An Old Friend with a New Life

It was about midday when Addario and the rest of the Windblown stopped to make camp. They had been traveling for just more than half the day and were only a few miles outside of Myr. Addario wanted to keep riding South into the Disputed Lands, but the men grew tired and Addario was not one to make his men suffer.

The men always set up Addario's tent first, out of respect he assumed. He had never told them to put it up first, but he was going to tell them not to. Once he received word that his tent was ready Addario dismounted his horse. He named his horse Val, after his brother.

The feeling of being inside and in the shade felt pleasant to Addario. Riding out in the Sun is part of the job, but I still prefer the shade, he thought as he sat down in his so called throne. The chair was nowhere near the prestige of a throne. It was a gift from spice merchant in Braavo that hired the Windblown some ten odd years ago.

"Commander," a voice called from beside Addario. It was Olyvar the book keeper and left hand of Addario. "We have a messenger here from Myr."

"Let him in." Addario answered.

A man in tattered robes entered Addario's tent followed behind by Illirio, Addario's right hand.

"Greetings Commander." the messenger said as he approached Addario.

Illirio put his hand on the messengers shoulders.

"You bow in the presence of our commander." Illiro said in a stern voice.

"Don't be so rude, Illiro." Addario said with a chuckle as he stood up from his seat. "He is our respected guest. Now what can I do for you?"

The messenger reached into a bag that he had on wrapped around his shoulder and reveled and letter.

"I bring word from Myr." the messenger answered as he handed the letter to Addario.

The wax seal of the letter was not familiar to Addario. He broke the seal and began to read the letter.

To my dear friend Addario,

It has been quite sometime since I retired my service with the

Windblown, but once I heard of your approach I knew we must

meet. Please come back to the city with the messenger he will

bring you to my home.

Your old friend, Willen

Addario was overjoyed to hear from his old friend. Willen had retired six years ago from the Windblown with the permission of Addario.

Addario looked back up at the messenger and thanked him for delivering the letter. He then looked over at Illirio.

"Get my horse and a few men. We are riding to Myr."

Illiro acknowledge the order with a nod and headed out of the tent to muster some men. After a few minutes Illiro return to inform Addrio that they were ready to set off for Myr.

I took just under an hour for the party to reach Myr. The messenger led the men through the city and to Willen's home. It was a nice home built by the sea. For such a nice place you think he would have wanted to live somewhere where it did not smell like the innards of a fish, Addrio thought as the messenger brought Addario and Illiro into the home. The six men stayed outside keeping guard on the house.

The house was decorated very well, especially for the home of an old sellsword. The messenger announced the parties arrival an Addario could here footsteps coming in from a balcony.

"Addario!" shouted Willen as he walked over and gave Addario a
friendly hug. "It has been what six, seven year?"

"I believe so." Addario replied. "It seems like it gets harder to keep track of time at our age."

Willen laughed before looking over and Illiro.

"Is that who I think it is?" Willen asked as Illiro stepped forward.

"It is good to see you too, Willen." Illirio replied.

"He is my right hand now." Addario added. "He has proven to be quite the fighter since we found him over in... where was it that we found him?"

"Hell if I know." Willen answered with a laugh.

The three continued to chat for a few minutes before Willen invited them to sit out on the balcony and have a drink with him. Addario could no longer smell the rancid odor of fish and was instead met with a refreshing smell of seawater. It reminded him of his childhood back in Pento.

Suddenly a woman dressed in a fine robe came out onto the balcony. She was young, no older than thirty. She carried a bottle of wine while a servant followed behind her with four glasses. Willen stood up and walked next to the woman.

"Addario. Illiro. This is my wife Tyene."

Addario's eyes widened. Willen had ten years on Addario and looked like he had twenty. I must be polite, Addario thought.

"It is an honor to meet you." Addario said. "Tyene is such a lovely name. Is that Dornish?"

"Yes it is." Tyene responded with a soft voice.

"I met her two years ago and we have been married for some months now." Willen stated.

"Could have at least invited me to the wedding." Addario added with a laugh.

Willen and Tyene both laughed as they both sat down and continued to converse. Some hours had passed and the Sun was growing ever closer to the Horizon. Illiro had excussed himself and awaited outside with the other men and Tyene went to prepare for bed. Addario and Willen both sat looking at the Sun set over the Narrow Sea.

"Quite a life you have here now." said Addario. "You seem to be happy."

"I am happy." Willen answered. "While I do miss the old life, I would not trade this for anything."

The two shared a smile. It was silent for a few moment as the two admired the sunset before Willen broke the silence.

"So, what exactly brings you to Myr? Just traveling or do you have a purpose?"

"Riding to the Disputed Lands. I do not have a particular reason really."

"I heard the Golden Company is not to far south from here." Willen stated.

"Really" Addario repied. "I might have to pay them a visit."

"Is Gyles still in charge?" Willen asked.

"He was last time I checked." Addario answers.

"Well give him my a hello from me if you stop to see him."

"I shall." Addario replied.

The two stood up from their seats and said their goodbyes. It was getting late and Addario did not want to be riding back to late. Addario walked to the door and Willen followed.

"Be safe my firend." said Willen.

"And you too." Addario replied.

Addario and his party set off from Willen's house and made their way back to camp. The Moon was shining bright when they arrived back at camp and Addario made it into his tent.

Illiro asked him if he had any orders that needed to be ready for the morning. Addario turned to him.

"We ride at dawn."