Planning rescue part-3

Tobho Mott stroked his beard as he'd study over the vast pile of notes he had, dozens of arcane studies from both the city of Qohor and runes Jason had shared with him. On his desk, there was also a set of scales which had a mix of different ores set into it, rare materials that the Surgebinder had also shared.

"So close…everything is making sense now…" The master smith muttered as he'd quickly cross out an equation he had made before redoing it again. "The material quality is right…yet what is wrong with the forging process?"

"Working this late Mott?"

The smith gasped as he'd sit up in his seat, turning about to see Jason at the doorway. With the darkness surrounding the man shivered seeing those piercing cat eyes staring at him.

"So, is it true what happened?" The man muttered, tense still from being surprised.

"What do you think?"

There was a long pause before Mott relaxed, letting go of a fine dagger he had hidden among the papers. "It makes no sense for a man like you or Lord Eddard to attempt a coup. You're far too honest and direct for such a thing."

"You trust that logic?"

"Could just be my gut instinct…either way I know why you're here. You need my help."

Jason nodded as he'd move closer, pacing along with the nearby displays of fine armour and weapons. "We need supplies. weapons and light armour, simple protection."

"How many?"

"Enough for twenty men."

Mott sighed at the number. "I can do fifteen at least. If I sent for any more then I'd draw attention."

The Surgebinder knew better than to debate on the matter, knowing the smith was putting a lot on the line by helping. "Then that will have to do. I guess the issue will come to the price…"

"No need. This won't cost you?"

"Why? I can surely-"

Again, Mott spoke up. "You don't understand. Considering everything you have shared with me over the past few months, I feel I'm about to discover legendary proportions."

"Wait you don't mean…"

Mott gave a wide grin as he'd gesture Jason closer to the table, showing over his notes. "Your diagrams and materials gave quite key insights on crafting Valyrian Steel. For one the ores needed are rare, though obtainable with the right sources." The man explained. "Magical inscribing was tricky for a while, though the designs helped fill in the gaps. Magical enchantment explains why such blades never need sharpening or ever rust."

"Seems like you have everything down."

"So, it would seem…" The smith muttered. "I've already done some trial tests. Took a long while to get most of the steps detailed correct, but despite all of this I haven't had success. I've made some fine weapon, yet still not to the right quality."

"Any idea what is the issue?"

A low chuckle escaped from the master smith. "I guess it's the only logical. My theory would explain why no one has ever been able to recreate Valyrian Steel. The issue is the amount of magic and heat required to get the right pressure to bind the ores and magical enhancements together. I used my strongest forge with top-quality fuel, only leading to failure." A low laugh soon followed. "The heat required be something only a dragon be capable of giving."

There was a long moment of quiet as the news sunk in, Jason nodded in agreement. "Still doesn't change the fact you've rediscovered one of the world's most desired secrets."

"Aye…and I plan to continue it. It may take time…years…maybe decades, but I will find a way." Again, an amused chuckle. "Perhaps dragons will simply appear once more. Ah, that be such a strange twist of fate."

"You never know."

"Indeed." Nodding his head, he'd give a tired sigh before speaking again. "My ramblings aside, is there anything else you need?"

"Yes, in fact." Jason reached into his leather jacket to take out two pieces of paper, handing it over to Mott. One was a list of items while the other a meeting point for the gear to be delivered to Davos men. "Need some specialized weapons for me. Feel its time I pick up on some old techniques."

For a long moment, Mott read over the list, shaking his head and smirking. "You are a strange fellow Jason. Quite the unique selection, though nothing beyond what I have. I'll have your new gear and the supplies for your men within a few days." After memorizing what was written, he'd hold both papers by a nearby candle, carefully setting them on fire before dropping them in the candle tray to cinder away.

"Good. You're doing the right thing helping us Mott." Jason moved away from the desk, seeming ready to leave. "Business aside though, there is one personal matter to talk over."

"Which would be?"

"Gendry."

Mott's face hardened slightly, knowing well what was going on. "If you plan to drag that boy into all of this…" He sternly warned.

"No, if anything I'm concerned about this life. Cersei and Joffrey will no doubt figure out the identities of Robert's bastard offspring. They all have a better claim to the Iron Throne then Joffrey or his siblings. Joffrey is unstable, he may very well try to round up and kill them all in twisted spite."

"I know that," Mott muttered. "So, what do you propose then?"

"Let me take Gendry out of King's Landing. I have a means of leaving the capital unnoticed and he would be safer at Dragonstone with his uncle."

"Heh, and you believe Lord Stannis will be accepting of a bastard of his older brother?"

"Has to be a risk I'll take. If needed I'm sure the Starks will accept him into their protection." Looking at Mott, the man seemed hesitant. "If he stays you may very well end up dead as well. Put your duty and pride aside on this matter."

The master smith was silent for a long moment before he'd give a low sigh. "I will make plans then. The boy will be sent along with the shipment of supplies. Yet…" He'd move to stand up, one hand out to The Surgebinder. "You swear by the Black Goat that you will protect that boy."

Jason glanced at the man's rough hand before reaching out to grasp it. "I swear to it then." They'd shake on it, yet for a split moment, the Surgebinder swore his wolf medallion trembled slightly on its chain, making him wonder if the deal had some magical element to it. He didn't question it though as he'd pull away and move for the door out.

"Then be safe Surgebinder. Dark days are coming…I feel it…" Mott warned as he'd return to his seat.

The Surgebinder made sure his cloak hood was up to cover his white hair and scarred face as he'd slip through the dark alleyways of King's Landing, taking a longer yet discrete route back to Blackwater Harbor. It was difficult to move around even during the late hours of the night since the Watch was active throughout all hours of the city. Plus, he couldn't risk the citizens from recognizing him for fear of being reported as well.

So far his trip back seemed peaceful enough, yet as he was nearing the harbour he'd heard someone shifting about behind him. He suddenly had a feeling that someone had been following him, making the Surgebinder tense for his steel blade which he gripped at.

"Please relax Jason. No need for violence." The calm voice of Varys spoke out from the darkness.

When the Surgebinder glanced over to the man, he'd quickly notice the heavy crossbow in his hands, a powerful enough to pierce through thick plate armour. The spymaster was in plain clothes, blending in like any other labourer in the city. "You're the one pointing a bolt at my back." Jason calmly countered back.

"Not taking chances right now, not after what I know about you." Varys kept his distance, making sure Jason couldn't face him. "I saw what you did in the throne room. The suddenly 'gush of wind' threw everyone about. Sandor was in quite the rage, claiming he knew for months is the had some trickery about it."

Jason remained silent, debating how to handle this. He felt using starlight would stun Varys long enough to 'persuade' him to drop the crossbow, since he knew the weapon this close would be difficult to deflect at such close range. It was obvious the spymaster had planned well for this encounter. His hand shifted from his sword, making Varys speak up again.

"Hands still Surgebinder. I know your tricks involve gestures of some kind…and that you have some mind affected power as well." The man stated. "Don't be surprised. Lancel and Pycelle seemed quite odd during times I questioned them, having vague memories after chatting with you."

Again, Jason was caught off guard by how the man had discovered more of his surges capabilities. While it didn't mean Varys had a full advantage, it was rare for the Surgebinder to encounter someone so observant, much less in a world lacking in magic. "So, what do you want then? I thought you planned to aid me?"

"It all matters on how our conversation goes. I want answers, the truth about you and your powers." Varys simply answered. "I know your cover story is a lie…a bad one considering. So, if you want my aid you will tell me everything."

Jason debated if he should refuse or try to fight back. While Varys had the drop on him, he still had his other Signs to catch the man off guard or just use his mutant reflexes to escape. Yet he knew he needed the spymaster's help, no matter how much he disliked the man. "Go ahead, if you think that's going to kill me. But if you do, I am going to take your head off your neck."

"Heh…you were right." The man muttered putting down his crossbow. "It seems your abilities are gifted…little more than a tool of your profession. Not at all like the arcane arts known in Essos."

"Mind if I ask a question of my own?"

Varys paused before shrugging. "Very one. One question."

"Why the distrust towards magic? If anything such skill and knowledge is limited to this world, practically non-existent."

"True…yet that doesn't mean it can bring suffering still. My…condition is because of one man's ambitions to understand the darker arts. A longer tale for another time really."

"So…it's a personal reason." Jason paused for a moment in thought. "Now then, what do you plan to do now with me?"

"You upheld the end of my request. I will always be on guard with you Surgebinder, yet your unnatural abilities aside I know your morals and honesty come first." Slowly he'd lower his crossbow, sighing as his arms were no doubt sore from holding it up for so long. "Perhaps we best get down to business. You surely have many questions to ask."

With the weapon no longer pointed at him, Jason relaxed slightly, stretching a bit since he had been standing about for so long. "Plenty. What is going on within the Red Keep?"

"Chaos. Lord Stark may be branded a traitor, but his accusations have spread much doubt. Already there is news of ravens arriving at different lordships, detailing about Joffrey and her other children being a bastard from Cersei's infidelity."

"Seems Eddard was wise to do so beforehand."

"A cunning plan on his part, though I doubt it will help his case. That aside, Lord Tywin was quite displeased hearing what happened. It is mainly the fact that his daughter ripped up King Robert's last decree. Had she accepted, she'd seem less guilty of the other accusations thrown onto her and her son. Tywin is no fool, he had planned for his family to take the through naturally, yet Cersei was far too impatient considering how recent events have played out. Because of this, Tywin is keeping a close eye on everything she is doing to ensure there are no more incidents."

"A small reprieve it seems, though I know Lord Lannister is far more calculating than his daughter." Pausing, he'd think for a moment before continuing.

"What about Ser Barristan?"

"The Lord Commander…has been dismissed of his duty with the King's Guard."

"What?" Jason was baffled at the news.

"It is mainly his failure for capturing you. They claim that he has become too old to uphold the duties of Lord Commander. He was given the offer of lordship and promises of luxurious retirement for his long service, yet he took it as an insult." Varys smiled slightly. "You should have seen how he threw off his armour in the court, even threaten all the King's Guard who nearly apprehend him."

"How did Jaime react?" Jason was curious considering Barristan was the young knight's mentor.

"He was the only one to not to laugh at him or draw his blade against him. In fact, he seemed quite shocked. However he was also promoted as the new Lord Commander, a promotion none are surprised with."

"So what of Barristan then?"

"Simply gone. I am working to track him down, yet a man of his skills knows how to make himself disappear. I'm certain though he remains in the capital. Still, why I can't be certain."

Nodding, Jason thought for a moment before continuing. "What of Eddard and Sansa?"

"Lord Stark will be having a trial the day after Joffrey's coronation for the charge of treason and conspiracy. His fate will certainly be banishment to the Wall, a safe choice to avoid open conflict with the rest of the North." He'd pause before continuing. "As for Sansa, she is planned to wed to Joffrey and remain a political hostage for the Lannisters. If anything she is their trump card in keeping the Stark family in line."

"It all makes sense, just as everyone else had predicted," Jason muttered. "Then what can we even do? Both are beyond our reach considering."

"Not entirely." Varys stepped closer, taking out a scroll from one pocket which he handed off. Jason unrolled it to reveal a detailed map of the Great Sept of Baelor along with the streets leading to the Red Keep. Arrows were detailing the routes certain parties were meant to travel, security plans.

Jason glanced up at Varys, an odd look in his eyes. "What are you suggesting here?"

"Lord Stark's fate is assured, though we cannot let the Lannister's keep Sansa. I cannot let them have a stranglehold over this country." The spymaster stated. "I wouldn't attempt such a bold plan yet knowing your conviction and skills I feel this will work."

Again, he'd study the map, already ideas coming to mind. "This would be risky to do. It could get the others and I killed."

"If you fear the risks I understand. However, you know this may be your only chance to steal a full victory from Cersei. I expect an answer now."

The Surgebinder was silent, hating how he had so little time to decide on this matter. This was a choice that decides the fates of so many, perhaps even the whole country itself. Clenching the scroll tightly, he'd give a low growl before bowing his head slightly. "Yes. This will be the only chance we got to even the odds."

Varys grinned softly, pleased to see the Surgebinder's fierce edge showing. "Then we best begin Surgebinder. History is about to be made…"