The Last Reyne

Waylona

"Where'd you get this much food Waylona?" The little lord said between bites. She smiled at him. "Some good men gave it." It was a lie though. The men didn't give it to her, she stole it. She held the pouch of dragons as had become her custom lately. It still contained more than enough for them to get to the Free Cities, but the gods have led her to the Vale. She had prayed to the seven gods to give her a sign on where to go, any sigil of a house she would recognize. And the gods did give her an answer. On a cloudy night, the skies cleared up suddenly and revealed a sickle shaped moon followed by a falcon screeching. The gods wanted her to go to the Eyrie, for some reason. What are we supposed to do here? She thought. It was a tough job getting near the Eyrie's gate, they were almost caught by the wildlings or the knights of the Vale. Luckily, both sides were too busy fighting each other. Even so, the roads were treacherous and she couldn't find any inn or market of which to buy food. Their last supplies have diminished a fortnight ago and the little lord was getting hungry. He never mentions it though, he kept his hunger in silent dignity. She glanced at Tyrence and smiled at him. He was so young, but his stature was more mature than what you'd expect for him.  Soon he will be a man grown... but until then, she must make sure to give him enough to maintain his strength. She glanced at the basket, those would last for a week or so... and then she'll have to steal again. After much observation and eavesdropping, she knew the patterns of the delivering of the food to the Eyrie. Hopefully, the lord of the Vale wouldn't notice the absence of one basket.

"Move it ya sorry bastards. You move like turtles! At this rate, we'll take a year for the basket tah be delivered. Move it!"

Waylona rushed to a nearby bush. The delivery was rather early, it's only been a week since food was last brought to the Eyrie. A feast must be in store? She couldn't let this chance slip away.

"We're too tired Lenard." A lad grumbled. "We've been walking since dawn, and we just delivered a month's worth of supply to the Eyrie a fortnight ago. Does Lord Arryn intend to throw a feast?

"Bah, who are we to question Lord Arryn's orders?" The one called Lenard spat. "He pays us well, that's what matters, so move yer sorry asses if you wanna get payed."

"Might be he finally decided to take a wife?" Another lad spoke up grunting. "She should be a pretty sight if she attracted Lord Arryn."

"Idiot. The high lords marry for honor and power. They won't care if they married someone that looked like a swine so as long as it wields power." The first lad retorted.

"Quit yer bickering ya morons!" Lenard roared.

"If you would let us rest, we'd shut up." The second lad grumbled.

"Lazy lads. What do I pay ya for? Slacking off? 10 minutes at the most, that's all the rest yer gonna get."

"Yes sir!" Both lads said almost with mock and let the hand-drawn carts down. This is my chance. Waylona thought. She surveyed the perimeter. All three men were engrossed in their conversations, she could easily snatch one or two baskets. She crept slowly, quiet as a cat. Almost there. She inched her way and got ready to snatch a basket, quick as a snake, but her hand was caught midair and she made a little yelp. All three men turned around, surprised.

"Gotcha you rascal." Her captor told her. He had a button nose and squinty eyes, his grin showed a chipped yellow front tooth. His garment also revealed that he was a knight. A knight of the Vale to be exact, as the sigil of House Arryn was embedded on his breastplate. "You're coming with me. Lord Arryn's orders."

"I know nothing of what you're talking about!" She tried to pull her hand away but he held her firmly.

"It would be a shame if I smash your pretty face. So better come along woman, or worse things will be done to you." He turned to the three men. "You will be rewarded well gentlemen. Now hand me some rope to bind this wench."

Speechless, Lenard handed the rope to the knight and he tied it around her wrist firmly. With one end, he pulled the rope and she began to panic. "Ser, I have a child left in the woods. Please, let me go get him."

"Spare me your lies woman." He jerked the rope so she would stumble forward. "You three, deliver those to the Vale. It's only a couple of meters away."

"Please ser."

"I said move it. I don't intend to fail Lord Arryn again." He spat coldly. She kept silent then. Tyrence won't be lost, he'd stay there, she'd just escape once she had the chance. She tried to console herself. Lady Reyne had entrusted the last line of House Reyne to her... she couldn't fail. But as they got nearer to the Eyrie, doubt gnawed at her. Had she failed? Yes. She thought bitterly as they began their ascent. I have.