AN: New story idea for Game of Thrones, enjoy! All rights to HBO and GRRM.

Coming of the Red Anchor

Storms and new lands

North Atlantic, 2029

James Warrington stood on the flight deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth as it sailed with its escorts and allied vessels through the North Atlantic ocean, the cool salty sea air brushing against his face as he stared out to sea. He was in his early thirties and had recently been made Minister of Defence. The reason he was out here at sea? The UK and the US had decide to hold a war game fleet action with ships from both navies taking part and they wanted a representative from the UK to observe. The Americans hadn't sent anyone as they didn't need to since they had a high ranking admiral there, and they're are American so do what they want thought James glibly. The fleet totalled twenty ships, six British and fourteen American. The British fleet was made up of HMS Queen Elizabeth, their aircraft carrier which was newly retrofitted with a nuclear reactor to bring it in line with others globally, one submarine and four frigates and cruisers. The Americans had the aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush, three submarines and ten frigates and cruisers. They had met the American vessels just north of Bermuda and were now heading south to go into the calmer waters of the Caribbean. The plan was to spit the ships into even squadrons upon arrival each headed by a carrier. James was joined on board by his two assistants and a member of MI5 as a personal security escort. Turning back inside he headed to the bridge nodding to a few sailors and the occasional marine who went past. "So Admiral Gardner how much further we got to go? Everything ok so far?" he asked approaching the head of the British squadron.

The admiral sighed and turned towards James. "Everything is fine sir, we still have five days more to travel till we arrive at the zone we have chosen but it should be steady sailing. There is a storm approaching which will likely hit us sometime after we pass Bermuda, probably a few hours after. Nothing to worry about though, its a common enough storm that passes through here according to the Americans."

"Well we better batten down the hatches eh?" James joked. The admiral just gave a polite smile.

"Yes Minister"

"Very well I'll leave you to it, if anything comes up let me know. I'll be in my quarters with my team, probably working on some speech or some other work" James said before leaving the bridge to his quarters for a meeting with his assistants. Yes this was going to be a long trip James thought.

Once the fleet had passed Bermuda and was heading south, the storm had arrived not much after and was stronger than forecast. Waves leapt up at the fleet spraying water across the decks. By now most of the deck crews had tied down or removed loose items and retreated inside out of the storm. Rumbles of thunder could heard with the occasional lightning strike across the cloudy sky.

"How much more is this going to last?" groaned James as he held on to a row of computer screens near a tactical table map while the ship pitch up and down through the heavy waves which was making him a bit queasy.

"We should clear it within a day or so. It's a large storm front so it will take time. Much longer than we thought, and a stronger storm too. All ships are reporting in green so far but we might have to make a short stop at one of the islands once we're through to do a once over" replied the admiral though it was clear he equally wanted this over which sooner rather than later. Unfortunately for all involved the storm only grew stronger and the thunder rumbled more frequently with lightning continuing to flicker across the sky with the wind howling and blowing a gale. Most of the bridge crew by this point seemed to be getting equally nervous glancing about as the fleet mover further through this unusually strong storm.

"Navigation, what's our current position?"

"Currently 90 nautical miles south of Bermuda at a bearing of 060° Admiral. We are currently heading south on a heading of 220°" replied a young officer from across the bridge.

"Steady as she goes then, keep an eye on the storm, coordinate with our squadron and the yanks" said the admiral putting a measure of calm into his voice to relax the bridge crew. Boom! Bright flashes of lighting filled the sky blinding the crew momentarily. Booom! Crash! More lightning this time lasting longer and getting brighter somehow. Waves picked up and were crashing against the steel hulls of the ships rocking them more violently than before. The crew that were standing were thrown to one side while others held onto their desks. A louder boom followed deafening the crew as the lightning struck the ships glowing brightly blinding the whole crew before finally a large strong wave struck the fleet throwing the crews to the ground with the admiral flung back against the metal wall and James against a desk. The last thing any remember seeing are waves pouring over the decks and a bright flash of white light.

James groaned and he felt a throbbing pain in his head and aching muscles all over his body. Blinking open his eyes he blearily spotted a dulled flickering lamp on the ceiling swaying to and through. Slowly sitting up he saw bits of paper and the odd map or two flung everywhere and the bridge crew sprawled around, some awkwardly perched against tables or computer desks while other were slumped in their chairs strapped in preventing them from falling out. Groans and a few grunts sounded filled the silence as the various men and women slowly picked themselves up and began checking their colleagues. James pulled himself in a spare near by chair which looked intact and began to take in the activity of the room before shaking his head to clear the throbbing in his head away and then began helping the remaining bridge crew to their feet.

"Report!" yelled Admiral Gardner getting up off the ground though looking dishevelled and holding a hand to the back of his head. The crew moved back to their stations turning screens back on and rebooting various systems while other picked up the papers and cleared the maps away. The flickering lamps stilled and came fully on.

"Minor injuries reported across the ship, no hull breaches so we're not taking on water thank god. Also our comms tower although it seems alright and radar is operational too though we've had to reboot and restart the radar due to some unusual readings. Aircraft crew report that a three of our fighters came loose and collided so there's a mess in the hanger they're clearing up. That's about it sir" replied an officer, the captain.

"Good, well done Johnson. Get in communication with the other ships and get reports from them.

"Aye sir."

"Admiral, I'm still not getting anything on long range or satellite communications" called out another man from across the bridge

"Something wrong with our antennae or dish?"

"I've sent technicians to check but on visual inspection both seem intact. Getting signals from the other ships in the fleet though. All ships present and accounted for including submarines. Both ours and American. The submariners are in a worse state than us in terms of injuries as they got knocked about more but otherwise are intact. All ships reporting similar long range comm problems."

"Well that's odd admiral, us I can understand but every ship having problems contacting Washington or London?" James spoke up with some concern.

"Indeed, though given the storm not too impossible but yes, a bit worrisome. Hopefully its just a glitch caused by the storm we can fix once in port. Navigation, current position?"

"Er, I'm not too sure sir. In theory we are still facing our previous heading though we are currently stationary and restarting engines."

"In theory ensign?"

The young woman gulped nervously. "Well Admiral like I said our bearings seem to indicate we are on or facing our previous heading but our radar and visual check are not picking up any of the usual landmarks. I rebooted the system after the storm when I initially checked it when we woke up but it had some different readings to what I expected so I rebooted. Problem is I'm still getting them. We should be picking up Bermuda not far behind us but instead we seem to be picking up a fairly strong signal from 050° through to 135°. There's nothing to the west where there should be something but the position of the sun indicates we are facing south and haven't just turned around. Sir if I didn't know any better I'd almost guess we were by Africa but the faint coastline we are picking up on long range varying from 25 to 60 nautical miles away doesn't match. So er basically, I'm lost sir."

"Alright signal our ships to hold position till we can confirm, suggest to Admiral Cosmo that he do the same and bring the subs to the surface. We'll focus repair on comms and engines then convene a meeting of senior officers. Well, get to it people." With that the crew got to work with the communications officers began relaying instructions to other ships and other sections of this ship. James just watched as the crew carried out their task with professionalism and great care. He was highly impressed that the crew did well under these conditions and that the ship itself faired well despite some radio trouble. "Ah minister you alright?" he turned at the voice to see his assistants and security officer approaching.

"Mary, George, Rob, yes I'm fine thanks bit of a bump on the head but fine otherwise, you three?" They all nodded and he walked out the room indicating for them to follow. After walking a few more paces he turned to speak.

"So everything ok? Good, well turns out our long range communications are out. We can talk to the fleet fine but anything like London or D.C. is out. Also we seem to have temporarily lost our position. The navigator says we should still be where we were but the incoming radar data and eyeballing it says different, hence a bit lost. Their gonna check the systems make sure everything checks out then try again I guess. After that a meeting of the fleet. I suggest we get comfy in our cabins, make some notes try to carry on as normal for now and keep out the way. We'd likely only get in the way if we hover about so for now its probably best to stay in our rooms. Though as minister I will be on the bridge often to keep up to date" He said though ended with a fake pompous voice which got eye rolls from his aids and a sigh from the MI5 agent. With that agreed they went their separate ways.

Admiral Gardner sighed, nothing was going to plan, a simple war game exercise had turned into a disaster plus he had the Minister of Defence on board, which didn't help, who was even now hovering on the bridge, at least he kept to one corner and was just observing everything. Reports across the fleet concluded that long range comms was dead. Nothing was picked up or received, almost as if no one was out there. The engineers confirmed the transmitter was fully operational and still they had nothing. Added to that the GPS network was dead though again the engineers insisted nothing was wrong with the receiver itself. The ships themselves were other wise fine though both aircraft carriers had a few damaged planes which were now under repair. In short they were lost and in the middle of no where. He sighed. A meeting was scheduled for an hour's time on the George H W Bush so he was now heading to a loading crane that was to lower a small 5 man boat so he could get across. Apparently it was to be done in person since they were at a critical juncture. Joining him was the Minster as a senior official and his aid, Gardner just had the young navigator to act as his aid while his actual one compiled reports for him to view later.

The water was calmer now as they crossed between ships. The large carriers positioned at the centre of the fleet as they consolidated their position and formed up to provide cover from all angles. Once on board they were met by the first officer while the captain was on the bridge and the admiral was in the meeting room. "Welcome aboard Admiral, Minister. Admiral Cosmo is in the meeting room waiting for the senior captains. I believe there are just two more after you two. We decided that the senior captains would attend in person while the others would listen over radio. Follow me please." They were led through a series of corridors and up several flights of stairs before coming to the meeting room. In the room were several men and one woman. The oldest, a man in his 50s with greying cropped hair, turned to them. "Admiral Gardner good to see you, Minister Warrington how are you doing? You both coping on your carrier?"

"Just fine Admiral, the crew there is doing a good job under the circumstances and things seem good here too, so I commend you both on your fine crews and both our nations navies" James replied with a smile.

"My thanks Minister, ah I see our last two have joined us, good everyone take a seat." Everyone took their places around the meeting table though the navigator and the Minister's aid took seat behind them. "Good, right, welcome to the George Bush, as you know the storm has apparently knocked our long range comms offline though our engineers insist it still works and that it simply isn't receiving anything. The same goes for our GPS. I hear similar from other ships yes?" There were nods around the table. "RADAR has picked up land to the east and our fleet holds position facing south. Given our similar states, suggestions?" Cosmo looked around the room watching as the men and women pondered for a moment or two.

"Admiral?" Spoke up one captain, a man in his thirties by appearance with brown hair and a slightly tired look, a look that many shared around the room. Cosmo nodded. "What if we send a couple of drones or fighters to head in various directions have them scout around and come. Then based on what they find we then make a decision. We've got the carriers, might as well use them, right?" A few other captains nodded, even the minister seemed to agree.

"Indeed I had thought that that would be our next likely step. To be honest I probably would have ordered it regardless but thought I'd see what others thought. Gardner your thoughts?"

"I agree send them up for a quick scout. It gives us reliable coastline data as well plus we might see someone to talk to to confirm our location. I say go for it. Drones or aircraft would be my question."

"Yes with our long rage comms questionable fighters would be better as the pilot can deal with anything himself without having to rely on the carriers for precise orders unlike a drone. Alright we'll send a couple of fighters out heading North, East and South. They'll fly till they reach the coastline then a bit further to spot anything then return with the data. From there we'll regroup and discuss. Agreed?" "Aye" sounded from everyone around the table.

"Er Admiral, what if we find that it doesn't tell us where we are?" asked Minister Warrington

"Then we will just have to contact the locals and see what they say" replied the admiral with a tone of finality.

"Yes I see, perhaps then we should compile a list of who we have. A census if you will, so we know our numbers and available skills. Could make planning anything long term easier if we know who and what we've got?" Warrington suggested. Gardner could see one or two captains nodding or considering it, even Cosmo looked thoughtful.

"For the moment I will say no. Simply because we don't know were we are, if we ned the info and we have other things to do. Maybe when we've worked out more we can compile a census as you put it. Right, get back to your ships, John, make your fighters ready for deployment. They leave in three hours"

"Understood sir." Gardner replied.

"Er another quick question before we leave, but who put-" Warrington was saying.

"I am the senior admiral here, you are just a civilian. Now you might be a senior one and a government minister but under these circumstances I'm sure you'd agree that its best that, for now, the senior military officer is in command. Correct?" Cosmo said sternly.

"Yes of course, absolutely, was just checking is all, no harm" He replied quickly putting his hands up non-threateningly, a couple of the officers lightly chuckled at the rushed response, even Gardner smiled slightly.

"Good, well dismissed everyone." Everyone stood and filed out the room with Gardner waiting back with Cosmo.

"You got a sly one there John."

"Yeah George though he's not too bad once you're used to him. He actually lets us get on with our jobs instead of pestering us with questions or posing for pictures, better than previous ministers. Got the navy more funding too in the last budget which was nice."

"Yeah I bet it was ha ha, well you can keep him for now, though we might need him later if things get bad. Well good luck, get those fighters flying."

"Aye, I'll speak to you once we're about to deploy."

"Dismissed then" They saluted each other then Gardner went down to the docking area to leave with Minister Warrington and their aids.

Four hours later and the six aircraft had approached the coast line at various points, all but two that is. "Control this is Skyjack, we seem to entering a large bay area to the north east of you. There's a medium size island in the centre of the bay, possibly inhabited as I see smoke, moving in for a closer view, picking up nothing on comms."

"Understood Skyjack, keep us informed."

"Control, Skyjack, in the far distance there seems to be a large white, possibly ice, wall must be tall to view from this distance, am sending Red 2 out to investigate over."

"Confirmed, Control to Red 2 maintain high altitude and observe, confirm?"

"Red 2 to control confirmed, maintaining height and investigating, see ya Skyjack". Jack 'Skyjack' Barnes acknowledged then flew his F-35B over towards the island and using his radar, infrared sensors and visual cameras he flew over and around the island taking readings and mapping the place. He then lowered his height a bit then flipped the plane so he could look down to the ground. From this height he could view what looked to be a couple of small fishing villages and a large wooden walled castle with a wooden long hall in the centre. The island seemed mostly covered in thick forests though the shores were clear. Righting his fighter, his cameras caught some flags fluttering in the breeze, it seemed to be a black bear standing on a white field. Clearly the ruler's sigil or at least the country's flag he thought as he did one more fly over. "Control this is Skyjack, got confirmed inhabitants of the island. Seems medieval if you can believe it, castle and all. There's a flag flying that shows a bear on it possibly the nation's flag or ruler's sigil at a guess. No electronics detected nor any radio waves picked up. Either we're in some back water or this is some medieval world like Lord of the Rings we've come to."

"Please confirm flight, did you say medieval world?"

"Confirmed control, no steel ships just little wooden ones and a wooden castle."

"Acknowledged Skyjack, return to base for debrief."

"Roger, heading home." With that he turned his fighter to do a half circle clockwise of the bay before heading directly to the fleet. As he approached the southern section of the bay and its coastline he saw another wooden castle with a palisade located by the coast on some hills. He did a quick fly over that castle too spotting a red flag and a silver fist. They do love their sigils here, looks like another country or ruler. Having done his fly over at some height he turned his plane and went straight for the fleet flying over a small bay and then a piece of land which stuck out to sea then the open ocean.

Watching this all from the control room of the Queen Elizabeth Admiral Gardner listened to the pilots as they reported in what they saw and their sensors detected. What they reported wasn't good. Quite a few of the crew he could see were looking concerned from hearing what was called over the radio. Looking over to the corner of the situation room he could see Minister Warrington observing and looking equally worried by what he heard. James walked over to the admiral seeing him look his way. "What do you think Admiral? Medieval world and castles?" He asked.

"Not good either way. One; we are on our own in some unknown land or world. Or two; it means we found some unknown continent, which is impossible since we've observed our world fully so there can't be one, where some how medieval life continued despite there not being anywhere medieval to this scale in our world. It also means we are the only ones this advanced which leads me to assume there is no one who can help us return." The admiral sighed in conclusion.

"Yes indeed, this might be a problem. I like history but to live it is something else. Funnily enough I never cared much for medieval strategy games for my computer, it was always Roman or space games I went for" James said with a chuckle. Gardner smiled at that, "I went for any with naval command in" he said with his own chuckle which James joined.

"All I can think is to set course for that island with the bear sigil and speak to them. As an island they likely have more maps for ships than the couple of other castles we've spotted which were all inland to varying degrees."

"I'd agree though equally it means that they might be a bit hostile to any traveller by boat as raiders would come by ship. That said with ours likely so different they will be wary but maybe more open since we haven't harmed them and if we show trust by only a small landing party." Gardner grunted in agreement. "So I suggest you pass on to you colleague Cosmo and see what he says."

"Already done. He heard the same as me and when I called him he thought the same. When our fighters return we will be setting course for what we've called Bear island due to the bear sigil. Hopefully they'll have maps and charts we can use."

"How did he sound?" Asked Warrington with some concern.

"Concerned like the both of us. Morale will plummet if this turns out true, especially with no way home. We might need to be prepared to find a home here, though not many will like that, in fact I bet no one will. I don't like the idea much either." He sighed "You best get ready to meet the locals, probably better if you handle it as the civilian and a government official plus you're used to administration and all that."

"Ha ha not quite that used but I see your point. I'll get my team to put some ideas together. Guessing maps and info is all we want currently? Should I ask if there's any unclaimed land by the coast we could take?" he asked while moving to leave.

"Might as well, doesn't hurt to ask see what's about, we might need the land in the future". With that Warrington left leaving Gardner alone to his rather concerned thoughts.

Bear Island, Mid 283 AC

The sun was high in the sky and the air filled with the clatter of steel as a tall dark haired young woman fought against an older man. Watching them from the side an older lady with similar features to the younger one watched proudly as the girl trained, cheering at hits while pointing out mistakes and japing. "Go on daughter show him the strength of a she bear and that you're not a cub!" The young woman moved swiftly dodging a downward swing of the blade parrying it to the side with a black steel mace before slamming the mace in the side of the man making him grunt and drop to his knees before nodding and saying "yield, I yield, well done Lady Dacey, you have quite the swing with that, much like your mother. Keep up with the foot work and remember not to swing so wide at it gives the opponent a clue as to where you'll hit and leaves you open to a quick attack."

"Of course thank you Millon. You still have some tricks yet, next time don't hold back, I'm sure you were this time old man" she japed.

"Ha, got to keep something back to keep you sharp young lady" he answered.

"I'm not a southorn lady, I'm a she bear" she snarked though not seriously.

"Well done Dacey, you just need a husband now and someone to take over this island with for when I'm gone, which won't be for some time aye I'll grant you" Maege added quickly at her daughter's open mouth ready to argue the point.

"But mother who wouldwant me? No southorn lord would most likely and there's currently no men of age available to wed here in the north. The south will certainly complain I'm 'not lady-like' and we saw that with Lord Starks wife looking down on us when we visited when he came back from the war."

"Lady Stark will grow accustomed to it, its only been a year nearly two since the war ended give her time and she'll surely be better than before and more used to the North and our ways" Maege replied sympathetically. They were interrupted from further talk when shouts of a rider approaching came from the walls. The gates opened slowly inwards allowing the man to ride in. He wore dark furs and had a shield the Mormont sigil emblazoned upon it and sword at his side. "My lady, ships spotted on the horizon. Approaching quickly."

All happiness in the courtyard vanished as the sighting of ships rarely meant good news.

"How many and what sigil?" Maege asked feeling concerned.

"Around ten and six my lady, and no sigil we could see. But they looked like nothing we've ever seen. No sails at all, they looked to be made of metal too if you can believe it my lady."

"Assemble a force to the shore, where do they seem to be heading on the island?"

"Somewhere along our southern coast, possibly heading for the cove as it is also near here."

"Assemble forces there and send a raven to Winterfell informing them of unknown ships in our waters flying no sigil. We'll send more information when we've spoken to or fought whoever these people are. Saddle up soldiers of bear island, we might be hunting squids!" Spoke Maege the Lady of the island to a cheer. With that the courtyard activity grew as men gather swords, maces and shields before mounting up with ravens dispatched to keeps around the island summoning forces. When everyone was ready, including Dacey who had her mace and shield, they went through the gates and down towards the cove.

It took an hour of careful travelling, passing through the forest and down coastal paths to reach an area suitable for landings and receiving boats. Looking out into the bay Dacey could now see six and ten vessels larger than anything they'd seen and all appearing to be made of metal. "By the old gods, look at the size of 'em! And metal too" called one soldier near her. More gasps were heard when the ships halted and suddenly four more vessels seemed to rise from the sea, water flowing off revealing a cylindrical shape enclosing the people who must be inside. Reaching the beaches they formed into a smaller party which headed closer to the sea while the bulk of their troops held back with their sigil, the rampant bear, flying on a pole that was placed into the ground, which was a mix of pebbles and sand. Dacey watched alongside her mother as two small boats were lowered into the water and after a few minutes later began speeding towards he shore. No oars she thought as it came closer and a humming or buzzing noise could be heard getting louder seemingly coming from the approaching boats. "They ain't no Ironborn mother, those ships are not theirs nor do these people seem dressed or acting like 'em either" Dacey spoke to her mother and Lady.

"Indeed my cub, but we must meet them regardless. Thankfully they don't appear to want a fight if they only send a handful of men to meet our eighty, that or they are massively over-confident. Let us see what they want" Maege replied with a small smile though was clearly as curious as Daecy was to these newcomers. As the strange oarless boats approached the shore they slowed down before beaching themselves and the people aboard jumped out. From what Dacey could see these people work thick coats but were not too bulky which had some markings on their shoulders, chests and upper arms. Most appeared to be holding some sort of medium length tube like object about the size of a crossbow though not as bulky, more slim line and made of metal. They love their metal these people Dacey thought as both parties approached the other. Most also seemed to be wearing a uniform of sorts though none she could recognise and bore no sigils from any northern or southern house either. Their skin tones and hair seemed to indicate they came from the North or maybe Stormlands though one or two seemed maybe Dornish in origin or even being from Essos. A man, maybe late twenty or early thirty, stepped forth. He wore a coat similar to the others but lacking the sigils the others had, he also carried himself differently. Whereas most of the people behind him, and there were some women to Dacey's surprise, were alert and stood warily holding their not-crossbows, he lacked that alertness but seemed observant at least noting where people stood and seemingly trying to decide who to speak to.

To Dacey's left her mother took a step forward and the man focussed on her and took a pace towards her. "Greetings traveller, I am Lady Maege Mormont, acting ruler of Bear Island while my nephew, Lord Jorah Mormnot, is away in the south. Who are you and what brings you to our shores?" The man seemed to take a few moments to follow what she said clearly either unfamiliar with the language or maybe the accent threw him.

"Hello, I am James Warrington, Minister of Defence for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and I also represent my allies from the United States of America as the senior civilian representative of our governments. We come here seeking maps and information as we were caught in a storm which blew us far off course to these unknown waters. We wish to know where we are so we may attempt a return voyage home." He spoke with a cross of a southern and northern accent though one of standing, perhaps a low level lord back home, though he did say he was their master of war so perhaps a major lord Dacey pondered while watching her mother and the man speak.

"We may be able to help, we have maps and charts of these waters and lands, mostly of the western coast of Westeros and more detailed for northern waters."

"Er Westeros?" The man, Warrington, asked.

"The continent we are on is called Westeros. You are in its northern territories. There are vast lands beyond The Wall as well which could be called the true north but from the neck upwards this is called The North, one kingdom of the seven kingdoms of Westeros."

"Oh so there are seven kings then? You are not united in one country?

"We are now but we used to be seven individual kingdoms. We have a Lord Paramount and Warden of the North who rules from Winterfell on behalf of the king who lives down in the south in a city called Kings Landing" Maege explained.

"I see, well could we see these maps and charts so we can make copies then. After that we will consider our options. May I ask, if we should decide to stay in your seven kingdoms due to being unable to return who should we speak to?"

"Lord Stark, the Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North would be your best option. He is Warden of the North so may know suitable lands for you to claim and he is close friends of the new king so if staying is your choice Lord Stark is your best bet" replied Maege proudly.

"Many thanks my lady, I think it best we get the maps then so we take up less of your time as you must surely have more important things to do than look after some lost sheep."

"You are hardly sheep, my lord...Warrington was it? More like sharks with those metal ships of yours" Maege joked. Warrington merely snorted, "I am no lord my lady, merely a servant of the people elected to serve and chosen to be Minister of Defence."

"Really, not a lord?"

"Indeed my lady, my family is merely middle class by our standards back home and I went to state run schools before studying a tiny amount of higher education before then standing as a people's representative in our parliament" he explained before adding at their blank looks at the word parliament "an assembly of representatives."

"I see, well then we will still address you as a lord since that would be the equivalent for a master of war."

"Master of war?"

"That is your position correct? You plan and lead your nations forces in times of war?"

"Er well its a bit more and less than that I suppose. I advocate on behalf of our army and navy and others parts for their budget to support them, I approve operations our military wants to conduct and help create military policy and vision for what our head of government wants. But I don't go to war and lead our forces, it is a desk job essentially, our generals and admirals lead as we tell them. Administrative and political rather than fighting."

"Oh I see" Maege said with some disappointment towards him, the minister in turn frowned slightly at the tone.

"Right well anyway, let me introduce you to my colleague Admiral John Gardner who commands half the fleet before you, he and his aid will go with you to acquire the maps and charts if that is alright with you?"

"Of course, Admiral if you follow my daughter Dacey Mormont she will leader you to our maester back at Mormont Keep who will in turn show you the items you requested. Will you Minister stay and par take guest rite and bread and salt while your people search for that which they want?"

"Erm sure, of course, bread and salt? Also what or who is a maester?"

"Bread and salt is part of a sacred custom strongly held and followed in the north and to varying degrees down south. When invoked, neither the guest nor the host can harm the other for the length of the guest's stay. If either does the oath breaker is said to be accursed and will be paid their due."

"What utter-" started one man near the boats

"Yes thank you Lieutenant" Warrington turned and interrupted swiftly. "Of course we will observe your local custom, while we don't really have a similar one we too feel it is a great insult and crime to harm a guest." The Mormonts glanced at each other before indicating five horses being brought up along with their own.

"Good. A maester is a man of great knowledge who helps teach the children of a lord or lady reading, maths, history, politics maybe and other academic subjects. They are men of great wisdom and are normally at every keep in the land as the citadel, their base, does not take sides merely provides knowledge. Right then mount up and follow us back, we'll get your maps and you can tell us about yourselves. Never know those ships of yours might be more and a pretty paper weight if you stay, the North could use some warships." Maege turned and noticed Warrington, the admiral and three others had paused at the horses looking nervously amongst themselves. Dacey, spotting it too, spoke up. "Don't tell us you can't ride a horse? You might be sailors but surely you know how to ride?" she said mostly in jest which slowly turned to a frown.

The minister looked to the other who all slowly shook their heads, "I'm afraid not my lady, very few in either of our societies ride horses, they are mainly ridden for enjoyment or sport not actual travel. We developed other methods which allowed this to become so. The main method of transport we use now has probably been around for about 120 years or so. Some rural areas and farms might use the odd horse or two to plough fields but that is it in terms of working horses. I er don't suppose you have other mean otherwise we'll just give it a go I guess." At Maege's shake of her head Warrington rallied. "Well, up for a challenge then Admiral? I've always wanted to try riding but never got round to it" he said with a small smile. The other man merely gave a small smile and a shrug before approaching his own horse and attempting to mount it. Warrington and the others approached their own and spent the next few minutes trying to get up on or just stay on the horses providing the two Mormonts and their soldiers much amusement. Once they were settled the group of foreigners nodded to Maege and Dacey who then led them off at a slow trot to allow their guests to get used to riding leading them back up towards the castle and their maps.

Up front Dacey and Maege discussed their guests. "This lot will never survive here if they can't ride a horse, they don't even have swords or shields just those strange crossbow like metal tubes" Dacey said shaking her head.

"Aye, their lucky they chose us to land at and not the Ironborn. Those monsters would have taken their ships and killed every man and stolen the women. I wonder what those tubes are though that they don't use swords."

"Ugh might not matter if we take forever to get back. Took us barely an hour to get down there, this'll take three at this rate. As for those metal tubes, I assume there are some form of crossbow as yet unknown but that is a guess based on how they hold it."

"Very good daughter, good eyes you have, yes. And calm yourself we have time there's no rush, besides I think their getting better with time especially that Minister. Despite not being a warrior he seems more the diplomatic silver tongue sort, like those who play that stupid game of theirs, though at least him seems interested to learn the skills like riding. Speak with him on the ride, if they stay they might want advisors and they'd accept you when most wouldn't as they seem to let their women fight too so it seems so maybe we'll get along and make an ally who can help us if the Iron Born decide to raid again" Maege explained softly.

"I see, I suppose I see worth in that and yes you're right if they stay they could help the North greatly though as you say they'd need advisors."

"You might need to prepare for marriage too daughter."

"MOTHER! You can't be serious! Why?!" Exclaimed Dacey, disgusted by the mention of the word.

"I just said be prepared sweet cub, Lord Stark or the King might suggest it as a way to bind them to the North and thus Winterfell and then to the throne. Thereby gaining their future loyalty plus assuring us of their fleet should it be needed. Besides he seems nice enough, a bit older than might be a normal suitor for you perhaps but you're both of age, relatively close though he might be ten years older at least but you're still suitable for the each other."

"I hate you" Dacey said grumpily but without heat. Her mother merely laughed and rode on leaving Dacey to stare ahead before glancing back at the man her mother seemed to think she might be forced to marry. I suppose he isn't ugly or unintelligent at least, there's worse options.

AN: Hello and I hope you enjoyed this little idea for a story I had, not really sure where it'll go or how it'll work but I'll take it bit by bit and see what happens. Thoughts and reviews are most welcome as a medieval story might prove trickier compared to writing on wizards or spaceships. Feel free to read my other stories as well. Not sure on how often I'll update with the other two stories to progress through but we'll see. Tentative title and rating for now, might re-name or rate if people have better ideas. On that note stay safe out there with the virus and the lock downs, J signing off.

Edit 6/4/2020: Made a few changes in regards to what ships are present to make more sense.