The morning sun shone down upon the kingsroad outside the gates of the Red Keep, casting long shadows across the cobblestones as the brothers of the Night's Watch assembled to begin their journey north. Cloaks of black fluttered like ravens' wings, and a chill wind swept in from Blackwater Bay, making even summer feel distant.
Maester Aemon stood at the head of the procession, his chain glinting faintly in the morning light. Brynden Rivers stood a pace behind him, a dark silhouette with Dark Sister slung across his back, the tip of the blade peeking from beneath his black cloak. Around them, the prisoners gathered in chains and silent anticipation.
From the gate emerged the royal family.
King Aegon V Targaryen walked swiftly, his golden circlet crown catching the light. His face was solemn, yet his step quickened when he caught sight of Aemon. Behind him came his family: Queen Betha in a dark green cloak clasped with the Blackwood tree, their sons—Duncan the Tall, Jaehaerys the Just, Daeron the Dreamer—and his sisters Daella and Rhae. Last came Princess Rhaelle, still barely a woman grown, her eyes already wet with tears.
Aegon came to a halt before his brother.
Aemon smiled. "I thought you wouldn't come. Thought you'd let me ride off without another lecture."
Aegon chuckled, but his eyes betrayed the sorrow in his heart. "And let you leave without another of your riddles? Never."
They stood for a moment, saying nothing, simply breathing the same air, sharing the same space that had defined their boyhood.
"I remember," Aegon said softly, "when you used to read to me in the rookery. I was convinced the ravens listened, too."
"They did," Aemon replied. "They always do. Just don't always say anything back."
Aegon looked down, the years seeming to press down on him all at once.
"I'm thirty-three now," he said. "A king. A father. A husband. But sometimes, I still feel like I'm just… just that little bald boy Duncan used to call Egg."
Aemon placed a hand gently on his brother's shoulder.
"It takes a man to rule," he said. "Not an Egg. But an Aegon."
The King looked up at his older brother, struggling to keep his composure.
"Kill the boy," Aemon continued, his voice tender, final. "And let the man be born."
Aegon nodded, his throat too tight to speak.
Tears welled in his eyes as he reached forward and embraced his brother, tightly, as if to delay the parting by sheer will. Aemon held him close for a long moment, then gently let go.
"I'll remember," Aegon managed, voice rough with emotion. "I'll remember it all."
"I know," Aemon said softly. "You always were a good listener."
Then the family came forward one by one.
Daella and Rhae kissed Aemon's cheeks, hiding their sorrow behind forced smiles. Queen Betha held his hand and whispered her thanks for protecting her husband when he was but a lad. Prince Duncan clasped his great-uncle's shoulder with pride, while young Jaehaerys gave a stiff bow befitting a prince. Prince Daeron hugged him tightly, whispering something no one heard.
Last came Princess Rhaelle, trembling as she looked up at the man who had once read her to sleep during visits to Summerhall.
"I'll miss you, Uncle Maester."
"And I you, little Rhaelle." He smiled, brushing a tear from her cheek. "Keep your brothers in line, will you?"
She nodded, too choked to speak.
Then, the horn sounded again. It was time.
Maester Aemon turned and joined the Night's Watch brothers. Brynden Rivers followed behind him, flanked by his loyal Raven's Teeth. They passed through the outer gate, and the long black line of exiles and protectors began their march northward.
King Aegon V stood on the ramparts watching them go, hand on the hilt of his sword. His family stood around him, silent. As the figures faded into the distance, Aegon wiped the tears from his cheeks and turned away.
Behind him, the realm awaited.
And ahead, beyond the Wall, so too did the unknown.