75 Early Birds

'When life hands you grapes, make yourself some wine!'

-Taken from 'The Red Prince', performed by the Mummers Guild.

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"Wake up, Brien Flowers."

It was just before dawn, he could tell by his mind's grog. Brien woke to Prince Rhaenar standing over him, torch in hand.

"Get dressed," the Prince commanded.

Brien groaned internally. Such a rude awakening only meant one thing.

"Are we weaving this time?" asked Brien.

"No," Rhaenar said, "We take to the streets in broad daylight for all to see. Quickly now."

When Brien got to Rhaenar's chambers he found Ser Steffon and Lorent stationed outside.

He entered he saw a good chunk of the inner circle. Sari Sicai was sat by the fire slicing an apple with his dirk. Theodore bothered not to raise his head from reading his ledger.

To his surprise there was also Hickory Mason, a second son of a man who leads an engineering division in the Rhaenari legion.

"Took you long enough," Sari said.

"Not you lot again," Brien said, "There goes the peace. When did you get in?"

"We arrived just now," Theodore said, glancing from his ledger, "Good morrow, Brien. You missed quite the show the other day."

"Don't rub it in," Brien said, "So, if we've all been assembled at such an hour, what, pray tell, are we doing?"

Prince Rhaenar stood at the balcony, arms behind his back, eyes fixed toward the east. An ethereal twilight glow was on the horizon like mist upon the water.

"You will accompany me to the sewers," Rhaenar said, "There's been mixed reports about a growing smell. I intend to investigate."

'That explains why Hickory is here,' Brien thought. Then he said, "Pardon my asking, but I don't see how that falls under my expertise."

Theodore pfft'd, "What's the matter, Brien? Afraid to get dirty?"

"I merely fret for the distribution of time and labor."

"There he goes," Sari said, now cleaning his fingernails with his dirk. "For one so full of shit. I'm surprised."

That elicited some mild anger in Brien, "Just because I'm a loremaster doesn't mean I'm full of shit. The line between myth and legend blends with fact and reality."

Sari scoffed, "All I know is if I have to hear another one of your stories, my boot will blend with your arse."

Rhaenar spied the morning sun on the horizon, a blood red star.

"Are you all finished?" Rhaenar said. "As heartwarming as your reunion is, it's time to move. You can finish your little group wank on the way."

With that, they made their way. Ser Lorent and Steffon flanked Rhaenar's side. Sari took the rear. The brainiacs in the middle.

All but Hickory were used to keeping up with Rhaenar's absurd walking speed he employed through the Red Keep.

Light was creeping into the Red Keep now, to the point it exceeded the need for candles.

On the way in the halls they encountered Ser Corlys, dressed and ready for the day.

"Lord Corlys!" Rhaenar called. "You're up early as always."

"Good morrow, my Prince," The Seasnake said, "It's good to have you back."

"Good to be back," Rhaenar said, continuing on his stride.

"Ah, Prince Rhaenar," Corlys said, "Might I have a word?"

"For you, my lord, you can have several."

"This matter of the Stepstones," Corlys said, "I take it you're aware?"

"Yes," Rhaenar said, "Lord Tarth has written me his woes. He thinks it's only a matter of time before this 'Triarchy' grows bold enough to target our shipping lanes."

"I too share this concern," Corlys said, pleasantly surprised with Lord Tarth's foresight, though it did make sense given Evenfall's location. "What are your thoughts on the matter?"

"What I think is of no consequence. Not now, at least. You know my Father's foreign policy. He won't be the one to start a war."

"Forgive my presumption, Prince Rhaenar, but I implore you to make the King see differently. We cannot afford to lose those trade routes."

Rhaenar gave him a political grin, "Rest assured, my lord. We agree. As of now, however, I wish to see the situation play out. There may be some merit in my Father's position."

Not what Corlys wanted to hear, even less what he believed. But at least it was clear that Rhaenar at least cared.

For now, the Seasnake was content with that discussion and was hopeful that he could bring the matter up in the small council and yield different results now that Rhaenar would be attend.

"Thank you, my prince. Your words bring relief. As you say, I shall keep the faith in His Grace."

"Good man!" Rhaenar said, patting both Corlys' shoulders in a single masculine thud. "You'll have to excuse me. Busy day. Give my love to Princess Rhaenys!"

By the time Lord Corlys raised his head from his bow, Rhaenar and company were already at the end of the hall and turning the corner.

In the courtyard, squires had already saddled their horses. Rhaenar smiled and produced an apple from his hidden pocket. Then he patted his horse's head and showed it the apple, to which it ate greedily.

Rhaenar chuckled as he marveled at the white stallion. After his victory in the Vale, Lady Jeyne and Queen Aemma collaborated to find the best stock in all the land. A horse that rides like the wind with a dazzling snow-white mane.

"Now that I think about it, I've yet to name you."

Rhaenar opted to stable the horse in King's Landing. His absence had made him neglect the present from his mother he cherished so.

"That won't do," Rhaenar said, "I'm usually quick with names, yet for you I lack inspiration. Let me think about it for a while, okay friend?"

The stallion neighed. A cheerful response. Delighted for the attention.

Thus it was that the party mounted, the gates opened, and they clopped their way out of the Red Keep and down Aegon's hill.

Rhaenar closed his eyes and listened as the city came to life. Just in time before bells beckoned the morning.