Planning rescue part-1

It was a long trek through the passageways, yet Varys direction proved true in the end. Jason, Syrio and Arya squeezed through a tight exit out of a natural opening onto a cliffside trail, set below the looming Red Keep. Alarm bells were still ringing out, showing the search was still ongoing. Arya moved to lightly grip Jason's left arm, making him glance down to see the girl's worried face. He'd give a soft smile to ease her distress, though he'd glance up suddenly when he heard someone speak up.

"Surgebinder! Over here!" Further down the trail was Davos, the grizzled sailor standing by rowboat with a crewman sitting within it. "Seems the Spider was right to warn me." The man muttered as the group neared him, Syrio and Jason sheathing their weapons for the moment. "I was worried things go south within the court. Is Lord Stark…" However, he'd stop himself when he noticed Arya among them, no doubt feeling it unfitting to mention her father currently.

"I'll tell you what happened later. I take you to have someplace safe for us to a hideout?"

"Aye, an old warehouse at the harbour. It will be secure enough for us to plan our next move from there." Gesturing to the rowboat, the crewmen would pull lift-up some heavy cloth covers. "Everyone best hides themselves. The harbour is being watched, so we need to slip by unnoticed."

Arya glanced at Jason, seeming unsure to follow along with Davos directions. "You can trust Davos. He's one of the most honest men I've met." The Surgebinder assured her.

"I believe you…just…I've never been on a boat before," Arya answered back, seeming embarrassed on the matter.

"Don't you worry Lady Stark? This here is the sturdiest rowboat you'll ever ride in all of the known seas." Davos remarked, putting his friendly nature to use to ease any worry she felt.

The young Stark couldn't help but smile back, the first time since this crisis began. "Fine, then captain." She chuckled before she'd carefully step onto the small boat while Syrio followed along, pausing to speak to Davos.

"I can say I've heard of your name before backing in Braavos. The elusive Davos, the master smuggler of the Narrow Sea."

"Heh, never knew I had such a name considering. Still, that was a long time ago." The captain muttered.

Jason was the last before the trader kicked the boat away from the rocky shore, agilely jumping in despite the distance. Sitting down, he and his crewmen grabbed the oars to start rowing. The others would focus on staying low in the boat while they tugged grey cloth over themselves. Arya did yelp whenever a strong wave rocked the ship, Jason reached one hand out for her to hold and calm herself. While they couldn't see anything, they soon were surrounded by the bustling noises of the harbour. Nearby ships creaked in the water, sails flapping in the wind and chatter of people on the docks. It was a slow ride, though it seemed the guards hadn't gotten patrols to watch the waters as the party rowed by without issue.

Drifting down one of the side channels that lead to the storehouses, Davos soon spoke up. "We're clear now. You can come out." The cloth was pulled off to reveal they were docked at an old yet well-kept warehouse. More of Davos crew were either busy moving boxes of supplies about or keeping watch. The trade got out first, offering a hand to help Arya out while the rest carefully climb out onto the dock.

"Quite the place," Jason remarked as they'd soon be guided to the main doors into the building.

"Ever since the Rebellion I've been able to expand my trading business. I have warehouses like this across the major ports of Westeros and Essos. Allows me to build up a supply until demand is needed." Davos explained. The inside of the building was quite large, having a maze-like layout with crates, barrels and chests set orderly about. The captain guided them through the maze to a separate area, a bunk and plain sitting space for the workers. "This is the best we can offer for now. Basic comforts yet secluded."

"I've stayed in far worse. Overall it will do." Jason commented while he watched Arya pace around the room, seeming distracted with her thoughts.

"I know you're concerned about the girl…but we need to talk privately," Davos whispered back.

Nodding, the Surgebinder moved over to Arya, getting her attention once she neared. "Need to talk?"

Her gaze drifted away from him before she'd move to sit in an empty chair. Her hands fiddled with Needle in its sheath, showing her anxious nature. "Just…I'm worried about father and Sansa."

"So am I. However, we can't let such thoughts distract us. Remember our lessons, focusing on being calm and clear-minded no matter the situation."

"Just…just…" She'd grip both hands tightly over her sword. "I just wish I could do something. I know you and others are going to try to save my family. Yet…I can't do anything."

"Being powerless is always a terrible feeling. I've faced it many times before and I'm certain I'll face it time again." Like before he'd place a hand on her shoulder. "You were brave at the Keep. I need you to be brave still in the coming days. Anything can happen, so I need you alert for any trouble."

It took the girl a moment to compose herself, glancing up into the Surgebinder's cat-like eyes. "I will. Just…promise me you'll get father and Sansa back."

"Promise." Shifting back, he'd look to Syrio and Davos who had moved to the doorway of another room. Giving a final nod to Arya, he'd move to join them in a small meeting room.

"You handled that well. The girl is troubled, through most her age would be a sobbing mess." The duelist remarked as they all sat down around a table.

"Can't imagine what's going through her mind, fearing for her family," Davos muttered in agreement. "Right now, the odds are against us. The city is on high alert and the Watch will surely set bounties for every one who escaped."

"Any news about Lord Beric or Thoros?" Jason questioned.

"Only they were last seen outside the gates of the Red Keep with a score of fifty men. They forced out of the yard before reinforcements broke their ranks. They are no doubt spread out across all of King's Landing."

"Then that's our first course of action, regrouping. Gathering up Thoros, Beric and the other Stark loyalists will at least improve our defences."

"Aye. I send my men out to search about, use some of my contacts as well. May take a few days though to avoid drawing attention."

"Have to rely on the fact Cersei thinks we're divided and weak. She'll no doubt focus the Watch on the exits out of the city instead of searching every inch of the city."

"Let us hope so. If that woman didn't fear you before she does now. She will surely act more unpredictable." Syrio remarked.

"Then let's hope Lord Tywin reins her in slightly. Doubt he will be thrilled once he learned what happened at the court."

"Surely he will support his daughter in the end."

"Maybe…course he knows the crisis that will happen if any harm comes to Eddard or his daughters. No point in winning the Iron Throne if half of the Kingdoms turn against you."

"Whatever the case, you two best rest while I handle things. I'll be sure to update you on any news and rumours that come around." Davos shifted out of his seat, moving towards the door to leave.

Jason gave a tired sigh as he'd rub one hand over his face, stroking over the growing scruff across his chin. "Can't believe all of this happened still. Fate must have a sick sense of humour to force me into situations like this."

"You've been through this before?" Syrio curiously questioned.

"Long story…one I'm too tired to share." Shrugging his swords off his back, he'd set them on the table while he'd lean back. "I need to rest. Have some time to myself…if you don't mind Syrio."

"I understand well my friend. I'll try to keep young Arya distracted in the meantime."

The Surgebinder only nodded as he'd close his eyes, body feeling drained after using Signs back in the hall. He hated how the growing risks were limited to his capabilities. Right now, the last thing he needed was exhausting himself or even knocking himself out in the middle of a fight. He knew another fight was going to rear its ugly head eventually and he needed to be in top form to face it.