Chapter 27.2- The Seadragon's Roar

“I see. I wonder what the ruckus in the courtyard could have been then” He said leadingly, leaving the rest of his implication to the imagination. I saw Ben’s hand go to his sword again from the corner of my eye. I waved him off. Being defensive was no way to disperse suspicions.

“I wonder what it could have been as well. I’ll be sure to get to it”

“Maester Bernard, correct me if I am mistaken, but you do have a link in Admiralty, yes?” I asked. And from the way his chest puffed up, that was indeed the right tactic to use. Just like phDs from my old life, it seemed he couldn’t resist talking about his research interest as well.

“Indeed. I studied the famed Arsenal of Braavos as my research project for the last few years of my scholarship. Your. Father found me indispensable in his attempts to recreate it, you know?” Those had been more my attempts than Corlys’ but I said nothing regarding that.

“Then would you escort me as we go examine the boat Pate intended to use to escape? I have a feeling I just can’t shake that we have missed something here.” I said more than asked. Because phrased as a question or not, this was not one.

“My Lord, I am—“ His tone began faux-regretfully. I turned to face him, trying to convey with my eyes that saying no to me on this would be a very bad idea. Something I did must have come across. Well either that, or Ben’s presence at my side and the blade that he had begun partially unsheathing did the trick. I’d put my money on the latter

“—overjoyed at the offer and will enjoy taking the walk with you”

“Excellent” I said, clapping my hands together and pointing forward.

“You can lead the way Maester”

We must have made an interesting group walking through the castle. The Maester, the formerly poisoned Lord, and the Knight. It sounded like the beginning of a bawdy tavern joke. It would have passed in silence if I was not keen on getting the Maester’s measure as we did so.

“So, Maester Bernard, tell me. What was your name before you became Maester Bernard?” I started with the most pressing question.

“We cast off our names to forge our chains, my Lord. My only name is Bernard, and it has been so for longer than you have lived” ooh, I wondered if I had hit on something there.

“Yes, of course. But if you would satisfy my curiosity then please do so” I tried again.

“There is no use in it, my Lord”

“The longer you delay, the more you convince me that there is in fact something here worth looking into. If there wasn’t then wouldn’t you have already just said the name?”

“If it would please you, my lord. I was born Bernard Redwyne, third son of Lord Hoster Redwyne of the Arbor.