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Morning Inside Marshend Merivel

Merivel looked at Anniketta. “Might you tell Godwyn and Keary that we have departed, but will likely soon return?”

Anniketta nodded her agreement.

“I’m ready,” said Mariam.

“Thank you, Anniketta.” Merivel said with a nod and a smile. “Until our return.” He stood and lead Mariam out of the Inn and back to the waiting wagon for the trip back to the Septa’s house.

"We should move as quickly as the wagon would allow." Merivel said to Mariam as they approached the wagon. "If it wasn't that much aster, I'd suggest walking."

They left the village, then, at good speed, and seemed to be cresting the hill that led to the cottage very soon. But as they did so, they saw a band of men riding past the cottage and towards them - and they flew the banner of the Flayed man.

"Lord Bolton!" said Mariam - clearly she had discerned him in the group. She pulled her head forward to cover as much of her face as she could. "He mustn't see me! None of them ... must see me."

"I'll not ask why right now." Merivel said, slowing the wagon to a stop. "We either have to try a bluff and blind or a different route."

The Maester looked at Mariam hard. "Is there another route to your house that a wagon might take?"

"It's too late!" said Mariam in a low, urgent voice. "They've seen us!"

Merivel spoke low to himself under his breath.

And indeed, the column were parting to allow a man to ride forward who garnered such respect that he could only be Lord Bolton. He drew rein by the side of the wagon, glancing down at Merivel (Mariam, a mere woman, he seemed content to ignore).

"Greetings, Maester,"he said. "Do you come from Marshend? Is Lord Stark there?"

Merivel remembered after a moment to be polite. He bowed his head."Greetings, milord Bolton." Merivel replied. He lifted his head to regard him. He put a slightly confused look on his face.

"We have just left Marshend." he replied. "Since the Septa here is not in the fullest of health, I agreed to accompany her from her house and back. We return now." Merivel explained.

"As far as the matter of Lord Stark..." Merivel looked at Bolton with a more puzzled, quizzical expression. "He is coming to Marshend?" The last word carried a tone of slight incredulity.

"So I am informed," said Lord Bolton. He directed a slightly frowning look at Mariam, who kept her hood pulled low over her face. "It seems we'll be ahead of him. My thanks."

"As you say, my lord." Merivel said with a dip of the head to Lord Bolton. He kept his expression schooled and calm.

Merivel waited for the Lord to start his own movement again before he had the horses and the wagon resume their slow, patient pace toward the Septa's house.

But before the Lord could move, there was another intervention ...

Derron then began running towards the wagon. Once he was in shouting range he boomed as if he were chastising one of his damn fool apprentices. "Maester! Maester Merivel! Lord Draupaud's son has been injured. We need you immediately!" Lord Bolton might have a problem with being snubbed by House Draupaud's Steward, but with his plate full of complaints against the Hardys, Derron doubted he would want to anger another house, one that His Majesty favored.

"It seems that you are needed, Maester," Lord Bolton said with a sharp-edged smile.

Merivel ignored the sharp edged smile of the Lord. Instead he seemed to consider Derron's words for a few moments, as if he had read them in a book from a land long ago and far away.

He looked toward Derron and then looked toward Mariam.

"Let us go, quickly, then."

Derron paced the carriage. Mariam was in no state to drive, so Merivel took the reins. By the time they reached the cottage, the Bolton troop had started to move on their way to Marshend once more. But it was not until they halted that Merivel realised that Mariam, who had been leaning towards him, had actually slumped in a dead faint.

Derron risked one last glance to confirm the Boltons were leaving. Reassured, he reached up and grabbed Mariam in his brawny arms and lifted her from the wagon. "Maester, can you get the door, please," he grunted. He then added, "By the way, the bit about young Ranulf was a ruse to get you away from the Boltons. I'll explain shortly."

Merivel climbed down from the carriage and moved to the cottage. He pulled the door open and held it open, wide for Derron, carrying Mariam to precede him. At Derron's comment, Merivel nodded his head.

"I'm not entirely sure as to your motivations. I am most interested." Merivel added as he closed the door behind the two of them "as to why you felt the ruse was necessary."

Derron set Mariam down in the nearest chair, then said, "Now, let's make sure she's well." As Merivel began to examine Mariam, Derron said, "As to the ruse, I had just sent the Boltons packing, letting them know I would not ride into town with them, in case it seemed as if Lord Draupaud sided with them. Then when they began to question you, I decided it would be best to get you away from them." "To avoid the patina of respectability by having me in their coterie?" Merivel enquired, finding a chair to sit down and regard the Steward.Derron shook his head. "No. I didn't want to take the chance you might accidentally invite them to join us for lunch. Now, is Mariam well, or is she sick?" "She was well enough this morning to propose a trip into Marshend in the first place." Merivel replied. "I think the shock and surprise of events have taken a toll and a strain on her. Lord Bolton's appearance was just the capstone."

Derron shrugged. "Let us hope so." He sat back and felt the knots in his shoulders tighten. Too much stress he figured.

"I will check on her a little later." Merivel offered confidently. "Right now, rest and relaxation would be the best panacea that I can offer her, and she has swallowed that draught without any help of my own."

"I did," said a quiet voice from the stairs, "But before I sleep, I must speak to you both about ... who I really am."

Mariam was standing there, pale and quivering with tension.

Derron nodded and said, "By all means, but please sit down before you collapse." He stepped forward to offer his arm.

Merivel, who had been ready to move before Derron did so, gave a nod of the head at the Steward's words.

Mariam took a seat and gave them both a grateful smile - but it was clear enough that she was still much troubled in mind.

"I think I should explain," she said, "that until several years ago, I was in service to House Bolton, as Septa with responsibility for the sons of Ser Herys Bolton, brother to Lord Bolton."

Derron nodded for her to continue. He knew little about the various Boltons, other than that they were a nasty lot.

Merivel nodded, and listened intently.

"Ser Herys has two sons," said Mariam slowly. "The elder ... became his squire, and travelled with him to Holdfast. But there had been summer fever in the village, Both boys took the sickness - I stayed behind to nurse the younger boy. The elder - we did not know he was sick. Even if we had ... "

She shook her head. "Ser Herys was determined he should go. He said the boy had been too long with women ... mad Jonas was pleased to go! But ... he didn't come back. The summer fever took him ... at Holdfast. And children died there too. Lord Bolton was furious ... he banished Herys. And Erik ... the other boy ... was left in my charge."

Merivel folded his fingers together. "The temper of Lord Bolton is not to be disregarded lightly." he said.

"And I marked Eryk well at Holdfast." he added.

Merivel glanced at Derron and then back at Mariam for her to continue.

Derron looked puzzled. "So you say the Boltons and Hardy family have some bad blood between them. That's probably why all the folks are gathering at Marshend. But so far I don't see where it concerns us. Unless somehow it involves the attack upon you, Maester."

"I'm supposed to be dead, though." Merivel replied. "This gathering is hardly because of what happened to me. And it if was because of my supposed death, it wouldn't occur in *Marshend*. No, my tale, if anything, is a discursion from the real story happening here."

Derron looked back to Mariam, waiting for her to continue her tale.

"It was some years before the quarrel was patched up between Lord Bolton and Ser Herys," said Mariam. "And then it was because of a discussion between Lord Bolton and Lord Hardy, They agreed ... they agreed that the quarrel should be made up with a marriage between my charge, Eryk, and Ser Gofrey Hardy's daughter. But Eryk ... he had not seen his father for three years ... and he ... chose to run away."

Her lips set suddenly, as though over unspoken words.

Derron sighed. He wasn't sure where this was going, or what it meant to him. "Did you help him runaway? Is that why you fear the Boltons?"

Merivel cocked his head, as if Derron had asked the question that he, too, wanted to ask.

Mariam hesitated. "It was more that I knew of his plans. And - as we both knew the penalties I would face if I stayed behind. So ... you could say that it was not I who helped him to run away. He helped me."

Derron nodded. "So you worry the Boltons will bring you to harm," he said, making it clear he was sure this was the issue on her mind. "Well, as you will be taking care of young Ranulf, I am sure we can get some assurances from Lord Draupaud to your safety. He might even be willing to discuss it with Lord Bolton. Perhaps there is some arrangement that can be made. Then again, perhaps Lord Bolton has completely forgotten you."

Merivel shook his head at Derron's last words. "It would be too risky for Mariam to make that sort of assumption. Its the sort of mistake that you only make once."

"At the very least, we need to keep you out of sight and mind of the Boltons. At the most..." the Maester looked at the Septa. "What do you want us to do for you, Mariam?""Make sure Ser Herys does not fine me!" she said. "But above all - make sure they do not find Eryk! He was coming - he was travelling north. He said ... he would come here on his way. He mustn't meet his father - pr Lord Bolton!" "We can keep you out of sight, Mariam." Merivel replied. "You are still my patient, and a simple relapse on your part can put you in bed, and with me as a bulldog to keep any of the Boltons from discovering who you really are."

"As far as Eryk..." he looked at Derron. "I think Eryk needs to be intercepted."

Derron looked pensive. He finally said, "Mariam, I understand your desire to keep this fellow safe. But I'm not sure it's our business. We don't have enough men to truly defend this place as it is right now, what with Master Hextall, Catriona and Gabriel no longer here. Not against a real force. Trying to send out scouting parties to find one man in the North...I mean, the only way to do it would be to either travel with the Boltons, and they'd no doubt figure out who you are, or hope he follows the logical route from the south and keep an eye open for him. If he's coming here, we can wait. Unless you know for certain his travel route or destinations, I don't think we can afford to try to find him."

"I know he is planning to come north," she said in a low voice. "And soon ... but not when." She sighed. "And Marshend ... things seemed disturbed there too." She glanced at Merivel for confirmation.

Merivel nodded in agreement. "Not quite to the level of a frenzy, but the business Keary and the others spoke of..." he looked thoughtful for a moment. "I believe Marshend was described as a piece of fruit being fought over."

Derron sighed aloud. He could see where this was going. "You expect he will be in Marshend during this gathering of Boltons an Hardys, eh? Are you telling me you wish to go and look for him there? If so, we could take a couple of men and go check..."

"Both myself and Mariam would be unwise choices for this." Merivel began. He smiled briefly and looked to Derron more fully. "You, however, good steward, are the man suited for the task."

Derron shook his head emphatically. "No. I don't know this fellow at all, and asking around will only raise too many eyebrows. No, if any of us go, we all go. Otherwise we remain here and hope for the best."

Merivel nodded slightly to Derron, and glanced to Mariam for her reaction and response.

"I think ... we should all go ... " began Mariam.

Just then, there was a knocking on the door.

Derron's head started, but realizing there had been no cries of distress, he simply opened the door and was pleasantly surprised to see Catriona and Niko.

Merivel bobbed his head.

"Good timing, you two." He paused, then look back into the room. "Come in and rest. Binnder, take care of their horses, if you please. Water, brush, the usual. We might be heading back out shortly." Binnder acknowledged the request with a wave. As Derron let the pair inside he said, "We're going to be heading into town shortly. Mariam is worried that one of the sons of Lord Bolton, who is in hiding from his father, might need our help. At least, that's my understanding. Mariam, if I have that wrong, please explain it again for us all. Myself especially." Once the door was closed he said, "Have something to drink and eat, and tell us of your travels. What news from Clearwater?"

"I found Aerin wandering in the marshes," Catriona replied bluntly as she walked into the cottage, Keir at her side. "She's safe now, and on her way back to Clearwater with your Lordship. As are the errant Minstrel and Callon. Lord Draupaud asked us to come as his messengers instead, though Niko knows more of Clearwater's tidings to Marshend than I."

Derron cursed under his breath, then said aloud, "Thank you for taking care of her. I'm sure Lord Draupaud, and her father, will see you rewarded."

Merivel bobbed his head to Aerin and Niko.

A frown settled over the hunter's face then. "A dead man hangs from a tree not too far from here, a symbol of a dragon carved into his chest. Whoever did it headed into the fens. Do you know anything of this, Derron, or should I scout for more information while Niko and your men bear Clearwater's news to Marshend?"

"The symbol of a dragon, you say?" Merivel said. He furrowed his eyebrows, trying to recall what that might portend but finally shook his head, even if Aerin hadn't asked him directly.

Derron thought a moment then said, "This is news to us. As to what you should do, I must leave that up to you. You have done us great services, and it is we who are in your debt. If you still wish to stay with us, your presence, and that of the direwolf, will be most welcome. If you have other fish to fry, I will wish you well, and promise to get you all rewards once back at Clearwater. Now, if you want my opinion on this hanged body, I would leave it for now. I fear it would be someone trying to lure more of us into the swamps, either to attack there, or draw down our forces to attack here." He paused, then said, "Let me hear what His Lordship wishes first, though. It might be there would be time for you to do some scouting into the marsh...Niko, do you bring instructions from Lord Draupaud?"

"Only a missive for Lord Stark, whom he was coming to meet," Niko said. "Lord Draupaud was on his way here to meet with Lord Stark, but there was apparently more to our minstrel than met the eye. Lord Draupaud left with him to return to Clearwater."

Derron frowned then said, "Well, then we definitely have a reason to go into town. Grab some food, and once your horse is ready, we'll take the wagon." He turned to Catriona and said, "If you wanted to scout the marsh, we won't leave for another hour or so."

"Aye, knowing what's out there would set my mind at ease," Catriona replied. "I'll leave the horse that Lord Draupaud loaned me here, since tracking in the marsh is simpler...and quieter...afoot."

Merivel cocked his head in Catriona's direction. "I don't think you need me to tell you to be careful in the marsh." the Maester said mildly.

"A reminder never hurts," Catriona answered seriously. "Those who underestimate the Fens do so at their peril."

She motioned for Keir to follow her, and headed for the door. When she was on the threshold, she paused, turning back to share one more thought. "If I don't return within the hour, I will meet you in Marshend. Depending on where my tracking takes me it might be easier to circle through the marsh than return here."

A look of amusement creased her face then. "And you'll know I've arrived when you hear the locals screaming and running away from a lone dusty tracker and her wolf. Most of Marshend thinks I burned to a crisp in the fire at Gabriel's inn, after all."

Derron broke a small grin at that. "Take care. We'll keep ours eyes open for you, and tell Binnder your basic plan so the guards expect you back."

Merivel gave a nod of agreement. "Indeed, we'll do that."

"Aye, I'll speak to Binnder," Catriona agreed.

After closing the door behind her, she stopped to speak with the Steward's man. She scammed a piece of bread from Binnder as she told him of her plans to go scouting, with a possible return to the cottage if time allowed before the party left for Marshend.

She and Keir then set off back down the road, heading towards the hanged man's tree, from which she hoped to pick up the trail of the ones implicated.

"Shall we go, then?" asked Mariam.

Merivel nodded to Mariam, and then ooked at Derron. "Since we have decided to go together, it would be best to start immediately. We don't want Catriona to get there *ahead* of us. And we need to deal with this fulminating trouble as soon as possible."

Derron sighed. "Very well. Niko, you might as well grab a different horse, but if you prefer the one you have, we'll tie him to the back of the wagon and he can walk for now. By now he'll have been washed and watered. He can walk with a feed bag if you like. In the meantime, everyone gather what you intend to take. I'll ready the wagon." With that he stood and stretched, then went out the door. The others inside could hear him calling out commands.

Accustomed to the horse, Niko went to make arrangements for the feed bag and the tethering, making sure to be ready to go by the time the others are.

"The road to Marshend." Merivel observed to Mariam. "is going to become more than passingly familiar now. I don't think we'll have time to stop to gather any herbs on the way this time, alas." he said.

"Come." he said amicably to Mariam.

Derron had the draft horses hitched to the wagon in short order, and loaded his sword and shield in the back, along with some food and water for them all. He hoped they could find the same in town, but in case the influx of soldiers had snapped up all the supplies, they would not go hungry today. His own horse was tied to the back of the wagon. As Mariam approached he offered her his hand to help her onto the bench, and indicated Merivel could ride on the other side. He was about to climb aboard himself when he felt a familiar nudge at his knee. He looked down to see Lancer gazing back up at him plaintively.

"You really want to come?" The dog's tail wagged a bit. "If you insist." He bent down and scooped the old hound into his arms and set him into the back of the wagon, where he immediately setted himself among the bags of food, though he showed no signs of eating any of it at this time. Derron then climbed in and grabbed the reins. "Everyone ready? Niko, if you prefer to ride, ride mine for now, and bring yours along as well."

"Come." he said amicably to Mariam.

They made good time on the road. Soon they saw a clod of dust about two leagues ahead of them - it seemed they were catching up with Lord Bolton's rearguard.

Niko, on Derron's horse, looked towards the Steward deferentially to see what he would wish to do.

Derron did not slow down, nor did he speed up. If they actually caught up to the rear guard before reaching town, then he would slow it down and maintain a respectable distance, neither hiding from nor crowding the Bolton men. If any of the guards approached to question them, he would stop and speak with them. Otherwise, there was no reason to alter their course of action.

Merivel folded his hands together and gave a reassuring glance to Mariam. He mouthed the words "It will be all right", and then resolutely looked forward, back toward the rearguard that Derron's handling of the horse was bringing them closer toward.

"We're going to shadow them?" Merivel asked Derron quietly.