The Black and Red Dragon

Chapter 82: Meeting the Usurper

Our group moved back to ship to put the wight in a crate for transport. I led Sandor towards the ship. "Sandor, why do they call you the Hound? You do not seem like a bad man to me," I ask him while we are walking. Daenerys, who is walking at my left side, curiously looks at Sandor.

"I was loyal and did not question orders," he says begrudgingly. I frown. "That is a strange nickname for a good thing, no?" I ask confused. "Not when the orders came from the Lannisters," he says. "Ah, I see..." I say. "Are you loyal to them now?" Daenerys asks. "Fuck the Lannisters," he says with slight anger in his voice. "So, I am guessing you are looking for something new or perhaps something with a greater purpose?" Daenerys asks. "Why the fuck are you two so interested in me?" Sandor asks. I shrug. "I don't know. You seem like a good guy to me that is looking for something to believe in," I say. "I like to give you that opportunity if you want."

Daenerys nods. "Visenya usually is a good judge of character. If you wish you could come into our service," she says. Sandor looks at us confused and seems to consider it. "Sandor, Daenerys and I won't force anything upon you. When you think we are worthy of your service, you can come to us. What I do want to say is that you should not trust this Lord of The Light bullshit," I say. Sandor nods. "Why do you say that, Your Grace? The Lord is very real and has plans for us all," Berric says. "Berric, shut up about your god. If I hear you spout that nonsense, you will be banished. I do not tolerate religions that burn children and adults," I say with slight anger. "Do I make myself clear?" Berric is taken aback by what I said. "Burning of people?" He asks. "Yes, nice religion is it not? Better find a new one that does worship real gods," I say and continue to walk to the ship.

Not much later we walk onboard the ship and are greeted by Tyrion. When he sees the corpse that moves on the shoulder of Sandor, his eyes grow wide. "It seems your mission was a success. Congratulations," Tyrion says. "Well, let's show it to your brother. He is here for a reason after all. Please follow me, Sandor," I say and lead Tyrion along with Sandor and Daenerys below deck to Jaime. As we emerge in the room with the cells, I walk towards Jaime. The crate is also here, so I walk to it and grab the chains. Jaime looks at the group that has emerged. "What's going on?" Jaime asks and looks the group over. He seems surprised to see the hound. "Is... that the Hound?" He asks. "No, that is Sandor Clegane. There is no dog on this ship," I answer Jaime. Sandor seems surprised by my reaction.

"Could you bring it over here and hold it still, Sandor? I will attach the chain," I ask Sandor. He nods and moves over to us. "Ser Jaime, I would like to introduce you to your neighbour," I say and attach the chain on the wight. Jaime looks at the moving corpse with horror. "I believe you, I believe it all, there is no need..." he says. "Well, he will soon be in this crate, but we need to convince Cersei. That means we need to convince you first" I say and remove the hood from the wight. The wight screeches and starts biting in every direction towards everyone. His face looks horrible in the torchlight. Patches of skin are missing around his mouth. Meanwhile, the rest of the skin is a rotting grey color and his eyes emanate a blue color.

I nod to Sandor and along with the witch Berric put it in the crate. "Ser Jaime, this guy will be your neighbour for the journey. It is only for a week, I am sorry for the noises it will make," I say to the Kingslayer. He looks at the crate with a terrified face that is very pale. I have no doubt he is on our side now, at least against the dead.

"This is the worst idea I ever had," Tyrion says while swallowing hard. I turn to him. "As long as this creature convinces your brother," I turn to Jaime. "And as long as you can convince your sister." When I look at Jaime I am surprised to see a determined look on his face. He is a good man, but blinded and misguided. "Cersei will be convinced when she sees that thing. I am sure of it," he says. I nod and we put the dead men in the crate.