Mistborn

Jason was hesitant before he'd speak. "Cersei spoke to me when I arrived yesterday. We talked about Bran and she mentioned speaking to King Robert about the matter. The King seemed to view Bran's crippling as a…suffering."

From the way Ned's gaze hardened, he could tell that the Northern Lord didn't like what was being said. "You best not be implying what I think."

"You wanted my thoughts. I'm telling you. If you wish me to stop then say it." Eddard was silent, being all the Surgebinder needed to continue. "You know Robert has a tough outlook on life. Even in his unfit state, he is a warrior by heart. He'd rather die to a blade then be crippled or sickly. That's his viewpoint of life, which he views onto others."

"Get to the point Jason…" Ned said almost with a growl.

"Robert could have hired the assassin, seeing the act as a mercy killing for your son."

Eddard had quite a fierce look at Jason, yet the Surgebinder kept that calm look. "I don't believe that."

"Neither do I, but I can't rule it out."

"It's against everything I know about Robert…"

"Maybe there is a lot you don't know about him…maybe a lot about him has changed in twenty years."

"Enough of matter. I rather deal in facts not theories."

Jason sighed and nodded. "As you wish. All that aside…I take we just have to wait until King's Landing."

By now Eddard had calmed down as he nodded in agreement. "Yes. I think the best moment to bring up the Wall and the invading Wildlings will be at the Small Council. If we make our case before the other members, they can possibly support the Night's Watch requests." He'd sort out all the papers before looking to the axe. "For now keep that weapon hidden and safe. It will be the best proof we have."

Jason picked up and rewrapped the weapon, hefting it off the table once more. "Then we wait until then. Anyway, call me if you have anything else you wish to discuss over."

"Of course," Ned muttered as Jason moved to leave yet the Northern Lord suddenly spoke up. "One thing Jason, thank you for saving that boy."

The Surgebinder glanced back, curious at how the man knew.

"I saw the Hound come back with quite the angered look. Knowing his role serving Joffrey…well…not hard to deduce." Ned gave a small smile of gratitude. "Enjoy your evening Jason."

Jason was silent, yet deep down appreciated the compliment. He'd leave the carriage room, closing the door behind him before going and repacking the Wildling axe safely away in his private spot. Just as he finished, he'd hear someone call out for him.

"Jason! There you are!" Tyrion yelled as the dwarf hurried over, Bronn following close behind him.

"Crazy bastard. You left us baffled after you ran off like that." Bronn muttered.

"Sorry. Just remember something very important."

"Ah, no harm in the end yes? Anyway, we still have half a day left to ourselves. How about we just waste the day with drinks and stories while we can. Doubt we'll have that much freedom down at the capital."

Jason smirked and shrugged at the idea. "You know, that's not a bad idea. Better to enjoy ourselves while we can."

"Heh, bet twenty crowns I'll have you under the table by the end of the night Surgebinder." Bronn challenged with a smug grin as the trio head for the inn.

"Careful Bronn, if you knew the stuff I drank you'd back down on that challenge."

"As you say white hair. Fine, then the first round is on you then!"

Tyrion chuckled at how the two boasted and taunted at each other. He already knew this evening to be an entertaining one and a fine end to this long trip.

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Any worries Jason had were washed away with strong drink and amusing chatter as he, Tyrion and Bronn enjoyed the inn's bar for the whole evening and night. He had to admit that this world had quite its special share of drinks, although during his half-drunken tales he did boast about the unique ales and beers from back home. Soon even he lost track of events, yet remembered an out drinking everyone except for Tyrion in the end. It baffled Jason how someone half his size could hold his own, although he remembered that being a mutant seemingly didn't enhance his alcohol resistance. By the time his head cleared up, Tyrion had staggered away with a hundred crowns and Bronn had crawled off to his room in the inn.

"Ugh…going to be a crazy tale to share with others when I get back," Jason muttered, as he rubbed his head. Taking one of the emptied bottles, he got a bit of water to help clear his head as he'd head outside. The camp was peaceful unlike yesterday with the trial that had happened. Pacing around the inn, he did pause when he stared at the pen where Lady had been caged up. Already he wondered how the dire wolf felt…no doubt confused and scared over what was happening. "Always the innocent ones…" He muttered as he'd sip his drink and move along the road.

Glancing up, he could see it was a full moon tonight, casting a cool light across the area. Oddly the surroundings felt…familiar in a strange way. Suddenly he'd hear a male voice, a calm and cheerful one that seemed quite close. The words he sang though were haunting to the Surgebinder's ears.

"His smile fair as spring, as towards him he draws you"

The voice was coming from around the other side of the inn, at the intersection where all the main roads met. Curious yet on guard, he'd move closer as he followed the voice.

"His tongue sharp and silvery, as he implores you. Your wishes he grants, as he swears to adore you"

Rounding the building, he'd see the open crossroads. At the centre was an as sturdy signpost that directed off to the many different keeps and towns spread out in all directions. Yet someone was sitting on top of the highest sign, the one marked as 'King's Landing', their back facing Jason.

"Gold, silver, jewels – he lays riches before you."

The figure was a man with long hair, although he couldn't see his face from this angle. His clothes were simple but weird cloak covered him, made up of tattered dark stripes. There was a satchel set across his back, quiver filled with arrows and a longbow.

"Dues need to be repaid, and he will come for you.

All to reclaim, no smile to console you."

At this point, Jason had a realization of who this was. A mix of feeling came to him, snapping the drunken daze that lingered in his head. Already he was questioning how this was possible. Part of him felt like to turn away yet deep down he knew this being could help him. But thinking of the cost…had him hesitate.

"He'll snare you in bonds, eyes glowing', a fire. To gore and torment you, till the stars expire"

The song ended and at that point the figure would shift about, turning on the sign post to face towards Jason. Brown hair and brown eyes, the face was very remarkable, a look that you would remember. The man had a friendly look, yet Jason knew better as he saw sharp cunning eyes, sly and calculating. Looking at the Surgebinder, the man grinned as if seeing a treasure.

"Let me ask you one thing?" The man chuckled while Jason gave a calm yet serious look back at him. "Are you from another world?"