10 The Golden Roses of Highgarden

Disclaimer:

I don't own the characters or the world appearing in this story, they are creations and property of the fantastic George R. R. Martin. I'm not sure if I can claim my OCs as my own, so I'll play it safe and dedicate them to GRRM.

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Author's Note:

I'm back with a fresh chapter!

We see Harry spending time with the roses of Highgarden in this chapter! It's the last chapter before Harry finally completes his five-month journey. I had some stuff to share with you guys, so make sure to take a look at the note at the end without fail. Now enjoy!

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[Year - 293 AC]

Her eyes narrowed as she saw the boy spar with Garlan.

When she awoke for the day, she was informed of the boy's whereabouts. She'd tasked the maids with keeping an eye on him. The boy had apparently aroused quite early and asked for the training grounds.

After going through her morning ablutions, she'd taken a detour across the castle to pass through the grounds. She was quite surprised to see Garlan sparring with the boy. Both Loras and Willas were present as well. It was quite an exciting spar too, by the looks of it. They'd gathered quite the crowd, with some of the men taking a break to watch them.

Garlan had the advantage. He was meeting all of the boy's strikes without fail. But it was to be expected. At six and ten, he was nearly six years older than the Stark boy. The surprising part was Garlan pushing himself. It was quite clear how much he was exerting himself in the spar. Garlan was a warrior worthy of the Tyrell name, he shouldn't be struggling against a boy.

She'd been alarmed at seeing the boy the day before, and deservedly so. The boy was the complete opposite of everything she'd come to expect of northerners in her life throughout the years. She'd met Rickard Stark and his brood on occasion. The tourney at Harrenhal had also given her the opportunity to converse with the Starks. And meeting them had only served to cement her opinion of them. Headstrong and brash, the lot of them. She'd even seen the boy's father, Brandon. He'd caught the eye of a number of maids, but at the end of the day, it had been his face that had caught their attention. He'd only been a hot-blooded fool.

She didn't have an opinion of the boy's mother. She'd caught glances of her in Princess Elia's retinue. The girl had been pretty. She could understand how she'd caught Brandon's eye. There was nothing else of import to say, however. It hadn't ended well for them after all.

This boy, however, was clever. Too clever for his age. She could see it so very clearly. He'd played masterfully with her son. Supper that day had been very entertaining, seeing her son make an oaf of himself. The boy kept Mace sated and happy throughout. And it wasn't blatant flattery either, the boy worded every sentence with genuine intent.

If truth be told, the boy frightened her.

He had talked of his time at Casterly Rock during the meal. She genuinely wanted to know how he'd managed with the Lord of Casterly Rock.

She turned her attention back to the spar.

The final round of strikes went by quickly. Garlan found an opportune moment to strike and quickly seized it, knocking the boy off his feet and ending the spar.

"That was spectacular, Harry," Willas walked closer to help the boy get back on his feet. The boy took the offered hand without complaint.

He had a large smile on his face as if he'd not just been knocked off his feet. "Thank you, Willas, but you are praising the wrong person," Harry said turning to Garlan, "That was an amazing spar, Garlan. I'll be coming to you for spars in the future."

"Grandmother!" She heard someone at her side. "Why are you here? I have been waiting to break our fast!"

She turned, wanting to answer Margaery, but the boy beat her to it.

"It seems we've unwittingly been providing entertainment to Lady Olenna, Garlan," He turned towards her with an amused expression. "I hope we didn't keep her for too long Margaery?"

"Oh! You're here as well!" Margaery exclaimed, turning to the boy. All the children had become quite taken with Harry in the two days of his stay at the castle. She genuinely hoped they could build a friendship with the boy. The only family the king cared for except his own in all of Westeros was the Starks. The friendship he shared with Ned Stark was quite well-known in the seven kingdoms. Even if the Reach had very little to gain from the North, a friendship would still go a long way.

But even without any prodding on her part, Harry had been very friendly with the children. Especially with Willas.

That again made her think if the boy was acting more friendly on purpose, considering Willas' status as the heir. Although, Willas seemed to genuinely enjoy their conversations. Willas had been so very withdrawn since the injury at the tourney. She could not bring herself to come in between them.

"Why don't you join us? Along with my brothers," Margaery continued after her exclamation.

And then there was Margaery, who was taken with the boy in quite a different way. They were the same age, after all, it was to be expected. Olenna only hoped that she'd grow out of it. Her granddaughter was meant for much better things.

At least the boy was leaving today, she could relax when he was gone. However, she'd have to keep an eye on him at Oldtown. She might have to send a raven to Moryn soon. He also had that son in the Citadel.

Harry gestured to his clothes. "It'd be better if I take a bath before any other commitment, Margaery. It wouldn't do to keep you, please go ahead without me. We'll share a meal later."

"You'll have left by midday!"

Harry looked at her with an arch look about him, "That is true… you'll simply have to come to Oldtown then."

Willas and Garlan laughed at their sister, joining Harry.

While most things got on her nerves, Olenna felt that maybe this moment wasn't too bad.

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There were roses everywhere. Over the past two days, Harry had spent a lot of time walking Highgarden. He'd become quite familiar with the place. He really liked all the little gardens spread throughout the castle. There were larger ones at select places, but it was the small bushes placed near walls and gateways that really added to the look.

Although, he really wished they mixed in some other plants as well. There was only so much rose he could take in.

"The scan's complete, Harry. You've walked most of the castle proper of Highgarden," Alice alerted him.

"Start consolidating the information. Have you gone through the information we got from Casterly Rock?" Harry asked.

"I was just about to inform you. It is done," Alice said.

"Was I right about their mines then? Are they depleted?"

"The reserves are at their lowest. They can continue operations yet for four to five more years," Alice informed.

"So he's not yet aware of their fate," Harry thought to himself.

"The mining must continue for three more years to show signs of depletion, Yes," Alice confirmed.

"That does make me feel good. Start working on the plans for fortifying Moat Cailin. Try and implement whatever we've learnt from the southern castles but keep it mostly northern."

"I'll start the process," Alice replied.

Harry continued his walk, he'd seen a balcony in an alcove earlier and wanted to see the view from it.

"Would be nice if I got a marauders like map off of the scans," He said to himself.

"Highgarden seems to agree with you," Howland said as he joined beside Harry.

Harry felt something heavy settle in his stomach. The map would have come useful in instances like this.

"It's everything Winterfell isn't, but something about it feels like home," Harry replied. "I've missed my cousins more than I've let on, I suppose."

Howland glanced sideways at him with an exasperated look. "Yes, you've certainly got along well with the Tyrell children. Being around children your age is important after all. But you know that's not what I'm talking about."

Harry nodded with a sigh. He knew Howland was trying to corner him, and he'd kept avoiding him. But he'd finally caught Harry alone during the walk. This is why he preferred people like Ser Wendel to His Uncle Ned or Howland. They always caught on.

"If you reckon that I feel remorseful about those bandits, then you are mistaken," Harry said as he stepped into the alcove. The alcove was carved into the castle wall and had an attached balcony hanging off the wall. The balcony looked over the southern side of Highgarden. He could see the people of Reach milling about, going about their jobs. He could see tiny dots in the farms farther away. Taverns were getting ready for the afternoon crowd while other shops were enjoying some well earned rest after dealing with people all morning.

"That's not it Harry. I would have admonished you myself if you had felt remorseful for that lot" Howland said, "Even in bandits, there are ones deserving of clemency. But those men were a different ilk altogether. We'd be better served putting them to the sword with nary a thought."

"It was the smell really," Harry said quickly. "I didn't expect it to smell like that… that bad I mean. It caught me flatfooted."

"The smell, yes, it really is impossible to be prepared for," Howland said, moving to stand on the edge of the alcove, where the balcony met the wall. "But you know it's not just that Harry. I know there is nothing I can say that can make it better… But it's… It's just something people like us have to go through."

Harry nodded, motioning him to go on.

"You've killed them, yes, but it was necessary and now we have to go on with our lives," Howland said.

Harry could see that Howland was finding it difficult to express himself. He was a silent man by nature, he'd rather keep to himself if he could. So it was a testament to Howland's fondness for him that had pushed him to actively seek him out and talk to him. And for that, Harry was grateful.

"I understand… I really do, Howland," Harry moved closer to the edge of the balcony and leaned over it. The bustling view helped take his mind off the heavy conversation he was currently in.

"And being here– at Highgarden that is–" Harry started, but a soldier interrupted him, Linel by the looks of it. He was walking towards them at a hurried pace.

"Milord, Ser Wendel requests your presence. The steeds are laden and ready for our departure."

Motioning him to leave them, Harry straightened himself, turning away from the view he'd been enjoying. "I am doing better, Howland. You've seen how Highgarden has done me good."

Howland nodded.

"Then let's go, we'd better not keep Ser Wendel waiting," Harry said, as he walked back along the road he'd taken to the alcove.

"As much as I relish the delights of Highgarden, it's not our ultimate destination after all."

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"Farewell, Harry. May the gods watch over you on your journey," Garlan said as he took his leave.

Harry was standing alongside Loras at the front gates of the castle.

Loras followed Garlan with his gaze as he left. "My brother would rather give his right hand than miss his practice for a day."

Harry's eyes were also fixed on Garlan's back. "It's a good thing, wouldn't you say? He's a formidable warrior, it's only proper that he sharpen his talents."

"He plans to train against multiple opponents," Loras said shaking his head. "Claims battles are not won by single combat."

"That's some sound thinking from Garlan. I think you ought to give more weight to his words, Loras."

"I do listen to him, Harry…" Loras said, complaining. "Anyhow, I prefer a lance to the sword. It's more knightl–"

Margaery walked in on his proclamation.

"You keep leaving me behind!"

"Not by choice, I'm sure," Harry said, sending a wink towards Loras.

"I saw that!" She said, resting her hands on her hips.

Harry deeply bowed to her, "I'm verily disheartened by this mockery I've committed, Lady Margaery. It certainly is a grave sin. Allow my undeserving self to ask for forgiveness."

Margaery attempted to swat at him, while Loras was doubled over with laughter.

"Harry," Howland sent a shout towards him as he walked out, leading his horse along with him. Their retinue followed behind.

Harry sent a whistle and Moony came running, frightening most people in his path. That completely rid Loras of his humour, who straightened up taking a step back.

"Mother visits her family at times," Loras said as he eyed Moony. "I'll join her if I can."

Harry leaned against Moony and smirked at him, "Afraid of a little direwolf?"

"That's little?" Margaery asked. Harry's smirk morphed into an innocent expression. "Oh yes, direwolves grow to much bigger sizes. Moony is a pup compared to the truly huge ones."

Loras and Margaery looked at Moony in an entirely new light.

Willas limped into their conversation, "He's lying. I'd reckon this one's at least one and a half times the size of a regular direwolf."

"Liar," Loras lunged at Harry but he ducked out of the way.

Harry looked at them with wide eyes. "I would never!" he said with mock indignation.

"Shall we leave, my lord?" Ser Wendel asked, approaching him. Harry gave him a nod, "Yes, let me bid them and we may leave."

"Looks like it's goodbye for now, Loras," Harry said.

"We'll meet soon, mother may yet visit her family again this year…" Loras said, trying to convince himself more than anyone.

"She's already visited grandfather for the year, she only ever travels once a year," Margaery piped in.

"Looks like only Loras wants to visit. Thank you, Margaery, for being a wet blanket," Harry said with a cross look.

Margaery started, wanting to complain but Willas interjected, "That's enough bickering. Don't keep starting arguments Harry, you are setting out late as it is."

Harry sighed yet again. He'd done that a lot today. "Then I guess it really is goodbye. Till we cross paths again. Keep well."

Looking over at them with a smile, he mounted his ride. They gave their parting words, bidding him goodbye. He waved one last time, before following his retinue as they departed from Highgarden.

They rode for seventeen days to reach Oldtown.

The journey to Oldtown was uneventful, which was a good thing considering the perils that lurked about. Harry's days took on a monotonous cycle for the most part. They'd ride from dawn to dusk with breaks sparsed in between. At nightfall, they'd settle down for the day and Harry would spar with the soldiers and at times with Ser Wendel. Then he would wash, eat supper and retire for the night. This order of events became a pattern as they travelled their final leg.

Harry was a little upset that there were no villages or keeps on the path to Oldtown. They had to sleep outside every day for the entire duration of the travel.

Nonetheless, looking at Oldtown as they rode towards the checkpost, Harry was feeling very inclined to set aside all his bitterness. For he'd finally reached the god-forsaken place after nearly five months of arduous journey.

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Author's Note:

This chapter was an absolute delight to write! I hope you felt the same while reading it!

Unfortunately, it's a short one. I wanted to start Oldtown off with a fresh chapter, so I cut the chapter off as they reached their destination.

I also tried to address Harry's mindset since the forest incident. I think the awkward conversation between Harry and Howland worked well for the chapter. Harry is secretive by nature and Howland is a melancholy type, so we cannot really expect them to have a heartfelt conversation. I hope I did it justice.

There was a comment about the system being nerfed some time ago. To be completely honest, yes, it is. And I think the story is better for it. Yes, he read hundreds of books and gets only a point for it, but reading books is hardly a direct measure of someone's intelligence, it's how they use the information that matters. But even so, his intelligence matches maester Luwin's and that means something I'd imagine. All I'm asking is to not equate the points system with other stories. Someday in the future, maybe I'll prepare a proper explanation for the system and its capabilities. You might have noticed that I've added a new dimension to the system in this chapter. Alice can help Harry with cognitive tasks and also work independently for him on certain tasks.

I've talked about how I love withholding information on a comment in AO3. I've also explained certain circumstances behind Harry's birth in that comment. If the people here are interested, I'll add the information in chapter ten's note. Just drop a comment if you wanna know.

The earlier comment about punctuation sent me on a search for information and I've learnt a lot over the week. Since it's my first time writing, I was unfamiliar with how to use punctuation in conversations where quotation marks are involved. I've more or less understood it now and ever since the seventh chapter I've started using them properly. I think. I've also gone back and updated the first chapter. I might do the other ones when I get the time. So the newcomers might find it easier to pick up the story than you guys.

That's all for now. Thank you for the love and support! Bye!

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