Game of Thrones: A Cold Wind Blows - Chapter 2a: You know Krakens have eight legs?

[Davenrell]

Balon Greyjoy sat in the Seastone chair and looked out over his hall. Soon all of Westeros would hear the news. Now that the Targaryens were gone it was time for the Iron born of Pyke to no longer live under the shadow of the Iron Throne. To his right sat his three sons. To his left his two brothers. Below them his men laughed and yelled to each other as they ate and drank. Several pairs threw axes back and forth. This was their way. Soon when they had tired of being drunk on drink they would want to be drunk on blood. They would sail out reaving as they were meant to do. Already Balon had cut off Seagaurds ability to call for help. By the time any other city learned of their approach they would have the better part of a year to pillage before Stannis Baretheon's fleet could come and drive them back to Pyke. That was assuming they didn't destroy the fleet as well. A return to the old ways is what he had promised these people. He meant to give it.

The doors opened as a group entered the hall. At the head of them was the main lander captain who had switched sides. Usually Balon could not stand main landers but this one had enough salt in his blood to be tolerable. Behind him was a small contingent of men in chains. However three had been left to walk free. When they reached the bottom of the stairs the captain knelt.

"My king, I have brought you prisoners."

"What use are prisoners to the Kraken? What am I supposed to do with these weaklings?" Northerners, that much was obvious from looking at them. Except for the one in a robe. Balon's lips slowly parted in to a grin when he looked at the maester. Their kind was the worst of all. Never fighting, always serving. Perhaps this one thought he was safe because of his collar. Soon though he would learn different.

"Your majesty. I bring you Lord Hornwood and Rorx of the north. Also Maester Darrik, the very maester who advises Lord Mallister. Even if you have no purpose for the others surely these three can aid your plans."

Aeron Greyjoy, known as the Damphair leaned over and whispered in his brothers ear. Balon listened and nodded. He looked around the hall for a moment.

"We will consider that possibility. You have done well captain. Your reward will come soon enough. Take these three to rooms and lock them in. See that they are well fed but do not give them leave to roam. As for the rest. It is time for the Iron born to get their first taste of mainlander blood. Have at!"

[Toby Lupin]

Darrik suppressed the horror he felt as Greyjoy ordered the invasion. Though what real use to Greyjoy they could be, unless to hamper the Iron Men and secure an escape?

But he felt anger at Jaegan, both at being tricked, and at the man's foolishness at switching to the Iron Islands. There was no gain, save a knife to the gut once he became less useful.

"You are a idiot, Jaegan." Darrik hissed to the traitor. "A damn traitorous one at that."

[Rorx]

Seeing little point in further antagonising their captors Rorx kept his peace, and his eyes and ears open as they were led to whatever quarters they were destined for. All they could do now was to endure and wait and watch for a chance to escape. To escape and to grind Greyjoy's plans into dust.

[Davenrell]

Aeron stood up at Darriks words. "You should watch your tongue here Maester. The followers of the Drowned god do not believe that any man is safe from death. Here you will not find the protection usually afforded the chained. But if you can not watch your tongue we will be happy to take it from you."

As the three were taken from the hall the Iron Men fell upon the northerners. Several of them managed to grab weapons from their captives and put up a fight but in seconds they were slaughtered. Rorx, Darrik, Lord Hornwood, and his son were each taken to separate rooms and locked in.

Several hours passed until Rorx's door opened and a small girl came in. She might have been pretty if it were not for the pimples covering her face. She stood their for a few minutes simply looking him up and down.

"You are a north man? You do not look so scary."

[Rorx]

Rorx tries to see past the pimples to any family resemblances as he replies to her politely, "Well, I'm glad to hear it. I have never considered myself particularly scary. However, such coonversatiion is hardly politte when we have not been introduced. I am Rorx, and you are?"

[Davenrell]

"I am Asha Greyjoy. My father is the one who is going to kill you and anyone who stands in his way." The girl grinned in a way that probably was meant to be menacing but looked almost comical.

[Rorx]

Rorx nods his head to her and grins back at her, "Please to meet you Asha, althouogh given the circumstances you can appreciate that I'm less then pleased to be introduced to your father."

He listens for the jingle of armour to reveal any guards in the corridor.

[Davenrell]

"You should be pleased north man. Not all will have the privilege of meeting the King of the Iron Born. Don't let a little thing like his plans to kill you all lessen the greatness of the honor."

With that she turned and opened the door and left. Leaving Rorx to his own thoughts.

(Will have up more later today for both of you guys.)

[Davenrell]

For four days they sat in their rooms. Food was brought. Every now and again the water was changed out. Through the windows they could see more ships arriving. On the fourth day a group of guards came to Darrik's room. He was lead to a private study where Balon Greyjoy sat looking over a map of Westeros. Once he was lead in the guards were dismissed.

"Have a seat maester. Please have a drink if you like."

Balon did not even look up from what he was doing as he spoke.

"As you know it is not customary for us to keep a maester here on Pyke. However in these times perhaps it would be more advisable. How about it maester? Would you care to be the first official maester to the Kraken?"

[Toby Lupin]

Darrik sipped at the wine, tasting the bitterness in the drink, and quietly considering this offer. A chancy job to be sure, but possibly a way to weaken the war effort of the Islanders. At the mere least, a way to protect the others in the group.

"I appreciate that you think highly of my skills," he said graciously, "nonetheless... I must consider this. I would make it a condition that our party remained unharmed, as long we behave ourselves."

[Davenrell]

Balon studied Darrik for a bit. He was by nature distrustful and it made no difference to him that he was looking at a maester.

"Very well. You...consider my offer. In the mean time I promise you that as long as those lordlings cause no trouble they will remain unharmed. Take him away."

The guards escorted Darrik back to his room. After a couple hours he was then escorted to a slightly larger meeting room where Rorx and Lord Hornwood were waiting with food and wine on the table.

[Toby Lupin]

Darrik walked over, and sat down with nods to Rorx and Lord Hornwood. Casually, to distract attention, he began to eat and drink like nothing had happened. After they had gotten halfway through, he spoke in a low calm voice.

"It appears... that Balon Greyjoy has found it advisable to have a maester as an adviser. Interesting decision on his part, not what I expected. Most interesting, I informed I need time to consider it. We all here should, I think."

[Rorx]

Rorx looks up and tries to re-assess what little he knows about the Maester. He looks back down at his food and says quietly before popping another morsel into his mouth.

"And what, if any, were his conditions?"

He chews briefly and takes a sip of his wine while he awaits the answer, or any comment from Lord Hornwood.

[Davenrell]

Lord Hornwood sat at the table eating eagerly. This had certainly been the best food offered them since they arrived. He kept a steady eye on the maester as he considered what he heard. Finally taking a break from his eating. "Maesters are neutral and serve who they will. You do what you think is right sir, I will not speak against you either way."

[Davenrell]

For four days Darrik was left in his room. Except for those who brought him food and cleaned his room he saw no one. With little else to do he spent a great deal of his time looking out the window at the ever growing fleet of ships. Even though Greyjoy had only a handful of war galleys he had a vast number of smaller ships that almost made his force as strong as Stannis Baratheon's. Even if he had less ships it was clear that the iron born were far more use to being out at sea and were they able to reach and board a ship it would soon be theirs, or burned. The longer Darrik watched the more clear it became this invasion was going to happen. All that was left to decide was what Darrik did about it.

Maesters often had difficult decisions to make in the name of neutrality. On the one hand his contract was with Seaguard and Lord Mallister. By duty he should do what ever he could to aid his lord even from this position. However Maesters did not decide what directions war took and did not play in politics except as advisers. There was also to be considered his duty to the citadel. The iron islands had often been a threat to old town and the citadel and if they were planning to invade it would certainly be a part of their plan. That meant if possible Darrik should try to get word to them. The only problem with that is that they did not keep ravens here. Many ravens were trained to come here as Balon was still the head of one of the great houses, but the ravens were merely sent back immediately with his responses.

Then there was the greater good to be considered. The king needed to be informed as well as Eddard Stark. Much of the north was vulnerable to a surprise attack and Greyjoy would fall on them swiftly without warning.

The last option, which every maester was allowed to take, was to simply work through the situation and stay alive and continue doing his duty no matter what. If Balon truly wanted a maester he could fill that role. Being a maester to a greater house was a step up from Seaguard, and as far as Darrik knew it had been almost eighty years since a maester had been on the iron islands.

For four days he considered his options. Nothing ever happened that quickly in Westeros and he had some time to make a well informed decision. Even if Balon set his sails today it would still be weeks before the first major attacks occurred.

[Toby Lupin]

Over those days, Darrik pondered and ruminated. And practiced his High Valyrian again for good measure. Neutrality was the creed of the maesters, but in good conscience he could not let the Iron Born run amok upon the shores of Westeros. He had to get a message out, then his mind would be salved and he could serve Balon Greyjoy.

Still, the difficult part would be getting Greyjoy to let him send out messages. He had a way of possibly covering up a missive to the Citadel in a harmless guise, but some information still needed gathering. One of the biggest questions: did Greyjoy know Free City Valyrian?

[Davenrell]

A knock on Darrik's door was the only warning he got before two guards entered the room. They asked for him to come, Darrik even noted the politeness to the request. As they lead him through the halls he noted they were returning to the study where he had previously spoken with Balon. This time the lord sat at a table with four men to his sides. Darrik recognize Aeron and Victarion Greyjoy. The first a holy leader known as the Damphair, a high priest to the drowned god that the iron born worshiped. The second, the current Lord Captain of the Iron Fleet. Both were Balon's younger brothers along with a third who was not present.

Darrik was raised in the Free Cities and even there stories were told of Euron "Crow's Eye" Greyjoy, captain of the infamous ship The Silence. Euron had been banished by his brother years ago and was one of the most feared captains sailing the seas. The other two young men at the table, Darrik surmised, were Balon's two eldest sons Rodrik, and Maron. Standing around the table were fourteen men who appeared to be the captains of Balon's war galleys. On the table sat a map of Westeros with several notes and markings.

As he entered Aeron Greyjoy stood and faced him with cold, uncaring eyes. Perhaps it was the way everyone in the room either leaned towards or away from him. Perhaps it was the fact this man wore a robe covered in seaweed better then most men wore crowns. What ever the reason, something about this man was simply terrifying. Darrik was struck with the feeling that the eyes looking on to him were as deadly and uncaring as the sea, and the sea had him in its gaze.

"Well chained one, the King of the Iron Islands has given you four days to consider his offer as is required by the Drowned god. It is time for you to give him an answer. Will you serve this house, this king, and aid him in guiding the Iron Born to reclaim their birth right?"

[Toby Lupin]

From the moment the guards had come to Darrik's room and ushered the maester out to have his answer and allegiance, Darrik had put up a mask. A mask of quiet, impassive observation. It did not falter even when he entered and faced the group. Then Aeron Greyjoy locked eyes with Darrik, and the mask broke for a brief moment, as Darrik shut his eyes to cut out the cold penetrating sight.

Was he a fool for thinking that he could allay the suspicions of the Iron Born enough to send a message and not get caught? They could see him, Darrik feared, and they did not like what they saw. He knew something that he did not realize before, and he didn't like it. Darrik Hyrnos was a coward. Or at least, he could not calmly stand and accept his death as these men might their own.

Furthermore, he nonetheless knew what the Iron Born wanted him to do. King of the Iron Islands, reclaiming their birth right, they want to return to stealing from Westeros and raping and enslaving while they're at it!

And they wanted him to be a part of it, stand by and as the maester's code would allow, do nothing. It was a monstrous suggestion.

He was caught between two points of swords, and either would be extremely painful. And then, a whisper of calm: You don't have to decide. Backstab or Serve, you would say yes either way.

That settled it. Darrik's eyes opened and he addressed Aeron Greyjoy with the dignified calm of a proper maester.

"I will. Let the Black Sailor of Pentos hear that pledge and remember."

A pledge to the sailor's patron of Pentos should appease them. And the possibility that he might break this pledge to not worry Darrik. Reason was his religion, as a maester.

[Davenrell]

Several voices rose in protest. It seemed clear that many in the room had been expecting an execution. Aeron sat back down next to his brother and ended the noise with a sweeping look around the room.

"He has pledged, let his actions decide his fate. Know this Maester Darrik, you have pledged to the Drowned God, it is not these men or the steel they wield that you should fear. If you break this oath, it is the sea that will demand a price."

The men in the room nodded agreement. Balon waved everyone out. Soon it was just the two of them and an older man that Darrik did not recognize.

"My brother is quite fanatical. I can forgive him that, especially when it serves me. I would have been happy to have taken your answer in private, but I needed the captains and lords to witness it. Now word will spread through out the fleet that King Balon's reign is backed by a Maester. I hope it is the last time I must use your office as such.

I trust you as little as I trust most of them. You are a man just like them, and men are foolish. They think that just because we take women from the places that we reave and bring them back and give them children that I can hold a man hostage and then gain his loyalty. They truly believe that underneath the waves there is a god and all his followers waiting to reward them or make them suffer. You gave me a pledge, and it is as cold and lifeless as the metal around your neck.

But there is no reason we can not start there Maester. Alliances, and dare I say, friendships have formed from worse starting positions. Maesters are dangerous men. Many Greyjoys have not wished them because they understand how a man's mind works. If a man is not bound to any master but that of ideal, it becomes incredibly simple for them to reason out stabbing a man in the back. I would rather not have to be concerned with you doing that.

For now I must lead the fleet in to our first raid on the main land. While I am gone I am naming Lord Bergot here in charge of the Iron Islands. He is perhaps the most educated man alive to the Iron Born and I think you two will get along. Aid him well and do what you can for me, and on my return perhaps we can both see reason to attempt to make the most of this pairing."

Balon stood and faced Darrik with no real malice or anger. Darrik felt a strong sense of honesty to his words. Balon was truly trying to decide if there was a chance he could trust Darrik, or a chance that Darrik would trust Balon.

[Toby Lupin]

Perhaps.... Darrik mentally acknowledged... we shall see. It remained that he felt serious concern over consorting with the Iron Born, but waiting and seeing would be his plan, banishing all thoughts of treachery for now. Balon was more perceptive than he'd given credit. Damn, I hope there is not more to them than I believe.

He bowed respectfully to Balon Greyjoy and Lord Bergot. "As you wish, your highness. Lord Bergot, I hope we can make the most of our partnership. Perhaps it is possible for us to meet and discuss at dinner?" In his voice like Balon's, there was a certain honesty. Darrik did take pride in his work, especially since he did not feel motivated to sabotage the Iron Born.

[Davenrell]

Lord Bergot gave Derrik a smile that in a few short years would only be described as grand fatherly. As Balon left the room the older man stood and walked over to the Maester. "That would be most agreeable Maester. We do have much to discuss, I know that taking over the duties of a major house can be daunting in the first few days. I suspect that before the meal you may wish to roam the keep and get your bearings on things. The guards should also be able to give you directions to what ever you seek. In the meantime I will try to get your offices set up. If there is anything else you require, simply ask."

[Davenrell]

As the day passed Derrik found his situation had changed drastically once word got out of his new allegiance. He was no longer ignored as he walked the halls and in fact some people seemed almost friendly. It was not an uncommon response to Maesters, it was just such a stark contrast to his welcome that it seemed so strange. He was shown the library and his room and offices which were just two doors down from them. He was also shown how to find the rooms of all the Greyjoys. When he neared the kitchen he smelled such a variety of different fish dishes it was almost like being home again in the free cities.

Everyone has their beliefs about different cultures. Derrik learned long ago that in the end almost all were the same when it came to day to day life. All people were looking to do their daily work and enjoy their nightly meals with friends and loved ones. To most of Westeros the Iron Born were seen as reavers and raiders, but here on Pyke they were just a people living in another keep trying to live their lives. Early in the day he had the opportunity of seeing Balon's fleet as it left harbor. It looked to be five war galleys and thirty or so long boats. The royal navy certainly outnumbered them, but the iron born lived on the sea and would most likely be able to make up the difference with experience.

Finally it was time for dinner. As Derrik entered the main hall once again it was still full only this time there was almost no warrior in sight besides the house guards. At the head table the Seastone chair sat empty. To its left sat Lord Hornwood and his son, followed by Rorx, while to its right sat Asha Greyjoy followed by Lord Bergot who had a empty seat next to him Derrik assumed was meant for him.

[Toby Lupin]

Darrik ruminated that perhaps he'd been a mite hasty in judging the Ironborn, but another side of him vociferously denied that they were really so simple to forgive for their lifestyle. The price other men paid for their reavers and reaping was not acceptable, or so that voice argued. And also tangent was the self-admitted fear of what he'd done in Seaguard, and how it would very well all come tumbling down if and when news came about.

Hell, the Citadel might admit his choice to be a valid option, but men they were, and Westerosi men at that. They would not look favorably on a member siding with the Greyjoys.

Certainly, as he greeted everyone with a polite, "My Lords, Lady" with the latter added for Asha Greyjoy, he showed a tendency to avoid Rorx and Lord Hornwood's gazes as he came to his seat and sat down there. Maester Darrik felt more than a little shame at his decision, no matter the course it would lead him too.

[Davenrell]

As course after course was brought out Darrik was introduced to what members of the lesser houses had not joined the fleet for one reason or another. Lord Bergot quickly demonstrated that he had the intelligence to be a Maester him self if he had been offered the training. He discussed shipping routes and current contracts with the free cities. He also made out a list of the things they were short on that was often kept on hand for a Maester, including ravens and some medicines.

"I am sure when we have a ship to spare we can send request to Old Town for everything you need, assuming the king has not decided to sack it by then."

At that comment Lord Hornwood snorted. "No fleet has been able to breach Old Town since the seven kingdoms were united. What makes Greyjoy so confident that he will do so?"

Bergot turned and gave the Lord the same grandfatherly smile that everyone else got. It seemed to either not matter or not register that this man was a prisoner. "Well, my lord, it is not that he believes it will be simple. He simply has the determination to see it done. Surely a northerner can respect the belief that sometimes that is all it takes."

Hornwood gave a grunt of acknowledgment as he speared another piece of meat with his fork and moved it to his plate. "Determination does mean a great deal in the north. As does keeping to the law, maintaining allegiance."

"Laws made and allegiances given to dragons, not stags. Robert just decided one day that he would have his kingdom. Now the king of the sea stone throne has chosen the same path."

"Robert did what was necessary to stop a tyrant. Balon is just looking for the right to pillage. Wouldn't you agree Maester?"

[Toby Lupin]

Darrik had stopped eating as he heard Bergot mention Old Town, and Greyjoy's intentions towards the city. Just the perfect icing on the cake here. To inform the Citadel that he had been forced to vow to serve Balon Greyjoy when the same man threatened them? The likely response would be painful. And more and more, Darrik feared this was another test of loyalty, to both the Citadel and to Balon Greyjoy.

His heart pounded tightly in pain. When Lord Hornwood asked Darrik the question, he covered it up with a veneer of observation. "Regardless of what anyone would feel about the practice of reaving, it's inaccurate to say that Lord Greyjoy feels any need for a right to do so. From what I've learned around here, the Ironmen have known no other way."

[Davenrell]

Lord Bergot nodded his head as he sipped at the soup in front of him. "Well said Maester Darrik. The people here live a harsh existence, much like the northerners. We all are bound by our traditions."

As the meal continued Bergot discussed the current state of the Iron islands. Resources, trade agreements, what illness was currently going around. He also asked Darrik what he would need and set up times for the Maester to start giving lessons to Asha and, when the sons returned, them.