(Drakken's POV)
"What are we doing?" Riktor asked me as we walked down the path of the woods, "Mother told me that House Stark is causing some issues."
"So it seems." I said, "But don't worry, everything will be resolved soon."
I looked at him, he had bits of dirt and grime on him, courtesy of constantly training. I commend his effort to improve his skills and I look forward to what he has to offer in the near future.
Right now, however, we are going to deal with some issues that arose recently.
"Never been in this part of the woods." Riktor said as he looked around, "Wonder what's in here."
I cleared my throat, "Riktor, you may know Harrenhal as the place you were born and raised." I said, "But before your fateful birth, it belonged to a House that was loyal to House Targaryen. They were known as House Strong. When I obliterated them and took the castle, I spared its survivors and let them live in a small keep a few leagues away."
"Mother mentioned something like that." He said, "What about them?"
"For a few years, they were calm and subservient." I explained, "But eventually, they grew rebellious. Enough to try and actually side with The Faith. Some of its members were caught in the conflicts that recently happened; here and in the Vale. But there have been two that managed to sneak about."
"Interesting." Riktor said, "Why not kill them all?"
"Its a narrow-minded mentality." I said, "I know I usually do that but sometimes rats are useful. They lure in bigger prey."
"Huh." He said as we reached a clearing, "Guess that makes sense."
"In this case..." I said as I looked around, "We have an issue with some Northerners. Now, why would remnants of House Strong even interact with Northerners? That's quite strange if you ask me. However…..it makes sense, as it is something that one would not expect."
Riktor looked at me, "Huh?"
I snapped my fingers and suddenly, two figures dropped from the sky and landed hard on the ground.
"Ah!" One of them yelped
It was a man and a woman, covered in bruises and scratches while wearing tattered noble garments.
Riktor looked at them, "Who are they?" He asked, "House Strong members?"
"Last alleged survivors." I nodded, "Foolishly conspiring against us. Now, it is quite desperate, trying to reach out to the North in order to get aid. But it makes sense considering that every other House from the other regions didn't stand a chance against me."
"Why would the North be different?" Riktor asked me
"They're not." I smirked slightly, "But they think otherwise. Its good to have hope…..makes it all the more sweeter when I destroy them, they merely waddle in their despair."
"What do I need to do?" Riktor asked me as the man got his knees, "I mean…..why am I here? Can't you handle this?"
"I can handle this, obviously." I said as I crossed my arms, "But this is a teaching moment. I'm going to let you handle it instead. Get some information out of them."
"I see….." he said, "H-How should I do it?"
I shrugged, "Don't know." I told her, "Just do something. You're bound to lead this House, I expect you to be able to handle such trivial matters."
Riktor nodded, "Fine….." he said as he walked over to them, "Listen, you two. There aren't many second chances in life, so be grateful to the god that stands before you…."
The man scowled, "And who are you?!"
"Lord Riktor Drakkengard, Heir to House Drakkengard." Riktor said, "And I am the one who is in charge of your Fate."
The woman got to her knees and clutched her arm, "Please…." She said, "Mercy…."
"Unfortunately, Mercy is not on the table. Unless you speak the truth." Riktor said, "What conspiracy are you taking part of? What scheme against my House are you involved with? Why are you making contact with Northerners?"
The man spat on the ground, "Curse you both." He said with a glare, "I won't let a child try to interrogate me! I am-"
He suddenly started choking and he clutched his throat. It was as if something was strangling him, something unseen.
I looked at Riktor who had his open palm pointed at the man in a choking manner.
"Wrong answer." Riktor said, "Try again."
"Second chances don't come often."
*****************
(Third Person POV)
[King's Landing]
"House Stark have sent another letter." The Grand Maester said, "It appears they have ridden out and make their way towards the Capital."
Jaehaerys's face hardened, "So it begins." He said, "Any answer from Drakken?"
They were in the Small Council Room, discussing the next move regarding House Stark's protests. They had received no word from Drakken, who simply ignored them.
"Not really." Baelon said, "And I don't really like that."
"You and me both." Aemon said, "Do you think there is something else at play here? Can't shake this bad feeling."
"We will meet with House Stark and discuss things peacefully." Jaehaerys said, "The last thing we need is bloodshed. And Northerners don't seem to be forgiving."
"Perhaps a neutral location would be appropriate to meet them." The Grand Maester suggested, "We don't want them to think that they're riding all of down south to meet their demise. And if for some reason they ride through the Riverlands, House Drakkengard would be inclined to harm them."
"Sounds about right." Aemon said, "We should set a location where we can all meet. Drakken needs to be informed of this."
"Hm…." Jaehaerys said, "Fine….."
Baelon tapped his finger on the table, "Something really irks me about this entire thing." He said, "Do you think he is planning something?"
"It's Drakken." Aemon told him, "He is always planning something."
"Yea but something is off." Baelon said, "Viserra isn't just a member of The Trinity, she's practically invaluable. Drakken may not have liked the idea of House Stark wanting her. What if he's going to act…..?"
"If he does….." Jaehaerys started,
"Let us hope that not many lives are lost."