####
The next morning,
"Up you go, Princess," Bronn muttered, perched on the chair like a crow on a grave. "That's what you're called down there, aren't you?"
"Aaaah… No!"
"Shhh~" Bronn quickly smashed his palm on her mouth. "I knew you'd squeal like a stuck pig. You're with Bronn the Blessed now, woman! Wake up, the night's over!"
"D-Dorne… I must get to Sunspear!"
Bronn shrugged and got up. He stepped aside and gestured towards the door. "Go ahead, I'm not stopping you."
As expected, she hesitated and looked at his face with a silent plea for help.
"Figured. I've been summoned to the Great Sept of Baelor. Won't be back quick. I'll lock the door from the outside. If someone comes knocking, don't go playing the fool. Say nothing. If they grab you, I don't know you, never did. As for Dorne? That's after I'm properly a septon." Bronn sternly advised her. "But if you're still chasing madness, now's the time to run for it."
She didn't move.
"Good, I'll be off. But if you want me sticking my neck out, best you tell me who you are. Even the Seven can't save a fool who backs a ghost."
Finally, Bronn put on his crystal around his neck, grabbed his book, and left the small room. He locked it from the outside, checked it a few times before leaving.
Right away, a dozen faces greeted him. Another dozen sought his blessing as the word of his miracle spread.
####
By the Father's wrinkled bollocks, it's bloody well happening.
Bronn was left with a beautiful surprise. He was being promoted to a full septon, and not just any septon, but one of those well-to-do septons who got to wear white robes and woven seven-colored belts, signifying his distinguished service. He was the first in history to earn that right from the start.
And the one to oversee his vows was none other than the High Septon. The old man who looked kind, but Bronn knew he was a renowned kiddie diddler back in the day.
Down on both his knees, Bronn was dressed in fresh, new white robes, the seven colored belt was tied on his waist, and a new crystal locket was placed around his neck. Then, he was handed his official censor and incense that he'd use for the service. Then he was given a seven-sided crystal to depict rainbows.
Not just the High Septon, but the members of the Most Devout Order, who elected the High Septon, were also there.
"Kneel, Brother Bronn the Blessed, before the faces of the Seven. You, who have touched flesh and spirit with miracles not seen since the days of Baelor the Blessed, are called now not only by men, but by the Gods themselves."
It was the High Septon himself, singing praise for Bronn. It was a magical moment not just for Bronn but also the Septon who taught him.
"The Father saw your judgment, the Mother wept at your kindness, and the Crone whispered wisdom into your ear. The Stranger turned aside from those you saved. These are no small signs."
Bronn stood kneeling like a solemn servant. His stepping stone, at last, he had reached it. And if the High Septon was praising his name, it was only a matter of time before his name spread.
"Today, I anoint you Septon of the Faith, to bear the light of the Seven into the world's darkest corners. May your hands stay steady, your heart stay humble, and your voice ever speak truth. From this day forth, you are not merely a man of healing, but a servant of the divine. Let the bells ring."
Not the real bells, but the smaller ones in the Sept proper rang. That was it, he was officially a registered septon now.
Bronn rose up to his feet and smiled proudly.
The High Septon smiled back and stepped closer to him, patting his shoulder. "You are favored by the Seven, young Septon Bronn. Now tell me, where does your heart lead you? Shall you serve within these hallowed halls, or beyond, in some lord's court? I will not lie, there are noble houses who have made quiet inquiries after you."
Must be the ones I saved that night.
But Bronn had his goal set.
"With all due reverence, Your Holiness, I ain't meant for this Great Sept or lords' courts, not yet. I want to join my brothers as a traveling septon and spread the blessing of the Mother to the realm."
"Quick of wit, my child." The High Septon laid a gentle hand upon his shoulder. "The Seven smile upon your purpose. Go now, with my blessing. Spread the Mother's mercy where it is most needed. Tell me, though, where shall your steps first fall?"
Without hesitation, he answered. "The Reach, Your Holiness. I want to read some holy tomes in the Citadel's possession."
High Septon sneered, but not at Bronn. "Blasphemers, the lot of them, hoarding what is sacred as if it were theirs to guard. Shelved high, hidden deep. Go now, Septon Bronn. I shall write, and with that letter, even the most stubborn will yield to the light of the Faith."
With that, the ceremony was over as the High Septon left.
Bronn was led outside by the old Septon, who taught him everything. There, at the Sept near the fish market, he was gifted a small feast. Of course, the Sept couldn't afford it, so the smallfolks from the town pitched in. A lot of them were grateful for his service.
"Don't forget where you came from."
"Don't forget us."
Many faces were crying. He didn't know most of them. But clearly, he meant a lot to them.
Bronn accepted that he wasn't a kind man. But being a septon now, he needed to keep a smile on his face.
From that morning till early afternoon, he stayed at the small feast, ate little, and spoke with the people. Finally, once the crowd thinned, he packed some food and headed back to his small dwelling.
By now, he'd realized who the Dornish woman might be. The guards were talking about the deceased kids the entire day.
Still, he wanted to hear it from her mouth if she wanted his help.
Click!
He turned the key in the lock and pushed the door.
"Septon?"
"Hm?" He acted quickly and stopped the door from actually opening. He turned around with urgency and looked at the busty woman who held a small babe in her arms. "Ah, Lady Melissa."
The woman was beautiful with a full, curvy body, decently tall, light brown hair, and a fair face with a small hint of freckles. The little babe in her arms was big for a newborn and had golden blonde hair.
"I've heard whispers that you ride soon," Lady Melissa said softly, a flush rising to her cheeks. "Here, take this coin. My lord husband lacks the grace to offer thanks, but I shall never forget what you did for us, your blessing, this… You gave me a beautiful son. May the Gods keep you safe, wherever your road may lead."
Bronn genuinely nodded and took the small pouch of money. "And you too, Lady Melissa."
Smiling, the woman turned around and left.
With a sigh, Bronn turned back and entered his room as well. As expected, the Dornish woman was at the door, listening to him. He ignored her and locked the door first.
"Who was she?" the woman asked.
Bronn chuckled while replying. "Dockmaster's wife. Eight years of prayers and not a squawk from her belly. Then they come to me, because I mix herbs better than most mix ale. Gave the man something... let's say it stung his pride. But Seven bless it, they've a lad now, loud as a warhorn and likely twice the man his father ever was."
"You gave them a babe?" she asked curiously, though her expression barely changed. Flat as a plank. "How?"
"How babies are made."
She frowned deeply and moved, walking to stand in front of him. He was a septon and a blessed man. It made no sense that he was already breaking his vows. "You?... Made love to her? But the child had golden hair. Yours is dark as night."
"You saw that?" Bronn reacted fondly, rubbing his chin as if remembering that moment. He'd tested his Maiden's blessing on Melissa and had succeeded. What a month it was, testing out new things with her. Endless night-long sessions of intense mating, bending her, moving her, pumping her, positioning her in different ways, tailoring the seed she needed.
"As I said, I'm gifted by both. Mother grants the healing, Maiden grants the babes. Boy or girl, blonde, brown, red, black, even blue if you want, or silver like those Targaryens. All possible. Also beauty, brains, brawn, it's all on how tight she holds her faith... and how loud, if you take my meaning."
"Nonsense!" She sneered at that absurd response. Sure, he had magical healing. But what he suggested was too much.
Bronn shrugged, moving about in the room, taking out boxes to pack his luggage. He wanted to leave right away. As for the woman, he didn't care if she wanted to keep secrets.
Good, leave me alone.
Seeing her go and sit down on the bed, he busied himself. It wasn't easy packing all those potions. He had to be careful with them. And then there was his hidden chest with a whole five gold Dragons. It was his life's savings, and he was going to use it to gain access to the top courts.
Hah! Highgarden, here I come. One cripple at a time, I'll be in every court in the bloody realm.
"Bronn."
Annoyed, he looked back towards the bed. The dusky woman sat there with a conflicted expression, as if pondering deeply. Her brows creased tightly.
Finally ready to tell the truth?
"What about… What must be done for…" She stuttered, her fingers visibly clenching on the bedding's edge. "For a silver-haired boy?"
"Ha?" Bronn's brow crinkled like bad parchment. "Why in the Seven's name do you care? You don't even believe in the bloody thing."
But just as he turned back to packing his bag, she got up from the bed and stood in front of him. Since he was crouching down, he looked up at her tall frame, at her face that suddenly looked more confident than ever.
"Bronn…" Her voice no longer trembled. No, there was silent rage in it now. "Do you wish for our son to wear the crown?"
"..."
"What?!" Bronn had never been so dumbfounded in his life until now. "Our? Crown? What nonse—"
"I'm Princess Elia Nymeros Martell. Give me a silver-haired son, and I'll give you a King."
"..."