Great Bastards

WHISPERS OF A RAVEN

BRYNDEN I 

187 AC

Brynden had a way of making himself appear invisible.

Just like the ravens in Grand Maester Gordys' rookery, the boy had learned, the courtiers of the Red Keep flew back and forth between flocks, cawing at each other as if they thought nobody was listening. But Brynden was always listening.

Lately the talk always revolved around his half-brother, Daemon Blackfyre, and King Daeron, who was more often seen with his Dornish companions than the rest of the court combined. He had even elevated a Dornish knight, Ser Ellion Santagar, to the Kingsguard after Lord Commander Waynwood's sudden stroke. "First Willem Wylde, now this," Quentyn Ball groaned during another one of his fruitless attempts to coach Brynden in swordfighting. "They've even infiltrated the white cloaks. I fear for the realm when our king's promises are empty to all except the grasping Dornishmen."

Though it was secretive, such treason was becoming more and more common music to Brynden's ears. Panic over Princess Daenerys' upcoming wedding tourney and Dorne's imminent integration into the realm, perhaps. Let them sing their songs of panic, Brynden thought as he entered the Great Hall, where Daeron sat upon the Iron Throne, Daemon kneeling before him. I already have everything I need.

Daeron descended from the mass of swords to meet Daemon eye to eye - though in truth, at seventeen years of age, the Black Dragon stood taller than almost any man. "Brother, you need not address me in the throne room for every last matter. I am always happy to speak privately, as equals," Brynden heard the king say as he spotted his sisters in the gallery and stalked silently over to them.

King Daeron dismissed the retinue of young knights - Aubrey Ambrose, Gormon Peake, Robb Reyne, Byren Flowers, and that oaf Aegor among them - who surrounded Daemon before hearing his simple request: to be officially granted his own coat of arms, consisting of the reversed Targaryen colours, to use in the upcoming tourney.

"I would be happy to grant your request, Daemon. May you bring honour to your House in the lists." The king did not look happy. Brynden remembered the promise Daeron had given him only the previous day.

"Brynden, we have some business to discuss with you," Daeron beckoned Brynden into his royal chambers, where the boy was confused to see Queen Myriah Martell waiting as well, poised as ever and draped in a shapely gown the colour of the Dornish sun. "I am afraid we have allowed Daemon and Aegor to grow distant..." the king began. Myriah picked up where Daeron left off. "They are hardly at court anymore, you see, always off fighting some insurrection whether the local lord has granted permission or not, and, well...they are our family. We worry for their safety."

Daeron gave a heavy sigh; even at the young age of twelve, Brynden could see how the burden of rule was weighing on him. "The Black Dragon and Bittersteel, they call themselves now...they earned those titles crushing Loron Greyjoy's attempt at rebellion last year, I'm sure you remember. He infiltrated Seagard, posing as a singer, and was even aided by a certain Ser Desmond Mallister and swept the western coast unchecked until Daemon and Aegor stepped in. They condemned me for my inaction but in truth I was only delaying to assemble Dornish reinforcements to end the matter decisively...but still, they think me feeble, I know. I sometimes wonder if I have wronged them...but there is still time for you, Brynden. Please, keep an eye on them for us, and I will make sure that you are rewarded handsomely. You...desire to marry Shiera when the two of you come of age, do you not? I heard it from Daenerys, who heard it from Gwenys."

Brynden nodded sheepishly. He vowed to warn Gwenys to be silent the next time he saw her, blabbering girl she was. "Very well, you have my leave," Daeron granted. "And Quentyn tells me that you much prefer the bow to the sword. Believe it or not, he says you have quite the mind for strategy, even if you lack your half-brothers' raw strength. So, I have something for you."