|
Post by Sam on Oct 18, 2009 15:38:47 GMT -5
Aaron opened his mouth to retort, and then closed it without saying a word. He paused for a moment, and scratched his beard that had grown ragged and unkempt in his confinement. "Your grace is likely correct," he said softly, "though it is a fool's game to think of 'what if's."
|
|
|
Post by Marie on Oct 18, 2009 15:44:59 GMT -5
"Well, yes, but the realm bled for no good cause in the end, and you have lost all your lands in a war you can't possibly have expected to win," she said. "What will you do now, once I see fit to let you out of here?"
|
|
|
Post by Sam on Oct 18, 2009 15:47:39 GMT -5
"Probably the Wall, they likely need strong men to continue their rebuilding. My wife and children are dead," he said, pointedly not mentioning who had killed them, "so there is little left for me here."
|
|
|
Post by Marie on Oct 18, 2009 16:00:45 GMT -5
"I know what happened to your wife," she said. "I was not pleased. Having said that, Lord Tully's death was equally dishonourable. The Wall would be a good place for you, though. I am surprised, though, that you chose to surrender at the last."
|
|
|
Post by Sam on Oct 18, 2009 16:04:12 GMT -5
Aaron shrugged again. "If an overwhelming force was besieging my keep I would attempt to take out their general if he presented himself to me. Little that happens in war is honorable; the wise man will do what he must to survive and prevail. Selwyn taught me that," he added, looking the queen directly in the eye.
|
|
|
Post by Marie on Oct 18, 2009 16:12:10 GMT -5
"I understand," Rhaenys murmured. "I thought your desire was strong enough to put you beyond reason. It is good to know that is not so. Selwyn was one of the wisest men I ever knew, thogugh. He taught me things too. His son will be a good king when the time comes, I know it."
|
|
|
Post by Sam on Oct 18, 2009 16:15:38 GMT -5
"That will depend on his grace's teachers," Aaron said. "It seems good men of honor have been dropping like flies, of late."
|
|
|
Post by Marie on Oct 18, 2009 16:28:38 GMT -5
"So they have but there are many who remain. My sons will not want for good teachers. Not that it's any concern of yours if you go to the Wall."
|
|
|
Post by Sam on Oct 18, 2009 16:32:42 GMT -5
Aaron shrugged, yet again. "I suppose not. If you are here..." he paused for a moment, thinking to himself. "Has the North risen against the crown? I can only assume that the Dornish no longer threaten the capital, and that your grace has led the armies north, for I cannot think of another reason to see the Queen at Harrenhal."
|
|
|
Post by Marie on Oct 18, 2009 16:40:15 GMT -5
"The North has not risen yet," Rhaenys answered, though she kenw it would. "As to why I am here, that is not for you to worry about. Or do you think to be of service somehow?"
|
|
|
Post by Sam on Oct 18, 2009 16:41:14 GMT -5
"I imagine your grace have little enough use for a hedge knight, but I will serve if it is required."
|
|
|
Post by Marie on Oct 18, 2009 16:58:14 GMT -5
"We'll see," she said. "The Night's Watch is a noble enough calling and a better fate than you might have got otherwise. Certain of my lords wished to see you dead."
|
|
|
Post by Sam on Oct 18, 2009 17:13:41 GMT -5
"Is my brother still in the Black Cells?" Aaron asked.
|
|
|
Post by Marie on Oct 18, 2009 17:21:33 GMT -5
"I suppose he must be," Rhaenys answered. "Unfortunately I had no opportunity to consider his case before I left the city."
|
|
|
Post by Sam on Oct 18, 2009 17:28:07 GMT -5
Aaron nodded, and leaned back against the wall. He closed his eyes and scratched at his beard again.
|
|