Running

Chapter Two

Jaime's fate was decided. Now they were just torturing him by not telling him when it was going to happen. If it was, he wanted it over and done with as soon as possible.
Jaime saw his door open. The light from the torch that was coming closer to him make him squint, adjusting his eyes to it.
"Who's there?"
"Who do you think?" Jaime heard his brother reply. Jaime leaned his head against the wall.
"What do you want? Come to tell me when I'm going to die?"
"Quite the opposite actually."
"What do you mean?"
"I owe you a debt dear brother. You released me from... This precise cell, it seems. Now it's my turn to help you get out. A Lannister always pays his debts. Especially to his family. The family he actually likes that is. I can't be left the only Lannister remaining. Come. I have you passage to the North. Up by White Harbour. I need to return to Daenerys before she suspects something, but there's an old friend to help you." And into the cell walked Bronn. Jaime went over to his younger brother and enveloped him in his arms.
"Thank you," Jaime whispered.
"Are you going to kiss too?" Bronn quipped from behind.
"Jaime, there's something I need to do before you go."
"What?"
"Scar you. Less recognisable. If Jaime Lannister got a massive scar on his face, everyone would se whim for the truly terrible sword fighter he is now rumoured to be."
"Really?"
"Yes brother. Do you want to be captured straight away and be sent back here?"
"Of course not. Do what you need to do." Bronn stepped forwards with a dagger. Jaime was scared, but of course he wouldn't let that show. Bronn drove the tip of the dagger down from above to below his left eye, not cutting the eye. Jaime felt blood drip down his face. He wiped it with his sleeve, hissing through his teeth.
"That was pleasant," he said to Tyrion. "It fucking hurts."
"It's meant to. Here," Tyrion said, passing Jaime his fake hand. Something which he was extremely grateful for. He strapped it onto his arm. "Now we're even. And keep a glove on that stupid gold hand. That will give you away instantly." Jaime, still sore, crouched down beside his younger brother.
"Are you sure about the North? There's many a Lannister enemy up there. If I'm recognised I probably won't make it back to King's Landing alive."
"You'll stay alive, brother. I know you will." Jaime felt tears prick his eyes but he batted them away.
"You should go," Jaime said to Tyrion. Both brothers embraced quickly then parted.
"Good luck Jaime." Jaime patted Tyrion's back and Bronn led the elder Lannister away. Tyrion watched them go before turning away and heading back to the Tower of the Hand. Jaime didn't deserve to die for something that happened years ago. Something which had ultimately, in Tyrion's opinion, changed Westeros for the better. For a time. Then there was Robert, who couldn't rule, Joffrey who preferred kicking puppies to ruling, Tommen who was too easily manipulated and Cersei who ruled with an iron fist. He believed in Daenerys and believed that she could be the first ruler to bring about some sense of peace. But just because he believed she was the right person didn't mean he had to agree with all of her decisions. And sentencing Jaime to death wasn't one of her best.

Bronn had cloaks for both he and Jaime.
"Wouldn't want anyone recognising your pretty face," the sell sword said bluntly. "Even with the new decoration. There's a skiff to take you out to a larger boat farther out. A large boat here would attract too much attention. I stay in King's Landing. Casterly Rock has been given to your bastard of a brother, as has all the Lannister gold. There is a bag of gold waiting aboard the boat for you. You must start a new life. And lay low. The queen will be after you." They moved on, Jaime with a palm still pressed to his eye. There was a man waiting in the skiff when they arrived there a few minutes later.
"Welcome Darion." Jaime turned to Bronn who nodded. Of course he couldn't be called Jaime. A new life, a new identity.
"Good luck," Bronn said before walking away. Now Jaime was truly on his own. He climbed into the skiff.
"Where are we going?" Jaime asked the sailor.
"Not far. The boat will take you to White Harbour. From there you're on your own."
Jaime stayed silent until he saw the larger boat in the distance. Once they reached it, a ladder fell from the edge.
"Up you go," the sailor of the skiff said. Jaime started and struggled on the ladder. Only having one hand really made things difficult at times. But a pair of strong hands met him at the top and pulled him over. He was looking into the face of his long time friend Addam Marbrand.
"Addam!"
"Jaime. Did you really think you were getting out without a friendly face?" Addam looked at his fresh cut. "Come. I'll get the Maester to look that over. But Jaime, I can only take you as far as White Harbour. You are alone when you get there. If you need to write, write to me. If you need Tyrion send your message to me and I'll get it to him."
"It's good to see you." Jaime followed Addam down below the deck.
"It will take us five days to get up to White Harbour. I'm glad you're not dead Jaime. You've come close many a time. Especially recently." He gestured to the hand. "Is it true?" Jaime removed the glove and waved it. "I'm sorry." Jaime put the glove back on.
"Don't be. I'm also glad I'm not dead. But I will be of Daenerys Targaryen ever finds me." The Maester came shuffling in.
"He doesn't know who you are," Addam whispered.
"Who is this?" The Maester asked Addam.
"His name is Darion." Jaime sat down on the chair provided.
"How did you get this?" The Maester pointed to the cut.
"Got in a fight." Jaime shrugged. The Maester pressed it gently. Jaime winced.
"Don't be such a girl," Addam teased. The Kingslayer glared at him.
"It should be fine. But it will scar."
"OK," Jaime replied. "Thank you." The Maester was squinting at him.
"Do I know you from somewhere? Have I maybe treated you before?" Jaime knew the man was of Lannister loyalty. But he still didn't trust him.
"Don't think so. Must just have a common looking face." The Maester said nothing more and dissapeared out the cabin.
"That was close," remarked Addam.
"Is it always going to be like that? I'm heading into wolf territory. Jon Snow and Sansa Stark rule at Winterfell. They know me."
"Jaime, relax. You'll be OK."
"Yeah, you say that now," Jaime muttered under his breath. Addam left the room and Jaime settled in for the night.