AGOT - Winter is Coming - Solo - Chapter 1 & 2

[Widowmaker]

She doesn't let him take her hand, but she does let him guide her into sitting down. In between the sobs she finally removes her hand. The side of her face is black and blue. The outline of a hand can be seen across her face. Once she see the look on Karrwin's face she starts crying again.

After a few moments she calms down. "My father commanded me not to see you again. I told him no and made it clear I was able to make my own decisions. He became very upset and told me he would hold me captive if need be. I told him he would not do such a thing. That is when this happened." She looks down and then back up at you.

She continues tears coming to her eyes. "He told me I was not allowed to leave. He then had me locked in my room. I was able to escape with some help. Unfortuneately Krysta, one of my ladies-in-waiting, was killed helping me escape." She stops and sobs for a moment.

"Karrwin I do not want to go back. I have endured enough. Please protect me." She says the last bit looking you in the eyes.

 

[Starman]

Karrwin grabs her in a hug. "Of course I'll protect you, Tanya. Of course I will." That bastard will pay for hurting her. Durendal was right. I will have to flee north. But not until after Daemon's meeting. I have to know where things stand.

Karrwin sits with her for awhile content to not say anything unless she does. After awhile, he says, "I have to go make some arrangements, now. I'll get you a room and then I will have to make sure everything is ready to take us north in a few days. Just stay here for now, okay? I don't want word to spread much that you are here."

Karrwin tracks Eon and Durendal down. "Tanya Redwyne is here and she doesn't plan on going back to her father. She is going to need a room and we are definitely taking that ship north now as soon as I meet with Prince Daemon. Let's try to keep her presence here a secret for as long as possible. Make sure that the guards are vigilant because even if Allister has no proof, he will suspect she is here."

 

[Widowmaker]

She looks relieved when Karrwin mention he will protect her. She sits staring off into space. She seems barely alive. She jumps a little when Karrwin speaks.

"I will be fine. Can you have some hot wine sent though please, my head hurts." She mentions as you leave the room.

It is not long before Eon and Ser Durendal are located. Eon seems suprsided by the news, Ser Durendal just nods.

Ser Durendal speaks first "I expected something like this. It is very wise to keep her presence here a secret. And yes Allister Redwyne will expect her to be here. I will start making arriangments to smuggle her out. And have the ship prepared to sail soon. I will have to get the men who are taking the Black ready to move. I would suggest we start preparing to leave this Manor."

Eon seems shocked at the mention of heading North "What about the men and Prince Daemon? He needs us now and we are going to run North."

Ser Durendal holds his hand up before you can reply "Wait. We do not know the Prince's plans yet. It is best to wait to make plans until after the meeting. There are many options available to us."

 

[Starman]

Karrwin nods. "Right. Nothing definite now. I still think we need to be ready to move, if necessary. Tanya is most definitely going to Winterfell, whether we do or not, however. Oh, I almost forgot. I told her I would get her some spiced wine."

He asks one of his men to get him some spiced wine and a cup.

"What about tonight? Do we have a room we can give her?" he asks his two advisors.

 

[Widowmaker]

Ser Durendal looks up. "I will take care of the wine and a room. There is one down the hall from you that is secure and private."

Eon nods "I know the one. I will double the guard tonight and place extra guards in the house."

Both leave to take care of there duties. By the time Karrwin gets back to Tanya she is asleep in the chair. Looking at Karrwin doesn't realize how much time has passed when he is startled by Ser Durendal coming in.

"I will carry her up. I would be willing to bet she is quite exhausted from her escape." Ser Durendal explains. "She will wake later and want something to eat. I have made all the arraingments. Could you get the door?" He says the last bit after picking her up.

As the three of you make your way upstairs and down the hall there is no sign of the guards yet but they can be heard moving downstairs. Ser Durendal places her on the bed. "It is best to let her sleep." He says the last bit pulling Karrwin out of the room.

 

[Starman]

Karrwin lingers outside of Tanya's room, reluctant to leave. I want to protect her, he thought, sighing.

"I hope the Prince sends his message soon. I'm feeling anxious," he says to Durendal.

 

[Widowmaker]

Ser Durendal looks at you and nods. "I suggest you go practice your swordsmanship. After your injury you are going to need some practice. She will wake, she needs time."

Later that night Tayna wakes and dines with Karrwin in her room. She is quiet and doesn't say anything, except 'thank you' and 'your welcome'. Karrwin can tell she is very uncomfortable leaving her house. It takes Karrwin a few minutes to remember that one's noble house is everything. Leaving it behind is like cutting off your own leg.

A short while later Maester Jeremiah comes in and gives her a drink to help her sleep. He insists that Karrwin lets him look at the wounds.

The next morning Karrwin is awakened by Ser Durendal. "The message has arrived. You had best be going. It will be at least half-days ride. Eon is getting things ready."

 

[Starman]

Karrwin leaps out of bed. "Finally," he says. Though it hasn't been very long in actuality, the strain of the last few days has made it seem an eternity. The Stark youth gets dressed quickly. He almost goes to see Tanya, but he knows she's probably sleeping and he doesn't have time anyway. He writes a quick note for her saying that he will be gone for a day, but he will return as quickly as he can. He tells her not to worry and that everything will be okay. After that, he finds Eon. "Are we ready to go?" he asks.

 

[Widowmaker]

Eon looks up at Karrwin as he is bringing two of the horses out, behind him Thom is bringing another two. "We are ready." Eon states looking at Karrwin with a energetic look in his eyes. Looking around at the manor before Karrwin leaves, his eyes glance to Tayna's window. The window is dark, as is most of the manor. A few guards stand watch.

Before Karrwin can take the lead Kevan, your new bodyguard, takes the lead. "Let me lead and put you cloak up. Those watching us will recognize you three but, not me."

Karrwin looks up at the sky. The sun has not risen yet and the colorful sunrise can barely be seen through the buildings of King's Landing. As the excitment wears off the cool morning can be felt. For the last few days the heat has been oppressive, finally feeling coolness is a relief.

The group is one of the first to leave the city gates that morning. It is not long before some distance is put between King's Landing. The group heads south towards Storm's End. The woods are thick and some animals can be seen. The road is not that heavily travelled this early in the morning. Before long the group meets a horseman on the road. He is stopped watering his horse.

As he looks up Karrwin recognizes the man as one of Daemon's bastard brothers. He recognizes Karrwin as well. "You want to follow the stream." He says pointing west. The group has no choice but to follow. The next few hours are slow going but finally around mid-day a building comes into sight.

A small wood fort has been built in the woods. It looks to be only a few years old. The wood still looks green and has the smell of pine. The fort looks large enough to house 500 men. Guards are present on the wall and see the group coming. The gate slowly opens enough for one horse to make it at a time. As Karrwin enters he sees the fort is busy with activity and some people have already arrived.

A man walks up to Karrwin, it is Tyler. "Welcome Lord Stark." He says as he grabs the horse and walks it over to the stabling area. A few boys walk out and grab the horse. They start unloading the horses as well.

"I shall take you to your room. Prince Daemon asks everyone bath and dress the meeting will begin at mid-afternoon. Food and drinks will be available as well."

Karrwin is able to make some small talk but it is only a few minutes before he is at the door to his room. "I will be available as before." Tyler finishes.

A large room has been made available. The walls are of wood logs as is most of the furniture a small room off to the side has a warm tub available. A number of beds are present.

 

[Starman]

Karrwin feels a flash of annoyance as Kevan moves in front of him, even as he knows that it is necessary. Why can't men settle their differences as men instead of playing these games? he wonders.

Thoughts of Tanya and the coming meeting play in his mind as they ride. He wonders what his parents will think when he shows up with Tanya. He also wonders what his father thinks about the inevitable conflict.

As they arrive at the fort, Karrwin feels a sense that something important is about to happen. Nothing will be the same after this. Seeing Tyler puts a grin on his face. "Tyler Fossoway, it is good to see you."

Quickly bathing and changing clothes, Karrwin looks around for Tyler. "So, what is it going to take to convince you to become one of my permanent advisors? I could use a man like you. I have missed your counsel."