Weeping Thorns

Chapter 19: A Secret Sworn

~Kasondra~

"Arya, can you be still for 2 minutes?" I chastised the younger Stark as she chased the same grey cat. It was barely old enough to be considered a kitten, pouncing all around and skillfully evading Arya.

"I can't, if I'm to be a skilled swords-master, I need to be swift." Arya crouched down with arms outstretched, inching closer to the feline. "C'mere, I won't hurt you." Arya whispered. The cat's tail perked up and ears flattened against its skull. She dashed off in the opposite direction in a 360 turn. Arya went chasing after the kitten, me following in tow with a sigh.

Arya ran all around the castle like an estranged animal searching for prey. I picked up the edge of my skirts and tailed her down a tower of stairs. Arya halted in her trail, mouth agape. Her eyes were glued to the large dragon skull that had been collecting dust for years.

"Come Arya, we aren't supposed to be down here." I whispered and tried to shop her back upstairs. She brushed my hands away like flies and approached the beast with curiosity.

"Just a second." She pleaded and stood below the monster. Her fingers traced over each curve and crack from the creature's skull. It's fangs were twice the size of Arya's tiny torso. It was frightening to think that these beasts once ruled the earth with fire. My movements were careful and precise as I followed just a few paces behind.

"He's found one bastard already. He has the book." Arya stiffened in panic and it was I who shoved her between the large teeth for cover. My hair became tangled in the jagged edges, pulling strands from the root. I crouched down beside my sibling and pressed as close as possible. "The rest will come."

"And when he knows the truth, what will he do?" I peered out between the gaps, trying my best to see who had permission to scavenge around down here. The creaking of a gate signaled it had been closed.

"The gods alone know. The fools tried to kill his son."

"Who are they talking about?" Arya whispered into my ear. I have a small shrug but somewhat knew who.

Father.

"What's worse - they botched it. The wolf and the lion will be at each other's throats." Arya leaned back and we both shared the same look.

"We will be at war soon, my friend."

"What good is war now? We're not ready." Two shadows passed us by, completely unaware of our presence. "If one hand can die, why not a second?"

"This hand is not the other. We need time."
Arya's eyes went from scared to worried within a flash. I reached down and cupped her hand in mine. Was someone really trying to plot the murder of our father? Or was this simply gossip?

"Khal Drogo will not make a move until his son is born. You know why these savages are-"

-"Delay" you say. "Move fast," I reply."

I dash out from our hiding place, dragging Arya along with me. The voices have now faded, our chance to escape. I grabbed the lock and tugged with all my strength. We had no time to worry about trivial matters such as dirt and grime when our father was in danger.

Arya tugs on my sleeve and points to another set of stairs leading further down. I nod and guide Arya along with me down the steps. The torches become less and less until we are in total darkness.

"There!" Arya races to the opening of light. I try not to trip on my own feet. The sounds of cawing birds were what met my ears first. We were at the edge of sea perhaps, far from the castle. By now, my gown was torn and covered in muck. Various men and women, most homeless, were playing the water or cleaning clothes. Arya was a better guide than I, towing me through the crowds of all flocks of life.