The Belly of the Beast

[mark]

"I have at least two matters to discuss, Tania," Barris says, after he had watched the boy leave. He still did not know his name.

[The Stranger]

"You have the floor master Redwyne." says Tania, her eyes twinkling.

[mark]

Being serious again, Barris said, "First off, I would like my wife and children to be moved to a safer, more secret location. My presence in the Targaryen's court is no doubt known to many in Westeros now, and they may mistake my true motives and take it out on my family. I have not seen them for some time and miss them dearly."

Sighing, he said, "I will assume that you will make that happen. As for the second matter, it involves my instruction. When I am told to set up a network in the east, from where will I operate? Will I continue to be a "part" of Aellion's court, or will I blend into the shadows, or go to another city altogether? Will I even go by real name?" Barris suddenly realized he not at all sure of what he was to do in the future.

[The Stranger]

"Such a devoted father, its soo sweet." the woman says, smiling widely and touching Barris' hand. "We can arrange for a pleasant place of safety for your family, where you can visit, with the proper precautions. Your associations with Prince Aellion's court should not be lost if possible. Send representatives and letters to him, indicating your continued support. Seek to serve as his eyes and ears, and say you are spreading word of his cause throughout the free cities and beyond. Your main goals should be learning the location of his brother and sister, and if their dragons, if they indeed have them as they claim. But first the network. You must have a safety net with which to work before you begin your high rope act."

[mark]

Barris returned her sweet smile. She really is very pretty, he remarked, as his eyes focused on her small but enticing breasts.

As to the rest, Barris nodded. He was beginning to get a full grasp on the details of his objectives. "I have sent three of my men to present the Dragon with the head of Beric Dayne. Aellion also wished him dead, though that was mostly my doing. He told me before I left that if I were to kill Daye, he would show me the dragons."

[The Stranger]

"Excellent, then you are well on your way. Good luck Master Redwyne, and be cautious. I can not stress that enough. Your too cute to be cut up into little pieces." She winked at him, and stood.

"Have you anything else?"

[mark]

Barris felt no joy at being called cute when he heard the "cut up into little pieces" part of it.

"No, that is all. Thank you, Tania, and thank that nameless boy for me, too." He bowed and turned to leave.

[The Stranger]

"I'll be sure to tell him you said so. His name is Flea, by the way." Tania says, as she brushes imaginary crumbs of her pants.

"Good luck Barris. Goodbye."

[mark]

"I don't need it," he said, flashing her his most confident smile. "But thanks anyways, darling." He walked out of the tavern.

Flea, what kind of name is that? Perhaps I can be called tick? Barris shook his head and continued walking, grinning at his own meaningless musings.