Loki: Storm of Swords

Chapter 61 - Making Sense in Chaos

Hogun, Volstagg, Arya, and Tyene certainly did not anticipate the chaos of Kings Landing as Salladhor Saan sailed his ship (still disguised as a Greyjoy) through the blockade Daenerys still had in place. Ser Davos sat with the Lady Shireen on the main deck, observing the solemnity that seemed to hang over the city like a blanket. It was not just solemn either; there seemed to be a nervous energy that lay just beneath, bursting to escape. "What has happened since I was last here?" Shireen asked, glancing at the Asgardians, the Stark, and the Sand Snake.

"Plenty, my lady. Plenty," Volstagg answered. Arya snorted at this, glancing at the Greyjoy ships as they passed them. Hogun kept glancing at Tyene, but she studiously ignored him. The Asgardian could feel his blood boiling beneath his normally calm exterior. What was this country was doing to all of them?!

"Ho! Come about!" called a voice and they all looked up. Yara Greyjoy was hanging off one of the starboard ropes of her ship, staring down at them. "Welcome back, Outlanders and Arya Stark and Tyene Sand. Glad to see that something has been done to our benefit," she said, her head tilting as she saw Shireen Baratheon, ward of House Frostborn. The young girl smiled at the Admiral of the Greyjoy Fleet and Ser Davos just raised his eyebrow. "May I ask who the captain of this vessel is?" That was when the dark-skinned pirate king appeared and gave Yara a flowery bow.

"Salladhor Saan, Pirate King of the Narrow Sea! I am here on invitation of these fine people, and I mean to meet with your queen and her Hand. I'm sure they'll be very interested in any help I would be willing to offer, for a price. Also, I have bargain to discuss with him and I rather hear the rest of the details from the horse's mouth," Salladhor Saan answered, and Yara Greyjoy raised her eyebrow.

"Alright. Come aboard and we will sail into the port and escort you to the Red Keep. Please hurry," Yara responded. The Asgardians helped Shireen, Arya, and Tyene onto the ship and Yara told her sailors to send a signal with flags to the keep. As they pulled into port, an answering signal came and Yara quickly hoisted Shireen onto the back of a horse. "The Queen and her Hand would appreciate it if we hurry along." The Asgardians and Arya and Tyene looked around and saw that not many people were on the streets and the Unsullied and the City Watch were constantly on patrol. Also, they noticed somebody had painted graffiti on the wall: the three-headed dragon with a horned helmet on their heads.

"What do you think that's about?" Volstagg queried and Hogun shook his head. He did not want to voice his opinion on the matter until they got to the castle and everything was explained to them. The ride was done at a brisk pace as Yara Greyjoy was anxious to get them to the Red Keep. Upon arriving, they were rather surprised to see all three dragons were in the courtyard, and Viserion was being fitted for a saddle and bridle.

"What the hell happened while we were gone?!" Arya exclaimed as she and the other burst into the throne room. Daenerys glanced up from her throne and her eyes narrowed at the interruption. Loki was standing on her one side, and Tyrion and Jon on the other side. Loki's face brightened a little when he saw Shireen walking toward him.

"Lady Shireen! It gladdens my heart to see you safe and sound!" he declared and the young girl approached him. They embraced and he lightly kissed her forehead. She then curtsied to Daenerys and Tyrion, smiling at Jon.

"We are also happy that you have been returned to us unharmed," Tyrion said, but his expression remained tired.

"And I am pleased to no longer be a prisoner. May I leave and wash and rest? It was quite a harrowing journey from Dragonstone," Shireen stated.

"Of course," Daenerys answered, clapping her hands loudly, and summoning a servant. "Take the Lady Shireen to some guest quarters and have food and hot water provided for a bath. She must be exhausted." Shireen gave them all a curtsy once more and left the throne room. As she walked out, Thor walked in and he glanced down, his eyes widening when he caught sight of the Greyscale scars on her face. The young lady blushed and hurried after the maid.