As An Eagle Flies (A House Arryn Quest)

Part 6: Goodbyes


You wandered into the kitchens first, stopping the work for just a few minutes "I have come to say goodbye. I wish to thank you for…" You paused, trying to find the words.


However, the cooks only turned away from their stations and bowed their heads.


Then the head chief, Howlett gave a grin, before crouching to your height. "M'lord, there is no need to thank us. You have shown us great kindness by eating your meals and growing to be a man, without any complaints. We only hope that you remain as courteous to the other cooks in the capitol, and eat as well as you do here."


You nodded. "I… I will."


"Good." Howlett than stood up and barked. "Alright lads, get back to work, we feast tonight for Lord Arryn and Lord Royce, and we need that duck ready!"


You nodded and left the kitchen, content.

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The next stop was the Maesters tower. Maester Gerald was in his study, reading a book and writing down something on a piece of parchment, or paper, you could not tell.


"Uh, Maester Gerald." You were shy, your voice low and barely a whisper.


The Maester turned his hand and finished a word with his quill. "I know why you are here boy." He then set his quill in the inkwell and then turned around to face you. "And there is no need. I will most likely still be here on your return from Kings Landing."


The Maester looked so much older, sitting in his chair than he did next to your father, his brown beard and hair greying, his eyes seemed misty from the candle, small streams from crying to keep his eyes moist to read and write.


"But-" You were going to say something, but the Maester waved his hand.


"Ahh, you going to a new place, with new people, and you frightened by that inevitability. But you always have a knack for drawing people towards you…" There was a pause. "Make friends play like the child you are. You do not have to always act like a lord, using big words you cannot understand that you learned from reading a book, being so bloody perspective all the time, and not playing with other children."


The Maester stood up and crouched to your height, just like Howlett did. "You are a child. Learn, yes, always learn… but there is a time to be a child. Play, make mistakes, and make friends… Those are the things in life you need to learn while you are gone, in addition to your duties as a lord. I hope you understand that."


"I… I do." You stammered.


"No, you don't. Not yet at least." The Maester replied. Your face dropped into a frown. "I am a Maester Arstan, I tell the Lord's what they need to hear… not what they want to hear. And you needed to hear it from me."


You nodded. "Good. Now.. off with you, your father is waiting for you in the throne room."

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Your father was sitting not on the Falcon Throne, but on a chair by the western window in the hallway, staring out the window at the Mountain of the Moon and the range that it was apart of. The blue sky was clear, only tiny clouds dotted at the peaks of the mountains.


Your father's face was stern, yet in his eyes, he was admiring the beauty of the Mountains. "Arstan." He said your name as you walked towards the throne room.


You walked towards him, before noticing a chair right beside him. "Take a seat." His voice was that of an order.


It took you a moment to climb the chair, but you did, and on your knees, you looked out the window to the mountains.


"I have not told you why you are leaving too the Capital." He stated.


"I thought it was because you want me to become a friend of Prince Aerys and Lords Tywin and Steffon?" You replied. "And because there are more… talented men at court who can train me."


There was silence. "No...Not entirely that reason." There was a pause. "You might not understand, but I never talk down to you when you need to listen. Right now is one of those times."


Oh… Oh no. "What's happening?"


"There are rumors of Blackfyre agents who have infiltrated the courts of many of the high lords of Westeros, sowing dissent amongst them, creating chaos amongst the houses, to threaten the stability of the realm. And more troubling rumors that they may try to assassinate me or you." Your father said with a cold tinge in his voice, as if he were telling a frightening tale.


"Why would they do that?" You asked.


Your father shook his head. "Because Aegon passed numerous reforms for the protection of the Smallfolk that serve us. A tax laws break for a growing season, and trials done by the local bailiff. The Smallfolk can petition us at any time, with any grievance that may directly impact the lands we control. And it made many lords angry. Which is why he compromised on his more… extreme measures." Your father then looked out the windows. "There are lord's now angry with these new laws… as for the killing of either of us?… there is no surer way to promote instability than a succession crisis."


"But why?" You asked.

"Jon, why did you call me here?"

"I think there is an invasion coming. Just rumors for now, but Mayles the Monsterous is still up to his families old ways… The Golden Company is recruiting more mercenaries and soldiers to the cause of Blackfyre restoration." Your father stated. "I have nothing but those rumors to go off of at this time, but right now I am playing it safe."

"Because I have reason to believe Jeyne's was no mere accident or complication in giving birth."

"And me going to King's Landing?"

"Your saying my sister was murdered?"

"As much as I hate to admit it, you are not safe here in the Eyrie. Not now, not until I can be assured that these rumors are not true… but if they are, and assassins are amongst my court, I'd rather only give them one target then two." Your father replied. "Aegon has assured me of both your training and your safety."

"Yes. I do not know by who, or why, but she did not die naturally. I saw her, she was weak, but still alive, and then an hour later she was gone."

"But-" There were so many questions that were going through your mind.

"Who would kill her?"

Your father then put a hand on your shoulder. "Arstan. You are my son, and I love you so very much." there were tears in his eyes. "Please, just for this moment, stop acting so smart, stop trying to be me, and be you."

"I do not know… but right now, with Arstan safe in Kings Landing, we'll get our answers."

You both sat at the window for a long time in silence.

"But I need one thing from you Yohn."

You had no other words you could possibly say.

"What is it?"

And by the next morning, you were riding on a donkey, under the watch and protection of Uncle Yohn, towards the sea.

"If I am to die before Arstan is of age…" Jon handed over a piece of paper. "You are the regent."

Towards your future.

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Kings Landing was far far different than you could ever imagine. As your ship sailed closer, you could see the Red Keep towering above the city, along with the Great Sept of Baelor. THe grandeur of those buildings dwarfed all the other buildings you could see. The walls of the city were massive and imposing, and even before you got to the port, little dots of men patrolling the walls.


The port was filled with dozens, maybe even hundreds of ships, all of them with different sigils, markings and names from all over the world.


It was a true capital of the realm, flowing with wealth, influence and power, not a fortress in the middle of the continent.


As you arrive, the men Yohn and your father sent to bodyguard you were met by men in White Cloaks, and a tall man with purple garb, a flowing black cape and hair as white as snow… with a crown on his head.


Walking off the gangplank, the king walked forward to greet you. "Lord Arryn… Welcome to King's Landing."


By instinct and training on the boat ride here, you kneeled before your king.


A heartbeat passed before the king said. "Please stand up Lord Arstan, we have little time for pleasantries at the moment." There was a pause. "Ser Duncan."


"Yes, your grace." A very tall man replied. The man towered over everyone in the group, and the Kingsguard walked over to you and offered you his hand. "Take my hand mi-… My lord."


"But what about my-" You asked about your things.


"Do not worry about your things, they shall be brought in behind us." The King replied.


You nodded and took his hand, and quickly, you were rushed through the streets of the city. The entire trek was quite exhausting, and by the time you reached the steps of the Red Keep, you were being carried by Ser Duncan, resting on his back, as the sun began to set.


The king nodded and you were let down, and you truly tried to take in the enormity of the building you were in, it was massive and so foreign. Like you were stepping into an entirely new world.


It was then you yawned, and your stomach growled in hunger. "I believe introductions can wait until tomorrow morning." The king stated. "Bring him to his room."


You ate and fell asleep at the table where you ate.

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As you wake up in the morning, you feel refreshed.


"Ah, Lord Arry." A servant said. "You're awake. Good. if you wish for any food, and to meet your companions in wardship, they are both down in the dining hall. I shall escort you anywhere you wish until you learn the Castles layout."


Where do you go on your first morning:

[]The Dining Hall: You want to eat something, and meet everyone!

[]The Library: This place does have a library right?

[]The Throne Room: You want to see the Iron Throne!

[]The Tower of the Hand and the Small Council Chambers: You want to try and meet the small council… if you can that is.

[]The Maester's Tower: Maybe the Grand Maester will be in his tower, and you can ask questions.

[]Stay in your room: You really want to stay here for a little while longer, to think.

AN: Enjoy.