chapter 8

Bran was excited to finally be away from Winterfell. He loved his home but the thought of going to Kings Landing had thrilled him to no end. He was going to meet Barristan the Bold! Old Nan said the Kingsguard were the finest swords in all the realm and Barristan was their commander, a legend who had slain the last Blackfyre! Father had promised that they would meet him when the arrived at the city and he dreamed of one day being able to squire for such a knight.

Initially it had been hard to leave. He would miss Old Nan, Robb, Rickon, Jon, Mikken and even Hodor the stable boy. He had a new friend now though; Tommen was kind if a bit fearful. He shied away from his wolf even after he had shown how safe he was. Bran still hadn't decided on a name. Myrcella had sat with him before they left and gave him some names but they all sounded queer to his ear. Bran didn't know how to act around the Princess, were all princesses strange? Tommen liked his sister but said she was scary. How could a girl be scary he wondered.

Father rode with the King who had Ser Meryn and Ser Boros with him. He was back behind them on his own pony. He could have walked so slow was their pace which grew boring. Around him were Stark guardsman who he started pestering with questions after he grew bored. In his dreams he thought they would be riding hard for the capital, not this slow drudge. His wolf kept up easily.

What could I name him? Jon picked such a good name and so did Robb, mine must be good too.

He caught glimpses of Joffrey and the fearsome Hound. The man scared him, he seemed a villain from one of Old Nan's tales. Bran didn't like Joffrey at all. He had been beaten by Robb in the practice yard and then he had demanded live steel. Robb would have won that fight too but it wasn't allowed and Joffrey had mocked his brother. Bran had asked Tommen about what Joffrey was like at home and the boy almost started crying!

Soon they stopped even though there was still daylight remaining. Bran went to the wheelhouse where Tommen was. The boy stepped out after the Queen and grinned when he saw Bran.

"Bran we are done travelling for the day do you want to see if Myrcella will tell us a story?"

He liked stories but he wanted to do something.

"Maybe later, there's some trees up ahead, want to go climbing?"

Tommen was timid but game he asked his mother if he could go and the Queen gave a look of contempt but consented and had Jaime go with them for protection.

The trees were little challenge being only of middling height. Tommen had difficulties but Jaime helped him up.

Bran swung off a branch and landed easily.

"Tommen don't try that or my sister will skin me." Jaime cautioned.

"I won't!" The young prince cheerfully replied.

Bran went to the next tree; it was a bit smaller but had fewer branches. Still trivial compared to climbing the walls of Winterfell. This was boring but there wasn't much else to do. At least Tommen was having fun.

***

They won't let me practice with Tommen without a lot of padding, this is much better!

Bran cheered as he and Arya whacked each other with sticks. Their sticks were old broom handles with the broom bit hacked off. They weren't as weighty as the formal practice swords that Bran had used back at Winterfell but they still stung and could leave a mark if struck hard enough. Arya was better than him but she was taller and older.

It was shameful to be beaten by a girl but no one else was around. Just her, their wolves, and Mycah. Mycah was even older than Arya but he was clumsy and tentative about hitting them. He ended up getting whacked far more by Arya for that reason, who really got upset if she perceived someone was going easier on her.

Bran got hit again and dropped his stick, rubbing his elbow gingerly. Arya grinned and pointed at Mycah who picked it up. Bran took a breather while they started striking at each other. He saw his wolf, he still needed to pick a name, turn to look behind them. There riding on her horse was Princess Myrcella.

Arya had asked him not to tell other people they were practicing swords for fear that she would be made to stop and be more lady like, like Sansa. Unfortunately, Myrcella had already seen them and spurred her horse to a light trot.

"Mycah," he called out, maybe the princess wouldn't recognize Arya in her dirty clothing. They both turned and Arya dropped her stick and looked down.

"I thought I heard something, what are you doing out here?"

Bran thought fast, he didn't want to have to stop sparring with Arya. "I was just playing swords with some of the boys in the area."

"And you chose to watch your sister's wolf while you played with the boys too?" Bran flushed, caught out in the lie.

"Who's she?" Mycah asked.

"She's Myrcella." Arya replied.

"The princess?" The boy looked sick with fear and then went to one knee. "Uh y're grace, they ast me to practice."

"Fear not, if you were any threat to the Starks their wolves would see to you shortly, so I know you to be a friend. What is your name?"

"M-Mycah m'lady."

"Please rise, I was just curious what the sound I heard was."

He stood awkwardly. Bran looked at Myrcella, riding dress wasn't formal wear but she still looked ready for a feast day.

"May I watch?" She asked.

Bran and Arya looked at each other and Arya answered for them. "If you want, just don't tell anyone I was training."

Myrcella raised an elegant eyebrow. "Training? This is play. If you wish to be trained you should find a proper tutor. An old saying exists that practice makes perfect. It isn't true. Practice makes permanent."

Bran could tell the look in Arya's face; he saw it right before she would argue with Sansa or talk back to someone she shouldn't. Before he could try to head her off, she already replied.

"I don't have someone who can teach me! And I'm getting good. I do better than Bran and he's been at the training yard with Rodrick!"

"You're older that doesn't count!" Bran retorted.

Myrcella's face had a faraway look for a moment before she smiled. "May I try for a few minutes?"

Arya grinned. "Yes, who do you want to face?"

Mycah shook his head. Bran didn't know about hitting a girl that wasn't his sister.

"You will do since you believe this play serves as practice." Bran thought the words themselves insulting but the tone they were conveyed was light and airy taking some of the sting from them.

"Your Grace, won't you ruin your clothes?" Bran warned as Myrcella picked up one of the sticks.

"I only intend to play for a few minutes before heading back, all will be fine but thank you for your consideration, Bran."

"Are you ready?" Arya asked and the princess nodded. Mycah still looked rather ill at what he was seeing.

He must be very tense. The wolves must be picking up on that they both are alert with ears up. Poor butcher's boy isn't used to being around royalty.

Arya sprang forward looking to jab her stick into Myrcella's mid-section. Bran could only watch in awe as Myrcella danced forward avoiding the jab while moving past her opponent, and striking out with a light blow to Arya's rump. Arya let out squawk and whirled back with a more controlled slash. Myrcella leaned away from the blow and took a step back and then second and a third as Arya slashed again and again. After the fifth slash Myrcella rapped Arya's knuckles with her own stick causing Arya's to fall from her hand.

The princess let Arya pick it up and this time she went for the legs. Myrcella cleanly parried and poked Arya in the shoulder. His sister growled and began slashing wildly again. Myrcella ducked, side stepped, parried, and then struck Arya lightly across the shoulder, chest and ended with pressing the stick lightly on Arya's neck.

Arya yelled. "You liar! You said it was pointless to practice with the sword! But you have!"

Myrcella paused and dropped the stick. Her expression was veiled. "I have watched my brother train; I have viewed many tournaments and melees. I'm also a smaller target. This play isn't the way knights train. The stick is too light and we aren't wearing any armor. A slash to a pauldron accomplishes very little. Enjoy your play Arya, improving your reflexes has value but do not mistake it for being useful if a man armed and armored seeks to do you harm. If you insist on the learning to fight then find someone to tutor you."

Arya still seemed upset but she looked and apologized. "I'm sorry I called you a liar. I don't know how I can find someone but I'll try."

Myrcella smiled. "I might be able to discover someone for you in Kings Landing. They just need to be able to keep a secret so I can't be sure yet I have someone suitable." She turned to Mycah. "Mycah, thank you for letting me intrude, do please continue spending time with the Starks."

"Y-yes m'grace, ah, m'lady, err…" Mycah fumbled over his words.

"Myrcella is fine unless you are in court. I doubt you will be in court any time soon so please do not worry over niceties." She looked over at Bran. "Have you found a name for your wolf, yet?"

Bran shook his head. "Not yet."

She mounted back on her palfrey. "Let me know when you do. They will be laying food out within the next hour or two back at the camp should you get hungry."

***

Did I regret cheating with my magic? Not at all. I was wearing nice clothes and it would be difficult to change them without mother seeing and asking questions. Furthermore, the lesson I wanted to impart required me to win. Arya had better reach, strong natural reflexes and had played with the sticks longer. In my past life I used shovels, a knife, and a bayonet not sticks pantomiming as swords. I could kill or maim Arya even without magic or a blade but in a spar where I didn't use my killer instincts, she would have the advantage.

It was another encounter with the Starks where things had gone well. I'd need to spend some more time with Sansa soon as well. I pitied her, being betrothed to my brother was a nightmare she was walking into blind. She was enchanted with him. Mother raised Joffrey so he knew how to be gallant and put on a false smile. The boy was getting bolder now that he was closer to manhood and with a betrothal on the way. Just the other day he had glared at me, something he had not done since I had stared him down.

All in all, I was glad I hadn't tried to push for going to the Wall with Uncle Tyrion. My magical tests demonstrated that my magical ability did not suffer deterioration after going south. Was this because three direwolves were with me? I had no idea; I needed more data. I had asked Tyrion to see if they had any interesting books on the Wall. Given that most of the Night's Watch was probably illiterate I doubted there was much to be found.

I went to the massive wheelhouse and checked in on mother. She was drinking and chatting with her brother. I didn't know what it was like to be a twin, but it was clear their bond was very close. A pity that even my mother could not get Jaime to take his responsibilities more seriously. He wasn't even garbed in the uniform of a Kingsguard!

"Hello mother, uncle." I greeted.

"Myrcella, where do you wander off to? I asked Joffrey and Tommen and they didn't know where you had gone. I was about to send your uncle out to look for you."

"I doubt I'll be visiting this way again anytime soon; it is good to take in the sights while I can. The guards are everywhere and if some wild beast were to come upon me Flyta can outrun any of them."

"You are a princess, a ransom from a brigand makes you a tempting target." Mother chided me.

"And risk the wrath of my family? Uncle Jaime's swift blade would be the luckiest of death's they could face." I smile as said uncle laughed.

"My sweet sister, I believe your daughter has you there. But if you are still concerned, I can always have the musicians play The Rains of Castamere a few times to remind everyone of the consequences of something so foolish."

Mother frowned at him. She made a move to say more but he just laughed. "I'll not get between a mother lioness and her cub but I won't be here to listen to the argument either." And with that Jaime Lannister departed the wheelhouse.

"We are surrounded my enemies. None of you seem to realize this. Do you think these savages here in the North think before they act? What was the phrase you used the other day? A cost-benefit analysis? Do you think some grubby peasant considers well the ramifications of his actions before he does them? Be careful."

The entire journey to Winterfell, the stay there, and now the journey back had mother extra troubled. It could just be excessive travel and being away from Kings Landing and all that meant. But it felt like it was something more. I hungered to be included in her circle of intrigues and thought it good to try once more.

"Mother, travel seems to be wearing on you. You and your brother rarely have harsh words and your concern for me seems overwrought. Tell me, is aught amiss?"

Cersei looked at me consideringly. "The Starks bare no love for us child. They are jealous of our power and prestige. It was to be Lord Stark's sister who was to wed Robert. I trust him not and he has the King's ear."

"I see the problem mother and I'm working on becoming fast friends with the Stark children. Joffrey is playing the role you bade him play quite well and Sansa is infatuated. Arya and Bran, both like me. A King once declared 'Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?'"

I of course had no qualms about stealing quotes. This one was from an American president I believe.

Cersei scoffed at the quote. "You read far too much and learn too little. You think a Lord like Stark makes decisions based on his children's views? Myrcella, child, your confidence is misplaced."

It was always like this. My mother did not respect my attempts to partner up. Her dismissal of me strung, it was like the CEO coming down and looking at your work and frowning.

"You know best, and yet some Lords speak freely around their children. Could my attempts and building friendships with them not help in some way in the future?"

Mother smiled. "Yes, it could. Continue to extend the hand of friendship to the little barbarians but do not trust them yourself."

"Wise council mother, if I learn anything interesting, I will bring it to you." Compliments, especially ones given genuinely could be helpful, especially when you are about to ask for something. "Mother, it warms the heart to know that you worry for my safety. I assure you I take precautions however would it not be better if I also had a Sworn Shield like Joffrey does? And one for Tommen too. The Kingsguard is oft stretched thin."

Cersei mused for a second. "I wonder, is this a true desire you have or one that only exists because your brother has one?"

I really wasn't worried about my safety but I could use an adult pair of hands to carry out tasks and work in my favor. It wouldn't do to have mother think that I was some jealous girl. It wasn't fair either as Joffrey had his sworn shield for years now.

"Nothing of the sort! I just thought I could ease your concerns."

"Mm, is that so sweetling? And who would you choose for such an honor?"

"Such a decision would be important and I would of course ask for you guidance. Father is likely to put on another extravagant tournament to honor his new Hand, the knights from all over the realm would gather and second or third sons would find honor in such a role."

She nodded thinking about it for a few moments. "The idea has some merit daughter. Provide me some useful information about the Starks and I will help you find a proper Sworn Shield."

Not exactly the answer I hoped for but I could work with this.

***

I enjoyed the morning meal with Sansa Stark. Her direwolf, Lady, sitting by her side. Of all the wolves she was the best groomed. Fresh fruit and a heavy-laden plate of meats and cheeses was a fantastic start to the morning. A good cup of coffee would have made it perfect but one couldn't have everything.

"I look forward to seeing the city, I've never been and I hear it is wonderous." Sansa remarked.

I smiled politely and shook my head.

"There are wonders in Kings Landing, however I should warn you the smell does take some time to get used to. It is crowded and has almost no form of proper urban planning."

Sansa wasn't sure how to reply but eventually she pushed forward. "It must be lovely still. I hear that knights from all over the realm come to compete with honor. There are tournaments frequently I am told."

"My father does love them, I'm sure there will be one announced shortly after we arrive. Do you think any of your father's household guard will participate?"

Sansa paused to think. "I believe Jory and a few others will participate."

"Jory of House Cassel?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

"Oh yes, I did not know you knew about the lesser houses of the North your grace."

"I confess I did learn about the North prior to my journey. The North is huge, almost as big as the rest of the Seven Kingdoms. How does your father handle rule over such a wide domain?"

Sansa paused and I wondered if it was due to her being cautious, or did she not know. Finally, Sansa replied. "I'm afraid I don't know your grace. I just try to follow my parent's wishes as best I can."

Hmm clever deflection, or truth? I leaned towards truth.

"No matter, an idle curiosity. Do you think Jory will do well in the joust? I have already read that the North does not have many knights."

Sansa nodded. "He rides very well and is valiant. We don't have many knights because in order to be a knight one must take a vow to the Seven to be just, to be brave, to…"

"And you follow the Old Gods. That makes sense then. Jory has the same arms and armor as a knight, to include a warhorse, he just has not said the vows?"

"I think so. I myself follow the Seven like my mother."

I really didn't want to talk religion so I filed that away as interesting.

"May I feed Lady a morsel or two?" I asked to move the conversation away. She agreed readily and I fed her a few bits of meat that she took carefully from my hand.

"Lady is well trained. I hear Bran is still looking for a name for his own wolf."

"He is your grace; I've given him some suggestions but he claims none befit him."

"Please, Sansa, we are to be sisters. Just call me Myrcella."

"Oh, but Septa Mordane would insist on my courtesies be proper." Sansa replied.

"Titles are for court functions not for us two. I want us to be sisters in truth. Will you not do me this favor?" I was laying it on thick but by the smile spreading across her face it seemed the right thing to say.

"Very well, Myrcella, I am honored to be your sister."

I smile in return. "Excellent!" I whisper, "In truth I just didn't want to call you your grace when you become Queen of the Seven Kingdoms." She let out a polite giggle and I knew I was well on the way to cementing our friendship.

"I heard your brother was joining the Night's Watch, he's travelling with my Uncle Tyrion."

"My half-brother is joining. It is an honorable course for him to take, and given his station a wise decision."

"His station? Because he is the bastard son of your father?"

Sansa's cheeks pinked a bit. "Yes. My mother made it clear that bastards don't have many options. I think Robb would have found a position for him when he inherited but Jon wanted to make his own way in the world it seems."

Sansa seemed to hold Jon at a distance while both Bran and Arya talked about him more fondly. I didn't really care much but Jon also had a direwolf and that made him potentially valuable depending on which of my theories were true.

The direwolves fascinated me. It wasn't just the potential magical boosting but also they seemed more intelligent than even the brightest breeds of dog. There also seemed to be precisely six direwolf pups found and that number equaled Lord Stark's children. Down to the genders of the wolves matching up to the children. I believed coincidences are sometimes just coincidences but this seemed a bit far fetched to be purely chance.

"Sansa, I am fascinated by Lady and all the wolves your family has acquired. Would it be possible for you to write to both of your brothers, that if any further direwolf pups be found that they be cared for and delivered to Kings Landing? I would very much love to have one of my own."

Sansa nodded. "I will do so but only if you tell me what Joffrey likes. I want to please him as best I can."

Obviously, she didn't mean carnally but I almost winced at the unintended entendre.

"Joffrey enjoys crossbows and enjoys hunting to a certain extent. Long drawn-out hunts grow tiresome for him. He likes being complimented and is partial to the color's gold and red. He sings well and is careful of his appearance." I didn't tell her that he was sadistic, insecure, and spoiled.

"I will make sure to write at the next holdfast or keep we stop at, thank you." Sana replied gratefully.