Tower of the Hand

A group of novices and acolytes from the Citadel, Mollander, Alleras, Roone, and Armen, discuss rumors of dragons outside the Quill and Tankard in Oldtown. Pate is with them too, but he is thinking of Rosey, the woman he loves. Her mother, Emma, the oldest serving wench at the Quill and Tankard, has decreed that Rosey's maidenhead will cost him a golden dragon, which he has no hope of ever saving up. Pate is waiting for a man he calls "the alchemist." His friends are there because Alleras is celebrating earning his copper link. The alchemist is a man Rosey introduced to Pate who has promised Pate the gold coin he needs to win Rosey in exchange for Pate stealing something for him. Pate told the man he was not a thief, and the man said he would return to the Quill and Tankard in three days in case Pate changed his mind. Mollander is convinced the stories of dragons are real. They have heard four different stories from sailors from four different ships, and while the details are different in each one, they all mention dragons and a beautiful young queen. Alleras says the dragon must have three heads and that the stories must refer to Daenerys. Leo Tyrell joins the group, much to their dismay since none of them like him. Leo tells them that the rumors do indeed refer to Daenerys and that she has hatched three dragons. Every sailor that has been near Qarth is talking about them, and Archmaester Marwyn believes the stories. Armen says that is no proof, but Leo tells him a glass candle is burning in the maester's chambers. Armen and the others still have doubts save Alleras. It is getting late, so everyone departs save Leo and Pate, who still hopes the alchemist will appear. When dawn breaks, Pate leaves to return to the Citadel. As he walks, the alchemist hails him. He did not come earlier because he did not want to approach Pate while he was with his friends. Pate has stolen a key from Archmaester Walgrave for him, one that opens every door in the Citadel. The alchemist leads him into an alley, where he hands over the gold dragon in exchange for the key. Pate asks who he is and what he wants, but the alchemist just says he is no one. Pate turns to leave, but suddenly finds himself on the ground. He does not understand what is going on, and the alchemist says he never will. Pate dies thinking of Rosey.