Chapter 39: Claims of all types.
Lyanna Stark, 279AC, King's Landing.
Lyanna has been in the stinky capital of King's Landing for about a year. It seemed so long ago that her father informed her that they were going to court, a day that soured her mood.
She doesn't have any desire to go to King's Landing and away from Winterfell, nor did she want to be separated from Benjen or Brandon. Regardless, she had done her duty to the pack and gone to King's Landing along with her mother, who would at least make it bearable.
King's Landing quickly turned out to be as dreadful as she feared. The city was crowded like nothing she had ever seen and absolutely reeked of the stench of about a half of million soul, all huddled together within its confines.
While Wintertown was a growing town back home due to the improvement of the North over the recent years, it couldn't hope to match the greatness of King's Landing anytime soon, nor could the great northern city of White Harbor.
Despite its size, Lyanna felt like a girl out of place, so far from her roots and everything she knew. She would give it a chance though, she had promised her mother that much and a Wolf followed their word.
Lyanna fits in to King's Landing like a horse fits in a house and that is to say… not at all. Her father and mother presented her to court dressed in the styles of the North and Lyanna quickly found out that it was vastly different from what they wore in the south.
The North favored simplicity and utility to their style of dress, which was a far reach from the overly frivolous styles of the south. Lyanna though, has held her head tall and proud as she was presented, despite the differences in dress and appearance.
Her father, for all his southern ambitions, was a man that valued Northern culture and doesn't want Lyanna to conform to the standards of others but rather stand out proudly as the Northerner she was, and Lyanna did that.
Her father brought her south to see about a match with the prince of the realm and future king, Rhaegar Targaryen. He was a handsome man, Lyanna could admit that, with a solemn nature, so very different from the King himself in personality, though not in looks.
He greeted Lyanna politely and offered kind words of praise to her on her beauty and even asked a few questions about the North, which she answered dutifully. After the exchange, he moved on to another young lady with golden hair and a bright dress, whom Lyanna would soon become at odds with.
As it turns out, her name was Cersei Lannister of Casterly Rock, daughter of the Hand, Tywin Lannister, as she so often liked to tell others. Lyanna couldn't stand her; she was very arrogant, acted like she owns the Red Keep and is the manifestation of the word 'bitch'.
The first time she had met with the witch of Casterly Rock, she asked Lyanna if she lacked the funds to dress as a proper lady, just like any other lady at court should. She had even gone as far as to offer to Lyanna that she pays for it, as she has more than enough gold to do it, all the while keeping a smug expression on her face.
Needless to say, Lyanna declined the offer and has given her the cold shoulder since. House Stark could afford the best of things along with the other Great Houses, but what good can it do to wear such expensive clothing, when for the same price you could outfit many of your people who otherwise may freeze during winter? Besides, it's not like one could fight in the dresses that the Lannister was wearing.
Her mother soothed her ire a bit, explaining what was happening. Cersei was jealous of her and any competition that may ruin her chances with Rhaegar. Lyanna would hardly call herself a competition though, as the Prince had shown her no favor, though in all fairness, he has shown no lady real favor, preferring to his books or sword practice to spending time amongst the competing ladies. Despite her mother's explanation, Lyanna felt no pity for Cersei, she was a bully and an arrogant one at that.
Lyanna often worked off steam by practicing fighting with a sword in the training yard when she could. It was something her father had allowed at her mother's urging, and something that Lyanna was certainly thankful for.
She missed the North where she would often practice with Benjen in the godswood with wooden swords, until of course her mother had discovered them. She thought it would be the end of her sword fighting, though her mother proved reasonable and continued to allow it as long as Lyanna worked equally hard on mastering the finer arts required of her. Lyanna, of course accepted it with little resilience at that offer. While she didn't enjoy some of the womanly arts like sewing, she was certainly fond of singing, gardening and running a household.
It was a cool autumn day when Lyanna had finally made her first friends within King's Landing, and a day that her mother claimed would live on in infamy amongst the ladies of the court.
As was typical for the ladies of the court, they would often spend their afternoons attending Princess Aerea during her daily activities. Today, the Princess had chosen to go to the Gardens. It was a favored place for Lyanna, as it was a beautiful place that King Aerys spared no expense to fill with plants from far off places to intrigue his daughter with and it was also near the Godswood. Though, the Heartree was a great oak instead of a weirwood tree, she still felt at home within the acre of forested wood and closer to Winterfell.
Princess Aerea was a girl of eight years old with the classical Targaryen looks of silver blond hair, purple eyes and a slender frame. She was the eldest daughter of the King and favored child if the rumors were to be believed.
The Princess was a well-spoken young girl who has a liking to nature and was quite sociable. Unlike Rhaegar, she seemed to enjoy talking with the various ladies and hearing about where they came from and their homes, even Lyanna's, though with none of the smugness of the Witch of the Rock. Aerea could often be eager to do things that caught her fancy, like the King himself was.
"My father informed me that he has a surprise." The Princess told the ladies as they walked into the gardens behind her. They numbered twenty in all, from various parts of the realm. It was never the same group of ladies that accompanied the princess, as many came and went as their families arrived in business or were previously engaged in other affairs. Lyanna herself hardly showed up to the sewing sessions, not being one to partake in that liking, just as many didn't show up to tour the gardens, not favoring the cool day or out of disinterest.
"Here we are." She said in wonder as she stepped closer to a familiar looking bright blue colored flower. "These are the Beautiful Winter roses, from the North." Aerea explained, leaning down and breathing in the scent. Lyanna loves the Winter Roses, and to see a grouping of them pleased her greatly. Her mother has always love the Winter Rose as well, tending to them carefully within the glass gardens of Winterfell.
"They are quite beautiful Princess." Cersei agreed, plucking one from the bed of flowers as all the other ladies joined in. Lyanna herself plucked one and placed it within her hair after breathing in its sweet scent. "It's a relief to finally see something appealing come out of that frozen wasteland." Cersei said, her eyes drifting over to Lyanna as a few of the girls giggled at the implied insult.
"They smell quite good." Cersei said taking a sniff as she glanced around, her eyes falling on one of the other ladies. "Don't be ridiculous Tully putting the rose on your head makes you look more hideous." The witch informed the red haired girl who had put the flower in her hair. A few of the other girls laughed as Lysa broke into tears at the slight from the Westerlander girl. Cersei could be quite cruel to anyone she saw as a threat, and the Tully girl certainly was one, being a Lord Paramount's daughter as well.
Lyanna finally had enough and marched over to the crying girl as a few of the Westerlander women laughed with Cersei. "Don't let her get to you." Lyanna consoled, turning to Cersei as she helped Lysa clear her tears. "She's just mad that the Prince finds her lacking." The she-wolf announced to Cersei's face as she turned red.
That would show the girl to take enjoyment of picking on others. It was no secret that no matter what Cersei tried, the Prince still remained uninterested. It was only on the likelihood of her father's position and past friendship with the king that she would ever get a marriage at this point.
Lyanna hadn't expected the slap that came out to strike her across the face with a sting as the girls all quieted down. Turning back from the slap, the wolf maiden delivered a right hook that would go down in legend.
Balling her fist, she launched a hay maker that came around to land right on the chin of Cersei Lannister, dropping her to the ground with a resounding clap from the skin on skin contact.
With a furious roar, Lyanna launched herself on top of the Lannister girl and delivered another punch against her nose that was accompanied by a satisfying crunch and a howl of a scream as she continued on with left and right punches to her torso as the girl tried to fight her off from her full mount position. The Witch of the Rock put up a surprisingly good amount of resistance for a lady, though not enough to fend of Lyanna.
One of the Westerlander girls came to her senses and jumped on top of Lyanna, toppling her from her position, though soon found herself on the losing end, as the she-wolf quickly gained dominance with ease and began pounding her head against the turf of the garden as the girl wailed out.
Her punishment didn't last long as another pair of girls rushed at Lyanna, only to be intercepted by Lysa who tackled one of the girls as the courtyard descended into chaos amongst the highborn females.
Plenty of girls at court didn't like one another, it wasn't just Cersei and Lyanna, and it showed as various dress clad girls attacked one another, clearly settling long standing disputes. It quickly turned to something out of the tournament melee's Lyanna had seen, only with biting, hair pulling and slaps instead of swords, horses and shields.
Lyanna of course, was in her element. She had grown up with three brothers who never shied away from wrestling with their sister. Though to be fair, only she and Benjen ever truly fought. Ned, on his visits would often humor her, though he generally didn't want to harm her, while Brandon was much bigger and stronger and had always made quick work of Lyanna and boasted of it as well.
Either way, the she-wolf learned a thing or two about how to fight growing up, and it was clearly showing as she elbowed a Westerland girl above the brow, splitting it open in the process and sending her to the grassy grounds of the Gardens.
Princess Aerea sat back watching the whole thing unfold in keen interest as though it were something of a show, even clapping when Lysa Tully bit a girl. Soon though, the excitement came to an end as several royal guards along with Tygett Lannister came streaming into the gardens.
"What is the meaning of this madness!" Tygett roared out as the girls all came apart at the sight of the angry Lannister man. All of them began shouting at once as they scrambled to their feet in an attempt to explain themselves.
"Uncle… that b-beast!" Cersei screeched holding her nose as she got to her feet. "She assaulted me!" The banshee bellowed out, pointing at Lyanna. The Stark girl simply crossed her arms in response to the accusation as a number of different girls screeched out other accusations.
"I said silence!" Tygett barked out towards the ladies before turning towards the Princess.
"Princess, are you unharmed?" Tygett asked gently as he walked forward, leaving an injured Cersei with little attention as he looked the royal girl over carefully. Lyanna could tell that she was indeed uninjured, clearly keeping out of the fighting and she suspected that Tygett knew that as well.
"I am quite fine, Ser Tygett." Aerea assured with a smile to the older Lannister Knight.
"Uncle, my nose is broken! I want her punished!" Cersei demanded, pointing at the girl as Tygett whirled around on her, his green eyes boring into her in the process.
"I see no difference." Tygett said coldly with an arched eyebrow as Cersei screeched in anger before turning and stomping off, along with the Westerland girls. Turning towards the rest of the group he eyed them over. "Get back and get cleaned up, this is no way for ladies within the royal grounds to behave!" Tygett ordered as the many ladies began clearing out, many of them sporting bloodied faces or injuries, quite a few from Lyanna herself.
Lyanna tried to make a quick exit, knowing her father would surely be displeased when he found out. "Not you." Tygett said, holding a hand up to point at Lyanna. This was not good news for the Stark, for surely the Lannister knight would not be happy with the assault on his niece. Luckily, a voice spoke up in her defense, a rather surprising one.
"Ser Tygett, please, it wasn't Lyanna's fault. Lady Cersei struck her first, so Lyanna responded." Lysa pleaded, glancing shyly to the man as she spoke.
"She speaks the truth, Ser." Princess Aerea backed Lyanna as Tygett nodded. The Stark daughter could hardly believe her luck.
"Between me and you." Tygett said leaning in towards the three. "She deserved it." He said, surprising Lyanna and clearly Lysa, though the Princess seemed to nod her head in agreement at that. "My brother won't be pleased at all, though I will ensure that he knows who is responsible for this… incident." Tygett spoke lightly and with glee. Lyanna could hardly believe her ears; perhaps all the Lannister's weren't as bad as she thought.
"Would you like an escort, Princess?" Tygett inquired dutifully.
"No Ser Tygett, thank you. I will ensure to let my father know of your exceptional response today." Aerea promised the Lannister man at arms as Tygett bowed his head before turning and leaving, a pleased smile on his face.
"Well… that was certainly exhilarating!" Princess Aerea said to the two girls as soon as they were alone, surprising both Lyanna and Lysa by the looks of it. "Where did you learn to fight like that?" The Princess demanded.
"My brothers." Lyanna informed her, still in shock at her reaction. Lyanna learned by now that people rarely, if ever, did things in the Red Keep out of the goodness of heart.
"My father is going to be so angry." Lysa whispered in horror with a squeak.
"Don't worry; I will invite you to personally dine with me and my father on the eve. That should settle Lord Tully down. I never really liked Cersei, always pining after my brother in the hopes she will be Queen one day." Aerea snorted in a decidedly un-princess like way.
"You didn't have to help, I could have handled myself." Lyanna pointed out to Lysa stubbornly. She had stuck up for herself thus far, she didn't need it when dealing with the Westerland girls.
"Honor demanded I do something, you were after all, sticking up for me." Lysa said softly. "Plus, it felt rather good." She added, cracking her first smile as Lyanna and Aerea all joined in laughing. "I can't wait to see how Catelyn will react when she hears; no doubt she will be horrified." Lysa mused as Lyanna shrugged.
"She better get used to it if she's going to marry my brother. Fights like this are common in the North. I might just have to tell Brandon to ask for your hand instead, you would fit rather well in Winterfell" Lyanna praised the girl as she beamed. Lyanna got the impression that the girl wasn't use to being the center of much attention. She has no experience living with an older sister, though she could see with Ned that he was quieter living in Brandon's shadow and often following his lead.
From that day on, the three has been rather good friends. Her father was surprisingly sympathetic towards her cause, especially after she had been invited to personally dine with King Aerys and the royal family at the Princesses request.
When Lyanna told him of the exchange, he merely replied with, "One must compose yourself with dignity and stay out of fights, but if you must fight, then win." Despite that, Lyanna found herself with several Stark guards, trailing her for quite some time.
The next couple of months passed well enough for Lyanna. Princess Aerea would often invite Lysa and her to her more private gatherings, generally with only the Queen herself present and their lady mothers or chaperones.
They would also spend time telling each other stories of their homelands. Lyanna always had the best of stories, of the likes of White Walkers, Giants and Children of the Forest and times long past.
Aerea hung on to each tale and seemed keenly interested in the many wonders that Lyanna talked about. She also had a fair amount of interest in the Riverlands as Lysa told of the beauty of Riverrun and the old ruins of Oldstones and the surrounding area. Lyanna could say that she enjoyed telling tales of her family and hearing of the Riverlands in greater depth and even Kings landing from the Princess and Queen herself.
In the early parts of 279AC, Rhaegar announced the court his choice in bride, and it certainly sent ripples through King's Landing.
Quellon Greyjoy, 279AC, the Iron Isles.
The Iron Isles has long been a place that reeks of decline. Though no longer, under the guide of Quellon Greyjoy, who had brought much needed change to the Iron Isles and began building trust. In his youth, Quellon has fought corsairs and slavers in the Summer Sea, freeing slaved men and taking loot in a respectable way, earning him recognition amongst both supporters for the Old Way and supporters of the reformist. During the War of the Ninepenny Kings, he has commanded a hundred longships and earned recognition in defeating the Blackfyre fleet at sea, allowing for the land forces to force a final confrontation on land to decide the war.
Despite his early successes, he has also faced setbacks. While he publicly discouraged and forbid reaving along Westeros, there were some that had disregarded him, resulting in the sacking of Faircastle.
Quellen averted war by bringing those responsible to the Kings justice, though many escaped that justice as well, with loot in hand. Lord Tytos, the Toothless Lion has been pleased at least by his actions, though not many in favor of the Old Ways had been.
Lord Quellon begun his reforms by freeing thralls, forbidding reaving unless in distant lands and discouraging salt-wives, while encouraging marriages with the mainland. He also brought in Maesters on the Island and seen to a strong marriage to House Harlaw for his eldest son and heir, Balon. House Harlaw were known supporters and drivers of change on the Iron Isles and the young Lord of Harlaw was an avid reader himself.
Quellon watched as the Skagosi across Westeros turned their own people around and guided their lands to a better future, much like Quellon envisioned for his own people.
They kept their gods and their warrior class, though began engaging in trade and war for Westeros where the King called, instead of against it as the reavers had done in the past. As they rose in prosperity and stability, the Lord of the Iron isles redoubled his efforts and did his best to follow with his own reforms.
As the Ice Trade began to boom in the North along the western coast, Quellon seized the opportunity.
The Eastern side of the North has White Harbor, a place with smiths a plenty and a great number of skilled craftsmen of all types that served the Skagosi for many of their needs.
The Western side of the North lacked a great trade center, with the exception of Barrowton, which was mainly known for its animal products and produce.
Lordsport, unlike Barrowton, ha two things that the Northerners need, that they had got from White Harbor and couldn't get from Barrowton, ship builders and smiths. The hard part was ensuring that they would go to the Iron Isles instead of Lannisport to receive these services, especially with the historical enmity between the two.
To rectify this, Quellon has set his pride aside and set out for Bear Island in the company of a single longship. As they had sailed into the Bay of Bear Island, they have been met with an armed resistance, not a surprising welcome for the likes of an Ironborn longship captain.
Bear Island had once been a holding of the Iron Islands and many of the Iron Islanders resented the fact that it no longer was. It was also a popular destination for reavers and the Bear Islanders had a historically deep hatred for Iron Born.
Quellon flown a white flag of peace, though it clearly did little to put the people of Bear Island at ease as the Iron Born vessel docked in the harbor. Stepping off the ship alone, the Lord of the Iron Isles stepped onto the firm planks of the dock to the welcome party that awaited him.
Among the occupants were both men and women, both looking equally fierce and ready for battle, something that Quellon could respect. He heard tales that the women of Bear Islands were warriors like the men, now that theory was proven first hand as he saw a woman glaring at him dressed head to toe in gear of war, clearly expecting a fight.
"I am Quellon Greyjoy, Lord of the Iron Isles and I have come unarmed to speak with your Lord." Quellen Announced, turning around cautiously, ensuring he made no sudden movements.
An older man stepped forth eying him carefully, a Valyrian sword strapped to his side. This clearly had to be the Mormont Lord himself if the sword was any indication. "I am Lord Jeor Mormont, speak your business." The man demanded gruffly, his hand not leaving his sword as he spoke.
"The Old Ways of the Iron Isles are a failing system. I wish to encourage the New Way of trade, and so I have come unarmed and at your mercy to prove my intentions and relay my hope that we may usher in a new era that proves beneficial to both our people." Quellon announced loudly for all to hear as he looked around.
"How do I know that you aren't truly a raider?" Lord Jeor Mormont spoke after a moment of hushed whispers.
"If I may, my Maester Galvin could perhaps prove my identity." Quellen offered. Presenting the Maester would surely go a long way to proving his intentions. No doubt the Maester on Bear Island could prove he was who he said he was.
"Very well, you and your Maester can come to the castle above alone. Then, we shall speak further about your intentions. Should your men try anything, our deal is off and you die." The older Lord informed him pointedly. Quellon bowed his head at that in understanding, sending a look towards his men that relayed his acceptance. Without another word, he and his Maester walked forward into the jaws of the bear and to a better future.
After his identity was confirmed, the two Lords had spoken in great length into the night to reach an agreement. Quellon convinced the Lord to tie his trade routes and that of Lord Glover into the Iron Isles. Where they lacked quality Iron and the skills to build and repair ships of greater quality, the Iron Born had that in numbers.
The ships sailing the route would dock in the Iron Islands to purchase wares of Iron from the great smiths of Lordsport, weapons, armor, tools and other works along with seeking repairs. The Iron Isles would receive rights to likewise sail to the Mormont and Glover lands to trade for wood and other products. In exchange for all of this trust, Quellon agreed to have his young son Urrigon as a ward on Bear Island to keep the peace. A steep price, but one Quellon was willing to pay, given the alternative.
He likewise engaged in trade discussions with House Mallister of Seagard, long foes to the Ironborn as well. The Ironborn always had a problem feeding their population, it was one of the reasons that they raided the mainland's to augment their income and high population.
By working with Seagard, he established the means to buy and trade Iron products with House Mallister. The Riverlands had a considerable amount of agricultural products and Quellon would be a fool not to build relations with Seagard and the bounty of the lands around it. His eldest grandson would also foster with House Mallister to ensure the peace and build better relations between the ancient foes.
His son Balon doesn't like the fact that his Eldest son, Rodrik, was being given over to the Greenlanders, but Quellon remained firm in his decision and saw the young boy shipped off as soon as he returned to the Iron Isles.
In time, Balon would begin to understand that the reforms would bring more prosperity and a better way of life to his people than reaving ever would.
As trade picked up and gold began to flow in, Quellon started to encourage trade along the Northern coast of Westeros for goods with the slowly resettling lands of the Stony Shore, Cape Kraken, Barrowton and beyond. The mines of the Iron Isles was alive like none could remember and smiths had a steady flow of work that they could barely keep up with. Quellon had to seek men in the likes of Lannisport and beyond to bring in more skilled smiths as the demand sky rocketed for their goods.
To satisfy the reavers and keep their warrior tradition alive, Quellon encouraged the assembly of sell-sails to go fight in the Narrow Sea, Slaver's Bay and others in service to the Free Cities, raiding and reaving distance shores in ways that none could dispute was against the Iron Throne's interests, as many Lords themselves had served as sell swords in their youth.
The sell-sails provided a steady flow of foreign goods and loot coming back into the Iron Isles and of course salt-wives. Despite Quellon's distaste in the idea, he allowed it, though with a hefty tax on them to boost House Greyjoy's own finances.
Balon eventually began to come around, seeing the increasing profit flowing into the Iron Isles and the Reavers being satisfied with ample opportunities to engage in conflicts.
His heir even invested in settling many of the poorer Ironborn down on Cape Kraken after gaining the acceptance of House Flint who resided there. Along the coasts, small fishing villages popped up who would often sell grains solely to the likes of the Ironborn, providing them with a steady source of food and animal products while getting rid of some of the less skilled people of the Iron Isles who had little to do.
The Lord of Pyke had taken a great deal of time to explain to his son why the Iron Isles had failed in the past and been in decline since. They had not appealed to the people and they couldn't hold territory.
Ironborn of ancient times tormented to the local populace and were hated, so easily driven out by the First Men and Andals. Thus, the hate of the Ironborn resulted in the Isles being isolated with few willing trading partners that had led it to what it was today.
Balon seemed to understand this and had done well to begin embracing his new vision for the Iron Isles. He started encouraging and arranging those with bleak futures to be moved to the lands of Cape Kraken where they would prosper and have opportunities. He even set up a number of them with apprenticeships on the Iron Islands where he could.
Finally, he directed the many reavers who liberated slaves to settle those free men on Cape Kraken or the Stony Shore, building better ties with House Fisher and House Flint in the process. Along those places, Balon was well liked and respected among the freed slaves and former Iron Islanders. This resulted in a growing amount of opportunities and favorable trade agreements for the Ironborn and of course a steady flow of wood. The Iron Isles were on the rise and no one could dispute that.
Heke aka Reek, 279AC, Former Bolton Lands.
Reek's Masters has been either killed or in exile and the Dreadfort had fallen to their Ancient enemy, leaving him with no one to serve. The lady of the house was no Bolton and willingly given the Stark forces entry into the castle walls and control over his master's prestigious domain.
Since then, life had been empty for Reek, who had no Bolton to serve. His master's had never been kind to Reek, but they had allowed him and he served them loyally with all he was, for they were the only family he knew. He was called cursed by the small folk and he despised them for all he was worth. Only the great Lord Roose Bolton had seen the potential in Reek, though in the end, even he had left him behind.
Reek remained sheltered within the pigstalls where he slept, tending to the animals in exchange for being allowed to stay. Day through day, he worked, awaiting his master's return, but still no one came for him, and so he remained masterless, until one evening he overheard a young woman in the village outside the town as he went to purchase new hay for the stalls he tended.
"I wish to speak with Lord Bolton." The woman's voice carried over to Reek as his ears perked. What would a common woman want with his Lord?
"Haven't you heard? House Stark rules these lands now, the Boltons have been exiled." The man answered gruffly, returning to his duties as the woman's shoulders slouched. Reek however was very interested and pursued her as she walked around the corner.
"What are you wanting with my Lord Bolton?" Reek inquired as the woman turned to him, slightly cringing her nose at the smell of him. In her hands she held a small bundle of cloth, though Reek had no idea what it could be.
"He raped and killed my husband a year ago. Now my Husband's brother has taken the mill from me and tossed me out, and my Bastard with me. I have no option but to come here to plead my case, if for nothing else than his seed." She said glancing down at the swath of cloth in her willowy arms.
Reek knew who this was, this was the Miller's wife that his Master had been called to Winterfell over. She was the reason for his Masters exile. Reek should kill the woman for what she had done. Suddenly it dawned on Reek, the babe in her hands, the babe was a Bolton by blood. This was the Master that he would serve and prove his worth to. Should his master ever return, then he would surely give Reek praise, if not, then Reek would at least have a new master in the young child.
"Reek can help you, I am a loyal servant to Lord Bolton." Reek said stepping forward as the woman took a hesitant step back.
"And how can you help?" The miller's wife demanded.
"Reek can get you gold." Reek pleaded as the woman softened her stance. "Let Reek see the child, Reek will know if he is of the noble blood of Bolton." The stinky man claimed.
The woman was clearly left with no choice as she finally stepped forward and uncovered the bundle in her arms. There, in her arms was a babe that stared back at him with the same pale eyes that marked the child a Bolton. "Reek serves the Boltons, so Reek will serve the babe now, for it is a Bolton!" Reek exclaimed in excitement as he cooed over the baby. "You wait here, Reek gets gold!" He shouted as he scurried off into the distance, leaving the woman behind.
When House Bolton has fallen, Reek stole a good amount of gold, intending to join his master and present him with what was rightfully his, but he never received word, so he hid it under the floor boards in the barn, in a place where none went except Reek. Scurrying to retrieve it, he packed his things in a cart and set out back for town, a lightness in his steps he hadn't felt for some time.
Returning to the Miller's wife, pulling his cart behind him, he stopped in front of the woman who had remained where he had left her. Drawing the pouch from his bag, he held it out to her as she shakily grabbed it from him and opened the contents to reveal the glimmering gold dragons within. "My…" She whispered in awe as Reek nodded.
"Reek has more, but you must promise to bring Reek with you to serve new Master Bolton." Reek demanded of her.
"Very well." She agreed, still eying the gold in disbelief as Reek grinned.
"May I see the babe again?" Reek pleaded as the woman loaded her things on the cast.
"Yes, though after that, we need to look towards purchasing supplies and finding a safe place." She told him as Reek nodded quickly, eager to set his eyes on his master one more time.
Presenting the bundle again, she opened it up as he stared down. "What is Masters name?" Reek demanded to know as the baby blinked up at him.
"Her name is Raya." The Miller's wife answered.
"She will be great." Reek promised, not caring one bit that she was a girl. She was the last Bolton as far as he was concerned and he would serve her new master loyally, once more.