Arabella ran as fast as she could.
With Arya in tow, she wasn't able to go as fast as if she was alone. Her wound was not deadly, but she had bled a lot. In fact she still was.
They had run for ten minutes, perhaps less, perhaps more, since the witch had used the most unforgivable of the Unforgivable Curses to dispatch Amory Lorch. Not that she knew who he was. Lucky for them, it seems they weren't being followed. Either because they were now leaderless and disorganized or because they feared the same fate as the others, none of the bandits dared rush behind her. Especially in the darkness of the forest, which had an even greater aura of menace, having a Witch inside it that could kill you with a flick of the wrist.
Now, out of combat, Arabella thought that she could have used apparition to get them out of there. For a moment she felt guilty that she hadn't used it, but she soon recovered. Actually, she was glad she didn't use it.
Firstly, because she wouldn't be able to apparate to Riverrun, since she had never been that before. She'd have to go back to the Crossroads Inn or somewhere between here and Winterfell along the King's Road. That would make her voyage take much more time than she could afford to give. She wanted to be done in Riverrun as soon as possible so she could go to King's Landing and perhaps even Oldtown after that. Many secrets awaited her in dusty old books and the sooner she discovered them, the better.
Secondly, and most importantly, Arya would experience apparition for the first time without any understanding of what it was. With her wolf, Nymeria in tow, it would be even worse. Most people felt rather unwell after their first apparition and she could only imagine what Arya would feel in her wounded state. Even if she wouldn't be the one controlling the spell, her state would severely increase the risk of splicing. And if that happened, there would be no Accidental Magic Reversal Squad to restore the loose body parts to their original place. A slow and painful death could have been their fate if Arabella had chosen to apparate with Arya.
And then it hit her.
Arya was still wounded.
She cursed herself mentally for not taking care of it sooner, but with the running and the thinking she had almost forgotten about it. Only when the adrenaline rush subsided and her thoughts started working as normal did she remember it.
The young she-wolf was pale as snow and blood was still dripping from the large gash on her shoulder. Arya looked at her with a mix of emotions.
There was, of course fear for almost being dead, anger for having left their companions behind, satisfaction for knowing the bandit leader was dead. There was also the pain and tiredness coming from the open wound and blood loss. She wanted to cry, but her instincts told her that making any loud noises at the moment could spell disaster.
Arabella took the almost fainting girl and placed her seated at a large tree trunk. Nymeria walked over and laid down, placing her muzzle on the girl's legs. Then the Witch picked up her wand and examined the wound. It was an ugly sight. The gash was wide, covering almost all of her left shoulder. Had she not dogged in time, she'd have broken her collarbone and perhaps even lost her arm.
"Vulnera Sanentur"
"Vulnera Sanentur"
"Vulnera Sanentur"
With each murmur of the spell, the blood that was still dripping across Arya's body started returning towards the gash. The wolf's head piqued up and she watched the both of them intently, as if she understood what was going you. When all blood that could be recovered was back where it was supposed to be, the gash started to close shut and then fade away. In the end, only the torn cloth of Arya's clothes remained.
"Reparo"
Now, not even that.
Arabella checked herself for any wounds and was glad to find none. She turned to the wolf to see that it was covered in blood. At first Arabella thought it was injuried, but upon closer examination she understood that it was just blood from the men fighting that had splashed onto her. In fact, herself and Arya were also covered in other people's blood.
The wolf hadn't really participated in the battle. She was too young to fully put up a fight and her instincts had told her to remain near her pack, which now included not only Arya, but Arabella as well as far as Nymeria was concerned. Of course she was ready to pounce at the man that had wounded Arya, but it seems the girl had been quicker.
Then she looked over at the small pouches she had on her person, as part of her travelling attire. They were seamlessly sewed into her dresses, and enchanted with expanding magic to create much more space than they should ever have the right to have. Her hand shuffled through them, mostly potion ingredients, until she found some food. Dried meat was all that she carried on her, as a form of snack during the road if she felt peckish. The current portion was meager, only two pieces and wouldn't serve as a proper meal for any of them.
She had considered giving it all to Arya, but her Transfiguration lessons kicked in and she understood what she could do to ease both of their hunger. She pointed her wand at the pieces of dried meat and cast her spell.
"Geminio"
Once the spell was said and done, four pieces laid on her hand where once were only two. Food was one of the five exceptions to Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration, meaning it could not be conjured out of thin air. Nothing forbade it from being enlarged or multiplied though.
She gave three pieces to Arya and kept one for herself. As the girl devoured her pieces, she used the duplication charm twice again and once again she had four pieces where there once was only one. Three of those were given to Nymeria, who devoured them promptly.
For the last time, she repeated the process and ended up with four pieces again. She placed one in her pouch and kept the other three to herself. But she didn't eat immediately.
"If you want more, just ask," she said with a tired smile to the girl and ruffled her hair. "There's something I need to do, to ensure our safety. Try to rest and, if you can, sleep. We'll move in the morning and follow the rest of the River Road until Riverrun."
Arabella stood up and walked around a perimeter she had decided to claim for the night. Every so often she'd stop and her wand would wave around as she spoke:
"Protego Totalum"
"Repello Muggletum"
"Cave Inimicun"
A protective dome was being formed around them, visible for mere moments before becoming fully transparent. When Arabella finished, she came back to the tree where Arya was seated, petting Nymeria, and sat down next to the girl. Arya, for one, had finished eating and tiredness was taking hold of her. She would soon fall asleep and Arabella felt that she should do the same.
"You can rest now Arya. The spell's I've placed here will create a protection for us during the night. No one will be able to see or hear us and, even if they did, they'd still have to go through the barrier I put for us. We are safe here. Go to sleep"
"Thank you" was the only thing the girl managed to say before coming closer to hug Arabella in a cuddle, as if she was her bigger sister. The bigger sister Arya wished Sansa could be for her.
For a while, she tried to disguise her tears, looking down and muffling the sounds as best she could. She wept because she was afraid. She wept because of Jory, who she knew since she could remember having memories. She wept because of their situation and what dangers they would still face.
Arabella considered talking to her, but decided to let the girl release her bottled up emotions. They could talk in the morning. For now, she just stroked the girl's hair as gently as she could. For her, Arya was already more than just a student or a friend. Especially after what they'd been through that day.
Something had awakened in her. A feeling she didn't have since she was a little girl, smaller than Arya, when her brother used to cuddle her the very same way when she was sad or afraid. A feeling of family, of love, one she hadn't felt for many years now, since that cursed Battle of Hogwarts that had taken her family away from her. Now, nothing would take Arya away from her. She would protect her with her life if needed be. Her little sister.
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The rest of the path to Riverrun was marked by no dangers on the River Road. Perhaps the bandits had fled somewhere after their leader got killed or they were looking for them elsewhere. In either case, they followed the road, but didn't walk exactly on it not to give potential ambushers a higher chance.
"Do you think… do you think any of our men made it out alive?"
The question stung Arabella. She wished she could have saved them all, but the truth was that even before setting foot out of her tent, half of them were already dead. She could only hope that they fled after she had used the Unforgivable Curse of Death on their leader. If that happened, at least four or five men would survive.
"I don't know Arya" she sighed "Perhaps they fled and Jory is with the five or four others that were still alive. If they are, we will see them in Riverrun by the end of the week."
"I miss Jory" said the girl in a sniffle.
"Me too Arya." she answered remembering the Captain of Winterfell's Guard with a sad smile. He was always respectful and, on many occasions, had accompanied her during her errands or explorations in Winterfell. At first it was Lord Eddard's way of keeping an eye on her, but later it became just customary company and they had had good talks. "I hope he's alright"
Nymeria gave a sad growl next to Arya, as if to add that she, too, hoped Jory was safe. Arabella looked at the wolf and couldn't help feeling amazed. Sure, there were plenty of dangerous magical creatures out there in the Wizarding World, but the bond Arya and the Direwolf shared was so simple, yet stronger than any bond she had seen before. In fact all Stark children seemed to have such a connection. For her, it was a fascinating topic and one she hoped to observe in more detail as the wolves and children grew up.
The fact that she was thinking about watching them grow instead of leaving to Hogwarts as soon as possible didn't escape her. She grinned. Was she so entranced by Westeros that she'd really be willing to stay. Was it a sense of duty? The sense of having family that she never had? What about her friends? What would they say? Wouldn't they feel abandoned?
She looked at Arya, who smiled at her. Children were stronger than they looked. Even in face of harsh adversities, they can still find a reason to smile. She felt it yesterday and she felt it today. Arya was like family now, her little sister. Much more than just a ward. If before she had been inclined to stay to fulfill her duty of properly educating the girl, now she wanted to do so at least until she knew that Arya was ready to defend herself against anything and that she'd have a happy life.
What if, however, she didn't need to choose? What if she could make the spell stable enough to allow for travel between Westeros and the real world as much as one would like? That certainly facilitated many things. She'd still be able to help Arya, perhaps even bring her to Hogwarts. She was 11 years old after all. If she was in the real world, she would have definitely received her letter. Arya would be able to see her family whenever she wanted and Arabella would see her friends.
However, that would also mean that Arabella would have to live a double life. She would be, at the same time, Arabella, Lady of House Slytherin, with all the perks and responsibilities it gave her in Westeros, and just Arabella, a Hogwarts student who still needed to pass her graduation project, which by now was very much due. A tiering prospect if she ever had one.
She pushed those thoughts aside once more. Whatever she decides to do in the future would not matter now. Without the Red Comet, all her attempts had failed and even with the Comet there were no guarantees. She'd cross that bridge when she arrived at it. Now, the more pressing matter was to arrive at Riverrun.
"I'm proud of you" she said to Arya "in the heat of battle you were able to connect with your magic and you casted a spell. Depulso is the name of the spell you casted. It creates a shockwave that sends whatever you aim it at flying. Much like that bandit. A very powerful spell, if one uses it right."
"Thank you, Arabella" the girl smiled, but some shy redness graced her cheeks. "I just felt very afraid and very angry and it felt like there was a voice inside of me saying that I didn't need to be defenseless, that I could do something about it."
"That is very good. Your connection with your inner magic is complete and your powers are awakened. For now onwards, we will train how to control it and properly use it. But don't come to me with this smile, Young Lady, if you think the theoretical lessons are over, you're sorely mistaken." Arabella chuckled.
"Awwwn" the girl's fake complaint was followed by a chuckle of her own. Still, Arabella knew the girl needed practical knowledge as well and, with her powers awakened, now they had the perfect opportunity to start.
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The arrival at Riverrun took three more days after the bandit ambush. Two more than it would have in horseback. When they reached the gates at the drawbridge, two guards stood at the entrance checking the people who came in and out. Something had made them weary and, while the gates were still opened, they were being thorough in their search.
"Halt, I've never seen the two of you before. What's your purpose in Riverrun?"
"We've come to answer the plea of Lord Edmure Tully for help. Our escort was ambushed by bandits and it seems we're the only ones left. I'm Lady Arabella Slytherin. This is Lady Arya Stark"
"And this is Nymeria" said Arya, pointing to the wolf.
The guard's eyes widened at that and upon examining them further, he was able to confirm their identity, given the silver snake on Arabella's dress.
"My Ladies!" the guard saluted "We were told to expect your arrival! We're glad you're safe after those bandits attacked you, thank the Seven!"
"You know about the attack? Who told you?"
"A northerner, My Lady! He came on horseback yesterday at night. It's what everyone is talking about here in Riverrun."
"A northerner? Is it Jory?" asked Arya.
"I'm sorry, Young Lady, I don't know the man's name. I wasn't on guard duty when he arrived. But he's in the keep with the Lords, you can find him there. We'll have some men escort you there immediately."
The men informed the officer in duty about their presence and soon orders were sent to have them escorted towards the castle. Riverrun was indeed quite the fortress. Surrounded by rivers and moats on all sides with only a drawbridge to connect it to the land. Arabella imagined it would be quite troublesome to take this by siege. That much was clear even to her, who had no strategy experience.
Without delay, they were sent to the great hall of the castle, where stood a tall man of auburn hair, wearing a surcoat with the sigil of the fish. The other man was shorter, his armor bore the sigil of the wolf and he had medium-length black hair.
"Jory!" shouted Arya as she ran to hug the guard "You're alive!"
"Yes, Lady Arya! After Lady Slytherin defeated the Lannister leader, they bolted, afraid that they'd share the same fate. I survived, alongside four other men, three tully men and one of ours."
"Wait, Lannisters?" said Arya even before Arabella could get a word in edgewise "but we were attacked by bandits."
"Arya, we should discuss this later. There's much you need to know. Both of you." said the other man "And besides, won't you greet your uncle?"
"Of course, I'm happy to see you uncle Edmure" Arya answered with a shy smile. She didn't remember when was the last time she had seen her uncle. She was definitely very small at the time.
"Ha! Of course, of course! Look at you! You've grown quite a lot and with that fierce wolf by your side… I pity your future husband! Haha!" he grinned before turning to Arabella "Lady Slytherin, I thank you for answering my plea for help and for keeping my niece safe. House Tully is indebted to you"
He gallantly took her hand and placed a kiss on its back, as proper courtesy demanded. She in return, remembering her etiquette lessons, gave a slight bow. It was interesting how noble etiquette in Westeros was so similar to that of England. Well, it made sense, Westeros was, after all, heavily inspired by the British Isles in its geography, culture and history.
"Lord Edmure, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'm glad to have finally arrived. After all the troubles we went through, I'm sure Arya and I would be glad to finally sleep in a normal bed again." she smiled, which made Edmure look at her with something more than just gratitude.
"Of course! I have already ordered chambers befitting your station to be prepared for you. There are also baths ready for your convenience and food is being made in the Kitchens so you have something warm to eat. When you are properly rested, we can then talk about the recent events and, whenever possible, my father. Does that sound to your liking, My Lady?"
"It does, thank you, My Lord" she said before Arya and her were guided to her rooms by a servant. Their rooms were adjacent to one another and the furnishings were mostly practical, but still beautiful and provided enough comfort for one to say the stay would be very pleasant.
After taking a relaxing bath, eating one of the most delicious roasted rabbits in her entire life and resting in her room for a few hours while Arya took a nap, Arabella asked for a servant to take both of them to Lord Edmure. It was already early evening when they arrived in his solar. He stood up from his chair when he heard the knock on the door and both ladies were immediately let in.
"Lady Slytherin, niece! I hope your accommodations were to your liking and that you both had a good rest."
"We did, Lord Edmure, thank you for your hospitality. I wanted to come talk to you about your father. I believe we don't have time to lose in his case."
The Lord's face showed a heavy look, burdened by worry. He sighed and spoke.
"I'm sure the men I sent explained his condition to you, yes?"
"They did, and I know what ails him. But, as I've said to Lord Stark, back at the Crossroads Inn, I can't fully cure him. In fact, this would be a case even the best healers of my continent would have great difficulty in dealing with. I still can offer him to diminish the illness and make it much less painful. It will make your father feel better for many months, perhaps even two or three years, depending on how fast the disease will spread again. Once it does, I can return and treat him again. That's the maximum I can do."
"That is already more than I could ever ask" said Lord Edmure "the Maester pronounced him to be almost dead and that now the only thing we can do is to give him milk of the poppy and wait. Any improvement on this condition is already cause for celebration. You have House Tully's gratitude once again, My Lady."
"Don't thank me yet, Lord Edmure, first let's see if I'll succeed. If it pleases you, Arya and I want to start immediately. Will you take us there?"
"Of course" he said, opening the door for them to leave and then guiding them towards Lord Holster's solar.
The room was well lit by dozens of candles and it seemed that the Lord of Riverrun was sleeping. From time to time he moaned in pain and shifted in his bed. Next to him, sitting on a chair was a man wearing grey robes. The man was reading a book while looking at his Lord every so often.
"Maester Vyman" said Lord Edmure as the maester stood and bowed to him "as you've advised me, I've brought Lady Slytherin and my niece to see what they can do for my father."
"My Lord, I'm honored to have you listen to my council" he said and then turned to Arabella with a curt bow "Lady Slytherin, your talents have become legendary in the Riverlands and I dare say the whole realm. I'm anxious to see you at work."
He smiled at her, but Arabella could sense there was more to the middle-aged maester than crossed the eye. With a polite smile of her own, she asked.
"Maester Vyman, I find it intriguing that you'd want to witness my magic at work. The Maester I encountered when tending to the wounded on the King's entourage didn't seem to share this enthusiasm. Quite the contrary, he was heavily against it and believed it was vile or sinful in some way. Don't you share your brother's opinion?"
The man shifted uncomfortably at the question. He then recomposed himself and answered.
"My Lady, I apologize for whatever inconvenience or offence this Maester brought on you. The Citadel prides itself in being a place of reason and science. Still, even there, the plague of fanaticism is present. Some are too set in their ways, believing all knowledge should be monopolised by them and whatever escapes their control, magic for example, should be eliminated. Others, however, like myself, believe magic is only a science we don't fully understand." he pointed to the link of valyrian steel in his chain "this link is proof of my studies in better understanding this field, purely theoretical, of course. I don't possess your gifts nor those of the Essosi sorcerers. You'll find no ill will coming from me."
"So… wait, are you saying that there are those in your Order that would seek to eliminate me? And Arya?"
"Not directly, of course. Maesters are not warriors, after all. But there are other means to secure one's demise without direct confrontation."
"You mean an assassin?" said Lord Edumre, wide-eyed.
"Assassins, poison, counseling Lords and influencing them to turn their backs on you. There are plenty of ways."
"Why would you tell us that, Maester Vyman?" asked Lord Edmure.
"My Lord, I could say that it's because of my duty to serve the Lord of the castle that I'm assigned to and that, since your niece and her warden are in risk I had to warn you. However, I'll be honest. That is not the only reason why I'm doing so. I do so because in the Citadel there are factions upon factions. Those fanatics I mentioned act as a shadow council and control most of the Citadel's operations. But there is another faction, one that I make part of, that wishes nothing more than the restoration of magic and it's understanding. Now that you're here, my associates and I believe that our chance has come. That is why I convinced Lord Edmure to bring you here, to see magic work with my own eyes"
He pointed to Lord Holster before continuing.
"And, of course, if you can save the Lord of Riverrun, all the better."
Arabella had plenty of questions and she could see that she wasn't the only one. Both Edmure and Arya had deep frowns as if they were thinking what to say, but before they could utter a word, the Witch approached the bed and spoke.
"Arya, go to the other side of the bed" she said, taking her wand from her sleeve and waited for the girl to take her place. "Are you ready?"
The girl nodded in agreement.
"Place your hands above Lord Holster's stomach, palms down, fingers stretched, and repeat after me" said Arabella, signaling with her wand where the position of the stomach was.
"Ok" answered Arya, placing her hands as instructed.
Both women began to chant the incantations they had practiced together during their trip.
"Vulnera Sanentur"
"Tumor Reducto"
"Vulnera Sanentur"
"Tumor Reducto"
From the girls' hands and wand came a series of white sparkles that descended into the Lord of Riverrun and towards his stomach. They kept at it for a few minutes until Arabella decided they had done all that was possible. She signaled Arya to stop and they both took some distance to examine the patient.
To everyone's wide-eyed surprise, the Lord of Riverrun opened his eyes, yawned and sat in the bed as if he had just woken from a restful sleep.
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Hey everyone, Agandor here!
I hope you've enjoyed reading this chapter!
It's roughly double the size of our normal chapters here as I wanted to advance the plot on Arabella's side before dedicating the next three chapters to advancing the arcs of other characters. After that, we'll be back to some more Arabella.
Also, we're very close to hitting 50k views and 200 collections and I'd like to thank everyone who has been reading and following the story. I'd never imagine seeing numbers like these on screen, especially only after two weeks since we started.
Once again, thank you very much! See you all on Wednesday for Chapter 10.