“But you can tell Lord Aegon that I wouldn't have shared him either way. Not with his other wives, or sisters, or whatever he might call the… morem. In a certain way it is me who refuses Lord Aegon's hand”, Argella hissed, before her smile returned, like the sun after a storm. “I believe we can all agree that I deserve better than him” She looked up at the crowd in front of her. “Is the stable master's son already taken? The handsome one I mean, not the hare-lipped one”
“I am, my princess!”, a handsome young man in his early twenties proclaimed as he raised from his chair. “Since last week” This caused a wave of roaring laughter from the crowd, albeit Argella and her father laughed the loudest. The princess raised a small crystal glass in front of her, filled with red wine. “Congratulations, my friend”, she shouted. “Men, drink one to the stable master's son and his lovely wife. Long life for them!” The order was shouted in a tone that could hav… [view original content]
“But you can tell Lord Aegon that I wouldn't have shared him either way. Not with his other wives, or sisters, or whatever he might call the… morem. In a certain way it is me who refuses Lord Aegon's hand”, Argella hissed, before her smile returned, like the sun after a storm. “I believe we can all agree that I deserve better than him” She looked up at the crowd in front of her. “Is the stable master's son already taken? The handsome one I mean, not the hare-lipped one”
“I am, my princess!”, a handsome young man in his early twenties proclaimed as he raised from his chair. “Since last week” This caused a wave of roaring laughter from the crowd, albeit Argella and her father laughed the loudest. The princess raised a small crystal glass in front of her, filled with red wine. “Congratulations, my friend”, she shouted. “Men, drink one to the stable master's son and his lovely wife. Long life for them!” The order was shouted in a tone that could hav… [view original content]
Looking through the poll, I am not surprised that most of you see the Storm Princess as an uptight, snobby bitch. Well... you are not exactly wrong with most of these characteristics. She is meant to be her father's daughter from tip to toe, which is positive and negative at the same time, depending on the circumstances and the person she's talking to. She's probably slightly less arrogant, which doesn't mean much, but she has an undeniably cruel streak and a fickle temper. There are other sides of her, perhaps more redeeming and positive, among them most of her father's positive traits, which I hope to show in time. While she wasn't meant to be likeable in this part, I hope you found her at least enjoyable in her cattiness, since the unexpectedly huge amount of fun I had in writing her really bitchy insults to the ambassador and especially to Aegon Targaryen caused me to make plans to give her a larger role in the story than I intended at first.
The new part is halfway written. It will be a Samantha/Willfred part and I am sure that it will be finished later today.
The Voting is closed!
Drent will escot the Valyrians to the pigpen
Looking through the poll, I am not surprised that most of you see t… morehe Storm Princess as an uptight, snobby bitch. Well... you are not exactly wrong with most of these characteristics. She is meant to be her father's daughter from tip to toe, which is positive and negative at the same time, depending on the circumstances and the person she's talking to. She's probably slightly less arrogant, which doesn't mean much, but she has an undeniably cruel streak and a fickle temper. There are other sides of her, perhaps more redeeming and positive, among them most of her father's positive traits, which I hope to show in time. While she wasn't meant to be likeable in this part, I hope you found her at least enjoyable in her cattiness, since the unexpectedly huge amount of fun I had in writing her really bitchy insults to the ambassador and especially to Aegon Targaryen caused me t… [view original content]
I'm excited now we haven't seen a Wilfred chapter in a while. I don't know why but I seem to enjoy scenes with the Storm princess maybe I'll grow to like her.
The Voting is closed!
Drent will escot the Valyrians to the pigpen
Looking through the poll, I am not surprised that most of you see t… morehe Storm Princess as an uptight, snobby bitch. Well... you are not exactly wrong with most of these characteristics. She is meant to be her father's daughter from tip to toe, which is positive and negative at the same time, depending on the circumstances and the person she's talking to. She's probably slightly less arrogant, which doesn't mean much, but she has an undeniably cruel streak and a fickle temper. There are other sides of her, perhaps more redeeming and positive, among them most of her father's positive traits, which I hope to show in time. While she wasn't meant to be likeable in this part, I hope you found her at least enjoyable in her cattiness, since the unexpectedly huge amount of fun I had in writing her really bitchy insults to the ambassador and especially to Aegon Targaryen caused me t… [view original content]
The Voting is closed!
Drent will escot the Valyrians to the pigpen
Looking through the poll, I am not surprised that most of you see t… morehe Storm Princess as an uptight, snobby bitch. Well... you are not exactly wrong with most of these characteristics. She is meant to be her father's daughter from tip to toe, which is positive and negative at the same time, depending on the circumstances and the person she's talking to. She's probably slightly less arrogant, which doesn't mean much, but she has an undeniably cruel streak and a fickle temper. There are other sides of her, perhaps more redeeming and positive, among them most of her father's positive traits, which I hope to show in time. While she wasn't meant to be likeable in this part, I hope you found her at least enjoyable in her cattiness, since the unexpectedly huge amount of fun I had in writing her really bitchy insults to the ambassador and especially to Aegon Targaryen caused me t… [view original content]
Staying or leaving? Well, it was not as if she had any lead where to find Lunett. She might as well stay around for a while, this Jaylon looked like a well-connected man at least. No, that was lie. Technically he hardly looked like a man at all, with his huge head and and his pathetic excuse of a beard. But he looked like a grumkin who was working for a well-connected man.
She leant back and gave Jaylon her brightest smile. “Hey, I have nothing to do right now”, she said. “What are we talking about?” Sasha gave her a short glare and shook her head. “You should have left, girl”, she mumbled. Jaylon on the other hand seemed to be pleased. “Good. That's good. I came to hire one mercenary. Looks like I get two”, he said. Sasha looked at her Arakh that still lay on the table. “Or none”, she answered and glared at him. “What do you want?”
Jaylon moved his hand towards the hilt of his sword and Samantha noticed that Sasha immediately grabbed the hilt of her Arakh. But instead of drawing his weapon, the man instead grabbed a small purse and threw it on the table. It tinkled as it hit the wood.
“That could be your first monthly payment”, he said. Sasha put the hand away from her sword, but still didn't seem to relax in the presence of this man. “And why do you feel the need to hire me? You know I fight best on horseback. Have the Solvers decided to bless the countryside with their stinking presence or is your master now dumb enough to use cavalry in a city?”, Sasha asked.
This caused Samantha to listen up. “You're a rider?”, she asked in surprise. Sasha gave her a reluctant nod. “The best you'll find from here to Vaes Dothrak”, she proclaimed, causing Samantha to chuckle. “That remains to be seen. As a matter of fact, I'm pretty good too”
Sasha gave her a cold glare. “You were born in the saddle?”, she asked. Samantha shook her head. “But I was trained under...”, she said but Sasha cut her off. “Well, I was”, she simply answered. “So don't talk about things you have no idea off”
Samantha shook her head. “Okay, no need to be an ass about this”, she said and Sasha opened her mouth to answer something, probably something rude. Jaylon cut her off by raising both of his hands, causing her to shift her attention immediately back to him and to her Arakh.
“Ladies, please”, he said. “As much as I enjoy seeing such lovely young women fighting, I don't have the time for it. I'm here to discuss business, simple as that” He gave Sasha an ugly smile. “As always, your input is smart and much appreciated”, he said.
Sasha only gave him a glare. “Come on, Jaylon”, she said. “I think we're both smarter than that. I don't appreciate sweet talk, you don't appreciate sweet talk and your boss sure as hell does not appreciate sweet talk. Let's talk open, from woman to dog. Why do you want to hire me?” She looked at Samantha. “And her... why are you so willing to hire a newcomer, someone you've never seen performing?”
Jaylon leant forward, carefully eyeing Sasha, but even more carefully eyeing her sword. “Now you're asking the good questions. Yes, we can agree to be completely open here. We don't want to loose someone with your skills, or with any skills at all, not to the Burned Man”, he explained and Samantha started to listen more carefully. Who was this Burned Man? At least the name didn't help her in finding any sympathy for him.
“And because of this, we're going to hire every single mercenary in this whole fucking city. The war is nearing it's end, Sasha. Soon, the Burned Man will be dead. The city will be at peace and all will be well”, he said, albeit he didn't sound too enthusiastically as he said this.
Sasha chuckled slightly and shook her head. “Come on, Jaylon. Spare me your idealistic horseshit. We both know you're only in this for the money he's paying you. I mean, are you seriously believing this pile of shit? I doubt anything will be well when you won. I doubt anything would change”
Jaylon shrugged. “His words. Not mine. He believes in them. He believes in the righteousness of his cause”, he said. Sasha narrowed her eyes and seemed to force herself to a smile. “Well yeah, I'm sure he believes in that. Sadly, I'm afraid I have to decline every offer you could ever make, even if you'd promise me this whole fucking city. I'm just not that much into the raping and mutilating of minors as some of your people”
This caused Samantha to give her a surprised look. “Wait, what?”, she stuttered. “What kind of group are we talking about?”, she asked with suspicion in her voice. So far this seemed like a normal recruiting talk, but the stuff about raping and mutilating usually wasn't part of a normal conversation, at least outside of Qohor. What kind of hellhole was she about to enter?
Jaylon sighed. “You're really new here, aren't you, sweetie?”, he asked and Samantha narrowed her eyes. “Call me sweetie one more time and your face will meet my axe”, she snarled and saw that Sasha smirked as she heard this. Jaylon quickly raised his hands. “I meant no offence”, he said with a surprised tone in his voice. “Just made a statement. You are new in this city, right?” Samantha gave him a nod.
“Well, in this city there are two major groups fighting for control. Three if you count the city guard, but they are mostly harmless despite that bloodhound Mullendore leading them. One of these groups is the Burned Man. A complete monster, ruthless, calculating and scheming, an evil old cripple who is a bit too much into children, if you get what I mean”, Jaylon explained. He chuckled and Sasha shook his head. “And your boss is bathing in the blood of baby dragons to regain his youth”, she hissed. “If I recall, we promised to spare each other this kind of propaganda”
She looked at Samantha. “Like Jaylon said, two groups of criminals. The Burned Man and Butterfly”, she said and hearing the name of the man she was hunting caused Samantha to barely suppress a startled glare. Sasha seemed to notice it, but didn't comment on it. “The Burned Man is bad, someone I wouldn't work for, but some of the stuff Butterfly is into is bad enough to make me sick”, she said
Samantha gave her a nod. “I've heard that much”, she said and failed to hide the bleakness in her cracking voice. Sasha and Jaylon gave her curious looks, as Samantha felt rage inside of her. She gave Jaylon a furious glare. “And you're working for that Butterfly?”, she asked a bit too angry. Jaylon gave her a slight nod and raised from his chair. “I believe none of you is interested in making a lot of money?”, he asked, a bit sheepish now that Samantha put her hands on the hatchets at her belt.
Sasha slightly clapped her hands. “Once again you prove that you're not very fast, Jaylon. You know my reasons. And I believe you don't want to know her reasons”, she hissed. “Now leave, as long as you still have balls”
“You're not going anywhere”, Samantha growled, finally drawing one of her hatchets, pointing it at him as discreetly as possible. “You're going to lead me to the Butterfly, or I will kill you” To her surprise, Jaylon gave her an ugly smile instead of looking scared. “Try it, sweetie, and I will kill you. I might be wounded, but I am not a bad fighter. And if you attack me...”, he whispered and took a small look around, his smile getting wider.
Sasha followed his eyes, closing her own after a while. “How many people in here are working for you?”, she asked. Jaylon gave her his most disgusting smile. “Not all of them, but enough”, he answered. Sasha sighed. “Let him go, Samantha”, she ordered. The authoritative tone in her voice caused Samantha indeed to lower her weapon.
“What?”, she asked. She knew, Sasha had a good reason, but right now she felt six years of suppressed anger coming up. She was close, so close. The man who ordered her families death was here, so close. Butterfly, Butterfly... She closed her eyes and blinked a tear away.
“Go”, she spat and Jaylon gave her a confused look. “Don't stand around like that you ugly motherfucker. I said, GO!” She didn't need to say it again. He gave Sasha a nod. “If you change your mind, you know where to find me. Don't bring her though, she seems to have a grudge against Butterfly”
Sasha slightly smirked. “You think so?”, she asked. “Perhaps I have a grudge on him too, just not a personal one. Neither of us will work for Butterfly. It will never happen. And now go away” Jaylon gave her a reluctant nod and moved his hand towards the purse of gold on front of her, but stopped as Samantha pointed the hatchet at his forearm, ready to srike. “Leave the gold”, she snarled. Jaylon gave her another confused look. “Excuse me, but what?”, he asked.
She looked him straight in the eyes. “You heard me. Leave. The gold”, she growled with barely concealed rage. Jaylon chuckled. “Come on, girl. That's Butterfly's gold”, he said. She gave him a nod. “Exactly. That's why I'll take it from him”
Jaylon shook his head. “Come on, don't be stupid sweetie. That's not enough to die for”, he said. “Is it enough to buy you a new hand?”, Samantha asked. He narrowed his eyes. “If you force me to leave this tiny purse of money just because you think you can kick Butterfly in the nuts by doing so, you're making a terrible mistake”
“Perhaps”, she answered. “Perhaps I don't care. I've listened to your fucking talk. I held back. I held back for six fucking years. And now I'm done with that. I won't hold back anymore. Tell Butterfly, that purse is the first of many things I'm going to take from him”
Jaylon's smile vanished. “Messing with Butterfly is suicide, girl. Think again. Pick the wise choice”, he urged her, but he seemed to be a bit meek now as he noticed she wasn't joking. Part of Samantha wanted to cut off his head right now, but she knew she wouldn't leave the tavern alive if Jaylon would die here. But perhaps she could at least take his gold. It wouldn't be much but it would be a start.
[Force him to leave the money][Allow him to take the money]
Willfred
Much to Tallian's joy, Willfred had decided to choose the way to Raylansfair without splitting up. At least Willfred assumed the general was pleased, since he didn't protest against his decision. For hours, they followed the weak trail four men had left on the dirty road. In the meantime, the sun started to set, bathing the landscape in red. The direction they were heading to was sunny, but behind them, Willfred noticed dark clouds moving in their direction. There would be rain soon.
“You think he's alive?”, Willfred asked the general, who was still riding next to him. Tallian did not answer at first, just staring at the road in front of him. He finally let out a sigh after a few moments. “Your uncle Roger is a special man”, he said. “And I hold him in high regards. He has morals, but to achieve his goals he is more than willing to be pragmatic. And he has a sense of justice and duty which I miss in most of the Rock's noblemen”
“That was not an answer”, Willfred stated and Tallian shook his head. “No, it wasn't”, he answered. “I don't think that a man like Roger could die from a group of marauders. He's not the kind of man to die unceremoniously in some remote backcountry and he's not the kind of man to die as a frail old man” He slightly smiled. “No, I think Roger is the kind of man who will die charging at the enemy, staring down his killer, a battlecry on his lips. He's still alive”
This slightly pleased Willfred and he let out a sigh of relief. “How do you wish to die?”, he asked, as the thought flashed through his mind. Again, Tallian did not answer at first. “I'm not someone who fights for glory”, he answered. “I'd like to die peaceful, without pain. Preferably a natural death at an old age, or at least a quick one. And you?”
“Protecting the ones I love”, Willfred answered immediately. He had thought about this for a while now, ever since he got wounded in the small skirmish a few days ago. Luckily, the axe merely gave him a few bruises and his back was almost fully healed already, but he could have easily broken his spine. It would have been a terribly senseless and pathetic death. “I'd like to die a meaningful death, one of those that are sung in legends, to protect the ones I love”
Tallian chuckled slightly and Willfred narrowed his eyes. “Do you think this is laughable?”, he asked and the general shook his head. “Not at all. But that's exactly what Roger would have answered. You have a lot in common. A sense of justice, upholding the ideals of chivalry, a rocky relationship with Darren Reyne...”
“Leave my father out of this!”, Willfred said quickly. “That was unnecessary” Tallian shook his head. “But it might help you in bonding with your uncle. It is true, right? Your father does not approve of most of your decisions”
As Willfred did not answer, the general continued. “That's not a bad thing. A father is not all-knowing. Mine treated me like dirt until I ran away from home and look at me now. A general of the Rock's armies”
“My father does not treat me like dirt”, Willfred answered. “It's just...” “Complicated”, Tallian completed his sentence and Willfred gave him a nod without looking away from the road. “Yeah. Complicated. He disapproves of my actions, I disapprove of his views. Thinking about it, it's a wonder you two get along that badly. After all, you seem to disapprove of everything I do too”
Tallian shook his head. “That's true. I disapprove of most of your actions, because they are reckless. Your father on the other hand is too overcautious and his view on the war could cause serious harm to the kingdom if he chooses to withdraw his troops. I prefer a middle way between these two”, he said.
“And what if there is no middle way?”, Willfred asked. “What if you are forced to choose, between my father's view and mine?” Again, Tallian was silent for a moment. “If there is no middle way”, he said. “I'll make one”
They stopped the same moment as the soldier in front of them stopped. “What is it?”, Tallian snarled. The soldier pointed at the distance. “A building. Perhaps a larger farmhouse, or a small inn”, he said.
“Both would be a good hideout for fleeing bandits. You see any horses?”, the general asked. The soldier shook his head. “A small stable”, he answered. Tallian slowly patted his belly. “An inn would be welcomed. I could use something to eat. And perhaps we'll even find Roger”
As they rode closer towards the building, Willfred realized that it was indeed an inn, albeit a shabby one, barely different than a farmhouse. Sudden movement in the bushes next to him startled him and he stopped his horse. The soldiers seem to notice it too, as they stopped almost simultaneously, pointing their pikes at two men who walked onto the road. They had darker skin than most Westerosi, except perhaps the Dornish. They were armed, one of them with a long sword, the other with a bow, albeit they weren't pointing them at the soldiers.
The man with the sword had very dark skin, similar to the sandy Dornishmen of the desert areas of Dorne. He was wearing a blackened armour over his large and muscular body, but no helmet, showing very short, curly hair and a lean, but strong face. Dark brown eyes carefully watched them, but he showed no hostility.
The other man, the one with the bow, held the weapon in his hand, but kept his arrows in a quiver at the side of his body. He was a bit shorter and his skin was a bit lighter, similar to the olive skin of the stony Dornishmen of the coastline. He had a handsome face and bright green eyes, his dark hair swept back behind his ears.
As the men approached the soldiers, the archer made a short bow, while the swordsman looked sternly, clenching his teeth. “Greetings”, the archer said. “What leads a band of soldiers into these remote area? You misplaced your war?”
“I'Lian...”, the swordsman hissed with a gentle voice. “Not a good time” The archer gave him a short nod, before looking at Willfred and his soldiers again. “Perhaps we should introduce ourselves. My name is I'Lian. This grumpy giant next to me is my brother Jaro. May I ask your names?”
“You may”, Tallian answered. “But you won't receive an answer. And now get out of our way” The archer narrowed his eyes. “How rude. You are not from here, right? The people here are shockingly polite”
“What gave us away?”, Willfred asked. “His manners or the colour of our tabards?” He gave them the hint of a nod, albeit he remained cautious. These men seemed to be alone, but he wouldn't be too surprised if they would have a dozen men in the surrounding bushes, ready to ambush them. A highborn hostage like him and an influential man like Vashord Tallian would be every highwayman's wet dream. “We are not from here and we don't intend to stay. We're looking for someone”
“Aren't we all?”, I'Lian said with a smile. “I'm pretty sure you're going to find someone in this area, but I'm afraid I have to ask you, do you intend to enter that inn in your search?”
“Quite possible”, Tallian growled, putting a hand on the hilt of his sword. “Do you intend to stop us?” I'Lian shook his head. “Not with force”, he said. “We are no match for a dozen soldiers. But perhaps you're open for reason”
“I'Lian”, the swordsman, Jaro, hissed, looking at the soldiers. “Excuse my brother. He has a habit of talking too much. We are sellswords, on our way to the city of Raylansfair, where we want to meet a few friends” He paused, looking towards the inn behind them. “Unfortunately we were stopped from meeting up with them a few days ago, when we met a man”
“A man?”, Tallian asked with suspicion in his voice. “Aye”, I'Lian answered. “Someone” Jaro sighed and shook his head. “Ser Roger Hill”, he explained and his face formed a slight smile, the first emotion besides his stoic expression Willfred saw from him. He noticed that he was smiling at him. “I saw your reaction. He's the someone you're looking for, am I right?”
Willfred gave him a nod. “I'm not a good liar”, he said. “Yes, we are looking for him. Where is he?” Now it was up to I'Lian to give him a suspicious look. “Why?”, he asked. “Why are you looking for him?”
“We're friends”, Tallian answered immediately and truthfully. “Looking for him in a matter of our own business. But rest assured, it is nothing that would harm him” I'Lian shook his head. “Let me be the judge of that”, he answered. “You are planning to enter that inn, right?”
Willfred gave him a nod. “Indeed. Does it matter?” Jaro took a step forwards, but stopped as the soldiers pointed their pikes at him. “Easy now”, he said. “We are no enemies. We travelled with Roger, chased these bandits with him. He ordered us to prevent anyone from entering that inn, at least directly. He said he has a plan and that it would be dangerous for anyone to use the front door”
He looked towards the inn. “That was half an hour ago. Nobody left the inn since then. And nobody noticed us. Listen, I know you have no reason to trust us, but if Roger is your friend, you shouldn't go against his wishes. Come with us through the backdoor” He pointed at Willfred and Tallian. “You and you, I would say. Too many soldiers could draw attention and put Roger at risk. Alternatively you could storm the building, albeit this could be dangerous for you, your men and for Roger. We can't stop you, it's your decision”
Willfred and Tallian looked at each other. “Do you trust them?”, Willfred asked. Tallian shook his head. “Not at all”, he snarled. “They know Roger, but that doesn't prove anything” He sighed. “But if the past weeks proved one thing, then it's the fact that I'm not the one giving the orders here. Do what you want, boy”
[Sneak with Jaro and I'Lian through the backdoor][Storm the inn]
Samantha
Staying or leaving? Well, it was not as if she had any lead where to find Lunett. She might as well stay around for a while, thi… mores Jaylon looked like a well-connected man at least. No, that was lie. Technically he hardly looked like a man at all, with his huge head and and his pathetic excuse of a beard. But he looked like a grumkin who was working for a well-connected man.
She leant back and gave Jaylon her brightest smile. “Hey, I have nothing to do right now”, she said. “What are we talking about?” Sasha gave her a short glare and shook her head. “You should have left, girl”, she mumbled. Jaylon on the other hand seemed to be pleased. “Good. That's good. I came to hire one mercenary. Looks like I get two”, he said. Sasha looked at her Arakh that still lay on the table. “Or none”, she answered and glared at him. “What do you want?”
Jaylon moved his hand towards the hilt of his sword and Samantha noticed that Sasha immediate… [view original content]
Samantha
Staying or leaving? Well, it was not as if she had any lead where to find Lunett. She might as well stay around for a while, thi… mores Jaylon looked like a well-connected man at least. No, that was lie. Technically he hardly looked like a man at all, with his huge head and and his pathetic excuse of a beard. But he looked like a grumkin who was working for a well-connected man.
She leant back and gave Jaylon her brightest smile. “Hey, I have nothing to do right now”, she said. “What are we talking about?” Sasha gave her a short glare and shook her head. “You should have left, girl”, she mumbled. Jaylon on the other hand seemed to be pleased. “Good. That's good. I came to hire one mercenary. Looks like I get two”, he said. Sasha looked at her Arakh that still lay on the table. “Or none”, she answered and glared at him. “What do you want?”
Jaylon moved his hand towards the hilt of his sword and Samantha noticed that Sasha immediate… [view original content]
[Force him to leave the money] because money are good, shiny and they bring healthy or long life also Jaylon doesn't need that purse, I'm just joking but I want that money. [Storm in the inn] they look friendly and good people, apparently. If it was to my choice let Jaro and I'Lian sneak through the backdoor while we storm the inn, synced and say something like a surprise mother fucker!
Samantha
Staying or leaving? Well, it was not as if she had any lead where to find Lunett. She might as well stay around for a while, thi… mores Jaylon looked like a well-connected man at least. No, that was lie. Technically he hardly looked like a man at all, with his huge head and and his pathetic excuse of a beard. But he looked like a grumkin who was working for a well-connected man.
She leant back and gave Jaylon her brightest smile. “Hey, I have nothing to do right now”, she said. “What are we talking about?” Sasha gave her a short glare and shook her head. “You should have left, girl”, she mumbled. Jaylon on the other hand seemed to be pleased. “Good. That's good. I came to hire one mercenary. Looks like I get two”, he said. Sasha looked at her Arakh that still lay on the table. “Or none”, she answered and glared at him. “What do you want?”
Jaylon moved his hand towards the hilt of his sword and Samantha noticed that Sasha immediate… [view original content]
Samantha
Staying or leaving? Well, it was not as if she had any lead where to find Lunett. She might as well stay around for a while, thi… mores Jaylon looked like a well-connected man at least. No, that was lie. Technically he hardly looked like a man at all, with his huge head and and his pathetic excuse of a beard. But he looked like a grumkin who was working for a well-connected man.
She leant back and gave Jaylon her brightest smile. “Hey, I have nothing to do right now”, she said. “What are we talking about?” Sasha gave her a short glare and shook her head. “You should have left, girl”, she mumbled. Jaylon on the other hand seemed to be pleased. “Good. That's good. I came to hire one mercenary. Looks like I get two”, he said. Sasha looked at her Arakh that still lay on the table. “Or none”, she answered and glared at him. “What do you want?”
Jaylon moved his hand towards the hilt of his sword and Samantha noticed that Sasha immediate… [view original content]
Samantha
Staying or leaving? Well, it was not as if she had any lead where to find Lunett. She might as well stay around for a while, thi… mores Jaylon looked like a well-connected man at least. No, that was lie. Technically he hardly looked like a man at all, with his huge head and and his pathetic excuse of a beard. But he looked like a grumkin who was working for a well-connected man.
She leant back and gave Jaylon her brightest smile. “Hey, I have nothing to do right now”, she said. “What are we talking about?” Sasha gave her a short glare and shook her head. “You should have left, girl”, she mumbled. Jaylon on the other hand seemed to be pleased. “Good. That's good. I came to hire one mercenary. Looks like I get two”, he said. Sasha looked at her Arakh that still lay on the table. “Or none”, she answered and glared at him. “What do you want?”
Jaylon moved his hand towards the hilt of his sword and Samantha noticed that Sasha immediate… [view original content]
Samantha
Staying or leaving? Well, it was not as if she had any lead where to find Lunett. She might as well stay around for a while, thi… mores Jaylon looked like a well-connected man at least. No, that was lie. Technically he hardly looked like a man at all, with his huge head and and his pathetic excuse of a beard. But he looked like a grumkin who was working for a well-connected man.
She leant back and gave Jaylon her brightest smile. “Hey, I have nothing to do right now”, she said. “What are we talking about?” Sasha gave her a short glare and shook her head. “You should have left, girl”, she mumbled. Jaylon on the other hand seemed to be pleased. “Good. That's good. I came to hire one mercenary. Looks like I get two”, he said. Sasha looked at her Arakh that still lay on the table. “Or none”, she answered and glared at him. “What do you want?”
Jaylon moved his hand towards the hilt of his sword and Samantha noticed that Sasha immediate… [view original content]
Samantha
Staying or leaving? Well, it was not as if she had any lead where to find Lunett. She might as well stay around for a while, thi… mores Jaylon looked like a well-connected man at least. No, that was lie. Technically he hardly looked like a man at all, with his huge head and and his pathetic excuse of a beard. But he looked like a grumkin who was working for a well-connected man.
She leant back and gave Jaylon her brightest smile. “Hey, I have nothing to do right now”, she said. “What are we talking about?” Sasha gave her a short glare and shook her head. “You should have left, girl”, she mumbled. Jaylon on the other hand seemed to be pleased. “Good. That's good. I came to hire one mercenary. Looks like I get two”, he said. Sasha looked at her Arakh that still lay on the table. “Or none”, she answered and glared at him. “What do you want?”
Jaylon moved his hand towards the hilt of his sword and Samantha noticed that Sasha immediate… [view original content]
Samantha
Staying or leaving? Well, it was not as if she had any lead where to find Lunett. She might as well stay around for a while, thi… mores Jaylon looked like a well-connected man at least. No, that was lie. Technically he hardly looked like a man at all, with his huge head and and his pathetic excuse of a beard. But he looked like a grumkin who was working for a well-connected man.
She leant back and gave Jaylon her brightest smile. “Hey, I have nothing to do right now”, she said. “What are we talking about?” Sasha gave her a short glare and shook her head. “You should have left, girl”, she mumbled. Jaylon on the other hand seemed to be pleased. “Good. That's good. I came to hire one mercenary. Looks like I get two”, he said. Sasha looked at her Arakh that still lay on the table. “Or none”, she answered and glared at him. “What do you want?”
Jaylon moved his hand towards the hilt of his sword and Samantha noticed that Sasha immediate… [view original content]
[Allow him to take the money] [Storm the inn]
Great parts again! However I must nitpick that the term propaganda seems a little out of place in Westeros, a little too modern
[Force him to leave the money] GOLD
[Storm the inn]
https://youtube.com/watch?v=1gehTA2DTcE
sandy Dornishmen of the desert areas of Dorne.
This was a weird line. Lol
Poll: http://strawpoll.me/4444713
[Allow him to take the money] Being brave and being stupid are two different things. Lets just scare the fool a little and get some respect from Sasha.
[Storm the inn]I cannot think of a better first impression than storming through the windows and doors, shotguns in hand, blowing away all signs of life in sight.
Samantha
Staying or leaving? Well, it was not as if she had any lead where to find Lunett. She might as well stay around for a while, thi… mores Jaylon looked like a well-connected man at least. No, that was lie. Technically he hardly looked like a man at all, with his huge head and and his pathetic excuse of a beard. But he looked like a grumkin who was working for a well-connected man.
She leant back and gave Jaylon her brightest smile. “Hey, I have nothing to do right now”, she said. “What are we talking about?” Sasha gave her a short glare and shook her head. “You should have left, girl”, she mumbled. Jaylon on the other hand seemed to be pleased. “Good. That's good. I came to hire one mercenary. Looks like I get two”, he said. Sasha looked at her Arakh that still lay on the table. “Or none”, she answered and glared at him. “What do you want?”
Jaylon moved his hand towards the hilt of his sword and Samantha noticed that Sasha immediate… [view original content]
Samantha
Staying or leaving? Well, it was not as if she had any lead where to find Lunett. She might as well stay around for a while, thi… mores Jaylon looked like a well-connected man at least. No, that was lie. Technically he hardly looked like a man at all, with his huge head and and his pathetic excuse of a beard. But he looked like a grumkin who was working for a well-connected man.
She leant back and gave Jaylon her brightest smile. “Hey, I have nothing to do right now”, she said. “What are we talking about?” Sasha gave her a short glare and shook her head. “You should have left, girl”, she mumbled. Jaylon on the other hand seemed to be pleased. “Good. That's good. I came to hire one mercenary. Looks like I get two”, he said. Sasha looked at her Arakh that still lay on the table. “Or none”, she answered and glared at him. “What do you want?”
Jaylon moved his hand towards the hilt of his sword and Samantha noticed that Sasha immediate… [view original content]
Samantha
Staying or leaving? Well, it was not as if she had any lead where to find Lunett. She might as well stay around for a while, thi… mores Jaylon looked like a well-connected man at least. No, that was lie. Technically he hardly looked like a man at all, with his huge head and and his pathetic excuse of a beard. But he looked like a grumkin who was working for a well-connected man.
She leant back and gave Jaylon her brightest smile. “Hey, I have nothing to do right now”, she said. “What are we talking about?” Sasha gave her a short glare and shook her head. “You should have left, girl”, she mumbled. Jaylon on the other hand seemed to be pleased. “Good. That's good. I came to hire one mercenary. Looks like I get two”, he said. Sasha looked at her Arakh that still lay on the table. “Or none”, she answered and glared at him. “What do you want?”
Jaylon moved his hand towards the hilt of his sword and Samantha noticed that Sasha immediate… [view original content]
Samantha
Staying or leaving? Well, it was not as if she had any lead where to find Lunett. She might as well stay around for a while, thi… mores Jaylon looked like a well-connected man at least. No, that was lie. Technically he hardly looked like a man at all, with his huge head and and his pathetic excuse of a beard. But he looked like a grumkin who was working for a well-connected man.
She leant back and gave Jaylon her brightest smile. “Hey, I have nothing to do right now”, she said. “What are we talking about?” Sasha gave her a short glare and shook her head. “You should have left, girl”, she mumbled. Jaylon on the other hand seemed to be pleased. “Good. That's good. I came to hire one mercenary. Looks like I get two”, he said. Sasha looked at her Arakh that still lay on the table. “Or none”, she answered and glared at him. “What do you want?”
Jaylon moved his hand towards the hilt of his sword and Samantha noticed that Sasha immediate… [view original content]
Samantha
Staying or leaving? Well, it was not as if she had any lead where to find Lunett. She might as well stay around for a while, thi… mores Jaylon looked like a well-connected man at least. No, that was lie. Technically he hardly looked like a man at all, with his huge head and and his pathetic excuse of a beard. But he looked like a grumkin who was working for a well-connected man.
She leant back and gave Jaylon her brightest smile. “Hey, I have nothing to do right now”, she said. “What are we talking about?” Sasha gave her a short glare and shook her head. “You should have left, girl”, she mumbled. Jaylon on the other hand seemed to be pleased. “Good. That's good. I came to hire one mercenary. Looks like I get two”, he said. Sasha looked at her Arakh that still lay on the table. “Or none”, she answered and glared at him. “What do you want?”
Jaylon moved his hand towards the hilt of his sword and Samantha noticed that Sasha immediate… [view original content]
Samantha will force Jaylon to leave the money behind
Willfred will order his soldiers to storm the inn
I know, I'm closing the voting a little bit earlier than usual. Sorry for everyone who had no time to vote yet. However, writing made some good progress and I'm sure that I will be able to finish the next part today, even though the new episode just came out. While I'm downloading it, I'll try my best to finish it. If I'm not finishing the part in the next hour, it'll be out a few hours later, after I hopefully had the chance to kick some Whitehill arse, but definitely before I'll go to bed. Since I'm sure that most of you are going to play the episode today, I don't really expect a lot of voting activity in the next few hours, but know that the part is here as soon as you have time. Since I'm probably going to be busy over the next two days, there is a good chance that next voting will be open a bit longer.
Looking through the poll revealed that most of you have a very healthy opinion on the Oldtown gang war. 75% chose to leave the city, which is without a doubt the best course of action for Samantha. 25% chose to support the Burned Man, which would probably be Samantha's side of choice if she had to pick one. Samantha working for Butterfly won't happen, mainly because of all the dead family stuff, not if she can prevent it at least. Sadly, she's hellbent on revenge, which means that she will probably see the situation a little bit different.
Samantha
Staying or leaving? Well, it was not as if she had any lead where to find Lunett. She might as well stay around for a while, thi… mores Jaylon looked like a well-connected man at least. No, that was lie. Technically he hardly looked like a man at all, with his huge head and and his pathetic excuse of a beard. But he looked like a grumkin who was working for a well-connected man.
She leant back and gave Jaylon her brightest smile. “Hey, I have nothing to do right now”, she said. “What are we talking about?” Sasha gave her a short glare and shook her head. “You should have left, girl”, she mumbled. Jaylon on the other hand seemed to be pleased. “Good. That's good. I came to hire one mercenary. Looks like I get two”, he said. Sasha looked at her Arakh that still lay on the table. “Or none”, she answered and glared at him. “What do you want?”
Jaylon moved his hand towards the hilt of his sword and Samantha noticed that Sasha immediate… [view original content]
For a moment, Torvin was about to grab the bow out of Hjalgar's shaking hands. But he saw the look in Harmund's eyes. The prince wasn't in a mood for such insubordination. He was only looking for an excuse to spill some blood. The captured man on the other hand was still crying, desperately praying to the Seven to save him.
“Come on, Hjalgar”, Torvin tried to encourage the boy. “You can do it! It's not different from shooting at an animal” The frightening glare of Harmund Hoare shifted from Hjalgar to him and Torvin would have shivered, if it wasn't for his desperate attempts to suppress the urge to attack this dark-eyed son of a whore. His hands were shaking, but he managed to look him in the eyes, until Harmund got bored.
Hjalgar on the other hand gave him a frightened stare. “You... you're lying”, he said. “It's nothing like shooting at animals. Animals don't beg for mercy, animals don't cry and they don't...” He stopped as Harmund growled something unintelligible, causing the boy to shiver.
“You are pathetic”, Rell said, looking at Hjalgar. “Your father should have drowned you as soon as you left your mothers womb” This time, Torvin saw something else in Hjalgar's eyes. The fear started to disappear, replaced by rage. And then Torvin realized how he could motivate the boy.
“Rell speaks the truth”, he said, causing surprised looks from Hjalgar, Rell and Harlan. Harmund on the other hand shifted his attention back at him, looking curious, albeit the bloodthirsty look in his eyes only intensified. “What have you said?”, Hjalgar asked, his voice slightly cracking.
“You heard me”, Torvin answered. “You are pathetic. A weak excuse for an Ironborn. Even Gabin here has more iron inside of him and he's a fucking fish” A she said that, he saw a hurt look in Gabin's eyes. It did not matter. He wasn't here to make friends.
“Your father should have drowned your mother as soon as she became pregnant with you”, he continued, noticing a smirk on Rell's face. Harmund on the other hand wasn't smirking. The bright flames of the hunting parties torches reflected in his dark eyes. Torvin gulped before he continued “He would have done this world a favour”, he growled
This caused Hjalgar to scream in rage Before Torvin could react, he had shot an arrow at the captured man, hitting him right in the face, impaling his left eye. The man sank to the ground, immediately dead. Torvin had seen worse deaths. The man whould have been thankful that it had been Hjalgar who killed him and not Harmund Hoare.
“Finally”, the prince snarled with a low voice. “It was about time” He grabbed Hjalgar at the shoulders. The boy seemed to be too shocked about himself to be scared. “If I ever order you to do something again, do it immediately”
He let go of Hjalgar, who was approached by Gabin, and instead walked closer towards Torvin. “Is anything the matter, my prince?”, Torvin asked, ignoring his shivering hands. He had a knife. It would be easy. “You think you're so fucking smart”, Harmund growled. “Provoking that boy until he snaps. And nobody noticed it, not even Rell. They all respect him now, even though he deserves no respect”
The princes hand moved to an elegant dagger strapped to his belt and Torvin noticed that his heart started to beat faster. “You think you're so clever...”, Harmund growled as he moved closer, speaking almost tender, but undeniably bloodthirsty. “Perhaps I should end you right here, gut you like a pig, to show them what happens to little cunts who don't know their place. How would you like that? Not so clever now, are you?”
Torvin was about to answer, when another voice caught his attention. “Harmund!”, Harlan shouted, walking towards them. “Leave him be, brother. Has he angered you?” Harmund took a step back and Torvin noticed that he held the dagger in his hands now. “Not as much as you have”, he growled.
Harlan gulped, his eyes shifting to Torvin, signalling him to move away from them. “A lovely night, isn't it?” Harmund did not answer, at least not with words. In a swift movement, he slammed his fist into Harlan's face, sending his brother to the ground. Torvin felt a strange relief as he noticed that it wasn't the fist that held the dagger. “It is”, Harmund said with a smirk on his lips. “And now get up on your feet, you worthless bastard. That was an order!”
Harlan almost jumped to his feet, blood flowing out of his nose. For a moment, Torvin almost felt pity for him. No one, no matter how awful, deserved to be Harmund Hoare's younger brother. And now he had a good idea how Harlan had turned into the psychopath he was today. The younger prince forced himself to smile. “Yes! Thank you, brother!”, he said, albeit his voice shivered in fear as he noticed that Harmund was still holding the dagger in his hands.
“And now go, search your little bitch. Get out of my eyes before I get angry”, Harmund growled, turning around to his men. “To the horses! We've wasted enough time here!”, he shouted as he was walking towards his horse. His loyal dogs started to walk after him, their snouts still stained with blood.
Harlan turned towards Torvin, Gabin and Hjalgar, wiping his still bleeding nose. “Fuck, fuck, fucking Harmund...”, he mumbled as soon as the hunting party started to move away, albeit he seemed to be careful enough not to speak too loudly. Even now, Torvin saw the fear in his eyes.
“Prince Harlan”, he said, feeling the need to say anything. Gabin and Hjalgar stayed silent. The boy still seemed to be shocked by his own actions and Gabin comforted him. Harlan's attention shifted towards him and the look in his eyes was murderous. “I...”, Torvin stuttered. “Thank you. Harmund was about to...”
“Shut up...”, Harlan growled with a sullen voice. “Just, shut the fuck up!” He looked towards the hunting party in the distance. “I know what he was about to do. Trust me, I know exactly what he is capable of”
He walked closer towards Torvin, clenching his fists. “Fuck Harmund”, he growled and before Torvin could react, Harlan delivered a punch to his stomach, sending him to the ground. The punch wasn't that strong, but Torvin felt obliged to fall to the ground, in an attempt to please Harlan. He wasn't in the mood to beat a prince up right now. He was in a mood to kill a prince, but not this prince.
“And fuck you!” Harlan's voice got louder now. “For now he'll find some whores to torment, but when he's back at Harrenhal who do you think has to endure his bad mood? Fuck! You! For provoking him!” He stopped for a moment, breathing heavily. “You think you got it bad from him? Try to be his younger brother! Try to be Harren fucking Hoare's secondborn fucking son for a single fucking day!” With these words, he let out a scream full of rage and violently kicked Torvin in the side, pressing the air out of his lungs.
Immediately after he kicked him, Torvin rolled to his back, coughing. This time, it was no act. The kick was hard, the pain in his ribs severe and he hoped that nothing was broken. He saw Harlan breathing heavily, sending him a murderous glare. However, the prince closed his eyes and as he opened them again, Torvin saw regret.
“Fuck...”, he mumbled, reaching down to pull Torvin back up on his feet. Torvin let out a pained grunt as Harlan patted him on his back, carefully avoiding to touch his ribs. “Fuck, I didn't want to do it, not that hard”, he mumbled. “It's just... Harmund has this effect on me, on everyone. But especially on me. Are we... I mean... Sorry?”, he asked and Torvin gave him a nod. This was not the time to antagonize Harlan. His time would come, eventually. “There's no need to apologize”, Torvin answered.
Harlan gave him a visibly forced smile. “Liar”, he mumbled, turning towards the forest. “This was supposed to be a lovely night, but my brother had to fuck it up again. As always...” He sighed. “But perhaps there'll be some fun after all. A good hunt, just the thing I need right now” He grinned as he looked back at Torvin. “Let's hope that bitch gives us some good sport. Let's hope we can make her pay!”
As they walked into the forest, Torvin asked himself how exactly they should find a girl, especially one that was clever enough not to go to that death trap of a farm. Harmund had left them no hounds and no expert trackers. Of course, there was Hjalgar, but Torvin had no doubt that the boy would do anything to prevent finding the girls trail. And then he realized, Harmund never wanted them to find the girl, he just wanted to get his brother out of the way. And as he looked back at Harlan, he noticed that the younger prince seemed to start realizing this too.
“He gave us no hounds...”, Harlan mumbled. “Fucker...” Immediately after he said this, he looked up, alarmed, towards the rest of his group. “Don't tell him!”, he urged them and for a moment his voice sounded irrationally panicked.
“We won't, my prince”, Gabin said softly, with routine in his voice. “But it is true”, Harlan mumbled. “He gave us no hounds. We will never find this girl, not if she's good at hiding” He looked up, towards Torvin and for a moment, his eyes showed something resembling respect. “What... what should we do?”, he asked.
“Are you valuing my opinion over your own, my prince?”, Torvin asked surprised. Harlan shook his head. “Of course not!”, he hissed. “But... but a good prince listens to the advice of his friends, right?” He looked at Torvin, anticipating a decision. Torvin knew, inside of this nightly forest they had close to no chances of finding the girl. And he didn't really want to find her, just so that she could amuse Harlan in the last painful moments of her life. Perhaps returning to Harrenhal would be the best for their small group. Harmund wouldn't be too thrilled about this, sure. But Torvin was certain that Harmund wouldn't be too thrilled about anything they could do right now. It was all just a question how much he was willing to go against the wishes of a man who has horrible enough to make his monster of a younger brother look like a pitiable wimp in comparison.
[Advise him to continue the hunt][Advise him to return to Harrenhal]
Ellena
“I agree. Give me the letter and Terroma will get it tonight”, Ellena said. The Burned Man gave her a slow, pleased nod, his mouth forming a warm smile. “That is the right decision”, he answered. “I know, you don't trust me and you have all the right not to do it. I don't expect people to trust me. But this is beneficial for all of us. For me, for Terroma, perhaps ultimately even for you. If we can put our mistrust aside and work together, we can achieve great things” He leant forwards, intensely staring at Ellena out of his dark brown eyes. “That's all I ask for”, he said, his deep voice sounding calm and reassuring.
If it weren't for the circumstances and if it weren't for his occupation, Ellena realized that she could have liked him. He had something warm and pleasant inside of him, something almost fatherly. But his friendliness was uncomfortably out of place every time she remembered what kind of man he was. The fact that he was the lesser evil in this city was unsettling.
“And my friends will be protected?”, she asked. The Burned Man gave her a nod. “I swear it. And I stay true to my word, always”, he answered. Something in his voice made Ellena believe him. Perhaps she just wanted to believe him for once.
“And this letter? What are his contents?”, she asked. The Burned Man sighed. “You can read it if you must. I advise you against it, since it involves details you might regret to learn”, he answered. “But it mainly involves information about Butterfly and his associates, the little things I know at least”
Before he could elaborate on this, they got interrupted as the door was opened again. Harpy entered the room and from what Ellena saw, her serene facial expression was gone. Instead, she looked all churned up, barely looking at Ellena, focusing her stare on the Burned Man.
“We have to talk”, she said, the Ghiscari accent in her voice sounding stronger than before, just as her voice sounded more worried. “Now” The Burned Man gave her a tender look, before looking back at Ellena. “I'm afraid we have to postpone this meeting, Ellena”, he said immediately. “Could you do me the honour of waiting until I have talked to Harpy?”
Ellena stood up from her chair and shrugged. “Not like I have a choice, right?”, she asked. The Burned Man smirked as he heard this and shook his head. “I'm afraid not. I'll write the letter for Terroma and will give it to you as soon as you want to leave”
“The sooner the better”, Ellena mumbled, causing a short glare from Harpy and an almost amused look from the Burned Man. The girl leant down to Ellena, softly grabbing her shoulders. “Listen, we have a few guests right now in the entrance hall. You know one of them”, she said and a short smile flashed across her face. “Your friend, Jaron”
“Jaron is here?”, Ellena asked baffled. “But I thought he...” She smiled. Suddenly this mansion didn't seem so hostile to her anymore. “I'll talk to him!”, she said enthusiastically. Harpy gave her a nod, pulling her hands away from Ellena's shoulder. “The other two are Martin and Robb. Martin can be a pain in the ass, but he is alright. Keep an eye on Robb though. He's... a bit complicated”, she advised her, before looking up to the Burned Man. “And he is one of the reasons why we have to talk”
The Burned Man nodded at Ellena and she understood. “I'll be waiting in the entrance hall”, she said, moving out of the room. She closed the door behind her and noticed that it was noticeably colder in the hallway than it was inside of the Burned Man's room. For a moment, she was tempted to eavesdrop, but any hope of catching some snippets of the conversation was immediately destroyed as she heard Harpy quickly talking in the guttural, outlandish language of the Ghiscari, a language she barely understood when spoken slowly and not through a door. Frustrated, she turned around, walking down the dark hallway towards the brightly illuminated entrance hall.
“Or maybe you see the truth in what I say. We started the same way in this city. We have a lot in common, Ser Bastard”, a man snarled as Ellena entered the room. She saw Jaron, who had his back turned to her, holding a raggedy looking man with an unkempt black beard, his good arm raised to a punch. Next to him stood a tall and handsome man with brown hair who was also the first to notice her. He opened his mouth, the same moment as Jaron pushed the other man back into his chair. “You're not worth it”, he growled.
“Knew you'd show some common sense, Ser Bastard”, the man said with an infuriating smile as his glance fell on Ellena. “Or perhaps you're one of those people who refuse to hit others when children are watching” With these words, he gave Ellena a cold stare and she responded by narrowing her eyes.
Jaron turned around and she saw the surprise in his face. “Ellena? What are you...”, he said, but didn't manage to continue, as she ran towards him to hug him. She remembered too late that his ribs were still far from being healed, as he let out a pained grunt. Nonetheless, he reciprocated the hug and for a short moment, Ellena felt happy to have a friend here.
“What are you doing here, Ellena?”, Jaron said gently pushing her away. The man behind him, the man Jaron had almost beaten up, formed a wide grin with his ugly mouth, revealing crooked teeth. “Looks like the Burned Man found a new kid to do his dirty work”, he said. Before Jaron or Ellena could answer anything, the third man cleared his throat. “Fuck off, Robb”, he said. “Or else I'll finish what I started”
“Martin...”, Jaron said swiftly, before looking back at Ellena. “What are you doing here? I thought you were at the Princess” She gave him a nod. “I was”, she explained. “Until these disgusting men came. Samuel and Jaylon and... and a third one” Seven Hells, she didn't even knew his name! She had killed him and never even cared for his name...
“Samuel wounded the captain and when Moreo tried to intervene he... he...”, she said and closed her eyes for a moment. She still had Moreo's knife with her, resting at her belt. Jaron's gaze fell upon it and she saw the sadness in his eyes. “They wanted to take me and Talea back to their boss, this Butterfly”, she continued. “I tried to run away and...” She stopped as the memories of her stabbing the third man flashed through her. “They tried to stop me. They failed. Two men, Bakr and this creep Abbas helped me, they chased them off”
“So they have been useful after all...”, Jaron said. “Never thought I'd be happy about Abbas' presence in this city” Ellena shook her head. “I don't like him”, she said. “Bakr is alright, I guess, but Abbas is...” She stopped as she remembered where she was and who Abbas was working for. “The Burned Man offered protection for the crew”, she continued to explain. “And I agreed to do him a favour”
She realized that she had said something wrong as she saw a moment of anger in Jaron's usually calm face. “A favour?”, he hissed. “You are a child! And he is a....” He paused for a moment, glaring at the man he had almost beaten up. “Don't you even dare to say a single word now!” The anger in his voice came as a complete shock for Ellena.
“I'm not a child anymore”, Ellena answered quickly, in an attempt to calm him down. “I'm almost thirteen! Besides, it's only a small favour, I'm not working for him. A one-time deal and it also favours Terroma”
“Terroma!”, Jaron said, apparently just remembering that the old man had been in similar danger. “What happened to him?” Ellena looked to the other men and waited for a moment before responding. “He escaped, of course. Albeit I wished he would have stayed. He would have killed these men”, she said and the sharp tone in her voice surprised her. “He is hiding in the city. I know the place. And that's why the Burned Man wants me to deliver a letter to him, detailing information about Butterfly”
“And when do you intend to leave?”, Jaron asked. “Do you want to stay the night here?” She shook her head. “Not if I can prevent it. The sooner I get this over with the better. I'll leave as soon as the Burned Man has finished the letter and intend to deliver it on my way back”
This caused Jaron to give the third man an alarmed glare. “Seven Hells...”, he mumbled. “You can't be serious! Walking through this city at night is dangerous enough for me! That's too dangerous for you” Ellena shook her head. “I'm smaller than you. I'm faster than you. And I don't intend to stay any longer here than I have to”
Jaron let out a sigh. “You're stubborn, you know that?”, he said and gave her a defeated smile. She smirked at him. “Never heard that one before”, she chuckled. “Still... it's dangerous out there”, Jaron urged her. “Please, stay the night” She shook her head. “No chance”, she answered. The earlier she left this place behind the better!
The third man, who had barely spoken so far, finally joined the conversation. He gave Ellena a friendly smile. “Eh, Jaron”, he said. “I could go with her. I know this city like no other and no one will dare to attack me” He looked at Ellena. “My name is Martin. I could protect you, so that our brave knight can sleep well tonight. What do you say?”
She mustered him from head to toe. He really looked like an experienced warrior, a man she would feel save with as long as he was around. And she knew how dangerous this city was. On the other hand, he was working for the Burned Man. If she accepted his help, this would also mean leading him right to Terroma's hideout and who knew what the Burned Man had planned for her friend...
Torvin
For a moment, Torvin was about to grab the bow out of Hjalgar's shaking hands. But he saw the look in Harmund's eyes. The prince w… moreasn't in a mood for such insubordination. He was only looking for an excuse to spill some blood. The captured man on the other hand was still crying, desperately praying to the Seven to save him.
“Come on, Hjalgar”, Torvin tried to encourage the boy. “You can do it! It's not different from shooting at an animal” The frightening glare of Harmund Hoare shifted from Hjalgar to him and Torvin would have shivered, if it wasn't for his desperate attempts to suppress the urge to attack this dark-eyed son of a whore. His hands were shaking, but he managed to look him in the eyes, until Harmund got bored.
Hjalgar on the other hand gave him a frightened stare. “You... you're lying”, he said. “It's nothing like shooting at animals. Animals don't beg for mercy, animals don't cry and they don't...” He stopped as… [view original content]
Torvin
For a moment, Torvin was about to grab the bow out of Hjalgar's shaking hands. But he saw the look in Harmund's eyes. The prince w… moreasn't in a mood for such insubordination. He was only looking for an excuse to spill some blood. The captured man on the other hand was still crying, desperately praying to the Seven to save him.
“Come on, Hjalgar”, Torvin tried to encourage the boy. “You can do it! It's not different from shooting at an animal” The frightening glare of Harmund Hoare shifted from Hjalgar to him and Torvin would have shivered, if it wasn't for his desperate attempts to suppress the urge to attack this dark-eyed son of a whore. His hands were shaking, but he managed to look him in the eyes, until Harmund got bored.
Hjalgar on the other hand gave him a frightened stare. “You... you're lying”, he said. “It's nothing like shooting at animals. Animals don't beg for mercy, animals don't cry and they don't...” He stopped as… [view original content]
Torvin
For a moment, Torvin was about to grab the bow out of Hjalgar's shaking hands. But he saw the look in Harmund's eyes. The prince w… moreasn't in a mood for such insubordination. He was only looking for an excuse to spill some blood. The captured man on the other hand was still crying, desperately praying to the Seven to save him.
“Come on, Hjalgar”, Torvin tried to encourage the boy. “You can do it! It's not different from shooting at an animal” The frightening glare of Harmund Hoare shifted from Hjalgar to him and Torvin would have shivered, if it wasn't for his desperate attempts to suppress the urge to attack this dark-eyed son of a whore. His hands were shaking, but he managed to look him in the eyes, until Harmund got bored.
Hjalgar on the other hand gave him a frightened stare. “You... you're lying”, he said. “It's nothing like shooting at animals. Animals don't beg for mercy, animals don't cry and they don't...” He stopped as… [view original content]
Torvin
For a moment, Torvin was about to grab the bow out of Hjalgar's shaking hands. But he saw the look in Harmund's eyes. The prince w… moreasn't in a mood for such insubordination. He was only looking for an excuse to spill some blood. The captured man on the other hand was still crying, desperately praying to the Seven to save him.
“Come on, Hjalgar”, Torvin tried to encourage the boy. “You can do it! It's not different from shooting at an animal” The frightening glare of Harmund Hoare shifted from Hjalgar to him and Torvin would have shivered, if it wasn't for his desperate attempts to suppress the urge to attack this dark-eyed son of a whore. His hands were shaking, but he managed to look him in the eyes, until Harmund got bored.
Hjalgar on the other hand gave him a frightened stare. “You... you're lying”, he said. “It's nothing like shooting at animals. Animals don't beg for mercy, animals don't cry and they don't...” He stopped as… [view original content]
Torvin
For a moment, Torvin was about to grab the bow out of Hjalgar's shaking hands. But he saw the look in Harmund's eyes. The prince w… moreasn't in a mood for such insubordination. He was only looking for an excuse to spill some blood. The captured man on the other hand was still crying, desperately praying to the Seven to save him.
“Come on, Hjalgar”, Torvin tried to encourage the boy. “You can do it! It's not different from shooting at an animal” The frightening glare of Harmund Hoare shifted from Hjalgar to him and Torvin would have shivered, if it wasn't for his desperate attempts to suppress the urge to attack this dark-eyed son of a whore. His hands were shaking, but he managed to look him in the eyes, until Harmund got bored.
Hjalgar on the other hand gave him a frightened stare. “You... you're lying”, he said. “It's nothing like shooting at animals. Animals don't beg for mercy, animals don't cry and they don't...” He stopped as… [view original content]
Torvin
For a moment, Torvin was about to grab the bow out of Hjalgar's shaking hands. But he saw the look in Harmund's eyes. The prince w… moreasn't in a mood for such insubordination. He was only looking for an excuse to spill some blood. The captured man on the other hand was still crying, desperately praying to the Seven to save him.
“Come on, Hjalgar”, Torvin tried to encourage the boy. “You can do it! It's not different from shooting at an animal” The frightening glare of Harmund Hoare shifted from Hjalgar to him and Torvin would have shivered, if it wasn't for his desperate attempts to suppress the urge to attack this dark-eyed son of a whore. His hands were shaking, but he managed to look him in the eyes, until Harmund got bored.
Hjalgar on the other hand gave him a frightened stare. “You... you're lying”, he said. “It's nothing like shooting at animals. Animals don't beg for mercy, animals don't cry and they don't...” He stopped as… [view original content]
Torvin
For a moment, Torvin was about to grab the bow out of Hjalgar's shaking hands. But he saw the look in Harmund's eyes. The prince w… moreasn't in a mood for such insubordination. He was only looking for an excuse to spill some blood. The captured man on the other hand was still crying, desperately praying to the Seven to save him.
“Come on, Hjalgar”, Torvin tried to encourage the boy. “You can do it! It's not different from shooting at an animal” The frightening glare of Harmund Hoare shifted from Hjalgar to him and Torvin would have shivered, if it wasn't for his desperate attempts to suppress the urge to attack this dark-eyed son of a whore. His hands were shaking, but he managed to look him in the eyes, until Harmund got bored.
Hjalgar on the other hand gave him a frightened stare. “You... you're lying”, he said. “It's nothing like shooting at animals. Animals don't beg for mercy, animals don't cry and they don't...” He stopped as… [view original content]
Comments
[Escort the Valyrian's to the pigpen]
Great chapter! Definitely one of my favorites of Act 2 so far. And let's just say Argella isn't one of my favorites at all...
[Escort the Valyrian's to the pigpen]
The Voting is closed!
Drent will escot the Valyrians to the pigpen
Looking through the poll, I am not surprised that most of you see the Storm Princess as an uptight, snobby bitch. Well... you are not exactly wrong with most of these characteristics. She is meant to be her father's daughter from tip to toe, which is positive and negative at the same time, depending on the circumstances and the person she's talking to. She's probably slightly less arrogant, which doesn't mean much, but she has an undeniably cruel streak and a fickle temper. There are other sides of her, perhaps more redeeming and positive, among them most of her father's positive traits, which I hope to show in time. While she wasn't meant to be likeable in this part, I hope you found her at least enjoyable in her cattiness, since the unexpectedly huge amount of fun I had in writing her really bitchy insults to the ambassador and especially to Aegon Targaryen caused me to make plans to give her a larger role in the story than I intended at first.
The new part is halfway written. It will be a Samantha/Willfred part and I am sure that it will be finished later today.
I think she is just a bitch, and I love it. Like the better version of Cersei. I
I'm excited now we haven't seen a Wilfred chapter in a while. I don't know why but I seem to enjoy scenes with the Storm princess maybe I'll grow to like her.
I voted 'meh' in the poll because I thought she was too badass to be called a snobby bitch but I can't say she is too honourable either
Happy 2000 comments.
Samantha
Staying or leaving? Well, it was not as if she had any lead where to find Lunett. She might as well stay around for a while, this Jaylon looked like a well-connected man at least. No, that was lie. Technically he hardly looked like a man at all, with his huge head and and his pathetic excuse of a beard. But he looked like a grumkin who was working for a well-connected man.
She leant back and gave Jaylon her brightest smile. “Hey, I have nothing to do right now”, she said. “What are we talking about?” Sasha gave her a short glare and shook her head. “You should have left, girl”, she mumbled. Jaylon on the other hand seemed to be pleased. “Good. That's good. I came to hire one mercenary. Looks like I get two”, he said. Sasha looked at her Arakh that still lay on the table. “Or none”, she answered and glared at him. “What do you want?”
Jaylon moved his hand towards the hilt of his sword and Samantha noticed that Sasha immediately grabbed the hilt of her Arakh. But instead of drawing his weapon, the man instead grabbed a small purse and threw it on the table. It tinkled as it hit the wood.
“That could be your first monthly payment”, he said. Sasha put the hand away from her sword, but still didn't seem to relax in the presence of this man. “And why do you feel the need to hire me? You know I fight best on horseback. Have the Solvers decided to bless the countryside with their stinking presence or is your master now dumb enough to use cavalry in a city?”, Sasha asked.
This caused Samantha to listen up. “You're a rider?”, she asked in surprise. Sasha gave her a reluctant nod. “The best you'll find from here to Vaes Dothrak”, she proclaimed, causing Samantha to chuckle. “That remains to be seen. As a matter of fact, I'm pretty good too”
Sasha gave her a cold glare. “You were born in the saddle?”, she asked. Samantha shook her head. “But I was trained under...”, she said but Sasha cut her off. “Well, I was”, she simply answered. “So don't talk about things you have no idea off”
Samantha shook her head. “Okay, no need to be an ass about this”, she said and Sasha opened her mouth to answer something, probably something rude. Jaylon cut her off by raising both of his hands, causing her to shift her attention immediately back to him and to her Arakh.
“Ladies, please”, he said. “As much as I enjoy seeing such lovely young women fighting, I don't have the time for it. I'm here to discuss business, simple as that” He gave Sasha an ugly smile. “As always, your input is smart and much appreciated”, he said.
Sasha only gave him a glare. “Come on, Jaylon”, she said. “I think we're both smarter than that. I don't appreciate sweet talk, you don't appreciate sweet talk and your boss sure as hell does not appreciate sweet talk. Let's talk open, from woman to dog. Why do you want to hire me?” She looked at Samantha. “And her... why are you so willing to hire a newcomer, someone you've never seen performing?”
Jaylon leant forward, carefully eyeing Sasha, but even more carefully eyeing her sword. “Now you're asking the good questions. Yes, we can agree to be completely open here. We don't want to loose someone with your skills, or with any skills at all, not to the Burned Man”, he explained and Samantha started to listen more carefully. Who was this Burned Man? At least the name didn't help her in finding any sympathy for him.
“And because of this, we're going to hire every single mercenary in this whole fucking city. The war is nearing it's end, Sasha. Soon, the Burned Man will be dead. The city will be at peace and all will be well”, he said, albeit he didn't sound too enthusiastically as he said this.
Sasha chuckled slightly and shook her head. “Come on, Jaylon. Spare me your idealistic horseshit. We both know you're only in this for the money he's paying you. I mean, are you seriously believing this pile of shit? I doubt anything will be well when you won. I doubt anything would change”
Jaylon shrugged. “His words. Not mine. He believes in them. He believes in the righteousness of his cause”, he said. Sasha narrowed her eyes and seemed to force herself to a smile. “Well yeah, I'm sure he believes in that. Sadly, I'm afraid I have to decline every offer you could ever make, even if you'd promise me this whole fucking city. I'm just not that much into the raping and mutilating of minors as some of your people”
This caused Samantha to give her a surprised look. “Wait, what?”, she stuttered. “What kind of group are we talking about?”, she asked with suspicion in her voice. So far this seemed like a normal recruiting talk, but the stuff about raping and mutilating usually wasn't part of a normal conversation, at least outside of Qohor. What kind of hellhole was she about to enter?
Jaylon sighed. “You're really new here, aren't you, sweetie?”, he asked and Samantha narrowed her eyes. “Call me sweetie one more time and your face will meet my axe”, she snarled and saw that Sasha smirked as she heard this. Jaylon quickly raised his hands. “I meant no offence”, he said with a surprised tone in his voice. “Just made a statement. You are new in this city, right?” Samantha gave him a nod.
“Well, in this city there are two major groups fighting for control. Three if you count the city guard, but they are mostly harmless despite that bloodhound Mullendore leading them. One of these groups is the Burned Man. A complete monster, ruthless, calculating and scheming, an evil old cripple who is a bit too much into children, if you get what I mean”, Jaylon explained. He chuckled and Sasha shook his head. “And your boss is bathing in the blood of baby dragons to regain his youth”, she hissed. “If I recall, we promised to spare each other this kind of propaganda”
She looked at Samantha. “Like Jaylon said, two groups of criminals. The Burned Man and Butterfly”, she said and hearing the name of the man she was hunting caused Samantha to barely suppress a startled glare. Sasha seemed to notice it, but didn't comment on it. “The Burned Man is bad, someone I wouldn't work for, but some of the stuff Butterfly is into is bad enough to make me sick”, she said
Samantha gave her a nod. “I've heard that much”, she said and failed to hide the bleakness in her cracking voice. Sasha and Jaylon gave her curious looks, as Samantha felt rage inside of her. She gave Jaylon a furious glare. “And you're working for that Butterfly?”, she asked a bit too angry. Jaylon gave her a slight nod and raised from his chair. “I believe none of you is interested in making a lot of money?”, he asked, a bit sheepish now that Samantha put her hands on the hatchets at her belt.
Sasha slightly clapped her hands. “Once again you prove that you're not very fast, Jaylon. You know my reasons. And I believe you don't want to know her reasons”, she hissed. “Now leave, as long as you still have balls”
“You're not going anywhere”, Samantha growled, finally drawing one of her hatchets, pointing it at him as discreetly as possible. “You're going to lead me to the Butterfly, or I will kill you” To her surprise, Jaylon gave her an ugly smile instead of looking scared. “Try it, sweetie, and I will kill you. I might be wounded, but I am not a bad fighter. And if you attack me...”, he whispered and took a small look around, his smile getting wider.
Sasha followed his eyes, closing her own after a while. “How many people in here are working for you?”, she asked. Jaylon gave her his most disgusting smile. “Not all of them, but enough”, he answered. Sasha sighed. “Let him go, Samantha”, she ordered. The authoritative tone in her voice caused Samantha indeed to lower her weapon.
“What?”, she asked. She knew, Sasha had a good reason, but right now she felt six years of suppressed anger coming up. She was close, so close. The man who ordered her families death was here, so close. Butterfly, Butterfly... She closed her eyes and blinked a tear away.
“Go”, she spat and Jaylon gave her a confused look. “Don't stand around like that you ugly motherfucker. I said, GO!” She didn't need to say it again. He gave Sasha a nod. “If you change your mind, you know where to find me. Don't bring her though, she seems to have a grudge against Butterfly”
Sasha slightly smirked. “You think so?”, she asked. “Perhaps I have a grudge on him too, just not a personal one. Neither of us will work for Butterfly. It will never happen. And now go away” Jaylon gave her a reluctant nod and moved his hand towards the purse of gold on front of her, but stopped as Samantha pointed the hatchet at his forearm, ready to srike. “Leave the gold”, she snarled. Jaylon gave her another confused look. “Excuse me, but what?”, he asked.
She looked him straight in the eyes. “You heard me. Leave. The gold”, she growled with barely concealed rage. Jaylon chuckled. “Come on, girl. That's Butterfly's gold”, he said. She gave him a nod. “Exactly. That's why I'll take it from him”
Jaylon shook his head. “Come on, don't be stupid sweetie. That's not enough to die for”, he said. “Is it enough to buy you a new hand?”, Samantha asked. He narrowed his eyes. “If you force me to leave this tiny purse of money just because you think you can kick Butterfly in the nuts by doing so, you're making a terrible mistake”
“Perhaps”, she answered. “Perhaps I don't care. I've listened to your fucking talk. I held back. I held back for six fucking years. And now I'm done with that. I won't hold back anymore. Tell Butterfly, that purse is the first of many things I'm going to take from him”
Jaylon's smile vanished. “Messing with Butterfly is suicide, girl. Think again. Pick the wise choice”, he urged her, but he seemed to be a bit meek now as he noticed she wasn't joking. Part of Samantha wanted to cut off his head right now, but she knew she wouldn't leave the tavern alive if Jaylon would die here. But perhaps she could at least take his gold. It wouldn't be much but it would be a start.
[Force him to leave the money] [Allow him to take the money]
Willfred
Much to Tallian's joy, Willfred had decided to choose the way to Raylansfair without splitting up. At least Willfred assumed the general was pleased, since he didn't protest against his decision. For hours, they followed the weak trail four men had left on the dirty road. In the meantime, the sun started to set, bathing the landscape in red. The direction they were heading to was sunny, but behind them, Willfred noticed dark clouds moving in their direction. There would be rain soon.
“You think he's alive?”, Willfred asked the general, who was still riding next to him. Tallian did not answer at first, just staring at the road in front of him. He finally let out a sigh after a few moments. “Your uncle Roger is a special man”, he said. “And I hold him in high regards. He has morals, but to achieve his goals he is more than willing to be pragmatic. And he has a sense of justice and duty which I miss in most of the Rock's noblemen”
“That was not an answer”, Willfred stated and Tallian shook his head. “No, it wasn't”, he answered. “I don't think that a man like Roger could die from a group of marauders. He's not the kind of man to die unceremoniously in some remote backcountry and he's not the kind of man to die as a frail old man” He slightly smiled. “No, I think Roger is the kind of man who will die charging at the enemy, staring down his killer, a battlecry on his lips. He's still alive”
This slightly pleased Willfred and he let out a sigh of relief. “How do you wish to die?”, he asked, as the thought flashed through his mind. Again, Tallian did not answer at first. “I'm not someone who fights for glory”, he answered. “I'd like to die peaceful, without pain. Preferably a natural death at an old age, or at least a quick one. And you?”
“Protecting the ones I love”, Willfred answered immediately. He had thought about this for a while now, ever since he got wounded in the small skirmish a few days ago. Luckily, the axe merely gave him a few bruises and his back was almost fully healed already, but he could have easily broken his spine. It would have been a terribly senseless and pathetic death. “I'd like to die a meaningful death, one of those that are sung in legends, to protect the ones I love”
Tallian chuckled slightly and Willfred narrowed his eyes. “Do you think this is laughable?”, he asked and the general shook his head. “Not at all. But that's exactly what Roger would have answered. You have a lot in common. A sense of justice, upholding the ideals of chivalry, a rocky relationship with Darren Reyne...”
“Leave my father out of this!”, Willfred said quickly. “That was unnecessary” Tallian shook his head. “But it might help you in bonding with your uncle. It is true, right? Your father does not approve of most of your decisions”
As Willfred did not answer, the general continued. “That's not a bad thing. A father is not all-knowing. Mine treated me like dirt until I ran away from home and look at me now. A general of the Rock's armies”
“My father does not treat me like dirt”, Willfred answered. “It's just...” “Complicated”, Tallian completed his sentence and Willfred gave him a nod without looking away from the road. “Yeah. Complicated. He disapproves of my actions, I disapprove of his views. Thinking about it, it's a wonder you two get along that badly. After all, you seem to disapprove of everything I do too”
Tallian shook his head. “That's true. I disapprove of most of your actions, because they are reckless. Your father on the other hand is too overcautious and his view on the war could cause serious harm to the kingdom if he chooses to withdraw his troops. I prefer a middle way between these two”, he said.
“And what if there is no middle way?”, Willfred asked. “What if you are forced to choose, between my father's view and mine?” Again, Tallian was silent for a moment. “If there is no middle way”, he said. “I'll make one”
They stopped the same moment as the soldier in front of them stopped. “What is it?”, Tallian snarled. The soldier pointed at the distance. “A building. Perhaps a larger farmhouse, or a small inn”, he said.
“Both would be a good hideout for fleeing bandits. You see any horses?”, the general asked. The soldier shook his head. “A small stable”, he answered. Tallian slowly patted his belly. “An inn would be welcomed. I could use something to eat. And perhaps we'll even find Roger”
As they rode closer towards the building, Willfred realized that it was indeed an inn, albeit a shabby one, barely different than a farmhouse. Sudden movement in the bushes next to him startled him and he stopped his horse. The soldiers seem to notice it too, as they stopped almost simultaneously, pointing their pikes at two men who walked onto the road. They had darker skin than most Westerosi, except perhaps the Dornish. They were armed, one of them with a long sword, the other with a bow, albeit they weren't pointing them at the soldiers.
The man with the sword had very dark skin, similar to the sandy Dornishmen of the desert areas of Dorne. He was wearing a blackened armour over his large and muscular body, but no helmet, showing very short, curly hair and a lean, but strong face. Dark brown eyes carefully watched them, but he showed no hostility.
The other man, the one with the bow, held the weapon in his hand, but kept his arrows in a quiver at the side of his body. He was a bit shorter and his skin was a bit lighter, similar to the olive skin of the stony Dornishmen of the coastline. He had a handsome face and bright green eyes, his dark hair swept back behind his ears.
As the men approached the soldiers, the archer made a short bow, while the swordsman looked sternly, clenching his teeth. “Greetings”, the archer said. “What leads a band of soldiers into these remote area? You misplaced your war?”
“I'Lian...”, the swordsman hissed with a gentle voice. “Not a good time” The archer gave him a short nod, before looking at Willfred and his soldiers again. “Perhaps we should introduce ourselves. My name is I'Lian. This grumpy giant next to me is my brother Jaro. May I ask your names?”
“You may”, Tallian answered. “But you won't receive an answer. And now get out of our way” The archer narrowed his eyes. “How rude. You are not from here, right? The people here are shockingly polite”
“What gave us away?”, Willfred asked. “His manners or the colour of our tabards?” He gave them the hint of a nod, albeit he remained cautious. These men seemed to be alone, but he wouldn't be too surprised if they would have a dozen men in the surrounding bushes, ready to ambush them. A highborn hostage like him and an influential man like Vashord Tallian would be every highwayman's wet dream. “We are not from here and we don't intend to stay. We're looking for someone”
“Aren't we all?”, I'Lian said with a smile. “I'm pretty sure you're going to find someone in this area, but I'm afraid I have to ask you, do you intend to enter that inn in your search?”
“Quite possible”, Tallian growled, putting a hand on the hilt of his sword. “Do you intend to stop us?” I'Lian shook his head. “Not with force”, he said. “We are no match for a dozen soldiers. But perhaps you're open for reason”
“I'Lian”, the swordsman, Jaro, hissed, looking at the soldiers. “Excuse my brother. He has a habit of talking too much. We are sellswords, on our way to the city of Raylansfair, where we want to meet a few friends” He paused, looking towards the inn behind them. “Unfortunately we were stopped from meeting up with them a few days ago, when we met a man”
“A man?”, Tallian asked with suspicion in his voice. “Aye”, I'Lian answered. “Someone” Jaro sighed and shook his head. “Ser Roger Hill”, he explained and his face formed a slight smile, the first emotion besides his stoic expression Willfred saw from him. He noticed that he was smiling at him. “I saw your reaction. He's the someone you're looking for, am I right?”
Willfred gave him a nod. “I'm not a good liar”, he said. “Yes, we are looking for him. Where is he?” Now it was up to I'Lian to give him a suspicious look. “Why?”, he asked. “Why are you looking for him?”
“We're friends”, Tallian answered immediately and truthfully. “Looking for him in a matter of our own business. But rest assured, it is nothing that would harm him” I'Lian shook his head. “Let me be the judge of that”, he answered. “You are planning to enter that inn, right?”
Willfred gave him a nod. “Indeed. Does it matter?” Jaro took a step forwards, but stopped as the soldiers pointed their pikes at him. “Easy now”, he said. “We are no enemies. We travelled with Roger, chased these bandits with him. He ordered us to prevent anyone from entering that inn, at least directly. He said he has a plan and that it would be dangerous for anyone to use the front door”
He looked towards the inn. “That was half an hour ago. Nobody left the inn since then. And nobody noticed us. Listen, I know you have no reason to trust us, but if Roger is your friend, you shouldn't go against his wishes. Come with us through the backdoor” He pointed at Willfred and Tallian. “You and you, I would say. Too many soldiers could draw attention and put Roger at risk. Alternatively you could storm the building, albeit this could be dangerous for you, your men and for Roger. We can't stop you, it's your decision”
Willfred and Tallian looked at each other. “Do you trust them?”, Willfred asked. Tallian shook his head. “Not at all”, he snarled. “They know Roger, but that doesn't prove anything” He sighed. “But if the past weeks proved one thing, then it's the fact that I'm not the one giving the orders here. Do what you want, boy”
[Sneak with Jaro and I'Lian through the backdoor] [Storm the inn]
Thanks a lot! I'm looking forward for the next 1000 comments
(Force him to leave the money)
(Storm in the inn)
[Force him to leave the money]
[Storm the inn]
[Force him to leave the money]
[Sneak with Jaro and I'Lian through the backdoor]
[Force him to leave the money] because money are good, shiny and they bring healthy or long life also Jaylon doesn't need that purse, I'm just joking but I want that money.
[Storm in the inn] they look friendly and good people, apparently. If it was to my choice let Jaro and I'Lian sneak through the backdoor while we storm the inn, synced and say something like a surprise mother fucker!
[Sneak with Jaro and I'Lian through the backdoor]
[Force him to leave the money]
( ͡~ ͜ʖ ͡°)
[Force him to leave the money]
[Storm the inn]
[Storm in the inn]
[Force him to leave the money]
[Force him to leave the money] GOLD
[Storm the inn]
https://youtube.com/watch?v=1gehTA2DTcE
This was a weird line. Lol
Poll: http://strawpoll.me/4444713
[Allow him to take the money] [Storm the inn]
Great parts again!
However I must nitpick that the term propaganda seems a little out of place in Westeros, a little too modern 
You're right, it's indeed a bit out of place. I wasn't very happy about that term either, but I failed to think of a better one.
"Should Samantha join the fight against Samantha..." I think you may have misspelled Butterfly...
XDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
Is the poll glitching? I can redo it.
[Allow him to take the money] Being brave and being stupid are two different things. Lets just scare the fool a little and get some respect from Sasha.
[Storm the inn]I cannot think of a better first impression than storming through the windows and doors, shotguns in hand, blowing away all signs of life in sight.
[Force him to leave the money]
[Sneak with Jaro and I'Lian through the backdoor]
[Force him to leave the money] Samantha is going to look weak if she backs out now.
[Storm the inn] Tallian seems wise to me best to go with his suggestion this time around.
[Force him to leave the money]
[Storm the inn]
[Allow him to take the money] no need to go getting yourself killed over some gold. No matter how cool it sounds.
[Storm the inn]
Great part!
[allow him to take the money] [storm the inn]
The Voting is closed!
Samantha will force Jaylon to leave the money behind
Willfred will order his soldiers to storm the inn
I know, I'm closing the voting a little bit earlier than usual. Sorry for everyone who had no time to vote yet. However, writing made some good progress and I'm sure that I will be able to finish the next part today, even though the new episode just came out. While I'm downloading it, I'll try my best to finish it. If I'm not finishing the part in the next hour, it'll be out a few hours later, after I hopefully had the chance to kick some Whitehill arse, but definitely before I'll go to bed. Since I'm sure that most of you are going to play the episode today, I don't really expect a lot of voting activity in the next few hours, but know that the part is here as soon as you have time. Since I'm probably going to be busy over the next two days, there is a good chance that next voting will be open a bit longer.
Looking through the poll revealed that most of you have a very healthy opinion on the Oldtown gang war. 75% chose to leave the city, which is without a doubt the best course of action for Samantha. 25% chose to support the Burned Man, which would probably be Samantha's side of choice if she had to pick one. Samantha working for Butterfly won't happen, mainly because of all the dead family stuff, not if she can prevent it at least. Sadly, she's hellbent on revenge, which means that she will probably see the situation a little bit different.
Even though the voting is closed, I shall vote anyway. Take that Liquid!
[Force him to leave the money]
[Storm the inn]
Torvin
For a moment, Torvin was about to grab the bow out of Hjalgar's shaking hands. But he saw the look in Harmund's eyes. The prince wasn't in a mood for such insubordination. He was only looking for an excuse to spill some blood. The captured man on the other hand was still crying, desperately praying to the Seven to save him.
“Come on, Hjalgar”, Torvin tried to encourage the boy. “You can do it! It's not different from shooting at an animal” The frightening glare of Harmund Hoare shifted from Hjalgar to him and Torvin would have shivered, if it wasn't for his desperate attempts to suppress the urge to attack this dark-eyed son of a whore. His hands were shaking, but he managed to look him in the eyes, until Harmund got bored.
Hjalgar on the other hand gave him a frightened stare. “You... you're lying”, he said. “It's nothing like shooting at animals. Animals don't beg for mercy, animals don't cry and they don't...” He stopped as Harmund growled something unintelligible, causing the boy to shiver.
“You are pathetic”, Rell said, looking at Hjalgar. “Your father should have drowned you as soon as you left your mothers womb” This time, Torvin saw something else in Hjalgar's eyes. The fear started to disappear, replaced by rage. And then Torvin realized how he could motivate the boy.
“Rell speaks the truth”, he said, causing surprised looks from Hjalgar, Rell and Harlan. Harmund on the other hand shifted his attention back at him, looking curious, albeit the bloodthirsty look in his eyes only intensified. “What have you said?”, Hjalgar asked, his voice slightly cracking.
“You heard me”, Torvin answered. “You are pathetic. A weak excuse for an Ironborn. Even Gabin here has more iron inside of him and he's a fucking fish” A she said that, he saw a hurt look in Gabin's eyes. It did not matter. He wasn't here to make friends.
“Your father should have drowned your mother as soon as she became pregnant with you”, he continued, noticing a smirk on Rell's face. Harmund on the other hand wasn't smirking. The bright flames of the hunting parties torches reflected in his dark eyes. Torvin gulped before he continued “He would have done this world a favour”, he growled
This caused Hjalgar to scream in rage Before Torvin could react, he had shot an arrow at the captured man, hitting him right in the face, impaling his left eye. The man sank to the ground, immediately dead. Torvin had seen worse deaths. The man whould have been thankful that it had been Hjalgar who killed him and not Harmund Hoare.
“Finally”, the prince snarled with a low voice. “It was about time” He grabbed Hjalgar at the shoulders. The boy seemed to be too shocked about himself to be scared. “If I ever order you to do something again, do it immediately”
He let go of Hjalgar, who was approached by Gabin, and instead walked closer towards Torvin. “Is anything the matter, my prince?”, Torvin asked, ignoring his shivering hands. He had a knife. It would be easy. “You think you're so fucking smart”, Harmund growled. “Provoking that boy until he snaps. And nobody noticed it, not even Rell. They all respect him now, even though he deserves no respect”
The princes hand moved to an elegant dagger strapped to his belt and Torvin noticed that his heart started to beat faster. “You think you're so clever...”, Harmund growled as he moved closer, speaking almost tender, but undeniably bloodthirsty. “Perhaps I should end you right here, gut you like a pig, to show them what happens to little cunts who don't know their place. How would you like that? Not so clever now, are you?”
Torvin was about to answer, when another voice caught his attention. “Harmund!”, Harlan shouted, walking towards them. “Leave him be, brother. Has he angered you?” Harmund took a step back and Torvin noticed that he held the dagger in his hands now. “Not as much as you have”, he growled.
Harlan gulped, his eyes shifting to Torvin, signalling him to move away from them. “A lovely night, isn't it?” Harmund did not answer, at least not with words. In a swift movement, he slammed his fist into Harlan's face, sending his brother to the ground. Torvin felt a strange relief as he noticed that it wasn't the fist that held the dagger. “It is”, Harmund said with a smirk on his lips. “And now get up on your feet, you worthless bastard. That was an order!”
Harlan almost jumped to his feet, blood flowing out of his nose. For a moment, Torvin almost felt pity for him. No one, no matter how awful, deserved to be Harmund Hoare's younger brother. And now he had a good idea how Harlan had turned into the psychopath he was today. The younger prince forced himself to smile. “Yes! Thank you, brother!”, he said, albeit his voice shivered in fear as he noticed that Harmund was still holding the dagger in his hands.
“And now go, search your little bitch. Get out of my eyes before I get angry”, Harmund growled, turning around to his men. “To the horses! We've wasted enough time here!”, he shouted as he was walking towards his horse. His loyal dogs started to walk after him, their snouts still stained with blood.
Harlan turned towards Torvin, Gabin and Hjalgar, wiping his still bleeding nose. “Fuck, fuck, fucking Harmund...”, he mumbled as soon as the hunting party started to move away, albeit he seemed to be careful enough not to speak too loudly. Even now, Torvin saw the fear in his eyes.
“Prince Harlan”, he said, feeling the need to say anything. Gabin and Hjalgar stayed silent. The boy still seemed to be shocked by his own actions and Gabin comforted him. Harlan's attention shifted towards him and the look in his eyes was murderous. “I...”, Torvin stuttered. “Thank you. Harmund was about to...”
“Shut up...”, Harlan growled with a sullen voice. “Just, shut the fuck up!” He looked towards the hunting party in the distance. “I know what he was about to do. Trust me, I know exactly what he is capable of”
He walked closer towards Torvin, clenching his fists. “Fuck Harmund”, he growled and before Torvin could react, Harlan delivered a punch to his stomach, sending him to the ground. The punch wasn't that strong, but Torvin felt obliged to fall to the ground, in an attempt to please Harlan. He wasn't in the mood to beat a prince up right now. He was in a mood to kill a prince, but not this prince.
“And fuck you!” Harlan's voice got louder now. “For now he'll find some whores to torment, but when he's back at Harrenhal who do you think has to endure his bad mood? Fuck! You! For provoking him!” He stopped for a moment, breathing heavily. “You think you got it bad from him? Try to be his younger brother! Try to be Harren fucking Hoare's secondborn fucking son for a single fucking day!” With these words, he let out a scream full of rage and violently kicked Torvin in the side, pressing the air out of his lungs.
Immediately after he kicked him, Torvin rolled to his back, coughing. This time, it was no act. The kick was hard, the pain in his ribs severe and he hoped that nothing was broken. He saw Harlan breathing heavily, sending him a murderous glare. However, the prince closed his eyes and as he opened them again, Torvin saw regret.
“Fuck...”, he mumbled, reaching down to pull Torvin back up on his feet. Torvin let out a pained grunt as Harlan patted him on his back, carefully avoiding to touch his ribs. “Fuck, I didn't want to do it, not that hard”, he mumbled. “It's just... Harmund has this effect on me, on everyone. But especially on me. Are we... I mean... Sorry?”, he asked and Torvin gave him a nod. This was not the time to antagonize Harlan. His time would come, eventually. “There's no need to apologize”, Torvin answered.
Harlan gave him a visibly forced smile. “Liar”, he mumbled, turning towards the forest. “This was supposed to be a lovely night, but my brother had to fuck it up again. As always...” He sighed. “But perhaps there'll be some fun after all. A good hunt, just the thing I need right now” He grinned as he looked back at Torvin. “Let's hope that bitch gives us some good sport. Let's hope we can make her pay!”
As they walked into the forest, Torvin asked himself how exactly they should find a girl, especially one that was clever enough not to go to that death trap of a farm. Harmund had left them no hounds and no expert trackers. Of course, there was Hjalgar, but Torvin had no doubt that the boy would do anything to prevent finding the girls trail. And then he realized, Harmund never wanted them to find the girl, he just wanted to get his brother out of the way. And as he looked back at Harlan, he noticed that the younger prince seemed to start realizing this too.
“He gave us no hounds...”, Harlan mumbled. “Fucker...” Immediately after he said this, he looked up, alarmed, towards the rest of his group. “Don't tell him!”, he urged them and for a moment his voice sounded irrationally panicked.
“We won't, my prince”, Gabin said softly, with routine in his voice. “But it is true”, Harlan mumbled. “He gave us no hounds. We will never find this girl, not if she's good at hiding” He looked up, towards Torvin and for a moment, his eyes showed something resembling respect. “What... what should we do?”, he asked.
“Are you valuing my opinion over your own, my prince?”, Torvin asked surprised. Harlan shook his head. “Of course not!”, he hissed. “But... but a good prince listens to the advice of his friends, right?” He looked at Torvin, anticipating a decision. Torvin knew, inside of this nightly forest they had close to no chances of finding the girl. And he didn't really want to find her, just so that she could amuse Harlan in the last painful moments of her life. Perhaps returning to Harrenhal would be the best for their small group. Harmund wouldn't be too thrilled about this, sure. But Torvin was certain that Harmund wouldn't be too thrilled about anything they could do right now. It was all just a question how much he was willing to go against the wishes of a man who has horrible enough to make his monster of a younger brother look like a pitiable wimp in comparison.
[Advise him to continue the hunt] [Advise him to return to Harrenhal]
Ellena
“I agree. Give me the letter and Terroma will get it tonight”, Ellena said. The Burned Man gave her a slow, pleased nod, his mouth forming a warm smile. “That is the right decision”, he answered. “I know, you don't trust me and you have all the right not to do it. I don't expect people to trust me. But this is beneficial for all of us. For me, for Terroma, perhaps ultimately even for you. If we can put our mistrust aside and work together, we can achieve great things” He leant forwards, intensely staring at Ellena out of his dark brown eyes. “That's all I ask for”, he said, his deep voice sounding calm and reassuring.
If it weren't for the circumstances and if it weren't for his occupation, Ellena realized that she could have liked him. He had something warm and pleasant inside of him, something almost fatherly. But his friendliness was uncomfortably out of place every time she remembered what kind of man he was. The fact that he was the lesser evil in this city was unsettling.
“And my friends will be protected?”, she asked. The Burned Man gave her a nod. “I swear it. And I stay true to my word, always”, he answered. Something in his voice made Ellena believe him. Perhaps she just wanted to believe him for once.
“And this letter? What are his contents?”, she asked. The Burned Man sighed. “You can read it if you must. I advise you against it, since it involves details you might regret to learn”, he answered. “But it mainly involves information about Butterfly and his associates, the little things I know at least”
Before he could elaborate on this, they got interrupted as the door was opened again. Harpy entered the room and from what Ellena saw, her serene facial expression was gone. Instead, she looked all churned up, barely looking at Ellena, focusing her stare on the Burned Man.
“We have to talk”, she said, the Ghiscari accent in her voice sounding stronger than before, just as her voice sounded more worried. “Now” The Burned Man gave her a tender look, before looking back at Ellena. “I'm afraid we have to postpone this meeting, Ellena”, he said immediately. “Could you do me the honour of waiting until I have talked to Harpy?”
Ellena stood up from her chair and shrugged. “Not like I have a choice, right?”, she asked. The Burned Man smirked as he heard this and shook his head. “I'm afraid not. I'll write the letter for Terroma and will give it to you as soon as you want to leave”
“The sooner the better”, Ellena mumbled, causing a short glare from Harpy and an almost amused look from the Burned Man. The girl leant down to Ellena, softly grabbing her shoulders. “Listen, we have a few guests right now in the entrance hall. You know one of them”, she said and a short smile flashed across her face. “Your friend, Jaron”
“Jaron is here?”, Ellena asked baffled. “But I thought he...” She smiled. Suddenly this mansion didn't seem so hostile to her anymore. “I'll talk to him!”, she said enthusiastically. Harpy gave her a nod, pulling her hands away from Ellena's shoulder. “The other two are Martin and Robb. Martin can be a pain in the ass, but he is alright. Keep an eye on Robb though. He's... a bit complicated”, she advised her, before looking up to the Burned Man. “And he is one of the reasons why we have to talk”
The Burned Man nodded at Ellena and she understood. “I'll be waiting in the entrance hall”, she said, moving out of the room. She closed the door behind her and noticed that it was noticeably colder in the hallway than it was inside of the Burned Man's room. For a moment, she was tempted to eavesdrop, but any hope of catching some snippets of the conversation was immediately destroyed as she heard Harpy quickly talking in the guttural, outlandish language of the Ghiscari, a language she barely understood when spoken slowly and not through a door. Frustrated, she turned around, walking down the dark hallway towards the brightly illuminated entrance hall.
“Or maybe you see the truth in what I say. We started the same way in this city. We have a lot in common, Ser Bastard”, a man snarled as Ellena entered the room. She saw Jaron, who had his back turned to her, holding a raggedy looking man with an unkempt black beard, his good arm raised to a punch. Next to him stood a tall and handsome man with brown hair who was also the first to notice her. He opened his mouth, the same moment as Jaron pushed the other man back into his chair. “You're not worth it”, he growled.
“Knew you'd show some common sense, Ser Bastard”, the man said with an infuriating smile as his glance fell on Ellena. “Or perhaps you're one of those people who refuse to hit others when children are watching” With these words, he gave Ellena a cold stare and she responded by narrowing her eyes.
Jaron turned around and she saw the surprise in his face. “Ellena? What are you...”, he said, but didn't manage to continue, as she ran towards him to hug him. She remembered too late that his ribs were still far from being healed, as he let out a pained grunt. Nonetheless, he reciprocated the hug and for a short moment, Ellena felt happy to have a friend here.
“What are you doing here, Ellena?”, Jaron said gently pushing her away. The man behind him, the man Jaron had almost beaten up, formed a wide grin with his ugly mouth, revealing crooked teeth. “Looks like the Burned Man found a new kid to do his dirty work”, he said. Before Jaron or Ellena could answer anything, the third man cleared his throat. “Fuck off, Robb”, he said. “Or else I'll finish what I started”
“Martin...”, Jaron said swiftly, before looking back at Ellena. “What are you doing here? I thought you were at the Princess” She gave him a nod. “I was”, she explained. “Until these disgusting men came. Samuel and Jaylon and... and a third one” Seven Hells, she didn't even knew his name! She had killed him and never even cared for his name...
“Samuel wounded the captain and when Moreo tried to intervene he... he...”, she said and closed her eyes for a moment. She still had Moreo's knife with her, resting at her belt. Jaron's gaze fell upon it and she saw the sadness in his eyes. “They wanted to take me and Talea back to their boss, this Butterfly”, she continued. “I tried to run away and...” She stopped as the memories of her stabbing the third man flashed through her. “They tried to stop me. They failed. Two men, Bakr and this creep Abbas helped me, they chased them off”
“So they have been useful after all...”, Jaron said. “Never thought I'd be happy about Abbas' presence in this city” Ellena shook her head. “I don't like him”, she said. “Bakr is alright, I guess, but Abbas is...” She stopped as she remembered where she was and who Abbas was working for. “The Burned Man offered protection for the crew”, she continued to explain. “And I agreed to do him a favour”
She realized that she had said something wrong as she saw a moment of anger in Jaron's usually calm face. “A favour?”, he hissed. “You are a child! And he is a....” He paused for a moment, glaring at the man he had almost beaten up. “Don't you even dare to say a single word now!” The anger in his voice came as a complete shock for Ellena.
“I'm not a child anymore”, Ellena answered quickly, in an attempt to calm him down. “I'm almost thirteen! Besides, it's only a small favour, I'm not working for him. A one-time deal and it also favours Terroma”
“Terroma!”, Jaron said, apparently just remembering that the old man had been in similar danger. “What happened to him?” Ellena looked to the other men and waited for a moment before responding. “He escaped, of course. Albeit I wished he would have stayed. He would have killed these men”, she said and the sharp tone in her voice surprised her. “He is hiding in the city. I know the place. And that's why the Burned Man wants me to deliver a letter to him, detailing information about Butterfly”
“And when do you intend to leave?”, Jaron asked. “Do you want to stay the night here?” She shook her head. “Not if I can prevent it. The sooner I get this over with the better. I'll leave as soon as the Burned Man has finished the letter and intend to deliver it on my way back”
This caused Jaron to give the third man an alarmed glare. “Seven Hells...”, he mumbled. “You can't be serious! Walking through this city at night is dangerous enough for me! That's too dangerous for you” Ellena shook her head. “I'm smaller than you. I'm faster than you. And I don't intend to stay any longer here than I have to”
Jaron let out a sigh. “You're stubborn, you know that?”, he said and gave her a defeated smile. She smirked at him. “Never heard that one before”, she chuckled. “Still... it's dangerous out there”, Jaron urged her. “Please, stay the night” She shook her head. “No chance”, she answered. The earlier she left this place behind the better!
The third man, who had barely spoken so far, finally joined the conversation. He gave Ellena a friendly smile. “Eh, Jaron”, he said. “I could go with her. I know this city like no other and no one will dare to attack me” He looked at Ellena. “My name is Martin. I could protect you, so that our brave knight can sleep well tonight. What do you say?”
She mustered him from head to toe. He really looked like an experienced warrior, a man she would feel save with as long as he was around. And she knew how dangerous this city was. On the other hand, he was working for the Burned Man. If she accepted his help, this would also mean leading him right to Terroma's hideout and who knew what the Burned Man had planned for her friend...
[Accept Martin's help] [Decline Martin's help]
[Advise him to continue the hunt] Everyone loves hunting with Hoares.
[Decline Martin's help] Nah we in the hood, we got it.
[Advise him to continue the hunt] Harlan will love this!
[Accept Martins help] Ellena is love Ellenna is life.
Awesone chapter!
[Advise him to continue the hunt]
[Accept Martin's help]
[Advise him to continue the hunt] [Accept Martin's help]
[Advise him to continue the hunt] [Accept Martin's help]
[Advise him to continue the hunt]
[Accept Martin's help]
[Advise him to continue the hunt] [Accept Martin's help]
[Advise him to continue the hunt]
[Decline Martin's help]
Sorry for delay:
http://strawpoll.me/4472314
Our favorite band of ironborn.
[Advise him to continue the hunt] Master Harmund will not be pleased. We must please Master Harmund. Master please.
[Decline Martin's help] Biatch please.