Jakob's Past (PT. 2)
As I wondered the hallways of the large castle, no it shouldn't be called that, the fortress. The decor, the tapestry were all elegant in design, depicting dragons and battles long ago. Paintings of previous kings adorned the halls that we wondered. The maids guiding me and Robb, were quiet and quick at their responses to our questions of the worlds history. Often calling us stupid and how the king picked the wrong bunch to be friends with, harsh in my opinion but I guess it makes sense. We're just two guys that don't even know this worlds history except that Aery's is the king.
The halls were long and wide, always decorated with gold here and there. It took us a whole 10 minutes of walking just to get close to our rooms, " These will be your rooms, guards rotate every night. They will keep you well protected... " The scarred one trailed off, " However, I suggest you sleep with one eye open. "
" We'll keep that in mind, Wont we Robb? " I turned to him with a cheeky grin
" Aye, I doubt a assassin could do much to me. " The man chuckled back
The maids sighed before opening the doors to our rooms and pointed us in, " Guess i'll see you in a bit Robb. "
" I'll see you in a minute, always good to get a rest from that stupid face of yours. " Robb replied with a smirk on his face as he walked inside his room
' Damn cunt, I'll get back at him. ' Walking inside with a smile, I whistled as soon I entered. The room was fancy to put it, better than anyplace I've slept in. The paintings were of battles and royalty, A door led outside to what I presumed to be a balcony. The bed was also something to not ignore, It was large to say, could fit at least 4 people on there.
As I had nothing to drop off, I simply left the room and waited for Robb, " So tell me Alicent, how long have you worked here for? "
She turned to me looking at me and turned back, " I've been here since the kings crowning. " She spoke. Hearing that made me shake my head, It didn't really help when I didn't know when the king was crowned.
Sighing I leaned against the wall, looking to the ceiling I pondered to myself. This world, the man spoke of it, he called it Planetos but the people seem to call it Westoros from the townsfolk chatter. That means the man was wrong, or there is more to this world than the ears can hear. Maybe another continent, my eyes grimaced at the thought. I was only used to one city, how was I meant to travel continents.
Looking down at the dagger, I couldn't help but frown knowing it was the weapon that killed Robb and me, that damn bastard. What was he even planning to do making an enemy of Gehrman and Lady Maria like that. He should have been dealt with, and if he was not then it is no longer my problem. After all I am no longer part of that world, I am dead and been sent here. Either by that man or unknown forces, whatever it is I am grateful for it giving me the chance to live in a world that isn't fucked up.
" Guest Jakob, I have a question? " Alicent spoke to me
" And that question is? "
" Your name, It's northern but you don't seem to be from there. " She questioned, " Your equipment, It is far to nice. "
She then leaned in closer, " Where are you really from? "
I lowered my head and stared at her. Scratching my head, " You won't know it as the city is long gone. "
" So Valyria, but that is not possible. " She shook her head stepping back, " Maybe from Essos, and one of their cities. "
" I guess you could say that. "
" Even then, that doesn't add up. " She placed her finger on her chin, " Your name is northern, meaning one of your relatives have to be from the north. "
Raising my hands in a playful manner, " Alright, alright you got me. One of my relatives is from the north. "
" Really, what's his name? " she eyed me carefully
" His name is Alaric, although he is long dead. " I just spoke the name of one of my previous dead relatives hoping it would be correct
" A good name, I must say. " She nodded her head before returning to her duty.
Staring at her back I couldn't help but smile, " So what will we be doing now? "
" Once your friend is done, We are to head to the throne room. " She then continued, " His Majesty will then decide your next activity. "
" How many people even work here? "
This brought a small smile on her face, " Around a thousand people, I believe. " She then muttered something under her breath that I was unable to catch.
Robb soon exited his room clearly pleased with the room he was assigned, " Oy, how was that room of yours. " I shouted out to him
" It was good, quite fancy. " Robb smiled, " I can't believe Aery's gave us these rooms. "
" Aye, they must be the common rooms. "
Alicent seemed to shake her head at my comment as if it was incorrect. Ignoring her, I moved closer to Robb and nodded at him, " I guess this will be a decent life. " Robb muttered under his breath for only me to hear.
" Aye, better than fighting monsters. " I chuckled at that
" I guess you are right. "
Walking through the fancy halls will be something that I would never get used too. The halls were vibrant in reds and gold. Chandeliers hung with the flames dancing sending light throughout the halls. The windows showed beautiful views of the city that allowed me to smile at the calm of this new world.
The first and probably only hunters to live in this world, that has a nice ring to it maybe that shall be our title. No that would be far too narcissistic, even for my own liking. The calm of the hallways brought by the pleasant breeze and the quiet of the hallways felt nice to my soul.
It took us a while to arrive back at the throne room, but once we did. I couldn't help but be surprised even if I did see it when we first arrived. The throne had Aery's sitting with his beauty outshining all in the room, but the surprise that formed on my face when I saw the throne made of swords. It caused me flinch slightly, imagining the discomfort of a sword up ones ass.
" Ahh, my friends welcome back. " Aery's left his throne causing those around him to act surprised at the mention of his friends, " Tell me how were those rooms of yours. I sure hope they are to your liking. "
A large smile was on his face while a frown formed on a lot of those around him. His face turned into a look of confusion before raising a finger into the sky, " My friends meet the major lords of this land. There of no extreme importance to you. But I do suggest you learn of them. " He spoke with a hushed tone
Clapping his hands, " My lords and vassals, meet the new people I've brought under our kingdom, they are to be hunters for the royal hunt I have organized for us later this week. " He spoke with a radiating smile causing the halls to relax before going back to their chatter amongst themselves.
Aery's wrapped his arms around our necks and with a smile on his face brought us to a seat with a man that had blonde hair wearing bright red clothes embroidered with gold lining.
" This blonde haired man, is Tywin Lannister. A heir to the Lannister's. "
" It's a pleasure to meet the two of you. " Tywin spoke with a calm voice, as he indulged in the meal before him.
" It is nice to meet you too. " Me and Robb spoke in sync, " So tell me, the Lannister's what are they like. "
As Tywin heard this, his face distorted forming a frown on his. Taking a quick bite of the steak, he cleaned his mouth with a quick drink and wiped his lips, " If I had to be honest, A disgrace compared to its previous might. " The man spoke with a clear disdain, " That is why once I become lord, I shall restore it to its former glory. The glory a lion should hold. "
" Quite ambitious, aren't you. " Robb spoke with a smirk as he called over a maid, " Maid, may I get some ale and steak with mash! " To which the maid ran off to get the meal.
" Men that are ambitious usually get what they want. " Tywin spoke with a small smile, " After all, men like to follow those that are ambitious. "
" Indeed, those that are ambitious will be followed. " I paused, " But that is only if they can keep that promise of theirs, Will you? "
Aery's stared at the conversation amused, " Of course he will, he is quite good at making gold. " Aery's waved his hands, " That is a good trait of his, that I wished I had. "
" Aery's you are to humble, you should really realise your worth as king. " Tywin spoke with a calm smile on his face taking another sip of his wine.
" I guess that's true. But I must prove my worth to the people. " Aery's spoke with a resolute face
Opening my mouth, only to be cut off by Robb, " I suggest his majesty organizes a tournament, where you show the kingdoms might under your rule. " Robb paused gathering a breath, " Then you can share your ideas amongst the people on what they can expect. "
Hearing Robb I nodded, it was indeed a good idea. Win the side of the people with entertainment and a promise and they would surely follow like good loyal pups.
" Aery's, he suggest a good idea. " Tywin nodded his head in agreement, " The people would be given entertainment. The peoples loyalty is always better than gold. After all peoples loyalty is hard to earn. Coins can be easily made through trade with Essos. "
Aery's nodded at Tywin's thoughts on the subjects. Leaning back on the bench he released a heavy sigh, " Why couldn't it be easier? " Aery's spoke annoyed of the difficulty on ruling.
This made me also come to the realisation that I had now been roped into the worlds politics due to my relations with the king, this instantly made my brain go into overdrive after all now I had to be worried about assassins aiming for my head. This instantly made me realise why Elayna told us to sleep with one eye open. Grabbing my hair, I couldn't help but place my head on the table. Bringing a chuckle from the people there,
" oh, is that my meal? " I heard Robb speak, " Thanks, I appreciate it. "
Feeling a hand on my shoulder I looked up and saw Tywin handing me a cup of wine.
" You clearly need this more than me, take it. " Tywin spoke a smile evident on his face, grabbing it he turned back to Aery's and continued their talk on income.
Taking a large sip of the wine, it went down my throat smoothly. Bringing a slight relief to me, looking at the cup I saw it was empty. Placing it down, I looked around the room and saw it was mostly old men or those that were reaching their middle ages. They were enjoying themselves drinking, and sending laughs throughout the room, the atmosphere was lively.
Aery's got up from the bench, " Well, I guess I have to give a small speech to my people now. Wish me luck. " He walked towards his throne, taking a swift turn and sitting down. The room now had their attention fully focused on him.
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This was a decent chapter, although it is your thoughts on it and what I could improve that I would like, so comment down your thoughts on what you think need to be improved.
Anyways thanks for reading so far.