The smell hit Link before the sight did. King's Landing was a sprawling mass of humanity that stank of salt air and open sewers and old rot. It was a stark contrast to the crisp pine and snow of the North.
Link rode through the Mud Gate alone. He was still unarmed and his grey Stark cloak was thick with the dust of the road. He had ridden hard for days to stay ahead of the royal caravan.
[Status Alert]
[Location Discovered: King's Landing]
[New Objective: Establish a Safe House]
He navigated the winding streets of Flea Bottom. The people here were hollow eyed and hungry. They watched a lone man on a fine horse with a mixture of envy and predatory intent. Link knew from his previous knowledge of the lore that this city was a graveyard for honest men.
He reached the Red Keep which loomed over the city like a giant crouched on a hill. The walls were the color of dried blood.
"Halt" a gold cloaked City Watchman shouted while lowering a spear. "State your business."
"I am Link of House Stark" Link said while staying calm. "I am sent ahead by the Hand of the King to prepare his chambers. I have the royal seal."
He produced the parchment Ned had given him. The guard inspected it and then looked at Link's empty belt. "A Northman without a sword? That is like a whore without a bed. What happened? Did you lose it in a game of dice?"
"I gave it to the King for safekeeping" Link replied.
The guards laughed and waved him through. Link rode into the outer ward. He felt the weight of the Red Keep pressing down on him. Somewhere in this castle Littlefinger was counting his coins and Varys was listening through the walls.
Link dismounted and led his horse to the stables. As he worked he felt a presence behind him. He turned to find a woman with striking red hair and a knowing smile watching him. It was Ros. She had arrived in the city only a day before him.
"You look like a man who has carried a mountain on his back" Ros said while leaning against a wooden pillar. "And you look like you have lost your way."
"I know exactly where I am" Link said. "I am in the mouth of the lion."
"Then you had better find some teeth" Ros said while stepping closer. She reached into her bodice and pulled out a small rusted dagger. She pressed it into his hand. "It is not a castle forged blade but it is sharp. Use it well."
Link looked at the small blade. It wasn't much but it was a start.
"Why help me?" Link asked.
"Because the North is coming to this city" Ros whispered. "And I have a feeling you are the only one who knows how many of them are going to leave it alive."
.….
Author Note
Hi guys! Thank you for reading my fanfiction.
I wanted to let you know that I'll be releasing bonus chapters for Power Stones. Here are the goals:
15 Power Stones: 1 Bonus Chapters
30 Power Stones: 1 Bonus Chapters
50 Power Stones: 1 Bonus Chapters
75 Power Stones: 2 Bonus Chapters
100 Power Stones: 2 Bonus Chapters
Thanks for the support!