Entry Thirty-Eight

Date: July 30, 300 After Landing, Summer, Long Winter

Location: Sea Dragon Point

Interesting times.

Some of the things happening are more distant, less real, seemingly less important. Other things that seem really important, often are only important to the few or the one. So, I'm going to list them geographically from furthest away to closest.

News from Essos is reaching Westeros of a massive battle having been fought outside the city of Meereen, in a region known as Slavers Bay. The Mother-of-Dragons is said to have fled the city atop the back of her largest dragon, just days before a neighboring city attempted to strike it. The aggressors, from nearby Yunkai, attempted to siege the city but instead the missing Queen's Hand and advisors launched an attack and broke the mercenary armies…barely. From second, third and fourth-hand accounts, the battle could have gone either way but between two of the mercenary camps switching sides and then the unleashing of the Queen's two other dragons the fate of the Bay was sealed.

Still no word on where the Targaryen Queen has gone, or if she is still alive. Honestly, I admire her determination. Her family ruled Westeros for nearly three centuries, and she wants what she thinks is hers.

Speaking of Targaryens, another one has mysteriously appeared. The supposed son of Prince Rhaegar whom all the world thought killed by the Lannisters and given to King Robert as a gift, Aegon Targaryen has arrived in Westeros. He landed with 10,000 men in the Stormlands, and has already captured everything between the Greenstone and Griffin's Roost, including the defendable mountain stronghold of Crow's Nest, and are threatening Storm's End. King Stannis's home.

Dorne has already pledged their support to the Lost Targaryen, adding their strength to his and boosting what would normally be a respectable military force into a full-fledged rebellion. Age-old alliances in the South are being ripped apart as allegiances are questioned and neighboring lords begin to fight one another. King Stannis, his eyes formerly never far from the North, has finally shifted them to address the growing threat to his reign. King Eddard told me that the troubles in the South are for the South, and that the North is staying out of them, but I worry about what may happen should Aegon eat the south and find himself still hungry.

Closer to home, it's been snowing nearly every day. Constant. Here along the coast it is more mild, but it has still been bad enough that all work on the Capital and shipyard had to come to a stop. Honestly, it is summer. I figured that the Long Winter would simply be a colder version of the normal year and its seasons, but this is ridiculous. During the middle of summer, you don't expect the average day-time temperature to be hanging just below freezing. Even the people who live here have told me that this isn't typical, and that they suspect the Others, Magic or both are involved. Frankly I don't care what the cause is, I just want to hit it over the head with my shield.

Then again, that may be because of what Dacey just told me. She wanted to wait two months to make sure, but she confirmed it. I'm going to be a father.

I'm excited, terrified, joyful and worried all at the same time, but I'm told that is usual. I guess I have a few months to prepare myself; attach a child's room, build a crib, get clothing, etc. But I'm not sure I'll actually be ready. I just hope I make the kid happy.