The Prince That Was Promised (Old Version)

Chapter 9 : Joining of hearts

Davos Seaworth

Countryside close to Castle Black

Davos rode slowly, part of the group heading west to Castle Black, his mind wondered. 'The world had changed so much from the one he had once known. Life had been simpler before he saved Stannis during the blockade back when he was just a smuggler.

Now, he found himself escorting the heir to an ancient house discovered on an island where he'd expected to find cannibals. But the truth was far different: the islanders were rowdy, strong-willed people, fiercely protective of their ways and traditions.

His journey's purpose was twofold: to reunite the boy with his brother and to bring him before Stannis. Stannis, who had lost the battle for Winterfell, clung to hope. The Manderlys had sworn their support, but only if he found their liege lord.

And here he was, a wild seven-year-old with unkempt hair and an untamed spirit, riding a massive black direwolf. Rickon Stark had endured many losses. He lost his home, family, and friends, yet knowing he would soon see his brother made the boy smile when he heard the news in Skagos, at least that the wildling woman Osha had told him.

Then there were the Skagosi, ten armored warriors wearing chain mail, riding fricking unicorns. Yet they spoke about Jon Snow, as he was some sort of hero. Like the stuff Melisandra talked about, he had heard the talks in Skagos before they left. That two massive dragons had been sighted, but Davos didn't believe them.

Yet when they arrived at East Watch by the Sea. They heard from Cotter Pike that Jon Snow had died and returned from the dead and that two dragons had hatched with him. Two massive dragons had arrived at Castle black, yet the orders were to not spread the word about them.

What he found strange was that the orders seemed to be coming from Jon Snow. How was no longer Lord Commander? A man called Eddison Tollet was. So what was happening with Stannis? Surely, Stannis would spread the word if he had dragons under his command. It would make many flok to his banner's declaring for the true King,' Davos wondered, confused.

"Castle Black, two hundred meters away!" a ranger at the front of the group called out.

Davos looked up, his gaze settling on the tops of the distant towers and the familiar creak of the elevator that clung to the colossal Wall. He had seen it before in his smuggling days, but its sheer enormity never failed to amaze him. The blue sheen of the ice, stretching endlessly upward, was both beautiful and foreboding.

The party slowed, then came to a halt. "Come, my Lord. It seems we have visitors." He said to Rickon, whose face lit up. Together with wilding Osha, they road to the head of the group.

Ten armored Northmen riding horses waited for them, 'not one of Stannis, his men.' Davos noted. Then the ten all gaped and smiled brightly. All their face going toward the young Stark lord.

"Lord Rickon, it's good to finally meet you," said a smaller man, his voice calm, and warm. "I'm Lord Howland Reed. And who are your companions?"

'So this is Howland Reed, Davos mused. 'The Lord of the Neck.'

Rickon ignored the question entirely. "Where is my brother?" he asked sharply.

Howland's smile didn't falter. "Waiting for you in the courtyard."

Davos seized the moment to answer on behalf of the group. "Lord Reed, I am Ser Davos Seaworth, Lord of the Rainwood and Hand of the King to Stannis Baratheon." At the mention of Stannis, Howland's face briefly tightened, but Davos pressed on. "To Lord Rickon's left is Osha, a spearwife of the Freefolk. Behind me are Lord Ballard Magnar, Lord of Kingshouse, and Lord Mudin Stane, heir to Driftwood Hall both lords of Skagos."