It Was You - Davos Blackwood x Aeron Bracken

Chapter 4 - Raventree Hall

    The pair approached Davos' birthplace, Raventree Hall. It was the home of House Blackwood. Raventree had high, ancient stone walls, littered with trailing moss. Two large towers flanked the gate, along with one in each corner of the wall. A deep moat lined with stone also defended it. The solar of Lord Blackwood could be seen as you approached. Wool tapestries blew in the wind, adorned with the house's insignia. From where Davos was, he could see the crest of the dead weirwood, which was poisoned years ago by the Bracken cunts. It's leafless branches a reminder of his hatred for the House Bracken. 

    "Davos, there you are!" Benjicot stormed up towards him.

    "What's the problem? I can handle myself, nephew." Davos was irritated. Just because he was injured didn't mean he was incapable of doing things by himself. 

    "What do you mean what's the problem, gods..." Benjicot rubbed his temples, "a search party was about to be sent out for you, not of my orders but Lord Blackwood himself." He rolled his eyes at the mounted boy.

    "My brother knows well I can handle myself," he signed, face burning with anger. Benjicot trotted next to Phantom now as they crossed the draw bridge into Raventree. 

    He nudged the head that was dangling from the saddle, "So you did get it, huh?"

    "Yes, and I brought the body back with me as well," he gestured behind him. The body had been twisted abnormally, now covered in dust and debris from the ride. It was an unpleasant sight for onlookers. They moved through the court yard, towards the back entrance to Raventree Hall, where the barracks were located. There were men everywhere, injured, dying, and alive. A few noticed them approaching, standing quickly, as Benjicot was heir to Lord Blackwood. Respect must be shown, Benjicot was, easily said, crazy. He was only ten and five, and already feared throughout The Riverlands for his grotesque behavior. Phantom hauled the body right up to the front of the barracks. Davos tossed the rope to the ground, his hand gripping the head. 

    He raised it into the air, "I have taken his head for myself, but  I could give a fuck about what happens to the body!"

     A voice rang over his, one of a soldier, "This is Aeron Bracken? How are we so sure, you've caved his face in!" Benjicot was ready to draw his blade and strike the man down. Davos raised his hand to him.

    "The only evidence you will have to see is his plump ass, then you will know for certain its that womanly Bracken!" Benjicot kicked the body, letting it roll over onto the stomach. A wave of roaring laughter overtook the group of soldiers coming together to form a group around the two Blackwoods. Davos smirked down at Benjicot, who seethed with pure anger. He stomped off, slashing the head off of a battle dummy as he went. It clattered to the ground, rolling to the hooves of Phantom. She craned her neck, sniffing it. 

    "Have that dummy moved to the holding cells of those Bracken cunts. I want Aeron Bracken's head mounted to it. And make sure to tell them who it is. Their faces will be priceless!" He grinned wickedly, tossing the defaced head to a stocky, well fed soldier. He nodded, and with a quick "Yes, my lord!" he was off. 

    Davos wheeled the mare around, and when he was out of earshot of the soldiers, he spoke to Phantom, his hand resting on her neck. "Those fools."

    He hobbled into the stables, were he found the stable hand that cared for Phantom since she was a filly. When he saw Davos, he rushed to assist him, just to be waved off.

    "Arther, don't." he eyed the boy, who was similar in age to him. "I do not need assistance, as you know. I have just come to acquire some medicine, and I will be on my way. Arther could not speak, as he had his tongue cut out as a young boy. He followed Davos into the store room, with questioning eyes.

    "I just need it for a horse I found wounded on the battle field," he avoided looking at Arther as he rummaged through the medicine crate, pulling out a vile of firemilk, a poultice, needle and thread, and willow bark. The Blackwood stuffed it in a sack, which he had grabbed from a stack left near the entrance to the stable. A light touch was felt on his shoulder. It grew heavier as he ignored it, causing him to whirl around and grab Arther's wrist as he began the decent of his hand once more. The other boy reeled back, shielding his face. Davos sighed, "Believe me, I have nothing to hide. And if I did, I would trust you enough to tell you." He lied. Arther shared his love for horses, which is why Davos was, not fond of him, but friendly towards him. Davos was the one to "comfort" him in the days after he lost his voice, if you call it comforting. It was mostly the Blackwood being around him, which now caused Arther to follow him around like a lost dog any time he was in the proximity of him. 

    "I must be going, I will see you soon, Arther," the servant's eyes pleaded, but Davos ignored it. He returned to Phantom quickly, who was held by another servant near the entrance to the stable. "Let Benjicot know I have decided to take leave and heal on my own terms in Riverrun, where the whores are alright to look at, and beer cheap." He flung the bag over the mare's rump, as he did the Bracken earlier in the day. The servant nodded, moving to help him up. He kicked at the man, barely missing his face.

    "How many times do I have to tell you cunts I am fine? Leave me the seven hells alone for gods sake!" He kicked Phantom into motion, swirling dust into the servant's face. He heaved, bending over as he coughed the contents of his lungs up onto the ground. "Serves him right..." Davos muttered.