"Of Snow, Sea, and Shadows: Book 1" One Woman Keep [GoT]

Titans and Men

"Call for Ales and Maester Geltig to join me in the Ring," I tell one of the assassins in training, to which he nods and rushes off. I walk quickly, my twin short swords clinking at my sides. Jon follows, his heavy footfalls resonating off the stone floor. It is early afternoon, and the base is in its usual mad order. Trainers, mentors, and infantry leaders walk to training sessions while the new assassins try to remember everything they are being taught. It takes years, if not decades to train an assassin adequately. We enter another cavern, slightly larger than the bedchamber, with a heavy oak table and chairs set in the centre. Ales and Soren are already seated at the table when we enter, but rise immediately at the sound of Jon's heavy footfalls. I assume my place at the head of the table while motioning for Jon to stay by Ales' side. Soren didn't know I had brought Snow here until this very moment. As the head of my war council, I know he doesn't like my decision, which means that the next exchange is going to be even more difficult than it already was.

"Gentlemen. Please, sit" as we all descend into the heavy oak chairs; the tough iron door shuts leaving us in privacy. Although Ales and Soren are quick, I am quicker, and I catch the look that they throw each other across the expansive table.

"If you have anything to say, gentlemen please, don't hold back," I say, watching them. Soren looks angrily to his lap while Ales nods in apology.

"So first address, how have things been here?" I ask, bracing my arms against the dulled edge of the table.

"Fine. Nothing has gone wrong as of yet," Soren gives a deadpan answer, still eyeing Jon from across the table. Ales is fiddling with his thumbs, I know there is something that Soren isn't telling me. I turn my full attention to him and he relents.

"Yoris has not yet returned," Ales said. There was a pause when I processed this information.

"The trip to Qarth was only meant to take a fortnight. Has he been gone for many days?" I asked.

"Four," Soren replied. I looked straight at him, he was avoiding my gaze and I could tell he was uneasy about Jon who had been silent this entire time.

"Jon, please excuse us. Ales, escort him out," I said. The pair shuffled out of the room, leaving myself and Soren alone.

"Speak your mind then," I commanded him

"I don't see why the boy needs to be here Em," he said. I simply kept quiet, knowing there was more he wanted to say.

"The boy will only cause problems and create tensions that we do not already have," I evaluated his points. Soren has managed these troops longer than I have been leader.

"In truth Soren I had hoped to leave here sooner, perhaps by tomorrow. However because of Yoris, I may have to stay," It was Soren's turn to be quiet.

"What is your plan my liege?"

"I wish to wait a few days, perhaps three, and see if Yoris returns. The path I had asked him to take is specific and quick and if he has landed on Westeros shores today he should be here by then. However if he does not show, I want to take a small party and go looking for him. I have business to attend to in Qarth anyway, so the Snow boy will be of no concern to you then," Soren contemplates this, his eyes flitting back and forth in thought.

"Very well. That plan works with me," I stood to get Ales and Snow back in, but Soren stopped me "But Em. I know Snow isn't just here as a companion. You aren't going to offer him what I think you're going to... are you?" I didn't turn around when I answered him.

"I have spoke to Jeor Mormont, arrangements have been made,"

"I won't look after him here," Soren said