77 AC
Kingslanding
Third Person Pov
Two days after Queen Alyssane's return to King's Landing, the Small Council convened. The familiar setting of the council chamber, with its heavy oak table and the weight of royal history hanging in the air, felt both comforting and constricting after the open spaces of the North. King Jaehaerys sat at the head of the table, his silver-gold hair neatly trimmed, his gaze sharp as he surveyed the assembled members.
To his immediate right sat Queen Alyssane, the journey to the North having left a thoughtful cast on her features. To the King's left was Prince Aemon Targaryen, the heir to the Iron Throne and the Master of Laws, his expression serious and attentive. Directly across from the King sat Hand of the King, Septon Barth, his presence lending a sense of solemnity to the proceedings.
The remaining seats were filled by the other key figures of the realm: Lord Lyman Beesbury, the Master of Coins, his fingers often drumming nervously on the table; Lord Mafryd Redwyne, the Master of Ships, his gaze often distant as if contemplating naval matters; Prince Baelon Targaryen, the King's second son and the Master of Whispers, his eyes sharp and observant, missing little; and Grand Maester Benifer, his aged face a mask of scholarly wisdom. The air was thick with unspoken expectations, the weight of the kingdom resting upon their deliberations.
Once the routine reports from across the Seven Kingdoms had been delivered – news of harvests, minor disputes, and the general state of affairs – a lull fell over the table. King Jaehaerys turned his gaze towards his Queen, a gentle inquiry in his violet eyes. "And now, my dear Alyssane," he prompted, "tell us of your journey to the North. We have received ravens detailing your arrival and stay at Winterfell, but we are eager to hear your firsthand account."
"My lords," Queen Alyssane began, her voice resonating with the experiences of her recent journey, "my tour of the North was unlike any I had undertaken before. The sheer scale of the land and the resilience of its people left a lasting impression."
She recounted their travel northward, emphasizing the marvel of the Northern railway system. "The journey by train, a relatively recent innovation in the North, was remarkably efficient," she explained, her ladies-in-waiting nodding in agreement. "To traverse such vast distances with such speed, powered by steam and steel, was a testament to Northern ingenuity. It facilitated travel and trade in a way I had not fully appreciated."
Alyssane then spoke of her visit to the College of Winterhold, her tone filled with genuine admiration. "This newly established institution is a beacon of learning in the North," she declared. "Their commitment to knowledge, both theoretical and practical, is truly commendable. I was particularly struck by their dedication to making education accessible through their printing press, allowing for a wider dissemination of vital texts."
She elaborated on the College's curriculum, noting the breadth of subjects taught, from history and philosophy to mathematics and the nascent study of engineering. "They foster a spirit of inquiry and innovation," Alyssane observed, "and their integration of martial training alongside academic pursuits reflects the unique demands of life in the North. It is an institution that holds immense potential for shaping the future leaders and thinkers of the region."
Turning her attention to their journey further north, Alyssane described their arrival at the Wall. "The Wall," she stated, her voice hushed with awe, "is a spectacle unlike any other. Its sheer scale is difficult to comprehend until one stands in its shadow. It is a testament to an age long past, a stark reminder of the ancient threats that necessitated its construction."
She spoke of their ascent to the Wall's summit, painting a vivid picture of the breathtaking vista and the vast, untamed lands stretching out to the north. "To stand atop that icy barrier," Alyssane recounted, "and gaze into the wild unknown, truly underscores the vital role of the Night's Watch."
Here, her tone shifted, becoming more serious. "Under the command of Lord Commander Domeric Snow, the brothers of the Night's Watch maintain a vigilant watch against the remnants of the free folk and more sinister entities that still lurk beyond the Wall. Their dedication to their duty, despite their dwindling numbers, is unwavering."
Alyssane then recounted the perplexing incident with Silverwing, her brow furrowing slightly. "My dragon, who has never hesitated to fly wherever I command, refused to cross the Wall," she revealed, her words drawing the rapt attention of the Small Council. "He flew towards it, but then inexplicably turned back, a deep reluctance emanating through our bond. Lord Theon Stark posited that ancient magic woven into the Wall itself might be the cause, a theory that warrants further consideration."
She concluded her account of the North with a reflection on the resilience and self-reliance of its people, the challenges they faced, and the potential for greater understanding and cooperation between the North and the Crown. Her words painted a comprehensive picture of a region both formidable and fascinating, leaving the Small Council with much to ponder.
King Jaehaerys leaned forward, his brow furrowed with concern, his violet eyes fixed intently on Alyssane. "My dear," he said, his voice carrying a note of gravity, "this matter of Silverwing refusing your command… it troubles me. You have always described him as a docile and obedient dragon, your bond with him seemingly unbreakable. For him to defy you so directly, and at such a significant boundary as the Wall, suggests a power at play that we do not fully comprehend."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the assembled council. "Has Silverwing ever exhibited such disobedience before? Any reluctance to follow your will?"
Alyssane shook her head slowly, her own unease mirrored in her expression. "Never, Your Grace. Silverwing has always been responsive to my commands, even across vast distances. Our bond is strong, and I have never encountered such a firm resistance from him. It was not a mere hesitation; it was a deliberate refusal to proceed north of the Wall."
"Lord Theon's suggestion of ancient magic within the Wall itself is intriguing," King Jaehaerys mused, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "The histories speak of powerful spells woven into its construction, wards against the darkness. Perhaps these enchantments have an effect on creatures of magic, even dragons."
He turned to Grand Maester Benifer. "Grand Maester, do our texts contain any accounts of dragons reacting strangely to the Wall? Any lore that might shed light on this unusual behavior?"
Grand Maester Benifer, his aged eyes peering over his spectacles, stroked his chin. "Your Grace, the accounts are fragmented and often steeped in myth."
King Jaehaerys sighed softly. "This is troubling. A dragon's instincts are powerful. If Silverwing sensed a danger or a barrier he could not, or would not, cross, we must take heed." He looked back at Alyssane. "Did you sense any distress from him, my dear? Any fear or agitation beyond the reluctance to obey?"
"No, Your Grace," Alyssane replied, her brow still slightly furrowed in thought. "That is what makes Silverwing's behavior even more perplexing. There was no sense of fear or distress emanating from him, merely a firm, almost stubborn resistance. It was as if an invisible boundary prevented him from proceeding. He seemed… unwilling, rather than unable or afraid."
She paused, trying to articulate the subtle nuances of her bond with her dragon. "It was not the frantic resistance of an animal in fear, but a deliberate act of disobedience, something I have never experienced with him before. He remained calm, even as I urged him onward. It was a clear and conscious refusal to fly beyond the Wall."
Alyssane looked at the King, her violet eyes reflecting her bewilderment. "It was as if he encountered an invisible wall of his own, a barrier that my commands could not penetrate. He obeyed my commands to fly and to descend, but the command to go north, beyond the Wall, met with a steadfast and unwavering refusal."
Prince Baelon, ever curious, leaned forward. "Your Grace mentioned this 'train' of the North. It sounds a curious contraption. Could you elaborate on its workings and your impressions?"
Alyssane briefly described the train, its carriages moving swiftly along metal tracks powered by steam. She highlighted the speed and efficiency of this mode of transport, contrasting it with traditional horse-drawn travel. She noted the ingenuity of the Northern engineers and the railway's importance in connecting the vast territories of the North, expressing her admiration for this technological advancement.
Grand Maester Benifer cleared his throat, his aged voice carrying a note of scholarly authority. "The Queen speaks highly of this 'College of Winterhold' and its dedication to learning and innovation, particularly its printing press. While it is commendable that the North has embraced such advancements, it raises a question. Should such valuable knowledge and technology be confined solely to one region? Would not the entire realm benefit if such learning were more widely disseminated?"
"Grand Maester," Alyssane replied, her tone measured and even, "while the College of Winterhold is indeed a Northern institution, its doors are not closed to those from other regions who seek knowledge. I was informed that anyone with the aptitude and the desire to learn is welcome to study within its halls, regardless of their origin."
She continued, "The North has invested significantly in establishing and maintaining the College. It is a source of great pride for them, and they see it as their contribution to the realm's intellectual growth. However, they do not hoard its knowledge. Any individual from the South, or any other region, is free to travel to Winterhold and pursue their studies there, provided they meet the College's requirements."
Alyssane added, "Perhaps the Grand Maester could facilitate communication with the College, informing scholars and interested parties in the South of the opportunities available in Winterhold. Encouraging such exchange could indeed lead to a wider dissemination of knowledge and foster greater understanding between the North and the rest of the Seven Kingdoms."
He continued, his gaze sweeping across the Small Council. "The printing press, in particular, could revolutionize the spread of literacy and understanding throughout the Seven Kingdoms. Imagine the impact of readily available texts on law, history, medicine, and the arts. To restrict such progress to the North alone seems… shortsighted. Perhaps the Crown should explore ways to encourage the sharing of this knowledge and these innovations with the rest of the realm, for the betterment of all."
Septon Barth, his kind eyes reflecting a gentle concern, spoke next. "While it is heartening to hear that the College welcomes scholars from all regions, Your Grace, the matter of this 'train' seems different. Such an invention, capable of traversing vast distances with such speed, holds immense practical value for trade, communication, and even defense throughout the entire realm. Should not the North have shared this remarkable innovation more openly, allowing the rest of the Seven Kingdoms to benefit from its potential?"
He continued, his tone persuasive. "Imagine the implications for the Kingsroad, for transporting goods between regions, for the swift movement of royal messengers. To keep such a powerful tool confined to the North seems… a disservice to the unity and progress of the realm. Perhaps the Crown should encourage the North to share the secrets of its construction, so that this wonder might be replicated and benefit all of the Seven Kingdoms."
"With all due respect, Septon Barth," Alyssane replied, her tone firm but respectful, "I did raise this very point during my discussions in Winterfell. Lord Theon Stark's position was quite clear. He stated that the development of the railway was a significant undertaking, requiring considerable investment of resources, ingenuity, and time by the North."
She continued, "His stance was that if the other regions of the realm wish to benefit from this technology, they are welcome to commission the North for its construction. The knowledge and the expertise required to build and operate such a system were hard-earned by the North, and they do not intend to distribute them freely. They see it as a valuable asset, one that they are willing to share, but not without due consideration for the effort and investment it entailed."
After a moment of contemplation, King Jaehaerys nodded slowly, his gaze thoughtful. "Lord Theon's position is understandable," he conceded, acknowledging the North's investment. "However, the potential benefits of such a railway for the entire realm are undeniable."
He then addressed the Small Council. "We shall open a correspondence with Lord Theon Stark on this matter. We will inquire about the costs involved in constructing railway lines in other regions, the expertise and resources the North could provide, and the terms under which such an undertaking could be commissioned. It is crucial that we explore the feasibility of expanding this technology for the greater good of the Seven Kingdoms."
The King turned back to Alyssane. "My dear, your firsthand account of the railway's efficiency will be invaluable in these discussions. We shall need your insights as we navigate these negotiations with the North. This could be a transformative development for our realm, and we must proceed thoughtfully and strategically."