A Pack of Wolves ( Book One - 'The Rebellion') / Game of thrones

Chapter 16

In formation now the Stark Clan entered the great Hall, where a soft glow of torches illuminated the building as people exited and entered the stone hall. The commotion inside could be heard across Harrenhal.

A few heads nearby turned as the arrival of the Stark house was announced. The pack moved through the crowd together, Reyna eyeing up a few lords with whom she needed a word.

Now inside the main hall, Reyna could see at least four long wooden tables that could easily seat the massive crowd that the tourney had brought and it was decorated with the colors of the hosts, black and gold for the Whent House.

Alcohol was served freely and the lavish buffet of almost every meat you could find from beef, chicken, boar, and fish and a medley of vegetables and fruits prepared in various ways that tried to show the mysterious and recent wealth of their hosts, were laid out for all to enjoy.

The younger Stark children broke the formation to undoubtedly cause mischief, rather Lyanna causing mischief and Benjen simply following her lead.

Brandon and Eddard followed Reyna and his father, who lead the remaining pack to the head table.

Reyna felt her stomach twist as her eyes landed first on Aerys II Targaryen, King of the Seven Kingdoms.

He was a thin pale man with snow-white hair that lacked the luster and shine of the usual Targaryen mane. Reyna could see his face from where she curtsied and dared to take a peep.

He had a beard beginning to become matted and his eyes were red with dark shadows beneath them.

Reyna concluded that his paranoia was taking a more significant toll than what she thought or what was reported to her.

Her eyes roamed the head table as her father formally greeted the king.

Next to Aerys sat his wife, Rhaella. She had a piercing violet gaze and cold demeanor as she too scanned the Starks that stood before her. She wore an elaborate, black dress that Reyna swore looked like armor, not silk and her white hair was in a usual southern style with a black crown adorning it.

Finally, Reyna met eyes with the Silver-haired prince who was seated on the other side of his father, and Rhaegar's wife, Elia Martell held his hand while she smiled at the crowds in the hall.

Reyna met Elia's eyes and they both gave a smile. Reyna had heard a bit about the Dorne beauty. She was a gentle and kind person who Reyna understood was homesick and cared greatly for her only two children. Reyna felt a pang of sadness as she recalled how Elia was very sickly and had almost lost not only her children's lives but her own during both pregnancies.

"Rickard, I am surprised to see you so far from the North. Your wife looks younger every time I see her." Rickard gave the Mad a King a smile.

"My wife is in Winterfell, My king. This is my daughter Reyna who is accompanying me tonight."

The Mad King gave a sickening smile that caused Reyna to hold back a gag.

"Ahhh...The Cunning Wolf!" He exclaimed causing a few people to turn to look at the scene.

Reyna did not know what to do and took a tentative step forward and gave a charming smile.

"That is correct... my king. I am known to many by that nickname, I am glad to make your acquaintance." Reyna gave a deep curtsy and heard the King chuckling almost manically.

"Your reputation is known well enough girl. I wonder what else you Northerners hide in that desolate home of yours! Rickard, you must visit King's Landing more, bring your family as well! Ahh and I see Eddard and Brandon are also here! The last time I saw either of you boys you were far from the Direwolves you are now! Though nothing can stand against a mighty Dragon! Isn't that right Rhaegar?" The Mad King turned to his heir with a manically insane look plastered on his face and Rhaegaer gave a nod of caution to his father.