ch et the crobo. $o.n. 2Ser >evan. +orgive me i, yo/ can. & bear yo/ no i"" .i"".
7hi .a not $one ,rom ma"ice. &t .a ,or the rea"m. +or the chi"$ren.1
I hae children+ I hae a wife+ Oh, Dorna+ 9ain .ahe$ over him. #e c"oe$ hi eye- opene$
them again. 27here are8 there are h/n$re$ o, ?anniter g/ar$men in thi cat"e.1
2B/t none in thi room- thank,/""y. 7hi pain me- my "or$. Eo/ $o not $eerve to $ie a"one
on /ch a co"$ $ark night. 7here are many "ike yo/- goo$ men in ervice to ba$ ca/e8 b/t yo/
.ere threatening to /n$o a"" the A/een4 goo$ .ork- to reconci"e #ighgar$en an$ Cater"y Rock-
bin$ the +aith to yo/r "itt"e king- /nite the Seven >ing$om /n$er 7ommen4 r/"e. So81
A g/t o, .in$ b"e. /p. Ser >evan hivere$ vio"ent"y. 2Are yo/ co"$- my "or$61 ake$ %ary.
25o ,orgive me. 7he Gran$ Maeter be,o/"e$ hime", in $ying- an$ the tink .a o abominab"e
that & tho/ght & might choke.1
Ser >evan trie$ to rie- b/t the trength ha$ "e,t him. #e co/"$ not ,ee" hi "eg.
2& tho/ght the crobo. ,itting. Eo/ hare$ o m/ch .ith ?or$ 7y.in- .hy not that6 Eo/r
niece .i"" think the 7yre"" ha$ yo/ m/r$ere$- mayhap .ith the connivance o, the &mp. 7he
7yre"" .i"" /pect her. Someone ome.here .i"" ,in$ a .ay to b"ame the 5ornihmen. 5o/bt-
$iviion- an$ mitr/t .i"" eat the very gro/n$ beneath yo/r boy king- .hi"t Aegon raie hi
banner above Storm4 Cn$ an$ the "or$ o, the rea"m gather ro/n$ him.1
2Aegon61 +or a moment he $i$ not /n$ertan$. 7hen he remembere$. A babe .a$$"e$ in a
crimon c"oak- the c"oth taine$ .ith hi b"oo$ an$ brain. 25ea$. #e4 $ea$.1
2No.1 7he e/n/ch4 voice eeme$ $eeper. 2#e i here. Aegon ha been hape$ ,or r/"e ince
be,ore he co/"$ .a"k. #e ha been traine$ in arm- a be,it a knight to be- b/t that .a not the
en$ o, hi e$/cation. #e rea$ an$ .rite- he peak evera" tong/e- he ha t/$ie$ hitory an$
"a. an$ poetry. A epta ha intr/cte$ him in the myterie o, the +aith ince he .a o"$ eno/gh
to /n$ertan$ them. #e ha "ive$ .ith ,iher,o"k- .orke$ .ith hi han$- ./m in river an$
men$e$ net an$ "earne$ to .ah hi o.n c"othe at nee$. #e can ,ih an$ cook an$ bin$ /p a
.o/n$- he kno. .hat it i "ike to be h/ngry- to be h/nte$- to be a,rai$. 7ommen ha been
ta/ght that kinghip i hi right. Aegon kno. that kinghip i hi $/ty- that a king m/t p/t hi
peop"e ,irt- an$ "ive an$ r/"e ,or them.1
>evan ?anniter trie$ to cry o/t8 to hi g/ar$- hi .i,e- hi brother8 b/t the .or$ .o/"$
not come. B"oo$ $ribb"e$ ,rom hi mo/th. #e h/$$ere$ vio"ent"y.
2& am orry.1 %ary .r/ng hi han$. 2Eo/ are /,,ering- & kno.- yet here & tan$ going on
"ike ome i""y o"$ .oman. 7ime to make an en$ to it.1 7he e/n/ch p/re$ hi "ip an$ gave a
"itt"e .hit"e.
Ser >evan .a co"$ a ice- an$ every "abore$ breath ent a ,reh tab o, pain thro/gh him. #e
g"impe$ movement- hear$ the o,t c/,,"ing o/n$ o, "ippere$ ,eet on tone. A chi"$ emerge$
,rom a poo" o, $arkne- a pa"e boy in a ragge$ robe- no more than nine or ten. Another roe /p
behin$ the Gran$ Maeter4 chair. 7he gir" .ho ha$ opene$ the $oor ,or him .a there a .e"".
7hey .ere a"" aro/n$ him- ha", a $oGen o, them- .hite(,ace$ chi"$ren .ith $ark eye- boy an$
gir" together.
An$ in their han$- the $agger.
WESTEROS
THE !O' 5ING
7HMMCN BARA7#CHN- the +irt o, #i Name- >ing o, the An$a"- the Rhoynar- an$ the
+irt Men- ?or$ o, the Seven >ing$om- a boy o, eight year-
@hi .i,e- DFCCN MARGACRE o, #o/e 7yre""- thrice .e$- t.ice .i$o.e$- acc/e$ o, high
treaon- he"$ captive in the Great Sept o, Bae"or-
@her "a$y companion an$ co/in- MCGGA- A??A- an$ C?&NHR 7ERC??- acc/e$ o,
,ornication-
@C"inor4 betrothe$- A?EN AMBRHSC- A/ire-
@hi mother- CCRSC& o, #o/e ?anniter- D/een 5o.ager- ?a$y o, Cater"y Rock- acc/e$ o,
high treaon- captive in the Great Sept o, Bae"or-
@hi ib"ing'
@hi e"$er brother- P>&NG !H++RCE & BARA7#CHNQ- poione$ $/ring hi .e$$ing ,eat-
@hi e"$er iter- 9R&NCCSS MERCC??A BARA7#CHN- a gir" o, nine- a .ar$ o, 9rince
5oran Marte"" at S/npear- betrothe$ to hi on 7rytane-
@hi kitten- SCR 9HFNCC- ?A5E 3#&S>CRS- BHH7S-
@hi /nc"e'
@SCR !A&MC ?ANN&S7CR- ca""e$ 7#C >&NGS?AECR- t.in to D/een Cerei- ?or$
Comman$er o, the >ingg/ar$-
@7ER&HN ?ANN&S7CR- ca""e$ 7#C &M9- a $.ar,- acc/e$ an$ con$emne$ ,or regici$e
an$ kin"aying-
@hi other kin'
@hi gran$,ather- P7E3&N ?ANN&S7CRQ- ?or$ o, Cater"y Rock- 3ar$en o, the 3et- an$
#an$ o, the >ing- m/r$ere$ in the privy by hi on 7yrion-
@hi great(/nc"e- SCR >C%AN ?ANN&S7CR- ?or$ Regent an$ 9rotector o, the Rea"m- m.
5orna S.y,t-
@their chi"$ren'
@SCR ?ANCC? ?ANN&S7CR- a knight o, the #o"y Hr$er o, the 3arrior4 Son-
@P3&??CMQ- t.in to Martyn- m/r$ere$ at Riverr/n-
@MAR7EN- t.in to 3i""em- a A/ire-
@!ANC&- a gir" o, three-
@hi great(a/nt- GCNNA ?ANN&S7CR- m. Ser Cmmon +rey-
@their chi"$ren'
@PSCR C?CHS +RCEQ- ki""e$ by o/t"a.-
@hi on- SCR 7E3&N +RCE- ca""e$ 7E-
@hi on- 3&??CM +RCE- a A/ire-
@SCR ?EHNC? +RCE- ?a$y Genna4 econ$ on-
@P7&HN +RCEQ- a A/ire- m/r$ere$ at Riverr/n-
@3A?5CR +RCE- ca""e$ RC5 3A?5CR- a page at Cater"y Rock-
@hi great(/nc"e- PSCR 7EGC77 ?ANN&S7CRQ- m. 5ar"ea Mar(bran$
@their chi"$ren'
@7ERC> ?ANN&S7CR- a A/ire- vanihe$ $/ring the ,oo$ riot in >ing4 ?an$ing-
@?A5E CRMCSAN5C #AE+HR5- 7yrek4 chi"$ .i,e-
@hi great /nc"e- GCR&HN ?ANN&S7CR- "ot at ea-
@!HE #&??- hi batar$ $a/ghter-

@>ing 7ommen4 ma"" co/nci"'
@SCR >C%AN ?ANN&S7CR- ?or$ Regent-
@?HR5 MACC 7ERC??- #an$ o, the >ing-
@GRAN5 MACS7CR 9ECC??C- co/ne"or an$ hea"er-
@SCR !A&MC ?ANN&S7CR- ?or$ Comman$er o, the >ingg/ar$-
@?HR5 9AL7CR RC53ENC- gran$ a$mira" an$ mater o, hip-
@DEBFRN- a $igrace$ maeter an$ rep/te$ necromancer- mater o, .hiperer-

@D/een Cerei4 ,ormer ma"" co/nci"-
@P?HR5 GE?CS RHSBEQ- "or$ trea/rer an$ mater o, coin- $ea$ o, a co/gh-
@?HR5 HR7HN MCRRE3CA7#CR- =/ticiar an$ mater o, "a.- ,"e$ to ?ongtab"e /pon
D/een Cerei4 arret-
@AFRANC 3A7CRS- the Batar$ o, 5ri,tmark- gran$ a$mira" an$ mater o, hip- ,"e$ to
ea .ith the roya" ,"eet /pon D/een Cerei4 arret-

@>ing 7ommen4 >ingg/ar$'
@SCR !A&MC ?ANN&S7CR- ?or$ Comman$er-
@SCR MCREN 7RAN7-
@SCR BHRHS B?HFN7- remove$ an$ thence retore$-
@SCR BA?HN S3ANN- in 5orne .ith 9rince Myrce""a-
@SCR HSMFN5 >C77?CB?AC>-
@SCR ?HRAS 7ERC??- the >night o, +"o.er-
@PSCR ARES HA>#CAR7Q- $ea$ in 5orne-

@7ommen4 co/rt at >ing4 ?an$ing'
@MHHN BHE- the roya" =eter an$ ,oo"-
@9A7C- a "a$ o, eight- >ing 7ommen4 .hipping boy-
@HRMHN5 H+ H?57H3N- the roya" harper an$ bar$-
@SCR HS+RE5 >C77?CB?AC>- brother to Ser Hm/n$ an$ Ser Hney- a captain in the
City 3atch-
@NH#H 5&M&77&S- envoy ,rom the &ron Bank o, Braavo-
@PSCR GRCGHR C?CGANCQ- ca""e$ 7#C MHFN7A&N 7#A7 R&5CS- $ea$ o, a
poione$ .o/n$-
@RCNN&+CR ?HNG3A7CRS- chie, /n$ergao"er o, the Re$ >eep4 $/ngeon-

@D/een Margaery4 a""ege$ "over'
@3A7- a inger ty"ing hime", 7#C B?FC BAR5- a captive $riven ma$ by torment-
@P#AM&S# 7#C #AR9CRQ- an age$ inger- $ie$ a captive-
@SCR MAR> MF??CN5HRC- .ho "ot a monkey an$ ha", an arm in the Batt"e o, the
B"ack.ater-
@SCR 7A??A5 ca""e$ 7#C 7A??- SCR ?AMBCR7 7FRNBCRRE- SCR BAEAR5
NHRCRHSS- SCR #FG# C?&+7HN-
@!A?AB#AR L#H- 9rince o, the Re$ +"o.er %a"e- an e:i"e ,rom the S/mmer &"e-
@SCR #HRAS RC53ENC- ,o/n$ innocent an$ ,ree$-
@SCR #HBBCR RC53ENC- ,o/n$ innocent an$ ,ree$-

@D/een Cerei4 chie, acc/er-
@SCR HSNCE >C77?CB?AC>- brother to Ser Hm/n$ an$ Ser H,ry$- he"$ captive by
the +aith-
@the peop"e o, the +aith'
@7#C #&G# SC97HN- +ather o, the +aith,/"- %oice o, the Seven on Carth- an o"$ man an$
,rai"-
@SC97A FNC??A- SC97A MHC??C- SC97A SCH?CRA- the A/een4 gao"er-
@SC97HN 7HRBCR7- SC97HN RAENAR5- SC97HN ?FCCHN- SC97HN
H??&5HR- o, the Mot 5evo/t-
@SC97A AG?AN7&NC- SC97A #C?&CCN7- erving the Seven at the Great Sept o,
Bae"or-
@SCR 7#CH5AN 3C??S- ca""e$ 7#CH5AN 7#C 7RFC- pio/ comman$er o, the
3arrior4 Son-
@the 2parro.-1 the h/mb"et o, men- ,ierce in their piety-

@peop"e o, >ing4 ?an$ing'
@C#A7AEA- proprietor o, an e:penive brothe"-
@A?AEAEA- her $a/ghter-
@5ANCE- MARC&- t.o o, Chataya4 gir"-
@7HB#H MH77- a mater armorer-

@"or$ o, the cro.n"an$- .orn to the &ron 7hrone'
@RCN+RC5 RE>>CR- ?or$ o, 5/ken$a"e-
@SCR RF+FS ?CC>- a one("egge$ knight in hi ervice- cate""an o, the 5/n +ort at
5/ken$a"e-
@P7AN5A S7H>C3HR7#Q- ?a$y o, Stoke.orth- $ie$ o, a broken hip-
@her e"$et $a/ghter- P+A?ESCQ- $ie$ creaming in the b"ack ce""-
@PSCR BA?MAN BERC#Q- ?a$y +a"ye4 h/ban$- ki""e$ in a =o/t-
@her yo/nger $a/ghter- ?H??ES- .eak o, .it- ?a$y o, Stoke(.orth-
@her ne.born on- 7ER&HN 7ANNCR- o, the h/n$re$ ,ather-
@her h/ban$- SCR BRHNN H+ 7#C B?AC>3A7CR- e"".or$ t/rne$ knight-
@MACS7CR +RCN>CN- in ervice at Stoke.orth-
>ing 7ommen4 banner ho. the cro.ne$ tag o, Baratheon- b"ack on go"$- an$ the "ion o,
?anniter- go"$ on crimon- combatant.
THE 5ING AT THE WA&&
S7ANN&S BARA7#CHN- the +irt o, #i Name- econ$ on o, ?or$ Ste,,on Baratheon an$
?a$y Caana o, #o/e Ctermont- ?or$ o, 5ragontone- ty"ing hime", >ing o, 3etero-
@.ith >ing Stanni at Cat"e B"ack'
@?A5E MC?&SAN5RC H+ ASS#A&- ca""e$ 7#C RC5 3HMAN- a priete o, R4h""or-
the ?or$ o, ?ight-
@hi knight an$ .orn .or$'
@SCR R&C#AR5 #HR9C- hi econ$(in(comman$-
@SCR GH5RE +ARR&NG- ca""e$ G&AN7S?AECR-
@SCR !FS7&N MASSCE-
@?HR5 RHB&N 9CASCBFRE-
@?HR5 #AR3HH5 +C??-
@SCR C?AE7HN SFGGS- SCR CHR?&SS 9CNNE- A/een4 men an$ ,ervent ,o""o.er
o, the ?or$ o, ?ight-
@SCR 3&??AM +HLG?H%C- SCR #FM+RCE C?&+7HN- SCR HRMFN5 3E?5C-
SCR #ARES CHBB- knight
@hi A/ire- 5C%AN SCA3HR7# an$ BRECN +ARR&NG
@hi captive- MANCC RAE5CR- >ing(Beyon$(the(3a""-
@Ray$er4 in,ant on- 2the .i"$"ing prince-1
@the boy4 .et n/re- G&??E- a .i"$"ing gir"-
@Gi""y4 in,ant on- 2the abomination-1 ,athere$ by her ,ather PCRAS7CRQ-
@at Cat.atch(by(the(Sea'
@DFCCN SC?ESC o, #o/e +"orent- hi .i,e-
@9R&NCCSS S#&RCCN- their $a/ghter- a gir" o, e"even-
@9A7C#+ACC- Shireen4 tattooe$ ,oo"-
@her /nc"e- SCR ALC?? +?HRCN7- ,oremot o, the A/een4 men- ty"ing hime", the
D/een4 #an$-
@her knight an$ .orn .or$- SCR NARBCR7 GRAN5&SHN- SCR BCNC7#HN
SCA?CS- SCR 9A7RC> H+ >&NG4S MHFN7A&N- SCR 5HR5CN 7#C 5HFR- SCR
MA?C(GHRN H+ RC59HH?- SCR ?AMBCR7 3#&7C3A7CR- SCR 9CR>&N
+H??AR5- SCR BRFS BFC>?CR
@SCR 5A%HS SCA3HR7#- ?or$ o, the Rain.oo$- A$mira" o, the Narro. Sea- an$ #an$
o, the >ing- ca""e$ 7#C HN&HN >N&G#7-
@SA??A5#AR SAAN o, ?y- a pirate an$ e""ai"- mater o, the .al!rian an$ a ,"eet o,
ga""ey-
@7EC#H NCS7HR&S- emiary ,rom the &ron Bank o, Braavo.
Stanni ha taken ,or hi banner the ,iery heart o, the ?or$ o, ?ight@a re$ heart /rro/n$e$ by
orange ,"ame /pon a ye""o. ,ie"$. 3ithin the heart i the cro.ne$ tag o, #o/e Baratheon- in
b"ack.
5ING OF THE IS&ES AND THE NORTH
7he Grey=oy o, 9yke c"aim $ecent ,rom the Grey >ing o, the Age o, #eroe. ?egen$ ay the
Grey >ing r/"e$ the ea ite", an$ took a mermai$ to .i,e. Aegon the 5ragon en$e$ the "ine o,
the "at >ing o, the &ron &"an$- b/t a""o.e$ the ironborn to revive their ancient c/tom an$
chooe .ho ho/"$ have primacy among them. 7hey choe ?or$ %ickon Grey=oy o, 9yke. 7he
Grey=oy igi" i a go"$en kraken /pon a b"ack ,ie"$. 7heir .or$ are We Do 2ot Sow.
CFRHN GRCE!HE- the 7hir$ o, #i Name Since the Grey >ing- >ing o, the &ron &"an$ an$
the North- >ing o, Sa"t an$ Rock- Son o, the Sea 3in$- an$ ?or$ Reaper o, 9yke- captain o, the
Silence- ca""e$ CRH34S CEC-
@hi e"$er brother- PBA?HNQ- >ing o, the &ron &"an$ an$ the North- the Ninth o, #i
Name Since the Grey >ing- ki""e$ in a ,a""-
@?A5E A?ANNES- o, #o/e #ar"a.- Ba"on4 .i$o.-
@their chi"$ren'
@PRH5R&>Q- "ain $/ring Ba"on4 ,irt rebe""ion-
@PMARHNQ- "ain $/ring Ba"on4 ,irt rebe""ion-
@AS#A- captain o, the Black Wind an$ conA/eror o, 5eep.oo$ Motte- m. Crik
&ronmaker-
@7#CHN- ca""e$ by northmen 7#CHN 7FRNC?HA>- a captive at the 5rea$,ort-
@hi yo/nger brother- %&C7AR&HN- ?or$ Captain o, the &ron +"eet- mater o, the Iron
.ictor!-
@hi yo/nget brother- ACRHN- ca""e$ 5AM9#A&R- a priet o, the 5ro.ne$ Go$-
@hi captain an$ .orn .or$'
@7HR3H?5 BRH3N7HH7#- 9&NC#+ACC !HN MERC- RH5R&> +RCCBHRN-
7#C RC5 HARSMAN- ?C+7(#AN5 ?FCAS CH55- DFC??HN #FMB?C-
#ARRCN #A?+(#HARC- >CMMC77 9E>C 7#C BAS7AR5- DAR? 7#C
7#RA??- S7HNC#AN5- RA?+ 7#C S#C9#CR5- RA?+ H+ ?HR5S9HR7
@hi cre.men'
@PCRAGHRNQ- .ho b"e. the he""horn an$ $ie$-
@hi "or$ bannermen'
@CR&> &RHNMA>CR- ca""e$ CR&> AN%&?(BRCA>CR an$ CR&> 7#C !FS7- ?or$
Ste.ar$ o, the &ron &"an$- cate""an o, 9yke- an o"$ man once reno.ne$- m. Aha
Grey=oy-
@"or$ o, 9yke'
@GCRMFN5 BH7?CE- ?or$ o, ?or$port-
@3A?5HN 3ENC#- ?or$ o, &ron #o"t-
@"or$ o, H"$ 3yk'
@5FNS7AN 5RFMM- 7he 5r/mm- ?or$ o, H"$ 3yk-
@NHRNC GHH5BRH7#CR- o, Shattertone-
@7#C S7HNC#HFSC-
@"or$ o, Great 3yk'
@GHRH?5 GHH5BRH7#CR- ?or$ o, the #ammerhorn-
@7R&S7HN +AR3EN5- ?or$ o, Sea"kin 9oint-
@7#C S9ARR-
@MC?5RC5 MCR?EN- ?or$ o, 9ebb"eton-
@"or$ o, Hrkmont'
@A?EN HR>3HH5- ca""e$ HR>3HH5 H+ HR>MHN7-
@?HR5 BA?HN 7A3NCE-
@"or$ o, Sa"tc"i,,e'
@?HR5 5HNNHR SA?7C?&++C-
@?HR5 SFN5CR?E
@"or$ o, #ar"a.'
@RH5R&> #AR?A3- ca""e$ 7#C RCA5CR- ?or$ o, #ar"a.- ?or$ o, 7en 7o.er-
#ar"a. o, #ar"a.-
@S&G+RE5 #AR?A3- ca""e$ S&G+RE5 S&?%CR#A&R- hi great /nc"e- mater o,
#ar"a. #a""-
@#H7#H #AR?A3- ca""e$ #H7#H #FM9BAC>- o, the 7o.er o, G"immering- a
co/in-
@BHRCMFN5 #AR?A3- ca""e$ BHRCMFN5 7#C B?FC- mater o, #arri$an #i""-
a co/in-
@"or$ o, the "eer i"e an$ rock'
@GE?BCR7 +AR3EN5- ?or$ o, the ?one"y ?ight-
@the ironborn conA/eror'
@on the Shie"$ &"an$
@AN5R&> 7#C FNSM&?&NG- ?or$ o, So/thhie"$-
@NF7C 7#C BARBCR- ?or$ o, Hakenhie"$-
@MARHN %H?MAR>- ?or$ o, Greenhie"$-
@SCR #ARRAS #AR?A3- ?or$ o, Greyhie"$- the >night o, Grey Gar$en-
@at Moat Cai"in
@RA?+ >CNN&NG- cate""an an$ comman$er-
@A5RAC> #FMB?C- hort ha", an arm-
@5AGHN CH55- .ho yie"$ to no man-
@at 7orrhen4 SA/are
@5AGMCR- ca""e$ C?C+7!A3- captain o, Foamdrinker,
@at 5eep.oo$ Motte
@AS#A GRCE!HE- the kraken4 $a/ghter- captain o, the Black Wind-
@her "over- DAR? 7#C MA&5- a .or$man-
@her ,ormer "over- 7R&S7&+CR BH7?CE- heir to ?or$port- $ipoee$ o, hi
"an$-
@her cre.men- RHGGHN RFS7BCAR5- GR&M7HNGFC- RH?+C 7#C
53AR+- ?HRRCN ?HNGALC- RHH>- +&NGCRS- S&L(7HC5 #AR?-
5RHH9CEC 5A?C- CAR? #AR?A3- CRHMM- #AGCN 7#C #HRN an$ hi
bea/ti,/" re$(haire$ $a/ghter-
@her co/in- DFCN7HN GRCE!HE-
@her co/in- 5AGHN GRCE!HE- ca""e$ 5AGHN 7#C 5RFN>AR5.
OTHER HO.SES GREAT AND SMA&&
HO.SE ARR'N
7he Arryn are $ecen$e$ ,rom the >ing o, Mo/ntain an$ %a"e. 7heir igi" i a .hite moon(
an$(,a"con /pon a ky b"/e ,ie"$. #o/e Arryn ha taken no part in the 3ar o, the +ive >ing.
RHBCR7 ARREN- ?or$ o, the Cyrie- 5e,en$er o, the %a"e- a ick"y boy o, eight year- ca""e$
S3CC7RHB&N-
@hi mother- P?A5E ?ESA o, #o/e 7/""yQ- .i$o. o, ?or$ !on Arryn- p/he$ ,rom the
Moon 5oor to her $eath-
@hi g/ar$ian- 9C7ER BAC?&S#- ca""e$ ?&77?C+&NGCR- ?or$ o, #arrenha"- ?or$ 9aramo/nt
o, the 7ri$ent- an$ ?or$ 9rotector o, the %a"e-
@A?AENC S7HNC- ?or$ 9etyr4 nat/ra" $a/ghter- a mai$ o, three(an$(ten- act/a""y Sana
Stark-
@SCR ?H7#HR BRFNC- a e"".or$ in ?or$ 9etyr4 ervice- captain o, g/ar$ at the Cyrie-
@HS3C??- a griGG"e$ man(at(arm in ?or$ 9etyr4 ervice- ometime ca""e$
>C77?CB?AC>-
@SCR S#A5R&C> H+ 7#C S#A5E G?CN- ca""e$ 7#C MA5 MHFSC- a he$ge knight in
?or$ 9etyr4 ervice-
@SCR BERHN 7#C BCAF7&+F?- SCR MHRGAR7# 7#C MCRRE- he$ge knight in
?or$ 9etyr4 ervice-
@hi ho/eho"$ an$ retainer'
@MACS7CR CH?CMHN- co/ne"or- hea"er- an$ t/tor-
@MHR5- a br/ta" gao"er .ith teeth o, go"$-
@GRC7C#C?- MA55E- an$ MC?A- erving.omen-
@hi bannermen- the ?or$ o, Mo/ntain an$ %a"e'
@EH#N RHECC- ca""e$ BRHNKC EH#N- ?or$ o, R/netone-
@hi on- SCR AN5AR- heir to R/netone-
@?HR5 NCS7HR RHECC- #igh Ste.ar$ o, the %a"e an$ cate""an o, the Gate o, the
Moon-
@hi on an$ heir- SCR A?BAR-
@hi $a/ghter- MERAN5A- ca""e$ RAN5A- a .i$o.- b/t carce /e$-
@MEA S7HNC- batar$ $a/ghter o, >ing Robert-
@?EHNC? CHRBRAE- ?or$ o, #eart4 #ome-
@SCR ?EN CHBRAE- hi brother- .ho .ie"$ the ,ame$ b"a$e ?a$y +or"orn-
@SCR ?FCAS CHRBRAE- hi yo/nger brother-
@7R&S7HN SFN5CR?AN5- ?or$ o, the 7hree Siter-
@GH5R&C BHRRC??- ?or$ o, S.eetiter-
@RH??AN5 ?HNG7#HR9C- ?or$ o, ?ongiter-
@A?CSAN5HR 7HRRCN7- ?or$ o, ?itt"eiter-
@ANEA 3AEN3HH5- ?a$y o, &ronoak Cat"e-
@SCR MHR7HN- her e"$et on an$ heir-
@SCR 5HNNC?- the >night o, the B"oo$y Gate-
@3A??ACC- her yo/nget on-
@#ARRH?5 #AR5ENG- her .ar$- a A/ire o,t ca""e$ #ARRE 7#C #C&R-
@SCR SEMHN5 7CM9?C7HN- the >night o, Ninetar-
@!HN ?EN5CR?E- ?or$ o, the Snake.oo$-
@C5MFN5 3AL?CE- the >night o, 3icken$en-
@GCRH?5 GRA+7HN- the ?or$ o, G/""to.n-
@PCHN #FN7CRQ- ?or$ o, ?ongbo. #a""- recent"y $eceae$-
@SCR G&?3HH5- ?or$ Con4 e"$et on an$ heir- no. ca""e$ EHFNG ?HR5
#FN7CR-
@SCR CFS7ACC- ?or$ Con4 econ$ on-
@SCR #AR?AN- ?or$ Con4 yo/nget on-
@Eo/ng ?or$ #/nter4 ho/eho"$'
@MACS7CR 3&??AMCN- co/ne"or- hea"er- t/tor-
@#HR7HN RC5+HR7- ?or$ o, Re$,ort- thrice .e$-
@SCR !AS9CR- SCR CRC&G#7HN- SCR !HN- hi on-
@SCR MEC#C?- hi yo/nget on- a ne.(ma$e knight- m. Ei""a Royce o, R/netone-
@BCNC5AR BC?MHRC- ?or$ o, Strongong-
@c"an chie, ,rom the Mo/ntain o, the Moon-
@S#AGGA SHN H+ 5H?+- H+ 7#C S7HNC CRH3S- preent"y "ea$ing a ban$ in the
king.oo$-
@7&MC77 SHN H+ 7&MC77- H+ 7#C BFRNC5 MCN-
@C#C??A 5AFG#7CR H+ C#CE>- H+ 7#C B?AC> CARS-
@CRA3N SHN H+ CA?HR- H+ 7#C MHHN BRH7#CRS.
7he Arryn .or$ are As 7igh as 7onor.
HO.SE !ARATHEON
7he yo/nget o, the Great #o/e- #o/e Baratheon .a born $/ring the 3ar o, ConA/et
.hen Hry Baratheon- r/more$ to be a batar$ brother o, Aegon the ConA/eror- $e,eate$ an$
"e. Argi"ac the Arrogant- the "at Storm >ing. Aegon re.ar$e$ him .ith Argi"ac4 cat"e-
"an$- an$ $a/ghter. Hry took the gir" to bri$e an$ a$opte$ the banner- honor- an$ .or$ o, her
"ine.
&n the 2R)r$ year a,ter Aegon4 ConA/et- Robert o, #o/e Baratheon- ?or$ o, Storm4 Cn$-
overthre. the Ma$ >ing- Aeny && 7argaryen- to .in the &ron 7hrone. #i c"aim to the cro.n
$erive$ ,rom hi gran$mother- a $a/ghter o, >ing Aegon % 7argaryen- tho/gh Robert pre,erre$
to ay hi .arhammer .a hi c"aim.
PRHBCR7 BARA7#CHNQ- the +irt o, #i Name- >ing o, the An$a"- the Rhoynar- an$ the
+irt Men- ?or$ o, the Seven >ing$om an$ 9rotector o, the Rea"m- ki""e$ by a boar-
@hi .i,e- DFCCN CCRSC& o, #o/e ?anniter-
@their chi"$ren'
@P>&NG !H++RCE BARA7#CHNQ- the +irt o, #i Name- m/r$ere$ at hi .e$$ing ,eat-
@9R&NCCSS MERCC??A- a .ar$ in S/npear- betrothe$ to 9rince 7rytane Marte""-
@>&NG 7HMMCN BARA7#CHN- the +irt o, #i Name-
@hi brother'
@S7ANN&S BARA7#CHN- rebe" ?or$ o, 5ragontone an$ preten$er to the &ron 7hrone-
@hi $a/ghter- S#&RCCN- a gir" o, e"even-
@PRCN?E BARA7#CHNQ- rebe" ?or$ o, Storm4 Cn$ an$ preten$er to the &ron 7hrone-
m/r$ere$ at Storm4 Cn$ in the mi$t o, hi army-
@hi batar$ chi"$ren'
@MEA S7HNC- a mai$ o, nineteen- in the ervice o, ?or$ Netor Royce- o, the Gate o, the
Moon-
@GCN5RE- an o/t"a. in the river"an$- ignorant o, hi heritage-
@C5R&C S7HRM- hi ackno."e$ge$ batar$ on by ?a$y 5e"ena o, #o/e +"orent- hi$ing
in ?y-
@SCR AN5RC3 CS7CRMHN7- hi co/in an$ g/ar$ian-
@hi g/ar$ an$ protector'
@SCR GCRA?5 GH3CR- ?C3ES ca""e$ 7#C +&S#(3&+C- SCR 7R&S7HN H+
7A??E #&??- HMCR B?AC>BCRRE-
@PBARRAQ- hi batar$ $a/ghter by a .hore o, >ing4 ?an$ing- ki""e$ by the comman$ o,
hi .i$o.-
@hi other kin'
@hi great(/nc"e- SCR C?5HN CS7CRMHN7- ?or$ o, Green(tone-
@hi co/in- SCR ACMHN CS7CRMHN7- C"$on4 on-
@hi co/in- SCR A?EN CS7CRMHN7- Aemon4 on-
@hi co/in- SCR ?HMAS CS7CRMHN7- C"$on4 on-
@hi co/in- SCR AN5RC3 CS7CRMHN7- ?oma4 on-

@bannermen .orn to Storm4 Cn$- the torm "or$'
@5A%HS SCA3HR7#- ?or$ o, the Rain.oo$- A$mira" o, the Narro. Sea- an$ #an$ o,
the >ing-
@hi .i,e- MAREA- a carpenter4 $a/ghter-
@their on- P5A?C- A??AR5- MA77#HS- MAR&CQ- ki""e$ in the Batt"e o, the
B"ack.ater-
@their on 5C%AN- A/ire to >ing Stanni-
@their on- S7ANN&S an$ S7C++HN-
@SCR G&?BCR7 +ARR&NG- cate""an o, Storm4 Cn$-
@hi on- BRECN- A/ire to >ing Stanni-
@hi co/in- SCR GH5RE +ARR&NG- ca""e$ G&AN7S?AECR-
@C?3HH5 MCA5H3S- ?or$ o, Gra,ie"$ >eep- enecha" at Storm4 Cn$-
@SC?3EN 7AR7#- ca""e$ 7#C C%CNS7AR- ?or$ o, 7arth-
@hi $a/ghter- BR&CNNC- 7#C MA&5 H+ 7AR7#- a"o ca""e$ BR&CNNC 7#C
BCAF7E-
@her A/ire- 9H5R&C> 9AENC- a boy o, ten-
@SCR RHNNC7 CHNN&NG7HN- ca""e$ RC5 RHNNC7- the >night o, Gri,,in4 Root-
@hi yo/nger ib"ing- RAEMFN5 an$ A?ENNC-
@hi batar$ on- RHNA?5 S7HRM-
@hi co/in- !HN CHNN&NG7HN- once ?or$ o, Storm4 Cn$ an$ #an$ o, the >ing-
e:i"e$ by Aery && 7argaryen- be"ieve$ $ea$ o, $rink-
@?CS7CR MHRR&GCN- ?or$ o, Cro. Net-
@hi brother an$ heir- SCR R&C#AR5 MHRR&GCN-
@hi brother- PSCR GFEAR5 MHRR&GCN- ca""e$ GFEAR5 7#C GRCCNQ- "ain in
the Batt"e o, the B"ack.ater-
@ARS7AN SC?ME- ?or$ o, #arvet #a""-
@hi great(/nc"e- SCR BARR&S7AN SC?ME-
@CAS9CR 3E?5C- ?or$ o, the Rain #o/e-
@hi /nc"e- SCR HRMFN5 3E?5C- an age$ knight-
@#AR3HH5 +C??- ?or$ o, +e".oo$-
@#FG# GRAN5&SHN- ca""e$ GRCEBCAR5- ?or$ o, Gran$(vie.-
@SCBAS7&HN CRRH?- ?or$ o, #aytack #a""-
@C?&++HR5 S3ANN- ?or$ o, Stonehe"m
@BCR&C 5HN5ARR&HN- ?or$ o, B"ack.ater- ca""e$ 7#C ?&G#7N&NG ?HR5- an o/t"a.
in the river"an$- o,t "ain an$ no. tho/ght $ea$-
@PBRECC CARHNQ- ?or$ o, Nightong- "ain by Ser 9hi"ip +oote on the B"ack.ater-
@hi "ayer- SCR 9#&?&9 +HH7C- a one(eye$ knight- ?or$ o, Nightong-
@hi baeborn ha",(brother- SCR RH??AN5 S7HRM- ca""e$ 7#C BAS7AR5 H+
N&G#7SHNG- preten$er ?or$ o, Night(ong-
@RHB&N 9CASCBFRE- ?or$ o, 9o$$ing,ie"$-
@MARE MCR7ENS- ?a$y o, Mit.oo$-
@RA?9# BFC>?CR- ?or$ o, BronGegate-
@hi co/in- SCR BRFS BFC>?CR.
7he Baratheon igi" i a cro.ne$ tag- b"ack- on a go"$en ,ie"$. 7heir .or$ are Ours Is the Fur!.
HO.SE FRE'
7he +rey are bannermen to #o/e 7/""y- b/t have not a".ay been $i"igent in their $/ty. At the
o/tet o, the 3ar o, the +ive >ing- Robb Stark .on ?or$ 3a"$er4 a""egiance by p"e$ging to
marry one o, hi $a/ghter or gran$$a/ghter. 3hen he .e$ ?a$y !eyne 3eter"ing intea$- the
+rey conpire$ .ith Rooe Bo"ton an$ m/r$ere$ the Eo/ng 3o", an$ hi ,o""o.er at .hat
became kno.n a the Re$ 3e$$ing.
3A?5CR +RCE- ?or$ o, the Croing-
@by hi ,irt .i,e- P?A5E 9CRRA- o, #o/e RoyceQ'
@PSCR S7C%RHN +RCEQ- $ie$ a,ter the Batt"e o, H:cro-
@SCR CMMHN +RCE- hi econ$ on-
@SCR ACNES +RCE- "ea$ing the +rey ,orce in the north-
@Aeny4 on- ACGHN B?HH5BHRN- an o/t"a.-
@Aeny4 on- R#ACGAR- an envoy to 3hite #arbor-
@9CRR&ANC- hi e"$et $a/ghter- m. Ser ?e"yn #aigh-
@by hi econ$ .i,e- P?A5E CERCNNA- o, #o/e S.annQ'
@SCR !ARC5 +RCE- an envoy to 3hite #arbor-
@SC97HN ?FCCHN- hi ,i,th on-
@by hi thir$ .i,e- P?A5E AMARC& o, #o/e Crakeha""Q'
@SCR #HS7CCN +RCE- a knight o, great rep/te-
@?ECN7#C- hi econ$ $a/ghter- m. ?or$ ?/cia %ypren-
@SEMHN5 +RCE- hi eventh on- a co/nter o, coin- an envoy to 3hite #arbor-
@SCR 5AN3C?? +RCE- hi eighth on-
@PMCRRC77 +RCEQ- hi ninth on- hange$ at H"$tone-
@Merrett4 $a/ghter- 3A?5A- ca""e$ +A7 3A?5A- m. Rooe Bo"ton- ?or$ o, the
5rea$,ort-
@Merrett4 on- 3A?5CR- ca""e$ ?&77?C 3A?5CR- eight- a A/ire in ervice to
Ramay Bo"ton-
@PSCR GCRCME +RCEQ- hi tenth on- $ro.ne$-
@SCR RAEMFN5 +RCE- hi e"eventh on-
@by hi ,o/rth .i,e- P?A5E A?ESSA- o, #o/e B"ack.oo$Q'
@?H7#AR +RCE- hi t.e",th on- ca""e$ ?AMC ?H7#AR-
@SCR !AMMHS +RCE- hi thirteenth on-
@!ammo4 on- 3A?5CR- ca""e$ B&G 3A?5CR- eight- a A/ire in ervice to Ramey
Bo"ton-
@SCR 3#A?CN +RCE- hi ,o/rteenth on-
@MHREA- hi thir$ $a/ghter- m. Ser +"ement Bra:-
@7E7A- hi ,o/rth $a/ghter- ca""e$ 7E7A 7#C MA&5-
@by hi ,i,th .i,e- P?A5E SAREA o, #o/e 3hentQ'
@no progeny-
@by hi i:th .i,e- P?A5E BC7#ANE o, #o/e RobyQ'
@SCR 9CR3EN +RCE- hi 3a"$er4 ,i,teenth on-
@PSCR BCN+RCE +RCEQ- hi 3a"$er4 i:teenth on- $ie$ o, a .o/n$ receive$ at the Re$
3e$$ing-
@MACS7CR 3&??AMCN- hi eventeenth on- in ervice at ?ongbo. #a""-
@H?E%AR +RCE- hi eighteenth on- once a A/ire to Robb Stark-
@RHS?&N- hi ,i,th $a/ghter- m. ?or$ C$m/re 7/""y at the Re$ 3e$$ing- pregnant .ith hi
chi"$-
@by hi eventh .i,e- P?A5E ANNARA o, #o/e +arringQ'
@AR3EN- hi i:th $a/ghter- a mai$ o, ,o/rteen-
@3CN5C?- hi nineteenth on- a page at Seagar$-
@CH?MAR- hi t.entieth on- e"even an$ promie$ to the +aith-
@3A?7ER- ca""e$ 7ER- hi t.enty(,irt on- ten-
@C?MAR- hi t.enty(econ$ an$ "atborn on- a boy o, nine brie,"y betrothe$ to Arya Stark-
@S#&RC&- hi eventh $a/ghter an$ yo/nget chi"$- a gir" o, even-
@hi eighth .i,e- ?A5E !HECFSC o, #o/e Cren,or$-
@preent"y .ith chi"$-
@?or$ 3a"$er4 nat/ra" chi"$ren- by /n$ry mother-
@3A?5CR R&%CRS- ca""e$ BAS7AR5 3A?5CR-
@MACS7CR MC?3ES- in ervice at Roby-
@!CENC R&%CRS- MAR7EN R&%CRS- REGCR R&%CRS- RHNC? R&%CRS- MC??ARA
R&%CRS- other
HO.SE &ANNISTER
7he ?anniter o, Cater"y Rock remain the principa" /pport o, >ing 7ommen4 c"aim to the
&ron 7hrone. 7hey boat o, $ecent ,rom ?ann the C"ever- the "egen$ary trickter o, the Age o,
#eroe. 7he go"$ o, Cater"y Rock an$ the Go"$en 7ooth ha ma$e them the .ea"thiet o, the
Great #o/e. 7he ?anniter igi" i a go"$en "ion /pon a crimon ,ie"$. 7heir .or$ are 7ear
*e )oar;
P7E3&N ?ANN&S7CRQ- ?or$ o, Cater"y Rock- Shie"$ o, ?anni(port- 3ar$en o, the 3et-
an$ #an$ o, the >ing- m/r$ere$ by hi $.ar, on in hi privy-
@?or$ 7y.in4 chi"$ren'
@CCRSC&- t.in to !aime- .i$o. o, >ing Robert & Baratheon- a prioner at the Great Sept o,
Bae"or-
@SCR !A&MC- t.in to Cerei- ca""e$ 7#C >&NGS?AECR- ?or$ Comman$er o, the
>ingg/ar$-
@hi A/ire- !HSMEN 9CC>?C5HN- GARRC77 9ACGC- ?C3 9&9CR-
@SCR &?EN 9AENC- a tong/e"e knight- "ate"y the >ing4 !/tice an$ hea$man-
@SCR RHNNC7 CHNN&NG7HN- ca""e$ RC5 RHNNC7- the >night o, Gri,,in4 Root-
ent to Mai$enpoo" .ith a prioner-
@SCR A55AM MARBRAN5- SCR +?CMCN7 BRAL- SCR A?EN S7AC>S9CAR-
SCR S7C++HN S3E+7- SCR #FM+RCE S3E+7- SCR ?E?C CRA>C#A?? ca""e$
S7RHNGBHAR- SCR !HN BC77?CE ca""e$ BCAR5?CSS !HN- knight erving .ith
Ser !aime4 hot at River(r/n-
@7ER&HN- ca""e$ 7#C &M9- $.ar, an$ kin"ayer- a ,/gitive in e:i"e acro the narro. ea-

@the ho/eho"$ at Cater"y Rock'
@MACS7CR CRCE?CN- hea"er- t/tor- an$ co/ne"or-
@%E?ARR- captain o, g/ar$-
@SCR BCNC5&C7 BRHHM- mater(at(arm-
@3#&7CSM&?C 3A7- a inger-

@?or$ 7y.in4 ib"ing an$ their o,,pring'
@SCR >C%AN ?ANN&S7CR- m. 5orna o, #o/e S.y,t-
@?A5E GCNNA- m. Ser Cmmon +rey- no. ?or$ o, Riverr/n-
@Genna4 e"$et on- PSCR C?CHS +RCEQ- m. !eyne o, #o/e 5arry- ki""e$ by o/t"a.-
@C"eo4 e"$et on- SCR 7E3&N +RCE- ca""e$ 7E- no. heir to Riverr/n-
@C"eo4 econ$ on- 3&??CM +RCE- a A/ire-
@Genna4 yo/nger on- SCR ?EHNC? +RCE- P7&HN +RCEQ- 3A?5CR +RCE ca""e$
RC5 3A?5CR-
@PSCR 7EGC77 ?ANN&S7CRQ- $ie$ o, a po:-
@7ERC>- 7ygett4 on- miing an$ ,eare$ $ea$-
@?A5E CRMCSAN5C #AE+HR5- 7yrek4 chi"$ .i,e-
@PGCR&HN ?ANN&S7CRQ- "ot at ea-
@!HE #&??- Gerion4 batar$ $a/ghter- e"even-

@?or$ 7y.in4 other c"oe kin'
@PSCR S7A++HR5 ?ANN&S7CRQ- a co/in an$ brother to ?or$ 7y.in4 .i,e- "ain in
batt"e at H:cro-
@CCRCNNA an$ MER&C??C- Sta,,or$4 $a/ghter-
@SCR 5A%CN ?ANN&S7CR- Sta,,or$4 on-
@SCR 5AM&HN ?ANN&S7CR- a co/in- m. ?a$y Shiera Crake(ha""-
@their on- SCR ?FC&HN-
@their $a/ghter- ?ANNA- m. ?or$ Antario !at-
@?A5E MARGH7- a co/in- m. ?or$ 7it/ 9eake-

@bannermen an$ .orn .or$- ?or$ o, the 3et'
@5AMHN MARBRAN5- ?or$ o, Ahemark-
@RH?AN5 CRA>C#A??- ?or$ o, Crakeha""-
@SCBAS7HN +ARMAN- ?or$ o, +air &"e-
@7E7HS BRAL- ?or$ o, #ornva"e-
@DFCN7CN BANC+HR7- ?or$ o, Bane,ort-
@SCR #ARES S3E+7- goo$,ather to Ser >evan ?anniter-
@RCGCNAR5 CS7RCN- ?or$ o, 3yn$ha""-
@GA3CN 3CS7CR?&NG- ?or$ o, the Crag-
@?HR5 SC?MHN5 S7AC>S9CAR-
@7CRRCNCC >CNN&NG- ?or$ o, >ayce-
@?HR5 AN7AR&H !AS7-
@?HR5 RHB&N MHRC?AN5-
@?A5E A?ESANNC ?C++HR5-
@?C3ES ?E55CN- ?or$ o, the 5eep 5en-
@?HR5 9#&?&9 9?FMM-
@?HR5 GARR&SHN 9RCS7CR-
@SCR ?HRCN7 ?HRC#- a "an$e$ knight-
@SCR GAR7# GRCCN+&C?5- a "an$e$ knight-
@SCR ?EMHN5 %&>ARE- a "an$e$ knight-
@SCR RAENAR5 RF77&GCR- a "an$e$ knight
@SCR MAN+RE5 EC3- a "an$e$ knight-
@SCR 7EBH?7 #C7#CRS9HHN- a "an$e$ knight.
HO.SE MARTE&&
5orne .a the "at o, the Seven >ing$om to .ear ,ea"ty to the &ron 7hrone. B"oo$- c/tom-
geography- an$ hitory a"" he"pe$ to et the 5ornihmen apart ,rom the other king$om. At the
o/tbreak o, the 3ar o, the +ive >ing 5orne took no part- b/t .hen Myrce""a Baratheon .a
betrothe$ to 9rince 7rytane- S/npear $ec"are$ it /pport ,or >ing !o,,rey. 7he Marte"" banner
i a re$ /n pierce$ by a go"$en pear. 7heir .or$ are <nbowed, <nbent, <nbroken.
5HRAN NEMCRHS MAR7C??- ?or$ o, S/npear- 9rince o, 5orne-
@hi .i,e- MC??AR&H- o, the +ree City o, Norvo-
@their chi"$ren'
@9R&NCCSS AR&ANNC- heir to S/npear-
@9R&NCC DFCN7EN- a ne.(ma$e knight- ,otere$ at Eron(.oo$-
@9R&NCC 7RES7ANC- betrothe$ to Myrce""a Baratheon-
@SCR GASCHENC H+ 7#C GRCCNB?HH5- hi .orn hie"$-
@hi ib"ing'
@P9R&NCCSS C?&AQ- rape$ an$ m/r$ere$ $/ring the Sack o, >ing4 ?an$ing-
@her $a/ghter PR#ACNES 7ARGARECNQ- m/r$ere$ $/ring the Sack o, >ing4
?an$ing-
@her on- PACGHN 7ARGARECNQ- a babe at the breat- m/r$ere$ $/ring the Sack o,
>ing4 ?an$ing-
@P9R&NCC HBCREN- ca""e$ 7#C RC5 %&9CRQ- "ain by Ser Gregor C"egane $/ring a tria"
by combat-
@hi paramo/r- C??AR&A SAN5- nat/ra" $a/ghter o, ?or$ #armen F""er-
@hi batar$ $a/ghter- 7#C SAN5 SNA>CS'
@HBARA- hi $a/ghter by an H"$to.n .hore-
@NEMCR&A- ca""e$ ?A5E NEM- hi $a/ghter by a nob"e(.oman o, H"$ %o"anti-
@7ECNC- hi $a/ghter by a epta-
@SARC??A- hi $a/ghter by a tra$er captain ,rom the S/mmer &"e-
@C?&A- hi $a/ghter by C""aria San$-
@HBC??A- hi $a/ghter by C""aria San$-
@5HRCA- hi $a/ghter by C""aria San$-
@?HRCKA- hi $a/ghter by C""aria San$-

@9rince 5oran4 co/rt
@at the 3ater Gar$en'
@ARCH #H7A#- o, Norvo- captain o, g/ar$-
@MACS7CR CA?CH77C- co/ne"or- hea"er- an$ t/tor-
@at S/npear'
@MACS7CR ME?CS- co/ne"or- hea"er- an$ t/tor-
@R&CASSH- enecha"- o"$ an$ b"in$-
@SCR MAN+RCE MAR7C??- cate""an at S/npear
@?A5E A?ESC ?A5EBR&G#7- "or$ trea/rer-

@hi .ar$- 9R&NCCSS MERCC??A BARA7#CHN- betrothe$ to 9rince 7rytane-
@her .orn hie"$- PSCR ARES HA>#CAR7Q- "ain by Areo #otah-
@her be$mai$ an$ companion- RHSAMFN5 ?ANN&S7CR- a $itant co/in-

@hi bannermen- the ?or$ o, 5orne'
@AN5CRS ERHN3HH5- ?or$ o, Eron.oo$- 3ar$en o, the Stone 3ay- the B"oo$roya"-
@ENES- hi e"$et $a/ghter- m. Ryon A""yrion-
@SCR C?C7FS- hi on an$ heir-
@G3ENC7#- hi yo/nget $a/ghter- a gir" o, t.e"ve-
@#ARMCN F??CR- ?or$ o, #e""ho"t-
@5C?HNNC A??ER&HN- ?a$y o, Go$grace-
@REHN A??ER&HN- her on an$ heir-
@5AGHS MAN3HH5E- ?or$ o, >inggrave-
@?ARRA B?AC>MHN7- ?a$y o, B"ackmont-
@NEMC??A 7H?AN5- ?a$y o, Ghot #i""-
@DFCN7EN DHRGE?C- ?or$ o, San$tone-
@SCR 5CK&C? 5A?7- the >night o, ?emon.oo$-
@+RAN>?EN +H3?CR- ?or$ o, Skyreach- ca""e$ 7#C H?5 #A3>- the 3ar$en o, the
9rince4 9a-
@SCR SEMHN SAN7AGAR- the >night o, Spott.oo$-
@C5R&C 5AENC- ?or$ o, Star,a""- a A/ire-
@7RCBHR !HR5AENC- ?or$ o, the 7or-
@7RCMHN5 GARGA?CN- ?or$ o, Sa"t Shore-
@5ACRHN %A&7#- ?or$ o, the Re$ 5/ne.
HO.SE STAR5
7he Stark trace their $ecent ,rom Bran$on the B/i"$er an$ the >ing o, 3inter. +or tho/an$
o, year- they r/"e$ ,rom 3inter,e"" a >ing in the North- /nti" 7orrhen Stark- the >ing 3ho
>ne"t- choe to .ear ,ea"ty to Aegon the 5ragon rather than give batt"e. 3hen ?or$ C$$ar$
Stark o, 3inter,e"" .a e:ec/te$ by >ing !o,,rey- the northmen ,ore.ore their "oya"ty to the
&ron 7hrone an$ proc"aime$ ?or$ C$$ar$4 on Robb a >ing in the North. 5/ring the 3ar o,
the +ive >ing- he .on every batt"e- b/t .a betraye$ an$ m/r$ere$ by the +rey an$ Bo"ton at
the 7.in $/ring hi /nc"e4 .e$$ing.
PRHBB S7AR>Q- >ing in the North- >ing o, the 7ri$ent- ?or$ o, 3inter,e""- ca""e$ 7#C
EHFNG 3H?+- m/r$ere$ at the Re$ 3e$$ing-
@PGRCE 3&N5Q- hi $ire.o",- ki""e$ at the Re$ 3e$$ing-
@hi tr/eborn ib"ing'
@SANSA- hi iter- m. 7yrion o, #o/e ?anniter-
@P?A5EQ- her $ire.o",- ki""e$ at Cat"e 5arry-
@AREA- a gir" o, e"even- miing an$ tho/ght $ea$-
@NEMCR&A- her $ire.o",- pro."ing the river"an$-
@BRAN5HN- ca""e$ BRAN- a cripp"e$ boy o, nine- heir to 3inter,e""- be"ieve$ $ea$-
@SFMMCR- hi $ire.o",-
@R&C>HN- a boy o, ,o/r- be"ieve$ $ea$-
@S#AGGE5HG- hi $ire.o",- b"ack an$ avage-
@HS#A- a .i"$"ing .oman once captive at 3inter,e""-
@hi batar$ ha",(brother- !HN SNH3- o, the Night4 3atch-
@G#HS7- !on4 $ire.o",- .hite an$ i"ent-
@hi other kin'
@hi /nc"e- BCN!CN S7AR>- +irt Ranger o, the Night4 3atch- "ot beyon$ the 3a""-
pre/me$ $ea$-
@hi a/nt- P?ESA ARRENQ- ?a$y o, the Cyrie-
@her on- RHBCR7 ARREN- ?or$ o, the Cyrie an$ 5e,en$er o, the %a"e- a ick"y boy-
@hi /nc"e- C5MFRC 7F??E- ?or$ o, Riverr/n- taken captive at the Re$ 3e$$ing-
@?A5E RHS?&N- o, #o/e +rey- C$m/re4 bri$e- great .ith chi"$-
@hi great(/nc"e- SCR BREN5CN 7F??E- ca""e$ 7#C B?AC>(+&S#- "ate"y cate""an o,
Riverr/n- no. a h/nte$ man-

@bannermen o, 3inter,e""- the ?or$ o, the North'
@!HN FMBCR- ca""e$ 7#C GRCA7!HN- ?or$ o, the ?at #earth- a captive at the 7.in-
@P!HN- ca""e$ 7#C SMA??!HNQ- the Great=on4 e"$et on an$ heir- "ain at the Re$
3e$$ing-
@MHRS ca""e$ CRH3+HH5- /nc"e to the Great=on- cate""an at the ?at #earth-
@#H7#CR ca""e$ 3#HRCSBANC- /nc"e to the Great=on- "ike.ie cate""an at the ?at
#earth-
@PC?CE CCR3ENQ- ?or$ o, Cer.yn- ki""e$ at 3inter,e""-
@!HNC??C- hi iter- a mai$ o, t.o(an$(thirty-
@RHHSC BH?7HN- ?or$ o, the 5rea$,ort-
@P5HMCR&CQ- hi heir- $ie$ o, a ba$ be""y-
@3A?7HN ca""e$ S7CC?S#AN>S- hi captain-
@RAMSAE BH?7HN- hi nat/ra" on- ca""e$ 7#C BAS7AR5 H+ BH?7HN- ?or$ o,
the #orn.oo$-
@3A?5CR +RCE an$ 3A?5CR +RCE- ca""e$ B&G 3A?5CR an$ ?&77?C
3A?5CR- Ramay4 A/ire-
@BCN BHNCS- kenne"mater at the 5rea$,ort-
@PRCC>Q- a man(at(arm in,amo/ ,or hi tench- "ain .hi"e poing a Ramay-
@the Batar$4 Boy- Ramay4 men(at(arm'
@EC??H3 5&C>- 5AMHN 5ANCC(+HR(MC- ?F7HN- SHFR A?EN-
S>&NNCR- GRFN7-
@PR&C>AR5 >ARS7AR>Q- ?or$ o, >arho"$- behea$e$ by the Eo/ng 3o", ,or m/r$ering
prioner-
@PC55AR5Q- hi on- "ain in the 3hipering 3oo$-
@P7HRR#CNQ- hi on- "ain in the 3hipering 3oo$-
@#ARR&HN- hi on- a captive at Mai$enpoo"-
@A?ES- hi $a/ghter- a mai$ o, ,i,teen-
@hi /nc"e ARNH?+- cate""an o, >arho"$-
@CRCGAN- Arno",4 e"$er on-
@AR7#HR- Arno",4 yo/nger on-
@3EMAN MAN5CR?E- ?or$ o, 3hite #arbor- vat"y ,at-
@SCR 3E?&S MAN5CR?E- hi e"$et on an$ heir- very ,at- a captive at #arrenha"-
@3y"i4 .i,e- ?CHNA o, #o/e 3oo",ie"$-
@3ENA+RE5- their e"$et $a/ghter-
@3E??A- their yo/nger $a/ghter-
@PSCR 3CN5C? MAN5CR?EQ- hi econ$ on- "ain at the Re$ 3e$$ing-
@SCR MAR?HN MAN5CR?E- hi co/in- comman$er o, the garrion at 3hite #arbor-
@MACS7CR 7#CHMHRC- co/ne"or- t/tor- hea"er-
@3CL- a boy o, t.e"ve- once A/ire to 7heon Grey=oy- m/te-
@SCR BAR7&MFS- an o"$ knight- one("egge$- one(eye$- an$ o,t $r/nk- cate""an o, the
3o",4 5en-
@GAR7#- a gao"er an$ hea$man-
@hi a:e- ?A5E ?F-
@7#CRRE- a yo/ng t/rnkey-
@MACGC MHRMHN7- ?a$y o, Bear &"an$- the She(Bear-
@P5ACCEQ- her e"$et $a/ghter- "ain at the Re$ 3e$$ing-
@A?ESANC- her $a/ghter- the yo/ng She(Bear
@?ERA- !HRC??C- ?EANNA- her yo/nger $a/ghter-
@P!CHR MHRMHN7Q- her brother- ?or$ Comman$er o, the Night4 3atch- "ain by
o.n men-
@SCR !HRA# MHRMHN7- hi on- an e:i"e-
@#H3?AN5 RCC5- ?or$ o, Grey.ater 3atch- a crannogman-
@hi .i,e- !EANA- o, the crannogmen-
@their chi"$ren'
@MCCRA- a yo/ng h/ntre-
@!H!CN- a boy b"ee$ .ith green ight-
@GA?BAR7 G?H%CR- Mater o, 5eep.oo$ Motte- /n.e$-
@RHBC77 G?H%CR- hi brother an$ heir-
@Robert4 .i,e- SEBC??C o, #o/e ?ocke-
@BCN!&CH7 BRANC#- NHSC?CSS NC5 3HH5S- men o, the .o",.oo$ .orn to
5eep.oo$ Motte-
@PSCR #C?MAN 7A??#AR7Q- Mater o, 7orrhen4 SA/are- "ain at 5/ken$a"e-
@PBCN+RC5Q- hi on an$ heir- "ain by ironmen on the Stony Shore-
@C55ARA- hi $a/ghter- captive at 7orrhen4 SA/are-
@P?CHBA?5Q- hi brother- ki""e$ at 3inter,e""-
@?eoba"$4 .i,e- BCRCNA o, #o/e #orn.oo$- captive at 7orrhen4 SA/are-
@their on- BRAN5HN an$ BCRCN- "ike.ie captive at 7orrhen4 SA/are-
@RH5R&> RES3C??- ?or$ o, the Ri""-
@BARBRCE 5FS7&N- hi $a/ghter- ?a$y o, Barro.ton- .i$o. o, ?or$ 3i""am 5/tin-
@#AR3HH5 S7HF7- her "iege man- a petty "or$ at Barro.ton-
@PBC7#ANE BH?7HNQ- hi $a/ghter- econ$ .i,e o, ?or$ Rooe Bo"ton- $ie$ o, a
,ever-
@RHGCR RES3C??- R&C>AR5 RES3C??- RHHSC RES3C??- hi A/arre"ome
co/in an$ bannermen-
@?ECSSA +?&N7- ?a$y o, 3i$o.4 3atch-
@HN5RC3 ?HC>C- ?or$ o, H"$cat"e- an o"$ man-

@the chie, o, the mo/ntain c"an'
@#FGH 3F??- ca""e$ B&G BFC>C7- or 7#C 3F??-
@BRAN5HN NHRRCE- ca""e$ 7#C NHRRCE-
@BRAN5HN NHRRCE- the Eo/nger- hi on-
@7HRRCN ?&55?C- ca""e$ 7#C ?&55?C-
@5FNCAN ?&55?C- hi e"$et on- ca""e$ B&G ?&55?C- a man o, the Night4 3atch-
@MHRGAN ?&55?C- hi econ$ on- ca""e$ M&55?C ?&55?C-
@R&C>AR5 ?&55?C- hi thir$ on- ca""e$ ?&77?C ?&55?C-
@7HRG#CN +?&N7- o, the +irt +"int- ca""e$ 7#C +?&N7- or H?5 +?&N7-
@B?AC> 5HNNC? +?&N7- hi on an$ heir-
@AR7HS +?&N7- hi econ$ on- ha",(brother to B"ack 5onne".
7he Stark arm ho. a grey $ire.o", racing acro an ice(.hite ,ie"$. 7he Stark .or$ are
Winter Is %oming.
HO.SE T.&&'
?or$ C$myn 7/""y o, Riverr/n .a one o, the ,irt o, the river "or$ to .ear ,ea"ty to Aegon the
ConA/eror. >ing Aegon re.ar$e$ him by raiing #o/e 7/""y to $ominion over a"" the "an$ o,
the 7ri$ent. 7he 7/""y igi" i a "eaping tro/t- i"ver- on a ,ie"$ o, ripp"ing b"/e an$ re$. 7he 7/""y
.or$ are Famil!, Dut!, 7onor.
C5MFRC 7F??E- ?or$ o, Riverr/n- taken captive at hi .e$$ing an$ he"$ prioner by the
+rey-
@hi bri$e- ?A5E RHS?&N o, #o/e +rey- no. .ith chi"$-
@hi iter- P?A5E CA7C?EN S7AR>Q- .i$o. o, ?or$ C$$ar$ Stark o, 3inter,e""- "ain at
the Re$ 3e$$ing-
@hi iter- P?A5E ?ESA ARRENQ- .i$o. o, ?or$ !on Arryn o, the %a"e- p/he$ to her
$eath ,rom the Cyrie-
@hi /nc"e- SCR BREN5CN 7F??E- ca""e$ 7#C B?AC>+&S#- "ate"y cate""an o, Riverr/n-
no. an o/t"a.
@hi ho/eho"$ at Riverr/n'
@MACS7CR %EMAN- co/ne"or- hea"er- an$ t/tor-
@SCR 5CSMHN5 GRC??- mater(at(arm-
@SCR RHB&N REGCR- captain o, the g/ar$-
@?HNG ?C3- C?3HH5- 5C?9- g/ar$men-
@F7#CRE5CS 3AEN- te.ar$ o, Riverr/n-

@hi bannermen- the ?or$ o, the 7ri$ent'
@7E7HS B?AC>3HH5- ?or$ o, Raventree #a""-
@BREN5CN- hi e"$et on an$ heir-
@P?FCASQ- hi econ$ on- "ain at the Re$ 3e$$ing-
@#HS7CR- hi thir$ on- a bookih boy-
@C5MFN5 an$ A?EN- hi yo/nger on-
@BC7#ANE- hi $a/ghter- a gir" o, eight-
@PRHBCR7Q- hi yo/nget on- $ie$ o, "ooe bo.e"-
@!HNHS BRAC>CN- ?or$ o, the Stone #e$ge-
@BARBARA- !AENC- CA7C?EN- BCSS- A?ESANNC- hi ,ive $a/ghter-
@#&?5E- a camp ,o""o.er-
@!ASHN MA??&S7CR- ?or$ o, Seagar$- a prioner in hi o.n cat"e-
@9A7RC>- hi on- imprione$ .ith hi ,ather-
@SCR 5CNES MA??&S7CR- ?or$ !aon4 /nc"e- a man o, the Night4 3atch-
@C?CMCN7 9&9CR- ?or$ o, 9inkmai$en Cat"e-
@hi on an$ heir- SCR MARD 9&9CR- taken captive at the Re$ 3e$$ing-
@>ARE? %ANCC- ?or$ o, 3ay,arer4 Ret-
@NHRBCR7 %ANCC- the b"in$ ?or$ o, Atranta-
@7#CHMAR SMA??3HH5- ?or$ o, Acorn #a""-
@3&??&AM MHH7HN- ?or$ o, Mai$enpoo"-
@C?CANHR- hi $a/ghter an$ heir- thirteen- m. 5ickon 7ar"y o, #orn #i""-
@S#C??A 3#CN7- $ipoee$ ?a$y o, #arrenha"-
@SCR #A?MHN 9ACGC-
@?HR5 ?EMHN5 GHH5BRHH>.
HO.SE T'RE&&
7he 7yre"" roe to po.er a te.ar$ to the >ing o, the Reach- tho/gh they c"aim $ecent ,rom
Garth Greenhan$- gar$ener king o, the +irt Men. 3hen the "at king o, #o/e Gar$ener .a
"ain on the +ie"$ o, +ire- hi te.ar$- #ar"en 7yre""- /rren$ere$ #ighgar$en to Aegon the
ConA/eror. Aegon grante$ him the cat"e an$ $ominion over the Reach. Mace 7yre"" $ec"are$ hi
/pport ,or Ren"y Baratheon at the onet o, the 3ar o, the +ive >ing- an$ gave him the han$ o,
hi $a/ghter Margaery. Fpon Ren"y4 $eath- #igh(gar$en ma$e a""iance .ith #o/e ?anniter-
an$ Margaery .a betrothe$ to >ing !o,,rey.
MACC 7ERC??- ?or$ o, #ighgar$en- 3ar$en o, the So/th- 5e,en$er o, the Marche- an$ #igh
Marha" o, the Reach-
@hi .i,e- ?A5E A?CR&C- o, #o/e #ighto.er o, H"$to.n-
@their chi"$ren'
@3&??AS- their e"$et on- heir to #ighgar$en-
@SCR GAR?AN- ca""e$ 7#C GA??AN7- their econ$ on- ne."y raie$ to ?or$ o,
Bright.ater-
@Gar"an4 .i,e- ?A5E ?CHNC77C o, #o/e +oo.ay-
@SCR ?HRAS- the >night o, +"o.er- their yo/nget on- a S.orn Brother o, the
>ingg/ar$- .o/n$e$ on 5ragontone
@MARGACRE- their $a/ghter- t.ice .e$ an$ t.ice .i$o.e$-
@Margaery4 companion an$ "a$ie(in(.aiting'
@her co/in- MCGGA- A??A- an$ C?&NHR 7ERC??-
@C"inor4 betrothe$- A?EN AMBRHSC- A/ire-
@?A5E A?ESANNC BF?3CR- ?A5E A?ECC GRACC(+HR5- ?A5E 7ACNA
MCRRE3CA7#CR- MCRC5E7# CRANC ca""e$ MCRRE- SC97A NES7CR&CA-
her companion-
@hi .i$o.e$ mother- ?A5E H?CNNA o, #o/e Re$.yne- ca""e$ 7#C DFCCN H+
7#HRNS-
@hi iter'
@?A5E M&NA- m. 9a:ter Re$.yne- ?or$ o, the Arbor-
@her on- SCR #HRAS RC53ENC- ca""e$ #HRRHR-
@her on- SCR #HBBCR RC53ENC- ca""e$ S?HBBCR-
@her $a/ghter- 5CSMCRA RC53ENC- i:teen-
@?A5E !ANNA- .e$ to Ser !on +oo.ay-
@hi /nc"e'
@hi /nc"e- GAR7# 7ERC??- ca""e$ 7#C GRHSS- ?or$ Senecha" o, #ighgar$en-
@Garth4 batar$ on- GARSC an$ GARRC77 +?H3CRS-
@hi /nc"e- SCR MHREN 7ERC??- ?or$ Comman$er o, the City 3atch o, H"$to.n-
@hi /nc"e- MACS7CR GHRMHN- erving at the Cita$e"-

@Mace4 ho/eho"$ at #ighgar$en'
@MACS7CR ?HMES- co/ne"or- hea"er- an$ t/tor-
@&GHN %ER3C?- captain o, the g/ar$-
@SCR %HR7&MCR CRANC- mater(at(arm-
@BF77CRBFM9S- ,oo" an$ =eter- h/ge"y ,at-

@hi bannermen- the ?or$ o, the Reach'
@RAN5E?? 7AR?E- ?or$ o, #orn #i""- comman$ing >ing 7ommen4 army on the
7ri$ent-
@9AL7CR RC53ENC- ?or$ o, the Arbor-
@SCR #HRAS an$ SCR #HBBCR- hi t.in on-
@?or$ 9a:ter4 hea"er- MACS7CR BA??ABAR-
@AR3EN HA>#CAR7- ?a$y o, H"$ Hak-
@MA7#&S RH3AN- ?or$ o, Go"$engrove
@?CE7HN #&G#7H3CR- %oice o, H"$to.n- ?or$ o, the 9ort-
@#FM+RCE #C3C77- ?or$ o, Hakenhie"$-
@+A?&A +?H3CRS- hi batar$ $a/ghter-
@HSBCR7 SCRRE- ?or$ o, So/thhie"$-
@GF7#HR GR&MM- ?or$ o, Greyhie"$-
@MHR&BA?5 C#CS7CR- ?or$ o, Greenhie"$-
@HR7HN MCRRE3CA7#CR- ?or$ o, ?ongtab"e-
@?A5E 7ACNA- hi .i,e- a .oman o, Myr-
@RFSSC??- her on- a boy o, i:-
@?HR5 AR7#FR AMBRHSC-
@?HRCN7 CAS3C??- ?or$ o, Bitterbri$ge-

@hi knight an$ .orn .or$'
@SCR !HN +HSSH3AE- o, the green(app"e +oo.ay-
@SCR 7AN7HN +HSSH3AE- o, the re$(app"e +oo.ay.
7he 7yre"" igi" i a go"$en roe on a gra(green ,ie"$. 7heir .or$ are 1rowing Strong.
THE SWORN !ROTHERS OF THE NIGHT1S WATCH
!HN SNH3- the Batar$ o, 3inter,e""- nine(h/n$re$(an$(ninety(eighth ?or$ Comman$er o, the
Night4 3atch-
@G#HS7- hi .hite $ire.o",-
@hi te.ar$- C55&SHN 7H??C77- ca""e$ 5H?HRHFS C55-

@at Cat"e B"ack
@MACS7CR ACMHN ;7ARGARECN<- hea"er an$ co/ne"or- a b"in$ man- one h/n$re$
an$ t.o year o"$-
@Aemon4 te.ar$- C?E5AS-
@Aemon4 te.ar$- SAM3C?? 7AR?E- ,at an$ bookih-
@BH3CN MARS#- ?or$ Ste.ar$-
@ 7#RCC(+&NGCR #HBB- te.ar$ an$ chie, cook-
@P5HNA? NHECQ- one(arme$ armorer an$ mith- "ain at the gate by Mag the Mighty
@H3CN ca""e$ 7#C HA+- 7&M 7ANG?C7HNGFC- MF??E- CFGCN- 5HNNC?
#&?? ca""e$ S3CC7 5HNNC?- ?C+7 #AN5 ?C3- !CRCN- 7E- 5ANNC?- 3&C>
3#&77?CS7&C>- te.ar$-
@H7#C?? EAR3EC>- +irt B/i"$er-
@S9ARC BHH7- #A?5CR- A?BC77- >CGS- A?+ H+ RFNNEMF55- b/i"$er-
@SC97HN CC??A5HR- a $r/nken $evo/t-
@B?AC> !AC> BF?3CR- +irt Ranger-
@5E3CN- >C5GC 3#&7CEC- BC53EC> ca""e$ G&AN7- MA77#AR- GAR7#
GRCE+CA7#CR- F?MCR H+ 7#C >&NGS3HH5- C?RHN- GARRC77 GRCCN(
S9CAR- +F?> 7#C +?CA- 9E9AR ca""e$ 9E9- GRCNN ca""e$ AFRHC#S-
BCRNARR ca""e$ B?AC> BCRNARR- 7&M S7HNC- RHRE- BCAR5C5 BCN- 7HM
BAR?CE(CHRN- GHA5E B&G ?&55?C- ?F>C H+ ?HNG7H3N- #A&RE #A?-
ranger
@?CA7#CRS- a .i"$"ing t/rne$ cro.-
@SCR A??&SCR 7#HRNC- ,ormer mater(at(arm-
@?HR5 !ANHS S?EN7- ,ormer comman$er o, the City 3atch o, >ing4 ?an$ing- brie,"y
?or$ o, #arrenha"-
@&RHN CMMC77- ,ormer"y o, Cat.atch- mater(at(arm-
@#ARC7# ca""e$ #HRSC- the t.in ARRHN an$ CM(R&C>- SA7&N- #H9(RHB&N-
recr/it in training-

@at the Sha$o. 7o.er
@SCR 5CNES MA??&S7CR- comman$er-
@hi te.ar$ an$ A/ire- 3A??ACC MASSCE-
@MACS7CR MF??&N- hea"er an$ co/ne"or-
@PD#HR&N #A?+#AN5- SDF&RC 5A?BR&5GC- CG GCNQ- ranger- "ain beyon$ the
3a""-
@S7HNCSNA>C- a ranger- "ot a,oot in Skir"ing 9a-

@at Cat.atch(by(the(Sea
@CH77CR 9E>C- a batar$ o, the &ron &"an$- comman$er-
@MACS7CR #ARMFNC- hea"er an$ co/ne"or-
@H?5 7A77CRSA?7- captain o, the Blackbird-
@SCR G?CN5HN #C3C77- mater(at(arm-
@SCR MAENAR5 #H?7- captain o, the #alon-
@RFSS BAR?CECHRN- captain o, the Storm %row.
THE WI&D&INGS OR THE FREE FO&5
MANCC RAE5CR- >ing(Beyon$(the(3a""- a captive at Cat"e B"ack-
@hi .i,e- P5A??AQ- $ie$ in chi"$birth-
@their ne.born on- born in batt"e- a yet /nname$-
@%A?- 5a""a4 yo/nger iter- 2the .i"$"ing prince-1 a captive at Cat"e B"ack-
@P!AR?Q- %a"4 "over- ki""e$ in a ,a""-
@hi captain- chie,- an$ rai$er'
@7#C ?HR5 H+ BHNCS- mocke$ a RA77?CS#&R7- a rai$er an$ "ea$er o, a .ar ban$-
captive at Cat"e B"ack-
@PEGR&77CQ- a yo/ng pear.i,e- !on Sno.4 "over- ki""e$ $/ring the attack on Cat"e
B"ack-
@RE>- ca""e$ ?HNGS9CAR- a member o, hi ban$-
@RAG3E?C- ?CNE?- member o, hi ban$-
@7HRMFN5- Mea$(>ing o, R/$$y #a""- ca""e$ G&AN7S(BANC- 7A??(7A?>CR-
#HRN(B?H3CR- an$ BRCA>CR H+ &CC- a"o 7#FN5CR+&S7- #FSBAN5 7H
BCARS- S9CA>CR 7H GH5S- an$ +A7#CR H+ #HS7S-
@7orm/n$4 on- 7HRCGG 7#C 7A??- 7HR3ER5 7#C 7AMC- 5HRMFN5- an$
5REN- hi $a/ghter MFN5A-
@7#C 3CC9CR- ca""e$ 7#C 3CC9&NG MAN- a notorio/ rai$er an$ "ea$er o, a .ar ban$-
@P#ARMA- ca""e$ 5HGS#CA5Q- "ain beneath the 3a""-
@#A??CC>- her brother-
@PS7ERQ- Magnar o, 7henn- "ain attacking Cat"e B"ack-
@S&GHRN- Styr4 on- ne. Magnar o, 7henn-
@%ARAMER ca""e$ S&LS>&NS- a kinchanger an$ .arg- ca""e$ ?FM9 a a boy-
@HNC CEC- S?E- S7A?>CR- hi .o"ve-
@hi brother- PBFM9Q- ki""e$ by a $og-
@hi ,oter ,ather- P#AGGHNQ- a .arg an$ h/nter-
@7#&S7?C- a pear.i,e- har$ an$ home"y-
@PBR&AR- GR&SC??AQ. kinchanger- "ong $ea$-
@BHRRHD- ca""e$ 7#C BHAR- a kinchanger- m/ch ,eare$-
@GCRR&C> >&NGSB?HH5- o, the b"oo$ o, Raym/n Re$(bear$-
@hi three $a/ghter-
@SHRCN S#&C?5BRCA>CR- a ,ame$ .arrior-
@MHRNA 3#&7C MAS>- the .arrior .itch- a rai$er-
@EGHN H?5+A7#CR- a c"an chie, .ith eighteen .ive-
@7#C GRCA7 3A?RFS- "ea$er on the +roGen Shore-
@MH7#CR MH?C- a .oo$ .itch- given to prophecy-
@BRHGG- GA%&N 7#C 7RA5CR- #AR?C 7#C #FN7SMAN- #AR?C 7#C
#AN5SHMC- #H35 3AN5CRCR- B?&N5 5HSS- >E?CG H+ 7#C 3HH5CN CAR-
5C%EN SCA?S>&NNCR- chie, an$ "ea$er amongt the ,ree ,o"k-
@PHRC??- ca""e$ HRC?? 7#C CAG?CQ- a kinchanger "ain by !on Sno. in the Skir"ing
9a-
@PMAG MAR 7FN 5H# 3CG- ca""e$ MAG 7#C M&G#7EQ- a giant- "ain by 5ona"
Noye at the gate o, Cat"e B"ack-
@3FN 3CG 3FN 5AR 3FN- ca""e$ 3FN 3FN- a giant-
@RH3AN- #H??E- SDF&RRC?- 3&??H3 3&7C#(CEC- +RCNEA- MER7?C-
pear.ive- captive at the 3a"".
!E'OND THE WA&&
@in the #a/nte$ +oret
@BRAN5HN S7AR>- ca""e$ BRAN- 9rince o, 3inter,e"" an$ heir to the North- a cripp"e$
boy o, nine-
@hi companion an$ protector'
@MCCRA RCC5- a mai$ o, i:teen- $a/ghter o, ?or$ #o.("an$ Ree$ o, Grey.ater
3atch-
@!H!CN RCC5- her brother- thirteen- c/re$ .ith greenight-
@#H5HR- a imp"e "a$- even ,eet ta""-
@hi g/i$e- CH?5#AN5S- c"a$ in b"ack- once perhap a man o, the Night4 3atch- no.
a mytery-

@at Crater4 >eep
@the betrayer- once men o, the Night4 3atch'
@5&R>- .ho m/r$ere$ Crater-
@H??H ?H9#AN5- .ho "e. the H"$ Bear- !eor Mormont-
@GAR7# H+ GRCCNA3AE- MA3NCE- GRFBBS- A?AN H+ RHSBE- ,ormer
ranger
@C?FB+HH7 >AR?- HR9#AN HSS- MF77CR&NG B&??- ,ormer te.ar$-

@in the cavern beneath a ho""o. hi""
@7#C 7#RCC(CEC5 CRH3- a"o ca""e$ 7#C ?AS7 GRCCN(SCCR- orcerer an$
$ream.a"ker- once a man o, the Night4 3atch name$ BREN5CN- no. more tree than
man-
@the chi"$ren o, the ,oret- thoe .ho ing the ong o, earth- "at o, their $ying race'
@?CA+- AS#- SCA?CS- B?AC> >N&+C- SNH3E?HC>S- CHA?S.
&ordlings Wanderers And Co22on Men
@SCR CRC&G#7HN ?HNGBHFG# an$ SCR &??&+CR 7#C 9CNN&?CSS- he$ge knight an$
companion-
@#&BA?5- a merchant ,ear,/" an$ niggar$"y-
@SCR S#A5R&C> H+ 7#C S#A5E G?CN- ca""e$ 7#C MA5 MHFSC- a he$ge knight in
#iba"$4 ervice-
@BR&CNNC- 7#C MA&5 H+ 7AR7#- a"o ca""e$ BR&CNNC 7#C BCAF7E- a mai$en on a
A/et-
@?HR5 SC?3EN 7#C C%CNS7AR- ?or$ o, 7arth- her ,ather-
P@B&G BCN BFS#EQ- SCR #E?C #FN7- SCR MAR> MF??CN5HRC- SCR C5MFN5
AMBRHSC- PSCR R&C#AR5 +ARRH3Q- P3&?? 7#C S7HR>Q- SCR #FG#
BCCSBFRE- SCR RAEMHN5 NAE?AN5- #ARRE SA3ECR- SCR H3CN
&NC#+&C?5- RHB&N 9H77CR- her onetime /itor-
@RCN+RC5 RE>>CR- ?or$ o, 5/ken$a"e-
@SCR RF+FS ?CC>- a one("egge$ knight in hi ervice- cate""an o, the 5/n +ort at
5/ken$a"e-
@3&??&AM MHH7HN- ?or$ o, Mai$enpoo"-
@C?CANHR- hi e"$et $a/ghter an$ heir- thirteen-
@RAN5E?? 7AR?E- ?or$ o, #orn #i""- comman$ing >ing 7ommen4 ,orce a"ong the
7ri$ent-
@5&C>HN- hi on an$ heir- a yo/ng A/ire-
@SCR #E?C #FN7- .orn to the ervice o, #o/e 7ar"y-
@SCR A?EN #FN7- Ser #y"e4 co/in- "ike.ie in ?or$ Ran$y""4 ervice-
@5&C> CRABB- ca""e$ N&MB?C 5&C>- a Crabb o, Crackc"a. 9oint-
@CFS7ACC BRFNC- ?or$ o, the 5yre 5en-
@BCNNAR5 BRFNC- the >night o, Bro.nho""o.- hi co/in-
@SCR RHGCR #HGG- the >night o, So.4 #orn-
@SC97HN MCR&BA?5- a bare,oot epton-
@hi $og- 5HG-
@7#C C?5CR BRH7#CR- o, the D/iet &"e-
@BRH7#CR NARBCR7- BRH7#CR G&??AM- BRH7#CR RA3NCE- pentitent brother o,
the D/iet &"e-
@SCR DF&NCE CHL- the >night o, Sa"tpan- an o"$ man in hi $otage-

at the old crossroads inn:
@!CENC #C55?C- ca""e$ ?HNG !CENC- innkeep- a ta"" yo/ng .ench o, eighteen year-
@3&??H3- her iter- tern .ith a poon-
@7ANSE- 9A7C- !HN 9CNNE- BCN- orphan at the inn-
@GCN5RE- an apprentice mith an$ batar$ on o, >ing Robert & Baratheon- ignorant o, hi
birth-

at Harrenhal,
@RA++HR5 ca""e$ RA++ 7#C S3CC7?&NG- S#&7MHF7#- 5FNSCN- men o, the
garrion-
@BCN B?AC>7#FMB- a mith an$ armorer-
@9&A- a erving .ench- once pretty-
@MACS7CR GF?&AN- hea"er- t/tor- an$ co/ne"or-

at Darry,
@?A5E AMCRC& +RCE- ca""e$ GA7C#HFSC AM&- an amoro/ yo/ng .i$o. betrothe$
to ?or$ ?ance" ?anniter-
@?a$y Amerei4 mother- ?A5E MAR&EA o, #o/e 5arry- .i$o.e$ .i,e o, Merrett
+rey-
@?a$y Amerei4 iter- MAR&SSA- a mai$ o, thirteen-
@SCR #AR3EN 9?FMM- ca""e$ #AR5S7HNC- comman$er o, the garrion-
@MACS7CR H77HMHRC- hea"er- t/tor- an$ a$vior-

at the Inn of the Kneeling Man:
@S#ARNA- the innkeep- a cook an$ mi$.i,e-
@her h/ban$- ca""e$ #FSBAN5-
@BHE- an orphan o, the .ar-
@#H7 9&C- a baker4 boy- no. orphane$.
O,tlaws And !ro"en Men
PBCR&C 5HN5ARR&HNQ- once ?or$ o, B"ackhaven- i: time "ain-
@C5R&C 5AENC- ?or$ o, Star,a""- a boy o, t.e"ve- ?or$ Beric4 A/ire-
@7#C MA5 #FN7SMAN o, Stoney Sept- hi ometime a""y-
@GRCCNBCAR5- a 7yrohi e"".or$- hi /ncertain ,rien$-
@ANGFE 7#C ARC#CR- a bo.man ,rom the 5ornih Marche-
@MCRR&7 H4 MHHN7H3N- 3A77E 7#C M&??CR- S3AM9E MCG- !HN H4
NF77CN- o/t"a. in hi ban$-

?A5E S7HNC#CAR7- a hoo$e$ .oman- ometime ca""e$ MH7#CR MCRCE- 7#C S&?CN7
S&S7CR- an$ 7#C #ANG3HMAN-
@?CM- ca""e$ ?CM ?CMHNC?HA>- a onetime o"$ier-
@7#HRHS H+ MER- a re$ priet-
@#AR3&N- on o, #/""en- a northman once in ervice to ?or$ C$$ar$ Stark o, 3inter,e""-
@!AC>(BC(?FC>E- a .ante$ man- hort an eye-
@7HM H+ SC%CNS7RCAMS- a inger o, $/bio/ report- ca""e$ 7HM SC%CNS7R&NGS
an$ 7HM H4 SC%CNS-
@?&>C?E ?F>C- NH7C#- MF5GC- BCAR5?CSS 5&C>- o/t"a.-

SAN5HR C?CGANC- ca""e$ 7#C #HFN5- once >ing !o,,rey4 .orn hie"$- "ater a S.orn
Brother o, the >ingg/ar$- "at een ,everih an$ $ying bei$e the 7ri$ent-
P%ARGH #HA7Q o, the +ree City o, Dohor- ca""e$ 7#C GHA7- a e"".or$ captain o,
"obbery peech- "ain at #arrenha" by Ser Gregor C"egane-
@hi Brave Companion- a"o ca""e$ the B"oo$y M/mmer'
@FRS3EC> ca""e$ +A&7#+F?- hi "ie/tenant-
P@SC97HN F77Q- hange$ by ?or$ Beric 5on$arrion-
@7&MCHN H+ 5HRNC- +A7 KH??H- RHRGC- B&7CR- 9EG- S#AG3C?? 7#C +HH?-
7HGG !H7# o, &bben- 7#RCC 7HCS- cattere$ an$ r/nning-

at the Peach, a brothel in Stoney Sept:
@7ANSE- the re$(haire$ proprietor-
@A?ECC- CASS- ?ANNA- !EKCNC- #C??E- BC??A- ome o, her peache-
at Acorn Hall, the seat of House Smallood:
@?A5E RA%C??A- ,ormer"y o, #o/e S.ann- .i,e to ?or$ 7heomar Sma"".oo$-
here and there and elsehere:
@?HR5 ?EMHN5 ?EC#CS7CR- an o"$ man o, .an$ering .it- .ho once he"$ Ser
Maynar$ at the bri$ge-
@hi yo/ng caretaker- MACS7CR RHHNC-
@the ghot o, #igh #eart-
@the ?a$y o, the ?eave-
@the epton at Sa""y$ance.
ESSOS !E'OND THE NARROW SEA
IN !RAA%OS
+CRRCGH AN7AREHN- Sea"or$ o, Braavo- ick"y an$ ,ai"ing-
@DARRH %H?CN7&N- +irt S.or$ o, Braavo- hi protector-
@BC??CGCRC H7#CRES ca""e$ 7#C B?AC> 9CAR?- a co/rtean $ecen$e$ ,rom the
pirate A/een o, the ame name-
@7#C %C&?C5 ?A5E- 7#C MCR?&NG DFCCN- 7#C MHHN(S#A5H3- 7#C
5AFG#7CR H+ 7#C 5FS>- 7#C N&G#7&NGA?C- 7#C 9HC7CSS- ,amo/ co/rtean-
@7#C >&N5?E MAN an$ 7#C 3A&+- ervant o, the Many(+ace$ Go$ at the #o/e o, B"ack
an$ 3hite-
@FMMA- the temp"e cook-
@7#C #AN5SHMC MAN- 7#C +A7 +C??H3- 7#C ?HR5?&NG- 7#C S7CRN +ACC-
7#C SDF&N7CR- an$ 7#C S7AR%C5 MAN- ecret ervant o, #im o, Many +ace-
@AREA o, #o/e Stark- a novice in ervice at the #o/e o, B"ack an$ 3hite- a"o kno.n a
ARRE- NAN- 3CASC?- SDFAB- SA?7E- an$ CA7 H+ 7#C CANA?S-
@BRFSCH- a ,ihmonger-
@hi $a/ghter- 7A?CA an$ BRCA-
@MCRA?EN- ca""e$ MCRRE- proprietor o, the #appy 9ort- a brothe" near the Ragman4
#arbor-
@7#C SA&?HR4S 3&+C- a .hore at the #appy 9ort-
@?ANNA- her $a/ghter- a yo/ng .hore-
@RC5 RHGGH- GE?HRH 5H7#ARC- GE?CNH 5H7#ARC- a cribb"er ca""e$ DF&??-
CHSSHMH 7#C CHN!FRCR- patron o, the #appy 9ort-
@7AGGANARH- a $ocki$e c/tp/re an$ thie,-
@CASSH- >&NG H+ 7#C SCA?S- hi traine$ ea"-
@S4%RHNC- a $ocki$e .hore o, a m/r$ero/ bent-
@7#C 5RFN>CN 5AFG#7CR- a .hore o, /ncertain temper.
IN O&D %O&ANTIS
the reigning triarch'
@MA?ADFH MACGER- 7riarch o, %o"anti- a tiger-
@5HN&9#HS 9ACNEM&HN- 7riarch o, %o"anti- an e"ephant-
@NECSSHS %#ASSAR- 7riarch o, %o"anti- an e"ephant-

peop"e o, %o"anti'
@BCNCRRH- #igh 9riet o, R4h""or- the ?or$ o, ?ight-
@hi right han$- MHDHRRH- a priet o, R4h""or-
@7#C 3&5H3 H+ 7#C 3A7CR+RHN7- a .ea"thy ,ree$(.oman o, the city- a"o ca""e$
%HGARRH4S 3#HRC-
@her ,ierce protector- 7#C 3&5H34S SHNS-
@9CNNE- a $.ar, gir" an$ m/mmer-
@her pig- 9RC77E 9&G-
@her $og- CRFNC#-
@PGRHA7Q- brother to 9enny- a $.ar, m/mmer- m/r$ere$ an$ behea$e$-
@A?&HS D#AC5AR- a can$i$ate ,or triarch-
@9ARDFC??H %AC?ARHS- a can$i$ate ,or triarch-
@BC?&C#H S7ACGHNC- a can$i$ate ,or triarch-
@GRAK5AN MH CRAK- an envoy ,rom E/nkai.
ON S&A%ER1S !A'
@in E/nkai- the Ee""o. City'
@EFR>#AK KH EFNKA>- S/preme Comman$er o, the Armie an$ A""ie o, E/nkai- a
"aver an$ age$ nob"e o, impeccab"e birth-
@ECKKAN KH DAGGAK- mocke$ a the EC??H3 3#A?C- montro/"y obee- ick"y-
h/ge"y rich-
@NFRSC- hi "ave overeer-
@S3CC7S- a hermaphro$ite "ave- hi trea/re-
@SCAR- a er=eant an$ "ave o"$ier-
@MHRGH- a "ave o"$ier-
@MHRG#AK KH K#CRKEN- a nob"eman o,t in hi c/p- mocke$ a 7#C 5RFN>CN
CHNDFCRHR-
@GHRK#A> KH CRAK- a nob"eman an$ "aver- mocke$ a 9F55&NG +ACC-
@+ACK#AR KH +ACK- a nob"eman an$ "aver- kno.n a 7#C RABB&7-
@G#AK5HR KH A#?AD- a nob"eman an$ "aver- mocke$ a ?HR5 3HBB?CC#CC>S-
@9ACK#AR KH MERAD- a nob"eman o, ma"" tat/re- mocke$ a 7#C ?&77?C 9&GCHN-
@C#CK5#AR KH R#ACKN- MACKHN KH R#ACKN- GRAK5#AN KH R#ACKN-
nob"emen an$ brother- mocke$ a 7#C C?AN>CR ?HR5S-
@7#C C#AR&H7CCR- 7#C BCAS7MAS7CR- 7#C 9CR+FMC5 #CRH- nob"emen an$
"aver-
@in Atapor- the Re$ City'
@C?CHN 7#C GRCA7- ca""e$ 7#C BF7C#CR >&NG-
@C?CHN &&- hi /cceor- king ,or eight $ay-
@>&NG CF77#RHA7- a barber- "it the throat o, C"eon && to tea" hi cro.n-
@DFCCN 3#HRC- conc/bine to >ing C"eon &&- c"aime$ the throne a,ter hi m/r$er.
THE 6.EEN ACROSS THE WATER
5ACNCRES 7ARGARECN- the +irt o, #er Name- D/een o, Meereen- D/een o, the An$a"
an$ the Rhoynar an$ the +irt Men- ?or$ o, the Seven >ing$om- 9rotector o, the Rea"m-
,haleesi o, the Great Gra Sea- ca""e$ 5ACNCRES S7HRMBHRN- the FNBFRN7-
MH7#CR H+ 5RAGHNS-
@her $ragon- 5RHGHN- %&SCR&HN- R#ACGA?-
@her brother- PR#ACGARQ- 9rince o, 5ragontone- "ain by Robert Baratheon on the 7ri$ent-
@Rhaegar4 $a/ghter- PR#ACNESQ- m/r$ere$ $/ring the Sack o, >ing4 ?an$ing-
@Rhaegar4 on- PACGHNQ- a babe in arm- m/r$ere$ $/ring the Sack o, >ing4 ?an$ing-
@her brother P%&SCRESQ- the 7hir$ o, #i Name- ca""e$ 7#C BCGGAR >&NG- cro.ne$ .ith
mo"ten go"$-
@her "or$ h/ban$- P5RHGHQ- a khal o, the 5othraki- $ie$ o, a .o/n$ gone ba$-
@her ti""born on by 5rogo- PR#ACGHQ- "ain in the .omb by the maegi Mirri MaG 5//r-

@her protector'
@SCR BARR&S7AN SC?ME- ca""e$ BARR&S7AN 7#C BH?5- ?or$ Comman$er o, the
D/eeng/ar$-
@hi "a$- A/ire training ,or knighthoo$'
@7FMCH ?#H- o, the Bai"ik &"e-
@?ARRAD- ca""e$ 7#C ?AS#- o, Meereen-
@7#C RC5 ?AMB- a ?haGarene ,ree$man-
@the BHES- three Ghicari brother-
@S7RHNG BC?3AS- e/n/ch an$ ,ormer ,ighting "ave-
@her 5othraki b"oo$ri$er'
@!#HGH- the .hip- b"oo$ o, her b"oo$-
@AGGH- the bo.- b"oo$ o, her b"oo$-
@RA>#ARH- the arakh- b"oo$ o, her b"oo$-

@her captain an$ comman$er'
@5AAR&H NA#AR&S- a ,"amboyant 7yrohi e"".or$- captain o, the Stormcro.- a ,ree
company-
@BCN 9?FMM- ca""e$ BRH3N BCN- a mongre" e"".or$- captain o, the Secon$ Son- a
,ree company.
@GRCE 3HRM- a e/n/ch- comman$er o, the Fn/""ie$- a company o, e/n/ch in,antry-
@#CRH- an Fn/""ie$ captain- econ$(in(comman$-
@S7A?3AR7 S#&C?5- an Fn/""ie$ pearman-
@MH??HNH EHS 5HB- comman$er o, the Sta".art Shie"$- a company o, ,ree$men-
@SEMHN S7R&9CBAC>- comman$er o, +RCC BRH7#CRS- a company o, ,ree$men-
@MARSC?CN- comman$er o, the MH7#CR4S MCN- a company o, ,ree$man- a e/n/ch-
brother to Mian$ei-
@GRH?CH o, 9ento- ,ormer"y captain o, the great cog Saduleon- no. an a$mira" .itho/t a
,"eet-
@RHMMH- a 9a33a rhan o, the 5othraki-

@her Meereenee co/rt'
@RCKNA> MH RCKNA>- her enecha"- ba"$ an$ /nct/o/-
@S>A#AK MH >AN5AD- ca""e$ 7#C S#A%C9A7C- haven(hea$e$ comman$er o, the
BraGen Beat- her city .atch-

@her han$mai$ an$ ervant'
@&RR& an$ !#&DF&- yo/ng .omen o, the 5othraki-
@M&SSAN5C&- a Naathi cribe an$ tran"ator-
@GRAK5AR- DCKKA- MCKKARA- >CKMEA- AKKA>- B#A>AK- M&>?AK-
5#AKKAR- 5RADAK- !#CKANC- chi"$ren o, the pyrami$ o, Meereen- her c/pbearer
an$ page-

@peop"e o, Meereen- highborn an$ common'
@GA?AKKA GA?ARC- the Green Grace- high priete at the 7emp"e o, the Grace-
@GRAK5AM KH GA?ARC- her co/in- a nob"eman-
@#&K5A#R KH ?HRAD- a .ea"thy Meereenee nob"eman- o, ancient "ineage-
@MARG#AK KH ?HRAD- hi co/in-
@RE?HNA R#CC- ,ree$.oman an$ harpit-
@P#AKKCAQ- a ,armer4 $a/ghter- ,o/r year o, age-
@GHG#HR 7#C G&AN7- >#RAKK- BC?ADFH BHNC(BRCA>CR- CAMARRHN H+
7#C CHFN7- +CAR?CSS &7#H>C- 7#C S9H77C5 CA7- BARSCNA B?AC>#A&R-
S7CC?S>&N- pit ,ighter an$ ,ree$ "ave-

@her /ncertain a""ie- ,a"e ,rien$- an$ kno.n enemie'
@SCR !HRA# MHRMHN7- ,ormer"y ?or$ o, Bear &"an$-
@PM&RR& MAK 5FFRQ- go$.i,e an$ maegi- a ervant o, the Great Shepher$ o, ?haGar-
@LARH L#HAN 5ALHS- a merchant prince o, Darth-
@DFA&7#C- a make$ ha$o.bin$er ,rom Ahai-
@&??ER&H MH9A7&S- a magiter o, the +ree City o, 9ento- .ho brokere$ her marriage to
>ha" 5rogo-
@C?CHN 7#C GRCA7- b/tcher king o, Atapor.

@the D/een4 S/itor
@on S"aver4 Bay'
@5AAR&H NA#AR&S- "ate o, 7yroh- a e"".or$ an$ captain o, the Stormcro.-
@#&K5A#R KH ?HRAD- a .ea"thy Meereenee nob"eman-
@S>A#AK MH >AN5AD- ca""e$ 7#C S#A%C9A7C- a "eer nob"eman o, Meereen-
@C?CHN 7#C GRCA7- B/tcher >ing o, Atapor-

@in %o"anti'
@9R&NCC DFCN7EN MAR7C??- e"$et on o, 5oran Marte""- ?or$ o, S/npear an$
9rince o, 5orne-
@hi .orn hie"$ an$ companion'
@PSCR C?C7FS ERHN3HH5Q- heir to Eron.oo$- "ain by corair-
@SCR ARC#&BA?5 ERHN3HH5- co/in to C"et/- ca""e$ 7#C B&G MAN-
@SCR GCRR&S 5R&N>3A7CR-
@PSCR 3&??AM 3C??SQ- "ain by corair
@PMACS7CR >C5REQ- "ain by corair-

@on the Rhoyne'
@EHFNG GR&++- a b"/e(haire$ "a$ o, eighteen year-
@hi ,oter ,ather- GR&++- a e"".or$ "ate o, the Go"$en Company-
@hi companion- teacher- an$ protector'
@SCR RH??E 5FC>+&C?5- ca""e$ 5FC>- a knight-
@SC97A ?CMHRC- a .oman o, the +aith-
@#A?5HN- ca""e$ 7#C #A?+MACS7CR- hi t/tor-
@EAN5RE- mater an$ captain o, the Sh! *aid-
@ES&??A- hi .i,e-

@at ea'
@%&C7AR&HN GRCE!HE- ?or$ Captain o, the &ron +"eet- ca""e$ 7#C &RHN CA97A&N-
@hi be$.armer- a $/ky .oman .itho/t a tong/e- a gi,t ,rom C/ron Cro.4 Cye-
@hi hea"er- MACS7CR >CR3&N- "ate o, Greenhie"$- a gi,t ,rom C/ron Cro.4 Cye-
@hi cre. on the Iron .ictor!'
@3F?+C HNC(CAR- RAGNHR 9E>C- ?HNG3A7CR 9E>C- 7HM
7&5C3HH5- BFR7HN #FMB?C- DFC??HN #FMB?C- S7C++AR
S7AMMCRCR
@hi captain'
@RH5R&> S9ARR- ca""e$ 7#C %H?C- captain o, 1rief-
@RC5 RA?+ S7HNC#HFSC- captain o, )ed -ester-
@MAN+RE5 MCR?EN- captain o, ,ite-
@RA?+ 7#C ?&M9CR- captain o, "ord :uellon-
@7HM CH55- ca""e$ B?HH5?CSS 7HM- captain o, the "amentation-
@5ACGHN S#C9#CR5- ca""e$ 7#C B?AC> S#C9#CR5- captain o, the Dagger.
7he 7argaryen are the b"oo$ o, the $ragon- $ecen$e$ ,rom the high "or$ o, the ancient
+reeho"$ o, %a"yria- their heritage marke$ by "i"ac- in$igo- an$ vio"et eye an$ hair o, i"ver(
go"$. 7o preerve their b"oo$ an$ keep it p/re- #o/e 7argaryen ha o,t .e$ brother to iter-
co/in to co/in- /nc"e to niece. 7he ,o/n$er o, the $ynaty- Aegon the ConA/eror- took both hi
iter to .i,e an$ ,athere$ on on each. 7he 7argaryen banner i a three(hea$e$ $ragon- re$ on
b"ack- the three hea$ repreenting Aegon an$ hi iter. 7he 7argaryen .or$ are Fire and
Blood.
THE SE&&SWORDS MEN AND WOMEN OF THE FREE
COM+ANIES
7#C GH?5CN CHM9ANE- ten tho/an$ trong- o, /ncertain "oya"ty'
@#HMC?CSS #ARRE S7R&C>?AN5- captain(genera"-
@3A7>EN- hi A/ire an$ c/pbearer-
@PSCR ME?CS 7HENC- ca""e$ B?AC>#CAR7Q- ,o/r year $ea$- the previo/ captain(
genera"-
@B?AC> BA?AD- a .hite(haire$ S/mmer &"an$er- comman$er o, the company archer-
@?ESHNH MAAR- a e"".or$ "ate o, the +ree City o, ?y- company pymater-
@GHRES C5HRECN- a e"".or$ "ate o, the +ree City o, %o"anti- company paymater-
@SCR +RAN>?EN +?H3CRS- the Batar$ o, Ci$er #a""- a e""(.or$ ,rom the Reach-
@SCR MARD MAN5RA>C- an e:i"e ecape$ ,rom "avery- carre$ by po:-
@SCR ?AS3C?? 9CA>C- an e:i"e "or$-
@hi brother- 7HRMAN an$ 9E>C3HH5-
@SCR 7R&S7AN R&%CRS- batar$- o/t"a.- e:i"e-
@CAS9HR #&??- #FM+RCE S7HNC- MA?H !AEN- 5&C> CH?C- 3&?? CH?C-
?HR&MAS MF55- !HN ?H7#S7HN- ?EMHN5 9CASC- SCR BRCN5C? BERNC-
5FNCAN S7RHNG- 5CNES S7RHNG- C#A&NS- EHFNG !H#N MF55- er=eant o, the
company-
@PSCR ACGHR R&%CRS- ca""e$ B&77CRS7CC?Q- a batar$ on o, >ing Aegon &% 7argaryen-
,o/n$er o, the companyQ-
@PMAC?ES & B?AC>+ERC- ca""e$ MAC?ES 7#C MHNS7RHFSQ- captain(genera" o, the
company- preten$er to the &ron 7hrone o, 3etero- member o, the Ban$ o, Nine- "ain $/ring
the 3ar o, the Ninepenny >ing-

7#C 3&N5B?H3N- t.o tho/an$ hore an$ ,oot- .orn to E/nkai-
@7#C 7A77CRC5 9R&NCC- a ,ormer nob"eman o, the +ree City o, 9ento- captain an$
,o/n$er-
@CAGGH- ca""e$ CHR9SC>&??CR- hi right han$-
@5CNKH 54#AN- the .arrior bar$- hi "e,t han$-
@#FG# #FNGCR+HR5- er=eant- ,ormer company paymater- ,ine$ three ,inger ,or
tea"ing-
@SCR HRSHN S7HNC- SCR ?FC&+CR ?HNG- 3&?? H+ 7#C 3HH5S- 5&C> S7RA3-
G&N!CR !AC>- 3eteroi e"".or$-
@9RC77E MCR&S- the company tort/rer-
@BHH>S- a %o"antene .or$man an$ notorio/ rea$er-
@BCANS- a crobo.man- "ate o, Myr-
@H?5 B&?? BHNC- a .eathere$ S/mmer &"an$er-
@MER&H MERA>&S- a e"".or$ "ate o, 9ento-

7#C CHM9ANE H+ 7#C CA7- three tho/an$ trong- .orn to E/nkai-
@B?HH5BCAR5- captain an$ comman$er-

7#C ?HNG ?ANCCS- eight h/n$re$ hore(ri$er- .orn to E/nkai-
@GE?H R#CGAN- captain an$ comman$er-

7#C SCCHN5 SHNS- ,ive h/n$re$ hore(ri$er- .orn to D/een 5aenery-
@BRH3N BCN 9?FMM- captain an$ comman$er-
@>AS9HR&H- ca""e$ >AS9HR&H 7#C CFNN&NG- a bravo- econ$(in(comman$-
@7EBCRH &S7AR&HN- ca""e$ &N>9H7S- company paymater-
@#AMMCR- a $r/nken b"ackmith an$ armorer-
@hi apprentice- ca""e$ NA&?-
@SNA7C#- a er=eant- one(han$e$-
@>CM- a yo/ng e"".or$- ,rom +"ea Bottom-
@BH>>H>H- an a:eman o, ,ormi$ab"e rep/te-
@F#?AN- a er=eant o, the company-

7#C S7HRMCRH3S- ,ive h/n$re$ hore(ri$er- .orn to D/een 5aenery-
@5AACR&H NA#AR&S- captain an$ comman$er-
@7#C 3&5H3CR- hi econ$(in(comman$-
@!H>&N- comman$er o, the company archer.
Ac"nowledg2ents
7hi one .a a bitch.
My thank an$ appreciation go o/t once again to thoe ta".art o/"- my e$itor' Nita
7a/b"ib- !oy Chamber"ain- !ane !ohnon- an$ epecia""y Anne ?e"ey Groe""- ,or her co/ne"- her
goo$ h/mor- an$ her vat ,orbearance.
7hank a"o to my rea$er- ,or a"" their kin$ an$ /pportive e(mai"- an$ ,or their patience. A
pecia" tip o, the he"m to ?o$ey o, the 7hree +it- 9o$ the 5evi" B/nny- 7reb"a an$ 5a= the
7rivia" >ing- .eet Care o, the 3a""- ?anniter the SA/irre" S"ayer- an$ the ret o, the
Brotherhoo$ 3itho/t Banner- that ha",(ma$ $r/nken ,e""o.hip o, brave knight an$ "ove"y
"a$ie .ho thro. the bet partie at .or"$con- year a,ter year a,ter year. An$ "et me o/n$ a
,an,are too ,or C"io an$ ?in$a- .ho eem to kno. the Seven >ing$om better than & $o- an$ he"p
me keep my contin/ity traight. 7heir 3etero .ebite an$ concor$ance i a =oy an$ a .on$er.
An$ thank to 3a"ter !on 3i""iam ,or g/i$ing me acro more a"ty ea- to Sage 3a"ker ,or
"eeche an$ ,ever an$ broken bone- to 9ati Nag"e ,or #7M? an$ pinning hie"$ an$ getting
a"" my ne. /p A/ick"y- an$ to Me"in$a Sno$gra an$ 5anie" Abraham ,or ervice that .a
tr/"y above an$ beyon$ the ca"" o, $/ty. & get by .ith a "itt"e he"p ,rom my ,rien$.
No .or$ co/"$ /,,ice ,or 9arri- .ho ha been there on the goo$ $ay an$ the ba$ one ,or
every b"oo$y page. A"" that nee$ be ai$ i that & co/"$ not ing thi Song .itho/t her.
AC5NOW&EDGMENTS
7he "at one .a a bitch. 7hi one .a three bitche an$ a batar$. Hnce again- my thank to
my "ong(/,,ering e$itor an$ p/b"iher' to !ane !ohnon an$ !oy Chamber"ain at %oyager- an$
Scott Shannon- Nita 7a/b"ib- an$ Anne Groe"" ,rom Bantam. 7heir /n$ertan$ing- goo$ h/mor-
an$ age a$vice he"pe$ thro/gh the to/gh bit- an$ & .i"" never ceae to be grate,/" ,or their
patience.
7hank a .e"" to my eA/a""y patient an$ en$"e"y /pportive agent- Chri ?ott- %ince
Gerar$i- the ,ab/"o/ >ay McCa/"ey- an$ the "ate Ra"ph %icinanGa. Ra"ph- & .ih yo/ .ere
here to hare thi $ay.
An$ thank to Stephen Bo/cher- the .an$ering A/ie .ho he"p keep my comp/ter greae$
an$ h/mming .henever he $rop by Santa +e ,or a break,at b/rrito ;Lma< an$ a i$e o,
=a"apeSo bacon.
Back here on the home ,ront- thank are a"o $/e to my $ear ,rien$ Me"in$a Sno$gra an$
5anie" Abraham ,or their enco/ragement an$ /pport- to my .ebmater 9ati Nag"e ,or
maintaining my corner o, the &nternet- an$ to the amaGing Raya Go"$en ,or the mea"- the art- the
/n,ai"ing goo$ cheer that he"pe$ to brighten even the $arket $ay aro/n$ 7errapin Station. Cven
i, he $i$ try to tea" my cat.
A "ong a it ha taken me to $ance thi $ance- it .o/"$ /re"y have taken t.ice a "ong
.itho/t the aitance o, my ,aith,/" ;an$ acerbic< minion an$ ometime trave"ing companion 7y
+ranck- .ho ten$ to my comp/ter .hen Stephen4 not aro/n$- keep the ravening virt/a" mob
,rom my virt/a" $oortep- r/n my erran$- $oe my ,i"ing- make the co,,ee- .a"k the .a"k- an$
charge ten tho/an$ $o""ar to change a "ight b/"b@a"" .hi"e .riting hi o.n kick(a book on
3e$ne$ay.
?at- b/t ,ar ,rom my "eat- a"" my "ove an$ gratit/$e to my .i,e- 9arri- .ho ha $ance$
every tep o, thi bei$e me. ?ove ya- 9hipp.
George R. R. Martin
May B)- 20BB
A9o,t the A,thor
GEORGE R: R: MARTIN o"$ hi ,irt tory in B*TB an$ ha been .riting pro,eiona""y
every ince. #e ha .ritten ,antay- horror- an$ cience ,iction- an$ ,or hi in pent ten year in
#o""y.oo$ a a .riter/pro$/cer- .orking on #he #wilight Done, Beaut! and the Beast, an$
vario/ ,eat/re ,i"m an$ te"eviion pi"ot that .ere never ma$e. &n the mi$ 4*0 he ret/rne$ to
proe- hi ,irt "ove- an$ began .ork on hi epic ,antay erie A Song o, &ce an$ +ire. #e ha
been in the Seven >ing$om ever ince. 3henever he4 a""o.e$ to "eave- he ret/rn to Santa +e-
Ne. Me:ico- .here he "ive .ith hi .i,e 9arri an$ their ,o/r cat.
....georgerrmartin.com
A9o,t the T4(e
7hi book .a et in C"ectra- a type,ace $eigne$ ,or ?inotype by 3. A. 5.iggin- the
reno.ne$ type $eigner ;BRR0UB*5V<. C"ectra i a ,"/i$ type,ace- avoi$ing the contrat o, thick
an$ thin troke that are preva"ent in mot mo$ern type,ace.
!4 George R: R: Martin
A SHNG H+ &CC AN5 +&RC
Book Hne' A 1ame of #hrones
Book 7.o' A %lash of ,ings
Book 7hree- part one' A Storm of Swords> Steel and Snow
Book 7hree- part t.o' A Storm of Swords> Blood and 1old
Book +o/r' A Feast for %rows
Book +ive' A Dance with Dragons

Fere Dream
#he Armageddon )ag
#uf .o!aging
D!ing of the "ight
Sandkings
$ortraits of 7is %hildren
A Song for "!a
Songs of Stars and Shadows
Windhaen Ewith "isa #uttleF
2ightfl!ers

Co(4right
B
Copyright George R.R. Martin 20BB
George R.R. Martin aert the mora" right to be i$enti,ie$ a the a/thor o, thi .ork
A cata"og/e recor$ ,or thi book i avai"ab"e ,rom the Britih ?ibrary
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