Otto Hightower (97 A.C. First moon )
The Hightower, Hobert's solar
Otto Hightower sat with his brother in his solar. Appertanly, some important news had arrived, and he was summoned immediately.
"The babe growing in the belly of the Stark woman. Will not fail. The woman is hail and healthy. Another Targaryen with Stark blood. Both sides, sinful in the eyes of the Seven, as was written in the last raven we received for Runciter." His brother began.
"Brother, we know that the Stark girl is surprisingly healthy. Prince Aemon came easily, and Visenya did too. I suppose we can be grateful the woman only gave birth to the one son." Otto said, yet Hobert sighed.
"Otto, that boy is something else. You know that as well as I do. The maesters do not understand the change in Balerion. They were nearly certain the beast's death was certain. Yet the dragon is flying again and growing by all accounts, and its bond with a young prince, Aemon, is something never seen before. A boy of four rides the Black Dread and returns. Bye the seven, how is that possible?" Hobert had said. 'His brother left something out. He didn't know what, but he doubted it was good.' Otto mused as he studied his brother.
"We need to grow our influence even more in the capital. Beesbury has done a great job, but by all accounts, the man is more loyal to King than to us, his liege lord. That's why this opportunity is wonderful, brother." Hobert added, smiling. Holding a letter with the seal of the Hand of the King.
"Ah, that's why hast in the summons. Hmm, brother, what is then? What news came from Kingslanding." He asked.
"You have shown that you are the cable Bailif of Old Town Otto. Septon Barth apparently heard the reports of your work. He may be a commoner, but he is still a devout man of the Seven. You are requested to become his personal steward. To help him with his work as the Hand of the King." Hobert explained, giving him the letter.
To the esteemed Lord Hobert Hightower,
I, Septon Barth, Hand of the King, write to thee in earnest, requesting the service of Ser Otto Hightower, brother of Lord Hobert Hightower, Lord of Oldtown, Beacon of the South, Defender of the Citadel.
It is my wish that Ser Otto take up the honored position of my personal steward, a role left vacant by the passing of Edrian Marbrand. May the Seven, in their mercy, keep him. His loss is felt keenly, and in Ser Otto, I see a man of diligence, wisdom, and piety, well-suited to stand at my side as I stand at His Grace, as he heard and read the reports as work of Bailif of Old Town. His service would be a boon to the realm, ensuring that the will of King Jaehaerys is carried out with faith and duty.
With this appointment, his family shall find welcome within the Red Keep, where proper accommodations shall be arranged. I am told Ser Otto has a daughter of seven and a son of five, both of whom are of the same age, to foster friendships within the royal children. It is always wise that those nearest to the throne be men of faith and devotion and that the King's court be guided by the light of the Seven rather than heathens worshipers of the North and their own gods of the east.
The North grows in influence, and though the Starks are loyal subjects, they remain ever bound to their heathen ways. I fear that Prince Aemon has already found an affinity with his mother's gods, a matter that must be handled with care. A steady hand, a quiet word, a presence of true devotion—these things may yet turn his heart back toward the path of righteousness.
I trust this request shall be met with due consideration, and I await your answer within the next two moons. May the light of the Seven ever shine upon you, Lord of Oldtown, Beacon of the South, Defender of the Citadel.
Septon Barth, Hand of the King
(Seal of the Hand of the King)
"It's a wonderful opportunity. A change for advancement, a way to gain even more of inside to the rulings of the Kingdoms." Otto exclaimed, a grin forming on his face.
"Good, as says in the letter. Gaywne and Alicent are both optional companions for the royal children. Both may be part of their inner circles if we play our Hand right. Away for future advancement but also information." Hobert said gleefully.
"True, a true opportunity, as says, the Starks have gained influence at court, the Targaryens themselves follow the faith loosely it could weaken the faith hold on the crown and the lands south of the Neck. Both need to be halted, and if possible, Southern and the Seven influence increased." He added.
"So, I know it goes without saying you will accept the position." His brother added. "Of course, brother, it is my duty to do as you command, as is a younger brother's lot. Yet I would have taken it anyway, for our family and for the faith." He added, bowing his head.
"Good, go inform your family. I shall write a response. It would be wise if you wrote one as well." Hobert replied. "As you say, brother." With Otto left his brothers solar. His mind on the future and what it might hold.
Kingslanding (97 A.C. Fourth Moon)
King's Road
Otto rode on his horse, a grey destrier, its hoofs clinking against the cobblestone road of Kingsroad. In front, the Red Keep and the walls of Kingslanding stood on the horizon. 'Hmm, it looks smaller than I remember the last time I was here.' He mused.
The great Red Keep, the marvel of craftsmanship, a planned building, unlike the city in front of him. The King and the current Hand had done much and more to improve it. Yet it would always be a sprawling city, built in less than a hundred years. It was nothing like Old Town, with its white walls and many marble houses and buildings.
"Father, it looks amazing, doesn't it? I wonder if we see any dragons?" Garmund asked. 'His eldest son was his pride, and he hoped he could find a good match for him. As for Gwayne and Martyn, it has yet to be seen. Alicent, however, is the girl who is turning into a true beauty, even if she is still seven years old. Knowing Princess Aemma's ailments with childbirth and Prince Daemon's anger with his wife. Perhaps his daughter might be able to find a good match in a few years. The younger princess could possibly introduce Alicent to them. He would be close to them, as the personal steward to the current Hand of the King and the Grandmaester as his ally. Yes, there was an opportunity for advancement for his family, and seven. He remembered his brother's words about the growing influences of the Stark and to make sure of the growth of their house and the influence of the faith.' He mused.
"It, son, but the Hightower still stands prouder." He replied as he drove his horse one.
As they reached the city gates. The busyness was even more so than it was at the Old Town itself. Yet this was the Capitol, and it wasn't as crowded as the last time he was here during the tourney celebrating the victory over the Dornish. That was almost 13 years ago. Garmund had just turned three, and his wife was with child with Martyn. Otto's face smiled briefly as he thought of Alyrie. His wife and daughter both would do well in the Capitol. Alyrie may even become one of the ladies in waiting for Princess Aemma or Princess Lyanna if they play it right.
"This Kingslanding is far less decanted than Old Town father," Garmund remarked. "True, but from now on, be on your best behavior. You might find yourself a great match." He repeated. They had spoken of it before. Garmund was almost seven and ten years old, his squire and cousin to the lord of Old Town. A suitable match should be able to be found.
"As you say, father, I will not disappoint you." His son replied dutifully.
The air seemed to sake, and the sun seemed to disappear as a loud roar echoed from above. "Bye, all the seven, the reports were true," Otto muttered silently as the great black shadow made its way to the Dragon pit on Hill of Rhaenys.
"That's Balerion." Garmund croaked. "Look, well, that's why it is important your brother becomes friends with its rider. That's power, Garmund. In thousands of years, not one of the Kingdoms united Westeros. Dragon's did that. We are here to align ourselves with that power and to possibly control it. Never forget that." He added quietly. "Of course, father," Garmund replied.
Courtyard Red Keep
His two household guards rode in first as the red gates of the Red Keep swung open. The gates were adorned with images of the mighty beasts the Targaryens rode, their forms fierce and imposing. It was an impressive sight, yet there were no signs of the Seven, who are One. 'No matter, I will turn the monarchs to the right path,' Otto mused inwardly.
As his party entered, his keen eyes fell upon the welcoming entourage. At the forefront stood Septon Barth, Hand of the King, wearing the golden chain of office over his robes. Not the simple wool of most septons, but fine silks befitting his station. 'At least the man is dressed to stand beside nobility,' Otto thought. 'A man of faith, better than a commoner with no title or worse, like the Rego Rraz, that foreign Pentoshi ruler.'
To Barth's side stood a Kingsguard, clad all in white save for the sigil upon his cloak. 'Ser Addam Tarth,' Otto recognized. 'The younger brother of the Lord of Tarth. A capable swordsman, from what I have heard.'
The Kingsguard stepped forward and announced in a clear voice, "Ser Otto Hightower, brother to the Lord of Hightower, come to King's Landing to assume the position of Personal Steward to the Hand of the King."
Otto dismounted, his movements practiced and deliberate. He strode forward and dipped his head respectfully. "My Lord Hand, thank you for your welcome. I am honored to join in your efforts to better the realm."
Septon Barth inclined his head in return. "Ser Otto, in the name of His Grace, King Jaehaerys, I welcome you and your family to King's Landing. I trust your journey was uneventful?"
"It was my Lord Hand. Spring has begun, and the Reach is in full bloom. The land is prosperous." He then gestured behind him. "May I introduce my eldest son, Garmund Hightower, and my personal squire."
Barth studied the young man before him. "Ah, a strong lad. How old are you, boy?"
"Six and ten, my Lord Hand," Garmund replied with a slight bow.
"Very good," Barth said warmly, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder. "I already see a great knight before me."
At that moment, the door to the wheelhouse opened, and the rest of Otto's family stepped out. His wife, Alyrie, descended gracefully, followed by their other children. Gyawne, Alicent, and Martyn.
Otto gestured toward them proudly. "I present my lady wife, Alyrie Hightower, and the rest of our children?"
Barth offered Alyrie a kind smile and took her Hand, pressing a chaste kiss to her knuckles. "Welcome to King's Landing, my lady. I hope you find your stay pleasant."
She inclined her head. "You are most kind, my Lord Hand."
Barth turned back to Otto. "Come, let me show you to your quarters. You will want to rest after your journey. On the morrow, I shall give you a proper tour of the Red Keep, and in due time, you shall be presented to His Grace."
Otto nodded in gratitude. "That would be most welcome."
As the Hightowers followed Barth through the courtyard and into the keep, Otto cast one last glance at the great gates behind him. He had arrived, and in time, he would make his mark upon the realm.
Chapter 10: Lyanna Stark
Lyanna Stark (97 A.C. Fourth Moon)
Aemon's and Laena's laughs rang through the garden as they played with two dragon toys. Aemon's own black as Balerion, and Laena's, red like Melyels. "Melyles is fast like the wind." Laena giggled as she ran around with the red dragon. "Not as fast, Balerion," He exclaimed, as he followed her as they ran around the Hearttree.
"Hmm, your daughter isn't wrong." She said to Rhaenys, smiling at the pair. "Hmm, Melyes is for sure the quickest. Although I have seen the Balerion power return, the dragon wings clap like thunder." Rhaenys added.
"Visenya wants the same," Lyanna added. "Even though she didn't have an egg." 'She already saw her daughters flying with their brother through the sky.' She thought happily, yet at that, Rhaenys's smile faltered, a shadow passing over her face.
"Rhaenys, what is it?" Lyanna asked, noticing the change in her expression.
Rhaenys hesitated before sighing. "Visenya and Arya will never ride dragons. They are in the same situation as all my aunts except Alyssa. Arya, Visenya, and Gael will not be allowed to tame dragons because they will be wed into other families. If Viserys is blessed with a son, he will marry Rhaenyra. The dragons must stay within the family. The same goes for Laena, as she is meant to marry Aemon."
"What of Laenor? Does he have Seasmoke now? He is a Velaryeon."
Rhaenys shook her head. "Laenor was only allowed an egg because my father gifted two eggs to me before his death. He said, for your Alyssa and Baelon. Otherwise, Jaehaerys would never have permitted it." She exhaled. "I'm sorry, Lyanna.""
"Hmm, now I know why Baelon is always so short with me when I broach the subject with him. He either kept it from me because he doesn't want her to hurt me, or he thinks I wouldn't understand." She said in a pained voice.
"There is a way, though, for Visenya. As you said, Laenor will be a dragonrider and will be Aemon's goodbrother. Visenya could be betrothed to him, and I doubt that she would be denied a dragon egg or dragon then." Aemma added kindly. 'Shit, it was true, and Aemma meant it well, yet she knew Laenor's passions wouldn't lay with her daughter. A person's nature can't be changed at that deep of a level. Like she would always be the she-wolf of Winterfell.' She thought as she looked from Rhaenys to Aemma.
"It is an option, Aemon, and I know Laena and Aemon were betrothed young, yet that was to heal the rift between our families. But Visenya and Laenor are both three. I will think about it, as I hope you will, Rhaenys." She added kindly.
(The Year 97 A.C.)
Writing this now, I see how much the year 97 A.C. changed the course of my life. But back then, I did not yet know what was to come. I lived, yet I was unaware of certain truths. They were just underfoot.
Otto's arrival had always been expected, but it was only a matter of time. But the introduction of Alicent and her siblings to me and the other royal children was unexpected. Septon Barth was a man of the Seven; to him, my mother's gods and, by extension, myself were unwelcome influences. Even so, I made the best of the situation.
Gawyne was kind, a boy who wanted nothing more than to be a knight, a trait that reminded me of Bran before his fall. I befriended him, as well as Alicent, who was nothing like the woman described in the histories. But that version of her was thirty years older.
I had promised myself that I would watch and wait until I could hold power. For now, my mother had the reins, and if we played our hand wisely, someone else would become the Hand of the King sooner than expected.
Pages out of the Journal of Aemon Targaryen the White Dragon.
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