Chapter 6: New Allies

Maester Luwin

284 AC

Winterton

"We are the people of the North. We are stronger then those of the South because we are united as one. We know the truths of the Old Gods and Old Ways of our Ancestors have passed down. We follow the code of our people that leads us to the paths of honor. Each of you when you graduate will become part of Clan Stark. You shall be a part of the household that has lasted for eight thousand years." The voice of Eddard Stark echoed through the large central chamber of the Academy. The large central part of the building was the meeting hall for the students. There were rows upon wooden rows built as of stands to a joust looking down from all angles onto the platform that Jarl Stark now stood.

The man had insisted that this building be the central piece of the learning academy for the children. It was here that till the building of his coliseum someday this would large gathering for Winterton would be held. It was a beautiful work of engineering so far but the Lord had plans to expand it and make it a true masterpiece someday. His lord had shown him the plans for a central Dome that could be created on top of the ceiling. He had plans to someday fill the place with paintings and marble statutes of warriors of the North. Jarl Stark called it an important part of the indoctrination of the next generation to feel the past and try to improve upon it. It was why this new festival was going on now.

The room was filled with every bench full and folks of the town standing. Almost all of Winterton was here except for select guardsmen keeping the town and castle safe. This was the speech to kick off the festival and it was focused on the young men and women that were being trained for the past year since this place had opened.

"Repeat the code of our ancestors cadets." The orders came through clear and the young men and women stood up with their fist against their heart as their voices chanted as one.

The voices of children all ages chanted as one as the did daily, "Strength is life, for the strong have the right to rule. Honor is life, for with no honor one may as well be dead. Loyalty is life, for without one's clan one has no purpose. Death is life, one should die as they have lived!"

Maester Luwin watched the faces of the children as they spoke the words. Each of them seeming to believe it with their being. Why wouldn't they? Here before then was a man that rescued them from death and squalor they was clothing, feeding and teaching them. They were being told how he was a great father figure to them and guiding them to a future. Jarl Stark had even said that after a time to service in the future the students would eventually be given the chance of gaining lands of their own. His lord was breeding fanatically loyal men to the North and House Stark from a young age.

But would this be for the better or worse long term?

Benjen Stark

284 AC

City of Bravos

The statue of the giant of Bravos truly was a sight to see. Their ship the Mermaid of the Seas passed under the shadow of the statue. Benjen could see the holes where men stood at the ready to drop pitch or sink enemy ships with holes from bows and ballistas. The monster plus creation soared into the air twice as high as the largest towers of Winterfell. It was a sight that truly impressed the young man.

A large meaty hand slapped onto his back eliciting a grunt from the younger Stark. He glanced back and saw Sir Wendel Manderly at his side with a large smile fitting for the huge man, "This is always the best part of traveling. Seeing the face of others as their first time seeing something spectacular. Welcome to Bravos. The greatest free city of Essos."

Benjen couldn't help but smile back at the friendly man. Over the past year he had been taught by him and his father about the trade of sailing. It was something he was greatful for the knowledge they had passed on to him. Not only that but the friendship he had sprung up together. "It is something I never thought to see."

That brought out a grunt from the younger Manderly brother. "Aye it is. Much better than that Wall you moped about going to at first."

It was true that Benjen had confided with Wendel he considered going to the wall despite his brothers request. Guilt was a heavy burden on the souls of men and one he felt keenly but Ned needed him. He let out a sigh and gave another smile, "It is better then freezing my ass off."

Another snort was the simple reply with a friendly smile, "Sounds about right Benjen. Besides you are going to have a pretty southern lass to break in."

A grimace came over the younger man's lips. "A woman whose great Uncle was perhaps the cause of my sister's kidnapping and death."

"Aye but do the sins of the Uncle reflect on the whole family?" The huge man gave a shrug at the concern.

Benjen was quiet at that come lost in thoughts as it was true that Lynesse Hightower was not her Uncle. In fact their had written to each other a few times and she seemed to be an intelligent, lovely young woman. From what he had been told she was beautiful and friendly if a bit spoiled. But what southern lady is not spoiled? He shook his head to clear it, "The meeting?"

It was a question that had been asked a dozen times but the Manderly knight took it with good face as he did everything. "Aye Benjen. Once we dock and pay the fees we will go to the red headed mermaid. The meeting is set to be there with the Company of the Rose representatives. Jarl Stark really going to welcome them home?"

The Company of the Rose was a mercenary company that had been created by exiles of the North that chose to go to Essos over submitting to the Targaryens. They were often made up of second or third sons of Northern Houses. Sometimes bastards would join to get a chance at a better future then what as offered in Westeros. These men and women though were mostly from Northern stock and now with the dragons being gone and the North independent in all but name it made sense to reach out. Who wouldn't want to get a force of five thousand men or more men that were highly trained and capable to support their cause. Despite this opportunity Ned had made it plain there was four requirements for them to be able to return to the fold and be given lands. "If they are willing to perform the services to prove their loyalty then aye they will be welcomed home."

The docks of White Harbour were massive, especially after the expansion that it had been undertaking in recent years for the construction of the Northern fleets. But they could not be more than one tenth the size of the docks to Bravos. The city was known for it's navy and Benjen could see why as the docks and shipyards were massive. There was literally an armada of warships could put the ironfleet with the crown's fleet to shame here docked down. That was only the ships that he could see right now. That said nothing of the ships out on patrol or escorting merchant ships.

They were directed and reached a set of docks for ships from Westeros and Benjen followed Sir Wendel down to the docks. The dock master must had known the jovial large noble. The two were talking back and forth in Valyrian so Benjen could barely keep up with their words. But after a few minutes of talk and laughter Sir Wendel handed over a small pouch of coins to the man with a smile and slap on the back before the man departed.

"Let's be off my lord. I confirmed that the Company of the Rose is here in the city waiting for us. Plus I could use a hood drink and meat pie." Sir Wendel added with a slap against his large belly.

Benjen couldn't help but chuckle before following the large man down the gangplank with an escort of ten guardsmen trailing behind them in Stark colors.

They walked through colorful streets and buildings that looked so different in construction to those of the North. His brother had been trying to liven up Winterton with his new creations and paints. White Harbour was a beautiful city white washed for. Buildings and walls but still the construction had. Northern style of slanted roofs. Here the buildings were three and four stories high with flat roofs that some seemed to even have gardens built on their roofs as he could see plants a tree leaves hanging overtop some of the edges. The city was filled with canals and bridges that connected numerous islands together. He had been told this place had once been a chain of islands that were where slaves hid from the dragons empire to try to find freedom.

The city was massive as it had to be far larger then even Kingslanding in people by four to five times. It there was not the stench that Ned had spoken about. Instead he smelled the scents of bread, fish, spices and perfumes filled the different small squares. Beautiful statues and fountains decorated each square showing the amazing craftsmanship of worked marble that had lasted centuries. It was another thing that Ned spoke about getting the North into building art and culture. Before seeing the beauty of the sculptures and pride of the people here he didn't quite understand how Ned talked about art being a strength of culture. The pride of the North needed to be shown and felt his brother had said.

It took a long time of wandering and Benjen didn't think he would have any chance of getting back himself to the shop when they finally came before the inn. Outside was a sign of a mermaid with a large bust and red painted hair for the Red Mermaid Inn.

They pushed the door open and walked into a large common room that had high rafted ceilings two stories high. There was a stairwell going up to a second floor where the rooms must be kept. The main chamber was filled with large tables and most were filled with people. As they walked through the doorway a younger woman maybe ten and five name days old met them.

She offered a gapped tooth smile with pretty brown eyes and dark hair. Her bodice was tight and showed a large amount of cleavage to draw the eye. "What ye be needing lads?"

The woman surprisingly spoke on the common tongue of Westeros. But it didn't seem to surprised Benjen's companion who answered, "The back room for the meeting."

The girl accepted a wooden circle painted with a red head with a heavy bust and nodded at the two of them."Right this way my lord."

They followed behind the girl down a wooden hallway to a large oak door. The door was pushed open showing a large chamber filled up mostly with a large table that could easily fit ten. On the far side of the table loaded with food sat five men. Each of the men showed northern decent with their long faces and deep black hairs but their clothing and armor looked more of Essos.

In the middle was a large man almost six and a half feet in height. The man's hair was black turning grey and tied back into a bundle down his back. He wore plate with chain underneath and a two handed sword down his back. His eyes were the deep brown of a man who had seen too much over the years but a hardness fitting for his life also filled those eyes. His skin was tanned for years in the company traveling Essos. "I am Jared Snow, captain of the Company of the Rose."

Benjen reached outwards to shake the hand of the large man at the elbow. A grin split the younger Starks lips as he answered, "A pleasure to meet you. I am Benjen Stark, Lord of Moat Cailin and brother of Jarl Stark. This is Sor Wendel Manderly who setup this meeting."

One of the men on the side stood up and walked over to the northern lords offering a bowl of bread and salt. Benjen and Wendel partook of the offering then everyone sat down.

"Your brother is Lord Stark but he is called now Jarl Stark?" Jared asked with curiosity.

"After the defeat of the dragons the North has been returned the gifts and given autonomy from much of the Iron Throne. House Stark has been elevated to the title of Jarl. It translates to King in the Old Tongue. We still are connected to the throne as it is better for trade but our laws and ways are our own first and the Seven Kingdoms second." Benjen explained as he motioned to one of his men at arms.

The man stepped forward with a satchel to the Lord and Benjen reached in to pull out a scroll marked with the House Stark Direwolf. Benjen handed it over to the mercenary Captain leader.

The large man opened the scroll up as his eyes slowly slid down the scroll in surprise. He slowly wet his lips as he read seeming to read it over three times before he stopped and looked up to meet the gaze of Benjen. "You were there when this was written Lord Stark?"

"Aye. I was there when the Jarl made the decision. If you accept and do the jobs requested in the scroll upon completion you will be raised to a lord of the North. Lands will be provided in the new gift for you and your officers while you will be sworn directly to House Stark. In addition House Stark will provide loans to help rebuild keeps and lands in the gift." Benjen answered firmly staring in the eyes of the man.

"The jobs required seem to be mostly straightforward. One to be completed here in Bravos. I am sure I can have men find the home and raid it for whom you are looking for. The next beyond the wall at this fist of the first men to acquire an artifact is possible but the third job should be difficult. Find a group of three men with a child that are wanted from House Stark in Essos. The final request of a mission in the future date is very vague. I would need more information to follow through on these requests." The aged mercenary stated honestly as he met the eyes of the younger man.

"I was empowered to assure you that the final request shall not be something impossible to complete. Only that my brother has plans he may need men capable of completing dirty work in Essos in the future to accomplish." Benjen paused a moment before taking a drink of the goblet of wine that had been put before him. "The final request to help track down there men are men personal for House Stark and the North. We hoped with the connections and favors your company had acquired you might be able to help us find them and bring them to justice."

"What have these men done?" Jared Snow asked with a frown at the vague answer.

"The kidnapped my sister Lyanna Stark for Prince Rheagar which started the war. They allowed my sister to be raped till she was with child. Finally when the war was over and lost to them they murdered my sister and fled to Essos. We want them returned to the North for justice dead or alive. Most importantly we believe my sister had a child and they took him or her with them. We want our kin returned to the North to their family." Benjen answered slowly with anger filling his voice turning it almost into a growl.

"The boy would be a bastard to those of Westeros, born of rape from a dragon." Jared answered back with curiosity at Benjen and how he would respond.

"The North is of the Old Gods and has returned to living by the Old ways under the Jarl. Children who are part of or outside of wedlock are not held in contempt for the sins of their father. They are children and shall be beloved either way. We know they fled from Dorne to Pentos but we lost track of them from there. That was over a year ago. For each man taken back dead your company will be paid ten thousand gold." Benjen answered before he leaned back into his chair and watched the reaction of the other man.

"If it is understood it will take time to find them then we have an accord." Jared agreed with a nod and smile.

"Five years, we want the boy or girl returned to us within five years time. If you can do it within two you can keep the sword of the Daynes for your new House." Benjen offered with a grin splitting his lips.

At the mention of not only the lands, gold and title but a sword of legend like Dawn lit up the large man's eyes with greed. It was weapon that was known even here in Essos. The large now Northman stood up with a wide grin and offered his hand to Benjen. "We have an accord Lord Benjen Stark."

The younger Stark man took the offered arm in a Northern handshake and squeeze, "Welcome home Lord Jared Snow. Let's resolve the request here in Bravos then we can travel to the North so you can give my Brother your oaths and see your home."

"Ate Lord Stark. But the name will be House Rose." The newly named Jared Rose raised his mug up for a toast and the others of the chamber joined in.

It took three days for the place that his. Either requested to be tracked down. The company of the Rose had taken contracts with many of the large merchant houses in the city. This worked out well as they had contacts throughout the free cities to help get information. It was something Benjen needed to alert his brother. It would be useful to perhaps see if Jared Rose could work as a spymaster for the North once he proved his loyalty.

It was early in the morning a few hours before the break of dawn when they moved into position. At first they wanted to keep Benjen from coming with them but only agreed with he insisted that he come as an observer. The agreement that he would not interfere and allow the company to perform the attack as they wished.

That was how he stood with Jared on a roof down the block from the small house that was walled with a garden. There was a red door at the front of the building a a ripe lemon tree present. The house was small but nice in a riches area of the city with toys spread in the gardens area and servants during the day. It was owned by a old retired man raising his two grandchildren from what they had found out from the locals. The roof they stood on was a large manse that the servants allowed Jared and Benjen there after some coin was exchanged. The owners were gone to the countryside for now so it was empty.

Benjen held a myrish spyglass to his eyes as he watched the men get into position. Once the men seemed to be fully ready, Jared raised his right hand and the men next to him raised a strange metal horn and blow a pair of short deep beats that could be heard down the block.

Once the sound was given the men scampered up the walls with ladders and stormed into the courtyard. They seemed to meet no resistance as the men moved through the courtyard covering the front and read of the residence. The men of the company were disciplined as they even stationed men at each side covering the windows. Those me. Pulling our crossbows at the ready as they snuck up to be ready.

When the men broke down the door and stormed into the residence Benjen couldn't see anything from where Jared and he was at. Instead they had to stand there waiting as the minutes passed by. The sound of swords striking and crossbows growling off barely reached them.

At first Benjen considered it lucky that the guards were not in the area but then he remembered who he was with and considered that most likely they had been bribed to not pay attention. This was Essos after all. If you were not part of the leadership mercantile families in Bravos. You were not someone that truly had power.

A man at the door raised a green flag up on a pile and waved it. Jared grinned and grabbed hold of Benjen's arm. "Come lad it is done."

They walked through the door of the small house and found an old man with a sword on the ground dead along with a few servants. His eyes locked onto the man seeing the House Sigil of House Darry on a necklace around his neck.

One of the company leaders, a younger man named Leslie Mondragon, stepped forward to salute with his fist against his heart. "We have captured the boy and the toddler girl. The rest of the inhabitants have been eliminated so there will be no witnesses."

"Take us to them." They followed the officer into the a large bedroom with a crib on the side containing a two year old girl with silver hair and large purple eyes that were crying. At the side of the girl was a boy that couldn't be older then ten years old glaring at them.

"I am..." The boy started to say when he was cut off with a slap in the face by Jared Rose. "We know who you are Targaryen."

"Indeed we do Lord Rose. He is a gift for King Robert Baratheon for a reward for the North." Benjen said with a grin sliding onto his face.