16 Chapter 16: Year of Magic

(1,200 words)

- Percival Bolton POV -

- Lannisport - Westerlands - Westeros - 276 A.D -

"You're really good brat.... In just one year you mastered everything I taught you. I remind you one more time though. You can't use blood magic just like that. Its cost is too high" said the maegi in front of me.

"Yes master!" I said with a fully acted smile. It was quite annoying to put up with me for a whole year acting like a nice guy, but finally it was all over, and I didn't have to put up with this pseudo mother anymore.

My blood magic skills had already far surpassed her, and I had learned other variables as well. I could manipulate my own blood and make physical constructs, though I had not been able to advance any further in other people's blood.

I had also learned how to forge Valyrian Steel to make a weapon, and, most importantly, how to revive a dead person. Like what Thoros of Myr did in the series with Beric Donarrrion, or what Melisandre did with Jon Snow. Only, mine did not depend on a god, but on my own vitality, a full life. That's why you don't see maegi who are not associated with Rhollor doing this. But with my philosopher's stone I can do it without a problem.

Reviving one life in exchange for another is not a dilemma really. There are lives more useful than others, not superior, since in the end we can all die, but more useful for me at least.

So I had the ability to control my blood, to forge Valyrian Steel, to revive people, and I also perfected my animal control skills. I could possess an animal for a certain amount of time without problems and many other secondary things. There was one thing that was equally important though, and that is, illusions, as well as the ability to summon shadow soldiers like the ones Melisandre created.

Don't think I'm going to get pregnant or some shit like that, but I need the heart of a person capable of using magic. With this heart plus a complex ritual, I can create a shadow that will hide in my own shadow willing to follow my orders. Depending on the amount of magic of the person, would be the level of strength of the creature. In addition to the life force one is willing to sacrifice, which with my stone, is not a problem.

The lineages with the most powerful magic are, in the first place the people who are directly wizards, and in second place those who have Valyrian ancestry. That is, the Targaryens.

"Do you know about the tournament the Lannisters organized?" Maggy asked me.

"The tournament in honor of Viserys Targaryen's birth?"

"Correct, it is said that the King himself will attend, plus many important Lords and Ladies" she told me, and of course I knew. I had signed up for archery.

"I didn't know that" I said smiling.

"You know..." she said a bit.... Shy? "We could go together, as a.... Like a family" she said to me, and I could see a drop of love in her eyes.

I'm sorry Maggy, but you won't accept me for my true colors, and your existence is a threat, because it registers the fact that I'm an expert blood mage. Besides, your heart is too tempting for me.

"Alright, let's go together!" said I with a smile as I went to hug her, which was well received by her.

"I'm glad I met you" she whispered, but the next moment I stuck a dagger in her throat and her eyes widened in surprise.

"I'm sorry Maggy, but it was necessary" I said with my emotionless expression finally back. Her eyes were wide with disbelief and pain. There was extreme sadness on her face, which soon turned to anger, so she tried to throw herself on top of me and attack me, but she had no chance. She was too upset to use magic, and my dagger went straight to her brain finishing the job.

Did I feel sadness? Not really, I didn't feel sadness. In the end it's all about not going back to that place, and I will never regret doing what is necessary. That's how strong my will is. But I could feel some discomfort, why? Not because it's Maggy, it's because it's the first person I've killed.

Not even in my previous life had I ever taken a life, so I was a little shocked to do so, especially because I knew what awaited his soul. A lot of suffering, but as a result of that fear I have for that place, is that I strengthen even more my resolve to stay alive.

With the business with Maggy finished, I was getting ready to leave the place. I had already bleached my hair, and modified my eyes to my normal shade, something I had missed for a while. I liked my black hair, and my eyes, though haunting and scary, had their touch. I now planned to participate in the tournament as an archer to earn some money, and hopefully, I could interact with some important Lord. Although I wasn't clear whether to simply introduce myself as Percival, or as Percival Bolton, there was a big difference between the two forms. Either win the prize for myself or for my house, in respect speaking, not money, the money is mine, though it's not like the archery contest is the most honorable either. Practically no one cares about that. The only important thing was the jousting, in which, if I am not mistaken, only knights could participate.

But the moment I left the tent, after creating my Shadow Demon, I encountered some curious and troublesome guests....

- Cersei Lannister POV -

Aunt Genna had told me that at the conclusion of tomorrow's tournament, my betrothal to Prince Rhaegar would be announced, and my feelings were complicated.

On the one hand I didn't want to be away from my cousin Jaime, but on the other hand, I was very excited to become queen, plus, he's better than my previous suitor, Oberyn Martell. As a bonus, if I go to Kings Landing, I would be far away from my monster of a brother Tyrion. I'd have to see less of his disgusting, nasty face.

But even with the pros and cons moderately clear, I needed some more information. The situation with my brother was very complex. We were very close, closer than brothers should be, but we had not yet crossed any boundaries. As curious kids we tried, but our mother discovered us and stopped us before we did anything important.

At this time, I was traveling with my "friends," Melara Hetherspoon and Jeyna Farman. We were going to the outskirts of Lannisport to meet a well-known witch, nicknamed as Maggy The Frog. I wanted to ask her about destiny and my future.

"Are you sure this is the right thing to do? They say witches are scary" commented the annoyed Jeyne.

"We're not such kids anymore!" I said annoyed, I disliked the weakness Jeyne often showed.

We kept walking, until we finally reached the witch's hut, and although I wasn't scared, I was still a little nervous. But before we could even open the door, we saw a young man with black hair, pale skin, black robes and eyes as dark as night. His face was cold and cool. Is he the witch?

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(Well... The MC is a bastard. A mix of Littlefinger with Ramsey Bolton. Total scum)