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Campaign of the Month: December 2020

House Jasper

The Women in Pink

After confirming room at the knight’s paddock is available for the Jasper mounts, I head back to the docks and begin unloading horses when I notice two figures obscured behind crates and debris on the docks. Their both looking away, but notably out of place with their fine pink dresses on. I can see they are two older women with grey hair one with short hair and the other with long hair.
Tugged by my curiosity about these dockside oddities, I approach them gently and ask if they’re okay, but they assure me all is well and their coolness makes it unbearable to stick around. As I walk away I can’t shake how strange the sight was, so return to the ship to lock myself away before warging into August and returning to the scene.
I sniff around the debris and overhear their soft chatter, “it’s just a mutt…”, “…the girl meant to harm….”, “…I know, it just makes me uncomfortable…”. They eventually settle into a peaceful silence and take each others hands while looking out over the water.
It ‘s hard to tell if the scene is romantic so in an effor tto get closer, I grab a bit of broken dock in my mouth and bring it to them to drop at their feet. “Oh goodness, now it wants to play,” one says, “now shoo! Shoo!” I ignore her command and drop into a play bow with an excited waggy to try to get them to pay attention to me, but it is to no avail. “Just ignore it,” the other says, "it’ll go away if we pay it no mind." I settle down a few feet away for some time and can’t pick up on their energy, so eventually return to bring the horses to the paddock.

26

JUL/2023

How do you solve a problem like Ser Bruce?

With Ser Bruce in the dungeons, the council gathers to discuss his fate. Lord Theodore recalls that House Belmore is in good standing with House Arryn, following perhaps only house Royce and a few others. We all agree that keeping or killing Ser Bruce is an almost certain bid for war, however, sending him may also have dire consequences. The rest of the small council ruminated on Lady Alys’ warning about their two kills for our nine, along with taking their horses and imprisoning their son, and how that would look to other houses. I reminded the others that it’s important to control the narrative beyond the numbers, that Ser Bruce and his hunting party were systematically hunting down humans and brutally mutilating them, that this kind of cruel insanity going unchecked poses a risk to all in the Fingers. After much deliberation, we agree we will let Ser Bruce go, and send a message by Rhaella to Snakewood’s maester to send to the citadel by raven with a request for new maester. While discussing how to develop more good will with our neighbors after realizing how few friends we have to call on in times of war, we receive an invitation from Lord Daryl of House Pryor, inviting House Jasper to a tournament in celebration of their appointment to Marshall of the Fingers.

17

MAY/2023

Starting a fight with a killer

A few days after leaving Strong Song, we encounter a group of 10 people. It’s a hunting party from House Belmore, Sir Bruce is the leader. I look over to Wilhelm, he gives me a subtle nod that this is the man he saw in his tavern. We make pleasantries with the group for a few minutes. We ask them what they hunt, and Sir Bruce is a bit cagey, only saying they hunt exotic game. He has no regard for land boundaries set by civilized Lordships, claiming he merely “follows the hunt wherever it takes him”. I see he has a battle axe and a purple cloak, exactly the same as the vision I saw in Bethlezar’s eyeball soup! This must be our culprit!

After a few moments with the hunting party at the trail intersection, a line rider begins to approach from the east. Its Ser Darron! What great timing! I feel there’s a skirmish looming and his sword carries great weight! Shortly after, it appears the Dolins tries to pull Darron aside and it makes Ser Bruce uneasy.

As Ser Bruce indicates he’s moving on, Clink pulls out his morning star and clashes it against his shield, accusing Ser Bruce of hunting on Jasper lands and demanding payment. I like Clink, perhaps he’s too blunt, but I appreciate his enthusiasm. Then out of nowhere… AUGUST JUMPS OFF A CLIFF AND LANDS A SURPRISE ATTACK ON SER BRUCE!!! AMAZING!!! We must get in there to help August! I pull my sword and do what I do best… distract my opponents.

12

APR/2023

Tracking the Lavender Cloak, Pt III

I stick around long enough to learn that “Sir” is Ser Bruce, a man with red hair that dons a faded purple cloak every time he complains of a draft. This has to be the man I’m looking for, so I remain, watching and waiting, until an opportunity to get closer arrives. Until then, I can’t help but notice two things. One, that Slim remains in one chair just out of sight for the remainder of our time at the lodge. He occasionally speaks and others bring him food and water to drink, and change his chamber pot, but he does not leave the chair. Two, the lodge is littered with weapons, spears, bows, and most importantly, an axe always within reach of Ser Bruce.

Two days after I arrive, early in the morning, some commotion raises my hackles. Several men in the party saddle their horses, and Ser Bruce walks out into the cold and crisp morning air, shouting at the rest of his group that they are to mount up, as they have a long day riding east ahead of them. Castle Snownook and Jasper lands are east…I can’t let him hunt down another innocent person.

I follow the party from not far behind as their shaggy horses carefully pick their way down the mountain path until we reach an intersection. I’m not sure if the gods have blessed or cursed me when I see the House Jasper party reaching the intersection at the same time. The two groups speak for a few minutes, and there is palpable tension in the air. I creep closer, perched on higher ground, and get close enough to notice subtle but knowing glances among all of House Jasper’s riders. Ser Bruce confirms he’s going hunting but refuses to divulge what exactly he’s hunting for, which tips Clink over the edge. He explodes, shouting, “we know who you are!” Ser Bruce is visibly confused, opening the door for me to descend from above.

I pounce from the stony ledge and sink my teeth into Ser Bruce’s neck, shaking him back and forth, spraying my fur with blood. The shock and horror is clear in his eyes and he screams “rabid dog!” as he pulls his battle axe to swing at me. It hits, but I’m surged with adrenaline and leap at him again, this time, mostly getting a mouthful of fur. I am relieved to see House Jasper charge towards us from twenty yards away as Teddy yells “I bet you eat your victim’s heads too!” raising his long sword above his head. As an arrow from Ser Darron whizzes past us, I fully realize the damage Ser Bruce has imparted on me with only a moment to decide whether to run or continue to fight….

12

APR/2023

Tracking the Lavender Cloak, Pt II

After realizing one of the voices is Slim, I lean in towards the building a bit harder only to hear a few quick footsteps towards the front door. I bolt out front to see a middle aged man toss some more dinner scraps out to the two guard dogs. Seeing an opportunity, I crawl towards the man while the other dogs are distracted and do my very best to win him over. He leans over with a smile, and happily offers up some belly rubs, giving me the opportunity to get a good look at him. The man has light brown hair and freckles, and is dressed in furs and tailored garments and fine leather boots. I make note that he is also carrying a dagger on his hip.
After a few minutes, the man stretches his back and goes to walk back inside. I do my best to convince him that I am, in fact, an indoor dog and not one of these mangy mutts, but with a laugh, he says aloud that “Sir wouldn’t like it if I let you in,” squeezing through the door leaving me out in the cold. Hm…Sir. Who is Sir?
I carry on trying to listen to the goings on of the lodge, deducing there are probably at least a half dozen people milling about, including one pacing in a lofted area above. Between the conversation with Slim I overheard and the yet-to-be-seen man in charge, I decide it’s most important to stick around and continue to observe.

5

APR/2023

Tracking the Lavender Cloak

Feeling a bit shoved aside by these newcomers, Clink and Clank, and not wanting my contributions and value to the house to be overshadowed, I hastily make the decision to pursue the lavender cloaked red haired killer myself, in hopes of ending his reign of terror before the house’s newest additions have the chance. I tuck myself away and warg into August to set out in pursuit of the murderer.

After two weeks of tracking, I catch a whiff of something new…other dogs. This strikes me as odd, so I slow my pace and hunker down to observe over a cliff. I spy two dogs lounging outside kennels of a hunting lodge. Occasionally, a bundled up man or woman will come out to check on the horses. A lavender banner flaps in the bitterly cold wind. After a few hours of limited activity, I slink closer to the building to get closer to the windows.

The backside window peeks into a store room, so needing to get closer I tiptoe towards the next window. The guard dogs are good at their jobs, and come ripping around the corner, snarling and sprinting towards me. I crouch with a low wagging tail, and taking an appeasing stance. They soften and sniff and circle before moving on moments before a woman’s voice rings out into the cold air, banging pots together and calling for meal time. As quickly as the guard dogs arrive, they depart, and I follow on their heels.

The bundled woman stands out front with scraps that make me drool. I flop onto my back and wiggle around in the snow in an attempt to warm her to sharing with me, or even let me inside with no success. She kicks snow and tells me to get lost, and I slink back around the windows where I started, happy that the guard dogs are distracted.

Through the first window, I see a firepit straight ahead and move onto the the second window, where I see a man standing a talking to another. In the third and fouth windows I peek through into a kitchen, so circle back to the second window to get a closer look at the man, who is speaking animatedly to another just out of view. In hopes of hearing more if their conversation I crouch below the window sill and grow very still to listen intently. “What do you mean it’s not her?” the freckled man shouts. “I don’t know what to tell you, its not her,” the man out of view responded, stumbling over his words and exasperating the freckled man. “I can’t believe it’s come to this!” My ears prick up at a third voice, who says calmly, “just be patient, I’m sure that our new friend here will be able to get us exactly who we’re looking for”.

I recognize this stumbling, bumbling nervous voice-it’s clearly Slim. What is Slim doing out in the Mountains of the Moon? Who are they looking for? Is the freckled man the killer? I hunker down closer to the building to try and gather more information.

22

MAR/2023

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Apr 04, 2023

Coming up in the world and refining myself

Clink goes maesterly

All without the constant threat of death. Not a bad way to spend some time. Farewell for now. Carsen

…

Now that I am an Honorable Knight of house Jasper it is time I, Clink, take on some scholarly pursuits. I also wish to document my rise as the finest knight of the 7 kingdoms. It was just my luck that as I passed a farm, I came across a wretched farmer who had a book he no longer needed. The fool didn’t know what he had in his possession, even though he all but said these pages are done in Valyrian Guiding. This book is exquisite, and it only cost me 2 dragons. I almost feel bad for the old man, but as they say a book for a farmer is like nipples on a breastplate. I will do far better with this than he ever would, and worst case I can always sell it for a tidy profit!

8

MAR/2023

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Mar 18, 2023

HA! That's what you get

Really, What were you hoping to accomplish...?

Ha! Serves him right! What in the world did the lordling think he was accomplishing coming after me? Me?! His only banner man, and a known servant of the vale. Best case he has no bannerman and looks like a fool, and worst case he has a very unfriendly banner man and looks like a fool. How would house Jasper be better off without me?! Good luck next time they want to steal something, sneak around, or take a long shot (Hehe, puns). I guess they’ll try asking nicely now. Good luck with that! Jon Arryn is truly a just and observant lord. If any more trouble stirs up, I think I’ll pay him a visit myself. With all I’ve done for the realm he would surely take me on as a bannerman and protect us Thornes for all we’ve done for the Vale. I mean really, what did our lord hope to accomplish?!

I digress…Hmm… What’s next? Well journal, I am not sure, but I think things will be a lot less eventful for me in the coming months. I guess that means I won’t be writing in you much. Time for some much-needed rest, a rebuilding of my mine, and the finishing of my castle. All without the constant threat of death. Not a bad way to spend some time. Farewell for now. Carsen

8

MAR/2023

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Mar 09, 2023

A Visit with a Witch

The next day, Teddy, Ser Dolins and I head to the witches hut. We arrive at Bethlazar’s, and when I announce our arrival she pops her head over her grassy roof, and welcomes us in. I explain the events of the day before while Teddy reveals the eyes we found on the body, laying them on the table. She pokes the eyes, taps her fingers on her side for a moment, and looks to the cauldron…“that WAS lunch…but now, a new purpose!”. After tossing the contents of the cauldron, she rushes around the room gathering bits and bobs to add the the kettle, until she looks at Teddy and asks for a gift. He pats around his pockets with surprise, until he reveals a single copper to hand to the woman. I mumble under my breath, “kind of a crappy gift…” while she throws it into the cauldron with the eyes. “Now we wait,” she says with a smile.

After some time, the cauldron returns to a boil, and Bethlazar pours herself a mug of the mixture and takes a long drink. “Jasper knight!” she exclaims. The three of us look at one another in befuddlement. “She saw one,” the witch tries to explain. She?? “The eyes belong to a female?” Dolins asks, and gets a cackle in reply. “Do you know who the eyes belong to?” I ask. Bethlazar responds, “I do not,” and states again she saw a Jasper knight, who was old. We stew in our confusion further until Teddy proposes Dolins taking a drink to see if he can recognize the person Bethlazar is speaking of. To all our surprise, he agrees, and Bethlazar cackles. She tosses the contents of her cup onto the ground, and thrusts a cup into Dolins hands. Despite his skepticism, he takes a long drink, but says he sees nothing. Teddy looks to me next. “If it’s okay with Bethlazar…” I responded. She cackles again, and hands me a fresh cup of the brew. I toss it back, and nearly gag at the awful taste of rotten blueberries and feet that have been stuck in riding boots for too long without a wash. All for naught-I also see nothing.

When we’ve exhausted our questions about the eyes, I ask Bethlazar about “the singers” the clansmen and the old man in the cave describe. She confirms she’s heard of them, and that they come from the west. The witch declares that they hunt on full moons, the alst being 4-5 days ago, and indicates that she does not think they are a threat to House Jasper.

Before we leave, desperate for more information about Bethlazar’s vision, Lord Theodore asks for the chance to drink the contents of the cauldron himself.

Eventually Lord Theodore agrees to try it himself. He clearly has a reaction which lasts a few seconds, until he returns and asks Bethlazar about what he saw. “You said you saw an old JAsper knight? I saw a young shirtless man with painted skin!” Her eyes grow wide and she starts hustling us out the door. “Time for a nap!”

When we reach the road, Teddy shares that as he was walking out her door, Bethlazar scolded him with a sly smile about the “gift” he gave her. I knew a copper was too low a price for the talents of Bethlazar, but am relieved to get a more accurate vision. He shares that in the vision, the murdered party was killed by a battle axe, and notes that this is a castle forged weapon wielded by a man who looks to be a wild clansman.

22

FEB/2023

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Mar 09, 2023

Hooray - A Poem By Cedric

Cedric
Poem

Hooray
By Ser Cedric

It is with many thanks that I am here today
Good Jardon, Better Darron found me
In their names we should cry out Hooray!

I’ve been to the Riverlands, seen the Freys
Lord Ronnel and Lady Alys welcomed me
In their names we should cry out Hooray!

I was not in the war, distance was my delay
Sly Teddy and the kind Ser Dolins accepted me
In their names we should cry out Hooray!

I’ve rode more than some leagues, my tired horse would neigh
Dutiful Edric and lovely Summer care for he
In their names we should cry out Hooray!

I’ve lived many a hard year, my hair has gone to grey
The Jasper family protected you and protected me
In their names we should cry out Hooray!

Recited at the Opening of the Bardic College in April of 288 AC

26

JUL/2022

Ser Darron's Journal 26

Now, this is a story all about how
My life got flipped-turned upside down
And I’d like to take a minute
Just one short speech
I’ll tell you how I was unfairly separated from my family in the Reach

In South Westeros born and raised
In the tiltyard was where I spent most of my days
Chillin’ out, maxin’, relaxin’, all gallant
And all swingin’ some longsword showin’ my talent
When a couple of jewels that were pretty rare
One night just disappeared into thin air
The Lord needed a scapegoat and I was nearby
He said, “You’re losing your head if we catch you alive!”

They weren’t jokin’ around so ole Darron conceded
Rolled Stealth bonus Sneak and just barely succeeded
Not usually the kind to get scared and turn tail
But I thought “Nah, forget it, yo, horse to The Vale!”
I pulled up to Snownook at the break of daylight
And I yelled to Lord Jasper, “Yo holmes, need a Knight?”
I looked at my kingdom
It would have to do
And I swore on that day to bring my family here too

27

JUN/2022

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Jul 20, 2022

The Unbeatable Knight

Several more rounds of fights go by before a mystery knight no one recognizes challenges Ser Darron, who he swiftly defeats. The crowd goes wild and cheers Darron’s name, and the mystery knight quickly storms off, clearly a poor sportsman.

As the tournament continues, a fight in the crowds breaks out. The voice of an enraged man rises from the murmurs of the audience, and all look to see a man screaming at a knight with a sigil of white birds on a brown background, from House Shett. He bellows “It is you who are the bastard! How dare you!” and departs before swords start swinging, much to my relief. Eyes shift uncomfortably within the audience, and when no one approaches the knight, I quietly check in on him. He assures me he’s alright-“words can cut deeper than swords, can’t they?”. He introduces himself at Ser Hammett, and not long after, he dons armor to go challenge Ser Darron. I wish him luck on his way out to the platform.

My wishes are no use in the face of his opponent, Ser Darron. Ser Hammett is cut down like all the others

15

JUN/2022

Ser Darron's Journal 25

Any tourney is a big event you know. The crowds of highborn and smallfolk make it just as exhilarating as actual combat. In fact, it’s even better since they make the archers shoot at hay bales and true knights are allowed to duel properly; sword to sword.

This tourney is extra important since the winner will be granted an appeal to Lord Arryn. He’s the Hand of the King with all the powers of Big Rob himself! The hand can grant any wish if the winning knight is worthy. I have a great request of him so must not only win, but win with valor!

What better way to prove myself than challenging Ser Mandon of the Kingsguard. No fighter has yet taken arms against him today. To duel him would draw attention, to defeat him would.… Will… Will!… Wine! Pay attention! I’m teaching here!

Now… to defeat Ser Mandon would be tricky… However, Ole’ Ser Darron knows something the others don’t, or at least don’t realize.

Of course, it’s a gamble. I’ll probably be bleeding all over the maesters before midday, but I believe this old knight has a chance. In a knight’s life, you see, there are times for moderation and times for boldness. I reckon the moment calls for recklessness. Now, fetch me my pants.

11

JUN/2022

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Jun 15, 2022

Suspicions Grow

I bring the news of the Red Priest robes to Ser Dolins and Lord Theodore. They express internal conflict about the suspicions we all share about the knight, and we agree to keep this new information to ourselves. I suggest a plan to continue spying on the knight through warging under the guise of feeling ill and weary for several weeks, the knight and Lordling agreeing to spread this story throughout the house.

Over the next few weeks, I overhear a tipsy Ser Darron expressing sympathy for the convicted traitor Shaymus at Ye Olde Plain Gosling over ales, as well as speaking with the blacksmith about purchasing a brand new full set of armor! Where would he have gotten the funds for such a purchase? I pass along this information to Teddy and Dolins, and they share they will also keep a close eye on him at the upcoming tournament.

The day of the tournament finally arrives, and it is a whirlwind of festivities! Brave Ser Dolins faces off against Ser Brynden Tully and loses, but Ser Darron, in his shiny new armor, challenges and defeats Ser Mandon Moore!

8

JUN/2022

Suspicions Continued

I return from warging to find a relaxed Darron back at Castle Snownook. He speaks for some time to Teddy, Dolins lets the rider go after some deliberation, and all seems eerily calm. I fall back on our original plan of allowing Ser Darron to say his final goodbyes to Shaymus, and he accepts, stating he would visit that night after a flagon of wine.

I warg into a mouse and hide in Shaymus’ cell and overhear their conversation form the shadows. The conversation is benign, and while Darron does pass a small package over the the prisoner, upon further inspection, it appears to be a small satchel of spiced meats for his final meal in Westeros. I notify Lady Alys and she encourages continued suspicion.

Heeding her words, that night I warg again into my mouse friend and search Ser Darron’s room. The only thing that seems truly out of place is a set of robes worn by Red Priests. I notify Ser Dolins and Lord Theodore right away.

26

MAY/2022

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May 31, 2022

Suspicions Within

I’m summoned to the Council of Justice to determine the fate of Shaymus following his defeat in Trial by Combat. Darron insist on joining us, despite him not having a place on the council, though he mostly observes in silence. Brock initially suggests that the traitor should be killed from his crimes, but after mustering the courage, I encourage Gregoriy to consider another option. “Perhaps we should use his guilt to try and bring the eggs home..what if we exiled him to Essos, with the promise of a safe return home if he can bring the eggs with him?” After some consideration and debate, the council is in agreement, recognizing it may be the only hope of bringing the dragon eggs to Snownook where they belong.

Darron accompanies me to notify Shaymus of this news, but the conversation takes an unexpected turn. The guilty party looks to his old friend and asks for help, and Ser Darron recommends the man accept his fate. Before we leave, the knight attempts to offer the prisoner several iron stakes. I react in shock and quickly swipe them from his hand before they can be exchanged, looking back at him in horror. I usher him out, and run to find Gregoriy and Teddy.

When I find the Beacon of Justice and Lordling, I express my concerns about Darron’s actions, attitudes and inconsistencies throughout this investigation, as well as how they are intensified by the knowledge of his history of being accused of stealing priceless jewels from the previous house he served. They share my concerns, so we hatch a plan to spy on a conversation between Shaymus and Darron.

Unfortunately, when we go to find Ser Darron…he’s gone! Gregoriy begins to search for him at a relaxed pace but my heart drops into my stomach and I instantly warg into a raven to search from the skies. It isn’t long before I see a rider with the sigil of a green field adorned by a grey face on his cloak. The man is not Darron, but I am very suspicious of this activity and return to notify House Jasper.

Ser Dolins is the first person I come across, and he agrees to ride after the man with the sigil that he recognizes as being from House Baelish. He also voices his suspicions about Ser Darron that he’d been keeping to himself, and agrees the man must be cut off. I offer him my sandsteed to catch up to the rider as swiftly as possible, and run to Lady Alys to urge her to send other riders to follow.

After seeing Maelys, Cedric and the Order of the Darkwash depart after Dolins, I take to the skies once again, this time towards Jasport, to search for Darron.

19

MAY/2022

An Intruder in the Night, Pt 3

Teddy is naturally alarmed and concerned for the House’s treasures. I accompany him down to the vault, where the door has been broken into with a high quality, but now broken, lock pick. Sure enough, the dragon eggs are vanished. I search around the room, and find a long dark horse hair near where the eggs were. I have confidence that the horse hair is from a palfrey. The only members of the house who ride palfreys are Rhaella (whose horse is light in color) and there are a few others who aren’t ridden as often in the stables, so no owner immediately comes to mind. Lord Theodore curses the thieves, and wonders aloud who could’ve masterminded this plan with so few people knowing of the eggs’ existence. “Knowledge travels fast in the wrong hands, my lord.” I remind him.

After regrouping, Ser Dolins shares that Shaymus has been interrogated and is currently in a cell under suspicion of involvement. We head out from the castle, following hoof prints, eventually coming across a group of panting and nearly passed out palfreys, and one dead man. After some inspection, we see another, smaller set of hoofprints heading further out, so I warg into a crow to get a birds eye view on the scene.

Some time later, I spot 3 dark palfreys, left saddled and abandoned near the coast, with footprints ending at the water, as though they were picked up by a boat. Soaring above, I peer out over the open sea, and see a ship off in the distance! I fly out and observe those on board for as long as I can. The crew of sailors lacks any distinguishing features except for one strange looking man wearing an oddly shaped hat. It appears to be black and made of felt and pointy corners on each edge. Otherwise, no sigils can be seen on board, and the only mention in conversation I recognize is that they are headed back to Braavos.

7

APR/2022

An Intruder in the Night, Pt 2

Dolins sprints down the hallway towards the stairs, and I turn my attention to my sweet, brave August. He’s too heavy for me to lift alone, so I knock gently on the closest door, the quarters of Betty the handmaiden, who nervously agrees to help me move August into me room where he can remain safely.
After thanking Betty for her help, I grab my stiletto, shield and dagger, and run in a daze down the hallway and down the stairs to meet with the rest of the house.

31

MAR/2022

An Intruder in the Night

I’m awoken in the middle of the night by Ser Dolins, who looks uneasy. “I’ve been stirred by a strange noise that I think should be investigated, but I don’t think I should go alone.” I rub my eyes, and ask what he heard. “I’m not sure, just…something’s not right.” I rouse a sleepy August, and ask Ser Dolins to keep an eye on my body as I warg into the raven and take a lap around the castle.

From above, all seems quiet. But as I swoop lower, I see a group of a dozen horses tied up between the Dark Wash encampment and the Bridge of the Andals. My blood runs cold-everything is cloaked in darkness and eerily still, but I don’t see anything else out of place.
I return at Summer and explain quickly in a hushed voice what I saw to Ser Dolins. “We have to wake the castle,” I tell him. He tells me to notify Teddy and he’ll grab Victorinox and wake everyone else. With a quick nod, August and I sprint out into the hallway. The moment I turn the corner an obliterating pain explodes in my arm and I collapse in front of a cloaked and shadowed man.
“We’re under attack!” I scream in a shaky, broken voice, and look to August. “Attack.” I whisper to him. My loyal companion launches himself at the man, but is quickly swiped down by his sword. August lets a blood curdling cry, and even in the dark I can tell he is badly hurt. I throw myself over him. “Please no! Don’t hurt him. Take my life instead,” I plead to the man. The hallway is silent for a moment.

" Don’t. Move." The man holds the point of his sword firmly, but unmoving, into my back. I nod.

With my face buried in August’s wet, bloodied fur, and I try and fail to hold in a whimper. And then… with a broad swish, the stranger collapses beside me. I look up in shock, and the brave Ser Dolins stands boldly above us, holding Victorinox in victory over our opponent.

Rhaella steps into the hallway with us, having been woken by my yell. She asks “What do you need me to do?” and we both look to Ser Dolins for commands.

24

MAR/2022