Competition

When dawn came, Jason was quick to dress for travel and pick up his packed belongings. Heading out Tyrion was waiting by the stables along with Lord Commander Jeor, First Ranger Benjen and Maester Aemon. Approaching the group, the three gave nods to the Surgebinder before Jeor spoke up. "I hope the road will be clear for you both. The Night's Watch is relying on you to report to the King on these recent Wildling bands and our need for support."

"We'll certainly send a raven once we have King Robert's answer, although he will no doubt discuss the matter deeply with the Small Council," Tyrion replied.

"There is one parting gift I have though." Maester Aemon added before giving a quite sharp whistle. With one arm out, a grey raven suddenly flew down from the keep and onto his arm, Nasr the chatty raven.

The bird cocked it head looking at Tyrion and Jason, a cunning look in its eyes. "Hello hello." It chirped.

"Nasr here is a one of a kind raven. One of the oldest raven's I've encountered and the most intelligent." Aemon explained. "A raven normally memorizes two locations, a destination and a home. Nasr is special because he knows more than two locations. The issue is he's fickle as he's cunning, yet when he's sent off he's never failed a delivery."

"Thank you." Nasr chuckled, obviously enjoying the praise.

"Not sure I want to drag your favoured pet around the Kingdoms," Jason muttered as he looked at the bird, swearing those beady eyes had a mischievous look at him. One of Jason's hidden talent is that he can understand animals. Other couldn't understand the Raven but Jason could.

"Ah, he won't trouble you. No need for a cage or feed. Nasr knows how to keep track of his handler and care for himself." The raven hobbled on the Maester's arm before suddenly fluttering off to Jason as it landed on his shoulder and give a few testing prods with its beak at this leather shoulder pad.

"Heh, seems the bird already likes you Surgebinder." Benjen chuckled. "Just be sure to bring him back in one piece."

"I'll try my best," Jason muttered before Nasr fluttered to Tyrion who had a curious look in his eyes. Letting the bird perch on his leather-gloved hand, he'd offer up a cracker to the raven who quickly gobbled it up.

"I like him. Always wanted a personal raven." The dwarf remarked. "Even if it is well…on loan. Of course, I'll keep a good watch on him."

Jeor stepped up to the two, keeping that stern look yet having a kind smile on his face. "Then I wish you two safe and speedy travel. Hopefully, you too will return once things have calmed down."

Tyrion and the Lord Commander shook hands, the dwarf nodding in agreement. "I'd like to hope so. It's been an honour, Lord Commander."

Jeor shifted his attention to Jason as Tyrion moved to get his horse, one of the rangers guiding a horse to the short noble, yet having one of his own. It seemed they'd be having company on the road from what the Surgebinder could tell. "That is Yoren, one of my top men and a recruiter for the Watch. He will be able to short out the logistics for any supplies and aid you're able to get us. From what I know Lord Tyrion has been quick to befriend him." Indeed the two were chatting, the ranger having an amused smirk on his face. Jeor looked back at the Surgebinder, holding out one hand for him to shake. "It's been interesting to meet you Surgebinder. I hope someone like you can get some reasoning into King Robert while there is still time."

Jason firmly shook the old Commander's hand, realizing quickly the man had an iron grip despite his age. "Having met the man…well…that may be a challenge. Still, I don't plan to leave the Night's Watch empty-handed." Reaching into a saddlebag, he'd take out a leather folder and hand it over to the Lord Commander. Curious, the old man started flipping through the pages, drawing a questioning look across his face.

"Where did you get these? I may not be a Maester yet I know an alchemical formula and weapon diagram." Jeor muttered. "Improved crossbows, blades, armour enhancements, bombs…the Alchemist Guild has long guarded some of these secrets if rumours are true."

"Just a collection of mine from my travels. The traps are simple to craft yet better quality then what you currently have while poison is a more specialized tool you're men might need. I recommend to review those with your Maester and plan out a proper store if you plan to make any."

Jeor reviews a few of the diagrams, nodding a bit. "These can be useful. Thought materials and supplies are still needed." Yet at the bottom of the papers, he'd find a bunch of signed papers, most of the writs Eddard had signed over to Jason. "Wait these are…" The Lord Commander muttered, double-checking the papers before chuckling. "This may just give us the edge we need in the coming months. I'll need to send suppliers out to get these redeemed."

"They are better off in your hands than mine. Use them well."

Jeor nodded as he'd tuck the folder under one arm, giving a thankful nod to the Surgebinder. "Thank you, Jason. Good luck down at King's Landing."

Jason nodded in agreement before moving to his horse, pulling himself up onto the saddle while Yoren did the same. Glancing at the Night's Watch recruiter, he could tell the man was an experienced individual by just his look alone yet world-weary from the tired look in his eyes. He'd give a nod of recognition to the Surgebinder before the gates of the castle opened up for the trio. Taking the lead, Jason rode out while the two followed, Tyrion behind him and Yoren taking the flank. They headed out at a quick pace, slowing once they reached the more hilly regions of the Gift. Hours past, only idle chatter happening between Tyrion and Yoren. Once it was getting dark, the group set up camp by the road, although kept picked a less wooded spot to avoid a possible repeat of the Wildling ambush.

"So Yoren, care to tell me more about your role with the Watch?" Jason asked once the group settled down.

The man gave a small shrug. "See no harm it in. Recruiter is the short title of my job. Officially it's Wandering Crow. Overall I just travel between the major cities between Winterfell and King's Landing, carting off anyone desperate enough to escape the gallows or losing a hand." Sighing, he'd scratched the back of his head. "Miss the days when people were willing to join. Honest men young and old willing to take the Black."

"Everyone has settled down after Robert's Rebellion. Work has gone well and the people are overall happy with King Robert…even though he is loose with the people's tax money. The roads and buildings may be worn out, yet entertainment is always a numbing distraction to such matters." Tyrion remarked.

"Aye. Heard all about the feasts and tourneys he hosted over the years. Another one supposed to happen in a few weeks when he returns to the capital. At least I'll have something to watch while I'm visiting."

"Ah, it will be an interesting event. Jason here is even taking part…with me as his sponsor"

Jason gave an odd look to Tyrion after that sudden claim. "Sponsor? I thought Lord Eddard be doing that?"

"That is the issue. You don't officially serve House Stark, your position as 'champion' is more of an honorary role which no doubt everyone in the North respects. South to the Riverlands and beyond though, that title will have little meaning to most."

"Alright fair point on that. So what is your scheme then? I can tell you have some cunning idea for all of this."

"Simple. Fame and fortune."

"Tyrion, you're part of one of the more renown and richest Houses in the land…why would you need more of that."

"On a personal level Jason. While I enjoy spending my father's coin and throwing the family name about to get what I want, there are limits to it. Having seen what you can do, I know there will be plenty of betting going about and I know you'll be in the centre of it all."

"Yeah, except it's not you battling it out with the most skilled knights of the land. Not worried about the risks, just curious what is my gain besides good publicly?"

Tyrion chuckled at what the Surgebinder was meaning. "If its gold you're worried about, don't worry you'll get your share."

"Good. Considering I lost most of my money coming here. Doubt the pocket full of orens I have would count for much here."

"Money does make the world go round. Doesn't matter which side of the Narrow Sea or beyond that."

"True enough. That aside though, I take you'll tell me more about what events the tournament has planned along with the competitors?"

"In due time. Nothing has been finalized and I only know so much from rumours and offhand discussions from King Robert. We'll discuss the details once we get farther south." Tyrion assured the Surgebinder.

"Fair enough," Jason muttered with a shrug.