(Aerion's POV)
"Nephew." Willam said as he approached me
We were at the entrance of the Red Keep, I had flown over to King's Landing as quickly as I could. The Royce Knights had just arrived here as well.
"What's going on, Willam?" I asked as he reached me, "What happened to Waymar?"
"I don't fucking know..." He said with a serious look, "A month ago, I gave him leave to chase a group of thieves and a murderer. He took three of our men and rode North where they were last spotted. I trusted that he would be fine, but I never thought that this would happen."
"And why would an envoy be sent to King's Landing but not Runestone?" I asked, "It doesn't make any sense."
He nodded, "I know." I said, "I received a raven from the Hand too, it told me to come all the way here. I have no clue what is going on, but whatever they're plotting, I have your back."
"Let's take a deep breath." I said, "Where's Yohn? And the others?"
"They're in the streets, trying to destress." He said
I looked over to one of the squires, "Hey, you." I called, "Go and get Yohn and the others, now. Tell them I called them. The last thing I want is for them to cause trouble."
"Lord Aerion, Ser Willam." I heard a voice say
I turned around and saw Lord Caswell walk up to me, "Lord Caswell." I said as he reached me
"It is good that you are here." He said in a low tone, "Something does not seem right to me, this whole ordeal with the Northern Rider."
I frowned, "What are you saying?"
He looked around, to check if anyone was around, "I...." He said, "I overheard the man....he was saying some strange things."
"What kind of things?" Willam asked
"I-I could not make sense." He said, "It was all too strange.....from what I know is that several of House Stark's witnessed the death of Ser Waymar Royce....but the body could not be returned."
"What?!" I exclaimed, "Why?"
"I cannot say, I really don't know." He said, "The Lord Hand will expect to see you soon, I must leave you to it."
"Something doesn't seem right, Aerion." Willam said, "Something is going on."
I nodded, "Y-Yea..." I said as I began to walk,
"Let's see what he says..."
*********************************************
"The reason I called for Ser Willam is to gather the details from his side." Otto said as he stood next to Viserys who sat on a chair, "I wish to understand what had happened and why Ser Waymar was in the North."
I looked at Uncle, his skin looked healthier than usual, and even his hair was no longer thin, it's like some miracle; it was returning, a bit thicker. I was more taken aback by the sight of this, I didn't expect for him to suddenly be good.
Willam cleared his throat, "Yes." He said, "As I was telling Lord Aerion, Lord Hand, there were several reports about thieves taking valuables from the villages and town from our territory. Not only that, one of those thieves murdered a woman in cold blood, just outside of Gulltown in broad daylight. As Castellan of Runestone, I gave Waymar leave to take some of our men to chase the culprits to the North. Their objective was to capture and to bring them back to the Vale."
Viserys looked at me, "Is that so?" He asked, "And were you aware of this, Aerion?"
"No, Your Grace." I said
"The matter was minor, Your Grace." Willam spoke up, "I didn't think to bother My Lord with this. Especially with all the issues at Dragonstone."
He looked at him and back at me, "What issues?" He asked
I cleared my throat, "Well, there was a specific culprit that is still at large. He was involved in the death of a shipwright from Ser Vaemond's crew." I started, "It's hard to explain, but one of the Wild Dragons was involved. But it's been months and the Greyfiend was eased up on his assaults."
"Greyfiend?" Viserys said, "Is that the one that eats the fish?"
"No, Your Grace, that's Greyghost." I said, "Greyfiend is a different one. Kind of strange to give him a similar name, but that's what the locals call him."
"Ah." He said as he leaned back on his chair, "Well, Aerion, I just have to say that I am sorry for your loss. Waymar Royce was your cousin, right?"
I nodded, "Thank you, Your Grace." I said, "But what I don't understand is...why didn't House Stark return the body?"
"That's where things get complicated." Otto said as he picked a letter from a table next to him, "And the reason I did not want this to leak anywhere else."
He handed the letter to Willam who read it, his eyes narrowing as his lips moved quietly.
He then widened his eyes and looked at me with a surprised face, handing me the letter, "Read this." He said seriously
I took the letter, "What could this be?" I asked
I looked at the letter and read its contents;
"I, Lord Cregan Stark, send this letter to His Grace, KIng Viserys I Targaryen, to inform you that the remains of Waymar Royce shall not be returned. It was required to be burned. I am aware that Ser Waymar is a relative to Lord Aerion Targaryen and thus, I need you to understand that I sent this letter to you rather than Runestone for the sole reason that if this message is not relayed to Lord Aerion, then more Royce Knights might venture North in search of answers.
The answer to what had happened to Waymar Royce is simple; Death's claws got to him. If Lord Aerion wishes to understand any further, he is more than welcome in Winterfell, my doors will be open and my hearths will be warm for his arrival."
"Cregan?" I said, "Lord Rickon passed?"
"A few years ago." Viserys said, "Cregan is but a few years younger than you. Similar to you, he's a young man who understands his Duty."
"I don't understand." Willam said, "Why does Lord Stark want us to stay away?"
"I don't know..." I said, "But the way this was written tells me that this is a matter that needs to be seen to believe....Lord Stark has extended his invitation to me....It would be rude to refuse."
"Aerion." Viserys said, "This.....this is not something to be taken lightly."
"Your Grace." I said as I handed Willam the letter, "With respect, Waymar was my kin, it is my duty to find out the truth. If neither you nor Cregan Stark have the answers, then I will not rest until I myself find out."
"I'm coming with you." Willam said, "I'll take a ship and sail to Whiteharbour and ride for Winterfell. I'll meet you there."
"If you intend to do that, Ser Willam." Otto said, "Allow us to give a royal decree that you should be allowed safe passage and as quickly as possible. I admit, this situation unsettles me. And the faster you bring answers, Lord Aerion, the better....."
"Mhm." I said as I looked at Viserys, "Are you well, Uncle? You look good."
He stood up, leaning on his cane, "I am well, my boy." He said, "Ser Willam, wait for Otto to give you that decree then depart for Whiteharbor as quickly as you can. Please, by my order, do not take any other Royce Knights than necessary. I'll only allow one or two."
Willam bowed slightly, "Y-Your Grace, I thank you." He said
"Aerion." Viserys said, "I need to speak to you...."
"Alone."