Chapter 11: The River Gate (Matarys, Vaemond, Balman Hayford)

𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐧, 𝟖𝟎𝟎𝟖

𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭

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Matarys Targaryen ran through the timber halls of the Aegonfort, with all the speed his four year old legs could muster.

''Hurry Matarys, he's getting away.'' Lucas said, gesturing down the hall.

The little prince nodded and increased his speed, Ser Whiskers would not evade him for long.

Matarys caught a glimpse of the cat's white fur as it rounded a corner, and with a gleeful laugh the little prince followed, he had never been this far within the keep, which contained many storerooms, kitchens, and servants quarters, the perfect place for hiding.

He rounded the corner and saw Ser Whiskers sitting against a corner, licking one of his paws.

𝘍𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘦 The cats wide yellow eyes seemed so call out 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘺

Matarys took a step forward, and then suddenly, the cat seemed to disappear into the ground.

Matarys looked around in bewilderment, they had reached a back wall of the keep and there were no further rooms where Ser Whiskers could have fled.

The young prince's pondering was interrupted by Lucas.

''Matarys look over here.'' The older boy said.

The little prince shuffled forward uncertainly, suddenly tired from his chase but then he saw it.

In the corner was an empty square hole in the floor with a small wooden set of stairs leading down, cobwebs visible, it had not been visible from where he had been standing.

''It's dark down there…and it feels cold'' Matarys said, kneeling and peering into the cellar, he could see nothing past the first few steps and even peering down sent a chill down his spine.

''We can't leave Ser Whiskers down there…don't you want to help him?'' Lucas asked.

Matarys nodded at that, he couldn't leave Ser Whiskers down there in the cold dark place.

''I'll wait up here and keep watch….if any of the guards see you going down there they will bring you to your father and he wont let us play back here again.'' Lucas said.

''Ok.'' Matarys said and, after mustering his courage, slowly made his way down the rickety wooden steps, the cold hitting him and causing him to cross his arms as he slowly made his way down into the dark.

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''Ser Whiskers.'' The little prince called out meekly.

Ser Whiskers did not respond.

The prince called out again, and suddenly the stairs were no more and he tripped onto the dirt floor.

Matarys dusted himself off and stood up, his eyes slowly adjusting to the dark.

Around him were several barrels and casks, many with cobwebs on them.

As Matarys scanned the room, he saw a pair of bright yellow eyes in the dark, giving him a jolt of fear.

The eyes were no monster at all, but Ser Whiskers, who appeared from the dark behind a barrel, giving a small meow 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘦 its eyes seemed to say.

Matarys giggled and ran forward, scooping up the cat in his arms and petting it.

Suddenly there was a large crash and the room was bathed in darkness, Matarys let out a cry of fear and huddled on the ground, Ser Whiskers in his arms.

''The hatch fell…its stuck I cant get it open.'' Lucas said, his voice coming in muffled from above.

''I'll go for help.'' Lucas continued

''Heeeelp...Save me!.'' Matarys cried out, again and again till his voice began to grow sore.

Ser Whiskers joined in with an annoyed meow.

Finally, the opening to the hatch began to move, and slowly light returned to the cellar.

Matarys gratefully walked forward, Ser Whiskers in his arms, as he reached the bottom of the stairs and prepared to thank his rescuers, he looked up and paused with dismay.

''Oh….'' The little prince muttered .

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Instead of Lucas or one of his fathers guards, it was Dalton Wynch, his fathers squire, behind him stood his big brother Vaemond.

''Cellars are for rats….are you a little rat?'' Dalton snorted, the boy was 10 years old with long orange hair, green eyes and mean, a cruel sneer sat upon his face.

''N..no.'' Matarys said, his relief at being rescued fading as he was faced with the bully of the castle.

''What were you doing down there, Matarys.'' His big brother Vaemond asked with a sigh, despite only being seven years old, he was just as tall as Dalton.

''Well…..Ser Whiskers ran away from my room so Lucas and I went to go get him and he ran into the ground and I went in to go get him and Lucas said he was going to get help and the hatch fell down….I saw some scary eyes but it wasn't a monster, only Ser Whiskers.'' The little Prince prattled on nervously.

''Lucas?'' The Ironborn boy asked with confusion.

''His imaginary friend.'' Vaemond replied.

Matarys stomped a foot down ''He's not 'magninary…hes real and he's a knight and he has black hair.''

Dalton started laughing at that, and Vaemond joined in uncertainly.

Matarys felt exhausted, the running and yelling had taken their toll on him, he stepped forward, ''I'm tired, i'm going to sleep and have the servants get hot milk for Ser Whiskers.''

Dalton stepped forward, blocking his path ''I didnt even notice your cat…..the last thing it needs is hot milk…look how fat it is…I bet it can't even catch rats.''

''Ser Whiskers doesnt like killing things…he likes hot milk and apple cakes….'' Matarys protested ''He could catch them if he wanted to though.''

''Ser Whiskers is a stupid name…and cats are for little girls….my hound would tear this fat cat into pieces…..I bet its so fat it cant even feel if I poke it.'' Dalton said with a laugh and before Matarys could stop him he jabbed a finger into Ser Whiskers belly, causing the poor creature to meow in pain and fall out of Matarys arms onto the ground. Dalton then started kicking the cat, laughing.

''You leave Ser Whiskers alone.'' Matarys screeched and ran forward heroically, attempting to grab the Ironborn boy's arm, but the older boy shoved him to the ground with a hard push.

Matarys crawled to Ser Whiskers, putting his body over the cats and curling into a ball, sheltering the cat while Dalton laughed, blows from his kicks landing all over the prince.

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''Vaemond help me.'' Matarys pleaded, but Vaemond stood back with his arms crossed, an uncertain look on his face and he made no move to interfere against his fellow ward.

Matarys then began yelling for Lucas, but his friend was nowhere to be found.

After what seemed like hours but was likely only a minute or two, the kicking stopped when a servant approached to investigate the noise.

''We were just playing.'' Dalton said when the servant questioned, his evil sneer transforming into an easygoing grin as it did so often around adults, he was good at fooling them.

Dalton then left, Vaemond hesitated and walked towards his little brother.

''You shouldn't have tried to stop him….you're littler than him'' Vaemond said awkwardly as Matarys slowly got to his feet, dusting himself off and holding Ser Whiskers in his arms, battered but alive.

Matarys sniffled ''I'm going to the kitchens to get Ser Whiskers some hot milk…and then i'll take him to the Grandmaester Arlan…his legs all messed up.''

The little prince then hobbled pitifully down the hall to tend to his cat.

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𝐀 𝐅𝐞𝐰 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫

𝐕𝐚𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐝𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬

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Vaemond stood in the middle of his room, wooden sword in hand emulating what he had seen Lord Rosby, the Aegonforts Master-at-Arms teach Dalton. He was not old enough yet to participate in arms, and instead could only run through solo drills.

𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘳…𝘐'𝘮 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘪𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘋𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘰𝘯 Vaemond thought.

Suddenly there was a knock at his door.

Vaemond frowned and placed his sword on his bed, walking over to the door.

''Who is it?'' He asked, he didn't remember asking the servants for anything.

''Lord Commander Corlys….open the door my prince.'' the familiar voice from the other end responded.

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Vaemond opened the door excitedly, he looked up to the Lord Commander, who was everything a perfect Knight should be, one day he was going to be like his distant cousin.

''Did my father send you to train me…i'm ready.'' Vaemond said with excitement to the Lord Commander, who looked magnificent in his white armor and cloak.

Corlys shook his head ''Not today my prince….im to take you to your Lord father….he wants a word.''

''What does he want to talk about?'' Vaemond asked.

''I believe it had to do with your little brother.'' The Lord Commander said curtly and they walked the rest of the way in silence.

As they reached the door to his fathers solar, the Lord Commander stopped ''This is where I leave you…your fathers waiting inside.''

Vaemond nodded and opened the heavy oak door.

His father was standing over his fine desk, his arms crossed, a fire burned in the hearth nearby and the fading rays of the afternoon sun shone through the red and black glass of the dragon shaped window, casting a rather ominous light in the solar.

''You wanted to see me father?'' Vaemond asked.

''I did Vaemond, have a seat.'' the King said, gesturing to a leather seated chair in front of his fathers desk, his father took a seat as well.

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''Some time earlier Grandmaester Arlan came to see me, he told me that your little brother wandered in his chambers, bruised and tired, carrying that cat of his, which had a broken leg.'' Aegon began,

Vaemond looked at the floor, he understood why his father wanted to see him now.

''I went to Matarys's chambers and he soon told me the truth of the matter…..I know about the business with you and Dalton Wynch.'' Aegon said sternly.

''It was Dalton not me.'' Vaemond protested.

''No.'' His father said harshly, suddenly rising from his seat, towering over the prince.

''But I did nothing.'' Vaemond exclaimed.

''Exactly….and that is why you are to blame for what happened….you sat back and allowed a boy near twice your brother's age…a boy trained at arms to beat your brother black and blue…while you did….nothing.'' The King said, raising an accusing finger at his son.

Vaemond looked at the ground, ashamed.

His father sighed and paced over to the fire.

''Come here Vae.'' He said, his tone gentler, and Vaemond got up from the chair and joined his father in front of the hearth.

''Family is the most important thing we have son….I could not have taken the Kingdoms without my sisters….I rely upon them, as you will with Nyel and Matarys….one day you shall lead our family…and a King cannot expect to rule a family, much less a Kingdom if he doesn't stand up and defend them in their hour of need.'' Aegon said, placing a hand on his son's shoulder.

''I understand father.'' Vaemond said, suddenly disgusted in himself, he had sat back and done nothing while his brother was beaten right in front of him.

''What about Dalton?'' Vaemond asked, suddenly angry at his fellow ward, he had always strove to be accepted by the older boy, but now he was angry at him.

Aegon sighed ''Your mother wanted him sent back to the Isles…but I told his father I would raise him as my own ward until he is a man grown….it may be too late to save him but I will do what I can….I had him disciplined severely with the rod….he will make for a good killer but I fear not much else.''

The King turned to his son ''Now I want you to apologize to your brother….spend time with him….you may not have much of a chance later.''

''What do you mean?'' the Prince asked.

Before his father could respond, there was a knock at the door.

''Balman Hayford here to see you your grace.'' Corlys Velaryons said from the other side of the door.

''We will talk later Vae….now go and see your brother….he is resting in his chambers.'' Aegon said, giving his son a gentle push before ordering Corlys to send in the new spymaster.

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𝐌𝐢𝐝𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠

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Lord Balman Hayford made his way through the dark streets of Kings Landing, the occasional torch and the light of the moon being his only source of light.

He was on his way to speak with Brynden Tully, Lord Commander of the Gold Cloaks. In the years since his appointment, the man had ousted every other Gate Commander, with Rickard Tyrell being sent away earlier that year, leaving him as commander of all seven city gates, Jon Darklyn still held control over the city districts but Tully had solidified his position as one of the most powerful men in the city.

In recent months, however, Harlan Tyrell, who kept a closer eye on the gold cloaks after his brothers ousting, noted some discrepancies in the amounts of toll money they were collecting, with profits from the River Gate being much less than the other gates.

He had spoken a quiet word to the King who had met with and ordered Balman Hayford, who had only been serving in the position of spymaster for a short time to investigate earlier that day.

Normally Balman would not bestirr himself to personally investigate a matter, especially at this time of night, and he would have preferred to send one of his spies, but an investigation such as this required subtlety and tact that only a lord such as him had.

He made his way through the streets,his face hooded and keeping to the shadows, he had no doubt he could handle any rabble that accosted him as he wore a sword on his hip but nonetheless it would be for the best if he was not seen.

As he got closer to the River Gate, the smell of fish hit him, despite the markets being deserted. He wrinkled his nose and quickened his pace, the sooner he reached the gate the better.

With his pace quickened, he soon reached the River Gate. The walls were not particularly impressive, mostly being made of timber with some areas reinforced with stone, a few gold cloaks patrolled the walls, their golden dyed cloaks easily betraying their position in the darkness of the night.

The barracks were not particularly impressive either, being a two story timber longhall with a heavy iron door.

Lord Hayford made his way to the door and loudly knocked on it several times, he heard the sounds of rustling from inside, no doubt he had woken most of the sleeping gold cloaks.

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''Th'fuck do you want…the watch doesnt change for two hours'' A groggy voice said harshly from the other end of the door, his voice dripping with annoyance.

''Lord Balman Hayford…..open the door….now.'' Balman commanded, he was in no mood for arguing.

The heavy Iron door opened and a man in a leather jerkin with a hastily donned golden cloak stood inside, a sheepish look on his face.

'' Apologies my lord...we did not receive word of your visit….have you an escort, tis dangerous to be walking the streets at night alone.'' The man said, trying not so subtly to rub some crumbs from his beard.

Balman ignored the man's questions ''I am here to see Commander Tully….rouse him.''

''Apologies my lord but he is not here, he makes his headquarters at the Dragon Gate.'' The man said, standing there in silence as Balman glared at him.

''My lord?'' The man asked with confusion.

''Then go….get….him.'' Balman said, his voice dripping with venom.

The gold cloak realized it was probably in his best interests to not annoy the Lord any longer and commanded half a dozen gold cloaks to ride and fetch the Commander of the Gold Cloaks.

Lord Balman cleared the upper level of the barracks, forcing the tired gold cloaks to find other resting areas.

He sat down at an empty table.

''A cup of hot wine…..and some buttered bread'' He commanded a Gold Cloak, who sullenly nodded and went to obey, uttering a curse once he was out of the lord's hearing.

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It took nearly half an hour for the gold cloaks to arrive with Brunden Tully, a man with a receding hairline and a thick orange mustache.

''Lord Balman….perhaps you do things differently in Hayford but it is considered rude to rouse a man in the dead of night…I hope you have woken me for some good reason.'' Brynden Tully said curtly.

''Have a seat Commander.'' Balman commanded, gesturing to a chair.

Brynden Tully stood motionless, his face red, it was clear he was not a man used to taking commands, but nonetheless he took a seat.

''I wont mince words commander….I have been charged with investigating discrepancies in the tariffs collected by your men at the River Gate….it is significantly less than the other gates….despite being one of the busiest.'' Balman said, taking a sip of the hot wine, which was a poor vintage to his anger.

''I have just recently taken command of this gate from Rickard Tyrell…..perhaps his bookkeepers were poorly appointed.'' Brynden offered.

Balman gave a small smile and shook his head ''I think not commander…..the profits were much higher when Rickard Tyrell commanded the gate….immediately when you took control they lessened significantly.''

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Brynden bristled at that ''What are you implying?''

''You know exactly what I am implying…and if you do not you are a greater fool than I imagined…an impressive feat…..you are embezzling and stealing funds from our good King.'' Balman said with a curt smile.

''I don't know what youre talking about…and you would do well to watch your words.'' Brynden replied, the red returning to his face.

''A threat?'' Balman asked.

''A warning.'' Brynden responded.

''How thoughtful of you….allow me to return the favor….I am going to take a look at your books…and if I find one dragon unaccounted for…..I swear I shall have your head on a spike….it would give me great pleasure to put it there myself commander.'' Balman responded before continuing ''I want all your books delivered here…now.''

''No…..you don't give commands of me.'' Brynden said, a slight pale coloration visible in his face.

''Perhaps not….but the King does….I shall go and get him then.'' Balman said rising, causing Brynden to do the same.

''Lord Balman...I..Its possible some coin has been unaccounted for.'' Brynden said slowly.

''You admit to stealing from our King then.'' Balman replied with a smile.

''I…I have three sons and a daughter…all three will be expecting Knighthoods…and my daughter will need an education…..I did it for my family…you can understand that…there's no need to tell the King…you have my word it will stop…i've led the city watch well'' Brynden said, almost pleadingly.

''And you have my word your head shall adorn the gates of King's Landing before you see another sunset.'' Balman said he had all the proof he needed, so he made his way to leave.

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Brynden placed himself in front of him ''We can talk about this.''

Balman shook his head ''No….we can't…get out of my way.''

When Brynden did not move he shoved the commander out of the way and continued towards the stairs, Brynden grabbed his arm.

Balman turned to free his hand, it was the last thing he did.

As he turned, he saw Bryndens sword, unsheathed, in the middle of a deadly arc towards him.

Balman could scarcely gasp as the blade made its way towards him, he moved his head at the last moment but not fast enough to prevent the blade from taking his ear.

He screamed and fell to the ground. Bryndens blows were desperate and furious, Balman recoiled as his leg was slashed, curling into a ball trying to raise his hands to stop the strikes, at last the final blow came, Brynden raised his sword in the air and drove it down on Balmans chest just under his neck, going clean through and pinning him to the ground, killing him instantly.

Two days later, Balmans body would be recovered on the dockside of Fishmongers Square by one of the Braavosi merchants, covered in stab wounds and scant recognizable.

Brynden Tully would address the small council and attribute the killing to a robbery gone wrong, the lord's jewelry had gone missing after all.

King Aegon had his suspicions, but had no proof to formally accuse the commander of the city watch, and following this the profits of the River Gate returned to normal.