Asgard Winterfell. 285 AC-
-Family Room-
Harry was looking calmly at the Winterfell recreation room he had made for his family, his reason? Children needed to be children and he had no interest in their children spending the whole fucking day just doing what was basically studying and practising. They needed to relax somehow.
It had turned out to be a great idea and soon the children of many people were using not only their recreation room but also the recreation room that was in Wintercity. All for the good of the children. Children deserved to be children. And also with the new form of teaching it was effectively proven that there were more things to worry about.
The kingdom of Asgard seemed similar. Magic was the answer to solve many situations. One form of remuneration that Harry used were potions for workers in both mines and fields designed to help them have better health. This helped them a lot and at the same time it was made of love.
The workers of the different farms and much more were more or less happy. And unlike their world where people grew up with an exaggerated sense of law, here people had things clearer. Each job had its obligations, could they aspire to more? Yes. But a better paid job meant more responsibilities, something that is made clear.
The good news at least in Harry's mind is that people did not leave the field. The field was a guarantee of work that did not require studies except for the basics and little else. Were there people who aspired to be more? Yes. But those people knew that they had to earn it and that nothing and no one would give it to them.
But with the new advantages come certain drawbacks. Some people rose up demanding more rewards, less taxes and much more. Ironically, as happened with communism, these were people who belonged to the rich sector of society who aspired to eliminate the ruling families to put themselves in power.
Unfortunately for them... Harry didn't play clean. In one of their big meetings I face them. It forces them to admit their true plans, their intentions and more. People could be sheep. But knowing that they are using and manipulating and planned to take away even more rights than you had could break any plan they had for you.
He has never had problems helping people. Hell now there were ministries for people to work if they had enough studies. But the good news is that it had prevented bureaucracy. The idea of something interrupting his efficient work pissed him off in many ways.
Other types of problem cans had also arrived: religion. Religion was still a fucking problem. People kept thinking of him as a kind of messiah and saw his children as a kind of gifts from heaven... or in short, threats because they were children of a southern woman.
It was a headache that if he was sincere he would rather not have had to deal with. The city guard had also discovered numerous groups of foreign agents. Apparently his children had a nice price as slaves in what was Essos. I hadn't exactly been happy about it. And his wife had been less happy.
Even when they killed everyone who came, they kept coming. For some strange reason they thought that if they had time and resources they could do it. Curiously, those who offered the most for their children were Myr's masters who were already having a hard time thanks to their glass trade.
That brought him another unpleasant memory in the way that Myr had recently allied himself with Tyrosh and Lys. A true alliance of the three sisters. Everything to face its threat in a nutshell. Today the three cities lived with fewer resources and now they felt threatened by Volantis.
Myr's men and women had put a price on the lives of their children thinking they could use it for currency or deals of some kind. He knew that although they were daring, it was not only they who had flat stories for their children since not everyone and his mother were interested in them.
As expected in his children, his magic had been noticed, which is something. His son Cregan had been able to move things with his mind. On the other hand, Belladonna had a really terrifying gift for illusions. Hell one of the attackers who had been supported by a Qarth witch of all things went crazy courtesy of his daughter's illusions.
As is natural, such actions were tiring not only Ashara. But also to Elia and Shelia. Elia... she was once again pregnant. From his son. The woman was shocked. After what Pycelle told her that she could never be a mother. The ritual of help she gave her and the treatments gave strength to her body to return to what she most wanted: to be a mother.
She was not the only one because Shelia was also pregnant and was eagerly waiting to be a mother. Harry almost had a heart attack. I was going to be a father again. Ashara had made it clear to her that until her children were about six years old she did not want to be a mother again. Just to want to make sure that the older ones could be good influences on their younger children.
Well, it seemed that he was not the only one since his brothers were also parents. Ned had been the father of a boy and a girl. The boy's name was Robert which surprised him until he said that if they had been able to discipline Robert he was sure that it would have been a force to be taken into account in more than one field and not just what it was now.
The girl's name was Sansa. Ned's wife, a Rhialle from Norvos, was happy with her husband. And he had called her children with those names in honour of the now that she was a West. And seeing that it was part of Asgard, I had looked for northern names. He had to admit that his brother had had good taste. A redhead with violet eyes. That should say everything.
Benjen and Darcey were expecting their first child, the bear was more than happy... although she felt a little more than sorry for the problems she gave since there had been a couple of attempts to reach her. His brothers were safe thanks to the protections that allowed them to know about threats but the dangers were still there which was a pain in the ass.
With so many potential Starks one had forgotten about his sister. After having Jon they had to be careful. A Lot. Lyanna was too young when she had her son and it could have cost her her life. If it were not for a ritual to expand his vital force, it was quite possible that his sister would have died even with all the improvements in birth systems.
As if that wasn't enough, R'hllor's sparks that were still alive had tried to get into his nephew's body. He had to considerably strengthen the forces in the protection rituals. Even with most of its being destroyed, the great priests who had the sparks of that monster in them still gave problems.
The good news in that field is that he had been able to start a hunt. Braavos who had been anxious to get along with him once again had been very nice and had tried to eliminate the faith of the red god of his city. And they had succeeded. Unfortunately it was not the same in the other free cities.
As most of the masters would say and more their presence was a threat. Harry knew that people had no fucking idea of his magical abilities. They only knew what the word spread in the trident or much more. But the reality is that they didn't know more. But they still saw it as a threat.
Even with their god in pieces, the priests used magic. The method they used was the sacrifice of mortals to store their energy and use it later. And seeing that there were always pickpockets, murderers, rapists and pirates, the free cities had people to be sacrificed by them to increase the power of their priests.
The war was far from over. But as long as there is no significant movement against him, he would not start a war. In recent times he had been happy to see the power of his kingdom grow and that was enough. In addition, if he was sincere, he preferred to let them continue with the rope that would hang them from all things.
"You know how to see yourself upset, it's always fun. You should relax a little and not let anger consume you. Things are far from being as bad as you suppose and it's also our children's day.' Ashara approached her husband who was standing like a protective wolf while watching his children play fun.
''It's just the massive amount of shit I have to deal with. By the gods, the number of idiots who seem to come out from under the stones seems to be unprecedented.'' The idiots seemed to think that because he was certainly kind they had some kind of power. He talks about being an idiot.
''You should have expected it. People can be blind, short-sighted and even idiotic. You better than anyone knows that shit. If they think they can get away with it, they will. Despite your reputation, people will try to strain the limit''. She assumed that everyone who was bothering him was to see where her husband's limit was.
''What a fucking headache. I'll let it be for the day. Our children deserve a little more life than the possibility of seeing their father upset just because there are people too stupid to live.'' Harry lived for and for his children. If someone tried to fuck with them, I would break it very quickly.
"Well, at least you know that your small playground has become a great triumph. You just have to see the number of people who are happy and see their children play.'' The park used runes to run everything for the entertainment of the children. He thought it was better that to leave a Muggle entertainment.
"I know you think that abusing magic can be a great pain, honey, but I wanted to give our children a little more joy. And I didn't want more children to get jealous of what was the fun they had.'' Jealousy is bad. And he knew that many of the traitors in his ranks were because of his ability to use magic.
"The only reason it bothers me is because I think you are making magic look like something of the most valuable and many will kill for putting their hands on magic. You've already seen how far Myr is willing to go. As her husband's wife and winter king, she had access to many reports. The shit in them could be annoying.
''Yes. Myr seems to think that the solution to their problems just because they are not able to compete with us economically is to put their hands on our children. And don't talk to me about witches and the people of Ashai''. They were a plague in the best of days. A virus in the worst.
"They will not stop. Not when they think they have the key to Asgard's success at their fingertips. Magic is power. The fact that you are using it with such skill makes them more and more jealous. I don't know how far they could be able to go to get their hands on magic''. Ashara knew that the image was not exactly beautiful.
"If you think just for a nod that you will be able to put a hand on my children with any of you, you will learn the mistake of thinking like that. I won't consent to it in any of the ways.'' There was an absolute truth about him: family comes first. Before they would burn in hell itself.
As long as you're at least conscious husband. It's good to know that you know, which is to say something. Now please let's focus on how our children are playing with the children and with Jon''. Ashara looked at her nephew with affection. The boy could have the title of bastard but people treated him as one more of the Stark family.
Harry sighed. He knew his wife's reasons for being like that. And he had to admit that he was right. His wife only feared what could happen to her family if they were not on guard. His children, his family. They were all a goal. Hell, Ned had written to him to inform him that his own children were showing magic features. So yes. The concern and alert levels were at the highest.
Soon the whole group was met with two women who looked very pregnant accompanied by a girl. Rhaenys Targaryen was an angel in everything Harry could say. The girl was not only a good person but had accepted him as a father without further ado. As for Elia and Shelia, the two of them looked happy to see so many children having fun.
''Rhaenys by the gods you look more beautiful every day. When you reach the age we will have to keep the suitors away from you.'' Ashara laughed before feeling a peak of energy. She had to hold back her smile when she felt her husband's unprecedented anger. The idea of a shitty bastard approaching his girl possibly made him angry.
"Thank you, Aunt Ash. Uncle Harry, thank you for your gift. I loved the piano. It's incredible. And the music that comes out of it is fascinating''. During his last birthday Harry gave him an enchanted piano. Needless to say, it was different from any normal piano and the young princess was more than excited about the gift.
"It was nothing. I just thought you could enjoy a little of a gift that is certainly appreciable. I mean, have you seen most of the gifts that people give each other? Skins, swords, bows. I thought you would enjoy something more artistic.'' Rhaenys was a true lover of the artistic so she only thought of giving her something normal and simple.
"Thank you, uncle, for that. And yes. I find it very fascinating. The musical notes to do what they do seem to me the most satisfying. I wish more people could enjoy it''. Rhaenys smiled at her uncle grateful for the precious gift. He also showed his kindness by wishing more people the same gifts.
"I'm afraid that at the moment that is not possible. Magic is something very valuable Rhaenys. I don't want to try to make a class separation but giving enchanted objects to people who don't have magic is something that can't be done at the moment''. Not unless he found a battery of energy and didn't imply what those damn priests were doing.
"Ah, it's a shame. Anyway, thank you, man. I'm going with Cregan. Gods know in the problems that he is capable of getting into if Belladonna and I are not present to control him a little''. Rhaenys laughed thinking about all the boy's crazy things. She just avoided the gaze of both parents who sighed.
"The truth is that I have to agree with her. Our son has somehow inherited the fate of your family. And here I thought that with you renouncing the name of Potter you would have a less complicated life''. Ashara laughed. Luck Potter had followed him despite his refusal to consider himself a Potter of all things.
"Please don't remind me. I think ending up roasted with three women is part of my luck. Now let's move with Shelia and Elia. I want to see how they are. I prefer to be sure that the two of them are not having a hard time''. Some would call it overprotective. He would only reason that he was making sure that both did not make an effort in their states.
Elia and Shelia were at that moment laughing at a group of children who were playing in the ball pool for fun and participating in a real fun contest. They both had to admit that they were jealous. I wish their lives could have been as carefree as those of these children. But they were happy with their current state.
"Are you sure it's the best thing that you're up here right now? With your advanced state I don't know if I would like you to be here''. Harry approached both women out of concern. I feared what could happen to the two women, which was certainly understandable.
''Stop being a party poose, honey. You must also recognise that spending the whole day just sitting or lying down or reading is not the most entertaining thing. They wanted to enjoy seeing a group of children and I think it's more than understandable.'' Ashara gave her husband a light blow while looking at her marriage partners.
"You're too cute. The ferocious wolf that would crush his enemies and make them cry with blood and fearing for their lives is shaking his boots for whatever we do. You're certainly funny husband''. Elia laughed at her husband while thinking about how funny it was to go from a husband like Rhaegar to Hariric. There was no point of comparison.
''More than cute. You have to admit that seeing it in thinking mode the most tortuous and terrible ways of hurting people is incredibly funny if I have to say it myself''. Shelia approached her husband before kissing him. She was very happy now that she was on her way to having a family.
"I have a damn reputation to maintain and my sentimental companions dedicate themselves in every possible way to make me look like a pet wolf. He talks about having fallen to the lowest''. Harry laughed amused at the look his wives were giving him. Although they later pointed out to Fenrir that he was with Cregan and Belladonna.
"Please don't try to pretend that you're not a nice and fluffy guy. We all know that nothing of cruelty you can have but we also know the love that is in your heart for all your loved ones''. Ashara gave her husband a loving smile letting him know that he was not cheating on her.
"Please, he is possibly a man a thousand times more worthy than most southern idiots who think that being a gentleman is sitting high. Treating the family like mere furniture. And then sell to the family as if they were items.'' Elia spat with poison what was essentially the family for the southerners.
"To mention that he is the best partner a woman could expect. That is, in addition to being an excellent lover, you listen, pay attention and treat us with respect. Yes. You are a good ferocious wolf who loves to be fluffy''. Shelia laughed even more and her sister wives smiled with the same attitude.
"For God's sawe, someone explain to me what I did to deserve this thing as a deal. Let's leave it. I want to see my kids enjoy the day before I have to get back to the damn paperwork.'' Whoever said that being a gentleman was a simple job, that was an idiot of great levels if he had to say it.
The three women nodded. Fortunately for him he had them. Between the three I had a lot of work completed and done. Asara and Elia helped him with his massive business affairs while Shelia continued with her work as administrator of the espionage network. They were the best companions a person could expect to have in life.
Meanwhile, Harry watched his children enjoy. Although many would think that Fenrir was there playing, anyone who knew better could say that Fenrir was there as protection. His wolf companion was always with his young thinking about keeping him safe. I would have to find him a good partner. He could give Stark's next generations his fellow welobs.
The three women only sighed looking at their husband. He was really busy and despite that he made time for his family thinking that they were worth the time and effort. Hell, he was a better father than any little shit and he was a great gentleman. The three of them agreed that this was the example of what a gentleman should be.
What Ashara didn't tell his fellow wife is that this is what they would have to expect from her husband. She could remember before dying as Nymphadora how her husband not only secured Black resources. No. He also used his time for the family. And seeing him dedicate himself so completely to his family was enough to make her remember.
Ashara didn't want to shudder but she knew she couldn't have had a better husband and partner. What was he supposed to say, eh? And she assumed that her husband should be an unbearable little asshole who put in the hands of everyone else whatever he wanted to do? Ha, what a big shit.
She knew that her husband would not hesitate to do what was necessary for her family. For a moment he thought about his family. The Dayne. He wondered how things were for them these days. But at the same time I couldn't say that I felt much compassion about what happened to them. Not when he could remember the last letter they sent him and friendly terms.
His family was this and he would make sure that people paid with blood before even dreaming that they could even give them a hand. Fuck all those who just think that they can get away with their family. In addition, Dorne had what he had earned. They should have stayed apart in the war and they didn't do it so shit for them.
That reminded him of his brother Arthur. I was working in the mines obviously not having a good time at all. He deserved it. He...hadn't warned them. He had given more importance to some vows as a gentleman. He had given more importance to a clearly delirious prince. Before his little sister. He could have warned them about the Freys. But he didn't. Give her what she was referring to.
A sound caught his attention and it was to see Fenrir on top of his son and licking his face while his son laughed. This was why it was worth going to war. And if the south thought he could somehow come for his family, he would make sure that they paid with blood for it since he would not let them go free if they dared.
-The Six Kingdoms. Crownlands King's landing-
Cersei Lannister was looking carefully at the city she lived in... it smelled like shit. The city she ruled since her husband preferred to do many other things. She was the one who directed this and was with the small councillor making sure things didn't end badly. But that didn't mean she wasn't angry.
Oh yes, sir, I felt very angry at that moment. There was nothing I wanted more than to break those damn northerners. Asgard Yes. They were the North. An uncivilised kingdom full of more than anything beasts. That's what she thought of the members of that place. And yet they had dared to separate themselves from the kingdoms and turn their backs.
She had advocated for launching an attack against that up-and-come kingdom that she even thought could dare to refuse to recognise the power of the other kingdoms. From his house. But instead of being accepted, the king's hand pleads for not attacking that kingdom and letting them be for a while.
They had then tried a policy but soon realised that their boycott plan against the businesses of that kingdom did not work. People wanted their products. His silk, his spices, his liquors, his glass, his food. They loved him very much. And simply trying to negotiate aggressively with them didn't work just like that.
The houses of the six kingdoms had wanted to try to somehow put their hands on their resources. God did not know how much money had been spent trying to sabotage and obtain information from the North. All in vain. Magic. Damn magic. That's what I had to explain how that adventure Hariric Stark was able to prevent him from knowing about his business.
Magic. Such a power that it was worth mentioning. A power that was capable of gods you know what... and it was in the hands of those savages. She despised them. Why didn't she have such power, eh? Didn't she deserve it? Didn't she have the right to such power as the queen she was? Instead, it was possessed by those savages.
If you had to believe the legends, magic was a power that only the gods know it could do. Their whisper counsellor couldn't follow their trail. He had obtained information. Of how they were being educated. But how they were found and how they were formed was a big no that was unacceptable in Cersei's mind.
As if that wasn't bad enough was the fact that Hariric Stark was a damn up-and-coming dog who refused to accept the demands and offers of several houses. For his daughter. For his son. Many thought they could win the sympathy of the North. And all the letters with proposals were returned with a single message: not interested.
She wanted to make fun. He knew that his father had talked about offering some people from the cadet branches. His uncle Gerion had a bastard daughter named Joy. She thought it was poetic that the dogs got from the Lannister house what only suited them. Instead Hariric Stark replied that the Lannister house had nothing to offer to an alliance with the North so there would be no marriage.
That infuriated her, nothing to offer? Them? They were the richest house of the six kingdoms. They drove the most powerful army. They were powerful and influential people, and that laughing wolf thought they had nothing to give? That infuriated her a lot and there was nothing she wanted more than to send an adequate message to the North for even her audacity.
So I had been investigating. Looking for anything beneficial for her to hurt those damn Starks. One day. Everything that was Stark would be his. Damn it all. He didn't care who had to have him killed to get away with it and what's more important if he could be able to get his hands on that exasperating hariric Stark better.
Lady Cersei the hand has ordered to call the small council. Apparently his presence is expected''. One of the maids didn't waste time saying the message. Then he left. Only the idiots stayed too long in Cersei Lannister's closeness.
Cersei nodded. Dressing in a golden and red dress (once again made with the damn silk of the north and jewels of the north) she moved. Accompanied by a royal guard she was only thinking about what more things had changed and not in the way that was supposed to be at least not in her mene.
His plan had been to have Robert as king and his brother on guard... that went to hell. As part of the payment of the Lannister house's support to the new Baratheon dynasty without the heavy support of the Starks, his father demanded two things: that she marry Robert and that her brother be removed from the royal guard. That had pissed her off.
I currently had a boy. Her father had been direct with her. She knew of certain things she had done with Jaime and warned her that if for some reason she didn't see Baratheon children and they all looked like Lannister she would have a hard time since she would not risk the position of her house for her. I had to admit that that pissed her off a lot.
So far she had only had one child. A young man named Steffon. The boy had blue eyes and black hair. Every time I looked at him I couldn't help but get angry thinking that he was the son of that brute and jerk. Right now I was pregnant again although it was not Robert's but Jaime's.
His father had made it very clear that once he reached the age of enough Edrick would be raised by him to become king. At first Jon Arryn was against it. According to Jon himself, he was sure that between his father, his faithful advice and that of other great gentlemen and gentlemen then there would be no problems.
At first it seemed simple... until the expenses began. Robert spent... a lot. He was a derochadour. He ordered the good fire whiskey of the North. And he wasn't the only one. So soon the big money expenses began to appear and Tywin made an offer that unfortunately no one could resist despite Cersei's discomfort.
In exchange for lending the necessary gold at a good cost and with a decrease in the return they would have to give it to Steffon so that he could educate him. Jon had thought for a moment about giving it to the members of the Tyrell house. But well, Robert made it clear that he preferred nothing to do with roses.
In that case I could agree. The roses would have manipulated him. He was aware of the young woman who was Margary Tyrell. Many thought that she could overshadow women of great beauty like her (curiously no one said the same about the beautiful Ashara dayne) and feared that she could potentially manipulate her son in some way.
Cersei growled. I didn't love Steffon. He was a bad message in his opinion. At least in his opinion the child was better dead. But her father had made it very clear that if something happened to the child he would go to ask her and she would be received with all the honours in the worst possible way courtesy of what was in essence the torturers of her own father.
He didn't like me very much and in fact he shuddered. His father did not make threats of leisure. What he said he promised and he fulfilled to the fuck what others said. It was terrifying in his mind. But he calmed down as best he could thinking that his father could not live forever and then the child would not be alive in any way longer. At least that's what I thought.
With a sigh he opened the office door of the tower of his hand and there he found all the members. Among them was the new coin lord in the form of Petyr Baelish. I didn't know how Jon Arryn had been able to put him in all the things in the council but apparently that young man was responsible for the rapid economic recovery of what was Puerto Gaviota.
But he wasn't the most surprising. No. The most surprising was neither more nor less than her own husband the king. Robert looked like a monster. Her husband only did three things: fuck, drink and train. He was well known of man's love for combat and that is what he did very often. So seeing him in the place when he didn't want to be said a lot.
"Your favour, thank you for coming. With everyone present, I think I can talk about what an important meeting is. Information that I think we should all want to know. Lord Varys please''. Jon had to admit that he had been impressed when he first heard about the eunuch.
"Thank you, my lord, hand. I bring worrying news although they could be used. The Winter King hariric Sark has married and has two new wives. And they're both pregnant.'' Varys smiled knowing how the members of the council would see him with total certainty.
"Don't call him king. He's not a king. The Starks bowed in their day. I don't recognise him as a king. And the only reason why we should care which whore that man sleeps with or who gets married seems to me just idiocy''. Cersei just let know the opinion she had of the king of winter attracting everyone's attention.
''He's a king. Whether we like it or not. We don't get taxes from the North. Their men and women don't recognise us. So we are only two kingdoms that coexist at the moment in a tense peace at best''. God, how it hurt Jon Arryn to admit that. It was disastrous at best.
"Maybe it's good that he's marrying two other women and that he has children with them. It could mean that we could take advantage and try to start a small situation between the different ladies for who will be the heir''. Hoster had an evil smile just thinking about hurting that up-and-come Stark.
"And if we treat anything and Hariric Stark finds out, tell us, will you sacrifice yourself for everyone to be the one who gave the suggestion of an idea that served neither more nor less than to attract the anger of said man to our door Lord Hoster?" Stannis was less than happy just with the idea of inciting war.
''That's if Stark is still alive when we do that. He has so many enemies. The free cities that are part of Valyria think badly of him for his part in making the north a powerful kingdom that takes away their business''. Hoster had gone over the reports himself. The amount of business was incredible.
"That's if they succeed. We don't know the scope of her magic so we don't know what she would be capable of with her powers. He could be able to defend himself. And in case someone attacks him, we know what will fall on them. What does the citadel have to say about this man's knowledge of magic? Jon started looking at said master who didn't look happy.
"From what we have achieved from the books of the past in the North, four different types of magic were practised. The best known is called a skin changer that allows a person to take control of an animal and manage it at his entire disposal''. The master was furious about the subject of magic. She should have remained dead.
"Gods, what could I do with such a gift. If they are able to use it, they could use it on the battlefield. They wouldn't have to deploy trackers or anything. They could send these skin changers forward and be able to learn everything''. Robert made the expected military comment and everyone knew what the man thought of it.
"That actually explains the war better. They were better prepared. They were watching the footsteps of the Targaryen family and knew their movements better than anyone else.' Ser Barristan admitted with annoyance. It would never be forgiven to have failed the prince of all things and that things were what they are today.
"The next magical gift was called shapeshifter allowing a human to take an animal form. The records don't speak too well of them and they don't quote too much but they could have an animal spirit with which they connected and become one''. Pycelle hated it. I hated having to bring out a cursed topic like this.
Ha as if it didn't take more to know that the northerners are mere beasts''. Cersei could not avoid his abrupt comment earning the looks of everyone present.
"I would be very careful to refer to such a fucking useful skill in such a way. If they have that capacity, does it mean that in human form they are capable of having animal instincts and traits? Greater strength, reflexes and much more. That's what we're talking about, woman.'' Robert had to ask himself what the idiot woman thought of all things.
"We don't know his majesty. There is no information other than just history. The third type of magic is a green seer. A person who is able to see the present, the past and even the future. Daenys the dreamer would have been an example of this''. Pycelle wouldn't admit it but that skill scared him a lot.
"If I were able to see the past, a person would be able to see what happened and how to correct it in the present. If you can see the present, does that mean that then you are able to be attentive to everything that surrounds you? And as for the future, it sounds like an advantageous skill in war.'' Stannis was analysing it in great detail.
"Suche power would have meant many changes, to know who committed a crime in the past? What events shaped things? How to make the impossible possible? That's an incredible skill just by itself. Petyr had to admit that it sounded like a very scary skill and that he preferred not to see even in dreams.
''The last skill that we masters have heard about...it's called runes. Not many things have been specified. Only that the runes are able to hold something. To do it better. An example is the armour of the Royce house and his bronze sword.'' Pycelle could remember the discomfort of his companions for the mention of that ability.
"Oh yes, Yohn Royce's well-known bronze armour. It is said that it is an armour that is strengthened by the runes and that is capable of making its wearer immune to wounds.'' I didn't really believe it but the truth be told if those runes were real the best thing would be to start studying them in some way.
"Maybe we should request that the Royce house deliver some of these runes called so that the citadel can study them and try to understand them in order to be able to act and understand this branch of magic." Petyr just wanted to enjoy the idea of fucking one of the big houses in the valley if possible.
"So much would only cause problems at best. The Royces wouldn't take it well. They see those armours as their legacy. Will you ask each noble house to put their relics so they can study them Baelish?''. Hoster looked at the young man in question with not a little disguised anger. In his opinion he was a fool.
"The truth is that if it is true that the Starks have a way of making language become somehow magical in a written way, I think I would like to know how they do it. But what matters most to me is that that boy doesn't need sacrifices to make the magic work.'' Jon found that annoying. Magic has always implied sacrifice.
"Your master, tell us, how can that damn Hariric Stark be able to do magic without sacrifices? Even those dragon bastards needed to sacrifice their slaves to be able to do two shits.'' Robert gave the master a fulminant look who shuddered under the man's gaze.
"We don't know...it doesn't make sense. But in the books of northern magic, the need for sacrifices of any kind to be able to do magic has never been mentioned. And perhaps it is either that the magic of the north is weaker or simply different''. Pycelle actually found him annoying, magic without the need for sacrifices? That would destroy their advertising about magic.
"That damn bastard is capable of exercising those damn powers. He is capable of doing things with his sword that no one else is capable of doing. I wouldn't be surprised that everything we know is possible thanks to his achievements with the runes. I want to know if we can replicate it.'' Robert wasn't going to let anyone get over him. Shit about it.
"Why interested in being able to replicate it? We should be more interested in controlling it and making sure that no one else succeeds''. Jon didn't like magic. It was against the Andalan customs. So naturally he didn't like it at all.
"Because if that fucking bastard has more people capable of any of the aforementioned skills that gives him a military advantage over us. We don't know its reach. Not even their capabilities. But we know that the potential is there and we must get our own magic practitioners''. Robert smiled just thinking about the idea.
''What? Are you crazy, Robert? Faith just in case would go crazy with the mere idea that we have practitioners of magic in our hands. They would be far from happy.'' Jon could not conceive in his mind what his old pupil had come up with.
"Whether we like it or not the North or the shit of Asgard now have a force to their credit that gives them an advantage over us. We can't allow that to continue. We need magic practitioners. When you have an enemy with a weapon you must get the same weapon to fight them''. That was Robert's pure logic.
"And how would we train them, Robert? We don't even know how Stark has been able to get the training in the magic he has. No one knows how. It just came out of nowhere with it.'' Jon didn't want the magic. Period. Any magical potential would be eliminated... for the safety of all of them.
"I'm sure that with the immense amount of books that the citadel has, it must certainly have a lot about those things. They'll have something. We just have to find the magicians and period... and after that we will think about how to once again take control of the North''. It was a simple plan in Robert's mind.
Each of those present had ideas about it. Different. Unique. Each group thought in a unique way. For example, Cersei hoped that any child she had with her brother had magic to have that power in her family. Petyr well I just wanted to see how much he could sell a man or woman with magic.
Hoster frowned thinking that magic was only a threat to all of them. But it was Jon who thought that magic could be the greatest danger along with Varys who simply thought badly of magic because of his bad experience. None of these three intended to allow people with magical potential.
The Domain. Highgarden-
-Terrace of the strong rose-
Olenna Tyrell was not a happy woman in recent years. What would she be like? They had lost a considerable amount of power. Saving mace and every jerk of that bastard from the North had been far from being an easy task. The man in question was far from being nice to them seeing half the shit it cost them.
The man demanded that all the resources of his kingdom that would be sold through Oldtown be made through some warehouses. Drinks and much more entered and had enriched a single merchant who slowly but surely became a space in the city of the high towers. No. Things weren't going well.
The house had considerably lost face. Well, everyone had lost it. Defenders of a rapist. This is how all those who came to the aid of Prince Rhaegar were known. There was no difference or shit. It spread fast like wild and slow fire but surely everyone thought badly of the gentlemen.
Here in the domain that was especially bad. Heart of chivalry. That's how they were known. The defenders of the right and more. And they came out like those who had allowed a girl to be kidnapped, raped and finally killed just because of the fact of how that damn Stark made the damn things know fuck holy shitty cow.
Things were getting worse. Oh two much worse for the house of the high tower. That damn Gerold. He always took certain things very seriously but the man had always thought that women were below men in more ways than one. When the word spread of everything that that man allowed to happen to Queen Rhaella, his house lost his face even more.
The final blow to the house of the high tower was the expulsion of the masters of the north, the reason? They had been found guilty of espionage, theft of secrets and much more. He never thought that could explode in their faces. Everyone needed the teachers. How could that happen, right? Well, look, the damn North goes and exposes them fucking.
There was no greater desire in Olenna's mind to kill that damn asshole of hariric Stark. Why? The first point has revolutionised the North to the point that even if they added their resources the Dominion and the lands of the West could not compete with their potential in economic ascent, which was extremely painful for her.
Second point had created a powerful army that would be able to oppose yes or yes to the force of the southern kingdoms. It didn't matter what she thought, what she wanted or much more. That martial force would be able to walk up to them and crush their armies which was a great pain in the damn ass
But the last. He had reduced the strength of the navy of the domain. Now his family had to spend resources and time trying to recover the losses of the ships. And even if they achieved such a thing, the fact is that the North could destroy them again as if nothing had happened. It was a blow to the pride of his damn family.
So yes. Olenna was furious. Very, very furious. And as if that wasn't enough, the last few years had weighed on all of them. Slow but sure many had lost their fear for many houses of the domain and more and more attacks were taking place. Many people suffered. They had also lost the faith of their servants and their workers in the process.
Why should they think of them properly, huh? They had failed to fight against an enemy that they surpassed in fucking numbers, could it be even worse? No. It couldn't be worse if she had to say it. It couldn't be worse because she knew that everyone and her mother only saw the loss of dominance as a massive mistake on her part.
Mace had been crazy. The man was bad since the North basically treated him as less than a common prisoner. Hell, there were days that he feared for his shadow thinking that the Northerners would try to kill him for his participation. She looked at him like an idiot thinking that he was just shaking for being a complete coward.
The situation in the Domain could not be worse if she had to say it. The situation of the domain was simply disastrous at best. And now more than ever I had to deal with every fucking problem that some idiots thought they could think they simply had to let him know. What a big fucking storm.
There were those who wanted to get rid of Hariric Stark.. the teachers were at the head of those who were working to talk more about dealing with the damn Stark no matter what else could happen. It was simply that they thought it was a threat that had to be treated immediately.
Although she knew why they said that. The teachers were full of anger at the fact that Stark had founded that Isengard university. The university of Isengard that basically competed in the term of inventions and much more that they discovered. Although the worst thing was that it was directed by a woman: Renala. No one knew about her but she was the director of Isengard and the noble in charge of the city of ancient knowledge as they called that city.
The woman was essentially what the teachers did not want in any way. A woman who was essentially in command and with power over a territory. I was sending a bad message if she had to give her opinion and the teachers wanted to put an end to it immediately. In his mind that only made him even more fun since he fucked the fucking bastards.
Things didn't get easy at all and Mace only made them much more complicated. At least he had been able to have his grandson placed under his guidance. Mace was so scared of shit that he was being little less than an incompetent leader. He thanked the heavens for Allicent. The girl was clearly competent as expected from a Hightower.
Speaking of those two, the terrace door opened and Allicent and his eldest son Willas entered through it. The two looked very serious, which amused her a lot since the boy looked a little funny with that serious look. However, Allicent looked less than complicated at this time, which was a sign of problems.
"Well, well? What a bunch of shitty manure has put us in now that damn jerk and incompetent of my son to make you look so fucking bad Allicent?''. Yes. Some would say that treating their son like that was wrong but fuck if he hadn't earned it the fucking bad if she had to be honest.
''The lords of the domain do not stop sending letter after letter. They make demands. They make demands. All the same. Put the Starks in their place. It doesn't help that the damn Faith seems to think that we should make a holy war and the teachers who talk plagues of the university''. Allicent had to admit that the level of stupidity of his kingdom was unprecedented.
Ha, that was to be expected. They have been hit hard in the face and that is not funny to them so they think they can return the blow. As for faith, they only hope to expand their influence and believe that they could get away with it. As for the teachers, the very idiots hate being left by fools''. It was simple and straightforward. Easy to analyse in Olenna's opinion.
''Grandma, why are the gentlemen so obsessed with putting the Starks in their place? They are no longer part of the seven kingdoms so we should focus our goals on more things than on the fact that we are facing them in some way.'' Willas couldn't understand his standard bearers if they could be such fucking idiots.
"The situation is far from ideal, dear. They have been beaten. The North or as they like to call themselves Asgard have shown that the numbers mean nothing against them. They took prisoners and used them for their victory. The south was brutally beaten by them. People want revenge against them.'' And she felt like they were wasting time.
"And they flood us with demands and demands because it was my husband who led the men of the Dominion to such a colossal defeat. They seem to think that we must somehow give an answer that should be satisfactory for them of all things''. Allicent actually knew that they were the typical attempts of the Florents to get away with all things.
''The typical complaints of someone who is used to being at the top. They hope to get away with complaints, lawsuits and much more. But hey, it's not our fault. It wasn't just Mace who was defeated. It was every commander of the south. He talks about adding salt to the wound.'' Olenna had to admit that he spoke well of all the commanders of Asgard and bad of his own.
"And the grandmother's faith? Why are they just getting into this matter? Why would they think that they have the right of all things to decide or do as we should to solve things?''. Willas could not say that he understood what was in the minds of the members of the faith. I honestly preferred to get away from them because I didn't trust them at all.
''Oh grandson, that's very simple. First, according to the law of Aegon, the conqueror, faith could not try to expand in any way to the North. It was part of the agreements that were made between the northerners and the conquerors. And now they think they can do what they want.'' Olenna sneered. The most idiotic idea she ever thought she would be hearing in her whole life.
"In addition to that, there is also the fact that Hariric Sttark is capable of doing magic. What if they have more magic practitioners, eh? That would put faith in a bad place. Faith despises magic and they will do whatever it takes to put an end to it as soon as possible.'' Allicent knew what he was talking about and had a very broad idea of how bad it could end.
"And that too. Members of faith do not look favourably on magic and other religions. They are demanding and love more than anything to make demands above all. They may think they'll get away with it. But I refuse to have anything to do with them in whatever they are plotting''. No. In no way would anything move it in favour of those idiots.
Willas couldn't understand. If it was a skill you were born with, it should be accepted yes or yes by people. It was a gift that the gods gave you to use. But faith seemed to think that that was not right. As if they thought that having magic was a heresy for their so-called gods. Or possibly it was just fear of losing power.
"The Stark house would not take those things in silence. And seeing the success they had in making war I can imagine that they would be more than capable of bringing their steel to the followers of the faith, right?''. Willas was not a tactical genius but he was far from stupid. And a man who was capable of all this would obviously make life impossible for them.
''Honestly, honey, I think we should let faith throw more and more shit against them. It will make them focus on something more than causing us problems of some kind due to the fact that we were defeated''. Olenna liked that her grandson was so far from his idiot and son's jerk.
"That still leaves us to the teachers. They are by far still focussed on the fact that the Stark house has magic and what is worse that the citadel has literally been left in the dust by the Northerners which is insulting in their minds''. By God, it was a constant on the part of the citadel.
"Those idiots should know better than doing their shit in a way that bothers us of all things. I will not deny that we should be interested in advancing the citadel. But if the North has managed to advance so much, why the hell is the citadel staying in the fucking dust?''. She hated it. If the Baratheon house was smart, they would ask questions.
"I don't know. And honestly, that worries me. The teachers seem to spend their money on things but if they really haven't advanced the world that much in recent times, allow me to be the one who says that we could be in a complete storm of shit.'' Allysane was not happy with this possibility since such mistakes would fall on them.
"Then it seems to me the most logical thing that we simply send him a nice and beautiful message that either they put their batteries or they could no longer have access to as many coins as they do. I'm sure the kingdom could do much better with that money spent on more things''. It was Olenna's mentality that it was best to use her head with her money.
''Grandma Why not put pressure by inviting Asgard scholars to see if they would be willing to work with us? I'm sure the lords of Asgard can't offer you that much, can they?'' Willas decided to ask the question. Aim exactly where I knew I could hurt.
""It could be a good idea if not for several reasons. If those men and women are half as intelligent they would know that their chances in the south are lower than what it is like to have a life opportunity as in the Asgard''. Olenna had thought the same thing. He had sent spies to probe the terrain. He didn't like the result.
'Not to say that learned women would not be seen in the same way here in the south. According to the faith of the seven and the teachers, women would be inferior. There in Asgard they have the support of Lord Stark who protects them, takes care of them and makes it possible for them to have a dignified life.'' It was another reason. The Asgard women simply had more options.
"We like it or like it, the kingdom of Asgard has an advantage. And they want us. Many. For three hundred years the kingdoms have attacked and abused them. At the slightest opportunity we give them, they will attack us again. War is not a solution that interests us.'' In fact, it would be the worst thing that could happen to them.
"Not to mention Willas that we have already verified that King Hariric has no problem using more tactics in addition to the normal confrontation. This whole war has served for one thing: fear. The gentlemen will ask him twice before trying to do anything against him.'' It was the most logical move in Lady Tyrell's mind.
"Unless the one who decides the movement is a short-sighted fool incapable of thinking things. Let's hope for the good of the kingdoms that we don't give Asgard reasons to make war on us. I have doubts that we will move forward if that happens''. Yes. Olenna believed that a war between them could not be won.
"Why not make marriage alliances with Asgard then grandmother? That is, if we can't reach them, we can try to do something with future generations.'' Willas was using the logic he saw in the conquest movement employed neither more nor less than by the Andalusians.
"On paper it's a good idea. But hariric Stark should be dead and we must make sure that his son is not like him. If we try to make marriage alliances aimed at making the power there decrease, it could be taken with an attack and could have unpleasant consequences.'' Olenna applauded the use of her grandson's brain.
"Wow... well then why not make marriages in the south and that way we can try to use family kinship so that in that way take positions of power in Asgard?" Willas only commented on what he understood was a plan that could be more or less successful. His grandmother made a grimace.
''It's a good solution but it's not efficient. Trying to marry a woman from the North who lives with rules and benefits that in the south would be denied to her and whose children would basically be educated to go against everything she defends... King Stark would be very strongly against it''. Hell, Olenna would bet that she would drop her disgust in a more than brutal way.
''We like it or not we like it son the kingdom of Asgard is untouchable for the moment. Maybe in the future they will have a weakness. But as long as hariric Stark is alive, breathe and stay strong, the chances of someone facing him are low at best.'' Allicent just hoped that that anger would not be attracted to his kingdom
Willas nodded according to the words of his grandmother and mother. On the other hand, he wondered... would it be possible to establish a friendly relationship with the kingdom of Asgard? Slowly a plan was formed in the young man's mind and he explained it to both women. They both looked at him for a moment. They told him that they would think about it. He hoped they would agree. It could mean the difference between being knocked down or being at the top.
-Dorne. Sunspear-
-Mr.'s office-
Oberyn was knocked down. He knew it. Since that day. From the day he was sentenced. To know that his sister was in another kingdom but not being able to establish contact with her in any way. Not knowing if his niece and sister were safe. It was a hard blow for the one who felt strongly united to the family. And that's without counting the curse. Feeling nothing. Feeling that you lose everything. It was horrible
But that wasn't the worst. Oh no. The worst was a letter from Elia. In that letter Elia had told her how upset she was. He didn't even go to the face. Her sister told her how disappointed she was. Certainly his mother was known for her tactics. But his mother would never stab a person in the back. He would have done everything possible to remedy the situation in his favour.
Doran, however, acted stupidly. He decided that it was perfectly fine to keep Lyanna Stark kidnapped. To plan to use it as a bargaining chip. To bend to the North. And in return now they were the ones who were in a state very close to breaking. Never in his life did he think that these would be the consequences.
Doran was in a worse state than anyone could imagine. Having to work on keeping Dorne afloat was difficult. Certainly his wine sold well. But quickly where before their ally was content to not compete with them now they were mercilessly crushing them doing more aggressive business.
And now that he knew that Hariric Stark knew how to apply magic, he explained how many other benefits they had were no longer within his reach. Things had gotten ugly. Their standard bearers were furious and only the promise that once Arianne reaches the age of majority becoming a lady kept them happy.
Although his own standard-bearers were furious with Asgard. Hariric Stark had mercilessly knocked down his best knight: being Arthur. Had he condemned the gentleman in his name? Spit with hatred and contempt, the renown of the knights of dawn? Fuck you. At least they had enough honour to return their sword.
Although he could still remember the words of the letter: 'we return the sword because we have honour. The same cannot be said of the man who was there to see a young woman raped and finally die for the things his chosen midwife did to her. If this is the honour of the Dayne house, gods know what honour this house can have. And the message was spread everywhere.
It didn't matter what you tried. Whatever is needed. It didn't matter. Hariric Stark destroyed the reputation of the most noble house of chivalry. And then I force Dorne's lords to pay a ransom to save their family members. And there were no negotiations. It was that or not having them back alive. The man certainly fulfilled his threats.
With that came pain. Suffering. The good news is that Dorne had been able to take control of the Stepstones although his spies informed him that it was for the kingdom of Asgard. The members of Asgard preferred these islands to be in the hands of Dorne than in the hands of pirates. Some young people like Gerold Dayne called it stupid, the military didn't think the same.
By delivering the islands to them, they would keep the pirates away from their coasts and their ships unless they came from the north. The pirates could no longer plan assaults and be hired by the free cities to harass their fleets. And they had to spend resources and labour on keeping the islands protected. A win or win.
Things could have been more fucking simple. Maintaining the alliance would have been the smartest thing now that I thought about it, what was Doran thinking about that day? What did you have in mind? I didn't know. But what I did know is that now the Stark house was at the top and they were only where they were because the Tullys had a hard time and those born from iron were idiots.
He was in his brother's office waiting for him. Since that day he was basically cursed, he had only been in the capital of Dorne a handful of times. He went with Ellaria and her daughters. To travel. Trying to find a solution. He was first to what Qarth was. He thought the witches could help him.
The first time a witch looked at him, he said it was impossible. The curse was there. The curse prevented her because she was tied to her being and her essence. And unless he got the pitcher to remove it, he was beyond fucked... then they tried to catch him to study the curse. It was lucky that he was able to escape. But after that he went to other cities with more people talking about magic.
The comment was always the same. You're cursed and you're fucked. If you want to have the curse removed you will have to obtain the approval of the lanazador. They called it a work of art and that the one who did it knew more about magic than most of them and that he could only see a solution going to the city of shadows that he refused.
It might seem a little strange but after what Rhaegar did, he distrusted anyone who was associated with the faith of the god of fire and shadows. He had witnessed how almost all cities except Volantis and Ashai had turned their backs on that faith except those who thought that the power of the red god like Qohor could defend them from the power of Hariric.
Even Pentos still maintained the faith although much more controlled by what he had heard. But going to the city of shadows was a big no in his mind. They had been those damn priests. They were the ones who had put them in this giant shitstorm. And he wanted more than anything to avoid more blows if it was fucking possible, damn the consequences.
The situation was more than bad but he was determined to persevere. The remaining years he had spent travelling. Raising their daughters and working on many jobs. Realising that he could not sell his service as a sword work for him to be lord and braavos mostly for his work while he raised and educated his daughters and enjoyed his lover.
But the hole was there. Where before he had his sister in his life forever now there was that pain that didn't stop bleeding and hurting her. It pissed him off. Oh God, how many times I had planned Stark's death. To make him suffer. The times he thought about it. But he was always content to not do it.
Some in Dorne would call him a coward. But hariric Stark was not a weakling. Every punishment. Every action. Every reaction. It was controlled and calculated to the millimetre. Planned to be a decisive blow against anyone who dared to challenge him. And I knew that if I planned to kill him he would be much, much worse.
If he had been like one of those idiots who had planned to get their hands on his family, he knew that Hariric would have done worse with his own daughters and his lover. The lords of the south didn't know it. They didn't understand it. With that man everything had to do with double or even triple how painful they had planned to do to him
Hell the wise of Rhaegar's fate. Sentenced a thousand years to eternal torment by Stark's hand. To live in a life of misery and death for a thousand years. That's all I should tell you how far I would be able to take it. No. I didn't want to challenge that man in any way if possible.
Oberyn wanted to shout, how? How the hell was all this damn shit possible? This was so fucking unprecedented that he didn't think it made the slightest sense. The Kingdom of Asgard had matured and grown at an unsustainable speed. And his changes were unprecedented.
Like his brother, he had heard of the battle of Rhaegar. He had heard a word from Lewyn Martell who was removed from the royal guard for having been working with Prince Rhaegar. More threatened. Rhaegar let Lewyn know that if he didn't obey something terrible could happen to Elia.
All the kingdoms knew it. It had served to destroy even more the reputation of the targaryen house and at the same time it had served to show how in danger the royal guards were. Needless to say, from now on the royal guards were chosen according to certain rules.
Of the old guards who protected the Targaryen house, only being a barristan was maintained and that was because although he was a man who lived according to his rules, he also complied with the gentleman's code. He was the only one who faced being hightower so that Queen Rhaella was treated with due respect.
Lewyn had told them what he saw that day. Hariric Stark was not a man. Hell, he doubted that he could be told in a few words that he was a simple and common practitioner of magic, could it be true? Could it have been touched by the ancient gods? And if so, why would these gods have chosen him of all things?
There were too many questions to ask. And honestly I was afraid to make them. He was afraid to attract the wolf's attention. To attract the attention of a person who had made it clear that sacrificing entire populations was not an impediment to him. The lords of the river would never forget the actions of that man in their lives.
But before dealing with that man, I had to deal with his brother. He had arrived before him and stayed quietly in the office. I look down to see their daughters playing with Arianne. The girls were really enjoying the presence of the great princess of Dorne.
If the alliance had been maintained, he knew that now Arianne and possibly her daughters could be learning from Isengard. He had learned from the woman who led the place: Renala. She was a powerful sorceress capable of handling flames and illusions. And she was a great scholar. How many things could she have known exactly? Too many questions to ask.
''It's a unique event. Seeing my daughter really enjoying a little of her childhood. It makes me lovingly remember the times when Elia was here with us.'' Doran spoke from the door while looking at her brother calmly. The figure of his brother had completely changed with his presence and he could see it.
"Because you called me back to Dorne brother. Things in Bloody Rock are being handled more than well in my absence and I don't think my presence here is adequate seeing the last thing you made me do''. Oberyn didn't even look at his brother not being happy to be in his presence.
"I made the right decision for Dorne. It had all the pieces. The ideas. Everything. If I had known the true power of the Stark house I would never have moved against them''. Doran knew that his brother did not forgive him so he was holding Stark's sister hostage but he always thought it was a necessary evil.
"What you think was necessary was a nightmare. How many brave children of Dorne were lost because of your actions, brother? How many lives truncated just for supporting a damned madman in his plans just to have some power over the Stark house huh?''. Oberyn knew it. It was all for the so-called big game.
"A ruler must be willing to get his hands dirty. It's not pretty. It's not nice. But it's what has to be done yes or yes. I like it or I don't like it. The north had too much power, too many benefits. We had to put our hands on him somehow. I did the best for our people''. Doran wasn't going to apologise.
"What you call the best for our people ended up with Stark annihilating several families. Killing thousands of men. Ruining several families. And I end up making our sister wherever she is. Tell me Doran, was it worth the amount we lost in the process?'' It was the only way to make his brother understand: the pain and the consequences.
''Stark had resources brother. Resources so wide that we did not know how it was possible. Only the new drinks already gave him a wide margin, spices and silk? Basically, I'm cornering a whole market. And that's not counting on exotic food. We had to reduce it. And I thought the prince was the best option that simple''. For Doran it was simple and straightforward at the end of everything.
"Brother, that's enough. Don't waste my time here anymore. You made me send for some reason. I hope it's to discuss something that is of value. Unfortunately, nothing and no one will take away the title you have earned''. Oberyn knew it. Golden the rapist's assistant. This is how he was known in the kingdoms. Nothing took it off.
And Doran spoke. Of his plans and ideas that he had in mind. Oberyn didn't pay as much attention to him as before. A question that made him become hariric was still there. His brother could have rescued Elia, why didn't he?
Among the curse of the heartless. His sister practically repudiating him. And finally his brother could be almost responsible for the death of his sister Oberyn felt that the will to live escaped him.