Blood of Dragons

Over the last fortnight, the city of White Harbor has been a stage for both lively festivities and quiet political maneuvering in the wake of the marriage of Lord Manderly’s heir to Lord Royce’s grand-daughter. The air has been filled with the sounds of merriment as lords and ladies from across the realm gathered for a season of contests, from feats of strength to snowball fights. Even the ancient godswood in the Wolf’s Den drew curious eyes, with its immense heart tree pushing through walls and windows.

Amid the revelry, undercurrents of alliance swirled. Rumors spread of private talks between Lord Cregan Stark and Prince Daeron, with whispers suggesting a potential marriage pact to renew the old pact that had been forged in the early days of the Dance of the Dragons. The name of Jonnel Stark who lost an eye in the melee was put forth as a possible match for one of the royal princesses: some said Daena, others Elaena, and a few even named the pious Rhaena. Or, if not him, his brother Barthogan. However, many doubted that King Aegon would agree, especially if Prince Daeron favored the match. In any case, some said, Jonnel One-Eye’s affections might already lie closer to the North.

As the return to the south drew ever nearer a grand hunt hosted by Lord Borian Manderly took the nobles through the woods along the White Knife. After successfully hunting quail and hare, the group turned its attention to a huge bull moose that the Manderly huntsmen had cornered in a clearing. But the beast would not die without a fight, charging wildly at Brandon Stark. It was fortunate for him that Ser Otho Royce, now a kinsman by marriage, was there, spearing the moose and forcing it away from the fallen Stark. The final blow came from Ser Bryar Mooton, his arrow flying true and straight to end the beast. He claimed the enormous antlers as his prize, while Ser Otho received two casks of the North’s finest beer from Brandon and Barthogan Stark in gratitude. But the most striking sight was not the moose but an entire pack of direwolves that silently watched from the treeline. When a southron knight called for a chase, Barthogan Stark declared, “They let us be, we’ll let them be,” ending the discussion.

The farewell feast at the Merman’s Court brought together lords high and low. News had just arrived that Lord Kermit Tully had declared a tourney at Riverrun for his nameday, leading to gossip about whether it was intended to host the king while on his progress there. There were renewed whispers about the ongoing tensions between the Brackens and Blackwoods, how the Hand Lord Kennoth had stayed in King’s Landing… but his daughter Bethany was wtih the king, and that Barba the king’s former mistress was not doubt instructing her sister in how best to please Aegon.

At the feast itself, there was music and dancing, and food and drink aplenty—_especially_ drink. Perhaps this was why Ser Omrys Baratheon rose up from his table and approached the high table, making a very public apology to Jonnel Stark for his wild strike that caused the injury. Jonnel accepted brusquely, saying it was a lesson for them both. Ser Omrys, emboldened, then asked Lord Borian to name him to the Order of the Green Hand, but Lord Manderly’s amused refusal drew laughter from the onlookers as the Lord of White Harbor sent him away with a full horn of ale.

Later in the evneing, Ser Adron Mooton, the First Ranger of the Night’s Watch, raised a toast, thanking Lords Stark and Manderly for their continued and steadfast support. He also praised Prince Daeron, but made a pointed remark hoping his promises to the Watch would not be forgotten in the South. The Watch would also be departing the next day, with their ships laden with supplies, and a number of new recruits—prisoners from the dungeons of the Wolf’s Den, and pirates that had been captured by the galley _Royal Spear_—destined to the cold but honorable life that could be had on the Wall. It was gossiped that Ser Derren Corbray, brother to the heir of Heart’s Home, was among the new recruits departing with Mooton, and that this had greatly displeased his elder brother Ser Dermett Corbray, heir to Heart’s Home. It was even said that the elder Corbray had confronted Ser Artos Royce over his role in his brother’s recruitment, a confrontation that very nearly came to blows.

Ser Derren was not the only southron who would remain in the North. Joanna Mooton, who had come as Lady Jannia Buckwell’s lady-in-waiting, entered the service of Lady Manderly. And just as some chose to say, others decided to leave the North to try the south. Most notably among them? Kera Manderly, daughter of Lord Madnerly, who had won Princess Daena’s race and was now one of her ladies-in-waiting.

The next morning, the tide carried the _Prince Daemon_ from the harbor, bearing Prince Daeron and the courtiers homeward. The _Royal Spear_, captained by Ser Orbert Farman, was among the escort. Lords Manderly and Stark stood side by side at the quay. The city turned out in full, lining the high walls and the wharves below. The last horns sounded. The sails vanished into mist, and the long journey to King’s Landing began.